SATURDAY 11 OCTOBER 2025

SAT 00:00 Soul Music (m001g8dc)
Nessun Dorma

Singer Jon Christos watched the Italia 90 World Cup with his Dad.

He says Pavarotti's live performance of 'Nessun Dorma' at the tournament was the only time he ever saw his Dad cry.

Pavarotti's daughter Cristina talks about the impact this aria had on her father's life and how his 1990 performance inspired many people to become interested in opera.

Beatrice Venezia conducted 'Nessun Dorma' at the 'Puccini day' she created in Lucca in 2018. She also conducted Andrea Bocelli's performance of the aria at the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022.

Sir Bobby Robson's son Mark was at Italia 90 and talks about the pride he felt seeing his Dad lining up with the England team for the semi-final against West Germany. It was also sung at Sir Bobby's memorial service in Durham Cathedral.

Broadcaster and author Alexandra Wilson explains that the opera Turandot is the story of Prince Calaf, who falls in love with the titular Princess. In 'Nessun Dorma' Calaf expresses his determination to win her hand, ending with that extraordinary refrain 'Vincerò!' or 'I will win'.

Paul Potts won 'Britain's Got Talent' in 2007 performing 'Nessun Dorma' and recalls singing it to over a million people at the Brandenburg Gate on New Year's Eve in 2010.

When Italy locked down in March 2020, hairdresser Piero d'Angelico played 'Nessun Dorma' from a five-story window above Cambridge railway station to show solidarity with his home country and the Italian community in his adopted city.

Voiceovers by Mike Ingham and Rebecca Braccialarghe.

Producer: Toby Field for BBC Audio in Bristol

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2022.


SAT 00:30 Mischief Makers (b08svzl8)
Aleister Crowley

Aleister Crowley was a poet, mountaineer and black magician.

In some ways, he looms larger and more sinister today than at the time of his death in 1947.

Frances Donnelly tries to disinter the facts from the fiction obscuring the life of the man who delighted in being styled 'the wickedest man in the world'.

With help from:

Arthur Calder-Marshall
Robin Cecil
Francis King
Angela York

Plus the voice of the 'Master' himself.

Producer: Graham Tayar

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1986.


SAT 01:00 Destination - Fire! (m000bfy6)
Series 1

10. Frozen Alibi

Accident or arson?

Fire investigator Quentin Barnaby must determine the mysterious cause of a blaze in an office.

Starring Robert Beatty.

Philip Levene’s series of intriguing cases for a fire investigator.

Quentin Barnaby ... Robert Beatty
Val Crane … Gudrun Ure
Inspector Hackett … Duncan McIntyre
Alec Groves … Anthony Hall
Mr Ackroyd… Austin Trevor
Gloria … Jill Hyem
Miss Turner … Barbara Mitchell
Thornton … Denys Hawthorne
Bob Craig … John Pullen
Joan Masters … Mary Law

Producer: Martyn C. Webster

First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in November 1962.


SAT 01:30 A Spanish Lover by Joanna Trollope (m002kfr2)
5. Betrayal

Frances's pregnancy has upset everyone but most especially Luis, who feels betrayed.

The story of twins Frances and Lizzie, whose lives take very contrasting paths.

Starring Jemma Redgrave and Caroline Langrishe.

Joanna Trollope's compelling novel, first published in 1993.

Dramatised by Melissa Murray.

Frances .... Jemma Redgrave
Lizzie .... Caroline Langrishe
Luis .... John Turner
Barbara .... Dorothy Tutin
William .... Geoffrey Palmer
Robert .... Paul Rhys
Ana / Customer .... Zulema Dee
Harriet .... Kim Staines
Alistair .... James Cohen
Jenny .... Sandra James Young

Director: Janet Whitaker

First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in November 1995.


SAT 02:00 The Sit Crom (b00m0zyl)
Thick Fog in All Areas

Tobias Thynne finds an unusual way to avoid the Devil's vegetables and all is confusion upon the Heath.

Sue Limb's six-part comedy set during the English Civil War.

Sir John Firebasket ...... Joss Ackland
Lady Anne Firebasket ...... Denise Coffey
Tobias Thynne ...... Clive Merrison
Mercy, alias Melissa ...... Miriam Margoyles
Father Francis ...... Nickolas Grace
Slow Ned ...... Chris Emmett
Gazebo Fogg ...... Jack Klaff
Captain Arise Higgs ...... Alun Armstrong
Posthumous ...... Nicky Henson
Counter Tenor ...... Peter Hayward
Lettice ...... Jane Whittenshaw

Producer: Jonathan James-Moore

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1990.


SAT 02:30 The News Huddlines (m00016gr)
Back to the headline-makers of 1979 – from Elton John and the European Elections to a rampaging Welsh sheep.

Weekly topical sketch show series which ran for 26 years on BBC Radio 2.

Starring Roy Hudd.

With:

Chris Emmett
Janet Brown

Music by the Nic Rowley Quintet.

Written by Andy Hamilton, Laurie Rowley, John Walker, John Langdon, Terry Ravenscroft, Richard Quick, Jeremy Browne, Jimmy Mulville, Ray Binns, Peter Hickey, Reginald Widdas, David Kind, Tom Harris and Malcolm Stephens.

Producer: John Lloyd

First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in June 1979.


SAT 03:00 Bad Salsa (b092ft05)
Series 3

Something Cold

Jill plans to re-marry her ex-husband Colin to protect their son's financial future.

This gives Terri an idea that involves Chippy.

Sitcom about three women who meet during cancer treatment and start going to salsa class together to maintain their friendship. As they adjust to life after cancer they realise that they've all changed.

The series is not about cancer, but about life after cancer, how you cope the changes in your outlook, your desires and your expectations. It's also about how other people cope with the change in you.

Terri ...... Camille Coduri
Chippy ...... Jessie Cave
Jill ...... Natasha Little
Joel ...... Joe Johnsey
Gordon ...... Andrew Obeney
Corinne ...... Kay Stonham
Colin ...... Martin Trenaman
Shop Assistant ...... Kerry Gooderson
Celebrant ...... Kerry Gooderson

Producer: Katie Tyrrell

A BBC Studio production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2017.


SAT 03:30 And When Did You Last See Your Father? by Blake Morrison (b04nvbfk)
5. The Rep

Blake's cantankerous father is in denial about the severity of his ailing health.

Plus memories of a family holiday in Austria where he continued to dominate.

Blake Morrison's award-winning tribute to his father - an irascible Yorkshire GP.

Abridged and read by Blake Morrison.

Producer: Di Speirs

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1994.


SAT 03:45 Going Straight by Melissa Murray (b08hqf5r)
5. Allies

Kirsty's business is in ruins, her new boyfriend Isaac is uncontactable and her former lover, Mary, is working in Croatia.

Emma needs allies to get her life back on track.

Melissa Murray's comedy drama about sex, work and family.

Emma ...... Helen Schlesinger
Kirsty ...... Siobhan Redmond
James ...... James Lailey
Isaac ...... Nick Underwood
Sophie ...... Jane Slavin
Ted ...... Brian Protheroe
Mary ...... Adie Allen
Gwen ...... Debra Baker

Director: Marc Beeby

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2017.


SAT 04:00 The Motion Show (b07bpq37)
Series 4

Episode 6

Debates galore from designer babies - to banning TV chefs.

Graeme Garden chairs the quirky battle of words and wit.

With:

Steve Punt
Gyles Brandreth
Marcus Brigstocke
Andy Parsons

Producer: Helen Williams

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2001.


SAT 04:30 Double Income, No Kids Yet (b008yszx)
Series 3

Episode 2

Golf, holidays with friends and having a baby are the three things that Daniel and Lucy have always sworn they'll never do in life.

