SATURDAY 16 DECEMBER 2023

SAT 00:00 Linda Cracknell - The Three Knots (b00pcjh4)
Two men are stranded on a Scottish mountain on a stormy December night.
Then they meet a mysterious old woman who believes she can control the elements.
Linda Cracknell’s drama about faith and the supernatural, set in 19th-century Scotland.
Angus …. Finn den Hertog
Thomas …. Robert Jack
Old Woman …. Gerda Stevenson
Elizabeth …. Hannah Donaldson
Minister …. Jimmy Chisholm
Director: Kirsty Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2009.
SAT 00:45 Charles Dickens (b00pdkdp)
The Signalman
A spine-chilling tale about a railway worker haunted by a spectre, warning him of danger on the rails.
Charles Dickens’ classic ghost story was first published in 1866 as part of the multiple author ‘Mugby Junction’ collection, in the Christmas edition of the periodical ‘All the Year Round’. The story is said to have been inspired by a the Clayton Tunnel crash, near Brighton, in 1861.
Abridged and read by Emlyn Williams.
Producer John Tydeman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1985.
SAT 01:00 Whodunnits (m001t930)
Inspector Hanaud - At the Villa Rose
Madame Dauvray is found murdered at her villa and all evidence seems to point to her young English companion Celia Harland.
But Celia disappears - so her fiance tries to persuade France's well-known detective to take up the case...
Andrew Sachs stars as Inspector Hanaud.
AEW Mason's detective novel first published in 1910.

Dramatised by David Benedictus
Hanaud .... Andrew Sachs
Ricardo .... Ian Masters
Wethermill .... Nicholas Rowe
Celia .... Fiona Clarke
Madame Dauvray .... Janet Whiteside
Helene Vauquiers .... Alice Arnold
Perrichet .... Stephen Critchlow
Servattaz .... Sean Baker
Adele .... Becky Hindley
Other parts played by the cast.
Director: Marion Nancarrow
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1999
SAT 02:00 Paul Temple (b007jrk0)
Paul Temple and the Alex Affair
5. Mr Wilfred Davis
Lathom is blackmailed, while Paul Temple stakes-out the drop-off - where a surprising figure appears...
Starring Peter Coke and Marjorie Westbury as BBC radio's smoothest investigator and his glamorous wife.
Another intriguing case of dastardly crimes must be solved.
Written by Francis Durbridge.
Paul Temple …. Peter Coke
Steve …. Marjorie Westbury
Sir Graham Forbes …. James Thomason
Inspector Crane …. Haydn Jones
Wilfred Davis …. Basil Jones
Mrs Trevelyan …. Barbara Mitchell
Dr Kohima …. Rolf Lefebvre
Donald Black …. Victor Lucas
Sergeant …. Anthony Viccars
Mrs Horne …. Betty Hardy
Bradley …. David Brierly
Producer: Martyn C Webster
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in March 1968.
SAT 02:30 The Same River Twice (m000dghk)
5. Discovery
With his estranged wife missing for three months, Johnny Maxen's search seems to be getting nowhere.
But then Detective-Inspector Wardlaw makes a shocking discovery...
Starring Gordon Jackson.
Edward Boyd's thriller serial about the deepening mystery over missing Julia Maxen.
Johnny Maxen ...... Gordon Jackson
Detective Inspector Wardlaw ...... Roddy McMillan
Bob Smith ...... Moultrie R Kelsall
Helen Duncan ...... Lennox Milne
Dorothy Havergal ...... Anne Kristen
Producer: Eddie Fraser
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in October 1966.
SAT 03:00 Snow by Marcus Sedgwick (b0868wnv)
5. Nature
Of all weathers, snow is the one that has always affected the author Marcus Sedgwick the most.
Five years ago, he and his partner bought a mountain house, an old chalet d’alpage high in the Haute Savoie of eastern France.
In this final episode, he studies the nature of its 'whiteness' and welcomes in the spring thaw.
Abridged by Katrin Williams
Concluded by Jonathan Firth.
Producer: Julian Wilkinson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2016.
SAT 03:15 Tony Grounds - How To Write A Novel In A Week (b01pwxt9)
5. Nothing to Lose
Jim has had an eventful week: his mother Iris revealed that the love of her life was not in fact his father but Angelo, an Italian prisoner of war with whom she had an affair as a teenager.
Meanwhile, Jim's despairing wife Kath has threatened separation following his crusade to turn his life into a novel. With nothing to lose, Jim has staged an audacious reunion.
Conclusion of the comedy-drama by Tony Grounds.
Jim ...... Paul Ritter
Kath ...... Sophie Thompson
Iris ...... Marcia Warren
Director: Sasha Yevtushenko
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2013.
SAT 03:30 Between Ourselves With Marian Keyes (m0008wnq)
Happy All The Time
Marian Keyes is a publishing sensation - her works of fiction (Rachel's Holiday, The Break and others) have sold in their millions, across the globe.
In this series, Marian reads selections from her non-fiction writing, in conversation with her friend and actor Tara Flynn.
This time, the theme is Happy All The Time.
Alongside the craic, Marian reads “Foreign Country” from her collection Under The Duvet and “Negative Thinking” from Making It Up As I Go Along.
Producer: Steve Doherty
A Giddy Goat production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in October 2019.
SAT 04:00 Albert and Me (b007jzwr)
Series 1
Where There's a Will
With a trip to hospital looming, single dad Bryan must make contingency plans.
Stars Richard Beckinsale and Pat Coombs.
The struggles of single parent Bryan Archer to find work while raising his baby son, Albert.
Written by Jim Eldridge.
Bryan Archer …. Richard Beckinsale
Mum/Albert …. Pat Coombs
Dad …. John Comer
Bank Manager …. John Arnatt
Uncle Eric …. Michael Robbins
Mr Smith …. David Ryall
Mrs Smith …. Diana King
Nurse …. Penelope Reynolds
Producer: John Fawcett Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in December 1977.
SAT 04:30 Rent (b04pcxh5)
Series 2
Episode 5
When Paul delivers an ultimatum to Ruby, a visit to a fortune-teller with Maria tells them more than they bargained for.
Stars Patrick Barlow and Barbara Flynn.
Lucy Flannery's Writers' Guild award-winning sitcom about the struggles of Maria and Richard and their lodgers.
Maria ...... Barbara Flynn
Richard ...... Patrick Barlow
Amy ...... Linda Polan
Paul ...... Toby Longworth
Madame Terry ...... Sally Grace
With:
Sarah Parkinson
Vivienne Rochester
Joanna Brookes
Matthew Bell
Producer: Liz Anstee.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1995.
SAT 05:00 The Food Quiz (m0001r4f)
Christmas Special 2005
Jay Rayner grills four contestants with some festive culinary conundrums.

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall
Giorgio Locatelli
Charita Jones
Michele Roberts

What is the correct pastry for mince pies?

How many extra miles do you need to walk to burn off all the extra Christmas calories?

Producer: Alice Feinstein

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2005.
SAT 05:30 The Right Time (b0076m76)
Series 4
Episode 1
From nudism and reflexology to top-shelf magazines.
Sketch show about life, written and performed by people who've lived a bit.
Starring:
Eleanor Bron
Dudley Sutton
Roger Blake
Clive Swift
Paula Wilcox
Guest star: Arthur Smith
Music by Ronnie & The Rex
Written by Colin Bostock-Smith, Jill Brodie, John Pidgeon, Mike Haskins, Jan Etherington, George Poles, Arthur Smith, Alan Stafford, Chris Thompson and Peter Reynolds.
Script Editors: Ed Dyson and George Poles
Producer: Katie Marsden
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2004.
SAT 06:00 Conan Doyle's Strangest Case (b063jp8z)
Drama telling the true story of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's obsession with a miscarriage of justice.
Starring Peter Jeffrey as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Written by Tony Mulholland.
Convinced that George Edalji has been wrongly convicted of a shocking crime, writer Doyle assumes the mantle of his famous detective Sherlock Holmes and sets out to solve the case...
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle ... Peter Jeffrey
Kathleen Moriarty ... Frances Jeater
George Edalji ... Kim Wall
Shapurji ... Kaleem Janjua
Anson ... Richard Avery
Campbell ... Terry Pearson
Disturnal ... Terry Molloy
Vachell ... Gerry Hinks
Other parts played by:
Roger Hume
Tina Gray
Simon Carter
Daphne Neville
Alex Jones
Pat Quayle
Sheila Kelley
Producer: Rosemary Watts
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1995.
SAT 07:30 The Man in the Red Coat by Julian Barnes (Omnibus) (m000bc9m)
A wide-ranging account of the whirling connections of poetry and debauchery, dandyism and duelling that linked the literary and cultural celebrities of Paris and London in the final decades of the 19th century.
A period that later came to be known as the Belle Epoque.
The Man in the Red Coat is a portrait painted by John Singer Sargent in Paris in 1881, and titled Dr Pozzi at Home. It portrays Samuel Pozzi, a man of extraordinary talents, whose contribution to medicine was in many ways ahead of its time.
But it is also an emblem of the exchange of ideas and art, science and poetry that flourished across the Channel in the 19th-century.
Written and read by Julian Barnes.
Omnibus of five parts abridged by Jill Waters and Isobel Creed
Producer: Jill Waters
A Waters Company production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in November 2019.
SAT 08:45 Uncle Mort's South Country (b007jrfc)
Series 2
The Brothers Rotten
Carter and his uncle let rip about their food, the clergy and the army.
Peter Tinniswood’s continuing tales of long-suffering Carter Brandon and his curmudgeonly uncle.
Uncle Mort …. Stephen Thorne
Carter Brandon …. Sam Kelly
The Barmaid/Older Spinster …. Liz Goulding
Younger Spinster …. Jane Whittenshaw
The Military Policeman …. Brian Miller
Narrator …. Christian Rodska
Uncle Mort and his Yorkshire based family first appeared in Tinniswood’s novel ‘A Touch Of Daniel’ which earned them a run of ‘I Didn't Know You Cared’ on BBC TV in four series from 1975 to 1979.
Producer: Pete Atkin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1990.
SAT 09:00 Not in Front of the Children (b08cgp53)
Series 2
Bundle of Joy
Jennifer's baby is due and everybody is agog, especially the children.
Of course, the girls want a sister and son Robin hopes for a brother...
Starring Wendy Craig and Francis Matthews.
The comedy mishaps of the Corner family - Jennifer and Henry and their three kids Trudi, Amanda and Robin.
Four series were first shown on BBC TV from 1967 to 1970.
Richard Waring adapted his own TV scripts for this radio version, now fully restored from the original reel-to-reel tapes.
Jennifer Corner …. Wendy Craig
Henry Corner …. Francis Matthews
Mary …. Charlotte Mitchell
Trudi …. Roberta Tovey
Robin …. Hugo Keith-Johnston
Amanda …. Jill Riddick
Dr Steele …. Ross Hutchinson
Dr Walker …. Alexander John
Music by Ronnie Hazlehurst
Producer: Trafford Whitelock.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1970.
SAT 09:30 Whack-O! (m001tjgj)
Series 2
The Old Lag
With the boys playing up will the Headmaster be able to make a good impression on their new landlord?
Starring 'Professor' Jimmy Edwards.
Starting life on BBC TV before transferring to radio, Chiselbury School is run 'for the sons of gentlefolk'.
Headmaster, Professor James Edwards, MA never misses a trick when it comes to exploiting the students and their parents. Sports pitches are given over to growing vegetables, which the boys nurture for their head to sell. Classes never exceed 95 pupils - 50 if private tuition is paid for at five guineas extra.
It's only thanks to the efforts of the devoted deputy head, Mr Potter, that the school exists at all.
Written by Frank Muir and Denis Norden.
Adapted for radio by David Climie.
Headmaster ...... Jimmy Edwards
Aubrey Potter ...... Roddy Maude-Roxby
Alfred Tennyson ...... Frederick Treves
Mr Morgan …. Julian Somers
Lady Westbury .... June Whitfield
Samuel Tozer .... Roy Dotrice
John Coxall .... Phipps
Lumley .... Roger Shepherd
With:
David Lott
Kenneth Gouge
Philip Leavermore
Producer: Edward Taylor
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in May 1962.
SAT 10:00 Jim Morrison's Will to be Weird (m000h93s)
3: The End
Had singer Jim Morrison of The Doors not died in mysterious circumstances at the tender age of 27 in 1971 - he would have turned 75 in 2018.
In the last of three programmes, Paul Gambaccini mixes the music and poetry of the man with the influences that moulded the self-proclaimed ‘The Lizard King’.
In addition to sharing memories and observations, Paul delves into the BBC archive:
* ‘THE CEMETERY CONFESSIONS’
A star-studded cast interprets the final confessions of some of the many notable occupants of the Cimetiere du Pere-Lachaise, Paris.
[BBC Radio 4 06/05/2004]
Producer: Mik Wilkojc
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in 2018.
SAT 11:00 Conan Doyle's Strangest Case (b063jp8z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 12:30 The Man in the Red Coat by Julian Barnes (Omnibus) (m000bc9m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 13:45 Uncle Mort's South Country (b007jrfc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
SAT 14:00 Not in Front of the Children (b08cgp53)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 14:30 Whack-O! (m001tjgj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SAT 15:00 Jim Morrison's Will to be Weird (m000h93s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SAT 16:00 Linda Cracknell - The Three Knots (b00pcjh4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 00:00 today]
SAT 16:45 Charles Dickens (b00pdkdp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 00:45 today]
SAT 17:00 Conan Doyle's Strangest Case (b063jp8z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 18:30 The Man in the Red Coat by Julian Barnes (Omnibus) (m000bc9m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 19:45 Uncle Mort's South Country (b007jrfc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
SAT 20:00 Not in Front of the Children (b08cgp53)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 20:30 Whack-O! (m001tjgj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SAT 21:00 Jim Morrison's Will to be Weird (m000h93s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SAT 22:00 Fab TV (m0016pb8)
The Return of The Preventers
Comedy series paying homage to TV's cult action adventure shows of the 1960s and 70s.
THE PREVENTERS are an elite, stylish, polo-neck-wearing threesome of international troubleshooters.
In the opening episode, evil mastermind Mordick was destroyed when Atlantasia exploded.
Or was he?
Could he have escaped by laser beam?
Will he bid to take over the world again, or can he be prevented?
Call for the trio of international trouble-shooters?
Yes! It's the return of the Preventers.
Written by and starring:
Morwenna Banks
Chris England
Robert Harley
With:
Ed Devereaux
Desmond Llewelyn
Neil Mullarkey
John Irwin
Music by Peter Baikie.
Producer: Phil Clarke
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1996.
SAT 22:30 Jo Caulfield: Pretending To Care (m0005dzb)
Jo Caulfield has been performing to sell out crowds all over the country for years now.
She's also appeared on most of the comedy panel shows on TV and written jokes for some of the biggest comedy stars in the UK.
Here she is - pretending to care, performing lots and lots of jokes live.
Simple.
Written and performed by Jo Caulfield
Producer: Richard Melvin
A Dabster production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2019.
SAT 23:00 That Mitchell and Webb Sound (b00mg8mx)
Series 4
Episode 3
A horse makes his own packed lunch and there's advice on how to become the next Zorro.
Plus a boy's effectiveness as a wolf early-warning system is compromised, and an evangelist refuses to tell people about Jesus.
Sketch show starring David Mitchell and Robert Webb.
With:
Olivia Colman
Sarah Hadland
James Bachman
Producer: Gareth Edwards
Firs broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2009.
SAT 23:30 The Croft & Pearce Show (b0742mqq)
Episode 3
* Highly-strung ladies June and Jean have a meltdown in John Lewis
* A bullish Brown Owl teaches her Brownies troop the importance of stealing
* Jeannette starts to wonder if her cranky 90-year-old Momma will ever die.
More sketches from award-winning duo Croft and Pearce, rising stars of the UK comedy scene.
Written and performed by Hannah Croft and Fiona Pearce.
These Edinburgh Fringe favourites were the break-out hit of BBC Radio 4's Sketchorama and have performed sell-out shows in London, New York and around the UK.
Packed with sharply observed characters.
Producer: Liz Anstee
A CPL production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in 2016.
SAT 23:45 My Booze Hell, by Little Johnny Cartilage (b010j4pd)
And Cue Supersonic
The washed-up TV star finds himself 'In the Psychiatrist's Chair' with Dr Anthony Clare.
The not-terribly-true autobiography of 1970s idol Little Johnny Cartilage.
Written by and starring Johnny Meres.
With:
Dr Anthony Clare
Ben Miller
Peter Serafinowicz
Geoff McGivern
Rosemary Martin
Deborah Berlin
Producer: Gareth Edwards
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1996.

