SATURDAY 28 AUGUST 2021

SAT 00:00 The Coma by Alex Garland (b007jtwc)
5. Stimulus
Fear of never waking up turns to fear of waking up, as Carl starts to stir from his coma.
Alex Garland's surreal fantasy explores the lucid, but powerless workings of the mind of Carl, who is in a coma following a violent assault
It plays tricks on both the story's protagonist and the listener.
Concluded by Tom Goodman-Hill.
Producer: Gemma Jenkins
Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in December 2004.
SAT 00:30 Off the Page (b011jvyx)
Foreign
When did you first notice that not everyone was like you?
For American satirist Joe Queenan, growing up in an Irish American neighbourhood of Philadelphia, it was the moment he walked into an Italian cheese shop.
Poet Elvis MacGonagall, sole resident of the Graceland caravan park outside Dundee, dodges the question by writing a brilliant poem that rhymes foreign with sporran.
And Amanda Mitchison recounts an episode in a Cairo market where she was continually short-changed in her efforts to buy chicken breast. In short, she says, to be foreign is always to be the fool, unsure how to dress, to speak, and to buy a decent piece of chicken.
New writing and discussion on the subject of Foreign, what it means and why it matters.
Chaired by Dominic Arkwright.
Producer: Miles Warde
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2011.
SAT 01:00 Mark Tavener - High Table, Lower Orders (b00h9t26)
Series 2
Episode 4
One of the students has confessed to murder, but Simon is not convinced he's guilty.
But the investigation is put on hold when Simon finds himself debating against a Government minister about modernisation.
Mark Tavener's comedy thriller set in a Cambridge College riven by argument between traditionalists and modernisers.
Gilbert …. Geoffrey Palmer
Simon …. Samuel West
Zoe …. Sharon Small
Bernard …. Jonathan Coy
The Dean …. Michael Maloney
With Stephen Hogan, Michelle Fairley and David Bannerman
Producer: Dawn Ellis
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2006.
SAT 01:30 Who Killed Zebedee? by Wilkie Collins (b007jq12)
Episode 2
With just days to live, a Victorian policeman continues his final confession from his death bed.
Mystery still surrounded the brutal murder of John Zebedee.
The constable recalls his determination to solve the case when the rest of the police force had given up.
Detective story by Wilkie Collins, first published in 1881.
Concluded by Ronald Pickup
Producer: Joanne Reardon
Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in October 2003.
SAT 02:00 Keeping On Keeping On by Alan Bennett (b080j3fp)
2009
Looking back to 2009 - Alan presents writings to the Bodleian Library and describes the long process of finding a sound effect for WH Auden breaking wind.
More unique observations, recollections and reminiscences as author, playwright and author Alan Bennett reads extracts from the third collection of his diaries.
Covering the years 2005 to 2014, it proved to be a packed decade.
Abridged and produced by Gordon House.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2016.
SAT 02:15 Jane Austen (b085yyzf)
Northanger Abbey
Episode 10
Catherine returns to her home after her abrupt dismissal from Northanger Abbey.
Will she ever know what she did wrong and more importantly will she ever see Henry Tilney again?
The conclusion of Jane Austen's satire poking fun at the popular sensationalist fiction of the day.
Catherine ..... Georgia Groome
Henry ..... Luke Thompson
Mrs Morland ..... Alison Belbin
Mr Morland ..... John Bowler
Harriet ..... Keziah Joseph
George ..... Luke MacGregor
The Book ..... Miriam Margolyes
Dramatised by Hattie Naylor.
Director: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2016.
SAT 02:30 The Stationery Cupboard (b01cks4c)
Lucy Mangan loves pens...and paper...and folders.
In fact, from her first fountain pen to the latest leather notebook, Lucy has been thrilled by the smell and feel of fresh stationery. Of course, she's not alone - one of the most popular luxuries for BBC Radio’s Desert Island Discs castaways is pen and paper.
Meet fellow devotees of the paraphernalia of school and office life, as Lucy goes back to her South London junior school to talk to children about pencil cases.
She also meets writers to discuss the merits of the 1920s typewriter, a sleek laptop, and a pile of lined A5 notebooks.
Psychologist Linda Blair explores our attachment to particular designs, and members of the Writing Equipment Society explain why happiness is a collection of 2,000 fountain pens.
Producer: Chris Ledgard
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2012.
SAT 03:00 Marcy Kahan - Killing Katerina (m0001csh)
What do you do when the friend you adore marries a woman you cannot abide?
You joke about thugs and abduction. And then you meet a thug...
Marcy Kahan's urbane comedy of unpleasant manners.
Sally ... Jane Bertlsh
Anthony .... Paul Bhattacharjee
Rory ... Mark Bonnar
Max ... Kerry Shale
Colette ... Emily Raymond
Penelope ... Eleanor Bron
Edgar ... David de Keyser
Producer: Marion Nancarrow
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2001.
SAT 04:00 The Food Quiz (b0728z3b)
Series 1
Episode 4
Jay Rayner puts well-known gastronomes through their culinary paces.
On the menu:
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall
Heston Blumenthal
Jekka McVicar
Clarissa Dickson Wright
Producer: Rebecca Wells
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2003.
SAT 04:30 Ballylenon (b007jvg9)
Series 3
Episode 1
It's time for the Tidy Village Competition, but the inevitable factions emerge.
Series set in the sleepy town of Ballylenon, Co Donegal, in 1955, before the days of mass tourism and proper plumbing in every home.
Written by Christopher Fitz-Simon.
T McKenna ...... Phonsie Doherty
Stella McCusker ...... Vera McConkey
Margaret D'Arcy ...... Muriel McConkey
Aine McCartney ...... Vivienne Boal
Gerard McSorley ...... Stumpy Bonnar
John Hewitt ...... Guard Gallagher
Charlie Bonnar ...... Parky McGoldrick
Music arranged and performed by Stephanie Hughes.
Director: Eoin O'Callaghan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1996.
SAT 05:00 The Wilsons Save the World (m0003cnp)
Series 2
Live Forever
Spurred on by the notoriously anti-environment neighbour ‘BMW Paul’ and his apparent saintly U-turn on plastics and waste, Mike lays down a no-plastic challenge to the family which is taken up with competitive relish.
Meanwhile Max’s Mum Pauline pays another visit and dishes out a heap of straight-talking common sense in her own inimitable way.
It turns out that the purpose of her visit is to drop another bombshell which sends Max reeling and forces her to confront a number of difficult issues head on.
Sitcom about trying to live ethically and do the right thing.
Written by Marcus Brigstocke and Sarah Morgan.
Mike…Marcus Brigstocke
Max…Kerry Godliman
Cat..Mia Jenkins
Lola…India Brown
Pauline...Liza Tarbuck
BMW Paul…Mike Wozniak
Producer: Julia McKenzie
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in March 2019.
SAT 05:30 Michael Frayn's Magic Mobile (m000j94k)
Episode 2
A second folder of entertaining files from genius comic writer Michael Frayn. A stellar cast includes Joanna Lumley, David Suchet, Susannah Fielding, George Blagden, Jared Harris, Lisa Dillon, Martin Jarvis.
Does your heart sink when asked to ‘listen to the following three options’? Enjoy racy promos of the newest versions of a Jane Austen classic! A filmed documentary dares to ask ‘What is Truth?' Why do we get so enraged with the latest technology? And gorgeous young tv personality Melinda Twinkling presents a reminder of old-school viewing.
CAST:
Joanna Lumley, David Suchet, Susannah Fielding, George Blagden, Jared Harris, Lisa Dillon, Roger Allam, Nigel Anthony, Anna-Louise Plowman, Moira Quirk, Matthew Wolf, Martin Jarvis
Writer: Michael Frayn
Producer: Rosalind Ayres
Director: Martin Jarvis
A Jarvis & Ayres production for BBC Radio 4
SAT 06:00 Raymond Massey - Hanging Judge (m0002c9p)
A prominent judge unyieldingly believes the British judicial system is infallible regarding capital punishment.
But after sentencing a prisoner to death, Sir Francis Brittain is revealed to be leading a dark double-life and is set to be "hoist with his own petard"...
Starring Boris Karloff.
Set between the two world wars. The last hangings were to take place in the United Kingdom in 1964.
Written by actor Raymond Massey - based on Bruce Hamilton’s novel, adapted by John Richmond.
Sir Francis Brittain .... Boris Karloff
Sir George Sidney MCMP …. Hugh Manning
Keith Nottingham KC …. Duncan McIntyre
Miles Lamprey KC …. Howieson Culff
Sir Ronald Pond …. Robert Webber
Colonel George Archer …. Richard Williams
Major the Rt. Hon. Gilbert West …. Norman Claridge
John Teal …. John T. St Barry
Mary Reddish …. Gabrielle Blunt
Roberts …. Richard Hutton
Other parts played by:
Geoffrey Bond
John Cazabon
Brian Hayes
Peter Hoar
Arthur Lawrence
Stanley Mackenzie
Tony Quinn
Boris Karloff (1887-1969) came to fame as the monster in James Whale's 1931 version of ‘Frankenstein’ for Universal Pictures.
He went on to star in many horror films.
Producer: Cleland Finn.
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in December 1953.
SAT 07:30 Great Lives (b01mqpgh)
Series 28
George Orwell
Whilst at school, a young Alan Johnson was given some money by a teacher and told to go and buy four copies of any book for the school library. He headed down the Kings Road in Chelsea, stopping only for a sly cigarette along the way. Having already read 'Animal Farm', he picked 'Keep the Aspidistra Flying' and yearned for the life of lead character Gordon Comstock.
Former Home Secretary Alan Johnson tells Matthew Parris, why Orwell was crucial to his education and political development.
But he's surprised to learn that Orwell is not on the National Curriculum, and insists that Orwell would have hated ID cards.
With Jean Seaton, Professor of Media History at the University of Westminster and Chair of the Orwell Prize.
Producers: Beatrice Fenton and Toby Field.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2012.
SAT 08:00 Whispers (b007k2zk)
Series 2
Episode 3
Which scandal would the panelist like to be involved with..?
Gyles Brandreth hosts the quiz show with scandal on its mind and slander at its heart.
Simon Fanshawe and Charles Collingwood join team captains Lucy Moore and Anthony Holden to run the gauntlet of gossip.
Producer: Elizabeth Freestone
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2004.
SAT 08:30 Snap (b012h9lq)
Series 3
Episode 1
After 16 years of marriage and one year of divorce, Doug and Molly Brownridge are attempting to rekindle their relationship.
But it’s not easy with two teenage kids embarking on their first romances and Doug's mum dating men like there's no tomorrow...
The return of Paul Mendelson’s sitcom about life for a couple after they've split.
Molly ....... Rebecca Lacey
