SATURDAY 26 JANUARY 2008

SAT 00:00 News and Weather (b008s5gz)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by weather.


SAT 00:30 Book of the Week (b008qnk7)
Waiting for Daisy: The True Story of One Couple's Quest to Have a Baby

Episode 5

Waiting for Daisy: The True Story of One Couple's Quest to Have a Baby. Peggy Orenstein's account of her long journey to motherhood (5/5).


SAT 00:48 Shipping Forecast (b008s5h0)
The latest shipping forecast.


SAT 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (b008s5h1)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service for a selection of news and current affairs, arts and science programmes. BBC Radio 4 resumes at 5.20am.


SAT 05:20 Shipping Forecast (b008s5h2)
The latest shipping forecast.


SAT 05:30 News Briefing (b008s5h3)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4.


SAT 05:43 Prayer for the Day (b008s5h4)
Daily prayer and reflection with Ed Kessler.


SAT 05:45 The Preposterous Files (b007zd3p)
Tardis

Certain files held in the National Archive are preposterously large, why?

Julian Putkowski distills certain files down, discovering how civil servants make the policies that govern our lives.

At the same time Sherlock Holmes used a gang of boys to gather and disseminate information the Metropolitan Police began working on the high tech version. But what was the real purpose behind the humble Police Box?

Producer: Matt Thompson
A Loftus production for BBC Radio 4.


SAT 06:00 News and Papers (b008s5h5)
The latest news headlines. Including a look at the papers.


SAT 06:04 Weather (b008s5h6)
The latest weather forecast.


SAT 06:07 Open Country (b008vd2g)
Helvellyn

Countryside magazine.

Matt Baker meets Craig Palmer, a weather man whose job involves scaling Helvellyn in the Lake District daily, recording conditions for meteorologists and walkers. Matt also talks to members of the local mountain rescue team.


SAT 06:35 Farming Today This Week (b008s5h8)
Rural magazine programme with Tom Heap.


SAT 06:57 Weather (b008s5h9)
The latest weather forecast.


SAT 07:00 Today (b008s5hb)
With John Humphrys and Evan Davies. Including Yesterday in Parliament at 7.20am; Sports Desk at 7.25am, 8.25am; Thought for the Day at 7.48am; Weather at 7.57am.


SAT 09:00 Saturday Live (b008s5hc)
Real life stories in which listeners talk about the issues that matter to them. Presenter Fi Glover is joined by Joan Bakewell. Featured poet is Kate Fox.


SAT 10:00 Excess Baggage (b008s5hd)
Cyprus - Tropic of Capricorn

CYPRUS
Once a Crown colony, Cyprus still has two British military bases but it is also a major attraction for visitors from the UK and now the numbers of traditional family holiday makers have been augmented by club goers attracted places like Ayia Napa. Since 1974 the island has been split between the Turkish held north and the Greek Cypriot south, with visitors only allowed to cross from one side to the other in the last five years.

This week saw the visit of the Greek prime minister to Turkey, a potential warming of relations between the two countries, but will this make any difference to the island of Cyprus? John McCarthy is joined by Tonia Buxton and Nick Redmayne to look at tourism on the island and to find out about the experiences of visitors to the less developed north.

TROPIC OF CAPRICORN
Author and traveller Simon Reeve has just completed a journey round the world following the line of the Tropic of Capricorn – the southern limit of the tropical zone. This trip that has taken him from the empty deserts of Namibia to the crowded slums of Sao Paulo in Brazil, via the exotic wildlife of Madagascar, the former asbestos mines of Western Australia and the threatened hunter gatherers of Northern Argentina. Simon recounts some of his adventures along the way.


SAT 10:30 Laughter Close to Tears (b008s5hf)
From Burma to Zimbabwe, Michael Rosen hears contemporary jokes from those oppressed by repressive regimes. From January 2008.


SAT 11:00 The Week in Westminster (b008s5hg)
A look behind the scenes at Westminster with Matthew D'Ancona.


SAT 11:30 From Our Own Correspondent (b008s5hh)
BBC foreign correspondents with the stories behind the world's headlines. Introduced by Kate Adie.


SAT 12:00 Money Box (b008s5hj)
Paul Lewis with news from the world of personal finance and advice for those trying to make the most of their money. Including reports on an extraordinary week on the world markets.


SAT 12:30 The News Quiz (b008qj36)
Series 64

Episode 3

Sandi Toksvig chairs the topical comedy quiz. Panellists are Andy Hamilton, Jeremy Hardy, Simon Evans and Sue Perkins.


SAT 12:57 Weather (b008s5hk)
The latest weather forecast.


SAT 13:00 News Headlines (b008s5hl)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4.


SAT 13:10 Any Questions? (b008qj37)
Jonathan Dimbleby chairs a topical discussion from Bristol. Panellists include Theresa Villiers, John McFall, Quentin Letts and Graham Sheffield.


SAT 14:00 Any Answers? (b008s5hm)
Listeners' calls and emails in response to this week's edition of Any Questions? Call 08700 100 444 [calls from land lines cost no more than 8p a minute].


SAT 14:30 Saturday Drama (b008s5sz)
The Listening Room

The Listening Room

Psychological thriller by Steve Gough set in the year 2036, exploring truth, confidentiality and morality.

Kathleen works on a national helpline in a call centre named The Listening Room. She starts to receive calls from a man who has a terrible secret of international importance. He has been manipulated by the powers-that-be into committing dreadful crimes, but can she believe him? And should she confide in anyone else?

Directed by Pauline Harris.


SAT 15:30 Soul Music (b008pygx)
Series 6

Tainted Love

Originally a Motown song written by Ed Cobb and recorded by Gloria Jones, Tainted Love became famous on the UK's Northern Soul scene in the late 1970s.

It was heard by Marc Almond and Dave Ball who later became Soft Cell, and recorded a classic version.

Featuring:

Mark Ravenhill
Peter Christopherson
Ray Harris
Russ Winstanley
Alan King
Dave Ball
Mike Thorne
Danny McNamara
Nev Fountain

Series about pieces of music with a powerful emotional impact.

Producer: Sara Conkey

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2008.


SAT 16:00 Weekend Woman's Hour (b008txv6)
Highlights of this week's Woman's Hour programmes with Jane Garvey. Including features on maternity services, the legacy of Simone de Beauvoir, and communal living in old age.


SAT 17:00 Saturday PM (b008s623)
Full coverage and analysis of the day's news, plus the sports headlines. With Ritula Shah.


SAT 17:30 The Bottom Line (b008s624)
Evan Davis presents the business magazine. This special edition, recorded in Edinburgh, focuses on Scottish businesses.


SAT 17:54 Shipping Forecast (b008s625)
The latest shipping forecast.


SAT 17:57 Weather (b008s626)
The latest weather forecast.


SAT 18:00 Six O'Clock News (b008s627)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by Weather.


SAT 18:15 Loose Ends (b008s628)
An eclectic mix of conversation, comedy and music. Peter Curran is joined by actor Jane Asher, Gregg Wallace from MasterChef and singer Alexander O'Neal.


SAT 19:00 Profile (b008s629)
Ben Bernanke

Stephanie Flanders, Economics Editor of Newsnight, profiles Ben Bernanke, chairman of the US Federal Reserve, who has just stunned markets with a major interest rate cut.


SAT 19:15 Saturday Review (b008s62b)
The Truth Commissioner by David Park, Tim Burton's Sweeney Todd

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Directed by Tim Burton the film stars Johnny Depp as a man unjustly imprisoned abroad for 15 years. He escapes back to London where he vows to wreak revenge. Disguised as Sweeney Todd, he returns to his old barber shop above Mrs. Lovett’s (Helen Bonham Carter) pie-making premises with bloody consequences.

The Sea
Playwright Edward Bond’s black comedy starring Eileen Atkins and David Haig. A wild storm shakes a small East Anglian seaside village and sets off a series of events that changes the lives of all its residents.

