The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4. Followed by Weather.
Mark Tully explores the many-shaded nature of Green, from green imagery in myth, literature, art and faith, to green's crucial biological function as 'the cornerstone of all life on Earth'.
The readers are Adjoa Andoh, Janice Acquah, Frank Stirling and David Westhead.
Britain's geology makes for diverse grassland meadows and with it wild flowers, as Lionel Kelleway discovers.
The latest news headlines. Including a look at the papers.
Roger Bolton discusses the religious and ethical news of the week. Moral arguments and perspectives on stories, both familiar and unfamiliar.
Donations to Prospect Burma should be sent to FREEPOST BBC Radio 4 Appeal, please mark the back of your envelope PB. Credit cards: Freephone 0800 404 8144. If you are a UK tax payer, please provide PB with your full name and address so they can claim the Gift Aid on your donation. The online and phone donation facilities are not currently available to listeners without a UK postcode.
The latest news headlines. Including a look at the papers.
The life and legacy of St Thérèse of Lisieux, the French Carmelite nun who died at a young age, is explored in a service from the church of Sacred Heart and St Theresa, Coleshill, Birmingham. With music from Joanne Boyce and Mike Stanley.
The dodo is the caricature of extinction. This turkey-sized flightless pigeon lived on a remote island and was slaughtered by seafarers for its meat. The same fate has met other flightless species. Can we learn this lesson from history?
Series of talks by Sir David Attenborough on the natural histories of creatures and plants from around the world.
Martin Narey of Barnardo's discusses whether babies should be taken away from dysfunctional families at birth.
The psychologist who interviewed one of the Bulger boys talks about what to do with violent children.
Mathematician Rob Eastaway ponders if there are too many anniversaries in the news.
Sue MacGregor presents the series which reunites a group of people intimately involved in a moment of modern history.
Sue reunites those caught up in the siege at the Iranian Embassy in London in 1980, which ended with a dramatic storming of the building by SAS commandos. With contributions from hostages Sim Harris and Mustapha Karkouti, police negotiator Max Vernon, BBC reporter Kate Adie and Robin Horsfall of the SAS.
Nicholas Parsons' 60-second challenges to Paul Merton, Janey Godley, Richard Herring and Sue Perkins. From August 2009.
Every summer, for decades, the people of Shetland have served up delicious home-baked Sunday afternoon teas in the many local community halls dotted around the islands. Not only are they a treat for regulars and tourists, but they also raise money for charity.
Simon Parkes drops in on the islanders as they prepare for the weekend's feasting in many different kitchens across the islands. The tables groan with fare, not all of it traditional, as Sunday approaches, and visitors anticipate a weekend of culinary over-indulgence.
Scottish singer-songwriter Ricky Ross examines the life and work of photographer and film-maker Oscar Marzaroli.
Born in Italy in 1933, Marzaroli moved to Glasgow at the age of two. Photographing in black and white, he produced a remarkable record of post-Second World War Scotland, and became famed for his iconic images of the Gorbals in the 1960s.
His photographs and films have become synonymous with Scotland, at that time a disaffected nation in the throes of regeneration. Marzaroli's images captured ordinary people struggling against poverty and social deprivation, yet who retained a strong sense of local pride and community spirit. During a time of controversial rebuilding, alongside a rising tide of Scottish nationalism, his photographic record has become a historical documentation of a lost society.
Ricky Ross discusses Marzaroli's life, career and legacy with the photographer's family, colleagues and contemporaries, including author William McIlvanney and Oscar's wife, Anne.
Matthew Biggs, Bunny Guinness and John Cushnie answer questions posed by gardeners in Essex.
John presents a guide to coastal shelter-belts and explains how these are created with the help of a local gardener.
Matthew reports from the Fruit Focus industry event, where he unveils a new super-yielding crop and reveals how we are soon to benefit from new extra water-efficient strawberry plants.
Series in which Peter Curran visits members of the many and varied disciplines of science, from astronomy to zoology, to explore their habitat, customs, rituals and beliefs.
Peter meets the mathematicians of the Isaac Newton Institute of Mathematics in Cambridge. There are blackboards in the lifts and in the loos to encourage communication between visiting professors, but not everyone shares their mathematical insight.
A few members of the mathematical tribe do wear the same t-shirt for six months and it's often inside-out, but not all the stereotypes hold true. Among these mathematicians, Peter finds passion, humour and an enviable sense of purpose.
Dramatisation by Robin Brooks of James Boswell's biography of Samuel Johnson, to celebrate the 300th anniversary of Johnson's birth.
Young Boswell comes to London to seek out his hero. He wants to write a biography of the great man 'in scenes', with Johnson's conversation cast as dialogue. Nothing quite like this has ever been attempted before.
Samuel Johnson ...... Kenneth Cranham
James Boswell ...... Paul Higgins
King George ...... David Hargreaves
Louisa ...... Lizzy Watts
Joshua Reynolds ...... Matt Addis
Oliver Goldsmith ...... Stephen Hogan
Lady Di ...... Annabelle Dowler
Davies ...... Philip Fox
James Naughtie and readers talk to travel writer and literary critic Robert Macfarlane about his book The Wild Places, in which he sets out to discover if there remain any genuinely wild places in Britain and Ireland.
It is an account of journeys that he made to the remaining wilderness in the islands. He climbs hills and mountains, walks across moors and bogs, luxuriates beside hidden lochs, swims through caves and disappears into forests, all in search of that special quality of solitude in communion with nature.
Young poet Tom Chivers reclaims the reputation of counter-cultural poet Barry MacSweeney, who wrote his first poem at seven, began a lifelong struggle with solitary hard drinking at 16 and was nominated for the Oxford Poetry Chair at 18.
A protégée of Northumbrian poet Basil Bunting, he was a regular at the Morden Tower in Newcastle along with Ted Hughes, Seamus Heaney, Allen Ginsberg, and Ed Dorn. MacSweeney was a man of contradictions; a Romantic poet, a political journalist who raged against the world but also a naturalist whose writing was rooted in the Northumbrian landscape. His refusal to engage with the Establishment was incompatible with commercial or mainstream success, and he died an alcoholic's death, on the fringes of the poetry scene.
A 16-year-old Tom Chivers encountered MacSweeney at what would turn out to be his final poetry reading; a week later he was dead. Now Tom goes on a personal journey to explore the life and work of his hero. Travelling to the Northumbrian landscape which anchored MacSweeney's work, Tom investigates why his radical style was never palatable to the mainstream but also why his work still appeals to a new generation of poets today.
Gerry Northam follows headteacher Mike Tull as he continues his attempts to bridge ethnic divisions through education, as part of a radical scheme to tackle underachievement and segregation in Lancashire mill towns.
Edward Stourton introduces his selection of highlights from the past week on BBC radio.
Vicky admires the wonderful work that's been done at the memorial garden. Lynda's horrified to learn that Mike thinks Bert's responsible, and Vicky thinks it's Sabrina Thwaite. She curbs the urge to tell Vicky the truth but suggests all might be revealed at the flower and produce show, which she encourages Vicky to enter. They arrange their dinner party for next Tuesday.
It's the last cricket match of the season, and Jim is scorer. Ambridge wins, thanks in part to a dubious catch from Adam. David feels Alistair would have withdrawn the appeal if he wasn't 100 per cent sure but Adam believes these things even out over the season. Adam would happily continue as captain and Jim thinks they should pin Alistair down so that everyone knows where they stand.
Adam knows tomorrow's meeting won't be a walk in the park but isn't expecting any major opposition to his expansion plans.
Jim thinks Wayne's music knowledge would make him an asset to the pub quiz team and Vicky's heard how good Wayne's pastry is. Sid is sick of hearing everyone singing Wayne's praises but Jolene wants Fallon to bond with Wayne. Sid agrees he can stay for Fallon's sake - but not for much longer.
Matt Frei presents an insider guide to the people and the stories shaping America today. Combining location reports with lively discussion and exclusive interviews, the show provides new and surprising insights into contemporary America.
We go to the biggest gambling city of them all, Las Vegas - the town that's the capital of blowing itself up and reinventing itself, and which is hurting big in the recession. The Las Vegas strip today is lined by unfinished mega-projects and bankrupt resorts, local unemployment and foreclosure rates are surging, and folks just aren't imploding casinos like they used to. For an insider's look, Matt talks with Las Vegas demolition man Josh Clauss.
Adam Burke leads a sound-rich tour of subterranean Las Vegas, including the the storm drains running under the casinos which are inhabited by a remarkable community of homeless people.
Matt referees a discussion on diverging approaches to homelessness and panhandling in American cities. His guests are Anthony David Pirtle, a board member of the National Coalition for the Homeless, who was homeless himself between 2004 and 2006 due to his schizophrenia, and Ron Book, board chair of the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust, and a proponent of never giving money or food to panhandlers.
Plus, a chance to experience the formerly iconic American pastime of going to the drive-in to see movies outside - with the sound piped through your radio.
Tony Lidington plays the entertainer Max Wall in this series of shows recorded before an invited audience at the Concert Artistes' Association in Covent Garden.
Max describes the success he enjoyed in later life as a character actor, with parts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Terry Gilliam's film Jabberwocky, together with theatre work in Krapp's Last Tape and The Entertainer.
Tim Harford and the More or Less team investigate widely-reported estimates of the number of people who illegally share files on the internet, and examine the abuse of maths by the public relations industry.
Matthew Bannister presents the obituary series, analysing and celebrating the life stories of people who have recently died. The programme reflects on people of distinction and interest from many walks of life, some famous and some less well known
Focusing on the lives of environmentalist Edward Goldsmith; 60s radio and TV star Simon Dee; Scottish ballad singer and storyteller Stanley Robertson; and songwriter Ellie Greenwich.
The twin pincers of global recession and technology upheaval are putting traditional newspapers and broadcasters through the ringer. Peter Day asks what the shape of the new media might be once the troubles are over.
Reports from behind the scenes at Westminster. Including Britain's White House.
Director Marc Webb discusses his film, 500 Days of Summer, a romantic comedy that stands romantic ideals on its head.
Actor Janet Suzman remembers her role in the jagged-edged 1970s drama A Day in the Death of Joe Egg, newly released on DVD. She also reveals the unconventional casting technique for her starring role in the film Nicolas and Alexandra.
Plus an interview with Michael Fassbender, an an actor who gives versatility a new dimension and who appears in radically contrasting films: Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds and Andrea Arnold's controversial movie Fish Tank.
MONDAY 07 SEPTEMBER 2009
MON 00:00 Midnight News (b00mfdgt)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4. Followed by Weather.
MON 00:15 Thinking Allowed (b00mbz1k)
Return Migration - Pensioners and Identity Politics
Laurie Taylor explores the latest research into how society works.
A new book explores what happens to people who return to the island of Dominica, the land of their birth, after living for many years in the UK. Research suggests around 25 per cent of the Caribbean population will go back to their country of origin, either to work or on retirement. But what are the forces which dictate this decision, and why do some people choose to go home and others choose to stay here? Research suggests that definitions of home are changing as the world contracts due to global communication and transport. Laurie talks to Dr Margaret Byron, a social geographer, and the writer Mike Phillips about the meaning of return migration.
Also, the limits of ''silver power'; why old age doesn't lend itself to collective political action and identity. New research finds that the pensioner movements of the interwar years, which helped shape the postwar welfare state, have declined in importance. Laurie discusses the politics of ageing and pensioner power with Prof Paul Higgs.
MON 00:45 Bells on Sunday (b00mf1sg)
[Repeat of broadcast at
05:43 on Sunday]
MON 00:48 Shipping Forecast (b00mfdj8)
The latest shipping forecast.
MON 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (b00mfdyl)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.
MON 05:20 Shipping Forecast (b00mfdkt)
The latest shipping forecast.
MON 05:30 News Briefing (b00mff35)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4.
MON 05:43 Prayer for the Day (b00mffdc)
Daily prayer and reflection with Rev Stephen Shipley.
MON 05:45 Farming Today (b00mfffq)
Organised criminals are increasingly turning to stealing expensive farm equipment, which, it is claimed, is proving to be more lucrative and less risky than dealing in drugs.
The National Equipment Register, which records all such farm crime, has released new figures which show that thefts reached record levels in 2008.
MON 05:57 Weather (b00mg0wh)
The latest weather forecast for farmers.