Doug ....... Paul Venables
Kaz ....... Soumaya Keynes
Ryan ....... Jessie Sullivan
Annie ....... Marlene Sidaway
Dawn ....... Robin Weaver
Raymond ...... Jonathan Tafler
Producer: David Ian Neville
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2005.
SAT 09:00 Horne of Plenty: Beyond Our Ken to Round The Horne (b007k2b6)
The fascinating inside story behind two of BBC radio's all-time favourite comedies: 'Beyond Our Ken' and 'Round the Horne'.
Presented by a former BBC Head of Radio Light Entertainment, Jonathan James-Moore
Featuring cast members: Ron Moody and Bill Pertwee. Plus, the son of Beyond Our Ken scriptwriter Eric Merriman - Andy Merriman, Lyn Took - who was married to Barry Took, writer for both series – and the last surviving Round The Horne scriptwriter, Brian Cooke.
Extracts from Kenneth Williams diaries are read by David Benson.
Beyond Our Ken ran for 7 series, while Round The Horne ran for 4.
Hear the very first and last editions of both series starring:
Kenneth Horne
Kenneth Williams
Hugh Paddick
Betty Marsden
Bill Pertwee
Ron Moody
Stanley Unwin
Douglas Smith
The FIRST Beyond Our Ken - 1st July 1958:
Kenneth Horne’s diary, poking fun at tax bills and Horn-o-rama.
The LAST Beyond Our Ken - 16th July 1964:
Kenneth Horne’s week, Horn-o-rama and Drama of the Week
The FIRST Round the Horne - 7th March 1965:
Trends, the BBC's Backroom Boys and part one of 'The Clissold Saga'.
The LAST Round The Horne - 9th June 1968:
Nobody knew it was the last show, but a surprise was in store for Julian and Sandy
Producer: Peter Reed
Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in May 2004.
SAT 12:00 It's Your Round (b00yjs4p)
Series 1
Episode 1
It's the comedy panel show with no format!
Let battle commence in the games each brought along by the panellists:
Rufus Hound
Miles Jupp
Sara Pascoe
Adam Hills
Stand by for "Them Next Door", "What Does My Dad Know?", "Come To Romford!" and "Newspaper Headline or Cryptic Crossword Clue".
All are untried, untested and unpredictable so it could all end in disaster.
Angus Deayton valiantly tries to keep the show together.
Written by: Angus Deayton, Ged Parsons and Paul Powell
Devised by Benjamin Partridge.
Producer: Sam Michell.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2011.
SAT 12:30 The Tim Vine Chat Show (b0bfydgm)
Summer Extra Special 2018
Tim Vine brings his own brand of sunshine to the radio with the "SummerTim Special" of his acclaimed Chat Show.
From the famous Pavilion Theatre on Cromer Pier.
Seaside one-liners and songs abound as Tim rolls up his trousers, has a paddle and talks at crossed porpoises with the people of Norfolk.
Featuring a man with an interesting collecting hobby and a song about a metronome.
Producer: Richard Morris
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2018.
SAT 13:00 Archive on 4 (b09vx0db)
Disinformation: A User's Guide
What if there was never a 'Truth' era before 'Post-Truth'?
Phil Tinline mines the archives to trace the story of 'disinformation' - navigating the slippery history of such incidents as the Zinoviev Letter, the Reichstag Fire, the Moscow Trials, the allegations that the US used germ warfare in the Korean War, British operations in Northern Ireland and the CIA's attempt at a pornographic movie.
He tracks the origins of disinformation to struggles between Tsarists and revolutionaries in pre- and post-Revolutionary Russia - a period which produced the notorious forgery The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, which was championed by the Nazis. It was a milieu that shaped the Bolsheviks' ruthless approach to information and disinformation - a mindset they carried with them from the underground to the Kremlin.
Amid the rise of totalitarianism, leading thinkers on left and right alike were worrying about the 'End of Truth' over 70 years before today's furores. Anxiety about truth and its enemies seems to flare up at times when orthodoxies are falling apart - political uncertainty is rife and people become unusually open to the comforting certainty of extreme ideas.
So - if 'fake news' is not as new as advertised, might we have something to learn from this history? Phil uses this long history of deliberate attacks on truth to identify tricks and techniques that are still in use today, drawing on the expertise of Lawrence Bittman, the ex-deputy chief of the Czechoslovak disinformation department.
Speakers include: Gill Bennett, Lawrence Bittman, Richard Evans, Peter Pomeranzev, Robert Service, Lyndsey Stonebridge, Calder Walton, Kathryn Weathersby
Producer: Phil Tinline
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March, then updated for repeat in September 2018.
SAT 14:00 Old Harry's Game (b00w0d8p)
Series 6
Edith
An eminent historian arrives in the infernal kingdom and Satan strikes a bizarre bargain with her.
Andy Hamilton’s devilishly funny sitcom set in Hell.
Satan …. Andy Hamilton
Edith …. Annette Crosbie
Thomas …. Jimmy Mulville
Scumspawn …. Robert Duncan
Other characters played by Michael Fenton Stevens, Philip Pope and Felicity Montagu
Producer Paul Mayhew-Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2007.
SAT 14:30 Sisters (b08wn2jr)
Series 2
Blackout
Susan and Fiona are grown up sisters who live together. But that's all they have in common.
Written by Susan Calman.
Their flat is plunged into darkness from a power cut. Next door neighbour and token family member, Blake doesn't provide the necessary support as he’s preoccupied with selling something special online.
As the darkness continues, fear of intruders and speculation about paranormal activity take hold and all three descend into a world of paranoia and mutual suspicion. It's a situation exacerbated by the fact that Susan is harbouring a stray cat and is very keen that Fiona doesn't discover this - especially as Fiona is violently allergic to pets of any description
Susan ...... Susan Calman
Fiona ...... Ashley Jensen
Blake ...... Nick Helm
Producer Paul Schlesinger
A Hat Trick production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in July 2017.
SAT 15:00 Armando Iannucci (b007jzbt)
Series 2
Episode 1
From world religious strife to greeting cards and crank calls.
Armando lannucci hosts wry comical discussion, sketches and music.
With:
Rebecca Front
David Schneider
Richard Herring
Written by Armando Iannucci, Peter Baynham, Richard Herring, Stewart Lee and Ben Moor.
Producer: Sarah Smith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 1 in March 1994.
SAT 16:00 Raymond Massey - Hanging Judge (m0002c9p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 17:30 Great Lives (b01mqpgh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 18:00 The Prisoner (m0001f2x)
Series 1
1. Departure and Arrival - Part 1/2
After quitting his post, secret agent ZM73 wakes up imprisoned in a bizarre village with a new identity.
Under constant surveillance, Number 6 can trust no-one and relentlessly works to establish who his captors are, a seemingly impossible task when the most senior figure he encounters – Number 2 – changes frequently...
ZM73/Number 6 …. Mark Elstob
Number 2 …. John Standing
Number 9 …. Sara Powell
The Village Voice …. Helen Goldwyn
Zero Two Six …. Sarah Mowat
Control …. Jim Barclay
Number 34 …. Barnaby Edwards
Music: Jamie Robertson
Script Editor: Jamie Anderson
Written and directed by Nicholas Briggs.
The original 17 episode TV series of ‘The Prisoner’ created intrigue and controversy in equal measure when it first aired in the UK in 1967.
In a taut psychological spy thriller the main character, dehumanised as ‘Number 6’, has committed no crime, save for having resigned from some unspecified branch of the British Secret Service. His prison is a heavily guarded, ornate coastal village.
A Big Finish Production - based on the classic ITV series - released in August 2015.
SAT 18:45 At The Pit's Mouth by Rudyard Kipling (b03y00mj)
Set in India during the British Raj - a man rides out with his married lover.
Brian Gear reads Rudyard Kipling's cautionary short tale.
Producer Viv Beeby
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1996.
SAT 19:00 Horne of Plenty: Beyond Our Ken to Round The Horne (b007k2b6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 22:00 Ross Noble Goes Global (b007jvsn)
Series 1
South Africa
Ross Noble continues his comedy travelogues in South Africa.
He entertains the locals with his unique brand of stand-up
Plus, he tries to climb Table Mountain and discovers that Cape Town has some very posh monkeys....
Producer: Danny Wallace
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2002.
SAT 22:30 Elvenquest (b017mwrv)
Series 4
Queen Eleanor
The noble Questers set off once again to find the Sword of Asnagar, the only thing that can rid Lower Earth from the tyranny of the evil Lord Darkness.
Their search brings them to the kingdom of Premenstrua, where they defeat a band of trolls that have been terrorising the land. As a reward for their heroism, they are offered the Sword of Asnagar by its grateful ruler, Queen Eleanor. But before it's placed in their hands, they must first get her a birthday present...
Meanwhile, Kreech tries to convince Lord Darkness that what he needs to help him maintain eternal dominion over Lower Earth is a personal assistant.
Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto
Vidar - Darren Boyd
Queen Eleanor - Louise Delamere
Dean/Kreech - Kevin Eldon
Amis - Dave Lamb
Sam - Stephen Mangan
Lord Darkness - Alistair McGowan
Penthiselea - Ingrid Oliver
Producer: Sam Michell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2013.
SAT 23:00 The Lawrence Sweeney Mix (b00k9pcb)
Series 1
Episode 2
Lover's Leap, a Moon expedition - and so much more!
Josie Lawrence and Jim Sweeney make it up as they go along!
Faced with a live studio audience and a couple of microphones - the masters of improve create sketches from shouted out suggestions.
Producer: Dawn Ellis
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2007.
SAT 23:30 Armstrong and Miller (b007k3f2)
Episode 4
School band memories, and a town planning thriller.
Sketches and songs with Ben Miller and Alexander Armstrong in their first series for radio.
With:
Samuel West
Tony Gardiner
Written by Ben Miller and Alexander Armstrong.
Producer: Gareth Edwards
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1998.
SAT 23:45 The Pin (b07wgj2v)
Series 2
Evolution
The Pin are out to evolve - which means new features (and new total misunderstandings about how existence works).
Strap in for a 15-minute delve into a world of oddness performed in front of a live studio audience.
The Pin are an award-winning comedy duo, and legends of Edinburgh festival. They deconstruct the sketch form, in a show that exists somewhere between razor-sharp smartness and utterly joyous silliness.
Written by Ben Ashenden and Alex Owen
Performed by:
Ben Ashenden
Alex Owen
Leila Hoffman
Tahj Miles
Producer: Sam Bryant
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2016.


