SATURDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2012

SAT 00:00 The Spaceship II (b0091tns)
The End
The crew is brought face-to-face with reality when they reach the end of the universe. Stars James Fleet and Emily Joyce.
SAT 00:30 William Gibson - Pattern Recognition (b007k21k)
Episode 5
'Coolhunter' Cayce travels to Moscow for an emotional encounter with the maker of "the footage" - the mysteriously compelling online film haunting web-surfers around the world.
But why is Cayce's boss at the ad agency so interested in it?
William Gibson's fast-moving thriller concluded by Lorelei King.
Abridged by Ron Roberts.
Producer: David Jackson Young.
Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in February 2007.
SAT 01:00 Falco (b01bn1yg)
Poseidon's Gold
Episode 5
The Roman detective hopes maritime matters can clear him, but Geminus brings bad news. Stars Anton Lesser and Trevor Peacock.
SAT 01:15 Adam Dalgliesh - The Private Patient (b01bn2f3)
Episode 5
Evidence at victim Rhoda's flat leads Dalgliesh and Kate northwards, as the murder trail grows darker. PD James mystery stars Richard Derrington.
SAT 01:30 Russell Thorndike - The Last of Doctor Syn (b00ps5hm)
Episode 6
Will Denis and Imogene be reunited and will the clergyman reveal the truth? Rufus Sewell concludes the Kent-based adventure.
SAT 02:00 Fat Chance (b01bn4qm)
Secrets and Lies
Will Graham be the next Blue Peter presenter and why did Tina's husband leave her?
Jenny McDade's high-fat bittersweet comedy for those believing there's a thin person inside them begging to get out.
Graham Pitscottie ..... Gareth Corke
Wendy Bottomley ..... Janine Duvitski
Clive Bottomley ..... Michael Troughton
Soo Pitscottie ..... Anne Reid
Tina Tattersall ..... Julia Deakin
Kelly Chambers ..... Tilly Gaunt
Lee Dubs ..... Harry Myers
Mrs Enright ..... Frances Jeater
Producer: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1999.
SAT 02:30 Spending My Inheritance (b00fjdqd)
The Party
Sitcom by Clive Coleman, starring Kris Marshall as cash-strapped forty-something Harry, who has to watch from the sidelines as his newly retired parents start spending their hard-earned cash on themselves.
Harry decides to throw his dad a 65th birthday party.
Harry ...... Kris Marshall
Jo ...... Raquel Cassidy
Brian ...... Kenneth Cranham
Liz ...... Judy Parfitt
Richard ...... Chris Pavlo
David ...... Dan Starkey
Stuart ...... Malcolm Tierney
Directed by Sam Hoyle.
SAT 03:00 Charles Dickens (b007jnpf)
Charles Dickens - Our Mutual Friend
Some Affairs of the Heart
Wondering what to expect, Bella Wilfer weeps over her contradictory life and fortunes. Stars Simon Cadell and Pippa Guard.
SAT 04:00 Winifred Holtby - The Celebrity Who Failed (b01bn5wr)
Can Amelia deal with the public attention after she learns to walk on water? Read by Alice Arnold.
SAT 04:15 Drama (b00t7h90)
Marcia Layne - The Barber and the Ark
by Marcia Layne
Issachar has been given an ultimatum by Yvonne, either the dreadlocks go or she does. But the veteran barber he visits has other ideas. Over a bottle of his 'special ingredient roots tonic' the barber shares his dream of discovering the Ark of the Covenant in Ethiopia. A dream that will change Isaachar's life.
Directed by Nadia Molinari.
SAT 05:00 Brothers in Law (b007k0y6)
Series 2
Look It Up
Newly qualified lawyer Roger Thursby annoys his girlfriend Sally over a dispute involving a husband and wife.
Starring Richard Briers as Roger Thursby, Terence Alexander as Henry Blagrove, John Glyn-Jones as Grimes, Julia Lockwood as Sally, Ronald Adam as the Chairman and Arthur Mullard as Briggs. All other parts by Sean Arnold, Douglas Blackwell and Patrick Tull.
Written by Henry Cecil and Basil Dawson.
Published in 1955, Henry Cecil's comic legal novel Brothers in Law was adapted first for TV in 1962 by Frank Muir and Denis Norden. It provided the first regular starring role for Richard Briers, who later reprised his role of the idealistic young lawyer Roger Thursby for BBC Radio between 1970 and 1972.
Producer: David Hatch.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1971.
SAT 05:30 The Little World of Don Camillo (b00v2rv2)
Series 4
The Coup d'Etat
A national election and a general strike puts the Italian priest in danger. Stars Joss Ackland and Ian Hogg. From April 2004.
SAT 06:00 Peter Tinniswood (b01bw4tn)
Call It a Canary
The end of the '60s - Carter's wife has left him, but can he stand the pace of his new life of freedom? Part of Tinniswood's 'Brandon Family' series. Stars Philip Jackson.
SAT 07:30 A Dewey Decimal (b00xmljr)
Shaun Wallace investigates Melvil Dewey's book organisation system at his local library and the likely impact of the internet. From October 2007.
SAT 08:00 Garrison Keillor's Radio Show (b01bw4wv)
Series 7
Episode 17
From Bemidji, Minnesota, the American funny man welcomes Rhonda Vincent & the Rage, plus jazz guitarist Sam Miltich. From 2011.
SAT 09:00 Comedy Greats (b007jtlc)
1970s
Episode 1
Decade by decade, Barry Cryer keeps on truckin’ with some of the funniest and finest shows ever broadcast by the BBC.
Six favourites plucked from the sensational 1970s schedules of BBC Radio 2 and 4:
* The News Huddlines
From 7th November 1979
Roy Hudd’s long-running topical comedy sketch series. Janet Brown and Chris Emmett help to poke fun at the week’s news events featuring Margaret Thatcher, James Callaghan and ABBA. .
* All Gas And Gaiters
Series 1 (6/13) Only Three Can Play
Will Noote's playing away ruin the clerics' game? Clerical comedy adapted from TV starring Derek Nimmo and William Mervyn. From February 1971.
* The Frankie Howerd Show
Series 4 - from November 1975
The king of titters reads some ditties and takes on some overgrown animals in a spoof sci-fi thriller! With Norma Ronald, Ray Fell and Timothy Davies.
* Parsley Sidings
Series 2 (6/10) A Bird In The Hand
A rare gull is spotted during a station spring-clean, causing chaos on the line. Railway station comedy starring Arthur Lowe, Kenneth Connor, Liz Fraser and Ian Lavender. From November 1973.
* Whatever Happened To The Likely Lads?
(11/13) Count Down
Terry helps stressed Bob prepare for his wedding. Adapted from TV’s classic sitcom about mismatched friends. Starring James Bolam, Rodney Bewes, Joan Hickson and Bill Owen. From October 1975.
* Hello Cheeky
From October 1979
Red Rum and sound effects galore! Sketches galore with rapid pun-tastic fun starring Tim Brooke-Taylor, John Junkin and Barry Cryer. Music by the Denis King Trio.
Produced and scripted by Peter Reed
Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in June 2003.
SAT 12:00 Dickens in London - Omnibus (b01bw5h8)
The story of Dickens's life told through his relationship with the city that fired his imagination. By Michael Eaton, with Samuel Barnett, Alex Jennings and Antony Sher.
SAT 13:15 McLevy (b0085j4x)
Series 2
Stab in the Back
The Victorian detective faces a desperate race against time, as a hired killer roams Leith's dark alleys. Starring Brian Cox.
SAT 14:00 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b0082crd)
Series 2
Episode 4
Can shady lawyer Waldorf T Flywheel save a struggling department store from closure?
Recreation of the Marx Brothers' lost shows charting the adventures of shady lawyer Waldorf T Flywheel and his assistant, Emmanuel Ravelli. Originally broadcast with sponsors on America's NBC radio network in the 1930s. The scripts were rediscovered in 1988.
Groucho Marx as Waldorf T Flywheel ...... Michael Roberts
Chico Marx as Emmanuel Ravellias ...... Frank Lazarus
With Lorelei King, Graham Hoadly and Vincent Marzello.
Written by Nat Perrin and Athur Sheekman. Adapted by Mark Brisenden.
Music arranged and conducted by David Firman.
Producer: Dirk Maggs
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1991.
SAT 14:30 Crowned Hudds (b00pgydd)
How Ye Quest Was Wonne
Poking fun at King Arthur, Roy Hudd takes a royal romp through history, with June Whitfield and Chris Emmett. From August 1995.
SAT 15:00 Garrison Keillor's Radio Show (b01bw4wv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
SAT 16:00 Peter Tinniswood (b01bw4tn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 17:30 What's So Funny? (b01bn3r5)
Series 2
Episode 19
Ed Byrne, Ardal O'Hanlon, Mitch Benn and Lucy Porter review the best of British comedy from radio and screen.
SAT 18:00 Angela Carter - Lizzie's Tiger (b01bw5rx)
The infamous Lizzie Borden, imagined as a four-year-old having an extraordinary encounter at the circus. Angela Carter's short story, read by Liza Ross.
SAT 18:30 Ursula K Le Guin - The Diary of the Rose (b00nhq5n)
Episode 2
Psychiatrist Rosa Sobel makes a shocking discovery about the organisation she works for. Laurel Lefkow concludes Ursula K Le Guin's tale.
SAT 19:00 Comedy Greats (b007jtlc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 22:00 Eddie Izzard - Glorious (b007mwss)
Episode 2
Eddie Izzard entertains an audience at London's Hammersmith Apollo with more of his unique outlook on life.
