Tom is forced by his cruel master, Grimes, up the chimneys of Hartover Hall.
In the chase that follows, Tom is rescued by the Fairies and taken to be a Water Baby under the waves.
Published in 1863, Charles Kingsley’s novel dramatized in three parts by Berlie Doherty.
Starring Julia McKenzie and Timothy West.
Mrs Doasyouwouldbedoneby ...... Julia McKenzie
Charles Kingsley ...... Timothy West
Tom ...... Oliver Peace
Grimes ...... Philip Jackson
Sir John ...... Geoffrey Whitehead
The Dame ...... Maggie McCarthy
Miss Ellie ...... Ciara Janson
The Otter ...... Frances Jeater
The Dragon ...... FlyCharles Simpson
The Fly ...... David Antrobus
The Caddis ...... FlySarah-Jane Holm
Other parts played by Rosie Wiggins, Victoria Hickson, Alex Bird, Mark Guildea, Fiona Taylor, Samantha Morris, Nicola Cannon, Leigh Harris and Patrick Clibbens.
The lad takes action over scandal rag Blabbermouth's scurrilous claims of him cavorting with Mabel Biggs the cigarette girl.
Stars Tony Hancock.
With Sidney James, Bill Kerr, Hattie Jacques and Kenneth Williams.
Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.
Theme and incidental music written by Wally Stott.
The surreal comedian tackles an expert role each week, with no ability whatsoever. With Tom Goodman-Hill. From October 2005.
Gussie Fink-Nottle gets walloped and Aunt Dahlia sends Bertie on a spending spree.
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, John Le Mesurier as Sir Watkyn Bassett, Denise Coffey as Stiffy Bing, Aimi MacDonald as Madeline Bassett, Vivian Pickles as Aunt Dahlia, Douglas Blackwell as the Reverend Harold Pinker and Ann Davies as Emerald Stoker.
Landlord Jack has the flu, so Nicola takes over just as the pub inspectors are due.
If the father-daughter bond can survive this, it could probably survive anything...
Joe Turner’s six-part sitcom stars Michael Williams as Jack, Lisa Coleman as Nicola, Cherry Morris as Mrs Drummond, Simon Greenall as Andy, Sally Grace as the Inspector and Toby Longworth as Joe.
The Baker Street sleuth probes a case of revenge and treachery linking a country home with 1890s American secret societies.
Starring Clive Merrison and Michael Williams.
First published in 1915, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's novel about his legendary great detective, Sherlock Holmes.
Dramatised in two parts by Bert Coules.
Sherlock Holmes ...... Clive Merrison
Dr John Watson ...... Michael Williams
John McMurdo ...... Iain Glen
Inspector Alec MacDonald ...... Mark Bonner
White Mason ...... Timothy Bateson
Jack McGinty ...... Constantine Gregory
Ettie Shafter ...... Amanda Gordon
Ted Baldwin ...... Stephen Critchlow
Ivy Douglas ...... Becky Hindley
Cecil Barker ...... Gavin Muir
Narrator ...... Ronald Pickup
Violinist: Abigail Young.
Director: Enyd Williams.
The derelict house mystery deepens when manservant Trottle finds people inside. But why are they there? Stars Marcia Warren.
Aubrey and Dorinda live their lives in their own claustrophobic world, dominated by guilt.
Their verbal games of storytelling are vivid, unbelievable and true. Only 'they' exist - and the others.
Peter Tinniswood's drama stars Paul Scofield as Aubrey and Fiona Shaw as Dorinda.
A struggling vicar, a Welsh birthday card poet and a perplexed psychoanalyst.
A sequential entertainment for radio starring Ronnie Barker.
With Terence Brady and Pauline Yates. Pianist: Gordon Langford.
Written by Chris Allen, David Climie, Allan Scott and Chris Bryant, and Gerald Wiley.
Tough private eye VI Warshawski continues the battle to clear herself of a murder that she didn't commit. Concluded by Buffy Davis.
