SATURDAY 30 DECEMBER 2023

SAT 00:00 Grimm's Fairy Tales (m00131rh)
The Juniper Tree
Under the juniper tree, a mother-to-be dreams of her child and of her own death to come.
Then a stepmother arrives, bringing violence and a terrible revenge in her wake.
A play drawn from Grimm Fairy Tales.
Written by Peter Redgrove
Mother .... Jennifer Piercey
Norman .... Michael McStay
Eve ....Deborah Makepeace
Anne-Marie .....Abigail Docherty
Metalsmith .... Stephen Hattersley
Cobbler .... David Goodland
Victor, the bird ....Anthony Coupe
Music composed and realised by Stephen Rollings.
Director: Brian Miller.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 3 in August 1987.
SAT 00:40 Absent Friends - The 7th Dimension (m001tpdl)
Toby Hadoke pays tribute to some of the performers, producers and writers from the world of sci fi, horror & fantasy whom we’ve lost in 2023
Including:
The actor Peter Vaughan Clarke (one of the Tomorrow People)
The veteran film cameraman, Ken Westbury
The BBC visual effects legend, Peter Day
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra.
SAT 01:00 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.
SAT 02:00 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.
SAT 02:30 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.
SAT 03:00 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.
SAT 03:15 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.
SAT 03:30 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.
SAT 04:00 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.
SAT 04:30 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.
SAT 05:00 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.
SAT 05:30 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.
SAT 06:00 The Governess (m001tpdg)
It all began with the theft of some sugar mice, which was hardly a crime to interest Sergant Drewd.
But it was followed by something rather more serious - murder!
Starring Angela Pleasence and James Bolam.
HRF Keating writing as Evelyn Hervey.
Dramatised by Barry Campbell and Michael Bakewell.
Harriet Unwin .... Angela Pleasence
Sergeant Drewd .... James Bolam
Pelham .... James Holland
Mrs Arthur Thackerton .... Susan Jameson
William Thackerton .... Jack May
Arthur Thackerton .... Tony Mathews
Joseph .... Steve Hodson
Vilkins .... Emily Richard
Grandmother Thackerton .... Joan Matheson
Hopkinson .... David Sinclair
Hannah .... Victoria Carling
Mrs Breakspear .... Eva Stuart
Newspaper voice .... John Rye
Miss Bond .... Marian Diamond
John .... Stephen Tompkinson
PC Wilson .... Anthony Jackson
Surgeon .... Alan Dudley
Mr Brattle .... Kim Wall
PC Smithers .... Michael Troughton
Superintendent .... Stephen Thorne
Director: Jane Morgan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1987.
SAT 07:30 The Secret Commonwealth (Omnibus) (m000cq57)
Episode 1
Lyra Silvertongue finds herself caught up in a conspiracy when her dæmon witnesses a murder.
Philip Pullman’s second volume of his acclaimed The Book of Dust trilogy.
Omnibus of the first five of ten parts abridged by Doreen Estall.
Read by Simon Russell Beale.
It's 20 years since the events of the first volume (La Belle Sauvage) unfolded and saw the baby Lyra Belacqua begin her life-changing journey.
It's seven years since readers left Lyra and the love of her young life, Will Parry, on a park bench in Oxford’s Botanic Gardens at the end of the ground-breaking, bestselling His Dark Materials sequence.
Now we meet Lyra Silvertongue. And she is now 20 years old, and her dæmon Pantalaimon, forced to navigate their relationship in a way they could never have imagined, and drawn into the complex and dangerous factions of a world that they had no idea existed.
They must travel far beyond the edges of Oxford, across Europe and into Asia, in search for what is lost – a city haunted by dæmons, a secret at the heart of a desert, and the mystery of the elusive Dust.
Producer: Michael Shannon
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2019.
SAT 08:45 Uncle Mort's South Country (b007jrg4)
Series 2
The End of the Road
Carter Brandon and his uncle enjoy a near fatal finale to their travels.
Peter Tinniswood’s continuing tales of long-suffering Carter Brandon and his curmudgeonly uncle.
Uncle Mort …. Stephen Thorne
Carter Brandon …. Sam Kelly
Pat/Young Girl …. Liz Goulding
Young Woman …. Jane Whittenshaw
Dr A I Shockstrain …. Himself
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 (b08f0q27)
Series 2
A Slight Case of Baptism
The new baby is set to be christened in Jennifer's mother's church, and today is the day...
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
Robin …. Hugo Keith-Johnston
Rev Chubb …. Kevin Brennan
Music by Ronnie Hazlehurst
Producer: Trafford Whitelock.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in October 1970.
SAT 09:30 The Clitheroe Kid (m000cky6)
Just The Ticket
It’s pantomime time! Oh yes it is!
But will the cheeky schoolboy manage to see Cinderella?
Starring the diminutive Jimmy Clitheroe
Legendary sitcom about Lancashire’s eternal cheeky schoolboy who lives with his Mother, sister Susan and Grandad
At its peak, ten million fans tuned in each week to hear Jimmy’s latest antics
Written by James Casey and Frank Roscoe
The Kid Himself ...... Jimmy Clitheroe
Grandfather ...... Peter Sinclair
Mother ...... Patricia Burke
Susan ...... Diana Day
Alfie ...... Danny Ross
Laundry Man ...... Deryck Guyler
Laundry Woman ...... Betty Alberge
Theme music by Alan Roper and played by the BBC Northern Dance Orchestra directed by Alan Ainsworth.
Producer: James Casey.
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in December 1962.
SAT 10:00 The Inimitable PG Wodehouse (m000vqtg)
2. Carry On
“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 parts of this programme were recorded.
Alexander continues his three-part celebration of the author's work.
Wodehouse was widely regarded as the greatest comic author of the 20th century, and during these three one-hour episodes, we’ll hear a collection of some his best loved work, including a celebration of his creations, such as the feckless Bertie Wooster and his phlegmatic manservant, Jeeves, and his many other characters. All brought to life on radio by stars including Simon Cadell, Michael Hordern and Richard Briers.
Plus rare interviews and archive along with contributions from fans, friends and family.
Alexander is 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 The Governess (m001tpdg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 12:30 The Secret Commonwealth (Omnibus) (m000cq57)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 13:45 Uncle Mort's South Country (b007jrg4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
SAT 14:00 Not in Front of the Children (b08f0q27)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 14:30 The Clitheroe Kid (m000cky6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SAT 15:00 The Inimitable PG Wodehouse (m000vqtg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SAT 16:00 Grimm's Fairy Tales (m00131rh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 00:00 today]
SAT 16:40 Absent Friends - The 7th Dimension (m001tpdl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 00:40 today]
SAT 17:00 The Governess (m001tpdg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 18:30 The Secret Commonwealth (Omnibus) (m000cq57)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 19:45 Uncle Mort's South Country (b007jrg4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
SAT 20:00 Not in Front of the Children (b08f0q27)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 20:30 The Clitheroe Kid (m000cky6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SAT 21:00 The Inimitable PG Wodehouse (m000vqtg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SAT 22:00 Fab TV (m00175j5)
I Am Not A Number
Conclusion of the comedy series paying homage to TV's cult action adventure shows of the 1960s and 70s.
I AM NOT A NUMBER!
But Number 48 doesn't want to be a free man. He wants to stay in the village - but they keep chucking him out!
Written by and starring Neil Mullarkey and John Irwin.
With:
Irina Brook
Chris England
Robert Harley
Lee Simpson
Music by Richard Vranch
Producer Phil Clarke
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1996.
SAT 22:30 The Nick Revell Show (b007jp45)
Series 1
Holy Water
The life of a struggling writer with his dysfunctional friends and a talking geranium.
A sitcom for the 1990s, written by and starring comedian Nick Revell.
Special guest star: Brian Johnston and Vince the geranium.
With:
Alistair McGowan
Caroline Gruber
Kate McKenzie
Brian Bowles
Producer: Jon Magnusson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1992.
SAT 23:00 That Mitchell and Webb Sound (b00mr4w3)
Series 4
Episode 5
A date with a slightly disappointing superhero; and the perils of compulsory workplace drinking.
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 Hut 33 (b00ljn73)
Series 1
Bridge Too Far
Three wartime code-breakers are forced to share a draughty wooden hut as they try to break German ciphers.
Unfortunately, they hate each other.
James Cary's sitcom set in Bletchley Park in 1941.
Charles .... Robert Bathurst
Archie .... Tom Goodman-Hill
Minka .... Olivia Colman
Gordon .... Fergus Craig
Mrs Best .... Lill Roughley
Joshua .... Alex MacQueen
Producer: Adam Bromley.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2007.

SUNDAY 31 DECEMBER 2023

SUN 00:00 Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (b01nkt24)
1. The Passenger
While sailing through the Arctic wastes, Captain Walton picks up an unexpected passenger.
Close to death the man begins to tell Walton his strange and terrible story...
Mary Shelley's heart-breaking modern myth of obsession, pride and the need for love.
Starring Jamie Parker and Shaun Dooley.
Dramatised by Lucy Catherine.
Frankenstein ..... Jamie Parker
The Monster ..... Shaun Dooley
Elizabeth ..... Susie Riddell
Walton ..... Alun Raglan
Father ..... Robert Blythe
Clerval ..... Sam Alexander
Mother ..... Christine Absalom
Waldman ..... Patrick Brennan
Justine ..... Emma Hook
Sailor ..... Joe Sims
Lieutenant ..... Don Gilet
Director: Marc Beeby
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2012.
SUN 01:00 The Governess (m001tpdg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]
SUN 02:30 The Secret Commonwealth (Omnibus) (m000cq57)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Saturday]
SUN 03:45 Uncle Mort's South Country (b007jrg4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Saturday]
SUN 04:00 Not in Front of the Children (b08f0q27)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Saturday]
SUN 04:30 The Clitheroe Kid (m000cky6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Saturday]
SUN 05:00 The Inimitable PG Wodehouse (m000vqtg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Saturday]
SUN 06:00 Poetry Extra (m001trhx)
Stories In Verse - The Arthurian Legend
Daljit Nagra signs off 2023 with a special treat.
He's uncovered a recording of Dame Judi Dench reading two of Alfred Lord Tennyson's most well-known poems
'Stories in Verse - The Arthurian Legend'. features:
The Lady of Shalott
Morte d’Arthur
Tennyson was fascinated by the stories of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table - charismatic figures who galloped around the country challenging the King's enemies and helping ladies in distress. Arthur probably lived in the 5th/6th century, but little else is known for certain.
Tennyson published the Lady of Shalott in 1832 - when he was just 23 years old.
He spent many years studying the stories and eventually retold them in a collection of long poems - The Idylls of the King. The first edition proved a block-buster selling 10,000 copies in 6 weeks!
The collection incorporated an account of the death of Arthur which Tennyson had written years before following the death of his close friend Arthur Hallam.
King Arthur returns from a war in France to face a rebellion by his nephew. A bitter battle takes place and Tennyson takes up the story in Morte d'Arthur.
Dame Judi Dench is one of Britain's most eminent actors.
Her Oscar winning career began with a stage debut of Hamlet in 1957 and has gone on to include film and television - M in the Bond films and starring with Geoffrey Palmer in As Time Goes By. In 1988 Judi Dench became a Dame and in 1998 won an Academy Award for her role in Shakespeare in Love. Most recently she has appeared in the films Belfast (as Kenneth Branagh's grandmother) and Spirited Away.
Presenter: Joy Boatman
First broadcast on the BBC World Service in March 1994.
