SATURDAY 25 JANUARY 2025

SAT 00:00 Soul Music (b00rb2sv)
Series 9
He's Got the Whole World in His Hands
He's Got the Whole World in His Hands is a spiritual song originating in the USA.
But it first caught the public's attention when Laurie London took it to the top of the charts in 1958.
In this programme, people describe the place that the song has in their lives. Including the conductor of a choir for refugees and asylum seekers and the minister who led prayers on President Obama's first day in office.
There's also a performance from Washington Performing Arts Society's Children of the Gospel Choir. They sang an arrangement of He's Got the Whole World in His Hands made by their conductor and Artistic Director Stanley J Thurston at the National Prayer Service at the Washington National Cathedral on January 21, 2009.
President Barack Obama, Vice President Joseph Biden and their families attended this service and the sermon was given by the Reverend Sharon E Watkins.
Contributors:
John Copley
Ian Bradley
Amy Mclean
Philip Wright
Sharon Watkins
Mike McGrother
Series exploring famous pieces of music and their emotional appeal.
Producer: Sara Conkey
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2010.
SAT 00:30 Dancing With The Devil (b00sp452)
Rachel Johnson talks to women, now in their 90s, who as part of their cultural education, visited Germany in the 1930s.
A few went to Hitler rallies, remembering the sound of metalled boots on specially metalled roads.
One was a member of the Hitler youth, and recalls how all the boys she was at school with perished in the war. One was questioned by the Gestapo for boasting about British military supremacy in the street.
Another visited a dark and dingy beer cellar, to have drinks with Unity Mitford, Rudolph Hess and Hitler.
Their experiences in Germany in the years building up to the war give a unique insight into the rise of Nazism from the point of view of aristocratic teenage girls.
Producer: Sara Conkey
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2010.
SAT 01:00 Whodunnits (b010330g)
Miss Marple - Nemesis
5. Friends
Amateur sleuth Jane Marple's friends come to her aid, as she battles to finally solve the murder mystery.
Starring June Whitfield.
Conclusion of Agatha Christie's whodunnit.
Dramatised by Michael Bakewell.
Miss Marple …. June Whitfield
Professor Wanstead …. David Swift
Lavinia Glynne …. Louie Ramsay
Clotilde Bradbury-Scott …. Mary Wimbush
Anthea Bradbury-Scott …. Thelma Barlow
Miss Cooke …. Tricia Hitchcock
Miss Barrow …. Delia Lindsay
Michael Rafiel …. Peter Gunn
Mr Broadribb …. Geoffrey Whitehead
Producer: Enyd Williams.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1998.
SAT 01:30 Bright Day by JB Priestley (m00274m0)
5. The Picnic
Ackworth leaves wool company Hawes and Company - while tragedy strikes at Pikeley Scar.
These two events leave the Alingtons destroyed and Gregory confused.
JB Priestley's nostalgic novel vividly evokes his own youthful days before the First World War.
Dramatised by Eric Pringle.
Gregory Dawson .... David Hargreaves
Elizabeth Earl .... Frances Jeater
Young Gregory .... Peter Kenny
Ackworth .... Steve Hodson
Mr Alington .... Gareth Armstrong
Bridget .... Teresa Gallagher
Joan .... Elaine Claxton
Eva .... Tara Dominick
Oliver .... Paul Panting
Mrs Alington .... Tina Gray
Jock Barniston .... Malcolm Ward
Croxton/Leo........ Peter Whitman
George Adony .... Gavin Muir
Malcolm Nixey .... David Jarvis
Eleanor Nixey .... Susannah Corbett
Laura .... Nina Wadia
Music played by Les Brown, Laurence Rossi and Tony Gamage
Director Adrian Bean
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1994.
SAT 02:00 Harry Worth (m000nwdv)
Thirty Minutes Worth
The Problem
Harry's back, confusing everybody as usual - so the last thing he wants is someone knocking on his door with a problem...
This series was the amiable, woolly-minded bumbler's return to BBC radio, using the title of his first TV series 20 years before with the same writer.
Starring Harry Worth.
Sitcom written by Vince Powell
With:
Jacqueline Clarke
Charles Collingwood
Julie Higginson
Sandra Dickinson
Produced at BBC Manchester by Mike Craig.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in September 1988.
SAT 02:30 Doctor in the House (b007jtg8)
To Pass or Not to Pass
It's nerves and pints all round, as the St Swithin's medics sit their final exams.
The misadventures of student doctor, Simon Sparrow.
Starring Richard Briers.
Adapted for radio by Ray Cooney from Richard Gordon's 'Doctor in the House' published in 1952.
Simon Sparrow …. Richard Briers
Sir Lancelot Spratt …. Geoffrey Sumner
Tony Benskin …. Ray Cooney
Taffy Evans …. Edward Cast
The Dean …. Dennis Ramsden
Mrs Clark …. Irene Handl
Producer: David Hatch
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1968.
SAT 03:00 Prepper (m0002ltd)
Series 1
Bugging In
The duo take a look at home defence.
Trump. ISIS. The Courgette Crisis. Signs of civilisation’s fragility are all around. No wonder the Doomsday Clock just nudged closer to midnight.
In this fearscape, more and more ordinary people are wondering how they’d cope if everything we take for granted (law and order, access to healthcare, iceberg lettuces in Sainsburys) was taken away.
Preppers - a large and rapidly growing global community - have taken this thought one step further. They’re actively skilling-up, laying down supplies and readying themselves for the end of the world, in whatever form it comes. Indeed, a prepping shop just opened in Newquay. And if people in Cornwall are prepping, it’s time to worry.
Imagine if Woman’s Hour made a podcast about preparing for the end times. Prepper follows neurotic, debt-ridden Rachel and hard-as-nails ‘Churchill in Spanx’ Sylvia, working class Mancunians who prep and podcast, sharing knowledge with their community, and showing off just how Armageddon-ready they are.
Told through their podcasts from Sylvia’s garage and featuring ‘apoco-tips’, ‘end of days drills’ and interviews with preppers from around the world, Prepper comically explores how two mismatched women live with the possibility of the end of days, and how they bond over their determination to survive. And fend off zombies.
In this episode - home defence.
Comedy written by Caroline Moran and James J. Moran
Sylvia ...... Sue Johnston
Rachel ...... Pearl Mackie
With Simon Holland Roberts.
Producer: Steve Doherty
A Giddy Goat production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in February 2019.
SAT 03:30 Flush by Virginia Woolf (b00yrgzc)
5. Reflections
The Brownings have settled happily in Florence, their little boy is growing up, and Flush is growing old.
He can't understand his mistress's new enthusiasm for summoning the spirits, and he's lost his old passion for roaming the streets and fields of Florence.
It's time for him to lie in the shade of a market stall and remember the good times he's lived through.
Virginia Woolf's biography of Elizabeth Barrett Browning's devoted spaniel, Flush.
Concluded by Jenny Coverack
Abridged and produced by Sara Davies
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2011.
SAT 03:45 Broken English by Shelagh Stephenson (m000n6ql)
10. Searching for a Motive
Joe's body has been found, but Anna and John have yet to discover the reason for his senseless murder.
Four years ago, Anna and John's marriage was floundering. To make matters worse, John began a disastrous affair with their couples counsellor, which he later regretted.
Now, to escape the past, they've started over in rural Southern France - a place they once visited on holiday, but don't know very well at all.
It's an act of folly, maybe, but necessary for their survival – or so it seemed at the time. But their dream of a new life in France is shattered when their 16 year old son disappears and they find that they, and each of their house guests, are suspects in what the gendarmes have decided is a possible murder enquiry.
Written by Shelagh Stephenson.
Anna ...... Rosie Cavaliero
John ...... Ewan Bailey
Jess ...... Macy Nyman
Dorothy ...... Linda Bassett
Duncan ...... Rufus Wright
Joe ...... Tom Glenister
Lou ...... Rebecca Saire
Rob ...... John McAndrew
Melanie ...... Jane Slavin
Charlie ...... Thomas Allam
Christopher ...... Alfie Wickham
Director: Eoin O'Callaghan
A Big Fish Radio production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in October 2020.
SAT 04:00 The Motion Show (b0075rt1)
Series 1
Episode 4
The merits of the Class system - and should Men be more like Women?
Dr Phil Hammond watches over proceedings in the quirky debating game.
With:
John O'Farrell
Mark Maier
Maria McErlane
Miles Kington
Producer: Helen Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1998.
SAT 04:30 1834 (b011pw52)
Dentists and Lovers
Ned needs root canal work, but 21st-century Jason needs lessons in 19th-century courting.
Jason Slater is now Tarquin, the third son of Lord Belport with his faithful valet, Ned.
Jim Poyser's riotous comedy of transportation and delight.
Jason Slater ...... Michael Begley
Ned ...... Joe Caffrey
Hoskins ...... Kenneth Alan Taylor
Lord Belport ...... Mark Chatterton
Stubbs ...... Glenn Cunningham
Millicent ...... Julia Rounthwaite
Directed at BBC Manchester by Polly Thomas.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2003.
SAT 05:00 The Cornish Trilogy by Robertson Davies (m00274m7)
3. The Fool
The Reverend Darcourt is drawing ever closer to uncovering the astonishing final secret of Cornish's past.
Meanwhile, tempers are fraying and hearts are breaking as rehearsals begin for the premiere of ETA Hoffman's long-lost opera, Arthur of Britain.