The victim is a famous crime fiction writer. Her latest book threatens to uncover the shame of a small American town whose dark secrets and those of her tormentor have been buried for decades.
Sara Paretsky has created one of the most popular female sleuths in modern crime fiction. Her heroine, V I Warshawski, is a strong female character in a male-dominated world. V I is comfortable packing heat and trailing nasty suspects but she never loses touch with her basic femininity. Paretsky says of her Warshawski: "I was troubled by the way women were portrayed in (detective fiction) they always seemed either evil or powerless. I thought it was time for a tough, smart, likeable female private investigator".
A respected solicitor hatches an elaborate scheme to steal a client's inheritance. Read by Jack Shepherd.
Chris Ledgard explores a series of previously unheard recordings of the novelist John Fowles at work during his time as the curator of Lyme Regis Museum.
The recordings, made in 1978 with some of the oldest residents of Lyme Regis, provide a fascinating record of Dorset life in the early 20th century, including fishermen recalling the sinking of HMS Formidable off Lyme in 1915.
Former colleagues talk about working with Folwes and give an insight into how his reputation amongst those who knew him well in Lyme compared to his public persona.
Irrelevant songs, current affairs and product placement - Richard Briers with the final part of the history of the pantomime.
A Vast Number of People Shipping Off for Pennsylvania and Boston; The Voyage of the Sally
The country's rich and turbulent story continues. With Richard Dormer, James Greene and Frances Tomelty.
The pantomime star invents a new sort of clown and, after an on-stage accident, finds a new love. With Tony Lidington.
The latin lover smells a rat with a friend's wife. Is he in love or debt? Giacomo Casanova's own words, read by Jack Klaff.
In 1959, actor John Gielgud faced the threat of blackmail over his homosexuality. Derek Jacobi reads his remarkable letters.
Children's stories presented by Chris Pizzey, featuring Bright Lights by Linda Chapman; Dream Master Nightmare by Theresa Breslin, and Featherboy by Nicky Singer.
A psychologist is sent to a rundown space station to find out what has happened to its crew. When his long-dead young wife turns up, he suddenly finds himself in serious trouble.
Stanislaw Lem's famous modern sci-fi classic dramatised by Hattie Naylor.
Starring Ron Cook as Kris, Stuart Richman as Sartoris, Tim McMullan as Snow, Joanne Froggatt as Rheya and Maxine Burth as the Woman.
Deputy curator Rod holds a museum press conference, and Walter hits on Susie Maltby. Stars Geoffrey Palmer. From June 2008.
Midge Ure joins the quick-fire comic for stand-up, sketches and music. With Angela McHale and Steve Brown. From March 2005.
Spoofing the royals - and chatty dinosaurs. Andy Hamilton and Nick Revell's sharp-edged topical humour. From September 1986.
THURSDAY 06 JANUARY 2011
THU 00:00 Stanislaw Lem - Solaris (b00pf12m)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 VI Warshawski (b007jztq)
[Repeat of broadcast at
13:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:30 Edgar Wallace: Short Stories (b00ftbjm)
[Repeat of broadcast at
13:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 A House to Let (b00x7fj7)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:15 Peter Tinniswood (b007rpry)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:15 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 Sherlock Holmes (b007k1jp)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 PG Wodehouse - Stiff Upper Lip, Jeeves (b007jql7)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:30 Old Dog and Partridge (b007jvgy)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 Charles Kingsley - The Water Babies (b007wpl3)
New Friends
Now a Water Baby, Tom is warned to behave, as he befriends the sea creatures...
Charles Kingsley’s novel dramatised by Berlie Doherty.
Starring Julia McKenzie and Timothy West.
Mrs Doasyouwouldbedoneby ...... Julia McKenzie
Charles Kingsley ...... Timothy West
Tom ...... Oliver Peace
Grimes ...... Philip Jackson
The Lobster ...... Olivier Pierre
The Salmon ...... Sean Baker
Lady Salmon ...... Frances Jeater
The Turbot ...... Geoffrey Whitehead
The Professor ...... Christopher Good
Miss Ellie ...... Ciara Janson
The Porpoise ...... Sarah-Jane Holm
With Rosie Wiggins, Victoria Hickson, Alex Bird and Mark Guildea as the Water Babies.
