SATURDAY 06 FEBRUARY 2021
SAT 00:00 Charles Chilton - Journey into Space (b007jqlg)
The Red Planet
15. Hypnosis
Cold-handed Maclean attacks Lemmy, but the plucky radio operator fights back...
Charles Chilton’s 1954 classic set in 1971.
CAST:
Jet Morgan …. Andrew Faulds
Lemmy …. David Kossoff
Doc …. Guy Kingsley Poynter
Mitch …. Bruce Beeby
Announcer/Various …. David Jacobs
Music composed and conducted by Van Phillips.
Producer: Charles Chilton
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in November 1954.
SAT 00:30 Off the Page (b00j16kr)
Imposter Syndrome
Imposter Syndrome: Dominic Arkwright, Julian Baggini, Kathy Sykes and Xanthe Clay discuss feeling insecure. From December 2009.
SAT 01:00 The Blackburn Files (b007w3zt)
Series 2
4. A Case of Whistle and Run
A routine case for private eye Stephen J Blackburn starts to look like his final investigation
One of four more cases for the private investigator and his government scheme-funded assistant Tracey. Set in a South Yorkshire town that's seen better days.
CAST:
Stephen J. Blackburn …. Finetime Fontayne
Tracey Duggan …. Judy Flynn
Mam …. Rita May
Angela …. Daryl Fishwick
Rodney …. Christopher Kent
Scripted by Ian McMillan, Martyn Wiley and Dave Sheasby
Producer: Dave Sheasby
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1991.
SAT 01:30 Robert Barr - Detective (b04g457y)
Series 2
10. The Point of No Return
DS Dave Brook and DC Blair Maxton get moving on the Kemp case, but are they too late?
Stories of crime and detection in London by Robert Barr.
CAST:
DS Dave Brook …. Ray Brooks
DC Blair Maxton …. Christopher Blake
Chief Inspector Roach …. Stephen Yardley
DC Harrison …. Peter Cleall
Judy …. Jacqueline Tong
DS Kelly …. John Judd
Carson …. Tony Caunter
James Clark …. Gary Cady
Writer Robert Barr is well remembered for his work on BBC TV's 'Z-Cars' and 'Softly Softly'.
Producer: Martin Fisher
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1982.
SAT 02:00 The Muse by Jessie Burton (b07j7pdk)
Episode 5
When on a summer’s day in 1967, Odelle Bastien climbs the steps of the Skelton gallery in London to take up a position as typist, she little realises how significantly her life is about to change. For there she meets the glamourous and enigmatic Marjorie Quick, who soon takes Odelle into her confidence and encourages her to pursue her dream of writing. But Odelle senses there is something that Quick is holding back, and when ‘Rufina and the Lion’, a lost Spanish masterpiece is brought to the gallery, Odelle begins to suspect that the mystery behind the painting’s origins and her mentor’s secrecy may be somehow connected.
The truth about ‘Rufina and the Lion’ lies in 1936 and a large house in rural Spain, where Olive Schloss, the daughter of renowned art dealer Harold Schloss and his beautiful but fragile wife Sarah, is harbouring artistic ambitions of her own. When artist and revolutionary Isaac Robles and his half-sister Teresa come into their lives, passion, art, and politics collide, with explosive and devastating consequences for them all.
Weaving between events in 1967 and those of 1936, a powerful story of love, obsession, identity, authenticity and deception unfolds in this highly anticipated new novel from Jessie Burton, author of the best-selling The Miniaturist.
Written by Jessie Burton
Abridged by Doreen Estall
Read by Jessica Raine
Produced by Heather Larmour
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2016.
SAT 02:15 Jezebel by Irene Nemirovsky (b08250xy)
Episode 5
In 1930's France, Gladys, obsessed with her looks and lost youth, has been jailed for murdering a younger man. She delves into her past and the mysterious events that led to the murder are revealed.
Gladys ...... Frances Barber
Némirovsky/Jeanne ...... Anna Francolini
Bernard ..... Ashley Margolis
Jezebel by Irène Némirovsky
Translated by Sandra Smith
Dramatised by Ellen Dryden
Produced and Directed by Pauline Harris
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2016.
SAT 02:30 Dancing Round the Mediterranean (b008jhjr)
With his dancing shoes, Steve Carver joins a cruise ship as a 'gentleman host', so no one feels like a 'wallflower'. From 2007.
SAT 03:00 Owen Holder - Alice's Friend (b04hkk1m)
When 84 year old Alice employs Len as her chauffeur, a genuine friendship gradually develops between them.
But Alice's son and daughter don’t approve, thinking Len’s after the old woman's money. Even Len's wife and family begin to resent the amount of time he gives her...
Owen Holder’s drama stars
Alice ...... Joyce Carey
Enid ...... Pauline Letts
Len, ...... Harold Goodwin
Charles ...... David Gooderson
Muriel ...... Jean Trend
Donald ...... Spencer Banks
Robert ...... Stephen Garlick
Phyllis ...... Theresa Streatfeild
Mr Hampton ...... Owen Holder
Writer: Owen Holder
Pianist: Neil Rhoden
Director: Ian Cotterell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1982.
SAT 04:00 Say the Word (b00764mj)
Episode 2
Frank Delaney's panel game revolving around the English language from the Cheltenham Festival of Literature, Gloucestershire.
With Sheridan Morley, Jan Dalley, Humphrey Carpenter and Katie Fforde.
On hand to offer a witty perspective on the world of words are the Nimmo Twins
Producer: Simon Elmes
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2001.
SAT 04:30 The Sit Crom (b00lvmwp)
The Secret Knocke
Mercy's disguise is revealed, Father Francis is perplexed in his hole, Tobias denigrates the vegetables, Arise Higgs and his platoon are billeted on Firebasket Hall and Gazebo has lethal orders.
Sue Limb's six-part comedy set during the English Civil War in the days of Oliver Cromwell.
Sir John Firebasket ...... Joss Ackland
Lady Anne Firebasket ...... Denise Coffey
Tobias Thynne ...... Clive Merrison
Mercy, alias Melissa ...... Miriam Margoyles
Father Francis ...... Nickolas Grace
Slow Ned ...... Chris Emmett
Gazebo Fogg ...... Jack Klaff
Captain Arise Higgs ...... Alun Armstrong
Posthumous ...... Nicky Henson
Counter Tenor ...... Peter Hayward
Lettice ...... Jane Whittenshaw
Music by Colin Sell.
Producer: Jonathan James-Moore
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1990.
SAT 05:00 Rudy's Rare Records (b00xhh6w)
Series 3
"No Richie, No Cry"
Father and son comedy set in the finest old-school record shop in Birmingham.
Adam and his Dad, Rudy attempt to fill the gap left by Richie having gone to University with Salsa evening classes.
Adam ...... Lenny Henry
Rudy ...... Larrington Walker
Richie ...... Joe Jacobs
Tasha ...... Natasha Godfrey
Clifton ...... Jeffery Kissoon
Doreen ...... Claire Benedict
Written by Danny Robins
Produced by Lucy Armitage
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2011.
SAT 05:30 Stand-Up Specials (m000rv7y)
Elvis McGonagall: Full Tartan Jacket
Elvis McGonagall performs the pick of a year’s biting and savagely funny satire in a blend of provocative verse and politically savvy stand-up comedy. It's imbued with his customary searing wit, wordplay and anarchic invective.
Pulling no punches, Elvis directs his scurrilous diatribes at the powers-that-be from Westminster to Waitrose, taking aim at the injustices of our septic isle and beyond. Stockpiling and the pickiness of cats, celebrity branding, the nature of truth, some bloke called Trump, the Prime Minister and Mr Benn, Government rules, ecotricity, Samuel Pepys - it’s all there. There’s even a love poem.
Full Tartan Jacket presents the prime cuts from the work of a comic poet at the top of his game – all current and bang on target. Join this World Poetry Slam Champion and Saturday Live alumnus as he bellows into the void in exasperation at the world, from the Gracelands Caravan Park somewhere near Dundee.
Recorded remotely in front of a virtual audience.
Written and performed by Elvis McGonagall
Produced by Frank Stirling
A 7digital production for BBC Radio 4
SAT 06:00 Ellen Dryden - The Lake (b007jqb7)
Childhood memories draw obsessed Ben Wheeler back to a lake.
Ellen Dryden’s murder mystery.
CAST:
Ben Wheeler .... James Aubrey
Isobel ... Karen Archer
Val .... Pauline Yates
Ruth .... Frances Jeater
Moonstone .... Teresa Gallagher
Chris .... Barry Woolgar
Jamie .... Nicholas Boulton
Rick .... David Thorpe
Rosie .... Isabelle Huet
Tom .... John Prendergast
Child's voice .... Hayley Thomas
Detective Sergeant .... Steve Hodson
Constable .... Angus Wright
Reporter .... Michael Onslow
Mother .... Rachel Atkins
Woman at Lake .... Lala Lloyd
Man at Lake .... James Taylor
Newsreader .... Lynda Gregory
Director: Ned Chaillet
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1993.
SAT 07:30 Great Lives (b076hrcq)
Series 39
Nancy Dell'Olio chooses the life of Lucrezia Borgia
Nancy Dell'Olio champions Lucrezia Borgia, a Renaissance woman who was much maligned.
Lucrezia Borgia was the Pope's daughter and, over the centuries, her name has been a byword for poison, incest and intrigue. Novels, television series, plays and an opera have been written about her. But was she just a victim of malicious gossip that vastly exaggerated her actual misdeeds?
Nancy Dell'Olio explains why she identifies with Lucrezia Borgia and with the help of historian Sarah Dunant attempts to debunk some of the myths.
Produced by Perminder Khatkar.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2016.
SAT 08:00 The Motion Show (b0075wtm)
Series 2
Episode 3
Dr Phil Hammond chairs the debating game with Tony Hawks, Simon Fanshawe, Steve Punt and Arthur Smith. From January 2000.
SAT 08:30 Rent (b00752yh)
Series 3
Episode 6
It's time for Paul and Ruby to decide upon their future, which could spell the end of life as we know it at chez Reynolds...
Conclusion of series 3 of Lucy Flannery's award-winning sitcom about Maria and Richard Reynolds and their lodgers.
Stars Barbara Flynn as Maria, Patrick Barlow as Richard, Linda Polan as Amy, Vivienne Rochester as Ruby and Dave Lamb as Paul.
Producer: Liz Anstee.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1997.
SAT 09:00 Pam Ayres - The Radio Years (b09w3762)
In a special show recorded at The Storyhouse Theatre in Chester, as part of the City's literary festival, broadcaster Paul Blezard meets with Pam Ayres to celebrate the author and poet’s remarkable life and BBC radio career.
Pam Ayres has been a writer, broadcaster, and entertainer for over 40 years, and is one of the few authors who has had books in the Sunday Times bestseller charts in almost every decade since the 1970s. In front of an enthusiastic audience she reflects on the radio years that have encompassed many programmes including Open Road, Ayres On The Air, That Reminds Me, Just A Minute, With Great Pleasure, Desert Island Discs and many more.
As Paul Blezard charts the highs and lows of her life we hear rare radio footage including an early appearance with Frankie Howerd and with her unique brand of humour Ayres recalls her love of working on radio and introduces a new poem exclusive to 4 Extra.
** With Great Pleasure (1979). Pam Ayres presents her personal choice of poetry & prose with Martin Jarvis providing the readings.
** That Reminds Me (2002) Poet, writer and broadcaster Pam Ayres entertains an audience with stories, poems and anecdotes about her life and career.
** Ayres on the Air (2014) A classic episode from series 5 with Geoffrey Whitehead and Felicity Montagu.
Producer: Stephen Garner
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Extra in March 2018.
SAT 12:00 The Jack Benny Program (m000s29n)
Jack Is Sick In Bed
Jack is bed-ridden after catching a cold, for which he blames announcer, Don Wilson. With Eddie Anderson. From November 1954.
On radio, The Jack Benny Show ran from February 1932 to May 1955. From that date, new shows were produced for television but there were re-runs on radio until 1958. Over the years, the programme was sponsored by a diverse range of products from jelly, to tyres and cigarettes.
With a fine cast of supporting players Benny made his show into one of the all-time great radio comedies, portraying him as likeable character, despite being vain, argumentative and a skinflint. It’s classic comedy that stood the test of time.
With Eddie Anderson as the irrepressible Rochester, Mary Livingstone, Dennis Day, Charlie Bagby The Sportsmen Quartet, announcer Don Wilson and orchestra conducted by Bob Crosby.
First broadcast on the Columbia Broadcasting System in November 1954
SAT 12:30 The Missing Hancocks (b08lh7dg)
Series 3
The Three Sons
A modern morality tale of old Ebidiah Hancock and his three sons, all of whom are played by Hancock.
The Missing Hancocks recreates those episodes of the classic Radio Show Hancock's Half Hour that have been wiped or lost from the archive. Not heard since then, this is a real piece of comedy history.
The first modern sitcom, Hancock's Half Hour made stars of Tony Hancock, Sid James and Kenneth Williams and launched Ray Galton and Alan Simpson on one of the most successful comedy-writing partnerships in history. But twenty episodes of the show are missing from the BBC archives. After two highly successful series, another five episodes have been lovingly re-recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC Radio Theatre.
CAST:
Kevin McNally
Andy Secombe
Kevin Eldon
Simon Greenall
Robin Sebastian
Susy Kane
Produced by Neil Pearson and Paul Sheehan.
Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson
Music recorded by the BBC Concert Orchestra, conducted by Levon Parikian.
The original version of ‘The Three Sons’ was first broadcast on the 21st June, 1955.
A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4, first broadcast in April 2017.
SAT 13:00 Archive on 4 (b0075vj7)
Metropolis
Novelist Paul Bailey takes an autobiographical journey through the BBC sound archive in celebration of London, as documented by the microphone from 1930 onwards.
He recalls aspects of the city which have disappeared forever, from horse traffic to street markets, and looks at how radio has represented - and misrepresented - the average Londoner.
Producer: Thomas Morris
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2000.
SAT 14:00 I've Never Seen Star Wars (b01qdvsy)
Series 5
Dame Evelyn Glennie
Dame Evelyn Glennie, despite having appeared in the Olympic 2012 ceremony as the rhythmic backbone, had never seen it. She watches it for the first time, and also watches Downton Abbey, goes on a Go-Kart, and throws a pot. She gives her verdicts to Marcus Brigstocke.
Produced by Bill Dare.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2013.
SAT 14:30 The Jason Byrne Show (b01dhnrz)
Series 2
Ageing
Award-winning comedian Jason Byrne tackles the pros and cons of getting older.
Stand up and sketches with Laurence Howarth and Anna Bengo.
Producer: Julia McKenzie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2009.
SAT 15:00 The Penny Dreadfuls (b00gpbcx)
More Brothers Faversham
Marcus Faversham
The comedy trio's swashbuckling tale of Victorian Britain's greatest actor - Marcus Faversham.
Written by and starring Humphrey Ker, David Reed and Thom Tuck.
With Miles Jupp and Ingrid Oliver.
Script edited by Richard Turner.
Producer: Julia McKenzie
Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in October 2008.
SAT 15:30 Craig Brown's Lost Diaries (b00vkw57)
September and October
September and October. Autumn brings gloom for Sylvia Plath, Thomas Hardy and Max Clifford.
A second chance to hear satirist Craig Brown dip into the private lives of public figures from the 1960's to the present day.
Voiced by Jan Ravens, Alistair McGowan, Lewis McLeod, Ewan Bailey, Margaret Cabourn-Smith and Dolly Wells.
Written by Craig Brown.
Produced by Victoria Lloyd.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2010.
SAT 16:00 Ellen Dryden - The Lake (b007jqb7)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
SAT 17:30 Great Lives (b076hrcq)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
SAT 18:00 Red Moon (m000s29q)
Phase 1: Moonrise
It’s 1979. With the Doomsday Clock at one minute to midnight, is the Anglo-American accord in good shape?
As American and Soviet Moon bases aim their nuclear missiles at targets across the planet, former MI5 agent Eddie Sloper stumbles across a deadly conspiracy in this alternative-history, Cold War thriller.
Winner of Best Online Audio Drama at the BBC Audio Drama Awards, 2019.
CAST:
Eddie Sloper …. Philip Bulcock
Wilkins …. Stephen Critchlow
Emperor Zurk/Rick Risk …. Richard Reed
Mission Control/Cab Driver …. Greg Page
The Space Snaxx Kid …. Sarah Whitehouse
Den …. Yasmine Holness-Dove
Mrs Jones …. Georgina Periam
Lieutenant-General Atherton William Hope
The Russian Countdown …. David Taylor
Yuri Gagarin …. Andrei Zayats
Other parts were played by members of the cast
Music composed and performed by Francesco Quadraruopolo.
Story by Jack Bowman and Robert Valentine.
Written, directed and produced by Robert Valentine.
A Wireless Theatre Production recorded at the RNIB Talking Book Studios.
SAT 18:30 John Wyndham - Trouble with Lichen (b007k36c)
Episode 1
Biochemist Diana Brackley has stumbled across something earth-shattering - but why does no-one want to know?
The scientific world, government, media and the beauty salon are set to collide...
Read by Joanna Tope.
John Wyndham's 1960 sci-fi novel abridged by Scott Stainton Miller.
Producer: Eilidh McCreadie
Made for BBC Radio 7 by BBC Scotland and first broadcast in 2007.
SAT 19:00 Pam Ayres - The Radio Years (b09w3762)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 today]
SAT 22:00 The Party Party (b007vlzq)
Episode 2
Prime Minister Action Man explains himself to the nation. Stars Hugh Laurie, Clive Mantle and Robert Glenister star. From May 1987.
SAT 22:30 What Does the K Stand For? (b0510ftl)
Series 2
Sister Dearest
Guests not welcome.
Stephen K Amos's sitcom about growing up black, gay and funny in 1980s south London.
Written by Jonathan Harvey with Stephen K Amos.
Stephen K Amos … Stephen K Amos
Young Stephen … Shaquille Ali-Yebuah
Stephanie Amos … Fatou Sohna
Virginia Amos … Ellen Thomas
Vincent Amos … Don Gilet
Miss Bliss … Michelle Butterly
Jayson Jackson … Frankie Wilson
Jocelyn Jee Esien … Princess
Producer: Colin Anderson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2015.
SAT 23:00 Mark Steel's in Town (b07x5vs3)
Series 7
Gibraltar
"I've done loads of these, but I've never done one where I couldn't get into my dressing room because of monkeys."
In the last episode of the series, Mark visits the British overseas territory of Gibraltar where he performs in the spectacular setting of St Michael's Cave, inside The Rock. He explores Gibraltar's relationship with Spain, visits a British phone box, has some British fish and chips and encounters some not so British monkeys.
Mark Steel's seventh series of the award winning show that travels around the country, researching the history, heritage and culture of six towns that have nothing in common but their uniqueness, and performs a bespoke evening of comedy for the local residents.
A BBC Radio Comedy production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in 2016.
SAT 23:30 Chain Reaction (b01l1g68)
Series 8
Jeremy Front interviews Rebecca Front
Rebecca Front is interviewed by the man who knows her best, her big Brother Jeremy Front.
Producer ..... Carl Cooper
"I have a very strong childhood memory of you playing the flute in a concert and falling off stage into a box of fezes."
The Chain starts with star of The Thick Of It, Grandma's House, The Day Today and most other comedies of note over the past twenty years, Rebecca Front, speaking to the man who knows her best, her writing partner and big brother Jeremy Front.
They cover childhood teasing and being a woman in comedy, reveal how a cough scuppered Rebecca's chances of working with Mike Leigh and end with Jeremy attempting to maker her re-live an amusing childhood trauma.
"I've heard all the anecdotes so I'll probably just read a book."
The chain continues with:
Rebecca Front talking to her Thick Of It co-star and fellow non-nudist, Chris Addison, about working with Armando Iannucci and embracing his middle-classness through stand-up;
Chris Addison in a rare interview with the actually-really-nice-and-he-doesn't-do-any-of-that-weird-stuff-in-real-life, Derren Brown;
Derren Brown chatting hair, beliefs and Tim Minchin with comedy musical megastar and fellow sceptic Tim Minchin;
A poorly Tim Minchin being handed tissues whilst attempting to interview with no questions a not-at-all-poorly and hilarious Caitlin Moran.
Caitlin Moran getting to spend time and talk shoes, Bananarama and women with her comedy hero Jennifer Saunders.
And...
Jennifer Saunders turning up a week later to find the series has ended. Probably. We weren't there because the series had ended.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2012.
SUNDAY 07 FEBRUARY 2021
SUN 00:00 Red Moon (m000s29q)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:00 on Saturday]
SUN 00:30 John Wyndham - Trouble with Lichen (b007k36c)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:30 on Saturday]
SUN 01:00 Archive on 4 (b0075vj7)
[Repeat of broadcast at
13:00 on Saturday]
SUN 02:00 I've Never Seen Star Wars (b01qdvsy)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:00 on Saturday]
SUN 02:30 The Jason Byrne Show (b01dhnrz)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:30 on Saturday]
SUN 03:00 The Penny Dreadfuls (b00gpbcx)
[Repeat of broadcast at
15:00 on Saturday]
SUN 03:30 Craig Brown's Lost Diaries (b00vkw57)
[Repeat of broadcast at
15:30 on Saturday]
SUN 04:00 Ellen Dryden - The Lake (b007jqb7)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 on Saturday]
SUN 05:30 Great Lives (b076hrcq)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 on Saturday]
SUN 06:00 The Muse by Jessie Burton (Omnibus) (b07k8zlv)
Episode 1
When on a summer’s day in 1967, Odelle Bastien climbs the steps of the Skelton gallery in London to take up a position as typist, she little realises how significantly her life is about to change. For there she meets the glamourous and enigmatic Marjorie Quick, who soon takes Odelle into her confidence and encourages her to pursue her dream of writing. But Odelle senses there is something that Quick is holding back, and when ‘Rufina and the Lion’, a lost Spanish masterpiece is brought to the gallery, Odelle begins to suspect that the mystery behind the painting’s origins and her mentor’s secrecy may be somehow connected.
The truth about ‘Rufina and the Lion’ lies in 1936 and a large house in rural Spain, where Olive Schloss, the daughter of renowned art dealer Harold Schloss and his beautiful but fragile wife Sarah, is harbouring artistic ambitions of her own. When artist and revolutionary Isaac Robles and his half-sister Teresa come into their lives, passion, art, and politics collide, with explosive and devastating consequences for them all.
Weaving between events in 1967 and those of 1936, a powerful story of love, obsession, identity, authenticity and deception unfolds in this highly anticipated new novel from Jessie Burton, author of the best-selling The Miniaturist.
Written by Jessie Burton
Abridged by Doreen Estall
Read by Martina Laird
Produced by Heather Larmour
SUN 07:10 Inheritance Tracks (m000s2d3)
Don Black
Lyricist Don Black chooses Besame Mucho by Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme and The Way You Look Tonight by Fred Astaire.
SUN 07:20 Jezebel by Irene Nemirovsky (Omnibus) (b082m09t)
The story of an older woman in 1900s France who is so obsessed with her lost youth, she will stop at nothing. Dramatisation of a novel by the Suite Francaise author Irene Nemirovsky.
Written by Irène Némirovsky
Translated by Sandra Smith
Dramatised by Ellen Dryden
CAST:
Gladys .... Frances Barber
Younger Gladys .... Keziah Joseph
Némirovsky/Jeanne .... Anna Francolini
Flora .... Natasha Cowley
Presiding Judge/Sir Mark .... David Sterne
Teresa .... Victoria Brazier
Claude/Richard Eysenach .... Conrad Nelson
Marie-Therese .... Natasha Cowley
Carmen Gonzales .... Ellen Dryden
Oliver Beauchamp .... John Catterall
Bernard .... Ashley Margolis
Directed by Pauline Harris
SUN 08:30 PG Wodehouse (b00c075v)
What Ho! Jeeves: Joy in the Morning
Jeeves Sails into Action
Furious Uncle Percy gets trapped and Bertie Wooster tries to avoid getting arrested!
Conclusion of the PG Wodehouse romp adapted in seven-parts by Chris Miller.
Starring Michael Hordern as Jeeves, Richard Briers as Bertie Wooster, Jonathan Cecil as Boko Fittleworth, Peter Woodthorpe as Percy, Lord Worplesden, Rosalind Adams as Nobby Hopwood and Michael Kilgarriff as Stilton Cheesewright.
Producer: Simon Brett
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1978.
SUN 09:00 The TV Lark (b01c7wj3)
On Safari
The Troutbridge TV team heads to Africa for 'Up The Creek' with naturalists Maggie and Arnold Crump.
After 4 series of 'The Navy Lark', the BBC decided the comedy crew needed a new setting, so where better than brand new independent station, Troutbridge TV?
However, after just 10 episodes, this proved to be only a temporary change of course for the crew of HMS Troutbridge - as the crew were soon back aboard 'The Navy Lark'.
Stars Jon Pertwee as the Floor Manager, Leslie Phillips as The Director, Stephen Murray as the Producer, Ronnie Barker as Fatso Johnson and Richard Caldicote as the Deputy Controller.
Scripted by Lawrie Wyman
Producer: Alastair Scott Johnston.
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in March 1963.
SUN 09:30 Robin and Wendy's Wet Weekends (b008f86w)
Series 2
Lassie Go Home
Wendy adopts a dog which adores her, but hates Robin. Stars Kay Stonham and Simon Greenall. From June 2003.
SUN 10:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b07m4gls)
Castaway Novelists
Jilly Cooper
Kirsty Young’s castaway is the writer Jilly Cooper.
Her long writing career spans newspaper columns for the Sunday Times and the Mail on Sunday, non-fiction books on class, marriage and animals in war and novels that sell in their millions. Her romances set in the late seventies - including 'Bella', 'Harriett', 'Imogen' and 'Prudence' – were followed by 'Riders' in 1985, the first of her Rutshire Chronicles. Set mainly in the Cotswolds, they are racy and raunchy page-turners exposing the scandalous – and often hilarious - goings on among the British upper classes.
Born in 1937 in Essex, she was brought up in Yorkshire and enjoyed a happy childhood surrounded by dogs and ponies. At boarding school she earned the nickname, ‘the unholy terror’ and having failed to get into Oxford and being sacked from a number of jobs for her inability to type, she turned to journalism before publishing her first book, 'How to Stay Married' in 1969.
She married Leo Cooper in 1961 and, unable to have children of their own, the couple adopted Felix and Emily in the late 1960s. The couple were married for 52 years before his death in 2013.
Producer: Cathy Drysdale
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2016.