MON 06:00 Today (b00mffrs)
Presented by John Humphrys and Edward Stourton.
Mary Bousted, general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, discusses the academy system.
Chairman of the Department for Work and Pensions' ethnic minority advisory group, Iqbal Wahhab, discusses why the Treasury has refused to back government plans to ask companies bidding for public contracts to disclose employees' ethnic backgrounds.
Artist Ben Turnbull wants to explore children's response to violence by placing two bubble gum dispensers containing replica Beretta and Magnum firearms near London schools and then filming the pupils' reaction. He discusses his proposal with Lyn Costello, co-founder of the charity Mothers Against Murder and Aggression.
Parents will need to start being aware of the scope and sophistication of social networking sites on the internet if they are to protect vulnerable children from sex offenders, the police warn. Jim Gamble, spokesman for the Association of Chief Police Officers, discuss how parents can use the resources on offer to minimise risk.
Gordon Brown has confirmed that the UK will support compensation claims being made against Libya by IRA victims' families. Lawyer Jason McCue, who represents some of the families, discusses how the news has been received by his clients.
A terror suspect has been released from a control order because ministers did not want to reveal secret intelligence to any court hearing his case. Home secretary Alan Johnson agreed the move after Law Lords ruled that the suspect, known as AF, was entitled to know more about the allegations against him. Liberal Democrat peer Lord Carlile discusses the release.
Eight jazz musicians are to begin playing a 12-bar tune continuously for 24 hours. Jazz pianist and Radio 3 presenter Julian Joseph, who will begin the tune from the Today studio, and Paul Pacifico, organiser of the musicians' tour around the country, explain the ideas behind the NeverEndingSong.
Thought for the Day with Rabbi Lionel Blue.
London Midland bosses say they will meet unions to discuss the cancellation of all but one of the company's Sunday services because of a lack of drivers. Andy Thomas, operations director for London Midland, and Bob Crow, general secretary of transport union the RMT, discuss why the service relies on drivers volunteering on Sundays.
The Children's Secretary, Ed Balls, has said that nobody in the British government wanted to see the release of the Lockerbie bomber, Abdelbasset al-Megrahi. He was responding to claims made by the shadow foreign secretary, William Hague, that the government had made a 'very partial U-turn' after Gordon Brown confirmed that the UK will support compensation claims being made against Libya by IRA victims' families.
The government is to make it easier for private sponsors to take over and run English state schools, in a bid to speed up its academies programme. Children's Secretary Ed Balls discusses whether extra spending on academies has had a divisive impact on other local schools.
Author Duncan Campbell and former Scotland Yard detective Mark Williams-Thomas discuss whether the age of the gritty crime reporter has passed.
Men working in the UK's financial sector receive five times more in bonus payments than women, according to a survey of 44 leading companies. Trevor Phillips, chairman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, discusses the continuing gender disparity in pay and debates the calls for him to resign his leadership.
Is the tone of public debate getting nastier? Authors David Denby and Toby Young discuss the term 'snark' - a style of language encouraged by the new hybrid world of print, television, radio, and the internet.
Understanding the brain has long been an enormous challenge to scientists. Today presenter Evan Davis is taking part in an experiment on BBC series Bang Goes the Theory to find out whether computer-based brain training games actually work. He visited the Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit in Cambridge to have the 'before' brain scan and to understand the progress being made using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans. In six weeks time, he will have a second scan to see whether brain training has made a difference.
Chris Evans is to replace Sir Terry Wogan as Radio 2's breakfast DJ, the veteran broadcaster has announced. The 71-year-old broke the news to his listeners just after this morning's 0800 news bulletin, calling it 'the hardest thing I have ever done'.
MON 09:00 Peston and the Money Men (b00mg0wk)
Adair Turner
As the first anniversary of global financial meltdown approaches, the BBC's business editor Robert Peston talks to four key individuals who were in the eye of the storm. Why did they fail to see the warning signs of economic catastrophe and what are the long term consequences?
If Adair Turner had been in his present job, as Chairman of the Financial Services Authority, in the run-up to the banking crisis, would he have seen it coming? Candidly, he says he is not sure that he would. Appointed in 2008, it is now his job to help restore trust in the financial system. He offers his insight into why the regulations that were in place didn't work and predicts the consequences of the economic downturn for Britain.
MON 09:30 Jeopardising Justice (b00mg0wm)
Episode 2
Helena Kennedy QC examines the ways in which the best intentions in legal reform can sometimes produce unexpected and unpalatable consequences.
Helena unravels the recent history of attacks on judicial independence. In the 1970s and 80s, Helena and a generation of liberal lawyers attacked the judiciary for being too right wing and out of touch. Now right-wing politicians have taken up their language and attack the judiciary for being too liberal and out of touch.
MON 09:45 Book of the Week (b00mffrv)
William Golding - The Man Who Wrote Lord of the Flies
Episode 1
The first biography of the publicity-shy author William Golding, whose debut novel was rejected by many publishers before going on to sell over 20 million copies in the UK alone.
Drawing on a vast wealth of previously-unpublished material in the Golding family archive, John Carey explores the life and career of an often violently self-critical novelist who won the nobel prize for literature.
Abridged by John Carey. Read by Christian Rodska. Producer: Bruce Young.
MON 10:00 Woman's Hour (b00mfg83)
Barbara Taylor Bradford; Beth Ditto
Singer Beth Ditto on Gossip and plus-size clothing. Plus, author Barbara Taylor Bradford on the enduring appeal of her work; and our quest for a flat stomach.
MON 11:00 Iraq United (b00lny4l)
Hugh Sykes follows the Iraqi football team as they hope to unite their country through football.
In 2007, the team surprised the world by winning the Asian Cup. Thousands celebrated, religious differences were forgotten and a football team united a troubled country. It qualified them for the Confederations Cup in South Africa, a competition that brings together the best teams in the world, including Spain, Italy and Brazil.
Hugh, who has been reporting from Iraq for the past six years, follows the team and their supporters as they compete in Africa's first international football competition. Travelling with the team and supporters as Iraq take on the likes of Spain, Hugh learns the importance of football to Iraqis as a reminder of days past, before sectarianism ripped the country apart.
The team has lost loved ones and faced death threats, but survived the years of abuse and torture they suffered at the hands of Uday Hussein, the eldest son of Saddam who took direct control of the team for a time. After a series of coaching changes and poor performances, the team now faces its biggest test as it hopes to show the world that Iraq remains united, and not only in football.
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4.
MON 11:30 The Maltby Collection (b00mg0wp)
Series 3
Episode 3
Warring curators, wedding cleaners and a dodgy alarm system all add to the unwanted pressure on Walter.
Geoffrey Palmer and Julian Rhind-Tutt star in series 3 of David Nobbs’ sitcom about a small museum of paintings and sculpture.
Rod Millet ...... Julian Rhind-Tutt
Walter Brindle ...... Geoffrey Palmer
Prunella Edgecumbe ...... Rachel Atkins
Susie Maltby ...... Margaret Cabourn-Smith
Julian Crumb-Loosely ...... Ben Willbond
Wilf Arbuthnot ...... Geoff McGivern
Eva Tattle ...... Juklia Deakin
Des Wainwright ...... Michael Smiley
Stelios Constantinopoulis ...... Chris Pavlo
Producer: Colin Anderson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2009.
MON 12:00 You and Yours (b00mfg8h)
Consumer news and issues with Julian Worricker.
MON 12:57 Weather (b00mfhhy)
The latest weather forecast.
MON 13:00 World at One (b00mfhlv)
National and international news with Martha Kearney.
MON 13:30 Round Britain Quiz (b00mg0wr)
Tom Sutcliffe chairs the cryptic general knowledge quiz, featuring teams from Scotland and Northern Ireland.
MON 14:00 The Archers (b00mfcz0)
[Repeat of broadcast at
19:00 on Sunday]
MON 14:15 Drama (b00mg0wt)
Best Friends
By Clara Glynn. When Charlotte is convicted of killing her baby, her best friend Sam begins a campaign to clear her name and find out the truth.
Sam ...... Shonagh Price
Charlotte ...... Louise Ludgate
David ...... Robin Laing
Hamish/Radio presenter ...... Steven McNicoll
Archie ...... Crawford Logan
Weather girl/Prison guard ...... Kirstin Murray
Rory ...... Cameron McNee
Directed by David Ian Neville.
MON 15:00 Archive on 4 (b00mdyyf)
[Repeat of broadcast at
20:00 on Saturday]
MON 15:45 The Test of Time (b00mfhr7)
The Sushruta
Five scientists look back to their ancient forebears and examine how much of that early knowledge still stands the test of time.
Iain Hutchison, Consultant Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon, discovers that the nasal reconstructive techniques he uses today date back to third century BC in South Asia.
A school of surgery - The Sushruta - grew up on the banks of the river Ganges to help victims of punishment who'd had their noses sliced off.
Producer: Erika Wright
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2009
MON 16:00 The Food Programme (b00mf27d)
[Repeat of broadcast at
12:32 on Sunday]
MON 16:30 Tracing Your Roots (b00mg2v2)
Series 4
Myths and Truths
Sally Magnusson presents the series exploring the practice of researching family history, with the help of resident genealogist Nick Barratt.
Lucille White has been trying to get to the bottom of a family that her great, great-grandmother may have been the illegitimate daughter of Louis XVI, but stories handed down from one generation to the next are often history as the teller would like it to have been, not as it really was. Birth, marriage and death certificates may not tell the whole story, so Sally and Nick investigate how to widen the search in order to disentangle myth from truth.
MON 17:00 PM (b00mfj9z)
Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Carolyn Quinn. Plus Weather.
MON 18:00 Six O'Clock News (b00mfjpj)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4.
MON 18:30 Just a Minute (b00mg2v4)
Series 55
Episode 7
Nicholas Parsons chairs the devious word game.
Jenny Eclair and Stephen Fry compare what they shop for online and Paul Merton and Charles Collingwood discuss how best to go about making an impression.
MON 19:00 The Archers (b00mfhmh)
Sid's looking after Jamie and it's Jolene's night off. When Wayne offers to help in the pub and keep an eye on Jamie, Lynda sees no reason for Sid to miss tonight's footpath meeting. Realising he can't get out of it, Sid gives Wayne some strict orders - and insists Jamie must get home before it goes dark.
Adam presents his case well. Having learnt about the death of an old friend, Lynda's not in the best of spirits. She insists that Adam can't just divert an ancient footpath to suit his plans. Susan totally agrees. As the debate continues, Lynda declares that she'll fight Adam all the way. She reminds him that she took on Cameron Fraser and the Estate and won, and can win again.
Sid returns to find Jamie still at the Bull. Wayne apologises - he lost track of the time. Sid's furious and insists that the sooner Wayne moves on, the better.
Over a much-needed pint, Adam tells David he intends to put the planning application in. David apologises for his absence, explaining that he was waylaid by Matt. He thinks Matt's missing Lilian. Adam wishes Matt would tell Lilian that. Whatever everyone might think, she's miserable without him.
Episode written by Carole Simpson Solazzo.
MON 19:15 Front Row (b00mfk2s)
The new film adaptation of Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray sees Colin Firth playing the role of Lord Henry Wotton, the sinister aristocrat who tempts Gray into a debauched lifestyle. It seems a departure for Firth, who is best known for his roles as Mr Darcy in BBC1's Pride and Prejudice and Mark Darcy in the Bridget Jones films. He talks to Kirsty Lang about the importance of playing against type.
South African opera singer, actress, screenwriter and director Pauline Malefane talks about her route to operatic fame from a childhood in the Khayelitsha township of Cape Town, singing in the Xhosa language and playing God and Jesus in an African musical version of the Chester Mystery Plays.
What does your typeface say about your organisation? The news that Ikea were abandoning their distinctive lettering and going over to a more computer-friendly font has caused dismay in the world of graphic design. Is there a danger that companies will lose their identities along with their typefaces? Kirsty Lang speaks to Simon Garfield and graphic designer Paul Finn. Simon Garfield's book on font design is being published by Profile Books.
Charles Dance, Claire Skinner and Reggie Yates star in the new eight-part television drama, Trinity. For the first time in 900 years, the fictitious Trinity College is opening its doors to the lower social classes and there is a murder to solve. Cambridge don Tristram Hunt reviews.