Director: Janet Whitaker
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1998.
THU 06:00 06/01/2011 (b00x58mf)
Join all your CBeebies friends for songs, rhymes and stories on BBC Radio 7.
THU 08:00 The Goon Show (b00kjh64)
Series 10
The Silver Doubloons
Neddie Seagoon must plunder a sunken Spanish galleon. Stars Spike Milligan, Peter Sellers and Harry Secombe. From January 1960.
THU 08:30 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...
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, Joanna Brookes as Alison, Robert Harley as Peter, Carla Mendonca as Linda, Jonathan Aris as Steve and Martin Marquez as the Waiter.
Producer: Liz Anstee
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2003.
THU 09:00 The Galton and Simpson Playhouse (b007zc9g)
Nought for Thy Comfort
Richard the airline purser has a loving and grateful wife. Or does he? Stars Robert Daws and Nina Wadia. From January 1999.
THU 09:30 Potting On (b00kmn18)
Stones
Pam and Gordon Grant are a couple at odds running a garden centre.
While Pam still feels young, Gordon wants to dive, slippers first, into middle age. She wants to go to a rock gig, but he wants to join the bowls club.
Let battle among the begonias commence!
Starring Pam Ayres and Geoffrey Whitehead as Pam and Gordon Grant.
With Trevor Bannister, Karl Theobald and Alex Tregear.
Sitcom by Chris Thompson and Peter Reynolds.
Producer Claire Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2008.
THU 10:00 Sherlock Holmes (b007k1md)
The Valley of Fear
The Tragedy of Birlstone
The great detective battles to solve the case with the aid of a single dumb-bell and Dr Watson's umbrella...
Starring Clive Merrison and Michael Williams.
The conclusion of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's 1915 novel about the legendary Sherlock Holmes.
Sherlock Holmes ...... Clive Merrison
Dr John Watson ...... Michael Williams
John McMurdo ...... Iain Glen
Inspector Alec MacDonald ...... Mark Bonner
White Mason ...... Timothy Bateson
Jack McGinty ...... Constantine Gregory
Ettie Shafter ...... Amanda Gordon
Ted Baldwin ...... Stephen Critchlow
Ivy Douglas ...... Becky Hindley
Cecil Barker ...... Gavin Muir
Narrator ...... Ronald Pickup
Dramatised by Bert Coules.
Pianist: Michael Hasiam
Violinist: Abigail Young.
Director: Enyd Williams.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1997.
THU 11:00 A House to Let (b00x58pp)
Episode 4
Trottle makes a disturbing discovery at the derelict house, in a locked room. Stars Marcia Warren and Alec McCowen.
THU 11:15 Peter Tinniswood (b007jw6t)
Mr Reliable
It's Mr Openshaw's job to listen to people. He goes to their houses to listen to them talk.
Mrs Flenswick is one of his visitees. But he doesn't listen to her at all...
Peter Tinniswood's drama stars Peter Sallis as Mr Oakenshaw and Edna Dore as Mrs Flenswick.
Director: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2001.
THU 12:00 The Goon Show (b00kjh64)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
THU 12:30 I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again (b00cylbh)
Series 6
Episode 1
Radio's Dave the Rave - and The Legend of Bunny and Claude.
Starring Tim Brooke-Taylor, John Cleese, Graeme Garden, 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 and Bill Oddie.
Producer: David Hatch/Peter Titheradge
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in April 1968.
THU 13:00 WC Morrow - Over an Absinthe Bottle (b007jqq4)
A grim tale of two strangers drinking and gambling their lives away in a San Francisco bar. Read by Doug Cockle.