SUN 10:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00mj16h)
Series 1
Tracks
Following the tracks left by animals is a great craft owned by many aboriginal people. Doing the same with fossilised tracks is much the same skill, but with a whole new set of extraordinary revelations.
Series of talks by Sir David Attenborough on the natural histories of creatures and plants from around the world.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2009.
SUN 11:00 The Moth Radio Hour (m0007kcf)
Series 9
Bearing Witness
True stories told live in the USA: Meg Bowles introduces tales of mistakes, perseverance, and lessons learned the hard way.
The Moth is an acclaimed not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the art and craft of storytelling based in the USA. Since 1997, it has celebrated both the raconteur and the storytelling novice, who has lived through something extraordinary and yearns to share it. Originally formed by the writer George Dawes Green as an intimate gathering of friends on a porch in Georgia (where moths would flutter in through a hole in the screen), and then recreated in a New York City living room, The Moth quickly grew to produce immensely popular events at theatres and clubs around New York City and later around the USA, the UK and other parts of the world.
The Moth has presented more than 15,000 stories, told live and without notes, to standing-room-only crowds worldwide. The Moth podcast is downloaded over 27 million times a year.
Featuring true stories told live on stage without scripts, from the humorous to the heart-breaking.
The Moth Radio Hour is produced by Jay Allison and Atlantic Public Media in Woods Hole, Massachusetts and is distributed by the Public Radio Exchange.
First heard on PRX in February 2019.
SUN 11:50 Inheritance Tracks (m000s2d3)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:10 today]
SUN 12:00 Poetry Extra (m000s7d7)
A Sea Shanty for Charles Causley
Daljit Nagra visits the BBC's poetry archive and selects A Sea Shanty for Charles Causley.
When we look at the sea, W.H. Auden wrote: 'all that we are not stares back at what we are.'
Jane Darke goes in search of the sea's truths as told by the Cornish poet Charles Causley. He was born and lived in the centre of the county and went to sea only during the Second World War as a sailor and yet the marine world shaped and defined his work.
The filmmaker and writer Jane Darke lives in and works from a house just above a beach on the north Cornish coast. Her rooms are filled with salvaged objects from the shore. She has made a film about Charles Causley. For this poetry feature the filmmaker and the poet put out to sea and we find their sea lives and their land lives running together like a tide up a beach.
With performances of poems by Jim Causley and Julie Murphy, by Natalie Merchant and by the poet himself.
Producer: Tim Dee
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Extra in 2016.
SUN 12:30 Paul Sinha's History Revision (b07dntk7)
Series 2
Sex and Sexuality
Paul Sinha looks at the role lust has played in driving history.
Stories range from the loving marriage that prevented Dr Zhivago winning an Oscar, to the most depraved Roman Emperor of them all (it's not who you think), to the British monarch whose gay affairs changed the world. Phwoar, eh?
Paul's second series of his History Revision, the show that uncovers the fascinating stories that we've forgotten in our onward march of progress.
"Sinha's gift for finding humour in it all makes him worth a listen" - The Telegraph
Written and performed by Paul Sinha
Produced by Ed Morrish
A BBC Radio Comedy Production.
SUN 13:00 Once Upon a Time in the East by Xiaolu Guo (Omnibus) (b08dxb5v)
Xiaolu Guo's autobiography tells her remarkable story from adoption at birth through to her career as a writer and film-maker based in the UK. This abridgement deals with her formative years, living in China in times of transition.
For the young Xiaolu, her first home was the fishing village of Shitang where she lived with her grandparents.
Xiaolu Guo is a novelist, essayist, screenwriter and film maker. She was born in south-eastern China in 1973 . Her novel, in English translation, Village of Stone, was shortlisted for the 2005 Independent Foreign Fiction Prize and the 2006 International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award. It was followed by her first novel written in English,'A Concise Chinese-English Dictionary for Lovers, which was shortlisted for the 2007 Orange Prize for Fiction. In April 2013, she was named one of the Best of Young British Novelists by Granta Magazine.
Her award-winning films include She, a Chinese (2009, Golden Leopard Award in Locarno Film Festival) and UFO In Her Eyes (2011), adapted as a screenplay from her novel. Her documentaries include Once upon a time Proletarian (2009), We Went to Wonderland (2008), How Is Your Fish Today? (2006) and The Concrete Revolution (2004), which was awarded the Grand Prix in the 2005 International Human Rights Film Festival.
Writer: Xiaolu Guo
Abridger Pete Nichols
Reader: Chipo Chung
Producer: Karen Rose
A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4
SUN 14:10 Inheritance Tracks (b076zjbv)
Patti Smith
Singer-songwriter Patti Smith chooses Artie Shaw's 'Nightmare' and 'After the Gold Rush' by Neil Young.
SUN 14:20 Detective Anna Caceres - Hollywood Endings (Omnibus) (b0760jkv)
Series 2 Doubles
Kim and Boyd are a pair of wannabe actors living in the unfashionable part of Venice Beach, Los Angeles. They struggle to make the rent and keep themselves busy working out and doing the endless round of auditions for commercials and bit-parts in films. So it comes as a surprise when Kim is mistaken for the Hollywood 'A Lister' Faye Dexter, to whom she bears a passing resemblance.
Kim at first tries to explain to her admirer, Danica, that there has been a mistake, but Danica will not be dissuaded. So to keep her happy and to get her out of her hair, Kim agrees to have a selfie taken with Danica and gives her an autograph.
She little knows this will become the worst day of her life.
A Big Fish production for BBC Radio 4
SUN 15:30 In Search Of The Holy Tail (b04m7bsn)
Broadcaster Marc Riley, rock musician Damon Albarn and film maker Ceri Levy venture outside their usual comfort zone and travel to Mull in search of Sea Eagles and Basking Sharks.
During their weekend on the island they do some bird watching, swim with seals and Damon composes a new piece of music which he performs to Marc and Ceri in Fingal's cave on the Isle of Staffa, using the unique echoes of the waves in the cave as accompaniment.
During their journey they discuss Gilbert and Sullivan, how to catch a Blue Tit in a snowy garden and the reintroduction of Sea Eagles to the Scottish Islands.
As a finale to the weekend, Marc and Damon overcome their fears and venture into the deep waters off Mull to swim with Basking Sharks, some of them over 20 feet in length.
Produced by John Leonard
A Smooth Operations production
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2014.
SUN 16:00 Mark Twain - The Million Pound Bank Note (b018v2ks)
Stranded in London, a penniless young American becomes the subject of a £20,000 bet between two wealthy English gentlemen.
Can Henry Adams survive and prosper for a month as the bearer of a 1,000,000 pound banknote?
Tony Award-winning Bryony Lavery's rhythmic, energised dramatisation of Mark Twain's charming and surprisingly relevant classic short story, first published in 1893.
CAST:
Henry Adams .... Trevor White
Miss Portia Langham …. Verity-May Henry
Trubshaw/Bosun/Vesuvius .... Conrad Nelson
Basil/Mr Raymond/Major-domo …. Jonathan Keeble
Abel/Concierge …. Malcolm Raeburn
Mrs Harris …. Kathryn Hunt
Tod/Bellboy …. Stephen Hoyle
Lloyd Hastings/American Ambassador …. John Guerrasio
Producers: Pauline Harris and Sharon Sephton
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2011
SUN 17:00 Poetry Extra (m000s7d7)
[Repeat of broadcast at
12:00 today]
SUN 17:30 Paul Sinha's History Revision (b07dntk7)
[Repeat of broadcast at
12:30 today]
SUN 18:00 Jill Hyem - Past Refrain (m0004xtg)
Lara is haunted by a Corsican lullaby. Can it be due to some repressed memory from her childhood?
CAST:
Lara …. Tracy Wiles
Sam …. Ben Crowe
Mrs Osborne …. Mary Wimbush
Aiden Routh …. John Turner
Judith Routh …. Elizabeth Bell
Marjory …. Tessa Worsley
Vicar …. Ioan Meredith
Various …. Stephen Critchlow
Various …. Becky Hindley
Written by Jill Hyem.
Director: Cherry Cookson.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1999.
SUN 19:00 The Moth Radio Hour (m0007kcf)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 today]
SUN 19:50 Inheritance Tracks (m000s2d3)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:10 today]
SUN 20:00 Mark Twain - The Million Pound Bank Note (b018v2ks)
[Repeat of broadcast at
16:00 today]
SUN 21:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b07m4gls)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 today]
SUN 21:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00mj16h)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:45 today]
SUN 22:00 Paul Sinha's History Revision (b07dntk7)
[Repeat of broadcast at
12:30 today]
SUN 22:30 I, Regress (b019rqcx)
Series 1
Episode 4
A dark, David Lynch-ian comedy, ideally suited for an unsettling and surreal late night listen. 'I, Regress' sees Matt Berry (The IT Crowd, Garth Marenghi's Dark Place, Snuff Box) playing a corrupt and bizarre hypnotherapist taking unsuspecting clients on twisted, misleading journeys through their subconscious.
Each episode sees the doctor dealing with a different client who has come to him for a different problem (quitting smoking, fear of water, etc). As the patient is put under hypnosis, we 'enter' their mind, and all the various situations the hypnotherapist takes them through are played out for us to hear. The result is a dream- (or nightmare-) like trip through the patient's mind, as funny as it is disturbing.
Episode 4: Ray Highknock (Alex Lowe) goes to Dr Matt Berry hoping that his experimental regressive hypnotherapy will cure his smoking addiction. The result is a series of strange encounters that all seem strangely familiar...
The cast across the series include Katherine Parkinson (IT Crowd), Morgana Robinson (The Morgana Show), Simon Greenall (I'm Alan Partridge), Jack Klaff (Star Wars, For Your Eyes Only), Tara Flynn (The Impressions Show, Stewart Lee's Comedy Vehicle), Alex Lowe (Barry From Watford, The Peter Serafinowicz Show), and Derek Griffiths (Playschool, Bod, and The Royal Exchange).
A compelling late night listen: tune in and occupy someone else's head!
Produced by Sam Bryant.
SUN 22:45 The Shuttleworths (b007jp2b)
Series 3
Caravan Capers
While on a romantic break in Derbyshire, John and Mary discover a surprise guest. Stars Graham Fellows. From October 1997.
SUN 23:00 The Penny Dreadfuls (b00gpbcz)
More Brothers Faversham
Perceus and Lucius Faversham
The comedy trio's swashbuckling tale of Victorian Britain's great twin industrialists, Perceus and Lucius. From October 2008.
SUN 23:30 Lionel Nimrod's Inexplicable World (b007jqhc)
Series 1
The Human Mind
The sci-fi star and inventor explains life's big mysteries. With Tom Baker, Richard Herring and Stewart Lee. From November 1992.
MONDAY 08 FEBRUARY 2021
MON 00:00 Jill Hyem - Past Refrain (m0004xtg)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:00 on Sunday]
MON 01:00 Once Upon a Time in the East by Xiaolu Guo (Omnibus) (b08dxb5v)
[Repeat of broadcast at
13:00 on Sunday]
MON 02:10 Inheritance Tracks (b076zjbv)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:10 on Sunday]
MON 02:20 Detective Anna Caceres - Hollywood Endings (Omnibus) (b0760jkv)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:20 on Sunday]
MON 03:30 In Search Of The Holy Tail (b04m7bsn)
[Repeat of broadcast at
15:30 on Sunday]
MON 04:00 Mark Twain - The Million Pound Bank Note (b018v2ks)
[Repeat of broadcast at
16:00 on Sunday]
MON 05:00 Poetry Extra (m000s7d7)
[Repeat of broadcast at
12:00 on Sunday]
MON 05:30 Paul Sinha's History Revision (b07dntk7)
[Repeat of broadcast at
12:30 on Sunday]
MON 06:00 Robert Barr - Galbraith and the King of Diamonds (b041y015)
1. Enter a Frightened Lady
Veteran detective Bill Galbraith wants a quiet life, now he's retiring from a long career in the police force.
But his old pal Tommy Evans needs his help over murky goings on from a criminal mastermind...
Starring Bernard Hepton as Galbraith, Richard Davies as Tom Evans, Tom Watson as Cater, Peter Dyneley as Gelder, Eva Haddon as Anne-Marie, Hector Ross as Cornell, Katharine Page as Mary Galbraith and Bruce Alexander as Milne.
Robert Barr also wrote TV scripts for the BBC's Z Cars and Softly Softly, as well as being a prize-winning TV producer.
Producer: John Browell.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1975.
MON 06:45 Rumpole for the Defence (m000s1lv)
Rumpole and the Dear Departed 1/3
Leo McKern reads John Mortimer's tales of the Old Bailey's hack, Horace Rumpole.
1: Rumpole and the Dear Departed
Rumpole is instructed to challenge a will ... unfortunately the main witness has got the story from a ghost.
Abridged by Bob Sinfield
Producer Ken Phillips
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in 1997.
MON 07:00 Boswell's Lives (b0741lv3)
Series 2
Boswell's Life of Muhammad Ali
Banned from boxing and in the wilderness, can Boswell help Muhammad Ali out of it and make The Greatest – Greatester?
Jon Canter’s sitcom sees James Boswell become a time-travelling biographer - doing for other celebrities what he did for Dr Johnson.
James Boswell ..... Miles Jupp
Muhammad Ali ..... Lenny Henry
Boxing Commentator ..... Ewan Bailey
Producer: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2016.