MON 19:45 15 Minute Drama (b00mfk31)
David and Caroline Stafford - Au Pairs
Episode 1
Comedy by David and Caroline Stafford about manners, morals, accidental chaos and heavy-duty childcare. The story follows the fortunes of two au pairs, Alvy from Ireland and Dorkia from Hungary, who bond over their mutual condemnation of modern parenting.
Dorika ...... Anna Maxwell Martin
Alvy ...... Sharon Gavin
Directed by Marc Beeby.
MON 20:00 Where Did It All Go Right? (b00mg2v6)
Compulsory Seat Belts
Prof Philip Cowley presents a series examining initially controversial political policies which were later judged by most people to have been a success.
Attempts during the 1970s and early 1980s to make seat belt wearing compulsory were hugely controversial. There were numerous attempts to get it through, and it was contested by parliamentarians on both left and right. Organisations like the RAC were also opposed, as were civil servants, as shown by files from the early 1970s released from the National Archives.
Once the legislation came into effect in 1983, instances of seat belt-wearing shot up from under half to over 90 per cent and opposition almost vanished overnight. This programme looks back at the early debates, why compulsory wearing was so controversial and how seat belts came to be so widely accepted.
MON 20:30 Crossing Continents (b00mcvgd)
Gangland in Paradise
With a spectacular natural setting and a prosperous but laid-back lifestyle, Vancouver is routinely named one of the best communities in the world in which to live.
But this west coast Canadian city, host to the 2010 Winter Olympics, is quickly developing another reputation. Bill Law tells the story of the young gangsters who are exploiting legal loopholes to build a multi-billion dollar illicit drugs industry using a combination of business savvy and bullets.
MON 21:00 Costing the Earth (b00mg2v8)
Sell-by Dates
In the UK, 370,000 tonnes of food is misguidedly thrown away each year after passing its best-before date, with a further 40,000 tonnes not even opened by consumers. An additional 220,000 tonnes of food is thrown away while still in date and 440,000 tonnes of food is thrown away after its use-by date. And that is just the food that reaches our fridges and fruitbowls. There are an estimated 1.6 million tonnes of food thrown away by British retailers making up just some of the 5.4 million tonnes of food the UK throws away every year.
So where does all this confusion come from? According to one survey, more than one-third of Britons believe that any product past its 'best-before' date is liable to poison them and should never be eaten. Added to this confusion is the less than scientific way in which 'use-by' dates are often set with a 'worse case scenario' applied to all products, protecting the consumer but also the industry.
With dates now applied to all kinds of produce, from soft fruit to hard cheese, Tom Heap seeks to find out where these dates came from, who sets them, who benefits and how we might learn to live without them.
MON 21:30 Peston and the Money Men (b00mg0wk)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 today]
MON 21:58 Weather (b00mfknq)
The latest weather forecast.
MON 22:00 The World Tonight (b00mfks0)
News from a global perspective with Ritula Shah.
Three British men convicted of huge airline terror plot.
A year on from the bailout of mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, how much has changed?
Israel approves hundreds of new settlement housing units; is this a challenge to Obama and his aim to freeze settlement building?
Japan proposes huge cuts on carbon emissions - is it feasible?
MON 22:45 Book at Bedtime (b00mfl4m)
Love and Summer
Episode 6
Dermot Crowley reads from the novel by William Trevor about a brief summer love affair in the rural west of Ireland.
While Miss Connulty plots to avert unbridled emotion, Florian and Ellie find a meeting place far from her gaze, at the Lisquin gate-lodge, whose avenue leads only to the razed ground where the big house once stood.
Abridged by Sally Marmion.
MON 23:00 The Story of O: The Vice Francaise (b00mg2vb)
Writer and former editor of The Erotic Review, Rowan Pelling, goes in search of Pauline Reage, pseudonymous author of the pornographic novel The Story of O, which caused a sensation upon its publication in Paris in 1954.
Written with an almost hallucinatory erotic intensity in spare, elegant prose, the purity of the writing took the literary world in France by storm despite the explicit scenes of bondage and sadomasochism.
Rowan goes in search of the real Pauline Reage and discovers that she was, in fact, an impeccably dressed, demure intellectual, and that she had written the novel as a love letter for her lover.
MON 23:30 Lives in a Landscape (b00fpx7j)
Series 4
Gone East
Documentary series telling original stories about real lives in Britain today.
In the dead of night, presenter Alan Dein once listened to the troubles of young teenager Hannah, pouring out her woes from a phone box during a turbulent night in the centre of the Kent resort town of Margate.
Alan went on to make a Radio 4 feature programme about Hannah's story; now, he finally encounters Hannah and her family.
TUESDAY 08 SEPTEMBER 2009
TUE 00:00 Midnight News (b00mfdfq)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4. Followed by Weather.
TUE 00:30 Book of the Week (b00mffrv)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:45 on Monday]
TUE 00:48 Shipping Forecast (b00mfdgw)
The latest shipping forecast.
TUE 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (b00mfdxx)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.
TUE 05:20 Shipping Forecast (b00mfdjb)
The latest shipping forecast.
TUE 05:30 News Briefing (b00mff2s)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4.
TUE 05:43 Prayer for the Day (b00mff8h)
Daily prayer and reflection with Rev Stephen Shipley.
TUE 05:45 Farming Today (b00mffdf)
The European butter mountain is back. Around 83,000 tonnes - enough to spread on eight billion slices of toast - are being stored on warehouses to protect the price for farmers. Anna Hill hears why the mountain has re-emerged and if it is enough to protect farmers from very low prices.
Meanwhile, ministers in Europe are investigating why the prices of dairy products like cheese and butter have dropped by as much as 49 per cent yet the price in the shops fell by only 2 per cent, and if both consumers and farmers are being stung.
TUE 06:00 Today (b00mfffs)
Presented by James Naughtie and Sarah Montague.
The conviction of three men for plotting to blow up transatlantic airliners has shed new light on the links between British militants and Al Qaeda. Michael Clarke, of think tank the Royal United Services Institute, discusses the evidence.
All hospitals should employ an alcohol liaison officer to cope with the growing problem of alcohol-related injuries, a senior A and E consultant says. Dr Zul Mirza discusses what difference this officer would make.
North America editor Mark Mardell examines the current healthcare system in the US.
Sir George Young has replaced Alan Duncan as shadow leader of the Commons on the Conservative front bench. Political editor Nick Robinson analyses the fallout from Mr Duncan's comments that MPs were expected to live 'on rations'.
Joshua Rozenberg reports on how the Law Lords will operate after they move across to the new UK Supreme Court.
Bill Gorman, executive chairman of the UK Tea Council, discusses whether tea is too expensive.
Jon Kay reports on Bristol council's consultation on the future of street art and graffiti in the city.
Thought for the Day with John Bell, of the Iona Community.
Dr Dan Plesch, director of the Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy at SOAS, and Sir Malcolm Rifkind, former Conservative defence and foreign secretary, consider whether defence exports can be used as a foreign policy tool.
Three men have been found guilty of plotting to kill thousands of people by blowing up planes with home-made liquid bombs. Security correspondent Gordon Corera reports on the convictions. Sir Ken Macdonald and Andy Hayman discuss the biggest terror investigation in the UK.
Comedienne Arabella Weir and mother of two Viv Groksop discuss whether parents should give in to children's back-to-school demands.
Senior US and UN officials have met Afghan President Hamid Karzai to reiterate their concerns over fraud in the recent elections. Chris Morris reports from Kabul on their concerns ahead of the latest results in the vote.
John Wraith, of RBC Capital Markets, discusses government forecasts that public borrowing in 2009 will reach 175 billion pounds.
Lee Hall, writer of Billy Elliot, and Patrick Russell, curator of non-fiction at the BFI, discuss the history of the coal industry portrayed on film.
Alan Duncan says his sacking from the Tory front bench was a 'sensible decision' after his comments about MPs expenses were secretly recorded. Times columnist Matthew Parris discusses Mr Duncan's claim that he is 'very happy' to take up a new job as shadow prisons minister.
The new Darwin Centre at the Natural History Museum will house 17 million insects and 3 million plant specimens. Arts correspondent David Sillito previews the collection with the museum's director of science, Richard Lane.
Ed Husain, of anti-extremism think-tank the Quilliam Foundation, and Dr John Gearson, of the Centre for Defence Studies, discuss how the UK is dealing with extremist threats.
TUE 09:00 The House I Grew Up In (b00mg2xx)
Series 3
Professor Steve Jones
Wendy Robbins presents a series revisiting the childhood neighbourhoods of influential Britons.
Biologist and author Professor Steve Jones takes Wendy back to his childhood in west Wales in the 1950s to uncover the passions that led to his life of scientific discovery.
TUE 09:30 Lost, Stolen or Shredded (b00mg3yq)
Series 2
The Destroyed Portrait of Winston Churchill
Series of programmes in which antiquarian book dealer Rick Gekoski tells the stories that lie behind five very different missing works of art.
Graham Sutherland's portrait of Winston Churchill, commissioned by both Houses of Parliament as a tribute to Churchill on the occasion of his 80th birthday, was destroyed after his death by his wife because she hated it so much. Photographs taken before its demise show the Prime Minister hunched with age and dark in mood. A detailed study by the artist for the destroyed painting still hangs in the National Portrait Gallery.
Rick tells the story behind this lost portrait and asks if the rights of an owner override those of the public, and if the Churchills had the moral right to destroy it.
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4.
TUE 09:45 Book of the Week (b00mffrx)
William Golding - The Man Who Wrote Lord of the Flies
Episode 2
Christian Rodska reads from John Carey's biography of the Nobel Prize-winning author.
After being demobbed in 1945, Golding returns to life as a provincial schoolteacher and begins writing in his lunch hour.
TUE 10:00 Woman's Hour (b00mfg6p)
Breast cancer risks; Country life
What are the risk factors of breast cancer? Plus, Liz Jones and Jane Alexander on moving to the country; and trumpeter Alison Balsom.
TUE 11:00 Nature (b00mg3ys)
Series 3
Manx Marine Nature Reserve
The Isle of Man government is considering designating an area of their coastline as a marine nature reserve, protecting invaluable habitats and species. The island is famous for its marine life, not least the basking shark, so, Brett Westwood asks, how feasible is it to set up a conservation area in the sea?
TUE 11:30 Winnie the Who? (b00gntcy)
Michael Rosen explores the enduring popularity in Russia of translations of the Winnie the Pooh stories.
In Soviet Russia, Winnie the Pooh became Vinni Pukh, and the original illustrations were replaced by an entirely new animation that became a spectacular hit. From Vladivostock to Tallin there was scarely a Russian-speaking child who couldn't recite large chunks of Vinni Pukh, or garble back the words of Petachok (Piglet) or moan the lines of Oslik (Eeyore). It came as a shock to many of them that an Englishman was able to create such quintessentially Russian characters.
Michael finds out about the Russian translations, why they chose to remove Christopher Robin from the action, why they ignored both the Shepherd and ultimately the Disney cartoon drawings, and why their version was, and still is, such an important part of their cultural history.
And Strictly Come Dancing star Lilia Kopylova, among, others, recalls her love of this very Russo-English Bear.
TUE 12:00 You and Yours (b00mfg85)
Consumer news and issues with Julian Worricker.
TUE 12:57 Weather (b00mfhhh)
The latest weather forecast.
TUE 13:00 World at One (b00mfhkw)
National and international news with Martha Kearney.
TUE 13:30 Soul Music (b00mg3yv)
Series 8
The Look of Love
Series exploring famous pieces of music and their emotional appeal.
Hal David discusses writing The Look of Love with Burt Bacharach, for the soundtrack of the spoof 1967 James Bond film Casino Royale. This classic track, sung by Dusty Springfield, provided the musical backdrop for a love scene between Peter Sellers and Ursula Andress.
Dusty Springfield's former backing singer, Simon Bell, remembers being on stage at the Albert Hall when Dusty laughed her way through a performance of the song, and musician Jonathan Cohen describes how the samba rhythm underscoring Dusty's smooth vocals combine to make this an enduringly popular love song.
It has been covered many times by artists including Isaac Hayes, Gladys Knight and the French singer Mirielle Mathieu. This programme hears from people whose personal memories of love and loss are forever linked with The Look of Love.
Contributors:
Sue Clarke
Wally Welling
Simon Bell
Trevor Foster
Jonathan Cohen
Hal David
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2010.
