SATURDAY 16 MARCH 2024

SAT 00:00 Paul Evans - Owls (b00dx253)
A fictional story written and narrated by Paul Evans and based on an island legend about a brother and sister who were bound by a wish sworn on a barn owl feather, which in turn became a curse that proved fatal.
Isolation, human desire and the supernatural are explored in this unsettling drama about the relationship between hope and desire, man and nature.
Old Man …. Jimmy Yuill
Young Boy …. David McLellan
Old sister …. Alyth McCormack
Young Girl …. Michaela Sweeney
Recorded on location in Scotland.
Producer: Sarah Blunt
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2008.
SAT 00:45 HG Wells (b08wdmr7)
Ghost Stories by HG Wells
The Temptation of Harringay
Any artist can take constructive criticism, but what happens when the painting itself has an opinion?
HG Wells’ short story was first published in 1895 in St. James Gazette.
Abridged by Madge Hart.
Reader: David McAlister
Producer: Pat McLoughlin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1985.
SAT 01:00 Twenty Thousand Streets under the Sky (b07gcj61)
3. The Plains of Cement
London, 1927. Bob gives Jenny an ultimatum and Ella confronts Mr Eccles.
Starring Steven Pacey, Annette Badland, Emily Morgan and John Moffatt.
Conclusion of Patrick Hamilton’s semi-autobiographical trilogy.
Dramatised by Frederic Bradnum.
Ella's mother ..... Anna Cropper
Prosser.....Geoffrey Whitehead
Prunella ..... Elizabeth Mansfield
Sammy.... Tina Marian
Andy ... David Goudge
Guvnor .... David King
Mrs Guvnor .... Jo Kendall
Other parts played by:
Donald Gee
Michael Kilgarriff
Marcia King
Producer: Glyn Dearman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1989.
SAT 02:00 Dick Francis (b007ncw9)
Proof
8. Connections
Tony Beach and his detective chum Gerard MacGregor attempt to unearth the true identity of Paul Young.
Starring Nigel Havers.
Fine living, fast horses, and shattering suspense - the gripping conclusion of Dick Francis's compelling thriller.
Dramatised by Ernest Dudley.
Tony Beach …. Nigel Havers
Gerard …. George Parsons
Paul Young …. Stuart Organ
Chief Superintendent Wilson …. Manning Wilson
Producer: Matthew Walters
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1987.
SAT 02:30 Whodunnits (m000m0kf)
A Walk in the Dark
5. The Ends Justify the Means?
After the kidnapping of Ruth Cobb, DC ‘Birdie’ Partridge gets an unexpected ally.
But an ever bigger surprise is still to come...
Patrick Mower stars as Detective Constable ‘Birdie’ Partridge.
Chris Boucher's vintage crime serial about the mystery disappearance of a passenger from an ocean liner.
DC ‘Birdie’ Partridge …. Patrick Mower
Ruth Cobb …. Helen Atkinson Wood
Daryl Kennedy…. John Rowe
Garvey …. Gregory de Polnay
Bank Clerk …. Gary Cady
Stuart Cobb …. David Timson
Producer: Gerry Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1981.
SAT 03:00 Other People's Children by Joanna Trollope (b007jn8y)
10. Trials and Triumphs
Relationships falter under the strains of living as a step-family when decisions need to be made.
Joanna Trollope's novel about the traumas and delights of adjusting to a step-family.
Abridged by Pat McLoughlin.
Concluded by Penelope Wilton.
Producer: Di Speirs
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1998.
SAT 03:15 The Latvian Locum (b09gkk3t)
Series 1
5. Teen Pregnancy
An offbeat comic drama series following the experiences of Latvian locum Dr Dace Zake - mistakenly hired in the belief she speaks Polish - in a beleaguered medical centre in the deprived South Shore area of Blackpool.
A teenage girl comes to the surgery fearing she is pregnant and Dace is running late again for something important.
Dr Dace Zake ...... Dolya Gavanski
Written by Ben Cottam.
Directed by Alison Crawford.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2017.
SAT 03:30 All Those Women (b086tfbm)
Series 2
Episode 2
It's time for some well-earned relaxing after Maggie won some vouchers to a spa.
But what should be the opportunity for a bit of a lie down soon gets a bit fraught. 'There's a fine line between a spa day and a detention centre isn't there?'
Comedy series by Katherine Jakeways about four generations of women living under one roof.
All Those Women explores familial relationships, ageing, marriages - it's about life and love and things not turning out quite the way that you'd expected them to. Every week we join Hetty, Maggie, Jen and Emily as they struggle to resolve their own problems, and support one another.
Hetty ...... Marcia Warren
Maggie ...... Lesley Manville
Jen ...... Sinead Matthews
Emily ...... Lucy Hutchinson
Sylvia ...... Clare Perkins
Producer: Alexandra Smith
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in January 2017.
SAT 04:00 Marriage Lines (b0674hjd)
Series 2
Episode 11
Could a new arrival upset George and Kate's house plans?
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
Patty …. Anna Gilchrist
Neville …. Derek Fowlds
Jean …. Rosemary Miller
Miles …. Edward de Souza
Dr Bennett …. Frederick Treves
Producer: Charles Maxwell
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in May 1967.
SAT 04:30 Big Jim and the Figaro Club (b008klgb)
Up the Pole
When Harold Perkins befriends the Carnival Queen, the workmates plot a little sabotage.
Six anarchic tales from those demob days “when we was going to build the new Jerusalem - you know, before the world turned lax and sour”.
Written by Ted Walker.
Narrated by Bernard Cribbins.
Big Jim …. Norman Rossington
Harold Perkins …. Roland Curram
Old Ned …. Harold Goodwin
Nimrod …. David John
Turps … Sylvester McCoy
Chick …. David Beckett
Harry …. Steven Harrold
Miss James …. Carol Hawkins
Producer: Martin Fisher
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1987.
SAT 05:00 The 3rd Degree (m000xkz0)
Series 11
Nottingham Trent University
Steve Punt hosts the battle of wits as three students from Nottingham Trent University take on their professors.
A funny and dynamic quiz show with specialist subjects including English literature, broadcast journalism and law.
Questions range from oblate spheroids to Grover Cleveland via Le Corbusier and BT Openreach.
Producer: David Tyler
A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in July 2021.
SAT 05:30 In and Out of the Kitchen (b017ckf5)
Series 1
September 18th to 24th
Damien 's routine is thrown into disarray when Anthony's goddaughter, Libby, is sent to stay with them for "respite".
Meanwhile, Anthony finally has his long-awaited job interview and Damien is offered the chance to front his own TV cookery show.
More entries from the kitchen diary of cookery writer, Damien Trench - "no matter how grizzly" as he puts it "or, indeed, how gristly".
Written by and starring Miles Jupp.
The programme also features Damien's easy-to-follow recipes for:
* Cracking crepes Suzette
* Spanish-as-sangria, "chorizo und patatas"
* A tastebud tantalising, Beef Oxford.
Damien Trench ...... Miles Jupp
Anthony ...... Justin Edwards
Damien's Mother ...... Selina Cadell
Mr Mullaney ...... Brendan Dempsey
Ian Frobisher ...... Philip Fox
Libby/Angie ...... Maggie Service
Producer: Sam Michell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2011.
SAT 06:00 Owen Holder - Love's Old Sweet Song (m001xf6g)
Isabel and Olive are identical twins in their eighties. Life is serene. But when Frank, a retired doctor, comes on the scene they discover that it's not too late at eighty for love to disrupt their friendship.
Written by Owen Holder.
Olive/Isabel .... Mary Wimbush
Young Olive/Isabel .... Jenny Funnell
George .... Bernard Brown
Lilian .... Gwen Cherrell
Florence .... Tessa Worsley
Thomas .... Colin Starkey
Harry .... Simon Hewitt
Frank .... Godfrey Kenton
Pianist: Geoffrey Brawn
Director: Ian Cotterell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1985.
SAT 07:15 Ernest and Gwendolin (an Old-Fashioned Love Story) (m001xf6j)
It's 1951, and a love affair starts in Greenwich Village. And it involves a couple of geckos...
Read by William Hope.
Written by Jonathan Treitel
Producer: Duncan Minshull
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1997.
SAT 07:30 The Crying Book by Heather Christle (Omnibus) (m000fz08)
Shedding tears is a universal human experience, but why - and how - do we cry?    
American poet Heather Christle has lost her dear friend Bill to suicide and must now reckon with her own depression. In this personal, lyrical book she faces her grief by researching the act of crying.   
In her Ohio home, Christle assembles a “crybrary” in which she investigates the science and art of tears:  from their chemical composition to their depiction in literature. Moving deftly between poetry and prose,  she lays bare her own experience. Following her preoccupation with tears back to its origins, she recalls crying in a car after being dumped; lying in tears on the bathroom floor after an argument with her husband. Anticipating the arrival of her first child, she considers the tears of infants and parents. A friend  and fellow poet dies, so Heather turns to the Internet for crying folklore and remedies for tears.   
When a young Black man is shot by the police in Walmart, Heather’s investigation becomes political and she researches the power and meaning of “white lady tears”. She also mines history for attitudes to crying and mental illness by exploring the relationship between 19th century feminist writer Charlotte Perkins Gilman - who suffered from depression - and her physician Silas Weir Mitchell.   
Finally, Heather visits Bill’s grave and with some help from her mother, makes peace with her own family history of depression.   
The Crying Book is an honest, thought-provoking and surprising reflection on life, loss and mental illness.   
Omnibus of five parts read by Alexandra Metaxa, featuring Paterson Joseph, Alibe Parsons, Oliver Soden and Sofia Pedersen.
Abridged by Joanne Rowntree 
Produced by Miranda Hinkley
Assistant Producer Alexandra Quinn
 
A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in February 2020.
SAT 08:45 Uncle Mort's Celtic Fringe (b007jrjv)
Series 2
Last Respects
Uncle Mort and Carter Brandon tie off their sampling of Welsh hospitality with a funeral.
The conclusion of Peter Tinniswood’s tale of long-suffering Carter Brandon on his travels in Wales with curmudgeonly Uncle Mort.
Uncle Mort …. Stephen Thorne
Carter Brandon …. Sam Kelly
Pat …. Liz Goulding
Mrs Partington …. June Barrie
Mansell Hubert Williams …. Richard Davies
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 September 1996.
SAT 09:00 Not in Front of the Children (b08jpftk)
Series 2
Pastures New
It's moving day for the Corner family, but the removal men are a little too thorough...
Starring Wendy Craig and Francis Matthew.
The comedy mishaps of the Corner family - Jennifer and Henry and their three kids Trudi, Amanda and Robin.
Jennifer Corner …. Wendy Craig
Henry Corner …. Francis Matthews
Mary …. Charlotte Mitchell
Trudi …. Roberta Tovey
Amanda …. Jill Riddick
Robin …. Hugo Keith-Johnston
Removal Man 1 …. Benny Lee
Removal Man 2 …. David Tate
Four series were first shown on BBC TV from 1967 to 1970. Richard Waring adapted his own scripts for this radio version, now fully restored from the original reel-to-reel tapes. Wendy Craig won a Best Actress BAFTA award for the TV version of Not in Front of the Children in 1969.
Music by Ronnie Hazlehurst.
Producer: Trafford Whitelock
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in November 1970.
SAT 09:30 Robbing Hood (m001xf6l)
Norman And The Pearls
Norman Wisdom stars as a small time cook who’s just come out of prison.
Hoping to go straight, he is entrusted to widow Natalie Mathews, who offers him a job and accommodation.
Natalie asks Norman to lose an heirloom, but the heirloom just won't go away.
And the psychiatrist next door wants to know why Norman's talking to trees?
Norman Hood …. Norman Wisdom
Natalie Matthews …. Moira Lister
Dr Doberman …. Andrew Sachs
Miss Conway …. Liza Goddard
Heidwig …. Sally Kinghorn
Michelle …. Siriol Jenkins
Director: Leslie Lawton
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in August 1992.
SAT 10:00 4 Extra Goes Gardening (m000twkq)
1. Great Gardens: Gertrude Jekyll
The great gardener, Gertrude Jekyll, once said:
"A garden is a grand teacher. It teaches patience and careful watchfulness; it teaches industry and thrift; above all it teaches entire trust."
Through her fascination with colour, cottage gardens and experimentation, it has been said she "changed the face of England more than any save the Creator and perhaps Capability Brown".
In the first of three programmes, Penelope Keith explores Miss Jekyll's own 10-acre garden – the enchanting Munstead Wood in Surrey.
Penelope discusses Gertrude's influence and changing horticultural fashions with broadcaster and author, James Wong, author Catherine Horwood and Munstead Wood's head gardener, Annabel Watts
Penelope also unearths some horticultural wisdoms and delights from the BBC sound archive:
* Great Gardens - Gertrude Jekyll meets Chris Serle - BBC Radio 4 - 1984
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra by Pier Productions and first broadcast in February 2014.
SAT 11:00 Owen Holder - Love's Old Sweet Song (m001xf6g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 12:15 Ernest and Gwendolin (an Old-Fashioned Love Story) (m001xf6j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
SAT 12:30 The Crying Book by Heather Christle (Omnibus) (m000fz08)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 13:45 Uncle Mort's Celtic Fringe (b007jrjv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
SAT 14:00 Not in Front of the Children (b08jpftk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 14:30 Robbing Hood (m001xf6l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SAT 15:00 4 Extra Goes Gardening (m000twkq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SAT 16:00 Paul Evans - Owls (b00dx253)
[Repeat of broadcast at 00:00 today]
SAT 16:45 HG Wells (b08wdmr7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 00:45 today]
SAT 17:00 Owen Holder - Love's Old Sweet Song (m001xf6g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 18:15 Ernest and Gwendolin (an Old-Fashioned Love Story) (m001xf6j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
SAT 18:30 The Crying Book by Heather Christle (Omnibus) (m000fz08)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 19:45 Uncle Mort's Celtic Fringe (b007jrjv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
SAT 20:00 Not in Front of the Children (b08jpftk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 20:30 Robbing Hood (m001xf6l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SAT 21:00 4 Extra Goes Gardening (m000twkq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SAT 22:00 Paul Sinha's General Knowledge (m0007wwd)
Series 1
Episode 1
Paul Sinha - comedian, lapsed GP, Chaser and genuinely the fourth best quizzer in the United Kingdom - is here to tell you about... well, everything.
Paul has already told you about history in the Rose d'Or-winning Paul Sinha's History Revision, as well as Britishness (Paul Sinha's Citizenship Test), Magna Carta (The Sinha Carta), the Olympics (The Sinha Games) and, most importantly, cricket (The Sinha Test). But as a competitive quizzer, Paul learns fascinating facts all the time. As a curious man, he then looks up the stories behind those facts and they often turn out to be even more fascinating. In Paul Sinha's General Studies, he shares these stories with you.
This week's show starts with a question about the city in which Paul recently got engaged, and takes you through the worlds of exploration, immigration and politics, ending with a quick quiz on facts about current MPs you may not be aware of. He also takes on the audience, as he challenges them to ask him questions for a change.
Written and performed by Paul Sinha
Produced by Ed Morrish
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in August 2019.
SAT 22:30 I've Never Seen Star Wars (b00j0h9n)
Series 2
Sandi Toksvig
Sandi Toksvig tries on high heels for the first time, samples a Pot Noodle – and attempts to view the world wearing a pair of stilts.
Series in which Marcus Brigstocke invites celebrities to try new experiences.
Producer: Bill Dare
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2009
SAT 23:00 Please Use Other Door (m0014p8w)
Series 1
Episode 3
Naturalistic sketches taking a sometimes dark look at the world of work, relationships, institutions and families. Should helmets be worn by children at all times and the guilty pleasure of schadenfreude.
Performed by: Gabby Best, Will Hartley, Chris Ryman, Rebecca Shorrocks, Witney White and Toby Williams
Writers: Kat Butterfield and Dan Audritt, Sophie Dickson, Laura Major, Rob Darke, Alex Nash and Sam South, Ed Amsden and Tom Coles, Cody Dahler, Toby Williams, Ed Tew, Anna Goodman, Imogen Andrews, Matt Harrison, Carwyn Blayney, Natasha Dhanraj, Alice Etches and Nathalie Antonia, Chris Ryman, Simon Alcock, Leigh Douglas, Chazz Redhead, Paul F Taylor, Jo Wiggins, Cameron Loxdale, Lewis Cook, Owen Petty, Tom Oxenham, Rebecca Heitlinger and Bill Dare.
Produced and created by Bill Dare
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2022.
SAT 23:30 Sarah Millican's Support Group (b00r2cy5)
Series 1
3. 'I'm a clown with a secret'.
'I'm a clown with a secret'
'Do age-gap relationships work?'
'Is 65 in slippers the new 30 in a suit?'
Sarah Millican plays a life counsellor and modern-day agony aunt tackling the nation's problems head on, dishing out real advice for real people.
Assisted by her very own team of experts.
Sarah ...... Sarah Millican
Marion ...... Ruth Bratt
Terry ...... Simon Daye
Judith ...... Susie Blake
Malcolm ...... Mark Heap
Helen ...... Debra Stevenson.
Written by Sarah Millican.
Producer: Lianne Coop
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2010.

