SATURDAY 15 MARCH 2025

SAT 00:00 Soul Music (b037hmxd)
Series 16
Elgar's Dream of Gerontius
How the choral work The Dream of Gerontius, by Edward Elgar, has touched and changed people's lives.
For Terry Waite, it was the first piece of music he heard as a hostage in the Lebanon, after four years in solitary confinement.
Writer and broadcaster Stephen Johnson describes how Elgar's own fragile emotional state is written into the music, which describes the journey taken by a dying man.
Singer Catherine Wyn-Rogers explains how Elgar's music helped her come to terms with the loss of her parents.
Martin Firth recalls a life-enhancing performance of the piece in Bristol cathedral.
Jude Kelly, artistic director of the South Bank Centre, explains how she experienced the choir in this piece as a 'spiritual army' when she performed it at university.
Martyn Marsh describes how the music brought him to a realisation about how he would like to end his days.
And Robin Self recalls a life-changing performance of this piece, which enabled him to grieve for his son.
Series about pieces of music with a powerful emotional impact.
Producer: Melvin Rickarby
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2013.
SAT 00:30 Camel Train (b0076yyp)
The Danakil Depression in northern Ethiopia is one of the lowest, hottest places on the surface of the Earth.
Yet every year thousands of traders from the Ethiopian Highlands make the arduous and exhausting journey into this vast super-heated bowl, their long camel trains tied nose-to-tail with rough rope. What draws them into this desolate, alien landscape is salt.
Blocks of salt are cut from the ground, loaded onto the camels and transported using methods unchanged for at least 2,000 years.
Matthew Parris joins the traders and their camels to follow the ancient salt route.
Producer: Jeremy Grange
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2006.
SAT 01:00 Some Mother's Son (m000qykx)
3. Quiz
Can ecology journalist Andy Smith discover who is smuggling refined uranium out of Britain?
Now he must quiz his former colleague, Nigel, about what goes on in Natural International ...
Starring Nick Chilvers.
John Fletcher's thriller serial taking in global power struggles, smuggling and the dangers of uranium.
Andy …… Nick Chilvers
Nigel …… Cornelius Garrett
Anne …… Caroline Blakiston
Julian …… Clive Francis
Kite …… Gregory de Polnay
Sir Jack …… Conrad Phillips
Grey …… Rex Holdsworth
BD …… Pavel Douglas
Shirley …… Diane Fletcher
Mike Monk …… Christian Rodska
Lizzie …… Sheila Grant
Director: Brian Miller
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1987.
SAT 01:30 Whodunnits (b01bwfy6)
Agatha Christie - Sparkling Cyanide
3. Iris
George Barton has died in exactly the same way as his wife did a year earlier, by drinking cyanide-laced champagne.
The second death throws the first verdict of suicide into question.
Now Colonel Race steps in to investigate...
Conclusion of Agatha Christie's deadly mystery.
Dramatised by Joy Wilkinson.
Iris ..... Naomi Frederick
Lucilla …. Adjoa Andoh
Anthony ..... Colin Tierney
Ruth ..... Amanda Drew
Stephen ..... James Lailey
Sandra ..... Tracy Wiles
Colonel Race ..... Sean Baker
Giuseppe ..... Gerard McDermott
Chloe …. Alex Rivers
Director: Mary Peate
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2012.
SAT 02:00 Bodgers, Banks and Sparkes (m0028v1c)
Mr Hargreaves Did It by RG Reaves
Sketch show comedy from the team that created TV's Absolutely. The theme is murder mystery.
Featuring many of the team that would go on to create the celebrated late 80s Channel 4 TV comedy, Absolutely.
Stars:
Moray Hunter
Gordon Kennedy
Peter Baikie
John Steele
Morwenna Banks
John Sparkes
Music by Pete Baikie and The Jim Baikie Big Band.
Written by Moray Hunter, John Docherty, Morwenna Banks and John Sparkes.
Producer: Alan Nixon
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1986.
SAT 02:25 Leonard Rossiter - In a Nutshell (b00sj9r3)
Hold the Back Page
"The paper's policy was to identify with the man in the street - and unfortunately, our man in the street seemed to have escaped from some sort of asylum."
A disastrous foray into journalism is recounted in embarrassment by Leonard Rossiter.
Written by Barry Pilton.
Producer: Louise Purslow
First broadcast on BBC Radio 3 in March 1981.
SAT 02:30 The Ken Dodd Show (m0028v1f)
From 29/09/1963
The King of Knotty Ash is joined by Gerry and the Pacemakers performing 'You'll Never Walk Alone'.
Starring Ken Dodd.
Recovered episode back in the BBC archive.
Sketch show comedy - including what's it like to be a VIP....
With:
John Laurie
Judith Chalmers
Percy Edwards
Ray Fell
Wallas Eaton
Music from Gerry and the Pacemakers.
BBC Revue Orchestra conducted by Malcolm Lockyer
Written by Ken Dodd and Eddie Braben.
Producer: Bill Worsley
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in September 1963.
SAT 03:00 Shush! (b08pfnqg)
Series 2
Ticks & Foibles
When Snoo makes an unexpected purchase, Alice has to face an old rival, some electrical cables and a very dusty dictionary.
Meet Alice - a former child prodigy who won a place at Oxford aged 9 but, because Daddy went too, she never needed to have any friends. She's scared of everything. Everything that is except libraries and Snoo - a slightly confused individual with a have-a-go attitude to life, marriage, haircuts and reality. Snoo loves books, and fully intends to read one one day.
And forever popping into the library is Dr Cadogan - celebrity doctor to the stars and a man with his finger in every pie. Charming, indiscreet and quite possibly wanted by Interpol, if you want a discrete nip and tuck and then photos of it accidentally left on the photocopier, Dr Cadogan is your man.
Their happy life is interrupted by the arrival of Simon Nielson, a man with a mission - a mission to close down inefficient libraries. Fortunately, he hates his mission. What he really wants to do is once - just once - get even with his inexhaustible supply of high-achieving brothers.
Alice ...... Rebecca Front
Snoo ...... Morwenna Banks
Dr Cadogan ...... Michael Fenton-Stevens
Simon Nielson ...... Ben Willbond
Written by Morwenna Banks and Rebecca Front
Based on an idea developed with Armando Iannucci
Produced by David Tyler
A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2017.
SAT 03:30 Permanent Violet by Ronald Frame (m0028v1h)
10. Endings
Driven by curiosity, Eilidh learns more from Colin’s confidante.
Eilidh Brogan reflects on love and art as she looks back on her life with the Scottish artist, Colin Brogan. The story begins with her childhood in Scotland.
Eilidh now leads a secluded life in Cassis in the South of France, where she teaches art. Forty years previously, her young artist husband Colin Brogan died just as his career was taking off. Now, at the turn of the millennium, he is being hailed as a great Scottish artist.
With the re-discovery of Colin’s work, the comes prurient interest into the Brogans’ lives. From her run-down villa, Eilidh reflects on their life together.
Ronald Frame’s novel was first published in 2002.
Abridged in ten parts by Alison Joseph.
Read by Eileen McCallum.
Producer: Gaynor Macfarlane
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2002.
SAT 03:45 Love for Lydia by HE Bates (b007q99p)
10. Recovery
As he helps her recovery, Richardson must face up to what love for Lydia really means.
Conclusion of HE Bates's semi-autobiographical novel.
Dramatised by Vivienne Allen.
Older Richardson …… Tim Pigott-Smith
Richardson …… Jordan Frieda
Lydia …… Juliet Aubrey
Blackie......Robert Purdy
Dr Baird......Tom Calder
Director: Tracey Neale
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2004.
SAT 04:00 The Unbelievable Truth (m0016x99)
Series 28
Episode 5
David Mitchell hosts the panel game in which four comedians are encouraged to tell lies.
They compete against one another to see how many items of truth they're able to smuggle past their opponents.
The panellists are obliged to talk with deliberate inaccuracy on subjects as varied as colours, ice cream, apples and alcoholic spirits.
With:
Henning Wehn
Zoe Lyons
Sindhu Vee
Marcus Brigstocke
Producer: Jon Naismith
A Random Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2022.
SAT 04:30 Meet Mr Mulliner by PG Wodehouse (m0028v1m)
Came The Dawn
Mr Mulliner’s tale about his relative Lancelot is a story of love, poetry, parental obstruction and unexpected opportunities.
Storyteller Mr Mulliner enlists regular tipplers of the Angler's Rest to tell his tales.
Richard Griffiths stars as Mr Mulliner, first published in 1927, written by PG Wodehouse.
Dramatised in six parts by Roger Davenport.
Miss Postlethwaite / Annabel .... Matilda Ziegler
A Small Bitter / Lancelot .... Tom George
A Light Ale / Isadore Zinzinheimer / Bewstridge .... Martin Hyder
A Port / Mr Briggs/ Fotheringay .... Peter Acre
A Pint of Stout / Lord Biddlecombe .... David Timson
Director: Ned Chaillet
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2002.
SAT 05:00 Daniel Deronda by George Eliot (b007k07z)
3. Tensions
In the sun-drenched port of Genoa, Gwendolen and Daniel's fates become eternally and tragically entwined.
Conclusion of George Eliot's classic novel of love and idealism.
Starring Anna Chancellor and Michael Perceval-Maxwell.
Dramatised by Robert Forrest.
Gwendolen Harleth ...... Anna Chancellor
Deronda ...... Michael Perceval-Maxwell
Grandcourt ...... James Bryce
Mrs Davilow ...... Joanna Tope
Klesmer ...... Finlay Welsh
Mirah ...... Lucy Patterson
Lydia ...... Noreen Leighton
Lush ...... Simon Tait
Leonara ...... Vivienne Dixon
Mordecai ...... Mark McDonnell
Director: Patrick Rayner
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1999.
SAT 06:00 Three Time Plays by JB Priestley (b04h7ms6)
1. Dangerous Corner
At a convivial gathering, friends begin to probe events of the past and they discover that the relationships they have with each other aren't what they seem. 'Truth is like skidding round a corner at sixty…'.
A stage play written by JB Priestley in 1932.
Starring Martin Jarvis, Stephanie Turner and Helen Worth.
The first of the author’s collection of ‘Time Plays’.
Robert Caplan …. Martin Jarvis
Olwen Peel …. Stephanie Turner
Freda Caplan …. Heather Stoney
Betty Whitehouse .... Helen Worth
Charles Stanton .... Paul Webster
Gordon Whitehouse .... Christian Rodska
Miss Mockridge .... Ann Rye
Radio Actress .... Julia Sharon
Directed at BBC Manchester by Alfred Bradley.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1984.
SAT 07:30 The Photographer at Sixteen by George Szirtes (Omnibus) (m00290zq)
Poet George Szirtes reads his award-winning memoir about his mother, Magda. Her turbulent life reflects the drama of the 20th century.
She survived incarceration in two different concentration camps during the Second World War and then settled in Hungary - but fled with her family in 1956. Arriving as a refugee in London, serious illness forced her to abandon professional work and to live at home as a housewife, where she began the process of “Englishing” her family.
‘The Photographer at Sixteen’ reveals a life told backwards, from the depths of Magda’s final days to her girlhood as an ambitious photographer in Budapest. The woman who emerges is beautiful, energetic, direct, warm and passionate. It is a book born of curiosity, of guilt, and of love.
“Shortly before she died she made a tape in which she sang us happy birthday for the future. Not once but several times, once for each birthday, until her voice gave out…”
George Szirtes is a poet and translator who escaped to Britain with his family after the 1956 Hungarian uprising. He’s the author of over 25 books of poetry. ‘The Photographer at Sixteen’ won the 2020 James Tait Black Prize for Biography.
Read by the author, George Szirtes,
Abridged and produced by Elizabeth Burke.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2021.
SAT 08:35 Inheritance Tracks (b06sb17d)
Rick Stein
Chef Rick Stein chooses Wouldn't It Be Lovely from My Fair Lady, and Afternoons And Coffee Spoons by the Crash Test Dummies.
SAT 08:45 The Best of English (m0005tld)
Tilting at The Windmill
A lucky break from painting and decorating to performing as a comic at London’s risqué Windmill Theatre in Piccadilly.
Best remembered as Mr Harman in BBC TV’s long-running sitcom Are You Being Served?, comedian and actor Arthur English looks back over his life and career with Michael Pointon and a studio audience.
Producer: Edward Taylor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in February 1988.
SAT 09:00 The Men from the Ministry (b007k13p)
Seal of Office
The blundering civil servants are tasked with organising a military display in London, but there's a terrible mix-up...
Lennox-Brown …. Deryck Guyler
Lamb …. Richard Murdoch
Mildred/Miss Hardwicke…. Norma Ronald
Sir Gregory Pitkin/Lord Lovett …. Ronald Baddiley
Mr Wilkins/Captain Bacon …. John Graham
Newsreader …. Bryan Martin
Written by Edward Taylor and John Graham.
The Men from the Ministry ran for 14 series between 1962 and 1977. Deryck Guyler replaced Wilfrid Hyde-White from 1966. Sadly many episodes didn't survive in the archive, however the BBC's Transcription Service re-recorded 14 shows in 1980 - never broadcast in the UK, until the arrival of BBC Radio 4 Extra.
Producer: Edward Taylor
First broadcast on the BBC Radio 4 in August 1976.
SAT 09:30 Beyond Our Ken (m0001726)
From 7/5/1959
Kenneth Horne gets an invite from the scouts, and ‘Hornerama’ investigates showbiz.
With Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick, Betty Marsden and Bill Pertwee.
Written by Eric Merriman and Barry Took
Music from Pat Lancaster, the Fraser Hayes Four and the BBC Variety Orchestra conducted by Paul Fenoulhet.
