The BBC has announced that it has a sustainable plan for the future of the BBC Singers, in association with The VOCES8 Foundation.
The threat to reduce the staff of the three English orchestras by 20% has not been lifted, but it is being reconsidered.
See the BBC press release here.

Radio-Lists Home Now on R4 Contact

RADIO-LISTS: BBC RADIO 4
Unofficial Weekly Listings for BBC Radio 4 — supported by bbc.co.uk/programmes/



SATURDAY 28 NOVEMBER 2009

SAT 00:00 Midnight News (b00nz94w)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4. Followed by Weather.


SAT 00:30 Book of the Week (b00p298v)
David Kynaston - Family Britain

A Pretty Mess

Dominic West reads from David Kynaston's vivid and intimate history of Britain in the 1950s, drawing on the letters, diaries and memories of well-known and ordinary people.

An increasingly affluent and confident Britain is rocked by the Suez crisis.

Abridged by Jane Greenwood.

A Loftus Audio production for BBC Radio 4.


SAT 00:48 Shipping Forecast (b00nz9dg)
The latest shipping forecast.


SAT 01:00 Shipping Forecast (b00nz9dj)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service. BBC Radio 4 resumes at 5.20am.


SAT 05:20 Shipping Forecast (b00nz9dl)
The latest shipping forecast.


SAT 05:30 News Briefing (b00nz9dn)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4.


SAT 05:43 Prayer for the Day (b00nz9dq)
Daily prayer and reflection with Alastair McIntosh.


SAT 05:45 Running Away (b00f37gc)
Shami Chakrabarti

Shami Chakrabarti, director of the pressure group Liberty, heads for the British Film Institute to indulge in her favourite form of escape.


SAT 06:00 News and Papers (b00nz9ds)
The latest news headlines. Including a look at the papers.


SAT 06:04 Weather (b00nzb8k)
The latest weather forecast.


SAT 06:07 Open Country (b00p7g7y)
The New Face of the Clyde

The people of Cumbria are embarking on the massive clean-up operation after record rainfall and devastating floods over the past days. But flooding has become an all too familiar experience across the UK.

In this week's Open Country Matt Baker heads to Glasgow to explore the River Clyde. The waters of its White Cart tributary can rise by 20 feet in less than 12 hours. It's flooded significantly 20 times in the last century and Matt meets residents who have given up barricading the doors and accept living upstairs until floodwaters recede. But a massive engineering project is now underway to reduce the likelihood of flooding. Matt finds out where the water will go and just how the surrounding wildlife will be affected.

Matt also explores the changing face of the Clyde. Traditionally it's been seen as an exit point from Glasgow. The massive shipbuilding industry and the docks meant both the ships and their goods left from the city. For Glasweigians too they headed to the river only to go on their holidays 'doon the watter' to the seaside. But now the image of the river is changing. Shipbuilding has declined so industry's dominance of the waterside has waned. 1.5 billion pounds has been invested to regenerate the Clyde and residents and visitors are being encouraged to rediscover it as a destination in itself. Matt Baker jumps aboard one of the new riverboat tours to see the city from a new perspective and see how tradition and the new wave of business and leisure sit side by side.


SAT 06:30 Farming Today (b00nzypb)
Farming Today This Week

For shoppers who want to buy British food, the choice is not always straightforward. Items can be labelled British even if they've only had slight processing or packaging here but use foreign ingredients.

Charlotte Smith speaks to food producers who argue that many labels are misleading and that they are being disadvantaged as customers who think they're supporting British farmers aren't. She speaks to retailers and the government to find out what efforts are being made but why we still don't have a mandatory no-nonsense labelling system for 'country of origin'.


SAT 06:57 Weather (b00nzypd)
The latest weather forecast.


SAT 07:00 Today (b00nzypg)
Presented by Justin Webb and Evan Davis.

At least 25 people have died in a train crash in Russia. Reports suggest that the Russian prosecutor-general has opened a case into possible terrorism charges. Moscow correspondent Richard Galpin reports on the latest developments.

Gordon Brown has made proposals for a fund to help poor countries reduce their greenhouse emissions. The prime minister was speaking at the Commonwealth summit in Trinidad. Correspondent Jonathan Beale discusses the meeting.

Preparations for the last big Nazi war crimes trial are underway in Germany. John Demjanjuk will stand trial accused of participating in the murder of more than 27,000 Jews at the Sobibor death camp in Poland. Correspondent Steve Rosenberg reports from the site of the camp.

Hundreds of people with terrible industrial diseases are dying without receiving compensation because they are unable to trace the firms that insured their employers. Latest figures reveal that a voluntary tracing scheme has failed to help find the money. The government is now warning that it may force insurance companies to set up a special fund to assist those who are unable to get compensation. Correspondent Bob Walker outlines the compensation battle.

The former Conservative peer Lord Pearson has been elected the new leader of the UK Independence Party (UKIP). In his victory speech, Lord Pearson outlined ambitions to win enough support to force a hung Parliament in next year's general election. Lord Pearson discusses his strategy.

The public inquiry into the Iraq War has completed its first week. Correspondent Peter Hunt examines its opening days.

Thought for the Day with Rev Roy Jenkins, a Baptist minister in Cardiff.

The Today programme has been hearing from Major Richard Streatfeild, who is serving with the Rifles in Helmand province. In his latest despatch, Major Streatfeild describes the dangers of an IED explosion.

Are hospital inspections working? Another eight foundation hospitals are being investigated for possible poor performance after action was taken against two foundation hospitals in Essex earlier this week. The government has ordered a review to see if any hospitals require immediate action. Roger Taylor, director and co-founder of Dr Foster Intelligence, and Julian Le Grand, chairman of the LSE Health group, examine the system of hospital regulation.

A train derailment which has killed 25 people in Russia may have been caused by a bomb, according to the train operating company. 660 passengers were on the train travelling between Moscow and St Petersburg. Moscow correspondent Richard Galpin reports on the latest developments on the crash.

An art exhibition in east London is giving punters the opportunity to barter for expensive works of art. Art Barter is selling contemporary works by artists such as Tracey Emin and Gavin Turk, for anything but cash. Today presenter Evan Davis went to take a look.

The financial system was shocked this week after the announcement by state-owned investment company Dubai World that it is suspending interest payments on part of its 60 billion-dollar debts. The growth of the Emirate has been remarkable with the population increasing to over a million, 20 times more than 40 years ago. Journalist Andrew Neil and writer Will Self reflect on Dubai's rise and fall.

What has been learnt from the first week of the Chilcot inquiry into the Iraq war? Guardian columnist Simon Jenkins likened the inquiry to a circus. Mr Jenkins and Peter Hennessy, Whitehall historian, discuss whether the inquiry will have any affect.

A Belgian man who was thought to be in a coma has been found to be completely conscious. Carers for Rom Houben say that despite being paralysed he has started to communicate via small finger movements. Some neurologists have reacted with scepticism to the news. Martin Pistorious, who contracted meningitis and now uses a computer to speak, discusses how he felt being trapped in his own body.

The winner of the Bad Sex in Fiction awards will be announced on Monday. The annual awards, now in their 17th year, celebrate the most embarrassing passage of sexual description in a literary novel from the last 12 months. Although last year's winner was a women, Rachel Johnson, the shortlist this year suggest that the serial offenders are male novelists of a certain age. Authors Lionel Shriver and Howard Jacobsen discuss what makes cringeworthy prose.


SAT 09:00 Saturday Live (b00p016d)
Real life stories in which listeners talk about the issues that matter to them. Fi Glover talks to author Justin Cartwright. With poetry from Luke Wright.


SAT 10:00 Excess Baggage (b00p016g)
Sandi Toksvig talks to Christopher Somerville about the business of bringing the countryside alive through recounting his journeys through Britain. They discuss some of the walks and rides through iconic landscapes that encapsulate some essential aspect of this country, from Shetland to Canvey Island.

King Harold's army's 12-day march south in October 1066 after the victory against the Norwegians at Stamford Bridge to meet William the soon-to-be-Conqueror at Hastings was perhaps the most significant walk in English history. Huon Mallalieu and Chas Jones have both recreated aspects of this journey and Sandi finds out what it was like to make such a march and how much it influenced events.


SAT 10:30 In Search of Beauty (b00p016j)
Erin O'Connor, whose beauty defies convention, discusses this knotty subject-area. What is beauty? Where do our ideas about beauty come from? How is our life-experience affected by how we look?

When Erin was growing up she was convinced she was ugly. She would dart across the road diagonally so she wouldn't draw attention to her nose by crossing in front of stationary cars. She was so self-conscious about her flat-chest that she would regularly wear two padded bras.

But one day she was told she was beautiful, scooped up by the modelling industry and presented as the uber-elegant catwalk queen, sought after and richly rewarded.
What did they see in her that she would never have seen in herself? Beauty?

With the help of renowned facial-reconstructive surgeon Professor Iain Hutchison, who has treated people with severe facial disfigurement; and Professor of Children's Literature, Kim Reynolds who has studied the way beauty is regarded in traditional stories, Erin explores various opinions and experiences of beauty.

Erin also goes behind the scenes at London Fashion Week, to an event called 'All Walks Beyond the Catwalk'; it used a wide range of models - both in size and age - as a way to broaden the range of catwalk models used at such influential events.


SAT 11:00 The Week in Westminster (b00p016l)
A look behind the scenes at Westminster with Steve Richards.

A recent shift in opinion poll ratings has raised visions of a hung parliament. The last one in Westminster was in the late seventies, the so-called Lib Lab pact. Jim Callaghan was Prime Minister, Roy Hattersley, now Lord Hattersley, was in his cabinet, and David Steel, now Lord Steel, was the Liberal leader. How do they think it worked?

David Cowling, the BBC's head of political research, on the accuracy of political polls.

Economists Larry Elliott (The Guardian) and Liam Halligan (Prosperity Capital) examine the political options for handling the economic deficit.

Will the inquiry into the Iraq war, now underway, reveal any more than we know already? George Mudie, a Labour MP who regrets his support for the war, and Bernard Jenkin, a shadow defence spokesman at the time, discuss their expectations of the Chilcot inquiry.


SAT 11:30 From Our Own Correspondent (b00p016n)
Kate Adie introduces BBC foreign correspondents with the stories behind the headlines.

It's 25 years since a cloud of poison gas escaped from a factory in the Indian city of Bhopal. Thousands were killed and many more have suffered serious illness since. Allan Little has just been there to meet some of those who were caught up in the disaster, and continue to campaign for justice. He tells us that the direction of the wind on that December night was one of the factors which determined whether you lived or died.

The continued building of Israeli settlements has become one of the most contentious issues in Middle East politics. In the week that the Israelis offered a freeze on some settlement construction, Alan Johnston has been to the West Bank to see some of the areas in question and to discuss the issue with both Israeli settlers and Palestinians.

It started with a pair of football matches but before long it developed into a full-scale diplomatic row between Egypt and Algeria. There have been angry rioters on the streets of Cairo, diplomats being called in for urgent consultations and enraged media on all sides offering often inflammatory comment. Christian Fraser has been following developments and asks if Egypt's failure to qualify for the World Cup has exposed deeper frustrations inside the country.

Is Josef Stalin enjoying something of a comeback? John Sweeney is in Russia discovering that a frieze lauding Stalin's achievements has reappeared on the wall of a Moscow tube station after an absence of half a century. Also, Russian schoolchildren are being offered a new history of their country complete with a reassessment of Stalin's legacy, which some believe glosses over the atrocities of his era.

Christine Finn travels by rail between Singapore and Bangkok - and not for her the luxury tourist service which whisks the well-to-do across South East Asia in air conditioned comfort. She takes the lesser-known eastern route as a landscape of colonial history, rubber plantations and forest clearance unfolds outside. Throughout the journey she is offered a wide range of delicacies to eat and drink, but will she tackle the notorious durian fruit-flavoured popcorn?


SAT 12:00 Money Box (b00p016q)
Paul Lewis with the latest news from the world of personal finance.

Overdraft charges: campaigners aren't giving up - are you? We reveal the next step.

Fed up with budget airline booking fees? We find out how to avoid them.

Why you should act now to avoid January's VAT increase.


SAT 12:30 The Now Show (b00nz940)
Series 29

Episode 1

In this first episode of the new series, Steve & Hugh unpick environmental conspiracies; Mitch Benn sings to disaffected Anglicans; Shazia Mirza stands-up for Kate Moss and Simon Cowell feels the wrath of Jon Holmes’ tongue


SAT 12:57 Weather (b00p016s)
The latest weather forecast.


SAT 13:00 News (b00p016v)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4.


SAT 13:10 Any Questions? (b00nz942)
Eddie Mair chairs the debate from Tidworth, Wiltshire, with questions from the audience for the panel including:

Chris Bryant MP, Minister for Europe; David Willetts MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills; Timothy Garton-Ash, Professor of European Studies at the University of Oxford; and Anne McElvoy, executive editor of the London Evening Standard.


SAT 14:00 Any Answers? (b00p016x)
Eddie Mair takes listeners' calls and emails in response to this week's edition of Any Questions?


SAT 14:30 Saturday Drama (b00p1k88)
Michael Dobbs - A Family Affair

On 22nd November 1990, following dissention in the Conservative ranks and an equivocal leadership ballot, Margaret Thatcher made the dramatic decision to offer her resignation as prime minister. Michael Dobbs' play follows Thatcher's last traumatic days in power, seen from the perspective of her husband, Denis, and her family.

Margaret Thatcher ...... Clare Higgins
Denis Thatcher ...... Stephen Moore
Carol Thatcher ...... Monica Dolan
Mark Thatcher ...... William McGeogh
Bill ...... Benjamin Whitrow
Sir Geoffrey Howe ...... John McEnery
Anthony ...... Kevin Doyle
Minister ...... Sean Campion
Christine ...... Sara Stewart

Directed by Roland Jaquerello

A Fiction Factory production for BBC Radio 4.


SAT 15:30 Nightingale of the Nile (b00ny9y6)
Singer-songwriter, record producer and world music expert Justin Adams travels to Cairo, where he grew up, to tell the story of the woman whose voice dominated the culture and politics of the Middle East in the 20th century, Umm Kulthum.

Once described as a combination of 'Ella Fitzgerald, Eleanor Roosevelt and Elvis Presley', her radio broadcasts often brought the entire Arabic world to a standstill. Her incredible voice and skilful handling of the media quickly made her the most prominent celebrity in the Arab world at the time, and her close friendship with both the royal circle of King Farouk I before the revolution, and President Nasser in its wake, gave her unprecedented political influence.

Justin Adams is Robert Plant's songwriting partner, record producer for the Tuareg desert blues band Tinariwen, among others, and an ex-collaborator with Jah Wobble. As the son of a British diplomat, Justin grew up in Cairo during Kulthum's golden age. Now he travels back, talking to those that knew her to discover more about this icon of the Arabic world.

A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4.


SAT 16:00 Woman's Hour (b00p0171)
Weekend Woman's Hour

Highlights of this week's Woman's Hour programmes with Jane Garvey.

Including domestic violence and the government's strategy to protect women; novelist Zadie Smith on the pleasures of essay writing; bras and getting the best fit; Fame actor turned director Debbie Allen on her latest stage venture; why prisons still hold too many women; and chores - do children get off too lightly?


SAT 16:56 1989: Day by Day (b00p03h9)
28th November 1989

Sir John Tusa looks back at the events making the news 20 years ago.

The Czech PM Ladislav Adamec heralds a historic moment as he formally announces the end of the Communist Party's monopoly on power.

A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4.


SAT 17:00 PM (b00p03hc)
Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Carolyn Quinn, plus the sports headlines.


SAT 17:30 iPM (b00p03hf)
The weekly interactive current affairs magazine featuring online conversation and debate.


SAT 17:54 Shipping Forecast (b00p03hh)
The latest shipping forecast.


SAT 17:57 Weather (b00p03hk)
The latest weather forecast.


SAT 18:00 Six O'Clock News (b00p03hm)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4.


SAT 18:15 Loose Ends (b00p03hp)
Clive Anderson is joined by comedian Dara O'Briain, actress Ruth Wilson and theatre director Adrian Noble.

Stephen K Amos talks to the historian Benjamin Woolley and finds out why games, from board games to the joystick generation, are so popular.

Comedy comes with a scientific bent from Robin Ince.

With music from Brett Anderson and Beth Jeans Houghton.


SAT 19:00 From Fact to Fiction (b00p03hr)
Series 7

The Herald in the Sky

Series in which writers create a fictional response to the week's news.

Glyn Maxwell's story is set in a hospital room where two nurses tend to a man who has been in a coma for over 20 years.

With Claire Rushbrook, Nigel Hastings and Lydia Wilson.


SAT 19:15 Saturday Review (b00p03ht)
French film Seraphine and Screen Epiphanies by Geoffrey Macnab

Tom Sutcliffe is joined by historian Kathryn Hughes, Rector of the Royal College of Art Professor Sir Christopher Frayling, and writer and comedian Danny Robins to discuss the cultural highlights of the week - featuring what makes people who they are.

The National Theatre's Christmas show this year, Nation, is adapted from a Terry Pratchett book. It features a parallel world in 1860 where two teenagers are thrown together by a tsunami that has destroyed Mau's village and left Daphnie shipwrecked on his South Pacific island, thousands of miles from home. Mau finds his sense of self upended when the British Empire washes up on his beach.

