SATURDAY 23 DECEMBER 2023

SAT 00:00 Daphne Du Maurier (b00s5mnq)
The Birds
The natural world turns on mankind.
War veteran Nat battles to protect his family as birds begin to ruthlessly attack humans.
Starring Neil Dudgeon.
Daphne Du Maurier's classic horror story, first published in 1952.
Dramatised by Melissa Murray.
Nat.....Neil Dudgeon
Sue.....Nicola Walker
Maggie.....Jade Williams
Mr Trigg.....Gerard Horan
Jonathan.....Carl Grose
Newsreader.....John Dougall
Mary.....Rachel Bavidge
Music & Sound Design: David Pickvance
Director: Sally Avens.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2007.
SAT 01:00 Mary Poppins by PL Travers (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.
SAT 02:00 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.
Starring Sian Thomas.
Obsession, bad drains, royalty, murder and chocolate liqueurs!
All play their part in John Fletcher's drama - 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
Director: Kate McAll
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2006.
SAT 03:00 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (b07gk2qv)
5. A Triumphant Evening
The 1923 international conference at Darlington Hall is underway when Stevens' father is taken ill.
Stevens is looking 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 by Catherine Czerkawska.
Read by John Moffatt.
Producer: Marilyn Imrie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1990.
SAT 03:15 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.
SAT 03:30 Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show! (m000cl3c)
Good King Senseless
Former variety star Count Arthur Strong sets about launching Malcolm's singing career.
He starts with Christmas carolling but a bigger stage awaits.
Starring Steve Delaney.
Count Arthur ...... Steve Delaney
Malcolm ...... Terry Kilkelly
Plus a host of regular characters created by:
Mel Giedroyc
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. This is the first one. 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.
SAT 04:00 Albert and Me (b007k04p)
Series 1
Family Christmas
Single dad Bryan finds himself double-booked for the festivities.
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
Gran....Patricia Hayes
Maureen.....Celia Bannerman
Store Assistant......Kenneth Shanley
Producer: John Fawcett Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in December 1977.
SAT 04:30 Rent (b04phhy0)
Series 2
Episode 6
Paul and Ruby are thinking of moving out, and Maria needs more space.
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
With:
Vivienne Rochester
Producer: Liz Anstee.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1995.
SAT 05:00 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.
SAT 05:30 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.
Starring:
Eleanor Bron
Dudley Sutton
Roger Blake
Paula Wilcox
Arthur Smith
Music by Ronnie & The Rex.
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.
Producer: Katie Marsden
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2004.
SAT 06:00 Death of an Ugly Sister (m001tp6k)
Cinderella is missing,
Her understudy is panicking - and the police are investigating a death.
On stage, Ugly Sister Amphibia is trying to hold together the pantomime on its final performance,
Meanwhile backstage, the other Ugly Sister, Dyspepsia, is involved in a mystery...
Starring Roy Barraclough and Paul Shane,
John Peacock's pantomime chiller.
Billy (Dyspepsia) .... Roy Barraclough
Joe (Amphibia) .... Paul Shane
Rose .... Sandra Voe
Harry (Baron Hardupp) .... John Halstead
Petra (Cinderella's understudy) .... Linda Regan
Tina (Horribilis Hardupp/Fairy Godmother) .... Tina Gray
Oz (Buttons) .... Christopher Simon
Gwen .... Jillie Meers
Wally .... Gordon Reid
Jane .... Annabel Mullion
Clifford .... Crawford Logan
Johnson .... Peter Yapp
Charlie (Dandini) .... Oliver Senton
Duggie (Prince Charming) .... David Learner
Mathieson .... Michael Tudor Barnes
Young Billy .... James Beattie
Telephone Operator .... Becky Hindley
Musical direction and keyboards by Trevor Allan Davies.
Director: Ned Chaillet
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1994.
SAT 07:30 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (Omnibus) (m001tp6m)
Episode 1
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, belatedly puts his life into perspective.
Kazuo Ishiguro's 1989 Booker Prize winning novel.
Omnibus of the first five of ten episodes abridged by Catherine Czerkawska.
Read by John Moffatt.
Producer: Marilyn Imrie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1990.
SAT 08:45 Uncle Mort's South Country (b007jrfs)
Series 2
Kindlewood Night
A mysterious night of passion and kindling awaits Carter Brandon and his uncle.
Peter Tinniswood’s continuing tales of long-suffering Carter Brandon and his curmudgeonly uncle.
Uncle Mort …. Stephen Thorne
Carter Brandon …. Sam Kelly
Rampant Lady …. Liz Goulding
Young Woman …. Jane Whittenshaw
The Landlord …. 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 (b08dcg11)
Series 2
A Stand on Ceremony
Christening a fourth child shouldn't really provide any problems, but for Jennifer and Henry it's starting to look traumatic...
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
Mother …. Fanny Rowe
Mary …. Charlotte Mitchell
Trudi …. Roberta Tovey
Amanda …. Jill Riddick
Harrison …. Richard Waring
Perry/The Rev Grover …. Frederick Treves
The Rev Pettifer …. James Thomason
The Rev Martin …. John Gabriel
Music by Ronnie Hazlehurst
Producer: Trafford Whitelock.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in October 1970.
SAT 09:30 Whack-O! (m001tp6q)
Series 2
The Cross-Country Cup
The Headmaster’s guile is put to the test when school funds for a sports trophy are misused.
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
Matron …. June Whitfield
Alfred Tennyson .... Frederick Treves
Phipps …. John Coxall
Lumley …. Roger Shepherd
Eamonn O'Reilly …. Roy Dotrice
Biggs …. Julian Somers
Rawlinson …. Philip Leavermore
Producer: Edward Taylor
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in May 1962.
SAT 10:00 The Inimitable PG Wodehouse (m000vhrf)
1. In the Offing
“Everything in life that’s any fun, as somebody wisely observed, is either immoral, illegal or fattening.” PG Wodehouse, Girl in Blue [1970]
Alexander Armstrong attended the special dedication to PG Wodehouse [1881-1975] at Westminster Abbey in September 2019, where sections of this programme were recorded.
Wodehouse was widely regarded as the greatest comic author of the 20th century, and you can enjoy a collection of some his best loved work in each of the three episodes.
Thus includes a celebration of his creations, such as the feckless Bertie Wooster and his phlegmatic manservant, Jeeves, and his many other characters.
All are brought to life on radio by stars including:
Simon Cadell
Michael Hordern
Richard Briers
We’ll also hear rare interviews and archive along with contributions from fans, friends and family.
Celebrating the comic brilliance of PG Wodehouse is a personal passion for presenter Alexander Armstrong, especially as he’s president of the PG Wodehouse Society – which attracts followers from all over the world.
Producer: Stephen Garner
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in January 2020.
SAT 11:00 Death of an Ugly Sister (m001tp6k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 12:30 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (Omnibus) (m001tp6m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 13:45 Uncle Mort's South Country (b007jrfs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
SAT 14:00 Not in Front of the Children (b08dcg11)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 14:30 Whack-O! (m001tp6q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SAT 15:00 The Inimitable PG Wodehouse (m000vhrf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SAT 16:00 Daphne Du Maurier (b00s5mnq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 00:00 today]
SAT 17:00 Death of an Ugly Sister (m001tp6k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 18:30 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (Omnibus) (m001tp6m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 19:45 Uncle Mort's South Country (b007jrfs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
SAT 20:00 Not in Front of the Children (b08dcg11)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 20:30 Whack-O! (m001tp6q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SAT 21:00 The Inimitable PG Wodehouse (m000vhrf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SAT 22:00 Fab TV (m0016xkj)
Curtis & Ballard (Deceased)
Comedy series paying homage to TV's cult action adventure shows of the 1960s and 70s.
CURTIS AND BALLARD work as a pair private detectives - but when Ballard is killed by a hit and run steam roller, he returns as a ghost to help solve crimes.
Written by and starring Neil Mullarkey and John Irwin.
With:
Morwenna Banks
Chris England
Robert Harley
Music by Peter Baikie.
Producer: Phil Clarke
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1996.
SAT 22:30 And Now in Colour (b007jtz0)
Christmas Special 1991
Tim, Tim, Mike and Will are planning a quiet Christmas Day - apart from the exploding rabbit, of course.
Precision comedy written and performed by the sketch show team:
Tim Firth
Tim de Jongh
Michael Rutger
William Vandyck
Producer: Lissa Evans.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1991.
SAT 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m001v92c)
Barry from Watford
From 10pm until midnight, seven days a week, The Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. And tonight, Iain Lee talks to Barry from Watford.
SAT 23:00 That Mitchell and Webb Sound (b00mk7rn)
Series 4
Episode 4
A plea for donations to Britain's only balloon-animal sanctuary and meet a wooden boy who's a bit annoying.
Plus, what to do at work if you suspect you have a decadent colleague.
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 (b074xw25)
Episode 4
* An unsentimental relationship counsellor gives marriage advice.
* A wide-eyed work experience girl delights in what she's learnt during her time in the Big Smoke.
* Middle-class powerhouses June and Jean must somehow find a way to tolerate their husbands.
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 March 2016.
SAT 23:45 My Booze Hell, by Little Johnny Cartilage (b00d67yf)
Frank Wignall
You and Yours presenter John Waite investigates the shocking claim that the Cartilages were not a real family.
The not-terribly-true autobiography of 1970s idol Little Johnny Cartilage.
Written by and starring Johnny Meres.
With:
John Waite
Ben Miller
Peter Serafinowicz
Geoff McGivern
Rosemary Martin
Deborah Berlin.
Producer: Gareth Edwards
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1996.

SUNDAY 24 DECEMBER 2023

SUN 00:00 The Spirit of the House (b09k8q2f)
Dick and Alison retire after 30 years in the Far East, to realise their dream of an English home.
On Christmas Eve, however, this dream becomes a nightmare without end...
Ghostly drama written by Michael Robson.
Dick Lennox …. Bernard Brown
Alison Lennox …. Sheila Grant
Wedderburn …. Norman Bird
George Evans …. David Goodland
Daphne Evans …. Carole Boyd
The Reverend Colet …. lan Dudley
Director: Gerry Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1988.
SUN 00:30 Philip K Dick - Of Withered Apples (b007jplz)
As a beautiful woman picks its last withered apple, a dying ancient tree is determined to survive.
William Hootkins reads Philip K Dick's short story.
Producer: Gemma Jenkins
Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in September 2003.
