The latest national and international news, exploring the day's events from a global perspective.
Professor Aubrey Manning seeks to solve some of the enduring mysteries of the British landscape through clues in geology, archaeology and natural history.
On the remote Shetland Isles, a series of monumental towers, or Brochs, once dominated the landscape. Aubrey sets off to discover what sort of community built the Brochs towers and for what purpose.
The latest clues are coming from a major archaeological site at Scatness in the southern mainland of Shetland. Here the remains of a Broch settlement are helping to build a picture of the life of these ancient Iron Age people. New studies of the foundations of the Broch suggest a much earlier date for the structure than previously thought. It means the Brochs were built centuries before the Romans advanced up the British coast. Their function seems to have been as a home for the elite of the society.
Leading authority on the Middle Ages, Professor Robert Bartlett, presents a series which examines the way we thought during medieval times. Our forebears believed they shared the world with the dead and that angels and demons battled for control of human souls. As the church's grip on our beliefs increased, men and women were dragged before religious courts and multitudes were killed in the name of God.
Series presented by Irish economist David McWilliams examining the new Irish generation of young and sassy people which experienced unprecedented success until the recent financial downturn hit.
Taking a snapshot of Ireland at a time of economic boom, the series challenges the popular view surrounding New Ireland and its perceived ills, uncovers the reality of Ireland's relationship with cheap credit and questions whether it would build on or blow its economic prosperity.
The first programme explores the Irish as the hedonists of Europe, explaining how the economic success of Ireland has split the classes into two tribes - the HiCos and the Decklanders. David examines Ireland's path from being the sick man of Europe in the seventies, when Hibernian Ireland was an isolated outpost shielded from any foreign cosmopolitan views, to its recent economic success.
Ireland's baby boom peaked nine months to the very day that the Pope kissed the tarmac. These babies, all 620,000 of them, are the Pope's Children.
Ireland's long-running folk group the Chieftains in concert from 1977 at Southport Arts Centre. Tunes include Ril Mhor, Round the House and Mind the Dresser.
Behind the scenes look at the cult comedy series about Kiwi folk musicians Bret and Jemaine trying to make it big in their adopted home of New York.
It follows the duo in the United States before and after the release of the first series, as they speak candidly about the road to fame, and we meet the other personalities, cast and crew that helped make their show a smash hit in America, NZ and the rest of the world.
As Bret McKenzie's long-term partner, director Hannah Clarke was in a unique position to gain access to the Conchords at their most relaxed, as well as their most frantic and exhausted, and was able to get an up-close-and-personal glimpse into this experience. Through her insider's eye we are granted an intimate look into the lives of this great comedy act and discover how they won the hearts of America.
Since his success managing the Crazy Doggs, Murray is in a big office downtown and doesn't have enough time to devote to the Conchords, so Bret and Jemaine fire him. But when they get a job doing the advertising jingle for Femident toothpaste they realise there were things Murray did behind the scenes.
Beneath the veneer of po-faced respectability lies a wealth of great characters in Alexander Armstrong and Ben Miller's sketch show.
Divorced dad and his young son bond over a cup of tea, and the conversation turns to frank discussions about why Granny died - possibly something to do with an imperial gallon of Tia Maria. A pair of builders decide pretending to be Polish will give them an easier life at work; while a guest at a medieval feast just can't get into the swing of the merry-making thanks to a long list of food intolerances. Russian boss Dimitri and unsuspecting manager Tony snuggle up in front of an episode of Property Ladder; while a busy CEO's loyal aides keep him posted with up-to-the-minute news - Hitler didn't like his nose and crisp packets shrink in the oven. And there's more...
George is in danger of losing his chip shop because of his betting debts to local loan shark 'Simple' Simon, however his son plans a caper that may get them unstuck.
Frank's younger brother Joe, meanwhile, learns a bitter lesson when he becomes friendly with a psychotic teen and winds up accused of date rape.
WEDNESDAY 13 MAY 2009
WED 19:00 World News Today (b00kfc61)
The latest national and international news, exploring the day's events from a global perspective.
WED 19:30 Wainwright Walks: Coast to Coast (b00k9c1m)
[Repeat of broadcast at
20:00 on Sunday]
WED 20:00 Victorian Farm (b00hhns2)
Episode 5
Historical observational documentary series following a team who live the life of Victorian farmers for a year. Wearing period clothes and using only the materials that would have been available in 1885, historian Ruth Goodman and archaeologists Alex Langlands and Peter Ginn go back in time to relive the day-to-day life of the Victorian farmer.