But when they end up on a golfing holiday with their unbearable friends, they start to realise life doesn't always turn out how you plan it...

Starring David Tennant and Elizabeth Carling.

David Spicer's comedy drama about modern life and parenthood, as seen through the eyes of two 30-something non-parents.

Daniel …. David Tennant
Lucy …. Liz Carling
Katie …. Tracy-Ann Oberman
Andy …. Tony Gardner
Alison …. Joanna Brookes
Peter …. Robert Harley
Linda …. Carla Mendonca
Steve …. Jonathan Aris
Waiter …. Martin Marquez

Producer: Liz Anstee

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2003.


SAT 05:00 Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte (b007jlm7)
5. Catherine's Plight

Catherine has been forced by vengeful Heathcliff to marry his ailing son Linton.

That way, he will be master of Thrushcross Grange and Wuthering Heights...

Starring John Duttine and Emma Fielding.

Conclusion of Emily Bronte's tale of passion, jealousy and revenge.

Dramatised by Bryony Lavery.

Heathcliff ...... John Duttine
Catherine Linton ...... Emma Fielding
Nellie Dean ...... Sharon Duce
Mr Lockwood ...... David Collings
Hareton ...... Gary Cady
Joseph ..... Steve Hodson
Dr Kenneth ...... John Hartley
Zillah ...... Becky Hindley
Ghost of Cathy ...... Amanda Root

Producer: Janet Whitaker

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1995.


SAT 06:00 J Meade Falkner - Moonfleet (b007jqnz)
When he goes in search of Blackbeard's diamond, young John Trenchard is drawn into a dangerous world of the smugglers.

But the treasure brings a curse and soon John is fleeing for his life.

J Meade Faulkner's classic tale, first published in 1898

Starring Richard Pearce and Robert Glenister.

Dramatised by Nick Warburton.

Old John Trenchard the Narrator …. Robert Glenister
Young John Trenchard …. Richard Pearce
Ratsey …. Ron Cook
Elzevir Block …. James Laurenson
Aunt Jane …. Frances Jeater
Aldobrand …. Sean Baker
Glennie …. Ian Masters
Grace …. Tilly Gaunt
Turnkey …. Stephen Critchlow
Maskew …. Stephen Boxer

Director: Sally Avens

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1998.


SAT 07:30 An Immense World by Ed Yong (Omnibus) (m002kpst)
The Earth teems with sights and textures, sounds and vibrations, smells and tastes, electric and magnetic fields.

But every animal is enclosed within its own unique sensory bubble, perceiving but a tiny sliver of an immense world.

Ed Yong's book welcomes us into previously unfathomable dimensions - the world as it is truly perceived by other animals.

The acclaimed science journalist coaxes us beyond the confines of our own senses, allowing us to perceive the skeins of scent, waves of vibrations, and pulses of pressure that surround us. Because in order to understand our world we don't need to travel to other place, we need to see through other eyes.

He also examines the ‘unwanted sense’ of pain and how different animals experience harmful stimuli.

Throughout, he draws on new research and field experiments conducted by scientists across the globe.

Omnibus of five parts abridged by Jill Waters.

Read by Daniel Weyman

Producer: Jill Waters

A Waters Company production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in June 2022.


SAT 08:45 Ernest Fontwell Versus The Experts (m0006fwf)
The Motoring Experts

Ernest Fontwell investigates the perils of buying and owning a second-hand car...

The series which helps you to beat the fiends in white coats and overalls at their own game.

Written by Lawrie Wyman.

Starring Frank Thornton as Ernest Fontwell

With:

Patsy Rowlands
Gordon Clyde
David Tate

Producer: Geoffrey Perkins

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1979.


SAT 09:00 The Enchanting World of Hinge and Bracket (m002kpsw)
Series 3

Fund Raising

The dear ladies hold a fundraising meeting.

Will there be any good ideas to raise cash?

Starring Dr Evadne Hinge and her lifelong companion Dame Hilda Bracket.

Brought to you from the genteel setting of the Suffolk village of Stackton Tressel, where the musical duo reside.

Written by Mike Craig, Lawrie Kinsley and Ron McDonnell.

Dame Hilda Bracket ...... Patrick Fyffe
Dr Evadne Hinge ...... George Logan
Miss Primley …. Rosalie Williams
Tom …. Peter Wheeler
Teddy Tranter …. Roy Barraclough

Three series ran on BBC Radio 4 between 1977 and 1979, with further spin-off seasons on BBC Radio 2 until 1990.

In the early 1980s, they expanded over to BBC TV with the series Dear Ladies.

Producer: James Casey

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1979.


SAT 09:30 Beyond Our Ken (b00vk2fn)
Series 3

Episode 3

Kenneth Horne has an 'Incident in Macau' - and J Peasmold Gruntfuttock rings his bells.

A madcap mix of sketches and songs written by Eric Merriman.

Starring:

Kenneth Horne
Kenneth Williams
Hugh Paddick
Betty Marsden
Bill Pertwee

Music from Pat Lancaster, the Fraser Hayes Four and the BBC Variety Orchestra conducted by Paul Fenoulhet.

Incidental music by Edwin Braden.

Announcer: Douglas Smith

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) recording.

Producer: Jacques Brown

First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in April 1960.


SAT 10:00 The Real Comedy Controllers: The Things That Made Us Laugh (m0014gt0)
Origins

2. The Goon Show & The Navy Lark

BBC Comedy Controllers from across the decades look back at radio shows from the past.

Clocking up over 150 years on the job between them, Paul Jackson, Beryl Vertue, John Lloyd and Jimmy Mulville reveal what they do, why they do it and what makes them laugh.

From London's iconic BBC Radio Theatre in Broadcasting House - the home of British Radio comedy.

In the second of three programmes, our foursome discuss the 1950s and a Golden Age of BBC radio comedy.

Featuring:

* ‘THE GOON SHOW: The Phantom Head Shaver (of Brighton)
As baldness breaks out in Brighton, is there a connection to a glut of cheap tobacco? From 1954.

* ‘THE NAVY LARK: The Multiple Mines.
A drunken night out sparks chaos when an old mine used as a collection box is set adrift. From 1959

Plus extracts from:

Al Read
Chic Murray

Series Producers: Paul Kobrak and Dixi Stewart.

Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in March 2017.


SAT 11:00 J Meade Falkner - Moonfleet (b007jqnz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


SAT 12:30 An Immense World by Ed Yong (Omnibus) (m002kpst)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


SAT 13:45 Ernest Fontwell Versus The Experts (m0006fwf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]


SAT 14:00 The Enchanting World of Hinge and Bracket (m002kpsw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


SAT 14:30 Beyond Our Ken (b00vk2fn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]


SAT 15:00 The Real Comedy Controllers: The Things That Made Us Laugh (m0014gt0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]


SAT 16:00 Wally K Daly (b007jtfs)
With a Whimper to the Grave

2. Trapped

With Tom trapped amongst the aliens, desperate Sally finds a Government ally.

Starring John Shrapnel and Donald Hewlett.

Conclusion of Wally K Daly's sci-fi trilogy.

To combat the threat of an alien invasion, the nations of the Earth have formed a World Council. The aliens have given selected humans extraordinary 'sixth-sense' powers.

But when these powers are abused, the aliens prepare to leave and abandon the Earth to its fate.

But are they really going? And what fate awaits the Earth's inhabitants?

