SATURDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2024

SAT 00:00 Soul Music (m000760l)
Series 28
Farewell to Stromness
Personal stories about Farewell to Stromness, by Sir Peter Maxwell Davies.
Written in 1980 as a protest against uranium mining in Orkney, the music has touched and changed people's lives.
The Orkney landscape which inspired Max's music is described by his partner Tim Morrison.
We hear from Rosalind Newton, for whom the music provided peace after the death of her grandmother.
Conductor Christopher Warren-Green recalls his performance of the music at the wedding of the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall.
In Stromness we discover a community coming together to face the threat of uranium mining.
Guitarist Sean Shibe and writer Ivan Hewett consider why this simple piece is so subtle and affective.
And we hear from Jeana Leslie how the music, with its quiet melancholy inspired by folk music, has became traditional , and was a favourite for Peter Maxwell Davies to perform to visitors at his remote island home.
Producer: Melvin Rickarby
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2019.
SAT 00:30 How Dolly Got Rotherham Reading (b012ql5c)
Dolly Parton grew up in poverty in rural East Tennessee.
Children only attended school if there was no work to be done on the farm.
She came to regard good literacy skills as one of the key passports to enhanced life chances and in 1995 she launched the 'Imagination Library'.
The idea was quite simple. All children in the area were sent one book a month from birth until five years. In 2007 she took South Yorkshire by surprise when she turned up in Rotherham - not a city used to celebrity visits.
But what happened next? Did her library capture the imagination of Rotherham's children?
We follow up to ask whether it was just a flash in the pan or a serious project.
Travelling to Dollywood for an Imagination Library conference, Sarfraz Manzoor meets people from all over the world who have signed up for the literacy project. From Alaskan children in remote communities to young readers in Nottingham, Sarfraz finds that Dolly's influence is global.
Sarfraz meets Dolly in Dollywood to talk about her life and work.
Plus the thoughts of those who knew her as a child and understand the motivations for this charitable work she undertakes with such passion.
It will be a journey to the glamorous heart of country music, but one which reveals much more about one of the world's best loved country singers. Dolly Parton in her own words and in her own personal world of the Imagination Library.
Producer: Mark Rickards
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2011.
SAT 01:00 Whodunnits (b007jpmx)
Miss Marple - A Caribbean Mystery
5. Nemesis
After two murders and an attempted suicide, amateur sleuth Miss Marple is battling to find a link.
Conclusion of Agatha Christie's whodunnit starring June Whitfield.
Dramatised by Michael Bakewell
Miss Marple …. June Whitfield
Mr Rafiel …. George A. Cooper
Tim Kendall …. David Thorpe
Molly Kendall …. Alison Pettit
Esther Walters …. Yvonne Edgell
Evelyn Hillingdon …. Carolyn Jones
Edward Hillingdon …. Christopher Wright
Lucky Dyson …. Tracy-Ann Oberman
Jackson …. Andrew Wincott
Canon Prescott …. David King
Dr Graham .... John Rowe
Director: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1997.
SAT 01:30 The Beneficiary by Philip Levene (m0022zhz)
Henry and Alice Bentley appear to be consumed.
One with illness and medication and the other with a new insurance policy - as well as the young attractive hired help.
So which of them is secretly plotting..?
Starring Kathleen Helme and Malcolm Hayes.
Thriller written by Philip Levene.
Alice Bentley .... Kathleen Helme
Henry Bentley .... Malcolm Hayes
Ellen Smith .... Judy Bailey
Inspector Meadows .... John Hollis
Mr Clarke .... Kenneth Dight
Producer: David H Godfrey
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in March 1960.
SAT 02:00 The Older Woman (b039gkz0)
Series 2
Episode 3
Roy's efforts to make a video diary become tinged with paranoia.
The thought police and Michael Buerk from TV’s ‘999’ infiltrate his fantasies.
Surprisingly, Jane finds herself feeling sorry for Roy and makes a gesture she lives to regret.
Starring Geraldine James and Martin Clunes.
Tony Bagley’s romantic comedy drama serial that mixes fantasy with reality.
Roy …. Martin Clunes
Jane …. Geraldine James
Chad …. Nicky Henson
Colin …. David Troughton
Mrs Churchill …. Rebecca Front
Marina …. Tilly Vosburgh
God …. Alistair McGowan
Michael Buerk as himself.
Music composed by Julian Wostall.
Theme sung by Toyah Willcox.
Producer: Paul Schlesinger:
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1994.
SAT 02:30 The Burkiss Way (b007jsfr)
Series 5
The Man from the Burkiss Way
The intriguing behind-the-scenes creation of Anglia TV's 'Tales of the Unexpected'.
And it's off to the gravel pits to film BBC 1's 'Blake's 7'.
Cult sketch comedy series which originally ran from 1976 to 1980.
Starring:
Fred Harris
Jo Kendall
Nigel Rees
Chris Emmett
Written by Andrew Marshall and David Renwick.
Producer: David Hatch
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1980.
SAT 03:00 Room 101 with Paul Merton (m001n1r5)
Series 1
Phil Wang
Paul Merton interviews guests from the world of comedy and entertainment, to find out what they would like to send to Room 101
In this episode, Phil Wang's choices are standing ovations, biopics and the second law of thermodynamics.
Additional material by John Irwin and Suki Webster
Producer: Richard Wilson
A Hat Trick production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in June 2023.
SAT 03:30 Crossriggs by Jane & Mary Findlater (m000hq1t)
10. Escape
Alex is torn apart by her love for married neighbour Robert, while mourning her friend Van.
She's left Crossriggs to become a companion for her demanding Aunt Clara...
Delightful tale of a small community hovering between two eras.
Written by Jane and Mary Findlater - the sisters known as the 'Scottish Brontes'.
Originally published in 1908.
Abridged by Clara Glynn.
Concluded by Rosalind Sydney.
Producer: Eilidh McCreadie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2020.
SAT 03:45 Maggie Allen - Not Me, But Us (b0bl6l2b)
5. London School of Medicine
Sophia-Jex Blake battles to finally open the very first medical school for women.
But as she's still not on the medical register, she plots a plan of action...
True story of the late 19th century medical pioneer, who campaigned hard for women's education.
Dramatised by Maggie Allen.
Sophia Jex-Blake ... Julia Watson
Mrs Jex-Blake ... Tina Gray
Elizabeth Garret Anderson ... Michelle Newell
Henry Fawcett MP ... Richard Derrington
Alexander Russel ... David Bannerman
Professor Masson ... Ian Brooker
Mrs Masson ... Sharon Baylis
Edith Pechey ... Susan Jeffrey
Prof Christison ... Bob Doherty
Prof Crum Brown ... Nell Bett
Dr Anstie ... Clifford Rose
Mr Norton .... Christopher Scott
Director: Sue Wilson.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2001.
SAT 04:00 Foul Play (b00zljzj)
Series 4
Death and Two Copies, Please
Crime writers Tim Heald and Margaret Yorke puzzle over a case of robbery gone wrong.
Simon Brett hosts the murder mystery panel game
Witnesses played by:
Maria McErlane
Lee Simpson
Producer: Liz Anstee
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1998.
SAT 04:30 Lucky Heather (b0075rtm)
1. For a Few Dollars More
Just this side of nosey, Heather is western movie-mad. She's also the Sherlock Holmes of the rundown Sutter Estate.
With the aid of daughter Natalie and her boyfriend Ryan, she's determined to help her local community.
For starters, Heather tries to help a family with a sick child, but events take an unexpected turn...
Six-part sitcom by Sue Teddern.
Starring Lindsey Coulson (Carol Jackson in BBC TV's EastEnders until 2015)
Heather …… Lindsey Coulson
Natalie …… Abigail Hart
Ryan …… Ben Crowe
Maev …… Dearbhla Molloy
Craig …… Tom George
Lisa …… Beth Chalmers
Director: David Hunter
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2000.
SAT 05:00 Daphne Du Maurier (m001hfl0)
Jamaica Inn
4. Night of Terror
Mary is alone and desolate after her horrific encounter with the wreckers.
She's sought help from the only people she can trust - the Bassats and Francis Davey.
Conclusion of Daphne du Maurier's classic gothic suspense novel - first published in 1936.
Starring Susannah Corbett.
Dramatised by Michael Bakewell.
Mary Yellan .... Susannah Corbett
The Reverend Francis Davey .... James Laurenson
Jem Merlyn .... Mark Straker
Squire Bassat .... Vincent Brimble
Mrs Bassat .... Anne Jameson
Harry, the Pedlar .... John Hartley
Richards .... Sean Arnold
Tom Jory .... Robert Portal
Hannah .... Katherine Parr
Scobell .... Eric Allan
Militia Man .... Matthew Sim
Director: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1991
SAT 06:00 Eric Pringle - Sort of a Hero (m000m5hc)
Physical and mental stamina are pushed to the limits - as Jeffery Cotterell retraces his dead brother's attempt on the 42 mountains of the Lake District.
Was Edward Cotterell's death an accident - or something more sinister..?
Starring Christian Rodska and John McCardle.
Eric Pringle's thriller is set against the exciting test of endurance known as the Bob Graham Round of the Fells.
Jeffery ...... Christian Rodska
Edward ...... John McCardle
Gilbert ...... Martin Reeve
Wendy ...... Diane Whitley
Vicky/Agatha ...... Sue Jenkins
John ...... Keith Ladd
Robert ...... John Branwell
Stan ...... Tom Bowles
Walter ...... John Basham
Jeffery as a boy ...... Karl Anthony Bonworth
Edward as a boy ...... Michael Turner
Director: Kay Patrick
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1991.
SAT 07:30 Women vs Hollywood by Helen O'Hara (Omnibus) (m002366p)
Film critic Helen O'Hara celebrates Hollywood’s female pioneers - in front of and behind the camera.
Those women fought sexism and the power of the studio system to find their own voices and change film forever.
The dawn of cinema was a free-for-all, and there were women who forged ahead in many areas of film-making. Early pioneers such as Nell Shipman and Lois Weber shaped the way films were made. But it wasn't long before these talented women were pushed aside, and their contributions written out of film history.
Hollywood was born just over a century ago, at a time of huge forward motion for women's rights, yet it came to embody the same old sexist standards. Women found themselves fighting a system that fed on their talent, creativity and beauty but refused to pay them the same money or give them the same respect as their male contemporaries.
The studios gave their stars no choice over the roles they played and invaded the most intimate aspects of their lives, controlling their romantic relationships and forcing them to have abortions. Life was even harder for women of colour.
Helen begins with the story of Alice Guy-Blaché, one of the most prolific and successful film-makers in the first years of Hollywood, and how, late in her life, she fought to preserve her legacy.
Helen O’Hara has been working as a film journalist for over 15 years. She is now Editor-at-Large of Empire magazine, and co-hosts the Empire Podcast.
Read by Helen O’Hara.
Omnibus of five parts abridged and produced by Jane Greenwood.
A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in March 2021.
SAT 08:45 Holmes and Watford (b09jgnf8)
Speed
For PC Sue Holmes policing is about keeping the peace but PC Tina Watford yearns for excitement and she'll stop at nothing to ensure some action.
A speeding driver brings back painful memories of schooldays for Sue.
Jon Canter's comedy about two policewoman crewing in a small village.
Director: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2017.
SAT 09:00 Play It Cool (b05s7k0b)
Episode 5
The game of boxing is exposed - and back to the era of Suffragettes.
Fast-moving sketches written by Eric Merriman - best known for Beyond Our Ken.
Starring:
Ian Carmichael
Joan Sims
Hugh Paddick
Music from:
Rosemary Squires
The Mike Sammes Singers
The Ken Thorne Orchestra
Producer: John Simmonds
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in August 1964.
SAT 09:30 Brothers in Law (b007k2wl)
Series 2
Disqualified
Bad driving results in a near miss for barrister Roger Thursby.
Henry Cecil's comic legal novel Brothers in Law was first published in 1955.
Adapted for radio from Frank Muir & Denis Norden's BBC TV scripts by Richard Waring.
Roger Thursby …. Richard Briers
Sally …. Julia Lockwood
The Judge …. John Barron
Piper …. Peter Jones
Sharp …. Garard Green
Smith …. John Ruddock
Producer: David Hatch.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1971.
SAT 10:00 Clowning Around on 4 Extra (m0019wyv)
2. Victorian clowns and Dan Leno
Tony Lidington examines the role of the clown in British humour – from the Great Grimaldi through stars of circus, pantomime and Pierrots, to modern entertainers and even activists.
Drawing on his own performances, BBC archive and contemporary experts, Tony traces the clown's evolution.
In the second of three programmes, Tony looks at Victorian clowning, century travelling circuses, the enormous appeal of pantos.
Also the successful – and often tragically short lives - of entertainers like Dan Leno, once hailed as ‘the funniest man in the world’.
Producer: Mike Greenwood
Made for Radio 4 Extra by Pier Productions and first broadcast in March 2014.
SAT 11:00 Eric Pringle - Sort of a Hero (m000m5hc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 12:30 Women vs Hollywood by Helen O'Hara (Omnibus) (m002366p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 13:45 Holmes and Watford (b09jgnf8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
SAT 14:00 Play It Cool (b05s7k0b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 14:30 Brothers in Law (b007k2wl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SAT 15:00 Clowning Around on 4 Extra (m0019wyv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SAT 16:00 Daphne Du Maurier (b007jlbw)
Don't Look Now
John and Laura Bennett are on holiday in Venice, trying to get over the tragic death of their daughter.
They seem to be succeeding - until a blind psychic starts relaying messages from beyond the grave...
Daphne du Maurier's classic tale of slow-dawning terror - first published in 1971.
Starring Anna Chancellor and Michael Feast.
Dramatised by Ronald Frame.
Laura Bennett ...... Anna Chancellor
John Bennett ...... Michael Feast
Sister ...... Colette O'Neil
Elidah ...... Carolyn Pickles
Policeman ...... Sean Baker
Waiter ...... Ewan Bailey
Porter ...... Carl Prekopp
Director: Patrick Rayner
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2001.
SAT 17:00 Eric Pringle - Sort of a Hero (m000m5hc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 18:30 Women vs Hollywood by Helen O'Hara (Omnibus) (m002366p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 19:45 Holmes and Watford (b09jgnf8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
SAT 20:00 Play It Cool (b05s7k0b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 20:30 Brothers in Law (b007k2wl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SAT 21:00 Clowning Around on 4 Extra (m0019wyv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SAT 22:00 Welcome to Wherever You Are (b09gkh2f)
Series 1
Episode 1
Andrew Maxwell hosts a truly global stand-up show
Comedians perform from wherever on the planet they happen to be, to an audience in the BBC Radio Theatre, London.
With:
Alice Fraser
Storm Xu
Bassem Youssef
From Sydney, The Bugle podcast co-host Alice Fraser talks cricket and colonialism.
Emerging star Storm Xu in Shanghai reveals his problems with dating.
World-renowned satirist Bassem Youssef explains why he had to move to Los Angeles from his native Egypt (spoiler: it turns out dictators don't like you making jokes about them).
Producer: Ed Morrish
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in November 2017.
** Photo credit: Matt Stronge
SAT 22:30 Tom Allen Is Actually Not Very Nice (m000cc21)
Episode 3
Tom Allen is Actually Not Very Nice explores what happens when Tom's calm and collected exterior collapses.
He used to be such a nice boy but what has happened to turn him naughty?
With help from the assembled studio audience, Tom works out how best to navigate some tricky social situations and how to keep a lid on his fury when confronted with life's small injustices.
Featuring Gabby Best.
Photo credit: Edward Moore @edshots
Producer: Richard Morris
A BBC Studios Production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2019.
SAT 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m0023btp)
Sharon Wanjohi 1/3
From 10pm until midnight, seven days a week, The Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. And tonight, Isy Suttie interviews comedian Sharon Wanjohi.
They talk about experiences of Edinburgh, shared comedy bills and shared houses, and working out what you want to say with your comedy voice.
SAT 23:00 Sorry About Last Night (b00ndrql)
A Occurrence
Andy's dinner party sparks a rift with Julie.
Written by and starring Alexei Sayle.
Sitcom about life, love and not living together.
Andy ...... Alexei Sayle
Julie ...... Siobhan Redmond
Mr Hamad ...... Nadim Sawalha
D.I. Troon ..... Doon Mackichan
Mrs Abasanjo ...... Adjoa Andoh
Mr Lucik ...... Chris Pavlo
Dad ...... Harry Towb
Rory Bream ...... Simon Greenall
Michael ...... Gary Bleasdale
Sgt Pilcher ...... Tony Barclay
Produced and directed by Jo Clegg with Alexei Sayle.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1999.
SAT 23:30 Can't Tell Nathan Caton Nothing (b01s8mpr)
Series 2
About Careful Driving
Nathan Caton acknowledges that his Dad loves his car more than him.
This is the story of young, up-and-coming comedian Nathan Caton, who becomes the first in his family to graduate from University - only to opt for a career in comedy - much to his family's annoyance who want him to get a 'proper job' using his architecture degree.
Each episode shows the criticism, interference and rollercoaster ride that Nathan endures from his family as he pursues his career against their wishes.
Will Nathan be able to persist and follow his dreams? Or will he give in to his family's interference?
A mix of Nathan's stand-up intercut with scenes from his family life.
Written by: Nathan Caton.
Additional material by: Ola and Maff Brown.
Nathan ...... Nathan Caton
Mun ...... Adjoa Andoh
Dad ...... Curtis Walker
Grandma ...... Mona Hammond
Sue ...... Chizzy Akudolu
Police Officer ...... Don Gilet
Police Officer 2 ...... Ola
Producer: Katie Tyrrell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2013.
SAT 23:45 Sounding Off with McGough (b007k44n)
2. World Inhabitants
Roger McGough's poetic reflections on the inhabitants of the world.
With the accompaniment of long-time musical collaborator Andy Roberts.
Recorded in Bath.
Producer: Sara Davies
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2000.