SUNDAY 29 AUGUST 2021

SUN 00:00 The Prisoner (m0001f2x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Saturday]
SUN 00:45 At The Pit's Mouth by Rudyard Kipling (b03y00mj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:45 on Saturday]
SUN 01:00 Archive on 4 (b09vx0db)
[Repeat of broadcast at 13:00 on Saturday]
SUN 02:00 Old Harry's Game (b00w0d8p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Saturday]
SUN 02:30 Sisters (b08wn2jr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Saturday]
SUN 03:00 Armando Iannucci (b007jzbt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Saturday]
SUN 04:00 Raymond Massey - Hanging Judge (m0002c9p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]
SUN 05:30 Great Lives (b01mqpgh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Saturday]
SUN 06:00 Keeping On Keeping On (Omnibus) (b0813ldr)
1. 2005-2009
Writer Alan Bennett reads extracts from the third collection of his diaries.
Starting in 2005 - his play 'The History Boys' has its last production at the National Theatre and Alan laments the many abandoned pieces he has written.
Covering the years 2005 to 2014, the diaries cover a packed decade that included writing four highly-acclaimed plays – 'The Habit of Art', ‘People’, ‘Hymn’ and ‘Cocktail Sticks’, all of which premiered at the National Theatre – as well as the screenplays for the hit films of ‘The History Boys’ and ‘’The Lady in the Van’.
In addition, Alan reflects on 25 years of friendship and collaboration with director Nicholas Hytner, life with his partner Rupert Thomas and, radical views notwithstanding, his status as ‘kindly, cosy and essentially harmless’ – a view which these diaries do their best to disprove.
Alan’s previous diary collections are 'Writing Home' and 'Untold Stories'.
Omnibus of the five of ten parts covering 2005 - 2009.
Abridged and produced by Gordon House.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2016.
SUN 07:10 Inheritance Tracks (m0001cs5)
Akram Khan
Renowned dancer and choreographer Akram Khan chooses ‘Mera Joota Hai Japani’ by Mukesh and ‘Spiegel Im Spiegel’ by Arvo Pärt.
First broadcast in Saturday Live in October 2018.
SUN 07:20 Jane Austen (b087kz86)
Northanger Abbey (Omnibus)
Episode 2
Henry Tilney enraptures Catherine with his tall tales of the gothic mysteries of his home Northanger Abbey but it's not long before Catherine begins to suspect there may be an element of truth in them.
First published in 1817, Jane Austen's satire pokes fun at the popular sensationalist fiction of the day.
Omnibus of the last five of ten parts dramatised by Hattie Naylor
Catherine ..... Georgia Groome
John ..... Stephen Wight
Isabella ..... Ainsley Howard
Mrs Allen ..... Tracey Wiles
Mr Allen ..... Kim Wall
Henry ..... Luke Thompson
James ..... Finlay Robertson
The Book ..... Miriam Margolyes
Director: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2016.
SUN 08:30 Doctor at Large (b009544m)
Women on Board
The misadventures of newly qualified doctor, Simon Sparrow. Sparrow takes a shine to the company chairman's daughter.
Starring Richard Briers
Adapted for radio by Ray Cooney from Richard Gordon's 'Doctor at Large' published in 1955.
Simon Sparrow..........................Richard Briers
Sir Lancelot Spratt……………..Geoffrey Sumner
Jock Hornby……………………….Ray Cooney
Easter…………………………………Peter Jones
Edna Swithenbank…………….Joan Sanderson
Wendy Swithenbank………….Norma Ronald
Producer: David Hatch
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1969.
SUN 09:00 Not in Front of the Children (b08fsg00)
Series 2
Unemployment Problem
As the consequences of Henry's rash resignation sink in, Jennifer has a bright idea.
Starring Wendy Craig as Jennifer Corner, Francis Matthews as Henry Corner, Charlotte Mitchell as Mary, Roberta Tovey as Trudi, Jill Riddick as Amanda, Paul Whitsun-Jones as Mr Wrigley, Gwenda Wilson as Pam and Richard Waring as Harrison.
The second series of comedy mishaps of the Corner family: Jennifer and Henry and their three children Trudi, Amanda and Robin. Not in Front of the Children originally ran for four series from 1967 to 1970 on BBC TV. Richard Waring adapted his own scripts for this radio version, now fully restored from the original reel-to-reel tapes.
Wendy Craig won a Best Actress BAFTA award for the TV version of Not in Front of the Children in 1969. This was the first of several housewife roles that Wendy Craig was to play on television. Later series included And Mother Makes Three/Five and Butterflies.
Music by Ronnie Hazlehurst
Producer: Trafford Whitelock.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in November 1970.
SUN 09:30 The Wilsons Save the World (m0003cnp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 on Saturday]
SUN 10:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m000z61q)
Poets
Ian McMillan
Kirsty Young's castaway is the poet and broadcaster Ian McMillan.
Thirty years ago he was working in a factory gluing together tennis ball halves. Then he got a grant, chucked in his job and devoted himself to writing and performing.
These days he's known as the Bard of Barnsley and his appeal stretches from the terraces of his local football club to the balcony of the London Coliseum... he is poet in residence at both Barnsley FC and the English National Opera...
He still lives in the village where he was born and he considers and analyses British culture from his very particular vantage point in south Yorkshire.
He says: "You can do the universal in the local, I always think. You can see all the changes that have happened all over the world in the 20th and 21st centuries in microcosm."
Producer: Leanne Buckle
Record: 4' 33" - John Cage
Book: The Long and The Short of It: Poems 1955-2005 by Roy Fisher
Luxury: A tandem bike with wooden models of his family on the front
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2010.
SUN 10:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b010t6c0)
Series 2
Butterflies
When massing for their winter torpor in Mexico, the pine trees laden with Monarch Butterflies are one of the most mystical and magical places to be.
David Attenborough is one of many naturalists, writers and broadcasters to marvel at this species migration feat and the spectacle of their over wintering - one of the natural wonders of the world.
David guides us through the butterfly's migration to Canada from Mexico - and back again - gently unpacking their natural history and wonder. And he immerses us in other butterfly congregations during filming trips over the years - but in a clever twist brings us back to his garden with an intriguing thought about the evolution of butterfly behaviour.
Written and presented by David Attenborough
Producer: Julian Hector.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2011.
SUN 11:00 The Moth Radio Hour (m000z61s)
Stuck!
True stories told live in the USA: Sarah Austin Jenness introduces tales about being stuck in thoughts, places and situations.
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 (m0001cs5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:10 today]
SUN 12:00 Poetry Extra (m000z61v)
Charles Causley and Robert Frost
Poet Daljit Nagra revisits the BBC's poetry archive and selects Time for Verse featuring Charles Causley plus a rare interview with Robert Frost by C Day Lewis.
Time For Verse: Charles Causley [3/5 – R4, 20/1/1988]
The third of five programmes in which George MacBeth interviews Charles Causley about his life and poetry.
Poems – “Death Of A Poet”; “Ten Types Of Hospital Visitor”.
Reader - Michael Deacon
Producer - Alec Reid
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1988.
Robert Frost
Robert Frost visited this country during the summer to receive honorary degrees from the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. While here he recorded this conversation on poetry with C. Day Lewis.
First broadcast on the Third Programme in September 1957.
SUN 12:30 John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme (b09nxzn7)
Series 7
Episode 4
John Finnemore presents another half hour of his award-winning sketch show, joined by his regular ensemble cast of Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Simon Kane, Lawry Lewin and Carrie Quinlan.
This week, an established Radio 4 programme gets a brand new theme tune, and we get a tutorial to the world's most complicated game. Also, Patsy Straightwoman asks someone very old to tell her more and, well... Since you ask John for a 'howdy, partner'...
Written by & starring ... John Finnemore
Original music composed by ... Susannah Pearse
Piano ... Susannah Pearse
Cello ... Sally Stares
Production Coordinator ... Beverly Tagg
Producer ... Ed Morrish
A BBC Studios production first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2018.
SUN 13:00 Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (Omnibus) (b08wz6rl)
Episode 1
Fahrenheit 451 is the temperature at which paper burns.
It's Guy Montag's job to know these things: he's a fireman and he burns books for a living. He loves his job doing this service for the public, but he is not happy. As his life unravels he begins to question all his beliefs.
Ray Bradbury's cult classic was first published in 1953 but it imagines a world very like 2017, in which sophisticated mass media are used to pacify and control people; love is a commodity; attention spans are short and police hunts are live entertainment.
Poetic, dazzling and shocking: Ray Bradbury's vision of the future has become terrifyingly familiar.
Read by Alex Jennings.
Omnibus of the first five of ten parts abridged by Sara Davies.
Music: 'Stitch' from the album Bella by PT-1, on Bandcamp.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2017.
SUN 14:10 Inheritance Tracks (b0b49j2n)
Gail Porter
TV presenter Gail Porter chooses 'Wish You Were Here' by Pink Floyd and 'When Doves Cry' by Prince.
SUN 14:20 How Does That Make You Feel? (b09z6205)
Series 9 (Omnibus)
For several months, MP Richard Fallon has managed to avoid scandal and humiliation, but as ever he is desperate to strike a balance between peace and stability and his craving for recognition.
And so alarm bells start ringing when he reveals to his therapist Martha - in total secrecy - that he has had an approach from a popular reality TV show...
The ninth series by Shelagh Stephenson, starring Roger Allam as Richard Fallon and Frances Tomelty as Martha.
Director: Eoin O'Callaghan
First broadcast in 5 parts on BBC Radio 4 in 2018.
SUN 15:30 Going To Pieces In The Box (b00p61zg)
More art - typically sentimental, traditional art - has made its way into more homes via the jigsaw puzzle than virtually any other medium.
While it has since become the purveyor of comforting landscapes to the masses, it started life as an educational tool championed by the likes of philosopher John Locke.
In 1760 London mapmaker John Spilsbury mounted one of his maps on hardboard and cut into pieces to help children learn geography. "Going to Pieces in the Box" will tell the story of how, since then, it has become such a core feature of childhoods across the world.
Janet Ellis hears how jigsaws hit their first major peak in the Great Depression, when 10,000,000 a week sold to families looking for cheap pastimes and how they were used by immigration officers on Ellis Island to determine who should be allowed in to the land of the free.
Plus an exploration of how popular culture has flirted with the jigsaw, in novels and films as diverse as "Mansfield Park", "Citizen Kane" and most powerfully Perek's novel "Life: A User's Manual"
Academics and enthusiasts such as Margaret Drabble help to explain the jigsaw's great allure.
This colourful and lively feature will show how jigsaws continue to be incredibly popular, having evolved into 3D puzzles and of course made their way onto the internet, where no young children's games site is without one.
Presenter: Janet Ellis
Producer: Geoff Bird
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2009.
SUN 16:00 Chrissie Gittins - Life Assurance (m0004ljx)
The Black Widows of Liverpool caused a national sensation in 1884.
Catherine Flanagan and her sister Margaret Higgins, were front page news, there were questions in Parliament and their wax images were in Madame Tussaud's. So how did these ordinary women come to accept murder at the heart of their community?
Catherine Flanagan .... Sorcha Cusack
Ellen Flanagan .... Gillian Kearney
Mrs Hoare .... Jan Ravens
Margaret Higgins .... Anny Tobin
Thomas Higgins .... Stephen Hiogan
Patrick Jennings .... Nicholas Boulton
Inspector Keighley .... Robert Hastie
Dr Whitford .... Hugh Dickson
Mrs Stanton .... Susan Jameson
Written by Chrissie Gittins
Director: Claire Grove
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2005.
SUN 17:00 Poetry Extra (m000z61v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:00 today]
SUN 17:30 John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme (b09nxzn7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:30 today]
SUN 18:00 Nick Warburton - Fridays When It Rains (b00770q3)
A girl on a late night train journey meets a man with a strange tale to tell.
Nick Warburton's ghostly drama is set in the age of steam railways.
Starring Clive Swift as Dove and Lyndsey Marshal as Connie.
Director: Claire Grove
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2008.
SUN 18:45 Get Carter: The Bloody Chamber (b0bkv4f1)
The Company of Wolves
Five stories to gobble you up. From Angela Carter's iconic collection of fairy stories and dramatised for radio by Olivia Hetreed.
Episode 5: The Company of Wolves
It's Christmas Eve, and a young girl is on her way to visit her granny in the forest. She has been warned not to stray from the path but, on her way, she meets a charming huntsman who has other ideas.
At the time of writing The Bloody Chamber in the late 1970s, Angela Carter was disaffected by both sides of the feminist debate. She re-worked traditional fairy tales from her own unique, literary outsider’s point of view, putting women at the centre of the stories.
With their feisty heroines and rgiastic mash-up of beasts, shape-shifters and ghouls, her extraordinary tales are the most perfect example of her style, not just for her incomparable prose, but also in the dizzying twists and turns of perception, fantasy and myth.
Controversially influenced by De Sade, she embraced the erotic, explored our deepest and darkest urges, and subverted the roles of hunter and prey, master and mistress so that, instead of male sexuality, it is the female that becomes transgressive and powerful.
Dramatist Olivia Hetreed is a noted screen-writer, whose work includes the multi-award winning, BAFTA and Oscar nominated Girl with a Pearl Earring, starring Colin Firth and Scarlett Johansson and the award-winning, critically-acclaimed radical adaptation of Wuthering Heights directed by Andrea Arnold.
Cast :
Wise Woman ........................Adjoa Andoh
Bawdy Woman ....................Susan Wooldridge
Pushy Woman .....................Tessa Wojtczak
Red ..................................... Lily Lesser
Huntsman ...........................Alexander Vlahos
Granny ................................Phyllida Law
Girl ......................................Grace Englert
Girl .....................................Jalleh Alizadeh
Sound Design: Lucinda Mason Brown
Director / Producer: Fiona McAlpine
An Allegra production for BBC Radio 4
SUN 19:00 The Moth Radio Hour (m000z61s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
SUN 19:50 Inheritance Tracks (m0001cs5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:10 today]
SUN 20:00 Chrissie Gittins - Life Assurance (m0004ljx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 today]
SUN 21:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m000z61q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 21:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b010t6c0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:45 today]
SUN 22:00 John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme (b09nxzn7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:30 today]
SUN 22:30 Sisters (b08x8v40)
Series 2
Love, Love, Love
Fiona's relationship with electrician and general handyman Gregg looks like it's getting serious. They first met when he came to the sisters' rescue during a self inflicted power cut. Much to Susan's irritation, Fiona's "knight in shining polyester" is becoming a regular fixture in their lives, threatening Susan's cosy existence in the flat in the process.
Will she become homeless? Or will next door neighbour Blake (Nick Helm) provide alternative accommodation?
Susan...........................Susan Calman
Fiona............................Ashley Jensen
Written by Susan Calman
Producer: Paul Schlesinger
A Hat Trick production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in July 2017.
SUN 23:00 Josh Howie's Losing It (b07vs3cy)
Series 1
The Handyman
Josh and his wife Monique employ handyman Dean to get the flat ready for the baby. However Josh soon discovers that Dean holds some very challenging opinions, especially when it comes to Jews.
Stand-up comic Josh comes to terms with the impending birth of his first child.
Starring Josh Howie and Pippa Evans.
Written by Josh Howie.
With Alexei Sayle, Jo Romero and Jonathan Kemp.
Producer: Ashley Blaker
A Black Hat production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in September 2016.
SUN 23:30 Life: An Idiot's Guide (b01q03l3)
Series 2
Facing Your Fears
Stephen K Amos is joined by stand-ups Michael Redmond, Holly Walsh, Boothby Graffoe and a particularly nervous audience member to compile and Idiot's Guide to Facing Your Fears.
Producer: Colin Anderson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2013.


MONDAY 30 AUGUST 2021

MON 00:00 Nick Warburton - Fridays When It Rains (b00770q3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Sunday]
MON 00:45 Get Carter: The Bloody Chamber (b0bkv4f1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:45 on Sunday]
MON 01:00 Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (Omnibus) (b08wz6rl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 13:00 on Sunday]
MON 02:10 Inheritance Tracks (b0b49j2n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:10 on Sunday]
MON 02:20 How Does That Make You Feel? (b09z6205)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:20 on Sunday]
MON 03:30 Going To Pieces In The Box (b00p61zg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:30 on Sunday]
MON 04:00 Chrissie Gittins - Life Assurance (m0004ljx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Sunday]
MON 05:00 Poetry Extra (m000z61v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:00 on Sunday]
MON 05:30 John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme (b09nxzn7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:30 on Sunday]
MON 06:00 Mark Tavener - High Table, Lower Orders (m00016gp)
Series 2
Episode 5
While Simon is distracted with his murder investigation, the fellows find themselves undergoing individual performance assessments.
The Master finds the whole idea appalling. The Dean, on the other hand, seems to be relishing every moment
Mark Tavener's comedy thriller set in a Cambridge College riven by argument between traditionalists and modernisers.
CAST:
Gilbert …. Geoffrey Palmer
Simon …. Samuel West
Zoe …. Sharon Small
Bernard …. Jonathan Coy
The Dean …. Michael Maloney
with Michelle Fairley, Kim Wall, Rachel Atkins, Thomas Wheatley, Anthony Glennon, Zoe Gardner and Tom Price.
Producer: Dawn Ellis
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2006.
MON 06:30 Hercule Poirot (b007jvp9)
Lord Edgware Dies
Episode 1
At a nightclub, Belgian sleuth, Hercule Poirot and Captain Hastings meet the elegant Lady Edgware who has a surprising personal request...
Agatha Christie's whodunit stars John Moffatt as Hercule Poirot.
From the book first published in 1933 and dramatised in five parts by Michael Bakewell.
Hercule Poirot ...... John Moffatt
Captain Hastings ...... Simon Williams
Jane Wilkinson / Carlotta Adams ...... Nicola Pagett
Lord Edgware ...... James Greene
Inspector Japp ...... Norman Jones
Bryan Martin ...... Brett Usher
Jules/ Butler ...... Clarence Smith
Housekeeper ...... Jean Reeve
Director: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1992.
MON 07:00 John Shuttleworth's Lounge Music (b082wwlw)
Series 2
Episode 1
John Shuttleworth invites celebrated pop stars to his Sheffield home to perform one of their own songs and also, more importantly, one of his.
For starters, John welcomes Chris Difford from Squeeze - but not before he's ejected Ken from the front door with his unwanted request to show John and Chris his new windows.
Chris is soon invited to "show us what you can do" and plays his classic song Up the Junction. John is duly impressed - but the admiration starts to fade when John finds out that Chris once took 50p from his mum's purse to place an advert in a shop window. Can John condone theft and forgive Chris, or will Chris have to redeem himself with his rendition of John's song Fish and Chips?
Also, Tom Robinson gives advice on how to become a radio DJ following pop success in Top Tips on the Telephone.
Written and Performed by Graham Fellows.
Special guests Chris Difford and Tom Robinson.
A Chic Ken production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in November 2016..
MON 07:30 The Unbelievable Truth (m000z02c)
Series 26
Episode 5
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.