Seraphine is an award-winning French film with subtitles with an extraordinary performance by Yolande Moreau as a cleaning woman with a fierce creative compulsion. She paints in secret but when a German art collector comes to town he's impressed by her work and promotes it in Paris, a success she's not entirely equipped to handle.

Screen Epiphanies by Geoffrey Macnab is all about filmmakers on the films that inspired them. Thirty five international filmmakers explain their reasons for pursuing a career in the movie industry and reveal the film moments that stayed with them long after they left the movie theatre.


SAT 20:00 Archive on 4 (b00p03hw)
Lord Clark - Seeing Through The Tweed

Kenneth Clark is remembered as a tweedy patrician who lectured on the arts from a position of immense privilege. But Richard Weight argues that Clark was in fact a toff with a democratic mission, and that the BBC's Civilisation, first broadcast in 1969, was the culmination of a career that reveals much about 20th-century Britain.


SAT 21:00 Classic Serial (b00nx8k4)
HE Bates - Fair Stood the Wind for France

Episode 2

Dramatisation by Maddy Fredericks of HE Bates' classic tale of danger, suspense and romance in Second World War France.

John Franklin, a wounded British airman, is finally fit and planning his escape from France. He could go the fast way - or the slow way.

Franklin ...... Rory Kinnear
Francoise ...... Louise Brealey
Grandmother ...... Ellie Haddington
Father ...... Bruce Alexander
Boat Man ...... Kenneth Collard
O'Connor ...... Tom Goodman-Hill

With John Biggins, Kate Layden, Rhys Jennings and Piers Wehner.

Directed by Jonquil Panting.


SAT 22:00 Weather (b00p03vp)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by weather.


SAT 22:15 Moral Maze (b00nywwg)
As Belle de Jour, her blog titillated and fascinated the press in equal measure; now Belle de Jour has outed herself and the reality hasn't disappointed the commentators. Research scientist Dr Brooke Magnanti, 33, revealed she was the person behind the blog; she had turned to prostitution while an impoverished student.

The tale of Belle de Jour seems to encapsulate our moral ambiguity to prostitution. As a tall, blonde, attractive, intelligent, middle-class woman she commands flattering profiles; only when Dr Magnanti claimed that she enjoyed her work did she draw any kind of criticism. Is this another example of the myth of the 'happy hooker' that allows us on the one hand to get a vicarious thrill from a glamorous world where sex is on tap, but on the other to look down on a disease-ridden underclass that sell their bodies to fund a drug habit. Should we use the law to draw a clearer moral line between those who use prostitutes and those who are victims of the trade?

Witnesses:

Beverley Carter
Founder of charity Bridging the Gap and former prostitute.

Dawn Annandale
Editor Lifetimes Magazine and former call girl, author of Call Me Elizabeth: Wife, Mother, Escort and Call Me Madam: From Mother To Madam.

Dr Belinda Brooks Gordon
Reader in Psychology and Social Policy, whose main research interests address psychological, legal, and social policy questions on sexuality, gender and the law.

Anna van Heeswijk
Campaigns coordinator Object, an organisation which challenges 'sex object culture'.


SAT 23:00 Brain of Britain (b00ny7k6)
Russell Davies chairs the seventh heat of the perennial general knowledge contest.


SAT 23:30 Adventures in Poetry (b00nx8k8)
Series 10

Mending Wall

Peggy Reynolds explores the background, effect and lasting appeal of some well-loved poems.

Robert Frost's Mending Wall gave us the epigram 'good fences make good neighbours'. They don't, of course, but we still need our walls and hedges. Peggy meets sheep farmers, wall artists and poetry enthusiasts as she explores the stories behind the poem.



SUNDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2009

SUN 00:00 Midnight News (b00p047r)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4. Followed by Weather.


SUN 00:30 Original Shorts (b008pvmy)
Series 3

Love among the Lobelias

New short stories by well-known authors.

Robert Shearman's persuasive fantasy portrays Old Nick, the devil, in the guise of a romantic novelist.

Read by Mark Gatiss.

A Jarvis and Ayres production for BBC Radio 4.


SUN 00:48 Shipping Forecast (b00p047t)
The latest shipping forecast.


SUN 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (b00p047w)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.


SUN 05:20 Shipping Forecast (b00p047y)
The latest shipping forecast.


SUN 05:30 News Briefing (b00p0480)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4.


SUN 05:43 Bells on Sunday (b00p0482)
The sound of bells from St Mary Redcliffe Church in Bristol.


SUN 05:45 The Cases That Changed Our World (b00nywwj)
Episode 4

Clive Coleman tells the stories of cases that shaped our lives but which are little known outside the legal world.

Clive revisits Donohue vs Stevenson, better known as The Case of the Paisley Snail. Finding a snail (or was it a slug?) in a bottle of ginger beer may seem a minor upset, but the resulting case in 1932 produced the first comprehensive definition of neglect in tort law and established the meaning of the 'duty of care'.


SUN 06:00 News Headlines (b00p0484)
The latest national and international news.


SUN 06:05 Something Understood (b00p0486)
A Mirror for the Soul

Mike Wooldridge considers the Sufi tradition - its history, beliefs and practices and the mystical experience that lies at its very heart.

The readers are Janice Acquah, Nicholas Boulton and Frank Stirling.

A Unique production for BBC Radio 4.


SUN 06:35 Living World (b00p0488)
Autumn Ivy

The ivy is a common sight throughout Britain; in the autumn its flowers provide an important late source of nectar for insects, while its evergreen leaves are a haven for wildlife. Should ivy therefore be so maligned?


SUN 06:57 Weather (b00p05j4)
The latest weather forecast.


SUN 07:00 News and Papers (b00p05m2)
The latest news headlines. Including a look at the papers.


SUN 07:10 Sunday (b00p068h)
Edward Stourton discusses the religious and ethical news of the week. Moral arguments and perspectives on stories, both familiar and unfamiliar.


SUN 07:55 Radio 4 Appeal (b00p068k)
Computer Aid International

Johnny Ball appeals on behalf of Computer Aid International.

Donations to Computer Aid International should be sent to Freepost BBC Radio 4 Appeal, please mark the back of your envelope Computer Aid International. Credit cards: Freephone 0800 404 8144. If you are a UK tax payer, please provide Computer Aid International 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.

Registered Charity No: 1069256.


SUN 07:58 Weather (b00p068m)
The latest weather forecast.


SUN 08:00 News and Papers (b00p068p)
The latest news headlines. Including a look at the papers.


SUN 08:10 Sunday Worship (b00p068r)
A service for Advent from St Ninian's Cathedral, Perth, led by the Very Rev Hunter Farquharson with the Rev Ann Mazur.

Preacher: the Most Rev David Chillingworth, Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church.

Musical Director: Richard Walmsley.

Organist: Andrew Tillett.


SUN 08:50 A Point of View (b00nz944)
Spirit of the Game

A weekly reflection on a topical issue from Clive James. The spirit in which the game is played determines whether he likes or loathes the sport.


SUN 09:00 Broadcasting House (b00p068t)
This week on BH, we look into a report which suggests a dozen NHS hospital trusts in England are "significantly under-performing", despite nine recently having been rated as good or excellent.

Also, as John Demjanjuk stands trial in Munich, accused of atrocities at the Sobibor camp during World War Two, we have contrasting tales of hope and despair from Holocaust survivors. We wonder where BH's extra minute is coming from and, as Julie Andrews announces her return to the stage, we have a listen to the marvel that is the human voice.

Reviewing the newspapers this week were star of stage and screen Dame Diana Rigg, chairman of the Environment Agency Lord Smith and film maker and art critic Ben Lewis.


SUN 10:00 The Archers Omnibus (b00p068w)
The week's events in Ambridge.


SUN 11:15 Desert Island Discs (b00p068y)
Morrissey

Kirsty Young's castaway is Morrissey.

As the lead singer of The Smiths he captivated a generation of angst-ridden teenagers and, a quarter of a century later, he remains the outsider's outsider.

As a child, he was enthralled by the emotion and beauty in pop music. He discovered the joy of public performance when, as a six-year-old boy, he stood on a table and started singing. But from an early age he felt he had to avoid everything conventional life had to offer. 'I just didn't want the norm in any way, he says, 'and I didn't get it. And I'm very glad.'

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

Record: (There's Gonna Be A) Showdown, New York Dolls
Book: The Complete Works of Oscar Wilde
Luxury: A comfy bed with lots of pillows.


SUN 12:00 I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue (b00ny7n8)
Series 52

Episode 2

The perennial antidote to panel games comes from the Old Vic Theatre in London, with Jack Dee taking over the chairman's role.

Regulars Barry Cryer, Graeme Garden and Tim Brooke-Taylor are joined by Rob Brydon.

With Colin Sell at the piano.


SUN 12:32 The Food Programme (b00p0690)
Awards Extras

The 2009 Food and Farming Awards were a glittering affair, attended by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. Our winners were thrilled to receive awards from both of them, and from food celebrities including Raymond Blanc, Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall and Mark Hix. In this programme, chef and restaurateur Mark Hix rejoins Sheila Dillon to tell us more about some of the finalists, including the fish smoker working from a shed on the beach, and the producers of charcuterie that's even fooled the French.


SUN 12:57 Weather (b00p0692)
The latest weather forecast.


SUN 13:00 The World This Weekend (b00p1f4v)
A look at events around the world with Brian Hanrahan.


SUN 13:30 Tarred and Feathered (b00p1f4x)
A woman is dragged from her home and, while a crowd screams at her, she is held down, her hair shaved off and paint poured over her head. Then she is tied to a lamp post and has a sign hung over her which reads 'Soldier Doll'. This is Northern Ireland in 1971, and no-one steps forward to help her. The victim's crime was to go out with a soldier. As law and order broke down in republican communities, the IRA filled the vacuum with their own 'alternative authority'.

Ruth McDonald goes in search of the woman, and discovers that this form of rough justice which, far from disappearing with the ceasefires, is on the increase.


SUN 14:00 Gardeners' Question Time (b00nz93r)
Eric Robson chairs the popular horticultural forum.

Bob Flowerdew, Anne Swithinbank and Matt Biggs answer questions posed by gardeners in Mayfield, East Sussex.

With Christmas just around the corner, the team give their top tips for which new books to buy, and Bunny Guinness checks out some new gadgets and gizmos that might be making an appearance in your garden some time soon.

Including Gardening weather forecast.


SUN 14:45 Brother Mine (b00cm7hg)
Twins

Famous sibling Julian Lloyd Webber takes a closer look at what it is to be a sibling and why that relationship can be a lifelong source of love, hate, conflict and peace.

Julian concludes the series with an exploration of the culture, mysticism, facts and figures of twins in everyday life and historical culture. What makes their connection unique?

Featuring academics and twins Meleri & Dathyl Evans.

Producer: Terry Lewis
A Tinderbox production for BBC Radio 4.


SUN 15:00 Classic Serial (b00p1fj2)
Book 1: Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

Part 1

Dramatisation by Shaun McKenna of John le Carre's classic novel featuring intelligence officer George Smiley.

Ever since the capture and torture of their agent in Czechoslovakia, the British Secret Intelligence Service has been in trouble. Now, the government has been forced to call George Smiley back from retirement to investigate the whole incident and to seek out the mole they believe to be at the heart of the service.

George Smiley ...... Simon Russell Beale
Ann Smiley ...... Anna Chancellor
Jim Prideaux ...... Anthony Calf
Peter Guillam ...... Ewan Bailey
Oliver Lacon ...... Alex Jennings
Ricki Tarr ...... Jamie Foreman
Irina ...... Vera Filatova
Mendel ...... Kenneth Cranham
Connie Sachs ...... Maggie Steed
Magyar ...... Peter Majer
Roddy Martindale ...... Philip Fox
Bill Roach ...... Ryan Watson

This episode is available until 3.00pm on Sunday 2nd May as part of the Series Catch-up Trial.


SUN 16:00 Open Book (b00p1fth)
Jeanette Winterson, Sir Frank Kermode, Meg Rosoff and Philip Ardagh

Mariella talks to Jeanette Winterson, best known for novels including Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit and Lighthousekeeping, about a pair of books she has written for children. The Battle of the Sun is the sequel to the bestselling Tanglewreck. She explains her fascination with Elizabethan London and why a childhood spent almost without books turned her into a storyteller.

Two other top children's authors, Meg Rosoff and Philip Ardagh, recommend their favourite titles of 2009, from picture books to novels for young adults.

Mariella also talks to the distinguished Shakespeare scholar Sir Frank Kermode. His new book, published in the week of his 90th birthday, returns to one of his first loves, the novels of EM Forster. He explains his admiration for - and reservations about - Forster's work.


SUN 16:30 Adventures in Poetry (b00p1ftk)
Series 10

An Arundel Tomb

Peggy Reynolds explores the background, effect and lasting appeal of some well-loved poems.

Philip Larkin was disappointed by his 'Tomb poem': one of the pivotal details was wrong and another, he discovered, had been invented by a Victorian restorer 500 years later. 'Muddle to the end,' he complained, and yet it is now one of his best-loved and most quoted poems.


SUN 16:56 1989: Day by Day (b00p1g92)
29th November 1989

Sir John Tusa looks back at the events making the news 20 years ago.

Margaret Thatcher and her challenger Sir Anthony Meyer submit their nomination papers as the fight begins for the leadership of the Conservative Party.

A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4.


SUN 17:00 File on 4 (b00nycc4)
Organ Shortages

With around 8,000 people waiting for an organ transplant in the UK, hospitals are having to use organs from the elderly, smokers, cancer sufferers and drug abusers. Gerry Northam examines the dilemmas posed for doctors and assesses the risks to transplant patients.


SUN 17:40 From Fact to Fiction (b00p03hr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 19:00 on Saturday]


SUN 17:54 Shipping Forecast (b00p1g94)
The latest shipping forecast.


SUN 17:57 Weather (b00p1g96)
The latest weather forecast.


SUN 18:00 Six O'Clock News (b00p1g98)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4.


SUN 18:15 Pick of the Week (b00p1g9b)
Liz Barclay introduces her selection of highlights from the past week on BBC radio.

Programmes featured on the programme:

Off the Page - Radio 4
Bespoken Word - Radio 4
Book at Bedtime: Notwithstanding - Radio 4
In Search of Beauty - Radio 4
The Essay: Enlightenment Voices, episode 4 - Radio 3
Jeremy Vine Show on Dementia - Radio 2
Outlook - World Service
Jo Caulfield Won't Shut Up - Radio 4
A Very Scottish Homecoming, episode 5 - Radio 4
The Nightingale of the Nile - Radio 4
The Friday Play: Shirleymander - Radio 4
The Cases that Changed Our World - Radio 4
The Songs the Beatles Gave Away - Radio 2.


SUN 19:00 The Archers (b00p1g9x)
Leonie arrives and is eager to hold her nephew but Lynda's reluctant to disturb him. Robert arrives home to see Lynda bonding with Oscar, and remarks on how she's really getting the hang of being a granny.

Tony and Jennifer join Peggy to look around The Laurels. Now that it's becoming a reality, Peggy starts to see fault in everything. She's worried that the room seems smaller than before but Jennifer thinks it'll be homely once they've moved Jack's things in. Tony remarks that at least Jack will be able to see some of the garden from the room. He'll ask if Jack can have a bird feeder outside the window.

Peggy tries to reason that Jack will be in a stronger position if a bigger room becomes available if he's already there. But when Mrs Dawson reminds her that all of Jack's clothes will need his name and room number written on them, Peggy gets upset. Jack's been reduced to a number like a prisoner. She's dreading the moment when she'll have to leave Jack there. Jennifer says she won't be on her own. Peggy knows that, but Jack will be.

Episode written by Nawal Gadalla.


SUN 19:15 Americana (b00p1g9z)
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.

Matt Frei talks to American storyteller, musician, humorist and radio personality Garrison Keillor for some tips on Thanksgiving reading, holiday stories and all things American.

Matt gets the inside track from David Plouffe, President Barak Obama's 2008 campaign manager. They cover everything from Thanksgiving 2007 on the election trail to whether he'd consider running a Sarah Palin 2012 campaign.

From news anchor to cranberry relish-maker, Matt talks to one of the founding women of American public radio news, Susan Stamberg. She shares a few Thanksgiving tips, including her recipe for cranberry relish and some advice about how to outsource the bulk of the Thanksgiving feast preparations.

Matt talks to Master Edward Winslow, an American Pilgrim from the year 1627.


SUN 19:45 Afternoon Reading (b0080g3t)
Sputnik

The Phantom Cosmonaut

A selection of stories celebrating the Russian satellite which started the space race in 1957.

By Anita Sullivan, read by Neil Dudgeon.

For every successful space launch, there were plenty of rumours about missions that went wrong and were never reported. Years before Gagarin, a small spacecraft breaks from its intended orbit.

A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4.


SUN 20:00 Feedback (b00nz1bm)
Roger Bolton airs listeners' views on BBC radio programmes and policy.


SUN 20:30 Last Word (b00nz93v)
Marking the lives of BBC sports commentator Max Robertson; the Swedish soprano Elizabeth Soderstrom; the Italian mountaineer Lino Lacedelli; British painter John Craxton and the jazz bass player Jeff Clyne.


