SATURDAY 06 NOVEMBER 2021

SAT 00:00 MR James (m0001p66)
The Haunting of MR James
5. Rats
A remote inn, a locked room and young Thomson, the only guest, is curious.
By the master of the ghost story, MR James.
Dramatised by Neil Brand.
MR James ..... Mark Gatiss
Thomson ..... George Watkins
Betts ..... Michael Bertenshaw
Mrs Betts ..... Carolyn Pickles
Stewart ..... Sean Baker
Director: David Hunter
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2018.
SAT 00:15 Fresh Blood (b007k2kq)
The Blue Room by Ava Ming
A secret corner of the girls' lavs provides a hideout for bullies Carol and Pam, but The Blue Room has a dark secret.
Ava Ming's spine tingling drama.
Tracey …. Aisling Caffrey
Carol …. Katerina Pushkin
Nikki …. Lauren Hopkins
Producer: Paul Arnold
Part of a BBC Writersroom initiative to showcase dramas from writers across the country who had not yet had work broadcast on network radio.
Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in March 2006.
SAT 00:30 Off the Page (b017cfkn)
Japan
Hiroko Kawanami, Richard Lloyd Parry and Imran Yusuf explore the idea of Japan.
What is it really like, and how does it match up to people's preconceptions?
Hiroko Kawanami is a Japanese lecturer in Buddhism who prefers living in the UK. Richard Lloyd Parry is Asia Editor of The Times and has lived in Tokyo for 16 years. British stand-up comedian Imran Yusuf has visited Japan and loved it.
All three write and talk about the Japan they know, with presenter Dominic Arkwright - who has never been to Japan and freely admits he knows little about it..
Producer: Beth O'Dea
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2011.
SAT 01:00 Paul Temple (b007jp9x)
Paul Temple and the Vandyke Affair
4. Boulevard Seminaire
The mystery glove trail leads the suave detective and his wife to a rendezvous in Paris.
Francis Durbridge's thriller stars Peter Coke and Marjorie Westbury as BBC radio's smoothest investigator and his glamorous wife.
Paul Temple …. Peter Coke
Steve …. Marjorie Westbury
Sir Graham Forbes …. Richard Williams
Bill McCall …. John Scott
Philip Droste …. Simon Lack
Vanessa Droste …. Grizelda Hervey
Charles Marett …. John Bryning
Luke …. Jon Farrell
Telephone Operator …. Betty Baskcomb
Louis Franz …. Rolf Lefebvre
Waiter …. David March
Receptionist …. Beatrice Ormonde
Producer: Martyn C Webster
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in January 1959.
SAT 01:30 Death Speaks Another Language (m00115cp)
5. Ring After Nine
Things turn serious, with Vince close to death and now Karen’s life under threat
Starring David Valla.
Peter Ling's thriller serial set in '60s Swinging London.
Nico .... David Valla
Karen Engstrom .... Patricia Gallimore
Mrs Benson .... Hilda Kriseman
Neil Benson .... Derek Seaton
Detective .... Michael Deacon
Ray Lockett .... Alaric Cotter
Buller .... Henry Stamper
Plessey .... Geoffrey Wincott
Suzanne Kaye .... Cecile Chevreau
Receptionist .... Frances Jeater
Salesman .... Ian Thompson
Coffee Bar Boss .... John Gabriel
Producer: Ronald Mason
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in August 1969.
SAT 02:00 Five Ghost Stories by John Connolly (b007jx4s)
5. Nocturne
Sounds of a piano played at night lead a father and his son into a confrontation with a malign adversary.
A supernatural story written by Dublin author, John Connolly.
Read by Tony Doyle.
Producer: Lawrence Jackson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2000.
SAT 02:15 Henry James (m0000pd8)
What Maisie Knew
Episode 5
Maisie travels to Paris with Sir Claude but when Mrs Beale arrives she has to make a difficult decision about her future.
Conclusion of Henry James's story about the complications of love and marriage - seen through the eyes of a child.
Dramatised by Amanda Dalton.
Maisie ...... Talia Barnett
Mrs Wix …… Julie Hesmondhalgh
Sir Claude …… Rudi Dharmalingham
Miss Overmore / Mrs Beale ...... Emma Naomi
Henry James ...... John Lynch
Director: Nadia Molinari.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2018.
