SATURDAY 15 DECEMBER 2012

SAT 00:00 Blake's 7: The Early Years (b00sm8xy)
When Vila Met Gan
Liberator stalwarts Vila and Gan recall how their odyssey began - in the exotic location of Croydon. Stars Michael Keating.
SAT 00:30 Douglas Hill - The Blade of the Poisoner (b007jrtt)
Last Chance
Unless the tainted blade and Prince Mephtik are destroyed within two days, Jarral will die...
Conclusion of Douglas Hill's sci-fi fantasy dramatised in four parts by Wally K Daly.
Starring Eric Allen as Jarral the man, James Holland as Jarral the boy, Elizabeth Bell as Archer, Ben Onwukwe as Carver, Hugh Dixon as Prince Mephtik, Susan Sheridan as Mandra, David Bannerman as Yorrold, James Thomason as Cryltor Tabatang, Bret Usher as Flammarock, Richard Pierce as Whiney, Anne Windsor as Innkeeper, with Nigel Carrington and Charles Millom as Soldiers.
Special effects by Dick Mills.
Music by Peter Howells of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop.
Producer: Peter Fozzard
First broadcast on BBC Radio 5 in 1991.
SAT 01:00 Wimsey (b007jvng)
Strong Poison
Norman Urquhart
Lord Peter Wimsey ponders a changed will, and whether Harriet's lover took his own life. Stars Ian Carmichael and Peter Jones.
SAT 01:30 Agatha Christie (b00jzwdq)
In a Glass Darkly
A jealous lover is haunted by a fellow pilot's death and a vision of murder. Mike Walker's revamped whodunnit with Neil Dudgeon.
SAT 02:00 Millport (b0076bbj)
Series 3
Restitution
The re-opening of the Cumbrae Club goes horribly wrong when Irene notices a fatal flaw in the plan.

Meanwhile, Alberto is paranoid that a new money-making scheme could bring the island some unwanted attention.

Bittersweet comedy written by and starring Lynn Ferguson as 30-something barmaid Irene Bruce, who hankers after a better life on the mainland.

Irene ...... Lynn Ferguson
Moira/Agnes ...... Janet Brown
Alberto/Dr Hume/Ferryman/Rrobert ...... Lewis McLeod
Ena/Bunty ...... Gabriel Quigley
Minister/Bob ...... Robert Patterson
Dougie/Huberto ...... Kenneth Bryans

Music arranged by Olly Fox.