Marge …. Angela Thorne
Doctor …. Arnold Diamond
Ray/Pilot …. Clive Panto
David/Paul …. Crawford Logan
A. P. Smith …. Donald Hewlett
Charles …. Henry Stamper
Tom Harris …. John Shrapnel
Sally's mother …. Katherine Parr
Alien Controller …. Manning Wilson
Vera …. Margot Boyd
Foreign Pilot/Barry …. Mark Rolston
Sally Harris …. Maureen O'Brien
Corporal/Vince …. Michael Jenner
Geoffrey Palmer …. Robert Dawes
Baby Sam/Gloria …. Moir Leslie
George …. Patrick Troughton
Alien …. Peter Acre
Silkin …. Peter Wickham
'642' …. Timothy West

Director: Martin Jenkins

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1984.


SAT 16:30 Cult Vampires (m0003sw6)
2. After the Stone Age by Brian Stableford

Desperate Mena discovers some unusual dieticians.

They really do get their teeth into helping her shed weight...

Clare Corbett reads Brian Stableford’s tale.

Series of tales about vampires with a blood-sucking twist.

Producer: Ann Kelly

First published on the BBC Cult Vampire website.

First broadcast on BBC 7 in April 2004.


SAT 17:00 J Meade Falkner - Moonfleet (b007jqnz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


SAT 18:30 An Immense World by Ed Yong (Omnibus) (m002kpst)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


SAT 19:45 Ernest Fontwell Versus The Experts (m0006fwf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]


SAT 20:00 The Enchanting World of Hinge and Bracket (m002kpsw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


SAT 20:30 Beyond Our Ken (b00vk2fn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]


SAT 21:00 Lenny Bruce - In His Own Unheard Words (b07m49qv)
Mark Steel explores the legacy of the comedian Lenny Bruce.

Drawing on personal tape recordings from a newly-established Lenny Bruce archive at Brandeis University, plus classic clips from some of his ground-breaking comedy and social commentary routines.

With contributions from Lenny’s daughter, Kitty Bruce, and from those who knew and wrote about him, including author Laurence Schiller.

Dubbed a ‘sick’ or ‘dirty’ comedian, Lenny Bruce burned a pioneering trajectory through the late Fifties and early Sixties America, breaking social taboos on what it was acceptable to say.

In later years he was pursued through the courts and convicted of obscenity, ending up bankrupt before being found dead of an overdose.

Subsequently, Lenny Bruce was the subject of books and films during the 1970s and 1980s and a campaign to have him posthumously pardoned was successful in 2003.

But today it seems, the words and ideas that made him notorious in Sixties America may not have lost their power to offend, and Lenny Bruce might struggle to be heard on some American campuses - campaigners are using his example to highlight the dangers to free speech.

Producer: Philip Reevell

A Manchester Digital Media production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in 2016.


SAT 22:00 Saturday Night Fry (b00kvq7w)
1. Pilot Show

Stephen Fry's surreal, erudite sketch show with humorous banter and sketches.

With:

Hugh Laurie
Emma Thompson

Special guest: Barry Cryer.

The pilot programme that spawned Stephen Fry's cult series. A show identical in spirit to the great Mary Queen of Scots tapestry that hangs in Osterley House.

Written by Stephen Fry.

Additional material by Ian Brown and James Hendrie.

Producer: Dan Patterson

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1987.


SAT 22:30 To Hull and Back (b07mxth9)
Series 2

This Must Be It

Can Sophie finally manage to escape the clutches of her overprotective mother, Sheila?

With her hopes pinned on an acting audition, she reluctantly enlists the help of her mother - who takes her role a bit too seriously.

Will this prove to be the lucky break Sophie has been waiting for?

Starring Lucy Beaumont and Maureen Lipman.

Return of the warm-hearted sitcom written by Lucy Beaumont.

Sophie ...... Lucy Beaumont
Sheila ...... Maureen Lipman
Alan ...... Matt Sutton
Jean ...... Kerrie Marsh
Ernie ...... Norman Lovett

Producer: Carl Cooper

A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2016.


SAT 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m002kts8)
Ed Gamble 1/2

As part of the Comedy Club's special Celebrity Traitors Weekend, Isy Suttie chats to the host of the BBC podcast The Traitors: Uncloaked, Ed Gamble.


SAT 23:00 Two Episodes of Mash (b01mqqht)
Series 2

Episode 3

Diane, Joe and David break loose from BBC Security and go on the run around Radio 4.

Hear them crash into programmes like Book At Bedtime and The Archers, before making their getaway with Aled Jones...

An animation of their Fishing Sketch by Tom Rourke can been seen on episode 1 of this series on BBC Radio 4 Extra's website.

A mix of silly, surreal sketches and banter starring Diane Morgan, and Joe Wilkinson.

With:

David O'Doherty
Paul Harry Allen
Bobbie Pryor
Gary Newman
Aled Jones.

Producer: Clair Wordsworth

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2012.


SAT 23:30 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.

SUNDAY 12 OCTOBER 2025

SUN 00:00 Wally K Daly (b007jtfs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Saturday]


SUN 00:30 Cult Vampires (m0003sw6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:30 on Saturday]


SUN 01:00 J Meade Falkner - Moonfleet (b007jqnz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]


SUN 02:30 An Immense World by Ed Yong (Omnibus) (m002kpst)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Saturday]


SUN 03:45 Ernest Fontwell Versus The Experts (m0006fwf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Saturday]


SUN 04:00 The Enchanting World of Hinge and Bracket (m002kpsw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Saturday]


SUN 04:30 Beyond Our Ken (b00vk2fn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Saturday]


SUN 05:00 The Real Comedy Controllers: The Things That Made Us Laugh (m0014gt0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Saturday]


SUN 06:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m002kpzb)
Celebrity Traitors

Celia Imrie

Actress Celia Imrie is castaway by Kirsty Young.

Immediately recognisable as one of Britain's most versatile actresses, she's worked in TV, theatre and films over the past four decades.

While Celia's taken roles at the Royal Shakespeare Company and in big budget films, it's her instinct for TV comedy - working alongside Victoria Wood and Julie Walters - that has made her a household name.

Audiences loved the spoof TV soap opera Acorn Antiques, and she won an Olivier Award for her role in the stage production.

In the early days, though, she remembers the camera crews were unsure what was going on.

'I do remember the cameramen watching what had been a very slick show up until Acorn Antiques and then just thinking, 'Why is this bit so bad? Why is the scenery swaying in the background?''

DISC ONE: Bette Midler - Is that all there is?
DISC TWO: Jonathan & Darlene Edwards - Tiptoe through the Tulips
DISC THREE: Jimmy Shand - Mrs Cholmondeley's Reel
DISC FOUR: Wynonna Judd - I'm So Lonesome I could Cry
DISC FIVE: Fritz Kreisler with the Victor Symphony Orchestra - Schön Rosmarin
DISC SIX: Barbara Windsor - It's Nicer in Nice
DISC SEVEN: Maria Callas & Tito Gobbi with the Paris Conservatoire Orchestra conducted by Georges Pretre – Puccini’s Tosca Act 2 (finale)
DISC EIGHT: The Royal Artillery Orchestra conducted by Major Frank Renton, RA - March of the Toys

CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Jonathan & Darlene Edwards - Tiptoe through the Tulips
BOOK CHOICE: Brewer’s Dictionary of Phrase and Fable
LUXURY CHOICE: A cut glass crystal chandelier with candles

Producer: Leanne Buckle

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2011.


SUN 06:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00zf648)
Series 2

Cicada

One of the great wild sounds of North America is the purring of insects in the evening, especially that of Cicadas, one of the great stridulating sounds in the wild.

This is the tale of one Cicada; the 17-year periodic Cicada that stunned the community in New England 13 years after the Pilgrim Fathers had landed. There was a plague of insects, all with red eyes on stalks - and all emerging continuously out of the soil.

