By Christmas Eve, most people will have their turkeys safely secured, but for Martin Reynolds, his search ends in a nightmare.
A family's sudden upheaval becomes bearable for the children when they find a railway near their new house. Stars Paul Copley.
It's 'a Christmas to remember' when the toy cupboard comes under threat of invasion. ETA Hoffman's tale stars Tony Robinson.
Baron Hardup's daughters battle to go to Prince Charming's ball. Stars Kenneth Horne and Kenneth Williams. From December 1967.
Norman Wisdom's son chats to Sally Magnusson about his life growing up with a famous funny father.
Actor Christopher Cazenove looks back on his career from drama school to starring in Dynasty, and selects favourite music.
A forester tells his grandchildren about legendary seaman Ivan the Ninny. Arthur Ransome dramatisation with Trevor Cooper.
Sebastian Baczkiewicz's tales of biblical King David's reign. King Saul's staff chief seeks a shepherd boy. Stars David Calder.
Humphrey Lyttelton and the all-star Clue cast's unique Dickens interpretation. Stephen Fry narrates. From December 2003.
The Belgian sleuth hunts the ruthless killer of a millionaire. Agatha Christie whodunnit with Peter Sallis and Manning Wilson.
A woman receives stacks of gifts from a lavish admirer, who is inspired by the carol. Stars Penelope Keith and Timothy Bateson.
Richard Briers introduces a history of the pantomime, revealing its European origins and the story of the 'Father of Panto'.
The country's rich and turbulent story continues. With Richard Dormer, James Greene and Frances Tomelty.
The comedian shares fellow Water Rats' tales of legendary comedian 'cheeky chappie' Max Miller. From Brighton's Komedia Theatre.
It's Christmas Eve with half the island party carousing with the Professor. Alexandra Mathie reads Alice Thomas Ellis' story.
The story of the boy who wouldn't grow up and his impact on a family. Written after the play's success. Read by Alan Bennett.
Children's stories presented by Chris Pizzey featuring The More the Merrier by Anne Fine, read by Aidan Parsons. bbc.co.uk/bigtoe.
With music banned by the government of a totalitarian Britain, a battle ensues between good and evil. Stars Clare Corbett.
One hot evening in the English countryside, a traveller is forced to stay the night at the remote house of a sinister gentleman...
Read by Anthony Head.
Walter de la Mare (1873-1956) was a popular award-wining poet, short story writer and novelist. He wrote for both children and adults.
Abridged by Doreen Estall.
All the festive headlines. Chris Morris hosts the news spoof. With Steve Coogan. From December 1991.
The deserters lobby King George III over the war, and McGurk has plans. 1775 America sitcom stars Andy Hamilton. From June 2006.
Cult New Age comedy that answers the questions which leave other shows scratching their beards.
Starring Stewart Lee and Richard Herring.
And the voice of Tom Baker.
A man loses his unique numbered identity - and lands in double trouble, when his number gets copied.
1950s American sci-fi spoof.
Liza Ross.
Written by Adam Tandy and Nat Sones.
Producer: Adam Bromley.
TUESDAY 28 DECEMBER 2010
TUE 00:00 Martin Kiszko - Scramble (b007jwnl)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:00 on Monday]
TUE 00:30 Ghost Stories of Walter De La Mare (b00ww8sr)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:30 on Monday]
TUE 01:00 Hercule Poirot's Christmas (b007jtxq)
[Repeat of broadcast at
12:55 on Monday]
TUE 02:30 On the Hour (b007jqs0)
[Repeat of broadcast at
22:00 on Monday]
TUE 03:00 E Nesbit - The Railway Children (b00qxh11)
[Repeat of broadcast at
05:00 on Monday]
TUE 03:30 The Nutcracker and The Mouse King (b00wvdg9)
[Repeat of broadcast at
05:30 on Monday]
TUE 04:00 Ed Doolan Interviews... (b00stv4q)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 on Monday]
TUE 05:00 E Nesbit - The Railway Children (b00qxzyr)
Episode 2
Roberta, Phyllis and Peter jump to the rescue as Mother falls ill and a Russian turns up at the station. Stars Timothy Bateson.
TUE 05:30 The Nutcracker and The Mouse King (b00ww9v9)
The Great Battle
The confrontation between the toys and the mice is about to start! ETA Hoffman's classic Christmas tale stars Tony Robinson.
TUE 06:00 28/12/2010 (b00ww9vm)
Join all your CBeebies friends for songs, rhymes and stories on BBC Radio 7.
TUE 08:00 After Henry (b007k01q)
The Season of Relative Goodwill
"Even doing what you always do at Christmas presupposes agreement about exactly what it is that you always do".
Sarah's mother makes everyone follow her strict timetable for Christmas Day.
Simon Brett's comedy about three generations of women - struggling to cope after the death of Sarah's GP husband - who never quite manage to see eye to eye.
Starring Prunella Scales as Sarah, Joan Sanderson as Eleanor, Benjamin Whitrow as Russell and Gerry Cowper as Clare.
Four radio series were made, but instead of moving to BBC TV - Thames Television produced 'After Henry' for the ITV network.
Producer: Pete Atkin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1987.