Producer: Lucy Bacon

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2002.
SAT 02:30 Snap (b012h9lq)
Series 3
Episode 1
After 16 years of marriage and one year of divorce, Doug and Molly Brownridge are attempting to rekindle their relationship.
But it’s not easy with two teenage kids embarking on their first romances and Doug's mum dating men like there's no tomorrow...
Third and final series of Paul Mendelson’s sitcom
Starring Rebecca Lacey as Molly, Paul Venables as Doug, Soumaya Keynes as Kaz, Jessie Sullivan as Ryan, Marlene Sidaway as Annie, Robin Weaver as Dawn and Jonathan Tafler as Raymond.
Producer: David Ian Neville
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2005.
SAT 03:00 Charlotte Bronte - Villette (b007jvjc)
Monsieur Paul
Lucy's standing in society rapidly improves, but will love be the answer? Stars Catherine McCormack and Keira Knightley.
SAT 04:00 Joanne Harris - Jigs and Reels (b00cl32x)
Fule's Gold
After 40 years teaching creative writing, sneaky Mr Fisher discovers a masterpiece. Short story read by Stephen Moore.
SAT 04:15 Alan Plater - The Gallery (b01p98gb)
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.
Alan Plater's final play for radio stars Joe Caffrey as Trevor, Janice Acquah as Liz, Deka Walmsley as Michael, Caroline Guthrie as Heather, Phillipa Wilson as Julie and Chris Connel as Neville.
Playwright and screenwriter, Alan Plater CBE (1935-2010) was the much-loved author of hundreds of stage, radio and TV 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 adapting his own autobiography, Stories For Another Day, and the original drama series The Devil's Music.
Director: Alison Hindell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2009.
SAT 05:00 Beachcomber... By the Way (b008wff3)
Series 3
Episode 5
A new matron at a boys’ school and the case of the false beard.
Richard Ingrams, John Wells, John Sessions, Joan Sims amd Patricia Routledge recreate the world of JB Morton.
With Brian Bowles, Simon Greenall, Henrietta Gooden and featuring June Whitfield.
Running in the Daily Express from 1924 to 1975 – JB Morton’s surreally comic ‘Beachcomber’ column paved the way for a great deal of modern humour – thanks to characters he created between the wars.
Adapted by Michael Barfield with Richard Ingrams.
Announcer: Brian Perkins.
Producer: Harry Thompson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1994.
SAT 05:30 Up the Garden Path (b00898sz)
Series 2
Love's Labours
As her holiday in Wales comes to an end, Izzy argues with her fiance Charles.
Tumbling from one love entanglement to another, 30 something teacher Izzy Comyn has a predilection for inappropriate men.
Imelda Staunton stars as Izzy.
An 8-part radio sequel adapted from Sue Limb’s 1984 novel. The second of 3 series which ran from 1987 to 1993. Granada also adapted the series for ITV.
Izzy ...... Imelda Staunton
Charles ...... David Robb
Dick ...... Mike Grady
Michael ...... Nicholas Le Prevost
Maria ...... Marty Cruickshank
Bill ...... Neil McCaul
Louise ...... Phyllida Nash
Producer: Jonathan James-Moore
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1988.
SAT 06:00 Alan Ayckbourn - Just Between Ourselves (b007jss4)
Bittersweet couples comedy about cheery Dennis and poorly Vera, and the arrival of duo Neil and Pam. Stars Peter Vaughan.
SAT 07:30 Grasshead Racers (b00x58v4)
To honour the great motor racing commentator, Murray Walker, who died last month aged 97, Radio 4 is repeating the programme that, in 2004 , tempted him out of retirement - Grasshead Racers.
In his long career as a commentator Murray Walker covered all manner of motor sports, so when radio producer Julian May told him about lawn mower racing he was intrigued. He agreed to present a programme exploring it, on one condition - that he would not have to commentate.
At the Le Mans (if he’s not mistaken) of the lawn mower racing world - a field dotted with straw bales in Kingston Maurwood, Dorset, Murray spends a summer's day with members of the British Lawn Mower Racing Association and discovers this is a sport with wide appeal. Sir Stirling Moss reveals he was a keen lawn mower racer; Oliver Reed was as enthusiastic, but less controlled. Murray meets one competitor with more world championships than Michael Schumacher.
So impressed is Murray by these grasshead racers and their diligently fettled machines that he can't resist picking up the announcer's microphone and painting the scene in words, commentating one last time on this most spectacular and democratic motor sport.
Lawnmowers, Murray reveals, have a surprisingly sexy provenance: Mr Benz of Mercedes launched his career making lawn mowers; Royal Enfield, more famous for their guns and motorcycles, made mowers. So did Rolls Royce!
But the real enthusiasts, like Bugatti owners, like to mount their chariots and tank them. Murray Walker joins them, enjoying the heady aroma of 2 stroke and grass clippings as, lap after lap, the grasshead racers gun their classic mowers over Kingston Maurwood's greensward at speeds approaching a dizzying 35mph.
Presenter: Murray Walker
Producer: Julian May
SAT 08:00 Garrison Keillor's Radio Show (b00wnmbw)
Series 6
Episode 4
From New York's Town Hall, the festive American funny man with Yo-Yo Ma, the Assad Brothers and Inga Swearingen. From 2009.