SUNDAY 22 SEPTEMBER 2024

SUN 00:00 Daphne Du Maurier (b007jlbw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Saturday]
SUN 01:00 Eric Pringle - Sort of a Hero (m000m5hc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]
SUN 02:30 Women vs Hollywood by Helen O'Hara (Omnibus) (m002366p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Saturday]
SUN 03:45 Holmes and Watford (b09jgnf8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Saturday]
SUN 04:00 Play It Cool (b05s7k0b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Saturday]
SUN 04:30 Brothers in Law (b007k2wl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Saturday]
SUN 05:00 Clowning Around on 4 Extra (m0019wyv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Saturday]
SUN 06:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m0023780)
American Singers
Bruce Springsteen
Singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen is castaway by Kirsty Young.
His career has brought him 20 Grammys, two Golden Globes, an Academy Award and his albums sell in their millions around the world.
Bruce grew up in New Jersey where the Catholic church played a central role in his early life. The family teetered on the brink of poverty, and his first guitar was rented, rather than bought. He spent his apprentice years as a musician and singer with local bands before landing a record deal in 1972.
When 'Born to Run' was released in 1975 it turned him into a household name. His first Top Ten single was 'Hungry Heart', ahead of his most successful album 'Born in the USA' which was released in 1984.
In spite of having long transcended the environment he grew up in, Springsteen has remained a chronicler of blue-collar lives. His records are frequently a political commentary on the struggles of ordinary Americans.
In the 1990s he settled into family life with his wife Patti Scialfa who sings with his E Street Band.
DISC ONE: Elvis Presley - Hound Dog
DISC TWO: The Beatles - I Want to Hold Your Hand
DISC THREE: The Rolling Stones - It's All Over Now
DISC FOUR: Van Morrison - Madame George
DISC FIVE: Marvin Gaye - What's Going On
DISC SIX: James Brown - Out of Sight
DISC SEVEN: Bob Dylan - Like a Rolling Stone
DISC EIGHT:
CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Bob Dylan - Like a Rolling Stone
BOOK CHOICE: Woody Guthrie: A Life by Joe Klein
LUXURY CHOICE: A guitar
Producer: Cathy Drysdale
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2016.
SUN 06:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00n5w39)
Series 1
Collecting
Why do we collect things? Is it a male response to ancient hunting instincts to provide food for the family?
Today, collecting by children is in decline, and with it the development of an early fascination with the natural world around them.
Series of talks by Sir David Attenborough on the natural histories of creatures and plants from around the world.
Producer: Julian Hector
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2009.
SUN 07:00 Poetry Extra (m0023782)
Adventures in Poetry - Waltzing Matilda
Poet Daljit Nagra selects another highlight from the BBC's poetry archive this time with an Australian theme: Adventures in Poetry - Waltzing Matilda.
Was "the alternative Australian national anthem" written as a political statement or a way of impressing a girl?
Peggy Reynolds examines Banjo Paterson's lyric Waltzing Matilda, with help from some contemporary Australian voices.
Producer Christine Hall
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2010.
Daljit also reads a poem from his Poetry Extra Book of the Month: Belief Systems by Tamar Yoselof.
SUN 07:30 Crossriggs by Jane & Mary Findlater (Omnibus) (m0023784)
Episode 2
By early 1900s standards, Alexandra Hope is an unconventional woman, and the sleepy Scottish village of Crossriggs may not the place for her.
Even as the village celebrates a wedding, Alex contemplates an exit strategy.
Delightful tale of a small community hovering between two eras
Written by Jane and Mary Findlater - the sisters known as the 'Scottish Brontes'.
Originally published in 1908
Omnibus of the last five of ten episodes abridged by Clara Glynn.
Concluded by Rosalind Sydney.
Producer: Eilidh McCreadie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2020.
SUN 08:40 Inheritance Tracks (m0023786)
Adam Kay
Doctor turned author Adam Kay chooses Impromptu Op.90 by Franz Schubert and Stephen Sondheim’s I Never Do Anything Twice.
SUN 08:50 Maggie Allen - Not Me, But Us (Omnibus) (b0blvmcx)
Episode 1. 1866-1874
It's 1866 and self-described "educationalist" Sophia Jex-Blake returns from North America frustrated at opportunities available to women in Britain, particularly in medicine.
Sophie's increasingly convinced she'd like to train to be a doctor, but odds are stacked against her.
The one person she hopes will support her turns out not to be an ally at all.
True story of the late 19th century medical pioneer Sophia Jex-Blake, who campaigned hard for women's education.
Omnibus of the first five of ten episodes dramatised by Maggie Allen.
Sophia Jex-Blake ... Julia Watson
Mrs Jex-Blake ... Tina Gray
Elizabeth Garret Anderson ... Michelle Newell
Henry Fawcett MP ... Richard Derrington
Alexander Russel ... David Bannerman
Professor Masson ... Ian Brooker
Mrs Masson ... Sharon Baylis
Edith Pechey ... Susan Jeffrey
Prof Christison ... Bob Doherty
Prof Crum Brown ... Nell Bett
Dr Anstie ... Clifford Rose
Mr Norton .... Christopher Scott
Directed by Sue Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2001.
SUN 10:00 The Clitheroe Kid (m0023788)
Series 6
What A Guy
The cheeky schoolboy’s dreaming of fireworks and money.
Will his Bonfire Night go with a bang?
Starring the diminutive Jimmy Clitheroe
Legendary sitcom about Lancashire’s eternal cheeky schoolboy who lives with his Mother, sister Susan and Grandad
At its peak, ten million fans tuned in each week to hear Jimmy’s latest antics
Written by James Casey.
The Kid Himself …. Jimmy Clitheroe
Mother …. Patricia Burke
Grandad …. Peter Sinclair
Theodore Craythorpe/Harry Whittle …. Leonard Williams
Alfie .... Danny Ross
Susan …. Diana Day
With:
Tony Melody
Rosalie Williams
Karal Gardner
Theme music by Alan Roper and played by the BBC Northern Dance Orchestra directed by Alan Ainsworth.
Producer: James Casey
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in November 1962.
SUN 10:30 Drop Me Here, Darling (m000w4cl)
In Praise of Older Men
PA Clare feels emotional as she turns thirty. Caroline sets out to cheer her up.
Starring Leslie Phillips.
Andrew Palmer's comedy about a former property tycoon who’s fallen on hard times and is now chauffeur to his wealthy ex-wife.‘
Leslie Duggan …. Leslie Phillips
Caroline Duggan …. Jill Bennett
Claire/Mrs Elliott …. Norma Ronald
Ben..........Joe Dunlop
Producer: Edward Taylor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in August 1983.
SUN 11:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m0023780)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 11:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00n5w39)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]
SUN 12:00 Poetry Extra (m0023782)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
SUN 12:30 Crossriggs by Jane & Mary Findlater (Omnibus) (m0023784)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 13:40 Inheritance Tracks (m0023786)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 today]
SUN 13:50 Maggie Allen - Not Me, But Us (Omnibus) (b0blvmcx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]
SUN 15:00 The Clitheroe Kid (m0023788)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 15:30 Drop Me Here, Darling (m000w4cl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
SUN 16:00 Terry Pratchett (b008p506)
Guards! Guards!
6. A Million-to-One
"Last Desperate Chances always work. Besides, I'll be using my lucky arrow..."
All Captain Vimes needs to save the city is a million-to-one chance.
Stars John Wood and Martin Jarvis.
The 8th of Terry's Pratchett's comic fantasy stories set on Discworld
Concluding episode dramatised by Michael Butt.
Narrator …. Martin Jarvis
Captain Vimes …. John Wood
Nobby …. Melvyn Hayes
Sergeant Colon …. Stephen Thorne
Lady Ramkin …. Helen Atkinson-Wood
Carrot …. Robert Gwilym
Lord Vetinari …. Crawford Logan
Supreme Grand Master …. Brett Usher
First Guard …. Jeff Nuttall
Joint First Guard …. Michael Roberts
Death …. Himself
Director: John Taylor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 5 in December 1992.
SUN 16:30 Wally K Daly (b007k3zb)
The Silent Scream
Episode 2
The aliens are standing by to invade, but is there an even bigger threat to humanity?
Wally K Daly's sequel to 'Before the Screaming Begins'.
Tom Harris …. James Laurenson
A P Smith …. Donald Hewlett
Prime Minister …. Colin Douglas
Silkin …. Peter Wickham
Sally Harris …. Hannah Gordon
Opposition MP/Colonel …. Peter Williams
Andy …. Elizabeth Lindsay
Gloria/Cabinet Minister …. Brenda Kaye
Second Pilot/PC …. Gregory de Polnay
Alien Controller/Cabinet Minister …. Manning Wilson
Second Boy …. Tim Bentinck
First Girl …. Alison Draper
Audio from Wally K Daly's own collection and reversioned into three parts by BBC Radio 4 Extra
Producer: Martin Jenkins
First broadcast as a ninety-minute Saturday Night Drama on BBC Radio 4 in 1979.
SUN 17:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m0023780)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 17:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00n5w39)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]
SUN 18:00 Poetry Extra (m0023782)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
SUN 18:30 Crossriggs by Jane & Mary Findlater (Omnibus) (m0023784)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 19:40 Inheritance Tracks (m0023786)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 today]
SUN 19:50 Maggie Allen - Not Me, But Us (Omnibus) (b0blvmcx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]
SUN 21:00 The Clitheroe Kid (m0023788)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 21:30 Drop Me Here, Darling (m000w4cl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
SUN 22:00 Revolting People (b008j10d)
Series 3
Them Thar Hills
Samuel and McGurk follow prospector Mad Pete in search of gold...
Sitcom set just before the American War of Independence.
Written by Andy Hamilton and Jay Tarses.
McGurk .... Andy Hamilton
Samuel .... Jay Tarses
Captain Brimshaw .... James Fleet
Joshua .... Tony Maudsley
Mad Pete .... Hugh Dennis
Jeremiah .... Philip Pope
Producer: Paul Mayhew-Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2004.
SUN 22:30 Unnatural Acts (b00kt1q6)
Series 2
To Catch A Thief
It's all hands to the duster, as Paul makes an interesting discovery in Ashdown Forest.
A slightly surreal sitcom about a happily-married couple - Jeremy and Kit - and their unusual friends.
Jeremy.....Jeremy Hardy
Kit.............. Kit Hollerbach
Paul............Paul B Davies
Caroline.... Caroline Leddy
Written by Jeremy Hardy, Kit Hollerbach, Paul B Davies and Peter Sinclair.
Producer: David Tyler
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1988.
SUN 23:00 Great Unanswered Questions (m002378c)
Series 4
Episode 4
Colin Murphy hosts the comedy show which battles to answer some unusual questions.
When you wash clothes, why do jumpers get baggy and jeans shrink?
How thick does soup have to be to no longer be soup?
Hosted by Colin Murphy.
Experts:
Dr David Booth
Matthew Collins
Special Guest: Holly Walsh
Producer: Jackie Hamilton
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2011.
SUN 23:30 Elastic Planet (b007k33s)
The Zoo
Revealing the links between hurdling cattle, the Elephant's Lumberyard, gong beetles, alternative horticulture and the Llama movies of the early 60s.
Oliver Postgate narrates a stream of bizarre coincidences.
Ben Moor’s cosmic comedy of connections.
With:
Julian Pettifer
Brian Hayes
Dan Strauss
Kerry Shale
Geoff McGivern
Fiona Allen
Producer: Jon Naismith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1995
SUN 23:45 Hearing with Hegley (b03jpvjt)
Series 3
Episode 4
The Luton poet discovers that a poem doesn't necessarily want to be a poem.
From the Cheltenham Literary Festival.
Producer: Nigel Piper.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2000.

MONDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2024

MON 00:00 Terry Pratchett (b008p506)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Sunday]
MON 00:30 Wally K Daly (b007k3zb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:30 on Sunday]
MON 01:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m0023780)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Sunday]
MON 01:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00n5w39)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 on Sunday]
MON 02:00 Poetry Extra (m0023782)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Sunday]
MON 02:30 Crossriggs by Jane & Mary Findlater (Omnibus) (m0023784)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Sunday]
MON 03:40 Inheritance Tracks (m0023786)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 on Sunday]
MON 03:50 Maggie Allen - Not Me, But Us (Omnibus) (b0blvmcx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 on Sunday]
MON 05:00 The Clitheroe Kid (m0023788)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Sunday]
MON 05:30 Drop Me Here, Darling (m000w4cl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Sunday]
MON 06:00 Imperial Palace (m0010901)
1. New Arrivals
1930s London: It's time for some new arrivals at the city's luxury hotel - the creation of its director, Evelyn Orcham.
Starring Robin Ellis.
Arnold Bennett's novel about the goings on at the upmarket Imperial Palace hotel - first published in 1930.
Dramatised in four parts by Peter Ling.
Evelyn Orcham ....Robin Ellis
Sir Henry Savott....Derek Waring
Grade Savott....Colleen Prendergast
Violet Powler....Charlotte Attenborough
Miss Cass....Ann Beach
M Plaquet ....Sean Baker
Mrs O'Riordan ....Janet Maw
Lilian .... Amanda Gordon
Sam .... loan Meredith
Jim Craddock....John Hollis
Mr Purkin ....Keith Drinkel
Other parts played by the cast.
Director: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1997.
MON 06:30 The Joke About Hilary Spite (m000l24b)
1. Reception
Hilary is a woman of exceptional talent.
She's set to be discharged from hospital after seeing the psychiatrist.
But then Hilary discovers she's the target of a shadowy group keen to use her computer talents...
Starring Angela Pleasance, Nigel Anthony and Margaret Wolfit.
Christopher Bidmead's thrilling six-part spy adventure.
Hilary ...... Angela Pleasance
Beresford ...... Rolf Lefebvre
Cannon ...... Nigel Anthony
Jean ...... Hilda Kriseman
Dr. Reece ...... John Pullen
Matron ...... Margaret Wolfit
Dr. Wormald ...... Malcolm Hayes
Nurse ...... Deborah Dallas
Rick ...... Andrew Sachs
Mortimer ...... Dinsdale Landen
Producer: John Tydeman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1970.
MON 07:00 Babblewick Hall (b04njmpm)
Series 2
Episode 3
A witch - or rather, a misunderstood old woman who can in no way turn herself into a donkey - is abroad in the village. Squire Babblewick investigates.
Starring Nicholas Le Prevost and Forbes Masson.
Scott Cherry’s sitcom set in the 18th-century.
Nicholas Le Provost - Squire Fenton Babblewick
Augustus Snipe - Forbes Masson
Jack - Dave Hill
Molly- Maggie McCarthy
Barney - Benedict Sandiford.
Rev Finch - Kim Wall
Mrs Moss - Lynda Baron
Richard Gwynne - Phil Nice
Ned Dyke - Peter Gunn
Music by Paul Mottra.
Producer: Jon Rolph
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1998.
MON 07:30 The Navy Lark (m00237d0)
Series 11
Pertwee Climbs Up The Promotion Ladder
Can the crew of HMS Troutbridge come to terms with a possible promotion from the lower ranks?
Starring Leslie Phillips, Jon Pertwee and Stephen Murray.
Laughs afloat aboard British Royal Navy frigate HMS Troutbridge.
Written by Lawrie Wyman
The Sub-Lieutenant ...... Leslie Phillips
The Chief Petty Officer / Commander Weatherby...... Jon Pertwee
The Commanding Officer ...... Stephen Murray
Captain Povey ...... Richard Caldicot
Heather ….. Heather Chasen
The Admiral / Leading Seaman Goldstein….. Tenniel Evans
Captain Atchison / The Padre …. Michael Bates
Captain Titchwell …. Lawrie Wyman
The Navy Lark ran for an impressive 13 series between 1959 and 1976.
Producer: Alastair Scott Johnston.
First broadcast on the BBC Radio 2 in January 1970.
MON 08:00 In and Out of the Kitchen (b03vd7cx)
Series 3
The After-Dinner
The tranquillity of the Trench household is breached once again when Damien's mother calls to say she's coming to stay while Damien's father is on a silent retreat.
No sooner has she arrived than she starts setting about trying to be helpful, which only irritates Damien more.
So he's forced to spend some time away by accepting the offer of an after-dinner speaking engagement, something he's never tried before...
Sitcom written by and starring Miles Jupp, charting the life of cookery writer Damien Trench and his partner Anthony.
Damien Trench ...... Miles Jupp
Anthony ...... Justin Edwards
Ian Frobisher ...... Philip Fox
Damien's mother ...... Selina Cadell
Jennifer ...... Priyanga Burford
Heckler ...... David Seddon
Nigel Thingummy ...... Michael Bertenshaw
Producer: Sam Michell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2014.
MON 08:30 Homecoming by Colin Grant (m0009kxx)
1. Family Background
Growing up in 1960s Luton, Colin Grant avoided asking his Jamaican parents why they had emigrated to Britain in the 1950s.
But now, 70 years after the many ships (and some planes) brought a generation of young and hopeful British citizens to the shores of the UK from the West Indies, it is time to hear their stories in their own words.
After the Second World War, Britain encouraged immigration from Commonwealth countries.
To a large extent this was to help rebuild the country, as there was a shortage of labour at the time. The migrants were coming to a country promising prosperity and employment. Their stories are of hope and regret, of triumphs and challenges, brimming with humour, anger and wisdom.
Together, they reveal a rich tapestry of Caribbean British lives.
In this opening episode, the author outlines his own family background and shares accounts of finding work and a place to live.
Introduction read by Colin Grant
Read by Dona Croll, Don Warrington, Michelle Greenidge and Colin Salmon
Abridged in five parts by Colin Grant, Jill Waters and Isobel Creed
Producer: Jill Waters
A Waters Company production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in October 2019.
MON 08:45 Maggie Allen - Not Me, But Us (b0blj8wx)
6. Sophia Jex-Blake MD
It is now 8 years since Sophia Jex-Blake began her struggle to qualify as a doctor.
On the eve of the New Year, she is in Switzerland and about to attain her dream.
True story of the late 19th century medical pioneer, who campaigned hard for women's education.
Dramatised in ten parts by Maggie Allen.
Sophia Jex-Blake ... Julia Watson
Mr Norton .... Christopher Scott
Mrs Jex-Blake ... Tina Gray
Ursula du Pre ... Joanna Monro
Isabel Thorne ... Sara Coward
Edith Pechey ... Susan Jeffrey
Mr Henry Littlejohn .... Gavin Muir
Elsie Inglis ..... Tracy Wiles
Ina Cadell ..... Teresa Gallagher
Jessie MacGregor ... Hilary MacLean
John Inglis .... Bob Docherty
Miss Gosse ... Jenny Lee
Dr Milne .... Jamie Ballard
Producer: Sue Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2001.
MON 09:00 Just a Minute (m0022z3t)
Series 93
1. I’ve written down ‘Fleshy’, ‘England’ and ‘Chin’.
Sue Perkins challenges Stephen Fry, Jan Ravens, Tony Hawks and Katherine Parkinson to speak for 60 seconds without repetition, deviation or hesitation. Subjects include the invention of radio, doppelgängers and a bad-hair day.

Production Coordinator: Sarah Nicholls
Sound Manager: Jerry Peal
Sound Editor: Marc Willcox
Producer: Rajiv Karia
An EcoAudio certified production.

A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.
MON 09:30 England: Made in the Middle (b07bthdr)
1. Mercia
Historian Helen Castor explores the role of Mercia in the creation of England.
There’s something reassuringly eternal and inevitable-sounding about ‘this England’, as John of Gaunt famously describes it in Shakespeare’s Richard II. He says it was, ‘Built by Nature’.
And of course England does have a landscape that was shaped by nature, but ‘this realm’ – the kingdom, England as a political entity – is, and already was in Gaunt’s time, a human construction.
That being the case, Helen Castor asks where was England made, and who made it? And the answers come back - in its undersung middle parts, by Midlanders.
Though we tend to think of it in terms of North and South, England was in significant part dreamt into being in the imaginations of the men and women of the country’s heartland, harvested in its intensively laboured enclosures, forged in the fiery industrial furnaces of the Midlands.
In this first programme, Helen examines the conventional idea that England’s history as a single, indivisible unit began in Wessex, precursor of the modern English South, under King Alfred.
Major sources for early English history – including the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, written in the South – underscore this notion. But actually much of the work essential to unification happened in the kingdom of Mercia, precursor of the modern Midlands.
It’s just as well that the Staffordshire Hoard recently dug itself out of the earth after a millennium and more, in order to refocus historical attention. The Hoard, consisting of over 1,500 items, was discovered in a field a few miles south-west of Lichfield in Staffordshire in 2009 and offers irrefutable proof of the power and influence of the Midlands in the medieval world.
Producers: Robert Shore & Ashley Byrne
A Made in Manchester production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2016.
MON 09:45 Daily Service (m00237d2)
Blessed: part 2 - The merciful
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme:
Blessed: part 2 - The merciful
Presenter: Steve Williams
Producer: Rosemary Dawson
Reading: Romans 12: 14-21
Music:
There's a wideness in God's mercy - RSCM Millennium Youth Choir
The call of Wisdom - Tenebrae
Be blessed - Yolanda Adams
MON 10:00 Frankly Speaking (b0790m7g)
Stanley Holloway
Actor and singer, Stanley Holloway OBE discusses his career with a panel of two:
* Renowned journalist John Freeman (remembered for his Face to Face interviews)
* Theatre critic Philip Hope-Wallace.
Aged 70 when interviewed, Stanley looks back over his career so far.
He's best remembered on the big screen for Brief Encounter, Passport To Pimlico, The Titfield Thunderbolt and The Lavender Hill Mob.
But it was playing Eliza Doolittle's father Alfred the dustman in the original Broadway (1956) and London (1958) productions of 'My Fair Lady' that won him the 1964 film role which brought Stanley international fame.
Stanley Holloway died aged 91 in 1982.
Launched in 1952 on the BBC Home Service, Frankly Speaking was a novel, ground breaking series. Unrehearsed and unscripted, the traditional interviewee/interviewer pairing was initially jettisoned for three interviewers firing direct questions.
Early critics described it as 'unkempt', 'an inquisition' and described the guest as prey being cornered, quarry being pursued - with calls to axe the unscripted interview. But the format won out and eventually won over its detractors.
Unknown or very inexperienced broadcasters were employed as interviewers, notably John Betjeman, Malcolm Muggeridge and Penelope Mortimer. Only 40 or so of the original 100 programmes survive.
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in July 1960.
MON 10:30 While My Guitar Gently Bleeps (b07dlx8y)
A plumber eating a mushroom, and a spiny mammal jumping on a golden ring – you'd be forgiven for thinking these actions would make pretty indistinct or ambiguous sounds.
But comedian, writer and musician Isy Suttie discovers why – thanks to Super Mario and Sonic the Hedgehog – they're some of the most evocative sounds of the 1980s and 90s.
Along with these sounds, the plinky plonky music of early video games buried itself inside a generation of ears growing up among Commodores, Ataris, Segas and Nintendos.
Loosely referred to as "chiptune", many musicians and producers now use the jagged, electronic textures in their songs, going to great lengths to deliberately limit their audio palette for the sake of authenticity; some even rip apart old computers and consoles to build instruments faithful to the original sounds. Its ubiquity in film and TV scores is another testament to its efficiency in evoking that era.
Isy traces the evolution of chiptune from early electronic music, looking at how composers like Hirokazu Tanaka and Koji Kondo created the catchy and unmistakeable themes of Tetris and Super Mario Brothers.
She meets current chiptune artists, including the band whose instruments are joysticks and game controllers, and uses their advice to write her own digital classic.
But can she convince the organisers of a die-hard gaming event to use it as their theme tune, and survive silicon scrutiny?
Producer: Benn Cordrey.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2016.
MON 11:00 Imperial Palace (m0010901)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 11:30 The Joke About Hilary Spite (m000l24b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 12:00 Babblewick Hall (b04njmpm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 12:30 The Navy Lark (m00237d0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 13:00 In and Out of the Kitchen (b03vd7cx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 13:30 Homecoming by Colin Grant (m0009kxx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 13:45 Maggie Allen - Not Me, But Us (b0blj8wx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
MON 14:00 It's Not What You Know (b09v6xwz)
Series 5
Episode 2
What would be Gyles Brandreth's superpower?
Who is Sarah Kendall's all time hero ?
What is the source of Phil Wang's shame?
Just some of the questions from Joe Lycett as he tests the three panellists on how well they know their nearest and dearest.
Producer: Adnan Ahmed.
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in March 2018.
MON 14:30 Hidden Treasures (m00237d4)
Peter Rankin - Tu-Whit, Tu-Whoo!
Susan and Billy are rehearsing at home for a recital.
But their charming world is turned upside down by the death of their older brother.
Followed by the arrival of a niece who has designs on the very roof over their heads.
Starring Irene Handl, Arnold Ridley and Denise Coffey.
A comedy for radio written by Peter Rankin.
Susan …. Irene Handl
Billy …. Arnold Ridley
Mariana .... Gladys Spencer
Rachel .... Denise Coffey
Marvin .... Joey Clark
Interviewer .... Anthony Smee
Director: Susanna Capon
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1976.
**********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
'Tu-whit, Tu-whoo!’ is part of BBC Radio 4 Extra's Hidden Treasures collection of selected titles returned to the BBC by various collectors.
Our warm thanks go to the Radio Circle.
MON 15:30 Ooh You Rotten Egg! (m00237d6)
Janet Ellis presents a portrait of fondly-remembered comedy actress Irene Handl.
Friends, including Eric Sykes, Liz Fraser, Julia McKenzie and Leslie Phillips, remember Irene’s passion for her work - and for her confounded chihuahuas.
Irene was a late starter who found instant success on the stage in her 30s.
She found a niche playing cockney mums, despite coming from a wealthy background herself, and also wrote two acclaimed novels, including ‘The Sioux’, which Noel Coward described as displaying "a very strongly developed streak of genius".
Producer: Claire Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2002.
MON 16:00 Frankly Speaking (b0790m7g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
MON 16:30 While My Guitar Gently Bleeps (b07dlx8y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
MON 17:00 Imperial Palace (m0010901)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 17:30 The Joke About Hilary Spite (m000l24b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 18:00 Babblewick Hall (b04njmpm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 18:30 The Navy Lark (m00237d0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 19:00 In and Out of the Kitchen (b03vd7cx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 19:30 Homecoming by Colin Grant (m0009kxx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 19:45 Maggie Allen - Not Me, But Us (b0blj8wx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
MON 20:00 It's Not What You Know (b09v6xwz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
MON 20:30 Hidden Treasures (m00237d4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
MON 21:30 Ooh You Rotten Egg! (m00237d6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:30 today]
MON 22:00 Just a Minute (m0022z3t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
MON 22:30 Alexei Sayle's Strangers on a Train (m0013zmn)
Birmingham to Edinburgh
Alexei Sayle takes a train journey and breaks the golden rule of travelling by train in the UK - he actually talks to his fellow passengers.
On a journey from Birmingham to Edinburgh, he shares their funny and moving moments, their favourite jokes, their tales of weddings, work, funerals and holidays, and explores the lives of strangers by simply asking the questions that we might want answered - if only we were there too.
Along with the unplanned conversations, Alexei gives us his reaction to everything he can see as it passes his carriage window.
Perhaps it’s the stunning coastline north of Newcastle or the remains of Britain’s industrial heritage as he chugs through the Midlands.
After all, there must be a little bit of Alexei’s DNA devoted to the railways - his father was a railway guard and Alexei travelled thousands of miles by train as a child.
Producers: Peter Lowe and Nick Symons.
A Ride production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in February 2022.
MON 23:00 The News Quiz (m002309n)
Series 115
Work & Play
Simon Evans, Ian Smith, Aditi Mittal and Anushka Asthana join Andy Zaltzman to quiz the news
This week on The News Quiz the panel go through the PM's wardrobe, take a splash into the Lib Dem's conference, and take on the year's greatest mystery... where are all the butterflies?
Written by Andy Zaltzman
With additional material by: Cameron Loxdale, Sarah Campbell, Owen Pullar and Peter Tellouche
Producer: Sam Holmes
Executive Producer: Pete Strauss
Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman
Sound Editor: Marc Willcox
A BBC Studios Audio Production for Radio 4
An Eco-Audio certified Production
MON 23:30 Chris Addison's Civilization (b00dy51z)
Cities and Laws
What are the flaws in the urban democratic system?
Continuing his journey through the vast and rich subject of civilisation, Chris Addison explains exactly what we need to create a new one.
With:
Professor Austin Herring (Geoffrey McGivern)
Jo Enright
Dan Tetsell
Producer: Simon Nicholls
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2006.

TUESDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2024

TUE 00:00 Frankly Speaking (b0790m7g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Monday]
TUE 00:30 While My Guitar Gently Bleeps (b07dlx8y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Monday]
TUE 01:00 Imperial Palace (m0010901)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]
TUE 01:30 The Joke About Hilary Spite (m000l24b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Monday]
TUE 02:00 Babblewick Hall (b04njmpm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Monday]
TUE 02:30 The Navy Lark (m00237d0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:00 In and Out of the Kitchen (b03vd7cx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Monday]
TUE 03:30 Homecoming by Colin Grant (m0009kxx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:45 Maggie Allen - Not Me, But Us (b0blj8wx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Monday]
TUE 04:00 It's Not What You Know (b09v6xwz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:30 Hidden Treasures (m00237d4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Monday]
TUE 05:30 Ooh You Rotten Egg! (m00237d6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:30 on Monday]
TUE 06:00 Imperial Palace (m001090f)
2. Changing Times
Hotel director, Evelyn Orcham must face the threat of a takeover at the Imperial Palace..
Starring Robin Ellis.
Arnold Bennett's novel about the 1930s goings on at London's upmarket Imperial Palace hotel.
Dramatised by Peter Ling.
Evelyn Orcham:....Robin Ellis
Sir Henry Savott:....Derek Waring
Violet Powler:....Charlotte Attenborough
Miss Cass:....Ann Beach
Mr Perosi / Levinson ....Michael Mears
Mrs O'Riordan ....Janet Maw
Miss Maclaren .....Joanna Monro
Dove .....John Hartley
Mr Plimsin ....Stephen Thorne
Barber / Floor waiter ....Mark Bonnar
Crump ....Sean Baker.
Director: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1997.
TUE 06:30 The Joke About Hilary Spite (m000l1fx)
2. Pandora Close
Hilary meets a gentleman who tells her that the dead are living and the living dead.
Then - because of her exceptional talent - he asks her to do a job for him...
Starring Angela Pleasance.
Christopher Bidmead's spy adventure.
Hilary ....... Angela Pleasance
Beresford ....... Rolf Lefebvre
Cannon ....... Nigel Anthony
Jean ....... Hilda Kriseman
Producer: John Tydeman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1970.
TUE 07:00 Rent (b00752lq)
Series 3
Episode 4
Maria turns agony aunt, but is Paul finally turning all grown-up and responsible?
Series 3 of Lucy Flannery's award-winning sitcom about Maria and Richard Reynolds and their lodgers.
CAST:
Maria …. Barbara Flynn
Richard …. Patrick Barlow
Amy …. Linda Polan
Ruby …. Vivienne Rochester
Paul …. Dave Lamb
The Mother …. Sally Grace
The Checkout Girl …. Sarah Parkinson
Producer: Liz Anstee.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1997.
TUE 07:30 The Goon Show (b00fyvxb)
Series 6
The International Christmas Pudding
An eccentric millionaire funds an expedition for fragments of a famous dessert.
Groundbreaking, surreal BBC radio comedy written by Spike Milligan.
Starring:
Spike Milligan
Peter Sellers
Harry Secombe.
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 on 15th November 1955.
TUE 08:00 Alone (m0009bnq)
Series 2
Anti-Valentine's Day
The unattached neighbours are all dreading the left-out feeling they always get on February 14th.
Encouraged by a driven Will, they agree to go out and enjoy themselves anyway, by way of protest, and so book a table for a singles-only meal out. After all, there is safety in numbers - as long as you have the numbers.
Sitcom about five single, middle aged neighbours living in flats in a converted house in North London.
Mitch is a widower and part-time therapist, looking to put his life back together now that he is single and living with Will, his younger, more volatile and unhappily divorced half-brother. Elsewhere in the building is schoolteacher Ellie who is shy, nervous and holds a secret candle for Mitch. Overly honest, frustrated actress Louisa, and socially inept IT nerd Morris complete the line-up of mis-matched neighbours.
Mitch ...... Angus Deayton
Will ...... Pearce Quigley
Ellie ...... Abigail Cruttenden
Louisa ...... Kate Isitt
Morris ...... Bennett Arron
Waiter ...... Dominic Coleman
Written and created by Moray Hunter
Produced by Gordon Kennedy
Based on an original idea developed in association with Dandy Productions
An Absolutely production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in October 2019.
TUE 08:30 Homecoming by Colin Grant (m0009ksh)
2. Reasons for Leaving
Growing up in 1960s Luton, Colin Grant avoided asking his Jamaican parents why they had emigrated to Britain in the 1950s. But now, seventy years after the many ships (and some planes) brought a generation of young and hopeful British citizens to the shores of the UK from the West Indies, it is time to hear their stories in their own words.
After the Second World War, Britain encouraged immigration from Commonwealth countries. To a large extent this was to help rebuild the country, as there was a shortage of labour at the time. The migrants were coming to a country promising prosperity and employment. Their stories are of hope and regret, of triumphs and challenges, brimming with humour, anger and wisdom. Together, they reveal a rich tapestry of Caribbean British lives.
This episode explores the reasons for leaving and the shock of arrival.
Introduction read by Colin Grant
Readers: Dona Croll, Burt Caesar, Michelle Greenidge, Don Warrington, Colin Salmon,
Abridged by Colin Grant, Jill Waters and Isobel Creed
Produced by Jill Waters.
The Waters Company for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in October 2019.
TUE 08:45 Maggie Allen - Not Me, But Us (b0bljcdm)
7. Tall Oaks
Sophia Jex-Blake has returned to Edinburgh to set up a medical practice. The work is rewarding but arduous, and tragedy overtakes her with the death of her assistant. Holding herself responsible, she returns with her friend Ursula to recover her spirits in Cumbria.
The true story of late 19th century pioneer Sophia Jex-Blake's in Maggie Allen's ten-part dramatisation.
CAST:
Sophia Jex-Blake ... Julia Watson
Mr Norton .... Christopher Scott
Mrs Jex-Blake ... Tina Gray
Ursula du Pre ... Joanna Monro
Isabel Thorne ... Sara Coward
Edith Pechey ... Susan Jeffrey
Mr Henry Littlejohn .... Gavin Muir
Elsie Inglis ..... Tracy Wiles
Ina Cadell ..... Teresa Gallagher
Jessie MacGregor ... Hilary MacLean
John Inglis .... Bob Docherty
Miss Gosse ... Jenny Lee
Dr Milne .... Jamie Ballard
Director: Sue Wilson.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2001.
TUE 09:00 Heresy (m001818c)
Series 12
Episode 3
Victoria Coren Mitchell presents another edition of the show which dares to commit heresy.
Joining Victoria Coren Mitchell to commit heresy this week are comedians Richard Herring and Phil Wang and the journalist Matthew Norman.
Written, presented, and produced by Victoria Coren Mitchell
with additional material from Dan Gaster and Charlie Skelton
Series created by David Baddiel
An Avalon production for BBC Radio 4
TUE 09:30 England: Made in the Middle (b07byvp8)
2. Industrial Midlands
Historian Helen Castor explores the role of the Midlands in the story of England.
Many people think of the Industrial Revolution as a Northern phenomenon - but historian Helen Castor argues it was actually dreamt up and devised in the English Midlands. If Britain left the eighteenth century the world’s foremost industrial power, it was almost entirely thanks to Midlanders.
In this programme, Helen tells the story of the Lunar Society - a group of Midland entrepreneurs, enthusiasts and inventors who met up at a location in or near Birmingham once a month, on the Monday nearest the full moon. There they discussed ideas that would revolutionise societies across the world, from Boulton and Watt’s steam engine to Erasmus Darwin’s early intuitions of evolutionary theory, which he wrote up in rhyming couplets.
The Lunar Society counted among its members many of the most innovative thinkers of a particularly innovative age - major figures of the wider Enlightenment whose individual contributions were at least as significant as those of Voltaire in France, Goethe in Germany, and Benjamin Franklin in the United States.
Distance from saltwater is a defining feature of the landlocked Midlands, but if the entrepreneurs of the Lunar Society lacked a natural waterway to carry their wares to market, they didn’t despair about their natural disadvantages. Instead they set about creating an artificial sea. Josiah Wedgwood got Parliament to approve a new canal from the East Midlands to Liverpool.
Without the new canal network, Birmingham could never have emerged as the leader of the Industrial Revolution.
Producers: Robert Shore and Ashley Byrne.
A Made in Manchester production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2016.
TUE 09:45 Daily Service (m00237cs)
Blessed: part 2 - Pure in heart
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Blessed: part 2 - Pure in heart
Presenter: Joe Aldred
Reading: Proverbs 3: 19-27
Music:
Blessed assurance - Warehouse Worship
Lord, you have my heart - Elle Limebear
Purify my heart (refiner's fire) - Brian Doerksen
TUE 10:00 A Good Read (b09794s6)
Sally Lindsay and Jonathan Harvey
Actress Sally Lindsay and playwright Jonathan Harvey join Harriett Gilbert to discuss favourite books by Sue Townsend, Christopher Douglas and Angela Carter.
The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole by Sue Townsend
Publisher: Puffin
I, An Actor, by Nicholas Craig (in fact Christopher Douglas and Nigel Planer).
Publisher: Methuen
Wise Children by Angela Carter
Publisher: Vintage
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2017
TUE 10:30 The Shipwrecked Bears (b012r6tt)
3,000 teddy bears went missing in 1903, supposedly en route for New York from their native Germany.
Bear expert and storyteller-par-excellence Gyles Brandreth attempts to discover what really happened to these earliest toy bears.
In 1902 the first ever toy bear was designed in Germany by Richard Steiff: Bär 55 PB, a lifelike bear with joints, a humped back and a snout. A New York toy company placed an order at the Leipzig Toy Fair in 1903 for 3,000 of the novelties to be ready in time for the Christmas market. The bears were made and packed up for shipment, but there is no record of them reaching their destination and none of this load of US-bound bears has ever been found.
The templates, patterns and even photos of this bear exist but not even one sample was kept. One popular explanation is that there was a shipwreck and the bears had a watery end. All that is certain is that if one of these bears turned up now it would be 'open chequebook' time for certain museums and collectors.
Witty, magical and heart-warming, the documentary reveals fascinating detail behind the making of the bears, including a trip to the Steiff factory and a rifle through their detailed archives, as Gyles delights us with this little-known story, and imagines where water-logged bears might have washed up.
Producer: Mary Ward-Lowery
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2011.
TUE 11:00 Imperial Palace (m001090f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 11:30 The Joke About Hilary Spite (m000l1fx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 12:00 Rent (b00752lq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 12:30 The Goon Show (b00fyvxb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 13:00 Alone (m0009bnq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 13:30 Homecoming by Colin Grant (m0009ksh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 13:45 Maggie Allen - Not Me, But Us (b0bljcdm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
TUE 14:00 Booked (b00753t1)
Series 1
Episode 3
Joan of Arc turns Bond girl and Kipling's poem If gets an overhaul.
Outrageous parody, biting wit and bizarre couplings from:
Dillie Keane
Mark Thomas
Miles Kington
Roger McGough
Ian McMillan chairs the irreverent literary game.
Producer: Marc Jobst
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1995.
TUE 14:30 Hidden Treasures (m00237cw)
Larry McCoubrey - The Leveret
John Graham's decision to return from London to live in his native County Down seems to have been a good one.
His English wife Ruth loves her new home, and the children seem to have settled in well, too, especially when they are allowed to keep a young, abandoned hare as a pet.
In fact, Northern Ireland seemed an idyllic place to live until they found the leveret...
"The leveret is said to be capable of contacting the middle world... it's all superstitious nonsense, of course..."
Written by Larry McCoubrey.
Adapted for radio by Matthew Walters.
Ruth Graham .... Sandra Clark
John Graham .... Sean Barrett
Sarah Graham .... Susan Sheridan
Nicholas Graham .... Bernadette Windsor
Mrs McClelland .... Elizabeth Begley
Michael Lynch .... John Hewitt
Dr John Eagleson .... P G Stephens
Doreen Clegg .... Ann Hasson
Geoff Cranston .... Denys Hawthorne
Bill Clegg .... Desmond MacAleer
Vickie Cranston .... Gertrude Russell
Terrorist .... Kevin Moore
Terrorist .... Desmond MacAleer
Radiophonic Music composed by Dick Mills.
Director: Robert Cooper
A BBC Northern Ireland production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in November 1980.
**********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
'The Leveret’ is part of BBC Radio 4 Extra's Hidden Treasures collection of selected titles returned to the BBC by various collectors.
Our warm thanks go to the Radio Circle.
TUE 15:45 Barry Norman's Tie by Susie Maguire (m00237cy)
"Dear Barry - No offence or anything, but I watched the show last night and I thought the tie you were wearing was really (sorry) horrible. Barry, you've got to do something about this...."
A fan of Barry Norman's TV film programme has some sartorial concerns.
Written and read by Susie Maguire.
Producer: David Jackson Young
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1995.
TUE 16:00 A Good Read (b09794s6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
TUE 16:30 The Shipwrecked Bears (b012r6tt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
TUE 17:00 Imperial Palace (m001090f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 17:30 The Joke About Hilary Spite (m000l1fx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 18:00 Rent (b00752lq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 18:30 The Goon Show (b00fyvxb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 19:00 Alone (m0009bnq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 19:30 Homecoming by Colin Grant (m0009ksh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 19:45 Maggie Allen - Not Me, But Us (b0bljcdm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
TUE 20:00 Booked (b00753t1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
TUE 20:30 Hidden Treasures (m00237cw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
TUE 21:45 Barry Norman's Tie by Susie Maguire (m00237cy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 today]
TUE 22:00 Heresy (m001818c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
TUE 22:30 The Consultants (b0076pm3)
Series 2
Episode 2
The trio are facing legal problems after Jack and Jill's accident at work and the unfortunate demise of Dr Foster during an activity weekend in The Cotswolds.
Plus a chance to re-remember their recently destroyed war serial "We Dive To Serve".
Cerebral sketch show written by and starring:
Neil Edmond
Justin Edwards
James Rawlings
Producer: Will Saunders
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2003.
TUE 23:00 The Shuttleworths (b007jp2b)
Series 3
Caravan Capers
John and Mary are looking forward to a romantic caravan trip to Hope in Derbyshire - but an uninvited guest comes along for the ride.
Written and performed by Graham Fellows.
Producer: Paul Schlesinger
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1997.
TUE 23:15 The John Moloney Show (b0939hq0)
Series 2
A Visit to the Doctor
It's the final episode of the current series and life has a way of getting its own back.
Edward the cat is off the hook this week - but not John. It's his turn for a bit of unwelcome prodding from the medical community.
Written by and starring John Moloney.
With:
Karen Bartke
Richard Melvin
Producer: Richard Melvin
A Dabster production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2017.
TUE 23:30 Lionel Nimrod's Inexplicable World (b007qx6z)
Series 1
The Universe
The spoof TV sci-fi star explains life's big mysteries.
To try and explain the origins of the universe - Richard and Stewart use themselves as guinea pigs to discover if time really does go faster if you're having fun.
Written by and starring Richard Herring and Stewart Lee.
With:
Tom Baker
Rebecca Front
Armando Iannucci
Producer: Sarah Smith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1992