Announcer: Douglas Smith
A madcap mix of sketches and songs, Beyond Our Ken hit the airwaves in 1958 and ran to 1964 – featuring regulars like Arthur Fallowfield, Cecil Snaith and Rodney and Charles.
The precursor to Round The Horne – sadly only 15 shows survive from the original run of 21 episodes in Series 2. Audio restored using both home and overseas (BBC Transcription Service) recordings.
Producer: Jacques Brown
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in May 1959.
SAT 10:00 Conversation Extra (m00290zs)
Sontag On Photography
Susan Sontag claimed to be addicted to photographs - cutting them out of newspapers and magazines, putting them on her walls and going to exhibitions.
Photography also informed her writing - but novelist and critic didn't take pictures herself.
Her best selling book of essays 'On Photography', published in 1977, is about our attitudes towards experience and reality.
In conversation with Philip French, Susan discusses issues raised in her book.
Producer: Philip French
First broadcast on BBC Radio 3 in July 1978.
SAT 10:30 Diane Arbus: Intimate Portraits (m001np8r)
Photographer Diane Arbus was born in 1923 and committed suicide in 1971, but her photographs retain their extraordinary and unsettling power. Alvin Hall sets out to ask why.
After Arbus’s death and the 1972 New York MoMA exhibition, which launched her posthumous fame, attention has often focused on her death and the more lurid details of her biography. Alvin and a cast of artists, photographers, writers and curators turn instead to consider her art.
In a series of encounters recorded on location in Arbus’s home city of New York and through the photographer's own words, they set out to evoke the atmosphere and power of her photographs, their creation and the influence they’ve had over generations of photographers who have wrestled with how to make portraits after Arbus.
Featuring responses to Arbus’s work from photographers Tina Barney, Ming Smith, Bill Jacobson and Deana Lawson. Alvin also speaks to Roxana Marcoci, Senior Curator in the Department of Photography at The Museum of Modern Art, New York; journalist and biographer Arthur Lubow; Elisabeth Sussman, Sondra Gilman Curator of Photography at the Whitney Museum of American Art; and curator, writer and photography critic Vince Aletti.
Diane Arbus's readings are edited selections from the 1972 film Going Where I've Never Been: The Photography of Diane Arbus, voiced by Mariclare Costello.
Written and presented by Alvin Hall.
Producer: Michael Umney
A Just Radio production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in 2023.
SAT 11:00 Three Time Plays by JB Priestley (b04h7ms6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 12:30 The Photographer at Sixteen by George Szirtes (Omnibus) (m00290zq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 13:35 Inheritance Tracks (b06sb17d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:35 today]
SAT 13:45 The Best of English (m0005tld)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
SAT 14:00 The Men from the Ministry (b007k13p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 14:30 Beyond Our Ken (m0001726)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SAT 15:00 Conversation Extra (m00290zs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SAT 15:30 Diane Arbus: Intimate Portraits (m001np8r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
SAT 16:00 The Human Chord by Algernon Blackwood (m00290zv)
'In the beginning was the word'... and the sound.
But when the eccentric Reverend Philip Skale discovers the means to harness the strange power of that sound, the little Welsh rectory becomes a place of nightmare, terror.... and danger!
Written by Sheila Hodgson - based on Algernon Blackwood's novel, first published in 1910.
Robert Spinrobin .... Andrew Seear
Miriam Rayner .... Heather Bell
Reverend Philip Skale .... Arnold Diamond
Eleanor Mawle .... Gwen Cherrell
Mrs Judd .... Avril Clark
Arthur Judd .... Brian Smith
Director: David Johnson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1985.
SAT 17:00 Three Time Plays by JB Priestley (b04h7ms6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 18:30 The Photographer at Sixteen by George Szirtes (Omnibus) (m00290zq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 19:35 Inheritance Tracks (b06sb17d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:35 today]
SAT 19:45 The Best of English (m0005tld)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
SAT 20:00 The Men from the Ministry (b007k13p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 20:30 Beyond Our Ken (m0001726)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SAT 21:00 Conversation Extra (m00290zs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SAT 21:30 Diane Arbus: Intimate Portraits (m001np8r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
SAT 22:00 The Tim Vine Chat Show (b0952qq9)
Series 2
Torquay
Tim Vine travels the length and breadth of this fair land to uncover the best stories of the Great British public.
And of course he takes every possible opportunity to tell a ridiculous joke and sing a preposterous song along the way.
Tim arrives at the Babbacombe Theatre in Torquay, where the seaside crowd sing a song about a box and a local laughter yoga teacher leads an impromptu workshop.
Producer: Richard Morris
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2017.
SAT 22:30 Start/Stop (b03b2zb3)
Series 1
3. Fundraiser
Jack Docherty’s sitcom about love, marriage and despair.
With their marriages in various states of disrepair - a school fundraiser proves unusually challenging for all three couples.
Starring:
Couple 1:
Barney ...... Jack Docherty
Cathy ...... Kerry Godliman
Couple 2:
Evan ...... John Thomson
Fiona ...... Fiona Allen
Couple 3:
David ...... Charlie Higson
Alice ...... Katherine Parkinson
Producer: Steven Canny
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2013.
SAT 23:00 Lee and Herring's Fist of Fun (b007k1z6)
Greenwich
Driving instructors, pornography and a surprise from Supermarket Sweep's TV host, Dale Winton.
Stewart Lee and Richard Herring’s mix of sharp sketches and situations, stand up topical gags and banter.
From Greenwich University, London.
With:
Peter Baynham
Rebecca Front
John Thomson
Special guest: Dale Winton
Lee and Herring went to write and star in their successful TV transfer to BBC Two in 1995.
Cult BBC Radio 1 series first broadcast in November 1993.
SAT 23:30 The Simon Day Show (b01jhjs3)
Series 2
Billy Bleach
Simon Day and his characters welcome you back to The Mallard, a small provincial theatre somewhere in the UK.
Each week one of Simon's comic characters come to perform, while the staff struggle with rivalries, self-doubt and the new owner's vision for the theatre's future.
This time, Fast Show favourite Billy Bleach returns to The Mallard, the theatre that gave him his first big break.
Written by Simon Day.
Billy Bleach ..... Simon Day
Emanuel Akinyemi ..... Felix Dexter
Pat Bennet ... Morwenna Banks
Ron Bone ..... Simon Greenall
Producer: Colin Anderson.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2012.

SUNDAY 16 MARCH 2025

SUN 00:00 The Human Chord by Algernon Blackwood (m00290zv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Saturday]
SUN 01:00 Three Time Plays by JB Priestley (b04h7ms6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]
SUN 02:30 The Photographer at Sixteen by George Szirtes (Omnibus) (m00290zq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Saturday]
SUN 03:35 Inheritance Tracks (b06sb17d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:35 on Saturday]
SUN 03:45 The Best of English (m0005tld)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Saturday]
SUN 04:00 The Men from the Ministry (b007k13p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Saturday]
SUN 04:30 Beyond Our Ken (m0001726)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Saturday]
SUN 05:00 Conversation Extra (m00290zs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Saturday]
SUN 05:30 Diane Arbus: Intimate Portraits (m001np8r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Saturday]
SUN 06:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m00291s6)
TV's History Castaways
David Olusoga
David Olusoga is a historian, writer and broadcaster who has presented a range of programmes including the BBC’s A House Through Time and Civilisations. He is currently professor of public history at Manchester University.
Born in Lagos, the second child to a Nigerian father and a British mother, David was brought up by his mother in Gateshead after his parents’ marriage broke down. As a child, he and his siblings experienced sustained racism, and he remembers school as a place of violence and cruelty.
He credits his mother’s tenacity and her determination to educate her children for his later success in getting to university and establishing a career in television. His love of history developed from a young age, thanks to one of his teachers, who taught him why an understanding of history matters. Watching television documentaries also opened up a world of possibility, and David fondly recalls programmes from the 1980s presented by the historian Michael Wood, who made history seem cool in the eyes of the young schoolboy glued to the TV in his Gateshead council house.
Last year, David delivered the MacTaggart Lecture at the Edinburgh Television Festival in which he talked candidly about his loneliness at being the only black person on a production team and the difficulties he had trying to explain the racial implications of how, for example, people in Africa were often portrayed on screen.
DISC ONE: Zombie by Fela Kuti
DISC TWO: Roll on Buddy by Aunt Molly Jackson
DISC THREE: Black Mountain Blues by Bessie Smith
DISC FOUR: Just The Other Day by Dr Alimantado
DISC FIVE: Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground by Blind Willie Johnson
DISC SIX: Last Kind Words by Geeshie Wiley
DISC SEVEN: You Can't Blame The Youth (Live At The Record Plant '73) by Bob Marley & The Wailers
DISC EIGHT: Precious Lord, Take My Hand / You’ve Got a Friend by Aretha Franklin
BOOK CHOICE: The Collected Essays, Journalism and Letters of George Orwell: An Age Like This, 1920-40
LUXURY ITEM: Acoustic guitar
CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground by Blind Willie Johnson
Presenter: Lauren Laverne
Producer: Paula McGinley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2021.
SUN 06:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b0120790)
Series 2
Fireflies
The chemistry that allows the combustion of natural chemicals to generate light without heat is wonderfully harnessed by the firefly.
Fireflies are insects with several species in the group; each with its own species specific code and signalling regime.
In this life story, Sir David Attenborough tells of his personal experience filming the antics of fireflies and the insight this gave him into this secret world of messaging.
Written and presented by David Attenborough.
Producer: Julian Hector
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2011.
SUN 07:00 Poetry Extra (m00291s8)
No Egos No Divas: New Poets in Irish
Poet Daljit Nagra revisits the BBC's poetry archive and selects No Egos No Divas: New Poets in Irish, presented by Louis de Paor.
Despite the fact that Irish is an endangered language, poetry in Irish is experiencing a remarkable resurgence. In No Egos No Divas, Louis de Paor meets young poets defying the odds.
He meets Aifric Mac Aodha, co-editor of the bilingual anthology Calling Cards, published by the Gallery Press and Poetry Ireland in 2018, and Simon Ó Faoláin, who runs an annual festival of poetry in Irish in south west Ireland. Marcus Mac Conghail, who seamlessly blends poetry and music, tells Louis that he sees no difference between the two.
Doireann Ní Ghríofa, a member of Aosdána, Ireland’s academy of artists, talks about the poets who have inspired her and refutes the suggestion that men are absent from the current resurgence of poetry in Irish.
Ailbhe Ní Ghearbhuigh and Caitlín Nic Íomhair share their love of other languages, in addition to Irish and English, and Séamus Barra Ó Súilleabháin shows off his skills as Ireland’s first ever All-Ireland poetry slam champion in Irish.
Louis de Paor is an acclaimed poet in the Irish language and Professor of Irish Studies at the National University of Ireland, Galway.
Producer: Claire Cunningham
A Rockfinch production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in 2019.
SUN 07:30 Permanent Violet by Ronald Frame (Omnibus) (m00291sb)
Episode 2
Now in the south of France, Eilidh continues to reflect on her life with Scottish artist, Colin Brogan. The Mediterranean idyll is not living up to expectations.
Eilidh now leads a secluded life in Cassis in the South of France, where she teaches art. Forty years previously, her young artist husband Colin Brogan died just as his career was taking off. Now, at the turn of the millennium, he is being hailed as a great Scottish artist.
With the re-discovery of Colin’s work, the comes prurient interest into the Brogans’ lives. From her run-down villa, Eilidh reflects on their life together.
Ronald Frame’s novel was first published in 2002.
Abridged in ten parts by Alison Joseph.
Parts 6 to 10.
Read by Eileen McCallum.
Producer: Gaynor Macfarlane
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2002.
SUN 08:40 Inheritance Tracks (m00291sd)
Russell Howard
Comedian Russell Howard chooses Fast Car by Tracy Chapman and The Picture by Loudon Wainwright III.
SUN 08:50 Love for Lydia by HE Bates (Omnibus) (b007qpx9)
Episode 2
After the death of his friend, Richardson cuts himself off from the group and their familiar surroundings.
But while out walking one day, he comes across a figure he recognises...
HE Bates's semi-autobiographical novel, first published in 1952.
Omnibus of the last five of ten parts.
Dramatised by Vivienne Allen.
Older Richardson …… Tim Pigott-Smith
Richardson …… Jordan Frieda
Lydia …… Juliet Aubrey
Tom …… Jamie Bamber
Nancy …… Clare Corbett
McKechnie …… Tom Mannion
Director: Tracey Neale
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2004.
SUN 10:00 Frankie Howerd (m000hx35)
Series 2
Episode 7
Frankie recalls his Everest expedition and appears as a witness in the High Court.
Ably assisted by June Whitfield, Ray Fell and Kate Binchy, Francis titters and teeters through his eventful life and illustrious career as he writes his memoirs.
Written by David McKellar and David Nobbs.
Music from The Bill McGuffie Quartet.
Producer: David Hatch
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in 1973.
SUN 10:30 Take It From Here (b0121lh3)
From 21/01/1954
Dick and Jimmy discuss their biographies and Ron Glum considers growing a moustache.
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 January 1954.
SUN 11:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m00291s6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 11:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b0120790)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]
SUN 12:00 Poetry Extra (m00291s8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
SUN 12:30 Permanent Violet by Ronald Frame (Omnibus) (m00291sb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 13:40 Inheritance Tracks (m00291sd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 today]
SUN 13:50 Love for Lydia by HE Bates (Omnibus) (b007qpx9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]
SUN 15:00 Frankie Howerd (m000hx35)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 15:30 Take It From Here (b0121lh3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
SUN 16:00 Fear on 4 (b007jmkj)
Series 1
Fat Andy
A young girl paid the price for teasing 'fat Andy' and is out for revenge...