SAT 23:00 Angela Carter - The Company of Wolves (b01bw62b)
'Some wolves are hairy on the inside' - temptation and terror in Angela Carter's retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. Stars Michael Williams.
SAT 23:50 Front Row Interviews (b0106yq2)
Julie Walters
The actress reflects on her film and television career in conversation with Mark Lawson.


SUNDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2012

SUN 00:00 Angela Carter - Lizzie's Tiger (b01bw5rx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Saturday]
SUN 00:30 Ursula K Le Guin - The Diary of the Rose (b00nhq5n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Saturday]
SUN 01:00 Garrison Keillor's Radio Show (b01bw4wv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Saturday]
SUN 02:00 Dickens in London - Omnibus (b01bw5h8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:00 on Saturday]
SUN 03:15 McLevy (b0085j4x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 13:15 on Saturday]
SUN 04:00 Peter Tinniswood (b01bw4tn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]
SUN 05:30 What's So Funny? (b01bn3r5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:30 on Saturday]
SUN 06:00 Nicholas Nickleby Omnibus (b007js2l)
Episode 1
An impetuous young man finds himself at odds with his uncle, and is made to leave home. Dickens dramatisation by Mike Walker, with Oliver Milburn and Anna Massey.
SUN 07:15 Strange Weather Days (b00fsw8n)
Series 2
The Big Freeze
Meteorologist Helen Young visits Dartmoor to recall the jumbo freeze of 1963, when a baby had to be delivered by phone.
SUN 07:30 Another Case of Milton Jones (b00rfj1b)
Series 4
World-Famous Cyclist
In this episode, Milton's a world-beating cyclist who gets tangled up in a close-fitting body suit and the population of Holland... So if you want motivation, speed, adrenalin and a low-energy light bulb that takes forty minutes to come on, then put on your yellow jersey and catch up with "Another Case Of Milton Jones"
He's joined in his endeavours by his co-stars Tom Goodman-Hill ("Camelot"), Ben Willbond ("Horrible Histories") and Lucy Montgomery ("Down The Line").
Britain's funniest Milton and the king of the one-liner returns with a fully-working cast and a shipload of new jokes for a series of daffy comedy adventures
Each week, Milton is a complete and utter expert at something - Top Gun aviator, Weatherman, Billy Elliot-style dancer, World-beating cyclist, mathematical genius and Extreme Travel Entrepreneur ...
... and each week, with absolutely no ability or competence, he plunges into a big adventure with utterly funny results...
"Milton Jones is one of Britain's best gagsmiths with a flair for creating daft yet perfect one-liners" - The Guardian
"King of the surreal one-liners" - The Times
"If you haven't caught up with Jones yet - do so!" - The Daily Mail
Written by Milton with James Cary ("Think The Unthinkable", "Miranda")
Produced & directed by David Tyler
A Pozzitive Production for BBC Radio 4.
SUN 08:00 Take It From Here (b01bw857)
From 09/04/1958
King Charles II fancies sampling saucy Nell Gwynn's oranges - and in 'The Glums', how did Pa Glum get his black eye?
Starring Professor Jimmy Edwards, Dick Bentley and June Whitfield.
Music from Wallace Eaton and the Keynotes and the BBC Revue Orchestra conducted by Harry Rabinowitz.
Scripted by Frank Muir and Denis Norden.
Producer: Charles Maxwell
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in April 1958.
SUN 08:30 Floggit's (b007jxmk)
From 24/08/1956
Chaos strikes village shopkeepers Gert and Daisy over a troublesome tree.
Stars Elsie and Doris Waters as Gert and Daisy.
With Joan Sims, Anthony Newley, Ronnie Barker, Hugh Paddick and Iris Vandaleur.
Originally popular regulars in 'Workers' Playtime' on the BBC Home Service during wartime, Gert and Daisy won their own series, Floggit's, where they've inherited a village general store in Russett Green. with a ragbag of local characters to deal with. It ran for 2 series between 1956 and 1957.
Scripted by Terry Nation, John Junkin and Dave Freeman.
Producer: Alastair Scott -Johnston
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in August 1956.
SUN 09:00 Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories (b00qhrwf)
Beginning of the Armadilloes
First published in 1902, the fantastical tale of a hedgehog and tortoise is read by David Davis.
SUN 09:15 Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories (b00qyqqj)
The Elephant's Child
First published in 1902, the fantastical tale of a very curious animal is read by David Davis.
SUN 09:30 FH Burnett - The Secret Garden (b00rglts)
Episode 2
Will orphaned Mary ever find her way into the locked garden? Frances Hodgson Burnett's classic tale, with Harriet Walter.
SUN 10:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b01bl6n7)
Sir Arnold Wesker
Kirsty Young explores the choices of the dramatist in the first of a series featuring playwrights.
SUN 10:50 Front Row Interviews (b01bl6pd)
Sir David Jason
The comic and dramatic actor in conversation with Mark Lawson, on learning from comedy greats and why some shows will always be funny.
SUN 11:00 That Reminds Me (b01bw9yq)
Series 4
Pam Ayres
Poet Pam Ayres looks back at her life and times, with childhood memories and comical rhymes.
Series showcasing the reminiscences of celebrated raconteurs before a live audience.
Producer: Claire Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2002.
SUN 11:30 You and Yours (b01c14dg)
Made for 4 Extra. In a Valentine's special, You and Yours investigates the booming business of companies helping people search for love online.
SUN 12:00 Nicholas Nickleby Omnibus (b007js2l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 13:15 Strange Weather Days (b00fsw8n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
SUN 13:30 Ray Bradbury - Fahrenheit 451 (b00vs0f0)
Firefighters in the future no longer stop fires, but start them by burning books. But one has forbidden doubts. Dark futuristic tale starring Michael Pennington.
SUN 15:00 Take It From Here (b01bw857)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
SUN 15:30 Floggit's (b007jxmk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
SUN 16:00 Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories (b00qhrwf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SUN 16:15 Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories (b00qyqqj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:15 today]
SUN 16:30 FH Burnett - The Secret Garden (b00rglts)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SUN 17:00 A History of the World in 100 Objects (b00tdxpw)
Pilgrims, Raiders and Traders (AD 800 - 1300)
Neil MacGregor, the director of the British Museum in London, continues his global history as told through objects that history has left behind.
This week Neil has chosen objects that bring to life the traders, pilgrims and raiders who swept across the vast expanse of Europe and Asia between the 9th and 13th centuries.
His quest takes him to a glass beaker that is believed to turn water into wine and a thorn said to be from Christ's crown of thorns, but he begins with a great Viking treasure hoard that was discovered by metal detectors in a field in North Yorkshire in Britain.
Producers: Paul Kobrak and Anthony Denselow.
SUN 18:00 Fear on 4 (b007jndg)
Series 2
The Journey Home
Felicity and George are driving home, when suddenly something unaccountable happens that leads them down a nightmare road to inescapable horror.
The Man in Black sets the scene...
Fear on 4 brings you more in a series of nerve-tinglers.
Written by Bert Coules
The Man in Black …. Edward de Souza
Doctor …. Richard Pasco
Felicity …. Helena Breck
George …. Crawford Logan
Voice …. Simon Cuff
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1989.
SUN 18:30 The Scarifyers (b01bwb80)
The Magic Circle
Episode 3
Lionheart has disappeared, so Professor Dunning has teamed up with his former sergeant Harry 'Thumper' Crow to track him down. But as they unearth the long-buried secrets of The Magic Circle, a terrible truth awaits.
This is the sixth story in supernatural comedy series 'The Scarifyers.' The series follows the exploits of 1930s ghost-story writer Professor Dunning (Terry Molloy) and Detective Inspector Lionheart (Nicholas Courtney), who together investigate weird mysteries under the auspices of top-secret government department MI-13.
In 2011, Nicholas Courtney passed away. 'The Magic Circle' introduces a new lead character, played by David Warner, and serves as a farewell to both Lionheart and to the actor who played him.
Cast
David Warner as Harry Crow
Terry Molloy as Professor Dunning
Stephen Thorne as Billy Banter
Ewan Bailey as Montague Blake and Solomon Winters
Lizzie Roper as Iris Binns
Cicely Giddings as Lily Wighton
Scott Brooksbank as Inspector Boot
David Benson as David Devant
PRODUCER: Simon Barnard
Cosmic Hobo Productions.
SUN 19:00 That Reminds Me (b01bw9yq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
SUN 19:30 You and Yours (b01c14dg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:30 today]
SUN 20:00 Take It From Here (b01bw857)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
SUN 20:30 Floggit's (b007jxmk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
SUN 21:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b01bl6n7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 21:50 Front Row Interviews (b01bl6pd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:50 today]
SUN 22:00 Another Case of Milton Jones (b00rfj1b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 22:30 The Maltby Collection (b00x7glw)
Series 2
Episode 2
Deputy curator Rod holds a museum press conference, and Walter hits on Susie Maltby. Stars Geoffrey Palmer. From June 2008.
SUN 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (b01bwbbs)
The Comedy Club brings laughs six nights a week. Andi Osho chats to this week's guest, Jeremy Hardy.
SUN 23:00 As Told To Craig Brown (b00bfp2j)
Episode 6
In the crosshairs of satire are hysterical media and busty starlets.
Craig Brown introduces a mixture of satire, social observation and nonsense.
Narrated by Juliet Stevenson and Steve Wright
With John Humphrys, Ronni Ancona, Jon Culshaw, Lewis MacLeod, Sally Grace, Ewan Bailey and Margaret Cabourn-Smith.