Conclusion of Robertson Davies's celebrated trilogy on the life and death of Francis Cornish, international art expert and mysterious millionaire philanthropist.
Starring William Hope.
Dramatised by Roger Danes.
Francis Cornish …William Hope
Rev Simon Darcourt …. Matt Zimmerman
Mamusia …. Elaine Claxton
Dr Dahl-Soot …. Buffy Davis
Maria …. Barbara Barnes
Singer …. Noel Mann
Hulda …. Rachel Atkins
Saraceni …. Nigel Anthony
Geraint …. David Holt
Arthur …. John Guerrasio
Zadok …. Gavin Muir
Ismay Glasson .... Rachel Atkins
Prince Max .... David Holt
All other parts played by members of the cast.
Music composed by David Dorward.
Director: Patrick Rayner
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2001.
SAT 06:00 Tam O'Shanter (m0027csp)
Towards the end of his life, on a farm in Dumfries, Robert Burns begins to write a poem that will become one of his famous works.
Published in 1791, Tam O'Shanter describes the wayward exploits of a farmer which puts his very soul in peril.
Starring Liam Brennan and Gerda Stevenson.
Written by Catherine Czerkawska.
Robert Burns .... Liam Brennan
Jean Armour .... Gerda Stevenson
Robbie/Helen MacTaggart .... Sheila Donald
Tam O'Shanter/Duncan Graham .... Kern Falconer
Willie Niven/Souter Johnnie .... Billy Boyd
Anna .... Alyxis Daly
Music played by Jo Miller, Steve Sutcliffe, Norman Chalmers and Mike Katz.
Director: Hamish Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1996.
SAT 07:15 Ronald Frame Short Stories (b06j82gv)
Tea and Dancing
It had become a pleasant ritual - to take her dancing on her birthday.
But the third time revealed an awful truth...
Ronald Frame's short story read by Lynn Farleigh.
Producer: Duncan Minshull.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1991.
SAT 07:30 One Two Three Four - The Beatles In Time by Craig Brown (Omnibus) (m001mlc6)
John and Paul’s very different characters were key to The Beatles’ success.
Decades later, the National Trust attempts to bottle the magic by recreating their childhood homes.
Craig Brown presents a series of kaleidoscopic glimpses of the Beatles through time.
Drawing on interviews, diaries, anecdotes, memoirs and gossip, he offers an entertaining series of vignettes that capture the mood of an era.
It’s a journey that takes us from 9th November 1961 when Brian Epstein first heard the four young men in a sweaty basement, via their mop top haircuts, to the jaw-dropping prices paid for the most trivial of memorabilia.
And along the way there is the music, always the exuberant, the playful and ever-changing music.
Written by Craig Brown.
Omnibus of five parts abridged by Isobel Creed and Jill Waters
Read by Mark McGann, Kate Robbins and Craig Brown.
A Waters Company production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in March 2021.
SAT 08:45 More Tales From a Long Room by Peter Tinniswood (m0027csr)
3. The Mole
Will the Brigadier reveal the identity of the KGB ‘mole’ placed in the very vitals of English cricket?
Another of Peter Tinniswood's cricket tales.
Read by Robin Bailey, as the acerbic Empire-adoring Brigadier.
Abridged for radio by the author.
Producer: Tony Cliff
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1982.
SAT 09:00 The Men from the Ministry (b007jzmp)
All Cisterns Go
Tasked with a naval survey, the blundering bureaucrats manage to plumb new depths...
A weekly tribute to all those who work in government departments.
Written by Edward Taylor and John Graham.
Lennox-Brown …. Deryck Guyler
Lamb …. Richard Murdoch
Mildred/Miss Lusty …. Norma Ronald
Sir Gregory Pitkin …. Ronald Baddiley
Wilkins …. John Graham
'The Men from the Ministry' ran for 14 series between 1962 and 1977. Deryck Guyler replaced Wilfrid Hyde-White from 1966
Producer: Edward Taylor
First broadcast on the BBC Radio 4 in July 1976.
SAT 09:30 J Kingston Platt's Showbiz Handbook (b007k19l)
My Stag Movie, part 1/2
The veteran auditionee recalls how sometimes talent can be found in the unlikeliest places.
Sometimes it can't be found at all...
J Kingston Platt is the doyen of British showbusiness.
He's ready to share more reminiscences drawn from the wealth and the poverty of his experience from the past 40 years.
Performed and written by Peter Jones.
Producer: Pete Atkin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1986
SAT 10:00 Isy Suttie's Guide to the Family (m0007rf7)
1. Mementos & Millican
Isy Suttie returns to Derbyshire, the home of her teenage years as she ambles through the radio archives to celebrate family life and growing up.
On her travels we hear contributions from her close friends along with some classic BBC comedy.
In the first of three programmes, Isy features:
‘THE SHOE BOX OF MEMORIES’
Comedian and actress Isy Suttie searches through a shoe box of special items recalling her adventures in Matlock, Derbyshire as a child and teenager, evoking bitter sweet memories of her journey to adulthood
She is joined by her family of friends Hannah and Caroline to reminisce.
Plus:
‘SARAH MILLICAN'S SUPPORT GROUP’
Comedy by Sarah Millican, who plays a life counsellor and modern-day agony aunt.
In this episode, she helps solve various family issues.
Producer: Stephen Garner
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in 2015.
SAT 11:00 Tam O'Shanter (m0027csp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 12:15 Ronald Frame Short Stories (b06j82gv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
SAT 12:30 One Two Three Four - The Beatles In Time by Craig Brown (Omnibus) (m001mlc6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 13:45 More Tales From a Long Room by Peter Tinniswood (m0027csr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
SAT 14:00 The Men from the Ministry (b007jzmp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 14:30 J Kingston Platt's Showbiz Handbook (b007k19l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SAT 15:00 Isy Suttie's Guide to the Family (m0007rf7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SAT 16:00 Concrete Island by JG Ballard (b02y0wpp)
Driving home one Friday rush hour, a cocky young architect crashes down a motorway embankment.
At first he seems bound to be rescued, yet he fails to make the passing commuters notice him.
So he finds himself trapped on a strange, neglected island between the highways.
Can this modern day Crusoe survive in a strange new world?
Starring Andrew Scott.
JG Ballard imaginative novel, first published in 1974.
Dramatised by Graham White.
Maitland ...... Andrew Scott
Jane ...... Georgia Groome
Proctor ...... Ben Crowe
Catherine ...... Joanna Brookes
Helen ...... Philippa Stanton
David ...... Matthew Watson
Director: Mary Peate
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2013.
SAT 17:00 Tam O'Shanter (m0027csp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 18:15 Ronald Frame Short Stories (b06j82gv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
SAT 18:30 One Two Three Four - The Beatles In Time by Craig Brown (Omnibus) (m001mlc6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 19:45 More Tales From a Long Room by Peter Tinniswood (m0027csr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
SAT 20:00 The Men from the Ministry (b007jzmp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 20:30 J Kingston Platt's Showbiz Handbook (b007k19l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SAT 21:00 Isy Suttie's Guide to the Family (m0007rf7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SAT 22:00 The Shuttleworths (b01mlrf0)
Series 4
Cough in the Loft
The return of Sheffield's favourite singer-songwriter John Shuttleworth and his family.
Wife Mary is busy having a clear-out and asks John to put some things in the loft for storage.
Whilst up there he hears an old digital watch bleeping and he decides to find it. So armed with cheese and piccalilli sandwiches for fortification, he sits and waits until it bleeps once more...
Written and performed by Graham Fellows.
Producer: Dawn Ellis
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2003.
SAT 22:15 Tim Key's Poetry Programme (b03nt9wl)
Series 2
Science
Tim Key returns and he's back to grapple with the concept of science by telling the story of Keith Lewis's Monster.
He also has plans for a very special scientific experiment.
Written and presented by Tim Key.
Musical accompaniment is provided by Tom Basden.
Producer: James Robinson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2014.
SAT 22:30 Rob Newman (m0000mrv)
Rob Newman's Total Eclipse of Descartes
Thought Experiments
Rob Newman takes a look at the thorniest of thought experiments through history, including a famous Shakespeare-typing monkey.
Mixing stand-up and sketches, Rob tackles the world of philosophy.
Written and performed by Rob Newman.
Edited by John Whitehall.
Producer: Jon Harvey
Executive Producer: Richard Wilson
A Hat Trick production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in October 2018.
SAT 23:00 My Teenage Diary (b07ffxtj)
Series 7
Michael Rosen
Poet and broadcaster Michael Rosen reads from his teenage diaries - as he discusses his formative years with Rufus Hound.
The focus is on growing up as a naughty schoolboy in the 1960s, his early enthusiasm for politics and his warm, loving and unusual family life.
Producer: Harriet Jaine
Executive Producer: Aled Evans
A Talkback production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in June 2016.
SAT 23:30 Chain Reaction (b00kwdsm)
Series 1
Jenny Eclair Interviews Jimmy Carr
Acerbic wit Jenny Éclair interviews prolific gag merchant Jimmy Carr in the tag talk show.
Series where the guest turns interviewer in the next show.
The very first episode of the popular long-running series.
Producer: Tilusha Ghelani
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2004.

