SATURDAY 20 MARCH 2021

SAT 00:00 The Spaceship (b007jvq8)
5. Enemies
The crew at last make contact with another race, but not before a minor rebellion on board.
Conclusion of the sci-fi comedy starring James Fleet.
Written by Paul Barnhill and Neil Warhurst.
In the year 2104, a fleet of research cruisers were launched into space, with every moment aboard the Really Invincible III, Macclesfield Division preserved by wall-to-wall monitoring, and transmitted back to Earth.
What you hear took place live, four years ago, 70,000 light years from home.
Captain Gordon Taylor …. James Fleet
Melissa Patterson …. Emily Joyce
Karen …. Rose Cavaliero
Stuart …. Paul Barnhill
Clive …. Neil Warhurst
Ion …. Jason Chan
The King of the Dwapeye …. Stephen Hogan
Narrator …. Nicholas Boulton
Director: Sally Avens
Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in June 2005.
SAT 00:30 Off the Page (b00l5mhs)
Vegas
Dominic Arkwright, Joe Queenan, Karen Marchbank and Michael Simkins debate the excesses and quirks of Las Vegas. From June 2009.
SAT 01:00 Paul Temple (b007w39f)
Paul Temple and the Alex Affair
8. Introducing Alex
The suave sleuth invites the key players to his home, but has he finally managed to identify the blackmailing murderer?
Francis Durbridge's thriller stars Peter Coke as Paul Temple and Marjorie Westbury as Steve in the conclusion of another intriguing case for BBC radio's smoothest investigator and his glamorous wife.
Paul Temple …. Peter Coke
Steve …. Marjorie Westbury
Sir Graham Forbes …. James Thomason
Inspector Crane …. Haydn Jones
Leo Brent …. Dennis Hawthorne
Wilfred Davis …. Basil Jones
Ricky …. Frank Henderson
Dr Kohima …. Roy Lefebvre
Mrs Trevelyan …. Barbara Mitchell
Carl Lathom …. Simon Lack
Producer: Martin C Webster
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in March 1968.
SAT 01:30 Rogue Male by Geoffrey Household (b007jr6j)
Episode 10
The fugitive is pursued through the countryside by the clever strategies of his sinister nemesis - Major Quive-Smith.
Geoffrey Household's classic British thriller was first published shortly before the outbreak of war in 1939.
Read by Michael Jayston.
Producer: David Jackson Young.
Made for BBC 7 by BBC Scotland and first broadcast in 2004.
SAT 02:00 Fingers in the Sparkle Jar by Chris Packham (b079rd1y)
Episode 5
Chris Packham concludes his painfully honest memoir. He is a confirmed outsider - almost overwhelmed – but determined to do things his way, on his terms.
Chris is a naturalist, nature photographer and author, best known for his BBC TV work.
Chris brings to life his childhood in the 1970s, moving back and forth through time, to capture recent, more exposing recollections from adulthood.
Read by Chris Packham and Rachel Atkins.
Abridged by Jo Coombs
Producer: Pippa Vaughan
A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in May 2016.
SAT 02:15 44 Scotland Street: Edinburgh for Pretenders (b07cyvjm)
Episode 5
Will Irene receive a warm welcome on her return to Edinburgh? And what of Big Lou and her political boyfriend?
Portrait painter, Angus Lordie, observes the goings on of his neighbours and friends in and around 44 Scotland Street.
Alexander McCall Smith dramatises stories from his bestselling series, 44 Scotland Street, which continues to delight readers around the world.
Angus Lordie ...... Crawford Logan
Domenica ...... Carol Ann Crawford
Irene ...... Emma Currie
Bertie ...... Simon Kerr
Olive ...... Sophie Lawrence
Big Lou ...... Anita Vettesse
Alec ...... Simon Donaldson
The New Pretender ...... David Jackson Young
Director: David Ian Neville
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2016.