SAT 02:30 The Cabinet of Animosities (b01m0kjd)
The Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb exhibits objects left behind at the end of love affairs.
Everyday things: the shared belongings, mementos and gifts that are no longer wanted - or are wanted too much.
Cathy FitzGerald takes a tour of its woebegone collection and meets the broken-hearted lovers who have donated objects from all around the world. Tales of love won and lost, told through the things we give, the things we treasure, and the things we fling at one another when it all goes wrong.
Producers: Cathy FitzGerald & Matt Thompson
A Rockethouse production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2012.
SAT 03:00 CP Snow - Strangers and Brothers (b017h805)
The Light and the Dark
As the Second World War erupts, Lewis Eliot heads to Whitehall and his love life takes an unexpected turn.
CP Snow's epic novel sequence about the English Establishment and Power.
Stars Adam Godley and David Haig.
Dramatised by Jonathan Holloway.
Narrator …. David Haig
Lewis Eliot …. Adam Godley
Hector Rose ...Rupert Vansittart
Roy Calvert .... Adam Levy
Houston Eggar …. Peter Marinker
Willy Romantovski .... Kenneth Collard
Gilbert Cooke .... Anthony Calf
Margaret Davidson .... Juliet Aubrey
Rosalind …. Anne-Marie Duff
Betty Vane .... Carla Simpson
Director: Jeremy Howe & Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2003.
SAT 04:00 It's Not What You Know (b062khlc)
Series 3
Episode 4
What's Lucy Porter's least favourite town to perform in?
Has Cornelius's pal Jonathan ever won any money as a result of a tip from Cornelius?
Who is Tom Wrigglesworth's all time hero?
All these burning questions, and more, will be answered in the show hosted by Miles Jupp, where panellists are tested on how well they know their nearest and dearest.
In this case, comedian Lucy Porter picks her agent, comedian Tom Wrigglesworth picks his father, and Cornelius Lysaght picks an old school friend.
Producer: Matt Stronge
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2015.
SAT 04:30 Ballylenon (b007vmbw)
Series 4
Episode 2
The death of Canon Friel causes upset amongst the faithful and ruins Phonsie Doherty's plans...
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.
Phonsie Doherty …. TP McKenna
Muriel McConkey …. Margaret D'Arcy
Vera McConkey …. Stella McCusker
Vivienne Boal …. Aine McCartney
Guard Gallagher …. John Hewitt
Stumpy Bonnar …. Gerard McSorley
Rev Samuel Hawthorne …. Gerard Murphy
Music arranged and performed by Stephanie Hughes.
Director: Eoin O'Callaghan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1997.
SAT 05:00 All Those Women (b06bhvsr)
Series 1
Episode 2
Jen is driven to compete with Stuart in the parenting stakes. Cue the most fun (and educational) sleepover an 11 year old could wish for. In theory.
In the meantime, Maggie would really prefer it if her houseguests would put things back in the correct drawer, and stop leaving teabags in the sink.
Comedy series by Katherine Jakeways about four generations of women trying to live under one roof.
Hetty ...... Sheila Hancock
Maggie ...... Lesley Manville
Jen ...... Sinead Matthews
Emily ...... Lucy Hutchinson
David ...... Denis Lill
Stu ...... Chris Pavlo
Pat ...... Katherine Jakeways
Mrs Bell ...... Amelia Lowdell
Freya ...... Zoe Castle
Lucy ...... Hollie Burgess
Announcement ...... George Watkins
Script editor: Richard Turner
Producer: Alexandra Smith
A BBC Radio Comedy production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2015.
SAT 05:30 The Confessional (m0011415)
Series 2
The Confession of Shaparak Khorsandi
Stephen Mangan takes another confession in the comedy chat show about shame and embarrassment.
Each week, Stephen invites a different eminent guest into his virtual confessional box to make three confessions. This is a cue for some rich and varied storytelling, and surprising insights. Settle back for more revelations of guilt and mortification.