THU 13:30 Ruth Rendell Stories (b007jrzf)
Paperwork
Cruelty and silence lead a man to confront his past in a house piled high with papers and secrets. Read by Russell Dixon.
THU 14:00 Grasshead Racers (b00x58v4)
To honour the great motor racing commentator, Murray Walker, who died last month aged 97, Radio 4 is repeating the programme that, in 2004 , tempted him out of retirement - Grasshead Racers.
In his long career as a commentator Murray Walker covered all manner of motor sports, so when radio producer Julian May told him about lawn mower racing he was intrigued. He agreed to present a programme exploring it, on one condition - that he would not have to commentate.
At the Le Mans (if he’s not mistaken) of the lawn mower racing world - a field dotted with straw bales in Kingston Maurwood, Dorset, Murray spends a summer's day with members of the British Lawn Mower Racing Association and discovers this is a sport with wide appeal. Sir Stirling Moss reveals he was a keen lawn mower racer; Oliver Reed was as enthusiastic, but less controlled. Murray meets one competitor with more world championships than Michael Schumacher.
So impressed is Murray by these grasshead racers and their diligently fettled machines that he can't resist picking up the announcer's microphone and painting the scene in words, commentating one last time on this most spectacular and democratic motor sport.
Lawnmowers, Murray reveals, have a surprisingly sexy provenance: Mr Benz of Mercedes launched his career making lawn mowers; Royal Enfield, more famous for their guns and motorcycles, made mowers. So did Rolls Royce!
But the real enthusiasts, like Bugatti owners, like to mount their chariots and tank them. Murray Walker joins them, enjoying the heady aroma of 2 stroke and grass clippings as, lap after lap, the grasshead racers gun their classic mowers over Kingston Maurwood's greensward at speeds approaching a dizzying 35mph.
Presenter: Murray Walker
Producer: Julian May
THU 14:30 High Speed Radio (b00x58vz)
Peter France tunes along the dial, where the sounds of life are slowed down to reveal a unique radio symphony. From January 2005.
THU 15:00 A Short History of Ireland (b007qgnn)
The American Revolution and Ireland; Free Trade or Else
The country's rich and turbulent story continues. With Richard Dormer, James Greene and Frances Tomelty.
THU 15:15 An Audience with Grimaldi (b00x58wk)
Episode 3
The great clown reveals his money troubles and the 'arduous' life of a pantomime star. With Tony Lidington.
THU 15:30 Casanova in London (b007jwl4)
Episode 4
Has the infamous lover met his match? It certainly looks that way. Giacomo Casanova in his own words, read by Jack Klaff.
THU 15:45 John Gielgud - Gielgud's Letters (b0082j2s)
Episode 4
In 1970, Gielgud contemplates taking a part in an exciting new play at London's Royal Court Theatre. Read by Derek Jacobi.
THU 16:00 Big Toe Books (b00x58yt)
Children's stories presented by Chris Pizzey, featuring Bright Lights by Linda Chapman; Dream Master Nightmare by Theresa Breslin, and Featherboy by Nicky Singer.
THU 17:00 The Galton and Simpson Playhouse (b007zc9g)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 today]
THU 17:30 Potting On (b00kmn18)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 today]
THU 18:00 Stanislaw Lem - Solaris (b00pf4xk)
Episode 2
Psychologist Kris is falling in love with his replica wife and wants to take her back to Earth with him. His colleagues are simultaneously plotting to destroy the planet.
Stanislaw Lem's famous modern sci-fi classic, dramatised by Hattie Naylor.
Starring Ron Cook as Kris, Stuart Richman as Sartoris, Tim McMullan as Snow and Joanne Froggatt as Rheya.
Music by Alice Trueman
Sound Design: Steve Brooke
Directed at BBC Manchester by Polly Thomas
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2007.
THU 19:00 Shakespeare - Twelfth Night (b00x59vk)
The Bard's comedy of mistaken identity, cruel practical jokes and lovelorn suitors. Stars Eve Matheson and Iain Cuthbertson.