When the plague subsided a few weeks later the people of Plymouth Rock were braced for another onslaught, but nothing happened until 17 years later.

Sir David Attenborough recalls a filming trip to New England to film this species of Cicada with both fascinating natural history and a hilarious twist.

Written and presented by David Attenborough

Producer: Julian Hector

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2011.


SUN 07:00 Poetry Extra (m002kpzf)
10th Anniversary Programme with Sarah Howe

Poet Daljit Nagra’s weekly pick from the BBC’s poetry archive is ten years old!

It’s been a decade of excavating programmes and bringing them back into the light. Poetry Extra has found, cleared and broadcast more than 500 programmes.

To mark the 10th Anniversary, presenter Daljit Nagra is joined in the studio by poet and editor Sarah Howe. In 2015, Sarah won the TS Eliot Prize for her debut poetry collection Loop of Jade and here she discusses Foretokens, her first new collection in ten years.

Also, for this special programme, Daljit selects his Pick of the Decade as he chooses some of his favourite highlights from the past ten years featuring poets, presenters and contributors including Paul Durcan, Maura Dooley and Catherine Heaney.

Poet Daljit Nagra was appointed Radio 4’s first Poet-in-Residence in 2015. Part of his remit was to select programmes from the BBC’s Poetry Archive – 52 weeks a year!

Presenter: Daljit Nagra

Archivist: Kevin Gordon

Producer: Sarah Wade

Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra.


SUN 07:30 And When Did You Last See Your Father? by Blake Morrison (Omnibus) (m002kpzh)
Episode 1

On a hot Cheshire day in 1959, the family gets stuck in traffic.

But Blake Morrison's dad is an impatient and cantankerous doctor who does not take delays very well and takes silly risks.

Could a medical operation finally defeat him?

Blake Morrison's award-winning tribute to his father - an irascible Yorkshire GP.

Omnibus of the first five of nine episodes abridged and read by the author.

Producer: Di Speirs

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1994.


SUN 08:40 Inheritance Tracks (m0023gfl)
Ed Gamble

Comedian Ed Gamble passes on 'Lady Grinning Soul' by David Bowie, and 'Black Sabbath' by Black Sabbath.


SUN 08:50 Going Straight by Melissa Murray (Omnibus) (b08jlm8w)
When lesbian Emma has an affair with a man, she inadvertently betrays the trust of all those closest to her.

Melissa Murray's comedy drama about sex, work and family.

Omnibus of five parts.

Emma ….. Helen Schlesinger
Sophie ….. Jane Slavin
James ….. James Lailey
Kirsty ….. Siobhan Redmond
Isaac ….. Nick Underwood
Martin ….. Sargon Yelda
Ted .... Brian Protheroe
Mary .... Adie Allen
Gwen .... Debra Baker
Woman .... Scarlett Brookes
Secretary .... Nicola Ferguson

Director Marc Beeby

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2017.


SUN 10:00 Frankie Howerd (m001vt9p)
Series 4

Episode 4

The King of Titters confronts his local council, and solves a train mystery.

Frankie takes a comic look back through his eventful life and illustrious career.

Written by David McKellar and David Nobbs.

With:

Ray Fell
Dilys Laye
Timothy Davies

Producer: John Browell

First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in October 1975.


SUN 10:30 Mind Your Own Business! (m002kpzl)
Series 2

The Long Goodbye

Jenks, the company's gateman, is way past retirement age. He'll have to go.

But who's going to tell him?

Starring Bernard Cribbins and Frank Thornton.

Return of Andrew Palmer’s sitcom about the battles of wheeler-dealer and self-made tycoon Jimmy Bright and his strait-laced chief accountant, Russell Farrow.

Jimmy Bright .... Bernard Cribbins
Russell Farrow .... Frank Thornton
Nan Forbes .... Annette Crosbie
Jenks .... Kenneth Connor
Sue Plant .... Annee Blott

Producer: Edward Taylor

First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in April 1989.


SUN 11:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m002kpzb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


SUN 11:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00zf648)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]


SUN 12:00 Poetry Extra (m002kpzf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]


SUN 12:30 And When Did You Last See Your Father? by Blake Morrison (Omnibus) (m002kpzh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


SUN 13:40 Inheritance Tracks (m0023gfl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 today]


SUN 13:50 Going Straight by Melissa Murray (Omnibus) (b08jlm8w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


SUN 15:00 Frankie Howerd (m001vt9p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]


SUN 15:30 Mind Your Own Business! (m002kpzl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]


SUN 16:00 Haunted (b01qylzp)
The Liberated Tiger, by R Chetwynd-Hayes

Roland is dying.

But could he possibly be haunting his wife while he's still alive?

R Chetwynd-Hayes's creepy tale dramatised by Patricia Mays.

Mary ...... Rosemary Leach
Roland ...... Leslie Sands
Mrs Parkins ...... Hilda Schroeder

Director: Derek Hoddinott

First broadcast on the BBC World Service in July 1984.


SUN 16:30 Jefferson 37 by Jenny Stephens (b007k4kc)
Episode 3

Dr Abbots attempts to prove to Eleanor that the clones have no human feelings.

Meanwhile, Jefferson and Lucy White discover what has really happened to Carter 5, and give Dr Martell cause for alarm.

Stars Oliver Hembrough.

Jenny Stephens’ sci-fi thriller set on a clone farm.

Jefferson 37 …. Oliver Hembrough
Pate 2 …. Dharmesh Patel
Eleanor Riley …. Alison Carney
Dr Abbots …. David Birrell
Dr Martel …. Rob Swinton
Paul Smith …. Alex Jones
Lucy White 44 …. Emily Chennery

Director: Peter Leslie Wild

Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in January 2006.


SUN 17:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m002kpzb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


SUN 17:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00zf648)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]


SUN 18:00 Poetry Extra (m002kpzf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]


SUN 18:30 And When Did You Last See Your Father? by Blake Morrison (Omnibus) (m002kpzh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


SUN 19:40 Inheritance Tracks (m0023gfl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 today]


SUN 19:50 Going Straight by Melissa Murray (Omnibus) (b08jlm8w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


SUN 21:00 Frankie Howerd (m001vt9p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]


SUN 21:30 Mind Your Own Business! (m002kpzl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]


SUN 22:00 No Commitments (b007jzbf)
Series 12

Soft Soap

Charlotte's acting career looks set to be revived, but can the same be said for Anna's love life?

Simon Brett’s sitcom about the lives and squabbles of three very different sisters.

Anna …. Rosemary Leach
Victoria …. Angela Thome
Charlotte …. Celia Imrie
Eddie …. James Greene
Jeff …. Stephen Thorne
Mr Darnley …. Colin Starkey
Felicity …. Susan Jameson
George …. Bruce Alexander

Music by Elizabeth Parker of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop.

Written and produced by Simon Brett.

First broadcast on BBC Radio in May 2006.


SUN 22:30 Detective Sergeant Nick Mohammed (b0184s3k)
Series 1

Episode 1

'Gosh, there's been a Murder... Ouch!'

Detective Sergeant Nick Mohammed and his colleagues at Tilford Road Police Station battle to fathom who killed the man with the missing head.

No clues as to how he might have died?

Never have serious crimes been made more entertaining, whilst remaining utterly, utterly tasteful!

Written by and starring Nick Mohammed.

With:

Anna Crilly
Colin Hoult

Producer: Victoria Lloyd

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2011.


SUN 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m002ktsb)
Ed Gamble 2/2

As part of the Comedy Club's special Celebrity Traitors Weekend, Isy Suttie again chats to the host of the BBC podcast The Traitors: Uncloaked, Ed Gamble.