SUN 21:00 Money Box (b00p016q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:00 on Saturday]


SUN 21:26 Radio 4 Appeal (b00p068k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:55 today]


SUN 21:30 In Business (b00nz005)
Unlimited Company

In a world where banks and conventional companies have taken a big battering in the recession, perhaps there are better ways of running an business. Peter Day listens to some people who are trying to do things completely differently.


SUN 21:58 Weather (b00p1gf8)
The latest weather forecast.


SUN 22:00 Westminster Hour (b00p1gfb)
Reports from behind the scenes at Westminster. Including Political Roots.


SUN 23:00 1989: Day by Day Omnibus (b00p1gjh)
Week ending 28th November 1989

A look back at the events making the news 20 years ago, with Sir John Tusa.

The Czech leadership are forced to resign but demonstrators in Prague keep up the pressure for free elections, and Margaret Thatcher defends her record on the BBC's Panorama.

A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4.


SUN 23:30 Something Understood (b00p0486)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:05 today]



MONDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2009

MON 00:00 Midnight News (b00p1h0w)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4. Followed by Weather.


MON 00:15 Thinking Allowed (b00nyfhk)
E-Elections - Jazz

Barack Obama famously used new technologies in his 2008 election campaign. Could those same techniques be used to reinvigorate the next UK general elction in the same way it did for Obama's Web 2.0 campaign? From MySpace and Facebook, text messages to email, will new media transform the election in the same way it did for America? Or is the UK too party political for digital technology to have the same impact? Laurie Taylor discusses with Rachel Gibson, Professor of Political Science at the University of Manchester.

Also, how musicians performing can give new insights into negotiation, learning and decision making. Howard S Becker, professional jazz player and acclaimed sociologist, joins Laurie to discuss what jazz and music can teach the rest of the world.


MON 00:45 Bells on Sunday (b00p0482)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:43 on Sunday]


MON 00:48 Shipping Forecast (b00p1h2l)
The latest shipping forecast.


MON 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (b00p1h4b)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.


MON 05:20 Shipping Forecast (b00p1h40)
The latest shipping forecast.


MON 05:30 News Briefing (b00p1hck)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4.


MON 05:43 Prayer for the Day (b00p1hhc)
Daily prayer and reflection with Alastair McIntosh.


MON 05:45 Farming Today (b00p1hkp)
News and issues in rural Britain with Charlotte Smith.

There are 3,000 unregulated sewer overflows draining into rivers. During heavy rain, that can mean sewage going directly into watercourses. The Environment Agency is trying to impose restrictions, but some water companies are resisting this, saying it is an unfair and unworkable regulation.

From robotic milking devices to tick-killing sheep, a look at technology that, it is hoped, will ensure productive and sustainable farming for the future. One new discovery is making it possible to prove where an animal or plant comes from.


MON 05:57 Weather (b00p1nly)
The latest weather forecast for farmers.


MON 06:00 Today (b00p1hq6)
Presented by James Naughtie and Evan Davis.

Iran has announced that it intends to build ten new uranium enrichment plants. The foreign secretary, David Miliband, says Tehran has chosen to 'provoke and dissemble' instead of talking, despite a willingness in London and other capitals to support a civilian nuclear programme. Israel has been sceptical about attempts to reopen a diplomatic dialogue with Iran and Israel's ambassador to the UK, Ron Prosor, argues that sanctions do work.

State-owned Dubai World's debt problems pose a problem not just for Dubai but potentially for the rest of the world. The news that Dubai wanted to suspend payments on its debt shook worldwide financial markets last week, but should it have been a shock? Why were we so ignorant? Dr Christopher Davidson of Durham University argues that British banks were exposing themselves to risky foreign debt.

A new drug which apparently has an effect similar to that of LSD and cocaine is becoming increasingly popular - and it's legal. It's called mephodrone, and it's being sold on the internet and is available in 'alternative' shops. Joe Crowley reports for Inside Out on BBC1 and Professor Fabrizio Schifano, Professor of Clinical Pharmacology at the University of Hertfordshire, describes its risks and popularity among young people.

The Liberal Democrats are announcing their tax policy, which they say is the most radical for a generation. The party's leader Nick Clegg outlines the plans.

Tiger Woods has hit out at 'unfounded rumours' circulating since his car accident in the early hours of Friday. The media is awash with rumours - which have been denied - of an extramarital affair. It is the kind of story that the golfer has always seemed unlikely to get himself involved in. Nigel Curry, a sports brand manager with Bran Rapport, and golf writer Mike Aitken discuss the incident.

Thought for the Day with John Bell.

The regional newspaper publisher Johnston Press, whose titles include the Worksop Guardian and the Whitby Gazette, is to start charging for web access to those papers. This news follows the announcement by Rupert Murdoch that he was trying to find ways of getting people to pay for web content for his papers, including The Times. Technology correspondent Rory Cellan Jones reports on the announcement. Emily Bell, director of digital content at The Guardian, and Roger Parry, former chair of Johnston Press, discuss how the model will work.

Share prices have fallen sharply in the United Arab Emirates, as investors react to the debt crisis in Dubai. Economics correspondent Stephanie Flanders, Sir Howard Davies, Director of the London School of Economics, and Terry Smith, chief executive of the money brokers Tullett Prebon, debate the future of the Emirate's economy.

The Bishop of Croydon, the Rt Rev Nick Baines, has said that the most popular carols and nativity plays are becoming stripped of some of their Christian significance. He talks about it in a short book just out: Why Wish You a Merry Christmas? He debates the nature of Christmas celebration with The Guardian's Madeleine Bunting, who often writes on religious matters.

The Royal Society celebrates its 350th anniversary next year, launching a new website featuring some of the most exciting and influential discoveries published in its journals, from Isaac Newton's explanation of the rainbow to Crick and Watson's description of the structure of DNA. Our science correspondent Tom Feilden reports on the fascinating archive.

The government's youth rehabilitation order comes into effect in England today. Ministers describe it as a system of 'smarter punishments' giving judges and magistrates a choice of 18 options for under-18-year olds from which to choose sentences that fit the crimes and the individuals. The justice secretary Jack Straw outlines the new system.

A White House spokesman has said time is running out for Iran to address concerns about its nuclear programme, after the country announced its intention to build 10 new uranium enrichment plants. The BBC's Middle East editor Jeremy Bowen analyses the current situation.

Research by Cambridge University has established that only a river separated Great Britain from what is now France and the Low Countries. Soil samples have proved that it was once possible to walk across what is now the English Channel and the North Sea before sea levels rose about half a million years ago. Prof Phil Gibbard, from Cambridge's Department of Geography, explains the findings.

Previously secret papers held in the national archives reveal how far Winston Churchill went in his efforts to keep Spain neutral during World War II. Tonight's Document programme, broadcast at 8pm on Radio 4, tells the story of how Churchill sanctioned multi-million-pound bribes to some of Franco's top generals who pledged to stop their leader joining Hitler. Mike Thomson reports.

There will be no such thing as a typical family in the next decade accordin


MON 09:00 Start the Week (b00p1nm0)
Andrew Marr explores how terrorism ends with strategist Audrey Kurth Cronin and police chief Sir Hugh Orde. Eugene Rogan charts the history of the Arabs, from the Ottoman Empire to the rise of Arab nationalism and the conflict between secular and Islamic values. Documentary maker Sarah Wood explains why she wanted to recreate the missing Palestinian Archive.


MON 09:45 Book of the Week (b00p684l)
The Hair of the Dog and Other Scientific Surprises

Episode 1

Karl Sabbagh's book explores the surprising science behind seemingly trivial assumptions.

An inventor who was strangled by his own invention, a Nobel Prize winner who had his 'eureka' moment in the car and how stem cell research could change the future of medicine.

Read by Toby Longworth.

Abridged by Libby Spurrier.

A Pier Production for BBC Radio 4.


MON 10:00 Woman's Hour (b00p1jsz)
Camille O'Sullivan; Men and depression; Rollerderby

Cabaret star Camille O'Sullivan sings live. Plus, Plus, living with a man with depression, and the popularity of the predominantly woman only sport Rollerderby.


MON 11:00 Brick by Brick (b00p1nm3)
A look at the demolitions industry through the dismantling of one of the largest granite-faced buildings in the world.

Marischal College in Aberdeen is to house the city's new council offices.

In a bid to save the historic frontage, skilled demolition workers, stonemasons and archaeologists dismantle it piece-by-piece, leaving only the outer walls.

Producer: Katie Burningham

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2009


MON 11:30 Tickets Please (b00p1nm5)
Episode 3

Love among the train-staff on the 9.27 London to Exeter flourishes, but with the unwelcome addition of Diana's amorous mum. And why is her Dad squashing Carol's muffins?

Sitcom on rails by Mark Maier.

Robin..................Jeremy Swift
Nadine...................Alex Kelly
Peter..............Malcolm Tierney
Carol..............Tessa Nicholson
Carl................Nicholas Boulton
Diana...............Melissa Advani
Linda...................Kate Layden
Keith...............Stephen Hogan

Producer: Peter Kavanagh

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2009.


MON 12:00 You and Yours (b00p1jy2)
Consumer news and issues with Julian Worricker.


MON 12:57 Weather (b00p1kzd)
The latest weather forecast.


MON 13:00 World at One (b00p1l1v)
National and international news with Martha Kearney.


MON 13:30 Brain of Britain (b00p28w7)
Russell Davies chairs the eighth heat of the perennial general knowledge contest, with contestants from the Midlands.


MON 14:00 The Archers (b00p1g9x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 19:00 on Sunday]


MON 14:15 Drama (b00p28w9)
Grey Expectations

By Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran.

You can have too much money. Graham Slater has 200 billion pounds to get rid of, since most of the world's toxic loans have materialised in his office - which happens to be in a parallel universe.

Graham ...... Stephen Mangan
Griselda ...... Rebecca Front
Dottie ...... Phyllida Law
Laz ...... Toby Longworth
Mrs Grayson ...... Polly Frame
Cabby ...... Matt Addis

Directed by Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran.

A CPL production for BBC Radio 4.


MON 15:00 Birds and the Battlefield (b00gbf2j)
BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner, himself a keen bird watcher, examines the sometimes surprising links between soldiers and birds and the comfort soldiers find in such an interest in times of extreme stress. It is a relationship that can be traced from those who served in the First World War trenches to troops currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Featuring interviews with current servicemen and women as well as letters from the front, poetry, music and birdsong.

A Ladbroke production for BBC Radio 4.


MON 15:30 BBC National Short Story Award (b00p1l9g)
BBC National Short Story Award 2009

Other People's Gods

By Naomi Alderman. The first of five shortlisted stories for the annual prize, chosen from over 680 entries from published writers. Read by Miriam Margolyes

Written by an exciting mix of well known and newer writers, the stories range from the contemporary to the fantastical, and from the funny to the intensely moving. They reflect the very best in short story writing in Britain today, and are read by some of the nation's best-known actors.


MON 16:00 The Food Programme (b00p0690)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:32 on Sunday]


MON 16:30 The Infinite Monkey Cage (b00p29kc)
Series 1

Science and Comedians

Former cosmologist Dara O'Briain and Dr Alice Roberts join physicist Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince for a witty, irreverant and unashamedly rational look at the world according to science. They'll be asking why so many comedians seem to start life as scientists, and begin their quest to put science at the heart of popular culture.


MON 16:56 1989: Day by Day (b00p1lgj)
30th November 1989

Sir John Tusa looks back at the events making the news 20 years ago.

Record libel damages are awarded to Conservative peer Lord Aldington after being accused of war crimes.

A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4.


MON 17:00 PM (b00p1lgz)
Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Eddie Mair. Plus Weather.


MON 18:00 Six O'Clock News (b00p1lsc)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4.


MON 18:30 I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue (b00p2b01)
Series 52

Episode 3

The perennial antidote to panel games pays a visit to the Festival Theatre in Chichester, with Jack Dee taking the chairman's role.

Regulars Barry Cryer, Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden are joined by David Mitchell.

With Colin Sell at the piano.


MON 19:00 The Archers (b00p1l27)
Joe's dropping big hints about what he'd like for Christmas. Ed reminds him that times are lean. Joe's heard there's a possible job going at Lower Loxley, organising the decoration-making in the Cruck Barn. Joe reckons it's a real business opportunity.

Adam's impressed with Will's plans for putting beetle banks on the Estate, and will do what he can. Adam's pleased that diverting the footpath has finally been agreed, so he can get on with the polytunnel extension.

Joe and Helen laugh at the embarrassing pictures of Mike that have appeared all over the place. Joe remarks that Vicky's good fun. Will praises Helen on her babysitting skills, but Helen's not keen to hear that the kids can't wait for her to do it again.
Joe mentions to Will that Caroline was impressed with the pheasant casserole Ed and Emma cooked. Assuming Ed must have poached them, Will angrily storms off to confront him. As soon as he's got proof he's going straight to the police.

Leon cooks a candle-lit meal for Helen. She tentatively suggests introducing him to her parents. Leon's really not keen. They'll have to arrange a time when he's less busy.

Episode written by Nawal Gadalla.


MON 19:15 Front Row (b00p1md1)
The Box is the latest film from Richard Kelly, the director of the cult hit Donnie Darko. In his new film, a couple who have fallen on hard times are offered a deal with the devil which has lethal consequences if they succumb to temptation. Comedian Natalie Haynes reviews.

Kate Clanchy gives the second of Front Row's five interviews with authors shortlisted for the 2009 BBC National Short Story Award. The stories are broadcast at 3.30pm every day this week on Radio 4, with Kate Clanchy's story, The Not Dead and the Saved, going out tomorrow.

The Medieval and Renaissance galleries at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London have undergone a major restoration and refurbishment. Writers Lady Antonia Fraser and Lawrence Norfolk give their response to the museum's latest development, which spreads ten galleries over three levels.

Chichester Cathedral is commissioning a new work of contemporary art, for a space at the front of the nave. Five artists are competing for the commission. Canon Dr Anthony Cane from the Cathedral tells Mark about the brief the artists have received, and two of the contenders, Mark Wallinger and Jaume Plensa, reveal their proposals for this ancient building.


MON 19:45 15 Minute Drama (b00p1mjm)
Our Mutual Friend

Episode 16

Adaptation by Mike Walker of Charles Dickens' classic novel.

Eugene heads upstream looking for Lizzie, unaware of the man in the shadows. Boffin, meanwhile, has an appointment with Wegg.

Charles Dickens ...... Alex Jennings
Bella Wilfer ...... Daisy Haggard
Lizzie Hexam ...... Lizzy Watts
John Rokesmith ...... Carl Prekopp
Eugene Wrayburn ...... Patrick Kennedy
Boffin ...... Jason Watkins
Mortimer Lightwood ...... Matt Addis
Sloppy ...... Benjamin Askew
Mrs Boffin ...... Pauline Quirke
Pa Wilfer ...... Philip Fox
Charlie Hexam ...... Adam Arnold
Bradley Headstone ...... Neil Stuke
Silas Wegg ...... Lee Ross
Venus ...... Stephen Hogan
Rogue Riderhood ...... Jamie Foreman

Music by Roger Goula

Directed by Jessica Dromgoole and Jeremy Mortimer

This episode is available until 7.45pm on 11th December as part of the Series Catch-up Trial.


MON 20:00 Document (b00p2b03)
Churchill and Spain in World War 2

Mike Thomson presents the series using documentary evidence to throw new light on past events.

Mike uncovers Winston Churchill's paper trail of secret deals, bribes and broken promises in wartime Spain.

If Spain entered the war, Britain's supply lines would have been cut and Gibraltar and the entire North Africa campaign put in peril. Desperate to stop this happening, the prime minister paid Franco's top generals multi-million pound bribes. Churchill believed disaster could only be averted by using vast sums of money and a shady entrepreneur known as the Last Pirate of the Mediterranean.


MON 20:30 Crossing Continents (b00nyxvt)
A Small Town in Mississippi

In 1995, four people were murdered in Winona, Mississippi. The black man charged with their murders is now facing his sixth trial. Racial tensions helped lead to three convictions being overturned and two trials were deadlocked by hung juries. Tom Mangold visits the Deep South to investigate and to speak to those most closely involved. What he discovers says much about whether the high hopes of an increasingly race-neutral America are still justified at the close of the first year of Barack Obama's presidency.


MON 21:00 Frontiers (b00p2bnf)
Population Growth and Global Warming

Ahead of the 2009 Climate Change conference in Copenhagen, Geoff Watts chairs a special Frontiers debate on one of global warming's most contentious issues - population growth. Delegates in Copenhagen will address how to reduce greenhouse gases, blamed for warming the planet. But in focusing on energy production, is there a factor that is being ignored because it is too controversial - the sheer numbers of us on the planet? Geoff and guests grapple with the complex issues surrounding population and climate change. If there is a relationship, what can be done about it?

Joining Geoff on the panel are:

John Guillebaud, Emeritus Professor of Family Planning and Reproductive Health at University College London

David Satterthwaite, Senior Fellow in Human Settlements at the International Institute for Environment and Development

Karen Newman, Co-ordinator at the Population and Sustainability Network.


MON 21:30 Start the Week (b00p1nm0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


MON 21:58 Weather (b00p1mk8)
The latest weather forecast.


MON 22:00 The World Tonight (b00p1mwv)
National and international news and analysis with Ritula Shah.

Five yachtsmen are being held in Iran.

Gordon Brown confirms extra troops for Afghanistan.

Private security groups patrol poorer neighbourhoods.

Is Kosovo's declaration of independence legal?