SUNDAY 17 MARCH 2024

SUN 00:00 Charles Chilton - Space Force (b007jmbm)
Series 1
2. Towards the Unknown
One of Space Force's crew members, Magnus Carter, reveals the true nature of their latest mission
Charles Chilton's intergalactic adventure starring Barry Foster and Nicky Henson.
Captain Saxon Berry …. Barry Foster
Lemuel ‘Chipper’ Barnett …. Nicky Henson
Magnus Carter …. Nigel Stock
Lauderic Sincere …. Tony Osoba
with Wendy Murray and Teresa Stretfield
Producer: Paul Mayhew-Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in April 1984.
SUN 00:30 Susan Hill - The Woman in Black (b007jlps)
2. A Causeway and a Pony Trap
Solicitor Arthur Kipps feels rattled spending the night in the eerie isolated house of the reclusive Mrs Drablow...
John Woodvine and Robert Glenister star in Susan Hill's chilling ghost story.
Dramatised by Jon Strickland.
.
Young Kipps ...... Robert Glenister
Old Kipps ...... John Woodvine
Esme ...... Paula Tilbrook
Bentley ...... Stuart Richman
Keckwick ...... James Quinn
Music composed by Derek Pearce.
Directed at BBC Manchester by Chris Wallis
First broadcast on BBC Radio 5 in December 1993.
SUN 01:00 Owen Holder - Love's Old Sweet Song (m001xf6g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]
SUN 02:15 Ernest and Gwendolin (an Old-Fashioned Love Story) (m001xf6j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 on Saturday]
SUN 02:30 The Crying Book by Heather Christle (Omnibus) (m000fz08)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Saturday]
SUN 03:45 Uncle Mort's Celtic Fringe (b007jrjv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Saturday]
SUN 04:00 Not in Front of the Children (b08jpftk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Saturday]
SUN 04:30 Robbing Hood (m001xf6l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Saturday]
SUN 05:00 4 Extra Goes Gardening (m000twkq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Saturday]
SUN 06:00 Poetry Extra (m001xfph)
Sylvia Plath and Paul Muldoon
Poet Daljit Nagra revisits the BBC's poetry archive and continues with a special collection of programmes across the month featuring Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes. With a reading from Daljit's Poetry Extra Book of the Month: Egg /Shell by Victoria Kennefick. And, an archive reading from Paul Muldoon to mark St Patrick's Day.
This week Daljit chooses The Living Poet - Sylvia Plath featuring the poet as she introduces a selection of her own poems read by herself and Marvin Kane.
Produced by Anthony Thwaite
First broadcast on the Third Programme in 1961.
Three Score and Ten - Paul Muldoon
Featuring the poet reading his poem 'Loaf' - from the series Work in Progress, 2001
Produced by Sharon Sephton
First broadcast on BBC Radio 3 in 2016.
SUN 06:30 Other People's Children by Joanna Trollope (Omnibus) (m001xfpk)
Episode 2
Joanna Trollope's novel about the traumas and delights of adjusting to a step-family. Read by Penelope Wilton.
Episodes 6-10/10 in this concluding omnibus 2/2.
The complications facing parents when a marriage breaks down and a new relationship begins. Elizabeth tries to cope with Dale, Tom's possessive daughter who, at 25, still behaves like a child. For Dale, no one can replace her dead mother. The rivalries continue and stepmother Josie struggles when Matthew's three children move in with them. Josie reaches the end of her tether with Becky. After the complications of broken marriages, and rebuilt step families ,today is when decisions will be made.
Abridged in ten parts by Pat McLoughlin.
Producer: Di Speirs
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1998.
SUN 07:40 Inheritance Tracks (m001xfpp)
Wynne Evans
Opera star Wynne Evans inherits 'Be My Love' by Mario Lanza and passes on 'Vesperae Solennes de Confessore' by Mozart.
SUN 07:50 The Latvian Locum (Omnibus) (b09h3ry9)
Series 1
Offbeat comic drama following the experiences of Latvian locum Dr Dace Zake - mistakenly hired in the belief she speaks Polish - in a beleaguered medical centre in the deprived South Shore area of Blackpool.
She's late on her first day, incurring the wrath of Jan the receptionist - and she encounters a man throwing up into a carrier bag outside the surgery.
Not a good start to the day.
Starring Dolya Gavanski.
Omnibus of five parts written by Ben Cottam.
Dr Dace Zake .... Dolya Gavanski
Jan .... Michelle Holmes
Chris .... Ben Cottam
Candis .... Talisa Garcia
Jack .... Jack Loxton
Francis .... Sean Barrett
George .... Ian Puleston-Davies
Eileen .... Pippa Haywood
Lauren .... Ciara Baxendale
Director: Alison Crawford
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2018.
SUN 09:00 All Gas and Gaiters (b007jpqw)
Series 2
The Bishop Gives a Present
The Archdeacon's not too keen on celebrating the Dean's silver wedding.
All Gas and Gaiters was a television ecclesiastical sitcom which aired on BBC1 from 1966 to 1971. It was written by the husband-and-wife team Pauline Devaney and Edwin Apps, with the pilot featuring as a one-off in Comedy Playhouse. Selected scripts were later revised for Radio 4.
This programme is an off-air recording, and so does have a few issues with its technical quality – but we hope you enjoy it anyway.
The Archdeacon …. Robertson Hare
The Bishop …. William Mervyn
The Bishop's Chaplain …. Jonathan Cecil
The Dean …. John Barron
Mrs Pugh-Critchley …. Joan Sanderson
Producer: John Dyas
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1972.
SUN 09:30 The Navy Lark (m001xfpw)
Series 10
Mr Philips' Wrong Uniform
Loveable Leslie gets that shrinking feeling after an impromptu dip in the dock.
CPO Pertwee …. Jon Pertwee
Sub-Lieut. Phillips …. Leslie Phillips
Number 1 …. Stephen Murray
Captain Povey .... Richard Caldicot
WREN Chasen …. Heather Chasen
The Admiral/Leading Seaman Goldstein …. Tenniel Evans
Rear Admiral Ironbridge …. Michael Bates
Able Seaman Tiddy …. Lawrie Wyman
Written by Lawrie Wyman.
Producer: Alastair Scott Johnston
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in January 1969.
SUN 10:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m001xfq3)
Comic Castaways 4
Johnny Vegas
From Don McLean to Johnny Cash. Comedian Johnny Vegas talks to Kirsty Young about his music castaway choices.
As a stand-up comic he made his name as one of the most brilliant and unpredictable acts on the circuit. His stage persona was a belligerent drunk who would heckle his own audience. But the more successful he became, the more the similarities between his own life and his stage character seemed to blur. "I found popularity through self-destruction" he says, "and that can be quite addictive".
In recent years, he has cut down on his drinking, lost weight and now got engaged - all part of a plan to ensure he reached his 40th birthday and could be a proper father to his young son. "Life's actually turned around and been very good to me," he says.
DISC ONE: Johnny Cash - Hurt
DISC TWO: Deacon Blue - Dignity
DISC THREE: The Who - Love Reign O'er Me
DISC FOUR: Pulp - Common People
DISC FIVE: Colin Hay - Waiting for My Real Life to Begin
DISC SIX: The Beautiful South - Domino Man
DISC SEVEN: The La’s - There She Goes
DISC EIGHT: Don McLean - Vincent
BOOK CHOICE: The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists - Robert Tressell
LUXURY CHOICE: Kiln
CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Johnny Cash - Hurt
Producer: Leanne Buckle
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2010.
SUN 10:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b0106x58)
Series 2
Identities
You get a very different insight into the natural world when you have the opportunity to study the behaviour of individual animals.
Sir David Attenborough recalls with sumptuous delight spotting a blackbird in his garden with a white feather - "whitey" - giving him a window into the life of blackbirds and what's more, that individual. And, he says, he saw what blackbirds get up to!
David remembers filming spiders and filming chimpanzees, both of which benefited from someone knowing about the individuals - and whether you're a spider or a chimpanzee, you have a personality all of your own.
Written and presented by David Attenborough
Producer: Julian Hector
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2011.
SUN 11:00 Poetry Extra (m001xfph)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 11:30 Other People's Children by Joanna Trollope (Omnibus) (m001xfpk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
SUN 12:40 Inheritance Tracks (m001xfpp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:40 today]
SUN 12:50 The Latvian Locum (Omnibus) (b09h3ry9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:50 today]
SUN 14:00 All Gas and Gaiters (b007jpqw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SUN 14:30 The Navy Lark (m001xfpw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SUN 15:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m001xfq3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 15:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b0106x58)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:45 today]
SUN 16:00 Charles Chilton - Space Force (b007jmbm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 00:00 today]
SUN 16:30 Susan Hill - The Woman in Black (b007jlps)
[Repeat of broadcast at 00:30 today]
SUN 17:00 Poetry Extra (m001xfph)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 17:30 Other People's Children by Joanna Trollope (Omnibus) (m001xfpk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
SUN 18:40 Inheritance Tracks (m001xfpp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:40 today]
SUN 18:50 The Latvian Locum (Omnibus) (b09h3ry9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:50 today]
SUN 20:00 All Gas and Gaiters (b007jpqw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SUN 20:30 The Navy Lark (m001xfpw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SUN 21:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m001xfq3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 21:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b0106x58)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:45 today]
SUN 22:00 Revolting People (b007jrqj)
Series 1
Storm Clouds
The year is 1770 and Baltimore shopkeeper, Samuel Oliphant has much to worry about.
Historical sitcom written by Andy Hamilton and Jay Tarses.
Samuel Oliphant …. Jay Tarses
Sergeant McGurk …. Andy Hamilton
Mary Oliphant …. Sophie Thompson
Captain Brimshaw …. James Fleet
Ezekiel Spriggs …. Hugh Dennis
Cora Oliphant …. Felicity Montagu
Joshua Oliphant …. Tony Maudsley
Mrs Arbuthnot …. Susie Blake
Announcer/Other …. Michael Fenton Stevens
Producer: Paul Mayhew-Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2000.
SUN 22:30 Thanks a Lot, Milton Jones! (m000h2d3)
Series 4
The Theatrical Impresario
Curtain up! Light the lights!
Milton’s got nothing to hit but the people from the rival theatre who are trying to destroy his theatrical dreams.
Mention Milton Jones to most people and the first thing they think is "Help!"
In this series, Milton and his trusty assistant Anton set out to help people and soon find they're embroiled in a new adventure. Because when you're close to the edge, then Milton can give you a push.
Written by Milton with James Cary and Dan Evans.
With regulars:
Tom Goodman-Hill as the ever-faithful Anton
Josie Lawrence
Colin Hoult
Music by Guy Jackson.
Produced and directed by David Tyler.
A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in April 2020.
SUN 23:00 The Masterson Inheritance (b007jq3n)
Series 2
The Gangrene of the Mastersons
The Masterson's epic Crimean War struggle of carnage, carnality and cads.
Award-winning improvised historical comedy series.
Based entirely on audience suggestions - this is the unfolding saga of the Mastersons - a family at war with itself.
Starring:
Paul Merton
Josie Lawrence
Lee Simpson
Jim Sweeney
Phelim McDermott
Caroline Quentin
Producer: Phil Clarke
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1994.
SUN 23:30 Edge Falls (b00drt1r)
Series 2
Episode 6
Innocent celebrations spark disaster at Edge Falls retail park.
Starring Frances Barber and Mark Benton.
Sitcom about the retail park where they stop at nothing to part you from your money.
Written by Paul Barnhill and Neil Warhurst.
Mick ...... Mark Benton
Sonya ...... Frances Barber
Rez ...... Emil Marwa
Valerie ...... Sarah Hadland
Darryl ...... Paul Barnhill
Councillor ...... Neil Warhurst
Miranda ...... Lindsay Allen
Rosa ...... Joan Walker
Manager ...... Stephen Critchlow
Man ...... Ben Crowe
Director: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2008.