TUE 08:30 Married (b007v2rf)
Series 3
Episode 3
More strange happenings occur following the universes colliding: the King's ex quite literally drops in after being trapped in a vortex for five weeks. Robin finds himself playing chief powerbroker in the Royal relationship and manages to turn it to his advantage...
Hugh Bonneville stars in the third series of the comedy drama about a confirmed bachelor Robin Lightfoot dealing with life in a parallel universe where he has kids and an ex-wife who hates him.
With Josie Lawrence as Lesley, Stephen Frost as Dirk, Julian Clary as Adrian, Ann Gosling as Maxine, Sam Bradley as Ned, Christopher Kelham as King John and Arthur Smith as Arthur Smith.
Written by Tony Bagley.
Producer: Claire Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2001.
TUE 09:00 Flying the Flag (b00c65k9)
Series 3
Cool Heads
The diplomats consider their action as a hijack hits their wives' fact-finding shopping trip.
“In my view, Colonel, the best course of action would be a swift and speedy implementation of time-honoured diplomatic principles.”
“Wait and see?”
“Precisely.
Series 3 of Alex Shearer's Eastern bloc embassy sitcom.
Starring Dinsdale Landen as HM Ambassador Mackenzie, Peter Acre as William Frost, Moir Leslie as Helen Waterson, Stephen Greif as US Ambassador Spiro Weinberg and Christopher Benjamin as Colonel Surikov and Norman Bird as Dr Hutchings.
Producer: Neil Cargill
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1990.
TUE 09:30 Linda Smith's A Brief History of Timewasting (b008zs1b)
Series 2
Neighbourhood Watch
Linda's tortoise, Sir Cliff, has been sprung from his high security facility. Can the Neighbourhood Watch group find the culprit?
Sitcom written by and starring Linda Smith.
With Femi Elufowoju Jnr, Jeremy Hardy, Martin Hyder, Margaret John and Chris Neill.
Special guest: Dillie Keane
Producer: Jon Rolph
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2002.
TUE 10:00 E Nesbit - The Railway Children (b00qxzyr)
[Repeat of broadcast at
05:00 today]
TUE 10:30 The Nutcracker and The Mouse King (b00ww9v9)
[Repeat of broadcast at
05:30 today]
TUE 11:00 Old Peter's Russian Tales (b00wwb3p)
Series 2
Fish Tales
A forester tells his grandchildren about an old fisherman and a golden fish. Arthur Ransome dramatisation with Trevor Cooper.
TUE 11:15 Kings (b007jqvs)
Hazar's Chicken
Bone is an unlikely chicken killer and a far from plausible spy. Tales from the reign of biblical King David. Stars Ewan Bailey.
TUE 12:00 After Henry (b007k01q)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
TUE 12:30 Doctor in the House (b007jsw0)
St Swithin's
Simon Sparrow dithers over registering to train as a doctor as St Swithin's hospital in London.
The misadventures of student doctor Simon Sparrow - adapted for radio by Ray Cooney from Richard Gordon's novel 'Doctor in the House' published in 1952.
Starring Richard Briers as Simon Sparrow, Geoffrey Sumner as Sir Lancelot Spratt, Ray Cooney as Tony Benskin, Erik Chitty as the Secretary, Beth Boyd as the Sister and Michael Deacon as the Padre.
Special guest star: John le Mesurier as The Dean
Producer: David Hatch
Recorded at the BBC Paris studio in London.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1968.
TUE 13:00 The Inspector Alleyn Mysteries (b00wwbcl)
Death and the Dancing Footman
Jonathan Royal is a man rich enough to indulge his somewhat extravagant sense of the theatrical.
But when he bizarrely throws a weekend party for guests with good reasons to loathe one another, his malicious comedy quickly turns to tragedy - leaving Chief Inspector Roderick Alleyn investigating murder...
Dame Ngaio Marsh's detective thriller stars Nigel Graham.
Dramatised by Alan Downer.
Chief Detective Inspector Roderick Alleyn ... Nigel Graham
Jonathan Royal ... Laurence Payne
Aubrey Mandrake ... Steven Pacey
Sandra Compline ... Avril Clark
William Compline ... Stuart Organ
Nicholas Compline ... Stephen Hattersley
Chloris Wynne ... Jane Leonard
Dr Francis Hart ... Alan Downer
Mme Elise Lisse ... Natasha Pyne
Lady Hersey Amblington ... Margaret Ward
Troy Alleyn ... Elaine Claxton
James Bewling ... Peter Tuddenham
Reverend Copeland ... Shaun Prendergast
Detective Inspextor Fox ... Brian Hewlett
Director: David Johnston
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1986,
TUE 14:00 Nicholas McInerny - Scrooge Blues (b00wwbhf)
One year after the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge - what of his business and the people around him? Stars David Hargreaves.
TUE 14:30 Oh Yes It Is (b00wwbk0)
Send in the Clowns - 7 Premiere
Robinson Crusoe, Mother Goose and the amazing career of Joe Grimaldi. Richard Briers narrates a history of the pantomime.