SUNDAY 17 DECEMBER 2023

SUN 00:00 Rappaccini's Daughter by Nathaniel Hawthorne (b00qxcff)
Giovanni is a student who moves into a new room overlooking a strange garden full of lush and outlandish plants.
The garden belongs to Dr Rappaccini, a renowned scientist and expert in poisons.
But from the moment Giovanni sees Beatrice, the doctor's daughter, in the garden, his interest becomes a dangerous obsession.
Dark sci-fi romance, written in 1844 by acclaimed American writer Nathaniel Hawthorne.
Starring Peter Marinker and Joseph Cohen Cole.
A tale of mystery, a love story, and a haunting allegory. It's fascinating early science fiction, but its world of cold scientists and sinister experiments connects directly with our own fears about Frankenscience and biological weaponry.
It's also an eerie and dreamlike fable - the mesmerising poisoned garden into which Beatrice entices Giovanni has echoes of the Garden of Eden. Powerful archetypes and questions of sin and the ambiguous power of knowledge ripple beneath its surface.
Dramatised by Martyn Wade.
Hawthorne ....... Peter Marinker
Giovanni ....... Joseph Cohen Cole
Baglioni ....... David Hargreaves
Rappaccini ....... John Rowe
Beatrice ....... Emerald O'Hanrahan
Lisabetta ....... Kate Layden
Director: Abigail le Fleming
Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in February 2010.
SUN 00:30 The Price of Fear (b007jn0n)
Soul Music
The chilling tale of a violinist with very special hands
Written by William Ingram.
Horror legend Vincent Price introduces tales of horror and mystery.
With:
John Graham
Coral Browne
Roger Snowdon
Michael Burlington
Producer: John Dyas
First broadcast on the BBC World Service in September 1975.
SUN 01:00 Conan Doyle's Strangest Case (b063jp8z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]
SUN 02:30 The Man in the Red Coat by Julian Barnes (Omnibus) (m000bc9m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Saturday]
SUN 03:45 Uncle Mort's South Country (b007jrfc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Saturday]
SUN 04:00 Not in Front of the Children (b08cgp53)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Saturday]
SUN 04:30 Whack-O! (m001tjgj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Saturday]
SUN 05:00 Jim Morrison's Will to be Weird (m000h93s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Saturday]
SUN 06:00 Poetry Extra (m001thvb)
Adventures In Poetry - The Owl And The Pussycat
Daljit Nagra chooses Adventures in Poetry - The Owl and the Pussycat read by Tony Robinson, and presented by Peggy Reynolds.
Peggy explores the nonsense world of Edward Lear's The Owl and the Pussycat.
With the help of academics, writers, children and other fans including Vivien Noakes, Hugh Haughton, Ken Dodd, Johnny Ball, Sophie Grigson and Ian McMillan.
Daljit also reads from Poetry Extra's book of the month: Bad Diaspora Poems by Momtaza Mehri.
Producer: Sara Davies
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2000.
SUN 06:30 Snow by Marcus Sedgwick (Omnibus) (b087lc5q)
A meditation on snow by author Marcus Sedgwick.
Five years ago, he and his wife moved to an old chalet d'alpage high up in the Haute-Savoie (an alpine department of the eastern France bordering both Switzerland and Italy).
Here for the first time he understands how snow can really shape the rhythms of daily life and during his first full winter in the mountains, he appreciates the hard daily labour involved in clearing proper alpine snow from the path outside his house.
He remembers the snowy winters of his childhood in Kent and muses on the many different words that describe snow.
Omnibus of five parts abridged by Katrin Williams.
Read by Jonathan Firth.
Marcus Sedgwick is best known as a children's author.
He is the winner of many prizes, most notably the Michael L. Printz Award 2014, for his novel Midwinterblood. Marcus has also received two Printz Honors, for Revolver in 2011 and The Ghosts of Heaven in 2016. Other notable awards include Floodland, Marcus' first novel, which won the Branford-Boase Award in 2001, a prize for the best debut novel for children.
His books have been shortlisted for over 40 other awards, including the Carnegie Medal (six times), the Edgar Allan Poe Award (twice) and the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize (four times). He has twice been nominated for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, in 2016 and 2017
Producer: Julian Wilkinson.
First broadcast in BBC Radio 4 in December 2016.
SUN 07:40 Inheritance Tracks (m001thvq)
Tom Kerridge
Chef, pub and restaurant owner Tom Kerridge dishes up English Rose by The Jam and Proof by I Am Kloot.
SUN 07:50 How To Write A Novel In A Week by Tony Grounds (Omnibus) (b01pz9db)
Jim sees himself as an ideas man - always has been and always will be.
But even though his entrepreneurial endeavours have so far only met with knock backs, Jim refuses to be cowed.
And now, with the most important week of his life ahead of him, the bolt of inspiration is about to strike.
Omnibus of the five-part comedy-drama by Tony Grounds.
Jim ...... Paul Ritter
Kath ...... Sophie Thompson
Ray ...... Ben Crowe
Susie ...... Lizzie Watts
Barman/Sergeant ...... Robert Blythe
Shop Assistant/Policeman ...... Will Howard
Iris ...... Marcia Warren
Director: Sasha Yevtushenko
First broadcast by BBC Radio 4 in January 2013.
SUN 09:00 The Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise Show (b01sdcqw)
Series 2
Episode 6
The comedy duo take on Hollywood – but Eric’s not too keen on Ernie’s health kick
Starring Ernie Wise and Eric Morecambe.
Written by Eddie Braben.
With
Brian Wilde
April Walker
Music from Syd Lawrence and his Orchestra
With Roy Marsden and Sue Adams.
Producer: John Browell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in October 1976.
SUN 09:30 Neil Gaiman’s ‘Chivalry’ (m000cl46)
The Christmas tale of of Mrs Whitaker, who finds the Holy Grail in a charity shop.
Along the way, she meets her dear friend Mrs Greenberg for macaroons, and becomes the focal point of Sir Galaad’s most important quest.
Neil Gaiman's delightfully quirky, funny, and sweet story.
Neil created Mrs Whitaker in his late 20s, and she was very much inspired by his grandmothers.
He mixes the gentle normality of Mrs Whitaker’s chats with her best friend - discussing grandchildren, with the very lightly touched upon every day loneliness of bereavement.
Plus a visit from handsome young Sir Galaad, who comes asking for the Grail, and ends up helping out with around the house.
Narrator …... Glenda Jackson
Mrs Whitaker …... Glenda Jackson
Sir Galaad …... Kit Harington
Mrs Greenberg .….. Jessica Turner
Marie …... Lucy Reynolds
Director: Allegra McIlroy