The Sea is at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket, London until 19th April 2008

From Russia
From Russia: French and Russian Master Paintings from Moscow and St Petersburg, including works by Monet, Renoir, Cezanne, Van Gogh, Gauguin, and Matisse including his celebrated Dance II, in a new exhibition in the UK.

At The Royal Academy of Arts, Picadilly, London from 20th January to 18th April 2008.

The Truth Commissioner
David Park’s latest novel examines the subjective nature of truth and what could happen if Northern Ireland, like South Africa, created a "truth commission" to delve into its violent past.

The Truth Commissioner by David Park is published by Bloomsbury

Guest Choice – Arthur Sullivan Memorial
Michael Simkins nominates the unusual bronze Sir Arthur Sullivan memorial, by Goscombe John, in London’s Victoria Embankment Gardens as his guest choice.


SAT 20:00 The Archive Hour (b008s62c)
50 Years of Ban the Bomb

50 Years of Ban the Bomb: Marking half a century of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, Matthew Parris assesses the organisation's impact.


SAT 21:00 Saturday Drama (b008vnqv)
September Tide

Daphne du Maurier's bittersweet love story, adapted by Moya O'Shea. When Stella's daughter comes home to visit, she brings her new husband with her. A few surprises are in store.


SAT 22:00 News and Weather (b008s62d)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by weather.


SAT 22:15 Moral Maze (b008q04l)
Michael Buerk chairs a debate on the moral questions behind the week's news. Ian Hargreaves, Claire Fox, Michael Portillo and Clifford Longley cross-examine witnesses.


SAT 23:00 The Garden Quiz (b008ptgn)
Episode 3

Anna Ford chairs a quiz to find the best all-round amateur garden expert in the country.


SAT 23:30 Poetry Please (b008pf5g)
The Master Speed by Robert Frost
From: The Poetry of Robert Frost
Publ: Cape

Rising Five by Norman Nicholson
From: Selected Poems 1940-1982
Publ: faber and faber

Fingers in the Door by David Holbrook
From: The New Poetry
Publ: Penguin

The Dreaming Bean by Katherine Pierpoint
From: Truffle Beds
Publ: faber and faber

Recipe for a Salad by Reverend Sydney Smith.
From: The Faber Book of Useful Verse
Publ: faber and faber

I Remember, I Remember by Thomas Hood
From: Everyman’s Book of Evergreen Verse
Publ: Everyman

I See You Dancing, Father by Brendan Kennelly
From: Familiar Strangers
Publ: Bloodaxe Books

His Father, Singing by Leslie Norris
From: Collected Poems
Publ: seren

Poem by Hugh Sykes-Davies
From: English and American Surrealist Poetry
Publ: Penguin

The Way Through the Woods by Rudyard Kipling
From: The Definitive edition of Kipling’s Verse
Publ: Hodder & Stoughton

Getting Older by Elaine Feinstein
From: Collected Poems and Translations
Publ: Carcanet

The Bath by Harry Graham
From: A Century of Humorous Verse 1850-1950
Publ: J.M. Dent & Sons Ltd

The Confirmation by Edwin Muir
From: Collected Poems
Publ: faber and faber

So Many Different Lengths of Time by Brian Patten
From: armada
Publ: Flamingo



SUNDAY 27 JANUARY 2008

SUN 00:00 News and Weather (b008s761)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by weather.


SUN 00:30 Shorts (b0076x7q)
Series 6

Tomato Sauce

Stories from Scottish writers. 3/5: Tomato Sauce, by Vivien Jones. The smell of freshly picked tomatoes evokes a childhood memory of a single act of disobedience.


SUN 00:48 Shipping Forecast (b008s762)
The latest shipping forecast.


SUN 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (b008s763)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service for a selection of news and current affairs, arts and science programmes. BBC Radio 4 resumes at 5.20am.


SUN 05:20 Shipping Forecast (b008s764)
The latest shipping forecast.


SUN 05:30 News Briefing (b008s765)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4.


SUN 05:43 Bells on Sunday (b008s766)
The sound of church bells from St Olave's in the City of London's Hart Street.


SUN 05:45 Profile (b008s629)
[Repeat of broadcast at 19:00 on Saturday]


SUN 06:00 News Briefing (b008s767)
The latest national and international news.


SUN 06:05 Something Understood (b008s768)
Living Smart, Living Simple

Living Smart, Living Simple: Mark Tully is joined by environmental campaigner Jonathon Porritt to explore how we can live better but more simply.


SUN 06:35 On Your Farm (b008s769)
Country magazine. Elinor Goodman joins a traditional syndicate shoot in Wiltshire, meeting the landowner and game keeper, local beaters and the guns who travel up for a day's sport.


SUN 06:57 Weather (b008s76b)
The latest weather forecast.


SUN 07:00 News and Papers (b008s76c)
The latest news headlines. Including a look at the papers.


SUN 07:10 Sunday (b008s76d)
Roger Bolton and guests discuss the religious and ethical news of the week.


SUN 07:55 Radio 4 Appeal (b008s76f)
John Sargeant appeals on behalf of the British Council for Prevention of Blindness. Donations: Freepost BBC Radio 4 Appeal. Credit cards: Freephone 0800 404 8144.


SUN 07:58 Weather (b008s76g)
The latest weather forecast.


SUN 08:00 News and Papers (b008s76h)
The latest news headlines. Including a look at the papers.


SUN 08:10 Sunday Worship (b008s76j)
Remember, Reflect, React

Remember, Reflect, React: At the beginning of Liverpool's year as European Capital of Culture, the deans of the city's two cathedrals mark Holocaust Memorial Day.


SUN 08:50 A Point of View (b008qj38)
A weekly reflection on a topical issue from Prof David Cannadine.


SUN 09:00 Broadcasting House (b008s76k)
News and conversation about the big stories of the week with Paddy O'Connell.


SUN 10:00 The Archers Omnibus (b008s76l)
The week's events in Ambridge.


SUN 11:15 Desert Island Discs (b00772lv)
Lady Natasha Spender

Kirsty Young's castaway this week is the musician Lady Natasha Spender. She was born at the end of the First World War and has spent her life immersed in the arts. Gifted with perfect pitch, she studied under Clifford Curzon and enjoyed a highly successful career as a concert pianist. In the months after the end of the Second World War she gave a concert at Belsen to inmates who were recovering in its hospital wing and, a couple of years later, she was chosen to be the soloist in the world's first ever televised concert for the BBC. She was also one half of a cultural 'it' couple - for more than 50 years she was married to the poet Sir Stephen Spender. They had met at a literary lunch he was hosting and became friends after Natasha stayed behind to help him with the washing up. They were friends with many of the greats of the past century, including T S Eliot, Stravinsky and Leonard Bernstein. She is now the executor to Sir Stephen's very considerable estate and is writing her own memoirs.

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Favourite track: 1st movement of String Quintet in G Minor by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Book: Desert Islands: An Anthology by Walter de la Mare
Luxury: Her grand piano.


SUN 12:00 Just a Minute (b008pwj6)
Series 52

Episode 3

Nicholas Parsons chairs the devious word game from King's Lynn. Panellists are Gyles Brandreth, Janey Godley, Tony Hawks and Kit Hesketh-Harvey.


SUN 12:32 The Food Programme (b008s8rm)
Internet Food

Sheila Dillon explores the world of food sold over the internet.

Retail analysts, Edward Garner from TNS World Panel and Bryan Roberts from Planet Retail, explain some of the latest developments in how the major supermarkets are using the internet.

Food writer Rose Prince goes on a virtual tour of some of the websites she uses.

Roger White, founder of a scheme called Somerset Local Food Direct, explains how a farmers’ market went online.

Reporter Sara Parker travels to Ashwell in Hertfordshire with Anthony Davison, founder of bigbarn.co.uk, to see how three high street food shops are linking up to sell their food through a website.

Sheila Dillon is joined in the studio by Kath Dalmeny, Policy Director of Sustain and food writer and cook, Rose Prince, to explore some of the environmental issues raised by the growth in internet food shopping.