The Man in Black sets the scene.
Fear on 4 brings you more in a series of nerve-tinglers.
Stars Thora Hird and Sean Barrett.
Written by Stephen Dunstone.
The Man in Black..............Edward de Souza
Mother.................................Thora Hird
Andrew................................Sean Barrett
Joanne.................................Daryl Back
Andy.....................................Susan Sheridan
Vicar......................................Norman Bird
Director: Adrian Mourby
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1988.
SUN 16:30 Terry Pratchett (b007m481)
Wyrd Sisters
3. Hogwatch Night
The old King is dead. The new ruler has a troubled conscience and a wife on the warpath - in pursuit of the three witches...
Starring Sheila Hancock, Lynda Baron and Deborah Berlin.
Terry Pratchett's popular tale dramatised by Vince Foxall.
Granny Weatherwax …. Sheila Hancock
Nanny Ogg …. Lynda Baron
Magrat Garlick …. Deborah Berlin
Duke Felmet …. Ian Masters
Lady Felmet …. Kristin Milward
King Verence …. John Hartley
The Fool …. Andrew Branch
The Demon …. Gavin Muir
Shawn …. Brian Hibbard
Director: Claire Grove
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1995.
SUN 17:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m00291s6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 17:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b0120790)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]
SUN 18:00 Poetry Extra (m00291s8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
SUN 18:30 Permanent Violet by Ronald Frame (Omnibus) (m00291sb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 19:40 Inheritance Tracks (m00291sd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 today]
SUN 19:50 Love for Lydia by HE Bates (Omnibus) (b007qpx9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]
SUN 21:00 Frankie Howerd (m000hx35)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 21:30 Take It From Here (b0121lh3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
SUN 22:00 Elvenquest (b00wdjz9)
Series 2
Episode 4
The search for the Sword of Asnagar is put on hold when Vidar is summoned home by his father.
Meanwhile Lord Darkness also returns home from his Necromancer's convention, proud holder of the 'Medal of Chang', the prize for being 'Necromancer's Necromancer'. However, it turns out that Lord Darkness may not have won it entirely fairly, so he sets about trying to cover his tracks.
The fates of Lord Darkness and the Questers are drawn together when they both end up having to cross the Gorge of Doom. But first they must pass the mysterious Bridge Keeper who controls the only passage across. And he charges a heavy price...
Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto.
Sam …. Stephen Mangan
Lord Darkness …. Alistair McGowan
The Bridge Keeper …. Gus Brown
Dean/Kreech …. Kevin Eldon
Vidar …. Darren Boyd
Amis – The Chosen One …. Dave Lamb
Penthiselea …. Sophie Winkleman
Producer: Sam Michell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2010.
SUN 22:30 Pick Ups (b008xh46)
Series 1
Episode 6
Mike thinks his number may be up when he is forced to drive Pat to the cemetery in a final bid for freedom.
Comedy set in in a run-down taxi office in Manchester.
Written by Ian Kershaw.
Lind ... Sally Lindsay
Mike / Taffy / Timmy ... John Thomson
Dave / Doctor ... Philip Rowson
Alan/Rebel / Brad ... Ash Tandon
Andrew ...... Paul Warriner
Pat ...... Andrew Grose
Olive .... Lisa George
Producer: Paul Hardy
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2008.
SUN 23:00 Mark Watson's Live Address to the Nation (b0174hvv)
Intelligence
Mark Watson continues his quest to improve the world.
As broadcast live in November 2011 - he invites the audience join in via tweets and messages to work out how we can all make the world a better place.
He's nimbly assisted by:
Tim Key
Tom Basden.
This time Mark looks at "Intelligence".
A certain amount of intelligence is pretty useful - but are we sometimes too smart for our own good? Without the ability to reflect and calculate, we would all be setting fire to our shoes and buying those novels about women who shop and have relationship issues.
Yet intelligence has been something of a curse to many. Galileo was tortured for knowing more about science than the church leaders, and Paxman sighs an awful lot when he's hosting University Challenge.
Producer: Lianne Coop.
First broadcast live on BBC Radio 4 in November 2011.
SUN 23:30 Safety Catch (b017gxpv)
Series 2
I Draw the Line
When faced with a particularly tricky moral issue at work Simon finally decides enough is enough and quits his job.
It's not great timing though as he and Anna find themselves contemplating having a baby.
Starring Darren Boyd.
Laurence Howarth’s black comedy of modern morality.
Simon is essentially a nice man who also happens to be an arms dealer.
Simon McGrath ....... Darren Boyd
Anna Grieg ....... Joanna Page
Boris Kemal ....... Lewis Macleod
Judith McGrath ....... Sarah Smart
Angela McGrath ....... Brigit Forsyth
Madeleine Turnbull ....... Rachel Atkins
Marcus ....... Dan Mersh
Producer: Dawn Ellis.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2009.

MONDAY 17 MARCH 2025

MON 00:00 Fear on 4 (b007jmkj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Sunday]
MON 00:30 Terry Pratchett (b007m481)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:30 on Sunday]
MON 01:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m00291s6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Sunday]
MON 01:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b0120790)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 on Sunday]
MON 02:00 Poetry Extra (m00291s8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Sunday]
MON 02:30 Permanent Violet by Ronald Frame (Omnibus) (m00291sb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Sunday]
MON 03:40 Inheritance Tracks (m00291sd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 on Sunday]
MON 03:50 Love for Lydia by HE Bates (Omnibus) (b007qpx9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 on Sunday]
MON 05:00 Frankie Howerd (m000hx35)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Sunday]
MON 05:30 Take It From Here (b0121lh3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Sunday]
MON 06:00 Some Mother's Son (m000qyx8)
4. Danger
As the takeover battle intensifies, journalist Andy Smith finds himself in danger.
Starring Nick Chilvers.
John Fletcher's thriller serial taking in global power struggles, smuggling and the dangers of uranium.
Andy ... Nick Chilvers
Julian ... Clive Francis
Kite ... Gregory De Polnay
Sir Jack ... Conrad Phillips
Grey ... Rex Holdsworth
Shirley ... Diane Fletcher
Anne ... Caroline Blakiston
Stanley ... Nick Brimble
Rogers ... Trevor Nichols
Other parts played by Richard Curnow
Director: Brian Miller
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1987.
MON 06:30 Whodunnits (b00wmp26)
A Charles Paris Mystery - Dead Side of the Mic
1. Suspicious Death
Actor-cum-amateur sleuth Charles Paris lands a job on the BBC Radio Rep and before long a murder takes place in Broadcasting House.
Charles Paris ...... Bill Nighy
Frances Paris ...... Suzanne Burden
Juliet Paris ...... Tilly Gaunt
Maurice/John ...... Jon Glover
Tom McLeish ...... Nicky Henson
Steph Kennett ...... Emily Raymond
Edwin Palmer ...... Chris Pavlo
Charlotte Green ...... Charlotte Green
Kasia /Actress ...... Jill Cardo
Annie ...... Manjeet Mann
Written by Simon Brett.
Adapted by Jeremy Front.
Produced by Sally Avens.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2008.
MON 07:00 Like They've Never Been Gone (b00cbltk)
Series 3
Episode 6
Murray worries that his tubby dad Tommy and Sheila have more rolls than roles.
Ageing showbiz couple Tommy Franklin and Sheila Parr continue their second stab at fame.
Series 3 of Mike Coleman’s showbiz sitcom.
CAST:
Tommy Franklin …. Roy Hudd
Sheila Parr …. June Whitfield
Hetty Stark …. Pat Coombes
Murray Franklin …. Julian Eardley
Louis Elstein …. Edward Halsted
Naomi Shae .... Tracy-Ann Oberman
Music by Frido Ruth.
Producer: Steve Doherty
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2001.
MON 07:30 Steptoe and Son (b007jl5j)
Series 1
The Offer
After a row with his father Albert, Harold decides to leave their rag and bone business and take up another offer of employment.
Starring Wilfrid Brambell as Albert and Harry H Corbett as Harold.
Following the conclusion of their hugely successful association with Tony Hancock, Ray Galton and Alan Simpson wrote 10 pilots for BBC TV's Comedy Playhouse in 1962.
The Offer was set in a house with a yard full of junk, featuring the lives of rag and bone men Albert Steptoe and his son Harold and it was the spark for a run of 8 series for TV.
Adapted for BBC radio from Galton and Simpson's TV script by Gale Pedrick.
Produced by Bobby Jaye
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in July 1966.
MON 08:00 Cleaning Up (b054tl73)
4. Surprise
Julie treats Nita to a little surprise.
Every night, as time is called and people are spat out onto the streets and squeezed into rides home to dream -tossed beds - others are hard at work. Teams of cleaners are in office spaces scrubbing, vaccuming and cleaning up.
And right at the bottom of the food chain we find our gang - Spit n' Polish tackling the floors of a plush tower block in Manchester city centre.
Written by Ian Kershaw.
Julie ..... Julie Hesmondhalgh
Nobby ..... Paul Barber
Dave ..... John Thompson
Shiv ..... Lauren Socha
Nita ..... Bhavna Limbachia
Our Bri ..... Jack Deam
Alex... Justin Moorhouse
Produced in Salford by Alison Vernon-Smith
First broadcast on Radio 4 in March 2015.
MON 08:30 The Betjeman Letters (b007jxcd)
1. 1924 to 1929: The Early Years
Teaching traumas and a critique of a guide to Leamington Spa are grist to John Betjeman's mill.
A selection from the first volume of John Betjeman's letters. From lively university days, an initial shaky start to his career, to love, literature, architecture, religion and the war.
In this episode, 1924 to 1929 - the early years.
Read by Michael Williams.
Abridged by Andrew Simpson.
Producer Marion Nancarrow.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1995.
MON 08:45 Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray (b007jvvx)
1. Moving On
Orphaned wilful Becky Sharp and her sweet-natured friend Amelia Sedley leave school in Chiswick.
Stephen Fry narrates one of the greatest comic novels of the Victorian period.
Written by William Makepeace Thackeray.
Dramatised in 20 parts by Stephen Wyatt.
Becky Sharp …… Emma Fielding
Amelia Sedley …… Katy Cavanagh
George Osborne …… Nicholas Boulton
Jos Sedley …… Toby Jones
Miss Pinkerton …… Sandy Walsh
Miss Jemima …… Joanna McCallum
Producer: Claire Grove
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2004.
MON 09:00 Yesterday in Parliament (m00291sv)
The latest news from Westminster - and beyond.
MON 09:30 Charisma: Pinning Down the Butterfly (b067w3ph)
6. The 'It' Factor
Exploring Sarah Bernhardt and the beginnings of celebrity charisma.
Francine Stock attempts to pin down the alluring yet elusive quality of charisma.
In her day, the French actor Sarah Bernhardt was said to be the most famous woman in the world after Queen Victoria. The American scholar Edward Berenson helps Francine untangle the many strands of Bernhardt's appeal, from her beauty and energy on stage and screen, to her eccentricity (she was said to sleep in a coffin and keep wild animals as pets) and her later disability. Edward Berenson pinpoints the moment when he believes Bernhard's celebrity was transformed into true charisma.
And, as Bernhardt later appeared in the new art form of film, Francine sets out on a path to explore the early movie stars who did - or, in many cases, did not - have the famed 'It Factor'.
With contributions from the illusionist Derren Brown and the Australian author of a study of charisma, Professor John Potts.
Reader: Simon Russell Beale
Producer: Beaty Rubens.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2015.
MON 09:45 Daily Service (m00291sx)
Nicene Creed- Through Him all things were made
Christian Worship with a Bible reading, prayer and Christian music.
Theme: The Nicene Creed- Through Him all things were made
Led by Rev Dr Bert Tosh
Reading: Psalm 65.8-13
I bind unto myself today (St Patrick)
Thou visitest the earth (Greene)
Christ be with me (Rutter)
MON 10:00 Comic to Comic (b0080ssp)
Series 2
Julia Morris
After TV fame down under, Australian stand-up Julia Morris chats about her subsequent British success.
Series in which Bruce Morton talks to top stand-up comedians about life, the universe and comedy.
Producer: Carol Purcell
First broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland in Febuary 2006.
MON 10:30 Batman and Ethan (b0709v4m)
Helena Merriman follows 10-year-old Ethan, a blind boy and gifted musician, as he learns echolocation from Daniel Kish.
Ethan was born blind. He's now a 10-year-old boy who collects sounds on his 51 dictaphones, composes music, and performs on stage in concerts. Until now he's been home-schooled, but last year he was offered a place at St Mary's Music School in Scotland - one of the best in the country. The problem is, he struggles to get around.
This is where Batman comes in. His real name is Daniel Kish, and like Ethan, he's blind. He's a master of echolocation. He makes clicking noises - like a bat - to build a picture of the world around him. Neuroscientists have done experiments on him and found that he's managed to activate the visual part of his brain. He's taught people all over the world to 'see through sound', and he's so good at it that he goes hiking, cycling and rock climbing.
'Batman' (Daniel) comes to Scotland to spend ten days with Ethan, to teach him echolocation and help him prepare for his new school. The documentary follows Ethan's progress as he learns from Daniel Kish. Listeners are introduced to the principles of echolocation, they follow Ethan practising at home, on the train and at his new school. They're brought into Ethan's world through music composed specially by Ethan, and they're with him on his birthday, on long walks in the Scottish hills, and right through to his experience at school.
We follow Ethan up to his final day of term to find out how he's done and see how he copes with his biggest challenge yet: playing an accordion solo with the orchestra at the school concert.