A BBC Northern Ireland production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2019.
SUN 10:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m001thw5)
Absent Friends 2023
Glenda Jackson CBE
Politician and Transport Minister Glenda Jackson is castaway by Sue Lawley.
Politics is Glenda's third job. At 16, she left school to work in Boots. But it was as an actress that she reached the pinnacle of her profession, becoming an international star and winning Oscars for her roles in Women in Love and A Touch of Class.
On TV, she was the formidable Elizabeth R, but won our hearts as Cleopatra in Morecambe & Wise.
Despite her vast acting experience, she admits that when she came to make her maiden speech in the House of Commons she had the worst attack of stage fright in her long career.
DISC ONE: Nutbush City Limits - Ike & Tina Turner
DISC TWO: Igor Stravinsky's Symphony Of Psalms - CBC Symphony Orchestra Choir with Festival Singers Of Toronto, conducted by Igor Stravinsky
DISC THREE: Hound Dog - Elvis Presley
DISC FOUR: John Adams's The Chairman Dances - San Francisco Symphony Orchestra
DISC FIVE: Dmitry Shostakovich's Symphony No. 7 in C major: "Leningrad" - London Symphony Orchestra
DISC SIX: Benjamin Britten's Libera me (from War Requiem) - City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Simon Rattle
DISC SEVEN: Superstition - Stevie Wonder
DISC EIGHT: Michael Tippett's Concerto for Double String Orchestra - Scottish Chamber Orchestra
BOOK CHOICE: The History and Creation of a Japanese Sand Garden
LUXURY CHOICE: A bath
CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Benjamin Britten's Libera me (from War Requiem) - City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Simon Rattle
Producer: Angie Nehring
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1997.
SUN 10:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00yjtg4)
Series 2
Canopy
If you walk into a rainforest you are immediately met by quite literally a forest of trees.
All the tree trunks look like cathedral pillars, smooth and wet from the rain.
Not a single branch emerges from the trunk for tens of metres - and when they do you see a breath-taking interlocking jungle of branches and leaves, ferns and flowers and all number of creatures great and small.
The canopy is a bonanza of tropical forest life, in the bright light and gentle breeze - a far cry from the dark and humid underworld of the forest floor.
Not surprising then that Sir David Attenborough knew this would be a perfect place to film wildlife.
Producer: Julian Hector
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2011.
SUN 11:00 Poetry Extra (m001thvb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 11:30 Snow by Marcus Sedgwick (Omnibus) (b087lc5q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
SUN 12:40 Inheritance Tracks (m001thvq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:40 today]
SUN 12:50 How To Write A Novel In A Week by Tony Grounds (Omnibus) (b01pz9db)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:50 today]
SUN 14:00 The Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise Show (b01sdcqw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SUN 14:30 Neil Gaiman’s ‘Chivalry’ (m000cl46)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SUN 15:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m001thw5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 15:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00yjtg4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:45 today]
SUN 16:00 Rappaccini's Daughter by Nathaniel Hawthorne (b00qxcff)
[Repeat of broadcast at 00:00 today]
SUN 16:30 The Price of Fear (b007jn0n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 00:30 today]
SUN 17:00 Poetry Extra (m001thvb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 17:30 Snow by Marcus Sedgwick (Omnibus) (b087lc5q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
SUN 18:40 Inheritance Tracks (m001thvq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:40 today]
SUN 18:50 How To Write A Novel In A Week by Tony Grounds (Omnibus) (b01pz9db)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:50 today]
SUN 20:00 The Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise Show (b01sdcqw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SUN 20:30 Neil Gaiman’s ‘Chivalry’ (m000cl46)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SUN 21:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m001thw5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 21:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00yjtg4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:45 today]
SUN 22:00 Jacob Hawley's Welcome to Britain (m0005mgs)
Jacob Hawley is a BBC New Comedy Award Finalist - a tattoo-emblazoned young man from a working class, leave-voting town.
He now boasts an arts degree, a vegetarian girlfriend and an almost convincing concern for climate change - so not far off Billy Elliot.
Jacob's stand-up show shares material from his 2018 Edinburgh show 'Howl' so that foreigners and, if they’re listening, aliens, can find out first hand what Britain is really like.
This is all based on Jacob's experiences of the monotonous suburbs, the insular small towns, the hypocritically righteous city and their inhabitants.
Written and performed by Jacob Hawley.
Producer: Daisy Knight
An Avalon production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in June 2019.
SUN 22:30 Suzi Ruffell: Postcards to Portsmouth (m00051k8)
Suzi Ruffell presents stand-up on the theme of growing up in Portsmouth and sending postcards to back home.
Through sharp storytelling and real-life examples, Suzi introduces the audience to her large and entertaining family on England's south coast.
Written and performed by Suzi Ruffell.
With additions from Ann Ruffell.
Producer: Suzy Grant.
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2019.
SUN 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m001tvmw)
Ken Cheng 1/3
From 10.00pm until midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Rob Deering chats to Ken Cheng.
SUN 23:00 Thanks a Lot, Milton Jones! (b06wd7dt)
Series 2
The Employment Agency
When Milton launches a job agency, it turns out that getting people into work actually is rocket science.
Which is why his best client suddenly goes ballistic.
Mention Milton Jones to most people and the first thing they think is 'Help!'. Because each episode, Milton, and his trusty assistant Anton set out to help people and soon find they're embroiled in a new adventure.
If you're close to the edge, then Milton can give you a push.
Written by Milton with James Cary and Dan Evans
With:
Tom Goodman-Hill
Josie Lawrence
Ben Willbond.
Music by Guy Jackson.
Director: David Tyler
A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in January 2016.
SUN 23:30 Edge Falls (b007vjkl)
Series 1
Mother of Shopping
The Big Boss comes calling for the unveiling of a new art work at the Retail Village.
But with a group of anti-capitalists on site, Sonya's big chance to impress takes on Titanic qualities.
Starring Sarah Lancashire and Mark Benton.
Paul Barnhill and Neil Warhurst's sitcom following the lives of the staff of Edge Falls Retail Village.
Mick …. Mark Benton
Sonya …. Sarah Lancashire
Rez …. Emil Marwa
Valerie …. Sarah Hadland
Jeff Birkenfleck …. Neil Warhurst
Chris …. Paul Barnhill
Miranda …. Lindsay Allen
Colin …. Anthony Glennon
Milosh …. John Dougall
Tina/Shaz …. Jasmine Callan
Customer/Man in Car Park …. Sam Dale
Director: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2007.

MONDAY 18 DECEMBER 2023

MON 00:00 Poetry Extra (m001thvb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Sunday]
MON 00:30 Snow by Marcus Sedgwick (Omnibus) (b087lc5q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Sunday]
MON 01:40 Inheritance Tracks (m001thvq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:40 on Sunday]
MON 01:50 How To Write A Novel In A Week by Tony Grounds (Omnibus) (b01pz9db)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:50 on Sunday]
MON 03:00 The Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise Show (b01sdcqw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Sunday]
MON 03:30 Neil Gaiman’s ‘Chivalry’ (m000cl46)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Sunday]
MON 04:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m001thw5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Sunday]
MON 04:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00yjtg4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:45 on Sunday]
MON 05:00 The Expedition of Humphry Clinker (b00d6432)
1. A Romp Through Great Britain
Squire Bramble and family embark on a whistle-stop tour of Great Britain.
They encounter adventure, mayhem... and the enigmatic Humphry Clinker.
Tobias Smollett's uproarious 18th century novel, celebrating and satirising British life and its eccentricities
Starring Nigel Anthony and Stuart McLoughlin.
Dramatised in three parts by Yvonne Antrobus.
Mathew Bramble ...... Nigel Anthony
Tabitha Bramble ...... Marcia Warren
Lydia Melford ...... Helen Longworth
Jery Melford ...... Dan Starkey
Winifred Jenkins ...... Joanna Page
Humphry Clinker ...... Stuart McLoughlin
Sir Ulic Mackilligut ...... Sam Dale
John Thomas ...... Ben Crowe
Barton ...... Nyasha Hatendi
Lord Newcastle ...... John Rowe
Other parts played by:
Stephen Critchlow
Liz Sutherland
Chris Pavlo
Mandolin played by Stuart McLoughlin.
Director: Marc Beeby
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2008.
MON 06:00 Paul Temple (b007w4dh)
Paul Temple and the Alex Affair
6. Mr Lee Brent
Mrs Trevelyan's confession doesn't ring true, so Paul Temple seeks assistance from an American counterpart.
Starring Peter Coke and Marjorie Westbury as BBC radio's smoothest investigator and his glamorous wife.
Another intriguing case of dastardly crimes must be solved.
Written by Francis Durbridge.
Paul Temple …. Peter Coke
Steve …. Marjorie Westbury
Sir Graham Forbes …. James Thomason
Inspector Crane …. Haydn Jones
Wilfred Davis …. Basil Jones
Mrs Trevelyan …. Barbara Mitchell
Taxi Driver …. Alan Dudley
Carl Lathom …. Simon Lack
Ricky …. Frank Henderson
Leo Brent …. Dennis Hawthorne
Flora …. Rosalind Shanks
Operator …. Ian Thompson
Jock …. Duncan McIntyre
Driver …. Nigel Clayton
Producer: Martyn C Webster
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in March 1968.
MON 06:30 The Same River Twice (m000dhmp)
6. Information
Johnny Maxen's search for his estranged wife has apparently ended after a gruesome discovery.
But Detective-Inspector Wardlaw sparks a fresh search...
Starring Gordon Jackson.
Edward Boyd's thriller serial about the deepening mystery over missing Julia Maxen.
Johnny Maxen ...... Gordon Jackson
Detective Inspector Wardlaw ...... Roddy McMillan
Helen Duncan ...... Lennox Milne
Bob Smith ...... Moultrie R Kelsall
Dorothy Havergal ...... Anne Kristen
Producer: Eddie Fraser
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in November 1966.
MON 07:00 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (b0076gcf)
1. Darlington Hall
Stevens looks back on a lifetime of service as butler in one of the great stately homes of England.
Coming to the end of his career, he belatedly puts his life into perspective.
Kazuo Ishiguro's 1989 Booker Prize winning novel.
Abridged in ten-parts by Catherine Czerkawska.
Read by John Moffatt.
Producer: Marilyn Imrie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1990.
MON 07:15 Maya Angelou's Autobiographies (m0002rjg)
A Song Flung up to Heaven
Episode 1
When Maya Angelou returns from Ghana the first person she calls is Malcolm X.
She wants to spend some time with her mother and brother in San Francisco before she begins working with Malcolm in New York.
Then Malcolm is assassinated.
Devastated, Maya is shocked by people's apathetic reaction to the news.
Maya Angelou's memoir dramatised in five parts by Patricia Cumper.
Narrator, older Maya ...... Adjoa Andoh
Maya ...... Pippa Bennett-Warner
Malcolm X ...... Don Gilet
Bailey ...... Samuel Anderson
Mother ...... Ellen Thomas
The books that make up the life and times of Maya Angelou are some of the best, most beautiful and haunting pieces of autobiography written.