MON 07:30 The Unbelievable Truth (m000rtz4)
Series 25
Episode 4
David Mitchell hosts the panel game in which four comedians are encouraged to tell lies and compete against one another to see how many items of truth they're able to smuggle past their opponents.
Frankie Boyle, Sara Pascoe, Miles Jupp, and Holly Walsh are the panellists obliged to talk with deliberate inaccuracy on subjects as varied as Glasgow, religion, spying, and puppets.
Produced by Jon Naismith
A Random Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4
MON 08:00 Steptoe and Son (b00shdzy)
Series 1
The Bonds That Bind Us
After a win on the premium bonds, Albert starts splashing the cash and brings home a young gold digger.
Starring Wilfrid Brambell as Albert, Harry H Corbett as Harold and Yootha Joyce as Madge.
Following the conclusion of their hugely successful association with Tony Hancock, writers Ray Galton and Alan Simpson wrote 10 pilots for the BBC TV's Comedy Playhouse in 1962. The Offer was set in a house with a yard full of junk, featuring the lives of rag and bone men Albert Steptoe and his son Harold and it was the spark for a run of 8 series for TV.
Adapted for radio from Galton and Simpson's TV script by Gale Pedrick.
Produced by Bobby Jaye
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in September 1966.
MON 08:30 Mr Finchley Takes the Road (b007k1q4)
Episode 5
Edgar Finchley goes on a crusade, Master Finchley plays truant and a barber gets a close shave.
Victor Canning's novel about the adventures of a man and his horse-drawn caravan touring the 1930s countryside of Kent.
CAST:
Mr Finchley …. Richard Griffiths
Mr Blain …. John Bird
Turk …. Peter Vaughan
Robert Finchley …. Robert Gill
Mr Harbottle …. Piers Gibbon
Miss Slater …. Kate Binchy
Sir Simon Penickle …. Alan Thompson
The Mechanic …. David Howarth
Narrated by James Villiers.
Adapted in six parts by Andy and Eric Merriman.
Producer: Gareth Edwards
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in May 1993.
MON 09:00 Act Your Age (b00fn0vg)
Series 1
Episode 1
Simon Mayo discovers which generation is the funniest. With Jon Richardson, Lucy Porter and Roy Walker. From November 2008.
MON 09:30 Crowned Hudds (b00psrfz)
Fourth Wedding and Some Funerals
Poking fun at King Henry VIII, it's Roy Hudd's historical royal romp, with June Whitfield and Chris Emmett. From August 1995.
MON 10:00 Wilkie Collins - The Woman in White (b007jlgx)
Episode 1
Walter Hartright meets a strange woman dressed in white as he returns home across Hampstead Heath late one night. He's about to travel north to take up a post as drawing master to two young ladies. Little does he realise how this chance encounter and his new position are inextricably linked.
Wilkie Collins's Victorian thriller dramatised in four episodes by Martyn Wade.
Walter Hartright............................................Toby Stephens
Marian Halcombe.........................................Juliet Aubrey
Laura Fairlie.....................................................Emily Bruni
Sir Percival Glyde.......................................... Jeremy Clyde
Anne Catherick...............................................Alice Hart
Mr Gilmore......................................................Sean Baker
Pesca...................................................................Ioan Meredith
Frederick Fairlie..............................................Edward Petherbridge
Mr Dempster...................................................Jonathan Keeble
Jacob...................................................................Oliver Cookson
Music: Elizabeth Parker
Director: Cherry Cookson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2001.
MON 11:00 TED Radio Hour (m000s1m1)
Series 7
Moving Forward
A journey through fascinating ideas based on talks by riveting speakers on the TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) stage.
Guy Raz explores how we cope when what you have slips from your grasp. Instead of forgetting, can we move forward with the past?
First broadcast in the USA on National Public Radio in 2019.
MON 11:50 Inheritance Tracks (b06vc7pn)
Alison Goldfrapp
The singer chooses 'Carmina Burana' composed by Carl Orff and 'Expecting' by Minnie Riperton.
MON 12:00 Steptoe and Son (b00shdzy)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
MON 12:30 Mr Finchley Takes the Road (b007k1q4)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
MON 13:00 Robert Barr - Galbraith and the King of Diamonds (b041y015)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
MON 13:45 Rumpole for the Defence (m000s1lv)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:45 today]
MON 14:00 The Muse by Jessie Burton (b07jyrds)
Episode 6
When on a summer’s day in 1967, Odelle Bastien climbs the steps of the Skelton gallery in London to take up a position as typist, she little realises how significantly her life is about to change. For there she meets the glamourous and enigmatic Marjorie Quick, who soon takes Odelle into her confidence and encourages her to pursue her dream of writing. But Odelle senses there is something that Quick is holding back, and when ‘Rufina and the Lion’, a lost Spanish masterpiece is brought to the gallery, Odelle begins to suspect that the mystery behind the painting’s origins and her mentor’s secrecy may be somehow connected.
The truth about ‘Rufina and the Lion’ lies in 1936 and a large house in rural Spain, where Olive Schloss, the daughter of renowned art dealer Harold Schloss and his beautiful but fragile wife Sarah, is harbouring artistic ambitions of her own. When artist and revolutionary Isaac Robles and his half-sister Teresa come into their lives, passion, art, and politics collide, with explosive and devastating consequences for them all.
Weaving between events in 1967 and those of 1936, a powerful story of love, obsession, identity, authenticity and deception unfolds in this highly anticipated new novel from Jessie Burton, author of the best-selling The Miniaturist.
Written by Jessie Burton
Abridged by Doreen Estall
Read by Martina Laird
Read by Jessica Raine
Produced by Heather Larmour
MON 14:15 The Amateur Marriage by Anne Tyler (b08lglt3)
1941, Iodine and Bandages
By Anne Tyler dramatised by Rebecca Lenkiewicz.
Episode 1 - 1941, Iodine and Bandages
An unexpected romantic encounter over first aid between Michael and Pauline is the beginning of this story of a turbulent partnership.
CAST:
Pauline ..... Julianna Jennings
Michael ..... Tom Forrister
Narrator ..... Barbara Barnes
Mrs Anton ..... Pandora Colin
Wanda ..... Sarah Ridgeway
Mrs Brunek ..... Sanchia McCormack
Katie ..... Maeve Bluebell Wells
Mrs Golka ..... Chetna Pandya
Mrs Kowalski ..... Georgie Glen
Officer ..... John Bowler
John Piazy ..... Finlay Robertson
Director: David Hunter
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2017.
MON 14:30 Falling for Francoise (b0118bgw)
It was on a language-learning trip to Paris that John Andrew first heard the music of Francoise Hardy and fell for the sexy but shy singer. He was not alone - she was the dreamgirl of many an English schoolboy in the early 1960s.
In 'Falling for Francoise', he revisits Paris and the streets in which he first lost his heart and he talks to others who've suffered the same fate - the Hardy fan website curator, Yorkshireman Warren Gilbert; musician Ben Christophers, who's written songs for the mature Francoise; journalist Laura Barton, who's besotted with the whole French 60s 'ye ye' scene... and in a real coup, John gets to meet the singer herself, falling for Francoise all over again!
Producer: Alan Hall
A Falling Tree Production for BBC Radio 4
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2011.
MON 15:00 Wilkie Collins - The Woman in White (b007jlgx)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 today]
MON 16:00 Act Your Age (b00fn0vg)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 today]
MON 16:30 Crowned Hudds (b00psrfz)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 today]
MON 17:00 Boswell's Lives (b0741lv3)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 today]
MON 17:30 The Unbelievable Truth (m000rtz4)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
MON 18:00 Charles Chilton - Journey into Space (b007jqp2)
The Red Planet
16. Strange Farm
With Mitch still missing, Captain Jet Morgan, Doc and Lemmy set off to find him, with hopes of finding the engineer rapidly diminishing...
Charles Chilton’s 1954 classic set in 1971.
CAST:
Jet Morgan …. Andrew Faulds
Lemmy …. David Kossoff
Doc …. Guy Kingsley Poynter
Mitch …. Bruce Beeby
Wife …. Madi Hedd
Announcer/Various …. David Jacobs
Music composed and conducted by Van Phillips.
Producer: Charles Chilton
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in December 1954.
MON 18:30 A Good Read (b015ck9n)
Michael Morpurgo and Sara Maitland
Former Children's Laureate Michael Morpurgo joins short story writer Sara Maitland and presenter Harriett Gilbert to talk about the books they love, and share their enthusiasm for their choices.
Their favourite books cover the globe from Venezuela to Edinburgh to Steep in Hampshire, where Michael Morpurgo and the subject of his book both lived. He chooses Under Storm's Wing by Helen Thomas, a collection of her memoirs and letters about life with one of Britain's best-loved poets.
Sara Maitland's book, House-Bound by Winifred Peck, is described by all three as a real oddity, a book unlike any other - but a rather good oddity.
And Harriett Gilbert picks The Sickness by Alberto Barrera Tyszka, a slender novel about a man with a terminal illness, which turns out to be surprisingly gripping.
Producer: Beth O'Dea
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2011.
MON 19:00 Steptoe and Son (b00shdzy)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
MON 19:30 Mr Finchley Takes the Road (b007k1q4)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
MON 20:00 Robert Barr - Galbraith and the King of Diamonds (b041y015)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
MON 20:45 Rumpole for the Defence (m000s1lv)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:45 today]
MON 21:00 TED Radio Hour (m000s1m1)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 today]
MON 21:50 Inheritance Tracks (b06vc7pn)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:50 today]
MON 22:00 The Unbelievable Truth (m000rtz4)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
MON 22:30 The Pick Up (b08tcnmm)
Episode 3
Starring:
Vinnie …. David Threlfall
Beth …. Kimberley Nixon
Warren …. Kenneth Collard
Dave …. Robert Blythe
Chris …. Stephen Wight
MON 22:45 Can't Tell Nathan Caton Nothing (b01s8mpr)
Series 2
About Careful Driving
Can't Tell Nathan Caton Nothing - tells the story of young, up-and-coming comedian Nathan Caton, who after becoming the first in his family to graduate from University, opted not to use his architecture degree but instead to try his hand at being a full-time stand-up comedian, much to his family's annoyance who desperately want him to get a 'proper job.'
Each episode illustrates the criticism, interference and rollercoaster ride that Nathan endures from his disapproving family as he tries to pursue his chosen career.
The series is a mix of Nathan's stand-up intercut with scenes from his family life.
Janet a.k.a. Mum is probably the kindest and most lenient of the disappointed family members. At the end of the day she just wants the best for her son. However, she aint looking embarrassed for nobody!
Martin a.k.a. Dad is clumsy and hard-headed and leaves running the house to his wife (she wouldn't allow it to be any other way).
Shirley a.k.a. Grandma cannot believe she left the paradise in the West Indies and came to the freezing United Kingdom for a better life so that years later her grandson could 'tell jokes!' It's not the good Christian way!
So with all this going on in the household what will Nathan do? Will he be able to persist and follow his dreams? Or will he give in to his family's interference?
About Careful Driving
Nathan Caton acknowledges that his Dad loves his car more than him.
Nathan ..... Nathan Caton
Mun ..... Adjoa Andoh
Dad ..... Curtis Walker
Grandma ..... Mona Hammond
Sue ..... Chizzy Akudolu
Police Officer ..... Don Gilet
Police Officer 2 ..... Ola
Written by Nathan Caton and James Kettle.
Additional Material by Ola and Maff Brown.
Produced by Katie Tyrrell.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2013.
MON 23:00 The News Quiz (m000rwx6)
Series 104
Episode 6
A satirical review of the week's news with Andy Zaltzman and guests Mark Steel, Helen Lewis, Athena Kugblenu and Chris McCausland.
Andy and the panel reflect on a week when the UK blasted through the 10 million vaccine barrier and the world discovered the greatest Zoom meeting guests of all time.
Written by Andy Zaltzman with additional material from Alice Fraser, Mike Shephard and Laura Lexx.
Producer: Richard Morris
A BBC Studios Production
MON 23:30 The Jason Byrne Show (b01dtjh4)
Series 2
Food
Award-winning comedian Jason Byrne grills the topic of food - revealing his love for an animated rabbit, and his hatred of baguette nibbling.
Stand up and sketches with Laurence Howarth and Anna Bengo.
Producer: Julia McKenzie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2009.
TUESDAY 09 FEBRUARY 2021
TUE 00:00 Charles Chilton - Journey into Space (b007jqp2)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:00 on Monday]
TUE 00:30 A Good Read (b015ck9n)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:30 on Monday]
TUE 01:00 Robert Barr - Galbraith and the King of Diamonds (b041y015)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 on Monday]
TUE 01:45 Rumpole for the Defence (m000s1lv)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:45 on Monday]
TUE 02:00 The Muse by Jessie Burton (b07jyrds)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:00 on Monday]
TUE 02:15 The Amateur Marriage by Anne Tyler (b08lglt3)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:15 on Monday]
TUE 02:30 Falling for Francoise (b0118bgw)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:00 Wilkie Collins - The Woman in White (b007jlgx)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:00 Act Your Age (b00fn0vg)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:30 Crowned Hudds (b00psrfz)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 on Monday]
TUE 05:00 Boswell's Lives (b0741lv3)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 on Monday]
TUE 05:30 The Unbelievable Truth (m000rtz4)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 on Monday]
TUE 06:00 Robert Barr - Galbraith and the King of Diamonds (b041y956)
2. Dutch Treat
Veteran detective Bill wanted a quiet life in retirement, but now he's on the trail of a missing diamond courier.