SAT 09:00 Double or Nothing: Partnerships in Radio Comedy (b007wdvv)
Hugh Dennis sets out to prove that two of anything is fun - and that radio comedy is especially good served in pairs. He presents a selection of six comic duos: Little Britain (March 2002), Much Binding in the Marsh (Feb 1949), In All Directions (Oct 1952), Absolute Power (Jan 2002), Armstrong and Miller (March 1998), and Laurel and Hardy On Tour (2006).
Over three hours, you'll get a firm flavour of the dynamics of double acts in action. Double acts aren't always performers - writing partnerships are just as important, and sometimes it's a couple of characters which make great comedic chemistry.
An alumni of Cambridge footlights, Hugh Dennis is perhaps best known for his own association with Steve Punt - both hosts of BBC Radio 4's long-running comedy hit The Now Show, as well as part of the legendary line-up in 4 Extra's archive stable-mate The Mary Whitehouse Experience. Hugh is also star of Andy Hamilton's hit BBC One TV sitcom Outnumbered.
SAT 12:00 Little Grudges Omnibus (b01p9jcd)
Made for 4 Extra. Prunella Scales and Hannah Gordon star in this sparkling comedy by Hattie Naylor, inspired by the experiences of listeners to Radio Four.
SAT 13:15 Petrella (b007jmbb)
Series 1
Myth of Return
The south London sleuth gets embroiled in a ruthless smuggling racket on the Kent marshes. Stars Philip Jackson.
SAT 14:00 Take It From Here (b011pw50)
From 31/12/1953
A butler's upstairs wrangles, and Eth finally gets a ring on her finger in The Glums. Stars Jimmy Edwards and June Whitfield. From December 1953.
SAT 14:30 The Burkiss Way (b00cm26d)
Series 4
Is Britain Going the Burkiss Way? Part 1
All about 'things' and spoofing 'Just A Minute'. Starring Fred Harris, Jo Kendall, Nigel Rees and Chris Emmett.
Cult sketch comedy series which originally ran from 1976 to 1980.
Written by Andrew Marshall and David Renwick.
Producer: David Hatch
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1979.
SAT 15:00 Garrison Keillor's Radio Show (b00wnmbw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
SAT 16:00 Alan Ayckbourn - Just Between Ourselves (b007jss4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 17:30 Nick Mohammed in Bits (b00tmt9h)
Lila
It's the start of term time, and second year student Lila is going to teach the Freshers everything she knows. Featuring Nick Mohammed as Lila with Colin Hoult as the reporter and Anna Crilly (Lead Balloon) as Lila's best friend.
Bits is a series of character pieces showcasing the best of Nick Mohammed's idiosyncratic characters in a series of one off comic plays.
Produced by Victoria Lloyd.
SAT 18:00 Bradbury 13 (b01294pm)
There Was an Old Woman
Five men with a wicker basket arrive at Tildy's house, but not to do her shopping. Ray Bradbury's comic-horror tale stars Ruth Hale.
SAT 18:30 Ghost Stories of Walter De La Mare (b00ww8sr)
A Recluse
One hot evening in the English countryside, a traveller is forced to stay the night at the remote house of a sinister gentleman...
Read by Anthony Head.
Walter de la Mare (1873-1956) was a popular award-wining poet, short story writer and novelist. He wrote for both children and adults.
Abridged by Doreen Estall.
Producer: Lawrence Jackson
Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in December 2010.
SAT 19:00 Double or Nothing: Partnerships in Radio Comedy (b007wdvv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 22:00 Act Your Age (b00g47nm)
Series 1
Episode 6
Simon Mayo discovers which generation is the funniest. With Jon Richardson, Lucy Porter and Roy Walker. From January 2009.
SAT 22:30 The Jason Byrne Show (b01p9jsb)
Series 3
First I Was a Nurse Then I Became a Roofer
The hyperactive Irish comedian scrutinises the realm of employment.
Jason reveals how he drove a former employer to distraction.
Amongst the audience he discovers a nurse-turned-roofer-turned-counsellor-turned-womble; a laundry manager in a private castle and one man who has no idea whatsoever of his job title.
Themed audience comedy show with high-energy stand-up and sketches with Laurence Howarth and Daisy Haggard.
Producer: Julia McKenzie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in November 2010.
SAT 23:00 Patricia Highsmith - The Cry of the Owl (b012wzzj)
Episode 2
Jenny has fallen for Robert Forester, though he's not certain of his feelings for her.
Meanwhile, her ex-fiance, Greg, is very certain. He wants Jenny back - and Robert is in the way.
Patricia Highsmith's intriguing tale of obsession stars John Sharian as Robert Forester, Adrian Lester as Greg Wyncoop, Joanne McQuinn as Jenny Theirolf and Matt Rippy as Jack Neilsen.
Adapted by Shaun McKenna.
Music composed and performed by David Chilton
Director: Marion Nancarrow
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2002.
SAT 23:30 Kenneth Noye - A Killer on the Run (b01p9jsd)
Episode 6
With Noye finally in their sights - the police embark on an audacious scheme to capture him in Spain. Read by Philip Jackson.
SAT 23:45 Ira Levin - The Boys From Brazil (b0153nyc)
Episode 6
Liebermann is desperate to save the next victim on the list, but the man at his house arouses suspicions. Read by Alex Jennings.