THU 21:30 High Speed Radio (b00x58vz)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:30 today]
THU 22:00 Double Income, No Kids Yet (b008yszx)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
THU 22:30 And Now in Colour (b007yrwf)
Series 2
Colourthon
The sketch show team attempt their own radio charity fundraiser.
Precision comedy written and performed by Tim Firth, Tim de Jongh, Michael Rutger and William Vandyck.
Producer: Lissa Evans
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1991.
THU 23:00 Rigor Mortis (b00g43w4)
Series 3
Episode 2
Ruth's keen to get pregnant, but Anthony's distracted by a potential patient. Stars Peter Davison. From February 2006.
THU 23:30 Ross Noble Goes Global (b007jvs3)
Series 1
China
The stand-up comic discovers the bustling city of Shanghai, performs in front of the locals and marvels at the wonders of a thousand pensioners in a park.
Producer: Danny Wallace
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2001.
FRIDAY 07 JANUARY 2011
FRI 00:00 Stanislaw Lem - Solaris (b00pf4xk)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 WC Morrow - Over an Absinthe Bottle (b007jqq4)
[Repeat of broadcast at
13:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:30 Ruth Rendell Stories (b007jrzf)
[Repeat of broadcast at
13:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 A House to Let (b00x58pp)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:15 Peter Tinniswood (b007jw6t)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:15 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 Sherlock Holmes (b007k1md)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 The Galton and Simpson Playhouse (b007zc9g)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:30 Potting On (b00kmn18)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 Charles Kingsley - The Water Babies (b007wqd5)
The Other End of Nowhere
Tom sets off for the Other-End-of-Nowhere.
Conclusion of Charles Kingsley’s novel dramatised by Berlie Doherty.
Starring Julia McKenzie and Timothy West.
Mrs Doasyouwouldbedoneby ...... Julia McKenzie
Charles Kingsley ...... Timothy West
Tom ...... Oliver Peace
Grimes ...... Philip Jackson
The Lobster ...... Olivier Pierre
The Salmon ...... Sean Baker
Lady Salmon ...... Frances Jeater
The Turbot ...... Geoffrey Whitehead
The Professor ...... Christopher Good
Miss Ellie ...... Ciara Janson
The Porpoise ...... Sarah-Jane Holm
Giant ...... Peter Woodthorpe
Herring ...... Gerard McDermott
Gairfowl ...... Frances Jeater
Older Tom ...... David Antrobus
Truncheon ...... Geoffrey Whitehead
Miss Ellie ...... Ciara Janson
Older Ellie ...... Sarah-Jane Holm
With Rosie Wiggins, Victoria Hickson, Alex Bird and Mark Guildea as the Water Babies.
Director: Janet Whitaker
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1998.
FRI 06:00 07/01/2011 (b00x53vx)
Join all your CBeebies friends for songs, rhymes and stories on BBC Radio 7.
FRI 08:00 The Navy Lark (b007k1gj)
Series 1
The Whittlesea Carnival
While the crew are running tours of HMS Troutbridge for the public, scheming Pertwee tries to recover some dumped rum!
Starring Leslie Phillips as the Sub-Lieutenant, Jon Pertwee as the Chief Petty Officer, Dennis Price as Number One, Richard Caldicot as Commander Povey, Ronnie Barker as AS Johnson, Heather Chasen as Heather, Michael Bates as the Mayor and Tenniel Evans as the Admiral.
The Navy Lark ran for an impressive thirteen series on BBC Radio between 1959 and 1976.
Scripted by Lawrie Wyman.
Producer: Alastair Scott Johnston.
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in July 1959.
FRI 08:30 Robin and Wendy's Wet Weekends (b0088zqz)
Series 2
Take the High Road
Robin is driving to Glasgow, but Wendy lets the train take the strain. Stars Kay Stonham and Simon Greenall. From May 2003.
FRI 09:00 It Sticks Out Half A Mile (b007jpyj)
Marooned
A visit to the pier theatre ends in disaster for Arthur Wilson and Miss Perkins.