Rufus Hound, Fern Brady, Ria Lina, and Tony Hawks are the panellists obliged to talk with deliberate inaccuracy on subjects as varied as mushrooms, milk, monkeys, and children.

Produced by Jon Naismith
A Random Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4
MON 08:00 Steptoe and Son (b007jnms)
Series 6
Oh, What a Beautiful Mourning
The Steptoe family clash over the will at the funeral of Albert's brother, George.
Starring Wilfrid Brambell as Albert and Harry H Corbett as Harold.
Written for TV and adapted for radio by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.
Albert ...... Wilfrid Brambell
Harold ...... Harry H Corbett
Arthur ...... George A Cooper
With Michael Burlington, David Graham, Anne Jameson, Norma Ronald and Marianne Stone.
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.
Producer: Bobby Jaye
First broadcast on the BBC Radio 2 in February 1976.
MON 08:30 The Wordsmiths at Gorsemere (b007jsn0)
Series 2
2nd October 1799
Domestic bliss is enhanced by the arrival of John Sheets. Views are exchanged on the desirability of the married state. And a game of cricket is proposed...
An everyday story of towering genius in Sue Limb's six-part soap opera, set in and around the Lake District at the turn of the 18th century.
Stars Geoffrey Whitehead as William Wordsmith, Denise Coffey as Dorothy Wordsmith, Simon Callow as Samuel Tailor Cholericke, Miriam Margolyes as Stinking Iris, Chris Emmett as the Leechpedlar and Nicky Henson as John Sheets.
Music by Stephen Oliver and performed by Cantabile.
Producer: Jonathan James-Moore
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1987.
MON 09:00 It's Your Round (b00yrfwr)
Series 1
Episode 2
Angus Deayton hosts the comedy panel show with no format.
Andy Parsons, Rebecca Front, Miles Jupp and prog-rock legend, Rick Wakeman battle it out to see who can beat each other at the games they've each brought along.
Can the teams guess the concept for Rick's new prog rock album in his "What's The Concept?" round? And what happens when the teams have to play Andy's inventively titled "It's Not Your Round"? And would Rebecca Front like to marry Prince William?
Angus tries valiantly to ensure everyone comes out of it with their reputations intact.
Writers: Angus Deayton, Ged Parsons and Paul Powell
Devised by Benjamin Partridge
Producer: Sam Michell.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2011.
MON 09:30 Lip Service (m000z680)
Episode 2
Sketches and songs from Maggie Fox, Sue Ryding and a whole host of relatives.
This week: the European vacuum-cleaner grand-prix, the husbands behind wife-swapping, and the wives behind goat-husbandry.
Starring Maggie Fox and Sue Ryding with Malcolm Raeburn, Denise Coffey and Andrew Dodge.
Producer: Lissa Evans.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1992.
MON 10:00 Daniel Defoe - Robinson Crusoe (b007jqy3)
Episode 1
Against the advice of his family, Robinson Crusoe is set on a life of adventure.
Roy Marsden and Tom Bevan star in Daniel Defoe’s epic tale.
Dramatised in two parts by Steve Chambers
Older Robinson ...... Roy Marsden
Younger Robinson ...... Tom Bevan
Wells ...... Gerard McDermott
Crusoe's Father ...... John Rowe
Crusoe's Mother ...... Jenny Lee
Captain ...... Christopher Wright
Jack ...... Iwan Thomas
Director: Marion Nancarrow
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1998.
MON 11:00 TED Radio Hour (m000z682)
Series 8
Power Of Spaces
A journey through fascinating ideas based on talks by riveting speakers on the TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) stage.
Manoush Zomorodi explores spaces and human experience. In what ways do rooms, homes, and buildings give us meaning and purpose?
First broadcast in the USA on National Public Radio in 2020.
MON 11:50 Inheritance Tracks (m000z684)
Michael Rosen
Writer Michael Rosen chooses 'Wehrner von Braun' by Tom Lehrer and 'Young Hearts Run Free' by Candi Staton.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 as part of Saturday Live in July 2021.
MON 12:00 Steptoe and Son (b007jnms)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 12:30 The Wordsmiths at Gorsemere (b007jsn0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 13:00 Mark Tavener - High Table, Lower Orders (m00016gp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 13:30 Hercule Poirot (b007jvp9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 14:00 Keeping On Keeping On by Alan Bennett (b080r35t)
2010
Alan Bennett reads extracts from his diaries.
Following on from Alan Bennett's bestselling, award-winning prose collections 'Writing Home' and 'Untold Stories', 'Keeping On Keeping On' is the third anthology to feature his unique observations, recollections and reminiscences.
In these entries, covering the years 2005 to 2014, Bennett looks back on a packed decade that included writing four highly-acclaimed plays – 'The Habit of Art', ‘People’, ‘Hymn’ and ‘Cocktail Sticks’, all of which premiered at the National Theatre – as well as the screenplays for the hit films of ‘The History Boys’ and ‘’The Lady in the Van’.
In addition, he reflects on his 25 years of friendship and collaboration with director Nicholas Hytner, life with his partner Rupert Thomas and, radical views notwithstanding, his status as ‘kindly, cosy and essentially harmless’ – a view which these diaries do their best to disprove.
Today, Alan has ice cream poured down the back of his raincoat – and is robbed of £1500.
Abridged and produced by Gordon House.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2016.
MON 14:15 15 Minute Drama (b09vzsl0)
Delphine de Vigan - Based on a True Story
Seduction
A psychological thriller about an obsessive female friendship. Delphine is suffering from crippling writer's block when she meets L.
Delphine's writer's block is a result of the double-edged response to her last book. As her crisis progresses, Delphine encounters the enigmatic L at a party. L is intimately familiar with Delphine's work; an admirer who quickly insinuates herself into Delphine's life. Delphine realises that L's insistent desire to get her working again may not be as benevolent as it appears.
The idea threading through the plot and feeding the final revelations is who has the power - or the right - to tell someone else's story.
Delphine...............Janie Dee
'L'.............................Tara Fitzgerald
Francois.................Philip Bretherton
Angry Man...........Ryan Whittle
Written by Delphine de Vigan
Adapted by Claudine Toutoungi
Directed by Gemma Jenkins
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2018.
MON 14:30 Untouchable (b007ngfp)
In prohibition era Chicago, few men were brave enough to stand up to the gangster and businessman, Al Capone.
One who did was incorruptible federal agent Eliot Ness, leader of the 'Untouchables' and subject of books and films galore.
Joe Queenan explores why the story of gangbuster Ness continues to loom large in the American imagination.
Produced at BBC Manchester by Geoff Bird.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2007.
MON 15:00 Daniel Defoe - Robinson Crusoe (b007jqy3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
MON 16:00 It's Your Round (b00yrfwr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
MON 16:30 Lip Service (m000z680)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
MON 17:00 John Shuttleworth's Lounge Music (b082wwlw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 17:30 The Unbelievable Truth (m000z02c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 18:00 Robert Easby - Oneira (b007ww76)
1. The Big Chill
The surreal quest of a young museum attendant named Oneira to learn the secrets of the Universe with the help of Nicholai, a 400-year-old Dutch alchemist.
Cast:-
Lyndsey Marshal ...Oneira
Peter Marinker.....Nicholai
Joseph Kloska .... Pete
Mark Straker .... the Salesman
Bethan Walker ... the Visitor
Written by Robert Easby
Producer: Liz Webb.
Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in 2007.
MON 18:30 A Good Read (b01nl6hx)
John Finnemore and Peter Hitchens
Cabin Pressure star and writer John Finnemore, and Peter Hitchens, columnist and author, talk about the books they love to presenter Harriett Gilbert.
Book choices:
Peter Hitchens' choice: 'The Daughter of Time' by Josephine Tey
John Finnemore's choice: 'A Landing on the Sun' by Michael Frayn
Harriett Gilbert's choice: 'What's My Motivaton?' by Michael Simkins
Producer: Beth O'Dea
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2012.
MON 19:00 Steptoe and Son (b007jnms)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 19:30 The Wordsmiths at Gorsemere (b007jsn0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 20:00 Mark Tavener - High Table, Lower Orders (m00016gp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 20:30 Hercule Poirot (b007jvp9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 21:00 TED Radio Hour (m000z682)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
MON 21:50 Inheritance Tracks (m000z684)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:50 today]
MON 22:00 The Unbelievable Truth (m000z02c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 22:30 Will Smith's Midlife Crisis Management (b00g502t)
Episode 3
Peter invites American rap star 10 Shot to help Will with his confidence and Will joins a self defence class to stop him being bullied by teenage girls.
Comedy series in which comedian Will Smith seeks help and advice - primarily from his godfather Peter - on coping with the onset of middle age.
With:
Roger Allam
Jimmy Akingbola
Jill Cardo
Producer: Tilusha Ghelani
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2008.
MON 23:00 Party's Over (m000z1kk)
Series 1
Going Green
What happens when the Prime Minister suddenly stops being Prime Minister?
One day you're the most powerful person in the country, the next you're irrelevant, forced into retirement 30 years ahead of schedule and find yourself asking 'What do I do now?'
Miles Jupp stars as Henry Tobin - Britain's shortest serving and least popular post war PM (he managed 8 months).
We join Henry soon after his crushing election loss. He’s determined to not let his disastrous defeat be the end of him. Instead Henry's going to get back to the top - he's just not sure how and in what field..
This week Christine encourages Henry to make the most of his green credentials.
Henry Tobin... Miles Jupp
Christine Tobin... Ingrid Oliver
Natalie... Emma Sidi
Jones... Justin Edwards
Lizzie... Alice Fraser
Written by Paul Doolan and Jon Hunter
Produced by Richard Morris and Simon Nicholls
Production co-ordinator: Caroline Barlow
A BBC Studios Production
MON 23:30 Recorded for Training Purposes (b00hdd69)
Series 3
Episode 6
Sketch show about modern communication and contemporary obsessions. With Ben Willbond and Rachel Atkins. From February 2009.