SUN 23:00 The Personality Test (b00m5tks)
Series 1

Gyles Brandreth

Broadcaster, author and ex-MP Gyles Brandreth quizzes a panel about himself.

Battling with queries based on Gyles's life, whims and interests are:

Sue Perkins
Alan Carr
Lucy Porter

Series in which a fresh host every episode quizzes a comedy panel about themselves.

Script by Richard Turner.

Devised & produced by Aled Evans.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2006.


SUN 23:30 Room 101 with Paul Merton (m001m5p5)
Series 1

Claudia Winkleman

The legendary room-based show returns in its original one-to-one incarnation.

Paul Merton interviews a variety of guests from the world of comedy and entertainment to find out what they would send to Room 101.

Kicking off the series, Claudia Winkleman attempts to banish picnics, whispering and alliteration.

Additional material by John Irwin and Suki Webster.

Producer: Richard Wilson

A Hat Trick production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2023.

MONDAY 13 OCTOBER 2025

MON 00:00 Haunted (b01qylzp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Sunday]


MON 00:30 Jefferson 37 by Jenny Stephens (b007k4kc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:30 on Sunday]


MON 01:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m002kpzb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Sunday]


MON 01:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00zf648)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 on Sunday]


MON 02:00 Poetry Extra (m002kpzf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Sunday]


MON 02:30 And When Did You Last See Your Father? by Blake Morrison (Omnibus) (m002kpzh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Sunday]


MON 03:40 Inheritance Tracks (m0023gfl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 on Sunday]


MON 03:50 Going Straight by Melissa Murray (Omnibus) (b08jlm8w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 on Sunday]


MON 05:00 Frankie Howerd (m001vt9p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Sunday]


MON 05:30 Mind Your Own Business! (m002kpzl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Sunday]


MON 06:00 Whodunnits (m000y1j1)
Dee Mitchell - Cordoba

1. Written Off

Dee Mitchell 's life is dogged by alcohol, divorce and a dull job on a newspaper in Swansea.

But her cynicism evaporates when she stumbles on a chain of murders...

Starring Alison Steadman.

Nigel Baldwin’s six part thriller set in south Wales.

Dee Mitchell …. Alison Steadman
Conrad De’Ath …. Bill Stewart
Thomas …. Alan Towner
Geraint …. Robin Griffith
Ieuan …. Robert Pugh
Alex …. Leslie Rooney
Turner …. Tony Leader
Jenny …. Ruth Jones
Charlene …. Louise Holland
Richard …. Ian Targett
Coastguard …. Rhodri Hugh

Directed at BBC Wales by Jane Dauncey.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1992.


MON 06:30 A Spanish Lover by Joanna Trollope (m002krgd)
6. Determination

With Frances determined to have the baby in Spain, shock waves have reverberated through her family.

Conclusion of the story of twins Frances and Lizzie, whose lives take very contrasting paths.

Starring Jemma Redgrave and Caroline Langrishe.

Joanna Trollope's compelling novel, first published in 1993.

Dramatised in six episodes by Melissa Murray.

Frances.... Jemma Redgrave
Lizzie .... Caroline Langrishe
Luis .... John Turner
William .... Geoffrey Palmer
Robert .... Paul Rhys

Other parts played by:

Patience Tomlinson
Zulema Dene
Kim Staines
James Cohen
Guy Witcher
Linda Reagan
Sandra James Young
Ross Livingstone.
Andrew Branch

Director: Janet Whitaker

First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in November 1995.


MON 07:00 In the Balance (b007k172)
Episode 1

With Europe becoming a hot potato, can the Prime Minister hold on to his job?

To make matters worse, England are hosting the World Cup and a killer is on the loose.

The BBC's maverick hack, George Cragge kicks off a a bizarre murder trail at Wembley Stadium.

Starring Michael Williams and Barry Foster.

Mark Tavener's six-part sequel to his comedy thriller 'In the Red' - set in the world of football, the BBC and party politics.

George Cragge …… Michael Williams
DCI Frank Jefferson …… Barry Foster
Prime Minister …… Jeremy Clyde
John Matthews …… Jim Carter
Crispin Trent …… Robert Bathurst

With:

Tracy Ann Oberman
Peter Woodthorpe
Susie Brann
Christian Rodska
Geoffrey Whitehead
Kim Wall
Alison Petit
Ioan Meredith
Chris Pavlo

Music by Paul Mottram.

Producer: Paul Schlesinger

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1997.


MON 07:30 Dad's Army (b007jsg2)
Series 1

Battle School

The Walmington-on-Sea platoon is off to a weekend training camp - subject to Captain Mainwaring and his map...

The comic exploits of a Second World War Home Guard platoon in Walmington-on-Sea.

Adapted for radio from Jimmy Perry and David Croft's TV scripts by Harold Snoad and Michael Knowles.

Captain Mainwaring …. Arthur Lowe
Sergeant Wilson …. John Le Mesurier
Corporal Jones …. Clive Dunn
Private Godfrey …. Arnold Ridley
Private Pike …. Ian Lavender
Private Frazer …. John Laurie
Major Smith …. SJack Watson
Captain Rodrigues …. Alan Tilvern
Announcer …. John Snagge

Producer: John Dyas

First broadcast on the BBC Radio 4 in April 1974.


MON 08:00 Rhys James (m000c9sf)
Rhys James Isn't...

Rhys James Isn’t… "B"

In an attempt to become more politically engaged, comedian Rhys James tries on opinions like clothes to see how they fit.

Now he’s putting his right leg in first.

Last week he was a wishy-washy liberal.

A week older and more right wing, Rhys asks:

* Can we really be arsed to save the planet?
* Is it actually woke to teach LGBT+ issues in schools
* Are gender-neutral toilets worth it?
* And is Facebook really spying on us or do people just want to feel important?

Written and performed by Rhys James

Producer: Carl Cooper

A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2019.


MON 08:30 And When Did You Last See Your Father? by Blake Morrison (b04pbqfy)
6. Anything You Can Do

Blake is dreading and fully expecting to hear that his father - Dr Arthur Morrison - has died in Yorkshire.

Meanwhile, he reflects on how their relationship became very competitive, once Blake became an adult...

Blake Morrison's award-winning tribute to his father - an irascible Yorkshire GP.

Abridged and read in nine parts by Blake Morrison.

Producer: Di Speirs

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1994.


MON 08:45 Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (b071skpc)
1. Jane

A fantastic mix of injustice, romance, passion and danger wrapped up in a glorious love story.

Our bookish heroine is introduced.

Charlotte Bronte's most beloved novel, first published in 1847.

Dramatised in ten parts by Rachel Joyce.

Jane ....... Amanda Hale
Rochester ....... Tom Burke
Mrs Fairfax ....... Susan Jameson
Young Jane ....... Nell Venables
John Reed ....... Tom Taylor
Mrs Reed ....... Tracy Wiles
Bessie ....... Katie Redford
Brocklehurst ....... Gerard McDermott
Helen Burns ....... Rebecca Hamilton
Grace Poole ....... Debra Baker
Blanche Ingram ....... Evie Killip
Mason ....... Ewan Bailey

Director: Tracey Neale

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2016.


MON 09:00 Paul Sinha's Perfect Pub Quiz (m002kfqc)
Series 4

Walking On Ayr

Paul Sinha tests his audience in Ayr on their knowledge of their home county. So, if you're not after half an hour of amazing facts about scientists, poets and football then, well... keep walking.