SAT 02:30 Just Like That - Tommy Cooper (m000t756)
Just like that! Milton Jones celebrates the comic genius of Tommy Cooper.
The "unattractive young man" who went on to become the nation's favourite clown, despite early rejection by the BBC for his "poor diction and unpleasant manner."
Fans, friends and family also help recall the magical mayhem of Tommy Cooper.
Featuring: Michael Parkinson, Barry Cryer and Tom O’Connor.
Producer: Geoff Ballinger
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2002.
SAT 03:00 Martyn Wade - Stepniak (b00sfby9)
The bitter-sweet real-life love story of Olive Garnett (sister of the famous Russian Translator, Constance) who meets and falls for a Russian expatriate whose charms hide a secret and rather sinister past...
Written by Martyn Wade.
Olive Garnett ...... Justine Waddell
Stepniak ...... David Horovitch
Connie Garnett ...... Jennie Stoller
Fanny Stepniak ...... Elizabeth Bell
Olive Rossetti ...... Jasmine Hyde
Edward Garnett ...... Charles Simpson
Director: Cherry Cookson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2001.
SAT 04:00 It's Not What You Know (b01ckr46)
Series 1
Episode 2
"The Thick Of It" star, Rebecca Front, Fast Show actor and comedian, Simon Day, and award-winning Geordie comic, Jason Cook nominate one of their intimate circle to answer questions about their relationship, to try and prove how well they know them.
With Miles Jupp chairing – if the panel can predict the responses their nominees gave, they get points.
Rebecca thinks she knows her father, Charles Front, a retired illustrator and calligrapher, pretty well. Simon examines his relationship with best friend, Conrad Butlin, a stylist from Notting Hill in London. And Jason plumps for his mother, Pat, a recruitment consultant from Hebburn in Newcastle - and, it turns out, something of a Loose Women fan...
Producer: Sam Michell.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2012.
SAT 04:30 Fat Chance (b019fwxg)
Weigh in with Wendy
Graham joins the members of a slimming club run by Wendy Bottomley.
Jenny McDade's high-fat bittersweet five-part comedy - for those believing there's a thin person inside them begging to get out.
Graham Pitscottie ..... Gareth Corke
Wendy Bottomley ..... Janine Duvitski
Clive Bottomley ..... Michael Troughton
Soo Pitscottie ..... Anne Reid
Tina Tattersall ..... Julia Deakin
Kelly Chambers ..... Tilly Gaunt
Lee Dubs ..... Harry Myers
Mrs Enright ..... Frances Jeater
Producer: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1999.
SAT 05:00 Clare in the Community (b082hg9n)
Series 11
Fight Them on the Beaches
Clare is in charge of a day at the seaside for some elderly residents of the estate.
They turn out to be a bit more feisty than the Sparrowhawk team were expecting, which makes it tricky for Clare to impress her new student, Cilla.
Back at home, Brian is coaching Nali for a musical audition.
Sally Phillips is Clare Barker the social worker who has all the right jargon but never a practical solution.
A control freak, Clare likes nothing better than interfering in other people's lives on both a professional and personal basis. Clare is in her thirties, white, middle class and heterosexual, all of which are occasional causes of discomfort to her.
Clare continues her struggle to control both her professional and private life. In today's Big Society there are plenty of challenges out there for an involved, caring social worker. Or even Clare.
Written by Harry Venning and David Ramsden
Clare ...... Sally Phillips
Brian ...... Alex Lowe
Nali ...... Nina Conti
Ray ...... Richard Lumsden
Libby ...... Sarah Kendall
Joan ...... Sarah Thom
Mrs Singh ...... Nina Wadia
Cilla ...... Gbemisola Ikumelo
Pauline ...... Clare Perkins
Dotty ...... Alison Belbin
Geoff ...... Sean Baker
Producer: Alexandra Smith
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in November 2016.