SUNDAY 26 JANUARY 2025

SUN 00:00 Concrete Island by JG Ballard (b02y0wpp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Saturday]
SUN 01:00 Tam O'Shanter (m0027csp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]
SUN 02:15 Ronald Frame Short Stories (b06j82gv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 on Saturday]
SUN 02:30 One Two Three Four - The Beatles In Time by Craig Brown (Omnibus) (m001mlc6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Saturday]
SUN 03:45 More Tales From a Long Room by Peter Tinniswood (m0027csr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Saturday]
SUN 04:00 The Men from the Ministry (b007jzmp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Saturday]
SUN 04:30 J Kingston Platt's Showbiz Handbook (b007k19l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Saturday]
SUN 05:00 Isy Suttie's Guide to the Family (m0007rf7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Saturday]
SUN 06:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m0027bmp)
Children's Authors
John Boyne
Writer John Boyne is castaway by Lauren Laverne.
The Irish writer is best known for his 2006 novel The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, which became a literary phenomenon, selling more than 11 million copies around the world. It was translated into 60 languages and adapted into a film, a play, a ballet and an opera. He has written more than two dozen books, including a number of titles for younger readers.
John was born in Dublin in 1971, and had ambitions to become a writer from an early age. He studied English Literature at Trinity College Dublin, followed by a Master’s degree in Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia. From the mid-1990s, he spent seven years working at a bookshop in Dublin, while trying to launch his literary career.
Many of his books have historical settings:
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is the story of two boys – one German, one Jewish – during the Holocaust; other books have taken inspiration from the Mutiny on the Bounty and Tsarist Russia.
More recently, he’s addressed sexual and physical abuse within the Catholic church in Ireland, drawing in part on his own experiences at school.
John lives in Dublin, not far from where he grew up.
DISC ONE: Bright Eyes - Art Garfunkel
DISC TWO: The Sound of Music - Julie Andrews
DISC THREE: Elton's Song - Elton John
DISC FOUR: Take on Me - A-ha
DISC FIVE: Lullaby for Cain (Instrumental) - Sinéad O'Connor
DISC SIX: Extract from String Quartet No. 4, composed by Noah Max and performed by The Tippett Quartet
DISC SEVEN: Make Your Own Kind of Music - Mama Cass
DISC EIGHT: Night of the Swallow - Kate Bush
BOOK CHOICE: The Waste Land by T. S. Eliot
LUXURY ITEM: A cinema screen showing The Devil Wears Prada
CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Night of the Swallow - Kate Bush
Producer: Sarah Taylor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2024.
SUN 07:00 Poetry Extra (m0027bmr)
Poetry Please - Karen McCarthy Woolf
Poet Daljit Nagra revisits the BBC's poetry archive and chooses Poetry Please - Karen McCarthy Woolf.
Karen is the award-winning poet of Jamaican-British heritage and shortlisted for the TS Eliot prize 2024.
She joins Roger McGough to make her selection of listeners' poems.
Producer: Maggie Ayre
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2019.
SUN 07:30 Flush by Virginia Woolf (Omnibus) (m0027bmt)
Virginia Woolf's unusual biography about a dog's life with a very famous writer, Elizabeth Barret Browning.
Flush was given to her by a family friend, and the young spaniel very quickly became the poet's devoted companion and constant attendant at her London bedside in her father's house in Wimpole Street.
Devoted Flush takes on a love rival, is a victim of crime, travels to Italy and reflects on a life well lived.
Omnibus of five parts written by Virginia Woolf
Read by Jenny Coverack.
Abridged and produced by Sara Davies
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2011.
SUN 08:40 Inheritance Tracks (m0027bmw)
Ellie Taylor
Comedian, writer and podcaster Ellie Taylor inherits Piano Man by Billy Joel and passes on Sunflower Man by The Waifs.
SUN 08:50 Broken English by Shelagh Stephenson (Omnibus) (m0027bmy)
Episode 2
Anna’s son Joe has now been missing for six days - the gendarmes want to interview all the house guests.
To save their marriage, Anna and John have moved to rural Southern France - a place they once visited on holiday and didn't know at all well. It may have been an act of folly, but worth the risk for their survival.
But their dream of a new life in France was shattered when their 16 year-old son disappeared and they find that they, and each of their house guests, are police suspects...
Written by Shelagh Stephenson.
Omnibus of the last five of ten episodes.
Anna .... Rosie Cavaliero
John .... Ewan Bailey
Jess .... Macy Nyman
Dorothy .... Linda Bassett
Duncan .... Rufus Wright
Joe .... Tom Glenister
Lou .... Rebecca Saire
Rob .... John McAndrew
Melanie .... Jane Slavin
Charlie .... Thomas Allam
Berengere …. Kate Duchêne
Christopher .... Alfie Wickham
Director: Eoin O'Callaghan
A Big Fish Radio production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in October 2020.
SUN 10:00 Frankie Howerd (m000gmk7)
Series 2
Episode 1
Frankie Howerd is commissioned by ‘steam radio’ to serialise his memoirs.
It's a comic look back through his eventful life and illustrious career, from soup to nuts.
Ooh! No! Missus….
Written by David McKellar and David Nobbs.
With:
June Whitfield
Bob Todd
Geoffrey Beevers
John Samson
Producer: David Hatch.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in June 1973.
SUN 10:30 Take It From Here (b011db7s)
From 26/11/1953
Sabotage at the BBC!
While in 'The Glums', Eth is dithering over home décor...
Long-running classic comedy written by Frank Muir and Denis Norden.
Starring:
Professor Jimmy Edwards
Dick Bentley
June Whitfield
Alma Cogan
Wallas Eaton
Herbert Mostyn – a bit-part persona adopted, when necessary, by both Frank and Denis.
Music from The Keynotes and the Augmented BBC Revue Orchestra conducted by Harry Rabinowitz.
Producer: Charles Maxwell
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in November 1953.
SUN 11:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m0027bmp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 12:00 Poetry Extra (m0027bmr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
SUN 12:30 Flush by Virginia Woolf (Omnibus) (m0027bmt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 13:40 Inheritance Tracks (m0027bmw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 today]
SUN 13:50 Broken English by Shelagh Stephenson (Omnibus) (m0027bmy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]
SUN 15:00 Frankie Howerd (m000gmk7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 15:30 Take It From Here (b011db7s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
SUN 16:00 Fear on 4 (b007jm22)
Series 1
The Beast With Five Fingers
Horror arrives in a small box left to a distinguished scientist in a will.
The Man in Black sets the sinister scene…
Starring James Laurenson
Another nerve-tingler from Fear on 4.
Written by WF Harvey.
Dramatised by John Keir and Martin Jenkins.
Saunders......Kim Wall
Morton..........Cyril Luckham
Eustace..........James Laurenson
The Man in Black …. Edward de Souza
Producer: Martin Jenkins
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1998.
SUN 16:30 Simon Bovey - Cold Blood (b007s8gn)
4. Sanctuary No More
Deb has found evidence that Bowers has been experimenting on himself and is now a Chimera - changing at a cellular level.
But, the question is, into what?
The answers will have to wait, because now there's a killer on the loose...
Continuing Simon Bovey's sci-fi thriller made in 2005 but set in 2015.
Bowers …. Tim McMullan
Commander Taft …. Tom Mannion
Max Bellingfield …. Stuart McLoughlin
Anaya …. Ndidi Del Fatti
Deborah …. Helen Longworth
Director: Marc Beeby
Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in January 2005.
SUN 17:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m0027bmp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 18:00 Poetry Extra (m0027bmr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
SUN 18:30 Flush by Virginia Woolf (Omnibus) (m0027bmt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 19:40 Inheritance Tracks (m0027bmw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 today]
SUN 19:50 Broken English by Shelagh Stephenson (Omnibus) (m0027bmy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]
SUN 21:00 Frankie Howerd (m000gmk7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 21:30 Take It From Here (b011db7s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
SUN 22:00 Listen Against (b017cjmx)
Series 4
Episode 4
Another week of radio that never happened.
Alice Arnold and Jon Holmes rewind and mangle real programmes for you to enjoy the wrong way round.
Written and created by Jon Holmes
With:
Justin Edwards
Sarah Hadland
Kim Wall
David Mara
Written by Jon Holmes, Gareth Gwynn, John Hunter, James Kettle, Joel Morris and Jason Hazeley, John Luke Roberts and Rachel Wheeley.
Producers: Jon Holmes and Sam Bryant.
A BBC production for the BBC on behalf of the BBC.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2011.
SUN 22:30 Electric Ink (b01k9wdn)
Series 2
Episode 5
Freddy punctures Maddox's literary pretensions and uncovers a scandal.
Starring John Sessions and Alex Jennings.
Old hacks meet new media in this satire set in the changing world of the struggling newspaper industry.
Written by Alistair Beaton and Tom Mitchelson.
Maddox ..... John Sessions
Oliver ..... Alex Jennings
Freddy ..... Stephen Wight
Carol ..... Polly Frame
Masha ..... Debbie Chazen
Miles Deanbrook ..... Sean Baker
Waiter ..... Adeel Akhtar
Producer: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2010.
SUN 23:00 Lobby Land (m0006v00)
Series 2
Vis-à-Vis
Topical sitcom following life in Westminster through the eyes of Sam Peakes, a young political editor at a clickbait website.
Sam battles to make sense of the madness engulfing British politics.
Sam Peakes ...... Yasmine Akram
Tom Shriver MP ...... Charlie Higson
Mia Phillips ...... Cariad Lloyd
Gideon Burnside ...... Dan Tetsell
Nathan Edmonds ...... Daniel Lawrence Taylor
Written by Jon Harvey, Sarah Dempster and Christopher Davies.
With additional material by Laura Major.
Production Co-Ordinator: Tam Shilham
Script Editor: Dan Tetsell
Executive Producer: Lucy Armitage
Editor: Jerry Peal
Producer : Jon Harvey
A Naked production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in July 2019.
SUN 23:30 Rigor Mortis (b007mdgd)
Series 2
Episode 1
When Professor Donaldson suggests the team get to know the people they're autopsying, Dr Webster gets a little carried away...
Starring Peter Davison.
Laurence Howarth's black comedy set in the world of the pathology lab.
Dr Webster ...... Peter Davison
Dr Anderson ...... Matilda Ziegler
Professor Donaldson ...... Geoffrey Whitehead
Gordon ...... Tom Price
Chloe ...... Marianne Levy
Simon ...... Gus Brown
Mr Reeve ...... Nicholas Boulton
Music by Paul Mottram and Stephanie Benavente.
Producer: Dawn Ellis
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2004.