TUE 14:00 The Archers (b00mfhmh)
[Repeat of broadcast at
19:00 on Monday]
TUE 14:15 Drama (b00mg4k3)
Meryl the Mounted
Black comedy by Colin Hough. Meryl is a mounted police constable with an unhealthy love for her horse; Aiden is a young stable boy with an unhealthy love for Meryl. When their sergeant is found murdered, the pair investigate.
Meryl Gunn ...... Rosalind Sydney
Aiden Cole ...... Scott Fletcher
Perry Wold/DCI Butler ...... Robert Jack
Bunty Lobe ...... Una McLean
Sergeant Singer/Mahogany Bob ...... Sean Scanlan
Dean Gallop ...... James Young
Directed by Kirsty Williams.
TUE 15:00 Home Planet (b00mg4k5)
Our planet is peppered with great valleys and depressions, many of which are both arid and below sea level. We are concerned that rising sea levels will threaten coastal populations, so could we not kill two birds with one stone by pumping sea water into, say, the Great African Rift Valley? It could also generate power by running the water through hydro-electric turbines. Once done, the once-arid areas would be overflowing with sea water, good for algae but not for the majority of land grown crops. So could genetic engineering step in to produce salt tolerant plants able to feast on this bounty/
Plus a discussion of the world's distribution of oxygen, tackling invasive plants by targeting their friendly funghi and how much we can allow scepticism to stifle action on climate change.
On the panel are Prof Sue Buckingham, Director of Centre for Human Geography at Brunel University, planet geneticist Prof Denis Murphy of the University of Glamorgan, and Prof Philip Stott, an environmental scientist from the University of London. As always we want to hear listeners' comments on the topics discussed and any questions to put to future programmes.
Don't forget we want to hear your observations of House Martins; have they returned this year and when, and have they bred successfully?
TUE 15:30 Afternoon Reading (b00mg6my)
Johnson's Miscellany
Episode 1
Three readings featuring extracts from Samuel Johnson's major works introduced by his biographer, David Nokes.
Samuel Johnson (better known as Dr Johnson) was born in Lichfield in September 1709. Half-blind, shambolic and poverty-stricken, he became the most admired and quoted man in the eighteenth century.
The son of a bookseller, lack of funds forced him to leave Oxford before taking a degree and, after a stint as a teacher, he travelled to London in search of work. Beginning as a Grub Street journalist, Johnson made lasting contributions to English literature as a poet, essayist, moralist, novelist, literary critic, biographer, editor and lexicographer. A devout Anglican and political conservative, Johnson has been described as "arguably the most distinguished man of letters in English history".
His most famous work is, without doubt, A Dictionary of the English Language, published in 1755. It was not the most accurate dictionary, nor the most comprehensive, but it became widely recognised as the first standard dictionary until publication of the Oxford English Dictionary 150 years later.
Other major works by Johnson are, among others, his Lives of the English Poets including his biography of Richard Savage; the novella, Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia; his notes on The Plays of William Shakespeare; The Idler essays; The Rambler magazine and A Journey to The Western Isles of Scotland.
In these three programmes, David Nokes, author of a biography of Johnson, introduces a series of extracts from the great man's work. In chronological order, we work our way through his literary life.
Today's episode features a reading from one of his early biographies, The Life of Richard Savage, and an extract from his most famous work, the Preface to a Dictionary of the English Language.
Read by Michael Pennington
Introduced by Professor David Nokes
Produced by Joanna Green
A Pier Production for BBC Radio 4.
TUE 15:45 The Test of Time (b00mfhwt)
Episode 2
As you check the time rushing to work or boiling an egg, you are making a Babylonian calculation.
Dr Anne Curtis of the National Physical Laboratory discovers the origins of 'base 60'.
Five scientists look back to their ancient forebears and examine how much of that early knowledge still stands the test of time.
Producer: Erika Wright
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2009
TUE 16:00 A Small Business (b00mg74r)
Episode 3
Liz Barclay travels the UK meeting the passionate owners of the small businesses which keep our economy running.
Liz encounters Brian, who retired from the Special Branch and now protects dignitaries and celebrities on visits to Britain; Trevor, who has swapped a career in banking for a life of lawn care; and Sarah, who left teaching to start up an insect circus.
TUE 16:30 Great Lives (b00mg74v)
Series 19
The A-Z of Dr Johnson
Matthew Parris presents the biographical series in which his guests choose someone who has inspired their lives.
Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, nominates Samuel Johnson, writer of the great dictionary. Dr Johnson's biographer, Peter Martin, joins the discussion.
TUE 17:00 PM (b00mfj9k)
Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Carolyn Quinn. Plus Weather.
TUE 18:00 Six O'Clock News (b00mfjh1)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4.
TUE 18:30 That Mitchell and Webb Sound (b00mg8mx)
Series 4
Episode 3
A horse makes his own packed lunch and there's advice on how to become the next Zorro.
Plus a boy's effectiveness as a wolf early-warning system is compromised, and an evangelist refuses to tell people about Jesus.
Sketch show starring David Mitchell and Robert Webb.
With Olivia Colman,Sarah Hadland and James Bachman.
Producer Gareth Edwards
Firs broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2009.
TUE 19:00 The Archers (b00mfhlx)
Vicky asks Brenda to try a home-made honey face pack, explaining that she's thinking of entering The Versatile Bee category at the flower and produce show.
Lynda's surprised to see some trellis in the memorial garden. Robert admits that he and Nigel put it up and asks if they've successfully out-guerrilla'ed the guerrilla gardeners. Lynda comes clean. She's then delighted to see what she believes is a Brown Hairstreak butterfly.
Vicky's had an offer on the flat. It's low, and Mike thinks she should hang on but Vicky wants to sell it quickly so she can invest in the dairy.
Mike's been worrying about the dinner party at the Snells. He's shocked to find his soup is stone cold and manages to whisper his concern to Vicky. She tells him vichyssoise is meant to be served cold so he graciously tells Lynda that the fish soup is delicious!
After dinner, Vicky and Lynda go off and chat away happily while Robert and Mike struggle to keep a conversation going. When they're re-joined by the women, Vicky tells them about her honey face pack. In fact, she's got loads of ideas for the flower and produce show, and she feels like she's on a roll.
Episode written by Carole Simpson Solazzo.
TUE 19:15 Front Row (b00mfjpl)
Jim Naughtie, chairman of the judges for the 2009 Man Booker Prize for fiction, and literary critic Peter Kemp comment on the shortlist of six authors: AS Byatt, JM Coetzee, Adam Foulds, Hilary Mantel, Simon Mawer and Sarah Waters.
The Australian singer-songwriter Nick Cave has just published his first novel in 20 years, having recently turned his hand to screenwriting for The Proposition, and composing and performing soundtracks to The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford and the new film The Road. Cave discusses The Death of Bunny Munro, a tale of one man's road to ruin, and its rather unsavoury protagonist.
The September 2007 edition of fashion bible Vogue was the single largest edition of the magazine ever published. RJ Cutler's film, The September Issue, follows the magazine's staff and editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, who is thought to be the inspiration behind Meryl Streep's character in The Devil Wears Prada. Marie O'Riordan, former editor of Marie Claire, reviews.
The master tapes of all The Beatles' studio albums are held in a secret vault by EMI. But over the last four years, every recording has been meticulously dusted down and remastered, track by track, ready for a worldwide release of new CD editions. John Wilson visits Abbey Road studio and talks to the engineers who were entrusted with the task of polishing pop's Crown Jewels.
Julie Cullen reports from the ceremony for the Mercury Prize for best album of the year, at the Grovesnor Hotel in London.
TUE 19:45 15 Minute Drama (b00mfk2v)
David and Caroline Stafford - Au Pairs
Episode 2
Comedy by David and Caroline Stafford about manners, morals, accidental chaos and heavy-duty childcare. The story follows the fortunes of two au pairs, Alvy from Ireland and Dorkia from Hungary, who bond over their mutual condemnation of modern parenting.
Alvy and Dorika have a night off. And that's just their first mistake.
Dorika ...... Anna Maxwell Martin
Alvy ...... Sharon Gavin
Directed by Marc Beeby.
TUE 20:00 Top Dogs: Britain's New Supreme Court (b00mg8mz)
The UK Supreme Court is replacing the House of Lords as the highest court in the land. Yet hardly anyone knows who its justices are, why the reform has been made and how it will change our lives. Joshua Rozenberg goes behind the scenes to talk to the judges and to visit their new court, and discovers from leading politicians how the new court was created. He also asks if Parliament will find the new judicial top dogs to be dangerous rivals for power.
TUE 20:40 In Touch (b00mg8n1)
Recently there has been a growing murmur against the number of announcements made on railway stations and trains, but how much do those who complain consider the implications for blind and partially-sighted travellers?
As Birmingham New Street turns off some of its announcements, we hear the thinking behind Network Rail's decision to run this trial. They found that the 5,000 announcements made at the station every day (equating to at least one every 20 seconds) led to passengers either switching off to 'this constant sound', or missing out on vital information. We also meet the people who say their right to independent travel has been severely compromised and hear the RNIB's view on the legality of the changes.
Plus, the golden girls of Goalball. Jessica and Emily Luke have won gold medals as part of the GB team at the European Championships. Goalball is the only sport designed entirely with visually-impaired people in mind, and the sisters tell us about the appeal of the sport, their training regime and their prospects for London 2012.
TUE 21:00 Case Notes (b00mg8n3)
Head Injuries
Dr Mark Porter on how best to help people rebuild their lives after a head injury. Damage to the brain affects people in all kinds of ways, both physically and emotionally. At the Bath Neuro Rehabiliation Services, Mark discovers how timely intervention can reduce problems.
TUE 21:30 The House I Grew Up In (b00mg2xx)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 today]
TUE 21:58 Weather (b00mfkm3)
The latest weather forecast.
TUE 22:00 The World Tonight (b00mfkns)
National and international news and analysis with Ritula Shah.
Senior Labour MPs air their doubts about Gordon Brown's leadership.
President Karzai's lead hardens as Afghanistan's Election Commission demands recounts.
Tarnished glitter in Las Vegas, one year after the Crash.
TUE 22:45 Book at Bedtime (b00mfl4p)
Love and Summer
Episode 7
Dermot Crowley reads from the novel by William Trevor about a brief summer love affair in the rural west of Ireland.
The dog days of August and Florian Kilderry realises that there is less time left than he had imagined. As he prepares to break his news to Ellie, he stumbles on a long-forgotten treasure, and a purpose for the rest of his life.
Abridged by Sally Marmion.
TUE 23:00 Heresy (b00jmv1v)
Series 6
Episode 2
Victoria Coren hosts the show that thinks the unthinkable. With Rev Richard Coles, journalist Matthew Norman and comedian Mark Steel. From April 2009.
TUE 23:30 The Hollow Men (b008g3df)
Series 2
Episode 6
Comic sketch show written and performed by David Armand, Rupert Russell, Sam Spedding and Nick Tanner, with Katy Brand.
WEDNESDAY 09 SEPTEMBER 2009
WED 00:00 Midnight News (b00mfdfs)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4. Followed by Weather.
WED 00:30 Book of the Week (b00mffrx)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:45 on Tuesday]
WED 00:48 Shipping Forecast (b00mfdgy)
The latest shipping forecast.
WED 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (b00mfdxz)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.
WED 05:20 Shipping Forecast (b00mfdjd)
The latest shipping forecast.
WED 05:30 News Briefing (b00mff2v)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4.
WED 05:43 Prayer for the Day (b00mff8k)
Daily prayer and reflection with Rev Stephen Shipley.
WED 05:45 Farming Today (b00mffdh)
News and issues in rural Britain with Anna Hill.
The search for British eggs in our processed foods. We import 100,000 tonnes of eggs each year, and with current food labelling rules, you won't know whether they're British or not.
WED 06:00 Today (b00mfffv)
Presented by Justin Webb and Sarah Montague.
Quentin Sommerville reports on the acceleration of outbreaks of swine flu in China since the country's schools reopened.
Conservative leader David Cameron and shadow foreign secretary William Hague have been recorded by the BBC making an aside about the election result in Afghanistan. Nick Robinson reports what was said.
Hugh Raven, of the Sustainable Development Commission, discusses whether the aviation industry has failed to play its full part in reducing emissions.