SUN 01:00 Death of an Ugly Sister (m001tp6k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]
SUN 02:30 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (Omnibus) (m001tp6m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Saturday]
SUN 03:45 Uncle Mort's South Country (b007jrfs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Saturday]
SUN 04:00 Not in Front of the Children (b08dcg11)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Saturday]
SUN 04:30 Whack-O! (m001tp6q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Saturday]
SUN 05:00 The Inimitable PG Wodehouse (m000vhrf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Saturday]
SUN 06:00 A Christmas Carol By Candlelight (m001tp6x)
A beautifully delivered narration by Nicholas Parsons links the premiere broadcast of this musical version of the Dickens classic.
Recorded in 2018, when Nicholas was 95, his vibrant performance brings the story alive.
Original songs and Christmas carols ring out as we step back in time to London 1843, where the atmospheric tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his ghostly visitors unfolds...
Written by Charles Dickens.
Adapted, and original songs by, Tony Norman.
Singers:
Ebenezer Scrooge …. James Bell
Ghost of Christmas Past …. Nicola Stevens
Fred …. Bruce Pont
Bob Cratchit …. Clem Jackson
Mrs Cratchit …. Linda Francis
Martha Cratchit …. Nicole Young
Mr Fezziwig …. Brian Naish
Mrs Fezziwig …. Linda Francis
With Tony Norman, Charlie Tipler, Claire Ashton, Fiona Whittaker, Tash Stone, Rebecca Barkaway, Mark O'Neill, Tyler Chambers, Olivia Sorrell Fleet, Karen Moses, Kaz Barnett, Ted Brickley, Luke Turner, Billy Cashin and Alfie Jukes
Pianist: Mark Edwards
Violinist: Jen Douglas
Producers: Charlie Tipler and Bruce Pont
A Tony Norman Music production for BBC Radio 4 Extra.
SUN 07:15 The Grantham Connection (m001tp71)
Nicholas Parsons visits the town where he was born and explores his unlikely connections with Grantham's most famous daughter, Lady Margaret Thatcher.
Contributions from:
John Pye
Howard Imber
Malcolm Knapp
Alan Mason
Paul Nesbit
Produced for BBC Bristol by Miriam Akhtar.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1994.
SUN 07:45 The Arthur Haynes Show (m001mtmg)
With Nicholas Parsons - from 22/10/1962
Can Vicar Parsons' charity survive a dubious visitor?
Arthur Haynes stars in the sketch show series written by Johnny Speight.
With:
Nicholas Parsons
Music by The Temperance Seven, featuring 'Whispering' Paul McDowell
Part of a selection of surviving episodes.
Producer: Richard Dingley
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in October 1962.
SUN 08:15 Doon the Watta (m000nc07)
Nicholas Parsons was only just 16 when his parents sent him from his relatively privileged home in London to the industrially hardened city of Glasgow.
It was January 1940 and with the country still at war, the Parsons felt the best place for their teenage son was serving his country north of the border.
So with the help of an uncle, Nicholas secured an engineering apprenticeship on the busy River Clyde. For five years he combined his studies at Glasgow university with work for the Drysdales firm.
60 years on, Nicholas Parsons goes back to the place where he was sent as a boy but grew into a man.
By day, he had a tough education from the uncompromisingly tough men of the Clyde, but by night he had the freedom to discover his talents on stage and perform to packed out theatres and concert halls full of the men with whom he was clocking on and off.
Producer: Lyndon Saunders
An All Out production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in June 2010.
SUN 08:45 Listen To This Space (m001tp74)
Create by and starring Nicholas Parsons, the satire show features stuffing the Lord Chancellor's Woolstack and Ted Heath on safari.
Inspired by BBC TVs 'That Was The Week That Was', Nicholas Parsons created a weekly satire for BBC radio.
Written by Anthony Marriot and Alistair Foot.
With:
Denise Briar
Peter Goodwright
Bob Todd.
Researcher: Colin Reed
Music: Tony Osborne Group
Producer: John Bridges
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in January 1966.
SUN 09:15 Steve Wright and Nicholas Parsons in the Afternoon (m001tp76)
Broadcaster Steve Wright looks back at the times when Nicholas Parsons guested on his hugely popular BBC Radio 2 show.
As a show, Steve Wright in the Afternoon - both on Radio 1 and Radio 2 - was renowned for the calibre of its guest interviews, none more so than in the field of comedy. From Jack Dee to Chevy Chase, the guest chair rocked with mirth as Steve and The Posse used their unique approach to establish what made the interviewee tick.
Nicholas Parsons was the most frequent guest. Steve's admiration of him from an early age, combined with Nicholas's generosity, charm and wealth of anecdotes always made for entertaining listening.
This compilation of Radio 2 interviews - from 2003 to 2017 - captures the warmth and reflects the longevity of a much missed entertainer.
Compilation Producer: Mik Wilkojc
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra in December 2023.
SUN 09:45 How Pleasant to Know Mr Lear (m001tp78)
1. The Owl and the Pussycat
Nicholas Parsons celebrates the life and nonsensical genius of the poet, Edward Lear, creator of the Owl and the Pussycat.
In the first of two programmes, he presents a portrait of the nonsensical genius, which conveys a rounded picture of Lear’s amazing life and unusual personality.
Lear’s remarkable fantasy world is recreated by Nicholas Parsons as he delivers some of Lear’s highly imaginative and delightful nonsense verse including:
The Owl and the Pussycat
The Pobble Who Has No Toes
The Quangle Wangle's Hat
The Jumblies
With Colin Sell at the piano.
Producer: Jonathan James-Moore
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in April 1995.
SUN 10:15 Just a Minute (m001tp7c)
Series 11
From 3/11/1976
Nicholas Parsons challenges four well-known panellists to speak on random topics for 60 seconds without deviation, hesitation or repetition.
With:
Kenneth Williams,
Peter Jones
Alfred Marks
Shelia Hancock
Producer: John Browell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1976.
SUN 10:45 Just a Minute's Indian Adventure (b01f5hnq)
Just a Minute grew to prominence in India, when it became available to Indian audiences via the BBC World Service.
This exposure gave birth to a number of 'Indianised' versions of the game, which continue to be played amongst smart, young, Indian college graduates today. Dubbed 'JAM', they are a testament to the show's transnational appeal.
As part of the Radio 4 Just a Minute anniversary celebration, Nicholas Parsons visits Bangalore and Mumbai to take a look at these JAM sessions; modern Indianised and radically different take up of the Just a Minute British audiences know and love.
The documentary follows a group of lively young Indian college students as they prepare for a competitive JAM tournament against their peers at the Indian Institute of Management in Bangalore.
Featuring:
Paul Merton
Marcus Brigstocke
Producer: Tilusha Ghelani
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2012.
SUN 11:15 Nicholas Parsons: Paul Merton Talks to Sue Perkins (m001tp7m)
Paul Merton talks to Sue Perkins about their shared memories of Nicholas Parsons on Just a Minute.
Recorded especially as part of Radio 4 Extra's Nicholas Parsons Day - Christmas Eve 2023 - Paul and Sue talk backstage before a recent recording of Just a Minute.
They remember Nicholas Parsons' warmth, foibles and good humour. They talk about their own debuts on Just a Minute and how Nicholas was a perfect host.
And Sue Perkins talks about the incredible challenge of being asked to become the chair of Just a Minute after Nicholas died in 2020.
Just how do you follow a 50 year legend?
Producer: Peter McHugh
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra.
SUN 11:30 Just a Minute (b092m4s4)
Series 79
Episode 5
Nicholas Parsons challenges his four well-known panellists to speak on random topics for 60 seconds without deviation, hesitation or repetition.
With:
Sue Perkins
Gyles Brandreth
Andy Hamilton
Paul Merton
Hayley Sterling blows the whistle.
Producer: Victoria Lloyd
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2017.
SUN 12:00 A Christmas Carol By Candlelight (m001tp6x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 13:15 The Grantham Connection (m001tp71)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
SUN 13:45 The Arthur Haynes Show (m001mtmg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:45 today]
SUN 14:15 Doon the Watta (m000nc07)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:15 today]
SUN 14:45 Listen To This Space (m001tp74)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
SUN 15:15 Steve Wright and Nicholas Parsons in the Afternoon (m001tp76)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:15 today]
SUN 15:45 How Pleasant to Know Mr Lear (m001tp78)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:45 today]
SUN 16:15 Just a Minute (m001tp7c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:15 today]
SUN 16:45 Just a Minute's Indian Adventure (b01f5hnq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:45 today]
SUN 17:15 Nicholas Parsons: Paul Merton Talks to Sue Perkins (m001tp7m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
SUN 17:30 Just a Minute (b092m4s4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:30 today]
SUN 18:00 A Christmas Carol By Candlelight (m001tp6x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 19:15 The Grantham Connection (m001tp71)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
SUN 19:45 The Arthur Haynes Show (m001mtmg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:45 today]
SUN 20:15 Doon the Watta (m000nc07)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:15 today]
SUN 20:45 Listen To This Space (m001tp74)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
SUN 21:15 Steve Wright and Nicholas Parsons in the Afternoon (m001tp76)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:15 today]
SUN 21:45 How Pleasant to Know Mr Lear (m001tp78)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:45 today]
SUN 22:15 Just a Minute (m001tp7c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:15 today]
SUN 22:45 Just a Minute's Indian Adventure (b01f5hnq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:45 today]
SUN 23:15 Nicholas Parsons: Paul Merton Talks to Sue Perkins (m001tp7m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
SUN 23:30 Just a Minute (b092m4s4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:30 today]

MONDAY 25 DECEMBER 2023

MON 00:00 A Christmas Carol By Candlelight (m001tp6x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Sunday]
MON 01:15 The Grantham Connection (m001tp71)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 on Sunday]
MON 01:45 The Arthur Haynes Show (m001mtmg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:45 on Sunday]
MON 02:15 Doon the Watta (m000nc07)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:15 on Sunday]
MON 02:45 Listen To This Space (m001tp74)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Sunday]
MON 03:15 Steve Wright and Nicholas Parsons in the Afternoon (m001tp76)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:15 on Sunday]
MON 03:45 How Pleasant to Know Mr Lear (m001tp78)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:45 on Sunday]
MON 04:15 Just a Minute (m001tp7c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:15 on Sunday]
MON 04:45 Just a Minute's Indian Adventure (b01f5hnq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:45 on Sunday]
MON 05:15 Nicholas Parsons: Paul Merton Talks to Sue Perkins (m001tp7m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 on Sunday]
MON 05:30 Just a Minute (b092m4s4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:30 on Sunday]
MON 06:00 Cadfael (b007jlcr)
The Virgin in the Ice
1. Casualties of War
Shrewsbury, Winter in the year 1139: Amid a civil war, medieval sleuth Brother Cadfael sets out to find a missing boy and his sister.