Produced and presented by Helena Merriman.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2016.
MON 11:00 Some Mother's Son (m000qyx8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 11:30 Whodunnits (b00wmp26)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 12:00 Like They've Never Been Gone (b00cbltk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 12:30 Steptoe and Son (b007jl5j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 13:00 Cleaning Up (b054tl73)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 13:30 The Betjeman Letters (b007jxcd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 13:45 Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray (b007jvvx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
MON 14:00 Just a Minute (b00rdxlz)
Series 56
Episode 12
Nicholas Parsons presides over the devious game where panellists are challenged to speak for one minute without hesitation, deviation or repetition.
With:
Paul Merton
Sue Perkins
Graham Norton
Tony Hawks
Subjects include: How To Tell if Someone is Older Than They Look, Cupboard Love, Sliced Bread, On Your Uppers. First Nights, London Bridge, Sugar Coating, Falling off a Log and Digging.
Created by Ian Messiter.
Producer: Claire Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2010.
MON 14:30 The Small World of Dominic Holland (b007v2f5)
Shopping
Dominic Holland shares his thoughts on money and shopping.
Series of stand-up and sketches illustrating the Domedic minutiae of life.
With:
Simon Greenall
Sally Grace
Dave Lamb
Producer: Maria Esposito
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2000.
MON 15:00 A Suit of Lights by David Napthine (m00291sz)
Madrid 1934. Spain is descending into civil war.
An ill-fated matador dies in the bullring, and his friend, Federico Garcia Lorca, writes his great elegy.
'A Lament for Ignacio Sanchez Mejias'.
The story of the poem, the men, their pasts and their futures.
Written by David Napthine.
Federico Garcia Lorca .... Adam Godley
Ignacio Sanchez Mejias .... Darrell D'Silva
Pepe .... Phillip Joseph
The Companion .... Kenny Blyth
The Doctor .... Gordon Reid
With:
Hamish Norbrook
Marc Beeby
Director: Jonquil Panting
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2001.
MON 15:45 Short Works (m000s3pl)
Progress by Jo Lloyd
With their rural house yet to join the National Grid, a couple disagree about what constitutes progress.
An original short story for radio, written by Jo Lloyd.
Read by Amanda Lawrence.
Produced: Ciaran Bermingham
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2021.
MON 16:00 Comic to Comic (b0080ssp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
MON 16:30 Batman and Ethan (b0709v4m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
MON 17:00 Some Mother's Son (m000qyx8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 17:30 Whodunnits (b00wmp26)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 18:00 Like They've Never Been Gone (b00cbltk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 18:30 Steptoe and Son (b007jl5j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 19:00 Cleaning Up (b054tl73)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 19:30 The Betjeman Letters (b007jxcd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 19:45 Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray (b007jvvx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
MON 20:00 Just a Minute (b00rdxlz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
MON 20:30 The Small World of Dominic Holland (b007v2f5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
MON 21:00 A Suit of Lights by David Napthine (m00291sz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
MON 21:45 Short Works (m000s3pl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 today]
MON 22:00 One Person Found This Helpful (m0028svs)
Series 2
2. Detachable Yacht Stand
Frank & guests Angela Barnes, Finlay Christie, Catherine Bohart & Rajiv Karia discuss ball pits, the KGB and who hasn’t been to the dentist for forty years.
This is the panel game based on what we all sit down and do at least once a day – shop online and leave a review, as an all-star panel celebrate the good, the bad & the baffling.
Everyone has an online life, and when the great British public put pen to keyboard to leave a review, they almost always write something hilarious. And our all-star panel have to work out just what they were reviewing – and maybe contribute a few reviews of their own... and more... So if you’re the person who went on Trip Advisor to review Ben Nevis as, 'very steep and too high', this show salutes you!
Written by Frank Skinner, Catherine Brinkworth, Sarah Dempster, Jason Hazeley, Rajiv Karia, Karl Minns, Katie Sayer & Peter Tellouche.
Devised by Jason Hazeley and Simon Evans with the producer David Tyler.
A Pozzitive Production for BBC Radio 4.
MON 22:30 The Right Time (b00fvpdt)
Series 1
Episode 4
A sketch show about modern life, written and performed by Baby Boomers who have lived a bit of it.
With:
Eleanor Bron
Graeme Garden
Paula Wilcox
Neil Innes
Roger Blake
Clive Swift
Live music by Ronnie and The Rex.
Written by Colin Bostock-Smith, John Pidgeon, Bob Sinfield, Bob Yule, Jeremy Pascall, Peter Rolls and Graeme Garden
Producer: Helen Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2001.
MON 23:00 The Naked Week (m0028v4n)
Series 2
Episode 2
The Naked Week team are back to place satirical news-tariffs on current events with a mix of correspondents, guests and, occasionally, live animals.
From The Skewer’s Jon Holmes and host Andrew Hunter Murray comes The Naked Week, a fresh way of dressing the week’s news in the altogether and parading it around for everyone to laugh at.
With award-winning writers and a crack team of contemporary satirists - and recorded in front of a live audience - The Naked Week delivers a topical news-nude straight to your ears.
Written by:
Jon Holmes
Katie Sayer
Gareth Ceredig
Sarah Dempster
Jason Hazeley
Investigations Team:
Cat Neilan
Louis Mian
Freya Shaw
Matt Brown
Guests: Rosie Holt
Production Team: Laura Grimshaw, Tony Churnside, Jerry Peal, Katie Sayer, Phoebe Butler
Executive Producer: Philip Abrams
Produced and Directed by Jon Holmes
An unusual production for BBC Radio 4
MON 23:30 Old Harry's Game (b007jm9l)
Series 3
This Thing Called Love
Satan worries about his image, and the Professor is concerned over his widow's remarriage.
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
Michael Fenton Stevens
Felicity Montagu
Nick Revell
Producer Paul Mayhew-Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1999.

TUESDAY 18 MARCH 2025

TUE 00:00 Comic to Comic (b0080ssp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Monday]
TUE 00:30 Batman and Ethan (b0709v4m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Monday]
TUE 01:00 Some Mother's Son (m000qyx8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]
TUE 01:30 Whodunnits (b00wmp26)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Monday]
TUE 02:00 Like They've Never Been Gone (b00cbltk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Monday]
TUE 02:30 Steptoe and Son (b007jl5j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:00 Cleaning Up (b054tl73)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Monday]
TUE 03:30 The Betjeman Letters (b007jxcd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:45 Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray (b007jvvx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Monday]
TUE 04:00 Just a Minute (b00rdxlz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:30 The Small World of Dominic Holland (b007v2f5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Monday]
TUE 05:00 A Suit of Lights by David Napthine (m00291sz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Monday]
TUE 05:45 Short Works (m000s3pl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 on Monday]
TUE 06:00 Some Mother's Son (m000qz0d)
5. Capture
As journalist Andy Smith discovers who is smuggling uranium, will he escape mortal danger?
Starring Nick Chilvers.
John Fletcher's thriller serial taking in global power struggles, smuggling and the dangers of uranium.
Andy ...... Nick Chilvers
Rogers ...... Trevor Nichols
Stanley ...... Nick Brimble
Julian ...... Clive Francis
Kite ...... Gregory De Polnay
Anne ...... Caroline Blakiston
Sir Jack ...... Conrad Phillips
Grey ...... Rex Holdsworth
Shirley ...... Diane Fletcher
Mike Monk ...... Christian Rodska
Lizzie ...... Sheila Grant
Director: Brian Miller
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1987.
TUE 06:30 Whodunnits (b00wmr2t)
A Charles Paris Mystery - Dead Side of the Mic
2. The Plot Thickens
Actor-cum-amateur sleuth Charles Paris gets a job on the BBC radio rep coinciding with the mysterious death of a studio manager - and a chance meeting with Charlotte Green.
Charles Paris ...... Bill Nighy
Frances Paris ...... Suzanne Burden
Juliet Paris ...... Tilly Gaunt
Maurice ...... Jon Glover
Tom McLeish ...... Nicky Henson
Steph Kennett ...... Emily Raymond
Edwin Palmer ...... Chris Pavlo
Charlotte Green ...... Charlotte Green
Jamie ...... Alex Lanipekun
Nick/ Train Driver ...... Dan Starkey
Kasia/ Beth ...... Jill Cardo
Verity ...... Donnla Hughes
Written by Simon Brett.
Adapted by Jeremy Front.
Produced by Sally Avens.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2008.
TUE 07:00 Girlies (b08qlf98)
Series 2
Episode 2
Jabeen has a stormy appearance on cable TV, prompting a girlie night.
Does Samina have good news?
The ups and downs of five 30-something Asian women living in South West London.
Comedy serial written by Sudha Bhuchar and Shaheen Khan.
Samina …. Sakuntala Ramanee
Jabeen …. Shaheen Khan
Sonal …. Sudha Bhuchar
Vinny …. Bharti Patel
Tula …. Zita Sattar
Masi …. Charubala Chokshi
Jo …. Cal McCrystal
Ali …. Burt Caesar
Salim …. Shiv Grewal
Karan …. Christopher Trenfield
Dan .... Roger Liddle
Alia .... Sophie Levy
Sara .... Nyla Levy
Zubi .... Surendra Kochar
Directed at BBC Pebble Mill by Kristine Landon-Smith.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1998.
TUE 07:30 The Goon Show (b007jws9)
Series 7
What's My Line?
Can anyone guess the unusual professions in a special edition of the 1950s BBC TV quiz?
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: Pat Dixon
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in December 1956.
TUE 08:00 Fags, Mags and Bags (m00146hf)
Series 10
2. Jeff Capes Five Egger
Dave tries to make friends with Pummie, his food delivery driver - but has he crossed the customer/delivery driver friend line?
More shop-based shenanigans and over-the-counter philosophy, courtesy of Ramesh Mahju and his trusty sidekick Dave.
Set in a Scots-Asian corner shop, the staff continue their tireless quest to bring nice-price custard creams and cans of coke with Arabic writing on them to an ungrateful nation. Ramesh Mahju has built it up over the course of over 30 years and is a firmly entrenched, friendly presence in the local area.
Written by and starring Donald Mcleary and Sanjeev Kohli.
Ramesh ...... Sanjeev Kohli
Dave ...... Donald Mcleary
Sanjay ...... Omar Raza
Alok ...... Susheel Kumar
Bishop Briggs ...... Michael Redmond
Malcolm ...... Mina Anwar
Pummie ...... Manjot Sumal
Mrs Begg ...... Marjory Hogarth
Producer: Gus Beattie for Gusman Productions
A Comedy Unit production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in February 2022.
TUE 08:30 The Betjeman Letters (b007lzwt)
2. 1932 to 1937: Literature and Love
Marriage, the Essex countryside and TS Eliot: more life and times of the much-loved wordsmith.
A selection from the first volume of John Betjeman's letters. From lively university days, an initial shaky start to his career, to love, literature, architecture, religion and the war.
In this episode, 1932 to 1937: Literature and Love.
Read by Michael Williams.
Abridged by Andrew Simpson.
Producer Marion Nancarrow.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1995.
TUE 08:45 Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray (b007jvw5)
2. Plotting
Orphaned ambitious Becky Sharp awaits a marriage proposal, while school friend Amelia meets old friend Dobbin.
Stephen Fry narrates one of the greatest comic novels of the Victorian period.
Written by William Makepeace Thackeray.
Dramatised by Stephen Wyatt.
Becky Sharp …… Emma Fielding
Amelia Sedley …… Katy Cavanagh
George Osborne …… Nicholas Boulton
Jos Sedley …… Toby Jones
William Dobbin..............Tom Smith
Producer: Claire Grove
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2004.
TUE 09:00 Yesterday in Parliament (m002919k)
The latest news from Westminster - and beyond.
TUE 09:30 Charisma: Pinning Down the Butterfly (b067x3w7)
7. The Best to You Each Morning
Exploring self-made American charismatic leaders - from W.K Kellogg and Henry Ford to Apple's Steve Jobs and Viacom's Sumner Restone.
Francine Stock attempts to pin down the alluring yet elusive quality of charisma.
A religious upbringing, a great idea and an exceptional ability to read the desires of the American people are just three of the shared characteristics of the early 20th century self-made men who feature in this programme. Collectively, they have set an influential template for charismatic business leaders to this day.
Francine Stock hears from the business journalist and broadcaster Peter Day about his personal - and not altogether complimentary - impressions of Steve Jobs and his extraordinary force field of attention. She draws a somewhat surprising profile of the self-made mogul - for whom conquering death itself seems to have become the longed-for ultimate charismatic act.
Producer: Beaty Rubens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2015.
TUE 09:45 Daily Service (m002919m)
Nicene creed - for us and for our salvation
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Nicene creed - for us and for our salvation
Presenter: Azariah France Williams
Reading: Ephesians 2: 3-8
Music:
Light of the World - Geraldine Latty
Amazing Grace - Seth Pinnock & A New Thing
Faith - London Community Gospel Choir
TUE 10:00 A Good Read (b0bbphcf)
Anne-Marie Duff and Louise O'Neill
Actor Anne-Marie Duff and writer Louise O’Neill join Harriett Gilbert to discuss their favourite books by Maggie O’Farrell, Sally Rooney and Angela Carter.
I Am, I Am, I Am by Maggie O’Farrell.
Publisher: Tinder Press
Conversations With Friends by Sally Rooney.
Publisher: Faber
Nights At The Circus by Angela Carter.
Publisher: Vintage
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2018.
TUE 10:30 Tarzan: Lord of the Jungle (b01cjm50)
In 1912, Edgar Rice Burroughs created the character of Tarzan, who quickly became a global sensation.