WEDNESDAY 25 SEPTEMBER 2024

WED 00:00 A Good Read (b09794s6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Tuesday]
WED 00:30 The Shipwrecked Bears (b012r6tt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Tuesday]
WED 01:00 Imperial Palace (m001090f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:30 The Joke About Hilary Spite (m000l1fx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Tuesday]
WED 02:00 Rent (b00752lq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Tuesday]
WED 02:30 The Goon Show (b00fyvxb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:00 Alone (m0009bnq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Tuesday]
WED 03:30 Homecoming by Colin Grant (m0009ksh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:45 Maggie Allen - Not Me, But Us (b0bljcdm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Tuesday]
WED 04:00 Booked (b00753t1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:30 Hidden Treasures (m00237cw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Tuesday]
WED 05:45 Barry Norman's Tie by Susie Maguire (m00237cy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 on Tuesday]
WED 06:00 Imperial Palace (m00108q4)
3. Takeover
Hotel director Evelyn Orcham faces staff unrest at the Imperial Palace.
Starring Robin Ellis.
Arnold Bennett's novel about the 1930s goings on at London's upmarket Imperial Palace hotel.
Dramatised by Peter Ling.
Evelyn Orcham: ....Robin Ellis
Sir Henry Savott:....Derek Waring
Grade Savott:....Colleen Prendergast
Violet Powler:....Charlotte Attenborough
Sir Henry Savott .... Derek Waring
Miss Cass ....Ann Beach
M Perosi ....Michael Mears
Miss Maclaren ....Joanna Monro
Dover .... John Hartley
Gino Ceria .... Christopher Scott
Miss Venables ....Adjoah Andoh
Mrs Powler ....Di Botcher
Waiter ....Ioan Meredith
Other parts played by the cast.
Director: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1997.
WED 06:30 The Joke About Hilary Spite (m000l2yd)
3. Zeus
Hilary meets an agent who is not what he seems, and together they climb a bridge to rob a computer.
Starring Angela Pleasance.
Christopher Bidmead's spy adventure about a woman with exceptional talent.
Hilary .... Angela Pleasence
Beresford ... Rolf Lefebvre
Jean: Hilda ... Kriseman
Mortimer ... Dinsdale Landen
Producer: John Tydeman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1970.
WED 07:00 Ballylenon (b007jx54)
Series 5
Episode 1
Phonsie's sale of the Hoover ancestral home sparks much speculation.
Series set in the sleepy town of Ballylenon, Co Donegal in 1956.
Written by Christopher Fitz-Simon.
Phonsie Doherty …. TP McKenna
Muriel McConkey …. Margaret D'Arcy
Vera McConkey …. Stella McCusker
Vivienne Boal …. Aine McCartney
Packy McGoldrick …. Charlie Bonnar
Peg Sweeney …. Marcella Riordan
Father O'Flatley …. John Guiney
Music arranged and performed by Stephanie Hughes.
Director: Eoin O'Callaghan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1998.
WED 07:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007k1nm)
Series 2
The Rail Strike
The Lad gets a green signal to outwit a rail strike, but a bumpy ride lies ahead...
Ray Galton and Alan Simpson's classic comedy about the life and times of Anthony Aloysius St John Hancock.
Starring Tony Hancock.
With:
Bill Kerr
Sidney James
Kenneth Williams
Andree Melly
Announcer: Kenneth Williams
Theme and incidental music written by Wally Stott.
Music recorded by the BBC Augmented Revue Orchestra conducted by Harry Rabinowitz.
Producer: Dennis Main Wilson
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in June 1955.
WED 08:00 Tom Wrigglesworth's Hang-Ups (b04p85z2)
Series 2
Point of No Return
After a mere 21 years of service the Wrigglesworth dishwasher has finally packed in.
So Mr Wrigglesworth is bringing Tom's mum and his gran down to London to have it out with the manufacturers at the Ideal Home Show.
A visit which is made inordinately complicated by Mr Wrigglesworth's ambitious travel plans...
Tom ...... Tom Wrigglesworth
Granny ...... Judy Parfitt
Dad ...... Paul Copley
Mum ...... Kate Anthony
Written by Tom Wrigglesworth and James Kettle. With Miles Jupp.
Producer: Katie Tyrrell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2014.
WED 08:30 Homecoming by Colin Grant (m0009jhy)
3. Culture of Racism
Growing up in 1960s Luton, Colin Grant avoided asking his Jamaican parents why they had emigrated to Britain in the 1950s. But now, seventy years after many ships - including the Empire Windrush - anchored on British shores, he brings together over a hundred first-hand interviews, archival recordings and memoirs by the women and men who came to Britain from the West Indies between the late 1940s and early 1960s.
After the Second World War, Britain encouraged immigration from Commonwealth countries. To a large extent this was to help rebuild the country, as there was a shortage of labour at the time. The migrants were coming to a country promising prosperity and employment. Their stories are of hope and regret, of triumphs and challenges, brimming with humour, anger and wisdom. Together, they reveal a rich tapestry of Caribbean British lives.
This episode looks at the dominant culture of racism in Britain at the time and how it affected the Caribbean migrants in their search for work and a place to sleep.
Introduction by Colin Grant
Readers: Burt Caesar, Don Warrington, Michelle Greenidge, Colin Salmon, Dona Croll
Abridged by Colin Grant, Jill Waters and Isobel Creed
Produced by Jill Waters.
The Waters Company for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in October 2019.
WED 08:45 Maggie Allen - Not Me, But Us (b0blspzt)
8. Edinburgh School of Medicine
With the Edinburgh Hospital for Women and Children established, Sophia Jex-Blake turns her attention to establishing a medical school for women in Edinburgh. But her first intake of students are not as obedient as she would wish.
The true story of late 19th century pioneer Sophia Jex-Blake's in Maggie Allen's ten-part dramatisation.
Starring Julia Watson as Sophia Jex-Blake; Gavin Muir as Henry Littlejohn; and Teresa Gallagher as Ina Cadell.
CAST:
Sophia Jex-Blake ... Julia Watson
Mr Norton .... Christopher Scott
Mrs Jex-Blake ... Tina Gray
Ursula du Pre ... Joanna Monro
Isabel Thorne ... Sara Coward
Edith Pechey ... Susan Jeffrey
Mr Henry Littlejohn .... Gavin Muir
Elsie Inglis ..... Tracy Wiles
Ina Cadell ..... Teresa Gallagher
Jessie MacGregor ... Hilary MacLean
John Inglis .... Bob Docherty
Miss Gosse ... Jenny Lee
Dr Milne .... Jamie Ballard
Director: Sue Wilson.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2001.
WED 09:00 Paul Sinha's Perfect Pub Quiz (m0016xvv)
Series 1
Round three: Four-Letter Words
The problem with quizzes is that the same questions keep coming up, like “Who was the first US President to be assassinated?”*. So the more quizzes you do the more predictable they get. Luckily, here comes quizzer, comedian and Rose d’Or winner Paul Sinha with his series, Paul Sinha’s Perfect Pub Quiz. In each episode he will invite the audience to tell him their favourite quiz questions, before offering up not just different and surprising questions, but also the fascinating stories behind the answers.
The answers to every question this week are four-letter words - such as 'quiz', not the ones you're thinking of.
It’s facts, jokes, stories and puns – just the way you like them.
Written and performed by Paul Sinha
Additional material Oliver Levy
Additional questions The Audience
Original music: Tim Sutton
Sound engineer: Jerry Peal
Producer: Ed Morrish
A Lead Mojo production for BBC Radio 4
*Abraham Lincoln, as you well know.
WED 09:30 England: Made in the Middle (b07c2q32)
3. Midlands Beauty
Historian Helen Castor explores the role of the Midlands in the story of England.
Where do you think of when you hear the words ‘quintessential English countryside’? Probably somewhere in the sublime North or the beautiful South. Rarely – despite the odd exclamation over the splendours of Warwickshire or Shropshire - does anyone speak up for the magnificence of the Midlands generally. But historian Helen Castor claims it is the Midlands, rather than Kent, deserves the title The Garden of England.
For many, the Midlands consists of little more than service stations on the M1 or nodes on the rail network. But the middle band of the country has actually given birth to many of the myths associated with England’s green and pleasant land.
Why don’t more people know this? Helen argues the answer is bound up with the Industrial Revolution, and Midlanders’ commitment to innovation. In order to serve as the nation’s testing ground for new technologies, Midlanders have consistently sacrificed their surroundings. In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the Industrial and Agricultural Revolutions reconfigured the Midland landscape and brought passionate responses from the region’s greatest writers, including the great Northants ‘peasant poet’, John Clare, outraged by the enclosure movement, and the Notts radical D H Lawrence, who scorned the ruination of his native woods and fields by the coal mines.
The Midland landscape has continued to cast a spell on the nation’s greatest writers and composers all the same. Edward Elgar took his musical cue from the West Midlands, while in the imagination of JRR Tolkien the same landscapes gave rise to the notion of Hobbits and Middle-earth.
Producers: Robert Shore and Ashley Byrne.
A Made in Manchester production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2016.
WED 09:45 Daily Service (m00237p5)
Blessed: part 2 - The peacemakers
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Blessed: part 2 - The peacemakers
Presenter: Rev Kirsty Thorpe
Reading: Colossians 3: 12- 17
Music:
Peace I leave with you - Daily Service Singers
Make me a channel of your peace - Katherine Jenkins
The Peace of God - Daily Service Singers
WED 10:00 Archive on 4 (b08rp0gv)
Femmes Fatales
Recorded on location in Manhattan, screen siren Kathleen Turner celebrates the enduring mystique of the femme fatale.
Turner, who famously played the husky-voiced femme fatale Matty Walker in the steamy thriller Body Heat, traces the history of the Femme Fatale in cinema and in film noir where she was so often a central character.
Film noir always come to the fore during moments of deep cultural anxiety. And the character of the femme fatale shines a revealing light on the role of women in society and the relationship between the sexes.
It was towards the end of the Second World War that noir first emerged as a style of filmmaking. These were gritty thrillers that exposed the dark underbelly of the American Dream. In films such as Double Indemnity, Out Of The Past and The Postman Always Rings Twice, the femme fatale was the intelligent but heartless seductress who entrapped the male protagonist, for her own murderous and financial gain.
In the late 70s and early 80s, America experienced another moment of deep cynicism following the Vietnam war and filmmakers returned to film noir, with Kathleen Turner's Matty Walker as the ultimate neo noir femme fatale character in Body Heat. These films, not content with the racy innuendo of 1940s noir, shocked and thrilled audiences with explicit sex scenes. But through her typical tough dame talk, Matty Walker also draws attention to the underestimation of women by men.
With contributions from Eddie Muller (President of the Film Noir Foundation), Professor Ellis Cashmore and Nick James (Editor of the BFI's Sight and Sound magazine), Kathleen introduces standout performances from Lauren Bacall, Barbara Stanwyck, Rita Hayworth, Joan Crawford and Lana Turner.
The film noir femme fatale was a wonderfully meaty role for an up-and-coming Hollywood actress, such as British star Peggy Cummins. Now 91, she reflects on her role as the femme fatale in Joseph H. Lewis' Gun Crazy about an ambitious fairground sharp-shooter who goes on a bank robbing spree with her trigger-happy husband.
Julie Grossman (author of Rethinking The Femme Fatale in Film Noir) argues that we make blithe and easy reference to femmes fatales without considering their social and psychological context. Many 1940s femmes fatales in film noir were deeply interesting characters who felt trapped, bored or led deeply unfulfilling lives.
Kathleen argues that, despite great advances in gender equality since the 1940s, the femme fatale will always be relevant "because men will always be terrified of women."
Producer: Victoria Ferran
A Just Radio production, first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2017.
WED 11:00 Imperial Palace (m00108q4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 11:30 The Joke About Hilary Spite (m000l2yd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 12:00 Ballylenon (b007jx54)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 12:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007k1nm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 13:00 Tom Wrigglesworth's Hang-Ups (b04p85z2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 13:30 Homecoming by Colin Grant (m0009jhy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 13:45 Maggie Allen - Not Me, But Us (b0blspzt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
WED 14:00 Counterpoint (b01s7yw7)
Series 27
2013 Heat 1
Paul Gambaccini chairs the general knowledge music quiz.
The questions cover every aspect of music - from the classical repertoire to world music, show tunes, film scores, jazz, rock and pop.
The first trio of competitors are in the BBC Radio Theatre in London for the first heat of the series.
David Derrick from London
Toby Edwards from North London
Alan McLean from Debden in Essex
Producer: Paul Bajoria
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2013.
WED 14:30 Hidden Treasures (m00237p7)
Patricia Highsmith - A Suspension of Mercy
Alicia Bartleby, wife of American thriller writer, Sydney Bartleby, has 'died' many times in her husband's imagination.
Then she disappears on a surreptitious trip to Brighton and Sydney finds himself being questioned by the police - who notice confusion between fact and fantasy...
Written by Patricia Highsmith.
Adapted for radio by James Saunders.
Sydney Bartleby .... Stuart Milligan
Alicia Bartleby .... Janet Maw
Alex .... John Rye
Hittie .... Carole Boyd
Mrs Lillybanks .... Margot Boyd
Inspector Brockway .... Brett Usher
Inspector Hill .... Michael Bilton
Mrs Hartley Sneezum .... Hilda Schroder
Edward Tilbury .... Mark Jones
Plummer .... Mark Straker
Director: Richard Wortley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1983.
**********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
'A Suspension of Mercy’ is part of BBC Radio 4 Extra's Hidden Treasures collection of selected titles returned to the BBC by various collectors.
Our warm thanks go to the Radio Circle.
WED 16:00 Archive on 4 (b08rp0gv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
WED 17:00 Imperial Palace (m00108q4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 17:30 The Joke About Hilary Spite (m000l2yd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 18:00 Ballylenon (b007jx54)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 18:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007k1nm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 19:00 Tom Wrigglesworth's Hang-Ups (b04p85z2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 19:30 Homecoming by Colin Grant (m0009jhy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 19:45 Maggie Allen - Not Me, But Us (b0blspzt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
WED 20:00 Counterpoint (b01s7yw7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
WED 20:30 Hidden Treasures (m00237p7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
WED 22:00 Paul Sinha's Perfect Pub Quiz (m0016xvv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
WED 22:25 The Comedy Club Interviews (m0023btr)
Sharon Wanjohi 2/3
From 10pm until midnight, seven days a week, The Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. And tonight, Isy Suttie interviews comedian Sharon Wanjohi.
They talk about Sharon’s new work-in-progress show for the Aberystwyth Comedy Festival, reluctantly growing up and how writing for other people helps stretch your comedy muscles. Plus Sharon tells Isy how she knew when to draw the line with what you share from your personal life on stage.
WED 22:30 The Goldfish Bowl (m0017rzy)
Series 2
Episode 3
Anton and Liam - the Eric and Ernie of the fish fraternity - are back with more underwater wit and fishy frivolity.
The fish tank’s mean streets soon lead Anton and Liam into big trouble.
Starring Sean Foley and Hamish McColl.
Goldfish bowl based sitcom written by Shaun Prendergast.
Anton .... Sean Foley
Liam ....Hamish McColl
Susan ....Tracy Ann Oberman
Struan ....Shaun Prendergast
Director: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2000.
WED 22:45 Deborah Frances-White Introduces... (m000tlbn)
3. Scarlett Curtis
Travis Alabanza, Scarlett Curtis, Jessica Fostekew and Steve Ali join Deborah Frances-White to tell stories.
Deborah is a comedian and writer best known for The Guilty Feminist podcast which has had 85 million downloads and she has appeared at The Royal Albert Hall, The Sydney Opera House and The London Palladium.
She has hosted many storytelling events and, for this special broadcast series, she has picked four very different writers to take part. She gave them all the prompt – The Devil You Know and in this episode we hear Scarlett Curtis' story.
Scarlett Curtis is the curator of the Sunday Times Bestseller and National Book Award winning Feminists Don’t Wear Pink (& other lies), a collection of essays by 52 women on what feminism means to them, and followed that with It’s Not Okay to Feel Blue (& other lies) about mental health.
She is currently contributing editor at The Sunday Times Style. She co-founded The Pink Protest, a feminist activist collective committed to helping young people take action online and IRL. To date they have been a part of campaigns that have changed two laws - a bill to help end period poverty and to get FGM into the Children’s Act. Scarlett was awarded The Changemaker Award for young activists in November 2019. Scarlett is currently a UN Women UK advocate and on the advisory board for Chime for Change.
Written and Read by Scarlett Curtis.
Produced by Caroline Raphael.
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in March 2021.
BBC Action Line
If you are experiencing emotional stress, help and support is available from the organisations listed here:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4WLs5NlwrySXJR2n8Snszdg/emotional-distress-information-and-support
WED 23:00 Elis James's Pantheon of Heroes (b019n2m7)
Series 1
Politics
More historical heroism - as Aneurin Bevan, Hywel Dda and The Rebecca Rioters are put to the Totaliser Test.
Comedian Elis James compares key figures in Welsh history to determine the ultimate heroes of Wales.
With:
Ben Partridge
Nadia Kamil
Written by Elis James, Gareth Gwyn and Benjamin Partridge.
Producer: Sharif Shahwan
First broadcast on BBC Radio Wales in January 2012.
WED 23:30 The Skewer (m0023069)
Series 12
Episode 2
The week’s biggest stories like you’ve never heard them before. The news remixed into a satirical comedy concept album. This week: Strictly Come Bullying, Fifi and the Flowertories, and the playing of the Blame Game.