TUE 15:00 A Short History of Ireland (b007n1pw)
The Year of Slaughter; The First Performance of Handel's Messiah
The country's rich and turbulent story continues. With Richard Dormer, James Greene and Frances Tomelty.
TUE 15:15 Roy Hudd's Tales from the Lodge Room (b00wwbmj)
London By the Sea
The comedian - and veteran of the Grand Order of Water Rats - shares showbiz stories with a connection to Brighton.
TUE 15:30 The Inn at the Edge of the World (b00wwbwt)
Episode 7
It's Christmas Day on the island and Jessica is disturbed by Jon's strange behaviour. Read by Alexandra Mathie.
TUE 15:45 Peter Pan and Wendy (b00wwd8h)
Episode 2
The mischievous little boy flies with the Darling children to Neverland to meet the Lost Boys. Read by Alan Bennett.
TUE 16:00 Big Toe Books (b00wwd8k)
Children's stories with Chris Pizzey featuring The Lottie Project by Jacqueline Wilson, read by Mari-Claire Turley. bbc.co.uk/bigtoe.
TUE 17:00 Flying the Flag (b00c65k9)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 today]
TUE 17:30 Linda Smith's A Brief History of Timewasting (b008zs1b)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 today]
TUE 18:00 Martin Kiszko - Scramble (b007jwp8)
Episode 2
In a Britain where music is banned, Mel discovers some uncomfortable truths about herself and her past. Stars Clare Corbett.
TUE 18:30 Ghost Stories of Walter De La Mare (b00wwd8m)
The Almond Tree
A man looks back on the complex relationship between his parents and a female friend of his father's. It's one that will influence the rest of his life...
Read by Julian Wadham.
Walter de la Mare (1873-1956) was a popular award-wining poet, short story writer and novelist. He wrote for both children and adults.
Abridged by Doreen Estall.
Producer: Lawrence Jackson
Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in December 2010.
TUE 19:00 After Henry (b007k01q)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
TUE 19:30 Doctor in the House (b007jsw0)
[Repeat of broadcast at
12:30 today]
TUE 20:00 The Inspector Alleyn Mysteries (b00wwbcl)
[Repeat of broadcast at
13:00 today]
TUE 21:00 Old Peter's Russian Tales (b00wwb3p)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 today]
TUE 21:15 Kings (b007jqvs)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:15 today]
TUE 22:00 Married (b007v2rf)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
TUE 22:30 Nebulous (b00wwdg0)
Series 3
The Girl With the Liquid Face
It is 2099, and the Professor is on a secret mission to find Atlantis. Starring Mark Gatiss and David Warner. From May 2008.
TUE 23:00 Little Britain (b008m9f5)
Series 2
Episode 1
Back where it started out. Matt Lucas and David Walliams' oddball TV smash hit, without the cameras. From February 2002.
TUE 23:30 The Sofa of Time (b00hwyq7)
There's Gravy in My Locker
The epic and timeless tale of two men and their quest to find "The Sofa of Time", the most magical and powerful item of furniture in the entire universe.
It is said that those who sit on the sofa can be transported to anywhere and anytime.
Milford and Parker get sacked and as they are clearing out their lockers they fall into the magical world of Gravy...there Milford is regarded as the chosen one who has come at last to save the people from the emperor warlock Raamen Bod who plans to find the sofa and use it for evil purposes.
Written by Nick Frost and Matt King.
Matt King ...... Milford
Nick Frost ...... Parker
Mark Heap ...... Marmite
Peter Serafinowcz ...... Raamen Bod
With Kevin Eldon, Janei Anderson and Daisy Jones
Producer: Mario Stylianides
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2002.
WEDNESDAY 29 DECEMBER 2010
WED 00:00 Martin Kiszko - Scramble (b007jwp8)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:00 on Tuesday]
WED 00:30 Ghost Stories of Walter De La Mare (b00wwd8m)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:30 on Tuesday]
WED 01:00 The Inspector Alleyn Mysteries (b00wwbcl)
[Repeat of broadcast at
13:00 on Tuesday]
WED 02:00 Old Peter's Russian Tales (b00wwb3p)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 on Tuesday]
WED 02:15 Kings (b007jqvs)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:15 on Tuesday]
WED 03:00 E Nesbit - The Railway Children (b00qxzyr)
[Repeat of broadcast at
05:00 on Tuesday]
WED 03:30 The Nutcracker and The Mouse King (b00ww9v9)
[Repeat of broadcast at
05:30 on Tuesday]
WED 04:00 Flying the Flag (b00c65k9)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:30 Linda Smith's A Brief History of Timewasting (b008zs1b)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 on Tuesday]
WED 05:00 E Nesbit - The Railway Children (b00qy473)
Episode 3
An avalanche poses a problem on the line, and even a fishing trip takes a dramatic turn. Stars Paul Copley and Victoria Carling.
WED 05:30 The Nutcracker and The Mouse King (b00wwdy1)
Mouseykins' Revenge
Will the Royal Clockmaker rid the palace of the mice? And can there be two Drosselmeiers in this story? With Edward de Souza.
WED 06:00 29/12/2010 (b00wwgzj)
Join all your CBeebies friends for songs, rhymes and stories on BBC Radio 7.