When the books were first adapted for the big screen in 1918, the resulting film was one of the first ever to take over a million dollars at the box office. Way ahead of his time, Burroughs ignored the advice of business 'experts' who told him not to roll out the character across different formats. By doing so, he was one of the true pioneers of the multi-media franchises that have since become the norm.
Tarzan himself has been as troubling as he has been popular - the different characterisations that have appeared in the hundreds of books, films, radio shows, comic books, cartoons etc, make it very hard to pinpoint one single, authentic character. Some critics have derided him for his affirmation of white, colonial assumptions, while others have championed his eco-warrior credentials.
One thing is for sure - with a range of new books and films appearing, the character of Tarzan has lost little of his original appeal.
John Waite talks with, among others, James Sullos of ERB Inc., Desmond Morris to find out about the plausibility of the notion of a baby being raised by apes, and cultural historian Jeffrey Richards.
Producer: Geoff Bird
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2012.
TUE 11:00 Some Mother's Son (m000qz0d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 11:30 Whodunnits (b00wmr2t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 12:00 Girlies (b08qlf98)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 12:30 The Goon Show (b007jws9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 13:00 Fags, Mags and Bags (m00146hf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 13:30 The Betjeman Letters (b007lzwt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 13:45 Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray (b007jvw5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
TUE 14:00 Booked (b0075ly2)
Series 3
Episode 4
From secret diaries of famous literary characters - including Cruella de Vil - to guessing the book title just from crazy sound effects!
Outrageous parody, biting wit and bizarre couplings from:
Mark Thomas
Dillie Keane
Roger McGough
Miles Kington
Ian McMillan chairs the irreverent literary game.
Producer: Marc Jobst
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1997.
TUE 14:30 Hazelbeach (b00vy0ys)
Series 3
Episode 1
Despite a hole in the roof, life is fine - until a very unwelcome guest returns.
Caroline and David Stafford's comedy about likeable conman Ronnie Hazelbeach.
Ronnie Hazelbeach ...... Jamie Foreman
Nick ...... Paul Bazely
James ...... Neil Stuke
Dancer ..... Sean Baker
Chloe ..... Claire Harry
Director: Marc Beeby
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2010.
TUE 15:00 The Hydro by Ronald Frame (m002919r)
Series 2
1. The Return
Fee Drummond is coming to terms with her husband's return from the dead.
Meanwhile, among the guests, there is a very unusual reunion dinner and a wickedly troublesome au pair girl.
Second series of Ronald Frame's drama set in a luxury hotel in the Scottish Highlands.
Starring Eliza Langland as Fee Drummond.
Fee .... Eliza Langland
David .... Crawford Logan
Colin .... Simon Tait
Mrs Drummond .... Ann Scott-Jones
Leonard ....John Buick
Victor .... Sandy Neilson
Graham .... Alexander Morton
Annette .... Mairi Gillespie
Daniela .... Gayanne Potter
Helen .... Monica Gibb
Director: Patrick Rayner
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1998.
TUE 15:45 Short Works (m000t03r)
Hunter's Bog by Carol Farrelly
A young girl hatches a plan to flee her claustrophobic life.
Written by Carol Farrelly, a prize-winning short story writer who lives in Scotland.
Read by Nicola Ferguson.
Producer: Eilidh McCreadie.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2021.
TUE 16:00 A Good Read (b0bbphcf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
TUE 16:30 Tarzan: Lord of the Jungle (b01cjm50)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
TUE 17:00 Some Mother's Son (m000qz0d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 17:30 Whodunnits (b00wmr2t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 18:00 Girlies (b08qlf98)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 18:30 The Goon Show (b007jws9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 19:00 Fags, Mags and Bags (m00146hf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 19:30 The Betjeman Letters (b007lzwt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 19:45 Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray (b007jvw5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
TUE 20:00 Booked (b0075ly2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
TUE 20:30 Hazelbeach (b00vy0ys)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
TUE 21:00 The Hydro by Ronald Frame (m002919r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
TUE 21:45 Short Works (m000t03r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 today]
TUE 22:00 Heresy (m0028syd)
Series 13
Episode 4
Victoria Coren Mitchell is joined by David Baddiel, Desiree Burch and Steph McGovern to discuss screen time, dry January and what life would be like as a cash-free society.
Written and presented by Victoria Coren Mitchell with additional material from Dan Gaster and Charlie Skelton
Produced by Victoria Coren Mitchell and Daisy Knight
Series created by David Baddiel
Sound Design - David Thomas
Broadcast Assistant - Jenny Recaldin
An Avalon production for BBC Radio 4
TUE 22:30 The Penny Dreadfuls (b00gpbcv)
More Brothers Faversham
Maximillian Faversham
The story of Victorian Britain's greatest horror writer.
The comedy trio return with more tales in their swashbuckling family romp.
Written by and starring The Penny Dreadfuls:
Humphrey Ker
David Reed
Thom Tuck
With:
Miles Jupp
Ingrid Oliver
Script edited by Richard Turner.
Producer: Julia McKenzie
Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in 2008.
TUE 23:00 Date With Fate (b0092wr7)
Love Bites
We've all been visited by the doubt that perhaps we've chosen a less than perfect soulmate.
Martin's proposal to his girlfriend does not go according to plan.
Harold Wing Pinero is your host.
Another comic close encounter with fate.
Written by Gary Parker and Phil Whelans.
Harold Wing Pinero …. Charles Gray
Martin …. Paul Raffield
Wendy …. Gillian Bevan
Journalist/Sheila …. Tracy Wiles
Liam …. James Nesbitt
Others …. Stephen Critchlow
Guitar played by Tim Hope.
Producer: Paul Schlesinger
First broadcast in BBC Radio 4 in March 1996.
TUE 23:15 Hamish and Dougal: You'll Have Had Your Tea (b0080273)
Series 1
The Shooting Party
The elderly Scotsmen assist the Laird with armaments for shooting out on the moors.
Barry Cryer and Graeme Garden star as the two Scotsmen famed for their appearances on BBC Radio’s I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue.
With Alison Steadman as their cleaning-lady-cum-housekeeper, and Jeremy Hardy as the local Laird.
Hamish ...... Barry Cryer
Dougal ...... Graeme Garden
Mrs Naughtie ...... Alison Steadman
The Laird ...... Jeremy Hardy
Producer: Jon Naismith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2002.
TUE 23:30 Ivo Graham's Obsessions (b0b9zbpj)
Joe Lycett's Obsessions - Series 1
Katherine Ryan and Greg James
Joe Lycett explores the nation's weird and wonderful obsessions by getting to know a selection of famous and not so famous guests.
Joining Joe on the sofa this week, comedian Katherine Ryan shares her love of the Kardashians, whilst Radio 1 DJ Greg James introduces Joe to the world of cricket.
Joe also welcomes members of the public to share their secret passions, as well as this week's VOP (very obsessed person), Mattie Faint the curator of The Clown Gallery and Museum.
Written and performed by Joe Lycett, with material from James Kettle and additional material from Laura Major and Mike Shepherd.
Produced by Suzy Grant.
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in July 2018.

WEDNESDAY 19 MARCH 2025

WED 00:00 A Good Read (b0bbphcf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Tuesday]
WED 00:30 Tarzan: Lord of the Jungle (b01cjm50)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Tuesday]
WED 01:00 Some Mother's Son (m000qz0d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:30 Whodunnits (b00wmr2t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Tuesday]
WED 02:00 Girlies (b08qlf98)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Tuesday]
WED 02:30 The Goon Show (b007jws9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:00 Fags, Mags and Bags (m00146hf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Tuesday]
WED 03:30 The Betjeman Letters (b007lzwt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:45 Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray (b007jvw5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Tuesday]
WED 04:00 Booked (b0075ly2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:30 Hazelbeach (b00vy0ys)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Tuesday]
WED 05:00 The Hydro by Ronald Frame (m002919r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Tuesday]
WED 05:45 Short Works (m000t03r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 on Tuesday]
WED 06:00 Some Mother's Son (m000qz19)
6. The End?
Ecology journalist Andy Smith is now entirely in Sir Jack Watson's power - can he escape?
Starring Nick Chilvers.
Conclusion of John Fletcher's thriller serial.
Andy ... Nick Chilvers
Sir Jack ... Conrad Phillips
Stanley ... Nick Brimble
Anderson ... Trevor Nichols
Anne ... Caroline Blakiston
Shirley ... Diane Fletcher
Director: Brian Miller
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1987.
WED 06:30 Whodunnits (b00wmxj3)
A Charles Paris Mystery - Dead Side of the Mic
3. New York
The actor-cum-amateur sleuth Charles Paris heads for America for a funeral - and to investigate a lead into the murder of a BBC studio manager.
Charles Paris ...... Bill Nighy
Frances Paris ...... Suzanne Burden
Juliet Paris ...... Tilly Gaunt
Maurice ...... Jon Glover
Tom McLeish ...... Nicky Henson
Steph Kennett ...... Emily Raymond
Edwin Palmer ...... Chris Pavlo
Jamie ...... Alex Lanipekun
Toby ...... Paul Rider
Customs Officer ...... Jill Cardo
Fat Freddy ...... Gunnar Cauthrey
Written by Simon Brett.
Adapted by Jeremy Front.
Produced by Sally Avens.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2008.
WED 07:00 Mr Finchley Takes the Road (b007k1yv)
6. One-Man Band
Edgar Finchley meets a one man band, is put in the picture, and all is revealed.
Victor Canning's novel about the adventures of a man and his horse-drawn caravan touring the 1930s countryside of Kent.
Richard Griffiths stars as Mr Finchley.
With Peter Vaughan as Turk, Robert Gill as Robert Finchley, Dinah Sheridan as Mrs Finchley, Richard Ridings as Duffy, Ian Bartholomew as Jenks, Bill Wallis as Joe Turnbull, Geoffrey McGivern as James Grimes, Sebastian Brennan as Clarence Armitage and Jacqueline Tong as Mrs Armitage.
Concluding episode narrated by James Villiers.
Adapted in six parts by Andy and Eric Merriman.
Producer: Gareth Edwards
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in May 1993.
WED 07:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007k4m9)
Series 4
The Bolshoi Ballet
The Lad's hopes for a night of dance at London's Covent Garden don't quite go to plan.
Ray Galton and Alan Simpson's classic comedy about the life and times of Anthony Aloysius St John Hancock.
Starring Tony Hancock.
With:
Sidney James
Bill Kerr
Kenneth Williams
Theme and incidental music written by Wally Stott.
Music recorded by the BBC Augmented Revue Orchestra conducted by Harry Rabinowitz.
Producer: Dennis Main Wilson
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in October 1956.
WED 08:00 Women Talking About Cars (b0952zlp)
Series 2
Esther Rantzen
Victoria Coren Mitchell interviews TV presenter and campaigner Esther Rantzen about cars.
She tells the story of her journey from her first memories of her grandmother's sedate Hawker Siddely limousine through to the intensity of the That's Life years and helming one of the nation's most popular TV programmes through to the joys of becoming a grandmother herself.
And you can find out what no driving test examiner should ever say to a successful candidate.
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 contributions from our studio audience and tongue-in-cheek readings from Morwenna Banks.
Producer: Gareth Edwards
A BBC Studios Comedy production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2017.
WED 08:30 The Betjeman Letters (b007m475)
3. 1939 to 1940: There's A War on you know.
Conflict, Christianity and Hugh Walpole. More correspondence from the future Poet Laureate.
A selection from the first volume of John Betjeman's letters. From lively university days, an initial shaky start to his career, to love, literature, architecture, religion and the war.
In this episode, 1939 to 1940 - There's a War on you know.
Read by Michael Williams.
Abridged by Andrew Simpson.
Producer Marion Nancarrow.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1995.
WED 08:45 Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray (b007jvwb)
3. Admirers
A lascivious lawyer and a dashing captain - orphaned, ambitious Becky Sharp continues to attract admirers.
Stephen Fry narrates one of the greatest comic novels of the Victorian period.
Written by William Makepeace Thackeray.
Dramatised by Stephen Wyatt.
Becky Sharp …… Emma Fielding
Lady Crawley.....Joanna McCallum
Sir Pitt Crawley...Trevor Peacock
Pitt Crawley..........Jon Glover
Miss Crawley........Margaret Tyzack
Rawdon Crawley....Ray Coulthard
Producer: Claire Grove
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2004.
WED 09:00 Yesterday in Parliament (m002920m)
The latest news from Westminster - and beyond.
WED 09:30 Charisma: Pinning Down the Butterfly (b0680gv1)
8. Hitler's Library
Exploring the historical ideas that influenced the Third Reich, and how the horrors of Hitler's so-called 'dark charisma' have affected European attitudes to political charisma ever since.
Francine Stock attempts to pin down the alluring yet elusive quality of charisma.
Francine Stock's starting point are the books in Hitler's library and the ideas which he drew from them. She talks with Professor John Adair from the UN about the influential Great Man theory of the Victorian writer Thomas Carlyle; and with Professor Michael Kenny from the Mile End Institute at Queen Mary, University of London, about the writings of the German sociologist, Max Weber, who died in 1920 but whose key work on charisma would have been known to Hitler.
Francine moves on to consider how the atrocities of the Hitler years have created a suspicion of charismatic political leadership across Europe to this day - as witnessed, perhaps, in Angela Merkel's 'drab charisma', or the ambivalence of the British electorate towards Tony Blair.
With the help of writer and broadcaster Abdel Bari Atwan, author of an important new book on the Digital Caliphate of the so-called Islamic State, Francine wonders whether the dark charismatic power of an individual leader such as Hitler is now being replaced by a more diffuse but equally sinister online presence.