MONDAY 18 MARCH 2024

MON 00:00 Poetry Extra (m001xfph)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Sunday]
MON 00:30 Other People's Children by Joanna Trollope (Omnibus) (m001xfpk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Sunday]
MON 01:40 Inheritance Tracks (m001xfpp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:40 on Sunday]
MON 01:50 The Latvian Locum (Omnibus) (b09h3ry9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:50 on Sunday]
MON 03:00 All Gas and Gaiters (b007jpqw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Sunday]
MON 03:30 The Navy Lark (m001xfpw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Sunday]
MON 04:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m001xfq3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Sunday]
MON 04:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b0106x58)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:45 on Sunday]
MON 05:00 Charles Dickens - A Tale of Two Cities (b018g3n8)
1. Recalled to Life
'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times' this novel by Charles Dickens, tells the story of the redemptive powers of love in the face of cruelty, violence and neglect.
Written and published in weekly instalments in 1859, A Tale of Two Cities is set in London and Paris before and during the violence of the French Revolution. The story follows several characters through these events, notably Charles Darnay, a French former aristocrat who falls victim to the indiscriminate wrath of the revolution, and Sydney Carton, a dissipated English barrister who tries to redeem his ill-spent life out of love for Darnay's wife, Lucie Manette.
Although the events in the novel span eight years, the plot develops and builds powerfully from the moment the story opens, with the coded rumours of Dr Manette being 'restored to life' and Dickens orchestrates the wider political picture behind the story of Lucie, Darnay and Carton, with his customary brilliance.
Charles Dickens ...................... Robert Lindsay
Jarvis Lorry ............................... Jonathan Coy
Miss Pross ................................ Alison Steadman
Lucie Manette ......................... Lydia Wilson
Dr Alexandre Manette ......... Karl Johnson
Charles Darnay ....................... Andrew Scott
Ernest Defarge ....................... James Lailey
Therese Defarge ................... Tracy Wiles
Gaspard ................................... Simon Bubb
Jerry Cruncher ....................... Carl Prekopp
Joe .............................................. Rikki Lawton
With Adam Billington and Christopher Webster
Dramatised by Mike Walker
Music by Lennert Busch
Directed by Jessica Dromgoole and Jeremy Mortimer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2011.
MON 05:45 A Healthy Congregation by Rhidian Brook (m001xfcj)
A vicar faces the closure of his church due to a fall in attendance. So he comes up with an unusual plan to boost his congregation.
Read by lestyn Jones.
Producer Caroline Sarll
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1997.
MON 06:00 Whodunnits (m001xfc5)
Hercule Poirot - Dumb Witness
1. The Letter
One morning, Hercule Poirot's post includes a distressing communication from an elderly spinster seeking his help, but not saying why.
However, what intrigues him most is that the letter was written two months ago. He persuades Captain Hastings that they must investigate immediately.
Written by Agatha Christie.
Dramatised by Michael Bakewell.
Poirot .............. John Moffatt
Hastings ...........Simon Williams
Miss Lawson .....Joanna David
Miss Peabody....Rosalind Knight
Ellen.................Elizabeth Proud
Theresa............Tracy Wiles
Charles..............Ifan Meredith
Bella..................Becky Hindley
Dr Tanios ...........Sam Dale
Chemist..............Damian Lynch
Bob the dog ........Richard Beadsmoore
Music composed by Tom Smail.
Director/Producer: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2006.
BILLING ENDS
MON 06:45 Whodunnits (b013f0xp)
Village SOS by Val McDermid
1. Murder Call
DCI Marion Bettany (Helen Baxendale) and DS John Hodgson investigate a murder in the sleepy Northumbrian village of Shilwick.
They love their work, they enjoy each other's company and like nothing better than investigating a new crime. The only thing that makes life difficult is dealing with the public. Take the residents of the former mining community of Shilwick, for example.
A new detective team created for BBC Radio 4 by award-winning author Val McDermid, creator of TV's Wire in the Blood.
Village SOS is a fictional version of the BBC One series of the same name.
DCI Marion Bettany ..... Helen Baxendale
DS John Hodgson ..... David Seddon
Kai Ling Arnott ..... Liz Sutherland
Colin Arnott ..... Antony Byrne
Pamela McIntosh ..... Elaine Claxton
Marcus Francis ..... Adrian Grove
Tilly Francis ..... Rachel Bavidge
Tom Briggs ..... Christian Rodska
Producer / Director: Fiona Kelcher
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2011.
MON 07:00 Sunshine and Laughter by Louis Barfe (m000z5vg)
1. Getting Together
Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise met for the first time at the Swansea Empire in the 1930s, while appearing as separate acts in one of Jack Hylton’s touring variety shows.
Both were successful child stars, and each recognised a kindred spirit instantly. They were soon touring together with Sadie, Eric’s redoubtable mother, finding them digs and looking out for them.
They learnt their trade the hard way with periods of 'resting' and several flops – on the Ed Sullivan show in New York they had to re-write virtually the entire act for the American sense of humour. But the hard won experience gained on the way up proved the making of them.
With brilliant writers like Eddie Braben, Morecambe and Wise found success first at ATV, then at the BBC with The Morecambe and Wise Show, which included stunning and legendary sketches with Andre Previn, Shirley Bassey and Angela Rippon.
Morecambe and Wise became a national institution. Their shows topped the ratings right up until the death of Eric Morecambe in 1984. Ernie Wise soldiered on professionally, but he was now only half a star, and it was clear that for the rest of his life, after a partnership of five decades, Ernie would be searching for his dear friend.
Sunshine and Laughter: The Story of Morecambe & Wise written by Louis Barfe
Reader: Penelope Keith
Abridger: Libby Spurrier
Producer: Celia de Wolff
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in August 2021
MON 07:15 Cry Babies (m0008wsm)
Series 1
1. Preg/Not Preg
Sally and Bea are best friends in their late 30s - which means it's crunch time. The decisions they make now will affect them forever.
They meet whenever they can for coffee, but life - work, money, family - is in danger of pushing them apart.
Montserrat Lombard and Ophelia Lovibond star in this frank and funny exploration of female friendship in all its gruesome glory.
Sally .... Montserrat Lombard
Bea .... Ophelia Lovibond
Dave .... Shaun Mason
Writer .... E V Crowe
Director .... Abigail le Fleming
THE WRITER
E V Crowe is a graduate of the Royal Court Young Writers Programme Super Group.
Her first play ‘Kin’ was nominated for the Most Promising Playwright at the Evening Standard Awards, her second Royal Court play, ‘Hero’ was part of the Olivier Award winning Season in the Theatre Upstairs. Her third play for the Royal Court The Sewing Group was performed in the JTU in November 2017.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2019.
MON 07:30 Mum's on the Run (b00tjf58)
Episode 2
Volunteering to do the Crocodile Walk into school to get brownie points with the other mothers, is not Jen's idea of fun in torrential rain.
A quiet parent's evening becomes a farcical attempt by Jen and ex-husband Keith to recreate the execution of Charles I.
Mum's on the Run is a modern-day twist on the single-family situation. It follows the hectic life ("What life?") of single mum, Jen.
Starring Ronni Ancona.
Mother of two, Master of none - Jen seems to spend most of her time as an unpaid chauffeur to a 15 year-old teenage existentialist son, Toby, and a tonally challenged recorder-practising 11 year-old daughter, Felicity
She must also cope with her jazz musician ex-husband, the fiercely competitive and annoying downstairs neighbour and a huge crush on her son's history teacher.
Written by Alexis Zegerman.
Jen ..... Ronni Ancona
Mr Rigby ..... John Gordon Sinclair
Shelly ..... Alexis Zegerman
Vivienne/ Shania's Mum ..... Christine Kavanagh
Keith ..... Kevin Eldon
Felicity ..... Amy Dabrowa
Toby ..... Alexander Heath
Karina ..... Amaya Rowlands
Connor ..... Pip Woolley
Shania ..... Matilda Palmer
David ..... Mischa Goodman
Adam .....Caleb Hughes
Producer Dawn Ellis
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2010.
MON 08:00 Steptoe and Son (b007jn1s)
Series 5
Come Dancing
Albert sets out to help son Harold to conquer his fear of ballroom dancing.
Starring Wilfrid Brambell and Harry H Corbett.
Following the conclusion of their hugely successful association with Tony Hancock, writers Galton & Simpson wrote 10 pilots for the BBC TV's Comedy Playhouse in 1962.
The Offer featured the lives of rag and bone men Albert Steptoe and son Harold - and was the spark for a run of eight series on TV.
Albert ...... Wilfrid Brambell
Harold ...... Harry H Corbett
Milkman ...... Clifford Norgate
Written for TV and adapted for radio by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.
Produced by Bobby Jaye
First broadcast on the BBC Radio 2 in June 1974.
MON 08:30 Winston (b007qq36)
Winston Comes to Town
Line of Communication
Cunning rogue Winston has stowed away in a yellow removal van to follow the family to London.
Peter Tinniswood's bawdy comedy serial.
Winston ...... Bill Wallis
Father ...... Maurice Denham
Nancy ...... Shirley Dixon
Rosie ...... Liz Goulding
William ...... Christian Rodska
Director: Shaun MacLoughlin.
First broadcast on BBC Radio in January 1990.
MON 09:00 Many a Slip (b007js24)
From 30/05/1978
Quizmaster Roy Plomley challenges his contestants to spot the mistakes.
Eleanor Summerfield and Gillian Reynolds
battle
David Nixon and Tim Rice
With some tune-twisters from Steve Race
Devised and written by Ian Messiter.
Producer: Martin Fisher
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1978.
MON 09:30 Sneakiepeeks (b00pqn27)
Two of Our Spies Are Missing
When Bill meets the organisation's most effective but least sane assassin, it's up to Sharla and Mark to find them.
Comedy by Harry Venning and Neil Brand about a team of inept, backstabbing surveillance operatives.
Bill ...... Richard Lumsden
Sharla ...... Nina Conti
Mark ...... Daniel Kaluuya
Ian ...... Paterson Joseph
Mrs Davies ...... Lucy Montgomery
Channing ...... Ewan Bailey
Tim the Tea Boy ...... Joe Thomas
Secretary ...... Tessa Nicholson
Other parts played by the cast.
Producer: Katie Tyrrell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2010.
MON 10:00 Charles Dickens - A Tale of Two Cities (b018g3n8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
MON 10:45 A Healthy Congregation by Rhidian Brook (m001xfcj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:45 today]
MON 11:00 Whodunnits (m001xfc5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 11:45 Whodunnits (b013f0xp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]
MON 12:00 Sunshine and Laughter by Louis Barfe (m000z5vg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 12:15 Cry Babies (m0008wsm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
MON 12:30 Mum's on the Run (b00tjf58)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 13:00 Steptoe and Son (b007jn1s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 13:30 Winston (b007qq36)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 14:00 Many a Slip (b007js24)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
MON 14:30 Sneakiepeeks (b00pqn27)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
MON 15:00 Charles Dickens - A Tale of Two Cities (b018g3n8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
MON 15:45 A Healthy Congregation by Rhidian Brook (m001xfcj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:45 today]
MON 16:00 Whodunnits (m001xfc5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 16:45 Whodunnits (b013f0xp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]
MON 17:00 Sunshine and Laughter by Louis Barfe (m000z5vg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 17:15 Cry Babies (m0008wsm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
MON 17:30 Mum's on the Run (b00tjf58)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 18:00 Steptoe and Son (b007jn1s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 18:30 Winston (b007qq36)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 19:00 Many a Slip (b007js24)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
MON 19:30 Sneakiepeeks (b00pqn27)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
MON 20:00 Radiolab (m001xfcz)
Series 11
The Weather Report
Radiolab explores the impact of 1940’s meteorologist, Irving P. Krick, who made weather a product.
Radiolab is a Peabody-award winning show about curiosity. Where sound illuminates ideas, and the boundaries blur between science, philosophy, and the human experience.
With Lulu Miller and Latif Nasser.
The Radiolab team investigate a strange world.
From WNYC. First broadcast on public radio in the USA in 2022.
MON 20:55 Inheritance Tracks (b06qm7w6)
Mary Black
Folk singer Mary Black chooses Ewan MacColl's Schooldays Over and Bob Dylan's Forever Young.
MON 21:00 A Good Read (b07wt5tl)
Vince Cable and Ann Widdecombe
Former politicians- and Strictly Come Dancing dancers - Ann Widdecombe and Vince Cable talk to Harriett Gilbert about their favourite books by Jonathan Dimbleby, Robert Harris and Ernest Hemingway.
Destiny in the Desert by Jonathan Dimbleby
Publisher: Profile
An Officer and a Spy by Robert Harris
Publisher: Arrow
A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway
Publisher: Vintage
Producer: Sally Heaven
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2016.
MON 21:30 Rabbit Redux by John Updike (b09h2z84)
6. Friend in Need
Jill brings home a friend in need, Janice asks Harry for a divorce, and Harry is caught between a rock and a hard place, scared by all these sudden and drastic changes.
John Updike's masterful Rabbit quintet established Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom as the quintessential American White middle class male. The first book Rabbit, Run was published in 1960 to critical acclaim. Rabbit Redux is the second in the series, published in 1971 and charting the end of the sixties - featuring, among other things, the first American moon landing and the Vietnam War.
Despite its very strong language, sex, and reflection of racist attitudes of the time, Time Magazine said of the book and its author, "Updike owns a rare verbal genius, a gifted intelligence and a sense of tragedy made bearable by wit. A masterpiece."
It's extraordinary how many of its themes reverberate down to the present day.
Abridged by Eileen Horne
Read by Toby Jones
Produced by Clive Brill
A Brill production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2017.
MON 21:45 Anna's War by Lizzie Nunnery (b03srgrd)
1. We're Watching You
Based on the true and extraordinary story of Anna Politkovskaya, the courageous Russian newspaper journalist murdered in 2006.
The drama series looks at five key events from her life with respect to Politkovskaya's work in Chechnya, from 1999 - up to her murder in 2006.
In the first episode, Anna wants to help evacuate 85 elderly, frail, sick people from an old people's home in war torn Grozny who have been abandoned there by the authorities. But there is opposition "they could be terrorists disguised as old people" and Anna is advised to pretend she is only going to save the Russians. Meanwhile, her marriage finally breaks apart under the strain.
Drama written by Lizzie Nunnery
Anna Politkovskaya...... Anastasia Hille
Dmitry Muratov ..... Conrad Nelson
Elena Kudimova..... Fiona Clarke
Maka ..... Christine Cox
Lucia ....... Pauline Jefferson
Ivan Bogomolov ..... Max Bollinger
Alexander Politkovsky...... Andrew Byron
Produced and Directed by Pauline Harris
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2014.
MON 22:00 One Person Found This Helpful (m001x4xg)
Series 1
4. Crouching Chicken Hidden Ladder
Frank and guests Catherine Bohart, Daliso Chaponda, Shaparak Khorsandi and Ian Smith find out what you think about lemons, sharks and a very painful ladder.
This is the panel game based on what we all sit down and do at least once a day – shop online and leave a review, as an all-star panel celebrate the good, the bad and the baffling.
Written by Frank Skinner, Catherine Brinkworth, Sarah Dempster, Jason Hazeley, Rajiv Karia, Karl Minns, Katie Sayer & Peter Tellouche
Devised by Jason Hazeley and Simon Evans with the producer David Tyler
A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4
MON 22:30 Goodness Gracious Me (b008x8fx)
Series 1
Episode 1
The teenage Bhangramuffins are DJing, the Maharisha Yogi is lecturing - and the hungry comedy team go for an 'English'.
Starring:
Sanjeev Bhaskar
Kulvinder Ghir
Nitin Sawhney
Meera Syal
Nina Wadia
Gold Winner of the Sony Radio Academy Awards. The sketch comedy show originally ran on BBC Radio 4 from 1996 to 1998, later transferring to TV on BBC Two from 1998 to 2001.
Written by Sharat Sardana, Richard Pinto and the cast.
Producer: Gareth Edwards & Anil Gupta
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1996.
MON 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m001xrfb)
Rachel Parris 1/2
Jon Holmes chats to Rachel Parris about her upcoming tour show.
MON 23:00 The Now Show (m001x5c0)
Series 64
Episode 1
Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches. Featuring Marcus Brigstocke unpacking screen addiction and Ria Lina on the International Women's Day - Oscars overlap, and an original song from Ed MacArthur.
The show was written by the cast with additional material from David Duncan, Aidan Fitzmaurice, Jade Gebbie and Christina Riggs.
Voice Actors: Gemma Arrowsmith and Jason Forbes.
Producer: Rajiv Karia
Production Coordinator: Caroline Barlow
A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4
MON 23:30 Rhys James (b09qfwt5)
Rhys James Is ...
Introspective
Comedian Rhys James explores different aspects of himself through live stand up, spoken word poetry and interview clips.
In this final episode, he reads a letter he wrote to his future self when he was 10.
'You don't need to find out who you are. It's about finding out who you is".
Written and performed by Rhys James
With Rhys's Mum and Dad.
Music by Steve Dunne.
Sound by David Thomas.
Producer: Carl Cooper
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in January 2018.
MON 23:45 Late (b00762wl)
4. From Travelling to Telephoning
A busy maternity unit, two women on a train fantasise about each others' lives - and a man wonders whether to phone the woman of his dreams.
Bleak, funny and confusing tales of urban life, after dark.
Starring:
Paul Merton
Richard Wilson
Julian Clary
Meera Syal
Julie Balloo
Tilly Vosburgh
Written by Mandy Wheeler, Tilly Vosburgh, Rob Colley, Paul Merton and Julie Balloo.
Music by Robert Katz.
Producer: Sarah Parkinson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2001.