SUN 12:57 Weather (b008s8rn)
The latest weather forecast.


SUN 13:00 The World This Weekend (b008s8rp)
A look at events around the world with Shaun Ley.


SUN 13:30 The Astronauts' Wives Club (b0085689)
At the height of the Apollo space programme of the 1960s, the astronauts' wives frequently led a fraught and lonely existence, as their previously untold stories show.


SUN 14:00 Gardeners' Question Time (b008s8rq)
Eric Robson chairs the popular horticultural forum. Bob Flowerdew, Anne Swithinbank and Matthew Biggs answer questions from gardeners in Berkshire.


SUN 14:45 Wide Awake at Bedtime (b008s8rr)
Episode 4

Stewart Henderson joins children at sleepover events around the UK and meets the Midnight Ramblers at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kew. Out in the arboretum, they look out for nocturnal wildlife that wakes up just when they are usually dropping off.


SUN 15:00 Classic Serial (b008s8rs)
Fortunes of War

Episode 1

Fortunes of War: Lin Coghlan's sweeping new dramatisation of Olivia Manning's classic war novels. 1/6: Young Harriet Pringle arrives in Bucharest in 1939 with her new husband Guy.


SUN 16:00 Open Book (b008s8z4)
Helen Dunmore, Will Self and the work of J G Ballard

Mariella Frostrup talks to Helen Dunmore about her new book Counting the Stars, a love story set in Rome at the time of Julius Caesar. Will Self explores the work of JG Ballard.


SUN 16:30 Poetry Please (b008s8z5)
Colours by Yevgeny Yevtushenko, translated by Robin Milner Gulland
From: Selected Poems
Publ: Penguin

Cinders by Roger McGough
From: Collected Poems
Publ: Viking

The Midnight Skaters by Edmund Blunden
From: Poems of Many Years
Publ: Collins

The Hornbeams by Felix Dennis
From: Lone Wolf
Publ: Hutchinson

An Irish Airman Foresees His Death by WB Yeats
From: The Collected Poems of W.B. Yeats
Publ: palgrave

The Landscape Near an Aerodrome by Stephen Spender
From: New Collected Poems
Publ: faber

Pledge to the Freight Canvasser by Carol Rumens
From: Hex
Publ: Bloodaxe

The Second Coming by W.B. Yeats
From: The Collected Poems of W.B. Yeats
Publ: palgrave

It Was Long Ago by Eleanor Farjeon
From: The Oxford Treasury of Time Poems

Kubla Khan by Coleridge.
From: Poems
Publ: Everyman

A Disused Shed in County Wexford by Derek Mahon
From: Selected Poems
Publ: Penguin


SUN 17:00 File on 4 (b008pzg8)
Lord Laming's inquiry into the death of Victoria Climbie and subsequent report called for a major reform of the way child abuse cases are handled, but how much has changed?


SUN 17:40 Profile (b008s629)
[Repeat of broadcast at 19:00 on Saturday]


SUN 17:54 Shipping Forecast (b008s8z6)
The latest shipping forecast.


SUN 17:57 Weather (b008s8z7)
The latest weather forecast.


SUN 18:00 Six O'Clock News (b008s8z8)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by Weather.


SUN 18:15 Pick of the Week (b008s8z9)
Hardeep Singh Kohli presents a selection of highlights from the past week on BBC radio.


SUN 19:00 The Archers (b008s8zb)
Lilian's been to help Peggy with lunch but Jack's having a bad day so Peggy put Lilian off. Lilian tells Jennifer, who worries that they don't know just how bad things can be for Peggy. Brian's more concerned with his own problems, although Jennifer doesn't realise this, so when she innocently talks about Ruairi's future aspirations, Brian's quick to change the subject. He's got his own plans for Ruairi's future, and it involves the future of the farm.

After spending the morning looking at a potential site for 500 new homes, Matt invites Annabelle back for a drink. Lilian comes home unexpectedly early and catches them in a close moment. As Annabelle makes a hasty exit, Lilian confronts Matt, who claims Annabelle was doing all the running and insists there's nothing going on. But Lilian's heard it all before and she's had enough.

To Jolene's horror, Lilian turns up at The Bull with a suitcase. Sid has agreed they'll put her up for a few nights. Lilian assures them that's all it'll take for Matt to come to his senses but Jolene's not so sure. She tells Sid she'll believe it when she sees it.

Episode written by Mike Barrington.


SUN 19:15 Go4it (b008s8zc)
Barney Harwood presents the children's magazine. He explores the history of flight. Natalie Barrass meets Eoin Colfer at Duxford Imperial War Museum to talk about his book Airman.


SUN 19:45 More Untold Stories (b007719c)
Arise Sir

Alan Bennett reads extracts from Untold Stories, his book of essays and diaries. 2/4: Arise Sir. Alan explains why he has never appeared in the Honours List.


SUN 20:00 Feedback (b008qj32)
Roger Bolton airs listeners' views on BBC radio programmes and policy.


SUN 20:30 Last Word (b008qj34)
Matthew Bannister presents the obituary series, analysing and celebrating the life stories of people who have recently died.


SUN 21:00 Money Box (b008s5hj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:00 on Saturday]


SUN 21:26 Radio 4 Appeal (b008s76f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:55 today]


SUN 21:30 In Business (b008q0sx)
Monopoly Money

Monopoly Money: The European Union Competition Commission has become a global force in controlling how multinational companies behave. Commissioner Neelie Kroes talks to Peter Day.


SUN 21:58 Weather (b008s8zd)
The latest weather forecast.


SUN 22:00 Westminster Hour (b008s8zf)
Reports from behind the scenes at Westminster. Including at 10.45pm Politically Charged.


SUN 23:00 The Learning Curve (b008px3p)
Libby Purves presents a guide to the world of learning, with practical advice, features and listeners' views.


SUN 23:30 Something Understood (b008s768)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:05 today]



MONDAY 28 JANUARY 2008

MON 00:00 News and Weather (b008sb7c)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by weather.


MON 00:15 Thinking Allowed (b008q04k)
Culture of Apocalypse -Politics of the Veil

CULTURES OF APOCALYPSE
A CNN Poll found that 20% of Americans – nearly 60 million people - believe the Apocalypse will take place in their lifetime.  In his new book Have a Nice Doomsday: Why Millions of Americans Are Looking Forward to the End of the World, Nicholas Guyatt claims that the growing constituency of Apocalyptic Christians have influenced American Foreign Policy, particularly in the Middle East; and also suggests that we should worry because the ‘end of days’ is not something they wish to avoid, but something they positively welcome. Laurie Taylor is joined by Nicholas Guyatt and religious commentator Martin Palmer to debate the issue.

POLITICS OF THE VEIL
In March 2004, after fifteen years of debate over the wearing of the hijab, all ‘conspicuous’ signs of religious affiliation were outlawed in French public schools.  The Government claimed that it had done so in order to protect the secularism upon which the French Republic was based and to integrate Muslims into French society.  A number of the law’s supporters saw the headscarf, or the “veil” as it came to be called, as a means of oppression and believed the legislation would emancipate the girls from an Islamic patriarchal imposition.  But Joan Wallach Scott in her book Politics of the Veil claims that the controversy over the wearing of the veil in France is due to the country’s failure to integrate its former colonial subjects as full citizens. Professor Wallach Scott argues that the outlawing of the veil in public schools in France was a racist act and merely a means of avoiding the real issues facing modern France’s multicultural society.


MON 00:45 Bells on Sunday (b008s766)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:43 on Sunday]


MON 00:48 Shipping Forecast (b008sb7d)
The latest shipping forecast.


MON 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (b008sb7f)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service for a selection of news and current affairs, arts and science programmes. BBC Radio 4 resumes at 5.20am.


MON 05:20 Shipping Forecast (b008sb7g)
The latest shipping forecast.


MON 05:30 News Briefing (b008sb7h)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4.


MON 05:43 Prayer for the Day (b008sb3w)
Daily prayer and reflection with Ed Kessler.