Producer: Victoria Lloyd
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2008
SUN 23:30 The Problem With Adam Bloom (b01bwbgs)
Series 3
Friendship and Stress
A double dose, as the funnyman ponders why we choose our pals and what causes pressure.
Adam interviews his closest friends to discover if honesty is always the best policy. Next, he deals with the stress of not finishing the script and how the wrong dinner companion can ruin a meal.
With Brendon Burns.
Producer Adam Bromley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2005.


MONDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2012

MON 00:00 Fear on 4 (b007jndg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Sunday]
MON 00:30 The Scarifyers (b01bwb80)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Sunday]
MON 01:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b01bl6n7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Sunday]
MON 01:50 Front Row Interviews (b01bl6pd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:50 on Sunday]
MON 02:00 That Reminds Me (b01bw9yq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 on Sunday]
MON 02:30 You and Yours (b01c14dg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:30 on Sunday]
MON 03:00 Take It From Here (b01bw857)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Sunday]
MON 03:30 Ray Bradbury - Fahrenheit 451 (b00vs0f0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 13:30 on Sunday]
MON 05:00 Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories (b00qhrwf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Sunday]
MON 05:15 Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories (b00qyqqj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:15 on Sunday]
MON 05:30 FH Burnett - The Secret Garden (b00rglts)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Sunday]
MON 06:00 Falco (b01bwbr7)
Poseidon's Gold
Episode 6
Battling a murder charge, the Roman detective visits a drunken fresco artist who knew his dead brother. Stars Anton Lesser and Trevor Peacock.
MON 06:15 Adam Dalgliesh - The Private Patient (b01bwbtc)
Episode 6
Commander Dalgliesh questions the owner of a car parked near the murder scene. PD James mystery with Richard Derrington.
MON 06:30 A Sting in the Tale (b00zf4tc)
In What I Failed to Do
Sadie and husband Reggie are walking home from the shops. Mary D'Arcy's shocking tale of revenge, read by Maggie Steed.
MON 07:00 Nikolai Gogol - Three Ivans, Two Aunts and an Overcoat (b00nw3x9)
The Mysterious Portrait
Chertkoff is St Petersburg's most high-minded young artist, until he makes a pact with the devil. With Stephen Moore. From April 2002.
MON 07:30 Just a Minute (b01blgp6)
Series 62
Episode 1
Nicholas Parsons presents the first of the series that marked the 45th birthday of Just a Minute.
In this show panellists Paul Merton, Ross Noble, Jenny Eclair and Gyles Brandreth are all asked to talk on subjects given out in the first series in 1967.
Paul Merton is asked to describe what he does When I Wear a Top Hat, Ross Noble explores the topic of The English Nanny, Gyles Brandreth explains How to Perform a Cornish Floral Dance and Jenny Eclair reveals all she knows about Knitting a Cablestitch Jumper.
Producer: Claire Jones.
MON 08:00 Beyond Our Ken (b008fd3n)
From 01/07/1958
The first outing of Kenneth Horne's revered comedy troupe poking fun at tax bills and atomic power, plus some advice from Miss Romney Marsh.
Starring Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick, Betty Marsden, Ron Moody and Stanley Unwin.
Written by Eric Merriman and Barry Took
Music from Pat Lancaster, the Malcolm Mitchell Trio and the BBC Review Orchestra conducted by Harry Rabinowitz.
Announcer: Douglas Smith
A madcap mix of sketches and songs, Beyond Our Ken hit the airwaves in 1958 and ran to 1964 - featuring regulars like Arthur Fallowfield, Cecil Snaith and Rodney and Charles.
The precursor to 'Round The Horne' - sadly only 13 shows survive from the original run of 21 episodes in Series 1. Audio restored using both home and overseas (BBC Transcription Service) recordings.
Producer: Jacques Brown
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in July 1958.
MON 08:30 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b0084hzr)
Series 2
Episode 5
Shady lawyer Waldorf T Flywheel tries to bamboozle a millionaire.
Recreation of the Marx Brothers' lost shows charting the adventures of shady lawyer Waldorf T Flywheel and his assistant, Emmanuel Ravelli. Originally broadcast with sponsors on America's NBC radio network in the 1930s. The scripts were rediscovered in 1988.
Groucho Marx as Waldorf T Flywheel ...... Michael Roberts
Chico Marx as Emmanuel Ravellias ...... Frank Lazarus
With Lorelei King, Graham Hoadly and Vincent Marzello.
Written by Nat Perrin and Athur Sheekman. Adapted by Mark Brisenden.
Music arranged and conducted by David Firman.
Producer: Dirk Maggs
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1991.
MON 09:00 Another Case of Milton Jones (b00rp1wd)
Series 4
Oil Baron and Mining Engineer
In this episode, Milton waves goodbye to the world of dance and musical theatre to pursue his dream of becoming - a miner! And then his fortunes skyrocket when he strikes oil in the middle of the ocean - on an oil tanker. Diamonds, gold, laser beams and Eastenders combine in a glamorous yet gritty tribute to Billy Elliot in "Another Case Of Milton Jones".
He's joined in his endeavours by his co-stars Tom Goodman-Hill (Camelot), Dave Lamb (Come Dine With Me) and Ingrid Oliver (Watson & Oliver).
Britain's funniest Milton and the king of the one-liner returns with a fully-working cast and a shipload of new jokes in this series of daffy comedy adventures.
Each week, Milton is a complete and utter expert at something - Top Gun aviator, Weatherman, Billy Elliot-style dancer, World-beating cyclist, mathematical genius and Extreme Travel Entrepreneur.
And each week, with absolutely no ability or competence, he plunges into a big adventure with utterly funny results.
"Milton Jones is one of Britain's best gagsmiths with a flair for creating daft yet perfect one-liners" - The Guardian
"King of the surreal one-liners" - The Times
"If you haven't caught up with Jones yet - do so!" - The Daily Mail
Written by Milton with James Cary (Think The Unthinkable, Miranda)
Produced & directed by David Tyler
A Pozzitive Production for BBC Radio 4.
MON 09:30 Says on the Tin (b00gl50p)
Schokolade
Comedy by Christopher William Hill.
Eliott finds nothing to laugh about while promoting a German chocolate called Laughing.
Eliott Thurber ...... Michael Brandon
Esther Finn ...... Samantha Bond
Hannah Walker ...... Pippa Haywood
Zadie ...... Joannah Tincey
Baz ...... Inam Mirza
Mandelbrot ...... Malcolm Tierney
Interpreter ...... Gunnar Cauthery
Other Parts played by Dan Starkey, Janice Acquah and Jonathan Tafler.
MON 10:00 Charles Dickens (b007jnpr)
Charles Dickens - Our Mutual Friend
A Flight and a Fall
Lizzie Hexam goes missing, having received a retraction of claims against her father. Stars Simon Cadell and Pippa Guard.
MON 11:00 Love Stories (b010nxrt)
The Lark
By Alan Titchmarsh. A widow's life is transformed by an unexpected love affair. Read by Joanna Tope.
MON 11:15 Loose Ends (b01bw7hn)
Clive Anderson talks to the actress Penelope Wilton and author Marcus Berkmann. With music from Simone Felice and Fanfarlo.
Clive will be checking in with actress Penelope Wilton, who is starring in a new film about a disparate group of pensioners, whose retirement takes an unconventional turn when they abandon their homeland for a seemingly luxurious sanctuary for 'the elderly and beautiful' in India. 'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' is at cinemas from 24th January.
Clive embraces the shed with journalist and author Marcus Berkmann, whose book 'A Shed Of One's Own' ponders middle age and is not just about men losing their hair or waistline, but of gained self confidence and knowledge; celebrating midlife without the crisis.
Allegra McEvedy will be onboard comedian Rhys Darby's spaceship to have an intergalactic chat with him about Armageddon and playing Murray Hewitt, the ineffectual and officious band manager of 'Flight of the Conchords'. Rhys's first UK tour 'This Way to Spaceship' is an autobiographical journey from meek geek to king of cool and takes off in July.
In a league of his own, the perfect gentleman Reece Shearsmith will be talking to Clive about life after 'The League of Gentleman' and life in 'Psychoville'. Reece is currently starring as 'Colin' in Alan Ayckbourn's classic comedy of manners and social embarrassment 'Absent Friends' at the Harold Pinter Theatre, London until 14th April.
With music from Indie popsters Fanfarlo, who perform 'Deconstruction' from their album 'Rooms Filled With Light'.
And Creator of 'The Duke & The King' and former member of 'The Felice Brothers', Simone Felice is back in the Loose Ends studio to perform 'New York Times' from his debut self-titled album.
Producers: Cathie Mahoney and Jane Thurlow.
MON 12:00 Beyond Our Ken (b008fd3n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 12:30 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b0084hzr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 13:00 Falco (b01bwbr7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 13:15 Adam Dalgliesh - The Private Patient (b01bwbtc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:15 today]
MON 13:30 A Sting in the Tale (b00zf4tc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 14:00 Charles Dickens - Nicholas Nickleby (b007k442)
Episode 6
Nicholas heads to London, where his mother and sister uneasily await. Dramatisation of Dickens' novel with Oliver Milburn.
MON 14:15 This Sceptred Isle (b007js6l)
A Damp Squib, A Bible and Widow Thirkettle
It is the time of James I, the gunpowder plot and religious strife. Anna Massey narrates the history of the British Isles.
MON 14:30 Uncle Mort's North Country (b007jl5v)
Series 1
Dog Days
At the allotment, Carter's Uncle Mort sounds off on sunshine, southerners and a smart mutt.