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
Derek ...... Paul Russell
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 (b007jntb)
Series 6
Make My Day
It's a big day for Anna's new partner Stuart at his gallery, but will her sisters ruin it? Stars Rosemary Leach. From July 1999.
FRI 10:00 John Mortimer - The Dock Brief (b007js6p)
A cynical and unsuccessful, elderly barrister is overjoyed to be assigned a 'dock brief - to defend a husband accused of the murder of his wife.
John Mortimer's legal satire stars Michael Hordern as Wilfred Morganhall and David Kossoff as Herbert Fowle.
Music composed and conducted by Antony Hopkins.
Producer: Nesta Pain
First broadcast on the BBC Third Programme in May 1957.
FRI 11:00 A House to Let (b00x544m)
Episode 5
The derelict house finally reveals its sad secrets, but Trottle is determined to make it a happy ending. Stars Marcia Warren.
FRI 11:15 Peter Tinniswood (b007jz06)
Dorothy, a Manager's Wife
A resentful soccer spouse rants about the game and her football manager husband. Stars Pauline Collins and Timothy West.
FRI 12:00 The Navy Lark (b007k1gj)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
FRI 12:30 The Random Jottings of Hinge and Bracket (b007jrb0)
The Stackton Faggot
The dear ladies try to save the Mayor's cricket pavilion. Stars Dr Evadne Hinge and Dame Hilda Bracket. From April 1982.
FRI 13:00 Dashiell Hammett - Secret Agent X-9 (b007jpzc)
1. Murder Mansion
It's 1934 and a New York warehouse is ablaze on the Lower East Side. A gang of gun-runners are holed-up until their supply of ammo explodes.
Tough-nut hero, Secret Agent X-9 receives a phone call from wealthy industrialist, Tarleton Powers asking for his help.
Stars Stuart Milligan as X-9 and Connie Booth as Grace Powers.
The heroic agent's 4-part adventure dramatised by Mark Brisenden, from the comic strip created by Dashiell Hammett and Alex Raymond. Syndicated by King Features, it ran from 1934 to 1996.
X-9 ...... Stuart Milligan
Grace Powers ...... Connie Booth
The Top ...... William Hootkins
Evelyn Powers ...... Rachel Power
Deacon ...... Peter Marinker
Matthew ...... Michael John Paliotti
Captain Brady ...... John Guerrasio
Jude ...... Bruce McGregor
Cop 1 ...... Clive Rowe
All other parts played by the cast.
Originally agent X-9 had no name, but opted to call himself "Dexter" in the opening tale.
Author Dashiell Hammett is best remembered for his detective novels, The Maltese Falcon and The Thin Man, while cartoonist Alex Raymond famously created sci-fi comic hero Flash Gordon.
Producer: Chris Wallis.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 5 in January 1994.
FRI 13:30 The Doomed Oasis, by Hammond Innes (b007jsql)
1. The Journey to Arabia
A newspaper article and an almost-forgotten client send young English lawyer George Grant on a mystery trip.
Starring Tim Munro.
Arabian adventure based on Hammond Innes' 1960 novel.
Adapted in six parts by Rene Basilico.
George Grant ....... Tim Munro
Henry Grant ....... Robert James
Alexander Erkhard ....... John Malcolm
Ruffini ....... Robert Rietty
Betty ....... Jill Lidstone
Tessa ....... Nadia Hammam
Taxi Driver ....... Nadim Sawalha
Hotel receptionist ....... Neville Rofaila
Akhmed ....... Ali Refaie
Producer: John Fawcett Wilson.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in August 1984.
FRI 14:00 Garrison Keillor's Radio Show (b00x5542)
Series 6
Episode 7
From San Francisco - the American funny man welcomes opera tenor Raúl Melo and bluegrass singer Sara Watkins. From 2010.