MON 05:45 Farming Today (b008sb7j)
News and issues in rural Britain with Mark Holdstock.


MON 05:57 Weather (b008sb7k)
The latest weather forecast for farmers.


MON 06:00 Today (b008sb7l)
With John Humphrys and James Naughtie. Including Sports Desk at 6.25am, 7.25am, 8.25am; Weather at 6.05am, 6.57am, 7.57am; Thought for the Day at 7.48am.


MON 09:00 Start the Week (b008sb7m)
Andrew Marr sets the cultural agenda for the week. Guests include author Martin Amis, human rights activist Asma Jahangir and historian Quentin Skinner.


MON 09:45 Book of the Week (b008sbj6)
Cleopatra: Last Queen of Egypt

Episode 1

Cleopatra: Last Queen of Egypt. Joyce Tyldesley's biography. 1/5: After the death of her father, Cleopatra VII is forced to share the throne with her ten-year-old brother Ptolemy.


MON 10:00 Woman's Hour (b008sbj7)
Ingrid Betancourt; Caring for a Disabled Child

Astrid Betancourt on her sister Ingrid being held hostage in Columbia for 6 years. Plus, Alison Thorpe on wanting a hysterectomy for her severely disabled daughter.


MON 11:00 It's My Story (b008v7h3)
Teenage Kicks

Profile of Patience Bush, who helps families combat their children's antisocial behaviour, especially physical abuse inflicted on parents.


MON 11:30 Tomorrow, Today! (b016r51y)
Series 2

Dr Chaotica and the Rise of the Atomic Man-Bees

A BBC producer struggles to make a radio soap set in the unimaginably futuristic world of 2008.

Suspicious deaths provoke mixed reactions.

Series two of Christopher William Hill's sitcom set in 1962.

Nigel Lavery ...... Peter Bowles
Sylvia Hann ...... Cheryl Campbell
Godfrey Winnard ..... John Fortune
Sir Angus McNairn ...... Gary Waldhorn
Hugo Kellerman ...... Joseph Kloska
Douglas Bennings ...... Jon Glover
Keith Wood ...... Sam Pamphilon
Mrs Tinkler ...... Rachel Atkins
Graham Tinkler ...... Lloyd Thomas
Delivery Boy ...... Alex Lamipekun

Producer: Liz Webb

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2008.


MON 12:00 You and Yours (b008tfym)
Consumer news and issues with Liz Barclay and John Waite.


MON 12:57 Weather (b008tfyn)
The latest weather forecast.


MON 13:00 World at One (b008tfyp)
National and international news with Martha Kearney.


MON 13:30 The Garden Quiz (b008scg1)
Episode 4

Anna Ford chairs a quiz to find the best all-round amateur garden expert in the country.


MON 14:00 The Archers (b008s8zb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 19:00 on Sunday]


MON 14:15 Drama (b008tfyq)
How to Be a More Interesting Person

How to Be a More Interesting Person, by Gary Ogin. Donald is convinced that he is too boring for Amy. Maybe someone could show him how to be more interesting?


MON 15:00 Money Box Live (b008tfyr)
Vincent Duggleby and guests answer calls on financial issues. Listeners can call 08700 100 444 from 1.30pm until 3.30pm [calls from land lines cost no more than 8p a minute].


MON 15:30 Afternoon Reading (b008v8zd)
Dilemmas of Modern Martyrs

The True Story of the Twelve Dancing Princesses

Series of stories by Morven Crumlish.

Who says the princesses spent their time dancing all night? A soldier is exposed to the truth in this quirky reworking of the traditional fairy tale.

Read by Shirley Henderson.

A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4.


MON 15:45 A Voyage to Lundy (b008v8zf)
Episode 1

Writer and poet Gwyneth Lewis visits a remote island in the Bristol Channel as she contemplates a change in direction in her life.

She travels a long way close to home.

Producer: Penny Arnold

First heard on BBC Radio 4 in January 2008.


MON 16:00 The Food Programme (b008s8rm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:32 on Sunday]


MON 16:30 Beyond Belief (b008thmz)
Ernie Rea explores the place of faith in today's world, teasing out the hidden and often contradictory truths behind the experiences, values and traditions of our lives.


MON 17:00 PM (b008v17n)
Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Eddie Mair. Including at 5.57pm Weather.


MON 18:00 Six O'Clock News (b008v17p)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by Weather.


MON 18:30 Just a Minute (b008thvy)
Series 52

Episode 4

Nicholas Parsons chairs the devious word game from the Salisbury Playhouse. Panellists include Paul Merton, Clement Freud, Marcus Brigstocke and Jenny Eclair.


MON 19:00 The Archers (b008thyf)
Ruth's operation is looming. Heather's happy to come for as long as she's needed, and Phil and Jill are eager to help so, having got ahead with some jobs, David's pleased that everything seems sorted.

Phil cooks a special meal but it doesn't turn out quite right - and certainly not the same as when Mel cooked it for them. Phil blames the ingredients. Jill's gained weight while away so she's joining Clarrie's slimming club. David's surprised to hear that Kenton is too.

After an evening in the bar, followed by a night in her old bedroom, Lilian's subdued. Jolene reckons it's a hangover but Lilian blames her circumstances. Jolene hopes Lilian's heard from Matt but she's ignoring her mobile - she wants him to stew. Lilian offers to help Jolene, but only once Jolene's finished the cleaning! Jolene's heart sinks when Lilian implies she'll still be around in a few days' time.

Matt rings Brian on the pretext of talking budgets but it's late and he really wants to know if Lilian's there. Brian's amused at the thought that Matt might have lost her but Matt conceals his worry and makes out he just thought Lilian had gone to see Jenny.

Episode written by Mike Barrington.


MON 19:15 Front Row (b008tj0q)
Arts news and reviews with Mark Lawson, including a review of the film Cloverfield, in which a monster attacks New York City.


MON 19:45 15 Minute Drama (b008tj0r)
The Interpreter II

Episode 1

Anjum Malik's second series about a freelance translator. 1/5: Nina is called to interpret at a family court, where a shocking revelation is heard.


MON 20:00 Document (b008wf68)
BBC Broadcasts from the Bunker

At the height of the Cold War, the BBC devised a programme schedule to be transmitted from the bunker in the event of a nuclear attack.


MON 20:30 The Learning Curve (b008tj0t)
Libby Purves presents a guide to the world of learning, with practical advice, features and listeners' views.


MON 21:00 Fascinating Deaths (b0076xy0)
The Taung Child

The Taung Child: Jessica Holm investigates a murder mystery involving the skull of a three-year-old individual of an ape-like species seen as a missing link between apes and humans.


MON 21:30 Start the Week (b008sb7m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


MON 21:58 Weather (b008tj6r)
The latest weather forecast.


MON 22:00 The World Tonight (b008tj6s)
National and international news with Roger Hearing. Featuring reports on unrest in Pakistan, calls for army intervention in Kenya and why bank robberies are becoming scarcer.


MON 22:45 Book at Bedtime (b008tj6t)
The Truth Commissioner

Episode 6

The Truth Commissioner: By David Park, abridged by Neville Teller. 6/10: A government minister and an ex-policeman may be implicated in the disappearance of a boy years earlier.


MON 23:00 Quote... Unquote (b008v7fl)
Nigel Rees exchanges quotations and anecdotes with guests. The reader is Peter Jefferson.


MON 23:30 Today in Parliament (b008v17q)
News, views and features on today's stories in Parliament with David Wilby.



TUESDAY 29 JANUARY 2008

TUE 00:00 News and Weather (b008sb3x)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by weather.


TUE 00:30 Book of the Week (b008sbj6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:45 on Monday]


TUE 00:48 Shipping Forecast (b008sb3y)
The latest shipping forecast.


TUE 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (b008sb3z)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service for a selection of news and current affairs, arts and science programmes. BBC Radio 4 resumes at 5.20am.


TUE 05:20 Shipping Forecast (b008sb40)
The latest shipping forecast.