They run the gamut from life affirming to tragedy and back again with a tone that is a joyous, direct and searingly honest, and are an extraordinary portrait of 20th-century black America.
Director: Pauline Harris
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2019.
MON 07:30 Just Grand (b08hd21v)
Sandra and Frank are a working class Northern couple who dream of escaping Manchester for a new life in Fuengirola.
Their dream is scuppered when the couple become unwilling guardians to their estranged grandchildren - a pair of over-privileged and bewildered siblings from the Home Counties.
Family sitcom about a clash of generations and cultures.
Written by BAFTA-award-winning writers Phil Mealey (The Royle Family, Early Doors) and Daniel Peak (Not Going Out).
Starring Siobhan Finneran (Benidorm, Happy Valley, Downton Abbey) and Jason Watkins (W1A, Trollied) and Denise Welch (Coronation Street).
Written by Phil Mealey and Daniel Peak.
Sandra …… Siobhan Finneran
Frank …… Jason Watkins
Gloria …… Denise Welch
Marcus …… Ben Greaves-Neal
Thommo …… Phil Mealey
Padma …… Chetna Pandya
Poppy …… Kate Sale
Ollie …… Toby Ungelson
Producer: Julia McKenzie
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 2, first broadcast in March 2017.
MON 08:00 Steptoe and Son (b007jlnf)
Series 3
TB or Not TB
Sixty years of smoking takes its toll on Albert Steptoe.
Starring Wilfrid Brambell and Harry H Corbett.
Classic sitcom about the lives of rag and bone men Albert Steptoe and his son Harold.
Written for BBC TV and adapted for BBC Radio by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.
Albert ...... Wilfrid Brambell
Harold ...... Harry H Corbett
Receptionist ...... Jo Manning Wilson
Producer: Bobby Jaye
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in April 1971.
MON 08:30 After Henry (b007jqn4)
Series 4
Sunday Lunch
"In certain circumstances you steam fish when someone's ill or something. You don't steam potatoes."
Sarah and her mother Eleanor argue over cooking the veg.
Simon Brett's comedy about three generations of women.
Each is struggling to cope after the death of Sarah's GP husband, yet they never quite manage to see eye-to-eye.
Sarah ...... Prunella Scales
Eleanor ...... Joan Sanderson
Russell ...... Benjamin Whitrow
Clare ...... Gerry Cowper
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 January 1989.
MON 09:00 Elephant in the Room (m0006dv6)
Series 1
Episode 2
Sarah Millican hosts a panel show using surveys to discover who is the most Average Jolene, and who is the most Maverick Matilda.
On the sparkling panel:
Jenny Eclair
Ayesha Hazarika
Hayley Ellis
Alun Cochrane
Surveys on subjects including childhood, daily rituals and favourite cheese are the basis for Sarah's questions to the panellists, discovering who is the closest to, and furthest from, the average. Surprising quirks, hilarious insights and unexpected anecdotes are revealed along the way.
The winner will be the most average. But joint winner will be the most different, the furthest from the norm.
A little bit like a dinner party, but one where you know all of the spoons.
A Chopsy production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in July 2019.
MON 09:30 Ring Around the Bath (b00v7sp7)
Series 2
All Over Bar the Wrapping Paper
Plans for Christmas go awry as Stella is determined to get away - but a moveable feast is on the family menu.
Starring Duncan Preston and Penny Downie.
Lucy Clare and Ian Davidson's sitcom about a topsy-turvy household.
Patrick ...... Duncan Preston
Stella ...... Penny Downie
Alison ...... Claudie Blakely
Rick ...... Bruce McKinnon
Xanthe ...... Catherine Shepherd
Egg ...... Daniela Denby-Ashe
Man in Garden Centre.......Terence Frisch
Producer: Elizabeth Freestone
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2004.
MON 10:00 The Expedition of Humphry Clinker (b00d6432)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
MON 11:00 Paul Temple (b007w4dh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 11:30 The Same River Twice (m000dhmp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 12:00 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (b0076gcf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 12:15 Maya Angelou's Autobiographies (m0002rjg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
MON 12:30 Just Grand (b08hd21v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 13:00 Steptoe and Son (b007jlnf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 13:30 After Henry (b007jqn4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 14:00 Elephant in the Room (m0006dv6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
MON 14:30 Ring Around the Bath (b00v7sp7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
MON 15:00 The Expedition of Humphry Clinker (b00d6432)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
MON 16:00 Paul Temple (b007w4dh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 16:30 The Same River Twice (m000dhmp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 17:00 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (b0076gcf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 17:15 Maya Angelou's Autobiographies (m0002rjg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
MON 17:30 Just Grand (b08hd21v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 18:00 Steptoe and Son (b007jlnf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 18:30 After Henry (b007jqn4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 19:00 Elephant in the Room (m0006dv6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
MON 19:30 Ring Around the Bath (b00v7sp7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
MON 20:00 Radiolab (m001cg4v)
Series 10
60 Words
Radiolab explores one sentence, written in the hours after September 11th, 2001, that led to the longest war in U.S. history. We examine how just 60 words of legal language have blurred the line between war and peace.
Radiolab is a Peabody-award winning show about curiosity. Where sound illuminates ideas, and the boundaries blur between science, philosophy, and the human experience.
The Radiolab team investigate a strange world.
From WNYC.
First broadcast on public radio in the USA in 2014.
MON 20:55 Inheritance Tracks (b0bk12c9)
Robert Winston
Professor Robert Winston chooses the second movement from Beethoven's Seventh Symphony and JS Bach's Christmas Oratorio.
MON 21:00 Mastertapes (m0001mp4)
Series 8
The Good, The Bad & The Queen (A-side)
Damon Albarn, Paul Simonon, Tony Allen and Simon Tong talk about the 2007 album that gave the super-group its name, ‘The Good, The Bad & The Queen’.
Series in which leading performers and songwriters talk to John Wilson about the album that made them or changed them.
Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes - the A-side and B-side.
A-side: 'The Good, The Bad & The Queen'
Modern-day supergroup, Damon Albarn, Paul Simonon, Tony Allen and Simon Tong talk to John Wilson about their acclaimed debut album "The Good, The Bad & The Queen."
Released in 2007, the album brought together Blur’s front-man, the bassist from The Clash, the Afrobeat pioneer who was also Fela Kuti’s drummer, and former guitarist from the Verve who co-created The Magnetic North. Described by Damon Albarn as “a song cycle that's also a mystery play about London”, the record was voted the Best Album of 2007 by the Observer Music Magazine and it includes the singles Herculean, Kingdom of Doom and Green Fields.
Although Simon Tong and Paul Simonon appeared on the next Gorillaz album and Tony Allen collaborated with Damon Albarn on Rocket Juice & the Moon, the band have not released any more material… until now. Their long overdue follow-up Merrie Land was released in November 2018.
Producer: Paul Kobrak
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2018.
MON 21:30 Midnight in Peking by Paul French (b01j5fw2)
1. Murder
On a frozen night in January 1937, in the dying days of colonial Peking, the body of a young woman was found in the shadows of a haunted watchtower. It was Pamela Werner, the daughter of the city's former British consul Edward Werner.
A horrified world followed the hunt for Pamela's killer but the police investigation drew a blank and the case was forgotten amid the carnage of the Japanese invasion. Only Pamela's father carried on, employing a network of private investigators to follow the murder trail into Peking's notorious Badlands and back to the gilded hotels of the colonial Quarter.
Seventy-five years later, deep in the Scotland Yard archives, British historian Paul French accidentally came across the lost case file prepared by Edward Werner and, through his fresh eyes, uncovered the killer's identity.
An evocative account of the end of an era, the book spent seven weeks in the South China Morning Post's Top 10 bestsellers list.
Written by Paul French.
Read by Crawford Logan.
Abridged by Robin Brooks.
Produced by Kirsteen Cameron.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2012.
MON 21:45 November Dead List (b03q600m)
Series 1
1. Dead or Alive?
Nicola Walker stars as a detective in this gritty crime drama.
Each Roman Catholic parish compiles a Book of the Dead from the lists of departed loved ones submitted by parishioners. Printed on the front of the envelopes are three words: November Dead List.
A young priest opens one such envelope and discovers - not a list of the dead but a list of people he knows to be alive, and members of his congregation.
At first he thinks it's someone's idea of a joke. Then the people named start turning up dead.
DI Flood ...... Nicola Walker
Father Manu ...... Paul Ready
John ...... Steve Toussaint
Father Pat ...... Dermot Crowley
Simon ...... Arthur Hughes
Terrence ...... John Norton
Gerry ...... Stephen Hogan
Kevin ...... Sean Murray
Eileen ...... Carolyn Pickles
Journalist ...... Carys Eleri
Written by Nick Perry.
Directed by Sasha Yevtushenko.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2014.
MON 22:00 I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue (m001tbc3)
Series 80
Episode 5
The godfather of all panel shows pays a visit to the Dorking Halls. On the panel are Fred Macaulay, Milton Jones, Lucy Porter and Omid Djalili with Jack Dee in the umpire’s chair. Colin Sell accompanies on the piano.
Producer - Jon Naismith.
It is a BBC Studios production for Radio 4.
MON 22:30 Bridget Christie's Christmas List (b06s9s00)
Father Christmas helps Bridget bring about a feminist Christmas for 2015, whether he wants to or not.
Written by and starring Bridget Christie.
Featuring (much to their surprise):
Miles Jupp
Robin Ince
Jon Culshaw
Leo Wan
A Christmas show for everyone. Even men.
Producer: Alexandra Smith
A BBC Radio Comedy production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2015.
MON 22:45 Dr John Cooper Clarke at the BBC (b09jvn0h)
Series 2
Episode 1
The Bard of Salford performs a mixture of classic and previously unheard poems, recorded at the BBC's Radio Theatre in London.
Set List:
A Distant Relation
Christmas at Somebody Else's House
Shave Off
The Day My Pad Went Mad
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 December 2017.
MON 23:00 Dead Ringers (m001t9sj)
Christmas Specials 2023
Episode 1
Topical comedy as everyone's favourite impressions show returns... with a festive twist.
This episode features the Rwanda migrant crisis, Tory factionalism, Sir Kier Starmer’s latest policy and troubling times for The Wombles.
This week's impressionists are Jon Culshaw, Lewis MacLeod, Jan Ravens, Jess Robinson and Duncan Wisbey.
This episode was written by: Nev Fountain & Tom Jamieson, Laurence Howarth, Ed Amsden & Tom Coles, Edward Tew, Robert Darke, Peter Tellouche, Sophie Dickson, Rachel E Thorn and Jo Topping.
Sound Design for the series by Rich Evans
Produced and created by Bill Dare.
MON 23:30 The Masterson Inheritance (b007jstr)
Series 1
The Sweat of the Mastersons
A young Charles Masterson seeks his fortune in Dickensian London, a town seething with body-snatchers, opium dens and female impersonators...
Based entirely on audience suggestions - this is an improvised historical saga of the Mastersons - a family at war with itself.
Starring:
Paul Merton
Josie Lawrence
Caroline Quentin
Jim Sweeney
Phelim McDermott
Producer: Phil Clarke
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1993.