Carter Brandon gets a week off work, so he decides to go on day-trips in his car, with his Uncle Mort, 'where the fancy takes them.
Peter Tinniswood’s continuing tales of Carter Brandon and his curmudgeonly uncle.
Uncle Mort and his Yorkshire based family first appeared in Tinniswood’s novel ‘A Touch Of Daniel’ which earned them a run of four series of ‘I Didn't Know You Cared’ on BBC TV from 1975 to 1979.
Uncle Mort …. Stephen Thorne
Carter Brandon …. Peter Skellern
Narrator …. Christian Rodska
Producer: Pete Atkin.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1987.
MON 14:45 Christopher Bigsby - Arthur Miller (b01bwdvn)
Episode 1
Biography of the leading modern playwright. Growing up in Harlem in the Depression. Read by Henry Goodman.
MON 15:00 Charles Dickens (b007jnpr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
MON 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b01bwdvv)
Explore hidden parts of London, and tips for entering Chris Evans' 500 Words short story competition. Plus, the first chapter of the Dickens classic Oliver Twist.
MON 17:00 The Random Jottings of Hinge and Bracket (b007jrgv)
When the Sap Is Rising
The dear ladies swallow the consequences of home-made wine. Stars Dr Evadne Hinge and Dame Hilda Bracket. From April 1983.
MON 17:30 Nikolai Gogol - Three Ivans, Two Aunts and an Overcoat (b00nw3x9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 18:00 Paul Magrs - Never the Bride (b0092n8g)
The Night Owls
Assembled monster turned B&B landlady, Brenda investigates a mysterious Whitby radio host. Stars Joanna Tope and Monica Gibb.
MON 18:30 Fantastic Tales (b007k2c2)
Hell Screen by Ryunosuke Akutagawa 1/2
When a mighty medieval Japanese Lord clashes with an arrogant painter, tragedy is sparked.
Ryunosuke Akutagawa's chilling horror story read in two-parts by Togo Igawa.
Fantastic Tales is a collection of weird and wonderful stories from around the world.
Tales from Japan, Delhi, Eastern Europe, the Welsh borders and America show how fantasy is at its best when used to explore the preoccupations of everyday life.
Translator: Jay Rubin
Director: Gemma Jenkins
Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in February 2007.
MON 19:00 Beyond Our Ken (b008fd3n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 19:30 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b0084hzr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 20:00 Falco (b01bwbr7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 20:15 Adam Dalgliesh - The Private Patient (b01bwbtc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:15 today]
MON 20:30 A Sting in the Tale (b00zf4tc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 21:00 Love Stories (b010nxrt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
MON 21:15 Loose Ends (b01bw7hn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
MON 22:00 Just a Minute (b01blgp6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 22:30 Another Case of Milton Jones (b00rp1wd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
MON 23:00 The News Quiz Extra (b01bwdzn)
Extended edition of the News Quiz, hosted by Sandi Toksvig. Panellists are Phill Jupitus, Andrew Maxwell, Jeremy Hardy and Rick Wakeman.
MON 23:45 Hamish and Dougal: You'll Have Had Your Tea (b007k24f)
Series 2
Trapped
The elderly Scotsmen's first trip to London ends in chaos. Stars Barry Cryer, Graeme Garden, Alison Steadman and Jeremy Hardy. From March 2004.


TUESDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2012

TUE 00:00 Paul Magrs - Never the Bride (b0092n8g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Monday]
TUE 00:30 Fantastic Tales (b007k2c2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Monday]
TUE 01:00 Falco (b01bwbr7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]
TUE 01:15 Adam Dalgliesh - The Private Patient (b01bwbtc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:15 on Monday]
TUE 01:30 A Sting in the Tale (b00zf4tc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Monday]
TUE 02:00 Another Case of Milton Jones (b00rp1wd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Monday]
TUE 02:30 Says on the Tin (b00gl50p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:00 Charles Dickens (b007jnpr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:00 Love Stories (b010nxrt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:15 Loose Ends (b01bw7hn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 on Monday]
TUE 05:00 The Random Jottings of Hinge and Bracket (b007jrgv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:00 on Monday]
TUE 05:30 Nikolai Gogol - Three Ivans, Two Aunts and an Overcoat (b00nw3x9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Monday]
TUE 06:00 Falco (b01bwgjb)
Poseidon's Gold
Episode 7
The Roman detective visits his father's creditors, and starts to doubt Varga's veracity. Stars Anton Lesser and Trevor Peacock.
TUE 06:15 Adam Dalgliesh - The Private Patient (b01bwgl8)
Episode 7
Commander Dalgliesh and his colleague DI Kate Miskin are contacted over an alarming discovery. PD James mystery stars Richard Derrington.
TUE 06:30 A Sting in the Tale (b00zf76l)
The Anatomisation of an Unknown Man; Intruders
Deceit over a painting, and a dishonest businessman. Jim Norton and Sorcha Cusack read John Connolly and Dominic Power's tales.
TUE 07:00 Alison and Maud (b007k3rx)
Series 2
Just Say No
Daddy battles with hallucinogenic fungus and chips.
Second of two series of Sue Limb's Bed and Breakfast sitcom about sisters Alison and Maud and their guests at the Abbeyfield Guest House in Norwich.
Starring Denise Coffey as Alison, Miriam Margolyes as Maud, Joss Ackland as Father and Geoffrey Whitehead as Bernard.
Producer: Jonathan James-Moore.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2004.
TUE 07:30 Mr and Mrs Smith (b01blzkq)
The Music Festival
Will reluctantly accompanies wife Annabelle to a music festival. She brings her annoying friend Heather along.
Will Smith's sitcom about a couple in marriage counselling,
Counsellor Guy must mediate another dispute between Will and Annabelle, with flashbacks to the events that spawned the argument, and by the end, the couple find marital equilibrium once more. Sort of.
Will Smith ..... Will Smith
Annabelle Smith ..... Sarah Hadland
Guy ..... Paterson Joseph
Heather ..... Morwenna Banks
Various ..... Simon Bubb
Producer: Tilusha Ghelani
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2012.
TUE 08:00 The Goon Show (b007jnb4)
Series 6
Scradje
With Britain's boots exploding, Neddie Seagoon tries to tackle a national 'scradje' shortage.
Groundbreaking, surreal BBC radio comedy written by Spike Milligan.
Starring:
Peter Sellers
Harry Secombe
Spike Milligan
First billed as Crazy People, ten series of The Goon Show were recorded between 1951 and 1960, but sadly many of the earliest shows weren’t kept in the archive.
With the Ray Ellington Quartet and Max Geldray.
Orchestra conducted by Wally Stott.
Announcer: Wallace Greenslade
Producer: Peter Eton
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in March 1956.
TUE 08:30 Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads? (b007k47r)
No Hiding Place
Bob takes Terry to be restyled at the hairdressers.
Starring James Bolam as Terry Collier and Rodney Bewes as Bob Ferris.
With Sheila Fearn, George Layton, Jo Beadle, Brian Godfrey and Donald Gee.
Created and scripted for BBC TV by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais. Adapted for radio by Patrick Tilley.
Producer: John Browell
Originally lost from the archive, the audio was recovered in a BBC Treasure Hunt.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1975.
TUE 09:00 The News Quiz Extra (b01bwdzn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 23:00 on Monday]
TUE 09:45 Hamish and Dougal: You'll Have Had Your Tea (b007k24f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 23:45 on Monday]
TUE 10:00 Charles Dickens (b007jnsm)
Charles Dickens - Our Mutual Friend
Meaning Mischief
John Harman's will is found in a cash box, bequeathing the money to the Crown and not Boffin. Stars Simon Cadell and Pippa Guard.
TUE 11:00 Love Stories (b010grrf)
Restoration Woman
By Elizabeth Buchan. A portrait sparks an epiphany in a young widower. Series of stories by bestselling romantic novelists. Read by Tom Goodman-Hill.
TUE 11:15 Songlines (b00q913y)
My Love Is Like a Red, Red Rose
John Cavanagh explores Robert Burns' classic love song with help from Kenneth McKellar, Jean Redpath and Sheena Wellington.
TUE 11:45 Ronald Frame Short Stories (b007k19s)
The Trinket Box
To her observers, Mrs Bradley always seemed that bit too glamorous for a small gift shop owner...
John Gordon Sinclair reads Ronald Frame's short story.
Producer: David Hunter
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1996.
TUE 12:00 The Goon Show (b007jnb4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 12:30 Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads? (b007k47r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 13:00 Falco (b01bwgjb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 13:15 Adam Dalgliesh - The Private Patient (b01bwgl8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:15 today]
TUE 13:30 A Sting in the Tale (b00zf76l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 14:00 Charles Dickens - Nicholas Nickleby (b007k45p)
Episode 7
Kate Nickleby begins work at Mantalini's dressmakers. Dramatisation of Dickens' novel with Alex Jennings, Nicola Ratcliffe and Oliver Milburn.
TUE 14:15 This Sceptred Isle (b007js7j)
The Death of Raleigh and the First King of Great Britain
1616 - Walter Raleigh is in prison. Then a young man called George Villiers appears in court circles. Narrated by Anna Massey.
TUE 14:30 Uncle Mort's North Country (b007jl69)
Series 1
The Man Who Watched Trains Go By
Carter's Uncle Mort proposes staying at home, where he recalls days of steam and northern food.
Carter Brandon gets a week off work, so he decides to go on day-trips in his car, with his Uncle Mort, 'where the fancy takes them.