Will he meet the King of Diamonds or even the Joker in Amsterdam?
Starring Bernard Hepton as Galbraith, Tom Watson as Cater, Peter Dyneley as Gelder, Cyril Shaps as Lindemanns, Eva Haddon as Anne-Marie, Trader Faulkner as Dykers, Peter Williams as Brent, Bruce Alexander as Milne and Stephen Grief as Jacobus.
Robert Barr also wrote TV scripts for the BBC's Z Cars and Softly Softly, as well as being a prize-winning TV producer.
Producer: John Browell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1975.
TUE 06:45 Rumpole for the Defence (m000s2ym)
Rumpole and the Dear Departed 2/3
Rumpole for the Defence
2. Rumpole and the Dear Departed
Leo McKern reads John Mortimer's tales of irreverent brief Horace Rumpole.
A new will of the late Colonel Ollard appears to have been found. But Rumpole thinks it shall only make his appearance in the Chancery Division even more horrifying.
Producer Ken Phillips
Abridged by Bob Sinfield
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in 1997.
TUE 07:00 The Break (b0b42v6l)
Series 2
The Mystery of Room 66
To win back Corinne's heart, Jeff takes her to an escape room. But no-one expects a puzzle set by Death himself.
Stars Philip Jackson, Alison Steadman and Mark Benton.
An Absolutely Production
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2018.
TUE 07:30 Beta Female (m000rw3n)
Series 1
Episode 4
Beta Female is a semi-autobiographical sitcom by Amna Saleem, starring Kiran Sonia Sawar (Black Mirror, Pure) as Amna, a young woman trying to find her place in the world - in her work, in her relationships, and in her family.
The Surprise: Amna tries to sabotage a family gathering, only to realise that she's sabotaging herself.
Amna ... Kiran Sonia Sawar
Mum ... Sudha Bhuchar
Sunnha ... Hiftu Quasem
Dad ... Bhasker Patel
Raf ... Darren Kuppan
Maya ... Sukh Ojla
Nora ... Evelyn Lockley
Auntie ... Sajeela Kershi
Theo ... Tom Stourton
Written by Amna Saleem
Produced & directed by Ed Morrish
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
TUE 08:00 The Goon Show (b007jxnb)
Childe Harolde Rewarde
Neddie Seagoon searches for Excalibur and ends up "in the drink". Stars Spike Milligan and Peter Sellers. From December 1958.
TUE 08:30 Winston (b007lmgv)
Series 1
What Do You Reckon?
Rosie plans to go to London and set up house. William dreams of esteem and beautiful women. Nancy doesn't relish the prospect of being left alone to care for Father; but she doesn't know about his own plans...
Peter Tinniswood's bawdy comedy serial.
CAST:
Winston …. Bill Wallis
Father …. Maurice Denham
Nancy …. Shirley Dixon
Rosie …. Liz Goulding
William …. Christian Rodska
Directed at BBC Bristol by Shaun MacLoughlin.
First broadcast on BBC Radio in May 1989.
TUE 09:00 The News Quiz (m000rwx6)
[Repeat of broadcast at
23:00 on Monday]
TUE 09:30 Like They've Never Been Gone (b00c7d1c)
Series 3
Episode 5
Will hard-up Tommy and Sheila's trip to Australia ever get off the ground?
Ageing showbiz couple Tommy Franklin and Sheila Parr continue their second stab at fame.
Series 3 of Mike Coleman’s six-part sitcom stars June Whitfield and Roy Hudd.
CAST:
Tommy Franklin …. Roy Hudd
Sheila Parr …. June Whitfield
Hetty Stark …. Pat Coombes
Murray Franklin …. Julian Eardley
Louis Elstein …. Edward Halsted
Hostess …. Tracy-Ann Oberman
Producer: Steve Doherty
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2001.
TUE 10:00 Wilkie Collins - The Woman in White (b007jlhn)
Episode 2
Walter has left Limmeridge House as Laura prepares to marry Sir Percival. Laura's half-sister Marian knows of Laura's feelings for Walter, has great doubts about the marriage, yet is powerless to stop it...
Wilkie Collins's Victorian thriller dramatised by Martyn Wade.
Stars Toby Stephens as Walter Hartright, Juliet Aubrey as Marian Halcombe, Emily Bruni as Laura Fairlie, Jeremy Clyde as Sir Percival Glyde, Alice Hart as Anne Catherick, Sean Baker as Mr Gilmore, Ioan Meredith as Pesca, Edward Petherbridge as Frederick Fairlie, Jonathan Keeble as Messenger, Philip Voss as Count Fosco and Geraldine Fitzgerald as Madame Fosco.
Music: Elizabeth Parker
Director: Cherry Cookson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2001.
TUE 11:00 Archive on 4 (b08k15lh)
Seventy Years in the Planning
Will Self walks the London green belt in search of the 1947 Town and Country Planning Act which optimistically tried to end the post-war British conflict between field and city.
He retraces a countryside ramble he took with his father, the journalist, town planner and political scientist Peter Self - a leading exponent of the principles enshrined in the '47 Act. Will argues that the public consensus to build a New Jerusalem has been squandered in the past seventy years, leading to the present day housing crisis.
He goes back to first principles and argues that the offer made in 1947 by the Minister of Town and Country Planning, Lewis Silkin to build a better Britain is as relevant today as it was then. Will says that if it was an opportunity missed, then the fault doesn't lie exclusively with the planning system, rather with our lack of desire to make the planning system work.
Producer: Andrew Carter
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2017.
TUE 12:00 The Goon Show (b007jxnb)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
TUE 12:30 Winston (b007lmgv)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
TUE 13:00 Robert Barr - Galbraith and the King of Diamonds (b041y956)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
TUE 13:45 Rumpole for the Defence (m000s2ym)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:45 today]
TUE 14:00 The Muse by Jessie Burton (b07jyv0z)
Episode 7
When on a summer’s day in 1967, Odelle Bastien climbs the steps of the Skelton gallery in London to take up a position as typist, she little realises how significantly her life is about to change. For there she meets the glamourous and enigmatic Marjorie Quick, who soon takes Odelle into her confidence and encourages her to pursue her dream of writing. But Odelle senses there is something that Quick is holding back, and when ‘Rufina and the Lion’, a lost Spanish masterpiece is brought to the gallery, Odelle begins to suspect that the mystery behind the painting’s origins and her mentor’s secrecy may be somehow connected.
The truth about ‘Rufina and the Lion’ lies in 1936 and a large house in rural Spain, where Olive Schloss, the daughter of renowned art dealer Harold Schloss and his beautiful but fragile wife Sarah, is harbouring artistic ambitions of her own. When artist and revolutionary Isaac Robles and his half-sister Teresa come into their lives, passion, art, and politics collide, with explosive and devastating consequences for them all.
Weaving between events in 1967 and those of 1936, a powerful story of love, obsession, identity, authenticity and deception unfolds in this highly anticipated new novel from Jessie Burton, author of the best-selling The Miniaturist.
Written by Jessie Burton
Abridged by Doreen Estall
Read by Jessica Raine
Produced by Heather Larmour
TUE 14:15 The Amateur Marriage by Anne Tyler (b08lh5yt)
1943, Once Upon a Time
By Anne Tyler dramatised by Rebecca Lenkiewicz.
Episode 2 - 1943, Once Upon a Time
Pauline's patience with Michael, motherhood and living in a cramped apartment above the grocery store is wearing thin.
CAST:
Pauline ..... Julianna Jennings
Michael ..... Tom Forrister
Narrator ..... Barbara Barnes
Mrs Anton ..... Pandora Colin
Eustace ..... David Sterne
Mrs. Serge ..... Sanchia McCormack
Mrs Golka ..... Chetna Pandya
Director: David Hunter
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2017
TUE 14:30 To Sir With Love Revisited (b007wjxg)
Burt Caesar explores the story behind ER Braithwaite's account of life in a school in Stepney during the 1950s. From 2007.
TUE 15:00 Wilkie Collins - The Woman in White (b007jlhn)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 today]
TUE 16:00 Dilemma (b05pmrtt)
Series 4
Episode 1
Sue Perkins returns with a fourth series of the show that puts the big moral and ethical questions to a mixed panel. This week, it's the turn of comedians Sarah Millican and John Robins, journalist Michael Deacon and former Blue Peter presenter Janet Ellis, who discuss how to deal with sexist wedding DJs, answer an audience question about coming out for a second time, and pit themselves against the moral clock in the Quickfire Round, where shades of gray are discarded in favour of immediate, black-or-white responses. Episode one of six.
Dilemma is presented by Sue Perkins, and was devised by Danielle Ward.
Presenter ... Sue Perkins
Guest ... Sarah Millican
Guest ... Michael Deacon
Guest ... Janet Ellis
Guest ... John Robins
Devised by ... Danielle Ward
Producer ... Ed Morrish.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2015.
TUE 16:30 Like They've Never Been Gone (b00c7d1c)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 today]
TUE 17:00 The Break (b0b42v6l)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 today]
TUE 17:30 Beta Female (m000rw3n)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
TUE 18:00 Charles Chilton - Journey into Space (b007jqrd)
The Red Planet
17. Escape!
With Mitch conditioned at a 'sheep station', Captain Jet Morgan and his crew must work out how to plan their escape.
Charles Chilton’s 1954 classic set in 1971.
CAST:
Jet Morgan …. Andrew Faulds
Lemmy …. David Kossoff
Doc …. Guy Kingsley Poynter
Mitch …. Bruce Beeby
John Cazabon ..... Various
Announcer/Various …. David Jacobs
Music composed and conducted by Van Phillips.
Producer: Charles Chilton
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in December 1954.
TUE 18:30 Soul Music (b00r0smn)
Series 9
Mendelssohn Violin Concerto
Series exploring famous pieces of music and their emotional appeal.
When Mendelssohn wrote his Violin Concerto in 1844 he could hardly have imagined how famous and well loved it would become. In this programme, people tell how it has played an important part in their lives.
Violinist Daniel Hope tells how he got caught practising this concerto secretly locked in the bathroom at school. Harry Atterbury remembers hearing the Mendelssohn for the first time on the night before a Second world War air raid which turned his life upside down. Composer Stephen Pratt describes discovering that his father had played this concerto to cheer fellow soldiers in the jungle in Burma, and explains how this inspired him to write his own violin concerto.
To find out more about Stephen Pratt's Violin Concerto, go to:
http://www.liverpoolphil.com./1132/rlpo-recordings/stephen-pratt-lovebytes.html
The recording of the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto featured in this programme was by violinist Maxim Vengerov with the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra conducted by Kurt Masur. Teldec 4509-90875-2.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2010.
TUE 19:00 The Goon Show (b007jxnb)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
TUE 19:30 Winston (b007lmgv)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
TUE 20:00 Robert Barr - Galbraith and the King of Diamonds (b041y956)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
TUE 20:45 Rumpole for the Defence (m000s2ym)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:45 today]
TUE 21:00 Archive on 4 (b08k15lh)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 today]
TUE 22:00 Beta Female (m000rw3n)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
TUE 22:30 The Big Booth (b007jrvv)
Series 2: The Big Booth Too
Episode 5
Boothby's script dictatorship is overthrown by the Workers' Collective.
More guitar-flavoured songs and surreal laughs from Boothby Graffoe.
With Stephen Frost , Kevin Eldon, Vivienne Soan, Big Al and Antonio Forcione.
Written by Boothby Graffoe and Dave Thompson.
Producer: Lucy Armitage
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2001.
TUE 23:00 Alex Horne Presents The Horne Section (b043x48z)
Series 3
Marcus Brigstocke
Stand-up Alex Horne and his five-piece band explore fashion and trends through live music and comedy.
This week there's a ceilidh and songs about Alex's car and the first dance at his wedding amongst others.
With special guest comedian Marcus Brigstocke and singer Vula Malinga.
Band: Joe Auckland, Mark Brown, Will Collier, Ben Reynolds, Ed Sheldrake
Producer: Charlie Perkins.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2014.
TUE 23:30 Mark Tavener - Absolute Power (b007wr7h)
Series 2
Episode 6
Charles Prentiss is challenged by a PR rival to wheeze the unwheezable. Stars Stephen Fry and John Bird. From March 2001.
WEDNESDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2021
WED 00:00 Charles Chilton - Journey into Space (b007jqrd)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:00 on Tuesday]
WED 00:30 Soul Music (b00r0smn)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:30 on Tuesday]
WED 01:00 Robert Barr - Galbraith and the King of Diamonds (b041y956)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:45 Rumpole for the Defence (m000s2ym)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:45 on Tuesday]
WED 02:00 The Muse by Jessie Burton (b07jyv0z)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:00 on Tuesday]
WED 02:15 The Amateur Marriage by Anne Tyler (b08lh5yt)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:15 on Tuesday]
WED 02:30 To Sir With Love Revisited (b007wjxg)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:00 Wilkie Collins - The Woman in White (b007jlhn)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:00 Dilemma (b05pmrtt)
[Repeat of broadcast at
16:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:30 Like They've Never Been Gone (b00c7d1c)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 on Tuesday]
WED 05:00 The Break (b0b42v6l)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 on Tuesday]
WED 05:30 Beta Female (m000rw3n)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 on Tuesday]
WED 06:00 Robert Barr - Galbraith and the King of Diamonds (b041ycyn)
3. Fear Is the Key
The mysterious pack puts pressure on the King of Diamonds - as veteran detective Bill Galbraith races to save a life...