TUESDAY 19 DECEMBER 2023

TUE 00:00 The Expedition of Humphry Clinker (b00d6432)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 on Monday]
TUE 01:00 Paul Temple (b007w4dh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]
TUE 01:30 The Same River Twice (m000dhmp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Monday]
TUE 02:00 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (b0076gcf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Monday]
TUE 02:15 Maya Angelou's Autobiographies (m0002rjg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 on Monday]
TUE 02:30 Just Grand (b08hd21v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:00 Steptoe and Son (b007jlnf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Monday]
TUE 03:30 After Henry (b007jqn4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Monday]
TUE 04:00 Elephant in the Room (m0006dv6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:30 Ring Around the Bath (b00v7sp7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Monday]
TUE 05:00 The Expedition of Humphry Clinker (b00d8h6p)
2. The Footman Gets Banged Up!
The Expedition of Humphry Clinker
Tobias Smollet's uproarious satire of 18th-century life, dramatised by Yvonne Antrobus.
The family is stranded. Bramble is keen to continue their grand tour, but how can they leave London when Humphry is in gaol?
Mathew Bramble ...... Nigel Anthony
Tabitha Bramble ...... Marcia Warren
Lydia Melford ...... Helen Longworth
Jery Melford ...... Dan Starkey
Winifred Jenkins ...... Joanna Page
Humphry Clinker ...... Stuart McLoughlin
Lieutenant Lismahago ...... John Rowe
Mr Martin ...... Chris Pavlo
Mr Micklewhimmen ...... Sam Dale
Dutton/Wilson ...... Nyasha Hatendi
Gaoler ...... Stephen Critchlow
Directed by Marc Beeby.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2008.
TUE 06:00 Paul Temple (b007w2hz)
Paul Temple and the Alex Affair
7. The Girl in Brown
The debonair detective returns to Canterbury in search of 'Alex', when Leo Brent looks to be in danger.
Francis Durbridge's thriller stars Peter Coke as Paul Temple and Marjorie Westbury as Steve in another intriguing case for BBC radio's smoothest investigator and his glamorous wife.
Paul Temple …. Peter Coke
Steve …. Marjorie Westbury
Sir Graham Forbes …. James Thomason
Inspector Crane …. Haydn Jones
Wilfred Davis …. Basil Jones
Ricky …. Frank Henderson
Dr Kohima …. Roy Lefebvre
Leo Brent …. Dennis Hawthorne
Taxi Driver …. Alan Dudley
Walter …. David Brierly
Thomas …. Leroy Lingwood
Producer: Martyn C Webster
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in March 1968.
TUE 06:30 The Same River Twice (m000djpc)
7. Desperation
Johnny Maxen is under suspicion for the murder of his estranged wife.
His attempts to clear himself leads him to a loch-side cottage and a meeting with an old flame...
Starring Gordon Jackson.
Edward Boyd's thriller serial about the deepening mystery over his estranged wife Julia
Johnny Maxen ...... Gordon Jackson
Dorothy Havergal ...... Anne Kristen
Detective Inspector Wardlaw ...... Roddy McMillan
Bunty Nichol ...... WHD Joss
Helen Duncan ...... Lennox Milne
Producer: Eddie Fraser
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in November 1966.
TUE 07:00 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (b07gbrtg)
2. On the Way to Salisbury
Stevens looks back on a lifetime of service as butler in one of the great stately homes of England and, at the end of his career, belatedly puts his life into perspective.
1956: Salisbury - Steven's is making his way to Cornwall to visit former housekeeper, Miss Kenton. Earlier, he stopped to take in a breath-taking view of the English countryside.
Kazuo Ishiguro's 1989 Booker Prize winner abridged by Catherine Czerkawska.
Producer: Marilyn Imrie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1990.
TUE 07:15 Maya Angelou's Autobiographies (m0002r3s)
A Song Flung up to Heaven
Episode 2
Maya has started to write but takes on market research work to supplement it in Watts, Los Angeles.
She sees there first hand the devastation of the race riots of 1965.
Maya also gets a surprise call connected to her past in Ghana.
Narrator, Older Maya ...... Adjoa Andoh
Maya ...... Pippa Bennett-Warner
Phil/Rioter ...... Don Gilet
Sheikhali/Rioter ...... Daniel Adegboyega
Dramatised by Patricia Cumper
Produced and directed by Pauline Harris
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2019.
TUE 07:30 Ed Reardon's Week (b01pfwhg)
Ed Reardon at Christmas
It Started in August.
Celebrate Christmas with favourite curmudgeonly author, Ed Reardon, and his faithful companion Elgar.
It's Christmas Day and where is Ed Reardon spending it? The scepticism of his writing class back in August about where Ed would be hanging his stocking, wasn't entirely misplaced, and receiving a Christmas card from one's girlfriend signed without a kiss and her surname added in brackets probably doesn't bode well.
However, all is not lost as Ed's jocular round robin email to his family inviting himself to join their Christmas celebrations wasn't all in vain - there was at least one member of the family who didn't bounce it back.
So, following assurances that his requirements would be minimal, his levels of merriment would be Dionysian and a small caveat about what he regards as permissible Christmas viewing Ed is encouraged to think that he won't be spending Christmas alone.
Or he could be looking at a day with only Elgar, an Oxo cube and a cinnamon stick.
Ed Reardon....Christopher Douglas
Fiona......Jenny Agutter
Olive........Stephanie Cole
Jaz Milvain......Philip Jackson
Pearl..........Rita May
Ping........Barunka O'Shaughnessy
Stan........Geoffrey Whitehead
Written by Andrew Nickolds and Christopher Douglas
Produced by Dawn Ellis
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2012.
TUE 08:00 The Goon Show (b007jl7f)
Series 10
A Christmas Carol
Charles Dickens's classic tale for Christmas but with several twists.
Groundbreaking, surreal BBC radio comedy written by Spike Milligan.
Starring:
Peter Sellers
Harry Secombe
Spike Milligan
Jack Train
First billed as Crazy People, ten series of The Goon Show were recorded between 1951 and 1960, but sadly many of the earliest shows weren’t kept in the archive.
With the Ray Ellington Quartet and Max Geldray.
Orchestra conducted by Wally Stott.
Announcer: Wallace Greenslade
Producer: John Browell
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in December 1959.
TUE 08:30 Instant Sunshine (b00pf59k)
Seasonably Together Again
A Christmas entertainment in words and music to help you beat the weather, written and performed by Instant Sunshine
The musical quartet features David Barlow, Peter Christie, Miles Kington and Alan Maryon-Davis
With their special guests: The Fine Arts Brass Ensemble.
Producer: David Rayvern Allen
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1985.
TUE 09:00 The Motion Show (m0007kr4)
Series 5
Episode 3
From life beginning at 50 to banning windows.
Graeme Garden hosts the comedy debating show.
With:
Bernard Ingham
Hugh Dennis
Victoria Coren
Arthur Smith
Producer: Jane Berthoud
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2002.
TUE 09:30 Winston (b007k4s2)
Series 1
Without a Doubt
The whole fabric of Nancy's family is cracking up.
Her brother William and younger sister Rosie are threatening to leave for London, and her Father has become a secret drinker again - and it's the fault of Winston the village poacher...
Peter Tinniswood's bawdy comedy serial.
Winston …. Bill Wallis
Father …. Maurice Denham
Nancy …. Shirley Dixon
Rosie …. Liz Goulding
William …. Christian Rodska
Directed at BBC Bristol by Shaun MacLoughlin.
First broadcast on BBC Radio in May 1989.
TUE 10:00 The Expedition of Humphry Clinker (b00d8h6p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
TUE 11:00 Paul Temple (b007w2hz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 11:30 The Same River Twice (m000djpc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 12:00 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (b07gbrtg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 12:15 Maya Angelou's Autobiographies (m0002r3s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
TUE 12:30 Ed Reardon's Week (b01pfwhg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 13:00 The Goon Show (b007jl7f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 13:30 Instant Sunshine (b00pf59k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 14:00 The Motion Show (m0007kr4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
TUE 14:30 Winston (b007k4s2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
TUE 15:00 The Expedition of Humphry Clinker (b00d8h6p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
TUE 16:00 Paul Temple (b007w2hz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 16:30 The Same River Twice (m000djpc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 17:00 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (b07gbrtg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 17:15 Maya Angelou's Autobiographies (m0002r3s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
TUE 17:30 Ed Reardon's Week (b01pfwhg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 18:00 The Goon Show (b007jl7f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 18:30 Instant Sunshine (b00pf59k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 19:00 The Motion Show (m0007kr4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
TUE 19:30 Winston (b007k4s2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
TUE 20:00 TED Radio Hour (m001thv2)
Paradise Lost And Found
A journey through fascinating ideas based on talks by riveting speakers on the TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) stage.
Manoush Zomorodi explores how our search for paradise, a place of safety, beauty and tranquillity, comes to terms with reality.
First broadcast in the USA on National Public Radio in 2023.
TUE 20:50 Inheritance Tracks (b07djq70)
Don McLean
Singer-songwriter Don McLean chooses 'White Christmas' by Bing Crosby and 'Don't Be Cruel' by Elvis Presley.
TUE 21:00 Mastertapes (m0001mf3)
Series 8
The Good, The Bad & The Queen (B-side)
Damon Albarn, Paul Simonon, Tony Allen and Simon Tong answer audience questions about their 2007 album, ‘The Good, The Bad & The Queen’.
Series in which leading performers and songwriters talk to John Wilson about the album that made them or changed them.
Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes - the A-side and B-side.
The B-side: 'The Good, The Bad & The Queen'
Having discussed the making of the 2007 album that gave them their name, "The Good, The Bad & The Queen" in the A-side of the programme, Damon Albarn, Paul Simonon, Tony Allen and Simon Tong responds to questions from the audience and perform live versions of their follow-up album, 2018's Merrie Land'.
Producer: Paul Kobrak
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2018.
TUE 21:30 Midnight in Peking by Paul French (b01jlkh8)
2. Search
Author Paul French reveals the true-crime "cold case" that haunted the last days of old Peking.
January, 1937. As invading Japanese troops move into the countryside around Peking, two policemen try desperately to discover who was behind the brutal murder of a young British woman, Pamela Werner.
Read by Crawford Logan.
Abridged by Robin Brooks.
Produced by Kirsteen Cameron.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2012.
TUE 21:45 November Dead List (b03q6dzw)
Series 1
2. Investigation
Nicola Walker stars as a detective in this gritty crime drama, investigating the murder of a man whose name appeared on a suspected 'kill list' delivered anonymously to a Catholic priest.
Each Roman Catholic parish compiles a Book of the Dead from the lists of departed loved ones submitted by parishioners. Printed on the front of the envelopes are three words: November Dead List.
A young priest opens one such envelope and discovers - not a list of the dead but a list of people he knows to be alive, and members of his congregation. At first he thinks it's someone's idea of a joke. Then the people named start turning up dead.
DI Flood ...... Nicola Walker
Father Manu ...... Paul Ready
John ...... Steve Toussaint
Father Pat ...... Dermot Crowley
Simon ...... Arthur Hughes
Terrence ...... John Norton
Gerry ...... Stephen Hogan
Kevin ...... Sean Murray
Eileen ...... Carolyn Pickles
Journalist ...... Carys Eleri
Written by Nick Perry.
Directed by Sasha Yevtushenko.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2014.
TUE 22:00 Best Medicine (m001tbhc)
Series 1
10. Epidurals, Embroidery, Play, Death
Joining Kiri this week are historian Dr Paul Craddock who unravels how vascular surgery owes a debt to 19th Century Parisian embroider Marie-Anne Leroudier, historian Subhadra Das unearthing stories of death prevention, comedian Ria Lina pushing Epidurals as the best medicine and Paediatrician Dr Guddi Singh who shows off with Play.

Best Medicine is your weekly dose of laughter, hope and incredible medicine. Award-winning comedian Kiri Pritchard-McLean is joined by funny and fascinating comedians, doctors, scientists and historians to celebrate medicine’s inspiring past, present and future.

Each week, Kiri challenges her guests to make a case for what they think is 'the best medicine', and each of them champions anything from world-changing science to an obscure invention, an every-day treatment, an uplifting worldview, an unsung hero or a futuristic cure.

Whether it’s micro-robotic surgery, virtual reality syringes, Victorian clockwork surgical saws, more than a few ingenious cures for cancer, world-first lifesaving heart operations, epidurals, therapy, dancing, faith or laughter - it’s always something worth celebrating.

Hosted by Kiri Pritchard-McLean

Featuring: Dr Paul Craddock, Subhadra Das, Ria Lina, Dr Guddi Singh

Written by Laura Claxton, Edward Easton, Charlie George, Kiri Pritchard-McLean and Ben Rowse

Producer: Ben Worsfield

Assistant Producer: Tashi Radha

Executive Producer: Simon Nicholls

Theme tune composed by Andrew Jones

A Large Time production for BBC Radio 4
TUE 22:30 Earls of the Court (b00rbmgt)
Downward Inflection
Johnno's so sick and tired of London that he's even lost his upward inflection. If only Lloydie could make the city more like Australia.
Comedy drama series about two Australians down on their luck in London.
Written by and starring Will Adamsdale and Stewart Wright.
Lloydie ...... Stewart Wright
Johnno ...... Will Adamsdale
Reporter ...... Keely Beresford
TV Anchor ...... David Seddon
Director: Sasha Yevtushenko.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2010.
TUE 22:45 Quando, Quando, Quando (b00800m4)
Spies
Spies steal the Quando brothers' secret formula - upsetting the delicate equilibrium that's existed for so long between them and the Quandos.
Brothers Rene, Carlo and Charlie Quando chop, snip and crimp their lucky clients into shape at London's finest hair salon.
Written and performed by Rainer Hersch and Mark Maie.
With:
Stephen Greif
Catherine Tate
Producer: Claire Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1999.
TUE 23:00 The Absolutely Radio Show (b06bfd59)
Series 1
Episode 3
Cast members of Channel 4's hugely popular TV sketch show Absolutely reunite to revisit much-loved sketch characters, with some newcomers.
Another meeting of the highly confused Stoneybridge Town Council and there's Denzil and Gwynedd, the far from devoted Swansea couple.
We also hear from the Little Girl with her own take on Teenagers, Mr Muzak talks about going to a club with like-minded individuals, and Calum Gilhooley pontificates with Google HR on their logo changes. There's a talking version of Facebook and more from the Regional News team
Starring Pete Baikie, Morwenna Banks, Moray Hunter, Gordon Kennedy and John Sparkes.
Producers: Gus Beattie and Gordon Kennedy
A Comedy Unit production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in September 2015.
TUE 23:30 Pleased to Meet You (b018j463)
A Very Dora Christmas
A Very Dora Christmas
Legendary showbiz veteran Dora Dale is here to reveal the contents of her bulging sack.
Playing her own choice of festive tunes, Dora is here to put the 'X' into Xmas with some of her saucy seasonal yarns.
Written and produced by Jake Yapp and Martin Kelner
Made by BBC Radio Leeds for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in December 2011.

WEDNESDAY 20 DECEMBER 2023

WED 00:00 The Expedition of Humphry Clinker (b00d8h6p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:00 Paul Temple (b007w2hz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:30 The Same River Twice (m000djpc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Tuesday]
WED 02:00 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (b07gbrtg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Tuesday]
WED 02:15 Maya Angelou's Autobiographies (m0002r3s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 on Tuesday]
WED 02:30 Ed Reardon's Week (b01pfwhg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:00 The Goon Show (b007jl7f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Tuesday]
WED 03:30 Instant Sunshine (b00pf59k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Tuesday]
WED 04:00 The Motion Show (m0007kr4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:30 Winston (b007k4s2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Tuesday]
WED 05:00 The Expedition of Humphry Clinker (b00dcgdw)
3. Revelations
Tobias Smollet's uproarious satire of 18th-century life, dramatised by Yvonne Antrobus.
The Bramble family's adventures continue as they begin the long trip home, a journey full of surprises and unexpected revelations.
Mathew Bramble ...... Nigel Anthony
Tabitha Bramble ...... Marcia Warren
Lydia Melford ...... Helen Longworth
Jery Melford ...... Dan Starkey
Winifred Jenkins ...... Joanna Page
Humphry Clinker ...... Stuart McLoughlin
Lieutenant Lismahago ...... John Rowe
Sir Thomas Bullford ...... Trevor Peacock
Oxmington/Dennison ...... Sam Dale
Wilson/French valet ...... Nyasha Hatendi
Frogmore ...... Stephen Critchlow
Other parts played by Chris Pavlo, Joan Walker and Ben Crowe.