SAT 05:30 Stand-Up Specials (m000t4ky)
Borderline: A postcard from the edge of the Union
Want to know what's really happening in a post Brexit Northern Ireland? Join comedian and presenter Patrick Kielty as he talks to the nation from his hometown of Dundrum, County Down, near the land border with the EU and overlooking the new 'Irish Sea Border'.
From pre ceasefire to post Brexit, Paddy shares his Northern Ireland experiences and is joined by a (virtual) Northern Irish audience, who have lived through the same, as he sends a postcard from the edge of the Union.
Recorded remotely in front of a virtual, Northern Irish audience.
Written and performed by Patrick Kielty.
Additional material by Lee Stuart Evans and Jon Hunter.
Produced by Claire Jones.
Executive Producer: Stephen Stewart.
Production Coordinator: Tamara Shilham.
Sound Designer: David Thomas.
A Green Inc production for BBC Radio 4
SAT 06:00 The Inspector Alleyn Mysteries (b00wwbcl)
Death and the Dancing Footman
Jonathan Royal is a man rich enough to indulge his somewhat extravagant sense of the theatrical.
But when he bizarrely throws a weekend party for guests with good reasons to loathe one another, his malicious comedy quickly turns to tragedy - leaving Chief Inspector Roderick Alleyn investigating murder...
Dame Ngaio Marsh's detective thriller stars Nigel Graham.
Dramatised by Alan Downer.
Chief Detective Inspector Roderick Alleyn ... Nigel Graham
Jonathan Royal ... Laurence Payne
Aubrey Mandrake ... Steven Pacey
Sandra Compline ... Avril Clark
William Compline ... Stuart Organ
Nicholas Compline ... Stephen Hattersley
Chloris Wynne ... Jane Leonard
Dr Francis Hart ... Alan Downer
Mme Elise Lisse ... Natasha Pyne
Lady Hersey Amblington ... Margaret Ward
Troy Alleyn ... Elaine Claxton
James Bewling ... Peter Tuddenham
Reverend Copeland ... Shaun Prendergast
Detective Inspextor Fox ... Brian Hewlett
Director: David Johnston
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1986,
SAT 07:30 Great Lives (b07cvlmd)
Series 39
Frank Turner on Joseph Grimaldi
Frank Turner chooses Joseph Grimaldi, the first celebrity of Pantomime who changed the face of Clowning forever. Matthew Parris presents, and Mattie Faint is the expert.
Grimaldi was born into a theatrical family, making his stage debut aged two dressed as a monkey and being flung around the stage on the end of a chain by his tyrannical father. The chain snapped but Grimaldi survived, making the papers and turning Grimaldi into a little celebrity. His performances as 'Clown', combining acrobatics, satire and music, made him a big draw for the crowds, and his role in 'Mother Goose' turned him into a huge star.
He developed the make-up we now associate with clowns but behind this iconic look was a man suffering from depression, extreme physical disintegration and a series of personal tragedies.
Frank Turner, former punk and now folk singer-songwriter, sees himself primarily as an entertainer and has developed an interest in Pantomime and Music Hall. For him, Grimaldi gave everything to his audiences and physically destroyed himself in the process - something he sees as honourable. He describes Grimaldi's farewell speech as one of the most beautiful eulogies to the business of being a performer.
Producer: Toby Field
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2016.
SAT 08:00 Heresy (b07cx3b9)
Series 10
Episode 3
Victoria Coren Mitchell presents another edition of the show which dares to commit heresy.
With Lee Mack, Konnie Huq and Dave Gorman.
Together they talk about CGI, Air BnB and Rupert Murdoch's marriage.
An Avalon production for BBC Radio 4 and first broadcast in June 2016.
SAT 08:30 Beachcomber... By the Way (b0085j96)
Series 1
Episode 6
The First Attempt To Reach The Moon - and a slice of Edwardian life.
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 April 1989.