MONDAY 27 JANUARY 2025

MON 00:00 Fear on 4 (b007jm22)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Sunday]
MON 00:30 Simon Bovey - Cold Blood (b007s8gn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:30 on Sunday]
MON 01:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m0027bmp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Sunday]
MON 02:00 Poetry Extra (m0027bmr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Sunday]
MON 02:30 Flush by Virginia Woolf (Omnibus) (m0027bmt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Sunday]
MON 03:40 Inheritance Tracks (m0027bmw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 on Sunday]
MON 03:50 Broken English by Shelagh Stephenson (Omnibus) (m0027bmy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 on Sunday]
MON 05:00 Frankie Howerd (m000gmk7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Sunday]
MON 05:30 Take It From Here (b011db7s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Sunday]
MON 06:00 Whodunnits (b00b7zrm)
Paul Temple and the Madison Mystery
1. A Penny For Your Thoughts
The debonair detective returns in a revival of the vintage 1940s adventure serial never saved in the BBC archive.
Paul Temple and Steve are in hot pursuit of a ruthless gang of counterfeiters
Starring Crawford Logan and Gerda Stevenson.
From 1938 to 1968, Francis Durbridge's incomparably suave amateur detective and his glamorous wife solved case after baffling case in one of BBC radio's most popular series. Sadly, only half of Temple's adventures survive.
In 2006, BBC Radio 4 brought one of the lost serials back to life. Using the original scripts and incidental music, and recorded using vintage microphones and sound effects, the production of Paul Temple and the Sullivan Mystery aimed to sound as much as possible like the 1947 original might have done if its recording had survived.
The serial proved so popular that it was soon followed by more revivals - including this one originally heard in 1949.
Written by Francis Durbridge.
Paul Temple …. Crawford Logan
Steve …. Gerda Stevenson
Stella Portland …. Emma Currie
George Kelly …. Robin Laing
Sam Portland …. Angus MacInnes
Charlie/Purser …. Greg Powrie
Sir Graham Forbes …. Gareth Thomas
Hubert Greene/Barman …. Richard Greenwood
Mark Kendell/Telephone Operator …. Nick Underwood
Producer: Patrick Rayner
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2008.
MON 06:30 Bright Day by JB Priestley (m0027ccj)
6. Finishing the Script
1945. Gregory Dawson looks back on the summer before the First World War and attempts to solve the mystery of Eva's death.
A character from the past holds the vital information...
Conclusion of JB Priestley's nostalgic novel.
Dramatised by Eric Pringle.
Gregory Dawson .... David Hargreaves
Elizabeth Earl .... Frances Jeater
Young Gregory .... Peter Kenny
Lord Harndean / Stanley Mervin .... Gavin Muir
Lady Harndean .... Margaret John
Mrs Connally .... Maggie McCarthy
Joan .... Elaine Claxton
Brent/George .... Peter Whitman
Mrs Childs .... Nina Wadia
Hilda .... Susannah Corbett
Hinchcliff .... Tom Bevan
Music played by Les Brown, Tony Gamage and Laurence Rossi
Director: Adrian Bean
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1994.
MON 07:00 The House of the Spirit Levels (b007jvb4)
Treachery With a Cricket Sock in Its Face
The Hardstaff family's pet spaniel has been unmasked as Elvis reincarnated.
Tony Hardstaff's nemesis is approaching fast as the struggle to protect the ancient fish and chip shop suffers a severe setback.
Nick Revell's epic comedy saga continues.
Tony ...... Nick Revell
Jane ...... Alison Steadman
Emily ...... Claire Skinner
Obadiah ...... David Swift
Alice ...... Maggie Steed
Mrs Womersley ...... Joanna Brooks
Joanna ...... Natalie Walter
Jeff ...... Peter Gunn
Natassia Fillipovna ...... Tracy-Ann Oberman
Kropotkin ...... Peter Seranfinowcz
The Narrator ...... Alistair McGowan
Elder ...... Chris Pavlo
Music composed by Paul Mottram.
Producer: Paul Schlesinger
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1997.
MON 07:30 The Likely Lads (m0027ccl)
Series 1
2. The Suitor
Terry enlists Bob’s help to try and get rid of his sister’s Italian boyfriend.
He formulates a plan involving a trip to the pub...
Starring James Bolam and Rodney Bewes.
Created and written for BBC TV by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais.
Adapted for BBC Radio by James Bolam.
Bob Ferris …. Rodney Bewes
Terry Collier …. James Bolam
Audrey …. Sheila Fearn
Mrs Collier …. Olive Milbourne
Mario the boyfriend …. George Layton
Producer: John Browell
First broadcast on BBC Light Programme in August 1967.
MON 08:00 North by Northamptonshire (b03nt1sw)
Series 3
Episode 3
Visitors are expected in Wadenbrook, and a revelation is long overdue.
Sheila Hancock narrates the bittersweet adventures of the residents of a small town in Northamptonshire.
Written by Katherine Jakeways.
As is well-known: Yorkshiremen wear flat caps and Essex girls wear short skirts; Liverpudlians are scallies and Cockneys are wideboys. Northamptonians gaze wistfully at these stereotypes and wish for an identity of any kind and a label less ridiculous than Northamptonians. Northamptonshire, let us be clear, is neither north, nor south nor in the Midlands. It floats somewhere between the three eyeing up the distinctiveness of each enviously.
Katherine Jakeways gives Northamptonshire an identity. And she waits, eagerly, for her home-county to thank her. And possibly make her some kind of Mayor.
Narrator ...... Sheila Hancock
Rod ...... Tim Key
Frank ...... Rufus Wright
Mary ...... Penelope Wilton
Jonathan ...... Kevin Eldon
Esther ...... Katherine Jakeways
Keith ...... John Biggins
Norman ...... Geoffrey Palmer
Orson ...... Nathaniel Parker
Jan ...... Felicity Montagu
Producer: Steven Canny
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2014.
MON 08:30 Ripley's Game by Patricia Highsmith (m0027ccn)
1. France
Con artist and murderer Tom Ripley pits his wits against some dangerous adversaries in a genteel part of France.
Patricia Highsmith's complex psychological crime-thriller, first published in 1974.
"Highsmith's novels are peerlessly disturbing, bad dreams that keep us thrashing for the rest of the night." The New Yorker.
Abridged in ten parts by Neville Teller.
Read by Stanley Tucci.
Producer: Duncan Minshull
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2004.
MON 08:45 Curious Under the Stars (m000qblr)
Series 11: The Writer
1. A Grisly Tradition
Concluding series of the magical drama set in Glan Don, a mysterious village perched on the wild Welsh coast.
Emlyn enlists Gareth in a gruesome task.
Diane and Megan prepare the caravan for the arrival of a mysterious guest.
Curious Under the Stars was created by writer Meic Povey, who breathed life into the magical village of Glan Don in 2015.
After his death in 2017, writers Annamaria Murphy and Alan Harris have continued to chart the courses of Gareth, Diane and a host of mythic characters.
Gareth.... Elis James
Diane.... Emma Sidi
Emlyn..... Ifan Huw Dafydd
Megan.... Aimee Ffion Edwards
Gwynn.... Matthew Gravelle
Anwen.... Juno Robinson
Written by Annamaria Murphy.
Series created by Meic Povey
Director: James Robinson
A BBC Cymru Wales production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2020.
MON 09:00 Yesterday in Parliament (m0027ccq)
Alicia McCarthy reports as MPs debate a private member's bill which would set new legally binding climate and nature targets.
MON 09:30 A History of the Infinite (b07vngh2)
1. Horror of the Infinite
Adrian Moore starts his journey through philosophical thought on infinity over the last two and a half thousand years.
For starters, he finds out why the idea made the Greeks so uncomfortable and introduces us to some of the first great thinkers on infinity.
We meet Pythagoras and his followers who divided the world into two fundamental cosmic principles. On one side was everything they thought of as limited or finite, and therefore good, and on the other everything they considered unlimited or infinite, and therefore bad.
The Pythagoreans thought they could explain the world around them in terms of the numbers - 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. - which we use to count finite collections of things, and they were utterly dismayed when they discovered that not every calculation produced the neat answer they expected. According to legend, one of their number was shipwrecked at sea for revealing this discovery to their enemies!
And we meet Zeno of Elea who, after wrestling with the notion of infinity, came to the conclusion that movement itself was impossible.
Producer: Philippa Goodrich
A Juniper production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2016.
MON 09:45 Daily Service (m0027ccs)
Quietness and trust - Holocaust memorial day
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Quietness and trust - Holocaust memorial day
Presenter: Steve Williams
Reading: Psalm 142
Music:
Annelies: VIII. Kyrie - Sinfonia - James Whitbourn
God is Love - St Martin's Voices
Even When He Is Silent - Reinhardt University Chamber Singers, Martha Shaw
MON 10:00 Dad Made Me Laugh (b00d7h6q)
Maureen Beattie
Johnny Beattie's daughter Maureen chats to Sally Magnusson about her life growing up with the Glaswegian comedian.
Series where the sons and daughters of famous comedians talk about life with their dads.
Producer: Mike Walker
First broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland in September 2006.
MON 10:30 Fabulous Flops (b012f50q)
Series 1
1. Dancing to Disaster
Paul Roseby celebrates the worst musicals ever to grace the stage.
The opening programme is dedicated to The Dancer, The Twirler and The West End Wendy.
Hear how actress Lynda Bellingham can-canned her way through 'Bordello' wearing few clothes!
How Christina Avery high-kicked her heart out in Don Black's first flop 'Maybe That's Your Problem'.
And how Tudor Davies twirled through 'Twang!!', the show that cost Lionel Bart more than just his reputation.
How on earth do such shows make it to the stage?!
Producer: Elizabeth Freestone
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2004.
MON 11:00 Whodunnits (b00b7zrm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 11:30 Bright Day by JB Priestley (m0027ccj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 12:00 The House of the Spirit Levels (b007jvb4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 12:30 The Likely Lads (m0027ccl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 13:00 North by Northamptonshire (b03nt1sw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 13:30 Ripley's Game by Patricia Highsmith (m0027ccn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 13:45 Curious Under the Stars (m000qblr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
MON 14:00 The Rest is History (b0769tsq)
Series 2
Episode 2
Frank Skinner loves history, but just doesn't know much of it.
So he's devised this comedy discussion show in order to find out more about it.
Along with his historian in residence, Professor Kate Williams, Frank is joined by Al Murray and Isy Suttie.
Up for discussion: Robin Hood, wartime slogans, Annie Oakley and a statue-related history mystery.
Producers: Mark Augustyn and Justin Pollard
An Avalon production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in April 2016.
MON 14:30 Smelling of Roses (b007k131)
Series 2
French Connections
Rosie and her team organise a twinning ceremony for a town on the south coast of England with a town on the north coast of France.
But Is it really a step forward for Anglo-French relations?
Prunella Scales stars in Simon Brett's sitcom.
The trials and tribulations of Rosie Burns and her event management company, based in Brighton.
Rosie ...... Prunella Scales
Kate ...... Arabella Weir
Jo ...... Rebecca Callard
Bob ...... Duncan Preston
Tess ...... Annette Badland
Don ...... Owen Brenman
Jean-Luc ...... Simon Greenall
Genevieve ...... Rachel Atkins
Producer: Maria Esposito
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2001.
MON 15:00 Little Muspratt by Penelope Mortimer (m0003ts6)
Phyllis Muspratt is the epitome of all that Rebecca despises: a genteel little widow who can't manage without a man to do the odd jobs about the house.
She’s pathetically eager to make friends - and Rebecca manages to reduce her to tears on their first meeting.
But she's a near neighbour and can't be ignored.
Penelope Mortimer's novel The Handyman, first published in 1984.
Starring Mary Wimbush and Jill Balcon.
Dramatised by Caroline Bennett.
Rebecca .... Mary Wimbush
Phyllis .... Jill Balcon
Isobel ..... Marian Diamond
Fred .... Gavin Muir
Director: Jane Morgan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1994.
MON 16:00 Dad Made Me Laugh (b00d7h6q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
MON 16:30 Fabulous Flops (b012f50q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
MON 17:00 Whodunnits (b00b7zrm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 17:30 Bright Day by JB Priestley (m0027ccj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 18:00 The House of the Spirit Levels (b007jvb4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 18:30 The Likely Lads (m0027ccl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 19:00 North by Northamptonshire (b03nt1sw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 19:30 Ripley's Game by Patricia Highsmith (m0027ccn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 19:45 Curious Under the Stars (m000qblr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
MON 20:00 The Rest is History (b0769tsq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
MON 20:30 Smelling of Roses (b007k131)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
MON 21:00 Little Muspratt by Penelope Mortimer (m0003ts6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
MON 22:00 Just a Minute (m00274sz)
Series 94
1. A red phone called Kevin
Sue Perkins challenges Paul Merton, Laura Smyth, Julian Clary and Desiree Burch to speak for 60 seconds without repetition, deviation or hesitation. Subjects include shopping centres, snake oil, and a slip of the tongue.
Production Coordinator: Sarah Nicholls
Sound Editor: Marc Willcox
Producer: Rajiv Karia
An EcoAudio certified production.
A BBC Studios Audio Production for Radio 4.
MON 22:30 Alexei Sayle's Strangers on a Train (m001p10h)
Series 2
Birmingham to Stansted Airport
Alexei Sayle takes another train journey and breaks the golden rule of travelling by train in the UK - by actually talking to his fellow passengers.
In this episode, he travels from Birmingham to Stansted Airport.
Among his many fellow travellers, he meets:
* Adam, a student at Cambridge on his way back to college with his mum Helen. Adam introduces Alexei to the mysterious world of competitive Pokemon.
* Holly who lives in Bali and is dedicated to studying and saving sharks
* Megan, who was born in Arizona and is on her way to her first ever key note speech at the prestigious Sainsbury Laboratory in Cambridge
* Katrin and Klara who have been on holiday in the UK, are flying home to Germany from Stansted, and are great fans of English humour.
Producers: Peter Lowe and Nick Symons
A Ride production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in July 2023.
MON 23:00 The News Quiz (m002752d)
Series 116
The Donald and The Dons
This week on The News Quiz, Andy Zaltzman is joined by Andrew Maxwell, Val McDermid, Jay Lafferty and Stuart Mitchell to unpack the week's new stories. Recorded from the Gardyne Theatre in Dundee, the panel look into Donald Trump's first week of his second term, Prince Harry's legal victories, Scottish Health Minister Neil Gray's sporting excursions, and the honour of the Glaswegian accent.
Written by Andy Zaltzman.
With additional material by: Rebecca Bain, Cody Dahler, Alexandra Haddow and Peter Tellouche.
Producer: Rajiv Karia
Executive Producer: Richard Morris
Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman
Sound Manager: Sean Kerwin
Sound Editor: Marc Willcox
A BBC Studios Audio Production for Radio 4
An Eco-Audio certified Production
MON 23:30 Old Harry's Game (b007jpd8)
Series 2
Computers
Satan has trouble with a fundamentalist and Scumspawn has trouble with a pushy computer.
Andy Hamilton’s devilishly funny sitcom set in Hell.
Satan ...... Andy Hamilton
The Professor ...... James Grout
Thomas ...... Jimmy Mulville
Scumspawn ...... Robert Duncan
Other characters played by:
Philip Pope
Felicity Montagu
Nick Revell
Producer: Paul Mayhew-Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1998.