This week, Stephen interviews Shaparak Khorsandi, a self-styled ‘spit and sawdust stand-up’ whose career also embraces success as a satirist, novelist and screen-writer. She recently received the prestigious James Joyce Award from Dublin University. She reveals a secret act of vandalism in her primary school loos, a story of hand cuffs and impulsive behaviour, and a tendency for taking comic retribution.
Other guests in this series include Olivia Williams, Anthony Horowitz, Ed Byrne, Konnie Huq and David Quantick.
Written and presented by Stephen Mangan
With extra material by Nick Doody
Produced by Frank Stirling
A 7digital production for BBC Radio 4
SAT 06:00 Ellen Dryden - The Westward Journey (b007jzmq)
“We are now beyond the Missouri River. We have left the States behind. Ahead of us lie the great uncivilised plains.”
On the wagon trains of the perilous migration across America to Oregon and California, the strength of women was tested against the ambition and pride of their men.
Starring Carolyn Jones, Tracy-Ann Oberman and Marcia Warren.
Ellen Dryden’s 19th century drama.
Martha ... Carolyn Jones
Lucy .... Tracy Ann Oberman
Hannah ... Marcia Warren
Thomas ... Bradley Lavelle
George ... Nathan Osgood
Robert McKail .... David Bannerman
Elizabeth Swain ... Mia Soteriou
Rebecca ... Alison Pettitt
Francis ... David Brooks
Jonah ... Mac McDonald
Woman ... Liza Ross
Charles Putnam ... Alan Marriott
Music by Mia Soteriou.
Director: Ned Chaillet
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1997.
SAT 07:30 Great Lives (b0924kwx)
Series 43
Sathnam Sanghera on Alexander Gardner
Author and Journalist Sathnam Sanghera nominates a Great Life; a man dismissed as a fantasist and a liar in his own lifetime.
Alexander Gardner was a Scottish-American soldier, a traveller, an explorer and adventurer - a white man with a tartan turban, who ended up in India in a Maharaja's Sikh Army in the 19th Century, just before the British Raj took over.
Possibly a plagiarist and touted as a scoundrel, yet Sathnam claims he's worthy of a bigger place in history. If just a tiny portion of what we think we know about him is true, he is a genuinely remarkable figure.
Historian John Keay is the expert witness to Gardner's life.
Presented by Matthew Parris.
Producer: Perminder Khatkar.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2017.
SAT 08:00 Listomania (b09x4n4c)
Pilot Episode
From the magnificent to the mundane.
From the humble 'to do' list to the bucket list.
Susan Calman hosts the pilot show for the series exploring the world of the lists.
With:
Lucy Porter
Joe Lycett
Richard Herring
Katherine Ryan
Written by James Kettle and Gráinne Maguire.
Producers: Adnan Ahmed and Sam Bryant
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in June 2014
SAT 08:30 Smelling of Roses (b00dl042)
Series 3
A Cheeky Little Number
Jo's relationship with Robert is looking a bit rocky.
The situation isn't helped when she meets a charming young wine shipper for whom Rosie's organising a tasting...
Prunella Scales stars in Simon Brett's sitcom.
The trials and tribulations of Rosie Burns and her event management company, based in Brighton
Rosie ..... Prunella Scales
Jo ..... Rebecca Callard
Bob ..... Duncan Preston
Tess ..... Annette Badland
Harry Butt ..... Gideon Turner
Emma Bryson ..... Rebecca Front
Producer: Maria Esposito
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2002.
SAT 09:00 Billy Bragg's Changing Times (m0007497)
These are fractious times.
But there have been fractious times before. And of all the ways of looking at history, the instinctive reactions of artists, specifically musicians, to changing times, is one of the most fascinating.
From Hamish Henderson to Tom Robinson, the Sex Pistols to U2, and more recently Radiohead and Stormzy, protest music has come a long way.
Billy Bragg sets out to savour and share the stories of great moments where musicians were inspired by unfolding events to protest, to perform and to preach of an alternative way.
Along the way there will be contributions from authors, artists and academics who have seen technology transform the way in which people create and listen to protest songs.
Plus a chance to hear from those producing protest music in the era of Brexit, Trump and fake news.
Producer: Dan Quick
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in July 2019.