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

Producer: Jon Holmes
An unusual production for BBC Radio 4
WED 23:45 Little Lifetimes by Jenny Eclair (b04cffq9)
Series 1
Carol Goes Swimming
Carol's life's not really been the same since her best friend Sandra died.
But a trip to the swimming bath brings back memories of their time together with surprising results.
Starring Lorraine Ashbourne.
Leading actresses star in Jenny Eclair's comic series about women facing a crisis in their lives.
Carol ..... Lorraine Ashbourne
Manager ...... Jane Slavin
Producer: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2014.

THURSDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2024

THU 00:00 Archive on 4 (b08rp0gv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 Imperial Palace (m00108q4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:30 The Joke About Hilary Spite (m000l2yd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 Ballylenon (b007jx54)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007k1nm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 Tom Wrigglesworth's Hang-Ups (b04p85z2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Wednesday]
THU 03:30 Homecoming by Colin Grant (m0009jhy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:45 Maggie Allen - Not Me, But Us (b0blspzt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 Counterpoint (b01s7yw7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:30 Hidden Treasures (m00237p7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Wednesday]
THU 06:00 Imperial Palace (m0010935)
4. New Beginnings
From Paris to London – as changes beckon at the heart of the Imperial Palace.
Starring Robin Ellis.
Conclusion of Arnold Bennett's novel about the 1930s goings on at the luxurious London hotel.
Dramatised by Peter Ling.
Evelyn Orcham: ....Robin Ellis
Violet Powler:....Charlotte Attenborough
Sir Henry Savott ....Derek Waring
Gracie Savott:....Colleen Prendergast
Miss Cass:....Ann Beach
M Perosi ....Michael Mears
Mr Plimsing ....Stephen Thorne
Gino Ceria ....Christopher Scott
Mrs Powler ....Di Botcher
Mr Rowbottom ....Kim Wall
Other parts played by the cast.
Director: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1997.
THU 06:30 The Joke About Hilary Spite (m000l2hc)
4. The Proctor File
Hilary gets things taped, but has to take a jump to get back in the swim of things.
Starring Angela Pleasance.
Christopher Bidmead's spy adventure about a woman with exceptional talent.
Hilary ... Angela Pleasence
Beresford. ... Rolf Lefebvre
Jean .... Hilda Kriseman
Mortimer .... Dinsdale Landen
Producer: John Tydeman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1970.
THU 07:00 Coming Alive (b007k2bs)
Series 1
Dance On
Terry comes to a major realisation after Sandra's troublesome ex-husband appears.
Starring Karl Howman and Phylis Logan.
Jim Eldridge's sitcom about ex-convict Terry King's efforts to run a community centre.
Terry King ...... Karl Howman
Sandra Gaines ...... Phyllis Logan
Steve ...... Ben Crowe
Don Gaines ...... Giles Fagan
Mrs Watson ...... Ann Beach
Gail Gaines ...... Victoria O'Donnell
Producer: Marilyn Imrie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1999.
THU 07:30 It Sticks Out Half A Mile (b007jph9)
3. Who Owned the Pier?
1948: In the battle to restore the pier in Frambourne-on-Sea, hopes rest on a visit from an electrician...
Starring John Le Mesurie, Ian Lavender and Bill Pertwee.
A seaside saga of pier perpetuation.
Written by Harold Snoad and Michael Knowles.
Arthur Wilson ...... John Le Mesurier
Frank Pike ...... Ian Lavender
Bert Hodges ...... Bill Pertwee
Miss Perkins ...... Vivienne Martin
Mr Guthrie ...... Glynn Edwards
Mr Watkins ...... Barry Gosney
Assistant ...... Stuart Sherwin
Librarian ...... James Bryce
Based on the Dad's Army characters originally created by Jimmy Perry and David Croft.
Producer: Martin Fisher
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in November 1983.
THU 08:00 Mr Muzak (b094hm69)
Series 1
1. We've Only Just Begun
Richie Webb stars as performance shy cocktail pianist, Nigel Penny.
Nigel's attempts to live his life in the background are thwarted by the surprise arrival of his entrepreneurial half-brother, Pav.
Pav hooks Nigel up with desperate wannabe singer Rachel and strong-arms the pair onto the books of his fledgling entertainment agency.
With a gig at a Carpenters-themed wedding on the horizon, Nigel has to contend not only with his job at an Italian Restaurant run by a probably-not-an-actual-Italian, but also with Pav's mysterious new Ukrainian friend, Stan, and some disturbing news about his new musical partner.
Nigel Penny ...... Richie Webb
Pav Penny ...... Paul G Raymond
Rachel ...... Jess Robinson
Marco ...... Dave Lamb
Stanislav ...... Dave Lamb
Rob ...... Jim North
Directors: Jim North / Matt Katz
Written and produced by Richie Webb.
A Top Dog production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2017.
THU 08:30 Homecoming by Colin Grant (m0009kkq)
4. Relationships New and Old
Growing up in 1960s Luton, Colin Grant avoided asking his Jamaican parents why they had emigrated to Britain in the 1950s. But now, seventy years after many ships (and some planes) - brought thousands of British citizens from the West Indies to the shores of the United Kingdom, he has drawn together over a hundred first-hand interviews, archival recordings and memoirs by the women and men of the 'Windrush Generation' who arrived between the late 1940s and early 1960s.
After the Second World War, Britain encouraged immigration from Commonwealth countries. To a large extent this was to help rebuild the country, as there was a shortage of labour at the time. The migrants were coming to a country promising prosperity and employment. Their stories are of hope and regret, of triumphs and challenges, brimming with humour, anger and wisdom. Together, they reveal a rich tapestry of Caribbean British lives.
In this episode, the voices of the 'Windrush generation' recall stories of relationships both new and old.
Introduction by Colin Grant
Readers: Burt Caesar, Don Warrington, Michelle Greenidge, Colin Salmon, Dona Croll
Abridged by Colin Grant, Jill Waters and Isobel Creed
Produced by Jill Waters.
The Waters Company for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in October 2019.
THU 08:45 Maggie Allen - Not Me, But Us (b0blsy0s)
9. Back in Court
With matters at the school getting out of hand, Sophia Jex-Blake finds herself in court again.
The true story of late 19th century pioneer Sophia Jex-Blake's in Maggie Allen's ten-part dramatisation.
CAST:
Sophia Jex-Blake ... Julia Watson
Mr Norton .... Christopher Scott
Mrs Jex-Blake ... Tina Gray
Ursula du Pre ... Joanna Monro
Isabel Thorne ... Sara Coward
Edith Pechey ... Susan Jeffrey
Mr Henry Littlejohn .... Gavin Muir
Elsie Inglis ..... Tracy Wiles
Ina Cadell ..... Teresa Gallagher
Jessie MacGregor ... Hilary MacLean
John Inglis .... Bob Docherty
Miss Gosse ... Jenny Lee
Dr Milne .... Jamie Ballard
Director: Sue Wilson.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2001.
THU 09:00 Phil Ellis Is Trying (m000mr6c)
Series 3
Ghost Walk
When that the treasure map he bought off a dodgy Tom Jones impersonator turns out - incredibly - to be useless, Polly convinces Phil to abandon his get-rich-quick schemes and opt for something more traditional, namely a ghost walk through Parbold. Phil jumps at the idea and enlists Johnny to help him. Parbold has its fair share of ghosts. And even if no-one can see them, they can just make them up; who's to know any better? More importantly, putting on a big event like a ghost walk might finally impress Phil's love interest Ellie. If only Polly and Phil hadn't shared their idea with Mick the Chinese herbalist who suddenly decides he's going to put on a ghost walk too. What a coincidence. Parbold's not big enough for two spectral spectacles so which walk is going to win?
Cast includes:
Phil Ellis as Phil
Johnny Vegas as Johnny
Amy Gledhil as Polly
Katia Kvinge as Ellie/Goth
Jason Barnett as Keith the Barman
Desiree Burch as American Tourist
Terry Mynott as German Tourist/Gravedigger/Orlando
And
Mick Ferry as Mick The Chinese Herbalist
The producer was Sam Michell and it is a BBC Studios Production.
THU 09:30 England: Made in the Middle (b07c3l52)
4. Radical Midlands
Historian Helen Castor explores the role of the Midlands in the story of England.
Helen Castor looks at the radical middle – the revolutionary political gestures that have emanated from England's Midlands and redefined the rest of the country.
When some people hear the word Midlands, they think of Middle England, a socio-political label applied to people of traditional, rather conservative views. But despite lying geographically in the middle of the country, Midlanders as a tribe are not at all middling in character. The middle of England is far from Middle England.
The West Midlands was the engine of parliamentary and civic reform in the 19th century. Birmingham, proclaimed the Congregational minister Dr Robert Dale, was capable of deeds "as great as were done by Pisa, by Florence, by Venice in their triumphant days". One of those great deeds was the 1832 Reform Act, which created our modern electoral system. The foremost public campaigner in securing the reform of the franchise was the visionary, Brum-based economist Thomas Attwood. "The country owed Reform to Birmingham," declared Lord Durham, "and its salvation from revolution."
The East Midlands, home to the nation’s great individualists - from Robin Hood via Arthur Seaton, the anti-hero of Alan Sillitoe’s Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, to Margaret Thatcher - presents a different case. The beginnings of the USA can be traced to the East Midlands’ tradition of gritty, cussed individualism, and the Separatists who later sailed to the untamed expanses of North America aboard the Mayflower. The Notts-led Pilgrim Fathers established a colony there in 1620 and bequeathed several defining legacies to the modern nation – not least the so-called ‘Mayflower Compact’, which laid the basis for the first democratically elective government in the New World.
Producers: Robert Shore and Ashley Byrne
A Made in Manchester production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2016.
THU 09:45 Daily Service (m00237xh)
Blessed: part 2 - The persecuted
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Blessed: part 2 - The persecuted
Presenter: Michaela Youngson
Reading: 2 Timothy 3: 10-17
THU 10:00 Great Lives (b055fzbs)
John H Hammond
In a career that stretched from 1932 to 1985, legendary record producer John Hammond discovered Billie Holiday, Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin and Bruce Springsteen.
He also worked tirelessly to end race discrimination in the music industry.
Record producer Joe Boyd discusses Hammond's career with Matthew Parris and with Dunstan Prial, author of a new biography of Hammond.
Produced by Peter Everett.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2006.
THU 10:30 24 Hours of Sunset (b082j2yr)
1. Day
Sunset Boulevard is one of those long, long American streets, 22 miles that tell the story of film, of Hollywood, of course, but Laura Barton thinks this street tells the story of America itself. Laura Barton loves Sunset Boulevard and walking through LA, a city utterly devoted to driving. At foot level, you see things you'd never see in a car.
In this 2 part series, Laura walks the length of Sunset Boulevard in 24 hours. Along the way, she uncovers the contemporary arts stories and the iconic artistic legacy of this street. She meets writers, artists and historians, as well as ordinary people who live and work along one of the most famous streets in the world.
The first episode takes Laura Barton from an inauspicious intersection in downtown LA, where Sunset Boulevard starts, to the edge of the Sunset Strip - through Echo Park and Silverlake, through the Hospital District and past the studios that were home to early Hollywood's glamour. She meets with poet (laureate, possibly, depending on when this goes out) Luis Rodriguez, photographer Autumn De Wilde, novelist Janet Fitch, and historian Jonathan Kuntz, revealing the famous and the hidden stories of Sunset's artistic life.
Sunset Blvd's cultural landmarks tell LA's story - the drought threatening a city by the sea, the mixed up sub-cultures and ethnic and racial communities that come together to make the city - this is why Laura thinks Sunset is a microcosm of today's American story.
In 24 Hours on Sunset, Laura finds how Sunset Boulevard and its artistic legacy have become a shorthand for what LA represents in our collective imagination.
Producer: Nija Dalal-Small
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2016.
THU 11:00 Imperial Palace (m0010935)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 11:30 The Joke About Hilary Spite (m000l2hc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 12:00 Coming Alive (b007k2bs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 12:30 It Sticks Out Half A Mile (b007jph9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 13:00 Mr Muzak (b094hm69)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 13:30 Homecoming by Colin Grant (m0009kkq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 13:45 Maggie Allen - Not Me, But Us (b0blsy0s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
THU 14:00 Wordaholics (b04gvtj0)
Series 3
Episode 3
Comedian Ed Byrne, Tasmanian stand up and art expert Hannah Gadsby, punmaster general Milton Jones and classics boffin Natalie Haynes vie for wordy supremacy under the watchful eye of chair Gyles Brandreth.
Letter of the week is 'N' and there's a round about derogatory terms.
Panellists also attempt to ban their least favourite words including 'simples'.
Writers: Jon Hunter and James Kettle.
Producer: Claire Jones.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2014.
THU 14:30 Hidden Treasures (m00237xk)
GK Chesterton - The Man Who Was Thursday
Can Gabriel Syme thwart the Supreme Council of Anarchists, a body determined to destroy the world?
"There are seven members of the Central Anarchist Council and they are called after the days of the week. Tonight our London branch has to elect its own deputy to fill a vacancy in the Council caused by the ... sudden death of the gentleman who has till now played the difficult part of Thursday."
G.K, Chesteron's novel, The Man Who Was Thursday, was first published in 1908. Chesterton was the creator of Father Brown.
Secretary (Monday) .... Brian Haines
Gogol (Tuesday) .... Nigel Graham
Marquis (Wednesday) .... Malcolm Hayes
Syme (Thursday) .... John Samson
Professor de Worms (Friday) .... Haydn Jones
Dr Bull (Saturday) .... Nigel Lambert
Sunday .... Trevor Martin
Lucian Gregory .... Michael Deacon
Mr Buttons/Colonel Ducroix .... Hector Ross
Policeman .... Anthony Smee
Other parts played by:
Eva Haddon
Roger Snowdon
Garard Green
Steve Hodson
Producer: Harry Catlin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1975.
**********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
'The Man Who Was Thursday’ is part of BBC Radio 4 Extra's Hidden Treasures collection of selected titles returned to the BBC by various collectors.
Our warm thanks go to the Radio Circle.
THU 16:00 Great Lives (b055fzbs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
THU 16:30 24 Hours of Sunset (b082j2yr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
THU 17:00 Imperial Palace (m0010935)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 17:30 The Joke About Hilary Spite (m000l2hc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 18:00 Coming Alive (b007k2bs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 18:30 It Sticks Out Half A Mile (b007jph9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 19:00 Mr Muzak (b094hm69)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 19:30 Homecoming by Colin Grant (m0009kkq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 19:45 Maggie Allen - Not Me, But Us (b0blsy0s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
THU 20:00 Wordaholics (b04gvtj0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
THU 20:30 Hidden Treasures (m00237xk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
THU 22:00 Phil Ellis Is Trying (m000mr6c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
THU 22:30 John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme (b09qhf19)
Series 7
Episode 6
Popular award winning sketch show from the creator of Cabin Pressure.
John concludes the seventh series, with the downsides of adopting animals, and a modern shanty that anyone who works in an office will identify with.
Written by and starring John Finnemore.
With:
Margaret Cabourn-Smith
Simon Kane
Lawry Lewin
Carrie Quinlan
Original music composed by ... Susannah Pearse
Piano ... Susannah Pearse
Squeezebox/cello ... Sally Stares
Producer ... Ed Morrish
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in February 2018.
THU 23:00 The Harpoon (b00ckyjg)
Series 3
Episode 2
Handy hints on body language, sewing corner and three cheers for Swanky Beaumont!
More nostalgic fun in the spoof of boys' adventure story papers.
Written by Julian Dutton and Peter Baynham.
Performed by:
Alistair McGowan
Peter Baynham
Susie Brann
Mary Elliot-Nelson
Julian Dutton
Producer: Sarah Smith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1994.
THU 23:30 Party (b011vg9k)
Series 2
Prison Ain't All That Bad
The student politicians of the new political Party use prison-based TV shows as the inspiration to formulate their policy on crime and punishment.
Tom Basden's satirical comedy about a political party run by young idealists.
Simon ..... Tom Basden
Duncan ..... Tim Key
Jared ..... Jonny Sweet
Mel ..... Ann Crilly
Phoebe ..... Katy Wix
Producer: Julia McKenzie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2011.

FRIDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2024

FRI 00:00 Great Lives (b055fzbs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Thursday]
FRI 00:30 24 Hours of Sunset (b082j2yr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 Imperial Palace (m0010935)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:30 The Joke About Hilary Spite (m000l2hc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 Coming Alive (b007k2bs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:30 It Sticks Out Half A Mile (b007jph9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 Mr Muzak (b094hm69)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Thursday]
FRI 03:30 Homecoming by Colin Grant (m0009kkq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:45 Maggie Allen - Not Me, But Us (b0blsy0s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 Wordaholics (b04gvtj0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:30 Hidden Treasures (m00237xk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Thursday]
FRI 06:00 Curlew in Autumn (m000nmqc)
1. Bankrupt
A small town in Galloway, on the South-west coast of Scotland. A cottage mysteriously unchanged since 1941. A dead nurse.
And lawyer Peter Calman with one million pounds in his bank account, and no idea how it got there.
A thriller serial in six episodes by Edward Boyd.
Peter Calman ...... David Asthon
Jenny ...... Stella Forge
Magda ...... Vivienne Dixon
Old Hansford ...... Ian Stewart
Douglas ...... Robert Paterson
Jock ...... John Shedden
Receptionist ...... Tamara Kennedy
Anderson/McLeod ...... John Buick
Nurse Nicolson ...... Anne Cullen
Directed at BBC Scotland by Patrick Rayner.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1984.
FRI 06:30 The Joke About Hilary Spite (m000l9mm)
5. Universal General Hire
As the danger mounts, Hilary is forced to hang on for rescue from the sky.
Starring Angela Pleasance.
Christopher Bidmead's spy adventure about a woman with exceptional computing skills.
Hilary …. Angela Pleasance
Beresford …. Rolf Lefebvre
Cannon …. Nigel Anthony
Jean …. Hilda Kriseman
Dr Reece …. John Pullen
Mortimer …. Dinsdale Landen
Le Noir …. Charles Hyatt
Matron …. Margaret Wolfit
Williams …. Peter Tuddenham
Dr Wormald …. Malcolm Hayes
Girl …. Jo Manning Wilson
Nurse …. Deborah Dallas
Rick …. Andrew Sachs
Michael …. Brian Hewlett
Technician …. James Thompson
Fernberg …. Kerry Francis
Policeman / Guard …. Brian Haines
Producer: John Tydeman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1970.
FRI 07:00 The Older Woman (b039tqfd)
Series 2
Episode 4
Roy Hitchcock is a hack journalist on a provincial paper with big ideas and an attitude problem.
When he meets his former English teacher, his private fantasies get a new lease of life as he sets out to win her against all the odds - including staying in a caravan in her garden.
Starring Geraldine James and Martin Clunes.
Tony Bagley's romantic comedy drama serial with a twist.
Roy.................Martin Clunes
Jane..............Geraldine James
Chad.............Nicky Henson
Colin.............David Troughton
Marina..........Tilly Vosburgh
Win................Sue Roderick
Other parts played by:
Melanie Hudson
Peter Serafinowcz
Alistair McGowan
Music composed by Julian Wostall
Theme sung by Toyah Willcox
Producer: Paul Schlesinger
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1994.
FRI 07:30 The Burkiss Way (b00d16g6)
Series 5
Sack the Burkiss Way
Confusion at Eddie's 24 Hour Sniffery and let's play 'Family Fortunes'.
Starring Fred Harris, Jo Kendall, Nigel Rees and Chris Emmett.
Cult sketch comedy series which originally ran from 1976 to 1980.
Written by Andrew Marshall and David Renwick.
Producer: David Hatch
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1980.
FRI 08:00 Room 101 with Paul Merton (m001n8wd)
Series 1
Julian Clary
Paul Merton interviews guests from the world of comedy and entertainment, to find out what they would like to send to Room 101
In this episode, Julian Clary's choices include wild swimmers and Love Your Garden with Alan Titchmarsh.
Additional material by John Irwin and Suki Webster
Produced by Richard Wilson
A Hat Trick production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in June 2023.
FRI 08:30 Homecoming by Colin Grant (m0009lpq)
5. Pride in the Home
Growing up in 1960s Luton, Colin Grant avoided asking his Jamaican parents why they had emigrated to Britain in the 1950s. But now, seventy years after many ships - including the Empire Windrush - anchored on British shores, he brings together over a hundred first-hand interviews, archival recordings and memoirs by the women and men who came to Britain from the West Indies between the late 1940s and early 1960s.
After the Second World War, Britain encouraged immigration from Commonwealth countries. To a large extent this was to help rebuild the country, as there was a shortage of labour at the time. The migrants were coming to a country promising prosperity and employment. Their stories are of hope and regret, of triumphs and challenges, brimming with humour, anger and wisdom. Together, they reveal a rich tapestry of Caribbean British lives.
The institutions of Caribbean life were brought to Britain by those who arrived in the 40s, 50s and 60s, what was left behind was a place that many felt they could never return to, even if some still called it 'home'.
Introduction by Colin Grant
Readers: Burt Caesar, Don Warrington, Michelle Greenidge, Colin Salmon, Dona Croll
Abridged by Colin Grant, Jill Waters and Isobel Creed
Produced by Jill Waters.
A Waters Company production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in October 2019.
FRI 08:45 Maggie Allen - Not Me, But Us (b0bltrnk)
10. Recognition
Sophie's campaign for equality continues, as she draws closer to seeing women receive medical degrees in their own country.
Conclusion of the true story of late 19th century pioneer Sophia Jex-Blake's in Maggie Allen's ten-part dramatisation.
CAST:
Sophia Jex-Blake ... Julia Watson
Mr Norton .... Christopher Scott
Mrs Jex-Blake ... Tina Gray
Ursula du Pre ... Joanna Monro
Isabel Thorne ... Sara Coward
Edith Pechey ... Susan Jeffrey
Mr Henry Littlejohn .... Gavin Muir
Elsie Inglis ..... Tracy Wiles
Ina Cadell ..... Teresa Gallagher
Jessie MacGregor ... Hilary MacLean
John Inglis .... Bob Docherty
Miss Gosse ... Jenny Lee
Dr Milne .... Jamie Ballard
Director: Sue Wilson.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2001.
FRI 09:00 Tudur Owen - Where on Earth is Anglesey? (m0001b1t)
Episode 1
What do CenterParcs, Sky Sports and The Royal Horticultural Society all have in common?
They’ve all accidentally omitted Anglesey from their official maps of the UK in the recent past.
It seems that despite being the largest island in the Irish Sea and the largest island of Wales, Anglesey remains a mystery to most and so one man is going to have to work his socks off to put it firmly back on the map.
Hosted by Wales and Anglesey’s very own favourite stand-up, Tudur Owen, this programme is one man’s mission to both rejoice in and roast the island he calls home.
For starters, Tudur gives us a whistle-stop tour of Anglesey history, from ancient invaders to the present day.
Written by Tudur Owen
Additional material by Gareth Gwynn.
With:
Gareth Pierce
Lisa-Jên Brown
Recorded at Canolfan Beaumaris on Anglesey.
Producer: Richard Morris
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in November 2018.
FRI 09:30 England: Made in the Middle (b07c56j6)
5. Shakespeare's Midlands
Historian Helen Castor explores the role of the Midlands in the story of England. She muses on why the action in Shakespeare’s history plays take place in the Midlands.
Generations of children have learned much English history from the great Midlander William Shakespeare. Much of the action in his history plays takes place in the Midlands. That’s only to be expected, since much of our history has been made there.
Many of the decisive battles in English history were fought on Midland soil. In the Civil War, Charles I raised his standard at Nottingham and the conflict was settled to all military intents and purposes at Naseby in Northamptonshire. The climax of Shakespeare’s Richard III – the culmination of the Wars of the Roses, fought between the Houses of York and Lancaster but which, geographically, had little to do with the North – famously takes place at Bosworth Field, in South Leicestershire.
Helen Castor puts the middle back in England’s history by looking at figures such as Richard III, whose bones were recently discovered under a car park in Leicester. Newspapers were full of the arguments to have the bones of this ‘vilified Yorkshireman’ returned to ‘God’s own country’. But Richard was a Midlander. As one linguistic expert points out, evidence suggests that he spoke with a Brummie accent.
And then of course there’s the foremost Midlander, Shakespeare, who from John of Gaunt’s ‘this England’ speech in Richard II to King Harry’s pre-Agincourt rallying cry in Henry V, has provided us with the most resonant language in which to express ourselves in times of both tragedy and delight. The Midland Bard, in all his variety, is England.
Producers: Robert Shore and Ashley Byrne
A Made in Manchester production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2016.
FRI 09:45 Daily Service (m0023731)
Blessed: part 2 - Three glimpses of the kingdom of heaven
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Blessed: part 2 - Three glimpses of the kingdom of heaven
Presenter: Leslie Griffiths
Reading: Matthew 13: 44-50
Music:
Praise my soul, the King of Heaven - Daily Service Singers
Morning glory, starlit sky - Wells Cathedral Choir
All Heaven Declares - Lou Fellingham
FRI 10:00 Soul Music (m001ml4x)
Dancing in the Dark
"Dancing in the Dark was written under duress!" Bruce Springsteen says it was a song about not wanting to write another song.
"I get up in the evening / And I ain't got nothing to say" - By 1984, Bruce Springsteen had been recording songs for his album Born in the U.S.A. for two years, but the producer told him the album still didn't have a lead single. This became a product of that conversation, written in just 40 minutes.