Guy Dehn, of Witness Confident, and Paul Fawcett, of Victim Support, discuss what can be done to combat muggings.
Business editor Robert Peston and Alastair Mordaunt, director of mergers at the Office of Fair Trading, consider whether economic recovery is more important than 'fair' competition.
Nicola Stanbridge reports on the narrowboat from the 1930s which is being used as a stage for a series of concerts on the Grand Union Canal.
Thought for the Day with the Right Rev James Jones, Bishop of Liverpool.
There has been clear and convincing evidence of fraud in the elections in Afghanistan, the UN team say. Mark Sedwill, Britain's ambassador in Kabul, discusses the call for a number of recounts and audits of votes.
David Kennedy, of the Committee on Climate Change, and aviation lobbyist Brian Wilson discuss airlines' CO2 emissions.
President Obama says he intends 'to get something done this year' on US healthcare reform, ahead of a key speech to Congress. Mark Mardell reports.
Kevin Green, of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, and economist Michael Saunders discuss whether a quick upturn in the economy is underway.
Tom Priestley, son of author JB Priestley, and comedian Alexei Sayle discuss some of the simple, modern delights of life.
Draft international guidelines on teaching sexual health have been condemned by some pressure groups in the US for promoting abortion and advocating masturbation to young children. Mark Richmond, global coordinator for HIV/AIDS at UN organisation UNESCO, discusses the aims of the guidelines.
The remastered albums of the Beatles have been released. Music writer Peter Doggett discusses whether, four decades on from their heyday, it is time to move on or right to continue celebrating the Fab Four's contribution to popular music.
Catherine Mayer, London bureau chief of Time Magazine, and Jonathan Freedland of The Guardian discuss the contrast between the strengths and weaknesses of Gordon Brown and Barack Obama.
WED 09:00 Between Ourselves (b00mg8w8)
Series 4
Episode 6
Olivia O'Leary presents the series which brings together two people who have had profound and similar experiences, to hear their individual stories and compare the long-term effects on each of their lives.
Olivia talks to two women who were raped by men they met on a night out and asks why conviction rates in the UK are so low compared with the rest of Europe.
WED 09:30 The Missing Penny (b009s0z6)
In 1933, only a handful of pennies were minted, and at least one remains unaccounted for. Such a discovery would be worth thousands of pounds. Phil Mussell sets about tracking it down.
WED 09:45 Book of the Week (b00mffrz)
William Golding - The Man Who Wrote Lord of the Flies
Episode 3
Christian Rodska reads from John Carey's biography of the Nobel Prize-winning author.
In 1961 Golding sails to America, where he contends with life as a celebrity.
WED 10:00 Woman's Hour (b00mfg6r)
Codeine addiction; Stephen Bayley on woman as design
Addiction to over-the-counter pain relief; World War II widows; and design guru Stephen Bayley on the female body and its relationship to design.
WED 11:00 The Last Chance Court (b00mg8wb)
Jenny Cuffe reports on the UK's first family, drug and alcohol court, a groundbreaking experiment designed to keep children of addicts from going into care.
Parents sign up for an intensive course of counselling and rehabilitation, agreeing to frequent drug tests and reporting regularly to the court. Those who fail will go back to a conventional court, where there is a strong chance that the children will be taken away from them.
Halfway through a three-year trial period for the court, the programme hears from families, their lawyers, judges and the specialist team of counsellors.
Jenny meets mothers like Catherine, a heroin addict, who gave birth to her third child in a hostel toilet. At a recent hearing, the judge praised her parenting skills and said he was proud of her. Tim Quinn, the scheme's clinical nurse, says that there is an urgent need to stop the damage and chaos of parental drug and alcohol abuse being transmitted to the next generation.
WED 11:30 Ayres on the Air (b00mg9fy)
Series 3
Shopping
Pam Ayres returns with a new series packed with poetry, anecdotes and sketches.
Pam is joined on stage by Geoffrey Whitehead and Felicity Montagu for poems and sketches on the subject of Shopping. Featuring sketches about braving the cosmetics department, and how some shop assistants think anyone over 40 should only wear beige.
Pam's shopping poems include 'Nowadays We Worship at Saint Tesco', the Contact Lens poem and 'I Can't Find Nice Knickers', one of her briefer poems.
WED 12:00 You and Yours (b00mfg87)
Consumer news and issues with Winifred Robinson.
WED 12:57 Weather (b00mfhhk)
The latest weather forecast.
WED 13:00 World at One (b00mfhky)
National and international news with Martha Kearney.
WED 13:30 The Media Show (b00mg9g0)
The BBC Trust has published an open letter to licence payers. In it they react to James Murdoch's recent criticism of the BBC and reveal details of what they say licence payers think about government plans to share the licence fee with other broadcasters, and announcing a new strategic review of the BBC's services. We hear from Sir Michael Lyons, Chairman of the BBC Trust.
Google is the giant of search engines: 90 per cent of all internet seraches in the UK go through it. But with this market dominance comes criticism, including concerns over lack of competition and user privacy. As Google sets out to digitise the world's entire stock of books, Steve Hewlett talks to Matt Brittin, managing director of Google UK, about the company's plans for the future.
WED 14:00 The Archers (b00mfhlx)
[Repeat of broadcast at
19:00 on Tuesday]
WED 14:15 Brief Lives (b007qwpd)
Series 1
Episode 2
Series by Tom Fry and Sharon Kelly, set in a Manchester legal practice.
When new recruit Debbie joins the team, she ruffles more than a few feathers.
Frank ...... David Schofield
DeeDee ...... Denise Welch
Ben ...... Kwame Kwei Armah
James ...... Mikey North
Sarah ...... Gina Bellman
Debbie ...... Emma Atkins
Jackie Hargreaves ...... Leanne Best
Inspector Bryant ...... Kevin Harvey
Music by Carl Harms.
WED 15:00 Money Box Live (b00mgd7z)
Vincent Duggleby and guests answer calls on savings and investment.
He is joined by Gavin Oldham, chief executive of The Share Centre; Julie Hedge, IFA, Conforto; and Ben Yearsley, investment manager with Hargreaves Lansdown.
WED 15:30 Afternoon Reading (b00mg6n0)
Johnson's Miscellany
Episode 2
Three readings featuring extracts from Samuel Johnson's major works introduced by his biographer, David Nokes.
Samuel Johnson (better known as Dr Johnson) was born in Lichfield in September 1709. Half-blind, shambolic and poverty-stricken, he became the most admired and quoted man in the eighteenth century.
The son of a bookseller, lack of funds forced him to leave Oxford before taking a degree and, after a stint as a teacher, he travelled to London in search of work. Beginning as a Grub Street journalist, Johnson made lasting contributions to English literature as a poet, essayist, moralist, novelist, literary critic, biographer, editor and lexicographer. A devout Anglican and political conservative, Johnson has been described as "arguably the most distinguished man of letters in English history".
His most famous work is, without doubt, A Dictionary of the English Language, published in 1755. It was not the most accurate dictionary, nor the most comprehensive, but it became widely recognised as the first standard dictionary until publication of the Oxford English Dictionary 150 years later.
Other major works by Johnson are, among others, his Lives of the English Poets including his biography of Richard Savage; the novella, Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia; his notes on The Plays of William Shakespeare; The Idler essays; The Rambler magazine and A Journey to The Western Isles of Scotland.
In these three programmes David Nokes, author of a biography of Johnson, introduces a series of extracts from the great man's work. In chronological order, we work our way through his literary life.
This episode includes two contrasting essays from The Idler series published weekly in the Universal Chronicle -The Corruption of News Writers and Ladies' Journey to London.
Read by Michael Pennington
Introduced by Professor David Nokes
Produced by Joanna Green
A Pier Production for BBC Radio 4.
WED 15:45 The Test of Time (b00mfhww)
Egyptian Cooling Methods
Professor Graeme Maidment explores the earliest methods of surviving a hot climate. Does ancient Egypt hold the key to an urgent modern need for sustainable cooling?
He goes to an unlikely place to find out - the Bluewater shopping centre just off the M25 in Kent.
Five scientists look back to their ancient forebears and examine how much of that early knowledge still stands the test of time.
Producer: Erika Wright
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2009
WED 16:00 Thinking Allowed (b00mgd81)
Boffins - WWI Emotions
New research on a group of high achieving 12 and 13-year-old children could provide insight into why children underachieve in school. Laurie Taylor talks to Becky Francis from Roehampton University, one of the authors of a new report into the uneasy relationship between being clever and popular.
Laurie finds out how children negotiate being both academically successful and liked by their peers, and the differences in classroom experience for boys and girls. While a boy can avoid being bullied if he is both sporty and successful, girls are more likely to be picked on and seen as asexual if they do well in school. Does the risk of being bullied or labelled a 'swot' prompt children of both sexes to avoid performing to their best ability?
Also, Laurie explores the letters sent home by soldiers in WWI and what they reveal about the emotional experience of war. He talks to Michael Roper and Joanna Bourke about the role of the connection between the home front and the battlefield, and why it was critical in helping soldiers cope with the horrors of war.
WED 16:30 Case Notes (b00mg8n3)
[Repeat of broadcast at
21:00 on Tuesday]
WED 17:00 PM (b00mfj9m)
Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Carolyn Quinn. Plus Weather.
WED 18:00 Six O'Clock News (b00mfjh3)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4.
WED 18:30 Chain Reaction (b00mgd83)
Series 5
Dave Gorman interviews Frank Skinner
Dave Gorman chats to fellow comedian, Frank Skinner
Chain Reaction is the tag talk show, where the guest becomes the interviewer in the next episode.
Dave asks Frank about his return to stand-up, censorship in comedy and the merits of outdoor toilets.
Producer: Sam Bryant
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2009.
WED 19:00 The Archers (b00mfhlz)
Caught by the hives
Jill meets Sid on his way back from the vicarage. Sid's been asking Alan about accommodation for Wayne; they've done their bit for him. Vicky wanders past with Abbie. She says she's full of ideas for The Versatile Bee competition. Jill says she'll be entering too.
Later, Vicky tells Mike her ideas. Can he pop over to Brookfield and sneak a picture of Jill's beehive for her? Mike isn't keen but agrees.
At Brookfield, Jill surprises Mike while he's taking the pictures. Mike's embarrassed but says he doesn't like to turn Vicky down. She's really trying to get into village life. Jill agrees it isn't easy. Mike apologises and is about to leave when Jill asks him more about Vicky's ideas for The Versatile Bee competition. Mike proudly tells Jill all he knows.
Sid tells Wayne he can't stay at the Bull much longer. Wayne tells Fallon Sid's told him to leave. Could she have a word with Sid? He needs more time. Fallon refuses.
Later, Wayne apologises for asking. He thought she'd want to help her dad. Fallon says Sid's been more of a dad to her. Wayne says things are different now. He'll make it up to her. Fallon says she won't hold her breath.
Episode written by Carole Simpson Solazzo.
WED 19:15 Front Row (b00mfjpn)
Meryl Streep stars in Nora Ephron's latest film, Julie and Julia, which tells the story of two women who wrote memoirs: Julia Child, the television cook who is credited with introducing French cuisine to American viewers in the 1960s, and Julie Powell, who spent a year of her life cooking Child's recipes and writing about her experiences. Food critic and novelist Jay Rayner reviews.
The famously interview-shy art collector Charles Saatchi has agreed to answer a selection of questions from journalists and the public in a question-and-answer-style book entitled My Name is Charles Saatchi and I'm an artoholic. Art critic Rachel Campbell-Johnston and fomer Rector of the Royal College of Art Sir Christopher Frayling discuss how much the book reveals about the views of the controversial collector.
As he prepares to release his new CD, Truelove's Gutter, singer-songwriter Richard Hawley discusses the influence of his home town of Sheffield on his music and why the place has a reputation for throwing up maverick musicians from Jarvis Cocker to Arctic Monkeys.
Punk Rock is the new play by Simon Stephens, author of Pornography and Harper Regan. Set in a Manchester grammar school, Punk Rock draws on Stephens' former career as a teacher in its portrayal of sixth formers preparing to face the dangers of the outside world. Education writer Francis Gilbert reviews.