Uncle Mort and his Yorkshire based family first appeared in Tinniswood’s novel ‘A Touch Of Daniel’ which earned them a run of four series of ‘I Didn't Know You Cared’ on BBC TV from 1975 to 1979.
Uncle Mort …. Stephen Thorne
Carter Brandon …. Peter Skellern
Mrs Brandon …. Joan Matheson
Narrator …. Christian Rodska
Producer: Pete Atkin.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1987.
.
TUE 14:45 Christopher Bigsby - Arthur Miller (b01bwj8k)
Episode 2
The 1947 play All My Sons achieves major success. Bigsby's biography of the playwright. Read by Henry Goodman.
TUE 15:00 Charles Dickens (b007jnsm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
TUE 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b01bwj8m)
Matt Groening explains how his Simpsons characters got their names, plus more hidden London and the next chapter of Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens.
TUE 17:00 Bristow (b007w5jb)
Series 3
Repaying Mr Piper
Why is Bristow surrounded by incompetents? He has a theory - and determines to bumble toward the proof.
Michael Williams stars as Bristow, the buying clerk from Frank Dickens' famous newspaper cartoon strip. Syndicated internationally, it ran for 41 years in London's Evening Standard.
Bristow ...... Michael Williams
Jones ...... Rodney Bewes
Mrs Purdy ...... Dora Bryan
Hewitt ...... Owen Brenman
Perkins ...... Leslie Phillips
Gert ...... Liz Fraser
Daisy ...... Joan Sims
Miss Sunman ...... Katy Odey
Fudge ...... Jon Glover
Postboy ...... Simon Schatzberger
Stokes ...... David Battley
Miss Pleasant ...... Jackie Neglia
Music: John Whitehall
Producer: Neil Cargill
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2000.
TUE 17:30 Alison and Maud (b007k3rx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 18:00 Paul Magrs - Never the Bride (b00941pb)
The Vintage Costumed Hero Ball
Monstrous B&B landlady Brenda gets a murderous surprise at a superheroes convention. Stars Joanna Tope and John Paul Hurley.
TUE 18:30 Fantastic Tales (b007k2m4)
Hell Screen by Ryunosuke Akutagawa 2/2
Arrogant painter, Yoshi-hidday, puts his daughter's life in terrible danger.
Ryunosuke Akutagawa's chilling horror story concluded by Togo Igawa.
Fantastic Tales is a collection of weird and wonderful stories from around the world.
Translator: Jay Rubin
Director: Gemma Jenkins
Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in March 2007.
TUE 19:00 The Goon Show (b007jnb4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 19:30 Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads? (b007k47r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 20:00 Falco (b01bwgjb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 20:15 Adam Dalgliesh - The Private Patient (b01bwgl8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:15 today]
TUE 20:30 A Sting in the Tale (b00zf76l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 21:00 Love Stories (b010grrf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
TUE 21:15 Songlines (b00q913y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
TUE 21:45 Ronald Frame Short Stories (b007k19s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:45 today]
TUE 22:00 Mr and Mrs Smith (b01blzkq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 22:30 The Ape That Got Lucky (b0081sw3)
Man or Monkey
A look at how so many of the things we imagine to be human characteristics are really just animal ones.
Plus a glimpse at where evolution might take the human race next.
A spoof exploration of the fascinating subject of human evolution.
Starring Chris Addison.
With Professor Austin Herring (aka Geoffrey McGivern), Jo Enright and Dan Tetsell.
Written by Chris Addison and Carl Cooper.
Producer: Simon Nicholls
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2005.
TUE 23:00 Deep Trouble (b00sg1sj)
Series 1
Episode 1
Britain 2012. Nuclear submarine HMS Goliath is on patrol, minus a high-tech crew. Stars Jim Field Smith. From October 2005.
TUE 23:30 The Big Booth (b007jv50)
Series 2: The Big Booth Too
Episode 3
Boothby Graffoe meets a man with a replacement tongue and a man in a washing machine.
More guitar-flavoured songs and surreal laughs from Boothby Graffoe.
With Stephen Frost , Vivienne Soan, Big Al, Jim Sweeney and guitarist Antonio Forcione.
Written by Boothby Graffoe and Dave Thompson.
Producer: Lucy Armitage
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2001.


WEDNESDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2012

WED 00:00 Paul Magrs - Never the Bride (b00941pb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Tuesday]
WED 00:30 Fantastic Tales (b007k2m4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Tuesday]
WED 01:00 Falco (b01bwgjb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:15 Adam Dalgliesh - The Private Patient (b01bwgl8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:15 on Tuesday]
WED 01:30 A Sting in the Tale (b00zf76l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Tuesday]
WED 02:00 The News Quiz Extra (b01bwdzn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 23:00 on Monday]
WED 02:45 Hamish and Dougal: You'll Have Had Your Tea (b007k24f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 23:45 on Monday]
WED 03:00 Charles Dickens (b007jnsm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:00 Love Stories (b010grrf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:15 Songlines (b00q913y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 on Tuesday]
WED 04:45 Ronald Frame Short Stories (b007k19s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:45 on Tuesday]
WED 05:00 Bristow (b007w5jb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:00 on Tuesday]
WED 05:30 Alison and Maud (b007k3rx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Tuesday]
WED 06:00 Falco (b01bwkww)
Poseidon's Gold
Episode 8
The Roman detective hunts for an elusive sculptor; a chance encounter gives him the edge. Stars Anton Lesser and Trevor Peacock.
WED 06:15 Adam Dalgliesh - The Private Patient (b01bwkyh)
Episode 8
A 17th-century witch burning at Cheverell Stones provides a link to the recent murder in Dorset. PD James mystery stars Richard Derrington.
WED 06:30 A Sting in the Tale (b00zfbbx)
Politically Correct; Where the Wild Flowers Grow
A suspicious banker, and a woman meets a man via a supernatural website. Jeffrey Archer and Bill Murphy's tales read by Michael Maloney and Susan Lynch.
WED 07:00 Ayres on the Air (b01bwljh)
Series 2
Motherhood
Maternal highs and lows from Pam Ayres in poetry and sketches. With Felicity Montagu and Geoffrey Whitehead. From April 2006.
WED 07:30 Mark Thomas: The Manifesto (b01bm0pr)
Series 4
Episode 1
Comedian-activist Mark Thomas and his studio audience consider policy proposals for a People's Manifesto.
This week's agenda:
1) Excluding Non-Doms from free access to the NHS
2) Every citizen to be given £10,000 in quantitative easing vouchers, to be spent in the next 6 months
And
3) Proportional voting rights for MPs based on the size of their majorities
"Any Other Business" policies are also taken from the studio audience throughout the show.
Written and presented by Mark Thomas
Produced by Colin Anderson.
WED 08:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b007k4d6)
Series 4
Back From Holiday
On his return from a disastrous break, the lad discovers that Sid's rented his house out.
Starring Tony Hancock.
With Sidney James, Bill Kerr and Kenneth Williams.
Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.
Theme and incidental music composed by Wally Stott. Recorded by the BBC Revue Orchestra conducted by Harry Rabinowitz.
Producer: Dennis Main Wilson
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in October 1956.
WED 08:30 The Michael Bentine Show (b007js4v)
From 22/01/1984
Michael Bentine stars as the great Tibetan mystic U Tug, members of the British Bath Craftsman's Guild, the Toastmaster, the entire United Nations and occasionally himself.
The ultimate one man show written and performed by the host. Listen in and you’ll believe that telephone boxes can fly.
Producer: Jamie Rix
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in January 1984.
WED 09:00 Nineteen Ninety-Eight (b01bwm9f)
Episode 2
Edward wakes up with urgent news, but who will listen? Orwellian sitcom with David Threlfall and Hugh Laurie. From April 1987.
WED 09:30 All the Way from Memphis (b00mdyl9)
Series 2
Episode 4
James Walton and the music quiz for all the young, and not so young, dudes.
Team captains Tracey MacLeod and Andrew Collins are joined by Dave Gorman and Mary Anne Hobbs to be put through their musical paces.
Reader: Beth Chalmers
Written and researched by James Walton
Producer: Dawn Ellis
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2006.
WED 10:00 Charles Dickens (b007jnsz)
Charles Dickens - Our Mutual Friend
Setting Traps
Distressed by Boffin's conduct, Bella returns to her parents' home and is finally reconciled with Harmon. Stars Simon Cadell and Pippa Guard.
WED 11:00 Love Stories (b010tbkk)
Fish and Chips
By Freya North. An inheritance by the sea broadens a young woman's horizons. Stories from bestselling romantic novelists. Read by Melody Grove.
WED 11:15 Dave Sheasby - Incident at Boulonvilliers (b00w0705)
June 1982, and three D-Day veterans return to Normandy, bringing them face-to-face with their past. Stars Geoffrey Whitehead.
WED 12:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b007k4d6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 12:30 The Michael Bentine Show (b007js4v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 13:00 Falco (b01bwkww)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 13:15 Adam Dalgliesh - The Private Patient (b01bwkyh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:15 today]
WED 13:30 A Sting in the Tale (b00zfbbx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 14:00 Charles Dickens - Nicholas Nickleby (b007k46c)
Episode 8
Miserable at the dressmakers, Kate encounters Sir Mulberry Hawk. Dramatisation of Dickens' novel with Alex Jennings.
WED 14:15 This Sceptred Isle (b007js7x)
Charles I and the Right of an Englishman
At the age of 25, Charles I assumes the throne and soon finds himself at loggerheads with an increasingly restless Parliament.
WED 14:30 Uncle Mort's North Country (b007jl6n)
Series 1
Beside the Seaside
Carter and his Uncle Mort enjoy some sea air and some miserable memories.