WED 08:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jqps)
Series 4
Hancock's Happy Christmas
The festive spirit is in short supply at 23 Railway Cuttings. Then the vicar arrives...
Starring Tony Hancock.
With Bill Kerr, Sidney James, Hattie Jacques and Kenneth Williams.
Children: Michael Anderson and Dorothy Marks.
Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.
Theme and incidental music composed and conducted by Wally Stott.
Producer: Dennis Main Wilson
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in December 1956.
WED 08:30 Another Case of Milton Jones (b00m0wn0)
Series 1
World Famous Celebrity Chef
The surreal comedian tackles an expert role each week, with no ability whatsoever. With Lucy Montgomery. From October 2005.
WED 09:00 PG Wodehouse - Stiff Upper Lip, Jeeves (b007jqjc)
Spode Is Unsuccessful
Gussie Fink-Nottle upsets his fiancee when he looks elsewhere on the menu.
PG Wodehouse romp adapted in six parts by Richard Usborne.
Starring Michael Hordern as Jeeves, Richard Briers as Bertie Wooster, Paul Eddington as Lord Sidcup, Jonathan Cecil as Gussie Fink-Nottle, Denise Coffey as Stiffy Bing, Aimi MacDonald as Madeline Bassett and Douglas Blackwell as the Rev. Harold Pinker
Producer: David Hatch
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1980.
WED 09:30 Old Dog and Partridge (b007jvg6)
Episode 5
When Jack's old chum Ralph comes to visit with his trophy wife Kirstie, Jack feels the need to invent a fiancee.
Joe Turner’s six-part sitcom stars Michael Williams as Jack, Lisa Coleman as Nicola, Cherry Morris as Mrs Drummond, Simon Greenall as Andy, John Duttine as Ralph and Debra Stephenson as Kirstie.
Producer: Liz Anstee
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1999.
WED 10:00 E Nesbit - The Railway Children (b00qy473)
[Repeat of broadcast at
05:00 today]
WED 10:30 The Nutcracker and The Mouse King (b00wwdy1)
[Repeat of broadcast at
05:30 today]
WED 11:00 Old Peter's Russian Tales (b00wwhtq)
Series 2
Prince Ivan
A forester tells his grandchildren about an iron toothed witch baby's arrival. Arthur Ransome dramatisation with Trevor Cooper.
WED 11:15 Kings (b007jqw4)
The Loved One
Anat refuses to leave her home as the Israelites approach. Tales from the reign of biblical King David. Stars David Calder.
WED 12:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jqps)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
WED 12:30 Lines From My Grandfather's Forehead (b0089m3v)
A rival to the Bard of Avon - and buying a teaspoon. Sketch comedy with Ronnie Barker and Pauline Yates. From March 1971.
WED 13:00 The Inspector Alleyn Mysteries (b0084rlw)
Opening Night
Gentleman detective, Inspector Alleyn probes a top actor's mysterious death. Jeremy Clyde stars in Dame Ngaio Marsh's thriller.
WED 14:00 We Three Kings (b00g1rmq)
Ian Hislop examines the myths and realities surrounding the Three Kings of the Christmas story.
They merit only a small mention in the Bible but they have had a huge impact on our understanding of Christ's birth story, so much so that they even have their own feast day. Ian examines 2,000 years of the telling of their story to see how history has shaped the legend of the Kings. Along the way he meets theologians, historians, the Archbishop of Canterbury and, curiously, a lot of people from Colchester.
WED 14:30 Oh Yes It Is (b00wwhxw)
Burlesque and Breeches - 7 Premiere
The origins of the thigh-slapping principal boy and Buttons makes his debut. Richard Briers narrates a history of the pantomime.
WED 15:00 A Short History of Ireland (b007nbdy)
The Second City of the Empire; Dublin: Poverty, Crime and Duels
The country's rich and turbulent story continues. With Richard Dormer, James Greene and Frances Tomelty.
WED 15:15 Roy Hudd's Tales from the Lodge Room (b00wwhyz)
The Friends of The Water Rat
Comic actor Roy Hudd looks at the joys of theatrical digs and the challenge of smuggling in the girlfriend.
WED 15:30 The Inn at the Edge of the World (b00wwhz1)
Episode 8
As the mainlanders misbehave on their pagan island retreat, Harry speaks to Jessica obsessed Jon. Read by Alexandra Mathie.
WED 15:45 Peter Pan and Wendy (b00wwhzk)
Episode 3
The mischievous boy and the Darling children play happily in the Mermaids Lagoon until pirates appear. Read by Alan Bennett.
WED 16:00 Big Toe Books (b00wwhzw)
Children's stories presented by Chris Pizzey featuring Stig of the Dump by Clive King, read by Andrew Lincoln.
WED 17:00 PG Wodehouse - Stiff Upper Lip, Jeeves (b007jqjc)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 today]
WED 17:30 Old Dog and Partridge (b007jvg6)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 today]
WED 18:00 Martin Kiszko - Scramble (b007jwq4)
Episode 3
Racing against time, Mel battles to use music to thwart a crucial government project. Stars Clare Corbett and Christian Rodska.