WED 19:45 15 Minute Drama (b00mfk2x)
David and Caroline Stafford - Au Pairs
Episode 3
Comedy by David and Caroline Stafford about manners, morals, accidental chaos and heavy-duty childcare. The story follows the fortunes of two au pairs, Alvy from Ireland and Dorkia from Hungary, who bond over their mutual condemnation of modern parenting.
It is Louis' birthday. The cake is prepared and the games are organised - what could possibly go wrong?
Dorika ...... Anna Maxwell Martin
Alvy ...... Sharon Gavin
Directed by Marc Beeby.
WED 20:00 Iconoclasts (b00mgwhy)
Series 2
Episode 1
Edward Stourton chairs a live discussion series in which guests set out their strong views on a subject, before being challenged by a panel of experts.
Economist and writer Philippe Legrain argues that Britain should abolish all immigration controls. The movement of people across our borders should, he says, be as free as the movement of goods and services.
Legrain's views are challenged by Sir Andrew Green, chairman of Migrationwatch UK, Labour MP for Keighley and Ilkeley Ann Cryer and Tony Saint, a writer and former immigration officer.
WED 20:45 Britain's White House (b00mgwj0)
Episode 2
Sadiq Khan MP remembers the careers of Britain's first Asian MPs.
Sadiq remembers his radical predecessor, Shapurji Saklatvala. One of Britain's first Asian MPs, Saklatvala's political career began in 1922 when he was elected as a Labour MP for South London. By the end of the decade, Saklatvala had been re-elected as Parliament's sole Communist MP, been imprisoned for sedition and become famous for his brilliant oratory and campaign for Indian independence.
WED 21:00 Nature (b00mg3ys)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 on Tuesday]
WED 21:30 Between Ourselves (b00mg8w8)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 today]
WED 21:58 Weather (b00mfkm5)
The latest weather forecast.
WED 22:00 The World Tonight (b00mfknv)
National and international news and analysis with Robin Lustig.
Obama's big healthcare speech.
Is sleeping with your partner bad for your health?
Should the sanctions on Zimbabwe be lifted?
WED 22:45 Book at Bedtime (b00mfl4r)
Love and Summer
Episode 8
Dermot Crowley reads from the novel by William Trevor about a brief summer love affair in the rural west of Ireland.
With little time left to them and the scent of autumn in the air, Ellie comes to Shelhanagh House for the first time.
Abridged by Sally Marmion.
WED 23:00 Cowards (b0079nt1)
Series 1
Episode 3
Packing cases and breaking vows in the bizarre world of the comedy sketch show team.
Featuring the talents of writers and performers Tom Basden, Stefan Golaszewski, Tim Key and Lloyd Woolf.
Producer: Victoria Lloyd
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2007.
WED 23:30 A Charles Paris Mystery (b00wmp26)
Dead Side of the Mic
Episode 1
Simon Brett's actor-cum-amateur sleuth gets embroiled in a suspicious death at London's Broadcasting House. Stars Bill Nighy.
THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2009
THU 00:00 Midnight News (b00mfdfv)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4. Followed by Weather.
THU 00:30 Book of the Week (b00mffrz)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:45 on Wednesday]
THU 00:48 Shipping Forecast (b00mfdh0)
The latest shipping forecast.
THU 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (b00mfdy1)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.
THU 05:20 Shipping Forecast (b00mfdjg)
The latest shipping forecast.
THU 05:30 News Briefing (b00mff2x)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4.
THU 05:43 Prayer for the Day (b00mff8m)
Daily prayer and reflection with Rev Stephen Shipley.
THU 05:45 Farming Today (b00mffdk)
Charlotte Smith investigates whether wind turbines are polluting the countryside with noise. The British Wind Energy Association says there is little evidence to support complaints that they cause a low rumble.
Also, a lesson in how to keep bees well fed.
THU 06:00 Today (b00mfffx)
Presented by James Naughtie and Sarah Montague.
Sir Michael Lyons, the chairman of the BBC Trust, discusses whether the BBC would prefer to give money back to the licence payer rather than share it with another broadcaster.
On the 25th anniversary of his discovery, the scientist behind DNA fingerprinting has called for a change to the law governing DNA databases. Tom Feilden talks to Sir Alec Jeffreys about the implications of his breakthrough.
The kidnap of a reporter in Afghanistan - and the raid to free him that left an Afghan journalist, a British soldier and two civilians dead - has again highlighted the risks of covering the world's danger zones. Hugh McManners, a former Special Forces officer, explains what he thinks of the raid.
Liverpool football fan Michael Shields, who has been freed after serving four years in prison for attacking a Bulgarian barman, has spoken of his 'living hell'. Former Bulgarian deputy prime minister Ivailo Kalfin discusses why the first pardon to a Briton convicted overseas was given to Mr Shields.
Failure to introduce healthcare reform has led the US to breaking point and it is now time to act, Barack Obama has said in a speech to Congress. Mark Mardell reflects on one of the most important speeches of Mr Obama's presidency.
A Conservative government will have much to learn from the way the party runs councils, shadow chancellor George Osborne is expected to say. Labour MP Denis MacShane and Christopher Hood, Professor of Government at All Souls College, Oxford, discuss how Downing Street can deal with budget restraints.
The world's oldest 'ring of bells' is being rung for the first time in 20 years. Correspondent Mark Worthington reports from Ipswich on the bells, which were cast in the 15th century and rang for centuries in a church which later fell into disrepair before being renovated.
'Innocent people do not belong on [the DNA] database', the scientist behind DNA fingerprinting says. Peter Neyroud, chief executive of the National Policing Improvement Agency, discusses whether branding citizens as 'future criminals' is a proportionate response in the fight against crime.
Media consultant Peter Bazalgette and David Elstein, former chief executive of television channel Five, discuss what could be cut from the BBC's spending.
The main challenger in the Afghan election has claimed that the body carrying out the count is being manipulated by the incumbent President Hamid Karzai. Correspondent David Loyn discusses his interview with Abdullah Abdullah and his claims that the election commission was on the president's side.
Is there a life after death? David Eagleman, a neuroscientist at the Bayern College of Medicine in Texas, has explored 40 very different and imaginative scenarios of what might happen next. He describes some of his suggestions, ranging from God being a bacterium who is unaware of our existence, to an afterlife where we are surrounded only by people we met in our real lives.
US President Barack Obama has made one of the most important speeches of his presidency, as he faced Congress over his plans for healthcare reform. Republican strategist Matt Mackowiak and Prof James Morone, of Brown University, discuss how the president fared.
There are fresh hopes for Iran's proposals to resolve its dispute with the West over its nuclear programme, the UN ambassador to the US says. Correspondent Jeremy Bowen reports on the latest talks between Iran and the UN. Author Hooman Majd discusses whether or not Americans understand the Iranian psyche.
'It makes you really wonder whether [journalist Steve Farrell] was worth rescuing, whether it was worth the cost of a soldier's life', a senior army source is quoted as saying in The Daily Telegraph. Vaughan Smith, a former soldier and freelance cameraman, and BBC correspondent Jeremy Bowen discuss the journalist whose rescue in Afghanistan left a British soldier dead, and what risk is a risk worth taking for a great story.
Poverty in parts of Britain is as bad as in Dickens's times, the president of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers says. Lesley Ward explains her description of a deprived underclass of children who arrive at school unable to dress themselves or use a knife and fork, some of whom are even unable to use a toilet properly.
It is the 25th anniversary of the discovery of the DNA footprint. Author Ian Rankin and Julian Baggini, editor of The Philosophers' Magazine, discuss how much society has been changed by the discovery of DNA.
THU 09:00 Simpson in Afghanistan (b00mh2t3)
The BBC's World Affairs Editor John Simpson has been travelling to Afghanistan for nearly 30 years. He has seen Soviet occupation, Soviet withdrawal, civil war, Taliban takeover and Taliban defeat. Now, he reports from a country still at war eight years after the American-led intervention in 2001, and asks how things went wrong.
THU 09:30 Islam, Mullahs and the Media (b00mgx81)
Conclusion
Writer Kenan Malik explores how perceptions of Islam have been shaped by the media.
Kenan examines the impact that television shows may have had on the treatment of Muslim detainees, and the responsibilities programme makers and artists face when dealing with Islamic issues.
THU 09:45 Book of the Week (b00mffs1)
William Golding - The Man Who Wrote Lord of the Flies
Episode 4
Christian Rodska reads from John Carey's biography of the Nobel Prize-winning author.
Golding fails miserably in his attempts to research his Booker Prize-winning novel, Rites of Passage.
THU 10:00 Woman's Hour (b00mfg6t)
Widowed by 9/11; Rape jokes
Elizabeth Turner on losing her husband in the 9/11 attacks. Plus, Dame Anne Evans, Dame Margaret Price and Dame Ann Murray on opera; and are jokes about rape ever acceptable?
THU 11:00 Crossing Continents (b00mgx83)
Egypt
Magdi Abdelhadi explores what kind of society Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak, who has no obvious successor in place, will leave behind when he dies.
Egypt is the most populous country in the Middle East and is pivotal for stability in the region and beyond, but after nearly three decades in power, the absence of a potential successor to the 81-year-old President Mubarak, has raised fears of a succession crisis.
Magdi finds, to his surprise, that nearly 60 years after the military seized power and abolished the monarchy, Egyptians still look to the army for a saviour.
THU 11:30 Ena (b00mgx85)
Mark Radcliffe explores the life of Violet Carson, the actress who played Ena Sharples, the Victorian relic who dominated Coronation Street in its' golden age of the 1960s.
A talented classical pianist and established BBC radio star, Carson was branching out into Shakespearian roles when the call from Granada came to play the hatchet-faced harridan in a hairnet. The genteel Violet Carson became overshadowed by her character and claimed that Ena ultimately destroyed her.
But she left a rich legacy; Ena Sharples was television's prototype battleaxe and epitomised a particular kind of woman who dominated life in northern working-class communities. Mark Radcliffe came across women like Ena in the brick mill terraces of Bolton where his grandparents lived.
By day, Ena would be polishing the woodwork in the Glad Tidings Mission Hall, where she was caretaker; by night, she was installed in the snug of the Rovers Return with her two cronies, Martha Longhurst and Minnie Caldwell, gossiping over a milk stout and never taking their hats and coats off, even when they planned to stay all evening.
Featuring contributions from Tony Warren, creator of Coronation Street and of Ena Sharples. Geoffrey Wheeler, who worked with Violet Carson at the BBC, traces the quickfire delivery of Ena back to the northern music hall tradition. Melvyn Bragg talks about how Ena Sharples reflected life in the black and white world of the north in the 1950s. Scriptwriter Adele Rose discusses the pivotal relationship between Ena Sharples and her bete noir, Elsie Tanner.
The programme also includes archive of Violet Carson, reflecting on the mixed blessing that playing Ena Sharples was to her career and to her life.
THU 12:00 You and Yours (b00mfg89)
Consumer news and issues with Winifred Robinson.
THU 12:57 Weather (b00mfhhm)
The latest weather forecast.
THU 13:00 World at One (b00mfhl0)
National and international news with Martha Kearney.
THU 13:30 Costing the Earth (b00mg2v8)
[Repeat of broadcast at
21:00 on Monday]
THU 14:00 The Archers (b00mfhlz)
[Repeat of broadcast at
19:00 on Wednesday]
THU 14:15 Drama (b00mgy5c)
Cold
Comedy by Tony Bagley, set in 1959 at the Common Cold Unit. Medical researchers are certain that a cure for the cold is just around the corner. But they haven't foreseen a revolution within their own walls.
Barry ...... Paul Reynolds
John ...... Philip Fox
Nurse Bader ...... Melissa Advani
Doctor ...... Michael Fenton Stevens
Lillian ...... Alex Tregear
Geraldine ...... Emerald O'Hanrahan
Narrator ...... Piers Wehner
Junior Doctor/Wandering Man ...... Joseph Cohen-Cole.
THU 15:00 Open Country (b00mdy0v)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:07 on Saturday]
THU 15:27 Radio 4 Appeal (b00mf26y)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:55 on Sunday]
THU 15:30 Afternoon Reading (b00mg6n2)
Johnson's Miscellany
Episode 3
Three readings featuring extracts from Samuel Johnson's major works introduced by his biographer, David Nokes.
Samuel Johnson (better known as Dr Johnson) was born in Lichfield in September 1709. Half-blind, shambolic and poverty-stricken, he became the most admired and quoted man in the eighteenth century.