Starring Bernard Hepton as Galbraith, Tom Watson as Cater, Cyril Shaps as Lindemanns, Peter Dyneley as Gelder, Richard Davies as Tom Evans, Eva Haddon as Anne-Marie, Stephen Grief as Jacobus, Trader Faulkner as Dykers and Peter Williams as Brent.
Producer: John Browell.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1975.
WED 06:45 Rumpole for the Defence (m000s2q4)
Rumpole and the Dear Departed 3/3
Rumpole for the Defence
3, Rumpole and the Dear Departed
Rumpole, guided by Matron's ouija board, seems to have stumbled across a dark secret. Will Matron win her case ... or is her contact with "the other side" all a con?
Abridged by Bob Sinfield
Producer Ken Phillips
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in 1997.
WED 07:00 Start/Stop (b04p7xlv)
Series 2
Funeral
Hit comedy about three marriages in various states of disrepair.
This week the prospect of the funeral of a neighbour - big Phil from No. 36 - shows that even someone's death provides opportunities for flirting, competitiveness and generally reprehensible behaviour.
Alice and Cathy are making food for Phil's widow; Barney and David are both keen to do the eulogy and meanwhile Fiona and Evan are trying to cope with the most irritating rescue dog who ever lived.
Barney ...... Jack Docherty
Cathy ...... Kerry Godliman
Evan ...... John Thomson
Fiona ...... Fiona Allen
David ...... Charlie Higson
Alice ...... Sally Bretton
Producer ..... Claire Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2014.
WED 07:30 Conversations from a Long Marriage (m000rvkz)
Series 2
Episode 6 - I've Been Loving You Too Long to Stop Now
Conversations from a Long Marriage is a two-hander, starring Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam, as a long-married couple who met in the Summer of Love and are still passionate about life, music and each other. We listen to – and empathise with - their dangling ‘conversations’ covering everything from health scares, jealousy and confessions, to TV incompatibility and sourdough bread.
In EPISODE 6, ‘I’ve Been Loving you too long to stop now’, Joanna complains they’re ‘in a rut’, so Roger plans a spontaneous day out but is thwarted at every turn. Undeterred, he cooks her a ‘date night’ supper and they talk about their long marriage.
Written by Jan Etherington. Produced and directed by Claire Jones. Production co-ordinator Beverly Tagg. A BBC Studios Production.
WED 08:00 The Missing Hancocks (b08kv5f8)
Series 3
A Visit to Swansea
The Missing Hancocks recreates those episodes of the classic Hancock's Half Hour that have been wiped or lost from the archive. Something else had gone missing at the start of this series - The Lad Himself, who had absconded to Rome. In 1955, he was replaced for the first three episodes by the Goon Show's Harry Secombe, who in this recreation has been replaced by Andy Secombe - Harry's son. After Tony returned from his jaunt the writers Galton and Simpson ensured he wasn't allowed to forget who had saved his bacon, so in this episode, for one show only, both Tony and Harry appeared together in Hancock's Half Hour. Not heard since then, this is a real piece of comedy history.
The first modern sitcom, Hancock's Half Hour made stars of Tony Hancock, Sid James and Kenneth Williams and launched Ray Galton and Alan Simpson on one of the most successful comedy-writing partnerships in history. But 20 episodes of the show are missing from the BBC archives. Now, after two highly successful series, another five of those episodes have been lovingly re-recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC Radio Theatre.
A Visit to Swansea.
This episode was first broadcast on the 10th May 1955.
Tony, Bill, Andree and Sid head to Swansea in search of Harry Secombe. This episode was first broadcast on the 10th May 1955.
Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson, and with the classic score newly recorded by the BBC Concert Orchestra, the show stars Kevin McNally, Andy Secombe, Kevin Eldon, Simon Greenall, Robin Sebastian and Susy Kane. A Visit to Swansea.
Produced by Neil Pearson & Paul Sheehan.
Written by Ray Galton & Simpson
Music recorded by the BBC Concert Orchestra, conducted by Levon Parikian.
A BBC Studios Production.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2017.
WED 08:30 No Commitments (b007jv56)
Series 1
Sisters Of Mercy
Anna struggles to be free of her younger sisters. Simon Brett's sitcom stars Rosemary Leach, and Celia Imrie.
Produced by Paul Schlesinger.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1992.
WED 09:00 The Motion Show (b0075wz8)
Series 2
Episode 4
Dr Phil Hammond chairs the debating game with Gyles Brandreth, Hugh Dennis, Jeremy Hardy and Arthur Smith. From February 2000.
WED 09:30 Beachcomber... By the Way (b0080jmp)
Series 1
Episode 1
Dr Strabismus sets a trap for a mouse, Colonel Wretch gets a visit from Hercules the Mighty, and Mr Justice Cocklecarrot encounters the notorious 12 red-bearded dwarfs for the first time.
Richard Ingrams, John Wells, John Sessions and Patricia Routledge recreate the world of the JB Morton.
Running in the Daily Express from 1924 to 1975 – JB Morton’s surreally comic ‘Beachcomber’ column paved the way for a great deal of modern humour.
Adapted by Michael Barfield with Richard Ingrams.
Announcer: Brian Perkins
Producer: Harry Thompson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1989.
WED 10:00 Wilkie Collins - The Woman in White (b007jlj1)
Episode 3
Laura has finally come face to face with the woman in white who so resembles her. She had hoped to discover more about Sir Percival's secret, but their meeting was interrupted. Marian begins to fear for her sister's safety and is determined to learn what Sir Percival and Count Fosco are secretly planning.
Wilkie Collins's Victorian thriller dramatised by Martyn Wade.
Stars Toby Stephens as Walter Hartright, Juliet Aubrey as Marian Halcombe, Emily Bruni as Laura Fairlie, Jeremy Clyde as Sir Percival Glyde, Alice Hart as Anne Catherick, Sean Baker as Mr Gilmore, Jonathan Keeble as Mr Dawson, Carolyn Pickles as Mrs Michelson, Philip Voss as Count Fosco, Edward Petherbridge as Frederick Fairlie, Geraldine Fitzgerald as Madame Fosco and Richenda Carey as Mrs Rubelle.
Music: Elizabeth Parker
Director: Cherry Cookson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2001.
WED 11:00 Writing... The Midlands (m000s2q8)
3. Kit de Waal and The Shires
Crime Writer Mark Billingham was born in the Midlands and for this showcase he's going back to the county that made him a writer to celebrate it's literature both past and present.
Along the way Mark meets some of the Midland's best writing talent. In this episode he meets the best-selling author of 'My Name is Leon', Kit De Waal, and visits the mystical Sarehole Mill, the inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkein's Hobbiton.
Featured programmes from the BBC Archives:
Shorts: Writing Test – Adrift at the Athena [30/11/14 R4]
The Hobbit: The Musical [04/08/2012 R4]
Presented by Mark Billingham
Producer: Jessica Treen
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in December 2019.
WED 12:00 The Missing Hancocks (b08kv5f8)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
WED 12:30 No Commitments (b007jv56)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
WED 13:00 Robert Barr - Galbraith and the King of Diamonds (b041ycyn)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
WED 13:45 Rumpole for the Defence (m000s2q4)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:45 today]
WED 14:00 The Muse by Jessie Burton (b07jywck)
Episode 8
When on a summer’s day in 1967, Odelle Bastien climbs the steps of the Skelton gallery in London to take up a position as typist, she little realises how significantly her life is about to change. For there she meets the glamourous and enigmatic Marjorie Quick, who soon takes Odelle into her confidence and encourages her to pursue her dream of writing. But Odelle senses there is something that Quick is holding back, and when ‘Rufina and the Lion’, a lost Spanish masterpiece is brought to the gallery, Odelle begins to suspect that the mystery behind the painting’s origins and her mentor’s secrecy may be somehow connected.
The truth about ‘Rufina and the Lion’ lies in 1936 and a large house in rural Spain, where Olive Schloss, the daughter of renowned art dealer Harold Schloss and his beautiful but fragile wife Sarah, is harbouring artistic ambitions of her own. When artist and revolutionary Isaac Robles and his half-sister Teresa come into their lives, passion, art, and politics collide, with explosive and devastating consequences for them all.
Weaving between events in 1967 and those of 1936, a powerful story of love, obsession, identity, authenticity and deception unfolds in this highly anticipated new novel from Jessie Burton, author of the best-selling The Miniaturist.
Written by Jessie Burton
Abridged by Doreen Estall
Read by Martina Laird
Produced by Heather Larmour
WED 14:15 The Amateur Marriage by Anne Tyler (b08lh8ny)
1950, Elmview Acres
By Anne Tyler dramatised by Rebecca Lenkiewicz.
Episode 3 - 1950, Elmview Acres
Pauline finds she is a different sort of woman talking to the recently abandoned Alex - somebody slangy and athletic.
CAST:
Pauline ..... Julianna Jennings
Michael ..... Tom Forrister
Narrator ..... Barbara Barnes
Alex ..... Finlay Robertson
Mrs Barclay ..... Sanchia McCormack
Mrs Anton ..... Pandora Colin
Lindy ..... Kayla Gal
George ..... Finn Monteath
Director: David Hunter
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2017
WED 14:30 Hunting Haydn's Head (b00kmgrx)
Simon Townley travels to Austria to learn how 'the father of the symphony' was separated from his head for 145 years. From 2009.
WED 15:00 Wilkie Collins - The Woman in White (b007jlj1)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 today]
WED 16:00 The Motion Show (b0075wz8)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 today]
WED 16:30 Beachcomber... By the Way (b0080jmp)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 today]
WED 17:00 Start/Stop (b04p7xlv)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 today]
WED 17:30 Conversations from a Long Marriage (m000rvkz)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
WED 18:00 Charles Chilton - Journey into Space (b007jqv2)
The Red Planet
18. Invasion Plans
With Lemmy and Doc at the mercy of the Martians, can Captain Jet Morgan come to their rescue?
Charles Chilton’s 1954 classic set in 1971.
CAST:
Jet Morgan …. Andrew Faulds
Lemmy …. David Kossoff
Doc …. Guy Kingsley Poynter
Mitch …. Bruce Beeby
John Cazabon ..... Various
Announcer/Various …. David Jacobs
Music composed and conducted by Van Phillips.
Producer: Charles Chilton
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in January 1955.
WED 18:30 Short Cuts (b0b6m9jt)
Series 16
Mistaken Identity
The lust to escape your life, gifts that make you feel misunderstood and a mystery with an elusive man at it's centre - Josie Long unfurls stories of mistaken identity.
The writer Nikesh Shukla and his friends, Nick Hearne and Robbie Lingham, talk about the frustrating mysterious character who entered their lives after they sent a lamb chop into space. The Australian producer Natalie Kestecher is horrified by a gift from a close friend and a young woman plots her escape in a call from Laura Mayer's How Are You Doing Project.
Navy Story
Originally recorded for the How Are You Doing Project
Produced by Laura Mayer
The Gift
Featuring writing from the Redundant Women series
Produced by Natalie Kestecher
Adam
Featuring Nikesh Shukla, Nick Hearne and Robbie Lingham
Series Producer: Eleanor McDowall
A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4.
WED 19:00 The Missing Hancocks (b08kv5f8)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
WED 19:30 No Commitments (b007jv56)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
WED 20:00 Robert Barr - Galbraith and the King of Diamonds (b041ycyn)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
WED 20:45 Rumpole for the Defence (m000s2q4)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:45 today]
WED 21:00 Writing... The Midlands (m000s2q8)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 today]
WED 22:00 Conversations from a Long Marriage (m000rvkz)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
WED 22:30 On the Hour (b007k3g0)
Series 1
Episode 1
From disasters and corruption to beachcombing and medical mayhem.
All the news as it happens, if it happens.
Plus all the sport from Alan Partridge
Savagely satirical award-winning comedy starring Chris Morris.
With Steve Coogan, David Schneider, Rebecca Front, Patrick Marber and Doon Mackichan.
Written by Chris Morris, Richard Herring, Steven Wells, Andrew Glover, David Quantick and Stewart Lee.
Editor: Armando lannucci
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1991.
WED 23:00 Laura Solon - Talking and Not Talking (b00nvwg8)
Series 3
Episode 1
Perrier Award-winning comedian Laura Solon presents her third series of sketches, monologues and one-liners.
With characters ranging from infuriating call-centre staff, drunk mothers intent on ruining everyone else's Christmas and recently deposed ex-soviet tyrants trying to settle in the British suburbs, Laura Solon continues to turn the things that most irritate us all into sharply observed and occasionally surreal comic gems.
Laura is joined once again by Rosie Cavaliero, Ben Moor and Ben Willbond.
Produced by Colin Anderson.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2009.
WED 23:30 Vent (b00sy275)
Series 1
Don't Bet on It
As Ben lies on a ventilator in hospital, Mary and Mum put the racing on to try to bring him out of his coma. It doesn't work, but Ben does somehow seem to have developed a knack for predicting the winners, if only he could think of a way of telling anyone.
Meanwhile John Dee, Queen Elizabeth I's own fortune teller, appears in Ben's brain, with some unhelpful observations about what the future might hold.
Dark sitcom written by Nigel Smith.
Starring Neil Pearson as Ben Smith, Fiona Allen as Mary, Josie Lawrence as Mum and Leslie Ash as Blitzkrieg.