Directed by Marc Beeby.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2008.
WED 06:00 Paul Temple (b007w39f)
Paul Temple and the Alex Affair
8. Introducing Alex
The suave sleuth invites the key players to his home, but has he finally managed to identify the blackmailing murderer?
Francis Durbridge's thriller stars Peter Coke as Paul Temple and Marjorie Westbury as Steve in the conclusion of another intriguing case for BBC radio's smoothest investigator and his glamorous wife.
Paul Temple …. Peter Coke
Steve …. Marjorie Westbury
Sir Graham Forbes …. James Thomason
Inspector Crane …. Haydn Jones
Leo Brent …. Dennis Hawthorne
Wilfred Davis …. Basil Jones
Ricky …. Frank Henderson
Dr Kohima …. Roy Lefebvre
Mrs Trevelyan …. Barbara Mitchell
Carl Lathom …. Simon Lack
Producer: Martyn C Webster
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in March 1968.
WED 06:30 The Same River Twice (m000djsm)
8. Truth
More and more people now suspect Johnny Maxen murdered his wife, Julia.
The latest is his mother-in-law who's got plenty to say...
Starring Gordon Jackson.
Conclusion of Edward Boyd's thriller serial.
Johnny Maxen ...... Gordon Jackson
Helen Duncan ...... Lennox Milne
Detective Inspector Wardlaw ...... Roddy McMillan
Dorothy Havergal ...... Anne Kristen
Bunty Nichol ...... WHD Joss
Doctor ...... Alec Monteath
Patient ...... Hannah Gordon
Producer: Eddie Fraser
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in November 1966.
WED 07:00 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (b07gcksh)
3. Early Days
Stevens looks back on a lifetime of service as butler in one of the great stately homes of England and, at the end of his career, belatedly puts his life into perspective.
1956: Stevens remembers his father - also a butler, a model of 'dignity' in duty, and Miss Kenton's arrival around the same time at Darlington Hall in 1922, in the service of Lord Darlington.
Kazuo Ishiguro's 1989 Booker Prize winner abridged by Catherine Czerkawska.
Producer: Marilyn Imrie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1990.
WED 07:15 Maya Angelou's Autobiographies (m0002qzw)
A Song Flung up to Heaven
Episode 3
Maya accepts Sheikhali into her home where for a while their love reignites, but a night out at the movies precipitates a change in that.
Narrator, Older Maya ...... Adjoa Andoh
Maya ...... Pippa Bennett-Warner
Sheikhali ...... Daniel Adegboyega
Mother ...... Ellen Thomas
Bailey ...... Samuel Anderson
Dolly ...... Lisa Davina Phillip
Dramatised by Patricia Cumper
Produced and directed by Pauline Harris
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2019.
WED 07:30 Mark Steel's in Town (b09jvhgh)
Series 8
Portishead
Mark Steel's In Town - Portishead
"When the siren sounds - Go in, close doors and windows and stay in"
Mark Steel with his award winning show that travels around the country visiting towns that have nothing in common but their uniqueness. After thoroughly researching each town, Mark writes and performs a bespoke evening of comedy for the local residents.
In this episode Mark visits Portishead in Somerset
Portishead is near Bristol, but it definitely isn't Bristol. You can get to Bristol from there if you like, but it isn't that easy. It has a lovely Marina, a boating lake, a lido and peculiar stationers shop with too many rooms. It also has a plethora of groups and societies including a marvellous bunch of people who save toads and frogs from getting run over. Oh, and newts.
Eddie Large and Mike Baldwin from Coronation Street live there as well.
*(Not together)
Written and performed by ... Mark Steel
Additional material by ... Pete Sinclair
Production co-ordinator ... Hayley Sterling
Sound Manager ... David Thomas
Producer ... Carl Cooper
Picture Credit ... Tom Stanier.
WED 08:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b007k06k)
Series 6
The Christmas Club
The lad lives to regret answering a knock at the front door.
Starring Tony Hancock. With Sidney James, Wilfred Babbage, Hugh Morton and Frank Partington.
Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.
Theme and incidental music written by Wally Stott.
Producer: Tom Ronald
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in December 1959.
WED 08:30 Lip Service (m000z680)
Episode 2
The European vacuum-cleaner grand-prix, a bungalow in a bottle and a new version of Brief Encounter
Sketches and songs starring Maggie Fox and Sue Ryding plus a whole host of relatives.
With:
Malcolm Raeburn
Denise Coffey
Andrew Dodge
Producer: Lissa Evans.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1992.
WED 09:00 Counterpoint (b01k2dbf)
Series 26
2012 Semi-final 1
Paul Gambaccini chairs the general knowledge music quiz.
The questions cover every aspect of music - from the classical repertoire to world music, show tunes, film scores, jazz, rock and pop.
This is the first semi final recorded at the Maida Vale Studios and taking part are:
Trevor Collins from North London
James Leggott from Gateshead
Michael Pitwood from Walthamstow, London
Producer: Paul Bajoria
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2012.
WED 09:30 Four Joneses and a Jenkins (b007jqnd)
June - An Ill Wind
As a storm descends on the village, the talk is all electric.
Sue Limb’s pastoral sitcom follows six months in the life of the Jones family, who live on a small farm in rural Wales.
Mr Jones ...... Geoffrey Whitehead
Ma Jones ...... Lisabeth Miles
Megan Jones ...... Rebecca Front
Owen Jones ...... Matthew Morgan
Bootle ...... Michael Fenton Stevens
Mr Jenkins ...... Nickolas Grace
Recorded on location at Houghton Court, Bodenham, Hereford
Music composed by John Whitehall.
Producer: Jonathan James Moore.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2000.
WED 10:00 The Expedition of Humphry Clinker (b00dcgdw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
WED 11:00 Paul Temple (b007w39f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 11:30 The Same River Twice (m000djsm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 12:00 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (b07gcksh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 12:15 Maya Angelou's Autobiographies (m0002qzw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
WED 12:30 Mark Steel's in Town (b09jvhgh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 13:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b007k06k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 13:30 Lip Service (m000z680)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 14:00 Counterpoint (b01k2dbf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
WED 14:30 Four Joneses and a Jenkins (b007jqnd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
WED 15:00 The Expedition of Humphry Clinker (b00dcgdw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
WED 16:00 Paul Temple (b007w39f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 16:30 The Same River Twice (m000djsm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 17:00 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (b07gcksh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 17:15 Maya Angelou's Autobiographies (m0002qzw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
WED 17:30 Mark Steel's in Town (b09jvhgh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 18:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b007k06k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 18:30 Lip Service (m000z680)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 19:00 Counterpoint (b01k2dbf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
WED 19:30 Four Joneses and a Jenkins (b007jqnd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
WED 20:00 Archive on 4 (b0076ppm)
Sing Christmas
On Christmas Day 1957, the BBC made a ground-breaking hour-long live broadcast, transmitting Christmas songs from around the British Isles. Texan folklorist and broadcaster Alan Lomax was the host.
The broadcast was a mixture of ancient carols, folk songs, calypso, West African music, dixieland, skiffle, children's carols and glees. Singers across the country contributed live performances, with Lomax sitting at the centre of the web in a Birmingham studio. It was thrilling, innovative and daring.
This musical time capsule gathers the memories of those involved to recapture the flavour of this pioneering BBC broadcast.
Producer: Jolyon Jenkins
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2004.
WED 21:00 Short Cuts (m000qjgk)
A Merry Little Christmas
Cold-calling Santa Claus, family gatherings and a solo tradition for the 25th December - Josie Long presents festive short documentaries.
Santa Clauses
Produced by Noam Osband
Merry Christmas Grandad
Featuring Mark Thomas
Produced by Sarah Cuddon
Christmas at the Movies
Featuring Hanif Abdurraqib
Production team: Andrea Rangecroft
Series Producer: Eleanor McDowall
A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2020.
WED 21:30 Midnight in Peking by Paul French (b01jlkhj)
3. Breakthrough
Author Paul French reveals the true-crime "cold case" that haunted the last days of old Peking.
January, 1937. As invading Japanese troops move into the countryside around Peking, two policemen try desperately to discover who was behind the brutal murder of a young British woman, Pamela Werner.
D.C.I. Dennis finally makes a breakthrough in the case, when he discovers blood-spattered clothing belonging to one of the main suspects.
Read by Crawford Logan.
Abridged by Robin Brooks.
Produced by Kirsteen Cameron.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2012.
WED 21:45 November Dead List (b03q96c5)
Series 1
3. Pursuit
Nicola Walker stars as a detective in this gritty crime drama.
Each Roman Catholic parish compiles a Book of the Dead from the lists of departed loved ones submitted by parishioners. Printed on the front of the envelopes are three words: November Dead List. In our drama, a young priest opens one such envelope and discovers - not a list of the dead but a list of people he knows to be alive, and members of his congregation. At first he thinks it's someone's idea of a joke. Then the people named start turning up dead.
After questioning by police in connection to a murder enquiry, a parish priest suddenly absconds. The detective travels to Ireland in pursuit.
DI Flood ...... Nicola Walker
Father Manu ...... Paul Ready
John ...... Steve Toussaint
Father Pat ...... Dermot Crowley
Simon ...... Arthur Hughes
Terrence ...... John Norton
Gerry ...... Stephen Hogan
Kevin ...... Sean Murray
Eileen ...... Carolyn Pickles
Journalist ...... Carys Eleri
Written by Nick Perry.
Directed by Sasha Yevtushenko.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2014.
WED 22:00 Whatever Happened to Baby Jane Austen? (m001t9m3)
Series 2
Episode 1
Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders star as respected novelist Florence and movie star Selina, in the second series of this sparkling comedy about two sisters at war, by David Quantick.
The first series of Whatever Happened To Baby Jane Austen? won the Writers’ Guild Award for Best Radio Comedy and the Comedy.co.uk award for Best Radio Sitcom.
“Thank you, Mr Quantick – this is nigh on perfect” Radio Times
And now Dawn, Jennifer and David return with Series 2.
Episode one: Mummy Dearest
Lucy, convinced that her mother is Selina, can’t take any more - she’s going to be an astronaut. Meanwhile, Selina’s off to the Palace to collect her OBE, with a jealous Florence in tow. And Mrs Ragnarrok has applied for Danish citizenship.
Written by David Quantick
Florence - Dawn French
Selina - Jennifer Saunders
Mrs Ragnarrok – Meera Syal
Lucy – Georgia Tennant
All the men - Alistair McGowan
Producer: Liz Anstee
A CPL production for BBC Radio 4
WED 22:30 The Museum of Everything (b007k0zt)
Series 1
School Parties Welcome
The museum enjoys a visit from some schoolchildren as they learn the origin of scampi in the new Undersea Adventure display.
Written and performed by:
Marcus Brigstocke
Danny Robins
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.
WED 23:00 Alex Horne Presents The Horne Section (b01r961y)
Series 2
With Nick Mohammed
Comedy show hosted by Alex Horne and his five piece band and specially written, original music.
This episode explores the theme of destiny including songs on allergies and chance meetings - as well as showcasing Alex Horne's skills as a dream interpreter.
Guest starring comedian Nick Mohammed who plays with the band and has a trick up his sleeve.
Plus The Middle School Choir from Hall School, Hampstead in London.
Alex's Horne Section are:
Trumpet/banjo .... Joe Auckland
Saxophone/clarinet ....Mark Brown
Double Bass/Bass .... Will Collier
Drums and Percussion .... Ben Reynolds
Piano/keyboard .... Ed Sheldrake
Producer: Julia McKenzie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2013.
WED 23:30 Little Lifetimes by Jenny Eclair (m000219z)
Series 5
The Kitchen Table
Following her mother's death, a woman reminisces about her family as she waits for her mother's house to be cleared.
She and her sister may not always have got on but she's the only one she can share these memories with.
Starring Monica Dolan.
Series of comic monologues written by Jenny Eclair.
Producer: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2019.
WED 23:45 The Goldfish Bowl (b007k0g8)
Series 1
Episode 4
It's Susan's 40th birthday so her goldfish Liam and Anton ponder the concept of time.
Written by and starring Shaun Prendergast.
Liam ...... Sean Foley
Martin ...... Shaun Prendergast
Anton ...... Hamish McColl
Susan ...... Sarah Parish
Director: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio in September 1998.

THURSDAY 21 DECEMBER 2023

THU 00:00 The Expedition of Humphry Clinker (b00dcgdw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 Paul Temple (b007w39f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:30 The Same River Twice (m000djsm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (b07gcksh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:15 Maya Angelou's Autobiographies (m0002qzw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 on Wednesday]
THU 02:30 Mark Steel's in Town (b09jvhgh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b007k06k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Wednesday]
THU 03:30 Lip Service (m000z680)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 Counterpoint (b01k2dbf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:30 Four Joneses and a Jenkins (b007jqnd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 The Twelve Days of Christmas (m001tgyp)
12-year-old Kayley lannucci lives at the end of the pier.
Her parents, the famous battling lannuccis, run an ice-cream parlour, and have occasional skirmishes with the Rowbottoms, who run the rock shop next door.
Will the spirit of Christmas bring peace to the pier?
Written by Bryony Lavery.
Kayley lannucci .... Jane Dawson
Ricky Rowbottom .... Joseph Vickers
DJ .... Lemn Sissay
Santa Claus .... Robin Soans
Massimo lannucci .... Gavin Muir
Maria lannucci .... Nicola Kathrens
Ronald Rowbottom .... Neil Dudgeon
Granny Rowbottom .... Margaret John
The Pier .... David Shaw
Postman Pauline .... Kay Purcell
Pauline Dates .... Linda Dobell
Dr Ivigtat .... Ian Masters
Headmaster .... Michael Tudor Barnes
Queen .... Jilly Bond
Director: Claire Grove
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1994.
THU 06:00 Whodunnits (b0084j7z)
Inspector Alleyn - A Man Lay Dead
When a murder takes place at a country-house party, it poses another baffling case for the glamorous Chief Detective Inspector Alleyn.

Another tale of Dame Ngaio Marsh’s gentleman detective.

Starring Jeremy Clyde.

Dramatised by Michael Bakewell.