Starring Philip Madoc as Brother Cadfael.
Written by Ellis Peters.
Dramatised in five parts by Bert Coules.
Narrator … Sir Michael Hordern
Brother Cadfael … Philip Madoc
Hugh Beringar …. Douglas Hodge
Leonard …. Leonard Fenton
Olivier …. Raad Rawi
Ermina …. Moira Buffini
Ives …. Dean Magri
Elyas …. Crispin Letts
Abbot Radulfus …. John Church
Other parts played by:
Jonathan Tafler
Steve Hodson
Eric Allen
Julian Rhind-Tutt
David Holt
Music by Peter Salem.
Producer: Phil Clarke.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1992.
MON 06:30 Whodunnits (b007jv9w)
Miss Marple - They Do It With Mirrors
Episode 1
Miss Marple is invited to stay with her old school friend, Carrie at Stoneygates - a Victorian mansion doubling as a rehabilitation centre for delinquents.
As she mulls over Carrie's life history on the train journey, just what is the danger that the sleuth is sensing?
Agatha Christie's whodunnit, first published in 1952.
June Whitfield stars as the indomitable amateur detective, Miss Jane Marple.
Dramatised in five parts by Michael Bakewell.
Miss Marple …. June Whitfield
Carrie Louise …. Ursula Howells
Ruth Van Rydock …. Jill Balcon
Lewis Serrocold …. Peter Howell
Edgar Lawson …. Rhys Meredith
Walter Hudd/Railway porter …. Stephen Lucas
Mildred Strete …. Natasha Pyne
Juliet Bellever …. Paula Jacobs
Gina Hudd …. Rebecca Lacey
Director: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2001.
MON 07:00 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (b07gxhrv)
6. On Into Dorset
On his trip to Cornwall to see Miss Kenton, Stevens faces some awkward questions about his former employer.
Stevens is looking 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 by Catherine Czerkawska.
Read by John Moffatt.
Producer: Marilyn Imrie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1990.
MON 07:15 MR James (m0001mmw)
The Haunting of MR James
1. The Mezzotint
The new engraving Dr Williams orders for the university collection reveals a disturbing story.
Collection of tales written by the master of the ghost story, MR James
Dramatised by Neil Brand.
MR James ..... Mark Gatiss
Dr. Williams ..... Patrick Brennan
Dr. Binks ..... Tony Turner
Dr. Nisbet ..... Don Gilet
Mrs. Filcher ..... Jeanette Percival
Verger ..... Michael Bertenshaw
Director: David Hunter.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2018.
MON 07:30 Conversations from a Long Marriage (m0001qhh)
Conversations from a Long Marriage at Christmas
Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam play a couple who have been married ‘for ever’.
Children of the 60s, they’re still free spirits, drawn together by their passion for music and each other.
A two-hander, we follow their dangling conversations, as they prepare for Christmas 'à deux', open their Christmas cards, dissect their neighbours' relationships – and Joanna reveals she’s planned some rather surprising activities for Christmas Day because ‘All I want for Christmas is you’
A late-night phone call means that her Christmas wish may not be granted
Written for Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam by award-winning comedy writer and journalist Jan Etherington.
Jan has been married for 34 years to Gavin Petrie, with whom she has created many hit radio and TV series (Second Thoughts, Next of Kin, Faith in the Future, The Change).
Producer: Claire Jones
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2018.
MON 08:00 Steptoe and Son (b007jlqh)
Series 3
Without Prejudice
Harold persuades Albert to leave their city rag and bone yard to move out to suburbia.
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
Estate Agent ...... Edward Kelsey
Mr Drysden ...... Garrard Green
Other parts played by Trevor Martin.
Producer: Bobby Jaye
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in April 1971.
MON 08:30 After Henry (b00fzc3s)
A Week of Sundays
"It seemed a bit sad that we weren't doing the full Christmas bit this year, and I thought maybe it'd be a good idea if we had our own little Christmas lunch on Sunday..."
Sarah bickers with daughter Clare and mother Eleanor bicker over their festive planning.
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
Customer ...... Alan Thompson
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 December 1985.
MON 09:00 Elephant in the Room (m0006lbh)
Series 1
Episode 3
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:
Sandi Toksvig
Angela Barnes
Harriet Dyer
Phil Wang
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 Tony Hawks' Twelve Days of Christmas (b00gd7r5)
Get ready for a Christmas adventure with plenty of spirit!
Tony Hawks has decided to try to collect every item featured in the carol The Twelve Days of Christmas - just to make his girlfriend happy.
But how many pipers will he convince to pipe?
How many lords can he possibly get to leap?
And just how much is it all going to cost Tony, anyway?
Producer: Danny Wallace
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2001.
MON 10:00 JCW Brook - Father Christmas (m001tp8p)
Like many other small boys, Christopher wanted a bike for Christmas - not much to ask when Father Christmas obviously has hundreds to give away.
Alec is out of work and can't afford one, but Rafe is determined that somehow the boy's wish will be granted...
Written by JCW Brook.
Rafe .... Christopher Cazenove
Sue .... Rosalind Shanks
Alec .... Christopher Scoular
Christopher .... Simon Richmond
Inspector Pait .... Neville Jason
Judge .... William Eedle
PC Jennings .... Anton Philips
Other parts played by Andrew Seear.
Director: Christopher Venning
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1976.
MON 11:00 Cadfael (b007jlcr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 11:30 Whodunnits (b007jv9w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 12:00 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (b07gxhrv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 12:15 MR James (m0001mmw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
MON 12:30 Conversations from a Long Marriage (m0001qhh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 13:00 Steptoe and Son (b007jlqh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 13:30 After Henry (b00fzc3s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 14:00 Elephant in the Room (m0006lbh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
MON 14:30 Tony Hawks' Twelve Days of Christmas (b00gd7r5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
MON 15:00 JCW Brook - Father Christmas (m001tp8p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
MON 16:00 Cadfael (b007jlcr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 16:30 Whodunnits (b007jv9w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 17:00 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (b07gxhrv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 17:15 MR James (m0001mmw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
MON 17:30 Conversations from a Long Marriage (m0001qhh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 18:00 Steptoe and Son (b007jlqh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 18:30 After Henry (b00fzc3s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 19:00 Elephant in the Room (m0006lbh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
MON 19:30 Tony Hawks' Twelve Days of Christmas (b00gd7r5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
MON 20:00 Radiolab (m001cmz6)
Series 10
The Helen Keller Exorcism
Radiolab explores the real story of Deafblind American author and rights activist, Helen Keller.
With Jad Abumrad, Lulu Miller and Elsa Sjunneson.
Fantasy writer Elsa Sjunneson has been haunted by Helen Keller for nearly her entire life.
Like Helen, Elsa is Deafblind, and growing up she was constantly compared to her. But for a million different reasons she hated that, because she felt different from her in a million different ways.
Then, a year ago, an online conspiracy theory claiming Helen was a fraud exploded on TikTok, and suddenly Elsa found herself drawing her sword and jumping to Helen’s defence, setting off a chain of events that would bring her closer to the disability icon than she ever dreamt.
For over a year, Elsa, Lulu and the Radiolab team dug through primary sources, talked to experts, even visited Helen’s birthplace Ivy Green, and discovered the real story of Helen Keller is far more complicated, mysterious and confounding than the simple myth of a young Deafblind girl rescued by her teacher Annie Sullivan.
It’s a story of ghosts, surprises, a few tears, a bit of romance, some hard conversations, and a possibly psychic dog.
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 2022.
MON 20:55 Inheritance Tracks (b046csgp)
Nicholas Parsons
Nicholas Parsons reminisces to 'In the Mood' by Glenn Miller and passes on 'Children Will Listen' by Stephen Sondheim.
MON 21:00 Mastertapes (m0001qjp)
Series 8
Don McLean (A-side)
Don McLean talks about his timeless classic 1971 album, the career defining 'American Pie'.
Series in which leading performers and songwriters talk 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.
In the A-side, Don McLean chats to John Wilson.
24-year old Don McLean’s debut album was rejected by 72 labels before it was released by Mediarts.
It was only because that label was taken over by United Artists that his follow-up received the promotion it deserved.
His second album contained: a tribute to a 19th-century Dutch painter, which was cited as a personal inspiration by the late rapper Tupac Shakur; a song that was re-recorded 32 years later by George Michael in protest against the Iraq War; and an eight-and-a-half-minute single that in 2017 was designated an “aural treasure… worthy of preservation as part of America’s patrimony.”
Producer: Paul Kobrak
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2018.
MON 21:30 How Pleasant to Know Mr Lear (m001tp8x)
2: The Dong with the Luminous Nose
Nicholas Parsons concludes his celebration of the life and work of Edward Lear, the great nonsense poet.
In the last of two programmes he talks about the unusual and difficult life of this amazing man and illustrates it throughout with a delivery of many of Lear's brilliant nonsense poems.
The fantastical world of Lear's nonsense verse was constructed to bring entertainment to children, but also as a means of Lear surviving a very stressful life.
With Colin Sell at the piano.
Producer: Jonathan James-Moore
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in April 1995.
MON 22:00 I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue (m001tgtx)
Series 80
Episode 6
Back for a second week at the Dorking Halls, panellists Fred Macaulay, Milton Jones, Lucy Porter and Omid Djalili compete with one another, with Jack Dee the unimpressed umpire. Piano accompaniment is provided by Colin Sell.
Producer - Jon Naismith.
It is a BBC Studios production for Radio 4.
MON 22:30 Lenny Henry's Rogues Gallery (b085x9sq)
The Rogues Gallery at Christmas
Lenny Henry writes and stars in his own twist-in-the-tale monologues.
In this Christmas-themed tale "Kobbolovski's Little Helper", he plays a Kenyan of restricted height, called A'dele, who is compelled by a voice to migrate to Kent, where he finds work as a healthcare assistant at an old people's home.
He is happy there and he's able to work with other people of restricted height, surrounded by plenty of great facilities, including a well resourced workshop.
But soon the seasons change, the cold bites and his routine is upset by the arrival of an old, skinny man who A'dele must make every effort to look after...
Producer: Sam Michell
A BBC Studios Production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2016.