SUN 06:30 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (Omnibus) (m001trj3)
Episode 2
On his trip 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, belatedly puts his life into perspective.
Kazuo Ishiguro's 1989 Booker Prize winning novel.
Omnibus of the last five of ten episodes abridged by Catherine Czerkawska.
Concluded by John Moffatt.
Producer: Marilyn Imrie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1990.
SUN 07:40 Inheritance Tracks (m001trjd)
Helen Skelton
TV Presenter Helen Skelton explains how a Blondie album shaped her life with One Way or Another and Hanging on the Telephone.
SUN 07:50 The Haunting of MR James (Omnibus) (m0001plc)
Omnibus of five stories by the master of the ghost story, MR James.
Starring Mark Gatiss as MR James:
Dramatised by Neil Brand.
** THE MEZZOTINT:
The new engraving Dr Williams orders for the university collection reveals a disturbing story.
With:
Patrick Brennan
Tony Turner
** CASTING THE RUNES
Edward Dunning, medieval expert, pursues the instigator of a curse passed on by a curiously inscribed slip of paper.
With:
John Bowler
Ewan Bailey
** THE STALLS OF BARCHESTER CATHEDRAL
A tale of likely murder, mysterious cats and ecclesiastical carvings.
With:
Sean Baker
Carolyn Pickles
** WARNING TO THE CURIOUS
The unearthing of an Anglo Saxon crown in the dunes unleashes supernatural forces for unfortunate medievalist Paxton.
With:
Paul Heath
Michael Bertenshaw
** RATS
A remote inn, a locked room and young Thomson, the only guest, is curious.
With:
George Watkins
Michael Bertenshaw
Director: David Hunter
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2018.
SUN 09:00 Take It From Here (b013m01w)
From 30/12/1954
The Glums decide to throw an old fashioned New Year’s Eve party!
Bentley announces he is leaving all his worldly goods to Jim and there's marital trouble on safari...
Starring:
Professor Jimmy Edwards
Dick Bentley
June Whitfield
Wallas Eaton
Music from Alma Cogan, The Keynotes and the BBC Revue Orchestra conducted by Harry Rabinowitz.
Written by Frank Muir and Denis Norden.
Producer: Charles Maxwell
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in December 1954.
SUN 09:30 The Navy Lark (m001trjq)
Series 10
The Smugglers Return
Can the crew of HMS Troutbridge avoid disaster and dodge being caught for smuggling?
Starring Leslie Phillips, Jon Pertwee and Stephen Murray.
Laughs afloat aboard British Royal Navy frigate HMS Troutbridge.
Written by Lawrie Wyman.
The Sub-Lieutenant ...... Leslie Phillips
The Chief Petty Officer ...... Jon Pertwee
The Number One ...... Stephen Murray
Captain Povey ...... Richard Caldicot
Heather ….. Heather Chasen
Leading Seaman Goldstein / Uncle 'Nunkey' Ebeneezer … Tenniel Evans
The Customs Officer …. Michael Bates
Able Seaman Simpson ….. Nigel Graham
Able Seaman Tiddy …. Lawrie Wyman
The Navy Lark ran for an impressive 13 series between 1959 and 1976.
Producer: Alastair Scott Johnston
First broadcast on the BBC Radio 2 in October 1968.
SUN 10:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m000ztj1)
Absent Friends 2023
John Motson
Football broadcaster John Walker Motson, OBE is castaway by Kirsty Young.
Motty began commentating on football in 1971. He covered more than 2000 games on TV and radio, including all the major football championships, 29 FA Cup finals (with an additional five replays), 10 World Cups, 10 European Championships and 200 England games. At the age of 72, he retired in 2018.
Known not only for his footballing knowledge and his voice, he is often recognised by his knee-length sheepskin coat. His passion for football was ignited by his father, a Methodist minister for 40 years, who on his one day off each week would take his only son to watch football. The first game John attended was at Charlton Athletic when he was seven, and the excitement of it inspired him to create scrapbooks of footballing facts and collect match programmes.
After five years at boarding school, where he wasn't allowed to play football, he left at 16 after one term doing A levels. He joined the Barnet Press as a trainee reporter and then moved onto the Sheffield Telegraph. When BBC Radio Sheffield, one of the first six local radio stations, came on air, he was one of the reporters pulled in to give match summaries. He then moved to the BBC as a sports assistant in radio, before joining the Match of the Day team on BBC TV.
He has been supported in his career by his solicitor wife, Annie, who meticulously kept details of every match in thick A4 books which John used for his preparation. He was awarded an OBE for services to football and in 2018 he was honoured by BAFTA with a Special Award for his lifetime's work.
DISC ONE: Three Lions - David Baddiel, Frank Skinner & The Lightning Seeds
DISC TWO: The Red Red Robin - Billy Cotton & The Johnston Singers
DISC THREE: Diana - Paul Anka
DISC FOUR: Daniel - Elton John
DISC FIVE: Annie's Song - John Denver
DISC SIX: Don't Cry for Me Argentina - Elaine Paige
DISC SEVEN: Abide With Me - Choir of Westminster Abbey, conducted by Martin Neary
DISC EIGHT: The Boy in the Bubble - Paul Simon
BOOK CHOICE: The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger
LUXURY CHOICE: Running shoes
CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Three Lions - David Baddiel, Frank Skinner & The Lightning Seeds
Producer: Cathy Drysdale
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2018.
SUN 10:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00yz55m)
Series 2
Charnia
David Attenborough has always been fascinated by fossils; even as a boy he'd spend many hours exploring the local quarry near his home in Leicestershire.
Near his family home was a forest which he visited frequently, but didn't hunt for fossils there because he knew the rocks were too old to have any post cards of early life embedded in their layers.
But he was wrong - those rocks harboured a wonderful secret - a secret that would rattle the cages of the big thinkers of the time and would change the story of life on earth for ever.
Written and presented by Sir David Attenborough.
Producer: Julian Hector.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2011.
SUN 11:00 Poetry Extra (m001trhx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 11:30 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (Omnibus) (m001trj3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
SUN 12:40 Inheritance Tracks (m001trjd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:40 today]
SUN 12:50 The Haunting of MR James (Omnibus) (m0001plc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:50 today]
SUN 14:00 Take It From Here (b013m01w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SUN 14:30 The Navy Lark (m001trjq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SUN 15:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m000ztj1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 15:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00yz55m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:45 today]
SUN 16:00 Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (b01nkt24)
[Repeat of broadcast at 00:00 today]
SUN 17:00 Poetry Extra (m001trhx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 17:30 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (Omnibus) (m001trj3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
SUN 18:40 Inheritance Tracks (m001trjd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:40 today]
SUN 18:50 The Haunting of MR James (Omnibus) (m0001plc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:50 today]
SUN 20:00 Take It From Here (b013m01w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SUN 20:30 The Navy Lark (m001trjq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SUN 21:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m000ztj1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 21:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00yz55m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:45 today]
SUN 22:00 Alex Horne Presents The Horne Section (b03mg0cs)
Alex Horne Presents The Horne Section New Year
Comedian Alex Horne is joined by his 5 piece band to kick off celebrations for New Year's Eve.
Get ready for comedy and original live music.
With guests:
Milton Jones
Vocal gymnast, Beardyman
Singer and comedian, Jenny Bede.
Alex's band are:
Joe Auckland .... Trumpet and Banjo
Mark Brown .... Saxophone and guitar
Will Collier .... Bass
Ben Reynolds .... Drums
Joe Stilgoe .... Keyboards
Producer: Julia Mckenzie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2013.
SUN 22:30 The Nether Regions (m0009km7)
Wander through the rickety side garden gate of reality, that leads round to the seeping miasma of nightmares we call - The Nether Regions.
A place where the laws of physics and even time itself take a day off, put their feet up and watch daytime television in their underpants.
This is our world today, though not quite the today we know. A different today. But almost the same. Only not.
Your guides through this madness - Rob Grant and Andrew Marshall, together with young performers, new to radio, but familiar to the Job Centre.
Gaze now into the swirling vortex that’s just appeared before you, courtesy of the Radio 4 Cheap Optical Effects department, and see some sketches from another dimension.
Visit Mrs Amazon’s Corner Grocery Shop. From before the internet. Come with us to a land where nobody wears any underwear, even though it’s permanently winter. No, not Newcastle, it’s Throne of Forks.
Take a dizzying journey through Nether Regions' speedy box sets and enjoy the entire series of The Crown in 90 seconds. Meet the tortured souls who are addicted to being Alan Bennett.
These and other mind-munching experiences await the unwary listener. Make sure you book a return ticket.
Created and Written by Rob Grant and Andrew Marshall
Performed by:
Rob Grant
Andrew Marshall
Helen Cripps
Edward Rowett
Holly Morgan
Directors: Gordon Kennedy, Rob Grant and Andrew Marshall.
An Absolutely production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in October 2019.
SUN 23:00 Thanks a Lot, Milton Jones! (b06ycr4z)
Series 2
Milton's Motors
When Milton opens up a car repair shop, he finds he's on a collision course with a notorious local villain.
Meanwhile, a mysterious tin of travel sweets comes to a sticky end.
Mention Milton Jones to most people and the first thing they think is 'Help!' Because each episode, Milton, and his trusty assistant Anton set out to help people and soon find they're embroiled in a new adventure.
If you're close to the edge, then Milton can give you a push.
Written by Milton with James Cary and Dan Evans
With:
Tom Goodman-Hill
Josie Lawrence
Ben Willbond.
Music by Guy Jackson.
Director: David Tyler
A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in January 2016.
SUN 23:30 Hamish and Dougal: You'll Have Had Your Tea (b008kl37)
Hogmanay Special
Hamish and Dougal end up celebrating Hogmanay with a busload of celebrities stuck in a snowdrift heading to Edinburgh for the BBC's Hogmanay Cavalcade.
Barry Cryer and Graeme Garden star as the two elderly Scotsmen famed for their appearances on BBC Radio’s I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue.
Hamish ...... Barry Cryer
Dougal ...... Graeme Garden
Mrs Naughtie ...... Alison Steadman
The Laird ...... Jeremy Hardy
Butler ...... Humphrey Lyttelton
Tim Brooke-Taylor ...... Himself
Sandi Wedge ...... Sandi Toksvig
James ...... James Naughtie
Pianist Colin Sell
Producer: Jon Naismith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2004.

MONDAY 01 JANUARY 2024

MON 00:00 Poetry Extra (m001trhx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Sunday]
MON 00:30 The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (Omnibus) (m001trj3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Sunday]
MON 01:40 Inheritance Tracks (m001trjd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:40 on Sunday]
MON 01:50 The Haunting of MR James (Omnibus) (m0001plc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:50 on Sunday]
MON 03:00 Take It From Here (b013m01w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Sunday]
MON 03:30 The Navy Lark (m001trjq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Sunday]
MON 04:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m000ztj1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Sunday]
MON 04:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00yz55m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:45 on Sunday]
MON 05:00 Jack London - The Sea Wolf (b007jm85)
1. Rescue
Shipwrecked literary critic Humphrey Van Weyden is rescued by Wolf Larsen, demonic skipper of the seal-hunting schooner, Ghost.
Jack London's 1904 psychological adventure novel telling of heroism, survival and love on the high seas.
Starring Jack Klaff, Kerry Shale and Ian Dury.
Dramatised in four parts by Ed Thomason.