TUE 05:30 News Briefing (b008sb41)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4.


TUE 05:43 Prayer for the Day (b008sb42)
Daily prayer and reflection with Ed Kessler.


TUE 05:45 Farming Today (b008sb43)
News and issues in rural Britain with Anna Hill.


TUE 06:00 Today (b008sb44)
With Edward Stourton and Carolyn Quinn. Sports Desk at 6.25am, 7.25am, 8.25am; Yesterday in Parliament at 6.45am; Weather at 6.05am, 6.57am, 7.57am; Thought for the Day at 7.48am.


TUE 09:00 Inside Stories (b008v29t)
Series 2

Episode 1

Steve Hewlett looks at the progress of different news stories, talking to journalists and editors. 1/3: The shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes at Stockwell was a tragic tale.


TUE 09:45 Book of the Week (b008tm6n)
Cleopatra: Last Queen of Egypt

Episode 2

Cleopatra: Last Queen of Egypt. Joyce Tyldesley's biography. 2/5: Is there any truth in the legend that Cleopatra had herself delivered to Julius Caesar rolled up in a carpet?


TUE 10:00 Woman's Hour (b008sbhz)
Prose not Prozac; Criminal Records Bureau

Has child protection gone too far? Plus, the therapeutic properties of book groups, Christina Lamb on being a foreign correspondent and pianist Nelly Akopian-Tamarina on Brahms.


TUE 11:00 A Life With ... (b0076zvb)
Series 3

Lemurs

Gabrielle Walker visits Madagascar to meet Patricia Wright, one of the world's leading experts on lemurs. She talks about the thrill of discovering an entire new species.


TUE 11:30 The BBC and the Closet (b008nyy9)
Chris Ledgard recalls the battle within the BBC to make programmes about homosexuality in the 1950s and 60s.


TUE 12:00 Call You and Yours (b008scct)
Consumer news and issues with Liz Barclay and John Waite.


TUE 12:57 Weather (b008sccv)
The latest weather forecast.


TUE 13:00 World at One (b008sccw)
National and international news with Martha Kearney.


TUE 13:30 Soul Music (b008tn7d)
Series 6

Spem in Alium

Thomas Tallis's work is one of the most elaborate and spectacular pieces of choral music ever written.

Scored for 40 voices, the piece is best sung and heard in the round in order to appreciate an extraordinary sonic experience.

Choral conductor Simon Halsey and Michael Morpurgo discuss the music's spine-tingling effect on both performers and listeners.

Featuring:

Graeme Fife
John Davies
Clive Stafford-Smith

Series about pieces of music with a powerful emotional impact.

Producers: Rosie Boulton & Melvin Rickarby

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2008.


TUE 14:00 The Archers (b008thyf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 19:00 on Monday]


TUE 14:15 Drama (b008tn7f)
Offshore

Offshore: Taut thriller by Simon Passmore. Chris and Sam are looking forward to their cross-channel boat trip. But their idyllic weekend turns into a nightmare.


TUE 15:00 Home Planet (b008tn7g)
Richard Daniel and the team discuss listeners' questions about the natural world and our impact on it.


TUE 15:30 Afternoon Reading (b008v8zg)
Dilemmas of Modern Martyrs

You See Patterns When You Close Your Eyes

Series of stories by Morven Crumlish.

A young woman starts work for a blind poet and becomes absorbed in a strange new world.

Read by Daniela Nardini.

A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4.


TUE 15:45 A Voyage to Lundy (b008tzzk)
Episode 2

Writer and poet Gwyneth explores the history of Lundy, and how the remote island in the Bristol Channel may help change her life.

Producer: Penny Arnold

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2008.


TUE 16:00 Law in Action (b008tn7h)
Clive Coleman takes his weekly look at the legal issues in the news.


TUE 16:30 Great Lives (b008tn7j)
Series 14

Hermann Buhl

Series of biographical discussions with Matthew Parris.

7/7. Mountaineer Joe Simpson takes up the cause of a relatively unknown but pioneering Austrian climber. Hermann Buhl tackled some of the most dangerous climbs in the world and was revered among his contemporaries for his ability to push himself through the bleakest of conditions.


TUE 17:00 PM (b008thvc)
Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Eddie Mair. Including at 5.57pm Weather.


TUE 18:00 Six O'Clock News (b008thvd)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by Weather.


TUE 18:30 The Lawrence Sweeney Mix (b008tnzk)
Series 2

Episode 1

Fom something your Dad did to something you save up for...

Josie Lawrence and Jim Sweeney make it up as they go along!

Faced with a live studio audience and a couple of microphones - the masters of improve create sketches from shouted out suggestions.

Producer: Dawn Ellis

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2008.


TUE 19:00 The Archers (b008thyg)
Nic walks to Keeper's Cottage with the children. Joe's the only one home but Nic's glad of his company and admits she's finding things quiet - especially with Will being so busy. She later tells Brenda how lonely she gets. Brenda's got a busy lifestyle but says she'll give Nic a bell to meet up for a coffee.

Sid can't understand why Lilian's ignoring her phone. She's refusing to make things easy for Matt and keeps her mind occupied with plans for The Bull. She's got ideas for Shrove Tuesday which involve borrowing a huge paella pan and making Borsetshire's biggest pancake, which she believes will up their takings.

Brian's surprised to see Lilian behind the bar, especially when Lilian tells him she's left Matt. He wastes no time in contacting Matt, and suggests he comes to get her before she tells everyone what he's been up to. Matt rushes over and insists they need to have it out but he has no intention of apologising and Lilian's annoyed by his attitude. When he says the drinks are on him, she takes him at his word and pours a pint over his head.

Episode written by Mike Barrington.


TUE 19:15 Front Row (b008thyh)
Arts news and reviews with Mark Lawson.


TUE 19:45 15 Minute Drama (b008thyj)
The Interpreter II

Episode 2

Anjum Malik's second series about a freelance translator. 2/5: Nina helps her friend Maurice to find love, but can she sort out her own affairs of the heart?


TUE 20:00 File on 4 (b008tnzl)
As investigations continue into the cause of the blaze at the Royal Marsden, Allan Urry asks whether fire safety standards in Britain's hospitals are good enough.


TUE 20:40 In Touch (b008tnzm)
Peter White with news and information for the blind and partially sighted.


TUE 21:00 Case Notes (b008tnzn)
Side Effects

Dr Mark Porter and guests discuss the side effects of medication. All drugs can potentially produce dangerous side effects, and a number have been withdrawn as a result.


TUE 21:30 Inside Stories (b008v29t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


TUE 21:58 Weather (b008tj69)
The latest weather forecast.


TUE 22:00 The World Tonight (b008tj6b)
National and international news with Robin Lustig. Including reports on the continuing unrest in Kenya and the possible fallout from a report on Israel's war in Lebanon.


TUE 22:45 Book at Bedtime (b008tj6c)
The Truth Commissioner

Episode 7

The Truth Commissioner: By David Park, abridged by Neville Teller. 7/10: Michael Madden, in hiding in America, is visited by two men who hand him an envelope.


TUE 23:00 Hopes and Desires (b007743p)
Series 2

The Dangers of Self Hypnosis

Maurice has problems dating. So he buys a self-hypnosis CD in order to find love.


TUE 23:30 Today in Parliament (b008tjbr)
News, views and features on today's stories in Parliament with Sean Curran.



WEDNESDAY 30 JANUARY 2008

WED 00:00 News and Weather (b008sb45)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by weather.


WED 00:30 Book of the Week (b008tm6n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:45 on Tuesday]


WED 00:48 Shipping Forecast (b008sb46)
The latest shipping forecast.


WED 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (b008sb47)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service for a selection of news and current affairs, arts and science programmes. BBC Radio 4 resumes at 5.20am.


WED 05:20 Shipping Forecast (b008sb48)
The latest shipping forecast.


WED 05:30 News Briefing (b008sb49)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4.


WED 05:43 Prayer for the Day (b008sb4b)
Daily prayer and reflection with Ed Kessler.