TUESDAY 31 AUGUST 2021

TUE 00:00 Robert Easby - Oneira (b007ww76)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Monday]
TUE 00:30 A Good Read (b01nl6hx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Monday]
TUE 01:00 Mark Tavener - High Table, Lower Orders (m00016gp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]
TUE 01:30 Hercule Poirot (b007jvp9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Monday]
TUE 02:00 Keeping On Keeping On by Alan Bennett (b080r35t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Monday]
TUE 02:15 15 Minute Drama (b09vzsl0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Monday]
TUE 02:30 Untouchable (b007ngfp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:00 Daniel Defoe - Robinson Crusoe (b007jqy3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:00 It's Your Round (b00yrfwr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:30 Lip Service (m000z680)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Monday]
TUE 05:00 John Shuttleworth's Lounge Music (b082wwlw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Monday]
TUE 05:30 The Unbelievable Truth (m000z02c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Monday]
TUE 06:00 Mark Tavener - High Table, Lower Orders (m00016g6)
Series 2
Episode 6
Simon is convinced he knows who the killer is - but can he find the evidence to prove it, and prevent another murder?
Mark Tavener's comedy thriller set in a Cambridge College riven by argument between traditionalists and modernisers.
CAST:
Gilbert …. Geoffrey Palmer
Simon …. Samuel West
Zoe …. Sharon Small
Bernard …. Jonathan Coy
The Dean …. Michael Maloney
with Michelle Fairley, Stephen Hogan, Emily Bowker, John Baddeley and Joseph Garton.
Producer: Dawn Ellis
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2006.
TUE 06:30 Hercule Poirot (b007jvpg)
Lord Edgware Dies
Episode 2
Lord Edgware has been murdered at his house in Regent Gate and Inspector Japp suspects Lady Edgware of the crime.
Agatha Christie's whodunit stars John Moffatt as Hercule Poirot.
From the book first published in 1933 and dramatised by Michael Bakewell.
Hercule Poirot ...... John Moffatt
Captain Hastings ...... Simon Williams
Jane Wilkinson ...... Nicola Pagett
Bryan Martin ...... Brett Usher
Inspector Japp ...... Norman Jones
Edgware's Butler ...... Clarence Smith
Ellis ...... Paula Jacobs
Miss Carroll ...... Eva Stuart
Alice ...... Auriol Smith
Jenny Driver ...... Adjoa Andoh
Doctor Heath ...... Timothy Carlton
Director: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1992.
TUE 07:00 The Tim Vine Chat Show (b0938tnb)
Series 2
London
Tim Vine has been travelling the length and breadth of this fair land to not only uncover the best stories of the Great British public but also to take every possible opportunity to tell a ridiculous joke and sing a preposterous song along the way.
In Episode 1 he's in London, where he finds himself confronted by a man with an interesting technique for warding off foxes and an office worker who was inadvertently responsible for half of Welwyn Garden City being closed to the public. There's also a song about allergies.
Producer: Richard Morris
A BBC Studios Production first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2017.
TUE 07:30 Darren Harriott - Red Label (m000yyrc)
Part 2
After having examined why he has never been in love in part one, Darren returns to look at the world of modern dating.
The way we date has changed so much in recent years. With the rise of dating apps, some lament that people aren't meeting the 'traditional way', but what does that even mean in this day and age?
Darren is a dating app guru, and walks us through all the quirks of the various apps and growing understanding of sexualities across the spectrum. With the help of comedians Maddy Anholt and Aaron Twitchen, Darren takes on all aspects of being single in 2021, from swiping, to reply etiquette and how to date during a global pandemic.
Written and performed by Darren Harriott
Interviewees: Maddy Anholt and Aaron Twitchen
Additional material written by Tasha Dhanraj and Rajiv Karia
Producer: Gwyn Rhys Davies
Production Co-ordinator: Caroline Barlow
Sound editor: Marc Willcox
A BBC Studios Production
TUE 08:00 The Goon Show (b00kjh64)
The Silver Doubloons
Neddie Seagoon must plunder a sunken Spanish galleon. Stars Spike Milligan, Peter Sellers and Harry Secombe. From January 1960.
TUE 08:30 Winston (b007jnbk)
Winston in Love
Happy Days in Cawnpore
Winston declares his love for Nancy. He even asks her to marry him. But is this just a ploy to get rid of her new suitor, Roland?
Peter Tinniswood's bawdy comedy serial stars Bill Wallis as Winston, Maurice Denham as Father, Shirley Dixon as Nancy, Liz Goulding as Rosie and Christian Rodska as William.
Director: Shaun MacLoughlin.
First broadcast on BBC Radio in January 1991.
TUE 09:00 Party's Over (m000z1kk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 23:00 on Monday]
TUE 09:30 The Brothers (b00p92xt)
Series 2
Episode 6
Peter, Nigel and Michael make mistakes and promises. Stars Raymond Coulthard, Adam Godley and James Fleet. From November 2005.
TUE 10:00 Daniel Defoe - Robinson Crusoe (b007jqyc)
Episode 2
Crusoe's acceptance of his solitude is shattered by a single footprint in the sand.
Conclusion of Daniel Defoe’s epic tale dramatised by Steve Chambers
Older Robinson ...... Roy Marsden
Younger Robinson ...... Tom Bevan
Wells ...... Gerard McDermott
Crusoe's Father ...... John Rowe
Crusoe's Mother ...... Jenny Lee
Captain ...... Christopher Wright
Jack ...... Iwan Thomas
Director: Marion Nancarrow
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1998.
TUE 11:00 Pieces of Britney (p09mw4vt)
1. Quiet Plans
International superstar Britney Spears: the stories so far. Pandora Sykes pieces together what we know about Britney’s journey, and its place in pop culture history.
In this eight-part series for BBC Radio 4, Pandora traces Britney’s incredible life: from her hardscrabble childhood in rural Louisiana, to her coronation as the inaugural pop princess of the internet, navigating an insatiable celebrity gossip complex; through to a young mother on trial by the paparazzi.
Britney is a pop culture phenomenon. Pandora looks behind that mask - and beyond Britney herself - to explore how Britney became the most Googled person in the world, for almost seven years, and what it says, both then and now, about the entertainment industry, politics, sex and how we see women in the public eye.
Britney’s public struggles saw her placed in a conservatorship, in which she lost the right to control her finances and day to day life. Thirteen years later, and she is in court, pleading for this controversial legal arrangement to end. We will look at how Britney has been transformed from girl-next-door teen sensation to a mute symbol of a supposedly rotten system.
Pieces of Britney mixes documentary, archive and interviews to tell Britney’s remarkable story. It also features drama, written by playwright Katie Hims, to bring Britney and her extraordinary world to life.
Pieces of Britney will be a sympathetic portrayal of Britney, during a time of cultural reappraisal about how we treat women - famous, or otherwise. These are some of the stories that have been told about her - but The Narrative is hers to finish.
Episode 1 Cast:
Britney . . . . . Samantha Dakin
Lynne . . . . . Laurel Lefkow
Jamie . . . . . Elliot Cowan
Sam . . . . . Paul Chahidi
Adnan . . . . . Adam El Hagar
Sound design by Peter Ringrose
Produced by Sasha Yevtushenko and Anne Isger
A BBC Audio production for BBC Radio 4
TUE 11:45 Cirque du Soleil (m000z6k3)
The global circus phenomenon Cirque du Soleil was born in 1984 when a group of street performers in Quebec bought a big top tent and went on tour.
Lucy Burns speaks to Cirque du Soleil co-founder Gilles Ste-Croix, who walked 56 miles on stilts to raise money for the show.
First broadcast on the BBC World Service in 2019.
TUE 12:00 The Goon Show (b00kjh64)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 12:30 Winston (b007jnbk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 13:00 Mark Tavener - High Table, Lower Orders (m00016g6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 13:30 Hercule Poirot (b007jvpg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 14:00 Keeping On Keeping On by Alan Bennett (b080vyv8)
2011
Alan Bennett reads extracts from his diaries.
Following on from Alan Bennett's bestselling, award-winning prose collections 'Writing Home' and 'Untold Stories', 'Keeping On Keeping On' is the third anthology to feature his unique observations, recollections and reminiscences.
In these entries, covering the years 2005 to 2014, Bennett looks back on a packed decade that included writing four highly-acclaimed plays – 'The Habit of Art', ‘People’, ‘Hymn’ and ‘Cocktail Sticks’, all of which premiered at the National Theatre – as well as the screenplays for the hit films of ‘The History Boys’ and ‘’The Lady in the Van’.
In addition, he reflects on his 25 years of friendship and collaboration with director Nicholas Hytner, life with his partner Rupert Thomas and, radical views notwithstanding, his status as ‘kindly, cosy and essentially harmless’ – a view which these diaries do their best to disprove.
Today, Alan is mistaken for Alan Ayckbourn and looks a gift (War) Horse in the mouth.
Abridged and produced by Gordon House.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2016.
TUE 14:15 15 Minute Drama (b09w09xh)
Delphine de Vigan - Based on a True Story
Possession
Psychological thriller about an obsessive female friendship. Delphine's writer's block has progressed to a point where she is unable to write a single word. L offers to to move in and help Delphine put her life back in order.
Delphine............................Janie Dee
'L..........................................Tara Fitzgerald
Francois..............................Philip Bretherton
Journalist............................Ryan Early
Adapted by Claudine Toutoungi
Written by Delphine de Vigan
Directed by Gemma Jenkins
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2018.
TUE 14:30 Pump Up the Volume (b012wjcn)
The Foo Fighters did it for Chris Hoy in Beijing, Elton John's Rocket man helped Andy Flintoff in the 2005 Ashes and Kenny Rogers' Gambler inspired the England 2007 Rugby world cup team. John Wilson talks to athletes and coaches about the role pop music plays in their training. Technology has transformed the relationship between athletics and the role of music.
The advent of the MP3 player has enabled athletes and their coaches to build distinct playlists for specific areas of their training. When Victoria Pendleton is training for Gold, she listens to her Prodigy playlist with its 136 beats per minute a perfect tempo for her cycling.
John Wilson discovers why many people call music sport's "legal drug". In some research studies, it's been shown as increasing performance by 20 per cent while reducing an athlete's perception of effort by 10 per cent. Music blocks out fatigue-related symptoms such as the burning lungs, the beating heart and the lactic acid in the muscles enabling athletes to train harder and longer. Coaches and athletes will also talk about how even when you're training at the highest level, certain music tracks will enable you to carry on even up to the point of exhaustion. Besides the science involved with the relationship between music and performance, we will muse on what types of music deliver the best results.
TUE 15:00 Daniel Defoe - Robinson Crusoe (b007jqyc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
TUE 16:00 The Rest is History (b079mhls)
Series 2
Episode 6
Frank Skinner loves history, but just doesn't know much of it. So he's devised a comedy discussion show in order to find out more about it.
Along with his historian in residence, Professor Kate Williams, Frank is joined by Josie Long and Kevin Eldon, who discuss Captain Blood, Drake's Drum, Bloody Mary and E.R.N.I.E.
Producers: Mark Augustyn and Justin Pollard
An Avalon production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in May 2016.
TUE 16:30 The Brothers (b00p92xt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
TUE 17:00 The Tim Vine Chat Show (b0938tnb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 17:30 Darren Harriott - Red Label (m000yyrc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 18:00 Robert Easby - Oneira (b007x08b)
2. Sleight of Mind
An electricity company official interrogates the museum attendant. But is he actually helping Oneira - or is he an alien?
Cast:-
Lyndsey Marshal ... Oneira
Peter Marinker ...Nicholai
Sam Dale ...Resistor
Gerard McDermott ... Fulcanelli
Mark Straker ... the Floor Manager.
Written by Robert Easby
Producer: Liz Webb.
Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in 2007.
TUE 18:30 Soul Music (b01mw2dj)
Series 14
Bach's St Matthew Passion
Bach's St Matthew Passion was written in 1727 and was probably first performed as part of the Good Friday Service at Thomaskirche in Leipzig.
This programme explores ways in which Bach's St Mattew Passion touches and changes people's lives.
Guitarist Andrew Schulman describes what happened when he was played this music whilst he was in a coma. James Jacobs talks about the St Matthew Passion providing solace in difficult times during childhood.
And singer Emma Kirkby, conductor Paul Spicer and musical historian Simon Heighes explore how the music works and what it's like to perform.
Producer: Rosie Boulton.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2012.
TUE 19:00 The Goon Show (b00kjh64)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 19:30 Winston (b007jnbk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 20:00 Mark Tavener - High Table, Lower Orders (m00016g6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 20:30 Hercule Poirot (b007jvpg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 21:00 Pieces of Britney (p09mw4vt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
TUE 21:45 Cirque du Soleil (m000z6k3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:45 today]
TUE 22:00 Darren Harriott - Red Label (m000yyrc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 22:30 Armando Iannucci (b007jzc3)
Series 2
Episode 2
Lies galore, wind-up calls and this week’s fight.
Armando lannucci hosts wry comical discussion, sketches and music.
With Rebecca Front, David Schneider and Richard Herring.
Written by Armando Iannucci, Peter Baynham, Richard Herring, Stewart Lee and Ben Moor.
Producer: Sarah Smith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 1 in March 1994.
TUE 23:30 Vent (b00tp80h)
Series 2
Mary's Girl Child
Comatose Ben celebrates Christmas, as the nativity plays out in his unconscious mind.
Dark sitcom following the thoughts of a coma patient written by Nigel Smith.
Starring Neil Pearson as Ben Smith, Fiona Allen as Mary, Josie Lawrence as Mum and Leslie Ash as Blitzkrieg.
With Nicholas Hutchison, Jo Martin, Mark Perry, Scarlett Milburn-Smith and Jeremy Paxman.
Producer: Gareth Edwards
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2007.