Latin America has its first gay wedding.


MON 22:45 Book at Bedtime (b00p1mwx)
Riceyman Steps

Episode 1

Robert Powell reads from the 1923 novel by Arnold Bennett about the poignant struggles of everyday London life.

It is a year since the end of the First World War, and Londoners are struggling to return to normal life. But on Riceyman Steps a secondhand bookseller is already contemplating a significant change to his circumstances.

A Waters Partnership production for BBC Radio 4.


MON 23:00 Word of Mouth (b00nycby)
Michael Rosen investigates coded language.


MON 23:30 Today in Parliament (b00p1n8j)
News, views and features on today's stories in Parliament with Susan Hulme.



TUESDAY 01 DECEMBER 2009

TUE 00:00 Midnight News (b00p1gxc)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4. Followed by Weather.


TUE 00:30 Book of the Week (b00p684l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:45 on Monday]


TUE 00:48 Shipping Forecast (b00p1h0y)
The latest shipping forecast.


TUE 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (b00p1h42)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.


TUE 05:20 Shipping Forecast (b00p1h2n)
The latest shipping forecast.


TUE 05:30 News Briefing (b00p1h5w)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4.


TUE 05:43 Prayer for the Day (b00p1hcm)
Daily prayer and reflection with Alastair McIntosh.


TUE 05:45 Farming Today (b00p1hhf)
Anna Hill speaks to the scientist who has grown meat in the laboratory for the first time. He says it could eventually reach the supermarket shelves.

Rural poverty is increasing, with children being hit the hardest. The Commission for Rural Communities calls on the government to do more to help.


TUE 06:00 Today (b00p1hks)
With James Naughtie and Sarah Montague. Including Sports Desk, Yesterday in Parliament, Weather, Thought for the Day.


TUE 09:00 The Choice (b00p2cbx)
Michael Buerk interviews people who have made life-altering decisions and talks them through the whole process, from the original dilemma to living with the consequences.

Michael talks to former social worker Nevres Kemal, who blew the whistle on Haringey Council before the death of Baby P.


TUE 09:30 Pilots That Never Flew (b00g633n)
Writers

Series in which director of the National Youth Theatre Paul Roseby examines the laborious process of creating successful pilot programmes.

Paul talks to writers whose ideas were eventually turned into pilots: Geoff Atkinson, Paul Dornan and the creators of Ed Reardon's Week, Andrew Nickolds and Christopher Douglas.

A Heavy Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4.


TUE 09:45 Book of the Week (b00p6yx5)
The Hair of the Dog and Other Scientific Surprises

Episode 2

Karl Sabbagh book explores the surprising science behind seemingly trivial assumptions.

Why a hair of the dog works, how a 5,000-year-old pot could show early animation, and the question, 'is your brain is really necessary?'

Read by Toby Longworth.

Abridged by Libby Spurrier.

A Pier Production for BBC Radio 4.


TUE 10:00 Woman's Hour (b00p1hsg)
Annie Lennox on AIDS; Women MPs

Singer Annie Lennox on HIV and AIDS in South Africa. Plus, ninety years of women MPs, and the impact of cheap wool on the environment.


TUE 11:00 Tempus Fugit (b00p2cbz)
Why does time seem to speed up the older you get?

Ian Peacock finds out what is going on in our brain when we perceive time. He discovers why, when we're young, summer holidays seem to stretch forever. But as we age, those precious two weeks in the sun are over in a flash.

He looks at how we measure time and how it can be distorted in our minds, and asks what we can do to make the most of the precious time we have.


TUE 11:30 A Jewel in the Comedy Crown (b00p2cc1)
Jason Manford pays tribute to Jimmy Jewel, one of the most enduring showbusiness entertainers of the 20th century.

Born in December 1909, Jewel, probably best remembered today for his fractious double act with Hylda Baker in the 1960s and 70s comedy Nearest and Dearest, first took to the stage aged four. Later, as part of the variety double act Jewel and Warriss, he became a popular music hall star. Jewel continued a successful career on radio, stage and screen before cementing his position as one of the great survivors and adapters when he made the transformation to accomplished straight actor.

Jimmy Jewel's story reflects the changing face of British light entertainment over 60 years, and this programme is peppered with classic Jewel archive and includes contributions from actor Jean Boht and variety entertainer John Styles.


TUE 12:00 You and Yours (b00p1jxr)
Consumer news and issues with Julian Worricker.


TUE 12:57 Weather (b00p1k9r)
The latest weather forecast.


TUE 13:00 World at One (b00p1kzg)
National and international news with Martha Kearney.


TUE 13:30 Tales from the Stave (b00p2cq0)
Series 5

Bach's B-Minor Mass

There are very few scores anywhere in the world of more value than Bach's famous Mass. So fragile is it that the Berlin library where it's kept (the Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin) allows only a very few people ever to see it, let alone touch it.

Choral conductor Simon Halsey and the Bach soprano Deborah York join Frances at the Library to get closer to the great German composer's extraordinary industry and to catch a glimpse of his humanity. It is often half-jokingly said that, to his fans, Bach is not so much a composer as a religion; but here, in his neat hand, are the crossings out and re-workings of a man still seeking to perfect music, much of which was written earlier in his life.

Simon Halsey has described the B-Minor Mass as 'Bach's greatest hits', since in many ways it is a compilation of pieces he had composed over a number of years. The Berlin score isn't simply a fair copy of this assembly, but shows Bach still hard at work, changing his mind, rewriting - a phrase shifted here, a key modulated there - introducing new instrumentation and striving for something better.

There is also an incredible technological story to tell. Bach's pages are literally thick with music - so thick that in many places the ink has actually burned through the paper, leaving it almost impossible to read. So the Library has had to split the single pages open and insert a protective sheet to stabilise the ink-burn.


TUE 14:00 The Archers (b00p1l27)
[Repeat of broadcast at 19:00 on Monday]


TUE 14:15 Drama (b00p2h3z)
Don Webb - Right Place, Wrong Time

Dark thriller by Don Webb. Alan Morgan is a salesman; he spends a lot of time away from home. A series of violent crimes is committed across the north. The only lead is a photo-fit reconstruction of the robber's face - it is the spitting image of Alan.

Alan ...... Shaun Dooley
Perkins ...... Greg Wood
Cheshire ...... James Quinn
Jill ...... Fiona Clarke
Berry ...... Roger Morlidge
Margaret ...... Ruth Alexander-Rubin.


TUE 15:00 Home Planet (b00p2h88)
Nuclear power is being offered as one solution to the problems of burning fossil fuels and its likely that new atomic power stations will be built in the coming decades. But how would you react if you were told that they would run out of fuel in a matter of decades? Home Planet asks how big stocks of uranium are and whether their really is enough to fuel a nuclear boom.

How, too, will rain forests and savannahs be treated at the Copenhagen summit? Could seeding clouds have diverted the recent devastating rain away from Cumbria? Can incinerators ever be a safe method of waste disposal, and what are the limits of scientific discovery?

On the panel are conservationist Dr Lynn Dicks of Cambridge University, science writer Ehsan Masood and Professor Philip Stott, an environmental scientist from the University of London.

As always we want to hear your comments on the topics discussed and any questions you might want to put to future programmes.


TUE 15:30 BBC National Short Story Award (b00p5xk0)
BBC National Short Story Award 2009

The Not-Dead and the Saved

By Kate Clanchy. Penelope Wilton reads the second of five shortlisted stories for the annual prize, chosen from over 680 entries from published writers.

Written by an exciting mix of well known and newer writers, the stories range from the contemporary to the fantastical, and from the funny to the intensely moving. They reflect the very best in short story writing in Britain today, and are read by some of the nation's best-known actors.


TUE 16:00 Word of Mouth (b00p2hfw)
Michael Rosen asks whether English is one language or a thousand.


TUE 16:30 A Good Read (b00p2hfy)
David Rowntree and Kanya King

Sue MacGregor is joined by two very different figures from the world of contemporary British music. Drummer with Blur, Dave Rowntree choses John Fowles' classic first novel, whilst Kanya King, founder of the prestigious MOBO Awards is the first person to select a new age self-help book on the series.

Books featured in the programme:
Dave's choice: The Collector by John Fowles
Publ: Vintage Classics

Kanya's choice: Synchrodestiny by Deepak Chopra
Publ: Ebury

Sue's choice: An Education by Lynn Barber
Publ: Penguin

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2009.


TUE 16:56 1989: Day by Day (b00p1lcw)
1st December 1989

Sir John Tusa looks back at the events making the news 20 years ago.

Mikhail Gorbachev becomes the first Soviet leader to visit the Vatican and there is fierce fighting in the Philippines as thousands of troops attempt to overthrow their president.

A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4.


TUE 17:00 PM (b00p1lgl)
Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Eddie Mair.


TUE 18:00 Six O'Clock News (b00p1lrs)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4.


TUE 18:30 Jo Caulfield Won't Shut Up! (b00p2hg0)
Episode 4

She came, she saw, she criticised: stand-up comedian Jo Caulfield holds forth with a glorious mixture of bitchy friendliness and foot-in-mouth populism.

In this episode, Jo fails to shut up about the complex relationship between the global banking system, the M3 money supply, quantitative easing and Kerry Katona.

With Zoe Lyons, Nick Revell and William Hartley.

Written by Jo Caulfield and Kevin Anderson, with additional material by Michael Beck, James Branch, Dan Evans, Jules Gregg, Brian Mitchell, Joseph Nixon and Matt Ross.

A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4.


TUE 19:00 The Archers (b00p1l1x)
Lynda tries to hurry Leonie and Caz along to see the Christmas lights switch-on but when Robert arrives with a Christmas tree, divisive Leonie suggests they decorate their tree instead. Lynda leaves them to it. She'll catch up with Robert at Mike's party.

Leonie warns Caz not to let Lynda influence the way she brings up Oscar. Caz agrees that Lynda's a bit scary and Leonie questions what she knows about being a parent.

Vicky's really pleased with the banners and posters of Mike all around the village but Mike's customers have been ribbing him. She's assembled loads of photos at the Bull but Robert notes there's only one of Mike with Betty.

Susan thinks Jolene's done Vicky proud with the decorations. She wonders if she and Sid would consider having the post office in the pub if the community shop idea fell through. It's been done in other villages. Jolene says she'll think about it.

Robert notes how much joy Vicky's bought into Mike's life. Lynda thinks Oscar's bought just as much into theirs. Mike leads Vicky to the dance floor. Sensing Lynda's dread at the thought of saying goodbye to Oscar, Robert whisks her off to the dance floor too.

Episode written by Nawal Gadalla.


TUE 19:15 Front Row (b00p1m0c)
Arts news and reviews with John Wilson.

In a new exhibition, Earth: Art of a Changing World at the Royal Academy in London, 35 leading international artists have created artworks that respond to the theme of climate change. Among the artists featured are Mona Hatoum, Tracey Emin, Antony Gormley and Tacita Dean. Writer Iain Sinclair considers whether art has a place in the climate change debate.

It is ten years since the Royal Opera House re-opened after a major refurbishment, a period considered by many to have been a critical success. Conductor and pianist Antonio Pappano looks back on a decade as the ROH's Director of Music.

Mercury-nominated singer Florence and the Machine is in the charts with her cover of Candi Staton's song You've Got the Love. Florence Welch looks back on a year in which she's gathered a substantial number of awards and plaudits, including the Critics' Choice at the 2009 Brits.

Sara Maitland is the third of Front Row's five interviews with authors shortlisted for the 2009 BBC National Short Story Award. The stories can be heard every day this week on Radio 4, with Sara Maitland's story Moss Witch being broadcast tomorrow.


TUE 19:45 15 Minute Drama (b00p1md3)
Our Mutual Friend

Episode 17

Adaptation by Mike Walker of Charles Dickens' classic novel.

Eugene finds Lizzie, but it looks as if John may have lost Bella.

Charles Dickens ...... Alex Jennings
Bella Wilfer ...... Daisy Haggard
Lizzie Hexam ...... Lizzy Watts
John Rokesmith ...... Carl Prekopp
Eugene Wrayburn ...... Patrick Kennedy
Boffin ...... Jason Watkins
Mortimer Lightwood ...... Matt Addis
Sloppy ...... Benjamin Askew
Mrs Boffin ...... Pauline Quirke
Pa Wilfer ...... Philip Fox
Charlie Hexam ...... Adam Arnold
Bradley Headstone ...... Neil Stuke
Silas Wegg ...... Lee Ross
Venus ...... Stephen Hogan
Rogue Riderhood ...... Jamie Foreman

Music by Roger Goula

Directed by Jessica Dromgoole and Jeremy Mortimer

This episode is available until 7.45pm on 11th December as part of the Series Catch-up Trial.


TUE 20:00 File on 4 (b00p2hnt)
Iraqi Refugees

US troops have handed control for security in Iraq back to the Iraqi government, which was supposed to be the first sign that normality was returning to the streets. So why are thousands of Iraqi refugees still refusing to return home? Kate Clark invesigates.


TUE 20:40 In Touch (b00p2hnw)
Peter White with news and information for the blind and partially sighted.

Will Thoms and Hetal Bapodra are two blind guide dog owners who have been given conflicting and confusing information from an airline over the policy on charging blind people to carry their assistance dogs on flights. Peter investigates their complaints

Peter also talks to Bill Jolley about Australia's decision to adopt Unified English Braille, which makes alterations to what some peope refer to as 'correct' Braille. These changes include introducing a symbol for a capital letter, which is something the UK doesn't bother with. Bill told Peter that Australians haven't been in uproar about it and he feels that the UK should now conform and start using UEB.

Bill Poole, Chair of BAUK (the Braille Authority of the UK), says when members were asked to vote on using the new code, the majority were against it and BAUK would not revisit the decision until 2013. On capitalisation, Bill says the RNIB, the largest producer of Braille in the UK, produces both versions and people can request either for some educational books.


TUE 21:00 All in the Mind (b00p2hny)
Renaming Schizophrenia - Mindfulness

Claudia Hammond asks if changing the name of schizophrenia would help people understand what the condition is all about. Critics say the name is so inaccurate that it stigmatises mental illness and holds back research into treatment.

Plus mindfulness, an ancient technique now being used to treat everything from clinical depression to everyday stress. Claudia learns how to practise mindfulness on her way to work.


TUE 21:30 The Choice (b00p2cbx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


TUE 21:58 Weather (b00p1mjp)
The latest weather forecast.


TUE 22:00 The World Tonight (b00p1mvc)
National and international news and analysis with Ritula Shah.

Including:

President Obama is going on American television to outline his new strategy for Afghanistan

The Welsh Labour Party announces its new leader

And why loneliness, like flu, could be infectious.


TUE 22:45 Book at Bedtime (b00p3th9)
Riceyman Steps

Episode 2

Robert Powell reads from the 1923 novel by Arnold Bennett about the poignant struggles of everyday London life.

Henry Earlforward learns that his new neighbour, the widowed Mrs Arb, shares his passion for thrift. They also share the services of the good-natured charwoman, Elsie.

A Waters Partnership production for BBC Radio 4.


TUE 23:00 Vent (b01dw7cx)
Series 3

Loneliness Is a Crowded Head

Ben's life is full of well-meaning people trying to do everything for him. Everything, that is, except leave him alone.

He begins to wonder if Robinson Crusoe might have been on to a good thing.

Dark sitcom about a man in a coma, travelling through the distinctly odd landscape of his own unconscious mind.

Written by Nigel Smith.

Ben ...... Neil Pearson
Mary ...... Fiona Allen
Mum ...... Josie Lawrence
Blitz ...... Leslie Ash
Nurse ...... Jo Martin
Derek ...... Stephen Frost
Marley ...... Spencer Brown
Bea ...... Scarlett Milburn-Smith
Castaway ...... John Kay-Steel
Waiter ...... Bruce Alexander

Director: Nigel Smith.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2009.


TUE 23:30 Today in Parliament (b00p1n88)
News, views and features on today's stories in Parliament with David Wilby.



WEDNESDAY 02 DECEMBER 2009

WED 00:00 Midnight News (b00p1gxf)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4. Followed by Weather.


WED 00:30 Book of the Week (b00p6yx5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:45 on Tuesday]


WED 00:48 Shipping Forecast (b00p1h10)
The latest shipping forecast.


WED 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (b00p1h44)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.


WED 05:20 Shipping Forecast (b00p1h2q)
The latest shipping forecast.


WED 05:30 News Briefing (b00p1h5y)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4.


WED 05:43 Prayer for the Day (b00p1hcp)
Daily prayer and reflection with Alastair McIntosh.


WED 05:45 Farming Today (b00p1hhh)
News and issues in rural Britain with Anna Hill. Including a report on the rise in salmonella poisoning cases in the UK, and calls for the measures taken by British egg producers to reduce salmonella infections to be done elsewhere and for the testing of all imported eggs.


WED 06:00 Today (b00p1hkw)
Presented by Justin Webb and Sarah Montague.

President Obama has announced he will send a further 30,000 troops to Afghanistan, but that soldiers will begin to be withdraw in 18 months. Correspondent Rajesh Mirchandani reports from southern California.

Five British yachtsmen detained by Iran's Revolutionary Guard have been released, according to reports on local state radio. Tehran correspondent Jon Leyne outlines the latest developments.

30,000 US troops will be sent to Afghanistan over the next six months. London Evening Standard defence correspondent Robert Fox examines reaction to the new strategy in Kabul.