Written and performed by Paul Sinha.
Additional material: Oliver Levy
Additional questions: The Audience

Original music: Tim Sutton

Recording engineer: Hamish Campbell
Mixed by Rich Evans.
Producer: Ed Morrish

A Lead Mojo production for BBC Radio 4.


MON 09:30 Hoax (m001psq6)
1. The Planted Plants of Rum

Mysterious plants appear on the Isle of Rum.

Do they prove the island miraculously escaped the Ice Age?

And what extraordinary lengths would one scientist go to in order to prove that it did?

Dr Tori Herridge investigates.

Produced at BBC Audio Bristol by Beth Sagar-Fenton

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2023.


MON 09:45 Daily Service (m002krgg)
Prisons Week 50th anniversary - You visited me

On the 50th Anniversary of Prisons Week, Chaplain Joanna Hirst leads a service from Styal Women's Prison. Prisons Week encourages prayer for prisoners and their families, victims of offenders and prison staff. Joanna explores the role of chaplaincy in the prison service and the role of faith in some prisoners lives.

Theme: Prisons Week 50th anniversary - You visited me
Presenter: Chaplain Joanna Hirst
Reading: 2 Timothy 2 8-13

Music: Led by Joanna Hirst in the Chapel at Styal Prison.
Amazing Grace by Chris Tomlin
Who You Say I Am by Hillsong Worship
Made for More by Bethel Music


MON 10:00 That Reminds Me (b007jn9p)
Series 2

Maureen Lipman

Actress Maureen Lipman looks back on her career in film, TV and the theatre, as she entertains an audience.

Featuring memories of growing up in Hull and her great heroine, Joyce Grenfell.

Producer: Claire Jones

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2000.


MON 10:30 Modern Day Griot (b01jhb34)
How are modern musicians re-imagining the role the West African griot?

Traditionally griots belong to particular West African families who act as oral historians, advisors, story-tellers and musicians for their culture.

Now a generation of artists living in the West, who have African roots, are learning musical techniques from the masters but creating songs and stories with contemporary relevance.

Writer Gaylene Gould explores what it means to be a griot today.

When modern culture uses the term as a shorthand - what does it mean to call someone a griot?

Hereditary griot Seckou Keita, leads a music workshop at a primary school, teaching harp-like instrument the Kora. At the age of 10, Tunde Jegede travelled from England to Gambia to train with a master kora player. He now collaborates with both orchestras and the hip-hop artist HKB FiNN - who has changed the way he approaches writing lyrics and embraced the griot label. Sona Jobarteh, Tunde's sister, is a hereditary griot. She gives Gaylene a lesson in kora playing and discusses how her sex affects the role and why she is reluctant to call herself a griot.

Award-winning poet and performer Inua Ellams has been performing at the National Theatre and Malian musician Fatoumata Diawara sells out gigs internationally- both are called griot by their fans but aren't entirely comfortable with the label.

Fatoumata believes she couldn't address topics like female circumcision as a griot. London based spoken word artist Zena Edwards explains why she wants to honour the tradition.

Reflecting on the importance of the tradition in its purest form, Tunde Jedege says "every time a griot dies it's like a library burning down."

Producer Claire Bartleet

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2012.


MON 11:00 Whodunnits (m000y1j1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


MON 11:30 A Spanish Lover by Joanna Trollope (m002krgd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


MON 12:00 In the Balance (b007k172)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]


MON 12:30 Dad's Army (b007jsg2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


MON 13:00 Rhys James (m000c9sf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


MON 13:30 And When Did You Last See Your Father? by Blake Morrison (b04pbqfy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


MON 13:45 Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (b071skpc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]


MON 14:00 Just a Minute (b00vxz2w)
Series 58

Episode 3

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
Kevin Eldon
Julian Clary

Subjects include: Taking My Driving Test, A New Broom, The Icing On The Cake, Dressing Provocatively, Waiting Rooms, Quantum Physics, My Comedy Hero, Eating Spaghetti

Created by Ian Messiter.

Producer: Claire Jones

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2010.


MON 14:30 Hidden Treasures (m002krgj)
An Uncommon Love by Michelene Wandor

The remarkable true story of the relationship between Hannah Cullwick, a maid of all work, and the Victorian gentleman and diarist Arthur Munby.

Hannah: 'Ah Massa, ours is a story that, a hundred years hence, no-one will believe.'

Based on the diaries and letters of Hannah Cullwick and Arthur Munby.

Starring John Rowe and Elizabeth Rider.

Written by Michelene Wandor.

Hannah Cullwick .... Elizabeth Rider
Arthur Munby .... John Rowe
Robert .... Brett Usher
Mrs Williams/girl musician .... Kathryn Hurlbutt
Photographer .... Peter Acre
Mr. Henderson .... Bernard Brown
Mrs Henderson/Helen .... Hilda Schroder
Miss Knight .... Narissa Knights
Mary .... Helena Breck
Gower .... David Sinclair
Sarah .... Helen Atkinson Wood

Director: Richard Wortley

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1984.

**********************************************************************************************************************************************
Uncommon Love is part of BBC Radio 4 Extra's Hidden Treasures collection of selected titles returned to the BBC by various collectors.

Our warm thanks go to the Radio Circle.


MON 16:00 That Reminds Me (b007jn9p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]


MON 16:30 Modern Day Griot (b01jhb34)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]


MON 17:00 Whodunnits (m000y1j1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


MON 17:30 A Spanish Lover by Joanna Trollope (m002krgd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


MON 18:00 In the Balance (b007k172)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]


MON 18:30 Dad's Army (b007jsg2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


MON 19:00 Rhys James (m000c9sf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


MON 19:30 And When Did You Last See Your Father? by Blake Morrison (b04pbqfy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


MON 19:45 Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (b071skpc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]


MON 20:00 Just a Minute (b00vxz2w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]


MON 20:30 Hidden Treasures (m002krgj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]


MON 22:00 Paul Sinha's Perfect Pub Quiz (m002kfqc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


MON 22:30 The Right Time (b00c34ks)
Series 3

Episode 4

A country house weekend, friends reunited and a dinner party surprise...

The sketch comedy for people growing older disgracefully.

Starring:

Graeme Garden
Eleanor Bron
Neil Innes
Clive Swift
Roger Blake
Paula Wilcox

Written by Colin Bostock Smith, John Dowie, Graeme Garden, Jan Etherington, Mike Haskins, Ged Parsons, David Spicer and Peter Usher.

Script Editor: Ged Parsons.

Music by Ronnie & The Rex and Neil Innes.

Producer: Claire Jones

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2003.


MON 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m002kwng)
Marcus Brigstocke 1/3

From 10pm until midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Athena Kugblenu chats to Marcus Brigstocke.


MON 23:00 The News Quiz (m002kfng)
Series 118

6. Peace Deals and Police Powers

In the week where Trump brokered a peace deal in the Middle East, buzz was generated at the Conservative Party Conference (honestly), the Home Office announces greater restrictions on protests, and the world's first footballer billionaire is crowned, Andy Zaltzman is joined by Scott Bennett, Ayesha Hazarika, Kate Cheka and Ian Smith to break down this weeks news.

Written by Andy Zaltzman.

With additional material by: Jain Edwards, Ruth Husko and Alfie Packham
Producer: Rajiv Karia
Executive Producer: Pete Strauss
Production Coordinator: Giulia Lopes Mazzu
Sound Editor: Marc Willcox

A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.


MON 23:30 The Harpoon (b00b3gv0)
Series 1

Episode 3

'Laughing through the Depression' - with a slightly budget issue of your nostalgic bumper golden weekly.

Written by Julian Dutton and Peter Baynham.

Performed by:

Julian Dutton
Peter Baynham
Alistair McGowan
Mary Elliot-Nelson
Bryonie Pritchard

Producer: Sarah Smith

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1991.