WED 18:30 The Female Ghost (b00nj7cx)
The Cold Embrace
When handsome young artist Josef betrays his delicate fiancée, her retribution is eerily appropriate...
The first of four ghostly stories by women dramatised by Christopher Hawes.
Mary Braddon's eerie tale stars Stephanie Turner as Mary Braddon, Jonathan Firth as Josef, Alison Pettitt as Gertrude, Ioan Meredith as the Postmaster, John Hartley as Father, Carolyn Jones as the Woman, Hugh Dickson as the Passenger, Tracy-Ann Oberman as Parisienne and Chris Pavlo as the Fisherman.
Producer: Marion Nancarrow
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1997.
WED 19:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jqps)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
WED 19:30 Lines From My Grandfather's Forehead (b0089m3v)
[Repeat of broadcast at
12:30 today]
WED 20:00 The Inspector Alleyn Mysteries (b0084rlw)
[Repeat of broadcast at
13:00 today]
WED 21:00 Old Peter's Russian Tales (b00wwhtq)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 today]
WED 21:15 Kings (b007jqw4)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:15 today]
WED 22:00 Another Case of Milton Jones (b00m0wn0)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
WED 22:30 The Maltby Collection (b00wwj28)
Series 2
Episode 1
With the museum stuck in the past, modernising deputy curator Rod wants to make it sexy. Stars Geoffrey Palmer. From June 2008.
WED 23:00 The Lee Mack Show (b00bbnvy)
Tony Hadley
Tony Hadley joins the quick-fire comic for stand-up, sketches and music. With Angela McHale and Trevor Crook. From March 2005.
WED 23:30 The Million Pound Radio Show (b008x3tm)
Series 2
Episode 2
The news of 1936 - and stereotypes in space. Andy Hamilton and Nick Revell's sharp-edged topical humour. From August 1986.
THURSDAY 30 DECEMBER 2010
THU 00:00 Martin Kiszko - Scramble (b007jwq4)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:00 on Wednesday]
THU 00:30 The Female Ghost (b00nj7cx)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:30 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 The Inspector Alleyn Mysteries (b0084rlw)
[Repeat of broadcast at
13:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 Old Peter's Russian Tales (b00wwhtq)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:15 Kings (b007jqw4)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:15 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 E Nesbit - The Railway Children (b00qy473)
[Repeat of broadcast at
05:00 on Wednesday]
THU 03:30 The Nutcracker and The Mouse King (b00wwdy1)
[Repeat of broadcast at
05:30 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 PG Wodehouse - Stiff Upper Lip, Jeeves (b007jqjc)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:30 Old Dog and Partridge (b007jvg6)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 E Nesbit - The Railway Children (b00qyqd1)
Episode 4
The children help out when a paper chase goes wrong and Roberta learns the truth about her father. Stars Timothy Bateson.
THU 05:30 The Nutcracker and The Mouse King (b00wwkfr)
Uncle and Nephew
Can Drosselmeier find the cure for the Princess' affliction? Or will Lady Mouseykins have the final say? With Tony Robinson.
THU 06:00 30/12/2010 (b00wwkjh)
Join all your CBeebies friends for songs, rhymes and stories on BBC Radio 7.
THU 08:00 The Goon Show (b00fyvxb)
Series 6
The International Christmas Pudding
An eccentric millionaire funds an expedition for fragments of a famous dessert. Stars Spike Milligan. From November 1955.
THU 08:30 Double Income, No Kids Yet (b008x3lt)
Series 3
Episode 1
Andy and Katy have a lovely new baby and Daniel has a brilliant new job.
But Lucy has a horrible new feeling. Is Daniel about to leave her for a woman called Katriona who's obsessed with cheese?
David Spicer's comedy drama about modern life and parenthood, as seen through the eyes of two 30-something non-parents.
Starring David Tennant as Daniel, Liz Carling as Lucy, Tracy-Ann Oberman as Katie, Tony Gardner as Andy and Kate Robbins as Katriona.
Producer: Liz Anstee
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2003.
THU 09:00 The Galton and Simpson Playhouse (b007ylq8)
Clicquot et Fils
Monsieur Clicquot plans to improve his ailing funeral parlour. Stars Richard Griffiths and Josie Lawrence. From December 1998.
THU 09:30 The Harpoon (b007lnx3)
Series 1
Episode 4
Nostalgia galore in the Empire's favourite weekly magazine.
With Susie Brann, Julian Dutton, Peter Baynham, Alistair McGowan, Mary Elliot-Nelson and Bryonie Pritchard.
Producer: Sarah Smith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1991.
THU 10:00 E Nesbit - The Railway Children (b00qyqd1)
[Repeat of broadcast at
05:00 today]
THU 10:30 The Nutcracker and The Mouse King (b00wwkfr)
[Repeat of broadcast at
05:30 today]
THU 11:00 Old Peter's Russian Tales (b00wwm2n)
Series 2
The Stolen Turnips
A forester tells his grandchildren of two squabbling green-fingered friends. Arthur Ransome dramatisation with Trevor Cooper.
THU 11:15 Kings (b007jqwf)
Michal, Saul's Daughter
In the monarch's harem, three wives fight their case. Tales from the reign of biblical King David. Stars Caroline Langrishe.