With Mark Perry, Dave Lamb, Jo Martin, Giles New, Hils Barker and David Mitchell.
Producer: Gareth Edwards
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2006.
THURSDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2021
THU 00:00 Charles Chilton - Journey into Space (b007jqv2)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:00 on Wednesday]
THU 00:30 Short Cuts (b0b6m9jt)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:30 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 Robert Barr - Galbraith and the King of Diamonds (b041ycyn)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:45 Rumpole for the Defence (m000s2q4)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:45 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 The Muse by Jessie Burton (b07jywck)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:15 The Amateur Marriage by Anne Tyler (b08lh8ny)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:15 on Wednesday]
THU 02:30 Hunting Haydn's Head (b00kmgrx)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 Wilkie Collins - The Woman in White (b007jlj1)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 The Motion Show (b0075wz8)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:30 Beachcomber... By the Way (b0080jmp)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 Start/Stop (b04p7xlv)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 05:30 Conversations from a Long Marriage (m000rvkz)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 on Wednesday]
THU 06:00 Robert Barr - Galbraith and the King of Diamonds (b041yksc)
4. The £7,000,000 Touch
The 'King' is taken and double-crossing ends in death.
Retirement continues to elude veteran detective Bill Gailbraith. Bundled into a car, he's face-to-face with Jacobus.
Starring Bernard Hepton as Galbraith, Tom Watson as Cater, Cyril Shaps as Lindemanns, Peter Dyneley as Gelder, Richard Davies as Paul, Eva Haddon as Anne-Marie,
Stephen Grief as Jacobus, Trader Faulkner as Dykers.
Producer: John Browell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1975.
THU 06:45 Rumpole for the Defence (m000s2y8)
Rumpole and The Boat People 1/3
Rumpole's wife thinks there is too much of him and imposes a strict diet. Read by Leo McKern.
THU 07:00 In and Out of the Kitchen (b0680gtv)
Series 4
The Stag
Damien and Anthony celebrate their stag weekend in Dublin when their plans to spend it at the opera are ruined by the weather. Meanwhile, Ian is tasked with looking after Damien's mother who is recovering from laser eye surgery.
Starring:
Miles Jupp as Damien Trench
Justin Edwards as Anthony
Philip Fox as Ian Frobisher/Damien's dad/Anthony's dad
Brendan Dempsey as Mr Mullaney
Selina Cadell as Damien's mother
Alex Tregear as The Waitress
Chris Brand as Ray Jarrow
and
Stephen Critchlow as The Chef/Policeman
The producer was Sam Michell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2015.
THU 07:30 Elephant in the Room (m000rvpr)
Series 2
Episode 5
Sarah Millican's hit panel show returns, using surveys to discover who is the most Average Jolene and who is the most Maverick Matilda. This week's sparkling panel features Kemah Bob, Josie Long, Joanne McNally and Stephen Bailey.
Surveys on subjects including childhood, daily rituals and favourite cheese are the basis for Sarah's questions to the panellists, discovering who is the closest to, and furthest from, the average. Surprising quirks, hilarious insights and unexpected anecdotes are revealed along the way.
The winner will be the most average. But joint winner will be the most different - the furthest from the norm.
A little bit like a dinner party, but one where you know all of the spoons.
Written by Sarah Millican, Gabby Hutchinson Crouch, Juliet Meyers and Sindhu Vee.
Produced by Lianne Coop.
A Chopsy production for BBC Radio 4
THU 08:00 Round the Horne (b00j05wj)
Series 1
Episode 5
Saluting a puddings inventor - and Gruntfuttock's after a job at the BBC.
Starring Kenneth Horne. With Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick, Betty Marsden and Bill Pertwee.
Recorded at the BBC's Paris Studio in Lower Regent Street, London.
Announcer: Douglas Smith
Round The Horne was born out of the demise of BBC radio comedy Beyond Our Ken, after the end of writer Eric Merriman's involvement. Using the same cast and producer, Barry Took and Marty Feldman were persuaded to write the scripts - which led to four series that ran between 1965 and 1968 - packed full of parodies, recurring characters, catchphrases and double-entendres.
Music by Edwin Braden and the Hornblowers and The Fraser Hayes Four.
Producer: John Simmonds
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in April 1965.
THU 08:30 Living with Betty (b09gvdzc)
Living With Betty
Episode 2
A reconciliation dinner for Trevor and Katherine has an unexpected outcome.
Arline Whittaker's six-part sitcom.
CAST:
Betty …. Barbara Windsor
Bill …. Glynn Edwards
Harold …. Peter Sallis
Muriel …. Rosalind Knight
Trevor …. Simon Molloy
Katherine …. Diana Mather
Recorded at City Varieties in Leeds.
Producer: Mike Craig
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in 1986.
THU 09:00 Quote... Unquote (m000ckvr)
Ken Cheng, Helen Lewis, Luke Jennings
Quote … Unquote, the popular celebrity quotations quiz, returns for its 55th series.
Join Nigel as he quizzes a host of celebrity guests on the origins of sayings and well-known quotes, and gets the famous panel to share their favourite anecdotes.
Across forty years, host Nigel Rees has been joined by writers, actors, musicians, scientists and various comedy types. Kenneth Williams, Judi Dench, PD James, Sir Ian McKellen and Peter Ustinov... have all graced the Quote...Unquote stage.
Panelists
Stand up comedian Ken Cheng
Journalist and author Helen Lewis
Author and dance critic Luke Jennings
Reader Sally Grace
Production Coordinator: Candace Wilson
Produced by Simon Nicholls
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2019,
THU 09:30 Robin and Wendy's Wet Weekends (b008ggtc)
Series 2
A Green Unpleasant Land
The couple's German friend Heinrich reveals his thoughts about the war. Written by and starring Kay Stonham and Simon Greenall. From June 2003.
THU 10:00 Wilkie Collins - The Woman in White (b007jljf)
Episode 4
Laura Fairlee and Walter Hartright have been reunited, but their happiness is marred by the fact that both their lives are in danger.
Wilkie Collins's Victorian thriller dramatised by Martyn Wade.
Stars Toby Stephens as Walter Hartright, Juliet Aubrey as Marian Halcombe, Emily Bruni as Laura Fairlie, Jeremy Clyde as Sir Percival Glyde, Alice Hart as Anne Catherick, Sean Baker as Mr Gilmore, Carolyn Pickles as Mrs Catherick, Philip Voss as Count Fosco, Edward Petherbridge as Frederick Fairlie, Geraldine Fitzgerald as Madame Fosco, Richenda Carey as Mrs Clements and Ioan Meredith as Pesca.
Music: Elizabeth Parker
Director: Cherry Cookson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2001.
THU 11:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b07m4gls)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 on Sunday]
THU 11:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00mj16h)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:45 on Sunday]
THU 12:00 Round the Horne (b00j05wj)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
THU 12:30 Living with Betty (b09gvdzc)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
THU 13:00 Robert Barr - Galbraith and the King of Diamonds (b041yksc)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
THU 13:45 Rumpole for the Defence (m000s2y8)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:45 today]
THU 14:00 The Muse by Jessie Burton (b07k08xj)
Episode 9
When on a summer’s day in 1967, Odelle Bastien climbs the steps of the Skelton gallery in London to take up a position as typist, she little realises how significantly her life is about to change. For there she meets the glamourous and enigmatic Marjorie Quick, who soon takes Odelle into her confidence and encourages her to pursue her dream of writing. But Odelle senses there is something that Quick is holding back, and when ‘Rufina and the Lion’, a lost Spanish masterpiece is brought to the gallery, Odelle begins to suspect that the mystery behind the painting’s origins and her mentor’s secrecy may be somehow connected.
The truth about ‘Rufina and the Lion’ lies in 1936 and a large house in rural Spain, where Olive Schloss, the daughter of renowned art dealer Harold Schloss and his beautiful but fragile wife Sarah, is harbouring artistic ambitions of her own. When artist and revolutionary Isaac Robles and his half-sister Teresa come into their lives, passion, art, and politics collide, with explosive and devastating consequences for them all.
Weaving between events in 1967 and those of 1936, a powerful story of love, obsession, identity, authenticity and deception unfolds in this highly anticipated new novel from Jessie Burton, author of the best-selling The Miniaturist.
Written by Jessie Burton
Abridged by Doreen Estall
Read by Jessica Raine
Produced by Heather Larmour
THU 14:15 The Amateur Marriage by Anne Tyler (b08ljx8p)
1960, Lindy Is Missing
by Anne Tyler dramatised by Rebecca Lenkiewicz.
Episode 4 - 1960, Lindy is Missing
Eldest daughter Lindy is a problem teenager and a further source of tension for Pauline and Michael's marriage.
CAST:
Pauline (older) ..... Sara Stewart
Michael (older) ..... Ian Porter
Narrator ..... Barbara Barnes
Karen ..... Maeve Bluebell Wells
George ..... Tom Forrister
Policemen ..... John Bowler and Finlay Robertson
Director: David Hunter
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2017
THU 14:30 Oblique Strategies (b02qncrt)
'Infinitesimal gradations', 'Repetition is a form of change', 'Bridges-build-burn' - just three of the gnomic aphorisms contained in the Oblique Strategies cards devised in the early 1970s by artists Peter Schmidt and Brian Eno. The cards were aimed at providing a creative jolt to artists who were either stuck or searching for new directions for their work. Most famously, Eno and David Bowie used the cards during the making of the now infamous set of albums known as the Berlin trilogy.
Simon Armitage first came across them as a student, but has never actually owned or used a pack himself. Now he sets out to tell the story of the cards, talk to some of those who've used them (across the fields of music, writing, cooking, business and more) and also find out whether the cards will take his own writing in a new direction. Among those he'll speak with are Carlos Alomar (the guitarist on those Bowie albums), user Paul Morley, chef Ian Knauer and creativity guru Professor Tudor Rickards. He'll also use the cards to try and help him track down the elusive Brian Eno himself.
Producer: Geoff Bird
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2013.
THU 15:00 Wilkie Collins - The Woman in White (b007jljf)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 today]
THU 16:00 Quote... Unquote (m000ckvr)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 today]
THU 16:30 Robin and Wendy's Wet Weekends (b008ggtc)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 today]
THU 17:00 In and Out of the Kitchen (b0680gtv)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 today]
THU 17:30 Elephant in the Room (m000rvpr)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
THU 18:00 Charles Chilton - Journey into Space (b007jqxb)
The Red Planet
19. The Fifth Column
As Lemmy and Doc master a Martian sphere - Captain Jet Morgan gets a mysterious offer of help...
Charles Chilton’s 1954 classic set in 1971.
CAST:
Jet Morgan …. Andrew Faulds
Lemmy …. David Kossoff
Doc …. Guy Kingsley Poynter
Mitch …. Bruce Beeby
John Cazabon ..... Various
Announcer/Various …. David Jacobs
Music composed and conducted by Van Phillips.
Producer: Charles Chilton
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in January 1955.
THU 18:30 Great Lives (b07875z7)
Series 39
Sudha Bhuchar chooses the life of Zohra Sehgal
She was known as 'the grand old lady of Indian cinema' who starred in many Bollywood films famous in India, but not at first in Britain. We got to know her best in her later years when Zohra Sehgal starred in the TV series – 'The Jewel in The Crown' and films such as 'Bend it like Beckham'. When interviewed aged 101 and asked what she had enjoyed most in her life she said 'Sex, sex and more sex '.
Nominating this week's Great Life is actress and playwright Sudha Bhuchar who along with the expert witness, Film Historian Lalit Mohan Joshi, tell the presenter Matthew Parris, how Sehgal broke boundaries to become the first Indian actor to have an international career.
The producer is Perminder Khatkar.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2016.
THU 19:00 Round the Horne (b00j05wj)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
THU 19:30 Living with Betty (b09gvdzc)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
THU 20:00 Robert Barr - Galbraith and the King of Diamonds (b041yksc)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
THU 20:45 Rumpole for the Defence (m000s2y8)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:45 today]
THU 21:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b07m4gls)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 on Sunday]
THU 21:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00mj16h)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:45 on Sunday]
THU 22:00 Elephant in the Room (m000rvpr)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
THU 22:30 Old Harry's Game (b007jvj6)
Series 4
Sleep
Satan has never been to sleep, so Thomas and the Professor try to give him forty winks. Devilish sitcom stars Andy Hamilton. From April 2001.
THU 23:00 Craig Brown's Lost Diaries (b00vrssk)
November and December
November & December. As winter sets in, John Prescott, Germaine Greer and Nigella Lawson's thoughts turn to home.
A second chance to hear satirist Craig Brown dip into the private lives of public figures from the 1960s to the present day.
Voiced by Jan Ravens, Alistair McGowan, Lewis McLeod, Ewan Bailey, Margaret Cabourn-Smith and Dolly Wells.
Written by Craig Brown.
Produced by Victoria Lloyd.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2010.
THU 23:30 The Headset Set (b01p0t39)
Series 2
Episode 5
Audience sketch show set in the world of a call centre called Smile5, a company that sells anything and everything. Bernie brings her dog in to the office and starts a craze.
Aleesha and other characters ..... Chizzy Akudolu
Bernie and other characters ..... Margaret-Cabourn Smith
Big Tony, Ralph and other characters ..... Colin Hoult
Sailesh, Bradley and other characters ..... Phaldut sharma
Writers ..... Various
Producer ..... Tilusha Ghelani.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2012.
FRIDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2021
FRI 00:00 Charles Chilton - Journey into Space (b007jqxb)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:00 on Thursday]
FRI 00:30 Great Lives (b07875z7)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:30 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 Robert Barr - Galbraith and the King of Diamonds (b041yksc)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:45 Rumpole for the Defence (m000s2y8)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:45 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 The Muse by Jessie Burton (b07k08xj)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:15 The Amateur Marriage by Anne Tyler (b08ljx8p)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:15 on Thursday]
FRI 02:30 Oblique Strategies (b02qncrt)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 Wilkie Collins - The Woman in White (b007jljf)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 Quote... Unquote (m000ckvr)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:30 Robin and Wendy's Wet Weekends (b008ggtc)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 In and Out of the Kitchen (b0680gtv)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 on Thursday]
FRI 05:30 Elephant in the Room (m000rvpr)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 on Thursday]
FRI 06:00 Robert Barr - Galbraith and the King of Diamonds (b042m3c2)
5. Appointment in Zurich
The 'King of Diamonds' stays in Amsterdam, whilst Galbraith chases the 'Queen of Hearts'.
A quiet retirement still eludes veteran detective Bill Galbraith. His criminal mastermind foe, Cater, sets an intricate plan in motion.
Starring Bernard Hepton as Galbraith, Richard Davies as Tom Evans, Tom Watson as Cater, Peter Dyneley as Gelder, Eva Haddon as Anne-Marie, Francis Jeater as Betty Van Druten, Peter Hawkins as Lander, Cyril Shaps as Lindemanns and Bruce Alexander as Milne.
Robert Barr also wrote TV scripts for the BBC's Z Cars and Softly Softly, as well as being a prize-winning TV producer.
Producer: John Browell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1975.
FRI 06:45 Rumpole for the Defence (m000s3nd)
Rumpole and The Boat People 2/3
The fearsome wife continues to persecute Rumpole's fat, while he delves into marital murder by the sea. Read by Leo McKern.
FRI 07:00 Rudy's Rare Records (b00xpp6b)
Series 3
"It's A Family Affair"
Father and son comedy set in the finest old-school record shop in Birmingham.
While attempting a bit of spring cleaning, Adam discovers a bundle of long lost love letters addressed to his late Mum - and they're definitely not from his Dad.
Adam ...... Lenny Henry
Rudy ...... Larrington Walker
Richie ...... Joe Jacobs
Tasha ...... Natasha Godfrey
Clifton ...... Jeffery Kissoon
Doreen ...... Claire Benedict
Written by Paula Hines
Script Edited by Danny Robins
Produced by Lucy Armitage
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2011.
FRI 07:30 Stand-Up Specials (m000s171)
Gemma Arrowsmith: Emergency Broadcast
A sketch show from The Now Show’s Gemma Arrowsmith
Gemma Arrowsmith presents a lockdown sketch show, trapped inside Broadcasting House. With Tom Crowley, Adam Courting, Hugh Dennis & Susan Harrison.
Gemma Arrowsmith, a familiar voice on The Now Show and BBC One’s Tracey Breaks the News, presents her very own sketch show, while trapped in Broadcasting House.
Written by and starring Gemma Arrowsmith, with Tom Crowley, Adam Courting, Hugh Dennis and Susan Harrison.
Produced by Victoria Lloyd
A BBC Studios Production
FRI 08:00 The Men from the Ministry (b010k3jw)
A Bird in the Hand
Chaos ensues when Sir Gregory announces he's off. And there's a parrot to look after...
A weekly tribute to all those who work in government departments.
Stars Richard Murdoch and Deryck Guyler. With Norma Ronald, John Graham and Ronald Baddiley.
Written by Edward Taylor and John Graham.
'The Men from the Ministry' ran for 14 series between 1962 and 1977. Deryck Guyler replaced Wilfrid Hyde-White from 1966. Sadly many episodes didn't survive in the archive, however the BBC's Transcription Service re-recorded 14 shows in 1980 - never broadcast in the UK, until the arrival of BBC Radio 4 Extra.
Producer: Edward Taylor
First broadcast on the BBC Radio 4 in September 1970.
FRI 08:30 Second Thoughts (b00fnfnz)
Series 2
The Rhythm of Strife
Bill and Faith bicker over her children, then his ex-wife Liza turns up...
Sitcom about the battles of divorcees Bill MacGregor and Faith Greyshott trying to forge a relationship whilst balancing the demands of his ex-wife, Liza and her teenage children, Hannah and Joe.
Stars Lynda Bellingham as Faith, James Bolam as Bill, Kelda Holmes as Hannah, Belinda Lang as Liza, Brian Bowles as Dennis and Danny Schiller as Mr Roper.
Series two of four inspired by the real lives of its writers, husband and wife Jan Etherington and Gavin Petrie.
A TV version made by LWT for ITV appeared in 1991 and ran for four series, with a spin-off ‘Faith in the Future’.
Producer: Sioned Wiliam
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1989.
FRI 09:00 Say the Word (b00764r2)
Episode 3
Frank Delaney's panel game revolving around the English language.
From the Cheltenham Festival of Literature, Gloucestershire.
With Pam Ayres, Adam Hart-Davis, Sue Limb and John Julius Norwich.
Plus resident jesters - the Nimmo Twins
Producer: Simon Elmes
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2001.
FRI 09:30 The Sit Crom (b00ly7z6)
The General Inspection
Cromwell arrives, weeps and investigates as well he might since Father Francis has donned a night shirt and taken to the roof leads singing Ave Maria.
Mercy's disguise is revealed, Father Francis is perplexed in his hole, Tobias denigrates the vegetables, Arise Higgs and his platoon are billeted on Firebasket Hall and Gazebo has lethal orders.
Sue Limb's six-part comedy set during the English Civil War.
Sir John Firebasket ...... Joss Ackland
Lady Anne Firebasket ...... Denise Coffey
Tobias Thynne ...... Clive Merrison
Mercy, alias Melissa ...... Miriam Margoyles
Father Francis ...... Nickolas Grace
Gazebo Fogg ...... Jack Klaff
Captain Arise Higgs ...... Alun Armstrong
Posthumous ...... Nicky Henson
Counter Tenor ...... Peter Hayward
Cromwell ...... Bert Parnaby
Colonel Thundery ...... Peter Howell
Music by Colin Sell.
Producer: Jonathan James-Moore
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1990.
FRI 10:00 Don Taylor - The Jacobean Box (b01gjybr)
Shakespearian academic, Brian Blake, receives a message that a large item awaits his collection at a remote northern station.
He little suspects that it could lead to his own literary immortality...
Don Taylor's drama stars Stephen Moore as Brian Blake, Peter Vaughan as the Station Master, Michelle Newell as Penelope, Steve Hodson as Ackroyd and Teresa Gallagher as Mary.
Director: Sue Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1993.
FRI 11:00 Podcast Radio Hour (m000s3nm)
Musicals
Amanda Litherland and Ella Watts discuss the best musical podcasts.
FRI 12:00 The Men from the Ministry (b010k3jw)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
FRI 12:30 Second Thoughts (b00fnfnz)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
FRI 13:00 Robert Barr - Galbraith and the King of Diamonds (b042m3c2)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
FRI 13:45 Rumpole for the Defence (m000s3nd)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:45 today]
FRI 14:00 The Muse by Jessie Burton (b07k0m84)
Episode 10
When on a summer’s day in 1967, Odelle Bastien climbs the steps of the Skelton gallery in London to take up a position as typist, she little realises how significantly her life is about to change. For there she meets the glamourous and enigmatic Marjorie Quick, who soon takes Odelle into her confidence and encourages her to pursue her dream of writing. But Odelle senses there is something that Quick is holding back, and when ‘Rufina and the Lion’, a lost Spanish masterpiece is brought to the gallery, Odelle begins to suspect that the mystery behind the painting’s origins and her mentor’s secrecy may be somehow connected.
The truth about ‘Rufina and the Lion’ lies in 1936 and a large house in rural Spain, where Olive Schloss, the daughter of renowned art dealer Harold Schloss and his beautiful but fragile wife Sarah, is harbouring artistic ambitions of her own. When artist and revolutionary Isaac Robles and his half-sister Teresa come into their lives, passion, art, and politics collide, with explosive and devastating consequences for them all.
Weaving between events in 1967 and those of 1936, a powerful story of love, obsession, identity, authenticity and deception unfolds in this highly anticipated new novel from Jessie Burton, author of the best-selling The Miniaturist.
Written by Jessie Burton
Abridged by Doreen Estall
Read by Martina Laird
Read by Jessica Raine
Produced by Heather Larmour
FRI 14:15 The Amateur Marriage by Anne Tyler (b08lk3jk)
1960, Lost and Found
By Anne Tyler dramatised by Rebecca Lenkiewicz.
Episode 5 - 1960, Lost and Found
The ragged marriage of Michael and Pauline is further strained by the extreme actions of a difficult teenage daughter.
CAST:
Pauline (older) ..... Sara Stewart
Michael (older) ..... Ian Porter
Narrator ..... Barbara Barnes
Lindy ..... Sarah Ridgeway
Cabbie ..... Nicholas Murchie
Becoming ..... Finlay Robertson
Destiny .... Chetna Pandya
Director: David Hunter
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2017
FRI 14:30 Fixing A Hole (b00b1nrb)
The life and times of the great British roadworks, and those who dig and despair of them.
Reporter Sara Parker travels from Cumbria to London via the M25 seeking those for whom a freshly-dug hole in the road is a wonder and a delight but a source of desperation for road users and dwellers.
Copenhagen Street is allegedly Britain's most dug-up thoroughfare. It's in North London, and is regularly the subject of the attentions of gas, electricity and cable TV folk who just love to trouble its tarmac. Reporter Sara Parker hails a taxi on Copenhagen Street, where its driver actually lives and feels the rock-and-roll ride across the patchwork quilt of the capital's roads with an expert's commentary in her ears. Meanwhile, in the depths of a Lake District winter, Sara goes out on call with the boys from the blackstuff as they try to keep the hilly roads from cracking in the frost and being washed away by torrents. She joins the men training to dig a decent hole at a hole-in-the-road training centre whose instructor in his spare time loves nothing more than ballroom-dancing the night away while Strictly come digging by day. And out on the M25, the cones are out in force to protect the workforce from the speeding traffic.
Produced by Simon Elmes.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2008.
FRI 15:00 Don Taylor - The Jacobean Box (b01gjybr)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 today]
FRI 16:00 Say the Word (b00764r2)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 today]
FRI 16:30 The Sit Crom (b00ly7z6)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 today]
FRI 17:00 Rudy's Rare Records (b00xpp6b)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 today]
FRI 17:30 Stand-Up Specials (m000s171)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
FRI 18:00 Charles Chilton - Journey into Space (b007jqz9)
The Red Planet
20. Return to the Moon
Captain Jet Morgan and his crew must battle to outrun the Martian Spheres in their bid to escape...
Conclusion of Charles Chilton’s 1954 classic set in 1971.
CAST:
Jet Morgan …. Andrew Faulds
Lemmy …. David Kossoff
Doc …. Guy Kingsley Poynter
Mitch …. Bruce Beeby
John Cazabon ..... Various
Announcer/Various …. David Jacobs
Music composed and conducted by Van Phillips.
Producer: Charles Chilton
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in January 1955.
FRI 18:30 Off the Page (b00j4hsc)
So Bad It's Good
Dominic Arkwright, Bidisha, Toby Young and Safraz Manzoor discuss bad taste and guilty pleasures. From March 2009.
FRI 19:00 The Men from the Ministry (b010k3jw)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
FRI 19:30 Second Thoughts (b00fnfnz)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
FRI 20:00 Robert Barr - Galbraith and the King of Diamonds (b042m3c2)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
FRI 20:45 Rumpole for the Defence (m000s3nd)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:45 today]
FRI 21:00 Podcast Radio Hour (m000s3nm)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 today]
FRI 22:00 Stand-Up Specials (m000s171)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
FRI 22:30 Alan Parker's 59 Minutes of Truth (b007jvkb)
Episode 1
The Urban Warrior clambers on to his soapbox to impart more undeniable truths to a nation crying out for direction and guidance.
The comedy and music mix includes a cure for apathy, if he can be bothered.
Written by and starring Simon Munnery.
With Peter Serafinowicz.
Producer: Aled Evans
First broadcast on BBC Radio 1 in February 1995.
FRI 23:30 Simon Evans Goes to Market (b07m7rmh)
Series 3
Marriage
Simon Evans' comedy lecture on four of the big stages that mark our journey through life and how economics is part of every one of those stages, whether we like it or not.
As always, he is joined by Financial Times columnist and presenter of Radio 4's 'More or Less', economist Tim Harford, and by financial guru and editor of Money Week, Merryn Somerset Webb.
This week Simon looks at Marriage. Is it all romance and flowers and living in harmony? Or is it in fact the most commercial of transactions, riddled with economic calculations from beginning to end. And talking of the end, what are the economic effects of divorce on the ex-happy couple?
Also on stage are Andy and Sophie who are preparing for their wedding. Simon mercilessly picks apart their every decision - from an economics point of view of course.
Special guest is Dr Maria Sironi who talks about her research paper Happiness, Housework and Gender Inequality in Europe.
Presenter: Simon Evans, with Tim Harford and Merryn Somerset Webb
Special guest: Dr Maria Sironi
Written by Simon Evans, Benjamin Partridge and Andy Wolton.
Producer: Claire Jones.