WED 05:45 Farming Today (b008sb4c)
News and issues in rural Britain with Mark Holdstock.


WED 06:00 Today (b008sb4d)
With Sarah Montague and John Humphrys. Sports Desk at 6.25am, 7.25am, 8.25am; Yesterday in Parliament at 6.45am; Weather at 6.05am, 6.57am, 7.57am; Thought for the Day at 7.48am.


WED 09:00 Midweek (b008tp01)
Lively and diverse conversation.


WED 09:45 Book of the Week (b008tm6p)
Cleopatra: Last Queen of Egypt

Episode 3

Cleopatra: Last Queen of Egypt. Joyce Tyldesley's biography. 3/5: Why did Julius Caesar spend so much time in Egypt and why did Cleopatra linger in Rome?


WED 10:00 Woman's Hour (b008sbj0)
Disabled Parents; Women in the European Union; Beatrice Webb

Simone Baker talks about her own experiences as a disabled parent. Plus, Caroline Lucas and Margot Wallstrom on women in the European Union, and the state legacy of Beatrice Webb.


WED 11:00 On the Trail of the Templars (b007nt7q)
It inspired bestsellers and Hollywood, but Martin Palmer wants to know the truth behind the medieval Knights Templar. From June 2007.


WED 11:30 Clare in the Community (b008tp1z)
Series 4

And the Winner Is...

Nominations are required for the Social Worker of the Year Award.

While Clare hates mutual back-slapping as much as the next person, she uses all her powers of manipulation to influence the matter....

Comedy by Harry Venning and David Ramsden. Clare Barker is a social worker with all the politically correct jargon but none of the practical solutions.

Clare ...... Sally Phillips
Brian ...... Alex Lowe
Ray ...... Richard Lumsden
Helen ...... Gemma Craven
Irene ...... Ellen Thomas
Megan ...... Nina Conti
Simon ...... Andrew Wincott
Stanley ...... Martin Hyder.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2008.


WED 12:00 You and Yours (b008sccx)
Consumer news and issues with Liz Barclay and Sheila McClennon.


WED 12:57 Weather (b008sccy)
The latest weather forecast.


WED 13:00 World at One (b008sccz)
National and international news with Martha Kearney.


WED 13:30 Quote... Unquote (b008tp85)
Nigel Rees exchanges quotations and anecdotes with guests Michael Winner, Jilly Cooper, Simon Brett and Valerie Grove. The reader is Peter Jefferson.


WED 14:00 The Archers (b008thyg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 19:00 on Tuesday]


WED 14:15 Drama (b008tp86)
Life: An Audio Tour

Life: An Audio Tour. Comedy drama by Jules Horne. Jenny is trying to win Joe back after her disastrous affair. Her strategy is to offer him an audio tour of a small Scottish town.


WED 15:00 Gardeners' Question Time (b008s8rq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Sunday]


WED 15:30 Afternoon Reading (b008v8zh)
Dilemmas of Modern Martyrs

Day to Day Dilemmas of Modern Martyrs

Series of stories by Morven Crumlish.

After a day spent consoling a stressed-out single mum, Rebecca sets about addressing some issues of her own.

Read by Neve McIntosh.


WED 15:45 A Voyage to Lundy (b008tzzl)
Episode 3

Writer and poet Gwyneth Lewis explores Lundy Island's paradoxical qualities. Can they help to change her life's direction?

Producer: Penny Arnold

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2008.


WED 16:00 Thinking Allowed (b008tp87)
Urban Nightlife - The Burlesque

Human behaviour, institutions and conventions are put under the microscope as Laurie Taylor leads a discussion on topical issues coming out of the academic and research world.


WED 16:30 Case Notes (b008tnzn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 21:00 on Tuesday]


WED 17:00 PM (b008thvf)
Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Eddie Mair. Including Weather at 5.57pm.


WED 18:00 Six O'Clock News (b008thvg)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by Weather.


WED 18:30 Bleak Expectations (b00db35l)
Series 1

A Young Adulthood Bitterly Dismantled

Young Pip finds himself adrift at sea. Mark Evans' Dickensian spoof stars Richard Johnson. From September 2007.


WED 19:00 The Archers (b008thyk)
It's Kathy's birthday and having had a lovely meal with Kenton last night she's planning a quiet family tea with Jamie later. Elizabeth presents her with a lovely birthday cake from everyone at Lower Loxley, and offers her one of the new china model shire horses, ordered to coincide with the arrival of Cranford Crystal, for Jamie. Kathy thanks Elizabeth for how wonderfully she dealt with the terrifying situation with Taylor. Elizabeth's touched by Kathy's gratitude.

Ruth's staying busy to keep her mind off tomorrow's operation. David reminds her that she can still pull out but Ruth insists it's what she wants. Heather arrives, admitting she's been in touch with Jim and arranged to meet up once he's had his plaster off. She thinks he's a lovely man.

Jennifer's keeping Lilian company while she gets her nicotine fix. Lilian admits to feeling raw and disappointed with Matt but refuses to go crawling back to him after what he's done. Jennifer tells her not to leave it too long - there's a possibility she could lose him forever. She offers her a room at Home Farm but Lilian's fine at The Bull, and until Matt makes amends she's staying right there.

Episode written by Mike Barrington.


WED 19:15 Front Row (b008thyl)
Willy Russell

Arts news and reviews with Mark Lawson, including an interview with playwright Willy Russell.


WED 19:45 15 Minute Drama (b008thym)
The Interpreter II

Episode 3

Anjum Malik's second series about a freelance translator. 3/5: Nina is called upon to interpret for a couple whose child is about to undergo a heart transplant.


WED 20:00 Moral Maze (b008tp88)
Michael Buerk chairs a debate on the moral questions behind the week's news. Melanie Phillips, Ian Hargreaves, Michael Portillo and Clifford Longley cross-examine witnesses.


WED 20:45 Politically Charged (b008yyg6)
1972 Peter Hain Trial

Clive Anderson looks at the dramatic 1972 trial of Peter Hain for disrupting all-white South African sporting tours.


WED 21:00 Tulips on the Moon (b007xlyb)
Documentary looking at the concept of growing plants in space. With plans to revisit the Moon and even Mars, the prospect is an enticing one, but how could plants survive?


WED 21:30 Midweek (b008tp01)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


WED 21:58 Weather (b008tj6d)
The latest weather forecast.


WED 22:00 The World Tonight (b008tj6f)
News and analysis with Robin Lustig. Including reports on possible further interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve and a ruling by the Law Lords on a compensation claim.


WED 22:45 Book at Bedtime (b008tj6g)
The Truth Commissioner

Episode 8

The Truth Commissioner: By David Park, abridged by Neville Teller. 8/10: As the hearing of the Connor Walshe case draws to a close, the main players come under pressure.


WED 23:00 The Eliza Stories (b00771dt)
Series 2

Eliza at Home

By Barry Pain, adapted by Jonathan Dryden Taylor. 2/4: Eliza at Home. Eliza's husband finds his patience sorely tried by the eccentricities of their new maidservant.


WED 23:30 Today in Parliament (b008tjbs)
News, views and features on today's stories in Parliament with Robert Orchard.



THURSDAY 31 JANUARY 2008

THU 00:00 News and Weather (b008sb4f)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by weather.


THU 00:30 Book of the Week (b008tm6p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:45 on Wednesday]


THU 00:48 Shipping Forecast (b008sb4g)
The latest shipping forecast.


THU 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (b008sb4h)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service for a selection of news and current affairs, arts and science programmes. BBC Radio 4 resumes at 5.20am.


THU 05:20 Shipping Forecast (b008sb4j)
The latest shipping forecast.


THU 05:30 News Briefing (b008sb4k)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4.


THU 05:43 Prayer for the Day (b008sb4l)
Daily prayer and reflection with Ed Kessler.


THU 05:45 Farming Today (b008sb4m)
News and issues in rural Britain with Anna Hill.