FRI 15:00 A Short History of Ireland (b007q9h0)
The Dungannon Convention of 1782; Grattan's Parliament
The country's rich and turbulent story continues. With Richard Dormer, James Greene and Frances Tomelty.
FRI 15:15 An Audience with Grimaldi (b00x57nm)
Episode 4
The great clown begins to literally suffer for his art. Plus a tale of tragedy at 'the Wells'. With Tony Lidington.
FRI 15:30 Casanova in London (b007jwld)
Episode 5
The womaniser loses his cool - and dancing the hornpipe as never before. Giacomo Casanova in his own words. Read by Jack Klaff.
FRI 15:45 John Gielgud - Gielgud's Letters (b0082kbb)
Episode 5
Now in his 70s, Gielgud appears in a film called Arthur. He continues to act well into his 90s. Concluded by Derek Jacobi.
FRI 16:00 Big Toe Books (b00x57np)
Children's stories presented by Chris Pizzey, featuring Bright Lights by Linda Chapman; Dream Master Nightmare by Theresa Breslin, and Featherboy by Nicky Singer.
FRI 17:00 It Sticks Out Half A Mile (b007jpyj)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 today]
FRI 17:30 No Commitments (b007jntb)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 today]
FRI 18:00 Arthur C Clarke Stories (b008h36w)
All the Time in the World
Professional thief Robert Ashton receives an unexpected visit... Time is altered so the world's treasures can be stolen - but who is behind it?
Arthur C Clarke's 1952 short story read by Nicholas Boulton.
Somerset-born author Arthur C Clarke (1917-2008) achieved his greatest fame in 1968 when his short story The Sentinel was turned into the film 2001: A Space Odyssey. His visions of space travel and computing sparked the imagination of readers and scientists alike.
Producer: Gemma Jenkins
Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in 2007.
FRI 18:30 Arthur C Clarke Stories (b008h44x)
The Parasite
A man starts having terrifying dreams in which he's plagued by a monstrous creature.
Yet - although hideously repellent - the parasite seems strangely familiar to him...
First published in 1953, Arthur C Clarke's tale is read by Nicholas Boulton.
Arthur C Clarke, along with Robert Heinlein and Isaac Asimov, are known as Science-Fiction's "Big Three". Their work was key to the 1950s and 60s being recognised as the genre's Golden Age.
Abridged and produced by Gemma Jenkins
Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in 2007.
FRI 19:00 The Navy Lark (b007k1gj)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
FRI 19:30 The Random Jottings of Hinge and Bracket (b007jrb0)
[Repeat of broadcast at
12:30 today]
FRI 20:00 Dashiell Hammett - Secret Agent X-9 (b007jpzc)
[Repeat of broadcast at
13:00 today]
FRI 20:30 The Doomed Oasis, by Hammond Innes (b007jsql)
[Repeat of broadcast at
13:30 today]
FRI 21:00 A House to Let (b00x544m)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 today]
FRI 21:15 Peter Tinniswood (b007jz06)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:15 today]
FRI 22:00 Robin and Wendy's Wet Weekends (b0088zqz)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
FRI 22:30 Getting Nowhere Fast (b008gdc5)
Series 2
Episode 2
Feeling old and penniless, 1960s flower child Merv decides to return to his garden roots. Stars Mervyn Stutter. From April 2003.
FRI 23:00 Miranda Hart's Joke Shop (b00mk4bz)
What a Job!
The tall, life-embracing shopkeeper tries to prove that she can get a proper job. With Patricia Hodge. From August 2008.
FRI 23:30 The Young Postmen (b00fr1vh)
C'est la Legion
It's very important to remember that the French Foreign Legion is a ruthless and violent fighting unit, so if Brian, Derek and Sue find themselves fighting the Tuareg in a fort in Africa then they deserve our admiration.
And anyway, they only joined by mistake.
More 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 Tippett ...... Alastair McGowan
Mr Tilbury ...... Jim Barclay
Tony Hadley ...... Vinnie Jones
Music by Murray Gold
Producer: Gareth Edwards
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1992.