MON 22:45 The Shuttleworths (b008hzry)
Christmas Eve With the Shuttleworths
Retired Sheffield security guard, John Shuttleworth is a "versatile singer-songwriter"
He lives in a semi-detached world with wife Mary, and teenage kids Karen and Darren.
Unfortunately, his plans for a festive family gathering go awry.
Written and performed by Graham Fellows.
Producer: Paul Schlesinger
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1993.
MON 23:00 Dead Ringers (m001tjm0)
Christmas Specials 2023
Episode 2
Topical satire, featuring all the people you’d least like to have Christmas dinner with.
There are debut appearances from Baroness Mone, Katherine Jenkins and the new Doctor Who, Ncuti Gatwa.
Sunak and King Charles give their end of year speeches, and there is a surprise guest on Naked Attraction.
This episode was written by: Nev Fountain & Tom Jamieson, Laurence Howarth, Ed Amsden & Tom Coles, Edward Tew, Robert Darke, Rachel E Thorn, Joe Topping, Alex Bertullis-Fernandes and Chris Donovan.
Performed by Jon Culshaw, Lewis MacLeod, Jan Ravens, Jess Robinson and Duncan Wisbey.
Produced and created by Bill Dare
A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4
An EcoAudio certified production
MON 23:30 The Masterson Inheritance (b007jqs7)
Christmas Special 1993
The wicked Masterson Family attempt to celebrate Christmas in the traditional manner - with plenty of Plum Duff, Roly-Poly and Rumpy Pumpy Puddings!
But they face repercussions from a child's innocent gift.
Based entirely on audience suggestions - this is the unfolding saga of the Mastersons - a family at war with itself.
Starring:
Paul Merton
Josie Lawrence
Lee Simpson
Jim Sweeney
Phelim McDermott
Caroline Quentin
Producer: Phil Clarke
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1993.

TUESDAY 26 DECEMBER 2023

TUE 00:00 JCW Brook - Father Christmas (m001tp8p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Monday]
TUE 01:00 Cadfael (b007jlcr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]
TUE 01:30 Whodunnits (b007jv9w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Monday]
TUE 02:00 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (b07gxhrv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Monday]
TUE 02:15 MR James (m0001mmw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 on Monday]
TUE 02:30 Conversations from a Long Marriage (m0001qhh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:00 Steptoe and Son (b007jlqh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Monday]
TUE 03:30 After Henry (b00fzc3s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Monday]
TUE 04:00 Elephant in the Room (m0006lbh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:30 Tony Hawks' Twelve Days of Christmas (b00gd7r5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Monday]
TUE 05:00 Whodunnits (b008j05h)
Hercule Poirot - The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding
Hercule Poirot does not care for the British weather at the best of times, but at Christmas he's convinced the only way to survive is to shut himself up in his London apartment.
Imagine his horror, then in an attempt to avert a diplomatic catastrophe, Poirot must take on a case that means spending the festive period in a large old house in the countryside.
Attending an old-fashioned dinner party, he must use all his powers of deduction to retrieve a priceless stolen ruby.
Agatha Christie's whodunnit, first published in 1960.
Starring John Moffatt as the Belgian sleuth.
Dramatised by Michael Bakewell.
Hercule Poirot......... John Moffatt
Mr Jesmond............... Murray Melvin
Col Lacey.....................Donald Sinden
Mrs Lacey....................Sian Phillips
Michael/Prince....Ifan Meredith
Bridget...........................Annabelle Dowler
Desmond......................Robert Portal
Sarah...............................Alice Hart
Rebecca/Annie............Angela Sims
Mrs Ross.........................Elizabeth Proud
Director: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2004.
TUE 05:45 Short Works (m000c4s4)
Man-Made Miracle by Vanessa Kisuule
"Some believe in saints, some believe in Santa Claus. Some worship the brute rewards of violence, others the quiet, constant hope for salvation."
A modern-day twist on The Christmas Story,
Written and read by award-winning poet Vanessa Kisuule.
Director: Becky Ripley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2019.
TUE 06:00 Cadfael (b007jld1)
The Virgin in the Ice
2. Danger From All Sides
Amid bitter civil war in 1139, detective monk Brother Cadfael makes headway in his medieval crime hunt, but it's mixed news...
Starring Philip Madoc as Brother Cadfael.
Written by Ellis Peters and dramatised by Bert Coules.
Brother Cadfael ...... Philip Madoc
Narrator ...... Sir Michael Hordern
Boterel ...... Andrew Wincott
Leonard ...... Leonard Fenton
Elyas ...... Crispin Letts
Ives ...... Dean Magri
Hugh ...... Douglas Hodge
Ermina ...... Moira Buffini
Olivier ...... Raad Rawi
Other parts played by:
Jonathan Tafler
John Fleming
Kate Binchy
Music by Peter Salem.
Producer: Phil Clarke.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1992.
TUE 06:30 Whodunnits (b007jvb0)
Miss Marple - They Do It With Mirrors
Episode 2
Clearly something is wrong at Stoneygates.
But for Miss Marple, the most disquieting factors are the jealousies and simmering tensions within the family itself.
Agatha Christie's whodunnit stars June Whitfield as amateur sleuth, Miss Jane Marple.
Dramatised by Michael Bakewell.
Miss Marple …. June Whitfield
Carrie Louise …. Ursula Howells
Lewis Serrocold …. Peter Howell
Juliet Bellever …. Paula Jacobs
Gina Hudd …. Rebecca Lacey
Walter Hudd …. Stephen Lucas
Stephen Restarick …. Daniel Philpott
Edgar Lawson …. Rhys Meredith
Mildred Strete …. Natasha Pyne
Alexis Restarick …. Nick Waring
Christian Bulbrandsen …. Stephen Thorne
Director: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2001.
TUE 07:00 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (b07h0tnj)
7. At Moscombe Near Tavistock
Lord Darlington asks Stevens to make changes to the staff, which leads to a clash.
Stevens is looking 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 by Catherine Czerkawska.
Read by John Moffatt.
Producer: Marilyn Imrie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1990.
TUE 07:15 MR James (m0001mdb)
The Haunting of MR James
2. Casting the Runes
The tale of a curse passed on by a curiously inscribed slip of paper.
Collection of tales written by the master of the ghost story, MR James
Dramatised by Neil Brand.
MR James ..... Mark Gatiss
Dunning ..... John Bowler
Karswell ..... Ewan Bailey
Gayton ..... Paul Heath
Mrs. Gayton ..... Saffron Coomber
Harrington ..... Ronny Jhutti
Assistant ..... Lewis Bray
Director: David Hunter
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2018.
TUE 07:30 The Tim Vine Chat Show (b085tn6j)
The Tim Vine Christmas Chat Show
Tim Vine returns to talk to the Great British Public about their favourite Christmas memories.
Expect a brand new house band taking over from The Conkers ("they had a string of hits") and some more preposterous games to play along with at home.
Guests are plucked from Tim’s audience on the day of recording.
They include:
* A former air hostess from the land of Santa Claus
* A budding Widow Twanky
* A man with a nail-biting story about Brussels sprouts.
Join internationally acclaimed stand-up Tim for the one sure-fire way of topping up your quota of cracker jokes this Christmas.
Producer: Richard Morris
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2016.
TUE 08:00 The Goon Show (b00n8vbj)
Vintage Goons
Giant Bombardon
With the war going badly, Neddie Seagoon is tasked with finding a huge leather cannon.
Groundbreaking, surreal BBC radio comedy written by Spike Milligan.
Starring:
Peter Sellers
Harry Secombe
Spike Milligan
Valentine Dyall
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: Roy Speer
The original show was first broadcast on the BBC Home Service in January 1954 with special guest Michael Bentine.
This is a re-recording from October 1958 with an edited script - made by the BBC Transcription Service for broadcast overseas.
First BBC broadcast on BBC Radio 7 in October 2009.
TUE 08:30 Little Blighty on the Down (b00wrctm)
Traditional Christmas Pageant
The Little Blighty Traditional Christmas Pageant is an opportunity to unfold the rich and exciting tapestry of village history to an eager audience.
It's also a chance for Rotarians and the Working Men's Club to end the Season of Goodwill with a vicious slanging match.
Political satire written by Mark Burton, John O'Farrell and Mike Coleman
Mrs Roberts .... Jo Kendall
Mr Blandish .... Michael Troughton
With
Bernadine Corrigan
John Baddeley
Dan Strauss
Jonathan Kydd
Producer Lissa Evans
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1989.
TUE 09:00 The Motion Show (m0007rns)
Series 5
Episode 4
From the wonder of umbrellas to banning children in pubs.
Graeme Garden hosts the comedy debating show.
With:
Gyles Brandreth
Boothby Graffoe
Hugh Dennis
Lauren Laverne
Producer: Jane Berthoud
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2002.
TUE 09:30 Winston (b007lmgv)
Series 1
What Do You Reckon?
Rosie plans to go to London and set up house.
William dreams of esteem and beautiful women.
Nancy doesn't relish the prospect of being left alone to care for Father; but she doesn't know about his own plans...
Peter Tinniswood's bawdy comedy serial.
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 Whodunnits (b008j05h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
TUE 10:45 Short Works (m000c4s4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:45 today]
TUE 11:00 Cadfael (b007jld1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 11:30 Whodunnits (b007jvb0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 12:00 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (b07h0tnj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 12:15 MR James (m0001mdb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
TUE 12:30 The Tim Vine Chat Show (b085tn6j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 13:00 The Goon Show (b00n8vbj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 13:30 Little Blighty on the Down (b00wrctm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 14:00 The Motion Show (m0007rns)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
TUE 14:30 Winston (b007lmgv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
TUE 15:00 Whodunnits (b008j05h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
TUE 15:45 Short Works (m000c4s4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:45 today]
TUE 16:00 Cadfael (b007jld1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 16:30 Whodunnits (b007jvb0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 17:00 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (b07h0tnj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 17:15 MR James (m0001mdb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
TUE 17:30 The Tim Vine Chat Show (b085tn6j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 18:00 The Goon Show (b00n8vbj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 18:30 Little Blighty on the Down (b00wrctm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 19:00 The Motion Show (m0007rns)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
TUE 19:30 Winston (b007lmgv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
TUE 20:00 TED Radio Hour (m0017lny)
Series 9
Ideas Into Action
A journey through fascinating ideas based on talks by riveting speakers on the TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) stage.
Manoush Zomorodi explores how a big idea can grow – how someone can help a spark become a movement.
With Shoham Arad.
First broadcast in the USA on National Public Radio in 2021.