Wolf Larsen .... Jack Klaff
Humphrey van Weyden .... Kerry Shale
Mugridge …. Ian Dury
Johnson …. Jeffrey Gear
Leach …. Scott Farrell
Charley …. David Bannerman
Owen …. Terence Edmond
Kelly …. Norman Jonesy
Louis …. Nigel Anthony
Svenson …. Brett Usher
Smoke …. Anthony Jackson
Harrison …. Richard Pearce
Latimer …. Peter Penry-Jones
Horner …. Clarence Smith
Henderson …. Andrew Wincott
Ferry Passenger …. William Roberts
Music: Elizabeth Parker of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop.
Singer: Sarah Connolly
Director: Adrian Bean
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1991.
MON 06:00 Whodunnits (b007jzdt)
Wimsey: The Nine Tailors
1. The Bells are Rung Up
The elegant, intelligent amateur sleuth, Lord Peter Wimsey is drawn into the case of an unsolved jewel theft - which turns into a grave mystery.
Ian Carmichael stars as the aristocratic sleuth.
British gentleman detective Lord Peter Wimsey features in a number of detective novels and short stories by English crime writer, Dorothy L Sayers. The Nine Tailors was first published in 1934.
Classy and sharp-witted, aristocratic amateur sleuth Lord Peter Bredon Wimsey was born in 1890 and educated at Eton and Oxford, before serving in the military during the First World War.
Ian Carmichael appeared as Lord Peter Wimsey for BBC Radio from 1973 to 1983, in addition to the BBC TV adaptations that were broadcast between 1972 and 1975.
Adapted for radio in eight episodes by Alistair Beaton.
Lord Peter Wimsey …. Ian Carmichael
Bunter …. Peter Jones
Ezra Wilderspin …. John Church
Mrs Venables …. Noel Dyson
Stephen Driver …. Stephen Greiff
The Rev Theodore Venable …. Phillip Latham
Emily …. Jenny Twigg
Mr Godfrey/Johnson …. Hayden Wood
Narrator …. John Westbrook
Producer: Martin Fisher
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1980.
MON 06:30 The Pied Piper of Hamelin by Robert Browning (b018g3n0)
David Tennant stars in Robert Browning's poem The Pied Piper of Hamelin.
The Pied Piper of Hamelin is the subject of a legend concerning the departure of a great many children from the town of Hamelin, Lower Saxony, Germany, in the Middle Ages.
The earliest references describe a piper, dressed in pied (multi-coloured) clothing, leading the children away from the town never to return. In the 16th century the story was expanded into a full story - that of the poem, in which the piper is a rat-catcher hired by the town to lure rats away with his magic pipe.
When the citizens refuse to pay for this service, the piper retaliates, turning his magic on the children, leading them away to the mountains. Only one boy remains behind....
With music and songs written and performed by John Harle, lyrics by Joyce Harle, sung by Thomas Platts, head chorister at Canterbury Cathedral with the choir of Wingham School Kent.
Narrator .... David Tennant
The boy .... Bertie Gilbert
Sound producer: Steve Brooke
Director: Susan Roberts
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2011.
MON 07:00 Cornucopia by Paul Richardson (m001trk9)
1. Apples and Hops in the Garden of England
No morsel remains uneaten in Paul Richardson's 18 month journey around Britain to discover the state of our national cuisine.
Starting with apples and hops in Kent.
Abridged in five parts by Sara Lefanu
Read by Alex Jennings.
Producer: Paul Dodgson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2001.
MON 07:15 Louisa May Alcott - Little Women (b088dpzt)
1. A Merry Christmas
It’s the time of The American Civil War and in New England the March family are facing a frugal Christmas without their father.
Four young women forging their path into the adult world, tell of the challenges of a woman's life in a male dominated society.
Each of them is very different but in all four of the March sisters the 'All-American girl' emerges for the first time.
Louisa May Alcott's coming of age story about love, destiny and freedom.
Dramatised in ten parts by Rhiannon Tise.
Meg ...... Natasha J Barnes
Jo ...... Julianna Jennings
Beth ...... Bryony Hannah
Amy ...... Samantha Dakin
Mrs March ......Tara Ward
Mr March ...... John Bowler
Laurie ...... Alex Lanipekun
Mr John Brooke ...... Finlay Robertson
Aunt March ...... Joanna Monro
Hannah ...... Alison Belbin
Mrs Hummel/Mrs Moffat ...... Karen Bartke
Sallie Gardiner ...... Natasha Cowley
Annie Moffat ...... Keziah Joseph
Ned Moffat ...... Luke MacGregor
Director: Tracey Neale
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2017.
MON 07:30 Cracking Up (m0001v71)
Series 2
Pre-Occupation
Divorcee and psychotherapist Spencer Pandy takes his newly radicalised, feminist daughter Tilly to work where he’s addressing a conference on Family Negotiation.
Tilly’s attempts to explain her unusual school uniform result in a sharp dressing-down from her father who is unaware that his radio-mic is broadcasting to a shocked auditorium.
Meanwhile, while Spencer's ex-wife Tina is looking after the next-door-neighbour’s six-year-old Ruby, she attempts to negotiate her own position with writing agent Camilla, who has arrived in the character of racist and sexist Northern pensioner Mrs Roberts.
Camilla is awestruck by the directness and attitude she witnesses and offers Ruby a book deal.
Spencer’s attempts to alleviate his day’s frustrations via the Internet are thwarted when he accidentally types 'racy’ search terms into his Facebook status rather than Google.
Written, composed and narrated by Johnny Daukes.
Spencer Pandy ...... Michael Hobbs
Tina Pandy ...... Katherine Jakeways
Dylan Pandy ...... Jack Burke
Tilly Pandy ...... Betty Daukes
Owen ...... Jay Simpson
Mrs Roberts ...... Pepper Daukes
Other parts played by:
Paul Shearer
Rebecca Clay
Producer: Johnny Daukes
A Big Talk production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in January 2019.
MON 08:00 Steptoe and Son (b007jlt3)
Series 3
Cuckoo in the Nest
Harold Steptoe is shocked to meet his older half-brother from Australia.
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
Arthur ...... Kenneth J Warren
Other parts played by David Brierly
Producer: Bobby Jaye
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in April 1971.
MON 08:30 After Henry (b007jqqj)
Series 4
Little Women
"'I don't know which of the two masculine approaches is the more offensive - Gary's straight boorishness or Vernon's patronising, undervaluing gallantry".
Trying to put up a new shelf, Sarah's goes to war in the battle of the sexes.
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
Vernon ...... Frederick Treves
Gary ...... Ian Michie
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 February 1989.
MON 09:00 Elephant in the Room (m0006sfd)
Series 1
Episode 4
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:
Lucy Beaumont
Annabel Giles
Evelyn Mok
Toby Hadoke
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 Acropolis Now (b007jwhf)
Series 1
Fish
In the smelly, but convivial surroundings of the Acropolis Fish Restaurant, 408 BC, great Athenians confront the eternal verities - and also eat a lot.
Sex, squid and six Socratic dialogues by Lynne Truss.
In this opening episode, a chorus of Ancient Greek fish delivery men bring disturbing news for Aristophanes.
Heraclitus …….. Stephen Moore
Aristophanes …….. Alan Cox
Socrates …….. Robert Hardy
The Oracle …….. Rosemary Leach
Plato …….. Tom George
Xanthippe …….. Rachel Atkins
The Chorus …….. Gavin Muir
Directed at BBC Pebble Mill by Brian King.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2000.
MON 10:00 Jack London - The Sea Wolf (b007jm85)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
MON 11:00 Whodunnits (b007jzdt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 11:30 The Pied Piper of Hamelin by Robert Browning (b018g3n0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 12:00 Cornucopia by Paul Richardson (m001trk9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 12:15 Louisa May Alcott - Little Women (b088dpzt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
MON 12:30 Cracking Up (m0001v71)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 13:00 Steptoe and Son (b007jlt3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 13:30 After Henry (b007jqqj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 14:00 Elephant in the Room (m0006sfd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
MON 14:30 Acropolis Now (b007jwhf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
MON 15:00 Jack London - The Sea Wolf (b007jm85)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
MON 16:00 Whodunnits (b007jzdt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 16:30 The Pied Piper of Hamelin by Robert Browning (b018g3n0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 17:00 Cornucopia by Paul Richardson (m001trk9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 17:15 Louisa May Alcott - Little Women (b088dpzt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
MON 17:30 Cracking Up (m0001v71)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 18:00 Steptoe and Son (b007jlt3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 18:30 After Henry (b007jqqj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 19:00 Elephant in the Room (m0006sfd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
MON 19:30 Acropolis Now (b007jwhf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
MON 20:00 The Moth Radio Hour (m0014xph)
Series 12
Live From Santa Barbara - Under The Armour
True stories told live in the USA: Dame Wilburn introduces stories of being in and out of touch and the Alaskan wilderness.
The Moth is an acclaimed not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the art and craft of storytelling based in the USA.
Since 1997, it has celebrated both the raconteur and the storytelling novice, who has lived through something extraordinary and yearns to share it.
Originally formed by the writer George Dawes Green as an intimate gathering of friends on a porch in Georgia (where moths would flutter in through a hole in the screen), and then recreated in a New York City living room, The Moth quickly grew to produce immensely popular events at theatres and clubs around New York City and later around the USA, the UK and other parts of the world.
The Moth has presented more than 15,000 stories, told live and without notes, to standing-room-only crowds worldwide. The Moth podcast is downloaded over 27 million times a year.
Featuring true stories told live on stage without scripts, from the humorous to the heart-breaking.
The Moth Radio Hour is produced by Jay Allison and Atlantic Public Media in Woods Hole, Massachusetts and is distributed by the Public Radio Exchange.
First heard on PRX in 2019.
MON 20:55 Inheritance Tracks (m000pg9x)
Ed Balls
Former politician Ed Balls chooses 'Dopo notte, atra e funesta' from Handel's Ariodante and 'We Shall Overcome' by Pete Seeger.
MON 21:00 A Good Read (b06flmfm)
Caroline Lucas & Rod Liddle
Green MP Caroline Lucas and columnist Rod Liddle join Harriett Gilbert to discuss favourite books by Barbara Kingsolver, David Peace and Alison Bechdel.
Flight Behaviour by Barbara Kingsolver
Publisher: Faber
Red or Dead by David Peace
Publisher: Faber
Fun Home by Alison Bechdel
Publisher: Jonathan Cape
First broadcast in October 2015.
MON 21:30 Poison Farm: A Murderer Unmasked After 60 Years (b00g2cv0)
1. Murder
On a spring morning in 1938, William Murfitt was poisoned at his home in the quiet Suffolk village of Risby.
David Williams investigates who killed wealthy womaniser.
True mystery story abridged in five parts by Doreen Estall.
Read by Robert Lindsay.
Producer: Elizabeth Allard
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2004.
MON 21:45 A Small Town Murder (m0002z88)
Series 13
Episode 1
A mobster has gone missing and it’s up to family liaison officer Jackie Hartwell to offer impartial support.
Meera Syal returns as family liaison officer Jackie Hartwell.
Nobody seems to mind when notorious mobster Jimmy Reid goes missing in suspicious circumstances.
He’s an out-and-out villain who’d get kicked out of hell for bad behaviour – a West Midlands millionaire made rich from a successful career in every aspect of organised crime, and a man made infamous by the cruelty of his tactic.
If someone has finally done him in, what’s not to like?
However, it’s down to Jackie Hartwell to remain impartial and support his wife and daughter as much as she can. And who knows, maybe they’ll have something that might help the investigation.
But Jackie soon realises she’s being lied to - and not just by the victim’s family. It’s also her fellow police officers who are being economical with truth.