Carter Brandon gets a week off work, so he decides to go on day-trips in his car, with his Uncle Mort, 'where the fancy takes them'.
Uncle Mort and his Yorkshire based family first appeared in Tinniswood’s novel ‘A Touch Of Daniel’ which earned them a run of four series of ‘I Didn't Know You Cared’ on BBC TV from 1975 to 1979.
Uncle Mort …. Stephen Thorne
Carter Brandon …. Peter Skellern
Mrs Keanleyside …. Hilda Fennemore
Narrator …. Christian Rodska
Producer: Pete Atkin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1988.
WED 14:45 Christopher Bigsby - Arthur Miller (b01bwmd6)
Episode 3
Success sparks fame, money and a meeting with Marilyn Monroe. Bigsby's biography of the playwright. Read by Henry Goodman.
WED 15:00 Charles Dickens (b007jnsz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
WED 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b01bwmds)
Dizzee Rascal spills the secret behind his music, Lauren Child offers writing tips for the Chris Evans 500 Words short story competition, and more from Oliver Twist.
WED 17:00 It Sticks Out Half A Mile (b007jq15)
The Fancy Dress Parade
Frambourne-on-Sea's pier restoration fund-raising costume party is going well, until Pike brings a piano.
A seaside saga of pier perpetuation starring John Le Mesurier, Ian Lavender and Bill Pertwee.
Arthur Wilson ...... John Le Mesurier
Frank Pike ...... Ian Lavender
Bert Hodges ...... Bill Pertwee
Miss Perkins ...... Vivienne Martin
Mrs Pike …. Janet Davies
Ernest Wolcott …. Michael Knowles
Mrs Briggs …. Hilda Braid
Willerby Smallpiece …. Gordon Clyde
Waitress …. Miranda Forbes
Written by Harold Snoad and Michael Knowles, based on the characters originally created by Jimmy Perry and David Croft.
Producer: Martin Fisher
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in January 1984.
WED 17:30 Ayres on the Air (b01bwljh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 18:00 Paul Magrs - Never the Bride (b009gctd)
Our Frank
A cliff-top drama for Whitby landlady Brenda, when her monstrous old fiance appears. Stars Joanna Tope and Monica Gibb.
WED 18:30 Fantastic Tales (b007k2ty)
Alarm Clock On The Night Table by Zoran Zivkovic
An unusual chain of events forces an elderly woman to confront a tragedy from her past.
Zoran Zivkovic gripping story is read by Anna Massey.
Fantastic Tales is a collection of weird and wonderful stories from around the world.
Translated from the Serbian by Alice Copple-Tosic.
Director: Gemma Jenkins
Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in March 2007.
WED 19:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b007k4d6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 19:30 The Michael Bentine Show (b007js4v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 20:00 Falco (b01bwkww)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 20:15 Adam Dalgliesh - The Private Patient (b01bwkyh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:15 today]
WED 20:30 A Sting in the Tale (b00zfbbx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 21:00 Love Stories (b010tbkk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
WED 21:15 Dave Sheasby - Incident at Boulonvilliers (b00w0705)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
WED 22:00 Mark Thomas: The Manifesto (b01bm0pr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 22:30 Listen Against (b00ft3nq)
Series 2
Episode 4
Martin Jarvis reads from a Haynes manual - and it's time to oversee the winter hibernation of Steve Wright in the Blue Peter garden.
More damage from the past seven days of BBC radio.
Like Radio 4's Feedback but with less virulence, Listen Against rearranges the reality of BBC radio - until it's too confused to cry.
Written by and starring Jon Holmes.
With Alice Arnold.
Producer: Sam Bryant
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2008.
WED 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (b01cmpjl)
The Comedy Club offers two hours of laughs six nights a week. Arthur Smith chats with this week's special guest, Chris Addison.
WED 23:00 The End of the Road Show (b00l1xbk)
Episode 4
The series reaching the parts other comedy shows can't. With Nick Hancock, Tony Hawks and Neil Mullarkey. From January 1992.
WED 23:30 Rubbish (b00770xw)
Series 1
Rage
Martin is dragged along to Life Editing by its course tutor and on-off girlfriend Sarah.
The one thing that would improve his life, he decides, would be being able to say no. But this doesn't mean that people won't carry on saying no to him.
Reece Dinsdale stars as local government officer, cynic and manic-depressive, Martin Christmas in Tony Bagley's sitcom.
Martin ...... Reece Dinsdale
Woman ...... Susie Donkin
Roger ...... Paul Copley
Peter/Chris ...... Jim North
Sarah ...... Nicola Walker
Scott ...... Kevin Eldon
Barney ...... James Lance
Producer: Claire Bartlett
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2006.


THURSDAY 16 FEBRUARY 2012

THU 00:00 Paul Magrs - Never the Bride (b009gctd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Wednesday]
THU 00:30 Fantastic Tales (b007k2ty)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 Falco (b01bwkww)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:15 Adam Dalgliesh - The Private Patient (b01bwkyh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:15 on Wednesday]
THU 01:30 A Sting in the Tale (b00zfbbx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 Nineteen Ninety-Eight (b01bwm9f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:30 All the Way from Memphis (b00mdyl9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 Charles Dickens (b007jnsz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 Love Stories (b010tbkk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:15 Dave Sheasby - Incident at Boulonvilliers (b00w0705)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 It Sticks Out Half A Mile (b007jq15)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:00 on Wednesday]
THU 05:30 Ayres on the Air (b01bwljh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 06:00 Falco (b01by3mw)
Poseidon's Gold
Episode 9
The detective makes a grisly discovery back in Rome, but is he ready to reconcile with his father? Stars Anton Lesser and Trevor Peacock.
THU 06:15 Adam Dalgliesh - The Private Patient (b01by3pk)
Episode 9
Commander Dalgliesh encounters a bonfire near the sacred stones at Cheverell Manor in Dorset. PD James mystery stars Richard Derrington.
THU 06:30 A Sting in the Tale (b00zfp3q)
The Connection; The Craftsman
A woman's unique powers are reawakened, and a man with a secret faces a dilemma. Polly Devlin and Stuart Neville's tales read by Diana Quick and Frank O'Sullivan.
THU 07:00 Chambers (b007jnjc)
Series 1
The Right to Silence
Hostilities between pompous Fuller-Carp and Ruth have intensified, and a walking holiday in the Lake District with an influential judge would seem to provide the perfect break.
However, a Crimewatch obsessed hotelier, an ambiguous fax and an impending murder trial conspire to turn the weekend into a nightmare which even the allure of the hotel's Nick Ross Carvery cannot redeem.
Clive Coleman’s sitcom about the questionable practices of a group of barristers.
John Fuller Carp ...... John Bird
Hilary Tripping ...... James Fleet
Ruth Quirke ...... Lesley Sharp
Vince ...... Jonathan Kydd
Austin Weave ...... Jonathan Kydd
Other parts ...... Peter Serafinowcz
Producer Paul Schlesinger
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1996.
THU 07:30 Clare in the Community (b015zswt)
Series 7
Heroes
In Episode Five - 'Heroes'; Clare encounters Bradley Bigg - Pop's tub-thumping troubadour and Blue Collar balladeer whose music influenced and shaped her as a teenager. Meanwhile, Brian has to break some bad news to Nali and Helen takes on the role of Health and Safety Officer with uncharacteristic vigour.
Sally Phillips is Clare Barker the social worker who has all the right jargon but never a practical solution.
A control freak, Clare likes nothing better than interfering in other people's lives on both a professional and personal basis. Clare is in her thirties, white, middle class and heterosexual, all of which are occasional causes of discomfort to her.
Each week we join Clare in her continued struggle to control both her professional and private life
In today's Big Society there are plenty of challenges out there for an involved, caring social worker. Or even Clare.
Episode Five - Heroes
Clare: SALLY PHILLIPS
Brian: ALEX LOWE
Megan/Nali: NINA CONTI
Ray/Mr Trueman: RICHARD LUMSDEN
Helen: LIZA TARBUCK
Simon/Bradley: ANDREW WINCOTT
Libby: SARAH KENDALL
Chelsy: VICTORIA INEZ HARDY
Written by Harry Venning and David Ramsden
Producer Katie Tyrrell.
THU 08:00 The Men from the Ministry (b01by3zq)
Pushing the Vote Out
The bungling bureaucrats react when a by-election candidate goes from slide to landslide.
One of 14 shows not kept in the archive and re-recorded in 1980 – previously never broadcast in the UK, until the arrival of BBC Radio 4 Extra.
‘The Men from the Ministry’ ran for 14 series between 1962 and 1977.
Stars Richard Murdoch and Deryck Guyler (who replaced Wilfrid Hyde-White from 1966).
With Norma Ronald, Ronald Baddiley and John Graham.
Written by Johnnie Mortimer, Brian Cooke and Edward Taylor.
Producer: Edward Taylor.
Re-recording of ‘'Up the Poll'' made in April 1980.
THU 08:30 Dad's Army (b00qxh17)
Series 2
War Dance
Captain Mainwaring's platoon dance is disrupted by an announcement from Private Pike.
Adapted for radio from Jimmy Perry and David Croft's TV scripts by Harold Snoad and Michael Knowles.
Captain Mainwaring …. Arthur Lowe
Sergeant Wilson …. John Le Mesurier
Corporal Jones …. Clive Dunn
Private Fraser …. John Laurie
Private Pike …. Ian Lavender
Private Godfrey …. Arnold Ridley
Private Walker …. Larry Martin
Mrs Pike …. Pearl Hackney
Violet Gibbons …. Wendy Richard
Announcer …. John Snagge
Producer: John Dyas
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1975.