TUESDAY 19 MARCH 2024

TUE 00:00 Charles Dickens - A Tale of Two Cities (b018g3n8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 on Monday]
TUE 00:45 A Healthy Congregation by Rhidian Brook (m001xfcj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:45 on Monday]
TUE 01:00 Whodunnits (m001xfc5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]
TUE 01:45 Whodunnits (b013f0xp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 on Monday]
TUE 02:00 Sunshine and Laughter by Louis Barfe (m000z5vg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Monday]
TUE 02:15 Cry Babies (m0008wsm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 on Monday]
TUE 02:30 Mum's on the Run (b00tjf58)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:00 Steptoe and Son (b007jn1s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Monday]
TUE 03:30 Winston (b007qq36)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Monday]
TUE 04:00 Many a Slip (b007js24)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:30 Sneakiepeeks (b00pqn27)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Monday]
TUE 05:00 Charles Dickens - A Tale of Two Cities (b018g6x1)
2. The Old Order
Lucie Manette stands as witness at Charles Darnay's Old Bailey trial for treason, where his defence team includes the dissolute Sydney Carton. Meanwhile, an incident in a Paris street stirs revolutionary fervour.
Charles Dickens .... Robert Lindsay
Jarvis Lorry .... Jonathan Coy
Lucie Manette .... Lydia Wilson
Dr Alexandre Manette .... Karl Johnson
Charles Darnay .... Andrew Scott
Sydney Carton .... Paul Ready
Ernest Defarge .... James Lailey
Therese Defarge .... Tracy Wiles
Marquis St Evremonde .... Clive Merrison
Stryver .... Simon Bubb
Barsad .... Gerard McDermott
Jerry Cruncher .... Carl Prekopp
Mrs Cruncher .... Adjoa Andoh
Natty Cruncher .... Daniel Cooper
Gabelle …. Adam Billington
Attorney General .... Paul Moriarty
With Christopher Webster
By Charles Dickens
Dramatised by Mike Walker
Music by Lennert Busch
Directed by Jessica Dromgoole and Jeremy Mortimer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2011.
TUE 05:45 Please Don't by Erica Wagner (m001xd60)
"I like it here - I get left alone..." But then a woman researching a book about Iceland in the British Library, finds some mysterious notes asking her not to chew gum and not to sigh!
Short story written by Erica Wagner
Read by Saira Todd
Producer Jill Waters
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1997.
TUE 06:00 Whodunnits (m001xd55)
Hercule Poirot - Dumb Witness
2. The Murder Trail
Hercule Poirot and Captain Hastings are now on the trail of murder, and a little wire-haired terrier is proving very helpful in their deliberations.
Written by Agatha Christie.
Cast:
Hercule Poirot .... John Moffatt
Hastings .... Simon Williams
Miss Lawson .... Joanna David
Bella Tanios .... Becky Hindley
Dr Tanios .... Sam Dale
Theresa Arundell .... Tracy Wiles
Charles Arundell .... Ifan Meredith
Chemist .... Damian Lynch
Bob the dog .... Richard Beadsmoore
Dramatised by Michael Bakewell.
Music Tom Smail.
Producer/Director: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2006.
TUE 06:45 Whodunnits (b013f4q4)
Village SOS by Val McDermid
2. Reluctant Residents
DCI Marion Bettany, played by Helen Baxendale, continues her investigation into Colin Arnott's murder, but the residents of Shilwick are curiously reluctant to help.
Colin's plans to turn a deconsecrated chapel into a performing arts centre had ruffled feathers throughout the village, and Bettany wants to know if that's a strong enough motive for murder.
A new detective team created for BBC Radio 4 by award-winning author Val McDermid, creator of TV's Wire in the Blood.
Village SOS is a fictional version of the BBC One series of the same name.
DCI Marion Bettany ..... Helen Baxendale
DS John Hodgson ..... David Seddon
Pamela McIntosh ..... Elaine Claxton
Tilly Francis ..... Rachel Bavidge
Marcus Francis ..... Adrian Grove
Peter Robson ..... Shaun Prendergast
Producer / Director: Fiona Kelcher
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2011.
TUE 07:00 Sunshine and Laughter by Louis Barfe (m000z5k3)
2. You're Only Young Once
Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise met for the first time at the Swansea Empire in the 1930s, while appearing as separate acts in one of Jack Hylton’s touring variety shows.
The pair become flatmates with an easy going landlady and join Sanger's Circus. Ernie meets a dancer called Doreen and Eric meets a former Miss Margate called Joan - weddings are announced.
Reader: Penelope Keith
Written by Louis Barfe
Abridger: Libby Spurrier
Producer: Celia de Wolff
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in September 2021.
TUE 07:15 Cry Babies (m0008y46)
Series 1
2. Near Break Up
Ophelia Lovibond and Montserrat Lombard star in a frank and funny exploration of female friendship in all its gruesome glory.
Sally and Bea are best friends in their late 30s - which means it's crunch time. The decisions they make now will affect them forever.
They meet whenever they can for coffee, but Life - work, money, family - is in danger of pushing them apart.
Sally and Bea discuss the need to be 'loaded' in order to have a baby.
Sally .... Montserrat Lombard
Bea .... Ophelia Lovibond
Writer .... E V Crowe
Director .... Abigail le Fleming
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2019.
TUE 07:30 Jack & Millie (m000mr4s)
Series 2
Street Party
Millie’s son Melvin has given her a new tablet with a voice recorder.
So, Jack & Millie have decided to record everything that happens to them - and for this, we should be grateful?
Well YES! - because this is a comedy show written by Jeremy Front, who stars with Rebecca Front as Jack & Millie Lemman - an older couple who are fully engaged with contemporary life whilst being at war with the absurdities of the modern world...
Jack............Jeremy Front
Millie..........Rebecca Front
Shirley........Tracy-Ann Oberman
Harry...........Nigel Lindsay
Melvin........Harry Peacock
Delphine....Jenny Bede
Written by Jeremy Front
Produced by David Tyler
A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in September 2020.
TUE 08:00 The Goon Show (b007jlcp)
Series 5
The Dreaded Batter Pudding Hurler of Bexhill-on-Sea
Constable Neddie Seagoon sets out to apprehend Minnie and Henry's Sussex assailant.
Groundbreaking, surreal BBC radio comedy written by Spike Milligan and Larry Stephens.
Starring:
Peter Sellers
Harry Secombe
Spike Milligan
First billed as Crazy People, ten series of The Goon Show were recorded between 1951 and 1960, but sadly many of the earliest shows weren’t kept in the archive.
With the Ray Ellington Quartet and Max Geldray.
Orchestra conducted by Wally Stott.
Announcer: Wallace Greenslade
Producer: Peter Eton
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in October 1954.
TUE 08:30 The Michael Bentine Show (b008x0wg)
From 19/02/1984
From Russian spies to a tour of BBC sound effects department.
Michael Bentine in the ultimate one man show written and performed by the host.
Producer: Jamie Rix
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in February 1984.
TUE 09:00 The Personality Test (b00mbl3k)
Series 1
Jennie Bond
Former BBC Royal Correspondent Jennie Bond quizzes a panel about herself.
Battling with queries based on Jennie's life, whims and interests are:
Robin Ince
Will Smith
Natalie Haynes
Sue Perkins
Series in which a fresh host every episode quizzes a comedy panel about themselves.
Script by Richard Turner.
Devised and produced by Aled Evans.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2006.
TUE 09:30 Artists (b00y9453)
Series 1
A Brush With Death
Gerard organises Tamsin's first solo exhibition, but she's got so much else to do. Stars Vicki Pepperdine. From April 2003.
TUE 10:00 Charles Dickens - A Tale of Two Cities (b018g6x1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
TUE 10:45 Please Don't by Erica Wagner (m001xd60)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:45 today]
TUE 11:00 Whodunnits (m001xd55)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 11:45 Whodunnits (b013f4q4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]
TUE 12:00 Sunshine and Laughter by Louis Barfe (m000z5k3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 12:15 Cry Babies (m0008y46)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
TUE 12:30 Jack & Millie (m000mr4s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 13:00 The Goon Show (b007jlcp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 13:30 The Michael Bentine Show (b008x0wg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 14:00 The Personality Test (b00mbl3k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
TUE 14:30 Artists (b00y9453)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
TUE 15:00 Charles Dickens - A Tale of Two Cities (b018g6x1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
TUE 15:45 Please Don't by Erica Wagner (m001xd60)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:45 today]
TUE 16:00 Whodunnits (m001xd55)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 16:45 Whodunnits (b013f4q4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]
TUE 17:00 Sunshine and Laughter by Louis Barfe (m000z5k3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 17:15 Cry Babies (m0008y46)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
TUE 17:30 Jack & Millie (m000mr4s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 18:00 The Goon Show (b007jlcp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 18:30 The Michael Bentine Show (b008x0wg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 19:00 The Personality Test (b00mbl3k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
TUE 19:30 Artists (b00y9453)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
TUE 20:00 TED Radio Hour (m001xd6m)
Doppelgangers
A journey through fascinating ideas based on talks by riveting speakers on the TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) stage.
Manoush Zomorodi explores the idea of the double, from our online mirror world, to the Earth’s twin, to the uncanny second self.
First broadcast in the USA on National Public Radio in 2024.
TUE 20:50 Witness History (m001xd76)
The Failed Kidnapping of Princess Anne
Royal Protection Officer, Jim Beaton, describes the failed 1974 kidnap attempt on Princess Anne.
On 20th March 1974, recently married Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips were returning to Buckingham Palace following an engagement in London. On The Mall, their limousine was blocked by another car, driven by lone gunman Ian Ball. Jim Beaton describes the dramatic events, including being shot three times as he protected the Princess.
Produced and presented by Mike Lanchin.
First broadcast on the BBC World Service in March 2014.
TUE 21:00 Making Tracks (m001xd7t)
4. Basing St Studios
Paul Morley explores a history of popular music through some of the iconic recording studios in which classic albums were created.
Without recording studios, music as we know it would simply not exist. They play a crucial role in the structure and fabric of the music recorded there - the sounds moulded by the studio space itself.
Paul Morley returns to Basing Street Studios, home to Island Records and then his own ZTT label. These were the very rooms in which everyone from Led Zeppelin, Cat Stevens and Bob Marley through to Frankie Goes to Hollywood, the Art of Noise and Grace Jones recorded some of their most iconic albums.
In the company of Island's Chris Blackwell and ZTT's Trevor Horn, as well as legendary engineer Tony Platt, Paul attempts to find out what it was about this particular space that led to some of the most memorable recordings of the 70s and 80s.
Producer: Paul Kobrak
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2012.
TUE 21:30 Rabbit Redux by John Updike (b09h3rck)
7. New Experiences
Skeeter's presence at Vista Crescent is taking its toll on Jill, Nelson and the neighbourhood. But meanwhile, Harry's mind is opening to some new ideas and experiences.
John Updike's masterful Rabbit quintet established Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom as the quintessential American White middle class male. The first book Rabbit, Run was published in 1960 to critical acclaim. Rabbit Redux is the second in the series, published in 1971 and charting the end of the sixties - featuring, among other things, the first American moon landing and the Vietnam War.
Despite its very strong language, sex, and reflection of racist attitudes of the time, Time Magazine said of the book and its author, "Updike owns a rare verbal genius, a gifted intelligence and a sense of tragedy made bearable by wit. A masterpiece."
It's extraordinary how many of its themes reverberate down to the present day.
Abridged by Eileen Horne
Read by Toby Jones
Produced by Clive Brill
A Brill production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2017.
TUE 21:45 Anna's War by Lizzie Nunnery (b03srqzh)
2. We Shoot Rats Here
Based on the true story of Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya who was murdered in 2006.
The inhabitants of a Chechen mountain village have written to Anna asking for her to investigate recent torture by the Russian army on civilians there. Anna interviews an elderly woman who was kept in a 12' outdoor pit - but then Anna herself is captured by Russian soldiers.
Anna Politkovskaya...... Anastasia Hille
Dmitry Muratov ...... Conrad Nelson
Elena Kudimova....... Fiona Clarke
Vera Politkovskaya....... Harriet Chandler Judd
Ilya Politkovsky...... Max Bollinger
Lieutenant ...... Andrew Bryon
Rozita ...... Christine Cox
Drama in 5 episodes by Lizzie Nunnery
Produced and directed by Pauline Harris
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2014.
TUE 22:00 ReincarNathan (m000ln01)
Series 2
Max
Nathan Blakely was a popstar, but he died and was reincarnated. The last in the current series of the comedy starring Daniel Rigby and Diane Morgan. Daniel Lawrence Taylor guests.
In this final episode, Nathan has sacked Jenny and now has a brand new spiritual advisor, Max (Daniel Lawrence Taylor), who promises to get him straight up the reincarnation ladder and back up to human again. And sure enough, Nathan races from dung beetle to pig to penguin in no time. But it soon becomes clear that Max’s methods are morally dubious, and Nathan must reunite with Jenny if he is to save himself. And the world!
Cast:
Diane Morgan - Jenny
Daniel Rigby - Nathan
Daniel Lawrence Taylor - Max
Freya Parker - Dung Beetle, Warthog, Stick Insect, Farmer's Wife, Vortex
Tom Craine - Farmer, Stick Insect
Henry Paker - Pig, Airport Security
A Talkback production for BBC Radio 4
TUE 22:30 Josh Howie's Losing It (m0000m7q)
Series 2
The Visitor
Return of stand-up comic Josh Howie coming to terms with with the birth of his first child.
Josh and his wife Monique prepare for a visit from the health visitor - who Josh manages to get on the wrong side of, as only he can.
Sitcom starring Josh Howie and Pippa Evans.
Written by Josh Howie.
Josh ...... Josh Howie
Monique ...... Pippa Evans
With:
Kerry Godliman
Julian Deane
Jonathan Kemp
Producer: Ashley Blaker
A Black Hat production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in October 2018.
TUE 23:00 The John Moloney Show (m0007kt3)
Series 4
Britain's Most Expensive Mouse
The Godfather of British stand-up John Moloney returns to the live stage to share his latest tribulations of modern life.
John goes toe-to-toe with the law. Consumer law to be precise. What could be better than an afternoon of kitchen shopping, long phone calls to your credit card company and the opportunity to find the most expensive mouse in the country?
Featuring Karen Bartke.
Produced by Richard Melvin.
A Dabster production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August in 2019.
TUE 23:15 Tom Parry's Fancy Dressed Life (b08mqtgg)
Series 1
Max
It's the annual Parry family party and, as if you needed reminding, it's Fancy Dress.
Tom is rather pleased with his typically obscure nay gloriously inaccessible choice of costume but some unhelpfully nightmarish flashbacks to his university days threaten to spoil his enjoyment of the day.
Written by and starring: Tom Parry,
With:
Ben Clarke
Celeste Dring
Gareth Pierce
Tom Parry is an award winning comedian, writer and actor whose credits include Miranda, Phone Shop and Drunk History. For more than a decade he has been part of the multi-award winning sketch team, Pappy's.
Producer: Richard Morris
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in April 2017.
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 20 MARCH 2024