The project is based on the Acton Scott estate in Shropshire, a world frozen in time, lost in Victorian rural England. Its buildings and grounds are cluttered with antique tools and machinery collected by the Acton family, who have lived on the estate since the 12th century.
Working for a full calendar year, Ruth, Alex and Peter rediscover a lost world of skills, crafts and knowledge assisted by an ever-dwindling band of experts who keep Victorian rural practices alive. Each month and season brings pressing priorities, from tending to livestock and repairing buildings to raising crops, preparing food and crafting furniture and tools. Can they make a success of farming the Victorian way?
In this episode, the team embarks on a trip by steam train, Ruth begins a tough task in the dairy, Alex tries his hand at beekeeping, the sheep are sheared using the latest time-saving technology, and the lengthening summer days allow Alex and Peter to try out the new Victorian sport of cricket. It is also time for the hay harvest, weather permitting.
WED 21:00 In Search of the Pope's Children (b00kjjrt)
Episode 2
Series presented by Irish economist David McWilliams examining the new Irish generation of young and sassy people which experienced unprecedented success until the recent financial downturn hit.
Taking a snapshot of Ireland at a time of economic boom, the series challenges the popular view surrounding New Ireland and its perceived ills, uncovers the reality of Ireland's relationship with cheap credit and questions whether it would build on or blow its economic prosperity.
David examines Ireland's national obsession with property. New Ireland began and has ended with the property explosion. The boom has not just changed Ireland economically, it has changed the Irish as a people and turned them into a nation of property speculators.
He takes us through the cycle of Ireland's property experience, where prices soar dramatically, become vulnerable and too expensive before falling back to earth, and examines why regardless of age, social class, colour or creed the subject of property is one of our favourite topics of conversation.
David travels to Navan to meet with the 'decklanders' and share their experiences; to Galway, the fastest growing city in Europe to examine the boom in the sale of old abandoned cottages; and to Tarmonbarry in Roscommon, formerly a village of about 16 houses now with a purpose-built marina development - the Porto Banus of Ireland.
David also takes a trip to Bulgaria and introduces us to Robopaddy, who travels the world buying up houses.
WED 21:50 Coast (b00cgnxn)
From the Air
Ireland - Dublin to Derry
Aerial journeys around the coastline of the British Isles captured in stunning high definition by the BAFTA award-winning series Coast.
Three great cities Dublin, Belfast and Derry are the stepping stones on this odyssey along Ireland's lush coast.
WED 22:00 The Van (b0074821)
Dublin, November 1989. Bimbo Reeves, a baker, has lost his job. Refusing to accept a future of afternoon TV and pubs, he buys a dilapidated van with his redundancy money.
As 1990 gets underway and World Cup fever hits Dublin, Bimbo and his best friend and partner Larry, enter the fast food business. Bimbo's wife Maggie is also involved. The enterprise starts brilliantly, the men are happy and the friendship is solid. But, as the business prospers things gradually turn sour.
WED 23:35 Pavee Lackeen: The Traveller Girl (b00825q5)
Semi-improvised drama about a spirited young girl whose family is part of Ireland's traveller community. Young Winnie's austere roadside-caravan life with her mother and community is under threat from supposedly well-meaning outside forces.
The film's principle cast members are from the same family and give the impression of acting out versions of their own lives.
WED 01:00 In Search of the Pope's Children (b00kjjrt)
[Repeat of broadcast at
21:00 today]
WED 01:50 Batman (b0084lc2)
Series 1
A Riddle a Day Keeps the Riddler Away
Cult 60s fantasy drama series. The Riddler returns with a devious plan to kidnap visiting dignitary King Boris.
WED 02:15 Batman (b0084lg0)
Series 1
When the Rat's away, the Mice Will Play
The Riddler and his mice gang believe Batman and Robin are dead and their plan to extort money from the good citizens of Gotham can proceed. A museum is their target for a bomb.