Written by Scott Cherry
Jackie ...... Meera Syal
Peter ...... Mathew Marsh
Dee ...... Ayesha Antoine
Angela ...... Karen Archer
Director: Clive Brill
A Brill production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in March 2019.
MON 22:00 It's a Fair Cop (m001tqfj)
Christmas Special
Copper turned comic Alfie Moore takes an audience through real-life crime scenarios. The topic, crime at Christmas. What's it like to be a bobby on the beat in the festive season?
This merry jaunt introduces us to a fun cavalcade of Christmas characters, including a gas station Grinch, an inebriated Mary and Joseph, and a Christmas Eve saviour...
Written and presented by Alfie Moore
Script Editor: Will Ing
Production Co-ordinator: Becky Carewe-Jeffries
Producer: Sam Holmes
A BBC Studios Production
MON 22:30 New Year with the Shuttleworths (m0001tyf)
It's January 1st and John and Mary Shuttleworth have seen the New Year in in an inn.
John ruminates on the meaning of life with his agent Ken who's off to buy a sofa.
Written and performed by Graham Fellows.
Producer: Paul Schlesinger
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1993.
MON 22:45 Spats (b007jzp6)
Mankind v Nature
Are we with Mother Nature - or against her?
Luke Roberts tackles the big arguments and solves them using light entertainment.
Producer: Ed Morrish
Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in December 2006
MON 23:00 Dead Ringers (m001v25d)
Christmas Specials 2023
Episode 3
Jon Culshaw and Jan Ravens join Bill Dare, the long time producer and creator of Dead Ringers to look back at the last ten years of the programme on Radio 4. Their focus is Party Leaders – the ones they most want to remember.
We’ll hear a selection of the funniest party leader sketches going back to 2014 when Dead Ringers returned to radio and David Cameron vs Ed Miliband was the main show in town. Jon, Jan and Bill will whizz through the next decade giving us a behind the scenes glimpse of how party leaders across the spectrum were portrayed on the show.
Produced and created by Bill Dare
A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4
MON 23:30 The Masterson Inheritance (b007jswh)
Series 1
The Tatting of the Mastersons
The Wild West is the setting for a show-down over faulty dental work!
Based entirely on audience suggestions - this is an improvised historical saga of the Mastersons - a family at war with itself.
Starring:
Paul Merton
Josie Lawrence
Caroline Quentin
Jim Sweeney
Phelim McDermott
Producer: Phil Clarke
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1993.

TUESDAY 02 JANUARY 2024

TUE 00:00 Jack London - The Sea Wolf (b007jm85)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 on Monday]
TUE 01:00 Whodunnits (b007jzdt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]
TUE 01:30 The Pied Piper of Hamelin by Robert Browning (b018g3n0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Monday]
TUE 02:00 Cornucopia by Paul Richardson (m001trk9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Monday]
TUE 02:15 Louisa May Alcott - Little Women (b088dpzt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 on Monday]
TUE 02:30 Cracking Up (m0001v71)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:00 Steptoe and Son (b007jlt3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Monday]
TUE 03:30 After Henry (b007jqqj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Monday]
TUE 04:00 Elephant in the Room (m0006sfd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:30 Acropolis Now (b007jwhf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Monday]
TUE 05:00 Jack London - The Sea Wolf (b007jm8h)
2. Hunting
The seal-hunting schooner Ghost journeys on to the herds with ruthless captain, Wolf Larsen at the helm.
Jack London's 1904 tale of brutality and survival on the high seas.
Starring Jack Klaff, Kerry Shale and Ian Dury.
Dramatised by Ed Thomason.
Wolf Larsen …. Jack Klaff
Humphrey van Weyden …. Kerry Shale
Mugridge …. Ian Dury
Johnson …. Jeffrey Gear
Leach …. Scott Farrell
Owen …. Terence Edmond
Kelly …. Norman Jones
Louis …. Nigel Anthony
Smoke …. Anthony Jackson
Harrison …. Richard Pearce
Latimer …. Peter Penry-Jones
Horner …. Clarence Smith
Henderson …. Andrew Wincott
Maud Brewster …. Shelley Thompson
Music: Elizabeth Parker of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop.
Singer: Sarah Connolly.
Director: Adrian Bean.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1991.
TUE 06:00 Whodunnits (b007jzg3)
Wimsey: The Nine Tailors
2. Lord Peter Is Called In
Back in Fenchurch St Paul, Lord Peter Wimsey speculates on mystery of the unidentified and badly battered body...
Ian Carmichael stars as the aristocratic sleuth.
Dorothy L Sayers' detective mystery dramatised by Alistair Beaton.
Lord Peter Wimsey …. Ian Carmichael
Supt Blundell …. Timothy Bateson
Rev Theodore Venables …. Phillip Latham
Ezra Wilderspin …. John Church
Liz Widerspin …. Diana Bishop
Coroner …. Martin Friend
Harry Gotobed …. Alexander John
Dr Baines …. Brian Haynes
Will Thoday …. Keith Drinkell
Hilary Thorpe …. Fiona Matheson
Narrator …. John Westbrook
Producer: Martin Fisher
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1980.
TUE 06:30 The 17-Jewelled Shockproof Swiss-Made Bomb (m000czhc)
1. F8 and Then Infinity
“Well, that's it. Shields. The measure of the opposition. Take a good look at it. That's what you'll be up against. Know your enemy.”
Teacher Johnny Shields has ideas for romance, but an unexpected meeting sparks a chain of alarming consequences...
Starring Peter Coke.
Roy Clarke’s thriller serial set in the world of highly-organised international smugglers.
Shields ...... Peter Coke
The Major ...... Bob Grant
Greta ...... Veronica Doran
Doreen ...... Sylvia Brayshay
Tadpole ...... Derrick Gilbert
Muff ...... Robert Powell
Jean Hogg ...... Heather Stoney
Alfie ...... Peter Stephens
Vera ...... Elizabeth Ashton
Mrs Beckett ...... Barbara Greenhalgh
Roy Clarke went on to write TV’s longest-running TV sitcom, Last of the Summer Wine, plus Open All Hours and Keeping Up Appearances.
Sir Alan Ayckbourn is the author of over 70 plays, including The Norman Conquests trilogy and A Chorus of Disapproval.
Producer: Alan Ayckbourn
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in January 1968.
TUE 07:00 Cornucopia by Paul Richardson (m001tr9x)
2. Westward to Wales with Lamb and Lava Bread
From Elvers in Gloucestershire to Welsh lamb and lava bread.
No morsel remains uneaten in Paul Richardson's 18 month journey around Britain to discover the state of our national cuisine.
Abridged by Sara Lefanu
Read by Alex Jennings.
Producer: Paul Dodgson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2001.
TUE 07:15 Louisa May Alcott - Little Women (b088fch5)
2. Pickled Limes
In between attending to Aunt March, Jo is determined to get to know Laurie more, while Amy gets into trouble at school.
Louisa May Alcott's coming of age story about love, destiny and freedom.
Dramatised by Rhiannon Tise.
Meg ...... Natasha J Barnes
Jo ..... Julianna Jennings
Beth ...... Bryony Hannah
Amy ...... Samantha Dakin
Mrs March ......Tara Ward
Mr March ...... John Bowler
Laurie ...... Alex Lanipekun
Mr John Brooke ...... Finlay Robertson
Aunt March ...... Joanna Monro
Hannah ...... Alison Belbin
Mrs Hummel/Mrs Moffat ...... Karen Bartke
Sallie Gardiner ...... Natasha Cowley
Annie Moffat ...... Keziah Joseph
Ned Moffat ...... Luke MacGregor
Director: Tracey Neale
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2017.
TUE 07:30 Teatime (m000fghv)
Episode 1
Newlyweds Vicky and Rav have just got back from their honeymoon and are looking forward to their first quiet night in as a married couple.
But a quiet night in proves impossible when Vicky’s family invite themselves round. Vicky's parents Donna and Joe have separated, but Joe has is keen to rekindle the old spark.
Vicky's sister Lisa is scandalised by what she thinks she remembers happening at the wedding.
And Uncle Bob makes a spirited attempt at breaking the world record for most spoons balanced on the face. 31 spoons to beat.
So much for a quiet night in.
Comedy by Katherine Jakeways about a chaotic but loving family.
Vicky …… Aimee-Ffion Edwards
Rav …… Prasanna Puwanarajah
Donna …… Samantha Spiro,
Joe …… Philip Glenister
Lisa …… Katie Redford
Uncle Bob …… Steven Brandon
Producer: Sam Ward
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in February 2020. .
TUE 08:00 The Goon Show (m001trbt)
Vintage Goons
The Kippered Herring Gang
Neddie is on the trail of the notorious gang that leaves a unique calling card – a kippered herring. Stars Harry Secombe.
Ground-breaking, surreal BBC radio comedy written by Spike Milligan.
Starring:
Peter Sellers
Harry Secombe
Spike Milligan
Vintage Goons is a series of re-recorded episodes made by the original cast for sale abroad.
With The Ray Ellington Quartet and Max Geldray.
Orchestra conducted by Wally Stott.
Announcer: Wallace Greenslade
Producer: Roy Speer
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in February 1954.
Re-recording from December 1957 by the BBC Transcription Service made for broadcast overseas.
This is the debut broadcast in the UK on BBC Radio 4 Extra.
TUE 08:30 Like They've Never Been Gone (b00936z4)
Series 1
Episode 1
Sweethearts Tommy Franklin and Sheila Parr won the Eurovision Song Contest back in 1962.
Now they're suddenly thrust back into the limelight when their song is played on TV.
The only snag is they can no longer stand the sight of one another!
Mike Coleman's sitcom starring June Whitfield and Roy Hudd.
Tommy Franklin ...... Roy Hudd
Sheila Parr ...... June Whitfield
With:
Pat Coombs
Julian Eardley
Joshua Henderson
Chris Pavlo
Terry Wogan
Music by Frido Ruth.
Producer: Steve Doherty
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1998.
TUE 09:00 The Motion Show (m0007xb8)
Series 5
Episode 5
From the existence of the monarchy to a man’s world.
Graeme Garden hosts the comedy debating show.
With:
Gyles Brandreth
Steve Punt,
Arthur Smith
Lauren Laverne
Producer: Jane Berthoud
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2002.
TUE 09:30 Winston (b007m660)
Series 1
Whacko Jolly Dee
The wily village poacher and handyman's plans for a life of bliss with Nancy hit a snag.
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 Jack London - The Sea Wolf (b007jm8h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
TUE 11:00 Whodunnits (b007jzg3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 11:30 The 17-Jewelled Shockproof Swiss-Made Bomb (m000czhc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 12:00 Cornucopia by Paul Richardson (m001tr9x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 12:15 Louisa May Alcott - Little Women (b088fch5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
TUE 12:30 Teatime (m000fghv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 13:00 The Goon Show (m001trbt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 13:30 Like They've Never Been Gone (b00936z4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 14:00 The Motion Show (m0007xb8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
TUE 14:30 Winston (b007m660)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
TUE 15:00 Jack London - The Sea Wolf (b007jm8h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
TUE 16:00 Whodunnits (b007jzg3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 16:30 The 17-Jewelled Shockproof Swiss-Made Bomb (m000czhc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 17:00 Cornucopia by Paul Richardson (m001tr9x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 17:15 Louisa May Alcott - Little Women (b088fch5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
TUE 17:30 Teatime (m000fghv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 18:00 The Goon Show (m001trbt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 18:30 Like They've Never Been Gone (b00936z4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 19:00 The Motion Show (m0007xb8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
TUE 19:30 Winston (b007m660)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
TUE 20:00 TED Radio Hour (m0018748)
Series 9
Changing Our Minds
A journey through fascinating ideas based on talks by riveting speakers on the TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) stage.