WED 00:00 Charles Dickens - A Tale of Two Cities (b018g6x1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 on Tuesday]
WED 00:45 Please Don't by Erica Wagner (m001xd60)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:45 on Tuesday]
WED 01:00 Whodunnits (m001xd55)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:45 Whodunnits (b013f4q4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 on Tuesday]
WED 02:00 Sunshine and Laughter by Louis Barfe (m000z5k3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Tuesday]
WED 02:15 Cry Babies (m0008y46)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 on Tuesday]
WED 02:30 Jack & Millie (m000mr4s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:00 The Goon Show (b007jlcp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Tuesday]
WED 03:30 The Michael Bentine Show (b008x0wg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Tuesday]
WED 04:00 The Personality Test (b00mbl3k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:30 Artists (b00y9453)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Tuesday]
WED 05:00 Charles Dickens - A Tale of Two Cities (b018gqzp)
3. Two Promises
In a Paris wine shop information is exchanged about the courtship of Lucie Manette and Charles Darnay, and, in London, it appears that a wedding is indeed in the air.
Charles Dickens .... Robert Lindsay
Jarvis Lorry .... Jonathan Coy
Miss Pross ... Alison Steadman
Dr Alexandre Manette .... Karl Johnson
Lucie Manette .... Lydia Wilson
Charles Darnay ... Andrew Scott
Sydney Carton .... Paul Ready
Ernest Defarge .... James Lailey
Therese Defarge .... Tracy Wiles
Barsad .... Gerard McDermott
Jerry Cruncher .... Carl Prekopp
Natty Cruncher .... Daniel Cooper
Prison Warder .... Simon Bubb
With Adam Billington and Christopher Webster
1859 novel by Charles Dickens
Dramatised by Mike Walker
Music by Lennert Busch
Directed by Jessica Dromgoole and Jeremy Mortimer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2011.
WED 05:45 Crumbs by Michelene Wandor (b0761dhm)
Her husband's adultery should mark the end of their marriage. But life isn't so simple.
Written by Michelene Wandor.
Read by Shirley Dixon.
Producer: Pam Fraser Solomon
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1997.
WED 06:00 Drama on 4 (b062jy8y)
The Gold Killing
1. Temptation
Boxer turned businessman Joe Stein wouldn't normally get involved with Mafia money but he's on his uppers; when he hears of a Ghanaian gold mine with incredible deposits he wants a piece of the action. But the returns from the mine begin to pay dividends that Joe would rather be without.
Joe Stein.............................Robert Glenister
The Marquess................. Pip Torrens
Tony Bollom.....................David Hounslow
Val........................................Amelia Lowdell
Yelena.................................Amelia Lowdell
George...............................Obi Abili
Suzy....................................Alex Tregear
The Countess..................Rhiannon Neads
Sidney Green...................Stephen Critchlow
Written by Paul Sellar
Director Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2015.
WED 06:45 Whodunnits (b013fj15)
Village SOS by Val McDermid
3. Attention Turns
On the hunt for Colin Arnott's murderer, DCI Marion Bettany (Helen Baxendale) turns her attention to the village post office, run by terse sub-postmistress Angela Bryman.
And Angela's not the only villager who resented Colin's project to turn a deconsecrated chapel into a performing arts centre.
A new detective team created for BBC Radio 4 by award-winning author Val McDermid, creator of TV's Wire in the Blood.
Village SOS is a fictional version of the BBC One series of the same name.
DCI Marion Bettany ..... Helen Baxendale
DS John Hodgson ..... David Seddon
Angela Bryman ..... Lynn Fairbairn
Pamela McIntosh ..... Elaine Claxton
Kai Ling Arnott ..... Liz Sutherland
Tilly Francis ..... Rachel Bavidge
Marcus Francis ..... Adrian Grove
Producer / Director: Fiona Kelcher
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2011.
WED 07:00 Sunshine and Laughter by Louis Barfe (m000z6dx)
3. We Want a Writer
Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise adapt their material to appeal to American audiences for appearances in the 1960s on The Ed Sullivan TV Show in New York. The pair then appear in a film called The Intelligence Men. Eric suffers his first heart attack in Leeds. Eddie Braben is unsure about writing for them - until he watches them interact in real life 'closer than many brothers' he said.
Reader: Penelope Keith
Written by Louis Barfe
Abridger: Libby Spurrier
Producer: Celia de Wolff
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2021.
WED 07:15 Cry Babies (m0008wnj)
Series 1
3. Chaos
Ophelia Lovibond and Montserrat Lombard star in a frank and funny exploration of female friendship in all its gruesome glory.
Sally and Bea are best friends in their late 30s - which means it's crunch time. The decisions they make now will affect them forever.
They meet whenever they can for coffee, but life - work, money, family - is in danger of pushing them apart.
Sally and Dave are sleeping on the floor at his mum's house after they've been evicted because of Dave's undeclared debts. And Bea doesn't understand why Dave would need counselling given that it's Sally who is pregnant.
Sally .... Montserrat Lombard
Bea .... Ophelia Lovibond
Writer .... E V Crowe
Director .... Abigail le Fleming
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2019.
WED 07:30 Dot (b08pdxl5)
Series 2
Teeth
The fellas are going squiffy over Myrtle's new gnashers.
As Hollywood beckons, how will Dot take the news she is no longer the star of her own show?
Rollicking war time comedy by Ed Harris about the staff from the personnel department of the Cabinet Rooms.
Dot ..... Fenella Woolgar
Myrtle ..... Kate O'Flynn
Peg ..... Freya Parker
Millicent ..... Jane Slavin
Peabody ..... David Acton
Lord Basil Cornley-Awks ..... David Sterne
Director: Jessica Mitic
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2017.
WED 08:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b009h7l4)
Series 6
Fred's Pie Stall
The Lad Himself is out to save one of Cheam's institutions that's threatened by a council closure.
Starring Tony Hancock.
With Sidney James, Bill Kerr, Wilfred Babbage, Hugh Morton and Harry Towb.
Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.
Theme and incidental music written by Wally Stott.
Producer: Tom Ronald
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in November 1959.
WED 08:30 Ballylenon (b007jvg9)
Series 3
Episode 1
It's time for the Tidy Village Competition, but the inevitable factions emerge.
Series set in the sleepy town of Ballylenon, Co Donegal, in 1955, before the days of mass tourism and proper plumbing in every home.
Written by Christopher Fitz-Simon.
Phonsie Doherty ...... T McKenna ..
Vera McConkey ...... Stella McCusker
Muriel McConkey ...... Margaret D'Arcy
Vivienne Boal ...... Aine McCartney
Stumpy Bonnar ...... Gerard McSorley
Guard Gallagher ...... John Hewitt
Parky McGoldrick ...... Charlie Bonnar
Music arranged and performed by Stephanie Hughes.
Director: Eoin O'Callaghan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1996.
WED 09:00 Dilemma (b017vkrp)
Series 1
Episode 4
Sue Perkins sets moral and ethical posers for:
Susan Calman
Greg Proops
Simon Evans
Louise Wener
The panel offer their own dilemmas - from Louise being offered a record deal if she sacked half the band - to Greg's choice between paying his rent or eating.
And what would they do if reporting a crime got them into trouble? - and is cheating on your partner ever acceptable?
There are no "right" answers - but there are some deeply damning ones.
Devised by Danielle Ward.
Producer: Ed Morrish.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2011.
WED 09:30 The Leopard in Autumn (b00c3b7g)
Series 1
The Pride and the Peacemaker
Prince Ludovico buys a cannon and Princess Plethora makes a journey to Rome.
Neal Anthony's 16th century comedy drama about the chaotic lives of the ruling family of Renaissance Italy's most inconsequential city-state.
Ludovico ...... David Swift
Plethora ...... Sian Phillips
Francesco ...... Graham Crowden
Alessandro ...... Paul Bigley
Rosalie ...... Saskia Wickham
Salvatori ...... Nick Romero
Guido ...... Christopher Kelham
The Prince ...... Kim Wall
Producer: Helen Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2001.
WED 10:00 Charles Dickens - A Tale of Two Cities (b018gqzp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
WED 10:45 Crumbs by Michelene Wandor (b0761dhm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:45 today]
WED 11:00 Drama on 4 (b062jy8y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 11:45 Whodunnits (b013fj15)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]
WED 12:00 Sunshine and Laughter by Louis Barfe (m000z6dx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 12:15 Cry Babies (m0008wnj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
WED 12:30 Dot (b08pdxl5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 13:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b009h7l4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 13:30 Ballylenon (b007jvg9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 14:00 Dilemma (b017vkrp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
WED 14:30 The Leopard in Autumn (b00c3b7g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
WED 15:00 Charles Dickens - A Tale of Two Cities (b018gqzp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
WED 15:45 Crumbs by Michelene Wandor (b0761dhm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:45 today]
WED 16:00 Drama on 4 (b062jy8y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 16:45 Whodunnits (b013fj15)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]
WED 17:00 Sunshine and Laughter by Louis Barfe (m000z6dx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 17:15 Cry Babies (m0008wnj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
WED 17:30 Dot (b08pdxl5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 18:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b009h7l4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 18:30 Ballylenon (b007jvg9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 19:00 Dilemma (b017vkrp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
WED 19:30 The Leopard in Autumn (b00c3b7g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
WED 20:00 Archive on 4 (m000v75j)
A Night with Prince
US music critic and broadcaster Ann Powers presents a tribute to Prince, framed around a night she spent with the star in 2008.
This was a night for hanging out in the star’s mansion in Beverly Park (which had ‘the European opulence of an upscale spa’), for meeting his protege and girlfriend Bria Valente, and for listening to tracks in Prince’s limo, a local club – even his bedroom.
Contributors include keyboard player Doctor Fink, sound engineer Susan Rogers, biographer Dan Piepenbring who was working on Prince's memoir just before he died, and Kristin Scott Thomas whose first ever film role was in the Prince directed Under The Cherry Moon.
Producer: Clem Hitchcock
A Just Radio production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in 2021.
WED 20:55 Inheritance Tracks (b07jj5fl)
Shaun Keaveny
Radio presenter Shaun Keaveny chooses 'This Old Heart of Mine' by the Isley Brothers and 'Purple Rain' by Prince.
WED 21:00 Short Cuts (m000jg9l)
Dreaming
Josie Long presents short documentaries and adventures in sound about dreaming and the imagination. Dive into an astronaut's dreamscape, take an audio drawing lesson with Ebony Flowers and listen to Ursula Le Guin explore world-building.
The Astronaut's Dream
Feat. Helen Sharman
Produced by Edward Prosser
Music by Kevin MacLeod
Originally created for the Royal Institution
Self Portrait in Outer Space
Feat. Ebony Flowers
Produced by Jess Shane
Music by Chad Crouch and Abby Swidler
Ursula Le Guin
Interviewed on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour
Originally broadcast in 1990
Evin and Ian
Produced by Georgia Moodie
Production Team: Andrea Rangecroft and Alia Cassam
Series Producer: Eleanor McDowall
A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2020.
WED 21:30 Rabbit Redux by John Updike (b09h3y87)
8. A Terrible Day
Despite Harry's worries about his family and his household, and his growing sense of foreboding, life continues almost as normal - until one terrible day.
John Updike's masterful Rabbit quintet established Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom as the quintessential American White middle class male. The first book Rabbit, Run was published in 1960 to critical acclaim. Rabbit Redux is the second in the series, published in 1971 and charting the end of the sixties - featuring, among other things, the first American moon landing and the Vietnam War.
Despite its very strong language, sex, and reflection of racist attitudes of the time, Time Magazine said of the book and its author, "Updike owns a rare verbal genius, a gifted intelligence and a sense of tragedy made bearable by wit. A masterpiece."
It's extraordinary how many of its themes reverberate down to the present day.
Abridged by Eileen Horne
Read by Toby Jones
Produced by Clive Brill
A Brill production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2017.
WED 21:45 Anna's War by Lizzie Nunnery (b03sztrw)
3. Don't Storm the Theatre
The Nord-Ost siege when Chechen rebels seized the crowded Dubrovka Theatre, in Moscow on 23 October 2002. The rebels ask for Anna to go to theatre to act as a mediator between them and the Russian Government. The Russians use gas and hostages die. Anna's married lover Marku, wants her to leave Russia and go and live with him in Romania.
Based on the true story of Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya who was murdered in 2006
Anna Politkovskaya.....Anastasia Hille
Dmitry Muratov..... Conrad Nelson
Marku ...... David Fleeshman
FSB Agent ..... Max Bollinger
Bakar........ Andrew Byron
Drama in five episodes by Lizzie Nunnery
Produced by Pauline Harris
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2014.
WED 22:00 Janey Godley: The C Bomb (m001x53c)
Series 2
2. It Was Acceptable in the 70s
Trying her best to live in the present and working as hard as ever, Janey is compelled to share the strange, colourful, almost mythical world of her past. With stories of stealing coal, copper wires and playing on train tracks, and the poignant reason she’s taken up a challenging new hobby in the limited time she has left.
Reflecting on the past with honesty, vulnerability and empathy for those who let her down, she continues to find humour and insight in both the darkness and the ridiculous.
A mix of stories told onstage to a hometown audience, and candid conversations with her daughter Ashley Storrie, recorded in the living room of their home in Glasgow.
Produced by Julia Sutherland.
Featuring Ashley Storrie.
A Dabster production for BBC Radio 4
WED 22:30 Delve Special (b007jqfr)
Series 4
Bitter Harvest
Investigating pesticides and agricultural policy, intrepid reporter David Lander asks if farming is in crisis.
Presented by David Lander with assistance from Stephen Fry.
Studio production by:
Brenda Blethyn
Philip Pope
Robert Bathurst
Dramatic reconstructions by:
Julia Hills
Jack Klaff
Phil Nice
Researched by Tony Sarchet.
Delve Special ran for four series from 1984 to 1987 and later transferred to TV as: This is David Lander.
Editor: Paul Mayhew Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1987.
WED 23:00 Rubbish (b00770xw)
Series 1
Rage
Martin is dragged along to Life Editing by its course tutor and on-off girlfriend Sarah.
The one thing that would improve his life, he decides, would be being able to say no. But this doesn't mean that people won't carry on saying no to him.
Reece Dinsdale stars as local government officer, cynic and manic-depressive, Martin Christmas in Tony Bagley's sitcom.
Martin ...... Reece Dinsdale
Woman ...... Susie Donkin
Roger ...... Paul Copley
Peter/Chris ...... Jim North
Sarah ...... Nicola Walker
Scott ...... Kevin Eldon
Barney ...... James Lance
Producer: Claire Bartlett
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2006.
WED 23:30 The Skewer (m001x54r)
Series 11
Episode 5
The week’s biggest stories like you’ve never heard them before. The news, remixed as a satirical comedy concept album. This week - Slide to the Right, Cars-tian Horner, and That Photo of Kate.