TUESDAY 14 OCTOBER 2025

TUE 00:00 That Reminds Me (b007jn9p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Monday]


TUE 00:30 Modern Day Griot (b01jhb34)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Monday]


TUE 01:00 Whodunnits (m000y1j1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]


TUE 01:30 A Spanish Lover by Joanna Trollope (m002krgd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Monday]


TUE 02:00 In the Balance (b007k172)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Monday]


TUE 02:30 Dad's Army (b007jsg2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Monday]


TUE 03:00 Rhys James (m000c9sf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Monday]


TUE 03:30 And When Did You Last See Your Father? by Blake Morrison (b04pbqfy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Monday]


TUE 03:45 Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (b071skpc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Monday]


TUE 04:00 Just a Minute (b00vxz2w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Monday]


TUE 04:30 Hidden Treasures (m002krgj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Monday]


TUE 06:00 Whodunnits (m000y6q1)
Dee Mitchell - Cordoba

2. Hidden Motives

Traumatised by Jenny's death, reporter Dee Mitchell is not convinced that it's just an open and shut case of suicide...

Starring Alison Steadman.

Nigel Baldwin’s thriller serial set in south Wales.

Dee Mitchell …. Alison Steadman
Conrad De’Ath …. Bill Stewart
Thomas …. Alan Towner
Geraint …. Robin Griffith
Alex …. Leslie Rooney
Ieuan …. Robert Pugh
Jenny …. Ruth Jones
Charlene …. Louise Holland
'Tina' Turner …. Gudrun Ure
Barry Jones …. Laurence Allan
Rachel …. Helen Griffin
Coroner …. Dillwyn Owen

Original music by Laurie Scott Baker.

Directed at BBC Wales by Jane Dauncey.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1992.


TUE 06:30 Detective (b00pg50h)
Series 1

A Bit of Tomfoolery

Detective Sergeant Dave Brook is teamed up with young Detective Constable Maxton from sleepy Epsom. How will he cope with the mean streets of his new London patch?

Stories of crime and detection in London by Robert Barr.

Starring Ray Brooks as long-serving, ducking-and-diving DS Dave Brook.

His new side-kick is 23-year-old ‘grammar school boy’ DC Blair Maxton, played by Christopher Blake.

DS Dave Brook …. Ray Brooks
DC Blair Maxton …. Christopher Blake
DC Harrison …. Peter Cleall
Chief Inspector Roach …. David Daker
Harry Dean …. George Tovey
Doctor Briggs …. James Taylor
Lady Dennery …. Aimee Delamain
Mr. Stimson …. Martin Friend

Former BBC war correspondent Robert Barr is best remembered writing for BBC TV’s police dramas ‘Z-Cars’ and ‘Softly Softly’.

Producer: Martin Fisher

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1980


TUE 07:00 Wally Who? (b08t1h6n)
The Painting

"Good Grief. There's all my old love letters in there. Listen to this one: "My dearest darling. I will kill myself if you won't see me on Tuesday. I adore you, I want you. Little Petal Wettikins." You know Eric, I often wonder why I never posted them..."

After his Uncle Ben's funeral, Wally Thornton unearths some hidden treasures.

Starring Tony Brandon as Wally.

With:

Chris Ellison
John Jardine
Nick Malone
Rosalind Knight.

Tony Brandon's BBC career was mainly as a disc-jockey for Radio 1 and 2 from 1967-1982, but as an actor, he also recorded the comedy series 'The Family Brandon' and 'Wally Who?'.

Written by Rob Grant and Doug Naylor.

Theme and incidental music by Debbie Katz.

Produced in Manchester by Mike Craig.

First broadcast on BBC Radio in November 1982.


TUE 07:30 The Goon Show (b00f6gsn)
Series 8

World War One

England and France are at war.

Eccles is at lunch.

Groundbreaking, surreal BBC radio comedy written by Spike Milligan.

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: Charles Chilton

First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in February 1958.


TUE 08:00 The Wilsons Save the World (m000360d)
Series 2

Protest

The Wilsons family enjoy nothing more than a good protest march, joining with other like minds and sticking it to ‘the man’.

Today is one they’re particularly looking forward to - and each of them has a different agenda.

Cat has a special provocative costume and issue to highlight; Lola has a complex banner but a simple hope that all voices will unify; Max wants the family to stick together and have a great day out and Mike, well he will persist wearing that excruciating jester hat with bells on.

Some tensions seemingly dealt with, they are then in the thick of a march in Central London and find unity more difficult than ever to achieve.

Sitcom about trying to live ethically and do the right thing.

Written by Marcus Brigstocke and Sarah Morgan.

Mike…Marcus Brigstocke
Max…Kerry Godliman
Cat..Mia Jenkins
Lola…India Brown
Jennifer...Vicki Pepperdine
Phillip…Rupert Vansittart
Various roles...Kiell Smith-Bynoe

Producer: Julia McKenzie

A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in March 2019.


TUE 08:30 And When Did You Last See Your Father? by Blake Morrison (b04pc07k)
7. Time of Death

The moment Blake and his family have been dreading finally comes.

The end is a peaceful one...

Blake Morrison's award-winning tribute to his father - an irascible Yorkshire GP.

Abridged by Blake Morrison.

Producer: Di Speirs

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1994.


TUE 08:45 Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (b071tgbh)
2. Friendship

Life at Lowood School is cruel and harsh and so Jane cherishes her friendship with Helen.

Charlotte Bronte's most beloved novel dramatised by Rachel Joyce.

Jane ....... Amanda Hale
Young Jane ....... Nell Venables
Helen Burns ....... Rebecca Hamilton
Teacher ....... Katie Redford
Brocklehurst ....... Gerard McDermott
Mrs Fairfax ....... Susan Jameson
Mr Rochester ....... Tom Burke

Director: Tracey Neale

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2016.


TUE 09:00 Mark Steel's in Town (m002kf9g)
Series 14

1. Oakham

First stop of the new series is Oakham, nestled in the UK’s smallest county – Rutland.

Oakham is proudly twinned with Paris (even if the Parisians don’t know), has Europe’s largest man-made lake (which required flooding a local village) and hangs its horseshoes the other way round (so the devil falls out, obviously).

Joining Mark is Clare Balding, who’s also in town to take him on a ramble around Rutland, which you can hear in Ramblings, this Thursday on Radio 4.

This is the 14th series of Mark's award winning show where he travels around the country visiting towns that have nothing in common but their uniqueness. After thoroughly researching each town, Mark writes and performs a bespoke evening of comedy for a local audience. As well as Oakham, in this series, Mark be will also be popping to Wrexham, Cambridge, Lewisham and, Lerwick and Unst in Shetland.

This is an extended edition of the broadcast version.

Written and performed by Mark Steel

Additional material by Pete Sinclair
Production co-ordinator Caroline Barlow and Katie Baum
Sound Manager Jerry Peal
Producer Carl Cooper

A BBC Studios production for Radio 4


TUE 09:30 Hoax (m001ptb5)
2. The Wizard of Sussex

Like all great mysteries, this story starts with the discovery of a body.

In this case, it's one that was claimed to be hundreds of thousands of years old.

Did an eccentric solicitor really convince the world that early humans had evolved in the heart of England?

Dr Tori Herridge investigates.

Produced at BBC Audio Bristol by Beth Sagar-Fenton

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2023.


TUE 09:45 Daily Service (m002krpt)
Prisons Week 50th anniversary - Lives of freedom

Rev Jon Swales leads a service from Leeds Minster for Prisons week, when Christians are encouraged to pray for those in prison, for their families, for prison staff, and for all who are rebuilding life after release.