TUESDAY 28 JANUARY 2025

TUE 00:00 Dad Made Me Laugh (b00d7h6q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Monday]
TUE 00:30 Fabulous Flops (b012f50q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Monday]
TUE 01:00 Whodunnits (b00b7zrm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]
TUE 01:30 Bright Day by JB Priestley (m0027ccj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Monday]
TUE 02:00 The House of the Spirit Levels (b007jvb4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Monday]
TUE 02:30 The Likely Lads (m0027ccl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:00 North by Northamptonshire (b03nt1sw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Monday]
TUE 03:30 Ripley's Game by Patricia Highsmith (m0027ccn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:45 Curious Under the Stars (m000qblr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Monday]
TUE 04:00 The Rest is History (b0769tsq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:30 Smelling of Roses (b007k131)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Monday]
TUE 05:00 Little Muspratt by Penelope Mortimer (m0003ts6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Monday]
TUE 06:00 Whodunnits (b00bcw1y)
Paul Temple and the Madison Mystery
2. The Manilla
Despite being warned off, the smooth sleuth meets an undercover policeman in a smart London nightclub.
This is a faithful 2008 remake of a series that was originally aired in October/November 1949, and then lost for good.
Temple and Steve investigate the death of an American millionaire long-term amnesiac, Sam Portland, whom they met aboard a liner travelling home to London. Portland was bound for England having been told by an investigator called Madison, that he had unearthed facts about his lost past. The investigation reveals counterfeiting and smuggling intrigue surrounding Portland's family and employees.
Starring Crawford Logan and as BBC Radio’s smoothest investigator and his glamorous wife.
Written by Francis Durbridge.
Paul Temple …. Crawford Logan
Steve …. Gerda Stevenson
Stella Portland …. Emma Currie
George Kelly …. Robin Laing
Archie Brooks …. Greg Powrie
Sergeant/Maitland/Robert …. Michael MacKenzie
Moira Portland …. Lucy Paterson
Sir Graham Forbes …. Gareth Thomas
Hubert Greene …. Richard Greenwood
Mark Kendell/Chris Boyer …. Nick Underwood
Between 1938 and 1968, Francis Durbridge’s incomparably suave amateur detective and his journalist wife solved case after baffling case. They inhabited a sophisticated, well-heeled world of cocktails and fast cars in one of BBC Radio’s most popular series.
Producer: Patrick Rayner
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2008.
TUE 06:30 Whodunnits (b007wltd)
Julie Enfield Investigates: Leaves Of The Dead
1. Proverbs and Punctures from Hell
Feisty detective superintendent Julie Enfield investigates an inexplicable killing at the British Library in London.
Imelda Staunton stars as Julie Enfield.
Nick Fisher’s atmospheric four-part detective thriller.
Julie Enfield ...... Imelda Staunton
Dad ...... Geoffrey Matthews
Lawrence Evans ...... Ross Livingstone
Stephen Arnold ...... Alex Lowe
Amanda Thorne ...... Janet Maw
Richard Baker ...... Ioan Meredith
Arthur Morton ...... Stephen Thorne
Tony ...... Sean Baker
Terry Faulkner ...... Hugh Dickson
Sal ...... Tracy-Ann Oberman
Melanie Sharp ...... Colleen Prendergast
Dorothy ...... Shirley Dixon
Phil Carter ...... Christopher Scott
Producer: Richard Wortley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1997.
TUE 07:00 Girlies (b08lb7rd)
Series 1
Episode 4
Sonal calls on Samina's legal expertise.
Meanwhile Jabeen gets welcome news from husband, Joe.
Five 30-something Asian women get together for "girlie" evenings
Comedy serial written by Sudha Bhuchar and Shaheen Khan.
Tula …. Zita Sattar
Vinny …. Bharti Patel
Jabeen …. Shaheen Khan
Sonal …. Sudha Bhuchar
Samina …. Sakuntala Ramanee
Ramesh …. Ameet Chaana
Dan …. Roger Liddle
Marianne …. Alice Arnold
Alia …. Sophie Levy
Sara …. Nyla Levy
Masi …. Charubala Chokshi
Karan …. Susan Sheridan
Salim …. Shiv Grewal
Ali …. Burt Caesar
Javed …. Omar Salimi
Directed at BBC Pebble Mill by Kristine Landon-Smith.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1977.
TUE 07:30 The Goon Show (b008wf71)
Series 7
The Nadger Plague
Neddie Seagoon turns to witchcraft in a bid to thwart Grytpype-Thynne and Moriarty
Groundbreaking, surreal BBC radio comedy written by Spike Milligan and Larry Stephens.
Starring:
Peter Sellers
Harry Secombe
Spike Milligan
First billed as Crazy People, ten series of The Goon Show were recorded between 1951 and 1960, but sadly many of the earliest shows weren’t kept in the archive.
With the Ray Ellington Quartet and Max Geldray.
Orchestra conducted by Wally Stott.
Announcer: Wallace Greenslade
Producer: Peter Eton
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in October 1956.
TUE 08:00 Dr Phil's Bedside Manner (m000zcc2)
Dr Phil Hammond visits the Royal United Hospital in Bath
An innovative mix of comedy performance and documentary in a series presented by Dr Phil Hammond.
As a doctor and a comedian, Phil knows that humour and laughter are vital coping mechanisms in the NHS, as he travels the UK on a mission to listen to the beating heart of a national institution.
The programmes are an adventurous, hilarious, thought-provoking mix of humour and happiness, tragedy and reflection as the personal thoughts, opinions, experiences and hopes of people who work for and use the NHS are revealed.
This time Dr Phil visits the Royal United Hospital in Bath, where he hears stories from staff and patients - as he reveals how humour and laughter are vital coping mechanisms in the NHS.
And Dr Phil performs a free stand-up comedy show for the staff based on his listening experiences in Bath and the stories of the people he has met.
Producer: David Morley
A Ride production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2021.
TUE 08:30 Ripley's Game by Patricia Highsmith (m0027cwc)
2. Little Jobs
Thanks to Tom Ripley, it seems that the deadly 'little jobs' in Hamburg are going ahead.
One of the most outrageous characters in modern crime-fiction, con artist and murderer Tom Ripley, pits his wits against his adversaries.
Patricia Highsmith's psychological crime-thriller.
Read by Stanley Tucci.
Abridged in ten parts by Neville Teller.
Producer: Duncan Minshull
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2004.
TUE 08:45 Curious Under the Stars (m000q9fc)
Series 11: The Writer
2. A Sign at the Window
Second in the final series of the magical drama set in Glan Don, a mysterious village perched on the wild Welsh coast.
Preparations are made for the re-opening of the Druid's Rest, but what's wrong with Matty?
Starring Elis James (Josh), Emma Sidi (Pls Like) and Ifan Huw Dafydd (Gavin and Stacey).
Curious Under the Stars was created in 2015 by writer Meic Povey, who breathed life into the magical village of Glan Don. After his death in 2017, writers Annamaria Murphy and Alan Harris have continued to chart the courses of Gareth, Diane and a host of mythic characters. Now, eleven series later, the story of Curious Under the Stars is coming to an end.
Gareth.... Elis James
Diane.... Emma Sidi
Emlyn..... Ifan Huw Dafydd
Megan.... Aimee Ffion Edwards
Matty.... Siw Hughes
Anwen.... Juno Robinson
Written by Annamaria Murphy
Series created by Meic Povey
Directed by James Robinson
A BBC Cymru Wales production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2020.
TUE 09:00 Yesterday in Parliament (m0027cwf)
The latest news from Westminster - and beyond.
TUE 09:30 A History of the Infinite (b07vq2zc)
2. Aristotle’s Rapprochement
Adrian Moore continues his journey through philosophical thought on infinity over the last two and a half thousand years.
He introduces us to the Greek philosopher, Aristotle, who attempted a reconciliation between the idea of things going on for ever and ever and the Greeks’ abhorrence of the very notion.
We hear how he came up with the idea of two different types of infinite - the potential and the actual - and how it was the potential infinite that he presented as the acceptable face of infinity.
With the help of Ursula Coope, Professor of Ancient Philosophy at Oxford University, Adrian explains the idea of infinite divisibility and revisits the paradoxes of Zeno which suggest that motion isn’t possible. He carries out his own experiment to see whether using Aristotle’s theory of the infinite can disprove Zeno’s conclusions and actually get himself home.
And he reveals how Aristotle’s theory of the infinite held sway for thousands of years, despite the challenges to it.
Producer: Philippa Goodrich
A Juniper production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2016.
TUE 09:45 Daily Service (m0027cwh)
Quietness and trust - Walking on Water
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Quietness and trust - Walking on Water
Presenter: Reverend Grace Thomas
Reading: Matthew 14:22-33
Music:
Be not Afraid - Laura Huval
Dancing on the Waves - We the Kingdom
Precious Lord Take my Hand
TUE 10:00 A Good Read (b0b50kxh)
Robert Webb and Hugo Rifkind
Comic actor and writer Robert Webb and award-winning journalist Hugo Rifkind talk about favourite books with presenter Harriett Gilbert.
Book choices:
Robert Webb chooses: Waterland by Graham Swift.
Pub: Picador
Hugo Rifkind chooses: Life, The Universe and Everything by Douglas Adams
Pub: Pan Books
Harriett Gilbert chooses: Fathers to the table by Sam Miller
Pub: Vintage
Producer Beth O'Dea
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2018.
TUE 10:30 Jazz in the Open Air (b00szz26)
Jazz, a music first played in small clubs and now found in large concert halls, also has a long history of heading for the great outdoors.
Kevin LeGendre charts the story of jazz in the open air, starting with a teenage Louis Armstrong leading the band from the Home for Colored Waifs through the streets of New Orleans almost a century ago.
Other legendary jazz performers who swapped smoky interiors for notable fresh air appearances include Duke Ellington, who transformed the fortunes of his orchestra with a storming show at the Newport jazz festival in 1956, and saxophonist Sonny Rollins, who spent months practising high amongst the girders of the Williamsburg Bridge in New York City.
Kevin also hears from musician Gary Bartz, who formed a band without a piano player so that they were free to perform anywhere, and so could escape from the restrictions of the music industry.
Offering the other side of the story, the acclaimed singer Bobby McFerrin reveals why he tries to avoid all outdoor performances. And bringing the story right up to the present, Kevin joins saxophonist Soweto Kinch under a flyover in Birmingham, where he has promoted a music festival amidst the concrete and thundering traffic for the past three years.
Producer John Goudie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2010.
TUE 11:00 Whodunnits (b00bcw1y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 11:30 Whodunnits (b007wltd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 12:00 Girlies (b08lb7rd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 12:30 The Goon Show (b008wf71)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 13:00 Dr Phil's Bedside Manner (m000zcc2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 13:30 Ripley's Game by Patricia Highsmith (m0027cwc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 13:45 Curious Under the Stars (m000q9fc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
TUE 14:00 Act Your Age (b00qcj8m)
Series 2
Episode 3
Comedy show pitting the comic generations against each other to find out which is the funniest.
Hosted by Simon Mayo.
With Team Captains:
Jon Richardson
Ed Byrne
Johnnie Casson
Guest Comics:
Jared Christmas
Mark Watson
Eddie Large
Producers: Ashley Blaker and Bill Matthews
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2010.
TUE 14:30 Cabin Pressure (b00cm9p6)
Series 1
Douz
Carolyn finds she’s taken more on board than she meant to when the Scottish Cricket Team, a Frenchman and the Sahara Desert all run out of petrol...
Starring Stephanie Cole, Benedict Cumberbatch and Roger Allam.
John Finnemore’s sitcom about the pilots of a tiny charter airline for whom no job is too small, but many, many jobs are too difficult.
Carolyn Knapp-Shappey ...... Stephanie Cole
1st Officer Douglas Richardson ...... Roger Allam
Captain Martin Crieff ...... Benedict Cumberbatch
Arthur Shappey ...... John Finnemore
Yves Jutteau ...... John Sessions
Habib ...... Ali Amadi.
Captain Jessop ...... Rufus Jones
Lachlan ...... Robert Harley
Producer: David Tyler
A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in July 2008.
TUE 15:00 Anna of the Five Towns by Arnold Bennett (b01nvg46)
1. Inheritance
Arnold Bennett's powerful story of love, tyranny and rebellion set against the vitality and harshness of life in the Staffordshire Potteries in the late 19th century.
Brought up in the repressive tradition of Methodism by her miserly father, Anna Tellwright dreams of independence and freedom.
On coming of age she learns that she is to inherit a fortune and realises that she is loved by the charismatic Henry Mynors.
But with the money comes responsibility and a growing bond with one of her tenants William Price.
Stars Charlotte Riley.
Dramatised in two parts by Helen Edmundson.
Anna.....Charlotte Riley
Tellwright.....David Schofield
Young Agnes.....Emilia Harker
William Price.....Michael Socha
Titus Price.....James Masters
Henry Mynors.....Lee Williams
Beatrice/Older Agnes.....Rosina Carbone
Mrs Sutton.....Olwen May
Revivalist.....Andrew Westfield
Sarah Vodrey.....Jacqueline Redgwell
Director: Nadia Molinari
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2011.
TUE 16:00 A Good Read (b0b50kxh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
TUE 16:30 Jazz in the Open Air (b00szz26)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
TUE 17:00 Whodunnits (b00bcw1y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 17:30 Whodunnits (b007wltd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 18:00 Girlies (b08lb7rd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 18:30 The Goon Show (b008wf71)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 19:00 Dr Phil's Bedside Manner (m000zcc2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 19:30 Ripley's Game by Patricia Highsmith (m0027cwc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 19:45 Curious Under the Stars (m000q9fc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
TUE 20:00 Act Your Age (b00qcj8m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
TUE 20:30 Cabin Pressure (b00cm9p6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
TUE 21:00 Anna of the Five Towns by Arnold Bennett (b01nvg46)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
TUE 22:00 Alison Spittle: Petty Please (m0026nf2)
Series 1
The Debs Disaster
In this new series for Radio 4, comedian Alison Spittle explores some of her longest and deepest held grudges. The kind of thing most people would be ashamed to still be thinking about 30 minutes later, let alone contemplating exacting retribution decades on.
15 years ago was meant to be the biggest, most romantic day of Alison's (at that point very young) life. The long-anticipated debs ball (or as the English and Americans like to call it - prom). But her date didn't show. And now Alison wants to find out why.
Written by Alison Spittle & Simon Mulholland
With Fiadhnait Canning
Script edited by Joel Morris
Produced by Lyndsay Fenner
A Mighty Bunny Production for BBC Radio 4
TUE 22:30 The Consultants (b05z6glc)
Series 4
Episode 1
The lighthouse tour and the old-fashioned parents.
Cerebral sketch show written by and starring:
Neil Edmond
Justin Edwards
James Rawlings
Producer: Will Saunders
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2005.
TUE 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m0027mlf)
Michael Redmond 1/3
From 10pm until midnight, seven days a week, The Comedy Club has two hours of comedy.
And tonight, Jon Holmes once again chats to Michael Redmond. Plus it’s your chance to listen to Eamon, Older Brother of Jesus a programme that was shelved for 30 years on the grounds of blasphemy.
Producer: Mark Lee
TUE 23:00 Clare in the Community (b0832fpz)
Series 11
Hell on Wheels
It's 'Disability Awareness Day' so Clare has taken it upon herself to raise awareness. Back at home, Nali has plans to become an internet sensation.
Sally Phillips is Clare Barker the social worker who has all the right jargon but never a practical solution.
A control freak, Clare likes nothing better than interfering in other people's lives on both a professional and personal basis. Clare is in her thirties, white, middle class and heterosexual, all of which are occasional causes of discomfort to her.
Clare continues her struggle to control both her professional and private life. In today's Big Society there are plenty of challenges out there for an involved, caring social worker. Or even Clare.
Written by Harry Venning and David Ramsden.
Clare ...... Sally Phillips
Brian ...... Alex Lowe
Nali ...... Nina Conti
Libby ...... Sarah Kendall
Joan ...... Sarah Thom
Mrs Singh ...... Nina Wadia
Cilla ...... Gbemisola Ikumelo
Zoanna ...... Gbemisola Ikumelo
Roland ...... Colin Hoult
Producer: Alexandra Smith
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in November 2016.
TUE 23:30 The Curried Goat Show (b007k484)
Episode 2
'Cop Night' - and superstitions.
Sketch-bonanza written by and starring:
Dan Gaster
Will Ing
Ben Silburn
With special guest: Nerys Hughes
Music by The Big Buzzard Boogie Band.
Producer: Maria Esposito
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1998.