TUE 20:50 Inheritance Tracks (b06nsvty)
Cliff Richard
The 'Peter Pan of Pop' chooses 'Chewing A Piece of Straw' by Jack Payne and His Orchestra and his own 'We Don't Talk Any More'.
TUE 21:00 Mastertapes (m0001qvt)
Series 8
Don McLean (B-side)
Following on from the A-side of this two-part programme, the audience ask Don McLean questions about his timeless classic 1971 album, ‘American Pie'.
Series in which leading performers and songwriters talk about the album that made them or changed them.
With John Wilson at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios in London.
Don also performs live acoustic versions of some of the tracks on the album.
Producer: Paul Kobrak
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2018.
TUE 21:30 A Charles Paris Mystery (b083r275)
The Cinderella Killer
1. Oh Yes It Is...
A job in Panto seems the perfect way to spend the Christmas season for actor Charles Paris.
But the cast of Cinderella are a motley crew from reality TV and Charles finds himself having to explain the traditions of Panto to their baffled American star whose career is on a downward trajectory.
It's not long before the slapstick makes way for a murder investigation and Charles as always can't help doing some sleuthing of his own...
Bill Nighy stars as actor-cum-sleuth, Charles Paris.
Dramatised by Jeremy Front - based on Simon Brett's novel.
Charles ...... Bill Nighy
Frances ...... Suzanne Burden
Maurice ...... Jon Glover
Ken ...... Brian Protheroe
Danny ...... Sean Baker
Electra ...... Lorelei King
Larry ...... Nick Underwood
Tad ...... Sam Rix
Josie ...... Norah Lopez Holden
Sparkle ...... Tom Forrister
Director: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2016.
TUE 22:00 Henry Normal: A Normal... (m001tgx4)
Journey
"Shove up National Treasures. We need to make room for Henry Normal" Simon O'Hagan - Radio Times
Join Henry Normal for the eleventh instalment of his acclaimed, occasional series in which the acclaimed, occasional writer tackles those subjects so big only radio can possibly contain them.
So far on this journey Henry has covered the subjects of ‘Family’, ‘Life’, ‘Love’, ‘Imagination’, ‘Nature’, ‘The Universe’, ‘Communication’, ‘Ageing’, ‘Community’ and ‘Home’; in this new episode he’ll be concentrating on the ‘Journey’ itself.
Through poems, jokes, and stories, we’ll discover what has made him the man he is today, and how everything in his life so far has led to this point - recording this latest show in Bury at The Met.
--
Henry Normal is a multi-award winning writer, producer and poet. Co-writer of award winning TV programmes such as The Royle Family, The Mrs Merton Show, Coogan’s Run and Paul Calf, and producer of, amongst many others, Oscar-Nominated Philomena, Gavin and Stacey and Alan Partridge.
He’s published ten collections of poetry including his most recent ‘The Fire Hills’. Plus his memoir written with Angela Pell ‘A Normal Family’ everyday adventure with our autistic son.
Praise for previous episodes in this series:
-"It's a rare and lovely thing: half an hour of radio that stops you short, gently demands your attention and then wipes your tears away while you have to have a little sit down"
-"It's a real treat to hear a seasoned professional like Henry taking command of this evening comedy spot to deliver a show that's idiosyncratic and effortlessly funny"
-"Not heard anything that jumps from hilarious to moving in such an intelligent, subtle way as Henry Normal's show"
Written and performed by Henry Normal
Production Coordinator - Katie Baum
Sound manager - David Thomas
Produced by Carl Cooper
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4
"An EcoAudio certified production"
TUE 22:30 Earls of the Court (b00rfhpt)
The Ides of March
The night of Lloydie's much-publicised toga party is fast approaching.
But can Johnno raise his game in time, and play the crucial role in the Ides of March sketch?
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
Woman 1 ...... Alison Pettitt
Woman 2 ...... Keely Beresford
Director: Sasha Yevtushenko
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2010.
TUE 22:45 Quando, Quando, Quando (b0081rfw)
Love and Marriage
The salon is offering special two-for-one cuts. Brides and grooms are queuing up for days in the hope of getting an appointment.
A childhood sweetheart of Rene's appears unexpectedly, hoping to rekindle their love.
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 (b06d29by)
Series 1
Episode 4
Cast members of Channel 4's hugely popular TV sketch show Absolutely reunite.
They're revisiting some much-loved sketch characters, with some newcomers too.
Starring:
Pete Baikie
Morwenna Banks
Moray Hunter
Gordon Kennedy
John Sparkes
Another meeting of the highly confused Stoneybridge Town Council as well as pearls of nonsense from Calum Gilhooley, Edinburgh's most boring man, and the ever popular Little Girl, telling us what is true about teenagers.
Frank Hovis makes an appearance, there will be more stories from those who were nearly there in The People's War, talking Facebook will return and we'll meet an angsting actor who is very concerned about the length of his co-star's credits.
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 (b018j8cb)
A Very Dora Christmas
2. Festive Roast
Legendary showbiz veteran Dora Dale returns to reveal what - or rather who - she is roasting on an open fire.
Playing her own choice of festive tunes, Dora shares more of her saucy seasonal yarns.
Starring Dora Dale.
Written and produced by Jake Yapp and Martin Kelner.
Made by BBC Radio Leeds for BBC Radio 7.
First broadcast in December 2011.

WEDNESDAY 27 DECEMBER 2023

WED 00:00 Whodunnits (b008j05h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 on Tuesday]
WED 00:45 Short Works (m000c4s4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:45 on Tuesday]
WED 01:00 Cadfael (b007jld1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:30 Whodunnits (b007jvb0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Tuesday]
WED 02:00 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (b07h0tnj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Tuesday]
WED 02:15 MR James (m0001mdb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 on Tuesday]
WED 02:30 The Tim Vine Chat Show (b085tn6j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:00 The Goon Show (b00n8vbj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Tuesday]
WED 03:30 Little Blighty on the Down (b00wrctm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Tuesday]
WED 04:00 The Motion Show (m0007rns)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:30 Winston (b007lmgv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Tuesday]
WED 05:00 Jane Austen (b007jr87)
Mansfield Park
1. The Family at Mansfield
Unlikely heroine Fanny Price is plucked from her impoverished family and brought up by her wealthy relatives at Mansfield Park.
Jane Austen's classic tale, first published in 1814.
Starring Hannah Gordon and Michael Williams.
Dramatised in three parts by Elizabeth Proud.
Jane Austen …. Hannah Gordon
Fanny …. Amanda Root
Sir Thomas Bertram …. Michael Williams
Mrs Norris …. Jane Lapotaire
Edmund Bertram …. Robert Glenister
Lady Bertram …. Louise Jameson
Mary Crawford …. Teresa Gallagher
Henry Crawford …. Andrew Wincott
Music composed by Anthea Gomez.
Music played by:
Christian McKay
Jill Heartfield
Audrey Douglas
Katharine Gittings
Directed at BBC Pebble Mill by Sue Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1997.
WED 06:00 Cadfael (b007jldd)
The Virgin in the Ice
3. Found and Lost
As the 1139 English civil war rages in Shropshire, monk-cum-sleuth, Brother Cadfael's brave search for Ermina leads him to the isolated medieval manor of Ledditch.
Starring Philip Madoc as Brother Cadfael.
Written by Ellis Peters and dramatised by Bert Coules.
Brother Cadfael ...... Philip Madoc
Narrator ...... Sir Michael Hordern
Boterel ...... Andrew Wincott
Leonard ...... Leonard Fenton
Elyas ...... Crispin Letts
Ives ...... Dean Magri
Porter ...... Steve Hodson
Hugh ...... Douglas Hodge
Ermina ...... Moira Buffini
Dutton ...... Eric Allan
Music by Peter Salem.
Producer: Phil Clarke.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1992.
WED 06:30 Whodunnits (b007jvb6)
Miss Marple - They Do It With Mirrors
Episode 3
At Stoneygates, a murder has taken place in the Victorian mansion doubling as a rehabilitation centre for delinquents.
Amateur sleuth Miss Jane Marple assists the police with their inquiries.
Agatha Christie's whodunnit stars June Whitfield.
Dramatised by Michael Bakewell.
Miss Marple …. June Whitfield
Inspector Curry …. Keith Barron
Carrie Louise .... Ursula Howells
Lewis Serrocold …. Peter Howell
Juliet Bellever …. Paula Jacobs
Mildred Strete …. Natasha Pyne
Alexis Restarick …. Nick Waring
Gina Hudd …. Rebecca Lacey
Director: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2001.
WED 07:00 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (b07h166x)
8. A Trying Situation
Stevens begins to question whether being in service was a worthy cause?
Stevens is looking 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 by Catherine Czerkawska.
Read by John Moffatt.
Producer: Marilyn Imrie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1990.
WED 07:15 MR James (m0001l7b)
The Haunting of MR James
3. The Stalls of Barchester Cathedral
A tale of likely murder, mysterious cats and ecclesiastical carvings.
Collection of tales written by the master of the ghost story, MR James
Dramatised by Neil Brand.
MR James ..... Mark Gatiss
Archdeacon Haynes ..... Sean Baker
Letitia Haynes ..... Carolyn Pickles
Jane ..... Saffron Coomber
Verger ..... Michael Bertenshaw
Pulteney ..... Neil Brand
Stevens ..... Cameron Percival
Runciman ..... Lewis Bray
Director: David Hunter
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2018.
WED 07:30 Mark Steel's in Town (b09k6pn3)
Series 8
Hull
Mark Steel visits Hull.
He has a wonderful time exploring the 2017 City of Culture exhibits as well as all the other normal stuff like the world's smallest window and white phone boxes.
Mark talks to a man who painted himself blue and walked naked through the town as part of the Sea of Hull installation, samples the delights of Chip Spice and patties and gets to the bottom of why they call their aquarium a submarium.
Mark Steele's award-winning series 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.
Written and performed by Mark Steel.
Additional material by Pete Sinclair.
Producer: Carl Cooper
A BBC Studio production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in February 2018.
WED 08:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b008f307)
Series 5
The Junk Man
Griselda's plan to clear out the Lad's house backfires spectacularly.
Ray Galton and Alan Simpson's classic comedy about the life and times of Anthony Aloysius St John Hancock.
Starring Tony Hancock.
With:
Sidney James
Bill Kerr
Kenneth Williams
Hattie Jacques
Theme and incidental music composed and conducted by Wally Stott.
Producer: Tom Ronald
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in May 1958.