THU 06:00 Today (b008sb4n)
With Sarah Montague, James Naughtie. Sports Desk 6.25am, 7.25am, 8.25am; Yesterday in Parliament 6.45am, 8.31am; Weather 6.05am, 6.57am, 7.57am, 8.58am; Thought for the Day 7.48am.


THU 09:00 In Our Time (b008tsj9)
Rudolph II

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the coterie of brilliant thinkers gathered in 16th century Prague by the melancholic emperor Rudolph II. In 1606 the Archdukes of Vienna declared: “His majesty is interested only in wizards, alchemists, Kabbalists and the like, sparing no expense to find all kinds of treasures, learn secrets and use scandalous ways of harming his enemies…He also has a whole library of magic books. He strives all the time to eliminate God completely so that he may in future serve a different master.”The subject of this coruscating attack was the Holy Roman Emperor, Rudolf II, and his court at Prague. Rudolph had turned Prague into a collector’s cabinet for the wonders and curiosities of the age – the great paintings of Northern Italy were carried to him over the Alps, intricate automatons constructed to serve drinks, maps and models of the heavens were unwound and engineered as the magnificent city of Prague itself was rebuilt in the image of its dark and thoughtful patron in chief. But Rudolf’s greatest possessions were people - the astronomers Johannes Kepler and Tycho Brahe, the magus John Dee and the philosopher Giordano Bruno had all found their way to his city. Far from the devilish inquisitor of the archdukes’ imaginations, Rudolf patronised a powerhouse of Renaissance ideas. With Peter Forshaw, Postdoctoral Fellow at Birkbeck, University of London and an Honorary Fellow of the University of Exeter; Howard Hotson, Lecturer in Modern History at the University of Oxford; Adam Mosley, Lecturer in the Department of History at the University of Wales, Swansea.


THU 09:45 Book of the Week (b008tm6q)
Cleopatra: Last Queen of Egypt

Episode 4

Cleopatra: Last Queen of Egypt. By Joyce Tyldesley. 4/5: Cleopatra recognises a kindred spirit in Mark Antony. But is their relationship one of passion or political expediency?


THU 10:00 Woman's Hour (b008sbj1)
Granny Flats; Infant Mortality in Kirklees; Tracy Ann Oberman

How successful is the 'granny flat' as a solution to caring for our elderly? Plus, Tracy Ann Oberman on Chekhov, and is the lifestyle of the mother a link to infant mortality?


THU 11:00 From Our Own Correspondent (b008tsjb)
BBC foreign correspondents with the stories behind the world's headlines. Introduced by Kate Adie.


THU 11:30 With Great Pleasure (b008wr7x)
John Major

Former prime minister John Major chooses some of his favourite pieces of writing.
Including works by Anthony Trollope and Oscar Wilde

Readers: Nigel Anthony and Lucy Briers.

Producer: Christine Hall

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2008.


THU 12:00 You and Yours (b008scd0)
Consumer news and issues with Carolyn Atkinson and Peter White.


THU 12:57 Weather (b008scd1)
The latest weather forecast.


THU 13:00 World at One (b008scd2)
National and international news with Martha Kearney.


THU 13:30 Open Country (b008vd2g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:07 on Saturday]


THU 14:00 The Archers (b008thyk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 19:00 on Wednesday]


THU 14:15 Drama (b008tsjd)
Soul Motel

Soul Motel, by Peter Jukes. After breaking up from his girlfriend, Luke explores his options in a new social networking website. His quest for love leads to unexpected revelations.


THU 15:00 Traveller's Tree (b008tsjf)
Series 3

Episode 3

Fi Glover presents the holiday magazine with insider tips from listeners and travel experts. The team look at musical holidays, from hurdy-gurdies in Brittany to opera in Prague.


THU 15:27 Radio 4 Appeal (b008s76f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:55 on Sunday]


THU 15:30 Afternoon Reading (b008v8zj)
Dilemmas of Modern Martyrs

The Big the Beautiful Nanda Gray

Stories by Morven Crumlish.

Nanda Gray is a singer; a big lady with a big personality. But the dressing room can be a lonesome place. Waiting offstage, she reflects on her life and loves before stepping into the limelight for her 'twentieth anniversary' performance.

Read by Lorelei King.

A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4.


THU 15:45 A Voyage to Lundy (b008tzzm)
Episode 4

Contemplating a change in direction in her life, writer and poet Gwyneth Lewis investigates Lundy island myths and a particular quality of timelessness.

Producer: Penny Arnold

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2008.


THU 16:00 Open Book (b008s8z4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Sunday]


THU 16:30 Material World (b008tsjg)
Systems Biology - Anthropocene Era

Systems Biology
Advances in computing power have heralded a new frontier in science - where computing meets biology. UK funding for the new science of Systems Biology has topped £100 million in the last 3 years. Supercomputers are making very sophisticated replicas of biological process and even virtual organs – like the heart - to test new drugs and medicines. We meet one of the pioneers of this new science Denis Noble, and ask how this research will revolutionise medicine…Quentin is joined by Denis Noble, from the Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics, Oxford University and Jaroslav Stark from Centre for Integrative Systems Biology at Imperial College, University of London.

Anthropocene Era
How will geologists of the future look back at planet Earth? Scientists this week have called for us to officially enter a new geological era – called the Anthropocene to reflect manmade changes they say evidence of which can be seen in rocks, sea and ice across the world. Quentin meets Mark Williams from the Palaeobiology Group, Leicester University and Andrew Gale from the School of Earth & Environmental Sciences, Portsmouth University.


THU 17:00 PM (b008thvh)
Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Eddie Mair.


THU 18:00 Six O'Clock News (b008thvj)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by Weather.


THU 18:30 Down the Line (b012lm5p)
Series 3

The Elderly, Consumer Rights and the Countryside

Old people and consumer rights get the Gary Bellamy phone-in treatment. Stars Rhys Thomas and Simon Day. From January 2008.


THU 19:00 The Archers (b008thyn)
Brian's pleased that Ruairi's now settled at school but wishes Kate was over here with Nolly. He tells Jennifer that yesterday's meeting with the accountant went well. He was positive about the anaerobic digester, even though it's such a steep investment. Jennifer's amazed that Brian thinks they should step out of the picture and leave overall control to Adam and Debbie once it's up and running. She thinks his plan to sell or lease the land to them is a fantastic opportunity and she's really grateful to Brian.

Ruth can't sleep and Heather joins her in the kitchen in the early hours.

On the way to the hospital, Ruth has to tell David to shut up. He's so nervous he's rattling on about anything.

The operation goes well and when Ruth comes round David's at her side. A nurse tells Ruth he's been there since she came back to the ward. They're both relieved that the op's over and everything went well. Ruth tells David how she touched her eternity ring as she waited to go to sleep and reminds him of the engraving "Just remember that I love you". She tells him that she does. More than ever.

Episode written by Mike Barrington.


THU 19:15 Front Row (b008thyp)
Arts news and reviews with John Wilson.


THU 19:45 15 Minute Drama (b008thyq)
The Interpreter II

Episode 4

Anjum Malik's second series about a freelance translator. 4/5: Nina is asked to interpret for a suspected illegal immigrant.


THU 20:00 Soldier's Haven (b007llcg)
Simon Weston visits Headley Court, the military's primary rehabilitation centre for amputees where a number of casualties from Iraq and Afghanistan are currently being treated.


THU 20:30 In Business (b008tsjj)
Lean, Mean and at Your Service

Lean, Mean and at Your Service: Global manufacturers have saved billions with lean production methods, but service industries seem to be far behind. Peter Day investigates.


THU 21:00 Costing the Earth (b008tsjk)
Britain is committed to meeting EU targets to generate one fifth of our energy from renewable sources by 2020, but what are our chances of getting there? Tom Heap investigates.


THU 21:30 In Our Time (b008tsj9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


THU 21:58 Weather (b008tj6h)
The latest weather forecast.