THU 09:00 Crowned Hudds (b00plhpx)
Odd Stuart
A new slant on King Charles II. Roy Hudd's historical royal romp, with June Whitfield and Chris Emmett. From September 1994.
THU 09:30 All the Young Dudes (b01by441)
Series 2
Mr Soft
Helen needs to finish her ice cream project, while Joe and Maria want younger clientele. Comedy by Jim Sweeney. From October 2002.
THU 10:00 Charles Dickens (b007jnwm)
Charles Dickens - Our Mutual Friend
A Cry for Help
Lizzie Hexam's new life is disrupted when she is tracked down by a figure from her past. Stars Simon Cadell and Pippa Guard.
THU 11:00 Jojo Moyes - Room Service (b010gn54)
Stories from bestselling romantic novelists. A surprise weekend away after 14 years of marriage. Read by Doon MacKichan.
THU 11:15 Emlyn Williams - The Power of Dawn (b00w46rh)
Author of War and Peace and Anna Karenina - Count Leo Tolstoy died aged 82 in the winter of 1910 at the small railway junction of Astapovo.
Emlyn Williams’ play depicts an imaginary meeting between the great Russian writer and a young peasant girl in the last hour of his life.
Michael Redgrave stars as Tolstoy, with Felicity Hayes-McCoy as Katya and Gwen Ffrangcon-Davies as Katya aged 82.
Guitarist: Eric Hill
Director: John Tydeman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1978.
THU 12:00 The Men from the Ministry (b01by3zq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 12:30 Dad's Army (b00qxh17)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 13:00 Falco (b01by3mw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 13:15 Adam Dalgliesh - The Private Patient (b01by3pk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:15 today]
THU 13:30 A Sting in the Tale (b00zfp3q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 14:00 Charles Dickens - Nicholas Nickleby (b007k47h)
Episode 9
Nicholas and Smike arrive in London. Dramatisation of Dickens' novel with Alex Jennings and Oliver Milburn.
THU 14:15 This Sceptred Isle (b007js87)
The Scottish Revolt and The Seeds of Civil War
Trouble north of the border means Charles I now needs the Parliament he had dissolved 11 years earlier. Anna Massey narrates.
THU 14:30 Uncle Mort's North Country (b007jrb8)
Series 2
My Friend Dornford
Carter Brandon and his uncle take a day trip to see Arthur Scargill's 'twin'
Peter Tinniswood’s continuing tales of Carter Brandon and his curmudgeonly uncle.
Uncle Mort and his Yorkshire based family first appeared in Tinniswood’s novel ‘A Touch Of Daniel’ which earned them a run of four series of ‘I Didn't Know You Cared’ on BBC TV from 1975 to 1979.
Uncle Mort …. Stephen Thorne
Carter Brandon …. Peter Skellern
Dornford Scargill …. Jim Broadbent
Narrator …. Christian Rodska
Producer: Pete Atkin.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1989.
THU 14:45 Christopher Bigsby - Arthur Miller (b01by5nr)
Episode 4
The playwright is summoned by the House Un-American Activities Committee. Henry Goodman reads Christopher Bigsby's biography.
THU 15:00 Charles Dickens (b007jnwm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
THU 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b01by5p4)
The original Oliver Twist, Mark Lester, tells us about his time making the film, we explore more hidden London, and hear top writing tips from Charlie Higson.
THU 17:00 The Stanley Baxter Playhouse (b008psw5)
Series 2
Flying Down to Greenock
Series of comic plays starring Stanley Baxter.
By Michael Chaplin.
A centenarian Glaswegian, making his first ever flight, remembers life during the blitz over Clydeside.
James ...... Stanley Baxter
Isabel ...... Patricia Kerrigan
Directed by Marilyn Imrie.
THU 17:30 Chambers (b007jnjc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 18:00 The Laxian Key (b007k2c1)
Episode 1
Mystery space tourist deaths land two planet cleaners with a new contract.
Stephen Hawking once warned us that our species could soon be wiped out by plagues, asteroids and our tendency to destroy ourselves. The solution, he suggested, was for us to colonise other planets. But Chris Larner and David Gilbert's sci-fi comedy sees the truth as a little more complicated.
The Laxian Key shows how, as soon as Man steps onto another planet, he promptly fouls it up just as he did earth. The heroes of this wonderfully wacky tale are two interplanetary decontaminationists.
CAST:
Arnold …. Chris Larner
Gregor …. Mark Bonner
Evan …. Trevor Cooper
Office …. Alex Lowe
Ferngraum …. Sam Dale
Jo …. Christine Kavanagh
Dolores …. Virge Gilchrist
The Virtual Newsreader …. Bethan Walker
with Paul Biggin, Emma Noakes and Joseph Kloska.
Producer: Peter Kavanagh
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in February 2007.
THU 18:30 Fantastic Tales (b007k30x)
The White People by Arthur Machen
The nature of good and evil and the origins of sin are explored as two learned gentlemen hold a heated theological debate...
Arthur Machen's intriguing tale read by Ioan Meredith and Louise Collins.
Fantastic Tales is a collection of weird and wonderful stories from around the world.
Director: Gemma Jenkins
Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in March 2007.
THU 19:00 The Men from the Ministry (b01by3zq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 19:30 Dad's Army (b00qxh17)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 20:00 Falco (b01by3mw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 20:15 Adam Dalgliesh - The Private Patient (b01by3pk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:15 today]
THU 20:30 A Sting in the Tale (b00zfp3q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 21:00 Jojo Moyes - Room Service (b010gn54)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
THU 21:15 Emlyn Williams - The Power of Dawn (b00w46rh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
THU 22:00 Clare in the Community (b015zswt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 22:30 Comic to Comic (b007znnn)
Series 2
Miles Jupp
From gag-writing to TV's Balamory - the self-styled posh stand-up tells the story of his career.
Series in which Bruce Morton talks to top stand-up comedians about life, the universe and comedy.
Producer: Carol Purcell
First broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland in January 2006.
THU 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (b01cmpk3)
The Comedy Club offers two hours of laughs six nights a week. More chat with host Arthur Smith and this week's special guest, Chris Addison.
THU 23:00 Bleak Expectations (b00db35l)
Series 1
A Young Adulthood Bitterly Dismantled
Young Pip finds himself adrift at sea. Mark Evans' Dickensian spoof stars Richard Johnson. From September 2007.
THU 23:30 Think the Unthinkable (b007k4g0)
Series 2
Genforce
The management consultants work with a suspicious energy company. Stars Emma Kennedy and Marcus Brigstocke. From November 2002.


FRIDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2012

FRI 00:00 The Laxian Key (b007k2c1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Thursday]
FRI 00:30 Fantastic Tales (b007k30x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 Falco (b01by3mw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:15 Adam Dalgliesh - The Private Patient (b01by3pk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:15 on Thursday]
FRI 01:30 A Sting in the Tale (b00zfp3q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 Crowned Hudds (b00plhpx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:30 All the Young Dudes (b01by441)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 Charles Dickens (b007jnwm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 Jojo Moyes - Room Service (b010gn54)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:15 Emlyn Williams - The Power of Dawn (b00w46rh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 The Stanley Baxter Playhouse (b008psw5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:00 on Thursday]
FRI 05:30 Chambers (b007jnjc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Thursday]
FRI 06:00 Falco (b01by6mb)
Poseidon's Gold
Episode 10
The Roman detective has discovered a hidden room, but can he solve the lingering mystery? Stars Anton Lesser and Trevor Peacock.
FRI 06:15 Adam Dalgliesh - The Private Patient (b01by6nk)
Episode 10
Dalgliesh has a searching conversation with retired solicitor Kershaw. Will he uncover the truth? PD James mystery stars Richard Derrington.
FRI 06:30 A Sting in the Tale (b00zfz9n)
The F Word
An eminent scientist delivers an extraordinary lecture on his ground-breaking research. Richard McCabe reads Ian Sansom's tale.
FRI 07:00 The Little World of Don Camillo (b00v7whx)
Series 4
A Solomon Comes to Judgement
The priest mediates between warring village factions, but where's the Mayor? Stars Joss Ackland and Ian Hogg. From May 2004.
FRI 07:30 What's So Funny? (b01by928)
Series 2
Episode 20
Ed Byrne, Jenny Eclair, Andi Osho and Pete Firman review the best of British comedy from radio and screen.
FRI 08:00 The TV Lark (b01by95t)
Back to Portsmouth
Troutbridge TV is offered coverage of the arrival of Potarneyland's retiring governor.
After 4 series of 'The Navy Lark', the BBC decided the comedy crew needed a new setting, so where better than brand new independent station, Troutbridge TV?
However, after just 10 episodes, this proved to be only a temporary change of course for the crew of HMS Troutbridge - as the crew were soon back aboard 'The Navy Lark'.
Stars Jon Pertwee as the Floor Manager, Leslie Phillips as The Director, Stephen Murray as the Producer, Ronnie Barker as Fatso Johnson and Richard Caldicote as the Deputy Controller.
Scripted by Lawrie Wyman
Producer: Alastair Scott Johnston.
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in February 1963.
FRI 08:30 Steptoe and Son (b007jn7v)
Series 5
A Winter's Tale
Harold admits he's planning a holiday - but without his dad Albert.
Starring Wilfrid Brambell as Albert and Harry H Corbett.