WED 08:30 Lip Service (m000zddb)
Episode 3
Crime Busters search for the missing sugar, a couple splitting up get the fly on the wall treatment and wailing Cassandra predicts the future.
Sketches and songs written and performed by Maggie Fox and Sue Ryding.
With:
Malcolm Raeburn
Denise Coffey
Andrew Dodge
Producer: Lissa Evans.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1992.
WED 09:00 Counterpoint (b01k9q73)
Series 26
2012 Semi-final 2
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 second semi final recorded at the Maida Vale Studios and taking part are:
Roger Blackburn from Tunbridge Wells
Trevor Davys from Nottingham
David Sherman from Chelmsford
Producer: Paul Bajoria
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2012.
WED 09:30 Four Joneses and a Jenkins (b007jz3j)
August - Harvest Home
Megan Jones snubs the Carnival Queen contest and heads off to see Nana.
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.
Music composed by John Whitehall.
Producer: Jonathan James Moore.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2000.
WED 10:00 Jane Austen (b007jr87)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
WED 11:00 Cadfael (b007jldd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 11:30 Whodunnits (b007jvb6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 12:00 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (b07h166x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 12:15 MR James (m0001l7b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
WED 12:30 Mark Steel's in Town (b09k6pn3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 13:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b008f307)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 13:30 Lip Service (m000zddb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 14:00 Counterpoint (b01k9q73)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
WED 14:30 Four Joneses and a Jenkins (b007jz3j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
WED 15:00 Jane Austen (b007jr87)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
WED 16:00 Cadfael (b007jldd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 16:30 Whodunnits (b007jvb6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 17:00 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (b07h166x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 17:15 MR James (m0001l7b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
WED 17:30 Mark Steel's in Town (b09k6pn3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 18:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b008f307)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 18:30 Lip Service (m000zddb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 19:00 Counterpoint (b01k9q73)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
WED 19:30 Four Joneses and a Jenkins (b007jz3j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
WED 20:00 Archive on 4 (m000qm0b)
It's Behind You! The weird and wonderful story of British pantomime
Cultural historian and writer Christopher Frayling delves into the archive to explore the rich and surprising history of pantomime.
What could be more British than the Christmas tradition of going out with the family to see a pantomime?
Yet panto dates back to ancient Rome, via the 16th century Italian travelling street theatre known as the Commedia dell'arte.
The familiar trappings of modern British panto originated with the Victorians - the principal boy, the dame, popular tunes with new lyrics, double entendres, and those well-worn catchphrases - 'It's behind you!' and 'Oh yes it is!’.
Since then, pantomime has been rebooted in line with other forms of popular entertainment, from working class music hall to middle class variety; radio to film and television.
Today, celebrities from both sides of the Atlantic queue up to appear on British stages at Christmas. The panto season has stretched to last from the start of December to the end of January, and become essential to the UK’s theatre economy.
With the help of pantomime historians, actors, writers and directors, Christopher Frayling explores how the form has remained so very popular for almost as long as Shakespeare's plays.
He also examines its role in our more enlightened, politically correct times and hears how companies are striving to stage pantomimes in 2020.
* Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner - writers and actors, Potted Panto
* Professor Katherine Newey - Chair in Theatre History, University of Exeter
* Neal Foster - actor and manager, Horrible Histories’ Car Park Panto
* Simon Sladen - Senior Curator, V&A and pantomime expert
* Susie McKenna - pantomime actor, writer and director
Producer: Jane Long
Sound: Jon Calver
A Hidden Flack production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2020.
WED 21:00 Short Cuts (b082fjk5)
Series 10
Borderlands
Josie Long explores uncertain territory - from a micronation to the porous borders between dreams and reality.
We hear from Prince Michael of Sealand, the head of state in an unrecognised micronation that sits in the North Sea, and the doctor who's documenting the dreams of the dying.
Sealand
Feat. Prince Michael of Sealand
Interviewed by Deborah Coughlin
Squatting the Embassy
Producer: Olivia Humphreys
Dreams
Producer: Ed Lawrenson
Series Producer: Eleanor McDowall
A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in November 2016.
WED 21:30 A Charles Paris Mystery (b084dnqp)
The Cinderella Killer
2. Suspicion
When the star of Cinderella is shot Charles finds himself filling Baron Hardup's shoes.
But who wanted him dead?
Charles comes under suspicion now he's been promoted up the billing.
Bill Nighy stars as actor-cum-sleuth, Charles Paris.
Dramatised by Jeremy Front - based on Simon Brett's novel.
Charles ...... Bill Nighy
Frances ..... Suzanne Burden
Maurice ...... Jon Glover
Danny ...... Sean Baker
Electra ...... Lorelei King
Tad ...... Sam Rix
Kitty ...... Kirsty Oswald
Barman ...... Tom Forrister
Director: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2016.
WED 22:00 Whatever Happened to Baby Jane Austen? (m001tj1m)
Series 2
Episode 2
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 Two: Libel She Wrote
Florence is sued for libel when a character in one of her books is based on a real person. Selina’s diaries are serialised in the Daily Mail. Oh, and Lucy’s going to the Moon.
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 (b007k17t)
Series 1
To Infinity and Beyond
A bunch of Star Trek fans beam in to a sci-fi convention at the museum - and a rival theme park draws visitors away from Badgerland.
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 (b01rfy5w)
Series 2
With Doc Brown
Comedy show hosted by Alex Horne and his five piece band and specially written, original music.
This episode explores the theme of children/ including songs on George Formby, the alphabet and Rastafarians.
Guest starring Doc Brown who raps with the band and talks to whales.
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 (m0002551)
Series 5
The Book Club
Belle's monthly book club is a time to not only discuss literature - but to also offload about life.
Indeed Belle has plenty to let rip about since her son's girlfriend moved in.
Starring Lucy Robinson.
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 (b007k0nv)
Series 1
Episode 5
The boys have a visitor to the bowl - a sexy little fantail called Pandora.
Jealousy rears its ugly head.
Liam and Anton are goldfish contemplating the meaning of their existence.
Written by and starring Shaun Prendergast.
Martin/Gangster …. Shaun Prendergast
Susan/Pandora …. Sarah Parish
Anton …. Hamish McColl
Liam …. Sean Foley
Producer: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1998.

THURSDAY 28 DECEMBER 2023

THU 00:00 Jane Austen (b007jr87)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 Cadfael (b007jldd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:30 Whodunnits (b007jvb6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (b07h166x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:15 MR James (m0001l7b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 on Wednesday]
THU 02:30 Mark Steel's in Town (b09k6pn3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b008f307)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Wednesday]
THU 03:30 Lip Service (m000zddb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 Counterpoint (b01k9q73)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:30 Four Joneses and a Jenkins (b007jz3j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 Jane Austen (b007jrc2)
Mansfield Park
2. Mr Crawford Changes Tack
The Crawfords cause confusion for Fanny Price, and her brother, William, returns.
Jane Austen's classic tale starring Hannah Gordon and Michael Williams.
Dramatised by Elizabeth Proud.
Jen Austen …. Hannah Gordon
Fanny …. Amanda Root
Sir Thomas Bertram …. Michael Williams
Mrs Norris …. Jane Lapotaire
Edmund Bertram …. Robert Glenister
Lady Bertram …. Louise Jameson
Mary Crawford …. Teresa Gallagher
Henry Crawford …. Andrew Wincott
Tom Bertram …. Kim Wall
Maria Bertram …. Cathy Sara
Julia Bertram …. Tracy Wiles
Mr Rushworth …. Michael Onslow
Mr Yates …. Malcolm McKee
Mrs Grant …. Sharon Bayliss
William Price …. Richard Curnow
Music composed by Anthea Gomez.
Music played by:
Christian McKay
Jill Heartfield
Audrey Douglas
Katharine Gittings
Directed at BBC Pebble Mill by Sue Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1997.
THU 06:00 Cadfael (b007jldr)
The Virgin in the Ice
4. The Wolves' Nest
Brother Cadfael searches for Ives Hugonin and Brother Elyas who are missing in a blizzard.
Starring Philip Madoc as Brother Cadfael.
Written by Ellis Peters and dramatised by Bert Coules.
Brother Cadfael ...... Philip Madoc
Narrator ...... Sir Michael Hordern
Ermina ...... Moira Buffini
Leonard ...... Leonard Fenton
Hugh ...... Douglas Hodge
Le Gaucher ...... Peter Laird
Ives ...... Dean Magri
Olivier ...... Raad Raw
Outlaw ...... Jonathan Adams
Soldier ...... Steve Hodson
Sergeant ...... Jonathan Tafler
Other parts played by the cast.
Music by Peter Salem.
Producer: Phil Clarke.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1992.
THU 06:30 Whodunnits (b007jvbc)
Miss Marple - They Do It With Mirrors
Episode 4
Someone is systematically trying to poison Miss Marple's old friend, Carrie Louise.
But who?
And why?
Agatha Christie's whodunnit stars June Whitfield as the amateur sleuth.
Dramatised by Michael Bakewell.
Miss Marple …. June Whitfield
Carrie Louise …. Ursula Howells
Inspector Curry …. Keith Barron
Gina Hudd …. Rebecca Lacey
Mildred Strete …. Natasha Pyne
Alexis Restarick …. Nick Waring
Edgar Lawson …. Rhys Meredith
Walter Hudd …. Stephen Lucas
Director: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2001.
THU 07:00 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (b07h1gvt)
9. Little Compton, Cornwall
Stevens' professional calm is interrupted by a new guest.
Stevens is looking 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 by Catherine Czerkawska.
Read by John Moffatt.
Producer: Marilyn Imrie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1990.
THU 07:15 MR James (m0001m79)
The Haunting of MR James
4. A Warning to the Curious
The unearthing of an Anglo Saxon crown in the dunes unleashes supernatural forces for unfortunate medievalist Paxton.
Collection of tales written by the master of the ghost story, MR James
Dramatised by Neil Brand.
MR James ..... Mark Gatiss
Paxton ..... Paul Heath
Jeffers ..... Michael Bertenshaw
Long ..... Tony Turner
Vicar ..... Ewan Bailey
Molly ..... Saffron Coomber
Woman ..... Clare Corbett
Director: David Hunter
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2018.
THU 07:30 What Does the K Stand For? (b04wwgz3)
Series 2
All the Fun of the Affair
Stephen takes a nostalgic look at some "exciting" trips taken in his early years.
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 January 2015.
THU 08:00 Dad's Army (b007jnj5)
Series 2
Brain Versus Brawn
Disguised as firemen for an exercise, Captain Mainwaring's platoon must tackle a real blaze.