Manoush Zomorodi explores how we can better admit to being wrong, change our minds and rethink our ideas for the better.
First broadcast in the USA on National Public Radio in 2021.
TUE 20:50 Inheritance Tracks (b093m4gp)
John Cooper Clarke
The Bard of Salford chooses Bing Crosby & Al Jolson's 'The Spaniard Who Blighted My Life' and Nick Lowe's 'Peace, Love and Understanding'.
TUE 21:00 Sideways (m000s7n1)
1. Siding with the Enemy
Best-selling author Matthew Syed explores the ideas that shape our lives with stories of seeing the world differently.
A criminal walks into a Swedish bank brandishing a machine gun. He takes a handful of bank workers hostage. The police lock the victims and their captors in the vault and then things start to get weird. Despite being held captive and threatened with violence, the hostages side with the criminals.
Stockholm Syndrome is born.
In this episode, Matthew Syed re-examines the birth of this peculiar psychiatric disorder and discovers that all is not what it seems.
Producer: Gemma Newby
A Novel production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in February 2021.
TUE 21:30 Poison Farm: A Murderer Unmasked After 60 Years (b00g3797)
2. Investigation
Investigations begin into William Murfitt's womanising and where the cyanide that killed him came from.
Evidence mounts against his wife Gertrude.
Yet the police are not convinced it's her, but if not her, then who?
David Williams investigates who killed the wealthy farmer back in 1938.
True mystery story abridged by Doreen Estall.
Read by Robert Lindsay.
Producer: Elizabeth Allard
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2004.
TUE 21:45 A Small Town Murder (m0002z38)
Series 13
Episode 2
The search continues for a missing notorious mobster.
Meera Syal stars as family liaison officer Jackie Hartwell.
Nobody seems to mind when notorious mobster Jimmy Reid goes missing in suspicious circumstances. He’s an out-and-out villain who’d get kicked out of hell for bad behaviour – a West Midlands millionaire made rich from a successful career in every aspect of organised crime, and a man made infamous by the cruelty of his tactic.
If someone has finally done him in, what’s not to like?
However, it’s down to Jackie Hartwell to remain impartial and support his wife and daughter as much as she can. And who knows, maybe they’ll have something that might help the investigation.
But Jackie soon realises she’s being lied to - and not just by the victim’s family. It’s also her fellow police officers who are being economical with truth.
Written by Scott Cherry.
Jackie ...... Meera Syal
Peter ...... Mathew Marsh
Dee ...... Ayesha Antoine
Angela ...... Karen Archer
Claire ...... .Jasmine Hyde
Director: Clive Brill
A Brill production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in March 2019.
TUE 22:00 The Missing Hancocks (m0012p1b)
Series 4
The Christmas Eve Party
The Missing Hancocks recreates those episodes of the classic Hancock's Half Hour that have been wiped or lost from the archive.
The first modern sitcom, Hancock's Half Hour made stars of Tony Hancock, Sid James and Kenneth Williams, and launched Ray Galton and Alan Simpson as one of the most successful comedy-writing partnerships in history. But 20 episodes of the show were missing from the BBC archives. Now, after four highly successful series, the final batch of those episodes have been lovingly re-recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC Radio Theatre.
Tonight's episode: When Hancock throws a noisy party his neighbours, full of the Christmas spirit, take him to court.
Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson, and with the classic score re-recorded by the BBC Concert Orchestra, the show stars Kevin McNally, Kevin Eldon, Simon Greenall, Robin Sebastian and Margaret Cabourn-Smith. The Christmas Eve Party was first broadcast on the 28th December, 1954.
Produced by Neil Pearson & Paul Sheehan.
Written by Ray Galton & Alan Simpson
Music recorded by the BBC Concert Orchestra, conducted by Levon Parikian.
A BBC Studios Production.
This programme was first broadcast in December 2021
TUE 22:30 Earls of the Court (b00rp1dt)
The Hangover
Is Lloydie ready for what is coming when Johnno makes a hungover, life-changing decision?
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
Desk Clerk ...... Alison Pettitt
Announcer ...... Keely Beresford
Director: Sasha Yevtushenko
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2010.
TUE 22:45 Quando, Quando, Quando (b0082bz0)
The Christmas Rush
When the Christmas snipping gets out of hand and the salon clients get too crazy, Carlo decides he's had enough. It's time to do something about it...
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 Chain Reaction (b052jk2z)
Series 10
Adam Buxton talks to Reece Shearsmith
Adam Buxton - comedian, actor, technophile and one half of 'Adam and Joe'
talks to
Reece Shearsmith - co-creator and star of The League of Gentlemen, Psychoville and Inside No 9.
Chain Reaction is the long running hostless chat show where the interviewee turns interviewer in the next programme.
Producer: Charlie Perkins
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2015.
TUE 23:30 Pleased to Meet You (b0124y89)
Pilot
90-something good-time girl Dora Dale shares wild tales of her star-strewn past.
Betraying confidences and breaking unwritten rules galore, the friend of the stars reveals some surprising and salacious secrets.
Starring Dora Dale.
Written by and starring Martin Kelner and Jake Yapp.
Made by BBC Radio Leeds for BBC 7.
First broadcast in November 2005.

WEDNESDAY 03 JANUARY 2024

WED 00:00 Jack London - The Sea Wolf (b007jm8h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:00 Whodunnits (b007jzg3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:30 The 17-Jewelled Shockproof Swiss-Made Bomb (m000czhc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Tuesday]
WED 02:00 Cornucopia by Paul Richardson (m001tr9x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Tuesday]
WED 02:15 Louisa May Alcott - Little Women (b088fch5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 on Tuesday]
WED 02:30 Teatime (m000fghv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:00 The Goon Show (m001trbt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Tuesday]
WED 03:30 Like They've Never Been Gone (b00936z4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Tuesday]
WED 04:00 The Motion Show (m0007xb8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:30 Winston (b007m660)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Tuesday]
WED 05:00 Jack London - The Sea Wolf (b007jmc9)
3. Danger
With Maud Brewster aboard, the real danger on the schooner's voyage is yet to begin...
Jack London's 1904 tale of brutality and survival on the high seas.
Starring Jack Klaff, Kerry Shale and Ian Dury,
Dramatised by Ed Thomason.
Wolf Larsen …. Jack Klaff
Humphrey van Weyden …. Kerry Shale
Mugridge …. Ian Dury
Kelly …. Norman Jones
Smoke …. Anthony Jackson
Latimer …. Peter Penry-Jones
Horner …. Clarence Smith
Henderson …. Andrew Wincott
Maud Brewster …. Shelley Thompson
Telefson …. Charles Millham
Henderson …. Andrew Wincott
Music: Elizabeth Parker of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop
Singer: Sarah Connolly
Director: Adrian Bean
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1991.
WED 06:00 Whodunnits (b007jzhc)
Wimsey: The Nine Tailors
3. Bunter Breaks the Law
As Lord Peter Wimsey's murder probe moves to the church bell tower, his manservant Bunter uses his initiative.
Ian Carmichael stars as the aristocratic sleuth.
Dorothy L Sayers' detective mystery dramatised by Alistair Beaton.
Lord Peter Wimsey …. Ian Carmichael
Bunter …. Peter Jones
Supt Blundell …. Timothy Bateson
Mrs Venables …. Noel Dyson
Will Thoday …. Keith Drinkell
Mary Thoday …. Claire Clifford
Potty Peak …. Anthony Hyde
Mrs Ashton …. Marjorie Withers
Mr Ashton …. Brian Haynes
Sluice Keeper …. Peter Tudenham
Narrator …. John Westbrook
Producer: Martin Fisher
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1980.
WED 06:30 The 17-Jewelled Shockproof Swiss-Made Bomb (m000czhv)
2. Light the Blue Touch Paper and Retire
After the dramatic death at the airport, Johnny Shields has arrived in Switzerland on his secret mission.
He must now wait for the opposition to make a move...
Starring Peter Coke.
Roy Clarke’s thriller serial set in the world of highly-organised international smugglers.
Shields ...... Peter Coke
The Major ...... Bob Grant
Greta ...... Veronica Doran
Doreen ...... Sylvia Brayshay
Tadpole ...... Derrick Gilbert
Muff ...... Robert Powell
Julie ...... Anne Stallybrass
Bruno ...... David Mahlowe
Karl ...... Ben Kingsley
Karen ...... Cynthia Grenville
Gino ...... Ronald Harvi
Foster ...... Michael Stirrup
Theme music composed and played by Trevor Holroyd.
Producer: Alan Ayckbourn
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in January 1968.
WED 07:00 Cornucopia by Paul Richardson (m001trtf)
3. A Load of Tripe Up North
Paul Richardson journey’s around Britain exploring our cuisine: traditions of tripe in the North.
No morsel remains uneaten in this eighteen month journey around Britain to discover the state of our national cuisine.
Read by Alex Jennings.
Written by Paul Richardson.
Abridged by Sara Lefanu
Producer: Paul Dodgson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2001.
WED 07:15 Louisa May Alcott - Little Women (b088fkyj)
3. Fashionable Life
Meg, the eldest of the March sisters, is excited to be travelling away from home for the first time.
It's Annie Moffat's coming out party and a fortnight of fun is planned. But when Laurie arrives he brings Meg down to earth with a bump.
Louisa May Alcott's coming of age story about love, destiny and freedom.
Meg ...... Natasha J Barnes
Jo ...... Julianna Jennings
Beth ...... Bryony Hannah
Amy ..... Samantha Dakin
Mrs March .....Tara Ward
Mr March ...... John Bowler
Laurie ...... Alex Lanipekun
Mr John Brooke ...... Finlay Robertson
Aunt March ...... Joanna Monro
Hannah ...... Alison Belbin
Mrs Hummel/Mrs Moffat ...... Karen Bartke
Sallie Gardiner ..... Natasha Cowley
Annie Moffat ...... Keziah Joseph
Ned Moffat ...... Luke MacGregor
Dramatised by Rhiannon Tise.
Director: Tracey Neale
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2017.
WED 07:30 Mark Steel's in Town (b09l068v)
Series 8
Ventnor
Mark Steel visits Ventnor on The Isle of Wight and performs at the Winter Gardens, the venue of his first ever gig when he got up and told some jokes in a talent contest on a childhood holiday.
Ventor has a microclimate, subsidence, and the residents claim that on some days they can see France reflected upside down in the sky.
Mark concludes the 8th series of his award winning show that travels around the country visiting towns that have nothing in common but their uniqueness. After thoroughly researching each town, Mark writes and performs a bespoke evening of comedy for the local residents.
Written and performed by Mark Steel.
Additional material by Pete Sinclair.
Production co-ordinator: Hayley Sterling
Sound Manager: Jerry Peal
Producer: Carl Cooper
A BBC Studio production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in January 2018.
WED 08:00 The Missing Hancocks (m000qmpv)
Series 4
New Year Resolutions
Hancock announces his New Year Resolutions, confident he can stick to them. It doesn't go well. Bill Kerr is equally confident that this is a money-making opportunity.
Starring Kevin McNally, The Missing Hancocks recreates those episodes of the classic Hancock's Half Hour that have been wiped or lost from the archive.
The first modern sitcom, Hancock's Half Hour made stars of Tony Hancock, Sid James and Kenneth Williams, and launched Ray Galton and Alan Simpson as one of the most successful comedy-writing partnerships in history. But 20 episodes of the show were missing from the BBC archives. Now, after four highly successful series, the final batch of those episodes have been lovingly re-recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC Radio Theatre.