SAT 12:00 ReincarNathan (m0002822)
Series 1
Snail
Nathan Blakely was a popstar, but he died and was reincarnated as a snail. Will he ever make it back to human again?
It's Quantum Leap meets Planet Earth meets an idiot.
Daniel Rigby, Diane Morgan and Josh Widdicombe star in this sitcom about the afterlife.
Written by Tom Craine and Henry Paker.
Jenny ...... Diane Morgan
Nathan ...... Daniel Rigby
Tim from next door ...... Tom Craine
Denis/Waiter ...... Henry Paker
Susan, Conchita, Dying Snail ...... Freya Parker
Bert ...... Josh Widdicombe
Music composed by Phil Lepherd.
Producers: Harriet Jaine & Jonno Richards
A Talkback production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in January 2019.
SAT 12:30 Winston (b007tbrv)
Winston in Europe
Don't Gush, Nancy
Father wants to move again. He's got the wanderlust. He's had enough of England.
You can't get decent eccles cakes here any longer...
Peter Tinniswood's bawdy six-part comedy serial.
Winston …. Bill Wallis
Father …. Maurice Denham
Nancy …. Shirley Dixon
Rosie …. Liz Goulding
William .… Christian Rodska
Director: Shaun MacLoughlin.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1992.
SAT 13:00 A History of Ghosts (Omnibus) (m000p19p)
Part 2
Kirsty Logan explores the evolution of Ghost Lore.
In the last of two omnibus editions: :
* She discovers how the tourist trade in the Southern United states whitewashes history rather than drawing on African American ghost stories
* Explores the only known case where the testimony of a ghost secured the conviction of their murderer
* Dives into the life of one of the most celebrated mediums of the Victorian era
* Reveals that a spirit is not the most dangerous part of a poltergeist case
* Asks if in the 21st century we're less interested in finding ghosts, rather than creating them?
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2020.
SAT 14:00 The Penny Dreadfuls (b00nks8c)
The Penny Dreadfuls Present: Guy Fawkes
What exactly is it that we're asked to remember on the 5th of November?
As the nation prepares for Bonfire Night; highly acclaimed comedy trio The Penny Dreadfuls take a fresh and timely look at a familiar story with a comedic, stirring and sometimes graphic exploration of the build-up to and aftermath of the Gunpowder Plot.
Recorded in front of an audience at the BBC Radio Theatre in London, there's plenty of laughs in places where you least expect them - from the boisterously optimistic meetings of the conspirators through to Fawkes' internment in the Tower of London.
Starring Kevin Eldon as Guy.
With Miles Jupp and Andrew Pugsley.
The Penny Dreadfuls are David Reed, Humphrey Ker and Thom Tuck.
Guy Fawkes ...... Kevin Eldon
Thomas Percy ...... Miles Jupp
John Wright ...... David Reed
Robert Catesby ...... Thom Tuck
Thomas Winter ...... Andrew Pugsley
Sir William Waad ...... Humphrey Ker
Producer: Julia McKenzie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2009.
SAT 14:45 Creme de la Crime (b007jr0x)
Series 1
20,000 Leaks Under the Sea
Michael Feydeau -TV's much loved Inspector Niblett - and crime expert, David Pershore probe a case of wartime spying skulduggery.
Tales from the vaults of villainy.
Written by and starring Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis.
With Emma Kennedy.
Director: Adam Bromley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2001.
SAT 15:00 The Million Pound Radio Show (b008m7km)
Series 1
Episode 2
Save the seal - and how to lose unwanted hair. Andy Hamilton and Nick Revell's sharp-edged topical humour.
With Jasper Jacob and Penelope Nice.
Producer: Paul Mayhew-Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1985.
SAT 15:30 Will Smith Presents the Tao of Bergerac (b007w0j4)
2. Individuality
Jersey-born comedian Will Smith continues his obsession with 1980s BBC TV detective series Bergerac.
He's using an audio book of its star, John Nettles, reading the Tao, to navigate the minefield of his life, with the help of a special guest.
Will wonders how he can be an individual without being derided for his choices.
With:
Karl Johnson
Simon Greenall
Rachel Bavidge
Olivia Poulet
John Nettles
Written by Will Smith and Roger Drew.