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
Warden Hodges …. Bill Pertwee
Private Walker …. Larry Martin
The Waitress/The Policewoman …. Avril Angers
Colonel Pritchard …. Robert Raglan
Mr. Fairbrother/The Corporal …. Stuart Sherwin
Announcer …. John Snagge
Producer: John Dyas.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1975.
THU 08:30 The Random Jottings Of Hinge And Bracket (b007jrkn)
2. Telling Tails
The dear ladies face chaos - when they discover a mouse in their house.
Starring Dame Hilda Bracket and her lifelong companion Dr Evadne Hinge.
Another extract of life from the genteel setting of the Stackton Tressel - the Suffolk village where the musical duo reside.
Written by Gerald Frow.
Dame Hilda Bracket ...... George Logan
Dr Evadne Hinge ...... Patrick Fyffe
Maud ...... Daphne Heard
Music played by Frank Williams.
The ladies made three series for 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 April 1983.
THU 09:00 Guess What? (b0627zhy)
Episode 3
Animal, vegetable or mineral?
Barry Took hosts a revised version of popular radio parlour game of 20 questions.
On the panel:
Geoffrey Durham
Jeremy Hanley
Helen Atkinson-Wood
Written by Michael Dines.
Producer: Andy Aliffe
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1998.
THU 09:30 The Richest Man in Britain (b00p346t)
The Cultural Attache
Trillionnaire rocker Dave Mabbutt and his personal assistant Dom come to blows over the one thing money can't buy.
Starring Mark Williams and Russell Tovey.
Sitcom by Nick Hornby and Giles Smith about an ageing rock star and his search for fulfilment.
Dave Mabbutt ...... Mark Williams
Dom ...... Russell Tovey
Francesca, The Cultural Adviser ...... Rosamund Pike
Producer: Lucy Armitage
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2009
THU 10:00 Jane Austen (b007jrc2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
THU 11:00 Cadfael (b007jldr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 11:30 Whodunnits (b007jvbc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 12:00 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (b07h1gvt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 12:15 MR James (m0001m79)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
THU 12:30 What Does the K Stand For? (b04wwgz3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 13:00 Dad's Army (b007jnj5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 13:30 The Random Jottings Of Hinge And Bracket (b007jrkn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 14:00 Guess What? (b0627zhy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
THU 14:30 The Richest Man in Britain (b00p346t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
THU 15:00 Jane Austen (b007jrc2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
THU 16:00 Cadfael (b007jldr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 16:30 Whodunnits (b007jvbc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 17:00 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (b07h1gvt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 17:15 MR James (m0001m79)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
THU 17:30 What Does the K Stand For? (b04wwgz3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 18:00 Dad's Army (b007jnj5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 18:30 The Random Jottings Of Hinge And Bracket (b007jrkn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 19:00 Guess What? (b0627zhy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
THU 19:30 The Richest Man in Britain (b00p346t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
THU 20:00 The Inimitable PG Wodehouse (m000vhrf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Saturday]
THU 21:00 Great Lives (b05tl3jp)
Antonia Quirke on Marlon Brando
Marlon Brando - greatest actor of the 20th century?
Film critic Antonia Quirke definitely thinks he is.
But the star of the Godfather, On the Waterfront and A Streetcar Named Desire divides opinion in this lively assessment of his life.
Presented by Matthew Parris.
With contributions from writer Robyn Karney and Joe Queenan in the USA.
Producer: Miles Warde
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2015.
THU 21:30 A Charles Paris Mystery (b08503d4)
The Cinderella Killer
3. Suspects
Just who could have shot the star of Cinderella dead? And are they the same person who is sending Charles threatening texts?
There are certainly lots of suspects, a vengeful ex-wife, a stalker and a missing dancer.
Bill Nighy stars as actor-cum-sleuth, Charles Paris.
Dramatised by Jeremy Front - based on Simon Brett's novel
Charles ...... Bill Nighy
Frances ...... Suzanne Burden
Maurice ...... Jon Glover
Danny ...... Sean Baker
Tad ..... Sam Rix
Kitty ...... Kirsty Oswald
Larry ...... Nick Underwood
Waiter ...... Tom Forrister
Gloria ...... Elizabeth Bennett
Director: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2016.
THU 22:00 Ken Cheng: I Can School You (m001tj1z)
2. Cooking Up a Full English
Comedian Ken Cheng focuses his analytical observations on school subjects. In this episode, Ken explores English lessons, the only subject you keep on learning after you've learned it.
Producer: Rajiv Karia
An EcoAudio certified production.
A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.
THU 22:30 Dan and Nick: The Wildebeest Years (b00dbj12)
Tossed in Space
Dan and Nick serves up a salad family who are Tossed in Space, plus Robin Wood 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 (b00ct1wk)
Series 1
Episode 5
The senior management team head off to a conference on the Isle of Wight, leaving Rod in charge of the museum...
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
Dave Edgecumbe ...... Anthony Glennon
Lofty Harmsworth ...... Simon Treves
Gus ...... John Dougall
Producer: Colin Anderson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2007.
THU 23:30 Old Harry's Game (b00wr9vv)
2. Ring in the New
Satan decides he needs a holiday away from hell.
Written by and starring Andy Hamilton.
With Annette Crosbie as Edith, Robert Duncan as Scumspawn, Jimmy Mulville as Thomas.
And Felicity Montagu, Nick Revell, Philip Pope and Michael Fentons Stevens.
Producer: Paul Mayhew-Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2010.

FRIDAY 29 DECEMBER 2023

FRI 00:00 Jane Austen (b007jrc2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 Cadfael (b007jldr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:30 Whodunnits (b007jvbc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (b07h1gvt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:15 MR James (m0001m79)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 on Thursday]
FRI 02:30 What Does the K Stand For? (b04wwgz3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 Dad's Army (b007jnj5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Thursday]
FRI 03:30 The Random Jottings Of Hinge And Bracket (b007jrkn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 Guess What? (b0627zhy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:30 The Richest Man in Britain (b00p346t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 Jane Austen (b007jrff)
Mansfield Park
3. Portsmouth and After
Both Fanny and Tom face disappointment and hope in equal measure.
Conclusion of Jane’s Austen’s classic tale.
Starring Hannah Gordon and Michael Williams.
Dramatised by Elizabeth Proud.
Jane Austen …. Hannah Gordon
Fanny …. Amanda Root
Sir Thomas Bertram …. Michael Williams
Mrs Norris …. Jane Lapotaire
Edmund Bertram …. Robert Glenister
Lady Bertram …. Louise Jameson
Mary Crawford …. Teresa Gallagher
Henry Crawford …. Andrew Wincott
Tom Bertram …. Kim Wall
William Price …. Richard Curnow
Mrs Price …. Sunny Ormonde
Mr Price …. Terry Molloy
Susan price …. Katherine Mount
Rebecca …. Anne-Marie Francis
Price children:
Tim Black
Stephanie Luxton
Zoe Ganjavi
Richard Ganjavi
Music composed by Anthea Gomez.
Music played by:
Christian McKay
Jill Heartfield
Audrey Douglas
Katharine Gittings
Directed at BBC Pebble Mill by Sue Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1997.
FRI 06:00 Cadfael (b007jldz)
The Virgin in the Ice
5. Discoveries
Detective monk Brother Cadfael discovers outlaws have taken Ives Hugonin prisoner.
Conclusion starring Philip Madoc as Brother Cadfael.
Written by Ellis Peters and dramatised by Bert Coules.
Brother Cadfael ...... Philip Madoc
Narrator ...... Sir Michael Hordern
Ermina ...... Moira Buffini
Leonard ...... Leonard Fenton
Hugh ...... Douglas Hodge
Le Gaucher ...... Peter Laird
Ives ...... Dean Magri
Elyas ...... Crispin Letts
Axeman ...... Peter Gunn
Boterel ...... Andrew Wincott
Other parts played by the cast.
Music by Peter Salem.
Producer: Phil Clarke.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1992.
FRI 06:30 Whodunnits (b007jvbg)
Miss Marple - They Do It With Mirrors
Episode 5
A chance observation by one of the family gives Miss Marple a key to try and finally solve the mystery.
June Whitfield stars as the amateur sleuth.
Conclusion of Agatha Christie's whodunnit.
Dramatised by Michael Bakewell.
Miss Marple …. June Whitfield
Carrie Louise …. Ursula Howells
Inspector Curry …. Keith Barron
Gina Hudd …. Rebecca Lacey
Mildred Strete …. Natasha Pyne
Alexis Restarick …. Nick Waring
Walter Hudd …. Stephen Lucas
Lewis Serrocold …. Peter Howell
Ruth Van Rydock …. Jill Balcon
Stephen Restarick …. Daniel Philpott
Juliet Bellever …. Paula Jacobs
Director: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2001.
FRI 07:00 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (b07h1gyj)
10. Evening, Weymouth
Stevens finally meets Miss Kenton, but the event makes him question his life's work.
Stevens takes his final look 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 by Catherine Czerkawska.
Concluded by John Moffatt.
Producer: Marilyn Imrie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1990.
FRI 07:15 MR James (m0001p66)
The Haunting of MR James
5. Rats
A remote inn, a locked room and young Thomson, the only guest, is curious.
Collection of tales written by the master of the ghost story, MR James
Dramatised by Neil Brand.
MR James ..... Mark Gatiss
Thomson ..... George Watkins
Betts ..... Michael Bertenshaw
Mrs Betts ..... Carolyn Pickles
Stewart ..... Sean Baker
Director: David Hunter
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2018.
FRI 07:30 Ability (m0003r3w)
Series 2
Disability Exam
Matt is 25. He has cerebral palsy and can only speak via an app on his iPad.
Everyone who cares about Matt knows that this isn't the defining thing about him. He is funny and clever and "up for stuff" - partly because he is keen to show that there's nothing he can't do, but also because, if he's honest, he's aware that he's less likely than other people to get the blame.
Series two sees Matt still sharing a flat with his best mate, Jess. He is still in love with her but, much as she likes him, she is still not in love with him. She does however, fancy Matt’s rubbish carer, Bob. Well just a tiny bit anyway. Not that she would ever admit it. After all, Bob is even more lazy and useless at most things than she is.
But Bob is willing. And although domestic duties are not really his forte, he likes Matt and treats him like a real person. And over the last year or so the three of them have been through a lot together - well a lot of drinking and hangovers anyway.