SUNDAY 16 DECEMBER 2012

SUN 00:00 Bradbury 13 (b01294pm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Saturday]
SUN 00:30 Ghost Stories of Walter De La Mare (b00ww8sr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Saturday]
SUN 01:00 Garrison Keillor's Radio Show (b00wnmbw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Saturday]
SUN 02:00 Little Grudges Omnibus (b01p9jcd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:00 on Saturday]
SUN 03:15 Petrella (b007jmbb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 13:15 on Saturday]
SUN 04:00 Alan Ayckbourn - Just Between Ourselves (b007jss4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]
SUN 05:30 Nick Mohammed in Bits (b00tmt9h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:30 on Saturday]
SUN 06:00 Stan Barstow - A Kind of Loving Omnibus (b015p5xj)
Episode 2
Vic Brown wangles a new job - but the same old confused emotions persist when it comes to Ingrid...
Set in Yorkshire, Stan Barstow's iconic 1960s novel is a compelling, poignant and humorous account of 20 year-old Vic's infatuation for Ingrid - which develops into an emotional crisis, thanks in part to her spiteful friend, Dorothy.
Dramatised by Stan Barstow's partner Diana Griffiths.
Starring Lee Ingleby as Vic Brown, Rebecca Callard as Ingrid Rothwell, Kate Layden as Mrs Brown and Seamus O'Neill as Mr Van Huyton.
Director: Pauline Harris
First broadcast on the BBC Radio 4 in 2010.
SUN 07:15 Susie Boyt - My Judy Garland Life (b00pdxrt)
Somewhere Over the Rainbow
How The Wizard of Oz sparked a lifelong passion for the Hollywood star in Lucian Freud's daughter. Read by Tamsin Greig.
SUN 07:30 Another Case of Milton Jones (b007j7tc)
Series 2
Mayor of London
The surreal comedian's latest challenge is to be London's Mayor, with no ability whatsoever. With Dave Lamb. From May 2007.
SUN 08:00 Doctor in the House (b007k4s5)
Out-Patients
Medic Simon Sparrow misdiagnoses a boil, while Taffy keeps volunteering for night-shifts.
The misadventures of student doctor Simon Sparrow - adapted for radio by Ray Cooney from Richard Gordon's novel 'Doctor in the House' published in 1952.
Starring Richard Briers as Simon Sparrow, Geoffrey Sumner as Sir Lancelot Spratt, Ray Cooney as Tony Benskin, Edward Cast as Taffy Evans and Carol Mason as Nurse.
Special guest star: Irene Handl as Mrs Clark.
Producer: David Hatch
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1968.
SUN 08:30 The Clitheroe Kid (b007jr1q)
Series 15
A Far, Far Better School I Go To
When Grandad comes into some money, a crafty plan is hatched for the cheeky schoolboy. Stars Jimmy Clitheroe. From July 1972.
SUN 09:00 PL Travers - Mary Poppins (b00slpvx)
The story of the magical English nanny - poised, punctilious and practically perfect in every way.
Starring Juliet Stevenson as Mary Poppins, who's set to transform the lives of Jane and Michael Banks.
After the Banks family's last nanny walks out in disgust, Mary blows in to number 17 Cherry Tree Lane in London. She's given a week's trial by the children's father, George - but says she'll only stay until the wind changes.
Dramatised by Hazel Marshall, this was the first ever radio adaptation - based on several Mary Poppins stories written by PL Travers .
Juliet Stevenson .... Mary Poppins
Jonathan Bee .... Michael
Sophie Stuckey .... Jane
Deborah Berlin .... Mrs Banks
David Timson .... Mr Banks
Andrew Sachs .... Mr Turvy
Phyllida Law .... Katie Nana
Chris Moran .... Mr Smart
Laura Doddington .... Polly
Other parts played by the cast.
Producer: David Ian Neville.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1994.
SUN 10:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b01p9kl6)
Just a Minute
Paul Merton
From Michael Crawford to REM - comedian Paul Merton's castaway choices, in conversation with Sue Lawley. From September 1993.
SUN 10:45 Afternoon Reading (b00lv228)
Perspectives
The Mumpers
Series of stories about people approaching something familiar from a different point of view.
By Eleanor Thom. Distant memories mingle with the present as an old woman at the end of her life is cared for by her young nurse. Read by Laura Smales.
SUN 11:00 Armstrong and Miller (b00t3vjx)
Episode 2
Battles recreated, and National Trousers Day.
Sketches and songs with Ben Miller and Alexander Armstrong in their first series for radio.
With Samuel West and Tony Gardiner.
Written by Ben Miller, Alexander Armstrong and Tony Gardiner.
Producer: Gareth Edwards
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1998.
SUN 11:15 Ambridge Extra (b01p9kl8)
Series 4 - Omnibus
Series 4, Episodes 3-4
During a prison visit, Donna complains to banged up Keith about money. Tracy's work problems go from bad to worse and Poochie the dog doesn't like Donna's new friendship.
SUN 11:45 Completely Crackers (b00pd1nx)
Episode 1
Comedian Linda Smith discovers how the wrapper, bang, joke, hat and gift in Christmas crackers came to be. From December 2001.
SUN 12:00 Stan Barstow - A Kind of Loving Omnibus (b015p5xj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 13:15 Susie Boyt - My Judy Garland Life (b00pdxrt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
SUN 13:30 Stephen Gallagher - Chimera (b007wtfb)
Brutal killings in a mysterious laboratory spark a government hush-up. Dramatised by the author. Stars Sarah Badel.
SUN 15:00 Doctor in the House (b007k4s5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
SUN 15:30 The Clitheroe Kid (b007jr1q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
SUN 16:00 Mel's Mix: The Best of The 4 O'Clock Show (b01p9klb)
The pick of the week's 4 O'Clock Show, with Mel Giedroyc.
SUN 16:30 PL Travers - Mary Poppins (b00slpvx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SUN 17:30 Arthur Askey - Before Your Very Eyes (b01p9kld)
Television, Tussauds and All That
The famous comic reads his life story. Arthur finds he must adjust expectations. His daughter flourishes.
SUN 18:00 The Man in Black (b017prn7)
Series 4
2. The Punt by Christina Balit
An ex-alcoholic is on the run from more than just his AA buddy.
Mark Gatiss as the sinister raconteur, The Man in Black, introduces Christina Balit's dark tale.
Jimmy ...... Ian Hogg
Derek ...... James Lailey
The Voice ...... Victoria Inez Hardy
Jak ...... Adjoa Andoh
Priest ...... Adam Billington
More horrifying tales from The Man in Black. You might meet him at a luggage carousel in an airport, or behind the desk at an employment agency or he might approach you in the corridor of a care home. Wherever you encounter him, he's eager to pass on his stories. Stories to unsettle and horrify. Stories to haunt you.
Director: Selina Ream
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in December 2011.
SUN 18:30 James Follett - The Destruction Factor (b007jpbx)
Search and Destroy
Despite the national emergency, landowners try to profit from the deadly Exon strain.
James Follett’s sci-fi thriller starring TP McKenna.
Max Flinders ...... TP McKenna
Denise Exon ...... Rosalind Adams
Howard Rogers ...... Paul Copley
Nurse ...... Joan Matheson
Prime Minister ...... Noel Johnson
Blowers ...... Michael Shannon
TV Presenter ...... Henry Knowles
TV PA ...... Mary Elliott Nelson
Climatorium Technician ...... Rod Beacham
Helicopter Pilot ...... Peter Wickham
Farmer ...... Roy Spencer
Corporal ...... Gregory de Polnay
Sachs ...... Denis Goacher
Producer: David Spencer
First broadcast as 2 x 90 minute plays on BBC Radio 4 in March 1978.
SUN 19:00 Armstrong and Miller (b00t3vjx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
SUN 19:15 Ambridge Extra (b01p9kl8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
SUN 19:45 Completely Crackers (b00pd1nx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:45 today]
SUN 20:00 Doctor in the House (b007k4s5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
SUN 20:30 The Clitheroe Kid (b007jr1q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
SUN 21:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b01p9kl6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 21:45 Afternoon Reading (b00lv228)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:45 today]
SUN 22:00 Another Case of Milton Jones (b007j7tc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 22:30 Steven Appleby's Normal Life (b007jqqw)
Series 1
The Normal Mind
Cartoonist Steven takes advantage of modern surgical techniques to reveal the inner workings of the creative artist's brain.
Starring Mark Perry as cartoonist Steven Appleby who takes an abnormal look at everyday life.
Steven ...... Paul McCrink
Mum ...... Rosalind Paul
Female Steven ...... Rachel Atkins
Mr Two ...... Ewan Bailey
Dad ...... Nigel Betts
Other parts played by the cast.
Written by Steven Appleby
Producer: Toby Swift
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2001.
SUN 22:45 2000 Years of Radio (b007jnh4)
Series 1
Mad - Georgian Radio
Full Age of Enlightenment updates, plus the Earl of Sandwich lives up to his name. Stars Marcus Brigstocke. From November 2000.
SUN 23:00 1966 and All That (b01075px)
The 1940s
The French Resistance struggle to victory under General de Girl.
Hitler gets stuck in a bunker with his Gerbil.
And John Humphrys interviews Winston Churchill.
Craig Brown's satirical history of Britain reaches the 1940s.
With:
Joss Ackland
Eleanor Bron
Rory Bremner
Ewan Bailey
Margaret Cabourn-Smith
John Humphrys
Producer: Victoria Lloyd
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2006.
SUN 23:30 The Harpoon (b007n0st)
Series 2
Episode 2
Broadcasting secrets are revealed in the nostalgic spoof of boys' adventure story papers.
Fun, frolics, and much, much, more. Subscribe now!
With Susie Brann, Alistair McGowan , Mary Elliot-Nelson, Julian Dutton and Peter Baynham.
Producer: Sarah Smith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1992.