The Royal Society of Chemistry is hosting a debate on genetically modified crops. More than 13 million farms around the world use the controversial food technology. Peter Melchett, policy director at the Soil Association, and Dr Colin Merritt, sustainability communications manager at Monsanto UK Ltd, debate the future of GM.

President Barack Obama has delivered his long-awaited speech on the future of US Afghan policy. He announced a troop increase of 30,000, stressing the need for a better civilian strategy and made clear that corruption in Afghanistan would no longer be tolerated. North America editor Mark Mardell reports from the speech, and the US ambassador to the UK, Louis Susman, discusses the new strategy.

Thought for the Day with Professor Mona Siddiqui.

The government will publish its white paper on police reform today as forces in England and Wales are told to make annual savings of a quarter of a billion pounds over the next five years. It is expected to announce that officers should patrol the streets alone rather than in pairs, to make them more accessible to the public, and new help for victims of antisocial behaviour. Home secretary Alan Johnson discusses the reforms.

President Obama has announced that he will send another 30,000 troops to Afghanistan, taking the total number of US troops in the country to more than 100,000. The president warned that America's commitment was not open-ended and that the military would start withdrawing in 2011 and urged other NATO countries to do more. Britain confirmed this week that it would send another 500 troops, taking its total deployment to 10,000. Chief of the defence staff, Air Chief Marshall Sir Jock Stirrup, discusses the military's reaction to President Obama's exit strategy and political editor Nick Robinson comments on the UK's Afghan policy.

The renowned South African jazz trumpeter Hugh Masekela is in London for a concert with the London Symphony Orchestra to mark his 70th birthday. Hugh Masekela was a leading figure in the struggle to end apartheid and for many South Africans he embodies their country's spirit. Mr Masekela discusses his music and politics.

The government is today publishing its police white paper, widely seen as a response to calls to cut red tape. Sir Hugh Orde, president of the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) will deliver a speech calling for a fresh approach to the way the police deal with unsolved murders, taking in his experiences of dealing with similar cases in Northern Ireland. Sir Hugh discusses his proposals.

Key climate change talks begin in Copenhagen next week, seen as a successor to the Kyoto treaty. Professor Graciela Chichilnisky of Columbia University and architect of the carbon market created under the Kyoto protocol, outlines her hopes for Copenhagen.

Sayeeda Warsi, the Conservative peer and shadow minister for community cohesion, was pelted with eggs on a visit to Luton earlier this week. Lady Warsi was confronted by a group of men accusing her not being a proper Muslim and of supporting the deaths of Muslims in Afghanistan. Sayful Islam, spokesman for Islam4UK and one of the protestors explains the group's demonstration.

The Foreign Office has confirmed that five British sailors detained after their yacht strayed into Iranian waters have been released. Beverly Porter, mother of one of the sailors, Luke Porter, gives her reaction to the news.

A toll bridge is to go on sale in Oxfordshire tomorrow. Protected by a quirky Act of Parliament passed in the time of George III, the bridge is exempt from taxes and currently levies a toll of five pence for cars to cross it. Locals want the successful bidder to scrap the toll. Correspondent Bob Walker spoke to motorists at the bridge crossing.

Will President Obama's Afghan policy be successful? Dr Stefan Halper, senior fellow at the Cambridge Centre of International Studies, and former adviser to four presidents, examines the strategy.


WED 09:00 Midweek (b00p2hy2)
Lively and diverse conversation with Libby Purves and guests Seth Shostak, Fergus Anckorn, Guy Masterson and Vyvyen Brendon.

Seth Shostak is senior astronomer of SETI - Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence - based in California. He is currently in the UK taking part in Exchanges at the Frontier, a unique series of events created by the BBC World Service and the Wellcome Collection, in which the world's leading scientists are tested over the social impact of their discoveries by philosopher Anthony Grayling and members of the public.

Fergus Anckorn was held as a PoW by the Japanese for over three years during the Second World War, helping build the infamous 'Bridge over the River Kwai'. Now aged 91, he is the longest serving active member of the Magic Circle. Having performed as a magician since he was a small boy, little did he know that his performing skills would save his life. During his time as a PoW, he sometimes did magic tricks for the guards and soon found that if he used their food as part of the trick, they let him eat it afterwards. A book about his life, Surviving By Magic is written by Monty Parkin.

Guy Masterson is an actor, theatre director and writer. He was inspired to go into the theatre by his uncle, the late Richard Burton. Guy himself is probably best known for his stage adaptation of Dylan Thomas' Under Milk Wood, a work with which his uncle will be forever associated. His latest project, Morecambe, is the first biographical play about comic genius Eric Morecambe - which comes to London's Duchess Theatre in the 25th anniversary of the comic's death.

Vyvyen Brendon is a former teacher. Her latest book Prep School Children - A Class Apart over Two Centuries looks at the history of prep school children, featuring boys' and girls' experiences from 1800 to the present day. Prep School Children - A Class Apart over Two Centuries is published by Continuum.


WED 09:45 Book of the Week (b00p6ywn)
The Hair of the Dog and Other Scientific Surprises

Episode 3

Karl Sabbagh's book explores the surprising science behind seemingly trivial assumptions.

How two physicists linked the problem of interference on their TV screen to the Big Bang, how a total solar eclipse is down to cosmic coincidence, and why NASA launched a record player into space.

Read by Toby Longworth.

Abridged by Libby Spurrier.

A Pier Production for BBC Radio 4.


WED 10:00 Woman's Hour (b00p1hsj)
Equality Bill; Post-partum psychosis

Is it time to call a halt to the battle for equal rights? Plus, post-partum psychosis; and the history of mixed-race relationship.


WED 11:00 In Living Memory (b00p2hy4)
Series 11

The 1975 Moorgate tube disaster

In February 1975 a London Underground driver drove his train at full speed into a brick wall at Moorgate station in central London. 43 people died, in what remains the worst ever accident on the Underground. There was nothing wrong with the train, so why did he do it? Could it have been suicide? Or did he just get confused about where he was?


WED 11:30 Ballylenon (b00p2jch)
Series 7

Episode 2

Customers to Miss Maconchy's shop have increased significantly since her 'vision' at Lourdes.

But Mrs Vivienne Hawthorne, wonders if the census that disclosed a fall in her congregation was tampered with..?

Series set in the sleepy town of Ballylenon, Co Donegal in 1959.

Written by Christopher Fitz-Simon.

Muriel Maconchy ...... Margaret D'Arcy
Vera Maconchy ...... Stella McCusker
Phonsie Doherty ...... Gerard Murphy
Vivienne Hawthorne ...... Annie McCartney
Rev Samuel Hawthorne ...... Miche Doherty
Stumpy Bonner ...... Gerard McSorley
Terry Black ...... Mark Lambert
Consuela Dooley ...... Cathy Belton

Pianist: Michael Harrison

Director: Eoin O'Callaghan

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2009.


WED 12:00 You and Yours (b00p1jxt)
Consumer news and issues with Winifred Robinson.


WED 12:57 Weather (b00p1k9t)
The latest weather forecast.


WED 13:00 World at One (b00p1kzj)
National and international news with Martha Kearney.


WED 13:30 The Media Show (b00p2jck)
Victoria Derbyshire on BBC Five Live is broadcasting from Harare, the first radio programme to be broadcast from Zimbabwe to the UK since the BBC was banned from the country in 2001. Is this a fresh insight into the troubled country or a PR coup for Robert Mugabe? And, from more than 50 countries in Africa, why does Zimbabwe dominate media coverage in the UK?

Jeremy Hunt, the shadow secretary of state for culture, media and sport, on the Conservative Party's plans to cap the pay of BBC executives.

Managing Tiger Woods' reputation: how the UK's libel laws could be used to help him - and his wife - stop the spread of allegations about their private life.


WED 14:00 The Archers (b00p1l1x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 19:00 on Tuesday]


WED 14:15 Drama (b00p2jcm)
A Dangerous Thing

By John Sessions.

May 1744: Alexander Pope is on his deathbed in Twickenham; Jonathan Swift is losing his wits in Dublin. The two friends have not seen each other in 17 years, although each is very much on the other's mind.

In his final hours, Pope talks to his emotional and intellectual soulmate, Martha 'Pattie' Blount, about his relationship with Swift and the events that have conspired to keep the two friends apart for most of their lives. He also recalls Swift's last visit to London, when an unexpected encounter with a young burglar put the divergent philosophies of the two friends to the test.

Jonathan Swift ...... Timothy Spall
Alexander Pope ...... John Sessions
Martha 'Pattie' Blount ...... Amanda Root
Boy (Tom)/John Gay ...... Joe Thomas
Amica ...... Tessa Nicholson
Dr Cheselden/Lord Bolingbroke/Waterman ...... Nigel Hastings
Swift's Servant/Dr Arbuthnot/Matthew/ Gentleman ...... John Biggins

Written by John Sessions
Produced by Emma Harding.


WED 15:00 Money Box Live (b00p2z8d)
Paul Lewis and a panel of answer calls on support for carers.

Paul is joined by:

Jean French, advice and information manager, Carers UK
Lucy McLynn, partner, Bates Wells and Braithwaite
Derek Sinclair, senior parent adviser, Contact a Family.


WED 15:30 BBC National Short Story Award (b00p5xk2)
BBC National Short Story Award 2009

Moss Witch

By Sarah Maitland. Hannah Gordon reads the third of five shortlisted stories for the annual prize, chosen from over 680 entries from published writers.

Written by an exciting mix of well known and newer writers, the stories range from the contemporary to the fantastical, and from the funny to the intensely moving. They reflect the very best in short story writing in Britain today, and are read by some of the nation's best-known actors.


WED 16:00 Thinking Allowed (b00p2z8g)
Anthropology of Wall Street - Rural Idyll

Anthropology in an unusual setting: Wall Street. Laurie Taylor talks to the anthropologist who gave up her academic life for over a year to become an investment banker in order to study life on Wall Street. She explains why she immersed herself in the culture of high finance, high risk and high reward and why she thinks it was the culture of Wall Streeters which brought the world's financial system to the edge of catastrophe.

Also in the programme, Laurie asks if there is such a thing as an idyllic English village life. While some media reports suggest that life in rural communities is seriously under threat and even dying, Laurie talks to the geographer who thinks that, far from it, village life is thriving and in many places a new kind of idyllic life is being created. Did the rural idyll ever exist and what form might it take in the 21st century?


WED 16:30 All in the Mind (b00p2hny)
[Repeat of broadcast at 21:00 on Tuesday]


WED 16:56 1989: Day by Day (b00p1lcy)
2nd December 1989

Sir John Tusa looks back at the events making the news 20 years ago.

Bush and Gorbachev begin their summit in Malta as a poll shows that Margaret Thatcher is losing favour with the public ahead of a leadership challenge from Sir Anthony Meyer.

A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4.


WED 17:00 PM (b00p1lgn)
Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Eddie Mair. Plus Weather.


WED 18:00 Six O'Clock News (b00p1lrv)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4.


WED 18:30 Laura Solon - Talking and Not Talking (b00p2z8j)
Series 3

Episode 3

Laura Solon presents her third series of sketches, monologues and one-liners.

This week we meet a woman who is so completely useless that she's just been snapped up for a job in the government; Britain's most affable secret agent and someone with a pretend hedgehog sanctuary.

Also featuring Rosie Cavaliero, Ben Moor and Ben Willbond.

Producer: Colin Anderson.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2009.


WED 19:00 The Archers (b00p1l1z)
Pip got some free time from college, so joins Ruth at the livestock market. Ruth's concerned she should spend more time in the college making friends. Pip says they're already in groups, she doesn't have anything in common with them, and she wishes she could get straight down to hands-on farming.

It's time for Peggy to leave Jack at The Laurels. Jennifer reminds her to try to keep the farewell low key. Peggy gently tells Jack that he's at a nice hotel and he needs to stay and look after it. When Peggy hugs Jack to say goodbye he becomes distressed. Jennifer assures Peggy she's doing the right thing, Jack will settle down in time.

Will tells Brian that Ed's been poaching Estate birds, only to discover that Brian offered them to Ed as a goodwill gesture. Will's angry Brian didn't inform him. Brian tells Will to focus on finding the fox he keeps going on about instead of bellyaching about Ed all the time.

Peggy's relieved when Mrs Dawson rings to say that Jack's settled down now. She advises them to wait a few days before visiting. Brian remarks to Jennifer how amazing Peggy is, coping with Jack at home for so long.

Episode written by Nawal Gadalla.


WED 19:15 Front Row (b00p1m0f)
The Japanese film Departures won this year's Oscar for best foreign film. Inspired by the memoir of a Japanese mortician, it reveals the world of a sacked orchestral cellist who gets a job performing encoffinments. Sarah Dunant reviews.

Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy and cartoonist Posy Simmonds talk about their collaboration on the book, Mrs Scrooge, a spin-off from the Dickens classic with a twist on modern politics.

Welsh singer Rhydian Roberts was the X Factor runner-up two years ago and since then has released, under the guidance of Simon Cowell, two classical crossover albums. The most recent, O Fortuna, is out now.

Lionel Shriver gives the fourth of Front Row's five interviews with authors shortlisted for this year's BBC National Short Story Award. The stories are broadcast at 3.30pm every day this week on Radio 4, with Lionel Shriver's Exchange Rates going out tomorrow.


WED 19:45 15 Minute Drama (b00p1md5)
Our Mutual Friend

Episode 18

Adaptation by Mike Walker of Charles Dickens's classic novel.

Two declarations of love that couldn't be more different, as John, Bella, Eugene and Lizzie's streams cross.

Charles Dickens ...... Alex Jennings
Bella Wilfer ...... Daisy Haggard
Lizzie Hexam ...... Lizzy Watts
John Rokesmith ...... Carl Prekopp
Eugene Wrayburn ...... Patrick Kennedy
Boffin ...... Jason Watkins
Mortimer Lightwood ...... Matt Addis
Sloppy ...... Benjamin Askew
Mrs Boffin ...... Pauline Quirke
Pa Wilfer ...... Philip Fox
Charlie Hexam ...... Adam Arnold
Bradley Headstone ...... Neil Stuke
Silas Wegg ...... Lee Ross
Venus ...... Stephen Hogan
Rogue Riderhood ...... Jamie Foreman

Music by Roger Goula

Directed by Jessica Dromgoole and Jeremy Mortimer

This episode is available until 7.45pm on 11th December as part of the Series Catch-up Trial.


WED 20:00 Moral Maze (b00p2z8m)
Michael Buerk chairs a debate on the moral questions behind the week's news. Michael Portillo, Matthew Taylor, Claire Fox and Clifford Longley cross-examine witnesses.

Can science ever be truly morally neutral? The leaking of e-mails from the University of East Anglia Climate Research Unit has raised the issue of where should we draw the line between science and campaigning? In a complex world of competing interests, it's vital that we have an independent and rational method to judge and inform policies. But is it naive to expect scientists to put their personal views aside when dealing with such an important issue? Do we rely too much on scientific evidence to shape policy and is it driving out political and moral debate in society?

Witnesses:

Dr Doug Parr, chief scientist Green Peace

Professor John Milbank, Professor of Religion, Politics and Ethics at Nottingham University

Dr Ben Goldacre, full-time medic, science journalist and author of Bad Science

Professor Lewis Wolpert, Emeritus Professor in Cell and Developmental Biology at University College, London.


WED 20:45 Political Roots (b00p6qpf)
Liberals

Richard Reeves examines the intellectual and philosophical roots of the Liberal Democrat leader, Nick Clegg.


WED 21:00 The Infinite Monkey Cage (b00p29kc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:30 on Monday]


WED 21:30 Midweek (b00p2hy2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


WED 21:58 Weather (b00p1mjr)
The latest weather forecast.


WED 22:00 The World Tonight (b00p1mvf)
National and international news and analysis with Robin Lustig.

The Taliban respond to Obama's Afghanistan plan.

The row intensifies over leaked emails on climate change.

The released British yachtsmen say the Iranians treated them well.


WED 22:45 Book at Bedtime (b00p3tgw)
Riceyman Steps

Episode 3

Robert Powell reads from the 1923 novel by Arnold Bennett about the poignant struggles of everyday London life.

Elsie's sweetheart Joe has returned from the war, shell-shocked and volatile. Thwarted by her new employer's insistence that Elsie work on into the evening, Joe is unable to control the strength of his feelings and a violent outburst ensues.

A Waters Partnership production for BBC Radio 4.


WED 23:00 The Ladies (b00glqw4)
Series 1

Episode 3

Series of comedy sketches by Emily Watson Howes set in a ladies' public toilet, featuring various female characters as they come and go.

Four girls make their first foray into the world of illegal drug taking, with horrendous consequences for one of them.

With Emily Watson Howes, Kate Donmall, Suzanne Hislop, Fran Moulds.


WED 23:15 All Bar Luke (b00db0x5)
Series 3

The Engagement

Poignant comedy drama series by Tim Key.

A harrowing cab journey of the soul - Luke heads home to collect his mum after his brother proposes to Hayley at Newmarket races.

An Angel Eye Media production for BBC Radio 4.


WED 23:30 Today in Parliament (b00p1n8b)
News, views and features on today's stories in Parliament with Sean Curran.



THURSDAY 03 DECEMBER 2009

THU 00:00 Midnight News (b00p1gxh)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4. Followed by Weather.