The series is set in Newcastle and many of the cast last played together as children in TV's Biker’s Grove.
Matt ...... Lee Ridley – aka Lost Voice Guy
Bob ...... Allan Mustafa
Jess ...... Sammy Dobson
Matt's Inner Voice ...... Andrew Hayden-Smith
Ability is the semi-autobiographical co-creation of Britain’s Got Talent 2018 winner, Lee Ridley, otherwise known as Lost Voice Guy.
Like his sitcom creation, Lee has cerebral palsy and can only speak via an app. Lost Voice Guy is - probably - the first stand up comedian to use a communication aid.
Katherine Jakeways is the co-creator and co-writer of Ability.
A Funny Bones production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in April 2019.
FRI 08:00 Albert and Me (b007jsm1)
Series 1
The Homecoming
Single dad Bryan gets worried when his son's mum wants to visit.
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
Rose …. Diana Berriman
Dave …. Douglas Blackwell
Police Sergeant …. Robert Gillespie
Producer: John Fawcett Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in December 1977.
FRI 08:30 Know Your Place (b01852w0)
Lift Off
Ramsay's love of rules sparks catastrophe for an MP in a lift...
Ramsay Potts is the jobsworth caretaker at a crumbling Edwardian block of flats, pursued by the over-amorous cleaner Elsie.
Starring Roy Dotrlce and Patricia Hayes.
Sitcom written by Andrew Palmer and Nell Brennan.
Ramsay Potts ...... Roy Dotrlce
Elspeth Spurgeon ...... Patricia Hayes
With:
Frank Thornton
John Graham
April Walker
John Glover
Producer: Edward Taylor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in January 1982.
FRI 09:00 Whispers (b007k2kr)
Series 2
Episode 1
Revelations about Rasputin and accordion playing from Idi Amin.
Gyles Brandreth hosts the quiz show with scandal on its mind and slander at its heart.
Joining team captains Lucy Moore and Anthony Holden to run the gauntlet of gossip:
Geoffrey Durham
Valerie Grove
Producer: Elizabeth Freestone
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2004.
FRI 09:30 The Right Time (b0076mf5)
Series 4
Episode 3
Older bikers head to Margate – and trying out Roman orgies.
Sketch show about growing older disgracefully.
Starring:
Eleanor Bron
Barry Cryer
Dudley Sutton
Roger Blake
Clive Swift
Paula Wilcox
Music by Ronnie & The Rex.
Written by Jill Brodie, John Pidgeon, Dave Dixon, Jan Etherington, Barry Cryer, Mike Haskins, Simon Littlefield, Alex Lowe, George Poles, Richard Preddy, Dudley Sutton, Alan Stafford, Chris Thompson and Pete Reynolds.
Script editor: George Poles.
Producer: Katie Marsden
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2004.
FRI 10:00 Jane Austen (b007jrff)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
FRI 11:00 Cadfael (b007jldz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 11:30 Whodunnits (b007jvbg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 12:00 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (b07h1gyj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 12:15 MR James (m0001p66)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
FRI 12:30 Ability (m0003r3w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 13:00 Albert and Me (b007jsm1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 13:30 Know Your Place (b01852w0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 14:00 Whispers (b007k2kr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
FRI 14:30 The Right Time (b0076mf5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
FRI 15:00 Jane Austen (b007jrff)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
FRI 16:00 Cadfael (b007jldz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 16:30 Whodunnits (b007jvbg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 17:00 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (b07h1gyj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 17:15 MR James (m0001p66)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
FRI 17:30 Ability (m0003r3w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 18:00 Albert and Me (b007jsm1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 18:30 Know Your Place (b01852w0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 19:00 Whispers (b007k2kr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
FRI 19:30 The Right Time (b0076mf5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
FRI 20:00 Instrument Makers (b06ztsjj)
The Instrument Makers
Musical instrument making is a vibrant craft industry in Britain today.
The great cellist Raphael Wallfisch plays a cello by Andreas Hudelmayer of Clerkenwell.
Want a handmade, yet affordable, guitar? Victoria Hurley, in Orpington, can build you one.
In Redhill, Christopher Bayley combines engineering and acoustics to create the sophisticated chamber instrument of Ireland, the uillean pipes.
Adam Doughty makes West African koras, in Wales.
Verity Sharp, a cellist herself, hears from these makers in their workshops as each goes about their business: Andreas, at the highest end of the western classical music tradition; Victoria, who works on the world's most popular instrument; Christopher and Adam whose instruments might seem niche, but are sold all over the globe.
Interesting questions arise: classical players favour venerable instruments, violins by Stradivarius. But techniques and the understanding of acoustics have improved. Might modern instruments, then, be better than the old ones? Raphael Wallfisch explains why he loves his cello and duets with the Belgian violinist, Jens Lynen, who has come to try out a new fiddle, in Hudelmayer's workshop it.
Factories all over the world churn out guitars, so how does Victoria Hurley, compete. Clients come to makers with different requirements so is the instrument evolving? How can Christopher Bayley realise players' wishes in the wood, metal, leather and reeds of his pipes? And how did Adam Doughty come to learn to play and make the kora?
The instrument maker's vocation is almost monastic - contemplative, laborious and forever seeking perfection. Verity hears their stories, and the music of the amazing instruments they create.
Producer: Julian May
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2016.
FRI 20:30 Soul Music (m000r33c)
David Bowie - Life on Mars?
Life on Mars was released on David Bowie's Hunky Dory album in 1971.
Two years later it came out as a single in its own right. Famous for its exploration of disillusionment and alienation, there is no one single definitive story behind it. But that is perhaps the song's beauty and the secret behind its appeal - that its cryptic lyrics are open to interpretation, and can mean different things to different people.
Musicians and fans talk about what Life on Mars? means to them, and its lasting emotional impact.
Special programme made to mark Bowie's birthday on January 8th 1947 and commemorating his death on January 10th 2016.
And what does the question mark in the song's title mean?
With contributions from:
* Musician Dana Gillespie whose autobiography is Weren't Born A Man
* Bowie author Chris O'Leary
* Scientist Abigail Fraeman of NASA's Mars Mission
* Artist Bridget Griggs
* Reverend Steve Stockman
* Screenwriter Ashley Pharoah (Life on Mars)
Producer: Maggie Ayre for BBC Audio Bristol
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2021.
FRI 21:00 The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry (m0014pgk)
Series 19
The Weird Waves of Wi-Fi
We use Wi-Fi every day, but do you know how it works? “Is it waves and science or just some mystical magical force?” wonders listener Abby.
Well, our science sleuths are on the case. To help them navigate the strange realm of electromagnetic waves they are joined by Andrew Nix, Professor of Wireless Communication Systems from the University of Bristol. He explains why your wi-fi router won’t heat up your baked beans, but your microwave will.
Andrea Goldsmith, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Princeton University, also joins to reveal how these waves are crammed full of 0s and 1s- whether that's a pic of your pets or a video chat with pals.
And finally, how do you get the best Wi-Fi at home?
Dr Rutherford, it turns out, has made some rookie errors...
Listen out for our top tips so you don't make them too!
Presenters: Hannah Fry and Adam Rutherford
Producer: Ilan Goodman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2022.
FRI 21:30 A Charles Paris Mystery (b085bf8l)
The Cinderella Killer
4. They're Behind You
With the body count rising amongst the cast of the Panto, the line 'they're behind you' is beginning to take on a sinister meaning.
But Charles' skills amount to far more than shaking his booty as an Ugly Sister, he finds time to confront the killer too.
Concluding episode starring Bill Nighy as actor-cum-sleuth, Charles Paris.
Dramatised by Jeremy Front - based on Simon Brett's novel
Charles ...... Bill Nighy
Frances ...... Suzanne Burden
Maurice ...... Jon Glover
Danny ...... Sean Baker
DCI Naylor ...... Lorelei King
Gloria ...... Elizabeth Bennett
Kitty ...... Kirsty Oswald
Larry ..... Nick Underwood
Terry ...... Jason Barnett
Director: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2016.
FRI 22:00 Stand Up Just William (m001tpjh)
William's Truthful Christmas
A brand-new classic stand-up performance. Martin Jarvis entertains a packed house at the Riverhouse Barn Theatre in Walton on Thames, Surrey, with a great comic story by Richmal Crompton. This classic tale was written a hundred years ago, but the comic invention is timeless.
William, inspired by the Vicar’s sermon, resolves to speak only the truth over Christmas. With unexpected results.
Previous press responses to Martin Jarvis’ one-man, live Just William performances:
'Martin Jarvis in the funniest performance of the year. An astonishing one-man tour-de-force' - The Times
'The man is an acting genius' - The Stage
'Jarvis's performance was spot on…even funnier than on the page' - The Telegraph
Sound Engineers: Martin Mitchell and Tom Bullen
Director: Rosalind Ayres
A Jarvis & Ayres production for BBC Radio 4
FRI 22:30 John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme (b06tvm72)
Series 5
Episode 1
John Finnemore - writer and star of Cabin Pressure and John Finnemore's Double Acts - in the fifth series of his multi-award-winning sketch show.
This first episode sees an unlikely wager, a troubled bluesman, and, well - since you ask him for a rip-roaring adventure on the high seas...
Written by and starring John Finnemore.
With:
Margaret Cabourn-Smith
Simon Kane
Lawry Lewin
Carrie Quinlan
Producer: Ed Morrish
A BBC Radio Comedy production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in January 2016. .
FRI 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m001v93g)
Clinton Baptiste
From 10pm until midnight, seven days a week, The Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. And tonight, Iain Lee talks to Clinton Baptiste.
FRI 23:00 Small Scenes (m0002gr9)
Series 4
Episode 1
A visit to the first ever Crufts for Cats.
Plus a terrifying reminder as to why you should never try and cancel your membership of The National Trust.
Symphonious sketch show.
Starring:
Daniel Rigby
Mike Wozniak
Cariad Lloyd
Henry Paker
Freya Parker
Producer: Simon Mayhew-Archer.
A BBC Studios Production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in February 2019.
FRI 23:30 Weak at the Top (b00ry9j0)
Series 1
Trout Farm
John Weak discovers there's a "T" missing from the end of HR, when Human Resources has a communal hot flush over his witty entry on Deirdre Simmons's leaving card...
Alexander Armstrong stars 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
Phil Bellinger ...... Stephen Critchlow
Clare Barrett ...... Colleen Prendergast
Deidre Simmons ...... Susan Jameson
Simon Henshaw ...... Harry Myers
Producer: Jonquil Panting
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2005.