THU 12:00 The Goon Show (b00fyvxb)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
THU 12:30 I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again (b00wwn0j)
Series 5
Episode 14
'The Incredible Singing Blancmange' - or 'The Dessert Song'.
A musical comedy starring Tim Brooke-Taylor, John Cleese, David Hatch, Bill Oddie and Jo Kendall.
Written by Bill Oddie and Graeme Garden.
Originating from the Cambridge University Footlights revue 'Cambridge Circus', ISIRTA ran for 8 years on BBC Radio and quickly developed a cult following.
Music and songs by Leon Cohen, Eric Idle, Graeme Garden and Bill Oddie.
Producer: Humphrey Barclay
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in July 1967.
THU 13:00 The Inspector Alleyn Mysteries (b0084sb1)
When in Rome
1970s Rome. Chief Detective Inspector Alleyn is incognito and on the trail of a vast drugs syndicate - and some exceptionally unsavoury blackmail.
But he hasn't reckoned on murder...
Another tale of Dame Ngaio Marsh’s gentleman detective.
CDI Alleyn …. Jeremy Clyde
Nigel Bathgate …. Nick Waring
Sonia, Lady Bracely …. Pauline Jameson
Kenneth Dorne …. Tom George
Baron Van der Veghel …. David Swift
Baroness Van der Veghel …. Paula Jacobs
Sophy Jason …. Annabelle Dowler
Barnaby Grant …. Sean Arnold
Major Sweet …. Derek Waring
Sebastian Mailer …. Matthew Devereaux
Father Denys …. James Greene
Valdarno …. Stephen Critchlow
Violetta/Receptionist …. Carolyn Jones
Dramatised by Michael Bakewell.
Director: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2003.
THU 14:00 Cinderella's Ponies (b00wwn0l)
Sparkling harness and gleaming white coats - Joannah Tincey meets the four legged stars of pantomime, 100 Shetland ponies.
THU 14:30 Oh Yes It Is (b00wwn59)
They Make A Lovely Couplet - 7 Premiere
The Victorian Era brings a new 'prettiness' and a leavening of morality. Richard Briers narrates a history of the pantomime.
THU 15:00 A Short History of Ireland (b007nf1w)
The Irish Gentry Are Expensive People; A Sort of Despot - The Irish Landlord
The country's rich and turbulent story continues. With Richard Dormer, James Greene and Frances Tomelty.
THU 15:15 Roy Hudd's Tales from the Lodge Room (b00wwnsz)
A Jolly Lot of Fellows
The comedian and actor shares tales of Dan Leno, Flanagan & Allen, Tommy Cooper and Arthur Askey with his audience in Brighton.
THU 15:30 The Inn at the Edge of the World (b00wwnt1)
Episode 9
As the island guests begin their last day, drama erupts in stormy seas off the treacherous coast. Read by Alexandra Mathie.
THU 15:45 Peter Pan and Wendy (b00wwnt4)
Episode 4
As Wendy, John and Michael make a decision - pirates intervene, but what becomes of Peter and Tinkerbell? Read by Alan Bennett.
THU 16:00 Big Toe Books (b00wwnt6)
A new production of The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, read by Christopher Eccleston (part one of two). Children's stories presented by Chris Pizzey.
THU 17:00 The Galton and Simpson Playhouse (b007ylq8)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 today]
THU 17:30 The Harpoon (b007lnx3)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 today]
THU 18:00 HG Wells (b007jwgt)
A Dream of Armageddon
Stranger
A stranger on a train reveals his secret. When he dreams, he enters a future reality of an advanced civilization descending into senseless war. Read in two-parts by Robert Bathurst.
Written in 1901, this is a disturbing vision of the future - as Wells comes uncannily close to predicting the horrors of the Second World War.
English author and political philosopher, HG Wells is recognised as one of sci-fi's founding-fathers. Within his own lifetime, he became a literary celebrity, earning praise from contemporaries such as Henry James and Joseph Conrad. His influence was wide reaching; George Orwell in particular - "The minds of all of us, and therefore the physical world, would be perceptibly different if Wells never existed." In recent years his work has enjoyed a renaissance, including Steven Spielberg's 2005 film of War Of The Worlds.
Wells died on August 13th, 1946, aged 79.
Producer: Gemma Jenkins
Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in 2006.
THU 18:30 The Female Ghost (b00njj2k)
Edith Nesbit - Man Sized in Marble
For newly-weds Charles and Laura, their housekeeper's dread of All Saint's Eve seems laughable - that is, until the day itself arrives...
A series of ghostly stories by women dramatised by Christopher Hawes.
Edith Nesbit's eerie tale stars Carolyn Jones as Edith Nesbit, Stephen Critchlow as Charles, Deborah Berlin as Laura, Gerard McDermott as Doctor Kelly and Tina Gray as Mrs Dorman.
Producer: Marion Nancarrow
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1997.