WED 02:40 Mad Men (b00bv0mq)
Series 1
The Wheel
Drama series set in the world of advertising in 1960s New York. Peggy directs her first radio spot. Don's work gets in the way of his home life as Betty uncovers his secret. Don finds out that his brother Adam is dead. Peggy is taken ill in the office and is shocked by the diagnosis.
WED 03:30 Mad Men (b00hk8r1)
Series 2
For Those Who Think Young
Drama series which takes an unflinching look at the world of advertising in 1960s New York.
On Valentine's Day, the staff of the Sterling Cooper Advertising Agency are hustling and checking out the latest in office equipment. Don and Duck clash over an account, while Betty runs into an old friend.
THURSDAY 14 MAY 2009
THU 19:00 World News Today (b00kfc87)
The latest national and international news, exploring the day's events from a global perspective.
THU 19:40 The New Avengers (b00kfc89)
Series 2
K is for Kill: Tiger by the Tail
It appears that the Russian soldiers active in France were just the first wave of something bigger, which intelligence suggests is aimed at setting off a third world war, and that two active K-agents are the key to the plan. One K-assassin is killed while attacking a retired general. But who is the target for the second K-agent, and how might this start a major war? Steed, Gambit and Purdey need to save the world.
THU 20:30 Wainwright Walks: Coast to Coast (b00kfc8c)
The End of the Road
Julia Bradbury follows in the footsteps of legendary guidebook writer Alfred Wainwright by walking across the whole of northern England from the west to the east coast .
This was Wainwright's last great venture and has become his greatest legacy - a beautifully simple proposition, linking three national parks that lie between the Irish and the North Sea.
36 years after its creation, Julia is off through sunshine, wind and rain, to cross the changing landscape, understand the history and meet the people that make up almost 200 miles of northern England.
Starting at the highest and most remote overnight spot of the whole walk, Julia sets out on the final stage. Robin Hood's Bay is the goal, but first she must complete the North York Moors and walk through Eskdale, before getting a magical first glimpse of the North Sea.
The tranquil woods of Littlebeck and the clifftop finale provide ample opportunity to reflect on a great adventure and the enduring legacy of the uniquely passionate Wainwright.
THU 21:00 In Search of the Pope's Children (b00kjjy7)
Episode 3
Series presented by Irish economist David McWilliams examining the new Irish generation of young and sassy people which experienced unprecedented success until the recent financial downturn hit.
Taking a snapshot of Ireland at a time of economic boom, the series challenges the popular view surrounding New Ireland and its perceived ills, uncovers the reality of Ireland's relationship with cheap credit and questions whether it would build on or blow its economic prosperity.
David takes us back to learn some lessons from history and how what is stable today can change dramatically tomorrow. He poses the questions about a 'plan B' for Ireland going forward - how to deal with China, immigration and increasing monthly mortgage repayments?
The programme also explores how Ireland has gone from being a country with too many people and not enough money to a country of not enough people and too much credit. David uncovers what seems to be an endless supply of credit and takes us to Germany to introduce us to the hero of the Irish economic boom.
He examines Ireland's economic relationship with Europe and the US and explains how a madness for property has sucked most of the resources out of the economy, elbowing out investment in other ventures such as research and development. With most of Ireland's exports generated by multinationals, the boardrooms of New York have more of an impact on the fortunes of the Irish economy than Dail Eireann.
THU 21:50 Coast (b008wvdd)
Shorts
Dublin and the Laytown Races
Neil Oliver visits the Irish capital on the Liffey, and Amanda Krestovnikoff enjoys horse racing on the seashore at the Laytown Races.
THU 22:00 A Poet's Guide to Britain (b00kfc1f)
[Repeat of broadcast at
20:30 on Monday]
THU 22:30 Legends (b0094zrm)
The Chieftains
Profile of the band who has helped to save Irish traditional music from disappearing, spreading its sound and popularity across the world for more than four decades. Featuring interviews with the current four members - fiddler Sean Keane, vocalist and bodhran player Kevin Conneff, flautist Matt Molloy and band leader Paddy Moloney, who plays pipes and whistle - and tributes from fans including Keith Richards, Sting, Elvis Costello, Sir James Galway and Andrea Corr.
THU 23:30 Dead Bodies (b0074fhx)
Twenty-something slacker Tommy is reluctantly living with girlfriend-from-hell Jean. One day, after a row, Tommy returns home to find Jean dead on the floor. Convinced that he will be accused of her murder, Tommy buries Jean's body, which is however soon found by the police. Buried in the same spot is also the corpse of another woman, murdered eight years earlier. Tommy, who is now the main suspect of both killings, has to hide his dark secret from his new love interest Viv.