Jon Holmes presents the multi-award winning The Skewer. Headphones on.

Producer: Jon Holmes
An unusual production for BBC Radio 4
WED 23:45 Crème de la Crime (b007znpf)
Series 1
A Bowl Full of Serial Killers
A melange of multi-murderers for Michael Feydeau -TV's much-loved Inspector Niblett - and crime expert David Pershore
Tales from the vaults of villainy written by and starring Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis.
With:
Emma Kennedy
Chris Pavlo
Director: Adam Bromley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2001.

THURSDAY 21 MARCH 2024

THU 00:00 Charles Dickens - A Tale of Two Cities (b018gqzp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 on Wednesday]
THU 00:45 Crumbs by Michelene Wandor (b0761dhm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:45 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 Drama on 4 (b062jy8y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:45 Whodunnits (b013fj15)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 Sunshine and Laughter by Louis Barfe (m000z6dx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:15 Cry Babies (m0008wnj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 on Wednesday]
THU 02:30 Dot (b08pdxl5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b009h7l4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Wednesday]
THU 03:30 Ballylenon (b007jvg9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 Dilemma (b017vkrp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:30 The Leopard in Autumn (b00c3b7g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 Charles Dickens - A Tale of Two Cities (b018grvp)
4. The Grindstone
Against the heartfelt wishes of his new wife, Charles Darnay is now determined to travel to Paris to go to the aid of a family retainer imprisoned by the revolutionary committee.
Charles Dickens .... Robert Lindsay
Jarvis Lorry .... Jonathan Coy
Miss Pross .... Alison Steadman
Dr Alexandre Manette .... Karl Johnson
Lucie Manette .... Lydia Wilson
Charles Darnay .... Andrew Scott
Sydney Carton .... Paul Ready
Ernest Defarge .... James Lailey
Therese Defarge .... Tracy Wiles
Jerry Cruncher .... Carl Prekopp
Court President .... Paul Moriarty
With Adam Billington, Rikki Lawton and Christopher Webster
Novel by Charles Dickens
Dramatised by Mike Walker
Music by Lennert Busch
Directed by Jessica Dromgoole and Jeremy Mortimer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2011.
THU 05:45 Camisole by Beatrice Colin (b093m6rj)
Penny was once the type of child who used to hide between her mother's fur coats.
She stroked them like huge affectionate pets in the dark of the wardrobe.
Tamara Kennedy reads Beatrice Colin's short story.
Produced at BBC Scotland by Bruce Young.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1998
THU 06:00 Drama on 4 (b062kfmg)
The Gold Killing
2. Dancing with Death
Boxer turned businessman Joe Stein wouldn't normally get involved with mafia money but he's on his uppers; when he invests the money in a Ghanaian gold mine he sets off a macabre series of murders and Joe finds himself in the biggest fight of his life - a fight to stay alive.
Joe Stein............................Robert Glenister
The Marquess..................Pip Torrens
Tony Bollom.....................David Hounslow
George...............................Obi Abili
Father Dubaku................Obi Abili
Suzy Alex...........................Tregear
Tanu....................................Danny Sapani
DI Hume............................Danny Sapani
Val........................................Amelia Lowdell
Yelena.................................Amelia Lowdell
Written by Paul Sellar
Directed by Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2015.
THU 06:45 Whodunnits (b013flf3)
Village SOS by Val McDermid
4. Grudges
In Shilwick's beach house workshops, CI Bettany and her sidekick DS Hodgson interview even more villagers with a grudge against murder victim Colin Arnott, his grieving widow Kai Ling, and their plans to turn a disused chapel into a performing arts centre.
A new detective team created for BBC Radio 4 by award-winning author Val McDermid, creator of TV's Wire in the Blood.
Village SOS is a fictional version of the BBC One series of the same name.
DCI Marion Bettany ..... Helen Baxendale
DS John Hodgson ..... David Seddon
Pamela McIntosh ..... Elaine Claxton
Bob Brandison ..... Bill Fellows
Kai Ling Arnott ..... Liz Sutherland
Marcus Francis ..... Adrian Grove
Peter Robson ..... Shaun Prendergast
Producer / Director: Fiona Kelcher
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2011.
THU 07:00 Sunshine and Laughter by Louis Barfe (m000z6sf)
4. Mr Preview and Company
'How long do you want him for?' André Previn's agent says his client can't possibly rehearse with Eric and Ernie for a whole week! Before long, other well-known people are just longing to get the call inviting them on to the Morecambe and Wise Show - including news anchormen and women - all frustrated song and dance performers!
Reader: Penelope Keith
Written by Louis Barfe
Abridger: Libby Spurrier
Producer: Celia de Wolff
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in September 2021.
THU 07:15 Cry Babies (m0008wkr)
Series 1
4. Together
Ophelia Lovibond and Montserrat Lombard star in a frank and funny exploration of female friendship in all its gruesome glory.
Sally and Bea are best friends in their late 30s - which means it's crunch time. The decisions they make now will affect them forever.
They meet whenever they can for coffee, but life - work, money, family - is in danger of pushing them apart.
Bea feedbacks about Sally's 'manifesto of how to live in the modern age' that she unleashed at their last meeting. But Sally, can't remember what she said, or anything about it.
Sally .... Montserrat Lombard
Bea .... Ophelia Lovibond
Eddie .... Shaun Mason
Waiter ...Shaun Mason
Writer .... E V Crowe
Director .... Abigail le Fleming
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2019.
THU 07:30 What Does the K Stand For? (b08c0rr5)
Series 3
The Riot
The Amos household are caught up in the Brixton riot.
Stephen K Amos stars in this sitcom about growing up black, gay and funny in 1980s south London.
Written by Jonathan Harvey with Stephen K Amos.
With:
Ellen Thomas
Laurie Kynaston
Bola Okun
Emerald Crankson
Karen Bartke
David Sterne
Producer: Paul Sheehan
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in February 2017.
THU 08:00 Dad's Army (b007jpp4)
Series 3
The Honourable Man
With a visitor from the Soviet Union due to pay a visit, Captain Mainwaring is feeling peeved with Sergeant Wilson.
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
Warden Hodges …. Bill Pertwee
The Town Clerk …. Julian Orchard
Russian Visitor .... Fraser Kerr
Announcer ...... John Snagge
Producer: John Dyas
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1976.
THU 08:30 Huddwinks (b00941jx)
Series 1
Henry The Vee
"A speech a speech my kingdom for a speech........"
Roy Hudd stars as Henry V in Laurie Rowley’s comic parodies.
With:
Denise Coffey
Chris Emmett
David Gooderson
Fred Harris
Producer: Jonathan James-Moore
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in July 1986.
THU 09:00 The Unbelievable Truth (m000s1sr)
Series 25
Episode 5
David Mitchell hosts the panel game in which comedic couples are encouraged to tell lies.
They compete against one another to see how many items of truth they're able to smuggle past their opponents.
The panellists are obliged to talk with deliberate inaccuracy on subjects as varied as goats, sound, fighting and ghosts.
Sindhu Vee
Lloyd Langford
Zoe Lyons
Henning Wehn
Producer: Jon Naismith
A Random Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in February 2021.
THU 09:30 A Whole 'Nother Story (b0076bj5)
Series 2
Episode 5
If you've been to a party and woken up the following morning in bed with the postman, you might be forgiven for rushing to pick up your mail for the next couple of days...
Amanda Murphy’s comedy-drama series about Cassie and Pete, who'd make a great couple - if they weren't so busy being friends.
Starring Debra Stephenson as Cassie and David Lamb as Pete.
Dad ...... Mike Grady
Mum ...... Brigit Forsyth
Jenny ...... Mika Simmons
PJ ...... Brendan Burns
Producer: Graham Frost
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2002.
THU 10:00 Charles Dickens - A Tale of Two Cities (b018grvp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
THU 10:45 Camisole by Beatrice Colin (b093m6rj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:45 today]
THU 11:00 Drama on 4 (b062kfmg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 11:45 Whodunnits (b013flf3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]
THU 12:00 Sunshine and Laughter by Louis Barfe (m000z6sf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 12:15 Cry Babies (m0008wkr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
THU 12:30 What Does the K Stand For? (b08c0rr5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 13:00 Dad's Army (b007jpp4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 13:30 Huddwinks (b00941jx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 14:00 The Unbelievable Truth (m000s1sr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
THU 14:30 A Whole 'Nother Story (b0076bj5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
THU 15:00 Charles Dickens - A Tale of Two Cities (b018grvp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
THU 15:45 Camisole by Beatrice Colin (b093m6rj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:45 today]
THU 16:00 Drama on 4 (b062kfmg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 16:45 Whodunnits (b013flf3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]
THU 17:00 Sunshine and Laughter by Louis Barfe (m000z6sf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 17:15 Cry Babies (m0008wkr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
THU 17:30 What Does the K Stand For? (b08c0rr5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 18:00 Dad's Army (b007jpp4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 18:30 Huddwinks (b00941jx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 19:00 The Unbelievable Truth (m000s1sr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
THU 19:30 A Whole 'Nother Story (b0076bj5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
THU 20:00 4 Extra Goes Gardening (m000twkq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Saturday]
THU 21:00 Great Lives (b00s77ft)
Matthew Flinders
Sir Stuart Rose, chairman of Marks and Spencer, chooses the cartographer Matthew Flinders for Great Lives.
Flinders mapped Australia over two hundred years ago in His Majesty's ship the Investigator. "Since neither birth nor fortune have favoured me," he wrote, "my actions shall speak to the world."
Sir Stuart Rose clearly finds inspiration in what Flinders achieved and the way he led his men. Rose also reveals that his first ambition was to join the Royal Navy, and that he applied to 25 companies before Marks and Spencer took him on.
Dr Nigel Rigby of the National Maritime Museum offers the expert's view on Flinders life and Matthew Parris presents.
Producer: Miles Warde
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2010.
THU 21:30 Rabbit Redux by John Updike (b09h6k1c)
9. Slipping Away
Skeeter leaves town, Harry's younger sister Mim arrives for a visit and, while Harry and Nelson struggle to adjust to a new reality, his mother's time is fast slipping away.
John Updike's masterful Rabbit quintet established Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom as the quintessential American White middle class male. The first book Rabbit, Run was published in 1960 to critical acclaim. Rabbit Redux is the second in the series, published in 1971 and charting the end of the sixties - featuring, among other things, the first American moon landing and the Vietnam War.
Despite its very strong language, sex, and reflection of racist attitudes of the time, Time Magazine said of the book and its author, "Updike owns a rare verbal genius, a gifted intelligence and a sense of tragedy made bearable by wit. A masterpiece."
It's extraordinary how many of its themes reverberate down to the present day.
Abridged by Eileen Horne
Read by Toby Jones
Produced by Clive Brill
A Brill production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2017.
THU 21:45 Anna's War by Lizzie Nunnery (b03szwsv)
4. Everyone Looks Like the Enemy
September, 2004. When Anna hears of the seizure of a school by Chechen militants - she heads off to Beslan to report on the crisis but can only get a flight to Rostov. As they descend, Anna becomes very sick. When she recovers from the suspected poisoning, Anna is congratulated at her book launch but her editor Dmitry says two of his staff have already been murdered and if necessary, he will get her off the paper and out of Moscow. Following a desperate call from Muratov's wife, Anna thinks it is best to end their love affair.
Based on the true story of the award-winning Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya who was murdered in 2006.
Anna Politkovskaya............................................Anastasia Hille
Dmitry Muratov...................................................Conrad Nelson
Marcu .....................................................................David Fleeshman
Vera Politkovskaya /Airline Stewardess .....Harriet Chandler Judd
Stella/Airport Attendant ..................................Fiona Clarke
Drama in five episodes by Lizzie Nunnery
Produced by Pauline Harris
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2014.
THU 22:00 Conversations from a Long Marriage (m001x553)
Series 5
4. You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me
Everybody’s talking – but not necessarily to each other...
Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam play loving, long-marrieds, in the 5th series of Jan Etherington’s award-winning comedy. This week, everybody’s talking – but not necessarily to each other.
In the care home, indomitable Auntie Hilda is moving in with fellow resident, Jack, who tells Roger he’s worried she’ll expect him to ‘perform’. Their friend Sally’s wayward husband, Peter, is in Canada, with the mother of his child and ‘not answering his phone’. Jack won’t talk to Hilda because ‘their generation didn’t talk about sex’ and Sally won’t ask Peter what’s going on because ‘she’s afraid of the answer’. Roger tells Joanna lack of communication is ‘not a problem we’re ever likely to have’. But Joanna is definitely in the mood for a little less conversation…
Conversations from a Long Marriage is written by Jan Etherington. It is produced and directed by Claire Jones. And it is a BBC Studios production for Radio 4.
Wilfredo Acosta - sound engineer
Charlotte Sewter - studio assistant
Jon Calver - sound designer
Katie Baum - production coordinator
Conversations from a Long Marriage won the Voice of the Listener & Viewer Award for Best Radio Comedy in 2020, was nominated for a Writers’ Guild Award in 2022 and a British Comedy Guide award in 2024.
‘Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam have had illustrious acting careers but can they ever have done anything better than Jan Etherington’s two hander? This is a work of supreme craftsmanship.’ RADIO TIMES
‘Peppered with nostalgic 60s hits and especially written for the pair, it’s an endearing portrait of exasperation, laced with hard won tolerance – and something like love.’ THE GUARDIAN
‘You’ve been listening at my window, Jan’. JOANNA LUMLEY
‘Sitcom is what marriage is really like – repetitive and ridiculous – and Jan’s words are some of the best ever written on the subject’. RICHARD CURTIS
THU 22:30 Clare in the Community (b015pbhd)
Series 7
Debt of Honour
Social Worker, Clare Barker, is being plagued by Brian's Marriage proposals. Her driving lessons lead to an unexpected encounter and there is an unveiling of a piece of public art at the Sparrowhawk Family Centre.
Sally Phillips is Clare Barker the social worker who has all the right jargon but never a practical solution.
A control freak, Clare likes nothing better than interfering in other people's lives on both a professional and personal basis. Clare is in her thirties, white, middle class and heterosexual, all of which are occasional causes of discomfort to her.
Each week we join Clare in her continued struggle to control both her professional and private life
In today's Big Society there are plenty of challenges out there for an involved, caring social worker. Or even Clare.
Written by Harry Venning and David Ramsden
Clare........Sally Phillips
Brian.........Alex Lowe
Megan / Nali........... Nina Conti
Ray / Nick Powell...........Richard Lumsden
Helen/ Lady Mayoress/Carol Morley................ Liza Tarbuck
Simon / Frankie 'The Fruitcake' Finnigan.............. Andrew Wincott
Libby............................... Sarah Kendall
Spartacus /'James Naughtie'........................... Gerard McDermot
Producer Katie Tyrrell.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2011.
THU 23:00 Foley and McColl: The Interview (b0076d57)
Hereford Hop
The comedy duo behind the Morecambe and Wise tribute ‘The Play What I Wrote’ finally give their big interview and spill the beans to Michael Parkinson.
This time, they tell Parky about diversifying into cheese.
Written by and starring Sean Foley and Hamish McColl.
Director: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2003.
THU 23:15 Jigsaw (b01r9rtx)
Series 1
Episode 5
Dreams of opening a cattery, ordering dessert - and a song in praise of father-in-laws.
A rapid-fire and surreal collection of silly, clever, dark sketches.
Pieced together by stand-up comedians Dan Antopolski, Tom Craine and Nat Luurtsema.
Producer: Colin Anderson.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2013.
THU 23:30 And the Winner Is... (b00rf11j)
Series 1
Episode 4
Matt Lucas hosts his alternative awards show – The Lucases - as selected by his guests.
Awards include the Lucas for The Most Disappointing Film Sequel, Most Unhelpful Proverb, Greatest Ever Couple and Most Depressing School Subject.
The nominations are provided by this week's guests, who are Stephen K Amos, Jo Caulfield and Jon Richardson, but the ultimate decision is down to the whim of the host.
Script written by Ashley Blaker, Bill Matthews and Ged Parsons.
Producer: Ashley Blaker
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in 2010.