The son of a bookseller, lack of funds forced him to leave Oxford before taking a degree and, after a stint as a teacher, he travelled to London in search of work. Beginning as a Grub Street journalist, Johnson made lasting contributions to English literature as a poet, essayist, moralist, novelist, literary critic, biographer, editor and lexicographer. A devout Anglican and political conservative, Johnson has been described as "arguably the most distinguished man of letters in English history".
His most famous work is, without doubt, A Dictionary of the English Language, published in 1755. It was not the most accurate dictionary, nor the most comprehensive, but it became widely recognised as the first standard dictionary until publication of the Oxford English Dictionary 150 years later.
Other major works by Johnson are, among others, his Lives of the English Poets including his biography of Richard Savage; the novella, Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia; his notes on The Plays of William Shakespeare; The Idler essays; The Rambler magazine and A Journey to The Western Isles of Scotland.
In these three programmes David Nokes,author of a biography of Johnson, introduces a series of extracts from the great man's work. In chronological order, we work our way through his literary life.
In today's programme we hear an extract from Johnson's Preface to the Plays of William Shakespeare and one of the final instalments of biography and literary criticism examining the life and work of the poet, Alexander Pope.
Read by Michael Pennington
Introduced by Professor David Nokes
Produced by Joanna Green
A Pier Production for BBC Radio 4.
THU 15:45 The Test of Time (b00mfhwz)
Aristotle's Meteorology
Science writer Gabrielle Walker goes punting on the River Cam to discover whether Aristotle's treatise on meteorology stands up to modern scrutiny.
He likens earthquakes to bodily ructions but remarkably knew that "where there is dry land there comes to be sea, and where there is now sea, there one day comes to be dry land".
Five scientists look back to their ancient forebears and examine how much of that early knowledge still stands the test of time.
Producer: Erika Wright
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2009
THU 16:00 Bookclub (b00mf31l)
[Repeat of broadcast at
16:00 on Sunday]
THU 16:30 Material World (b00mgy5f)
Quentin Cooper hears what became of the Large Hadron Collider, one year on from the much-vaunted Big Bang Day.
In September 2008, Radio 4 decamped to the Swiss countryside to broadcast the launch of the most complicated experiment ever attempted, the giant, atom-smashing Large Hadron Collider at the CERN facility. But before the month was out, the experiment was suspended, after a major electrical failure.
Steve Myers, CERN's director of accelerators, recalls the events of the day, what went wrong and looks forward to the restart later this year. Experimental particle physicist Terry Wyatt describes the impact on his colleagues, and warns that CERN's rival establishment Fermilab may now be the first to discover the Higgs.
Also, with NASA warning that it can't afford to return people to the Moon, John Zarnecki looks at the relative merits of human and robotic space exploration.
THU 17:00 PM (b00mfj9p)
Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Carolyn Quinn. Plus Weather.
THU 18:00 Six O'Clock News (b00mfjh5)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4.
THU 18:30 Electric Ink (b011qfr8)
Series 1
Episode 4
The paper hires a reality star as a columnist so Maddox must find a way of rewriting her copy without upsetting her.
Old hacks meet new media in Alistair Beaton’s satire set in the changing world of the newspaper industry.
Maddox ...... Robert Lindsay
Oliver ...... Alex Jennings
Amelia ...... Elizabeth Berrington
Tasneem ...... Zita Sattar
Masha ...... Debbie Chazen
Freddy ...... Ben Willbond
Announcer ...... Matt Addis
Debbie ...... Lizzy Watts
With additional material by Tom Mitchelson.
Director: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2009.
THU 19:00 The Archers (b00mfhm1)
Matt is charged with the fraud offences. He makes no response and his bail is renewed. Russell tells Matt to stay positive. Matt insists on knowing the worst-case scenario and is horrified to discover it's ten years.
At the Bull, Jolene asks Wayne why he's hiding upstairs. They're busy. Wayne says he can't come down. He and Fallon have had words and Fallon didn't say anything he didn't deserve. He's been a terrible father. Wayne shows Jolene ticket stubs from two Lies gigs he went to last year. He hid at the back because he didn't want to show Fallon up. Jolene tells Wayne it isn't easy for Fallon. He left her as a child. Wayne thinks he'll never put it right, but Jolene says he can try, and gives him a hug before hastily retreating downstairs.
At Grey Gables, Roy tells Matt to leave, as he's drunk. Matt says he'll soon be in prison. Roy's sympathetic, but insists he leave. Roy helps Matt towards the front door, as Lilian appears, to Matt's surprise. Roy explains what's going on. Lilian takes Matt back to the Dower House and puts him on the sofa. Matt tells Lilian he's missed her.
Episode written by Carole Simpson Solazzo.
THU 19:15 Front Row (b00mfjpq)
Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson are going on tour in the UK for the first time in 28 years, complete with full orchestra and music composed and conducted by Carl Davis. Barry Humphries and Carl Davis, Dame Edna and Sir Les, reveal the secrets behind their musical extravaganza, Last Night of the Poms.
Last Night on Channel 4, in The Event Live, magician Derren Brown appeared to predict the winning numbers in the National Lottery ten minutes before they were selected on BBC One, and he has promised to reveal how he did it tomorrow night. Matt Thorne reviews the illusion and joins widespread speculation about its execution.
Trongate 103, a new centre for the arts, is due to open in Glasgow. The converted Edwardian warehouse will be home to a range of artists and art forms including the Glasgow Print Studio, theatre groups and the Russian Cultural Centre. Mark Lawson visits Trongate to meet Malcolm Dickson, chair of the Trongate 103 Tenants' Forum, and Mark O'Neil from Culture and Sport Glasgow, to discuss how they have set about adapting the building to such a variety of artistic needs. Glaswegian artist and playwright John Byrne, who has a forthcoming exhibition at the venue, gives his perspective on the building.
In the week that a new horror movie, Whiteout, opens, set in in the icy wastes of Antarctica, Adam Smith reflects on the original and best Antarctic horror pic: John Carpenter's The Thing, from 1982.
THU 19:45 15 Minute Drama (b00mfkgz)
David and Caroline Stafford - Au Pairs
Episode 4
Comedy by David and Caroline Stafford about manners, morals, accidental chaos and heavy-duty childcare. The story follows the fortunes of two au pairs, Alvy from Ireland and Dorkia from Hungary, who bond over their mutual condemnation of modern parenting.
Alvy and Dorika go to the zoo. Lock up your children.
Dorika ...... Anna Maxwell Martin
Alvy ...... Sharon Gavin
Directed by Marc Beeby.
THU 20:00 The Report (b00mgy5h)
The Lockerbie Bomber
James Silver examines the potential effect of the decison to release Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi on trade relations between Libya and the West. The former pariah state has some of the world's biggest reserves of oil and gas - might British industry benefit from Libya's desire to develop its economy?
THU 20:30 In Business (b00mgy5k)
Student Start-Ups
Britain's universities are alive with a new wave of business activity, and in many of them the largest student societies are the ones which bring would-be entrepreneurs together with potential backers and mentors.
Peter Day samples some of the start-up ideas on show at Cambridge University and hears how academic attitudes to business have changed over the past few decades.
THU 21:00 Leading Edge (b00mgyr1)
The British Science Association's Festival
Geoff Watts reports from the British Science Association's Festival in Guildford.
At the 2008 Festival, Prof Michael Reiss suggested that science teachers should be prepared to discuss creationist beliefs in the classroom if asked about them by pupils. The resulting controversy led to his departure from the post of Education Director at the Royal Society. He is now Professor of Science Education at the Institute of Education and returns to the Festival to argue the case for discussing controversial issues in science classes.
Geoff Watts attends the festival and discusses science education with Prof Reiss and irrational belief with Prof Bruce Hood, a psychologist at Bristol University.
He also hears from choreographer Suba Subramaniam, sculptor Shelley James and Oxford neuroscientist Morten Kringlebach about the neural basis for creativity and the pleasure of performance, and from young scientists for whom posters have brought a new perspective on the social implications of their science.
THU 21:30 Simpson in Afghanistan (b00mh2t3)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 today]
THU 21:58 Weather (b00mfkm7)
The latest weather forecast.
THU 22:00 The World Tonight (b00mfknx)
National and international news and analysis with Robin Lustig.
THU 22:45 Book at Bedtime (b00mfl4t)
Love and Summer
Episode 9
Dermot Crowley reads from the novel by William Trevor about a brief summer love affair in the rural west of Ireland.
As Florian's departure date approaches, Ellie makes another journey to Shelhanagh, and Orpen Wren goes in search of someone in particular to hear his story.
Abridged by Sally Marmion.
THU 23:00 I've Never Seen Star Wars (b00dwjd7)
Series 1
Tim Brooke-Taylor
Marcus Brigstocke invites Tim Brooke-Taylor to try new experiences.
THU 23:30 Jon Ronson On (b007ng62)
Series 3
Uncontrollable Responses
Jon Ronson continues his look at human behaviour by finding the moments where we respond in an uncontrollable way.
Comedian Robert Popper couldn't stop his drunken friend from putting their lives at risk while at a wedding in Israel. The story involved a pair of underpants, but no hilarious consequences.
Another interviewee, who survived the 7/7 terrorist attacks, found herself - during the period of her recovery - uncontrollably joining in with message boards accusing her of being a government plant on one of the bombed trains.
FRIDAY 11 SEPTEMBER 2009
FRI 00:00 Midnight News (b00mfdfx)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4. Followed by Weather.
FRI 00:30 Book of the Week (b00mffs1)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:45 on Thursday]
FRI 00:48 Shipping Forecast (b00mfdh2)
The latest shipping forecast.
FRI 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (b00mfdy3)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.
FRI 05:20 Shipping Forecast (b00mfdjj)
The latest shipping forecast.
FRI 05:30 News Briefing (b00mff2z)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4.
FRI 05:43 Prayer for the Day (b00mff8p)
Daily prayer and reflection with Rev Stephen Shipley.
FRI 05:45 Farming Today (b00mffdm)
There has been a significant increase in the amount of poaching in the countryside. In England and Wales there was a 79 per cent increase in reports of hare coursing in the last year and a rise in reports of deer poaching. It has now become so profitable that police believe organised gangs are largely responsible. Charlotte Smith speaks to the newly appointed Poaching Officer about how he is going to tackle the problem.
FRI 06:00 Today (b00mfffz)
Presented by John Humphrys and Edward Stourton.
Anyone who wants to work with children, including those who regularly transport children to sports matches, will soon have to be vetted for a criminal record. John O'Brien, the civil servant who will run the scheme, reacts to critics who have branded it 'insulting' and claim that it could deter volunteers.
Environment reporter Roger Harrabin talks to Prof David Mackay about what happens when coal and nuclear stations are phased out.
School support staff, including former postmen and beauticians, have been supervising lessons on their own, a report says. Research author Prof Merryn Hutchings discusses whether, as the NUT says, this practice is a 'dereliction of duty'.
The BBC has learned that the report into the collapse of carmaker MG Rover will say that five executives took 42 million pounds in pay and pensions from the company before its collapse. Business editor Robert Peston considers whether men behind the takeover and the executive they appointed enriched themselves as Rover headed for insolvency.
Plaid Cymru leader Ieuan Wyn Jones is to give his keynote speech at the party conference in Llandudno. He explains the issues his party will be campaigning on in the general election.
General Motors has announced that it has chosen the Canadian car parts manufacturer Magna to buy Opel and its sister company Vauxhall. Reporter Helena Wilkinson meets workers at the gate of the Luton plant. Paul Nieuwenhuis, of Cardiff Business School, discusses how Magna will run its new acquisitions.
Thought for the Day with Catherine Pepinster, editor of the Tablet.
Miles Templeman, director general of the Institute of Directors, and Tony Dolphin, chief economist at think-tank The Institute for Public Policy Research, consider ways in which the government can save money.
Any parent regularly in 'frequent' or 'intensive' contact with children will have to undergo criminal record checks or face fines of up to 5,000 pounds. Home editor Mark Easton considers what this says about adults' relationships with children. The children's minister, Delyth Morgan, explains how the system will operate and Bob Reitemeier, chief executive of The Children's Society, discusses whether or not this legislation infringes on privacy.