MONDAY 17 DECEMBER 2012

MON 00:00 The Man in Black (b017prn7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Sunday]
MON 00:30 James Follett - The Destruction Factor (b007jpbx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Sunday]
MON 01:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b01p9kl6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Sunday]
MON 01:45 Afternoon Reading (b00lv228)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:45 on Sunday]
MON 02:00 Armstrong and Miller (b00t3vjx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 on Sunday]
MON 02:15 Ambridge Extra (b01p9kl8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 on Sunday]
MON 02:45 Completely Crackers (b00pd1nx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:45 on Sunday]
MON 03:00 Doctor in the House (b007k4s5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Sunday]
MON 03:30 Stephen Gallagher - Chimera (b007wtfb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 13:30 on Sunday]
MON 05:00 PL Travers - Mary Poppins (b00slpvx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Sunday]
MON 06:00 Wimsey (b007jvnj)
Strong Poison
Miss Murchison
Christmas interrupts Lord Peter Wimsey's investigation, but some suspicious powder isn't what it seems. Stars Ian Carmichael.
MON 06:30 Chester Himes - Cotton Comes to Harlem (b01pbp6y)
Episode 1
Harlem, 1965: Grave Digger Jones and Coffin Ed Johnson are the most notorious Detectives in the Harlem precinct. Their methods are unorthodox, and some people think they're trigger happy, but ask any law-abiding citizen of Harlem and they'll sing their praises. So when the Reverend Deke O'Malleys Back to Africa movement collects $87,000 from poor black families - only to have it stolen from under their noses - Jones and Johnson get put on the case.
Read by Hugh Quarshie.
Chester Himes' fantastically atmospheric novel is not just a great thriller it reveals the lives of black people in a white city at a time, three years before the death of Martin Luther King, when under Alabama law killing a Negro did not constitute murder. It was filmed in 1970 and has become a cult classic.
Chester Himes was born in 1909, and grew up in a middle class home in Missouri. His first real experience of racism was when a white hospital refused to treat his brother who had damaged his eyes in a schoolboy prank. He went to Ohio state University but was expelled. In 1928 he was arrested and sentenced to 25 years hard labour for armed robbery. He started writing in prison and sold stories to magazines including Esquire. He was released in 1936, lived in Los Angeles for a time - the basis of his novel If He Hollers Let Him Go, and moved to Paris in the 1950s where his Harlem precinct novels were first published. His novel For Love of Imabelle became very successful film A Rage in Harlem.
Hugh Quarshie is a TV regular in Holby City playing Ric Griffin. He has extensive film, tv and radio credits.
Abridged and produced by Chris Wallis.
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra by Autolycus Productions.
MON 07:00 Second Holmes (b0169ljq)
The Case of the Neglected Farm
The grandsons of Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson go to Dorset, where a wife is in danger.
Six light-hearted adventures involving the grandsons of Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson written by Grant Eustace
Starring Peter Egan as Stamford Holmes, Jeremy Nicholas as Dr Watson, Steve Hodson as Tom Wigley, Hugh Dickson as the Vicar, Fiona Walker as Sarah Callington, Ronald Baddiley as Bob Swannock and Alexandra Mathie as Kate Wigley.
Producer: Paul Mayhew-Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1983.
MON 07:30 I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue (b01p704r)
Series 58
Episode 5
The 58th series of Radio 4's multi award-winning 'antidote to panel games' promises yet more quality, desk-based entertainment for all the family. The series starts its run at the Grove Theatre in Dunstable, where regulars Barry Cryer, Graeme Garden and Tim Brooke-Taylor are joined on the panel by Tony Hawks, with Jack Dee as the programme's reluctant chairman. Regular listeners will know to expect inspired nonsense, pointless revelry and Colin Sell at the piano.
Producer - Jon Naismith.
MON 08:00 Round the Horne (b00j05w2)
Series 1
Episode 2
Kenneth Horne's secrets from the BBC backroom boys and continuing 'The Clissold Saga'.
With Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick, Betty Marsden and Bill Pertwee.
Recorded at the BBC's Paris Studio in Lower Regent Street, London. Announcer: Douglas Smith
Round The Horne was born out of the demise of BBC radio comedy Beyond Our Ken, after the end of writer Eric Merriman's involvement. Using the same cast and producer, Barry Took and Marty Feldman were persuaded to write the scripts - which led to four series that ran between 1965 and 1968 - packed full of parodies, recurring characters, catchphrases and double-entendres.
Music by Edwin Braden and the Hornblowers and The Fraser Hayes Four.
Producer: John Simmonds
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in March 1965.
MON 08:30 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b008hgpz)
Series 3
Episode 5
Shady lawyer Waldorf T Flywheel takes on an amusement arcade.
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 Ravelli …. 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 August 1992.
MON 09:00 Heresy (b00b7wwz)
Series 5
Episode 1
Victoria Coren chairs the programme that likes to think the unthinkable.
Former host David Baddiel makes a special appearance, joined by David Mitchell and Rev Richard Coles.
An Avalon production for BBC Radio 4.
MON 09:30 Legal, Decent, Honest and Truthful (b007jv5j)
Series 2
Episode 6
Ad man Ken Handley faces his own emergency when he's coerced into a Samaritans campaign. Stars Martin Jarvis. From March 1984.
MON 10:00 Charles Dickens - The Pickwick Papers (b007jzdv)
The Pickwick Club
The Pickwick Club, named in honour of the man who traced to their source the mighty Ponds of Hampstead and agitated the scientific world with his Theory of Tittlebats - was made up of the illustrious man himself, the susceptible Tracy Tupman, the poetic Snodgrass and the sporting Winkle.
Their intention was to travel and so to extend the sphere of their observations, to the advancement of knowledge and the diffusion of learning.
Charles Dickens 1837 novel dramatised in eight parts by Barry Campbell and Constance Cox.
Starring Freddie Jones as Mr Pickwick, Paul Chapman as Mr Jingle, Elizabeth Spriggs as Mrs Bardell, Simon Cadell as Charles Dickens.
Snodgrass ... Stephen Thorne
Winkle ... Philip Bond
Tupman .... .Michael Graham Cox