FRIDAY 22 MARCH 2024

FRI 00:00 Charles Dickens - A Tale of Two Cities (b018grvp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 on Thursday]
FRI 00:45 Camisole by Beatrice Colin (b093m6rj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:45 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 Drama on 4 (b062kfmg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:45 Whodunnits (b013flf3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 Sunshine and Laughter by Louis Barfe (m000z6sf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:15 Cry Babies (m0008wkr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 on Thursday]
FRI 02:30 What Does the K Stand For? (b08c0rr5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 Dad's Army (b007jpp4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Thursday]
FRI 03:30 Huddwinks (b00941jx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 The Unbelievable Truth (m000s1sr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:30 A Whole 'Nother Story (b0076bj5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 Charles Dickens - A Tale of Two Cities (b018gzm8)
5. The Substance and the Shadow
Sydney Carton is in Paris with Lucie and her father, determined to try and save Charles Darnay's life.
Then, an encounter in a Paris street with someone from the import-export trade, may just provide the ghost of a chance.
:
Charles Dickens .... Robert Lindsay
Jarvis Lorry .... Jonathan Coy
Miss Pross .... Alison Steadman
Dr Alexandre Manette .... Karl Johnson
Lucie Manette .... Lydia Wilson
Charles Darnay .... Andrew Scott
Sydney Carton .... Paul Ready
Therese Defarge .... Tracy Wiles
Jerry Cruncher .... Carl Prekopp
Barsad .... Gerard McDermott
Court President .... Paul Moriarty
Young Manette .... Christopher Webster
Young Evremonde .... Adam Billington
With Rikki Lawton and Alex Rivers
By Charles Dickens
Dramatised by Mike Walker
Music by Lennert Busch
Directed by Jessica Dromgoole and Jeremy Mortimer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2011.
FRI 05:45 Ash on Guavas by Lawrence Scott (m001xclg)
Sarah loves geography and starts to write her essay while her grandparents head up to the hills - but then, everything is changed by the beautiful but dangerous landscape.
Story set on the Caribbean Island of Montserrat.
Written and read by Lawrence Scott
Producer Pam Fraser Solomon
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1997.
FRI 06:00 RD Wingfield (b0089kpv)
Daylight Robbery
'Elderly lady living alone in remote house, willing to take in paying guests.'
When Miss Pickering puts this ad in the newspaper, she has an ulterior motive.
So have the four gentlemen who reply...
Monica Grey stars in RD Wingfield’s crime drama.
Miss Pickering .... Monica Grey
Colonel Fryatt .... Norman Shelley
Dr Brown .... Jonathan Scott
Harris .... Peter Woodthorpe
Wakeson .... Howard Goorney
Bank Manager .... Lewis Stringer
Woman in Telephone Kiosk .... Daisy Bell
Jones .... Brian Gear
Woman in Crowd .... Elizabeth Havelock
Constable .... Douglas Leach
Car Driver .... David Ponting
Other parts played by the cast.
Directed at BBC Bristol by John Cardy.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1977.
FRI 06:45 Whodunnits (b013gcn9)
Village SOS by Val McDermid
5. Pub Night
DCI Bettany fears she's no closer to finding Colin Arnott's murderer.
Colin's plans to convert a United Reformed chapel into a performing arts centre made him enemies in the village. Bettany hopes that spending a night in the village pub will bring her closer to the killer.
A new detective team created for BBC Radio 4 by award-winning author Val McDermid, creator of TV's Wire in the Blood.
Village SOS is a fictional version of the BBC One series of the same name.
DCI Marion Bettany ..... Helen Baxendale
DS John Hodgson ..... David Seddon
Peter Robson ..... Shaun Prendergast
Kai Ling Arnott ..... Liz Sutherland
Pamela McIntosh ..... Elaine Claxton
Tom Briggs ..... Christian Rodska
Producer / Director: Fiona Kelcher
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2011.
FRI 07:00 Sunshine and Laughter by Louis Barfe (m000z78r)
5. He Didn't Want to Go
In 1979, Eric Morecambe has a procedure for a faulty heart valve. In 1980 the duo start working for Thames TV. Eric, by this time, with a pacemaker fitted was enjoying performing with a friend at The Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire in 1984. "The audience didn't want to let him go - and he didn't want to go". Eventually he went into the wings and collapsed. Eric was to die that evening in Cheltenham General Hospital.
After Eric’s death, Ernie Wise - too young to retire - soldiered on professionally, but without his 'brother' he was now only half a star, and it was clear that for the rest of his life, after a partnership of five decades, Ernie would always be searching for Eric.
Sunshine and Laughter: The Story of Morecambe & Wise - book by Louis Barfe
Reader: Penelope Keith
Abridger: Libby Spurrier
Producer: Celia de Wolff
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in September 2021.
FRI 07:15 Cry Babies (m0008y7w)
Series 1
5. Oh No
Ophelia Lovibond and Montserrat Lombard star in a frank and funny exploration of female friendship in all its gruesome glory.
Sally and Bea are best friends in their late 30s - which means it's crunch time. The decisions they make now will affect them forever.
They meet whenever they can for coffee, but life - work, money, family - is in danger of pushing them apart.
After her loss Sally and Bea discuss their new circumstances after Eddie returns from abroad.
Sally .... Montserrat Lombard
Bea .... Ophelia Lovibond
Writer .... E V Crowe
Director .... Abigail le Fleming
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2019.
FRI 07:30 All Those Women (b087ts6z)
Series 2
Episode 3
An unexpected death leads all four of the family to consider what's really important, as well as giving David a chance to spend some quality time (of sorts) with Maggie - much to Hetty's disapproval.
Comedy series by Katherine Jakeways about four generations of women living under one roof.
All Those Women explores familial relationships, ageing, marriages - it's about life and love and things not turning out quite the way that you'd expected them to.
Join Hetty, Maggie, Jen and Emily as they struggle to resolve their own problems, and support one another.
Hetty ...... Marcia Warren
Maggie ...... Lesley Manville
Jen ...... Sinead Matthews
Emily ...... Lucy Hutchinson
David ...... Denis Lill
Vicar ...... Catriona McFarlane
Carol ...... Alison Belbin
Producer: Alexandra Smith
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in January 2017.
FRI 08:00 Marriage Lines (b06859bf)
Series 2
Episode 12
What will George and Kate make of their first house?
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
Miles …. Edward de Souza
Mrs Baker …. Gretchen Franklin
Mrs Wheeler …. Norma Ronald
Other parts played by John Baddeley and Alec Bregonzi.
Producer: Charles Maxwell
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in June 1967.
FRI 08:30 Big Jim and the Figaro Club (b008m30v)
Boning Up on History
Harold Perkins wants to dig for post-war Britain, but the workmates decide to soil his plans.
Six anarchic tales from those demob days “when we was going to build the new Jerusalem - you know, before the world turned lax and sour”.
Written by Ted Walker.
Narrated by Bernard Cribbins.
Big Jim …. Norman Rossington
Harold Perkins …. Roland Curram
Old Ned …. Harold Goodwin
Nimrod …. David John
Turps … Sylvester McCoy
Chick …. David Beckett
Harry …. Steven Harrold
Miss Farquhar …. Hilary Mason
Farmer …. Douglas Blackwell
Trev the Rev …. Ben Aris
Producer: Martin Fisher
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1987.
FRI 09:00 Whispers (b00n90xf)
Series 3
Episode 1
Gyles Brandreth hosts the quiz show with scandal on its mind and slander at its heart.
Penny Junor and Julian Fellowes join team captains Lucy Moore and Anthony Holden to run the gauntlet of gossip.
Producer: Victoria Lloyd
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2005.
FRI 09:30 Bookcases (b00srvks)
Series 1
Bronte Country
London 1853: The orderly life of religious publishers, Spavin and Spavin, is set to transformed by an actress and her son.
Cordelia is setting her sights on one of the partners, while her son Primus fancies taking over the firm, starting with hopes of 'acquiring' Charlotte Bronte...
Series 1 of Martyn Wade's Victorian era comedy stars Michael Cochrane and Maggie Steed.
Primus …. Michael Cochrane
Cordelia …. Maggie Steed
Gerald …. David Horovitch
Edith …. Elizabeth Spriggs
The Reverend Bronte …. Geoffrey Whitehead
Charlotte …. Sarah Jane Holm
Mrs Gaskell/Emily Bronte …. Frances Jeater
Equity …. David Antrobus
Director: Cherry Cookson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1998.
FRI 10:00 Charles Dickens - A Tale of Two Cities (b018gzm8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
FRI 10:45 Ash on Guavas by Lawrence Scott (m001xclg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:45 today]
FRI 11:00 RD Wingfield (b0089kpv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 11:45 Whodunnits (b013gcn9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]
FRI 12:00 Sunshine and Laughter by Louis Barfe (m000z78r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 12:15 Cry Babies (m0008y7w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
FRI 12:30 All Those Women (b087ts6z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 13:00 Marriage Lines (b06859bf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 13:30 Big Jim and the Figaro Club (b008m30v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 14:00 Whispers (b00n90xf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
FRI 14:30 Bookcases (b00srvks)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
FRI 15:00 Charles Dickens - A Tale of Two Cities (b018gzm8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
FRI 15:45 Ash on Guavas by Lawrence Scott (m001xclg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:45 today]