THU 22:00 The World Tonight (b008tj6j)
Reeta Chakrabarti introduces three reports that paint a bleak picture of Afghanistan's future. Plus, can South Africa cope with millions of Zimbabwean refugees?


THU 22:45 Book at Bedtime (b008tj6k)
The Truth Commissioner

Episode 9

The Truth Commissioner: By David Park, abridged by Neville Teller. 9/10: Pressure has been put on each of the main protagonists to reveal only as much of the truth as is convenient.


THU 23:00 Pick Ups (b008tsjl)
Series 1

Episode 4

Andrew delivers a Brief Encounter themed date for Lind at the office. Dave's former school bully rears his ugly head. Sitcom by Ian Kershaw, set around a Manchester taxi company.


THU 23:30 Today in Parliament (b008tjbt)
News, views and features on today's stories in Parliament with David Wilby.



FRIDAY 01 FEBRUARY 2008

FRI 00:00 News and Weather (b008sb4p)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by weather.


FRI 00:30 Book of the Week (b008tm6q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:45 on Thursday]


FRI 00:48 Shipping Forecast (b008sb4q)
The latest shipping forecast.


FRI 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (b008sb4r)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service for a selection of news and current affairs, arts and science programmes. BBC Radio 4 resumes at 5.20am.


FRI 05:20 Shipping Forecast (b008sb4s)
The latest shipping forecast.


FRI 05:30 News Briefing (b008sb4t)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4.


FRI 05:43 Prayer for the Day (b008sb4v)
Daily prayer and reflection with Ed Kessler.


FRI 05:45 Farming Today (b008sb4w)
News and issues in rural Britain with Charlotte Smith.


FRI 06:00 Today (b008sb4x)
With James Naughtie and Edward Stourton. Sports Desk at 6.25am, 7.25am, 8.25am; Yesterday in Parliament at 6.45am; Weather at 6.05am, 6.57am, 7.57am; Thought for the Day at 7.48am.


FRI 09:00 Desert Island Discs (b00772lv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 on Sunday]


FRI 09:45 Book of the Week (b008tm6r)
Cleopatra: Last Queen of Egypt

Episode 5

Cleopatra: Last Queen of Egypt. Joyce Tyldesley's biography. 5/5: Cleopatra's liaison with Mark Antony is legendary, but what are the facts behind it?


FRI 10:00 Woman's Hour (b008sbj2)
Natalie Dessay; China's One-Child Policy; Children's Book Guide

Opera Singer Natalie Dessay on her career and how a throat operation changed her voice. Plus, abortion and China's one child policy, and how to choose the best children's books.


FRI 11:00 Spitting Images (b008tx8m)
Roger Law explores the Chinese fake art industry. In Dafen village, artists turn out copies of Van Gogh and Da Vinci in their thousands to be shipped worldwide. From February 2008.


FRI 11:30 Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show! (b0192t2k)
Series 3

Piddler on the Roof

The showbiz veteran has a mishap, but must the show always go on? Stars Steve Delaney and Sue Perkins. From February 2008.


FRI 12:00 You and Yours (b008scd3)
Consumer news and issues with Liz Barclay and Winifred Robinson.


FRI 12:57 Weather (b008scd4)
The latest weather forecast.


FRI 13:00 World at One (b008scd5)
National and international news with Shaun Ley.


FRI 13:30 Feedback (b008tt7m)
Roger Bolton airs listeners' views on BBC radio programmes and policy.


FRI 14:00 The Archers (b008thyn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 19:00 on Thursday]


FRI 14:15 Drama (b008tt7n)
Have your Cake

Private Parkin

Have Your Cake: Series of plays about a cake-making club. 2/6: Private Parkin, by Nicola Baldwin. A mysterious man gatecrashes the cake club. Is he the chef he claims to be?


FRI 15:00 Costing the Earth (b008tsjk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 21:00 on Thursday]


FRI 15:30 Afternoon Reading (b008v8zk)
Dilemmas of Modern Martyrs

Sabotage

Series of stories by Morven Crumlish.

Pressed into service as a bridesmaid at a gay wedding, Jenny almost expected to be miserable. But weird scenes are to follow.

Read by Siobhan Redmond.

A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4.


FRI 15:45 A Voyage to Lundy (b008tzzn)
Episode 5

Writer and poet Gwyneth Lewis explores the allure of Lundy Island and considers the satisfaction of adventure close to home.

Producer: Penny Arnold

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2008.


FRI 16:00 Last Word (b008tt7p)
Matthew Bannister presents the obituary series, analysing and celebrating the life stories of people who have recently died.


FRI 16:30 The Film Programme (b008tt7q)
The award-winning star Daniel Day-Lewis gives a rare radio interview about his new film, There Will Be Blood.

The documentary-maker Nick Broomfield talks about his second fiction film, Battle For Haditha.

Critic and Gracie Fields devotee Matthew Sweet talks about the Lancashire superstar.

Susanne Bier, the director of Brothers and After The Wedding on her Hollywood debut.


FRI 17:00 PM (b008thvk)
Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Eddie Mair. Including Weather at 5.57pm.


FRI 18:00 Six O'Clock News (b008thvl)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by Weather.


FRI 18:30 The News Quiz (b008tt7r)
Series 64

Episode 4

Sandi Toksvig chairs the topical comedy quiz. Panellists include Fred Macaulay, Jeff Green, Jeremy Hardy and Francis Wheen.


FRI 19:00 The Archers (b008thyr)
The children excitedly get ready to visit Ruth. It's a good job David's got Heather to help him. While the children are pre-occupied watching an ambulance, David grabs a quiet moment with Ruth. David's anxious that she's looking after herself.

Brian's spoken to his accountant again and wants to update Jennifer. Learning that he's thinking of altering his will, she realises where this is going. The arrangements for Kate and Alice will remain unchanged but Brian wants the farm to continue down the line - not just to Adam and Debbie, he now wants to include Ruairi.

It's too much for Jennifer. She can't believe Brian would do this - especially to Adam who she points out took over the reins completely while Brian dealt with the death of his mistress. After all she's done for him, she believes he owes her, and this is just too much. She didn't expect him to treat Ruairi any differently from Kate or Alice but she's adamant that this isn't fair to Debbie, Adam or herself. How can he expect Adam and Debbie to run a farm they won't even inherit? If Brian's intent on creating this mess then she hopes he's ready to live with the consequences.

Episode written by Mike Barrington.


FRI 19:15 Front Row (b008thys)
Arts news and reviews with John Wilson, including news of the long list for the Art Fund Prize for Museums and Galleries.


FRI 19:45 15 Minute Drama (b008thyt)
The Interpreter II

Episode 5

Anjum Malik's second series about a freelance translator. 5/5: Nina has a tense confrontation with Mr Mansood in an attempt to get Zarina's children back.


FRI 20:00 Any Questions? (b008tt7s)
Jonathan Dimbleby chairs a topical discussion from Rotherham. Panellists include Caroline Flint, John Tusa, Grant Shapps and Steve Webb.


FRI 20:50 A Point of View (b008tt7t)
A weekly reflection on a topical issue from Prof David Cannadine.


FRI 21:00 Friday Drama (b008p5ty)
Sins of the Grandfathers

Sins of the Grandfathers: Dan Tetsell's comedy show about the perils of having a grandfather who was an officer in Hitler's SS. With Alex Lowe, Rachel Atkins and Ben Graves.


FRI 21:58 Weather (b008tj6l)
The latest weather forecast.


FRI 22:00 The World Tonight (b008tj6m)
National and international news and analysis with Reeta Chakrabarti.


FRI 22:45 Book at Bedtime (b008tj6n)
The Truth Commissioner

Episode 10

The Truth Commissioner: By David Park, abridged by Neville Teller. 10/10: Despite efforts to protect Gilroy, Madden names him as the murderer of Connor Walshe.


FRI 23:00 Great Lives (b008tn7j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:30 on Tuesday]


FRI 23:30 Today in Parliament (b008tjbv)
News, views and features on today's stories in Parliament with Mark D'Arcy.