CDI Alleyn ...... Jeremy Clyde
Nigel Bathgate ...... Nick Waring
Angela North ...... Molly Gaisford
Sir Hubert Hansley ...... Donald Sinden
Arthur Wilde ...... John Moffatt
Marjorie Wilde ...... Dorothy Tutin
Rosamund Grant ...... Susannah Corbett
Doctor ...... John Hartley
Charles Rankin ...... Derek Waring
Sgt Bunce ...... Stephen Thorne

Director: Enyd Williams

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2001.
THU 07:00 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (b07gg740)
4. The Conference Approaches
Stevens looks back on a lifetime of service as butler in one of the great stately homes of England and, at the end of his career, belatedly puts his life into perspective.
1956: Stevens recalls the events of 1923 including Lord Darlington's conference. Darlington Hall became a place where powerful figures gathered.
Kazuo Ishiguro's 1989 Booker Prize winner abridged by Catherine Czerkawska.
Producer: Marilyn Imrie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1990.
THU 07:15 Maya Angelou's Autobiographies (m0002r61)
A Song Flung up to Heaven
Episode 4
Maya and Dolly play a trick on Sheikhali after discovering his deceit.
Maya is a good friend of James Baldwin and is inspired again to work for Martin Luther King.
Narrator, Older Maya ...... Adjoa Andoh
Maya ...... Pippa Bennett-Warner
Dolly ...... Lisa Davina Phillip
Sheikhali ...... Daniel Adegboyega
James Baldwin/Martin Luther King ...... Don Gilet
Dramatised by Patricia Cumper
Produced and directed by Pauline Harris
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2019.
THU 07:30 What Does the K Stand For? (b04vr5j8)
Series 2
Turning Cheeks
School bullying, family bickering - and who's that on the telly..?
Stephen K Amos's sitcom about growing up black, gay and funny in 1980s South London.
Written by Jonathan Harvey with Stephen K Amos.
Himself ...... Stephen K Amos
Young Stephen ...... Shaquille Ali-Yebuah
Stephanie Amos ...... Fatou Sohna
Virginia Amos ...... Ellen Thomas
Vincent Amos ...... Don Gilet
Miss Bliss ...... Michelle Butterly
Jayson Jackson ...... Frankie Wilson
Producer: Colin Anderson.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2014.
THU 08:00 Dad's Army (b00qmbky)
Series 2
A Soldier's Farewell
A cinema trip and some illicit cheese sparks Captain Mainwaring's own Battle of Waterloo.
The comic exploits of a Second World War Home Guard platoon in Walmington-on-Sea.
Adapted for radio from Jimmy Perry and David Croft's TV scripts by Michael Knowles and Harold Snoad.
Captain Mainwaring …. Arthur Lowe
Sergeant Wilson …. John Le Mesurier
Corporal Jones …. Clive Dunn
Private Frazer …. John Laurie
Private Pike …. Ian Lavender
Private Godfrey …. Arnold Ridley
Chief Warden Hodges …. Bill Pertwee
Producer: John Dyas
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1975.
THU 08:30 Christmas Night with Dr Evadne Hinge and Dame Hilda Bracket (b007jqsr)
Evadne's mother is on festive visit, and she's driving her daughter crackers!
Starring Dame Hilda Bracket and her lifelong companion Dr Evadne Hinge.
Brought to you from the genteel setting of the Suffolk village of Stackton Tressel, where the musical duo reside.
Written by Gerald Frow
Dame Hilda Bracket ...... George Logan
Dr Evadne Hinge ...... Patrick Fyffe
Maud ....Jean Heywood
The Major.....Anthony Sharpe
Maureen......Sheila Keith
With Chris Emmett and Frances Jeater
Three series ran on BBC Radio 4 between 1977 and 1979, with further spin-off seasons on BBC Radio 2 until 1990.
In the early 1980s, they expanded over to BBC TV with the series Dear Ladies.
Producer: John Dyas
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in December 1983.
THU 09:00 Guess What? (b061fth0)
Episode 2
Animal, vegetable or mineral?
Barry Took hosts a revised version of popular radio parlour game of 20 questions.
On the panel:
Geoffrey Durham
Hattie Hayridge
Dick Vosburgh
Written by Michael Dines.
Producer: Andy Aliffe
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1998.
THU 09:30 The Richest Man in Britain (b00nz1bk)
The African Village
Trillionnaire rocker Dave Mabbutt contemplates the purchase of an African village to complement his afternoons-only radio station.
Sitcom by Nick Hornby and Giles Smith about an ageing rock star and his search for fulfilment.
Dave Mabbutt ...... Mark Williams
Dom ...... Russell Tovey
Naomi, the Charity Worker ...... Ayesha Antoine
Dave's Mum ...... Lynda Bellingham
Ken, the Maintenance Man ...... Phil Cornwell
Producer: Lucy Armitage
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2009.
THU 10:00 The Twelve Days of Christmas (m001tgyp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
THU 11:00 Whodunnits (b0084j7z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 12:00 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (b07gg740)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 12:15 Maya Angelou's Autobiographies (m0002r61)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
THU 12:30 What Does the K Stand For? (b04vr5j8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 13:00 Dad's Army (b00qmbky)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 13:30 Christmas Night with Dr Evadne Hinge and Dame Hilda Bracket (b007jqsr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 14:00 Guess What? (b061fth0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
THU 14:30 The Richest Man in Britain (b00nz1bk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
THU 15:00 The Twelve Days of Christmas (m001tgyp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
THU 16:00 Whodunnits (b0084j7z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 17:00 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (b07gg740)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 17:15 Maya Angelou's Autobiographies (m0002r61)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
THU 17:30 What Does the K Stand For? (b04vr5j8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 18:00 Dad's Army (b00qmbky)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 18:30 Christmas Night with Dr Evadne Hinge and Dame Hilda Bracket (b007jqsr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 19:00 Guess What? (b061fth0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
THU 19:30 The Richest Man in Britain (b00nz1bk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
THU 20:00 Jim Morrison's Will to be Weird (m000h93s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Saturday]
THU 21:00 Great Lives (b0077722)
Marie Curie
Journalist Pallab Ghosh chooses the double Nobel Prize-winning scientist, Marie Curie
BBC Science Correspondent Pallab Ghosh explains how Marie Curie achieved iconic status through her work on radioactivity and weighs up the cost she paid for her success. Presenter Matthew Parris is also joined in the studio by Curie biographer Sarah Dry.
Producer: John Byrne
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2007.
THU 21:30 Midnight in Peking by Paul French (b01jlkjc)
4. Suspect
Author Paul French reveals the true-crime "cold case" that haunted the last days of old Peking.
Spring, 1937. As invading Japanese troops move into the countryside around Peking, two policemen try desperately to discover who was behind the brutal murder of a young British woman, Pamela Werner.
A prime suspect is found for Pamela's murder, but is there enough evidence to arrest him? And will continuing interference from the British consul jeopardise progress in the case?
Read by Crawford Logan.
Abridged by Robin Brooks.
Produced by Kirsteen Cameron.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2012.
THU 21:45 November Dead List (b03qf7r1)
Series 1
4. Confession
Nicola Walker stars as a detective in this gritty crime drama.
Each Roman Catholic parish compiles a Book of the Dead from the lists of departed loved ones submitted by parishioners. Printed on the front of the envelopes are three words: November Dead List. I
A young priest opens one such envelope and discovers - not a list of the dead but a list of people he knows to be alive, and members of his congregation. At first he thinks it's someone's idea of a joke. Then the people named start turning up dead.
The murder enquiry into the death of a church parishioner continues. The priest made himself a suspect by leaving London unexpectedly.
Detective Inspector Flood pursued him to Ireland but his body was discovered before she could speak to him.
But before he died he made a final confession to Father Manu, the curate, who now refuses to break the seal of the confessional by telling her what was said.
DI Flood ...... Nicola Walker
Father Manu ...... Paul Ready
John ...... Steve Toussaint
Father Pat ...... Dermot Crowley
Simon ...... Arthur Hughes
Terrence ...... John Norton
Gerry ...... Stephen Hogan
Kevin ...... Sean Murray
Eileen ...... Carolyn Pickles
Journalist ...... Carys Eleri
Written by Nick Perry.
Directed by Sasha Yevtushenko.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2014.
THU 22:00 Ken Cheng: I Can School You (m001t9rs)
1. Solving a Problem like Maths
Comedian Ken Cheng focuses his analytical observations on school subjects. In the first of the series, Ken explores Maths, the subject that he loved until it broke him. Ken looks into popular disdain of Maths, and offers up his answers on how we turn around its public image.
Producer: Rajiv Karia
An EcoAudio certified production.
It is a BBC Studios production for Radio 4.
THU 22:25 The Comedy Club Interviews (m001tyrk)
Ken Cheng 2/3
From 10.00pm until midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Rob Deering chats to Ken Cheng about his new series 'I Can School You'.
THU 22:30 Dan and Nick: The Wildebeest Years (b0085flc)
Incy Wincy Quincy
A case for spider pathologist Incy Wincy Quincy and The Archers abroad
Comedy extravaganza written by and featuring Dan Freedman and Nick Romero.
With Richard Coles.
Music by the Gents.
Producer: Julian Mayers
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1998
THU 23:00 The Maltby Collection (b00crj7j)
Series 1
Episode 4
Walter Brindle has some important news, freeing up time for the pursuit of romance between almost every member of the lusty museum staff.
Starring Geoffrey Palmer and Julian Rhind-Tutt.
David Nobbs’ sitcom about a small art museum staffed by eccentrics and obsessives.
Rod Millet ...... Julian Rhind-Tutt
Walter Brindle ...... Geoffrey Palmer
Prunella Edgecumbe ...... Rachel Atkins
Julian Crumb-Loosely ...... Ben Willbond
Des Wainwright ...... Michael Smiley
Eva Tattle ...... Julia Deakin
Wilf Arbuthnot ...... Geoff McGivern
Stelios Constantinopolis ...... Chris Pavlo
Andrea Marshall ...... Barunka O'Shaughnessy
Producer: Colin Anderson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2007.
THU 23:30 Old Harry's Game (b00wqfn8)
1. Christmas Spirit
Satan decides to ban Christmas in Hell.
Andy Hamilton’s devilishly festive two-parter set in Hell.
Satan ..... Andy Hamilton
Edith ..... Annette Crosbie
Scumspawn ..... Robert Duncan
Thomas ..... Jimmy Mulville
With Felicity Montagu, Nick Revell, Philip Pope and Michael Fentons Stevens.
Producer: Paul Mayhew-Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2010.