THU 00:55 In Search of the Pope's Children (b00kjjy7)
[Repeat of broadcast at
21:00 today]
THU 01:45 Wainwright Walks: Coast to Coast (b00kfc8c)
[Repeat of broadcast at
20:30 today]
THU 02:15 The New Avengers (b00kfc89)
[Repeat of broadcast at
19:40 today]
THU 03:05 A Poet's Guide to Britain (b00kfc1f)
[Repeat of broadcast at
20:30 on Monday]
THU 03:35 Wainwright Walks: Coast to Coast (b00kfc8c)
[Repeat of broadcast at
20:30 today]
FRIDAY 15 MAY 2009
FRI 19:00 World News Today (b00kfckr)
The latest national and international news, exploring the day's events from a global perspective.
FRI 19:30 A Poet's Guide to Britain (b00kfc1f)
[Repeat of broadcast at
20:30 on Monday]
FRI 20:05 Dido and Aeneas from the Royal Opera House (b00kgbv9)
Marking the 350th anniversary of Henry Purcell's birth is a new production of Dido and Aeneas, a short operatic masterpiece which brings together the Royal Opera and the Royal Ballet and is directed by Wayne McGregor, the Royal Ballet's resident choreographer.
British mezzo-soprano Sarah Connolly sings the role of Dido and American baritone Lucas Meachum is Aeneas. The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment is conducted by the period instrument pioneer Christopher Hogwood.
Introduced by Charles Hazlewood.
FRI 21:10 So Hard to Beat (b00kl0fz)
Too Late to Stop Now
The story of Northern Ireland's rock and pop over the last four decades, featuring exclusive interviews with Van Morrison, Snow Patrol, Gary Moore, Stiff Little Fingers, The Undertones and others.
FRI 22:30 BBC Four Sessions (b00b0cl1)
Van Morrison
Series of unique and intimate concerts at St Luke's in London, featuring musicians from around the world. Van Morrison showcases tracks from albums including Keep It Simple, Magic Time and Vanlose Stairway, backed by a full band and joined by guests including guitarist Mick Green and organ maestro Georgie Fame.
FRI 23:30 Flight of the Conchords (b00kgbcx)
[Repeat of broadcast at
22:30 on Tuesday]
FRI 23:55 Flight of the Conchords: On Air (b00kgbcv)
[Repeat of broadcast at
22:05 on Tuesday]
FRI 00:20 The New Avengers (b00kfc89)
[Repeat of broadcast at
19:40 on Thursday]
FRI 01:15 Van Morrison on Later with Jools Holland (b00b0cl3)
A selection of Van Morrison's finest performances from the Later with Jools Holland and Hootenanny shows.
FRI 01:45 BBC Four Sessions (b00b0cl1)
[Repeat of broadcast at
22:30 today]
FRI 02:45 So Hard to Beat (b00kl0fz)
[Repeat of broadcast at
21:10 today]
LIST OF THIS WEEK'S PROGRAMMES
(Note: the times link back to the details; the pids link to the BBC page, including iPlayer)
A Poet's Guide to Britain
20:30 MON (b00kfc1f)
A Poet's Guide to Britain
02:15 MON (b00kfc1f)
A Poet's Guide to Britain
22:00 THU (b00kfc1f)
A Poet's Guide to Britain
03:05 THU (b00kfc1f)
A Poet's Guide to Britain
19:30 FRI (b00kfc1f)
BBC Four Sessions
22:30 FRI (b00b0cl1)
BBC Four Sessions
01:45 FRI (b00b0cl1)
Batman
01:50 WED (b0084lc2)
Batman
02:15 WED (b0084lg0)
Blues Britannia: Can Blue Men Sing the Whites?
21:30 SUN (b00kc752)
Blues Britannia: Can Blue Men Sing the Whites?