"I ain't nothing but tired / Man, I'm just tired and bored with myself" - Kieran Leonard's mum was a huge Bruce Springsteen fan. After he lost her to cancer, he paid tribute to her by performing his songs dressed as Bruce on stage.
"You can't start a fire / You can't start a fire without a spark" - Ian Gravell was driving to pick up his daughter from nursery on a snowy evening when a lorry appeared out of nowhere. He thought he might never walk again, until hospital staff played his favourite Springsteen album compelling him to his feet.
'Messages keep getting clearer / Radio's on and I'm moving round my place' - Musician Lucy Dacus talks about playing the song on stage with her dad and the genius of the lyrics.
"There's something happening somewhere / Baby, I just know that there is" - Artist Holly Casio found huge comfort in Springsteen's music as a young person growing up gay in a small town in West Yorkshire in the era of Section 28.
"This gun's for hire / Even if we're just dancing in the dark"- when Jackie Heintz brought a Springsteen record home as a teenager, she never imagined that her mum Jeannie would become a huge fan – following Bruce on tour through her 70s and 80s, and dancing on stage with him aged 91.
Produced by Mair Bosworth and Caitlin Hobbs.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2023.
FRI 10:30 24 Hours of Sunset (b0833sfh)
2. Night
Sunset Boulevard is one of those long, long American streets, 22 miles that tell the story of film, of Hollywood, of course, but Laura Barton thinks this street tells the story of America itself.
Laura Barton loves Sunset Boulevard and walking through LA, a city utterly devoted to driving. At foot level, you see things you'd never see in a car.
In this 2 part series, Laura walks the length of Sunset Boulevard in 24 hours. Along the way, she uncovers the contemporary arts stories and the iconic artistic legacy of this street. She meets artists and historians, as well as ordinary people who live and work along one of the most famous streets in the world.
The second episode takes Laura Barton from the glamourous, raucous Sunset Strip out to the coast, the edge of the Pacific Ocean - through the wealthy Beverly Hills neighbourhood and its manicured, lawns. She meets with professor of public policy Elizabeth Currid-Halkett, cultural historian David Ulin, soul band KING, former poet laureate Luis Rodriguez, and architect Alice Kimm, revealing the famous and the hidden stories of Sunset's artistic life.
Sunset Blvd's cultural landmarks tell LA's story - the drought threatening a city by the sea, the mixed up sub-cultures and ethnic and racial communities that come together to make the city - this is why Laura thinks Sunset is a microcosm of today's American story.
In 24 Hours on Sunset, Laura finds how Sunset Boulevard and its artistic legacy have become a shorthand for what LA represents in our collective imagination.
Producer: Nija Dalal-Small
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2016.
FRI 11:00 Curlew in Autumn (m000nmqc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 11:30 The Joke About Hilary Spite (m000l9mm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 12:00 The Older Woman (b039tqfd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 12:30 The Burkiss Way (b00d16g6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 13:00 Room 101 with Paul Merton (m001n8wd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 13:30 Homecoming by Colin Grant (m0009lpq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 13:45 Maggie Allen - Not Me, But Us (b0bltrnk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
FRI 14:00 Foul Play (b00zshr3)
Series 4
Murder for Starters
Crime writers Robert Barnard and Lindsey Davis probe who wielded a deadly skewer.
Simon Brett hosts the murder mystery panel game.
Witnesses played by:
Maria McErlane
Lee Simpson
Producer: Liz Anstee
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1998.
FRI 14:30 Hidden Treasures (m0023733)
Edgar Wallace - The Calendar
Captain Gary Anson's friends gather at his home to attend the racing at Ascot - and place bets.
His faithful Butler Hillcott tells the story of "one of the 'best do's I was ever in on".
Edgar Wallace's stage play was first performed in 1929, followed by a novel in 1930.
Adapted for broadcasting by Cynthia Pughe.
Hillcott .... Charles Leno
Henry Lascarne .... Ralph Hallett
Gary Anson .... Richard Hurndall
Molly Panniford .... Penelope Lee
Lady Panniford (Wenda) .... June Tobin
Sir William Panniford .... Denis Goacher
Mr Waye .... Wilfred Babbage
Andy Lynn .... Henry Kaye
John Dory .... Philip Morant
Sir George Garth .... Norman Claridge
Lord Innspond .... Derek Birch
Lord Fallingham .... Hugh Manning
Producer: Archie Campbell
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in December 1961.
**********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
'The Calendar’ is part of BBC Radio 4 Extra's Hidden Treasures collection of selected titles returned to the BBC by various collectors.
Our warm thanks go to the Radio Circle.
FRI 15:30 The Mind of Mr JG Reeder (b0082gzy)
The Troupe
Intrigued by the arrival in London of a transatlantic visitor he knows to have managed a troupe of actors, Mr JG Reeder tries to get to the bottom of a jewellery fraud.
Read by David Horovitch
Mr JG Reeder's novel methods bring the criminals of 1920s London to justice.
Created by Edgar Wallace, he is a uniquely English detective. An apparent fuddy-duddy working in some obscure capacity in the Public Prosecutor's office, he actually has a razor-sharp intellect and is a super-sleuth.
Mr JG Reeder solves his mysteries because he fully understands the "criminal mind".
Abridged by Neville Teller.
Producer: Gemma Jenkins
Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in October 2007.
FRI 16:00 Soul Music (m001ml4x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
FRI 16:30 24 Hours of Sunset (b0833sfh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
FRI 17:00 Curlew in Autumn (m000nmqc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 17:30 The Joke About Hilary Spite (m000l9mm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 18:00 The Older Woman (b039tqfd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 18:30 The Burkiss Way (b00d16g6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 19:00 Room 101 with Paul Merton (m001n8wd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 19:30 Homecoming by Colin Grant (m0009lpq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 19:45 Maggie Allen - Not Me, But Us (b0bltrnk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
FRI 20:00 Foul Play (b00zshr3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
FRI 20:30 Hidden Treasures (m0023733)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
FRI 21:30 The Mind of Mr JG Reeder (b0082gzy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:30 today]
FRI 22:00 Randy Feltface's Destruction Manual (m00236xn)
1. Earth
Randy Feltface is done with us ruining the earth beneath our feet whether we’re digging it up, setting fire to it, or tipping it into the sea so with the help of an irritable duck, a fictional French coal-miner and a sexy earthworm he works out the best way to just get the whole destruction business over and done with.
This head-on charge into possibly the most important subject facing humanity comes to you via a show where you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll learn, you’ll laugh again between the learny bits and most of all, you’ll be able to say “I was there when Radio 4 decided to have show hosted by a puppet”
Randy Feltface has been seen on Netflix, ABC, NBC, and has a huge & devoted following across the globe (1m+ social media followers, 1.6m TikTok followers, 833k subscribers, 79m YouTube views). His hour-long specials are YouTube cult classics, his world tours are sold out sensations, and he's the only Radio 4 presenter to be entirely made of felt.
With Margaret Cabourn-Smith & William Hartley
Produced & directed by David Tyler
A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4
FRI 22:30 The Million Pound Radio Show (b0090br0)
Series 2
Episode 4
Cricketing bickering - and a telephone moan.
Sharp-edged topical humour in the most expensive show on radio.
Written by and starring Andy Hamilton and Nick Revell.
With:
Felicity Montagu
Harry Enfield
Producer: Paul Mayhew-Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1986.
FRI 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m0023btt)
Sharon Wanjohi 3/3
From 10pm until midnight, seven days a week, The Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. And tonight, Isy Suttie interviews comedian Sharon Wanjohi.
They talk about sexual awakenings and cartoon characters, the skills of using social media for comedy, and when your material shocks an audience.
FRI 23:00 The Show What You Wrote (b06shz1h)
Series 3
The End
Jason Manford, Janice Connolly, Gavin Webster, Fiona Clarke and Darren Kuppan star in the themed sketch show made entirely from contributions sent in by the public.
The best ideas have been chosen from thousands of submissions from new writers resulting in a show like no other.
Aptly the series concludes with an episode themed around "The End". It features Heaven's unexpectedly strict dress code, the pitfalls of post-apocalyptic dating and someone's dying wish...
Written by: Owen Archlimb, Stefan Arif, Keith Carter, Rob Gilroy, Matt Harvey, Oliver Ley, Ciaran Murtagh and Andrew Jones, Matt Oakley, Lev Parikian, Rob Smyth, and Chris Tindall.
Script editor: Jon Hunter
Producers: Ed Morrish and Paul Sheehan
A BBC Radio Comedy production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in December 2015.
FRI 23:30 Elvenquest (b010j3zz)
Series 1
Episode 1
Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto's sitcom set in lower Earth.
Fantasy writer Sam has been coerced into joining a band of intrepid heroes as they battle the dread forces of evil in search of the legendary sword of Asnagar!
Elf Lord, Vidar ...... Darren Boyd
Dean The Dwarf ...... Kevin Eldon
Amis, The Chosen One ...... Dave Lamb
Sam ...... Stephen Mangan
Lord Darkness ...... Alistair McGowan
Amazon Princess, Penthiselea ...... Sophie Winkleman
Producers: Anil Gupta & Paul Schlesinger
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2009.