Following the conclusion of their hugely successful association with Tony Hancock, writers Ray Galton and Alan Simpson wrote 10 pilots for the BBC TV's Comedy Playhouse in 1962. The Offer was set in a house with a yard full of junk, featuring the lives of rag and bone men Albert Steptoe and his son Harold and it was the spark for a run of 8 series for TV.
Written for TV and adapted for radio by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.
Produced by Bobby Jaye
First broadcast on the BBC Radio 2 in June 1974.
FRI 09:00 Fat Chance (b01byc68)
Better Wed Than Dead
It's Kelly's wedding day and the rest of the slimming club rally round to give her a day she'll never forget - though she may want to...
Jenny McDade's high-fat bittersweet comedy for those believing there's a thin person inside them begging to get out.
Graham Pitscottie ..... Gareth Corke
Wendy Bottomley ..... Janine Duvitski
Clive Bottomley ..... Michael Troughton
Soo Pitscottie ..... Anne Reid
Tina Tattersall ..... Julia Deakin
Kelly Chambers ..... Tilly Gaunt
Lee Dubs ..... Harry Myers
Mrs Enright ..... Frances Jeater
Producer: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1999.
FRI 09:30 Spending My Inheritance (b00fkx90)
Voluntary Service
Sitcom by Clive Coleman, starring Kris Marshall as cash-strapped forty-something Harry, who has to watch from the sidelines as his newly retired parents start spending their hard-earned cash on themselves.
Harry ...... Kris Marshall
Jo ...... Raquel Cassidy
Brian ...... Kenneth Cranham
Liz ...... Judy Parfitt
Jess ...... Antonia Thomas
Mike ...... Robert Lonsdale
Jan ...... Jill Cardo
Directed by Sam Hoyle.
FRI 10:00 Charles Dickens (b007jnwx)
Charles Dickens - Our Mutual Friend
The Trap Springs
On his deathbed, Wrayburn proposes to Lizzie. Others also prepare to meet their maker. Stars Simon Cadell and Pippa Guard.
FRI 11:00 Josephine Cox - The Lion's Den (b010m618)
Stories from bestselling romantic novelists. A young man assumes he'll never find his heart's desire. Read by Robert Glenister.
FRI 11:15 Drama (b00jsxxk)
The Gallery
A second chance to hear Alan Plater's final play for radio. The opening night of a new Tyneside art gallery is thrown into jeopardy by the well-meaning but ill-trained staff. Dodgy wiring, an over-zealous cleaner and a retired greyhound add to the comic mix.
Trevor ... Joe Caffrey
Liz ... Janice Acquah
Michael ... Deka Walmsley
Heather ... Caroline Guthrie
Julie ... Phillippa Wilson
Neville ... Chris Connel
Chris ... Benjamin Askew
Norma ... Tracey Wilkinson
Susie ... Lizzy Watts
Sammy ... Lisa McGrillis
Tomlin ... Malcolm Tierney
Director ... Alison Hindell
Alan Plater is the much-loved author of hundreds of stage, radio and television dramas including The Beiderbecke Affair, The Last of the Blonde Bombshells, Close the Coalhouse Door, The Pallisers, Z Cars and Lewis. His work for radio includes an adaptation of his own autobiography, Stories For Another Day, and the original drama series The Devil's Music. The Gallery was his final play for radio before his death in June 2010.
FRI 12:00 The TV Lark (b01by95t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 12:30 Steptoe and Son (b007jn7v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 13:00 Falco (b01by6mb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 13:15 Adam Dalgliesh - The Private Patient (b01by6nk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:15 today]
FRI 13:30 A Sting in the Tale (b00zfz9n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 14:00 Charles Dickens - Nicholas Nickleby (b007k48q)
Episode 10
Fanny Squeers slurs Nicholas's name to his uncle, mother and sister. Stars Oliver Milburn, Anna Massey and Nicola Ratcliffe.
FRI 14:15 This Sceptred Isle (b007js8m)
The King's on the Run
Parliament flexes its muscles, challenging the power of the sovereign. For some supporters of the King, the end is nigh.
FRI 14:30 Uncle Mort's North Country (b007jrbn)
Series 2
Dark Satanic Writer
Carter Brandon and his Uncle Mort chew the cud as they tour a museum of northern life.
Peter Tinniswood’s continuing tales of Carter Brandon and his curmudgeonly uncle.
Uncle Mort and his Yorkshire based family first appeared in Tinniswood’s novel ‘A Touch Of Daniel’ which earned them a run of four series of ‘I Didn't Know You Cared’ on BBC TV from 1975 to 1979.
Uncle Mort …. Stephen Thorne
Carter Brandon …. Peter Skellern
Harry Hardcastle …. Norman Bird
Narrator …. Christian Rodska
Producer: Pete Atkin.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1989.
FRI 14:45 Christopher Bigsby - Arthur Miller (b01byckp)
Episode 5
With a crumbling marriage, Miller writes Marilyn Monroe a screenplay. Henry Goodman concludes Christopher Bigsby's biography.
FRI 15:00 Charles Dickens (b007jnwx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
FRI 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b01bycld)
Mr Gum author Andy Stanton's tips for the Chris Evans 500 Words short story competition, Jennifer Saunders talks about re-creating Ab Fab, and more discoveries in hidden London.
FRI 17:00 Brothers in Law (b007k164)
Series 2
Tell 'Em the Tale
Newly qualified lawyer Roger Thursby's got an appointment with his boss, but worries in case there's bad news...
Starring Richard Briers as Roger Thursby, John Glyn-Jones as Grimes, Julia Lockwood as Sally and Bridget Armstrong as Joy. All other parts by Sean Arnold, Douglas Blackwell and Patrick Tull.
Written by Henry Cecil and Basil Dawson.
Published in 1955, Henry Cecil's comic legal novel Brothers in Law was adapted first for TV in 1962 by Frank Muir and Denis Norden. It provided the first regular starring role for Richard Briers, who later reprised his role of the idealistic young lawyer Roger Thursby for BBC Radio between 1970 and 1972.
Producer: David Hatch.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1971.
FRI 17:30 The Little World of Don Camillo (b00v7whx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 18:00 The Laxian Key (b007k2m3)
Episode 2
London is melting, but planetary decontaminationists Arnold and Gregor get the blame and go on the run.
Stephen Hawking once warned us that our species could soon be wiped out by plagues, asteroids and our tendency to destroy ourselves. The solution, he suggested, was for us to colonise other planets. But Chris Larner and David Gilbert's sci-fi comedy sees the truth as a little more complicated.
The Laxian Key shows how, as soon as Man steps onto another planet, he promptly fouls it up just as he did earth. The heroes of this wonderfully wacky tale are two interplanetary decontaminationists.
CAST:
Arnold …. Chris Larner
Gregor …. Mark Bonner
Evan …. Trevor Cooper
Office …. Alex Lowe
Ferngraum …. Sam Dale
Jo …. Christine Kavanagh
Dolores …. Virge Gilchrist
Virtual Newsreader …. Bethan Walker
with Paul Biggin, Emma Noakes and Joseph Kloska
Music by Mark Stevens and Chris Larner
Producer: Peter Kavanagh
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in February 2007.
FRI 18:30 Fantastic Tales (b0084sqq)
Delhi by Vandana Singh
A man living in present-day Delhi is haunted by visions of the city as it was in the past - and how it will be in the future...
Vandana Singh’s story is read by Shiv Grewal.
Fantastic Tales is a collection of weird and wonderful stories from around the world.
Director: Gemma Jenkins
Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in March 2007.
FRI 19:00 The TV Lark (b01by95t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 19:30 Steptoe and Son (b007jn7v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 20:00 Falco (b01by6mb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 20:15 Adam Dalgliesh - The Private Patient (b01by6nk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:15 today]
FRI 20:30 A Sting in the Tale (b00zfz9n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 21:00 Josephine Cox - The Lion's Den (b010m618)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
FRI 21:15 Drama (b00jsxxk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
FRI 22:00 What's So Funny? (b01by928)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 22:30 Elvenquest (b00wqfnn)
Series 2
Episode 6
The noble band of Questers are in a pub and within touching distance of getting their hands on the Sword of Asnagar.
Lord Darkness still has a few tricks up his sleeve and he's not about to let the possibility of eternal dominion over Lower Earth slip through his fingers without pulling out all the stops.
Will the Questers be strong enough to handle the immense power of the Sword? Or, as ever with these things, will they be tempted over to the Dark Side...?
Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto.
Sam …. Stephen Mangan
Lord Darkness …. Alistair McGowan
Dean/Kreech …. Kevin Eldon
Vidar …. Darren Boyd
Amis ‘The Chosen One’ …. Dave Lamb
Penthiselea …. Sophie Winkleman
Producer: Sam Michell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2010.
FRI 23:00 Old Harry's Game (b007jpct)
Series 2
Nero
Satan takes Thomas on a tour of his life and recruits a keen new tormentor, the Emperor Nero.
Andy Hamilton's comedy series set in Hell.
Satan ...... Andy Hamilton
The Professor ...... James Grout
Thomas ...... Jimmy Mulville
Scumspawn ...... Robert Duncan
Other characters played by Philip Pope, Felicity Montagu and Nick Revell.
Producer Paul Mayhew-Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1998.
FRI 23:30 Lionel Nimrod's Inexplicable World (b007v2y5)
Series 2
The Future
What is the future and why is it kept hidden from us? - when if we knew what it was we’d at least know if we needed to take a change of pants?
Series two of the cult comedy that answers the questions which leave other shows scratching their beards.
Starring Stewart Lee and Richard Herring.
With Rebecca Front, Armando Iannucci and the voice of Tom Baker.
Producer: Sarah Smith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1993.