Cast:
Hancock … Kevin McNally
With: Kevin Eldon, Simon Greenall, Robin Sebastian, Susy Kane and a special guest appearance by Paul Merton.
Written by Ray Galton & Alan Simpson.
Music recorded by the BBC Concert Orchestra, conducted by Levon Parikian.
Produced by Neil Pearson & Hayley Sterling.
New Year's Resolutions was first broadcast on the 4th January, 1956.
A BBC Studios Production first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2020.
WED 08:30 Lip Service (m000zm4h)
Episode 4
A musical premiere for clarinet and ironing board. Ann Titchmarsh interrupts her washing day for the Grand National and Lady Chatterley is at it again.
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 (b01kjs12)
Series 26
2012 Semi-final 3
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 third and final semi final recorded at the Radio Theatre and taking part are:
Darren Dutton from Worksop
Jill Goodwin from Swindon
Neil Robinson from Stafford
Producer: Paul Bajoria
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2012.
WED 09:30 The Elephant Man (b007jsfp)
Endangered Species
Terry Lyon, assistant head keeper of Southwood Zoo, trusts animals because most people think he's a waste of space.
But as the zoo lurches towards bankruptcy, his future looks bleak.
DA Barham's eight-part sitcom stars Peter Serafinowicz.
Terry ...... Peter Serafinowicz
Leonard ...... Chris Emmett
Maureen ...... Geraldine Fitzgerald
Derek ...... Wayne Forester
George ...... Geoff Fitzgerald
Stephanie ...... Joanna Munro
Adam ...... Richard Pearce
DA Barham - alias Debbie Ann - used her gently gender-obscured writing name. Aged just 15, she'd sent in comedy scripts to the BBC. She tragically died in 2003 from heart failure due to anorexia, aged just 26.
In her short, brilliant comedy career, she'd written for The News Huddlines, Spitting Image, The News Quiz, Weekending, Loose Ends, as well as big names like Bob Monkhouse, Graham Norton, Rory Bremner and Clive Anderson.
Producer: Richard Wilson.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in August 1996.
WED 10:00 Jack London - The Sea Wolf (b007jmc9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
WED 11:00 Whodunnits (b007jzhc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 11:30 The 17-Jewelled Shockproof Swiss-Made Bomb (m000czhv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 12:00 Cornucopia by Paul Richardson (m001trtf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 12:15 Louisa May Alcott - Little Women (b088fkyj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
WED 12:30 Mark Steel's in Town (b09l068v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 13:00 The Missing Hancocks (m000qmpv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 13:30 Lip Service (m000zm4h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 14:00 Counterpoint (b01kjs12)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
WED 14:30 The Elephant Man (b007jsfp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
WED 15:00 Jack London - The Sea Wolf (b007jmc9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
WED 16:00 Whodunnits (b007jzhc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 16:30 The 17-Jewelled Shockproof Swiss-Made Bomb (m000czhv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 17:00 Cornucopia by Paul Richardson (m001trtf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 17:15 Louisa May Alcott - Little Women (b088fkyj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
WED 17:30 Mark Steel's in Town (b09l068v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 18:00 The Missing Hancocks (m000qmpv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 18:30 Lip Service (m000zm4h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 19:00 Counterpoint (b01kjs12)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
WED 19:30 The Elephant Man (b007jsfp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
WED 20:00 Archive on 4 (m00026m2)
Powers of Persuasion: How Britain Learned to Sell
Designer Wayne Hemingway examines 100 years of British advertising on film and TV, with special behind-the-scenes access to the one of the world’s largest advertising collection at the British Film Institute.
Wayne follows advertisers’ first hesitant steps into both the big and small screen. It was a time when America was the global player. Beginning with films as early as 1900, he discovers how Britain carefully set itself apart from global advertising trends, crafting a model perfectly fine-tuned for our nation – the subtle, soft sell.
But it is this unique subtlety that took Britain to its most controversial moments in advertising – when entire series were banned for being duplicitous. Wayne draws parallels to modern day Britain, comparing how advertisers always try to break the rules in new mediums.
The BFI collection also contains many of the cinematic, directorial debuts from the mad men who went to Hollywood. Wayne investigates their timeless ads that created the Golden Era of advertising, and how each of them drew on tropes of British identity and archetypes of British society to sell to us.
Most theories on advertising suggest that it doesn’t actually input ideas into society – rather that it reflects them back. Yet this archive points to the moments when advertisers fuelled certain movements and fortified idealistic notions, re-defining and re-directing our sense of self and what it means to be British.
Producer: Anishka Sharma and Kate Holland
A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in January 2019.
WED 21:00 Short Cuts (b082xc07)
Series 10
Vox
Josie Long presents stories about brushes with the unknown.
Finding your voice, life or death conversations and seeking anonymity.
Josie Long explores the power of the human voice. From losing yourself in a crowd of others to the medium who finds herself conversing with a murderer.
Cards on the Table
Produced by Andrea Rangecroft
Frantumaglia
Produced by Phil Smith
Power and Freedom
Produced by Sarah Boothroyd
Series Producer: Eleanor McDowall
A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in June 2016.
WED 21:30 Poison Farm: A Murderer Unmasked After 60 Years (b00g3g26)
3. New Leads
In the wealthy farmer death riddle - the spotlight falls on James Walker and his glamorous housekeeper, who claim they have been using cyanide to destroy wasps nests.
After a bit more police digging, we find out that that they have been going into the victim's house on occasion - but why? Plus there's the case of a stolen fur coat.
Read by Robert Lindsay.
Abridged by Doreen Estall.
Produced by Elizabeth Allard
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2004.
WED 21:45 A Small Town Murder (m0002zc5)
Series 13
Episode 3
Missing mobster Jimmy Reid's severed head has been delivered to the family home.
Meera Syal stars as family liaison officer Jackie Hartwell.
Nobody seems to mind when notorious mobster Jimmy Reid goes missing in suspicious circumstances. He’s an out-and-out villain who’d get kicked out of hell for bad behaviour – a West Midlands millionaire made rich from a successful career in every aspect of organised crime, and a man made infamous by the cruelty of his tactic.
If someone has finally done him in, what’s not to like?
However, it’s down to Jackie Hartwell to remain impartial and support his wife and daughter as much as she can. And who knows, maybe they’ll have something that might help the investigation.
But Jackie soon realises she’s being lied to - and not just by the victim’s family. It’s also her fellow police officers who are being economical with truth.
Jackie ...... Meera Syal
Peter ...... Mathew Marsh
Dee ...... Ayesha Antoine
Angela ...... Karen Archer
Claire ...... Jasmine Hyde
Written by Scott Cherry
Produced and Directed by Clive Brill
A Brill production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in March 2019.
WED 22:00 Whatever Happened to Baby Jane Austen? (m001trtl)
Series 2
Episode 3 – Lucy Lassoes the Moon
To Florence’s horror, someone has reprinted her first novel. Selina’s in EastEnders, as the new landlady of the Vic. And still nobody’s interested in Lucy’s Moon shot.
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
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 (b007k1gw)
Series 1
The History of Everything
Discover the origins of the first-ever museum and learn the secrets of the Pyramids.
Meanwhile, Badgerland fights back
Written and performed by:
Marcus Brigstocke
Danny Robins
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 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m001v8q3)
Alex Lowe
From 10pm until midnight, seven days a week, The Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. And tonight, Iain Lee talks to Alex Lowe.
WED 23:00 Alex Horne Presents The Horne Section (b01rl1y3)
Series 2
With Matt Lucas and Liane Carroll
Comedy show hosted by Alex Horne and his five piece band and specially written, original music.
This episode explores the theme of the Four Seasons.
Guest starring Matt Lucas who performs some songs with the band - and jazz singer Liane Carroll who Alex conducts with the aid of a ping pong ball.
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 (m000282h)
Series 5
Greta Doesn't Want to Wait for Godot
Greta is Queen Bee of the local Am Dram society so when some members breakaway to form a rival group she is not best pleased.
But can their production of Waiting for Godot really rival her latest triumph, Calendar Girls?
Starring Amelia Bullmore.
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 (b007k0x7)
Series 1
Episode 6
Liam and Anton witness the break up of Martin and Susan's relationship through their goldfish bowl.
Written by and starring Shaun Prendergast.
Martin …. Shaun Prendergast
Susan …. Sarah Parish
Anton …. Hamish McColl
Liam …. Sean Foley
Producer: Sally Avens.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1998.

THURSDAY 04 JANUARY 2024

THU 00:00 Jack London - The Sea Wolf (b007jmc9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 Whodunnits (b007jzhc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:30 The 17-Jewelled Shockproof Swiss-Made Bomb (m000czhv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 Cornucopia by Paul Richardson (m001trtf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:15 Louisa May Alcott - Little Women (b088fkyj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 on Wednesday]
THU 02:30 Mark Steel's in Town (b09l068v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 The Missing Hancocks (m000qmpv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Wednesday]
THU 03:30 Lip Service (m000zm4h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 Counterpoint (b01kjs12)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:30 The Elephant Man (b007jsfp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 Jack London - The Sea Wolf (b007jmcl)
4. Escape
Humphrey and Maud dash for freedom from cruel captain, Wolf Larsen, but Japan is 600 miles away...
Conclusion of Jack London's 1904 tale of brutality and survival on the high seas.
Starring Jack Klaff, Kerry Shale and Shelley Thompson.
Dramatised by Ed Thomason.
Wolf Larsen …. Jack Klaff
Humphrey van Weyden …. Kerry Shale
Maud Brewster …. Shelley Thompson
Music: Elizabeth Parker of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop
Director: Adrian Bean
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1991.
THU 06:00 Whodunnits (b007jzjm)
Wimsey: The Nine Tailors
4. The Hunt Moves to France
After intercepting the mystery letter, Lord Peter Wimsey decides it's time to head across the English Channel.
Ian Carmichael stars as the aristocratic sleuth.
Dorothy L Sayers' detective mystery dramatised by Alistair Beaton.
Lord Peter Wimsey …. Ian Carmichael
Bunter …. Peter Jones
Supt Blundell …. Timothy Bateson
Commissaire Rozier …. Andre Maranne
Mme Le Gros …. Lolly Cockerill
Waiter …. Hayden Wood
Narrator …. John Westbrook
Producer: Martin Fisher
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1980.
THU 06:30 The 17-Jewelled Shockproof Swiss-Made Bomb (m000d04x)
3. The Minestrone Thickens and is Stirred
Shields has made contact with the Swiss gang through Karen and Bruno, but it's doubtful whether he'll live long enough to make use of it...
Starring Peter Coke.
Roy Clarke’s thriller serial set in the world of highly-organised international smugglers.
Shields ...... Peter Coke
The Major ...... Bob Grant
Greta ...... Veronica Doran
Doreen ...... Sylvia Brayshay
Tadpole ...... Derrick Gilbert
Muff ...... Robert Powell
Julie ...... Anne Stallybrass
Bruno ...... David Mahlowe
Karl ...... Ben Kingsley
Karen ...... Cynthia Grenville
Gino ...... Ronald Harvi
Foster ...... Michael Stirrup
Jean Hogg ...... Heather Stoney
Alfie ...... Peter Stephens
Theme music composed and played by Trevor Holroyd.
Producer: Alan Ayckbourn
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in January 1968.
THU 07:00 Cornucopia by Paul Richardson (m001trtk)
4. Haggis, the Highlands and Deep Fried Mars Bars
Paul Richardson journey’s around Britain exploring our cuisine: haggis and deep fried Mars bars in the Highlands.