WEDNESDAY 01 SEPTEMBER 2021

WED 00:00 Robert Easby - Oneira (b007x08b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Tuesday]
WED 00:30 Soul Music (b01mw2dj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Tuesday]
WED 01:00 Mark Tavener - High Table, Lower Orders (m00016g6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:30 Hercule Poirot (b007jvpg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Tuesday]
WED 02:00 Keeping On Keeping On by Alan Bennett (b080vyv8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Tuesday]
WED 02:15 15 Minute Drama (b09w09xh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Tuesday]
WED 02:30 Pump Up the Volume (b012wjcn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:00 Daniel Defoe - Robinson Crusoe (b007jqyc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:00 The Rest is History (b079mhls)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:30 The Brothers (b00p92xt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Tuesday]
WED 05:00 The Tim Vine Chat Show (b0938tnb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Tuesday]
WED 05:30 Darren Harriott - Red Label (m000yyrc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Tuesday]
WED 06:00 Charles Paris: So Much Blood (m000c58m)
1. The Photo Call
An actor dies as thespian sleuth Charles Paris is rehearsing for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
A stage dagger turns murderously into a real one...
Francis Matthews stars as Charles Paris.
Six-part thriller serial adapted from his book by Simon Brett.
Charles Paris ...... Francis Matthews
Brian Cassells ...... Hugh Laurie
Frances ...... Jennifer Hilary
James Milne ...... Alan McNaughtan
Maurice Skellern ...... Harry Landis
Pam Northcliffe ...... Sara Corper
Michael Vanderzee ...... Mark Wing-Davey
Martin Warburton ...... Michael Maloney
Willy Mariello ...... Billy McColl
Producer: Martin Fisher
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1985.
WED 06:30 Hercule Poirot (b007jvpl)
Lord Edgware Dies
Episode 3
A second victim of murder is revealed - but were they really involved in the death of Lord Edgware?
Questions galore for the Belgian sleuth...
Agatha Christie's whodunit stars John Moffatt as Hercule Poirot.
From the book first published in 1933 and dramatised by Michael Bakewell.
Hercule Poirot ...... John Moffatt
Captain Hastings ...... Simon Williams
Jane Wilkinson ...... Nicola Pagett
Bryan Martin ...... Brett Usher
Inspector Japp ...... Norman Jones
Ellis ...... Paula Jacobs
Miss Carroll ...... Eva Stuart
Ronald Marsh ...... Charles Millham
Poirot's Housekeeper ...... Jean Reeve
Geraldine Marsh ...... Joanna Myers
Sir Montagu Corner ...... Garard Green
Mr Widburn ...... Andrew Wincott
Mrs Widburn ...... Susan Sheridan
Ross ...... Terence Edmond
Duke of Merton ...... Eric Allan
Jenkins ...... Fraser Kerr
Director: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1992.
WED 07:00 A Month of June (b01jrj83)
Lost and Found
Retired politician Kate Whittington has agreed to take part in TV reality show Lolly in the Loft.
Written by Andy Merriman and Alison Joseph.
Series of comedies written for the many voices of legendary actor June Whitfield.
Kate ..... June Whitfield
Virginia ..... Marcia Warren
Sam ..... Ella Smith
Danny ..... Joe Sims
Joel ..... Don Gilet
Terence ..... Robert Blythe
Director: David Hunter
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2012
WED 07:30 My Teenage Diary (m000z0kc)
Series 10
Ken Cheng
Rufus Hound's guest is the comedian Ken Cheng, who reads from the diary he kept in 2004. Ken talks about his school days, growing up on the internet and what it was like to be a nerd before the days when nerds were cool.
A Talkback production for BBC Radio 4
WED 08:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b00t3twj)
Series 3
The Student Prince
The lad is lured to Moravia as an unknowing decoy for the endangered Crown Prince.
Starring Tony Hancock
With Bill Kerr, Sidney James, Andree Melly and Kenneth Williams.
Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.
Theme and incidental music composed by Wally Stott. Recorded by the BBC Revue Orchestra conducted by Harry Rabinowitz.
Producer: Dennis Main Wilson
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in January 1956.
WED 08:30 No Commitments (b00sp1qg)
Series 3
A Man Who Cares
Victoria fumes jealously as Charlotte proudly parades her new lover. Stars Celia Imrie and Nicola Pagett. From December 1994.
WED 09:00 Whispers (b00c3nw7)
Series 2
Episode 4
Gyles Brandreth hosts the quiz show with scandal on its mind and slander at its heart.
Valerie Grove and Geoffrey Durham join team captains Lucy Moore and Anthony Holden to run the gauntlet of gossip.
Producer: Elizabeth Freestone
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2004.
WED 09:30 Snap (b012llxz)
Series 3
Episode 2
Trying to rebuild their relationship after divorcing, Molly and Doug try changing their least appealing traits.
But life isn't that simple...
Third and final series of Paul Mendelson’s sitcom
Starring Rebecca Lacey as Molly, Paul Venables as Doug, Soumaya Keynes as Kaz, Jessie Sullivan as Ryan, Marlene Sidaway as Annie, Robin Weaver as Dawn, Jonathan Tafler as Raymond and Richard Firth as Ansel.
Producer: David Ian Neville
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2005.
WED 10:00 Inspector Resnick (b00755r7)
Slow Burn
1. Burning Jazz
When Jimmy Nolan's Nottingham jazz club burns down, it looks initially like an insurance job.
But for jazz-loving Detective Inspector Charlie Resnick and his team, this is just the start of a more sinister and deadly chain of events.
Slow Burn is one of John Harvey series of police thrillers set in the industrial wasteland of Nottingham in the 1980s and 1990s.
Charlie Resnick ...... Philip Jackson
Graham Millington ...... Sean Baker
Lynn Kellogg ...... Kate Eaton
Jimmy Nolan ...... John Rowe
Joanne Hubble ...... Alison Pettitt
Stuart Hubble ...... Gerard McDermott
Nicola Venner ...... Rachel Atkins
Russell Venner ...... John Hartley
Fire Officer ...... Alistair Danson
Clarice ...... Jenny Lee
Mrs Wealdstone ...... Carolyn Jones
Producer: David Hunter
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1998.
WED 11:00 The Mastertapes Guide to Writing the Perfect Song (m000z6g9)
1. From Macca to McLean
Sir Paul McCartney, Emeli Sande, Suzanne Veja, Natalie Merchant, Paul Weller, Corrine Bailey Rae, Richard Hawley, Jimmy Webb, Laura Marling, Billy Bragg, Ray Davies and Don McLean give a masterclass in the art of songwriting.
John Wilson has talked to 45 acclaimed songwriters for BBC Radio 4's series ‘Mastertapes’. In each episode, recorded with an audience of fans at the BBC Maida Vale Studios, the guest focusses a key album from their career, describing in detail how dozens of much loved hit songs were written.
Now, the ‘Mastertapes’ guests are brought together to offer a unique how-to guide to writing the perfect song. Sir Paul McCartney demonstrates the building blocks of songwriting, reveals how a chord ‘borrowed’ from a Picasso painting became the basis of a collaborative composition with Kanye West. McCartney also talks candidly about his songwriting partnership with John Lennon in The Beatles. Suzanne Vega and Emeli Sandé remember - and try to play - the very first songs that they wrote as children.
Ray Davies reveals how the character studies he created for his songs with The Kinks - including ‘Dedicated Follower Of Fashion’ - were based on real people. Paul Weller breaks down the words and chords to ‘A Town Called Malice’, and remembers how, as a younger songwriter, he would ritually destroy his lyric books after completing a new album. And Don McLean is delightfully evasive about his greatest hit, ‘American Pie’.
Presented and produced by John Wilson.
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in May 2021.
WED 12:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b00t3twj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 12:30 No Commitments (b00sp1qg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 13:00 Charles Paris: So Much Blood (m000c58m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 13:30 Hercule Poirot (b007jvpl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 14:00 Keeping On Keeping On by Alan Bennett (b080vyvd)
2012
Alan Bennett reads extracts from his diaries.
Following on from Alan Bennett's bestselling, award-winning prose collections 'Writing Home' and 'Untold Stories', 'Keeping On Keeping On' is the third anthology to feature his unique observations, recollections and reminiscences.
In these entries, covering the years 2005 to 2014, Bennett looks back on a packed decade that included writing four highly-acclaimed plays – 'The Habit of Art', ‘People’, ‘Hymn’ and ‘Cocktail Sticks’, all of which premiered at the National Theatre – as well as the screenplays for the hit films of ‘The History Boys’ and ‘’The Lady in the Van’.
In addition, he reflects on his 25 years of friendship and collaboration with director Nicholas Hytner, life with his partner Rupert Thomas and, radical views notwithstanding, his status as ‘kindly, cosy and essentially harmless’ – a view which these diaries do their best to disprove.
Today, Alan reflects on the “back place” in writers’ lives, and talks about hiding – or not hiding – under Dudley Moore’s bed.
Abridged and produced by Gordon House.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2016.
WED 14:15 15 Minute Drama (b09w0vzp)
Delphine de Vigan - Based on a True Story
Inspiration
A psychological thriller about an obsessive female friendship and writing.
Delphine starts writing again but it's not the story L wants her to tell.
Delphine.............................Janie Dee
'L'...........................................Tara Fitzgerald
Francois...............................Philip Bretherton
Agent (Karine)...................Georgie Glen
Claire.....................................Lauren Cornelius
Voicemail.............................Kerry Gooderson
Written by Delphine de Vigan
Adapted by Claudine Toutoungi
Directed by Gemma Jenkins
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2018
WED 14:30 Voices From Our Industrial Past: Women (b055fzlt)
Professor Emma Griffin examines the lives of working women during the industrial revolution, through a rich body of neglected sources - working-class autobiography.
It can be difficult to study the lives of women as the historical record often tells us so little about them. But there are a handful of wonderful autobiographies, rediscovered by Emma Griffin, and in this programme she uses them to bring to life the voices of working women during the industrial revolution.
We hear from Ellen Johnston, living in Glasgow during the cotton boom; Betty Shaw from textile producing Lancashire; and Martha Smith, a domestic servant working in London. They feature in autobiographies full of fascinating detail about their lives and struggles. Emma uses these to show how life in the factories led to a transformation in women's opportunities for sexual freedom and expression - a little-known consequence of the industrial revolution.
Readings: Donna Preston, Adiza Shardow and Jack Whitham
Producer: Melissa FitzGerald
A Blakeway production
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2015.
WED 15:00 Inspector Resnick (b00755r7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
WED 16:00 Whispers (b00c3nw7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
WED 16:30 Snap (b012llxz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
WED 17:00 A Month of June (b01jrj83)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 17:30 My Teenage Diary (m000z0kc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 18:00 Robert Easby - Oneira (b007k26v)
3. A String of Time
As her quest to learn the secrets of the Universe continues, museum attendant Oneira ends up in the Texan Desert with a dead American comic - and a 13th century Friar.
Cast:-
Lyndsey Marshal ...Oneira
Peter Marinker.....Nicholai
Chas Early ... Bill Hicks
Jon Glover ...Roger Bacon
Christine Kavanagh ....Clock/Alien.
Written by Robert Easby
Producer: Liz Webb.
Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in 2007.
WED 18:30 Short Cuts (m000c9s4)
Series 21
Bodies
Joe Dunthorne dives into poetic descriptions of the body and we hear the sound of sleep. Visceral short documentaries and adventures in sound presented by Josie Long.
Her Eyes Were Like...
Featuring Joe Dunthorne, Caroline Bird, Ross Sutherland and Jack Underwood
While You Were Sleeping
Featuring Dr Jim Grayburn
Produced by Calum Perrin
Transition
Produced by Nanna Hauge Kristensen
Production Team: Alia Cassam and Andrea Rangecroft
Series Producer: Eleanor McDowall
A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in December 2019.
WED 19:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b00t3twj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 19:30 No Commitments (b00sp1qg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 20:00 Charles Paris: So Much Blood (m000c58m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 20:30 Hercule Poirot (b007jvpl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 21:00 The Mastertapes Guide to Writing the Perfect Song (m000z6g9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
WED 22:00 My Teenage Diary (m000z0kc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 22:30 Dr John Cooper Clarke at the BBC (b082j0gl)
Series 1
In the O-Zone Zone
The Bard of Salford performs a selection of poems on stage at the BBC’s Radio Theatre in London.
* Majorca
* Dekko Beach
* I Mustn’t Go Down to the Sea Again
* Nation’s Ode to the Coast
Written and performed by Dr John Cooper Clarke.
Introduction by Johnny Green.
Producer: Joe Nunnery
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in November 2016.
WED 22:45 The Problem With Adam Bloom (b00h4cwy)
Series 2
Friendship
Earlier this year, Adam told three of his closest friends what he most disliked about them. This is how they reacted.
Written by and starring Adam Bloom.
With Brendon Burns.
Producer: Victoria Lloyd
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2004.
WED 23:00 Radio Active (b007k1zs)
Series 5
Wimbledon
Anyone for tennis? Radio Active's exclusive 'live' coverage from Court 19.
Starring Helen Atkinson-Wood, Angus Deayton, Geoffrey Perkins, Philip Pope and Michael Fenton-Stevens.
Music by Philip Pope and Angus Deayton.
Written by Angus Deayton, Geoffrey Perkins with John Cantor, Moray Hunter, John Docherty and Jeremy Pascall.
Producer: Jamie Rix
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1985.
WED 23:30 Innes Own World (b017gwqz)
Episode 3
Neil Innes shares some breakfast dramas and memories of touring the USA with the Bonzo Dog Band.
The Radio Show that spits the Gargle of Existence into the Bathroom Sink of Being and introduces the Man of Substance to the Woman of Intuition.
Script Editor: John Dowie
Producer: Claire Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2003.