THU 00:30 Book of the Week (b00p6ywn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:45 on Wednesday]


THU 00:48 Shipping Forecast (b00p1h12)
The latest shipping forecast.


THU 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (b00p1h46)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.


THU 05:20 Shipping Forecast (b00p1h2s)
The latest shipping forecast.


THU 05:30 News Briefing (b00p1h60)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4.


THU 05:43 Prayer for the Day (b00p1hcr)
Daily prayer and reflection with Alastair McIntosh.


THU 05:45 Farming Today (b00p1hhk)
British farmers have called for stricter checks on imported eggs and higher standards on farms exporting to the UK. But Charlotte Smith hears from the World Health Organisation who say Britain could still do more to reduce salmonella rates in its own eggs - by following techniques used in Scandinavian countries.


THU 06:00 Today (b00p1hky)
Presented by James Naughtie and Evan Davis.

Nurses and pharmacists are helping to prevent the serious consequences of mis-prescribing by doctors. According to research published today, nearly one in ten prescriptions written by hospital doctors contained errors, and two per cent were potentially lethal. Professor Peter Rubin, chair of the General Medical Council (GMC) and professor of therapeutics at the University of Nottingham, discusses the findings.

City bankers are nervously watching events in Brussels in the wake of comments made by France's President Sarkozy. The president warned that the appointment of the Frenchman Michel Barnier as the EU's new internal markets commissioner would rein in the 'free-wheeling Anglo-Saxon model' of banking. Europe business correspondent Nigel Cassidy reports on the financial disputes between France and the UK.

Eight local authorities in England have been deemed inadequate in their provision of adult care services by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Southwark Council in London, which has dropped from 'excellent', has dismissed the results of an inspection as both 'flawed' and 'inaccurate'. Home affairs editor Mark Easton outlines the inspection results, and Annie Shepherd, chief executive of Southwark Council, comments on her service's downgrading.

An exhibition tackling climate change is on display at the Royal Academy in London. Artists including Tracey Emin, Antony Gormley and Keith Tyson have contributed to the event, which shows how artists are tackling the topic of global warming. Arts correspondent David Sillito visited the exhibition.

The government is set to announce a new centrally-funded nuclear research facility, designed to help British firms get contracts for work on the new generation of nuclear power stations. Business secretary Lord Mandelson discusses the plans.

Goldman Sachs bankers have been buying handguns to defend themselves against any populist uprising. Journalist Alice Schroeder of Bloomberg News broke the story.

Thought for the Day with Lord Harries of Pentregarth, Gresham Professor of Divinity.

As many as 300,000 children could be living as slaves in Haiti. Under the restavek system, parents who sell their children are told that they will be educated and looked after well in return for doing chores. But for many children the reality is very different. Correspondent Mike Thomson reports from Haiti.

A comprehensive account of adult care services by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) is published today. The CQC identified eight councils where services are in urgent need of improvement - Poole, Cornwall, Solihull, Surrey, South Tyneside, Southwark, Peterborough and Bromley. With an increase in the number of elderly people in care homes, or receiving care at home, the quality of social care is urgent. 'Pamela', who is campaigning for better standards in care reflects on her experiences, and Baroness Young, chair of the CQC, discusses the report.

Directors of the Royal Bank of Scotland have threatened to resign en masse if they are stopped from paying out 1.5 billion pounds in bonuses. They say the bonuses are essential to maintain the bank's competitiveness. Business editor Robert Peston outlines the bankers' position and Vince Cable, Treasury spokesman for the Liberal Democrats, examines the bonus culture.

Tiger Woods has released an enigmatic statement in reaction to his car crash, arousing further suspicion and confusion. Mr Woods announced that he was not perfect, and has not been true to his values, without explaining what exactly he was referring to. Ed Smith, former captain of Middlesex County Cricket Club and sports columnist for The Times, comments on a sportsman's ability to stay calm under pressure.

'I want the world to see the victory of the European model, which has nothing to do with the excesses of financial capitalism.' President Sarkozy's comment on the appointment of Frenchman Michel Barnier to the role of EU internal market commissioner has worried many people in the City. David Buik of BGC Partners and Charles Grant, director of the Centre for European Reform, debate how much financial supervision the EU has over the City.

Twenty-five years ago today the central Indian city of Bhopal awoke to the horror of the world's worst industrial disaster. Forty tonnes of a deadly gas had leaked from the Union Carbide pesticide plant, killing more than 8,000 people living in the poor and densely-populated neighbourhoods nearby. Correspondent Allan Little reports from Bhopal and investigates how people are still trying to cope with the damage.

How have British troops in Afghanistan reacted to the announcement of a US troop surge? Security correspondent Frank Gardner spoke to General Nick Carter, the British commander in charge of the south of the country.

Should drug companies carry out their own clinical trials? The writer and doctor Ben Goldcacre argues that the practice is scandalous and that doctors are re


THU 09:00 In Our Time (b00p315t)
The Silk Road

Melvyn Bragg and guests Tim Barrett, Naomi Standen and Frances Wood discuss the Silk Road, the trade routes which spanned Asia for over a thousand years, carrying Buddhism to China and paper-making and gunpowder westwards.In 1900, a Taoist monk came upon a cave near the Chinese town of Dunhuang. Inside, he found thousands of ancient manuscripts. They revealed a vast amount of evidence about the so-called Silk Road: the great trade routes which had stretched from Central Asia, through desert oases, to China, throughout the first millennium.Besides silk, the Silk Road helped the dispersion of writing and paper-making, coinage and gunpowder, and it was along these trade routes that Buddhism reached China from India. The history of these transcontinental links reveals a dazzlingly complex meeting and mingling of civilisations, which lasted for well over a thousand years.With:Tim Barrett is Professor of East Asian History at the School of Oriental and African Studies; Naomi Standen is Senior Lecturer in Chinese Studies at Newcastle University; Frances Wood is Head of the Chinese Section at the British Library.


THU 09:45 Book of the Week (b00p6ywq)
The Hair of the Dog and Other Scientific Surprises

Episode 4

Karl Sabbagh book explores the surprising science behind seemingly trivial assumptions.

Who really invented the wheel; why one particular flower exudes the smell of nicotine; what makes the sound of a whip crack; and why a man's best friend will sense unfairness.

Read by Toby Longworth.

Abridged by Libby Spurrier.

A Pier Production for BBC Radio 4.


THU 10:00 Woman's Hour (b00p1hsl)
Phone In: Delia Smith on Christmas cooking

Delia Smith answers listeners' questions about Christmas catering. Including: alternative festive goodies, advice for planning ahead, short cuts and last minute emergencies.


THU 11:00 Crossing Continents (b00p315w)
Pakistan Drugs

Julia Rooke accompanies former heroin dealer, Urfan Azad, on a journey back to the remote mountain madrassa in north west Pakistan where he received drugs rehabilitation and spiritual healing. But during their journey Urfan reveals how young recovering addicts and criminals were given military training and that some went on to fight in Afghanistan.


THU 11:30 The House That Jazz Built (b00p315y)
Celebrating 50 years of Ronnie Scott's, Paul Merton looks back at the origins of Ronnie Scott's, Britain's most famous jazz venue, and examines its impact in the world of music.

Ever since his trips in the late-1940s to the jazz clubs of New York's 52nd Street, Ronnie Scott dreamt of opening his own London venue. His vision came true when the first Ronnie Scott's club opened on Gerrard Street, Soho, in 1959.

The initial plan was purely to provide a base for British jazz musicians to jam. However, the club quickly developed a reputation for featuring the best in modern jazz and soon provided a platform for the world's greatest jazz musicians. It became a Mecca for jazz music fans and a popular hang-out for politicians, comedians and actors.

In 1965 it relocated a short distance to Frith Street, where it remains one of the world's most celebrated jazz rooms, complete with its own studio and record label.

Recorded on location at Ronnie Scott's, the programme features interviews with leading jazz artists Salena Jones, Ian Shaw, Jay Phelps and James Pearson, and features music and archive from personalities associated with the venue during its 50-year history.


THU 12:00 You and Yours (b00p1jxw)
Consumer news and issues with Winifred Robinson.


THU 12:57 Weather (b00p1k9w)
The latest weather forecast.


THU 13:00 World at One (b00p1kzm)
National and international news with Martha Kearney.


THU 13:30 Off the Page (b00p31l0)
Everyone's A Critic

Are you worried about the future of criticism?

You should be. When newspaper editors are forced to make cutbacks, it is critics who are the first in the firing line. But do we really need critics and criticism?

Critic and journalist Toby Young is joined by blogger Lynne Hatwell and occupational psychologist Clive Fletcher to write about and discuss criticism and the critics.

Presented by Dominic Arkwright.

Producer: Beatrice Fenton.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2009.


THU 14:00 The Archers (b00p1l1z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 19:00 on Wednesday]


THU 14:15 Drama (b00p32zk)
Headliner

By Neil Brand. Important elections are on the horizon in the eastern European state of Khovakhia when up-and-coming stand-up comedienne Katya Kalugin is befriended by US comedy legend Doug Stokowski.

Katya Kalugin ...... Laura Solon
Doug Stokowski ...... Ewan Bailey
Pavel ...... John Biggins
Mikael ...... Piers Wehner
MC ...... Nigel Hastings
Reporter ...... Kate Layden.


THU 15:00 Open Country (b00p7g7y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:07 on Saturday]


THU 15:27 Radio 4 Appeal (b00p068k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:55 on Sunday]


THU 15:30 BBC National Short Story Award (b00p5xk4)
BBC National Short Story Award 2009

Exchange Rates

The fourth of five shortlisted stories for the annual prize, chosen from over 680 entries from published writers. Read by Jason Isaacs

Written by an exciting mix of well known and newer writers, the stories range from the contemporary to the fantastical, and from the funny to the intensely moving. They reflect the very best in short story writing in Britain today, and are read by some of the nation's best-known actors.


THU 16:00 Open Book (b00p1fth)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Sunday]


THU 16:30 Material World (b00p940r)
Quentin Cooper looks into the science underlying extending healthy life and asks if you can live longer without dietary restriction and with parents of different sexes.

He also hears about the latest from the Large Hadron Collider experiment at CERN.

What's the toughest bacterium in the world? One of those battling it out for the title is Deinococcus radiodurans. It was discovered in the 1950s after surviving in cans of food after they had been bombarded with radiation. Its ability to repair its own DNA means it could be used in the future to reclaim land contaminated by nuclear or chemical events. Quentin finds out how scientists are uncovering the secrets behind its ability to survive extreme temperatures, severe dehydration and lethal doses of radiation. Understanding how bacteria like Deinococcus coordinate their arsenal of defence mechanisms could help scientists overcome the defences of dangerous, disease causing bacteria.


THU 16:56 1989: Day by Day (b00p1ld0)
3rd December 1989

Sir John Tusa looks back at the events making the news 20 years ago.

George Bush and Mikhail Gorbachev declare that the Cold War is over, as hundreds of thousands of people form a human chain to demand reforms in East Germany.

A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4.


THU 17:00 PM (b00p1lgq)
Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Eddie Mair. Plus Weather.


THU 18:00 Six O'Clock News (b00p1lrx)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4.


THU 18:30 Bleak Expectations (b00p3380)
Series 3

Lives Lost, Ruined, Wrecked and Redeemed

Pip and Ripely find themselves facing a vast and evil undead army. England has only one hope - that Miss Sweetly Delightful can melt Mr Benevolent's cruel, undead heart.

Comedy Victorian adventure by Mark Evans

Sir Philip ...... Richard Johnson
Young Pip Bin ...... Tom Allen
Gently Benevolent ...... Anthony Head
Harry Biscuit ...... James Bachman
Bishop Wackwallop ...... Geoffrey Whitehead
Ripely Bin ...... Sarah Hadland
Miss Sweetly Delightful ...... Raquel Cassidy
The Duke of Chelsea ...... Mark Evans

Producer: Gareth Edwards

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2009


THU 19:00 The Archers (b00p1l21)
Vicky's eager to start practising making kissing bough decorations but Joe still needs to secure the job. When Elizabeth learns that Nigel's agreed, Elizabeth's tells them the decorations have to live up to Lower Loxley's professional reputation. Vicky suggests they come up with a prototype to show her, like on Dragon's Den. Joe tells Vicky they'd better keep their plans to sell punch under their hats for the time being. No need to worry Nigel with it!

Peggy thanks Christine for going to The Laurels with her. Everyone's been so fantastic. After staying at Home Farm, she's not sure she how she'll cope with her first night at the Lodge without Jack. Christine empathises with her. She's still not used to it four years after George died. Peggy gratefully declines Christine's offer to stay with her. She's got to face it sometime.

Lilian was also keen to have Peggy stay with her at the Dower House. Christine says they're a sad lot. They should all move in together! Peggy knows that Jack's going was inevitable, but she still hoped it wouldn't happen. She feels she's failed Jack somehow. Christine assures Peggy that she's done the right thing for Jack, and for herself in the long run.

Episode written by Nawal Gadalla.


THU 19:15 Front Row (b00p1m0h)
Tamzin Outhwaite, best known for playing Mel in EastEnders, stars as the sweet-natured dance hall hostess in the Menier Chocolate Factory's new production of the hit 60s musical Sweet Charity.

JM Coetzee's Booker Prize-winning novel Disgrace has just been made into a feature film starring John Malkovich. The film, which is faithful to the book, focuses on a university professor in post-Apartheid South Africa who loses everything as a result of his inappropriate behaviour with a young student. The BBC's former South Africa correspondent Allan Little reviews.

Front Row talks to George Crumb, the 80-year-old American classical composer who won Grammys and Pulitzers in the 1960s and 70s, for his pioneering and unorthodox music. Following a Prom concert in September dedicated to his work, the BBC Symphony is launching its 2009/2010 Total Immersion series, with a day of concerts, films, and talks at the Barbican in London, devoted to Crumb's life and work.

If last year's buzz-word in the arts was 'interactive', this year's has been 'immersive'. Writer Andrew Dickson prefers not to be immersed.

Jane Rogers gives the fifth and last of Front Row's interviews with authors shortlisted for this year's BBC National Short Story Award. The stories are broadcast at 3.30pm every day this week on Radio 4, with Jane Rogers's story, Hitting Trees With Sticks, going out tomorrow.


THU 19:45 15 Minute Drama (b00p1md7)
Our Mutual Friend

Episode 19

Adaptation by Mike Walker of Charles Dickens' classic novel.

Charlie visits Bradley for the last time, and Mortimer Lightwood meets John Rokesmith for what should be the first.

Charles Dickens ...... Alex Jennings
Bella Wilfer ...... Daisy Haggard
Lizzie Hexam ...... Lizzy Watts
John Rokesmith ...... Carl Prekopp
Eugene Wrayburn ...... Patrick Kennedy
Boffin ...... Jason Watkins
Mortimer Lightwood ...... Matt Addis
Sloppy ...... Benjamin Askew
Mrs Boffin ...... Pauline Quirke
Pa Wilfer ...... Philip Fox
Charlie Hexam ...... Adam Arnold
Bradley Headstone ...... Neil Stuke
Silas Wegg ...... Lee Ross
Venus ...... Stephen Hogan
Rogue Riderhood ...... Jamie Foreman

Music by Roger Goula

Directed by Jessica Dromgoole and Jeremy Mortimer

This episode is available until 7.45pm on 11th December as part of the Series Catch-up Trial.


THU 20:00 The Report (b00p33wx)
Military Families Losing Faith

A number of military families are breaking with tradition and speaking out against the war in Afghanistan. They are angered that the Ministry of Defence sent soldiers into battle with inadequate equipment, and are concerned about the pace at which their loved ones are redeployed back to the conflict. Phil Kemp assesses whether defence chiefs are losing the battle for the hearts and minds of Britain's military families, and asks what impact that is having on the frontline.


THU 20:30 In Business (b00p33wz)
Small Wonder

Microloans have brought credit to millions of poor people shunned by the conventional banking system, but now commercial financial institutions are jumping on the microlending bandwagon. Peter Day wonders whether a microloan bubble is about to burst.


THU 21:00 Jumbo to Jockey (b00g36l2)
Following an overweight middle-aged man, Dominic Prince, as he spends a year pursuing his lifetime ambition to become a jockey.

At the beginning of 2008, Dominic Prince was 47 years old, weighed sixteen and half stones and felt his life was churning in neutral. A very pleasant neutral, but neutral nonetheless. As a child he had a dream, to become a jockey and ride competitively. But the dream didn't even come close to being realised - until now, when he decided to give it one last shot.

Dominic confronts his mid-life crisis, tries to lose a quarter of his body weight, learns to ride like a professional and seeks to fulfil his dream, 30 years behind schedule.

He is put through his paces on a horse simulator at the British Racing School, receives advice from top jockeys and trainers and hears the misgivings of the other stable lads when he turns up for work.


THU 21:30 In Our Time (b00p315t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]


THU 21:58 Weather (b00p1mjt)
The latest weather forecast.


THU 22:00 The World Tonight (b00p1mvh)
National and international news and analysis with Robin Lustig.

A Scottish banking spokesman defends RBS bonuses.

An eyewitness on the bomb outrage in Somalia which killed three government ministers.

How cyclists are three times more likely to die in England.


THU 22:45 Book at Bedtime (b00p3tgy)
Riceyman Steps

Episode 4

Robert Powell reads from the 1923 novel by Arnold Bennett about the poignant struggles of everyday London life.