The BBC has uncovered evidence of fraud in Helmand province during Afghanistan's presidential elections. Correspondent Chris Morris explains the evidence he has uncovered. Foreign secretary David Miliband discusses whether or not the elections will provide a satisfactory outcome.
The United Nations has warned that it cannot continue funding the main refugee camp in Sri Lanka if the government there continues refusing to give its inhabitants freedom of movement. Correspondent Charles Haviland reports on the Tamil civilians living in Menik Farm. Senior Sri Lankan civil servant Prof Rajiva Wijesinha, of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Human Rights, explains why those in the refugee camp are not free to leave.
Gordon Brown has said he was sorry for the 'appalling' way in which WWII code breaker Alan Turing was treated for being gay. Susan Black, a supporter of the campaign to pardon him, discusses the significance of the apology.
Gender tests on South Africa's 800m world champion Caster Semenya reveal that she has an inter-gender condition, BBC Sport understands. Chris Ingelfield, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, reports on the likelihood that she has some hermaphroditic or inter-gender condition.
Are child composers taken as seriously as their older counterparts? Barry Cooper, Professor of Music at Manchester University, and Richard Causton, who began composing as a child, discuss some of the best works written by children.
FRI 09:00 The Reunion (b00mf27b)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:15 on Sunday]
FRI 09:45 Book of the Week (b00mffs3)
William Golding - The Man Who Wrote Lord of the Flies
Episode 5
Christian Rodska reads from John Carey's biography of the prize-winning author.
In 1983, Golding is awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature.
FRI 10:00 Woman's Hour (b00mfg6w)
School entrance exams; The work of playwright Githa Sowerby
Do entrance exams put too much pressure on 11 year olds? Plus, the life and work of playwright Githa Sowerby discussed; and can you remain friends with your ex after a divorce?
FRI 11:00 What Became of the Bank Manager? (b00mgz1m)
Clive Anderson, whose father was a bank manager, investigates the demise of the traditional face of our high street banks.
For decades these reliable Captain Mainwarings kept our money safe, were prominent in the Rotary Club and made it their business to know every detail of the local economy. Yet over the years they were gradually phased out, as cash machines and credit cards changed banking for ever, and their risk-averse DNA stood at odds with the desire to sell, sell, sell.
Clive goes in search of the reasons why his father's profession no longer exists, and asks how this change reflects on today's consumer society and the banking industry's rush to lend money.
Interviewees include Duncan Bannatyne, multi-millionaire of Dragon's Den fame, whose branch bank manager set him on the road to a fortune; Sid Brittin, a former old-style Lloyds bank manager, who describes how he had a nervous breakdown under the pressure to meet new targets; John Hackett, HSBC's Chief Operating Officer of Retail, who says that banks are now far more responsive to their customers' needs.
A Perfectly Normal production for BBC Radio 4.
FRI 11:30 The Pickerskill Reports (b00mgz1p)
Series 1
Cadmus Wilcox
A pupil with American diplomat parents is denied access to the senior cadets shooting team by the Colonel because he's not a British citizen - even though he is the only hope the school have of winning the prestigious inter-school's shooting cup.
But when he visits Haunchurst as an adult with an Olympic medal for shooting with his US team, the Colonel is totally unimpressed. Why?
Dr Henry Pickerskill ...... Ian McDiarmid
Colonel Bradshaw ..... Richard Johnson
A.R.F. Somerset-Stephenson ..... Mike Sarne
Young Cadmus Wilcox ..... Tom Kane
Adult Cadmus Wilcox ..... Dominic Hawksley
Wentworth ..... Louis Williams
Written and Directed by Andrew McGibbon.
Producer: Nick Romero
A Curtains For Radio production for BBC Radio 4.
FRI 12:00 You and Yours (b00mfg8c)
Consumer news and issues with Peter White.
FRI 12:57 Weather (b00mfhhp)
The latest weather forecast.
FRI 13:00 World at One (b00mfhl2)
National and international news.
FRI 13:30 More or Less (b00mh27z)
Tim Harford and the More or Less team examine reports that the world will cool over the next two decades, before global warming resumes. They also examine a claim that beautiful people have more daughters, and use maths to decode a Beatles musical mystery.
An Open University co production for BBC Radio 4.
FRI 14:00 The Archers (b00mfhm1)
[Repeat of broadcast at
19:00 on Thursday]
FRI 14:15 Drama (b00mh2g0)
The Second Best Bed
Comic monologue by Christopher Green. A feisty woman has taken to her bed in the spare room and she is not getting up - ever. She's 39 and has decided that she is not having children. She claims her boyfriend is in denial, though in reality he is in Zurich.
With Caroline Quentin.
Directed by Claire Grove.
FRI 15:00 Gardeners' Question Time (b00mh2yp)
Eric Robson chairs the popular horticultural forum.
Chris Beardshaw, Anne Swithinbank and Matthew Biggs answer questions sent in by post at the Gardeners' Question Time potting shed at Sparsholt College in Hampshire.
If you are eternally battling the dreaded Japanese Knotweed, Dr Richard Shaw has some ideas about a new bio control.
Plus the latest news on the garden trials with Sparsholt College's Rosie Yeomans, including an update on our treasured courgettes and plans for over-wintering Dahlias.
Including Gardening weather forecast.
FRI 15:45 The Test of Time (b00mfhx1)
Mesopotamian Wound Healing
Professor Gus McGrouther finds striking parallels between his wound healing research in Manchester and the earliest methods recorded on Mesopotamian clay tablets.
Five scientists look back to their ancient forebears and examine how much of that early knowledge still stands the test of time.
Producer: Erika Wright
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2009
FRI 16:00 Last Word (b00mh2yr)
Matthew Bannister presents the obituary series, analysing and celebrating the life stories of people who have recently died.
Lord Hattersley, Sir Michael Parkinson and Bill Hagerty remember journalist and writer Keith Waterhouse; disability campaigner Baroness Chapman - her brother Dan and Baroness Finlay pay tribute; Hollywood film director Andrei Konchalovsky remembers his father, Soviet writer Sergei Mikhalkov; DJ Chris Goldfinger recalls reggae producer and musician Wycliffe 'Steely' Johnson; and memories of hang-gliding innovator Francis Rogallo.
FRI 16:30 The Film Programme (b00mj10h)
When Harry Met Sally creator Nora Ephron discusses her biopic of America's first celebrity chef, Julia Child. Julie And Julia, starring Meryl Streep, shows how the housewife superstar got America cooking. Ephron reveals the effect that Child had on her own life and lets us in on a secret about writing romantic comedies.
FRI 17:00 PM (b00mfj9r)
Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Carolyn Quinn. Plus Weather.
FRI 18:00 Six O'Clock News (b00mfjh7)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4.
FRI 18:30 I Guess That's Why They Call It The News (b00mj10k)
Episode 4
Fred MacAulay chairs a topical panel show in which two teams play games inspired by the week's headlines. The show asks both the big and the little questions, and provides thoroughly silly answers to both. With Justin Edwards, Paul Sinha and Justin Moorhouse.
FRI 19:00 The Archers (b00mfhm3)
Walking Scruff along the footpath that Adam wants to divert, Lynda bumps into Jennifer. Jennifer braves the subject of the footpath. Lynda says Jennifer's missing the point. Land-owners are custodians of our heritage and to divert a footpath is to trample on that common heritage. Lynda will continue her fight, as she did against Cameron Fraser.
Back at the farm, Jennifer wishes Lilian would surface, to go to Peggy's with her. Adam says she's at the Dower House. Jennifer tells Adam about her encounter with Lynda.
Matt eventually rouses with a thick head and makes his way to the kitchen. He's surprised to see Lilian, and seems pleased to learn that she stayed the night. When Lilian reminds Matt of his embarrassing behaviour, he wants to phone Roy to apologise. Matt explains he'd come from Borchester police station, where Russell had told him he might be facing ten years in prison. Lilian's shocked but immediately wants to support Matt. He's grateful to her for last night. He's missed her more than she could imagine. But he can't ask her to stand by him and wait while he's in prison. Lilian says of course she'll go back to him. She loves him.
Episode written by Carole Simpson Solazzo.
FRI 19:15 Front Row (b00mfjps)
The London-based artist Paula Rego has been honoured by her home town in her native Portugal with the building of a brand new 3.5 million-pound gallery the Casa das Historias, dedicated entirely to the artist's work. Before the gallery opens to the public, Mark Lawson visits the town of Cascais near Lisbon with Paula Rego for a guided tour of the building and the works on display there.
Icelandic operatic tenor Gardar Thor Cortes performs in the BBC's Proms in the Park concert tomorrow night, alongside Barry Manilow and Katherine Jenkins. Front Row met him in rehearsal to discuss his home country's financial crash, why milk is bad for singers and the moment he found his top notes backstage at Phantom of the Opera.
The playwright Richard Bean's play at the National Theatre, England People Very Nice, caused controversy with its depiction of immigrants in London's East End. Bean discusses the audience and press reaction to it on the eve of his new play, Pub Quiz is Life, opening at the Hull Truck Theatre.
FRI 19:45 15 Minute Drama (b00mfkd2)
David and Caroline Stafford - Au Pairs
Episode 5
Comedy by David and Caroline Stafford about manners, morals, accidental chaos and heavy-duty childcare. The story follows the fortunes of two au pairs, Alvy from Ireland and Dorkia from Hungary, who bond over their mutual condemnation of modern parenting.
Major life changes beckon. If only Alvy and Dorika can get that vase off Louis' head.
Dorika ...... Anna Maxwell Martin
Alvy ...... Sharon Gavin
Directed by Marc Beeby.
FRI 20:00 Any Questions? (b00mj16f)
Jonathan Dimbleby chairs the topical debate from Sunbury-on-Thames in Middlesex. The panellists are armed forces minister Bill Rammell, shadow security minister Dame Pauline Neville-Jones, former chief scientific adviser to the UK government, Sir David King, and senior politics editor at the New Statesman, Mehdi Hasan.
FRI 20:50 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00mj16h)
Series 1
Tracks
Following the tracks left by animals is a great craft owned by many aboriginal people. Doing the same with fossilised tracks is much the same skill, but with a whole new set of extraordinary revelations.
Series of talks by Sir David Attenborough on the natural histories of creatures and plants from around the world.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2009.
FRI 21:00 Saturday Drama (b008hsky)
The Wooden Overcoat
Pamela Branch's comic murder mystery set in London in 1951, adapted by Mark Gatiss.
Much to his surprise, Benji Cann has got away with murder. He gravitates to the Asterisk Club, a place of refuge for those who have strayed beyond the pale and not paid the ultimate price. But then Benji turns up dead. Who killed him and how will they be able to get rid of the body without the neighbours noticing?
Peter ...... David Tennant
Fan ...... Julia Davis
Rex ...... David Benson
Beesum ...... Alan David
Colonel Quincey ...... Graham Crowden
Creaker ...... David Ryall
Flush ...... John Castle
Benji ...... Tom Allen
Mrs Barratt ...... Barbara Kirby
Lilli Cluj ...... Katherine Jakeways.
FRI 21:58 Weather (b00mfkm9)
The latest weather forecast.
FRI 22:00 The World Tonight (b00mfknz)
General Motors sells Opel and Vauxhall to a Canadian company - what does it mean for Vauxhall car workers in the UK?
How many jobs have been saved by the stimulus package - we report from Nevada
MG Rover report blames Phoenix Four but ministers escape blame
And why is women's football not as popular as it deserves
The World Tonight with Robin Lustig.
FRI 22:45 Book at Bedtime (b00mfl4w)
Love and Summer
Episode 10
Dermot Crowley reads from the novel by William Trevor about a brief summer love affair in the rural west of Ireland.
Passive in the face of Ellie's determination, Florian has offered her the chance to come with him to Scandinavia. Now Ellie must weigh the damage and make her choice.
Abridged by Sally Marmion.
FRI 23:00 Great Lives (b00mg74v)
[Repeat of broadcast at
16:30 on Tuesday]
FRI 23:30 Listen Against (b00fq2sw)
Series 2
Episode 3
Radio 4's new drama 'Peston', 'Thought for the Day' for Satanists and why is Jeremy Vine so charming in person but so tetchy on Radio 2?
The show that look backs in amplitude at rearranged and downright fictional snippets from BBC radio.
Written by and starring Jon Holmes,
With Alice Arnold.
Producer: Sam Bryant
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2008.