WEDNESDAY 29 JANUARY 2025

WED 00:00 A Good Read (b0b50kxh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Tuesday]
WED 00:30 Jazz in the Open Air (b00szz26)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Tuesday]
WED 01:00 Whodunnits (b00bcw1y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:30 Whodunnits (b007wltd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Tuesday]
WED 02:00 Girlies (b08lb7rd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Tuesday]
WED 02:30 The Goon Show (b008wf71)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:00 Dr Phil's Bedside Manner (m000zcc2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Tuesday]
WED 03:30 Ripley's Game by Patricia Highsmith (m0027cwc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:45 Curious Under the Stars (m000q9fc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Tuesday]
WED 04:00 Act Your Age (b00qcj8m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:30 Cabin Pressure (b00cm9p6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Tuesday]
WED 05:00 Anna of the Five Towns by Arnold Bennett (b01nvg46)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Tuesday]
WED 06:00 Whodunnits (b00bqp4q)
Paul Temple and the Madison Mystery
3. Eileen
The suave sleuth discovers a remote farm is linked to the counterfeit gang - and the killer strikes again.
This is a faithful 2008 remake of a series that was originally aired in October/November 1949, and then lost for good.
Temple and Steve investigate the death of an American millionaire long-term amnesiac, Sam Portland, whom they met aboard a liner travelling home to London. Portland was bound for England having been told by an investigator called Madison, that he had unearthed facts about his lost past. The investigation reveals counterfeiting and smuggling intrigue surrounding Portland's family and employees.
Starring Crawford Logan and as BBC Radio’s smoothest investigator and his glamorous wife.
Written by Francis Durbridge.
Paul Temple …. Crawford Logan
Steve …. Gerda Stevenson
Stella Portland …. Emma Currie
Hubert Greene …. Richard Greenwood
George Kelly …. Robin Laing
Eileen Greene …. Eliza Langland
Archie Brooks/Dr Elzec/Sergeant Carver …. Greg Powrie
Sir Graham Forbes …. Gareth Thomas
Inspector James …. Nick Underwood
Between 1938 and 1968, Francis Durbridge’s incomparably suave amateur detective and his journalist wife solved case after baffling case. They inhabited a sophisticated, well-heeled world of cocktails and fast cars in one of BBC Radio’s most popular series.
Producer: Patrick Rayner
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2008.
WED 06:30 Whodunnits (b010nn2k)
Julie Enfield Investigates: Leaves Of The Dead
2. Stacks and Baps and Amulets
Feisty detective superintendent Julie Enfield begins to unravel the murder in the British Library when she learns of a second killing.
There's a new "mummy" in the Egyptian rooms...
Imelda Staunton stars as Julie Enfield.
Nick Fisher’s atmospheric detective thriller.
Julie Enfield ...... Imelda Staunton
Dad ...... Geoffrey Matthews
Lawrence Evans ...... Ross Livingstone
Stephen Arnold ...... Alex Lowe
Amanda Thorne ...... Janet Maw
Ken ...... Ioan Meredith
Tony ...... Sean Baker
Terry Faulkner ...... Hugh Dickson
Melanie Sharp ...... Colleen Prendergast
Dorothy ...... Shirley Dixon
Phil Carter ...... Christopher Scott
Producer: Richard Wortley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1997.
WED 07:00 Radio Cars (m0027brd)
Series 2
5. A Nasty Crunch
Eddie thinks he is suffering from repetitive strain injury. What will Angela do? And what about keeping up with their rival operator, Terry?
Second series of Jennifer Phillips's six-part comedy set in the offices of a disreputable London cab company.
Starring Gary Waldhorn as Eddie and Harriet Walter as Angela.
Eddie .... Gary Waldhorn
Angela .... Harriet Walter
Mrs Corfton-Browne .... Anne Stallybrass
Slippy .... Norman Jones
Gringo .... Paul Gregory
Terry .... Peter Jonfield
Lisette .... Melanie Hudson
Danny .... David Holt
Director: Richard Wortley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1993.
WED 07:30 The Missing Hancocks (b04pc7w2)
Series 1
The Breakfast Cereal
Between 1954 and 1959, BBC Radio recorded 102 episodes of Ray Galton and Alan Simpson's comedy classic Hancock's Half Hour.
The first modern sitcom, it made stars of Tony Hancock, Sid James and Kenneth Williams, and launched Galton & Simpson on one of the most successful comedy-writing partnerships in history. But 20 episodes of the show are missing from the BBC archives, and have not been heard since their original transmission.
Now those episodes have been lovingly re-recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC Radio Theatre, featuring a stellar cast led by Kevin McNally as The Lad Himself.
In this episode: The Breakfast Cereal. 'Tony changes his breakfast routine in search of that Zing, Pep and Get Up and Go feeling, and ends up in court.
Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.
Tony Hancock …. Kevin McNally
Harry Secombe …. Andy Secombe
Bill Kerr …. Kevin Eldon
Sid James …. Simon Greenall
Kenneth Williams …. Robin Sebastian
Andree Melly …. Susy Kane
Classic score newly recorded by the BBC Concert Orchestra.
Producers: Ed Morrish and Neil Pearson
The lost original recording was first broadcast in April 1956.
A BBC Studios production for Radio 4, first broadcast in November 2014.
WED 08:00 Women Talking About Cars (b0858nvh)
Series 1
Germaine Greer
Victoria Coren Mitchell interviews Germaine Greer about cars.
Germaine talks about the journeys she has been on and the cars she has travelled in, including her first Mini, a series of Triumphs, and Australia's own car, the mighty Holden.
Series in which famous women look at their lives from the perspective of the cars they have known, the journeys they've been on and the things they keep in their boot for emergencies.
With car descriptions read by Josette Simon.
Producer: Gareth Edwards
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2016.
WED 08:30 Ripley's Game by Patricia Highsmith (m0027brg)
3. Hamburg
Manipulating events, Tom Ripley now has Jonathan in Hamburg. But will he do the job?
One of the most outrageous characters in modern crime-fiction, con artist and murderer Tom Ripley, pits his wits against his adversaries.
Patricia Highsmith's psychological crime-thriller.
Read by Stanley Tucci.
Abridged in ten parts by Neville Teller.
Producer: Duncan Minshull
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2004.
WED 08:45 Curious Under the Stars (m000q8yh)
Series 11: The Writer
3. The Rescue
Third in the final series of the magical drama set in Glan Don, a mysterious village perched on the wild Welsh coast.
Gareth's gone missing. And the strange secret of Glan Don's mystery visitor is revealed.
Gareth.... Elis James
Diane.... Emma Sidi
Emlyn..... Ifan Huw Dafydd
Megan.... Aimee Ffion Edwards
Matty.... Siw Hughes
Gwynn.... Matthew Gravelle
Anwen.... Juno Robinson
Written by Annamaria Murphy
Series created by Meic Povey.
Director: James Robinson.
A BBC Cymru Wales production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2020.
WED 09:00 Yesterday in Parliament (m0027brk)
The latest news from Westminster - and beyond.
WED 09:30 A History of the Infinite (b07vs3d0)
3. The Infinite and the Divine
Adrian Moore continues his journey through philosophical thought on infinity over the last two and a half thousand years, describing how the church attempted to stamp its authority on the debate and how that led to some explosive disagreements amongst medieval thinkers.
With the help of Cecilia Trifogli, Lecturer in Medieval Philosophy at Oxford University, Adrian finds out about the life of St Thomas Aquinas. Aquinas defied his mother to become a Dominican friar – she had hoped for a career in the more prestigious Benedictine order for him – and, more importantly, he attempted to engineer a reconciliation between the theories of Aristotle on the infinite and the doctrines of the Catholic church.
He was successful up to a point and, once the church had embraced Aristotle’s teachings as the new orthodoxy, philosophers stepped out of line at their peril. The famous dissenter and innovator, Galilei Galileo, did just that. He dared to add his contradictory views to the debate and introduced a series of paradoxes which foreshadowed much later thinking on infinity.
Adrian presents us with a vivid picture of the clash between theology and Greek philosophy, and a sense of the ongoing struggle of both to understand the infinite.
Producer: Philippa Goodrich
A Juniper production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2016.
WED 09:45 Daily Service (m0027brm)
Quietness and trust - Stilling the Sea
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Quietness and trust - Stilling the Sea
Presenter: Paul Kerensa
Reading: Mark 4:35-41
Music:
How great thou art - Elle Limebear
Peace in the Midst of the Storm - Kim Hopper
O God our help in ages past - Lou Fellingham
WED 10:00 Archive on 4 (m000mhxh)
Raise Your Game
Jay-Ann Lopez is a serious gamer - first-person-shooters a speciality. But across the gaming landscape, she sees a dominant culture which is not geared towards her: male, white and macho, with games, characters and narratives to match.
Despite some games being targeted at women since the 1980s and independent gaming companies challenging the status quo for decades, this culture has remained mainstream.
She ask why that particular gaming culture has remained so resilient, and what shaped it. And what part it plays in the misogyny and racism facing many gamers today.
Using the treasures of the BBC archive she transports us back to defining moments in our relationship with video games. She watches Pong, Manic Miner, Lara Croft and Fortnite working their magic and climbing inside our minds. And watches the industry grow: today gaming is bigger than music and movies combined. Jay-Ann debates the tensions and opportunities in this vast landscape with sociologists, psychologists and gaming industry insiders.
Producer: Melvin Rickarby
A BBC Wales production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2020.
WED 11:00 Whodunnits (b00bqp4q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 11:30 Whodunnits (b010nn2k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 12:00 Radio Cars (m0027brd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 12:30 The Missing Hancocks (b04pc7w2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 13:00 Women Talking About Cars (b0858nvh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 13:30 Ripley's Game by Patricia Highsmith (m0027brg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 13:45 Curious Under the Stars (m000q8yh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
WED 14:00 The Museum of Curiosity (b08bzcd3)
Series 10
Episode 4
Professor of Ignorance John Lloyd and his curator Jo Brand welcome:
* Danish comedian Sofie Hagen
* Mollusc and cephalopod expert, Jon Ablett
* "Watching the English" anthropologist, Kate Fox.
The Museum's Steering Committee ruminate on the rules of Dogma films, a snail that survived four years glued to a board in the British Museum and the paleolithic origins of the selfie.
Researched by Anne Miller of QI and Mike Turner.
Producers: Richard Turner and James Harkin.
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in January 2017.
WED 14:30 Millport (b0075sxz)
Series 1
The Storm
A pensioner mysteriously disappears from the town of Millport on the Isle of Cumbrae, off the west coast of Scotland.
Bittersweet comedy written by and starring Lynn Ferguson.
Barmaid Irene Bruce is 30-something and hankering after a better life on the mainland.
Irene ...... Lynn Ferguson
Moira/Agnes ...... Janet Brown
Alberto/Robert/Bob ...... Lewis McLeod
Ena/Bunty/Betty ...... Gabriel Quigley
Doogie ...... Matt Costello
DJ ...... Robert Paterson
Producer: Lucy Bacon
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2000.
WED 15:00 Anna of the Five Towns by Arnold Bennett (b01nvmwm)
2. Defiance
Having inherited a fortune on her twenty first birthday Anna Tellwright begins to gain independence and freedom.
But on her return from an eventful holiday with the Suttons and Henry Mynors her joy is marred by some shocking news about one of her tenant's Titus Price. Anna's growing concern for his son William leads her to a defiant act that threatens everything.
Starring Charlotte Riley.
Conclusion of Arnold Bennett's powerful story of love, tyranny and rebellion set against the vitality and harshness of life in the Staffordshire Potteries in the late 19th century.
Dramatised by Helen Edmundson.
Anna.....Charlotte Riley
Tellwright.....David Schofield
Young Agnes.....Emilia Harker
William Price.....Michael Socha
Henry Mynors.....Lee Williams
Beatrice/Older Agnes.....Rosina Carbone
Mrs Sutton.....Olwen May
Mr Sutton/Coroner.....Jonathan Keeble
Sarah Vodrey.....Jacqueline Redgwell
Director: Nadia Molinari
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2011.
WED 16:00 Archive on 4 (m000mhxh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
WED 17:00 Whodunnits (b00bqp4q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 17:30 Whodunnits (b010nn2k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 18:00 Radio Cars (m0027brd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 18:30 The Missing Hancocks (b04pc7w2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 19:00 Women Talking About Cars (b0858nvh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 19:30 Ripley's Game by Patricia Highsmith (m0027brg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 19:45 Curious Under the Stars (m000q8yh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
WED 20:00 The Museum of Curiosity (b08bzcd3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
WED 20:30 Millport (b0075sxz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
WED 21:00 Anna of the Five Towns by Arnold Bennett (b01nvmwm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
WED 22:00 ReincarNathan (m001fwhs)
Series 3
Ant
Nathan Blakely was a pop star. But he was useless, died, and was reincarnated. The comedy about Nathan’s adventures in the afterlife continues, starring Daniel Rigby, Ashley McGuire and guest-starring Ed Gamble.
In episode 4, Nathan is brought back to life as queen of a huge leafcutter ant colony. The ants need to find food and, because he is utterly selfish, Nathan leads them on a perilous journey to get a bag of his favourite crisps from a nearby hotel. When will Nathan ever learn to do the right thing?
Cast:
Ashley McGuire - Carol
Daniel Rigby – Nathan
Tom Craine – Ant
Hugh Dennis – Nathan’s Dad
Ed Gamble - Dec
Henry Paker – Chef, Boy
Freya Parker – Cassidy, the Maitre D and Nathan’s mum
Writers: Tom Craine and Henry Paker
Producer: Harriet Jaine
Sound: Jerry Peal
Music Composed by: Phil Lepherd
A Talkback production for BBC Radio 4
WED 22:30 The Lawrence Sweeney Mix (b008vbbw)
Series 1
Episode 1
Josie Lawrence and Jim Sweeney have script and make it up as they go along!
Faced with a live studio audience and a couple of microphones - masters of improv create sketches from shouted out suggestions.
Producer: Dawn Ellis
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2007.
WED 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m0027mlk)
Michael Redmond 2/3
From 10pm until midnight, seven days a week, The Comedy Club has two hours of comedy.
And tonight, Jon Holmes has another chat to Michael Redmond about Eamon, Older Brother of Jesus a programme that was shelved for 30 years on the grounds of blasphemy.
WED 23:00 Susan Calman Is Convicted (b01qwc92)
Series 1
Depression
Susan Calman explores issues on which she has strong opinions.
When Susan was younger (and more than a little self-obsessed), she thought that the brooding, silent type was the best way to be. Then, whilst trying to deal with depression, she went on a journey of counselling, self-help. even writing poetry - you name it, she did it all. Now she is convinced that bottling things up makes things worse and that we should all talk about everything all the time. Well, not quite. But nearly.
But does counselling help or does it encourage self-pity? Should we all just pull ourselves together?
Produced by Lyndsay Fenner.
First broadcast on Radio 4 in 2013.
WED 23:30 This Is Craig Brown (b00dwndv)
The Arts
Sir Terence Conran explains how he first came about inventing the chair, whilst Yoko Ono gives tips on how to gain inner peace.
The series mixing satire, social observation and nonsense turns the spotlight on the Arts.
Written and introduced by Craig Brown.
With:
Rory Bremner
Harry Enfield
Edward Fox
Mel Hudson
Geoffrey McGivem
Felicity Montagu
Hugo Weaving
Script Editor: Simon Littlefield
Producer: Simon Nicholls
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2004.
WED 23:45 Jelly Mountain (b00fr1z3)
Episode 4
Musing on old cuppas and paying with Fool's Gold.
Songs and stories written by and starring Ivor Cutler.
With:
Craig Murray-Orr
Dylan Edwards
Beverley Crew
Alison O'Kill
Producer: Neil Cargill
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1996.