Romance, of a sort, is in the air in Clerkenwell, but Henry Earlforward believes practicalities must take precedence.

A Waters Partnership production for BBC Radio 4.


THU 23:00 Chain Reaction (b008z74b)
Series 4

Catherine Tate interviews David Tennant

Two Doctor Who stalwarts meet. Catherine Tate takes the host's chair as she talks to - or mercilessly teases - David Tennant.

Chain Reaction is the tag talk show with a twist where the guest becomes the interviewer in the next show.

Based on the original 1991 BBC Radio 5 programme of the same name, Chain Reaction is a simple idea of big name stars from the world of entertainment interviewing others whose work they appreciate and admire.

Recorded with an audience, the interviews focus on the life, career and the passions of the interviewee but often prove to be as revealing about the interviewer.

Producer: Tilusha Ghelani.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2008.


THU 23:30 Today in Parliament (b00p1n8d)
News, views and features on today's stories in Parliament with Robert Orchard.



FRIDAY 04 DECEMBER 2009

FRI 00:00 Midnight News (b00p1gxk)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4. Followed by Weather.


FRI 00:30 Book of the Week (b00p6ywq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:45 on Thursday]


FRI 00:48 Shipping Forecast (b00p1h14)
The latest shipping forecast.


FRI 01:00 Selection of BBC World Service Programmes (b00p1h48)
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.


FRI 05:20 Shipping Forecast (b00p1h2w)
The latest shipping forecast.


FRI 05:30 News Briefing (b00p1h62)
The latest news from BBC Radio 4.


FRI 05:43 Prayer for the Day (b00p1hct)
Daily prayer and reflection with Alastair McIntosh.


FRI 05:45 Farming Today (b00p1hhm)
A third of Welsh dairy farmers have left the industry over the last five years. A Welsh Assembly member tells Charlotte Smith that, like the banks, the Welsh dairy industry is too important to fail.

And The Royal Society explain that, without an extra two billion pounds for agricultural research, the UK will not be able to play its part in feeding a growing world population.


FRI 06:00 Today (b00p1hl0)
Presented by John Humphrys and Justin Webb.

Claims that researchers manipulated climate change data are to be investigated by the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Emails leaked from the Climate Research Unit at the University of East Anglia suggest that data was enhanced to challenge climate change sceptics. Reporter Simon Cox outlines the investigation.

The government's chief immigration adviser has called for a review of 'lower tier' colleges over fears that too many foreign students are being given visas at the end of their degree courses. Professor David Metcalf said he was 'stunned' to discover hundreds of colleges which were not 'proper' universities could grant two-year work and residence visas to non-EU students. Professor Metcalf discusses visa system.

The King of Thailand celebrates his 82nd birthday tomorrow. The world's longest-serving monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, has been in hospital for more than two months and his ill health is threatening to future of the country. Asia correspondent Alistair Leithead reports from Thailand.

A National Audit Office report reveals that a clean bill of health was awarded to the Royal Bank of Scotland just days before it required emergency support. Business editor Robert Peston examines the report's findings.

Hospitals found to have poor levels of patient safety have complained that they were misrepresented. The company Dr Foster, which compiled the results, has come under criticism by some leading academics. Correspondent Sanchia Berg reports on hospital's reaction to the report, and Roger Taylor, director and co-founder of Dr Foster Intelligence, discusses the reliability of the results.

Thought for the Day with the Chief Rabbi, Sir Jonathan Sacks.

Class is back on the political agenda. With a general election looming, both parties have attacked the other's social ethics. Gordon Brown has accused Tory policies of being dreamed up on the playing fields of Eton, and David Cameron believes the Labour approach to class is hypocritical. Former deputy prime minister John Prescott and Conservative party chairman Eric Pickles debate whether or not the election should be fought on class.

Emails stolen from the University of East Anglia's Climate Research Unit reveal that figures on global warming were changed to exacerbate the threat. The UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has told the BBC it is taking the matter very seriously and will investigate the emails. Saudi Arabia has said that the emails will have a 'huge impact' on the talks and that countries will now be unwilling to cut emissions. Environment correspondent Richard Black outlines the accusations. Philip Stott, Emeritus Professor of Biogeography at the University of London, and environmentalist and writer Jonathon Porritt discuss whether the row could have the potential to derail the Copenhagen climate talks.

Does an all-star cast make or break a movie? The film Nine had its UK premiere in London last night. The musical is notable for its long list of big-name stars including Daniel Day-Lewis, Nicole Kidman, Judi Dench, Penelope Cruz, Sophia Loren and Marion Cotillard. Oscar-wining director Ken Russell and The Times' film critic James Christopher debate how far a cast list contributes to a film's success.

Northern Ireland's deputy first minister has warned that the government could become unsustainable if a deal on policing is not achieved before Christmas. Ireland correspondent Mark Simpson reports from Belfast, and Northern Ireland secretary Shaun Woodward outlines the policing devolution negotiations.

The hurricanes that devastated Haiti last year have left thousands of children abandoned. Disabled children are particularly vulnerable due to the higher cost of caring for them and the belief that they are unlikely to earn much money for their families. The UN children's charity, UNICEF, says an acute shortage of legal orphanages and the difficult of finding other homes is worsening the situation. In the second of three reports from Haiti, correspondent Mike Thomson met a teenage girl who was born without arms and abandoned by her parents when she was three years old.

Police are being accused of misusing powers granted under anti-terror legislation. Amateur and professional photographers have complained at being stopped for taking pictures of tourist destinations, well-known landmarks and a fish and chip shop. Jerome Taylor, a journalist with the Independent who was stopped by police for taking photos of the Houses of Parliament, and Chief Constable Andy Trotter of British Transport Police and chairman of the Association of Chief Police Officers media advisory group, debate whether police are too ready to use their anti-terror powers.

There are growing concerns that an email scandal could prevent a deal at Copenhagen climate summit. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is to investigate emails exchanged by researchers at the Clim


FRI 09:00 Desert Island Discs (b00p068y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 on Sunday]


FRI 09:45 Book of the Week (b00p6yws)
The Hair of the Dog and Other Scientific Surprises

Episode 5

Karl Sabbagh book explores the surprising science behind seemingly trivial assumptions.

A ship that repaired itself; how the earliest telephones worked without bells; why it's a good thing for skyscrapers to sway; and how Europe to America in an hour, by train, may one day become a reality.

Read by Toby Longworth.

Abridged by Libby Spurrier.

A Pier Production for BBC Radio 4.


FRI 10:00 Woman's Hour (b00p1hsn)
Female Viagra; Learning disabilities and parenthood

The merits of Flibanserin, the female Viagra, discussed. Plus, novelist Evie Wyld interviewed; and should people with learning disabilities have children?


FRI 11:00 Lives in a Landscape (b00p346r)
Series 5

BMX Brothers

Documentary series telling original stories about real lives in Britain today.

Trey and Daniel Whyte's talent on the BMX track has resulted in progress to an Olympic qualifying event in the south of France. Within the space of six months they have seen their lives transformed, moving from a makeshift BMX track on their Peckham estate to preparations for the event in Nice. The ruthlessness learnt on their run-down estate undoubtedly helps them on the race track, but will it also make it harder for them to adjust to their new lives?

In preparation for the event, Daniel has moved to the UK's cycling academy in Manchester and 15-year-old Trey has been combining time there with his studies back in London at the Peckham Academy. Their cycle coach believes the edge needed to live in places like Peckham has given the boys a real advantage on the track. Daniel in particular is considered fearless by his rivals, and he gives an insight into his life before he took up cycling, and exactly how much trouble he was in.

It was a chance encounter with CK Flash, a part-time DJ and local BMX enthusiast, which led to the brothers taking up BMX riding and later resulted in parents forming a Peckham club which is now one of the best in the country. The Whyte brothers have their sights set on the London Olympics, but how much will they be able to adapt to the changes they face as 2012 approaches?


FRI 11:30 The Richest Man in Britain (b00p346t)
The Cultural Attache

Sitcom by Nick Hornby and Giles Smith about an ageing rock star and his search for fulfilment.

Trillionnaire rocker Dave Mabbutt and his personal assistant Dom come to blows over the one thing money can't buy.

Dave Mabbutt ...... Mark Williams
Dom ...... Russell Tovey.


FRI 12:00 You and Yours (b00p1jxy)
Consumer news and issues with Peter White.


FRI 12:57 Weather (b00p1k9y)
The latest weather forecast.


FRI 13:00 World at One (b00p1kzp)
National and international news with Shaun Ley.


FRI 13:30 Feedback (b00p346w)
Roger Bolton airs listeners' views on BBC radio programmes and policy.


FRI 14:00 The Archers (b00p1l21)
[Repeat of broadcast at 19:00 on Thursday]


FRI 14:15 Drama (b00p346y)
Number 10 - Series 3

A Failed State

Series of plays by Jonathan Myerson depicting life inside Downing Street.

The coalition is unravelling and, as his team scramble for votes to keep the government in place, the PM goes to his constituency and becomes embroiled in a housing issue involving a Somalian single mother. Is it deliberate politics or the last act of a collapsing prime minister?

Adam ...... Antony Sher
Monica ...... Sasha Behar
Polly ...... Penny Downie
Bill ...... Bill Paterson
Steve ...... Stephen Mangan
Gwen Donoghue ...... Denise Black
Biyot Abdulle, constituent ...... Nicola Gardner
Hannah Armstrong ...... Kelly Hunter
Terry Gruber, union leader ...... Nicholas Murchie
Copple, housing manager ...... Michael Eaves
Trevithick ...... Karl Theobald
Simon Laity ...... Damian Lewis

Directed by Clive Brill

A Pacificus production for BBC Radio 4.


FRI 15:00 Gardeners' Question Time (b00p34yh)
Eric Robson chairs the popular horticultural forum.

Chris Beardshaw, Bunny Guinness and Bob Flowerdew are guests of the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society in Edinburgh.

The programme takes a guided tour of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

Includes gardening weather forecast.


FRI 15:30 BBC National Short Story Award (b00p5xk6)
BBC National Short Story Award 2009

Hitting Trees With Sticks

The last of five shortlisted stories for the annual prize, chosen from over 680 entries from published writers. Read by Julia McKenzie

Written by an exciting mix of well known and newer writers, the stories range from the contemporary to the fantastical, and from the funny to the intensely moving. They reflect the very best in short story writing in Britain today, and are read by some of the nation's best-known actors.


FRI 16:00 Last Word (b00p34ym)
Matthew Bannister presents the obituary series.

Marking the lives of the actor Richard Todd, Professor Humphrey Kay, Cecilia Vajda and William Miller.


FRI 16:30 The Film Programme (b00p34yp)
Steven Soderbergh reveals the reasons why he employed an adult film star, Sasha Grey, in his latest drama The Girlfriend Experience, and why he might retire from cinema.

Composer Neil Brand tells us the score about Mary Poppins' music.

Adrian Wootton waxes lyrical about screenwriter and novelist Eric Ambler.


FRI 16:56 1989: Day by Day (b00p1ld2)
4th December 1989

Sir John Tusa looks back at the events making the news 20 years ago.

For the first time, the Soviet government joins other Warsaw Pact countries in condemning its own invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968, and thousands take to the streets in Prague demanding a new government.

A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4.


FRI 17:00 PM (b00p1lgs)
Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Carolyn Quinn. Plus Weather.


FRI 18:00 Six O'Clock News (b00p1lrz)
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4.


FRI 18:30 The Now Show (b00p34yr)
Series 29

Episode 2

Tonight Steve Punt & Hugh Dennis assess the threat of the nuclear family; Marcus Brigstocke meets his nemesis; Mitch Benn seeks independence for Alex Salmond and Jon Holmes explains why Dubai is worse than Margate.


FRI 19:00 The Archers (b00p1l23)
Lilian wonders how she's going to get through the months without Matt. Jennifer tells her to think about doing more for Peggy. One day Matt will come home whereas for Peggy it's a lifelong sentence being without Jack. Lilian knows she should count her blessings. Ian suggests that Lilian send Matt funny postcards to cheer him up!

Coriander loses her temper with Lynda for asking too many questions about her mum and Justin. Lynda didn't mean to offend her. Lynda goes out to do her Christmas shopping leaving Caz feeling guilty. Lynda bumps into Kirsty and Helen. Helen's worrying about what to get Leon. Lynda's looking for aromatherapy oils, as things are getting a bit tense at home. Helen decides a man's aromatherapy kit is just the thing for Leon. Kirsty thinks Helen's lucky, Leon's a great guy. Helen's just a bit worried that maybe he's a little too popular.

Ian tells Helen he's sorry if he spoke out of turn. She's his best friend and he doesn't want to let Leon drive a wedge between them. But Helen says it's difficult to know where they go from here. Ian thinks Leon's no good for her and she thinks he's wrong.

Episode written by Nawal Gadalla.


FRI 19:15 Front Row (b00p1m0k)
Andrea Levy's 2004 award-wining novel Small Island has been adapted for TV in a three-hour dramatisation. Her book, which deals with issues faced by immigrants leaving their 'small island' of Jamaica and coming to Britain, won the Orange Prize and the Whitbread Book of the Year. Novelist Dreda Say Mitchell reviews the BBC One adaptation.

Julian Rhind-Tutt is best known for his role in the hospital sitcom Green Wing, which led to a series of credit card adverts with his co-star Stephen Mangan. He's also a seasoned stage actor and discusses The Hampstead Theatre's Darkened Shores, which opens next week despite Mark Gatiss - who played the other lead role - having to pull out at the eleventh hour due to a family illness.

The Rolex Mentor and Protege programme teams six established figures, in six different art forms, with young up-and-coming artists. Nobel Prize-winning poet, novelist and playwright Wole Soyinka is mentoring Tara June Wynch, a young indigenous Australian writer. They discuss the impact of the mentoring process.

As the internet buzzes with the news that The Climb by Miley Cyrus has been chosen by Simon Cowell to be this year's X Factor winner's song and scheduled for performance tomorrow night by the four remaining finalists, Danny Robbins analyses the formula that all the winning songs so far have fitted.


FRI 19:45 15 Minute Drama (b00p1md9)
Our Mutual Friend

Episode 20

Adaptation by Mike Walker of Charles Dickens' classic novel.

Truths that seemed drowned finally come to the surface.

Charles Dickens ...... Alex Jennings
Bella Wilfer ...... Daisy Haggard
Lizzie Hexam ...... Lizzy Watts
John Rokesmith ...... Carl Prekopp
Eugene Wrayburn ...... Patrick Kennedy
Boffin ...... Jason Watkins
Mortimer Lightwood ...... Matt Addis
Sloppy ...... Benjamin Askew
Mrs Boffin ...... Pauline Quirke
Pa Wilfer ...... Philip Fox
Charlie Hexam ...... Adam Arnold
Bradley Headstone ...... Neil Stuke
Silas Wegg ...... Lee Ross
Venus ...... Stephen Hogan
Rogue Riderhood ...... Jamie Foreman

Music by Roger Goula

Directed by Jessica Dromgoole and Jeremy Mortimer

This episode is available until 7.45pm on 11th December as part of the Series Catch-up Trial.


FRI 20:00 Any Questions? (b00p34yt)
Eddie Mair chairs the topical debate from Stratford-upon-Avon. Panellists include director of Liberty Shami Chakrabarti, broadcaster John Sergeant, associate editor of The Times Daniel Finkelstein and columnist AA Gill.


FRI 20:50 A Point of View (b00p34yw)
Impact

Clive James reflects that in a democracy we must never be complacent about any government initiative and warns of the dangers that a new plan for calculating funding for universities may pose to academic freedom.


FRI 21:00 Friday Drama (b009yfcp)
How Now TV

By Paul Watson.

Television presenter Daniela Cross, a legend in her own lunchtime, must have started her career somewhere. Pearly teeth and a saccharine nature are not enough to climb the industry's greasy pole. A helping hand from friends in high places will help, as will a seductive smile. But it's acceptable gimmicks that are most needed in delivering an audience, and it is the acceptable that is fast running out in today's TV.

So acceptable must give way to the difficult, the new, the so-called radical and more often the once unacceptable. A programme idea that can be justified by bums sat on seats and by revenue produced. And that was Daniela's gift to telly, an idea so awful but so justifiable that she was bound to succeed.

Daniela ...... Victoria Shalet
Daddy (John Cross) ...... Nicholas Farrell
Deborah ...... Frances Barber
Averill ...... Lizzy McInnerny
Gary ...... Leo Bill
Hassan ...... Joseph Marcell
Samuel ...... Jonathan Firth
Crispin ...... Mathew Baynton
Permindah ...... Manjinder Virk
Picture Editor ...... Keith Drinkel
Young Director ...... Tom Watson

Directed by Paul Watson.


FRI 21:58 Weather (b00p1mjw)
The latest weather forecast.


FRI 22:00 The World Tonight (b00p1mvk)
National and international news and analysis with Ritula Shah.

The omens for the Copenhagen Climate conference: how much damage could allegations of data massaging at the University of East Anglia cause?

England's World Cup football group competitors announced.

The Ministry of Defence has closed down its UFO helpline.


FRI 22:45 Book at Bedtime (b00p3th0)
Riceyman Steps

Episode 5

Robert Powell reads from the 1923 novel by Arnold Bennett about the poignant struggles of everyday London life.