SAT 09:00 Steve Punt's Hancock Cuttings (b04n61gw)
Tony Hancock fan Steve Punt presents oddities and rarities featuring the lad himself:
* BBC TV's Face To Face interview (1960)
Episode from the TV series in which John Freeman cross-examined leading personalities of the day. Here he interviews the radio and TV comedian, Tony Hancock.
* 'Ancock's Anthology – the BBC Light Programme’s Christmas Day miscellany of the comic’s favourite music, readings and an interview with Stirling Moss (25/12/1964)
* The Missing Page – the Pye Records re-recording of the TV episode (1965) On a visit to Cheam Library, the lad is appalled to be told he has some outstanding fines to pay. With Graham Stark, Clive Dunn and Frank Thornton. Written by Ray Galton & Alan Simpson.
* Educating Archie (19/10/1951)
Tony Hancock, Julie Andrews and Hattie Jacques join wisecracking schoolboy Archie Andrews. Cinema high-jinks and Dr Hancock lets Archie use his 'Wishing Chair'. Radio ventriloquism from Peter Brough. Written by Eric Sykes.
* The first ever episode of Hancock's Half Hour – 'The First Night Party' (BBC Light Programme 02/11/1954) The lad throws a launch party for his new series, but things don't quite go to plan. With Moira Lister, Bill Kerr, Sidney James, Kenneth Williams and Gerald Campion. Written by Ray Galton & Alan Simpson.
Producer: Mik Wilkojc.
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in 2014
SAT 12:00 The Unbelievable Truth (b08kttsw)
Series 18
Episode 1
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.
From sheep and islands to Steve Jobs and beans.
John Finnemore, Henning Wehn, Lou Sanders and Miles Jupp are the panellists obliged to talk with deliberate inaccuracy.
Producer: Jon Naismith
A Random Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in April 2017.
SAT 12:30 Rob Newman (b0bh5hp2)
Rob Newman's Total Eclipse of Descartes
The Inheritance
One of Britain's finest comedians Rob Newman sets his sights on the world of philosophy, unpicking 3000 years of good and bad ideas to discover how we got into this mess.
In a world gone mad can philosophy provide the answer?
In this opening episode, Rob turns the spotlight onto the philosophy of education.
Written and performed by Rob Newman
Edited by John Whitehall
Producer: Jon Harvey
Executive Producer: Richard Wilson
A Hat Trick production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in September 2018.
SAT 13:00 Archive on 4 (b08xxbt7)
The Real Summer of Love
1967 saw the so-called Summer of Love, when thousands descended on Haight Ashbury suburb in San Franciso with their flower power, wacky fashions, drugs and hippy anti-establishment message which soon spread around the world.
But what did it all mean to British people?
Historian and writer Dominic Sandbrook argues that, for the majority in Britain, the Summer of Love and even 1960s Swinging London was a party happening somewhere else.
With the economy running into trouble, Harold Wilson's government devalued the pound. All was not well in British industry, with unofficial wildcat strikes and the country's ports paralysed by a 10-week strike. Dockers like Colin Ross, his young wife and baby struggled to feed themselves. Divisions in society were evident whether, as Colin puts it, 'between the haves and have-nots' or in multi-racial communities like Brixton.
Yet the '60s brought a new sense of freedom, tolerance and colour to people's monochrome daily lives. Tourists flocked to London fashion haunts such as Carnaby Steet and, in 1967, The Beatles' Sgt Pepper was declared album of the decade while barefoot songstress Sandi Shaw won the Eurovision Song Contest.
As a pop columnist, Virginia Ironside seemed to have it all. But, as liberated as she appeared, she felt pressure from the permissive society. She had two abortions, one illegally in a Harley Street clinic.
In 1967, laws came in legalising abortion and homosexuality. The same year saw the new town Milton Keynes which, although not quite the countercultural utopia San Francisco hippies had hoped for, still represented a kind of idealism - a vision of a suburban good life in the heart of the countryside.