Reader: Simon Russell Beale
Producer: Beaty Rubens
First brpadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2015.
WED 09:45 Daily Service (m002920p)
Nicene creed - he came down from heaven
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Nicene creed - he came down from heaven
Presenter: Angela Tilby
Reading: John 6 35-40
Music:
Praise my soul the King of heaven - Guildford Cathedral Choir
Servant king - Graham Kendrick
Jesus Bread of Life - Diana Gameros
WED 10:00 Archive on 4 (m00120jp)
Everyone is an Artist
Taking his cue from 2021's Turner Prize shortlist of five artists’ collectives, James Fox tells the untold story of community and socially-engaged art in post-war Britain.
Concrete cows. First World War soldiers waiting at twenty-first century train stations. A concrete cast of a house. These are just some of the manifestations of public and community art that have captured the attention of the British public over the last 50 years. These are three well-known examples among thousands, of the efforts of artists to change the fabric of the environments in which we live, work and play. This year, the Turner prize shortlist consists of five artists’ collectives from around the UK: groups whose work does not principally belong in galleries; work that does not seek, as its principal focus, to present an admiring public with artefacts of beauty in hallowed halls of culture.
This ‘movement’, for want of a better term, continues to intrigue, puzzle, delight, and exasperate the public to whom it is offered. But what is it? Does it change society? Is it good? How do we assess it? Or are we hampered by an outdated and hard-to-shake-off idea of what an artist is, and how and where they present their work to us?
Looking back over the last 50 years and more, art historian Dr James Fox investigates the historical antecedents of this year’s Turner Prize shortlist. Drawing on the BBC archive and contemporary interviews, he disentangles some of the many threads of art practice that have been visible in the public domain; and talks to curators, practitioners, participants and arts professionals about the work they have presented. What makes it good? How do we compare it with a great master painting? Do we have the necessary critical and analytical vocabulary to make sense of this work?
James’s journey, both historical and geographical, takes him from Fife in Scotland to the south coast of England. On the way he visits Milton Keynes, the largest and most ambitious of Britain’s post-war new towns, where public and community art were seen as critically important elements of the nascent identity of a brave new settlement. James considers the work of important organisations, such as the Artist’s Placement Group in the 1960’s and 70’s, and the activity of Project Artworks, whose nomination for this year’s Turner Prize is a tribute to 20 years of work that identifies a crossing point between art, care, and social activism.
This story, which might seem peripheral to the mainstream, is in fact one that looks deep into the qualities of the society that we might seek to live in. James Fox is our guide through a complex creative maze.
Producers: Lyndon Jones & Bella Kerr
Made by BBC Wales for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in November 2021.
WED 11:00 Some Mother's Son (m000qz19)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 11:30 Whodunnits (b00wmxj3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 12:00 Mr Finchley Takes the Road (b007k1yv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 12:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007k4m9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 13:00 Women Talking About Cars (b0952zlp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 13:30 The Betjeman Letters (b007m475)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 13:45 Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray (b007jvwb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
WED 14:00 It's Your Round (b00zf4nz)
Series 1
Episode 5
Angus Deayton hosts the comedy panel show with no format.
Battling it out to see who can beat each other at their own games:
Tim Key
Micky Flanagan
Bridget Christie
Nick Hancock
What is Micky's 'Cockney Rhyming Slang Charades' all about and is it any fun to play? Can anyone understand the rules to Tim's 'No More Women'? And what is Bridget's idea of her 'Fantasy Funeral'? Find out the answers to these questions, and more, in this show.
Angus valiantly tries to make sure everyone comes out of it with their reputations intact.
Reader: Christine Kavanagh
Writers: Angus Deayton, Ged Parsons and Paul Powell
Devised by Benjamin Partridge.
Producer: Sam Michell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2011.
WED 14:30 All the Young Dudes (b01b3cgf)
Series 2
Happy Together
Patrick and Helen have a massive row, while Billy arranges to meet a mystery woman.
The lives of Patrick and wife Helen back in the town where he was born.
Comedy drama written by and starring Jim Sweeney
Patrick .... Jim Sweeney
Helen .... Cathryn Harrison
Billy .... Steve Steen
Moira .... Sadie Shimmin
Joe .... Stephen Frost
Maria .... Flaminia Cinque
Charlie .... Izzy de Rosario
Producer: Steve Doherty
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2002.
WED 15:00 The Hydro by Ronald Frame (m002920r)
Series 2
2. Revenge
A famous TV soap opera star plans a secret revenge in the dining room; and a Businesswomen's Conference leaves one accompanying husband with far too much time on his hands.
Can Fee Drummond deal with guest and family demands?
Second series of Ronald Frame's drama set in a luxury hotel in the Scottish Highlands.
Starring Eliza Langland as Fee Drummond.
Fee .... Eliza Langland
David .... Crawford Logan
Wilma .... Una McLean
Judge .... Tom Watson
Mrs Drummond .... Ann Scott-Jones
Andrew .... Gregor Powrie
Gail .... Deirdre Davis
Colin .... Simon Tait
Bar Girl .... Louise Ludgate
Director: Patrick Rayner
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1998.
WED 15:45 Short Works (m000t77d)
You Forgot Me First by Tara West
University lecturer Claire finds herself responsible for the working class father she has barely seen in over 40 years.
An original short story specially commissioned by BBC Radio 4 from the Northern Irish writer Tara West.
Tara West is a writer from Co Antrim whose published works include two novels and a memoir. She is a doctoral student at the Seamus Heaney Centre at Queen’s University Belfast and is one of BBC Writersroom’s Belfast Voices.
Read by Andrea Irvine.
Producer: Michael Shannon
A BBC Northern Ireland production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in March 2021.
WED 16:00 Archive on 4 (m00120jp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
WED 17:00 Some Mother's Son (m000qz19)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 17:30 Whodunnits (b00wmxj3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 18:00 Mr Finchley Takes the Road (b007k1yv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 18:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007k4m9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 19:00 Women Talking About Cars (b0952zlp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 19:30 The Betjeman Letters (b007m475)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 19:45 Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray (b007jvwb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
WED 20:00 It's Your Round (b00zf4nz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
WED 20:30 All the Young Dudes (b01b3cgf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
WED 21:00 The Hydro by Ronald Frame (m002920r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
WED 21:45 Short Works (m000t77d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 today]
WED 22:00 Alexei Sayle's Imaginary Sandwich Bar (m0028skq)
Series 5
2. What is this place you have brought me to Roger?
Stand-up, philosophy and memoir from the godfather of alternative comedy, Alexei Sayle.
In this episode, Alexei recalls his unorthodox upbringing in Liverpool, his subsequent move to London, and a woman called Mrs Cocker who said something that has stuck with him for ever.
Written and performed by Alexei Sayle.
The song was written and composed by Tim Sutton with:
Sophie Creaner - clarinet and sax
Tom Ellis - acoustic guitar
Matt Sharp - cello
Producer - Richard Morris
Production Co-ordinator - Jodie Charman
A BBC Studios Audio Production for Radio 4.
WED 22:30 Alice's Wunderland (b03mj3hp)
Series 2
Unclear War
The Poundland of magical realms - Wunderland is under threat from an Unclear War.
Sketch show written by and starring Alice Lowe.
With:
Richard Glover
Simon Greenall
Rachel Stubbings
Clare Thompson
Marcia Warren
Producer: Lyndsay Fenner.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2014.
WED 23:00 Arthur Smith's Balham Bash (b00s0hn9)
Series 2
Episode 2
More comedy, music and entertainment direct from Arthur Smith's flat in south London.
With his guests:
Paloma Faith
Miles Jupp
Tom Wrigglesworth
Producer: Alison Vernon-Smith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2010.
WED 23:30 Masala FM (b007jypp)
Episode 3
When one of Auntieji's disgruntled listeners decides to take matters in to his own hands, Khalid may be the only one who can save the station.
Asian radio station sitcom written by Meera Syal.
Starring:
Sanjeev Bhaskar
Nitin Sawheny
Meera Syal
Nina Wadia
Music by Nitin Sawhney.
Producer: Liz Anstee
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1996.

THURSDAY 20 MARCH 2025

THU 00:00 Archive on 4 (m00120jp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 Some Mother's Son (m000qz19)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:30 Whodunnits (b00wmxj3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 Mr Finchley Takes the Road (b007k1yv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007k4m9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 Women Talking About Cars (b0952zlp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Wednesday]
THU 03:30 The Betjeman Letters (b007m475)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:45 Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray (b007jvwb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 It's Your Round (b00zf4nz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:30 All the Young Dudes (b01b3cgf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 The Hydro by Ronald Frame (m002920r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Wednesday]
THU 05:45 Short Works (m000t77d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 on Wednesday]
THU 06:00 Find The Lady (m000f00m)
1. In Which Andrew Marsh Loses a Cheque Book
"Cheque books should be regarded as valuable and the bank should be promptly advised in a case of loss."
After second-hand car dealer Andrew Marsh loses a cheque book, it sparks a dramatic chain of highly suspicious events.
Starring Noel Johnson.
Seven-part murder mystery thriller serial written by David Ellis.
Andrew Marsh …. Noel Johnson
Roger Sherwin …. Douglas Blackwell
Detective Sergeant Rankin …. Henry Stamper
Joyce Marsh …. Madi Hedd
George …. John Baddeley
Peter Lloyd …. Michael Deacon
Carol Ransome …. Jenny McCracken
Doctor …. David Brierley
Constable …. Peter Baldwin
Noel Johnson is best remembered as the voice of BBC Radio's Dick Barton Special Agent.
David Ellis also wrote for BBC TV's Dixon of Dock Green and Z-Cars.
Producer: Betty Davies.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in January 1969.
THU 06:30 Whodunnits (b00wnmbt)
A Charles Paris Mystery - Dead Side of the Mic
4. Sound FX Store
Charles is investigating the death of a studio manager in Broadcasting House when he comes face to face with her killer... in the sound effects store.
Charles Paris ...... Bill Nighy
Frances Paris ...... Suzanne Burden
Juliet Paris/ Pixie ...... Tilly Gaunt
Maurice ...... Jon Glover
Tom McLeish ...... Nicky Henson
Jamie ...... Alex Lanipekun
Toby ...... Paul Rider
Steph Kennett ...... Emily Raymond
Edwin Palmer ...... Chris Pavlo
Written by Simon Brett
Adapted by Jeremy Front
Produced by Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2008.
THU 07:00 Jeeves and the Feudal Spirit (m00294w9)
Jeeves Mastermind
Bertie’s matrimonially cornered. Aunt Dahlia's in a ticklish financial spot. Could Jeeves’s famous ‘morning mixture’ assist?
PG Wodehouse's romp starring Michael Hordern and Richard Briers.
Adapted in six parts by Richard Usborne.
Jeeves …. Michael Hordern
Bertie Wooster …. Richard Briers
'Stilton' Cheesewright …. James Villiers
Florence Craye …. Liza Goddard
Aunt Dahlia …. Vivian Pickles
Percy Gorringe …. Jonathan Cecil
L.G. Trotter …. Norman Bird
Mrs Trotter …. Diana King
Daphne Dolores Morehead …. Ann Davies
Seppings …. David Tate
Producer: David Hatch
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1979.
THU 07:30 The Small, Intricate Life of Gerald C Potter (b007wwg9)
Series 1
The Dog
Gerald is alarmed to discover a large four-legged friend sitting in his car.
The convoluted chronicle of an optimistic author who's married to a more successful writer.
Starring Ian Carmichael and Charlotte Mitchell.
Written by Basil Boothroyd.
Gerald C Potter ...... Ian Carmichael
Diana Potter ...... Charlotte Mitchell
With:
Margaret Robertson
James Thomason
Peter Craze
Producer: Bobby Jaye
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1976.
THU 08:00 Skeletons in the Cupboard (m000b0qg)
Series 1
Hairy Moments
Lesley and Maureen, stripping Mum’s bed, find a hair - which leads to Lesley's confession about the circumstances surrounding their mother's death.
Her guilt about it has caused her agoraphobia. She can't leave the house, because she feels that people will know what she's done.
David arrives and Maureen tries hard not to let him in, but he forces his way into the hall to explain who he really is. By revealing his true identity he thinks that the sisters' antipathy will be allayed.
Maureen ...... Alison Steadman
Lesley ...... Morwenna Banks
David ...... Nigel Planer
Written by Sue Limb
Produced and Directed by Jamie Rix
A Little Brother production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in November 2019.
THU 08:30 The Betjeman Letters (b007jxcs)
4. 1945 to 1948: Poetry, prose and religion
Catholicism and the Church of England, Evelyn Waugh and Nancy Mitford - more musings from the poet.
A selection from the first volume of John Betjeman's letters. From lively university days, an initial shaky start to his career, to love, literature, architecture, religion and the war.
In this epsiode, 1945 to 1948 - poetry, prose and religion.
Read by Michael Williams.
Abridged by Andrew Simpson.
Producer Marion Nancarrow.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1995.
THU 08:45 Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray (b007jvwg)
4. Charmer
Becky Sharp aims to charm a wealthy spinster and her handsome nephew.
Stephen Fry narrates one of the greatest comic novels of the Victorian period.
Written by William Makepeace Thackeray.
Dramatised by Stephen Wyatt.
Becky Sharp …… Emma Fielding
Amelia Sedley …… Katy Cavanagh
George Osborne …… Nicholas Boulton
Miss Crawley........Margaret Tyzack
Mrs Bute Crawley.......Jemma Churchill
William Dobbin....Tom Smith
Maria Osborne.....Alice Hart
John Osborne.......Geoffrey Whitehead
Ensign Stubble.......Stephen Hogan
Producer: Claire Grove
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2004.