THURSDAY 02 SEPTEMBER 2021

THU 00:00 Robert Easby - Oneira (b007k26v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Wednesday]
THU 00:30 Short Cuts (m000c9s4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 Charles Paris: So Much Blood (m000c58m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:30 Hercule Poirot (b007jvpl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 Keeping On Keeping On by Alan Bennett (b080vyvd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:15 15 Minute Drama (b09w0vzp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Wednesday]
THU 02:30 Voices From Our Industrial Past: Women (b055fzlt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 Inspector Resnick (b00755r7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 Whispers (b00c3nw7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:30 Snap (b012llxz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 A Month of June (b01jrj83)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 05:30 My Teenage Diary (m000z0kc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Wednesday]
THU 06:00 Charles Paris: So Much Blood (m000cb2p)
2. D.U.D.S. on the Fringe
Charles Paris investigates the death of Willy Mariello and meets Anna Duncan, one of the students appearing on the Edinburgh Fringe.
Francis Matthews stars as thespian sleuth, Charles Paris.
Six-part thriller serial adapted from his book by Simon Brett.
Charles Paris ...... Francis Matthews
Brian Cassells ...... Hugh Laurie
Pam Northcliffe ...... Sara Corper
Martin Warburton ...... Michael Maloney
Anna Duncan ...... Kim Thomson
Jean Mariello ...... Frances Low
Michael Vanderzee ...... Mark Wing-Davey
Producer: Martin Fisher
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1985.
THU 06:30 Hercule Poirot (b007jvpv)
Lord Edgware Dies
Episode 4
Inspector Japp has tracked down the taxi driver who drove two very unlikely passengers to Regent Gate on the night of Lord Edgware's murder...
Agatha Christie's whodunit stars John Moffatt as Hercule Poirot.
From the book first published in 1933 and dramatised by Michael Bakewell.
Hercule Poirot ...... John Moffatt
Captain Hastings ...... Simon Williams
Inspector Japp ...... Norman Jones
Ronald Marsh ...... Charles Millham
Ross ...... Terence Edmond
Jenny ...... Adjoa Andoh
Taxi Driver/Waiter ...... Neil Roberts
Director: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1992.
.
THU 07:00 Rum Bunch (b08q63kz)
Clenton
Justin Edwards, Mel Giedroyc and Dave Mounfield are in the fictional town of Clenton to perform a poorly researched reenactment of the life of Annie Oakley, the gun toting legend of the Wild West.
Due to Mel's terrible American accent, Justin has asked Clare Grogan to take on the main role - much to Mel's annoyance - while Dave is trying to boost the sales of his homemade fish paste by getting a celebrity endorsement. Things take a turn for the worse after Clare, inspired by her criminal alter ego, goes off script.
Will Mel ride to her old friends' rescue? Will they be able to understand what she says if she does?
The Rum Bunch is Justin Edwards (The Consultants, The Odd Half Hour, Newsjack, Sorry I've Got No Head, The Thick of It), Mel Giedroyc (Mel and Sue, Bake Off, Let It Shine) and Dave Mounfield (Count Arthur Strong, This Is Jinsy).
The house band is Jason Hazeley and David Reed - The Penny Dreadfuls.
Produced by Jim North
A Top Dog production for BBC Radio 4. First broadcast in May 2017.
THU 07:30 Dr Phil's Bedside Manner (m000z0r7)
Series 1
Dr Phil visits the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, Edinburgh.
An innovative mix of comedy performance and documentary in a new series presented by Dr Phil Hammond.
As a doctor and a comedian, Phil knows that humour and laughter are vital coping mechanisms in the NHS, as he travels the UK on a mission to listen to the beating heart of a national institution.
The programmes are an adventurous, hilarious, thought provoking mix of humour and happiness, tragedy and reflection as the personal thoughts, opinions, experiences and hopes of people who work for and use the NHS are revealed.
In each programme, Phil visits one NHS hospital somewhere in the UK and speaks to porters and patients, cleaners and cardiologists, visitors and volunteers, the managers and the medics.
And at each location Dr Phil performs a free stand-up comedy show for the staff based on his listening experiences at that location and the stories of the people he has met.
A Ride production for BBC Radio 4
THU 08:00 The Navy Lark (b00pymrq)
Povey an Admiral at Last
Captain Povey's wife Ramona lands him in a Singapore stew.
Starring Leslie Phillips as the Sub-Lieutenant, Jon Pertwee as the Chief Petty Officer, Stephen Murray as the Commanding Officer, Richard Caldicot as Captain Povey, Heather Chasen as Clarissa, Tenniel Evans as the Admiral, Michael Bates as Albert and Elizabeth Morgan as Lady Fabia.
Laughs afloat aboard British Royal Navy frigate HMS Troutbridge. The Navy Lark ran for an impressive thirteen series between 1959 and 1976.
Scripted by Lawrie Wyman and George Evans.
Producer: Alastair Scott Johnston.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in September 1973.
THU 08:30 After Henry (b007jmkg)
Series 1
Moving
Her daughter wants to move out. Her mother wants to move in, but should Sarah just sell up?
Simon Brett's comedy about three generations of women - struggling to cope after the death of Sarah's GP husband - who never quite manage to see eye to eye.
Starring Prunella Scales as Sarah, Joan Sanderson as Eleanor, Benjamin Whitrow as Russell, Gerry Cowper as Clare and Marion Bailey as Janie.
Four radio series were made, but instead of moving to BBC TV - Thames Television produced 'After Henry' for the ITV network.
Producer: Pete Atkin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1985.
THU 09:00 We've Been Here Before (b00ft41b)
Series 2
Episode 1
Clive Anderson hosts the panel show that pokes fun at events of the past.
Second series of the topical historical satirical panel show setting out to prove that there's nothing new under, or in, The Sun.
Gyles Brandreth and Arthur Smith battle it out against John O'Farrell and Arabella Weir.
Producer: Ed Morrish
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2004.
THU 09:30 Double Income, No Kids Yet (b00934x9)
Series 3
Episode 5
With a new baby on the way, it's time for some house improvements.
So, against their friends' advice, Daniel and Lucy hire a 'reassuringly middle-class' builder called Nigel...
David Spicer's comedy drama about modern life and parenthood, as seen through the eyes of two 30-something non-parents.
Starring David Tennant as Daniel, Liz Carling as Lucy, Tracy-Ann Oberman as Katie, Tony Gardner as Andy, Joanna Brookes as Alison, Robert Harley as Peter, Bill Bailey as Nigel and Polly Frame as the Doctor.
Producer: Liz Anstee
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2003.
THU 10:00 Inspector Resnick (b00755wt)
Slow Burn
2. Deadly Rhythm
A charred body has been found in the remains of Jimmy Nolan's city-centre jazz club.
Inspector Resnick's team are called to the scene of another deadly conflagration. Is there a link?
Conclusion of John Harvey's thriller.
Charlie Resnick ...... Philip Jackson
Graham Millington ...... Sean Baker
Lynn Kellogg ...... Kate Eaton
Jimmy Nolan ...... John Rowe
Joanne Hubble ...... Alison Pettitt
Stuart Hubble ...... Gerard McDermott
Nicola Venner ...... Rachel Atkins
Fire Officer ...... Alistair Danson
Clarice ...... Jenny Lee
Simmonds ...... Iwan Thomas
Producer: David Hunter
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1998.
THU 11:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m000z61q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Sunday]
THU 11:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b010t6c0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:45 on Sunday]
THU 12:00 The Navy Lark (b00pymrq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 12:30 After Henry (b007jmkg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 13:00 Charles Paris: So Much Blood (m000cb2p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 13:30 Hercule Poirot (b007jvpv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 14:00 Keeping On Keeping On by Alan Bennett (b080wbrs)
2013
Alan Bennett reads extracts from his diaries.
Following on from Alan Bennett's bestselling, award-winning prose collections 'Writing Home' and 'Untold Stories', 'Keeping On Keeping On' is the third anthology to feature his unique observations, recollections and reminiscences.
In these entries, covering the years 2005 to 2014, Bennett looks back on a packed decade that included writing four highly-acclaimed plays – 'The Habit of Art', ‘People’, ‘Hymn’ and ‘Cocktail Sticks’, all of which premiered at the National Theatre – as well as the screenplays for the hit films of ‘The History Boys’ and ‘’The Lady in the Van’.
In addition, he reflects on his 25 years of friendship and collaboration with director Nicholas Hytner, life with his partner Rupert Thomas and, radical views notwithstanding, his status as ‘kindly, cosy and essentially harmless’ – a view which these diaries do their best to disprove.
Today, Alan breaks into a medieval Abbey and acts on stage for the first time in 20 years.
Abridged and produced by Gordon House.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2016.
THU 14:15 15 Minute Drama (b09w14nk)
Delphine de Vigan - Based on a True Story
Betrayal
A psychological thriller about an obsessive female friendship.
L exacts a high price when she uncovers the reason behind Delphine's recovery.
Delphine................................................Janie Dee
L.................................................................Tara Fitzgerald
Francois..................................................Philip Bretherton
Written by Delphine de Vigan
Adapted by Claudine Toutoungi
Directed by Gemma Jenkins
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2018.
THU 14:30 One Way to Necropolis (b00y35ys)
In search of a coffin ticket, a Victorian funeral train and the guardians of what was once the world's largest cemetery.
Alan Dein retraces the route of the Necropolis Railway - from Waterloo to Woking - and uncovers the story of the station of the dead.
Producer: Neil McCarthy
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2005.
THU 15:00 Inspector Resnick (b00755wt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
THU 16:00 We've Been Here Before (b00ft41b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
THU 16:30 Double Income, No Kids Yet (b00934x9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
THU 17:00 Rum Bunch (b08q63kz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 17:30 Dr Phil's Bedside Manner (m000z0r7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 18:00 Robert Easby - Oneira (b007k284)
4. The Thing With Two Cappuccinos
When museum attendant Oneira forgets to pay for her coffee, she's chased by a multiplying hoard of waitresses...
Cast:-
Lyndsey Marshal ...Oneira
Peter Marinker.....Nicholai
Bethan Walker ... Tannoy
Sam Dale ... Phil
Anna Wing ... the Barista.
Written by Robert Easby
Producer: Liz Webb.
Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in 2007.
THU 18:30 Great Lives (b08nq5x7)
Series 42
Peaches Golding on Shirley Chisholm
American-born Peaches Golding OBE, Bristol's former Lord Lieutenant and first black female High Sheriff, nominates the African American politician Shirley Chisholm who ran unsuccessfully for President in 1972.
Fellow guest Dr Kate Dossett, Professor of American History at Leeds University, describes Chisholm’s contribution to the cause of African Americans and to feminism.
Presented by Matthew Parris.
Producer: Maggie Ayre
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2017.
THU 19:00 The Navy Lark (b00pymrq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 19:30 After Henry (b007jmkg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 20:00 Charles Paris: So Much Blood (m000cb2p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 20:30 Hercule Poirot (b007jvpv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 21:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m000z61q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Sunday]
THU 21:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b010t6c0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:45 on Sunday]
THU 22:00 Dr Phil's Bedside Manner (m000z0r7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 22:30 Political Animals (b03mhwd5)
Series 2
Rex and Ron
Ronald Reagan's dog, Rex, reveals that he shared his master's passion for acting.
Another unreliable dog's eye view of the trials and tribulations of Washington living in the White House.
Rex ...... Michael Bertenshaw
West Wing Guy ...... David Seddon
Written by Tony Bagley.
Director: Marc Beeby.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2014.
THU 22:45 Poets' Tree (b00srg4q)
Episode 4
Paul Hamilton looks at pop music's poetic merits plus a tribute to an unheralded genius. Stars Kevin Eldon. From April 2008.
THU 23:00 The Museum of Everything (b007k1gw)
Series 1
Episode 5
Discover the origins of the first-ever museum and learn the secrets of the Pyramids.
Meanwhile, Badgerland fights back
Written and performed by Marcus Brigstocke, Danny Robins and Dan Tetsell.
With Lucy Montgomery.
Music by Dominic Haslam and Ben Walker.
Producer: Alex Walsh-Taylor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2004.
THU 23:30 Absolute Power (b019dqxr)
Series 4
Episode 4
Spin doctor Charles heads across the pond, leaving Martin to fend alone. Stars Stephen Fry and John Bird. From February 2004.