No morsel remains uneaten in this eighteen month journey around Britain to discover the state of our national cuisine.
Read by Alex Jennings.
Written by Paul Richardson.
Abridged by Sara Lefanu
Producer: Paul Dodgson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2001.
THU 07:15 Louisa May Alcott - Little Women (b088fs81)
4. Dark Days
Jo has a secret but so has Laurie too. And there are troubling days ahead for the March family.
Louisa May Alcott's coming of age story about love, destiny and freedom.
Meg ...... Natasha J Barnes
Jo ...... Julianna Jennings
Beth ...... Bryony Hannah
Amy ...... Samantha Dakin
Mrs March ......Tara Ward
Mr March ...... John Bowler
Laurie ...... Alex Lanipekun
Mr John Brooke ..... Finlay Robertson
Aunt March ...... Joanna Monro
Hannah ...... Alison Belbin
Mrs Hummel/Mrs Moffat ...... Karen Bartke
Sallie Gardiner ...... Natasha Cowley
Annie Moffat ...... Keziah Joseph
Ned Moffat ...... Luke MacGregor
Dramatised by Rhiannon Tise.
Director: Tracey Neale
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2017.
THU 07:30 What Does the K Stand For? (b04xrl8k)
Series 2
Balham's Got Talent
Who’s got talent?
Stephen K Amos' sitcom about growing up black, gay and funny in 1980s South London.
Written by Jonathan Harvey with Stephen K Amos.
Stephen K Amos …. 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
Mary .... Nadia Kamil
Producer: Colin Anderson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2015.
THU 08:00 Dad's Army (b00qxh17)
Series 2
War Dance
Captain Mainwaring's platoon dance is disrupted by an announcement from Private Pike.
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 Harold Snoad and Michael Knowles.
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
Private Walker …. Larry Martin
Mrs Pike …. Pearl Hackney
Violet Gibbons …. Wendy Richard
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 (b007jrnd)
3. Putting It On The Map
To try and encourage local tourism, the dear ladies revive an old custom.
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
Major ...... Anthony Sharp
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? (b062r3z9)
Episode 4
Animal, vegetable or mineral?
Barry Took hosts a revised version of popular radio parlour game of 20 questions.
On the panel:
Geoffrey Durham
Neil Innes
Jan Ravens
Written by Michael Dines.
Producer: Andy Aliffe
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1998.
THU 09:30 The Richest Man in Britain (b00p6v3r)
The Meltdown
Sitcom by Nick Hornby and Giles Smith about an ageing rock star and his search for fulfilment.
Trillionnaire rocker Dave Mabbutt buys some last-minute holiday Euros and promptly brings down the entire international monetary system.
Dave Mabbutt ...... Mark Williams
Dom ...... Russell Tovey
Producer: Lucy Armitage
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2009.
THU 10:00 Jack London - The Sea Wolf (b007jmcl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
THU 11:00 Whodunnits (b007jzjm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 11:30 The 17-Jewelled Shockproof Swiss-Made Bomb (m000d04x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 12:00 Cornucopia by Paul Richardson (m001trtk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 12:15 Louisa May Alcott - Little Women (b088fs81)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
THU 12:30 What Does the K Stand For? (b04xrl8k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 13:00 Dad's Army (b00qxh17)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 13:30 The Random Jottings Of Hinge And Bracket (b007jrnd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 14:00 Guess What? (b062r3z9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
THU 14:30 The Richest Man in Britain (b00p6v3r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
THU 15:00 Jack London - The Sea Wolf (b007jmcl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
THU 16:00 Whodunnits (b007jzjm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 16:30 The 17-Jewelled Shockproof Swiss-Made Bomb (m000d04x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 17:00 Cornucopia by Paul Richardson (m001trtk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 17:15 Louisa May Alcott - Little Women (b088fs81)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
THU 17:30 What Does the K Stand For? (b04xrl8k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 18:00 Dad's Army (b00qxh17)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 18:30 The Random Jottings Of Hinge And Bracket (b007jrnd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 19:00 Guess What? (b062r3z9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
THU 19:30 The Richest Man in Britain (b00p6v3r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
THU 20:00 The Inimitable PG Wodehouse (m000vqtg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Saturday]
THU 21:00 Great Lives (m000rcpn)
Caroline Catz on Delia Derbyshire
The actor Caroline Catz chooses Delia Derbyshire, the musician and composer who is best known for her work at the BBC Radiophonic Workshop where she realised the theme tune to Doctor Who. With Dr David Butler from the University of Manchester who looks after Delia's archive.
Delia was born in Coventry in 1937 and describes her earliest recollections of sound as the sound of the German blitz and the air-raid sirens. She studied music and maths at Cambridge and joined the BBC Radiophonic Workshop where she could create sounds that had never existed in the world before. Her 'realisation' of Ron Grainer's theme tune to Doctor Who brought both her and the Workshop to greater prominence, but she later left the BBC and London and moved to Cumbria where she worked on a series of projects, as well as being briefly employed as a radio operator at the Gas Board. She was a pioneer of sound and her work is celebrated each year by Delia Derbyshire Day. Caroline was terrified by the Doctor Who theme tune as a child but fascinated by the woman, and later discovered tracks like 'Ziwzih Ziwzih OO-OO-OO' and 'Blue Veils and Golden Sands' from Radiophonic Workshop mix tapes. The discovery of 267 tapes in Delia's attic provided another portal into the extraordinary sonic world of Psyche-Delia and the mystery surrounding both how she created her music and the choices she made in life provided the inspiration for Caroline's film 'Delia Derbyshire: The Myths and the Legendary Tapes' in which she plays the lead. Delia appears in archive recordings to give Matthew Parris his first taste of a Wobbulator.
Producer: Toby Field
THU 21:30 Poison Farm: A Murderer Unmasked After 60 Years (b00g3x7b)
4. Secrets
Secrets are revealed at womanising farmer William Muffit's inquest.
More cyanide tales, agitated and nervous suspects and Mary Chandler comes up with a very strong alibi.
But does it being them any closer to solving the mystery?
Read by Robert Lindsay.
Abridged by Doreen Estall.
Produced by Elizabeth Allard
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2004.
THU 21:45 A Small Town Murder (m0002zqd)
Series 13
Episode 4
Peter reveals he knows Angela, the victim's wife, from the past.
Meera Syal stars as family liaison officer Jackie Hartwell.
Nobody seems to mind when notorious mobster Jimmy Reid goes missing in suspicious circumstances. He’s an out-and-out villain who’d get kicked out of hell for bad behaviour – a West Midlands millionaire made rich from a successful career in every aspect of organised crime, and a man made infamous by the cruelty of his tactic.
If someone has finally done him in, what’s not to like?
However, it’s down to Jackie Hartwell to remain impartial and support his wife and daughter as much as she can. And who knows, maybe they’ll have something that might help the investigation.
But Jackie soon realises she’s being lied to - and not just by the victim’s family. It’s also her fellow police officers who are being economical with truth.
Jackie ...... Meera Syal
Peter ...... Mathew Marsh
Dee ...... Ayesha Antoine
Angela ...... Karen Archer
Claire ...... Jasmine Hyde
Written by Scott Cherry
Produced and Directed by Clive Brill
A Brill production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in March 2019.
THU 22:00 Ken Cheng: I Can School You (m001tqtn)
3. Not an Exact Science
Comedian Ken Cheng focuses his analytical observations on school subjects. In the last of the series, Ken takes on Science, and grapples with the shortcomings of the subject, and tries to perfect the tweaks to make it truly interesting.
Producer: Rajiv Karia
An EcoAudio certified production.
It is a BBC Studios production for Radio 4.
THU 22:30 Dan and Nick: The Wildebeest Years (b0089c0y)
Jelly Stinger
Dan and Nick's pun-fest, where salty talk show host Jelly Stinger meets some fishy guests.
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 September 1998.
THU 23:00 The Maltby Collection (b00czc0j)
Series 1
Episode 6
A popular TV detective series comes to film at the museum and its super-suave star takes a fancy to Prunella, leaving Rod and Julian feeling marginalised.
Starring Julian Rhind-Tutt and Geoffrey Palmer.
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
Jeremy Noone ...... Hugh Dennis
Clive ...... Neil Fitzmaurice
Arabella ...... Eve Dallas
Nick ...... Jot Davies
Charlie Tattle ...... Barry Cryer
Producer: Colin Anderson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2007.
THU 23:30 Thom Tuck - Goes Straight to DVD (b01bwp8v)
Pilot
Thom Tuck recounts heart-rending tales of love and loss.
He lays bare all the failures he's suffered in his relationships - whilst drawing comparisons with the 54 straight-to-DVD Disney movies he's watched, so we don't have to.
These underrated gems - perhaps rightfully ignored and forgotten - mirror his experiences with women he has loved too often and too soon.
A show with a huge heart, all about heartbreak in various forms.
Thom Tuck is also part of acclaimed sketch group "The Penny Dreadfuls".
Producer: Lianne Coop
First broadcast on Radio 4 in February 2012.

FRIDAY 05 JANUARY 2024

FRI 00:00 Jack London - The Sea Wolf (b007jmcl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 Whodunnits (b007jzjm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:30 The 17-Jewelled Shockproof Swiss-Made Bomb (m000d04x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 Cornucopia by Paul Richardson (m001trtk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:15 Louisa May Alcott - Little Women (b088fs81)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 on Thursday]
FRI 02:30 What Does the K Stand For? (b04xrl8k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 Dad's Army (b00qxh17)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Thursday]
FRI 03:30 The Random Jottings Of Hinge And Bracket (b007jrnd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 Guess What? (b062r3z9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:30 The Richest Man in Britain (b00p6v3r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 Stephen Wakelam - Death at the Bed End (m0005tlg)
Publication of a biography of Charlotte Bronte sparks the threat of libel suit.
So a detective heads to Yorkshire to discover more.
Steve Wakelam's drama is based on true events.
Sergeant Jack Down ..... Kenneth Cranham
Patrick Bronte ..... James Greene
Mr Nicholls ..... Stephen Hogan
Harry ..... Declan Wilson
Betty ..... Shirley Dixon
Dr Crosby ..... Geoffrey Whitehead
Martha ..... Helen Longworth
Sugden ..... Steve Hodson
Grundy ..... Philip Fox
Director: Janet Whitaker
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2004.
FRI 06:00 Whodunnits (b007jzky)
Wimsey: The Nine Tailors
5. A Question of Identity
Following his trip to France, Lord Peter Wimsey takes a step closer to identifying the killer.
Ian Carmichael stars as the aristocratic sleuth.
Dorothy L Sayers' detective mystery dramatised by Alistair Beaton.
Lord Peter Wimsey …. Ian Carmichael
Bunter …. Peter Jones
Rev Theodore Venables …. Phillip Latham
Supt Blundell …. Timothy Bateson
Mrs Venables …. Noel Dyson
Nobby Cranton …. Stephen Greiff
Emily …. Jenny Twigg
Potty Peak …. Anthony Hyde
Donnington …. John Church
Narrator …. John Westbrook
Producer: Martin Fisher
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1980.
FRI 06:30 The 17-Jewelled Shockproof Swiss-Made Bomb (m000czqc)
4. Saraband to a Burning Fuse
Johnny Shields and Julie are now on board the St Gothard Express bound for Lugano.
Somehow they have to warn the authorities that Karl is in danger...
Starring Peter Coke.