Mr Wardle ... Jack May
Miss Rachael ... June Whitfield
Joe .... Michael Troughton
With John Bryans, Malcolm Gerard, Michael Goldie, Jane Knowles, Alan Laurence, Kenneth Shanley, Jonathan Scott and Michael Tudor Barnes.
Director: Jane Morgan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1977.
MON 11:00 Sana Krasikov - One More Year (b00lbgqv)
Maia in Yonkers
An immigrant worker eagerly anticipates a visit from the teenage son she left behind in her home country. Read by Sian Thomas.
MON 11:15 Loose Ends (b01p9f5y)
Sophie Parkin, Sarah Hadland, Peter Wight, Scottee, Ed Harcourt and Clock Opera
Clive's overjoyed to talk to actor Peter Wight about his career, including four collaborations with director Mike Leigh. Peter's now starring in a violent satire about a family Christmas interrupted by the unexpected arrival of Uncle Bob. Who is he? Why has he come? And what's the meaning of his long and outrageous message. 'In The Republic Of Happiness' is at London's Royal Court Theatre until Saturday 19th January 2013.
Clive's up to mischief with actress Sarah Hadland, who last Christmas played Miss Primly Tightclench in 'The Bleak Old Shop of Stuff'. This Christmas, Sarah returns to our screens to play "joke slash gift shop" manager Stevie Sutton in the award-winning sitcom 'Miranda'. Will best friends Miranda and Stevie ever be responsible enough to make a success of the shop? 'Miranda' is on Wednesday 26th December on BBC One at 21.00.
Emma Freud dons her stiletto's for performance artist and Burger Queen Scottee, whose new show features broken limbs, police questioning, the loss of 100's of pairs of high heels and leaves the audience elated, confused and covered in glitter! 'Camp (As Christmas)' is at the Roundhouse, London until Saturday 22nd December.
Clive's Best of Friends with author Sophie Parkin with a new book 'The Colony Room Club 1948 - 2008 - A History of Bohemian Soho'. It about the explosion of culture in post war London from one small green room up some filthy stairs in Soho and the international figures who frequented it.
With music from eclectic four piece avant pop band Clock Opera, who perform 'Belongings' from their album 'Ways To Forget'.
And a welcome return for singer-songwriter Ed Harcourt, who plays the title track of his new album 'Back Into the Woods'.
Producer: Cathie Mahoney.
MON 12:00 Round the Horne (b00j05w2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 12:30 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b008hgpz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 13:00 Wimsey (b007jvnj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 13:30 Chester Himes - Cotton Comes to Harlem (b01pbp6y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 14:00 Ladies of Letters (b01pc2kb)
Ladies of Letters Go Crackers
Episode 1
Vera faces homelessness and Irene is inundated. Carole Hayman and Lou Wakefield's missives star Anne Reid and Prunella Scales.
MON 14:15 Amanda Vickery - A History of Private Life (b00mvfp9)
Things That Go Bump in the Night
How the home protected people from dark forces outside. Historian Amanda Vickery on the hidden history of home over 400 years.
MON 14:30 And June Whitfield (b007jvdz)
Episode 1
From dance classes to Noel Coward's parties. Legendary screen, stage and radio actress June Whitfield reads her own life story.
One of the country's best-loved actresses begins reading five extracts from her autobiography covering her career from Eth Glum in 'Take It from Here' through to Mother in 'Absolutely Fabulous'.
Abridged by Sally Marmion.
Producer Sarah Johnson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2000.
MON 14:45 Michelle Magorian - Goodnight Mister Tom (b007jxxp)
Episode 6
Evacuee Willie's happiness is threatened by dark clouds on the horizon. Michelle Magorian's wartime tale read by David Brierley.
MON 15:00 Charles Dickens - The Pickwick Papers (b007jzdv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
MON 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b01pc2kd)
This week on The 4 O'Clock Show we're focussing on food. On today's show, Mel follows the life of Christmas turkeys, and hears from the busy fingers picking brussels sprouts.
MON 17:00 Coming Alive (b00g3g1k)
Series 2
Off the Hook
Could Terry end up back in prison after his community centre success? Stars Karl Howman and Phyllis Logan.
MON 17:30 Second Holmes (b0169ljq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 18:00 The Spaceship II (b0090x40)
Hole
Captain Gordon Taylor hits trouble over a failing call centre. Paul Barnhill and Neil Warhurst's comic sci-fi with James Fleet.
MON 18:30 Paradise Lost in Space (b007jnlt)
1. Ruination
Space travel throws the most unlikely people together.
Norman is an idealist with a hand grenade. Max is a cheerful bore who won't stop talking.
Together, they're set to ruin the lives of some decidedly friendly aliens. Forever.
Six-part black-hole sci-fi comedy by Colin Swash
Norman ...... Tony Robinson
Max ...... David Haig
Stella ...... Louise Lombard
Macari ...... Michael Troughton
Captain Rossiter ...... Dan Strauss
Jane ...... Carla Mendonca
Tony ...... Geoff McGivern
Producer: Richard Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1995.
MON 19:00 Round the Horne (b00j05w2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 19:30 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b008hgpz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 20:00 Wimsey (b007jvnj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 20:30 Chester Himes - Cotton Comes to Harlem (b01pbp6y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 21:00 Sana Krasikov - One More Year (b00lbgqv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
MON 21:15 Loose Ends (b01p9f5y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
MON 22:00 I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue (b01p704r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 22:30 Heresy (b00b7wwz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
MON 23:00 The Now Show (b01p7hdv)
Series 38
Episode 6
Census and Censorability. In the week that the findings of the 2011 England and Wales Census were released, and the UK Government enshrined a "quadruple lock" in law that would prevent same sex couples marrying in the Church of England or the Church of Wales, Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week in topical stand-up and sketches. Joining them this week are Jon Holmes, Laura Shavin, Mitch Benn and special guest Roisin Conaty. Produced by Victoria Lloyd.
MON 23:30 Comic to Comic (b007w3s4)
Series 1
Susan Morrison
The compere extraordinaire tells Bruce Morton about crowd control subtleties and embarrassing her kids. From September 2005.