02:00 SUN (b00kc752)
Blues at the BBC
00:00 SUN (b00k36m5)
Britain's Best Drives
20:00 SAT (b00hq4fb)
Caravans: A British Love Affair
20:30 SAT (b00hw3s0)
Coast
21:50 WED (b00cgnxn)
Coast
21:50 THU (b008wvdd)
Cranford
19:00 SUN (b008j3gf)
Dead Bodies
23:30 THU (b0074fhx)
Dido and Aeneas from the Royal Opera House
20:05 FRI (b00kgbv9)
Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood Live at Madison Square Garden
23:00 SUN (b00k9cbz)
Flight of the Conchords: On Air
22:05 TUE (b00kgbcv)
Flight of the Conchords: On Air
01:50 TUE (b00kgbcv)
Flight of the Conchords: On Air
23:55 FRI (b00kgbcv)
Flight of the Conchords
22:30 TUE (b00kgbcx)
Flight of the Conchords
23:30 FRI (b00kgbcx)
Ford's Dagenham Dream
19:00 SAT (b00j0gnm)
Ford's Dagenham Dream
03:10 SAT (b00j0gnm)
History of the Future: Cars
23:40 SAT (b00j4dfw)
I Went Down
23:30 MON (b00745bp)
In Search of the Pope's Children
21:00 TUE (b00kfc2l)
In Search of the Pope's Children
01:00 TUE (b00kfc2l)
In Search of the Pope's Children
03:15 TUE (b00kfc2l)
In Search of the Pope's Children
21:00 WED (b00kjjrt)
In Search of the Pope's Children
01:00 WED (b00kjjrt)
In Search of the Pope's Children
21:00 THU (b00kjjy7)
In Search of the Pope's Children
00:55 THU (b00kjjy7)
Inside the Medieval Mind
20:00 TUE (b00b413s)
Inside the Medieval Mind
02:15 TUE (b00b413s)
Irish Folk: The Chieftains
21:50 TUE (b00kk38l)
Landscape Mysteries
19:30 TUE (b0074rfb)
Later... with Jools Holland
01:00 SUN (b00k99g6)
Legends
22:30 THU (b0094zrm)
Mad Men
02:40 WED (b00bv0mq)
Mad Men
03:30 WED (b00hk8r1)
Mark Lawson Talks To...
21:40 SAT (b00kf9ng)
Mark Lawson Talks To...
02:10 SAT (b00kf9ng)
Mud, Sweat and Tractors: The Story of Agriculture
20:30 SUN (b00k9bms)
Mud, Sweat and Tractors: The Story of Agriculture
03:30 SUN (b00k9bms)
Pavee Lackeen: The Traveller Girl
23:35 WED (b00825q5)
Penelope Keith and the Fast Lady
22:40 SAT (b00hq4fd)
Saltwater
23:25 TUE (b0074mnd)
So Hard to Beat
21:10 FRI (b00kl0fz)
So Hard to Beat
02:45 FRI (b00kl0fz)
Storyville
21:00 MON (b00c50dd)
Storyville
22:00 MON (b00kfc1h)
Storyville
01:15 MON (b00c50dd)
The Armstrong and Miller Show
22:55 TUE (b0085c04)
The Car Show
00:10 SAT (b00j4d3d)
The Car's the Star
21:30 SAT (b0077v03)
The Joy of Motoring
01:10 SAT (b00hq385)
The New Avengers
19:40 THU (b00kfc89)
The New Avengers
02:15 THU (b00kfc89)
The New Avengers
00:20 FRI (b00kfc89)
The Van
22:00 WED (b0074821)
Van Morrison on Later with Jools Holland
01:15 FRI (b00b0cl3)
Victorian Farm
20:00 WED (b00hhns2)
Wainwright Walks: Coast to Coast
20:00 SUN (b00k9c1m)
Wainwright Walks: Coast to Coast
19:30 WED (b00k9c1m)
Wainwright Walks: Coast to Coast
20:30 THU (b00kfc8c)
Wainwright Walks: Coast to Coast
01:45 THU (b00kfc8c)
Wainwright Walks: Coast to Coast
03:35 THU (b00kfc8c)
World News Today
19:00 MON (b00kfc1c)
World News Today
19:00 TUE (b00kfc2j)
World News Today
19:00 WED (b00kfc61)
World News Today
19:00 THU (b00kfc87)
World News Today
19:00 FRI (b00kfckr)
Youth Hostelling: The First 100 Years
19:30 MON (b00k9c1p)
Youth Hostelling: The First 100 Years
02:45 MON (b00k9c1p)