Roy Clarke’s thriller serial set in the world of highly-organised international smugglers
Shields ...... Peter Coke
The Major ...... Bob Grant
Greta ...... Veronica Doran
Muff ...... Robert Powell
Julie ...... Anne Stallybrass
Jean Hogg ...... Heather Stoney
Walter ...... Ben Kingsley
Theme music composed and played by Trevor Holroyd.
Producer: Alan Ayckbourn
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in January 1968.
FRI 07:00 Cornucopia by Paul Richardson (m001trtb)
5. Oysters on the East Coast
Paul Richardson journey’s around Britain exploring our cuisine: East Coast oysters.
No morsel remains uneaten in this eighteen month journey around Britain to discover the state of our national cuisine.
Concluded by Alex Jennings.
Written by Paul Richardson.
Abridged by Sara Lefanu
Producer: Paul Dodgson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2001.
FRI 07:15 Louisa May Alcott - Little Women (b088jj60)
5. Aunt March Settles the Question
Winter brings snow and the bitter cold to New England and deep and worrying times for the family. Jo turns to Laurie for support.
Louisa May Alcott's coming of age story about love, destiny and freedom.
Meg ...... Natasha J Barnes
Jo ...... Julianna Jennings
Beth ...... Bryony Hannah
Amy ...... Samantha Dakin
Mrs March ......Tara Ward
Mr March ...... John Bowler
Laurie ...... Alex Lanipekun
Mr John Brooke ...... Finlay Robertson
Aunt March ...... Joanna Monro
Hannah ...... Alison Belbin
Mrs Hummel/Mrs Moffat ...... Karen Bartke
Sallie Gardiner ...... Natasha Cowley
Annie Moffat ...... Keziah Joseph
Ned Moffat ...... Luke MacGregor
Dramatised by Rhiannon Tise.
Director: Tracey Neale
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2017.
FRI 07:30 Ability (m0003z8c)
Series 2
Doing a Runner
Matt and his carer Bob do a runner from a restaurant. They knock a thief down in their haste, and are heralded as heroes.
This can’t turn out well…
Stars Lee Ridley and Allan Mustafa.
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.
This second series 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 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 Marriage Lines (b05yy74l)
Series 2
Episode 1
George Starling is being driven mad by his wife Kate's preparations for their first baby.
Starring Richard Briers and Prunella Scales.
Richard Waring’s sitcom based on the mutual love and mistrust of two newlyweds.
Originating on BBC TV, it ran between 1963-65 and was adapted in two series for BBC radio due to its popularity.
George ...... Richard Briers
Kate ...... Prunella Scales
Henry ...... Peter Hawkins
Sarah ...... Rosemary Miller
Ronnie ...... James Taylor
Midge ...... Jo Kendall
Mother ...... Diana King
Recorded at the BBC Paris Studio in London.
Producer: Charles Maxwell
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in March 1967.
FRI 08:30 Know Your Place (b01874kv)
Not to Be Used for Babies
Caretaker Ramsay awards cleaner Elsie her own storeroom, but he’s keen to ensure the perk isn't abused.
Ramsay Potts is the jobsworth caretaker at a crumbling Edwardian block of flats, pursued by the over-amorous cleaner Elsie.
Starring Roy Dotrice as Ramsay and Patricia Hayes as Elspeth Spurgeon.
8-part sitcom written by Andrew Palmer and Nell Brennan.
With Pat Coombs, John Graham and Sue Holderness.
Producer: Edward Taylor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in January 1982.
FRI 09:00 Whispers (b00bzrmj)
Series 2
Episode 2
What is the real truth about Alexander Graham Bell, Walt Disney and Lord Lucan?
Gyles Brandreth hosts the quiz show with scandal on its mind and slander at its heart.
Lynne Truss and Michele Brown join team captains Lucy Moore and Anthony Holden to run the gauntlet of gossip.
Producer: Elizabeth Freestone
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2004.
FRI 09:30 The Right Time (b0076mj9)
Series 4
Episode 4
Getting mad at the milkman, a rocking DJ – and a very intuitive answerphone.
Sketch show about growing older disgracefully.
Stars Eleanor Bron, Dudley Sutton, Roger Blake and Paula Wilcox.
Written by Nicholas Barber & Glenn Dakin, Jill Brodie & John Pidgeon, Dave Dixon, Mike Haskins, George Poles, Alan Stafford, Dudley Sutton and Chris Thompson & Pete Reynolds.
Music by Ronnie & The Rex.
Script editor: George Poles
Producer: Katie Marsden
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2004.
FRI 10:00 Stephen Wakelam - Death at the Bed End (m0005tlg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
FRI 11:00 Whodunnits (b007jzky)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 11:30 The 17-Jewelled Shockproof Swiss-Made Bomb (m000czqc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 12:00 Cornucopia by Paul Richardson (m001trtb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 12:15 Louisa May Alcott - Little Women (b088jj60)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
FRI 12:30 Ability (m0003z8c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 13:00 Marriage Lines (b05yy74l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 13:30 Know Your Place (b01874kv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 14:00 Whispers (b00bzrmj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
FRI 14:30 The Right Time (b0076mj9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
FRI 15:00 Stephen Wakelam - Death at the Bed End (m0005tlg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
FRI 16:00 Whodunnits (b007jzky)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 16:30 The 17-Jewelled Shockproof Swiss-Made Bomb (m000czqc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 17:00 Cornucopia by Paul Richardson (m001trtb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 17:15 Louisa May Alcott - Little Women (b088jj60)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
FRI 17:30 Ability (m0003z8c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 18:00 Marriage Lines (b05yy74l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 18:30 Know Your Place (b01874kv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 19:00 Whispers (b00bzrmj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
FRI 19:30 The Right Time (b0076mj9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
FRI 20:00 Losing The Children (b0076qk1)
The story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin has been part of German folklore for centuries.
But who was the colourful figure who led first, the plague of rats - and then the children, away forever from the town of Hamelin?
Author and former Children's Laureate Michael Rosen visits the actual town of Hamelin in Lower Saxony, exploring its medieval streets via rat-infested London, ancient German pagan ritual and the whispering silence of Eton College library.
He finally uncovers the truth behind the legend that should never again be thought of as just a fairy tale.
With extracts read by Andrew Sachs.
Featuring:
Michael Boyer - Actor playing the Piper in the town of Hamelin
Carol Cox - who had a rat
Steve Wilson - Local Pest Control Officer
Elke Liebs - Lecturer at Potsdam University
Michael Meredith - Librarian at Eton College
Maria Tatar - Harvard University
Atom Egoyan - Canadian film director
Professor Jurgen Udorf - Museum in Hamelin
Producer: Lizz Pearson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2005.
FRI 20:30 Soul Music (b0076mh5)
Series 4
Like a Rolling Stone
Bob Dylan's signature tune which became the anthem of a generation and scattered all preconceptions of what a pop 45rpm single could achieve.
Robbie Robertson, Al Kooper, Greil Marcus and Paula Radice muse on a song that threw down a challenge and changed lives.
Featuring:
Bebe Miller
Paula Radice
CP Lee
Michael Gray
Bill McGarvey
Series exploring famous pieces of music and their emotional appeal.
Producer: Lindsay Leonard
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2004.
FRI 21:00 The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry (m0014xty)
Series 19
Surprising Symmetries
Two eyes, two arms, two legs - we’re roughly symmetrical on the outside, but inside we’re all over the place! We just have one heart, which is usually on the left, one liver on the right, one spleen and one appendix….‘Why is that?’ wonders listener Joanne.
Our science sleuths discover that being symmetrical down the middle - at least on the outside - is by far the most common body plan across the animal kingdom. Professor Sebastian Shimeld from the University of Oxford takes us on a journey into the deep evolutionary past, to uncover how two-sided body structures first emerged in ancient worm-like creatures, and why this layout eventually proved so useful for swimming, walking and flying.
Garden snails turn out to be a surprising exception – their shells coil in one direction and on just one side of their body. Professor Angus Davison from the University of Nottingham tells the tale of his international quest to find a romantic partner for Jeremy – a rare left-coiling snail who could only mate with another left-coiling snail!
Dr Daniel Grimes from the University of Oregon unfolds the delicate mechanisms by which an initally symmetrical embryo starts to develop differently down one side, and everyone puzzles over the mystery of the left-handed 'mirror molecules' - so called L-amino acids - which turn out to be the building blocks of every living organism. A curious case indeed!
Presenters: Hannah Fry and Adam Rutherford
Producer: Ilan Goodman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2022.
FRI 21:30 Poison Farm: A Murderer Unmasked After 60 Years (b00g42tg)
5. Verdict
Under cover of darkness, police make one last trip to wealthy farmer William Muffit's murder scene.
The inquest reveals a verdict of murder, but can they gather enough evidence to prove who did it?
Read by Robert Lindsay.
Abridged by Doreen Estall.
Produced by Elizabeth Allard
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2004.
FRI 21:45 A Small Town Murder (m0002zzv)
Series 13
Episode 5
Meera Syal stars as family liaison officer Jackie Hartwell.
Nobody seems to mind when notorious mobster Jimmy Reid goes missing in suspicious circumstances. He’s an out-and-out villain who’d get kicked out of hell for bad behaviour – a West Midlands millionaire made rich from a successful career in every aspect of organised crime, and a man made infamous by the cruelty of his tactic.
If someone has finally done him in, what’s not to like?
However, it’s down to Jackie Hartwell to remain impartial and support his wife and daughter as much as she can. And who knows, maybe they’ll have something that might help the investigation.
But Jackie soon realises she’s being lied to - and not just by the victim’s family. It’s also her fellow police officers who are being economical with truth.
Jackie ...... Meera Syal
Peter ...... Mathew Marsh
Dee ...... Ayesha Antoine
Angela ...... Karen Archer
Claire ...... Jasmine Hyde
Written by Scott Cherry
Produced and Directed by Clive Brill
A Brill production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in March 2019.
FRI 22:00 Sigmund Troy'd (m001trb3)
You’ve seen him online, you’ve seen him on Comic Relief and now, for the first time, you can hear him on Radio 4. Join Troy Hawke in this award-winning show as he does battle with a new enemy on behalf of all people everywhere… psychotherapy!
In Sigmund Troy’d, everyone's favourite smoking-jacket wearing comic is here to let anyone with self-doubts know that everything is OK - you deserve what you have, you’re entitled to what you’ve earned and, most importantly, you are good enough.
A social media sensation and winner of the 2022 Leicester Comedy Festival’s Best Show award, Troy makes his BBC Radio 4 stand-up debut with a show that’s guaranteed to make you laugh and feel better about the world.
Written and performed by Troy Hawke
Sound recording and mixing by Mark Burrows
Photo supplied by Steve Ullathorne
Produced by Kurt Brookes
Executive Producer: Ashley Byrne
A Made In Manchester production for BBC Radio 4
FRI 22:30 John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme (b06vmzdy)
Series 5
Episode 2
John Finnemore - writer and star of Cabin Pressure and John Finnemore's Double Acts - in the a fifth series of his multi-award-winning sketch show.
This second episode sees the voice in John's head push him to tipping point; a new approach to the News; and, well, since you ask him for a tale of espionage...
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 23:00 Small Scenes (m0002m49)
Series 4
Episode 2
A woman discovers why there are so many Cornish pasty shops in British train stations and a man tries to return a sleeping bag to John Lewis with dramatic consequences.
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 A World of Dowie (m00175m2)
Episode 1
Enter a brave new world created and presented by John Dowie.
For starters, it's time to enter the relationship minefield.
With:
Jim Sweeney
Steve Steen
Cathryn Harrison
Music from the Ronnie Golden Small Band.
Producer: Paul Mayhew-Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1991.