TUESDAY 18 DECEMBER 2012

TUE 00:00 The Spaceship II (b0090x40)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Monday]
TUE 00:30 Paradise Lost in Space (b007jnlt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Monday]
TUE 01:00 Wimsey (b007jvnj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]
TUE 01:30 Chester Himes - Cotton Comes to Harlem (b01pbp6y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Monday]
TUE 02:00 Heresy (b00b7wwz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Monday]
TUE 02:30 Legal, Decent, Honest and Truthful (b007jv5j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:00 Charles Dickens - The Pickwick Papers (b007jzdv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:00 Sana Krasikov - One More Year (b00lbgqv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:15 Loose Ends (b01p9f5y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 on Monday]
TUE 05:00 Coming Alive (b00g3g1k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:00 on Monday]
TUE 05:30 Second Holmes (b0169ljq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Monday]
TUE 06:00 Wimsey (b007jvnm)
Strong Poison
Pongo
Lord Peter Wimsey's trail goes cold, until a stolen will brings fresh enlightenment. Stars Ian Carmichael and Peter Jones.
TUE 06:30 Chester Himes - Cotton Comes to Harlem (b01pcs3d)
Episode 2
New York, 1965: detectives Grave Digger and Coffin Ed chase the masterminds behind the missing money.
Grave Digger Jones and Coffin Ed Johnson are the most notorious Detectives in the Harlem precinct. Their methods are unorthodox, and some people think they're trigger happy, but ask any law-abiding citizen of Harlem and they'll sing their praises. When the Reverend Deke O'Malleys Back to Africa movement collected $87,000 from poor black families - only to have it stolen from under their noses - Jones and Johnson are determined to get it back.
Hugh Quarshie reads Chester Himes' thriller.
Abridged and produced by Chris Wallis.
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra by Autolycus Productions.
TUE 07:00 Joyce Grenfell - Hats Off (b00qs7m8)
Farewell to Fun
The poems of Joyce Grenfell read by Maureen Lipman. Introduced by Janie Hampton. Including Monday Morning Mail and Hats.
TUE 07:30 Bleak Expectations (b01p71gl)
Series 5
A Writerly Life Made Dreadfully Different
There's a novel writing showdown between Pip and Charles Dickens to find out who is the greatest writer in Britain.
Mark Evans's epic Victorian comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.
Sir Philip ..... Richard Johnson
Young Pip Bin ..... Tom Allen
Gently Benevolent ..... Anthony Head
Harry Biscuit ..... James Bachman
Clampvulture ..... Geoffrey Whitehead
Ripely ..... Sarah Hadland
Pippa ..... Susy Kane
Lily ...... Sarah Hadland
Producer: Gareth Edwards
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2012.
TUE 08:00 The Goon Show (b007jxnb)
Childe Harolde Rewarde
Neddie Seagoon searches for Excalibur and ends up "in the drink". Stars Spike Milligan and Peter Sellers. From December 1958.
TUE 08:30 J Kingston Platt's Showbiz Handbook (b007k0st)
Bravo Chantal!
The veteran reveals how hunting for financial backing can lead a film producer into many interesting and unusual by-ways of the entertainment industry.
British show business doyen, J Kingston Platt shares reminiscences drawn from the wealth and the poverty of his experience from the past 40 years.
Performed and written by Peter Jones.
Producer: Pete Atkin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1986.
TUE 09:00 The Now Show (b01p7hdv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 23:00 on Monday]
TUE 09:30 Whose Line Is It Anyway? (b008vnz5)
Episode 6
Clive Anderson and the famed improvisation game with Stephen Fry, John Sessions, Rory Bremner and Jon Glover.
It ran for 10 series on Channel 4 and found success in America, but the hit TV improvisation game actually started life on BBC radio.
With Colin Sell at the piano.
Devised and compiled by Mark Leveson. Additional material by Martin Booth.
Producer: Dan Patterson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1988.
TUE 10:00 Charles Dickens - The Pickwick Papers (b008j0hh)
Dingley Dell
'You've got the address, Manor Farm, Dingley Dell, and I undertake that you shall see everything worth seeing. If you've come down for a country life, come to me and I'll give you plenty of it.'
Mr Wardle's generous offer to the Pickwickians was to prove almost too much for them.
Charles Dickens 1837 novel dramatised in eight parts by Barry Campbell and Constance Cox.
Charles Dickens ..... Simon Cadell
Mr Pickwick ... Freddie Jones
Mr Winkle .... Philip Bond
Mr Tupman ..... Michael Graham Cox
Mr Snodgrass .... Stephen Thorne
Jingle .... Paul Chapman
Mr Wardle .... Jack May
Miss Rachael ... June Whitfield
Joe .... Michael Troughton
Sam Weller ... Douglas Livingstone
Clergyman ... Michael Tudor Barnes
Emily .... Heather Bell
Isabella .... Anne Rosenfeld
Old Mrs Wardle .... Kathleen Helme
Mr Parker ....Timothy Alcock
Mr Staple / Coachman ... Michael Goldie
Mr Trundle / Tom .... Kenneth Shanley
Polly/Fat Lady/Boy ... Jane Knowles
Director: Jane Morgan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1977.
TUE 11:00 Sana Krasikov - One More Year (b00lbq2j)
Companion
Ilona Siegal left conflict-riven Georgia in the hopes of a brighter future in America. Read by Sian Thomas.
TUE 11:15 Robin Baker - Elephant and Castle (b01pcs3g)
4 Extra Debut. As Ian rows with girlfriend Kate on his 35th birthday, flashbacks reveal how they met 9 months before. Stars Rory Kinnear.
TUE 12:00 The Goon Show (b007jxnb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 12:30 J Kingston Platt's Showbiz Handbook (b007k0st)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 13:00 Wimsey (b007jvnm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 13:30 Chester Himes - Cotton Comes to Harlem (b01pcs3d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 14:00 Ladies of Letters (b01pcs3j)
Ladies of Letters Go Crackers
Episode 2
Aggrieved Irene must bite her tongue when Vera's daughter Karen has a serious health scare. Stars Anne Reid and Prunella Scales.
TUE 14:15 Ambridge Extra (b01pcs3l)
Series 4
Episode 5
Somebody's heart is all of a flutter. Roses, chocolates, a date... where will it all end?
TUE 14:30 And June Whitfield (b007jvf2)
Episode 2
The actress recalls her rise to fame, with a radio role in the hit show 'Take It From Here' with Jimmy Edwards.
TUE 14:45 Michelle Magorian - Goodnight Mister Tom (b007jxyz)
Episode 7
Young evacuee Willie must return to London and his bullying mother. Michelle Magorian's wartime tale read by David Brierley. Episode 7 of 10.
TUE 15:00 Charles Dickens - The Pickwick Papers (b008j0hh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
TUE 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b01pcs3n)
We'll continue following our Christmas turkeys, and find out about the forgotten foods of Christmas. Just what did people eat during advent a hundred years ago?
TUE 17:00 Second Thoughts (b007jx3l)
Series 1
Marriage of Inconvenience
Bill and Faith get set for a last minute wedding - surely nothing can go wrong?
Sitcom about the battles of divorcees Bill MacGregor and Faith Greyshott trying to forge a relationship whilst balancing the demands of his ex-wife, Liza and her teenage children, Hannah and Joe.
Staring Lynda Bellingham and James Bolam.
Series one of four inspired by the real lives of its writers, husband and wife Jan Etherington and Gavin Petrie.
A TV version made by LWT for ITV appeared in 1991 and ran for four series, with a spin-off 'Faith in the Future'.
Faith ...... Lynda Bellingham
Bill ...... James Bolam
Hannah ...... Kelda Holmes
Joe ...... Mark Denham
Liza ...... Belinda Lang
Ray ...... Nicholas Courtney
Producer: Pete Atkin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1988.
TUE 17:30 Joyce Grenfell - Hats Off (b00qs7m8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 18:00 The Spaceship II (b0090xyb)
Manhood
Scientist Clive 55 reconstructs a dead space pirate, who before long is running the ship. Stars James Fleet and Rosie Cavaliero.
TUE 18:30 Paradise Lost in Space (b007jnpy)
2. Gifting
Norman and Max are welcomed by the incurably friendly Oblivions and soon they're offering priceless gifts - the secret of fire, contemplation and baked potatoes.
Colin Swash's sci-fi comedy about two space-age humans stranded on a friendly alien planet.
Norman ...... Tony Robinson
Max ...... David Haig
Stella ...... Louise Lombard
Macari ...... Michael Troughton
Terayz ...... Carla Mendonca
Tony ...... Geoff McGivern
Ken ...... Tom Hollander
Inspector Albermarle ...... Andy Rashleigh
Producer: Richard Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1995.
TUE 19:00 The Goon Show (b007jxnb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 19:30 J Kingston Platt's Showbiz Handbook (b007k0st)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 20:00 Wimsey (b007jvnm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 20:30 Chester Himes - Cotton Comes to Harlem (b01pcs3d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 21:00 Sana Krasikov - One More Year (b00lbq2j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
TUE 21:15 Robin Baker - Elephant and Castle (b01pcs3g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
TUE 22:00 Bleak Expectations (b01p71gl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 22:30 Getting Nowhere Fast (b008gdc5)
Series 2
Episode 2
Feeling old and penniless, 1960s flower child Merv decides to return to his garden roots. Stars Mervyn Stutter. From April 2003.
TUE 23:00 Old Harry's Game (b00cgsrw)
Series 5
Power Politics
Satan infiltrates the White House and the United Nations.
Meanwhile, a dangerous subversive infiltrates Hell.
Andy Hamilton’s devilishly funny sitcom set in Hell.
Satan …. Andy Hamilton
Thomas …. Jimmy Mulville
Scumspawn …. Robert Duncan
Other characters played by Geoffrey Whitehead , Hugh Dennis , Tony Maudsley, Felicity Montagu and Philip Pope.
Producer: Paul Mayhew-Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2005.
TUE 23:30 The Masterson Inheritance (b007jqyg)
Series 3
Masterson Rides Again
The life of young Billy at his Victorian boarding school.
The award-winning improvised historical Masterson family saga based entirely on audience suggestions.
Starring Paul Merton, Josie Lawrence, Jim Sweeney, Lee Simpson, Phelim McDermott and Caroline Quentin.
Producer: Phil Clarke
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1995