FRI 16:00 RD Wingfield (b0089kpv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 16:45 Whodunnits (b013gcn9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]
FRI 17:00 Sunshine and Laughter by Louis Barfe (m000z78r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 17:15 Cry Babies (m0008y7w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
FRI 17:30 All Those Women (b087ts6z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 18:00 Marriage Lines (b06859bf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 18:30 Big Jim and the Figaro Club (b008m30v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 19:00 Whispers (b00n90xf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
FRI 19:30 Bookcases (b00srvks)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
FRI 20:00 The Tale of A Tale of Two Cities (b018grhw)
Crime novelist Frances Fyfield takes us into the heart of Dickens' creative process: his handwritten manuscripts.
When Dickens wrote 'A Tale of Two Cities' in 1859 it was, for him at least, both the best of times and the worst of times.
He'd separated from his wife, started a new weekly journal and was becoming more and more familiar as a performer of his own works.
But the process of creation for his new novel was the same as ever.
A tightly written manuscript on individual leaves was whisked off to the printers, proof-read and edited by the author and then made available, instalment by instalment, to a loyal public.
Frances Fyfield has been given access to that manuscript, held by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and along with the scholar Robert Patten and actor David Timson, she explores the frantic handwriting, the ferocious self-editing and the sheer energy of Dickens' original pages.
And she also visits a print museum to get an idea of just what a challenge it was, turning these pages into print against the deadlines Dickens had set himself.
Producer: Tom Alban
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2011.
FRI 20:30 Soul Music (b0076bhq)
Series 3
Moon River
Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer's film theme for Breakfast at Tiffany's starring Audrey Hepburn.
The song was originally going to be called 'Red River' 'June River' or 'Blue River'.
Taking part:
Chay Blyth
Barry Parris
Phil Furia
Gerald Clarke
Richard Hughes
Series about music that makes the hairs stand up on the back of our necks.
Producer: Sara Conkey
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2002.
FRI 21:00 And the Academy Award Goes To... (b051j5tb)
Series 5
Mrs Miniver
Paul Gambaccini explores the artistic, political and personal decisions that lie behind the winners of the Best Picture Oscar.
Nazis, and Hollywood, roses and Dunkirk and roses. Paul explores the making of a war time classic from 1942, Mrs Miniver.
During the filming, star Greer Garson insisted on tea every afternoon at four o'clock, whilst director William Wyler hated the chocolate box set of rose-strewn villages he was forced to work with. Despite these restrictions Mrs Miniver turned out to be a film that helped change history - credited by many, including Churchill, with helping to turn popular opinion in America away from isolationism and towards whole hearted support for the Allied Forces in Europe.
It portrays a family living a safe life in the Garden of England, Kent - a world where Mrs Miniver worries more about a hat than the approaching conflict. But as her world falls apart, she changes and becomes more resilient, as the people of Britain bravely face up to the task of defending this island, whatever the cost.
So did Mrs Miniver deserve Best Picture for 1942?
Veteran film critic Philip French believes that it hasn't lasted, though he recalls from his own childhood in Liverpool how it touched the hearts of British cinema goers.
And behind this patriotic movie lies a darker story - did Hollywood studios protect their sales in Germany by going softly, softly on the Nazi regime, until the tide of public opinion finally turned against the Germans?
Producer: Sara Jane Hall
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2015.
FRI 21:30 Rabbit Redux by John Updike (b09h6ywf)
10. Beyond Grief
Unemployed and restless, Harry wallows in grief while, thanks to Mim and a new sense of empowerment, Janice is finally able to let hers go, creating a chance for reunion.
John Updike's masterful Rabbit quintet established Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom as the quintessential American White middle class male. The first book Rabbit, Run was published in 1960 to critical acclaim. Rabbit Redux is the second in the series, published in 1971 and charting the end of the sixties - featuring, among other things, the first American moon landing and the Vietnam War.
Despite its very strong language, sex, and reflection of racist attitudes of the time, Time Magazine said of the book and its author, "Updike owns a rare verbal genius, a gifted intelligence and a sense of tragedy made bearable by wit. A masterpiece."
It's extraordinary how many of its themes reverberate down to the present day.
Abridged by Eileen Horne
Read by Toby Jones
Produced by Clive Brill
A Brill production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2017.
FRI 21:45 15 Minute Drama (b03t37cx)
Anna's War
5. I See My Mother There
Anna is very much focussed on family life with her mother seriously ill in hospital and the sudden death of her father. She also wants to help her daughter who is pregnant and is looking forward to being a grandmother. She has been posted a video of atrocities in Chechnya and wants to get it to her editor. But Anna's movements are now being closely monitored. Anna's daughter Elena names her new baby Anna Victoria.
Based on the true story of Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya murdered in 2006.
Anna Politkovskaya...... Anastasia Hille
Vera Politkovskaya...... Harriet Chandler Judd
Elena Kudimova...... Fiona Clarke
Raisa Mazepa...... Pauline Jefferson
Stepan Mazepa...... David Fleeshman
Ilya Politkovsky/Surveillance Man ...... Max Bollinger
A drama in five-parts by Lizzie Nunnery
Producer Pauline Harris
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2014.
FRI 22:00 Jokes (p0hc230y)
Stuart Mitchell's Cost of Living
4. Stuart Loses Everything
Comedian Stuart Mitchell examines his own cost of living crisis. In this episode, Stuart gives up everything he has worked so hard for in an attempt to be true to his self, leaving his highly paid job in banking and finding himself in debt with a hair transplant to pay for. Is his journey really worth it, when he's scrambling to pay the bills?
Each episode, Stuart looks at a chapter of his own unbelievable, but absolutely true, life story.
A working class boy, with huge aspirations, Stuart achieved everything he dreamed of and more. However, he soon came to realise that the cost of having everything was more than he was willing to pay. A morality tale featuring his time working in Westminster, moving to a highly paid job in banking and willingly losing it all to find happiness; Stuart will make us all question the true cost of living.
Written and performed by Stuart Mitchell
Produced by Lauren Mackay
FRI 22:15 Jokes (p0hbp37g)
Jazz Emu: The Sound of Us
The Sound of Family
The Emu family is made up of a long line of Hollywood foley artists. But when Jazz turned his back on the family business to pursue a career as a pop star, his father’s disappointment made him seriously ill. In order to save his father’s life, Jazz must reconnect with his foley roots. Pass me my coconut hooves.
Jazz Emu: musician, 70s lothario-type, ex-Hollywood foley artist and internationally renowned idiot. After a long career in (and often out) of the spotlight, he has decided to present a radio show in order to connect with the average Joes (and Janes, and other boring names) and bestow his expert knowledge of Sound upon the universe.
Written by Archie Henderson and Adrian Gray
Starring: Archie Henderson, Adrian Gray, Emmanuel Sonubi, Lorna Rose Treen, Cody Dahler
Produced by Sasha Bobak
A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4
FRI 22:30 Laura Solon - Talking and Not Talking (b00773bh)
Series 1
Episode 3
More from China Lion and the new barn conversion couple, plus a visit to the Dragon's Den.
Award-winning comedian Laura Solon's sketch and character comedy series
With:
Ben Moor
Katherine Parkinson
Ben Willbond
Written by Laura Solon.
With additional material by the cast, Carl Cooper, Tony Roche and Andy Marlatt.
Producer: Colin Anderson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2007.
FRI 23:00 Absolute Power (b007r395)
Series 1
Episode 5
Prentiss and McCabe are set their hardest challenge so far - to substantially increase listening figures for BBC Radio 3.
Will this prove a wheeze too far for the Wheeze-master Generals?
Mark Tavener's comedy about the machiavellian doctors of PR spin with contacts at the highest level of government.
Starring Stephen Fry as Charles Prentiss and John Bird as Martin McCabe.
With:
Rebecca Front
Roger Sloman
Philip Fox
Beth Chalmers
Mark Tonderai
Producer: Paul Schlesinger
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2000.
FRI 23:30 All the World's a Globe (b007jwwz)
8. From 20th Century Wars to Twiggy
From 20th Century Wars to Twiggy.
Concluding the history of mankind.
Presented by the entire cast of the National Theatre of Brent - Desmond Olivier Dingle and Wallace, aided by Mr Barker.
Written by Patrick Barlow, with additional material by Jim Broadbent and Martin Duncan.
With guest star Peter Barker.
With thanks to
Patrick Barlow
Jim Broadbent
Martin Duncan
Producer: Lissa Evans
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1990.
FRI 23:45 Ivor Cutler - A Wet Handle (b00cl648)
Episode 2
'Walking Down the Road' and 'The Jambeena Body Affair'.
Music, prosaic idiosyncrasy and whimsy from the unique Ivor Cutler.
With:
Alison O'Kill
Craig Murray-Orr
Producer: Neil Cargill
First broadcast on BBC Radio 3 in June 1997.