FRIDAY 03 SEPTEMBER 2021

FRI 00:00 Robert Easby - Oneira (b007k284)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Thursday]
FRI 00:30 Great Lives (b08nq5x7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 Charles Paris: So Much Blood (m000cb2p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:30 Hercule Poirot (b007jvpv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 Keeping On Keeping On by Alan Bennett (b080wbrs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:15 15 Minute Drama (b09w14nk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Thursday]
FRI 02:30 One Way to Necropolis (b00y35ys)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 Inspector Resnick (b00755wt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 We've Been Here Before (b00ft41b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:30 Double Income, No Kids Yet (b00934x9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 Rum Bunch (b08q63kz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Thursday]
FRI 05:30 Dr Phil's Bedside Manner (m000z0r7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Thursday]
FRI 06:00 Charles Paris: So Much Blood (m000cctj)
3. First Lunch
Continuing his investigations into the death of Willy Mariello, Charles Paris turns to James Milne, owner of the house in which the other university actors are staying...
Francis Matthews stars as thespian sleuth, Charles Paris.
Six-part thriller serial adapted from his book by Simon Brett.
Charles Paris ...... Francis Matthews
Pam Northcliffe ...... Sara Corper
Martin Warburton ...... Michael Maloney
Anna Duncan ...... Kim Thomson
Lesley Petter ...... Lesley Manville
James Milne ...... Alan McNaughtan
Producer: Martin Fisher
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1985.
FRI 06:30 Hercule Poirot (b007jvpx)
Lord Edgware Dies
Episode 5
Ross has had to abandon a telephone conversation with Hercule Poirot to answer the doorbell. When he doesn't return, the panic-stricken Belgian sleuth and Captain Hastings hurry round to his apartment.
Will the murderer finally be unmasked?
Conclusion of Agatha Christie's whodunit starring John Moffatt as Hercule Poirot.
From the book first published in 1933 and dramatised by Michael Bakewell.
Hercule Poirot ...... John Moffatt
Captain Hastings ...... Simon Williams
Inspector Japp ...... Norman Jones
Jane Wilkinson ...... Nicola Pagett
Jenny ...... Adjoa Andoh
Bryan Martin ...... Brett Usher
Ellis ...... Paula Jacobs
Director: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1992.
FRI 07:00 It's Jocelyn (b08fgw6f)
Series 2
Dumped
Jocelyn talks about a break-up, a flirty dentist crosses the line and a street magician shows off his skills to the public.
It's Jocelyn returns for a second series of sketches and stand-up from the wonderful mind of Jocelyn Jee Esien.
With Paul Whitehouse as a cockney funeral director, plus the vocal talents of Ninia Benjamin, Curtis Walker, Dee Kaate, Gavi Chera and Karen Bartke.
Producer: Suzy Grant
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in February 2017.
FRI 07:30 Michael Frayn's Magic Mobile (m000jf72)
Episode 3
Just sit back and enjoy Michael Frayn’s magical entertainment, directed by Martin Jarvis. Technical guidance from a star cast, including Susannah Fielding, Joanna Lumley, David Suchet, Rosalind Ayres, Adam Godley, Alfred Molina, George Blagden and Lisa Dillon.
Does your computer ever talk back at you? Or your sat-nav? What happens to the huge sums you pay to your gas company? Your chance to join a new How-to-Write course. Or to hear some commercial Brainwaves. Are you confused about cold calling? Any feelings about Quantum Entanglement?
Frayn reveals all. No keys or buttons to press.
Cast:
Joanna Lumley, Susannah Fielding, David Suchet, Adam Godley, Alfred Molina, George Blagden, Lisa Dillon, Anna-Louise Plowman, Moira Quirk, Rosalind Ayres, Nigel Anthony, Darren Richardson, Matthew Wolf
Writer: Michael Frayn
Producer: Rosalind Ayres
Director: Martin Jarvis
A Jarvis and Ayres production for BBC Radio 4
FRI 08:00 Dad's Army (b007jn4c)
Series 2
Branded
Godfrey is ridiculed when Captain Mainwaring hears he was a conscientious objector.
Starring Arthur Lowe as Captain Mainwaring, John Le Mesurier as Sergeant Wilson, Clive Dunn as Corporal Jones, John Laurie as Private Frazer, Ian Lavender as Private Pike and Arnold Ridley as Godfrey.
Adapted for radio from Jimmy Perry and David Croft's TV scripts by Harold Snoad and Michael Knowles.
Producer: John Dyas
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1975.
FRI 08:30 Semi Circles (b007jtxf)
Series 2
Charity Begins at Home
Helen and Ben fight the forces of materialism. Can they win when promotion beckons?
The improving story of life and improving times in an improving neighbourhood.
Starring Paula Wilcox as Helen and David Wood as Ben
Written by Simon Brett
Helen ...... Paula Wilcox
Ben ...... David Wood
Mrs Kelly ...... Pay Heywood
Alastair ...... Tony Millan
Producer: Pete Atkin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1982
FRI 09:00 The Food Quiz (b0076mlq)
Series 2
Episode 1
Journalist and food critic, Jay Rayner gives his four contestants a good grilling on their knowledge of food and drink.
Devour the secret of Stephen Fry's home-made mayonnaise, the song that keeps Josceline Dimbleby happy while cooking, the store cupboard staple of food writer Elisabeth Luard and the best way to catch an eel, according to Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.
Producer: Dixi Stewart
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2004.
FRI 09:30 Ballylenon (b00grysk)
Series 3
Episode 2
A distinguished relative's arrival rings the alarm for Vera McConkey. It's 1955 in the sleepy Irish town. Stars TP McKenna. From June 1996.
FRI 10:00 John Peacock - Posters of the Moulin Rouge (b007jrwj)
1. Yvette Guilbert
Singer Yvette Guilbert is drawn to a brand new venue in the capital city of France.
Starring Julie Covington.
When the Moulin Rouge cabaret opened in Montmartre, Paris in 1889, Toulouse-Lautrec was commissioned to paint a series of posters. A performer's career was made if they secured an appearance.
John Peacock brings Toulouse Lautrec's poster characters to life, in the first of four plays about those entertainers, whose lives were as vivid as Lautrec's paint.
Yvette Guilbert ...... Julie Covington
Zidler ...... Norman Jones
Albine Guilbert ...... Pauline Letts
Oller ...... Carlos Douglas
Louise Weber ...... Frances Barber
Maxine ...... Valerie Sarruf
Jean Lorrain ...... John Moffatt
Leon Forneau ...... Simon Treves
Gabrielle ....... Sue Broomfield
Driver ....... Michael Graham Cox
Marie ....... Alice Arnold
Lamplighter ....... John Bull
Music by Stephen Warbeck.
Director: Jane Morgan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1989.
FRI 11:00 Podcast Radio Hour (m000z77y)
What's New for September?
Chris Pearson and Scott Bryan present the best new podcasts for September.
FRI 12:00 Dad's Army (b007jn4c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 12:30 Semi Circles (b007jtxf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 13:00 Charles Paris: So Much Blood (m000cctj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 13:30 Hercule Poirot (b007jvpx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 14:00 Keeping On Keeping On by Alan Bennett (b080xp2f)
2014
Alan Bennett reads extracts from his diaries.
Following on from Alan Bennett's bestselling, award-winning prose collections 'Writing Home' and 'Untold Stories', 'Keeping On Keeping On' is the third anthology to feature his unique observations, recollections and reminiscences.
In these entries, covering the years 2005 to 2014, Bennett looks back on a packed decade that included writing four highly-acclaimed plays – 'The Habit of Art', ‘People’, ‘Hymn’ and ‘Cocktail Sticks’, all of which premiered at the National Theatre – as well as the screenplays for the hit films of ‘The History Boys’ and ‘’The Lady in the Van’.
In addition, he reflects on his 25 years of friendship and collaboration with director Nicholas Hytner, life with his partner Rupert Thomas and, radical views notwithstanding, his status as ‘kindly, cosy and essentially harmless’ – a view which these diaries do their best to disprove.
Today, Alan reflects on his dramatic experiences with pigs, boa constrictors and steaming – or not so steaming – manure.
Abridged and produced by Gordon House.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2016.
FRI 14:15 15 Minute Drama (b09w2tjb)
Delphine de Vigan - Based on a True Story
Ghost
Claudine Toutoungi's adaptation of Delphine de Vigan's psychological thriller about an obsessive female friendship.
Despite L's disappearance Delphine discovers her former friend still has a grip on her life.
Delphine............................Janie Dee
L.............................................Tara Fitzgerald
Francois...............................Philip Bretherton
Medic...................................Amber Aga
Agent (Karine)...................Georgie Glen
Librarian,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Kerry Gooderson
Written by Delphine de Vigan
Adapted by Claudine Toutoungi
Directed by Gemma Jenkins
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2018.
FRI 14:30 Heaven and Earth: Le Ly Hayslip (b04h85ql)
Vietnamese writer Le Ly Hayslip reflects on her life and work shedding new light on her country's experience of the war.
Much of what we know about Vietnam we know through the prism of western, primarily American, culture. Two autobiographies written by the Vietnamese-American author Le Ly Hayslip offer an important insight into the war and its aftermath from a Vietnamese perspective.
1989 saw the the publication of her first memoir, When Heaven and Earth Changed Places: A Vietnamese Woman's Journey from War to Peace, which was followed in 1993 by her second book, Child of War, Woman of Peace. In this programme, Le Ly gives us unique access into her home in Vietnam to talk about her life and the two books that tell her remarkable story of suffering, survival and her mission to heal the wounds between America and her homeland.
Le Ly was tortured in a South Vietnamese government prison for "revolutionary sympathies", raped by the VC, and fled to Saigon before fleeing to America. There she married unhappily, prospered, and returned to her village in Vietnam 13 years later. She has since set up the East Meets West foundation to reconcile Americans and Vietnamese, and the Global Village Foundation providing development assistance to rural Vietnam.
The programme includes in interview with the director Oliver Stone, who was so moved by Le Ly's story he made a film about her – 1993's Heaven and Earth. Says Stone: 'That she has been through so much and can talk honestly the way she does is the key to her book and the understanding of it and that's why I wanted to make the film – to understand someone who had suffered even more than I had. And I can learn from her.'
Producer: Eve Streeter
A Pier production
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2014.
FRI 15:00 John Peacock - Posters of the Moulin Rouge (b007jrwj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
FRI 16:00 The Food Quiz (b0076mlq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
FRI 16:30 Ballylenon (b00grysk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
FRI 17:00 It's Jocelyn (b08fgw6f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 17:30 Michael Frayn's Magic Mobile (m000jf72)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 18:00 Robert Easby - Oneira (b007k29f)
5. Mind the Gap
Battling to complete her epic surreal quest, Oneira literally ends up talking to herself - and finds her other self very rude.
Cast:-
Lyndsey Marshal ...Oneira
Peter Marinker.....Nicholai
Joseph Kloska ...Pete
Gerard McDermott ... Elias
Saikat Ahamed ... the Courier.
Written by Robert Easby
Producer: Liz Webb.
Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in 2007.
FRI 18:30 Off the Page (b011plrx)
Terrible Food
What's the worst thing that could be served to you for lunch? Fox lasagne? Tripe? Raw seal blubber? Dominic Arkwright and his three guests chew over the subject of awful cuisine.
His first guest Jonathan McGowan explains how liver turns his stomach, but doesn't think anything of eating dead rats - as long as they're rats from the countryside. Johann Hari reveals how for many years he's had a culinary addiction that now makes him shudder, and Stephanie Calman shares some absolute no-nos for dinner parties.
Producer Beatrice Fenton
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2011.
FRI 19:00 Dad's Army (b007jn4c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 19:30 Semi Circles (b007jtxf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 20:00 Charles Paris: So Much Blood (m000cctj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 20:30 Hercule Poirot (b007jvpx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 21:00 Podcast Radio Hour (m000z77y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
FRI 22:00 Michael Frayn's Magic Mobile (m000jf72)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 22:30 The John Moloney Show (b092fxgq)
Series 2
Edward Gets Protection
The Godfather of British stand up, John Moloney, returns to the stage with stories of his much loved cat Edward. John has taken the advice of the Vet and decides to get a companion - or, more accurately, a "cat bouncer" to take care of Edward.
It's a lot more difficult to get a used cat than John remembers. John's wife tries to appease the interview panel - yes, that's right, an interview panel - but John can't quite help himself.
Featuring Karen Bartke, Julia Sutherland, JoJo Sutherland and Tyler Collins.
A Dabster production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2017.
FRI 22:45 Terry Alderton: More Crazy Now (b084bpk2)
Giant Hornets
Terry Alderton flexes his comedy muscles with more craziness and nonsense. Street Kid, Victor, Ed and The Bear and, this week, a lot of terrifying, buzzing hornets.
It’s more Terry, more crazy and happening right now. Some bees were harmed during the making of this programme... but not by us.
Written by and starring Terry Alderton.
Featuring Johnny Spurling
Additional material from Johnny Spurling and Richard Melvin.
Producers: Johnny Spurling and Sean Kerwin
Executive Producer: Richard Melvin
A Dabster production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in December 2016.
FRI 23:00 Old Harry's Game (b00w6j8w)
Series 6
Discoveries
Satan introduces Edith to Adam and Eve, but for the father and mother of all humanity, they are alarmingly stupid.
Andy Hamilton's comedy set in Hell.
Starring Andy Hamilton as Satan, Annette Crosbie as Edith, Robert Duncan as Scumspawn and Jimmy Mulville as Thomas.
Other characters played by Michael Fenton Stevens, Philip Pope and Felicity Montagu
Producer Paul Mayhew-Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2007.
FRI 23:30 Alice's Wunderland (b069vvg6)
Series 3
Episode 1
The peculiar narrator takes a trip through time with Lady Bowie to Ye Olde Wunderlande, the middle-ages Poundland of magical realms.
New series by Alice Lowe, featuring Marcia Warren as the narrator, with Richard Glover, Simon Greenall, Rachel Stubbings and Clare Thompson.
Producer: Lyndsay Fenner.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2015.