THU 19:00 The Goon Show (b00fyvxb)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
THU 19:30 I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again (b00wwn0j)
[Repeat of broadcast at
12:30 today]
THU 20:00 The Inspector Alleyn Mysteries (b0084sb1)
[Repeat of broadcast at
13:00 today]
THU 21:00 Old Peter's Russian Tales (b00wwm2n)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 today]
THU 21:15 Kings (b007jqwf)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:15 today]
THU 22:00 Double Income, No Kids Yet (b008x3lt)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
THU 22:30 And Now in Colour (b007jtz0)
Christmas Special 1991
The festive foursome's far from traditional Christmas. Stars Tim Firth, Tim de Jongh and Michael Rutger. From December 1991.
THU 23:00 Rigor Mortis (b00g2glp)
Series 3
Episode 1
It's New Year in the mortuary and the pathologists must tackle a befuddled mother. Stars Peter Davison. From January 2006.
THU 23:30 Ross Noble Goes Global (b007jvrg)
Series 1
Budapest and Warsaw
Kicking off his comedy travelogues in the capital of Hungary, the stand-up comic then takes the train to Poland.
As well as entertaining the locals with his unique brand of stand-up, Ross Noble chats to the Mayor of Warsaw about furry hats, uncovers the truth about suicidal Hungarian monks and even shares a curry with Poland's only comedian...
Producer: Danny Wallace
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2001.
FRIDAY 31 DECEMBER 2010
FRI 00:00 HG Wells (b007jwgt)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:00 on Thursday]
FRI 00:30 The Female Ghost (b00njj2k)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:30 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 The Inspector Alleyn Mysteries (b0084sb1)
[Repeat of broadcast at
13:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 Old Peter's Russian Tales (b00wwm2n)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:15 Kings (b007jqwf)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:15 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 E Nesbit - The Railway Children (b00qyqd1)
[Repeat of broadcast at
05:00 on Thursday]
FRI 03:30 The Nutcracker and The Mouse King (b00wwkfr)
[Repeat of broadcast at
05:30 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 The Galton and Simpson Playhouse (b007ylq8)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:30 The Harpoon (b007lnx3)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 Charles Dickens (b00ph6s7)
The Chimes
One New Year's Eve, the humble Trotty Veck learns the importance of love and hope in an extraordinary way. Stars Ron Cook.
FRI 06:00 31/12/2010 (b00wwpcw)
Join all your CBeebies friends for songs, rhymes and stories on BBC Radio 7.
FRI 08:00 Hamish and Dougal: You'll Have Had Your Tea (b008kl37)
Hogmanay Special
Hamish and Dougal find themselves celebrating Hogmanay with a busload of celebrities after they get stuck in a snowdrift on its way to the BBC's Hogmanay Cavalcade in Edinburgh.
Barry Cryer and Graeme Garden star as the two elderly Scotsmen famed for their appearances on BBC Radio’s I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue.
Mrs Naughtie ...... Alison Steadman
The Laird ...... Jeremy Hardy
Humphrey Lyttelton ...... Butler
Tim Brooke-Taylor ...... Himself
Sandi Wedge ...... Sandi Toksvig
James ...... James Naughtie
Pianist Colin Sell
Producer: Jon Naismith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2004.
FRI 08:30 Robin and Wendy's Wet Weekends (b007jzkw)
Series 2
Them and Us
Joy and consternation as Wendy is promoted at work, but Robin is suspended. Stars Kay Stonham and Simon Greenall. From May 2003.
FRI 09:00 It Sticks Out Half A Mile (b007jpvy)
The First Meeting
Pike and Hodges campaign to save the pier, while Uncle Arthur upsets Mavis
A seaside saga of pier perpetuation starring John Le Mesurier, Ian Lavender and Bill Pertwee.
Arthur Wilson ...... John Le Mesurier
Frank Pike ...... Ian Lavender
Bert Hodges ...... Bill Pertwee
Miss Perkins ...... Vivienne Martin
Fred Guthrie ...... Glynn Edwards
Written by Harold Snoad and Michael Knowles, based on the characters originally created by Jimmy Perry and David Croft.
Producer: Martin Fisher
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in January 1984.
FRI 09:30 No Commitments (b007jn7l)
Series 5
Rallying Around
Victoria and Charlotte jump to wrong conclusions, but Anna has plans. Stars Rosemary Leach and Celia Imrie. From August 1998.
FRI 10:00 Charles Dickens (b00ph6s7)
[Repeat of broadcast at
05:00 today]
FRI 11:00 Old Peter's Russian Tales (b00wwpxz)
Series 2
Frost
A forester tells his grandchildren how a warm heart overcame a life of misery. Arthur Ransome dramatisation with Trevor Cooper.
FRI 11:15 Kings (b007jqwr)
Abishag, the Virgin
The monarch is dying. Bathsheba and his new wife attend him. Tales from the reign of biblical King David. Stars Alison Pettitt.
FRI 12:00 Hamish and Dougal: You'll Have Had Your Tea (b008kl37)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
FRI 12:30 At Home With Hinge and Bracket (b008wd18)
6. Benjamin Luxon
Dame Hilda Bracket and her lifelong companion, Dr Evadne Hinge, invite you to eavesdrop on some informal music and conversation.
Joining them in the music room is acclaimed baritone star, Benjamin Luxon.
Dame Hilda Bracket ...... George Logan
Dr Evadne Hinge ...... Patrick Fyffe
Producer: John Fawcett Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1990.