THURSDAY 30 JANUARY 2025

THU 00:00 Archive on 4 (m000mhxh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 Whodunnits (b00bqp4q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:30 Whodunnits (b010nn2k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 Radio Cars (m0027brd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:30 The Missing Hancocks (b04pc7w2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 Women Talking About Cars (b0858nvh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Wednesday]
THU 03:30 Ripley's Game by Patricia Highsmith (m0027brg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:45 Curious Under the Stars (m000q8yh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 The Museum of Curiosity (b08bzcd3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:30 Millport (b0075sxz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 Anna of the Five Towns by Arnold Bennett (b01nvmwm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Wednesday]
THU 06:00 Whodunnits (b00bw6vk)
Paul Temple and the Madison Mystery
4. Hubert Greene Entertains
Paul's unexpected invitation to the country exposes raw emotions amongst fellow guests - and another body.
This is a faithful 2008 remake of a series that was originally aired in October/November 1949, and then lost for good.
Temple and Steve investigate the death of an American millionaire long-term amnesiac, Sam Portland, whom they met aboard a liner travelling home to London. Portland was bound for England having been told by an investigator called Madison, that he had unearthed facts about his lost past. The investigation reveals counterfeiting and smuggling intrigue surrounding Portland's family and employees.
Starring Crawford Logan and as BBC Radio’s smoothest investigator and his glamorous wife.
Written by Francis Durbridge.
Paul Temple …. Crawford Logan
Steve …. Gerda Stevenson
Stella Portland …. Emma Currie
Hubert Greene …. Richard Greenwood
George Kelly …. Robin Laing
Eileen Greene …. Eliza Langland
Moira Portland/Operator …. Lucy Paterson
Sir Graham Forbes …. Gareth Thomas
Chris Boyer …. Nick Underwood
Between 1938 and 1968, Francis Durbridge’s incomparably suave amateur detective and his journalist wife solved case after baffling case. They inhabited a sophisticated, well-heeled world of cocktails and fast cars in one of BBC Radio’s most popular series.
Producer: Patrick Rayner
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2008.
THU 06:30 Whodunnits (b010nnhx)
Julie Enfield Investigates: Leaves Of The Dead
3. Welcome To The Nightmare
Feisty DS Julie Enfield probes a third killing.
Could it be a ritual murder?
Imelda Staunton stars as Julie Enfield.
Nick Fisher’s atmospheric detective thriller.
Julie Enfield ...... Imelda Staunton
Dad ...... Geoffrey Matthews
Lawrence Evans ...... Ross Livingstone
Stephen Arnold ...... Alex Lowe
Amanda Thorne ...... Janet Maw
Melanie Sharp ...... Colleen Prendergast
Dorothy ...... Shirley Dixon
Phil Carter ...... Christopher Scott
Producer: Richard Wortley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1997.
THU 07:00 Heated Rollers (b007rn40)
Episode 5
Wartime heroines - and Oliver with a twist.
The first ever all-women sketch show made for BBC Radio 2.
Starring:
Lynda Bellingham
Gwyneth Strong
Joanna Monro
With music supplied by the Lorraine Bowen Experience.
Producer: Maria Esposito
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in March 1999.
THU 07:30 Parsley Sidings (b01pjzbv)
Series 1
Who'll Be Mother
Station Master Horace Hepplewhite reveals a surprising talent for child minding.
Starring Arthur Lowe and Ian Lavender.
Jim Eldridge's eponymous series is set in a sleepy railway station.
Horace …. Arthur Lowe
Bert …. Ian Lavender
Gloria …. Liz Fraser
Percy/Bradshaw …. Kenneth Connor
Maud …. Pat Coombs
Re-created Announcements by Keith Skues.
Producer: Edward Taylor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in January 1972.
THU 08:00 Reluctant Persuaders (b08kxzvv)
Series 2
1: Live Young
Welcome back to Hardacre's, the worst advertising agency in London.
Series two of Edward Rowett's award-winning sitcom starring Nigel Havers, Mathew Baynton and Josie Lawrence.
We find the team a little higher up the proverbial ladder. No longer fighting to stay afloat, but now fighting to get ahead, this week the team are confronted with an unexpected challenge - a can of water.
Tasked by accounts manager Amanda with creating a campaign to sell water to impoverished millennials, copy-writer Joe and art director Teddy face an unsettling question - can you convince people with no money to buy something they could have for free? And even if you can - should you?
As ever, they are alternately assisted and obstructed by their washed up creative director and self-professed advertising god, Rupert Hardacre and disinterested receptionist Laura.
Rupert Hardacre ...... Nigel Havers
Amanda ...... Josie Lawrence
Joe ...... Mathew Baynton
Teddy ...... Kieran Hodgson
Laura ...... Olivia Nixon
An Absolutely production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in April 2017.
THU 08:30 Ripley's Game by Patricia Highsmith (m0027bw5)
4. Money
Ripley's plan has worked. Jonathan has done the deadly job. But where will he put the money?
One of the most outrageous characters in modern crime-fiction, con artist and murderer Tom Ripley, pits his wits against his adversaries.
Patricia Highsmith's psychological crime-thriller.
Read by Stanley Tucci.
Abridged in ten parts by Neville Teller.
Producer: Duncan Minshull
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2004.
THU 08:45 Curious Under the Stars (m000q9bf)
Series 11: The Writer
4. Search Party
Magical drama set in Glan Don, a mysterious village perched on the wild Welsh coast.
The Druid's Rest finally reopens its doors. But as the snow begins to fall, the villagers must pull together in the face of a desperate crisis.
Starring Elis James, Emma Sidi and Ifan Huw Dafydd.
Written by Annamaria Murphy.
Gareth.... Elis James
Diane.... Emma Sidi
Emlyn..... Ifan Huw Dafydd
Matty.... Siw Hughes
Megan.... Aimee Ffion Edwards
Anwen.... Juno Robinson
Series created by Meic Povey
Director: James Robinson
A BBC Cymru Wales production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2020.
THU 09:00 Yesterday in Parliament (m0027bw7)
The latest news from Westminster - and beyond.
THU 09:30 A History of the Infinite (b07vs3y4)
4. The Infinite and Human Experience
Adrian Moore continues his journey through philosophical thought on infinity over the last two and a half thousand years.
He brings us to the verge of the modern world and the way we think now. He leaves the arguments of the medieval church and renaissance thinkers behind and steps into the world of enlightenment philosophy, as heralded by Rene Descartes.
Adrian tells us that Descartes was a typical enlightenment philosopher, seeking to establish what understanding we can have of the infinite using our own finite intellectual resources. How can we have any sense of infinity, if we have no direct experience of it?
Adrian describes Descartes’ attempts to establish a secure foundation for his beliefs, beginning with his questioning of his own existence and then of the existence of God.
We also meet the British empiricists who took issue with Descartes, and finally Immanuel Kant, who believed that each human being is of infinite worth.
The soundtrack is Beethoven’s eighth string quartet, which is said to have been inspired by Kant’s vision of our place as human beings in the universe.
Producer: Philippa Goodrich
A Juniper production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2016.
THU 09:45 Daily Service (m0027bw9)
Quietness and trust - Rest for you soul
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Quietness and trust - Rest for you soul
Presenter: Richard Littledale
Reading: Matthew 11:25-30
THU 10:00 Great Lives (b0076s0k)
Ronald Reagan
Lord Powell, formerly Margaret Thatcher's adviser on foreign affairs, nominates the former American president, Ronald Reagan, for great life status.
Reagan's official biographer, Edmund Morris, joins presenter Francine Stock to discuss an astonishing and controversial life.
Producer: Miles Warde
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2005.
THU 10:30 Farewell Doctor Finlay (b07j7nty)
1. The Surprising History of General Practice
Dr Margaret McCartney tells the story of general practice in the UK from the surgeon-apothecaries of the 18th century to the troubled early years of the NHS.
Historian Martin Edwards declares "The history of medicine is the history of general practice," - and this programme looks at why, starting with the first golden age of general practice in the 18th century when growing affluence meant people could afford to seek out surgeon-apothecaries who did primitive surgery and bloodletting, and dosed patients with powerful purgative drugs.
In 1858, the Medical Act introduced the registration of doctors and created the General Medical Council, which still regulates GPs today.
Legendary GP and medical author Julian Tudor Hart describes how the National Insurance Act of 1911 meant GPs could "prescribe money" in the form of benefits to sick and injured men, at a time when most medicine was ineffective. Only in the 1930s - the period when Dr Finlay's Casebook was set - did a new generation of effective medicines come into being.
The programme also considers how the 1911 Act, the Medical Aid Societies, the Highlands and Islands Medical Service and World War Two laid the foundations for the National Health Service.
Producer: Mike Hally
A Square Dog Radio production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in July 2016.
THU 11:00 Whodunnits (b00bw6vk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 11:30 Whodunnits (b010nnhx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 12:00 Heated Rollers (b007rn40)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 12:30 Parsley Sidings (b01pjzbv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 13:00 Reluctant Persuaders (b08kxzvv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 13:30 Ripley's Game by Patricia Highsmith (m0027bw5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 13:45 Curious Under the Stars (m000q9bf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
THU 14:00 The 3rd Degree (m001nvry)
Series 13
Somerville College, Oxford
Steve Punt hosts the battle of wits as three students from Somerville College, Oxford take on their professors.
A funny and dynamic general knowledge quiz show with specialist subjects including classics, classical archaeology and ancient history, physics and linguistics.
Questions range from a sybil in a bottle to an electron in a spiral via mustard, runes and Kate Winslet. And you'll learn some simple tips for translating Japanese into Hungarian.
Producer: David Tyler
A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in July 2023.
THU 14:30 No Commitments (b03905p7)
Series 12
Game, Set and Match
With Emily and Nick safely married, can Victoria persuade Roger to buy a house in France? Stars Celia Imrie. From May 2006.
THU 15:00 Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis (b007jqzj)
1. Nikos
When young writer Nikos encounters zest-filled Zorba, his life is never the same.
This is a middle-aged Greek hero who says yes to every experience and adventure that life has to offer...
Starring Robert Stephens and Michael Maloney.
Nikos Kazantzakis's celebrated Greek novel first published in 1946.
Dramatised in two parts by Nick McCarty.
Zorba …… Robert Stephens
Nikos …… Michael Maloney
Hortense …… Mary Wimbush
Mavrondoni …… Terry Molloy
Mimiko …… Dominic Taylor
Anagnosti …… Roger Hume
Andonis …… Peter Meakin
Mad Woman …… Hedli Niklaus
Villa Girl …… Judy Bennett
Producer: Phillip Martin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1993.
THU 16:00 Great Lives (b0076s0k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
THU 16:30 Farewell Doctor Finlay (b07j7nty)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
THU 17:00 Whodunnits (b00bw6vk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 17:30 Whodunnits (b010nnhx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 18:00 Heated Rollers (b007rn40)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 18:30 Parsley Sidings (b01pjzbv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 19:00 Reluctant Persuaders (b08kxzvv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 19:30 Ripley's Game by Patricia Highsmith (m0027bw5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 19:45 Curious Under the Stars (m000q9bf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
THU 20:00 The 3rd Degree (m001nvry)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
THU 20:30 No Commitments (b03905p7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
THU 21:00 Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis (b007jqzj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
THU 22:00 P.O.V. (m001vc51)
P.O.V. - Pilot
POV: You're listening to a brand new sketch show that takes the comics making brilliant videos for social media and gets them to write brand new audio-only sketches, mixing them all up with rich, immersive sound design.

Featuring Rachel Fairburn, Daniel Foxx, Matt Green, Rosie Holt, Emma Jones, Kelechi Okafor & Vinny Thomas

Sound design by Rich Evans at Syncbox Post

Produced by Ed Morrish

A Lead Mojo production for BBC Radio 4.
THU 22:25 The Comedy Club Interviews (m0027mlh)
Michael Redmond 3/3
From 10pm until midnight, seven days a week, The Comedy Club has two hours of comedy.
And tonight, Jon Holmes once again chats to Michael Redmond. Plus it’s your chance to listen to Eamon, Older Brother of Jesus a programme that was shelved for 30 years on the grounds of blasphemy.
THU 22:30 Eamon, Older Brother of Jesus (m0027bwc)
Episode 1
He's 40 and lives at home with his parents. He has the perfect younger brother and his mother is a saint. Life is not easy for Eamon....
Michael Redmond writes and stars in a six-part comedy series.
Eamon ... Michael Redmond
Joseph .... Harry Towb
With
Stella McCusker
Peter Caffrey
Clare Cathcart
Moira Buffini
Producer: Phil Clarke
Made for BBC Radio 4 in 1996. A decision was taken not broadcast at the time. This is the first time it has been broadcast on BBC Radio.
THU 22:45 2000 Years of Radio (b00769lz)
Series 2
Radio Mustard
The horror, carnage and laughter that was the First World War.
Return of the series which taps into the radio archive of a bygone age.
Written and performed by:
Claire Downes
Hazel Grian
Al Holloway
Ben Kozo
Stuart Lane
Patrick McNamara
Producer: Sean Grundy
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2002.
THU 23:00 I've Never Seen Star Wars (b05077kz)
Series 6
Reece Shearsmith
Reece Shearsmith had never had a driving lesson - until now.
Marcus Brigstocke also persuades him to try wallpapering for the first time.
Series which persuades guests to try new experiences: things they really ought to have done by now.
Some experiences are loved, some are loathed, in this show all about embracing the new.
Producer: Bill Dare
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2015.
THU 23:30 Beauty of Britain (b00ndxjp)
Series 1
Pastor Dave
Beauty Olonga works as a carer for the Featherdown Agency and sees herself as an inspiration to other African girls hoping to achieve their goals in the land of semi-skimmed milk.
Beauty is quite taken with the charismatic Pastor Dave, a visiting clergyman at Mrs Blanchard's local church, but is he the real deal? Should she pursue him or the gorgeous double-breasted mini-trench coat she has seen in the Mencap shop?
Starring Jocelyn Jee Esien.
Comedy written by Christopher Douglas and Nicola Sanderson.
Beauty ...... Jocelyn Jee Esien
Sister Olu ...... Diveen Henry
Pastor Ndu ...... Javone Prince
Mrs Blanchard ...... Alison Steadman
Sally ...... Felicity Montagu
Karen ...... Nicola Sanderson
Mrs Gupte ...... Indira Joshi
Minister Lee ...... Dan Tetsell
Pastor Dave ...... Felix Dexter
Female Assistant ...... Diveen Henry
Cabbie ...... Dan Tetsel
Producer: Tilusha Ghelani
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2009.