THU 09:00 Yesterday in Parliament (m0029238)
The latest news from Westminster - and beyond.
THU 09:30 Charisma: Pinning Down the Butterfly (b0680lxz)
9. The Nelson Effect
Exploring the charisma of humility and service in Nelson Mandela and the Dalai Lama.
Francine Stock attempts to pin down the alluring yet elusive quality of charisma.
Throughout the series, Francine Stock has been fascinated to learn that charisma is an amoral quality - value-free, neither positive nor negative in itself, with the potential to do good or harm depending on those who harness it. In the previous episode, she considered the appalling impact of Hitler's "dark charisma".
She now turns to two 21st century individuals who have used their charisma to serve their people: Nelson Mandela and the Dalai Lama.
Francine talks with Moeletsi Mbeki, Deputy Chairman of the South African Institute of International Affairs, who knew Nelson Mandela well and who anatomises his particularly powerful type of charisma. And she hears from Jas Elsner, who has worked closely with the Dalai Lama, and who explains how his religious upbringing and belief underpin his charisma.
In an era in which the casual use of the term charisma has proliferated, Professor John Potts - who recently came across an advertisement for a "charismatic sandwich" (one in which the lettuce was particularly crisp) - discusses the importance of authenticity in the truly charismatic.
Producer: Beaty Rubens.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2015.
THU 09:45 Daily Service (m002923b)
Nicene creed - by the power of the Holy Spirit
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Nicene creed - by the power of the Holy Spirit
Presenter: Richard Littledale
Reading: Isaiah 11: 1-5
THU 10:00 Great Lives (b007yvrp)
Brian Clough
'Old Big 'Ed' would have approved of a programme like this...
Football commentator John Motson proposes European Cup-winning manager, Brian Clough
Presented by Matthew Parris.
With biographer Duncan Hamilton, author of "Provided You Don't Kiss Me: 20 Years With Brian Clough."
Producer: Mark Smalley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2007.
THU 10:30 Peter Brook (m000v2wk)
Glenda Jackson's exclusive interview with world famous theatre director, Peter Brook.
Peter Brook died on the 2nd July 2022, aged 97, after a prolific career spanning more than six decades. Glenda Jackson featured in several of his land mark productions.
This intimate and personal look at Peter Brook's theatre work is in conversation with Glenda Jackson and was recorded just a year before his death.
With landmark productions that changed the face of British theatre, such as the electrifying Marat Sade and the liberating, landmark acrobatic production of Midsummer Night's Dream, and since moving to Paris, internationally renowned The Mahabharata, this is a moving tribute to a world class director.
Presented by Glenda Jackson.
Producer: Pauline Harris
Made by BBC Audio North for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in April 2021.
*** Glenda Jackson - former MP and double-Oscar-winning actress - died aged 87 in 2023.
THU 11:00 Find The Lady (m000f00m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 11:30 Whodunnits (b00wnmbt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 12:00 Jeeves and the Feudal Spirit (m00294w9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 12:30 The Small, Intricate Life of Gerald C Potter (b007wwg9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 13:00 Skeletons in the Cupboard (m000b0qg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 13:30 The Betjeman Letters (b007jxcs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 13:45 Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray (b007jvwg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
THU 14:00 Who Goes There? (b00fnq9s)
Series 3
Episode 4
Martin Young chairs the quiz which looks at the noteworthy and the notorious from history.
Tackling the biographical teasers are team captains Francis Wheen and Fred Housego.
With guests:
Sue Cook
Annabel Giles
Producer: Liz Anstee
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2000.
THU 14:30 No Commitments (b00776j7)
Series 13
Age Difference
Charlotte seems to be developing a new career as a model.
And why isn't Victoria happier about Emily's pregnancy?
Return of Simon Brett’s sitcom about the lives and squabbles of three very different sisters.
Anna …. Rosemary Leach
Victoria …. Angela Thome
Charlotte …. Felicity Montagu
Roger …. Jonathan Coy
Max …. Jon Glover
Music by Elizabeth Parker of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop.
Written and produced by Simon Brett.
First broadcast on BBC Radio in April 2007.
THU 15:00 The Hydro by Ronald Frame (m002923d)
Series 2
3. Rivals
Fee Drummond hears news about a rival hotel.
Meanwhile, four old friends are having a surprising reunion on the tennis court, and in the Palm Court an artist's widow is trying to avoid the probing lens of a TV documentary team.
Starring Eliza Langland as Fee Drummond.
Ronald Frame's drama set in a luxury hotel in the Scottish Highlands.
Fee .... Eliza Langland
David .... Crawford Logan
Eleanor .... Edith MacArthur
Coral .... Vivienne Dixon
Colin .... Simon Tait
Ranald .... Paul Young
Mhairi .... Emma Currie
Alistair .... James Bryce
Fran .... Irene MacDougall
Director: Patrick Rayner
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1998.
THU 15:45 Short Works (m000y7tc)
The Counting Sheep by Lucy Caldwell
Mary was having trouble sleeping until, one morning, she wakes up to some unexpected visitors.
An original short story specially commissioned by BBC Radio 4 by the Northern Irish writer Lucy Caldwell.
Lucy Caldwell is the award-winning author of three novels, several stage plays and radio dramas, and two collections of short stories: Multitudes and Intimacies. She is also the editor of Being Various: New Irish Short Stories. Awards include the Rooney Prize for Irish Literature, the George Devine Award, the Dylan Thomas Prize, the Imison Award, the Susan Smith Blackburn Award, the Irish Writers’ and Screenwriters’ Guild Award, the Commonwealth Writers’ Award (Canada & Europe), the Edge Hill Short Story Prize Readers’ Choice Award, a Fiction Uncovered Award, a K. Blundell Trust Award and a Major Individual Artist Award from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
Read by Louise Parker.
Producer: Michael Shannon
A BBC Northern Ireland production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in July 2021.
THU 16:00 Great Lives (b007yvrp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
THU 16:30 Peter Brook (m000v2wk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
THU 17:00 Find The Lady (m000f00m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 17:30 Whodunnits (b00wnmbt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 18:00 Jeeves and the Feudal Spirit (m00294w9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 18:30 The Small, Intricate Life of Gerald C Potter (b007wwg9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 19:00 Skeletons in the Cupboard (m000b0qg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 19:30 The Betjeman Letters (b007jxcs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 19:45 Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray (b007jvwg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
THU 20:00 Who Goes There? (b00fnq9s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
THU 20:30 No Commitments (b00776j7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
THU 21:00 The Hydro by Ronald Frame (m002923d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
THU 21:45 Short Works (m000y7tc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 today]
THU 22:00 The 13 Million Club (m0028v0g)
Spring Day
More than 13 million people in this country can be classed as disabled, often in ways we don’t think or talk about – sometimes in ways which even they are not fully conscious of. The spectrum of mental and physical disability is far wider than most of us have ever thought about. It’s an elephant in the room - we can all see it (unless we’re visually impaired) but none of us talk about it (unless we have Tourette Syndrome).
If you’re uncomfortable with these jokes, don’t worry, this show isn’t always going to be comfortable. But it will be subversive, celebratory, and absolutely unlike anything else you’ve ever heard on the radio – or, very likely, anywhere else.
Under the stewardship of sassy American import, Spring Day, The 13 Million Club brings together a remarkable range of talents and a collection of fresh perspectives in a smorgasbord of stand-up and spiky consumer pieces.
From dwarfism to Parkinson’s, via cystic fibrosis, hearing loss, Tourette’s, life in a wheelchair and more besides, we laugh at and with our spectacular cast, which includes Paul Sinha, Will Robbins, Esther Manito and Jess Thom. While they laugh at the attitudes of others, and the madness of a world which is struggling to catch up with - let alone accommodate - them.
Produced by Lianne Coop and Mark Watson.
An Impatient production for BBC Radio 4.
THU 22:30 The Problem With Adam Bloom (b007n101)
Series 1
Gossip
Adam Bloom investigates exactly who starts rumours?
Helping Adam to silence wagging tongues are Sarah Kennedy, Brendon Burns and Stefano Paolini.
Written by Adam Bloom.
Producer: Adam Bromley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2003.
THU 22:45 Knocker (b0089jjk)
Eligibilliant
It's Halloween! Market researcher Ian Dunn tackles a rundown council tower block.
It's a tough and terrifying job, but one old woman seems to have been expecting him...
Comedy series written by and starring Neil Edmond.
Ian Dunn …. Neil Edmond
Mary/Mrs Rapidis …. Paula Wilcox
Mrs Worth …. Julia Deakin
Ms Shape …. Tina Gray
Mr Bluff …. Simone Treves
Producer: Tilusha Ghelani
Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in November 2007.
THU 23:00 The Million Pound Radio Show (b00b0jzg)
Series 3
Episode 6
Diabolical ways to look after your money.
Sharp-edged topical humour in the most expensive show on radio.
Written by and starring Andy Hamilton and Nick Revell.
With:
Felicity Montagu
Harry Enfield
Producer: Paul Mayhew-Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1987.
THU 23:30 Beauty of Britain (b0100gqp)
Series 2
Citroen UXB
No professional care-worker can afford to miss Beauty Olonga's survival guide to Britain – with overheated houses, disappointing church services and world-class charity shops.
Series 2 sees Beauty sent by the Featherdown Agency to provide care for those who need it - and some who don't, but all of whom have relatives with guilty consciences.
Beauty sees herself as an inspiration to other African girls hoping to live the dream in Britain – a land of opportunities. The professional classes are off sick through binge drinking and the rest too lazy to get off the couch to answer the pizza delivery man.
The series breaks the embarrassed silence about what happens to us when we get old and start to lose our faculties. It’s a chaotic, tragi-comedy, from Beauty’s point of view, whose Zimbabwean Shona background has taught her to respect age.
Beauty is sent to look after Sarah, who lives with both her mother and daughter. A perfect, happy modern family, like the kind Beauty has seen in feel-good British movies.
With her own family being very demanding, it is understandable when Beauty begins to get too close.
Written by Christopher Douglas and Nicola Sanderson.
Beauty... Jocelyn Jee Esien
Joyce ... Julia McKenzie
Sarah ... Jenny Agutter
Lucy ... Catherine Shepherd
Sally ... Felicity Montagu
Karen ... Nicola Sanderson
Music by The West End Gospel Choir.
Producer: Tilusha Ghelani
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2011.

FRIDAY 21 MARCH 2025

FRI 00:00 Great Lives (b007yvrp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Thursday]
FRI 00:30 Peter Brook (m000v2wk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 Find The Lady (m000f00m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:30 Whodunnits (b00wnmbt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 Jeeves and the Feudal Spirit (m00294w9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:30 The Small, Intricate Life of Gerald C Potter (b007wwg9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 Skeletons in the Cupboard (m000b0qg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Thursday]
FRI 03:30 The Betjeman Letters (b007jxcs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:45 Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray (b007jvwg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 Who Goes There? (b00fnq9s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:30 No Commitments (b00776j7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 The Hydro by Ronald Frame (m002923d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Thursday]
FRI 05:45 Short Works (m000y7tc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 on Thursday]
FRI 06:00 Find The Lady (m000dz0w)
2. In Which Andrew Marsh Loses a Car
Andrew Marsh is reeling from the shock news about his friend Roger.
With growing police suspicions over his role in the loss of his cheque book, Andrew decides to start his own fraud investigation
Starring Noel Johnson.
Murder mystery thriller serial by David Ellis.
Andrew Marsh …. Noel Johnson
Joyce Marsh …. Madi Hedd
Detective Sergeant Rankin …. Henry Stamper
Constable …. Peter Baldwin
Harry Yates …. Leonard Fenton
Salesman …. Rolf Lefebvre
Constable …. Peter Baldwin
Margaret Everard …. Eva Haddon
Producer: Betty Davies.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in February 1969.
FRI 06:30 Limelight (m000wdh0)
The System - Series 1
Level 1: Get Naked
Ben Lewis's propulsive thriller starring Siena Kelly, Jack Rowan and Iain de Caestecker.
When Jake signs up to a personal training programme that promises to turn the meekest man-boy into an alpha male, he doesn’t have a clue what he’s getting himself into. Two years later, his sister Maya sets out to uncover the truth.
Alex … Iain de Caestecker
Jerome… Don Gilét
Maya … Siena Kelly
Beau…Matthew Needham
DI Cohen …Chloe Pirrie
Jake …Jack Rowan
Original music and sound design by Danny Krass
Featuring tracks from Equiknoxx music collective
With thanks to Dr Joel Busher at the Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations, University of Coventry.
A BBC Scotland Production directed by Kirsty Williams
FRI 07:00 Bodgers, Banks and Sparkes (m0029204)
Space
Sketch show comedy from the team created TV's Absolutely: the theme is ‘space’.
A journey into space, to places where nobody has gone before - apart from about 87 astronauts, 43 monkeys and, of course, Star Trek, Blake's 7, Doctor Who, etc.
Featuring many of the team that would go on to create the celebrated late 80s Channel 4 TV comedy, Absolutely.
Stars:
Moray Hunter
Gordon Kennedy
Peter Baike
Jack Docherty
Morwenna Banks
John Steele
Peter Baikie
John Sparkes
Music by Pete Baikie and The Jim Baikie Big Band.
Written by Moray Hunter and John Docherty with Morwenna Banks and John Sparkes.
Producer: Alan Nixon
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1986.
FRI 07:30 The Ken Dodd Show (m0029206)
From 13/10/1963
The King of Knotty Ash with one-liners and sketches galore.
How the West was Won! - and very useful gardening tips.
Starring Ken Dodd.
Recovered episode safely back in the BBC archive.