Producer: Tilusha Ghelani
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2007.
SAT 16:00 Ellen Dryden - The Westward Journey (b007jzmq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 17:30 Great Lives (b0924kwx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 18:00 Spine Chillers (b0886z49)
Colin Haydn Evans - Figures
As soon as Ann saw the house she knew it had to be hers. Its past turns out to be part of her future.
So all she has to do is sit in the upstairs room - kept locked for so long - and wait...
Written by Colin Haydn Evans.
Ann ...... Anna Massey
Ralph Symons ...... Blain Fairman
Rebecca Symons ...... Jill Lidstone
Peter Fuller ...... Jon Strickland
Alex Slade ...... Michael Bilton
Director: Ian Cotterell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1984.
SAT 18:45 The Strange and the Sinister by William Croft Dickinson (b007jvjg)
The Sweet Singers
William Croft Dickinson introduces his stories of the supernatural set in Scotland.
A trip to an old university golfing competition has unusual consequences for two professors.
Read by Moultrie Kelsall.
Producer: John Gray
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in October 1961.
SAT 19:00 Billy Bragg's Changing Times (m0007497)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 22:00 Ross Noble Goes Global (b01cvr0t)
Series 2
Egypt
Ross entertains bewildered Bedouins in the desert and ponders the merits of doing a wildlife show.
A series of travelogues from comedian Ross Noble.
Producer: Danny Wallace
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2003.
SAT 22:30 Chain Reaction (b0742mqd)
Series 11
5. Sandi Toksvig interviews Roy Hudd
Broadcaster and writer Sandi Toksvig turns interviewer as she chats to comedy icon, Roy Hudd.
Chain Reaction is the long running hostless chat show where this week's interviewee becomes the next interviewer.
Sandi Toksvig is a prolific writer and broadcaster who chaired the News Quiz on BBC Radio 4 for nine years and over 220 episodes. She was a founder member of the Women's Equality Party and took over as host of BBC TV’s long-running QI.
Roy Hudd clocked up more than 50 years in showbusiness, starting out as a Butlins redcoat in the 1950s sparking a stellar career through numerous successes on stage, radio and screen. Radio listeners know him best as the host of the much-loved News Huddlines on BBC Radio 2 for 26 years. More recently, Roy gained plaudits for his moving portrayal of Bud Flanagan in the BBC drama 'We're Doomed! The Dad's Army Story'.
Roy tells Sandi about his showbiz beginnings, reveals how Arthur Askey gave him a leg up in the early days and shares his favourite pantomime story courtesy of Tom O'Connor.
Producer: Richard Morris
A BBC Radio Comedy production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in March 2016.
SAT 23:00 The Curried Goat Show (b007nf6d)
Episode 8
It's Bath Night - plus jam.
Sketch-bonanza written by and starring Dan Gaster, Will Ing and Ben Silburn.
With special guest: Imelda Staunton
Music from The Big Buzzard Boogie Band.
Producer: Maria Esposito.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in February 1998.
SAT 23:30 Guy Browning's Small Talk (b0076mys)
Series 2
How to Go to a Party
"When you step into a party, everyone is locked into hugely enjoyable conversations with popular, attractive people who are waiting to hate you."
All you need to know about making merry and avoiding being 'de-mingled'.
Comedian Guy Browning continues to provide practical life-coaching in the big small challenges of life.
Producer: Jonquil Panting
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2004.
SAT 23:45 Helen Keen's It Is Rocket Science (b01hxmxk)
Series 2
Episode 2
Comic but informative look at the history of space exploration:
The role that leaps of the imagination have played in the science of rocketry, including the strange story of Russian Cosmism, and how their mission to bring back to life everyone who has ever lived produced pioneering work on multi-stage rockets
Plus the even stranger story of a plan in the 1950s for a giant spaceship capable of carrying a hundred and fifty people that could have been built using existing technology - Project Orion. There was just one snag - it was to be fuelled by nuclear bombs.
Starring:
Helen Keen
Peter Serafinowicz
Susy Kane
Written by Helen Keen and Miriam Underhill.
Producer: Gareth Edwards.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2012.