Producer: Sara Parker
Executive: Samir Shah
A Juniper production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in July 2017.
SAT 14:00 Tom Wrigglesworth's Hang-Ups (b04ntvv9)
Series 2
Lost and Found
When Tom makes his weekly phone call to his parents in Sheffield he discovers they've been flooded.
As his parents manage the clear up operation, Tom reflects on what is important to keep and what isn't.
With Rita May, Paul Copley and Kate Anthony.
Written by Tom Wrigglesworth and James Kettle. With Miles Jupp.
Producer: Katie Tyrrell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2014.
SAT 14:30 Bridget Christie Minds the Gap (b01r11x0)
Series 1
Episode 1
After noticing that misogyny, like shiny leggings, had made an unexpected comeback - comedian Bridget Christie wonders did it ever really go away?
In the first of her four-part stand up comedy series on the state of British feminism today, Bridget asks why feminism became a dirty word and whether the modern British woman needs it.
An incident involving a man, a smell and a well-known bookstore made her ask what place feminism has in modern Britain, whether the fight has been won or is being fought on different fronts. Plus, why did Bic launch the "Bic for Her" - a pen specifically designed for a woman's hand?
Fred MacAulay helps her remember some of the key incidents which brought her to an epiphany and a call to arms.
Producer; Alison Vernon-Smith.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2013.
SAT 15:00 Mitch Benn's Crimes Against Music (b0076yqv)
Series 3
Episode 1
Mitch attempts to break America, but is refused entry at the border for violations of the Patriot Act concerning songs mocking Dubya Bush and US foreign policy. He’s forced to play a gig in Moosebutt Canada.
Highlights include a ballad from an X-Factor hopeful and the truth behind Franz Ferdinand's musical inspiration.
Mitch Benn returns with a series of music and comedy, joined by Morrissey-obsessive Robin Ince and the Distractions.
With Kirsty Newton, Craig Campbell, Jane Perry and Tasha Baylis.
Producer: Adam Bromley.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2006.
SAT 15:30 Elvenquest (b00vy3n6)
Series 2
Episode 1
The return of the fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth. The intrepid band of Questers, led by Elven Lord, Vidar, set off once again on their search for the Sword of Asnagar which is the only thing that can free them from the tyranny of the evil Lord Darkness.
Joining Vidar on the Quest is Dean, the dwarf, Penthiselea, an Amazon warrior princess, Sam, the human, and Amis, the Chosen One (formerly Sam's dog who took human form when he arrived in Lower Earth - he alone can wield the Sword of Asnagar that will defeat Lord Darkness).
In this opening episode, the Questers are saved from near certain death by a strong and charming loner, who goes by the name of Byorthnoth the Brave. But is Byorthnoth quite what he seems? And does it really matter when he has such lovely hair?
Meanwhile, Lord Darkness is back from the Void and has discovered that he's lost his immortality...
Sam ...... Stephen Mangan
Lord Darkness ...... Alistair McGowan
Dean/Kreech ...... Kevin Eldon
Elf Lord, Vidar ...... Darren Boyd
Byorthnoth ...... Ben Miles
Amazon Princess, Penthiselea ...... Sophie Winkleman
Amis, The Chosen One ...... Dave Lamb
Producer: Sam Michell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2010.
SAT 16:00 The Inspector Alleyn Mysteries (b00wwbcl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 17:30 Great Lives (b07cvlmd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 18:00 Nightfall (m000tfcg)
Series 4
The Book of Hell
A failing publishing company receives a mysterious manuscript from a reclusive author, who happens to have been dead for two years. The book tells of a first-hand account of a soul's experience while in Hell. However, the book cannot be printed, photocopied or recorded in any way...
‘Nightfall’ was series of supernatural and horror dramas produced by Canada’s CBC Radio between July 1980 and June 1983 and went on to become one of the most popular shows in the network’s history. Over its one hundred episodes over three seasons, ‘Nightfall’ featured a mix of original stories and adaptations of classic tales.