Mr Earlforward's drive for economy is revealed as a corrosive desire, in stark contrast with the spontaneous greed for life embodied by the hard-working but ever-hungry Elsie.

A Waters Partnership production for BBC Radio 4.


FRI 23:00 A Good Read (b00p2hfy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:30 on Tuesday]


FRI 23:30 Today in Parliament (b00p1n8g)
News, views and features on today's stories in Parliament with Mark D'Arcy.




LIST OF THIS WEEK'S PROGRAMMES
(Note: the times link back to the details; the pids link to the BBC page, including iPlayer)

15 Minute Drama 19:45 MON (b00p1mjm)

15 Minute Drama 19:45 TUE (b00p1md3)

15 Minute Drama 19:45 WED (b00p1md5)

15 Minute Drama 19:45 THU (b00p1md7)

15 Minute Drama 19:45 FRI (b00p1md9)

1989: Day by Day Omnibus 23:00 SUN (b00p1gjh)

1989: Day by Day 16:56 SAT (b00p03h9)

1989: Day by Day 16:56 SUN (b00p1g92)

1989: Day by Day 16:56 MON (b00p1lgj)

1989: Day by Day 16:56 TUE (b00p1lcw)

1989: Day by Day 16:56 WED (b00p1lcy)

1989: Day by Day 16:56 THU (b00p1ld0)

1989: Day by Day 16:56 FRI (b00p1ld2)

A Good Read 16:30 TUE (b00p2hfy)

A Good Read 23:00 FRI (b00p2hfy)

A Jewel in the Comedy Crown 11:30 TUE (b00p2cc1)

A Point of View 08:50 SUN (b00nz944)

A Point of View 20:50 FRI (b00p34yw)

Adventures in Poetry 23:30 SAT (b00nx8k8)

Adventures in Poetry 16:30 SUN (b00p1ftk)

Afternoon Reading 19:45 SUN (b0080g3t)

All Bar Luke 23:15 WED (b00db0x5)

All in the Mind 21:00 TUE (b00p2hny)

All in the Mind 16:30 WED (b00p2hny)

Americana 19:15 SUN (b00p1g9z)

Any Answers? 14:00 SAT (b00p016x)

Any Questions? 13:10 SAT (b00nz942)

Any Questions? 20:00 FRI (b00p34yt)

Archive on 4 20:00 SAT (b00p03hw)

BBC National Short Story Award 15:30 MON (b00p1l9g)

BBC National Short Story Award 15:30 TUE (b00p5xk0)

BBC National Short Story Award 15:30 WED (b00p5xk2)

BBC National Short Story Award 15:30 THU (b00p5xk4)

BBC National Short Story Award 15:30 FRI (b00p5xk6)

Ballylenon 11:30 WED (b00p2jch)

Bells on Sunday 05:43 SUN (b00p0482)

Bells on Sunday 00:45 MON (b00p0482)

Birds and the Battlefield 15:00 MON (b00gbf2j)

Bleak Expectations 18:30 THU (b00p3380)

Book at Bedtime 22:45 MON (b00p1mwx)

Book at Bedtime 22:45 TUE (b00p3th9)

Book at Bedtime 22:45 WED (b00p3tgw)

Book at Bedtime 22:45 THU (b00p3tgy)

Book at Bedtime 22:45 FRI (b00p3th0)

Book of the Week 00:30 SAT (b00p298v)

Book of the Week 09:45 MON (b00p684l)

Book of the Week 00:30 TUE (b00p684l)

Book of the Week 09:45 TUE (b00p6yx5)

Book of the Week 00:30 WED (b00p6yx5)

Book of the Week 09:45 WED (b00p6ywn)

Book of the Week 00:30 THU (b00p6ywn)

Book of the Week 09:45 THU (b00p6ywq)

Book of the Week 00:30 FRI (b00p6ywq)

Book of the Week 09:45 FRI (b00p6yws)

Brain of Britain 23:00 SAT (b00ny7k6)

Brain of Britain 13:30 MON (b00p28w7)

Brick by Brick 11:00 MON (b00p1nm3)

Broadcasting House 09:00 SUN (b00p068t)

Brother Mine 14:45 SUN (b00cm7hg)

Chain Reaction 23:00 THU (b008z74b)

Classic Serial 21:00 SAT (b00nx8k4)

Classic Serial 15:00 SUN (b00p1fj2)

Crossing Continents 20:30 MON (b00nyxvt)

Crossing Continents 11:00 THU (b00p315w)

Desert Island Discs 11:15 SUN (b00p068y)

Desert Island Discs 09:00 FRI (b00p068y)

Document 20:00 MON (b00p2b03)

Drama 14:15 MON (b00p28w9)

Drama 14:15 TUE (b00p2h3z)

Drama 14:15 WED (b00p2jcm)

Drama 14:15 THU (b00p32zk)

Drama 14:15 FRI (b00p346y)

Excess Baggage 10:00 SAT (b00p016g)

Farming Today 06:30 SAT (b00nzypb)

Farming Today 05:45 MON (b00p1hkp)

Farming Today 05:45 TUE (b00p1hhf)

Farming Today 05:45 WED (b00p1hhh)

Farming Today 05:45 THU (b00p1hhk)

Farming Today 05:45 FRI (b00p1hhm)

Feedback 20:00 SUN (b00nz1bm)

Feedback 13:30 FRI (b00p346w)

File on 4 17:00 SUN (b00nycc4)

File on 4 20:00 TUE (b00p2hnt)

Friday Drama 21:00 FRI (b009yfcp)

From Fact to Fiction 19:00 SAT (b00p03hr)

From Fact to Fiction 17:40 SUN (b00p03hr)

From Our Own Correspondent 11:30 SAT (b00p016n)

Front Row 19:15 MON (b00p1md1)

Front Row 19:15 TUE (b00p1m0c)

Front Row 19:15 WED (b00p1m0f)

Front Row 19:15 THU (b00p1m0h)

Front Row 19:15 FRI (b00p1m0k)

Frontiers 21:00 MON (b00p2bnf)

Gardeners' Question Time 14:00 SUN (b00nz93r)

Gardeners' Question Time 15:00 FRI (b00p34yh)

Home Planet 15:00 TUE (b00p2h88)

I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue 12:00 SUN (b00ny7n8)

I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue 18:30 MON (b00p2b01)

In Business 21:30 SUN (b00nz005)

In Business 20:30 THU (b00p33wz)

In Living Memory 11:00 WED (b00p2hy4)

In Our Time 09:00 THU (b00p315t)

In Our Time 21:30 THU (b00p315t)

In Search of Beauty 10:30 SAT (b00p016j)

In Touch 20:40 TUE (b00p2hnw)

Jo Caulfield Won't Shut Up! 18:30 TUE (b00p2hg0)

Jumbo to Jockey 21:00 THU (b00g36l2)

Last Word 20:30 SUN (b00nz93v)

Last Word 16:00 FRI (b00p34ym)

Laura Solon - Talking and Not Talking 18:30 WED (b00p2z8j)

Lives in a Landscape 11:00 FRI (b00p346r)

Living World 06:35 SUN (b00p0488)

Loose Ends 18:15 SAT (b00p03hp)

Material World 16:30 THU (b00p940r)

Midnight News 00:00 SAT (b00nz94w)

Midnight News 00:00 SUN (b00p047r)

Midnight News 00:00 MON (b00p1h0w)

Midnight News 00:00 TUE (b00p1gxc)

Midnight News 00:00 WED (b00p1gxf)

Midnight News 00:00 THU (b00p1gxh)

Midnight News 00:00 FRI (b00p1gxk)

Midweek 09:00 WED (b00p2hy2)

Midweek 21:30 WED (b00p2hy2)

Money Box Live 15:00 WED (b00p2z8d)

Money Box 12:00 SAT (b00p016q)

Money Box 21:00 SUN (b00p016q)

Moral Maze 22:15 SAT (b00nywwg)

Moral Maze 20:00 WED (b00p2z8m)

News Briefing 05:30 SAT (b00nz9dn)

News Briefing 05:30 SUN (b00p0480)

News Briefing 05:30 MON (b00p1hck)

News Briefing 05:30 TUE (b00p1h5w)

News Briefing 05:30 WED (b00p1h5y)

News Briefing 05:30 THU (b00p1h60)

News Briefing 05:30 FRI (b00p1h62)

News Headlines 06:00 SUN (b00p0484)

News and Papers 06:00 SAT (b00nz9ds)

News and Papers 07:00 SUN (b00p05m2)

News and Papers 08:00 SUN (b00p068p)

News 13:00 SAT (b00p016v)

Nightingale of the Nile 15:30 SAT (b00ny9y6)

Off the Page 13:30 THU (b00p31l0)

Open Book 16:00 SUN (b00p1fth)

Open Book 16:00 THU (b00p1fth)

Open Country 06:07 SAT (b00p7g7y)

Open Country 15:00 THU (b00p7g7y)

Original Shorts 00:30 SUN (b008pvmy)

PM 17:00 SAT (b00p03hc)

PM 17:00 MON (b00p1lgz)

PM 17:00 TUE (b00p1lgl)

PM 17:00 WED (b00p1lgn)

PM 17:00 THU (b00p1lgq)

PM 17:00 FRI (b00p1lgs)

Pick of the Week 18:15 SUN (b00p1g9b)

Pilots That Never Flew 09:30 TUE (b00g633n)

Political Roots 20:45 WED (b00p6qpf)

Prayer for the Day 05:43 SAT (b00nz9dq)

Prayer for the Day 05:43 MON (b00p1hhc)

Prayer for the Day 05:43 TUE (b00p1hcm)

Prayer for the Day 05:43 WED (b00p1hcp)

Prayer for the Day 05:43 THU (b00p1hcr)

Prayer for the Day 05:43 FRI (b00p1hct)

Radio 4 Appeal 07:55 SUN (b00p068k)

Radio 4 Appeal 21:26 SUN (b00p068k)

Radio 4 Appeal 15:27 THU (b00p068k)

Running Away 05:45 SAT (b00f37gc)

Saturday Drama 14:30 SAT (b00p1k88)

Saturday Live 09:00 SAT (b00p016d)

Saturday Review 19:15 SAT (b00p03ht)

Selection of BBC World Service Programmes 01:00 SUN (b00p047w)

Selection of BBC World Service Programmes 01:00 MON (b00p1h4b)

Selection of BBC World Service Programmes 01:00 TUE (b00p1h42)

Selection of BBC World Service Programmes 01:00 WED (b00p1h44)

Selection of BBC World Service Programmes 01:00 THU (b00p1h46)

Selection of BBC World Service Programmes 01:00 FRI (b00p1h48)

Shipping Forecast 00:48 SAT (b00nz9dg)

Shipping Forecast 01:00 SAT (b00nz9dj)

Shipping Forecast 05:20 SAT (b00nz9dl)

Shipping Forecast 17:54 SAT (b00p03hh)

Shipping Forecast 00:48 SUN (b00p047t)

Shipping Forecast 05:20 SUN (b00p047y)

Shipping Forecast 17:54 SUN (b00p1g94)

Shipping Forecast 00:48 MON (b00p1h2l)

Shipping Forecast 05:20 MON (b00p1h40)

Shipping Forecast 00:48 TUE (b00p1h0y)

Shipping Forecast 05:20 TUE (b00p1h2n)

Shipping Forecast 00:48 WED (b00p1h10)

Shipping Forecast 05:20 WED (b00p1h2q)

Shipping Forecast 00:48 THU (b00p1h12)

Shipping Forecast 05:20 THU (b00p1h2s)

Shipping Forecast 00:48 FRI (b00p1h14)

Shipping Forecast 05:20 FRI (b00p1h2w)

Six O'Clock News 18:00 SAT (b00p03hm)

Six O'Clock News 18:00 SUN (b00p1g98)

Six O'Clock News 18:00 MON (b00p1lsc)

Six O'Clock News 18:00 TUE (b00p1lrs)

Six O'Clock News 18:00 WED (b00p1lrv)

Six O'Clock News 18:00 THU (b00p1lrx)

Six O'Clock News 18:00 FRI (b00p1lrz)

Something Understood 06:05 SUN (b00p0486)

Something Understood 23:30 SUN (b00p0486)

Start the Week 09:00 MON (b00p1nm0)

Start the Week 21:30 MON (b00p1nm0)

Sunday Worship 08:10 SUN (b00p068r)

Sunday 07:10 SUN (b00p068h)

Tales from the Stave 13:30 TUE (b00p2cq0)

Tarred and Feathered 13:30 SUN (b00p1f4x)

Tempus Fugit 11:00 TUE (b00p2cbz)

The Archers Omnibus 10:00 SUN (b00p068w)

The Archers 19:00 SUN (b00p1g9x)

The Archers 14:00 MON (b00p1g9x)

The Archers 19:00 MON (b00p1l27)

The Archers 14:00 TUE (b00p1l27)

The Archers 19:00 TUE (b00p1l1x)

The Archers 14:00 WED (b00p1l1x)

The Archers 19:00 WED (b00p1l1z)

The Archers 14:00 THU (b00p1l1z)

The Archers 19:00 THU (b00p1l21)

The Archers 14:00 FRI (b00p1l21)

The Archers 19:00 FRI (b00p1l23)

The Cases That Changed Our World 05:45 SUN (b00nywwj)

The Choice 09:00 TUE (b00p2cbx)

The Choice 21:30 TUE (b00p2cbx)

The Film Programme 16:30 FRI (b00p34yp)

The Food Programme 12:32 SUN (b00p0690)

The Food Programme 16:00 MON (b00p0690)

The House That Jazz Built 11:30 THU (b00p315y)

The Infinite Monkey Cage 16:30 MON (b00p29kc)

The Infinite Monkey Cage 21:00 WED (b00p29kc)

The Ladies 23:00 WED (b00glqw4)

The Media Show 13:30 WED (b00p2jck)

The Now Show 12:30 SAT (b00nz940)

The Now Show 18:30 FRI (b00p34yr)

The Report 20:00 THU (b00p33wx)

The Richest Man in Britain 11:30 FRI (b00p346t)

The Week in Westminster 11:00 SAT (b00p016l)

The World This Weekend 13:00 SUN (b00p1f4v)

The World Tonight 22:00 MON (b00p1mwv)

The World Tonight 22:00 TUE (b00p1mvc)

The World Tonight 22:00 WED (b00p1mvf)

The World Tonight 22:00 THU (b00p1mvh)

The World Tonight 22:00 FRI (b00p1mvk)

Thinking Allowed 00:15 MON (b00nyfhk)

Thinking Allowed 16:00 WED (b00p2z8g)

Tickets Please 11:30 MON (b00p1nm5)

Today in Parliament 23:30 MON (b00p1n8j)

Today in Parliament 23:30 TUE (b00p1n88)

Today in Parliament 23:30 WED (b00p1n8b)

Today in Parliament 23:30 THU (b00p1n8d)

Today in Parliament 23:30 FRI (b00p1n8g)

Today 07:00 SAT (b00nzypg)

Today 06:00 MON (b00p1hq6)

Today 06:00 TUE (b00p1hks)

Today 06:00 WED (b00p1hkw)

Today 06:00 THU (b00p1hky)

Today 06:00 FRI (b00p1hl0)

Vent 23:00 TUE (b01dw7cx)

Weather 06:04 SAT (b00nzb8k)

Weather 06:57 SAT (b00nzypd)

Weather 12:57 SAT (b00p016s)

Weather 17:57 SAT (b00p03hk)

Weather 22:00 SAT (b00p03vp)

Weather 06:57 SUN (b00p05j4)

Weather 07:58 SUN (b00p068m)

Weather 12:57 SUN (b00p0692)

Weather 17:57 SUN (b00p1g96)

Weather 21:58 SUN (b00p1gf8)

Weather 05:57 MON (b00p1nly)

Weather 12:57 MON (b00p1kzd)

Weather 21:58 MON (b00p1mk8)

Weather 12:57 TUE (b00p1k9r)

Weather 21:58 TUE (b00p1mjp)

Weather 12:57 WED (b00p1k9t)

Weather 21:58 WED (b00p1mjr)

Weather 12:57 THU (b00p1k9w)

Weather 21:58 THU (b00p1mjt)

Weather 12:57 FRI (b00p1k9y)

Weather 21:58 FRI (b00p1mjw)

Westminster Hour 22:00 SUN (b00p1gfb)

Woman's Hour 16:00 SAT (b00p0171)

Woman's Hour 10:00 MON (b00p1jsz)

Woman's Hour 10:00 TUE (b00p1hsg)

Woman's Hour 10:00 WED (b00p1hsj)

Woman's Hour 10:00 THU (b00p1hsl)

Woman's Hour 10:00 FRI (b00p1hsn)

Word of Mouth 23:00 MON (b00nycby)

Word of Mouth 16:00 TUE (b00p2hfw)

World at One 13:00 MON (b00p1l1v)

World at One 13:00 TUE (b00p1kzg)

World at One 13:00 WED (b00p1kzj)

World at One 13:00 THU (b00p1kzm)

World at One 13:00 FRI (b00p1kzp)

You and Yours 12:00 MON (b00p1jy2)

You and Yours 12:00 TUE (b00p1jxr)

You and Yours 12:00 WED (b00p1jxt)

You and Yours 12:00 THU (b00p1jxw)

You and Yours 12:00 FRI (b00p1jxy)

iPM 17:30 SAT (b00p03hf)