Jon is joined by members of Lighthouse West Yorkshire, a fresh expression of church for adults battered and bruised by the storms of life. Lighthouse is a safe space, a gospel community, where ex-offenders and many others find welcome, belonging and hope.

Theme: Prisons Week 50th anniversary - Lives of freedom.
Presenter: Jon Swales
Reading: Luke 4: 16-21

Music:

Shine Jesus Shine - Graham Kendrick
He Has Time - Common Hymnal
Give Thanks - Don Moen


TUE 10:00 A Good Read (m0009rjc)
John Gordon Sinclair & Kerry Ellis

Actor John Gordon Sinclair and West End star Kerry Ellis join Harriett Gilbert to choose their favourite books by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Sophie Kinsella and Cees Nooteboom.

100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Translator: Gregory Rabassa
Publisher: Penguin

I Owe You One by Sophie Kinsella
Publisher: Black Swan

The Following Story by Cees Nooteboom
Translator: Ina Rilke
Publisher: Vintage

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2019.


TUE 10:30 Britain in a Box (b01kr71g)
Series 5

Vision On

It was a mix of art, animation and stunts.

Paul Jackson recalls the classic, quirky children's TV show made to involve children with impaired hearing.

As Children's TV wave goodbye to BBC1, heading off to their own dedicated channel, Paul Jackson takes a lingering look back at a cult show from the golden era of children's TV.

"Vision On" was one of the most successful, funny and anarchic programmes ever to grace the little grey box in the corner; it's 'Gallery' theme music still a trip down memory lane for viewers of a certain age.

Created in 1964 to replace the prosaic "For Deaf Children", Pat Keysall and Tony Hart fronted a programme that aimed squarely at the funny bone. Art, animation, clowning and dangerous stunts - long before "Health and Safety" became a dirty word. "Vision On" was aimed at all children, but worked hard not to exclude the hard of hearing.

Rather than creating a worthy line up, producer Patrick Dowling cultivated the silly, the extraordinary and the dramatic, using new technology to create effects and giving breaks to a wealth of creative talent, acting and technical.

David Sproxton, creator of Aardman Animations, fondly recalls creating his very first short film for "Vision On".

Actor Sylvester McCoy, who went on to became Doctor Who, recalls close encounters of an explosive kind with the fabulous creations of Wilf Lunn, another graduate of the Ken Campbell school of fearlessness.

"Britain In A Box" explores the role of disability programming with past and present BBC children's controllers; Edward Barnes and Joe Godwin, and talks to Susan Daniels from the National Deaf Children's Society about how TV can be accessible to all - something "Vision On" pioneered with style.

Remembered that Gallery theme music yet?

Producer: Sara Jane Hall

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2012.


TUE 11:00 Whodunnits (m000y6q1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


TUE 11:30 Detective (b00pg50h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


TUE 12:00 Wally Who? (b08t1h6n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]


TUE 12:30 The Goon Show (b00f6gsn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


TUE 13:00 The Wilsons Save the World (m000360d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


TUE 13:30 And When Did You Last See Your Father? by Blake Morrison (b04pc07k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


TUE 13:45 Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (b071tgbh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]


TUE 14:00 Guess What? (b06759y1)
Episode 9

Animal, vegetable or mineral?

Barry Took hosts a revised version of popular radio parlour game of 20 questions.

On the panel:

Geoffrey Durham
Frances Edmonds
Nigel Dempster

Written by Michael Dines.

Producer: Andy Aliffe

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1998.


TUE 14:30 Hidden Treasures (m002krpx)
The Gortys Triangle by Rod Beacham

Crete is the background to a mysterious death.

It involves the world of the very rich and the world of archaeology.

And also a strange girl named Candy who knows the secret of it all.

Starring Patrick Mower and Alex Jennings.

Written by Rod Beacham

Nick .... Patrick Mower
Captain Stavrakis .... David March
Mikos .... Neville Jason
Becky .... Jane Knowles
Candy .... Marilyn Milgrom
Katrina .... Hilda Schroder
Felix .... Alex Jennings
Erica .... Joanna Wake
First sailor .... Clive Panto
Second sailor .... Rod Beacham

Director: Gerry Jones

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1983.

**********************************************************************************************************************************************
The Gortys Triangle is part of BBC Radio 4 Extra's Hidden Treasures collection of selected titles returned to the BBC by various collectors.

Our warm thanks go to the Radio Circle.


TUE 16:00 A Good Read (m0009rjc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]


TUE 16:30 Britain in a Box (b01kr71g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]


TUE 17:00 Whodunnits (m000y6q1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]


TUE 17:30 Detective (b00pg50h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]


TUE 18:00 Wally Who? (b08t1h6n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]


TUE 18:30 The Goon Show (b00f6gsn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]


TUE 19:00 The Wilsons Save the World (m000360d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]


TUE 19:30 And When Did You Last See Your Father? by Blake Morrison (b04pc07k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]


TUE 19:45 Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (b071tgbh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]


TUE 20:00 Guess What? (b06759y1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]


TUE 20:30 Hidden Treasures (m002krpx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]


TUE 22:00 Mark Steel's in Town (m002kf9g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


TUE 22:30 The Maltby Collection (b00crds8)
Series 1

Episode 2

Deputy curator Rod battles to save the collection from closure and, in so doing, threatens his boss's early retirement.

Meanwhile Walter makes a move.

Starring Geoffrey Palmer and Julian Rhind-Tutt.

David Nobbs’ sitcom about a small art museum staffed by eccentrics and obsessives.

Rod Millet ...... Julian Rhind-Tutt
Walter Brindle ...... Geoffrey Palmer
Prunella Edgecumbe ...... Rachel Atkins
Julian Crumb-Loosely ...... Ben Willbond
Des Wainwright ...... Michael Smiley
Eva Tattle ...... Julia Deakin
Wilf Arbuthnot ...... Geoff McGivern
Stelios Constantinopolis ...... Chris Pavlo
Rod’s Mum ...... Liza Sadovy
Mark Patterson ...... Ben Moor

Producer: Colin Anderson

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2007.


TUE 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m002kx36)
Marcus Brigstocke 2/3

From 10pm until midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Athena Kugblenu chats again to Marcus Brigstocke.


TUE 23:00 Bridget Christie Minds the Gap (b01r9swd)
Series 1

Episode 3

Bridget considers women and their relationship with their bodies via a lap dance, TOWIE and a fish called Michael.

Fred MacAulay helps her remember some of the key incidents which brought her to an epiphany and a call to arms.

Stand up comedy series on the state of British feminism today.

Producer; Alison Vernon-Smith

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2013.


TUE 23:30 Bunk Bed (m000qx1m)
Series 8

Episode 1

Everyone craves a place where their mind and body are not applied to a particular task. The nearest faraway place.

Somewhere for drifting and lighting upon strange thoughts which don't have to be shooed into context, but which can be followed like balloons escaping onto the air.

Late at night, in the dark and in a bunk bed, your tired mind can wander.

Actor and director Kathy Burke joins Patrick Marber and Peter Curran on the spare mattress.

They wax lyrical about swearing at police officers, expensive food hampers from Julia Roberts, and the art of eating crisps in bed.

Producer: Peter Curran

A Foghorn Company production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in January 2021.


TUE 23:45 Cutler On Education (b07296fg)
Poet and humourist Ivor Cutler tries to put his finger on the button of the education debate.

He talks with a small crowd, an attractive woman, and a petrol pump attendant.

With:

Jennifer Piercey.

Producer: Piers Plowright

First broadcast on BBC Radio 3 in March 1989.