CAST:
Gordon .... Budd Knapp
Linda Ross .... Nonnie Griffin
Andy .... Patrick Young
Mrs Yenopski …. Lynne Deragon
Pete .... Hugh Webster
The Fireman/The Waiter .... Allen Doremus
Writer: James Mavor Moore
Series Story Editor: Earl Toppings
Producer: Bill Howell
First broadcast on the CBC in March 1981.
SAT 18:30 Robert Holmes - Aliens in the Mind (b007jlt5)
1. Island Genesis
The curiosity of the inhabitants of the remote Scottish island of Luig is aroused when two strangers arrive for the funeral of the local doctor.
The two men are no strangers to each other, nor were they to the late Dr Hugh Dexter. One is Professor Curtis Lark - a flamboyant American explorer, scientist and Nobel Prize winner whose research has been in the field of telepathy and telekinesis; the other is John Cornelius - the eminent British brain surgeon.
What starts as a brief visit by two colleagues to honour an old friend quickly develops into a series of bizarre and frightening events uncovering the presence of forces unknown bent on world domination...
CAST:
John Cornelius …. Peter Cushing
Professor Curtis Lark …. Vincent Price
Minister Donald Schooler …. Henry Stamper
Mrs Kyle …. Shirley Dixon
Flora Kiery …. Sandra Clarke
Mary …. Irene Sutcliffe
Dr Hugh Dexter …. Frazer Carr
Written by Rene Basilico from an idea by Robert Holmes.
Producer: John Dyas
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1977.
SAT 19:00 Steve Punt's Hancock Cuttings (b04n61gw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 22:00 Bridget Christie Minds the Gap (b01r5s2l)
Series 1
Episode 2
Bridget considers women and their day-to-day relationships with each other, via an organic herb puff snack, a church pew and a bag of dirty laundry.
Fred MacAulay helps her remember some of the key incidents which brought her to an epiphany and a call to arms.
Four-part stand-up comedy series on the state of British feminism today, Bridget asks why feminism became a dirty word and whether the modern British woman needs it.
Producer; Alison Vernon-Smith and Alexandra Smith.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2013.
SAT 22:30 Elastic Planet (b007k3h0)
The Hair
A documentary maker films endangered hairstyles.
Oliver Postgate narrates a stream of bizarre coincidences in Ben Moor’s cosmic comedy of connections.
With Dan Strauss, Doon Mackichan, Kerry Shale, Michael Troughton, Ben Moor and Alexander Armstrong.
Producer: Jon Naismith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1995.
SAT 22:45 We Know Everything (b08646s7)
Episode 6
Does colour exist or is it a pigment of our imagination? Dan Gaster and Paul Powell tackle audience quirky questions. From 1995.
SAT 23:00 It's Jocelyn (b06tvbz1)
Series 1
Episode 2
A raft of fresh new characters from Jocelyn including a terrible shop assistant, a pair of terrible bedroom DJ's and an old lady obsessed with dying.
Jocelyn vents her frustration at the world around her through sketches and stand-up. From pedantic dinner dates to coping with annoying friends, Jocelyn's life provides a rich seam of humour.
Jocelyn Jee Esien is delighted to be joined in the cast by Curtis Walker, Ninia Benjamin and Kevin J.
Producer: John Pocock
A BBC Radio Comedy production first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2016.
SAT 23:30 World of Pub (b007jpby)
Series 2
Episode 1
Dodgy Phil comes up with another scheme to fill Barry and Garry's East End boozer with punters.
Tony Roche 's four-part comedy starring John Thomson as Dodgy Phil, Phil Cornwell as Barry, Alistair McGowan as Garry, Debra Stephenson and Simon Greenall.
Special effects: Carl Phillips and Nick Romero.
Music: Bill Bailey
Producer: Jane Berthoud
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1999