With:
John Laurie
Judith Chalmers
Percy Edwards
Peter Hudson
Wallas Eaton
Music from Edmundo Ros & his Orchestra.
BBC Revue Orchestra conducted by Malcolm Lockyer
Written by Ken Dodd and Eddie Braben.
Producer: Bill Worsley
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in October 1963.
FRI 08:00 Shush! (b08q62bx)
Series 2
Taken at the Flood
When the library is threatened from an unexpected quarter, Snoo gains some friends and Alice sacrifices her favourite tunic.
Meet Alice - a former child prodigy who won a place at Oxford aged 9 but, because Daddy went too, she never needed to have any friends. She's scared of everything. Everything that is except libraries and Snoo - a slightly confused individual with a have-a-go attitude to life, marriage, haircuts and reality. Snoo loves books, and fully intends to read one one day.
And forever popping into the library is Dr Cadogan - celebrity doctor to the stars and a man with his finger in every pie. Charming, indiscreet and quite possibly wanted by Interpol, if you want a discrete nip and tuck and then photos of it accidentally left on the photocopier, Dr Cadogan is your man.
Their happy life is interrupted by the arrival of Simon Nielson, a man with a mission - a mission to close down inefficient libraries. Fortunately, he hates his mission. What he really wants to do is once - just once - get even with his inexhaustible supply of high-achieving brothers.
Alice ...... Rebecca Front
Snoo ...... Morwenna Banks
Dr Cadogan ...... Michael Fenton Stevens
Simon Nielson ...... Ben Willbond
Written by Morwenna Banks and Rebecca Front
Based on an idea developed with Armando Iannucci
Produced by David Tyler
A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2017.
FRI 08:30 The Betjeman Letters (b007jxcw)
5. 1949 to 1951: Expenses and encouragement.
Disputes with the BBC and speaking up for Dylan Thomas. More missives from the Poet Laureate-to-be.
A selection from the first volume of John Betjeman's letters. From lively university days, an initial shaky start to his career, to love, literature, architecture, religion and the war.
In this epsiode, 1949 to 1951 - expenses and encouragement.
Read by Michael Williams.
Abridged by Andrew Simpson.
Producer Marion Nancarrow.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1995.
FRI 08:45 Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray (b007jvwn)
5. London
Becky travels to London with the ailing spinster Miss Crawley.
Stephen Fry narrates one of the greatest comic novels of the Victorian period.
Written by William Makepeace Thackeray.
Dramatised by Stephen Wyatt.
Becky Sharp …… Emma Fielding
Amelia Sedley …… Katy Cavanagh
George Osborne …… Nicholas Boulton
Miss Crawley........Margaret Tyzack
Miss Briggs.........Kate Buffery
Sir Pitt Crawley...Trevor Peacock
Miss Crawley........Margaret Tyzack
Rawdon Crawley....Ray Coulthard
Producer: Claire Grove
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2004.
FRI 09:00 Yesterday in Parliament (m0029209)
The latest news from Westminster - and beyond.
FRI 09:30 Charisma: Pinning Down the Butterfly (b06810q1)
10. The New Corinthians
Exploring the paradox at the heart of charisma today: that we recognise its intangibility and often debunk it, but continue to crave it and even believe we can buy it.
Francine Stock's final attempt to pin down the alluring yet elusive quality of charisma.
Her starting point is the banking crisis of 2008. She talks with Elesa Zhendorfer about her new book on the role of charismatic leadership in the volatile world of banking; and hears from business journalist and broadcaster Peter Day, who passionately denounces the narcissistic role of so-called charismatic leaders in business and finance today.
Francine then returns to the beginnings of her search, hearing about today's version of charismatic Christianity in today's largely secular society, and its attempts to use charisma for the common good, in accordance with St Paul's original definition.
Francine Stock concludes by wondering whether we can turn this gift of grace to shared advantage: "After all," she states, "We get the charismatics we deserve."
Producer : Beaty Rubens.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2015.
FRI 09:45 Daily Service (m002920c)
Nicene Creed 3 - he became incarnate
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Nicene Creed 3 - he became incarnate
Led by Fr Matt Roche Saunders
Reading: Philippians 2: 5b-11
Music:
Hail to the Lord's anointed
Human - by Sarah Kroger
My song is love unknown
FRI 10:00 Soul Music (b0b01jsk)
Series 26
God Only Knows
"God only knows what I'd be without you"
For artist Kim Lynch God Only Knows is a song that she has carried with her from the moment her father played it to her mother back in their 1960's London home and it's the song that resonated throughout her parents 65 years together.
Meanwhile in land locked Burundi, another couple are bought together from two very different cultures. Sharing the same hopes and prayers, they began their married life by blending a traditional wedding ceremony with the Californian song that spans decades - and continents - to touch souls wherever it's played.
And across the ocean, Erin Prewitt tells her love story and describes how tragic and unexpected circumstances meant she has had to learn to live out those iconic lyrics and discover what it means to be without the person you love.
With reflections from musician Al Kooper and author Barry Miles.
Producer: Nicola Humphries
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2018.
FRI 10:30 Fu Manchu In Edinburgh (b00rt91z)
"Yellow Peril," "Celestial One" and "Devil Doctor": Sax Rohmer's evil genius, Dr Fu Manchu, traded under many aliases, but where was his doctorate from?
"I am a doctor of philosophy from Edinburgh, a doctor of law from Christ College, a doctor of medicine from Harvard. My friends, out of courtesy, call me 'Doctor'." - The Mask of Fu Manchu (1932)
Miles Jupp (also an Edinburgh University alumnus) investigates the hidden Edinburgh years of the criminal mastermind who fought a war against Western imperialism after learning his trade in one of the West's most esteemed Universities.
From the novels we can work out Fu Manchu must have studied in Edinburgh in the early 1870s.
So what do historical records teach us about his time there?
Back then, Conan Doyle was registered at the University Medical School, studying at the feet of Joseph Bell, the inspiration for Sherlock Holmes. Thomas De Quincey, the English Opium Eater, had died in the city a few years before but the network by which he sourced his laudanum was still intact, brought by Chinese Coolies from the Port of Leith to the drawing-rooms of the New Town.
There were Chinese students registered on the matriculation rolls of the University, some of them refugees from the Boxer rebellion, and the seamen's missions and city police reports make it clear that there was a thriving Chinese criminal network in Scotland's capital.
Could Fu Manchu have learned his criminal trade as an undergraduate at the city's university? Could his later dominance of Limehouse in London have been based on the contacts he made with Chinese gangs in Edinburgh?
What factual evidence exists to flesh out the experience of the fictional enemy of the West?
Producer: David Stenhouse
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2010.
FRI 11:00 Find The Lady (m000dz0w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 11:30 Limelight (m000wdh0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 12:00 Bodgers, Banks and Sparkes (m0029204)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 12:30 The Ken Dodd Show (m0029206)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 13:00 Shush! (b08q62bx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 13:30 The Betjeman Letters (b007jxcw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 13:45 Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray (b007jvwn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
FRI 14:00 The Unbelievable Truth (m001741d)
Series 28
Episode 6
David Mitchell hosts the panel game in which four comedians are encouraged to tell lies.
They compete against one another to see how many items of truth they're able to smuggle past their opponents.
The panellists are obliged to talk with deliberate inaccuracy on subjects as varied as flowers, wood, underground and goldfish.
With:
Lou Sanders
Ria Lina
Milton Jones
Chris McCausland
Producer: Jon Naismith
A Random Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2022.
FRI 14:30 Meet Mr Mulliner by PG Wodehouse (m002920f)
Mulliner's Buck-U-Uppo
Pale young curates are rapidly going out of fashion in the last of Mr Mulliner's tales from the bar parlour of the Angler's Rest.
Augustine Mulliner, in particular, is transformed overnight into a tiger of a churchman when his aunt sends some of Uncle Wilfred's latest invention, a tonic called Mulliner's Buck-U-Uppo.
Storyteller Mr Mulliner enlists regular tipplers of the Angler's Rest to tell his tales.
Richard Griffiths stars as Mr Mulliner, first published in 1927, written by PG Wodehouse.
Dramatised in six parts by Roger Davenport.
Mr Mulliner .... Richard Griffiths
Miss Postlethwaite / Jane / Aunt Angela .... Matilda Ziegler
A Small Bitter/ Augustine …. Carl Prekopp
Another Small Bitter / Uncle Wilfred .... Tom George
A Pint of Stout / The Bishop .... David Timson
A Port / Rev Stanley .... Peter Acre
A Light Ale .... Martin Hyder
Mrs Wardle …. Sandra Clark
Director: Ned Chaillet
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2002.
FRI 15:00 The Hydro by Ronald Frame (m002920h)
Series 2
4. Memories
Crisis looms for Fee, as Colin leaves to run a rival hotel, and David takes an interest in another woman.
Starring Eliza Langland as Fee Drummond.
Conclusion of the second series of Ronald Frame's drama set in a luxury hotel in the Scottish Highlands.
Fee .... Eliza Langland
David .... Crawford Logan
Colin .... Simon Tait
Pat .... Sarah Collier
Alan .... Allan Sharpe
Father .... Richard Greenwood
Euan .... Edward Forge
Mrs Marshall .... Muriel Romanes
Kim .... Irene Macdougall
all other parts played by the cast.
Director: Patrick Rayner
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1998.
FRI 15:45 Short Works (m000ynbr)
Ava Unfurled
Inside the storerooms of a museum, a recently bereaved woman finds an unexpected connection to her lost lover in the artworks she’s now taking out of storage.
An original short story specially commissioned by BBC Radio 4 from writer Sue Rainsford.
Read by Roísín Gallagher.
Sue is an Irish fiction and arts writer based in Dublin.
Her practice is concerned with hybrid, lyric and embodied texts, explicit fusions of critical and corporeal inquiry, as well as with questions of transcription and otherness.
A graduate of Trinity College and IADT, in January 2017 she completed her MFA in Writing & Literature at Bennington College, Vermont.
She is a recipient of the VAI/DCC Critical Writing Award (2016/17), the Arts Council Literature Bursary Award (2013, 2018, 2019) and a MacDowell Fellowship (2019). She is a visual arts writer in residence at Roscommon Arts Centre (2018-20), and was writer in residence at Maynooth University (2019-2020).
Producer: Michael Shannon
A BBC Northern Ireland production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2021.
FRI 16:00 Soul Music (b0b01jsk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
FRI 16:30 Fu Manchu In Edinburgh (b00rt91z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
FRI 17:00 Find The Lady (m000dz0w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 17:30 Limelight (m000wdh0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 18:00 Bodgers, Banks and Sparkes (m0029204)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 18:30 The Ken Dodd Show (m0029206)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 19:00 Shush! (b08q62bx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 19:30 The Betjeman Letters (b007jxcw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 19:45 Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray (b007jvwn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
FRI 20:00 The Unbelievable Truth (m001741d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
FRI 20:30 Meet Mr Mulliner by PG Wodehouse (m002920f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
FRI 21:00 The Hydro by Ronald Frame (m002920h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
FRI 21:45 Short Works (m000ynbr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 today]
FRI 22:00 Les Kelly's Britain (b017cjy8)
Episode 3
Les Kelly hosts a magazine show from hell. Les is a cross between Jeremy Kyle and a slap in the face. He claims this is the only radio show for 'normal, decent people'.
Les asks whether able bodied people should have the same rights as the disabled when it comes to having mobility scooters, guide dogs and hearing aids?
And meet the preacher whose religious education lessons involves twisting balloons into the shape of Moses and Jesus, and a woman with an obsessive hatred of Belgians.
Kevin Bishop stars as Les Kelly.
With:
Alan Francis
Pippa Evans
Laurence Howarth
Julian Dutton
Written by Bill Dare and Julian Dutton.
Producer: Bill Dare
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2011.
FRI 22:30 Trevor's World of Sport (b00mjq8k)
Series 2
Episode 3
The sports agent's vain deluded client Ralph acquires every celeb's 'must have' - a stalker.............
Stars Neil Pearson
Andy Hamilton's comedy about an honourable sports agent in a dishonourable world
Trevor …. Neil Pearson
Meryl.........Claire Skinner
Toby.........Matthew Thomas
Sammy …. Paul Reynolds
Ralph …. Michael Fenton Stevens
Theresa …. Rosalind Ayres
Heidrun …. Cosima Shaw
Barry …. Abdul Salis
Written and produced by Andy Hamilton
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2005.
FRI 23:00 Mark Steel's in Town (b0194mxx)
Series 3
Wigan
Mark Steel performs for the residents of Wigan.
He's talking about entering pie-eating competitions, living under floorboards, and the radicalism of George Formby.
During his visit to the Greater Manchester town, he investigates the rich tapestry of remarkable events and people.
Series in which the comedian visits towns across the UK and creates a stand-up show for the locals.
Written by Mark Steel with additional material by Pete Sinclair.
Producer: Sam Bryant
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2012.
FRI 23:30 Talking to Strangers (b06z5d2v)
Episode 1
Comic monologues in which a range of characters find themselves engaging in that most un-British of activities: talking to a stranger.
Each piece is a character study: funny, frank, absurd, moving...
Characters include a sex councillor who loves to draw, a spy who loves to share, a woman who likes to help too much ('I'm a serial helpist...'), a frustrated falconer, and a cheater who has to call her cheatee the morning after. And in this show, the listener 'plays' the silent stranger in the piece...
Written and performed by Sally Phillips and Lily Bevan.
Guest stars include:
Emma Thompson
Olivia Colman
Jessica Hynes
Steve Evets
Sinead Matthews
Joel Fry
Producer: Sam Bryant
A BBC Comedy production for BBC Radio 4 , first broadcast in February 2016.