FRI 13:00 The Inspector Alleyn Mysteries (b0084qwv)
A Surfeit of Lampreys
Gentleman sleuth Inspector Alleyn probes a grisly death of the head of a spendthrift aristocratic family. Stars Jeremy Clyde.
FRI 14:00 Garrison Keillor's Radio Show (b00wwrgm)
Series 6
Episode 6
Highlights from the American funny man's 2009 season - with "West Wing" star Martin Sheen and the best from Lake Wobegon.
FRI 15:00 A Short History of Ireland (b007nfs2)
The Hearts of Steel and the Hearts of Oak; Clearing the Land
The country's rich and turbulent story continues. With Richard Dormer, James Greene and Frances Tomelty.
FRI 15:15 Roy Hudd's Tales from the Lodge Room (b00wx2pk)
Going into Skirts
The comedian shares tales of the perils of playing panto dame - collected in the Lodge Room of the Grand Order of Water Rats.
FRI 15:30 The Inn at the Edge of the World (b00wx2pm)
Episode 10
Everyone on the Scottish island tries to come to terms with the aftermath of the terrible storm. Concluded by Alexandra Mathie.
FRI 15:45 Peter Pan and Wendy (b00wx2pp)
Episode 5
Wendy, John and Michael are Captain Hook's prisoners - but will they ever manage to fly back home? Concluded by Alan Bennett.
FRI 16:00 Big Toe Books (b00wwrn4)
A new production of The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, read by Christopher Eccleston (part two of two). Children's stories presented by Chris Pizzey.
FRI 17:00 It Sticks Out Half A Mile (b007jpvy)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 today]
FRI 17:30 No Commitments (b007jn7l)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 today]
FRI 18:00 HG Wells (b007k4kd)
A Dream of Armageddon
Escape
As war breaks out, our hero flees with his wife to try and shield her from the horrors of battle and bloodshed. Can he re-establish the romantic idyll he once enjoyed?
Concluded by Robert Bathurst.
Written in 1901, this is a disturbing vision of the future - as Wells comes uncannily close to predicting the horrors of the Second World War.
English author and political philosopher, HG Wells is recognised as one of sci-fi's founding-fathers. Within his own lifetime, he became a literary celebrity, earning praise from contemporaries such as Henry James and Joseph Conrad. His influence was wide reaching; George Orwell in particular - "The minds of all of us, and therefore the physical world, would be perceptibly different if Wells never existed." In recent years his work has enjoyed a renaissance, including Steven Spielberg's 2005 film of War Of The Worlds.
Wells died on August 13th, 1946, aged 79.
Producer: Gemma Jenkins
Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in 2006.
FRI 18:30 The Female Ghost (b00njx8j)
Afterward
After an unexpected windfall on their American mine, Ned and Mary move to a dream home in England, but their past is catching up with them...
A series of ghostly stories by women dramatised by Christopher Hawes.
Edith Wharton's eerie tale stars Buffy Davis as Edith Wharton, Carolyn Jones as Alida, John Guerrasio as Ned, Barbara Barnes as Mary, Sean Baker as Parvis, Rachel Atkins as Trimmle, Christopher Scott as Peters and Alex Lowe as Robert Elwell.
Producer: Marion Nancarrow
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1997.
FRI 19:00 Hamish and Dougal: You'll Have Had Your Tea (b008kl37)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
FRI 19:30 At Home With Hinge and Bracket (b008wd18)
[Repeat of broadcast at
12:30 today]
FRI 20:00 The Inspector Alleyn Mysteries (b0084qwv)
[Repeat of broadcast at
13:00 today]
FRI 21:00 Old Peter's Russian Tales (b00wwpxz)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 today]
FRI 21:15 Kings (b007jqwr)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:15 today]
FRI 22:00 Robin and Wendy's Wet Weekends (b007jzkw)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
FRI 22:30 Getting Nowhere Fast (b007k1fl)
Series 2
Episode 1
Back at the Cyber Pass cafe, Chantal's biological clock is ticking, so the hunt is on. Stars Mervyn Stutter. From March 2003.
FRI 23:00 Miranda Hart's Joke Shop (b00mf2n3)
What a Flirt
The tall, life-embracing, self-effacing clown has much to learn about retail and men. With Patricia Hodge. From August 2008.
FRI 23:30 The Young Postmen (b00fkp61)
Tour de France
Everyone goes on and on about how boring professional cycling is compared to the 1980s. So if Brian, Derek and Sue have to leave the Post Office to look after itself for a bit, and do something about it then it's really ungrateful to start complaining.
Anyway, sorting mail is much harder than it looks, so they probably need a break. And it'll be loads better than some of the rubbish on telly these days.
The surreal escapades of a trio of 'posties' written by and starring Ben Miller. With John Thompson and Felicity Montagu.
Brian ...... Ben Miller
Derek ...... John Thomson
Sue ...... Felicity Montagu
Mr Tilbury ...... Jim Barclay
Captain ...... Alastair McGowan
Melinda ...... Joanna Brooks
Jack Finlay ...... David Mellor
Music by Murray Gold
Producer: Gareth Edwards
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1992.