FRIDAY 31 JANUARY 2025

FRI 00:00 Great Lives (b0076s0k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Thursday]
FRI 00:30 Farewell Doctor Finlay (b07j7nty)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 Whodunnits (b00bw6vk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:30 Whodunnits (b010nnhx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 Heated Rollers (b007rn40)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:30 Parsley Sidings (b01pjzbv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 Reluctant Persuaders (b08kxzvv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Thursday]
FRI 03:30 Ripley's Game by Patricia Highsmith (m0027bw5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:45 Curious Under the Stars (m000q9bf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 The 3rd Degree (m001nvry)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:30 No Commitments (b03905p7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis (b007jqzj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Thursday]
FRI 06:00 Whodunnits (b00bzgx4)
Paul Temple and the Madison Mystery
5. Steve Takes Over
Steve's acting ability is called for as a notorious counterfeiter heads for London.
This is a faithful 2008 remake of a series that was originally aired in October/November 1949, and then lost for good.
Temple and Steve investigate the death of an American millionaire long-term amnesiac, Sam Portland, whom they met aboard a liner travelling home to London. Portland was bound for England having been told by an investigator called Madison, that he had unearthed facts about his lost past. The investigation reveals counterfeiting and smuggling intrigue surrounding Portland's family and employees.
Starring Crawford Logan and as BBC Radio’s smoothest investigator and his glamorous wife.
Written by Francis Durbridge.
Paul Temple …. Crawford Logan
Steve …. Gerda Stevenson
Stella Portland/Stewardess …. Emma Currie
Hubert Greene …. Richard Greenwood
George Kelly …. Robin Laing
Eileen Greene …. Eliza Langland
Moira Portland …. Lucy Paterson
Sir Graham Forbes …. Gareth Thomas
Chris Boyer/Harry …. Nick Underwood
Between 1938 and 1968, Francis Durbridge’s incomparably suave amateur detective and his journalist wife solved case after baffling case. They inhabited a sophisticated, well-heeled world of cocktails and fast cars in one of BBC Radio’s most popular series.
Producer: Patrick Rayner
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2008.
FRI 06:30 Whodunnits (b010nwbj)
Julie Enfield Investigates: Leaves Of The Dead
4. Pyramids In The Spider
Rendered unconscious, detective superintendent Julie Enfield has been injected with a deadly drug.
Are Lawrence Evans and her dad in a position to help?
Imelda Staunton stars as Julie Enfield
Conclusion of Nick Fisher’s atmospheric thriller.
Julie Enfield ...... Imelda Staunton
Dad ...... Geoffrey Matthews
Lawrence Evans ...... Ross Livingstone
Stephen Arnold ...... Alex Lowe
Amanda Thorne ...... Janet Maw
Melanie Sharp ...... Colleen Prendergast
Dorothy ...... Shirley Dixon
Phil Carter ...... Christopher Scott
Arthur Morton ...... Stephen Thorne
Richard Baker ...... Ioan Meredith
Sal ...... Tracy-Ann Oberman
Terry Faulkner ...... Hugh Dickson
Producer: Richard Wortley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1997.
FRI 07:00 Harry Worth (b00r2jxk)
Thirty Minutes Worth
The Holiday
Harry Worth's doctor prescribes him a sunshine holiday.
This series was the amiable, woolly-minded bumbler's return to BBC radio, using the title of his first TV series 20 years before with the same writer.
Starring Harry Worth.
Sitcom written by Vince Powell
With:
Jacqueline Clarke
Charles Collingwood
Julie Higginson
Milton Johns
Produced at BBC Manchester by Mike Craig.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in October 1988.
FRI 07:30 Lines From My Grandfather's Forehead (b00g2gm2)
From 22/02/1971
Trouble at sea, a laughing tax inspector and a right royal surprise.
A sequential entertainment for radio starring Ronnie Barker.
With:
Terence Brady
Pauline Yates
Josephine Gordon
Pianist: Gordon Langford
Written by Terence Brady, John Graham, Allan Scott and Chris Bryant, Gerald Wiley (Ronnie's Barker's pseudonym) and Gordon Langford.
Producer John Fawcett-Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1971.
FRI 08:00 Sandi Toksvig's Hygge (m000py9s)
Series 1
Grayson Perry and Sindhu Vee
‘Hygge’ (pronounced hoo-ga) along with ‘tak’ (the word for ‘thank you’ that we learnt from watching Borgen and other Scandi dramas) is one of the few Danish words to have become known to us in the UK.
It’s a word that means comfort, contentment and cherishing the simple pleasures in life. In lifestyle magazines it’s faux fur throws, cups of hot cocoa and scented candles; but to the Danish it has simpler and less commercial roots. As these cold Winter nights draw in after a difficult year of scant comfort, it feels like we all need some hygge and legendary Dane, Sandi Toksvig, will do her best to bring it to you.
Deep in the Danish countryside in her cosy wood cabin Sandi will explore the concept of hygge and the Danish way of life and welcomes celebrity guests who join her in front of the open fire to explore what brings them hygge. In this episode artist Grayson Perry talks about how identity might sometimes need an audience and how hobbies and learning new things can bring deep joy, while comedian Sindhu Vee talks about her children's part Indian and part Danish upbringing and how she has come to understand the Danish philosophy.
Additional material from Simon Alcock and Charlie Dinkin.
Produced by Julia McKenzie
A BBC Studios Production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2020.
FRI 08:30 Ripley's Game by Patricia Highsmith (m0027d9g)
5. The Mozart Express
Tom Ripley is not convinced that Jonathan will be up to the second 'job', aboard the Mozart Express.
One of the most outrageous characters in modern crime-fiction, con artist and murderer Tom Ripley, pits his wits against his adversaries.
Patricia Highsmith's psychological crime-thriller.
Read by Stanley Tucci.
Abridged in ten parts by Neville Teller.
Producer: Duncan Minshull
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2004
FRI 08:45 Curious Under the Stars (m000q8n7)
Series 11: The Writer
5. Who Are You?
The last ever episode of the magical drama set in Glan Don, a mysterious village perched on the wild Welsh coast.
Ghosts and mythical creatures come alive to help in the search for the two missing children - and Gareth confronts the writer in his caravan.
Starring Elis James, Emma Sidi and Ifan Huw Dafydd.
Curious Under the Stars was created in 2015 by writer Meic Povey, who breathed life in the magical village of Glan Don. After his death in 2017, writers Annamaria Murphy and Alan Harris have continued to chart the courses of Gareth, Diane and a host of mythic characters. Now, eleven series later, the story of Curious Under the Stars is coming to an end.
Written by Annamaria Murphy.
Gareth.... Elis James
Diane.... Emma Sidi
Emlyn..... Ifan Huw Dafydd
Megan.... Aimee Ffion Edwards
Matty.... Siw Hughes
Gwynn.... Matthew Gravelle
Anwen.... Juno Robinson
Series created by Meic Povey
Director: James Robinson
A BBC Cymru Wales production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2020.
FRI 09:00 Yesterday in Parliament (m0027d9j)
The latest news from Westminster - and beyond.
FRI 09:30 A History of the Infinite (b07vwh0m)
5. The Mathematics of the Infinitely Small
Having looked at the infinite in philosophical and theological terms, it’s time to view it through the lens of mathematics.
Adrian Moore introduces us to the pivotal role mathematics has played in the quest to understand the infinite.
He begins by enlisting the help of very modern technology and considering the real question put by an 11 year old boy - what is zero divided by zero?
That’s the trigger for Adrian’s investigation of the calculus – the tool we use to reckon with very small quantities. It plays a huge part in many aspects of modern-day design, medicine and statistical work, but what is less well-known is the 17th century row between two eminent scientists as to who actually invented it. Adrian meets science writer, Brian Clegg, to find out about the race to claim credit.
It didn’t just cause a storm at its inception - we hear about the disagreements that dogged the calculus’s early days, with the church too getting involved in the disputes about the infinitely small.
But as Adrian discovers, the quest to understand the infinite has left us with a branch of mathematics of unparalleled importance.
Producer: Philippa Goodrich
A Juniper production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2016.
FRI 09:45 Daily Service (m0027d9l)
Quietness and trust - Strength in Quietness
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Quietness and trust - Strength in Quietness
Presenter: Lyndall Bywater
Reading: Isaiah 30:15-18
Music:
I heard the voice of Jesus say - David Lyon
A Gaelic Blessing (Deep Peace) - The Cambridge Singers
Leaning on the everlasting arms - Becca Folkes and Seth Pinnock
FRI 10:00 Soul Music (b05stg0l)
Series 20
Scarborough Fair
"Tomorrow we're going in search of a song and in search of a dream of England which has travelled right around the world" - Will Parsons
No one can be sure of the true origins of the song Scarborough Fair. It's a melody of mystery, of voices of old, of ancient days. It's travelled through land and time, drawing singers and listeners in where ever they maybe.
For Will Parsons and Guy Hayward it's a song that has inspired a pilgrimage through a landscape that is embodied in the lyrics. Setting off from Whitby Abbey, they journey to Scarborough on foot, sensing the song as they go, learning to sing it, interpreting it in a new way just as thousands of traditional singers have done throughout time.
This too is the landscape of Martin Carthy, the 'father of folk' who has made his home along the Yorkshire coast. It was from this legendary singer that Paul Simon first learnt Scarborough Fair, creating a version that came to represent a generation continuing its journey far and wide, weaving its spell in many different guises, never truly being pinned down.
Decades on Harpist Claire Jones recorded a version of her own. Arranged by her husband, the composer Chris Marshall, hers is a very personal journey through unexpected illness to recovery. Whilst for Mike Masheder it is a song that brings memories of his wife Sally, who approached the journey of life with love and equanimity.
"It can change or stay the same. And the more it changes, the more it stays the same" - Martin Carthy
With expert contribution from Sandra Kerr, musician and lecturer at Newcastle University School of Arts and Culture.
Producer: Nicola Humphries
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2015
FRI 10:30 Farewell Doctor Finlay (b07k0k4m)
2. NHS - the early years
Dr Margaret McCartney, along with medical historians and GPs, tells the story of general practice from the troubled early years of the NHS to the still-troubled present day.
The NHS was a huge improvement for the general population, for hospitals and hospital doctors. But it was rather different for GPs as their private fees disappeared and their workload multiplied with all the chronic disease that had previously gone untreated. General practice was under-funded and under-loved. Scathing reports of dingy, ill-equipped surgeries, along with repeated bouts of GP unrest, finally brought about the Family Doctors Charter in 1966, leading to a much better period of subsidised health centres and staffing.
Modernisation came thick and fast from the late 1980s, with some GPs controversially given budgets to choose services for their patients. Relaxation of the "out of hours" obligation saw practices forming co-operatives to handle evening and weekend calls and, from 2004, the responsibility for providing 24 hour care was removed from GPs entirely.
But unrest has continued, with many training places unfilled, GP posts vacant, and some practices closing altogether. The programme explores how the profession evolved into its present state.
Produced by Mike Hally.
A Square Dog Radio production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in July 2016.
FRI 11:00 Whodunnits (b00bzgx4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 11:30 Whodunnits (b010nwbj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 12:00 Harry Worth (b00r2jxk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 12:30 Lines From My Grandfather's Forehead (b00g2gm2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 13:00 Sandi Toksvig's Hygge (m000py9s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 13:30 Ripley's Game by Patricia Highsmith (m0027d9g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 13:45 Curious Under the Stars (m000q8n7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
FRI 14:00 The Motion Show (b0075ryv)
Series 1
Episode 5
Everyone should have a therapist - and is it only sad people who have pets?
Dr Phil Hammond watches over proceedings in the quirky debating game.
With:
Clive Coleman
Rhona Cameron
Niall Ashdown
John Maloney
Producer: Helen Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1998.
FRI 14:30 1834 (b011vffj)
London
Trapped in 19th-century Macclesfield, bored 21st-century Jason Slater heads to London, but is waylaid by a mint-popping highwayman...
Jason is now Tarquin, the third son of Lord Belport with his faithful valet, Ned.
Jim Poyser's riotous comedy of transportation and delight.
Jason Slater ...... Michael Begley
Ned ...... Joe Caffrey
Hoskins ...... Kenneth Alan Taylor
Lord Belport ...... Mark Chatterton
Millicent ...... Julia Rounthwaite
Henry ...... James Nickerson
Highwayman ...... Toby Hadoke
Duke of Cranmere ...... John Craig
Directed at BBC Manchester by Polly Thomas.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2003.
FRI 15:00 Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis (b007jqzy)
2. Good Advice?
Zorba returns to Crete to find that Nikos has told the widow Hortense that Zorba will marry her.
Zorba avoids the problem by hurling himself into the construction of a novel means of transportation that he assures Nikos will earn them a fortune...
Starring Robert Stephens and Michael Maloney.
Conclusion of Nikos Kazantzakis's celebrated Greek novel first published in 1946.
Dramatised by Nick McCarty.
Zorba …… Robert Stephens
Nikos …… Michael Maloney
Hortense …… Mary Wimbush
Mavrondoni …… Terry Molloy
Mimiko …… Dominic Taylor
Zacharias …… Roger Hume
Andonis …… Peter Meakin
Father Demetrios …… Paul Webster
Mourner …… Hedli Niklaus
Girl …… Judy Bennett
Widow …… Marian Kemmer
Producer: Phillip Martin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1993.
FRI 16:00 Soul Music (b05stg0l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
FRI 16:30 Farewell Doctor Finlay (b07k0k4m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
FRI 17:00 Whodunnits (b00bzgx4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 17:30 Whodunnits (b010nwbj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 18:00 Harry Worth (b00r2jxk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 18:30 Lines From My Grandfather's Forehead (b00g2gm2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 19:00 Sandi Toksvig's Hygge (m000py9s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 19:30 Ripley's Game by Patricia Highsmith (m0027d9g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 19:45 Curious Under the Stars (m000q8n7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
FRI 20:00 The Motion Show (b0075ryv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
FRI 20:30 1834 (b011vffj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
FRI 21:00 Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis (b007jqzy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
FRI 22:00 What? Seriously?? (m0027cs0)
4. Opera, Romance, and Nazis
In this episode, Dara and Isy are joined by the former Queen of the Jungle Georgia Toffolo to learn about the power of the written word - with some diverting conversations about the Taylor Swift of the 1920s, naughty novels, and drinking a bit too much at Glyndebourne.
What? Seriously?? is a new podcast which combines comedy with quirky history, hosted by Dara and Isy who unravel an extraordinary real-life tale each week with the help of a celebrity guest.
The stories are definitely true, but also kind of unbelievable at the same time - the sort of stories that make you go ‘What? Seriously??’ when you hear them, but you resolve to tell them in the pub the first chance you get.
Across the series, Dara and Isy will be joined by I’m A Celeb winner Georgia Toffolo, the Aussie comedian Rhys Nicholson, the broadcaster Stuart Maconie, Master Chef star Louisa Ellis, Miles from The Traitors, the comedian Richard Herring, the astronaut Helen Sharman, and Slow Horses star Chris Chung.
‘What? Seriously??’ with Dara Ó Briain and Isy Suttie and special guest Rhys Nicholson
Format co-developed by Dan Page. Story compiled by Gareth Edwards and Dan Page.
Producer: Laura Grimshaw
Executive Producer: Jon Holmes
An unusual production for BBC Radio 4
FRI 22:30 The Jason Byrne Show (b01p2s1y)
Series 3
I Looked Like Gollum at School
Award-winning comedian Jason Byrne lists the liabilities of looking good.
Fast-paced stand-up comedy and sketch show.
With:
Laurence Howarth
Daisy Haggard
Producer: Julia McKenzie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in November 2010.
FRI 23:00 Meet David Sedaris (b08zc6g1)
Series 6
A Number of Reasons I've Been Depressed, Lately; Diary extracts
The globetrotting, trash-picking, aisle-rolling storyteller shares more words of wit and wisdom:
* A Number Of Reasons I've Been Depressed, Lately
* Plus some recent diary extracts.
With sardonic wit and incisive social critiques, David Sedaris has become one of America's pre-eminent humour writers. The great skill with which he slices through cultural euphemisms and political correctness proves that he is a master of satire and one of the most observant writers addressing the human condition today.
David Sedaris's first book, Barrel Fever (1994), which included The SantaLand Diaries. was a critical and commercial success, as were his follow-up efforts, Naked (1997), Holidays on Ice (1997) and Me Talk Pretty One Day (2000). He became known for his bitingly funny recollections of his youth, family life and travels, making semi-celebrities out of his parents and siblings.
David Sedaris has been nominated for three Grammy Awards for Best Spoken Word and Best Comedy Album. A feature film adaptation of his story C.O.G. was released after a premier at the Sundance Film Festival (2013). He has been a contributor to BBC Radio 4 since 1996.
Producer: Steve Doherty
A Giddy Goat production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2017.
FRI 23:30 The Wilsons Save the World (m000pp91)
Series 3
Marrow
Mike, high on a Good Life binge, is throwing himself properly into self-sufficiency.
He’s turned the front garden into a veg patch and is enjoying feeling like a massive farmer.
His joy is shattered when someone starts stealing his veg.
Meanwhile Max has developed an unhealthy obsession with True Crime documentaries.
Sitcom about trying to live ethically and do the right thing.
Written by Marcus Brigstocke and Sarah Morgan.
Mike ...... Marcus Brigstocke
Max ...... Kerry Godliman
Cat ...... Aine McNamara
Lola ...... Jasmine Sakyiama
Jennifer ...... Vicki Pepperdine
BMW Paul ...... Mike Wozniak
Producer: Suzy Grant
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in November 2020.