FRIDAY 22 DECEMBER 2023

FRI 00:00 The Twelve Days of Christmas (m001tgyp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 Whodunnits (b0084j7z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (b07gg740)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:15 Maya Angelou's Autobiographies (m0002r61)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 on Thursday]
FRI 02:30 What Does the K Stand For? (b04vr5j8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 Dad's Army (b00qmbky)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Thursday]
FRI 03:30 Christmas Night with Dr Evadne Hinge and Dame Hilda Bracket (b007jqsr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 Guess What? (b061fth0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:30 The Richest Man in Britain (b00nz1bk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 PL Travers - Mary Poppins (m0001stf)
The story of the magical English nanny - poised, punctilious and practically perfect in every way.
Starring Juliet Stevenson as Mary Poppins, who's set to transform the lives of Jane and Michael Banks.
After the Banks family's last nanny walks out in disgust, Mary blows in to number 17 Cherry Tree Lane in London. She's given a week's trial by the children's father, George - but says she'll only stay until the wind changes.
Dramatised by Hazel Marshall, this was the first ever radio adaptation - based on several Mary Poppins stories written by PL Travers.
Juliet Stevenson .... Mary Poppins
Jonathan Bee .... Michael
Sophie Stuckey .... Jane
Deborah Berlin .... Mrs Banks
David Timson .... Mr Banks
Andrew Sachs .... Mr Turvy
Phyllida Law .... Katie Nana
Chris Moran .... Mr Smart
Laura Doddington .... Polly
Other parts played by the cast.
Producer: David Ian Neville.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1994.
FRI 06:00 The Great Chocolate Murders (b0076x96)
When people start falling ill all over 19th-century Brighton, everyone thinks that the lack of proper sewers has caused a cholera epidemic. Little do the police suspect that pralines and montelimars are the problem.
Thwarted in love, middle-aged spinster, Christine Edmunds, has a deadly plan.
Obsession, bad drains, royalty, murder and chocolate liqueurs - all play their part in John Fletcher's drama, which is based on a true story.
Christiana Edmunds .... Sian Thomas
Jacob Ormsley .... Chris Donnelly
Mother .... Jennifer Hill
Dr Beard .... Dorien Thomas
Mr Hallett .... Brendan Charleson
Mrs Beard .... Angela Barlow
Armand .... Iwan Tudor
Alex McClaine .... Derek Riddell
Billy .... Jordan Clarke
Sam .... Robert Connor
Journalist .... Gareth Williams
Counsel ... Dyfrig Morris
Written by John Fletcher.
Directed by Kate McAll.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2006.
FRI 07:00 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (b07gk2qv)
5. A Triumphant Evening
Stevens looks back on a lifetime of service as butler in one of the great stately homes of England and, at the end of his career, belatedly puts his life into perspective.
The 1923 international conference at Darlington Hall is underway when Stevens' father is taken ill.
Kazuo Ishiguro's 1989 Booker Prize winner abridged by Catherine Czerkawska.
Producer: Marilyn Imrie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1990.
FRI 07:15 Maya Angelou's Autobiographies (m0002sn8)
A Song Flung up to Heaven
Episode 5
After Martin Luther King's assassination, it's James Baldwin that helps Maya out of her devastation.
Maya goes on to produce a big television documentary series and then gets a call from a publisher at Random House inviting her to write an autobiography.
She refuses repeatedly, until the publisher calls her bluff.
Narrator, Older Maya ...... Adjoa Andoh
Maya ...... Pippa Bennett-Warner
James Baldwin ...... Don Gilet
Dolly ...... Lisa Davina Phillip
Robert Loomis/Jon ...... Joseph Ayre
Dramatised by Patricia Cumper
Produced and directed by Pauline Harris
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2019.
FRI 07:30 Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show! (m000cl3c)
Good King Senseless
The former variety star sets about launching Malcom's singing career. Starting with Christmas carolling but a bigger stage awaits.
Steve Delaney stars as Count Arthur
With a host of regular characters created by:
Mel Giedroyc
Terry Kilkelly
Alastair Kerr
Dave Mounfield
Dave, who played, among others, the much-loved characters Jerry and Geoffrey, sadly died in March 2020. His final Count Arthur recordings were two Christmas specials recorded in Autumn 2019, the is the first one which aired on Christmas Day 2019. Both are dedicated to his memory.
The long running radio series aired until 2012 when the character stepped on to BBC TV for three series of the BAFTA nominated and critically acclaimed TV sitcom Count Arthur Strong. Since then, Count Arthur has returned to BBC Radio 4 with his celebrated Christmas specials.
In August 2019, Count Arthur Strong's TV sitcom featured in the top three of the Most Missed TV Shows of the 21st Century poll conducted in the Radio Times.
A Komedia Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2019.
FRI 08:00 Albert and Me (b007k04p)
Series 1
Family Christmas
Single dad Bryan finds himself double-booked for the festivities...
Stars Richard Beckinsale as Bryan Archer, Pat Coombs as Mum/Albert, John Comer as Dad, Patricia Hayes as Gran, Celia Bannerman as Maureen and Kenneth Shanley as the Store Assistant.
Written by Jim Eldridge.
Producer: John Fawcett Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in December 1977.
FRI 08:30 Rent (b04phhy0)
Series 2
Episode 6
Paul and Ruby are thinking of moving out, and Maria needs more space.
Lucy Flannery's sitcom about the struggles of Maria and Richard and their lodgers.
Stars Barbara Flynn as Maria, Patrick Barlow as Richard, Linda Polan as Amy and Toby Longworth as Paul.
With Vivienne Rochester.
Producer: Liz Anstee.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1995.
FRI 09:00 The Infinite Monkey Cage (b04vjb5y)
Christmas Special 2014
Brian Cox and Robin Ince present a very special festive edition.
They'll be taking their own unique look at the Christmas story and the history of the bible and asking whether the christmas story and your view of humanity changes once you've looked back at earth from the heavens themselves.
With:
Actor, Brian Blessed
Astronaut, Chris Hadfield
Bible scholar Professor Francesca Stavrakopoulou
Presenter, Reverend Richard Coles
Producer: Alexandra Feachem
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2014.
FRI 09:30 The Right Time (b0076mb8)
Series 4
Episode 2
Vampires and Feng Shui in the sketch comedy about growing older disgracefully. Stars Eleanor Bron and Paula Wilcox. From July 2004.
Sketch show about life, written and performed by people who've lived a bit.
Stars Eleanor Bron, Dudley Sutton, Roger Blake, Paula Wilcox and Arthur Smith.
Written by Colin Bostock-Smith, Jill Brodie, John Pidgeon, Mike Haskins, Jan Etherington, Alex Lowe, George Poles, Arthur Smith, Chris Thompson and Pete Reynolds.
Script editors: Ed Dyson and George Poles.
Music by Ronnie & The Rex.
Producer: Katie Marsden
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2004.
FRI 10:00 PL Travers - Mary Poppins (m0001stf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
FRI 11:00 The Great Chocolate Murders (b0076x96)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 12:00 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (b07gk2qv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 12:15 Maya Angelou's Autobiographies (m0002sn8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
FRI 12:30 Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show! (m000cl3c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 13:00 Albert and Me (b007k04p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 13:30 Rent (b04phhy0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 14:00 The Infinite Monkey Cage (b04vjb5y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
FRI 14:30 The Right Time (b0076mb8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
FRI 15:00 PL Travers - Mary Poppins (m0001stf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
FRI 16:00 The Great Chocolate Murders (b0076x96)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 17:00 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (b07gk2qv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 17:15 Maya Angelou's Autobiographies (m0002sn8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
FRI 17:30 Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show! (m000cl3c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 18:00 Albert and Me (b007k04p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 18:30 Rent (b04phhy0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 19:00 The Infinite Monkey Cage (b04vjb5y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
FRI 19:30 The Right Time (b0076mb8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
FRI 20:00 ...And Please Can I Have A Unicorn And World Peace? (m000qjzl)
Miles Jupp enters a winter wonderland as he travels to Santa’s post office in the Arctic Circle.
He's been given special permission to join the elves who help Santa with around half a million letters that arrive each year from around the world. Donning a green and red elf hat, and braced by snow and sub-zero temperatures, Miles gets to work sorting letters under the watchful eye of Elf Riitta.
In this programme, we follow Miles on his magical trip and discover what lies in the hearts and hopes of children – and sometimes adults – who write to Santa.
Other global outposts of Santa's postal service include the UK’s Royal Mail and, in the USA, the town of Santa Claus, Indiana.
Joanna Espin from The Postal Museum in London reveals how historic letters to Santa can offer a social history of the times, sharing how a child in the late 19th century whose father had died from smallpox touched Santa with a heartfelt letter, receiving gifts and help. Chief Elf Pat Koch in Santa Claus, Indiana, shares a letter from the 1930s depression where a young girl asks for clothes and help for her family rather than toys and sweets.
In the UK, we join Yorkshire school children in Sheffield as they write their letters.
And back in Lapland, Miles takes a trip through snowy landscape on a reindeer sled as he prepares for a visit to the grotto of the Big Man himself.
With thanks to
Riitta Elf, Santa Claus’ Main Post Office, Arctic Circle, Finland
Joanna Espin, Curator, The British Postal Museum & Archive
Pat Koch, Chief Elf, Santa Claus Museum, Santa Claus, Indiana
Harthill Primary School and Birkdale School, Sheffield
Producer: Sara Parker
Executive Producer: Emma Walker
A Rosa production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in 2020.
FRI 20:30 Soul Music (b09jdxzf)
Series 25
O Holy Night
For the former Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, O’ Holy Night is the carol that lifted his spirits as he battled pneumonia in a London hospital. It also inspired a fellow patient to find faith.
In Philadelphia it is the song that outreach worker Asteria Vives sang when she took Christmas to the homeless. For singer and songwriter Katie Melua it's the carol that awoke her love of music as an eight year-old in Belfast and for Tymara Walker it's the Christmas family favourite which went viral when she sang it on a Washington subway, reaching a worldwide audience millions on social media.
Featuring choral conductor and composer Bob Chilcott.
Producer: Nicola Humphries.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2017.
FRI 21:00 The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry (m0014gnc)
Series 19
The Mystery of the Teenage Brain
Why do my teens struggle to get out of bed in the morning? Drs Rutherford and Fry investigate adolescence.
‘Why are teens prone to risky behaviour?’ asks Dr Mark Gallaway, ‘especially when with their friends?’ 13 year old Emma wonders why she’s chatty at school but antisocial when she gets home. And exasperated mum Michelle wants to know why her teens struggle to get out of bed in the morning.
Swirling hormones and growing bodies have a lot to answer for but, as Professor of Psychology from the University of Cambridge Sarah-Jayne Blakemore explains, there’s also a profound transformation going on in the brain.
Hannah and Adam discover how the adolescent brain is maturing and rewiring at the cellular level and why evolution might have primed teens to prefer their peers over their parents. Frances Jensen, Professor of Neurology at the University of Pennsylvania, tells us how all these brain changes can impact social relationships. And Dr Rachel Sharman, a sleep researcher from the University of Oxford, reports the surprising findings from her sleep study tracking 100 teenagers around the UK.
Producer: Ilan Goodman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2022.
FRI 21:30 Midnight in Peking by Paul French (b01jlkjk)
5. Discoveries
Author Paul French reveals the true-crime "cold case" that haunted the last days of old Peking.
Summer, 1937. Pamela Werner's unsolved murder is forgotten amidst the violence and chaos of the Japanese invasion of China. But Pamela's father presses on with his own, unofficial, investigation and makes some shocking discoveries.
Read by Crawford Logan.
Abridged by Robin Brooks.
Produced by Kirsteen Cameron.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2012.
FRI 21:45 November Dead List (b03qflzq)
Series 1
5. Chief Suspect
Nicola Walker stars as a detective in this gritty crime drama.
Each Roman Catholic parish compiles a Book of the Dead from the lists of departed loved ones submitted by parishioners. Printed on the front of the envelopes are three words: November Dead List. In our drama, a young priest, Father Manu, opens one such envelope and discovers - not a list of the dead but a list of people he knows to be alive, and members of his congregation. At first he thinks it's someone's idea of a joke. Then the people named start turning up dead.
Now that a second body has been discovered, belonging to another name on the list, the Inspector fears that Father Manu might try to confront their chief suspect.
DI Flood ...... Nicola Walker
Father Manu ...... Paul Ready
John ...... Steve Toussaint
Father Pat ...... Dermot Crowley
Simon ...... Arthur Hughes
Terrence ...... John Norton
Gerry ...... Stephen Hogan
Kevin ...... Sean Murray
Eileen ...... Carolyn Pickles
Journalist ...... Carys Eleri
Written by Nick Perry.
Directed by Sasha Yevtushenko.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2014.
FRI 22:00 Carbon Lifeforms (m001th7v)
Christmas Special
Not content to simply be carbon neutral, environmental comedian (and actual Council Waste Education Officer) Jon Long teams up with scientist and TV presenter Dr Tara Shine to emit jokes, games, songs and facts as they aim to (carbon) capture all things climate and environment - demystifying the issues, and helping listeners make positive choices in their everyday lives.
Carbon Lifeforms Christmas Special
It's the most wonderful - and most wasteful - time of the year so Jon and Dr Tara bring us fun facts and practical advice to help us all cut down the amount of food, drink, and packaging that gets thrown away over the Christmas period. They'll be joined by hungry comedian Jessica Fostekew to discuss ingenious uses for leftovers and how breaking tradition - with new traditions - might be the way forward. And there will be a host of festive special guests along the way.
Producer: Laura Grimshaw
Executive Producer: Jon Holmes
Live sound: David Thomas
Post-production sound: Tony Churnside
An unusual production for BBC Radio 4
FRI 22:30 Wondermentalist Cabaret (b00yqspr)
Series 1
4. Bristol
Matt Harvey's warm-hearted poetry cabaret.
Recorded with an audience at the Comedy Box, Bristol.
With poets:
Les Barker
Pete Hunter
Jude Simpson
And one man house band - Jerri Hart
In Dead Poets' Slam, expect deathless words of best-loved poets from the past.
The audience compose their own crowd-sourced poem (the subjects of which can vary wildly, from reflecting on the delights and demerits of cheese, to Sunday mornings, and the winter habits of gerbils).
Producer: Mark Smalley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2011.
FRI 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m001typh)
Ken Cheng 3/3
From 10.00pm until midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Rob Deering chats to the Stand-Up comedian and professional poker player Ken Cheng.
FRI 23:00 Steven Appleby's Normal Christmas (m0001q08)
Although Steven would like nothing more than a normal Christmas - a succession of meals and presents, as his parents tend to his every whim - this year it's going to be different.
With Santa Claus on a bender, after his wife left him for Frosty the Snowman, Steven is his unlikely replacement.
Will Christmas ever be the same again?
Written by Steven Appleby.
Starring Paul McCrink as Steven Appleby.
WIth:
Ewan Bailey
Rosalind Paul
Nigel Betts
Rachel Atkins
Director: Toby Swift.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2004.
FRI 23:30 Weak at the Top (b00rs8gz)
Series 1
Knowing Your Unions
Mean marketing director, John Weak discovers there's nothing legally binding about a legally binding contract.
Alexander Armstrong stars as John Weak in Guy Browning’s sitcom.
Randy, devious, sexist and workshy, John Weak puts the man into management.
John Weak ...... Alexander Armstrong
Hayley ...... Clare Perkins
Sir Marcus ...... Geoffrey Whitehead
Bill Peters ...... Ron Cook
Gary Peyton ...... Ewan Bailey
Giles ...... Stephen Critchlow
Producer: Jonquil Panting
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2005.