WEDNESDAY 19 DECEMBER 2012

WED 00:00 The Spaceship II (b0090xyb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Tuesday]
WED 00:30 Paradise Lost in Space (b007jnpy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Tuesday]
WED 01:00 Wimsey (b007jvnm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:30 Chester Himes - Cotton Comes to Harlem (b01pcs3d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Tuesday]
WED 02:00 The Now Show (b01p7hdv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 23:00 on Monday]
WED 02:30 Whose Line Is It Anyway? (b008vnz5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:00 Charles Dickens - The Pickwick Papers (b008j0hh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:00 Sana Krasikov - One More Year (b00lbq2j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:15 Robin Baker - Elephant and Castle (b01pcs3g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 on Tuesday]
WED 05:00 Second Thoughts (b007jx3l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:00 on Tuesday]
WED 05:30 Joyce Grenfell - Hats Off (b00qs7m8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Tuesday]
WED 06:00 Wimsey (b007k440)
Strong Poison
Turkish Delight
Can Lord Peter Wimsey finally clear Harriet Vane's name and persuade her to take his? Stars Ian Carmichael and Peter Jones.
WED 06:30 Chester Himes - Cotton Comes to Harlem (b01pcxq1)
Episode 3
New York, 1965: detectives Digger and Coffin's search for the missing money is getting dangerous.
Grave Digger Jones and Coffin Ed Johnson are the most notorious Detectives in the Harlem precinct. Their methods are unorthodox, and some people think they're trigger happy, but ask any law-abiding citizen of Harlem and they'll sing their praises. When the Reverend Deke O'Malleys Back to Africa movement collected $87,000 from poor black families - only to have it stolen from under their noses - Jones and Johnson are determined to get it back.
Hugh Quarshie reads Chester Himes' thriller.
Abridged and produced by Chris Wallis.
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra by Autolycus Productions.
WED 07:00 One Foot in the Grave (b007jn39)
In Luton Airport No-One Can Hear You Scream
Victor and Margaret Meldrew return from their holiday in Greece. What could possibly go wrong..?
Richard Wilson stars as Victor and Annette Crosbie as his long-suffering wife Margaret.
Adapted for radio by David Renwick from his BBC TV script.
Victor Meldrew ...... Richard Wilson
Margaret Meldrew ...... Annette Crosbie
Mrs Warboys ...... Doreen Mantle
Nick Swainey ...... Owen Brenman
With Jon Glover, Ainslee Foster and Paul Rogan.
Winning numerous awards, six series were made for TV plus numerous specials on BBC ONE from 1990 to 2000.
Producer: Diane Messias
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in February 1995.
WED 07:30 Mark Steel's in Town (b01p720p)
Series 4
Handsworth
Comedian Mark Steel returns with a new series, looking under the surface of some of the UK's more distinctive towns to shed some light on the people, history, rivalries, slang, traditions, and eccentricities that makes them unique.

Creating a bespoke stand-up set for each town, Mark performs the show in front of a local audience.

As well as examining the less visited areas of Britain, Mark uncovers stories and experiences that resonate with us all as we recognise the quirkiness of the British way of life and the rich tapestry of remarkable events and people who have shaped where we live.

During this 4th series of 'Mark Steel's In Town', Mark will visit Tobermory, Whitehaven, Handsworth, Ottery St Mary, Corby, and Chipping Norton.

This week, Mark takes a trip to Handsworth in Birmingham to explore reggae and riots, white supremacist gardening, and how takeaway food affects the time space continuum. From December 2012.

Additional material by Pete Sinclair.
Produced by Sam Bryant.
WED 08:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b007k06k)
Series 6
The Christmas Club
The lad lives to regret answering a knock at the front door.
Starring Tony Hancock. With Sidney James, Wilfred Babbage, Hugh Morton and Frank Partington.
Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.
Theme and incidental music written by Wally Stott.
Producer: Tom Ronald
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in December 1959.
WED 08:30 I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again (b0092s7l)
Series 4
Episode 6
Uncle John brings you Music for Schools - and The Curse of the Flying Wombat.
More quick-fire sketches, terrible puns, humorous songs and parodies.
Stars Tim Brooke-Taylor, John Cleese, David Hatch, Jo Kendall and Bill Oddie.
Written by Graeme Garden, Eric Idle, Bill Oddie, Peter Hutchins, Peter & David Lund
Originating from the Cambridge University Footlights revue 'Cambridge Circus', ISIRTA ran for 8 years on BBC Radio and quickly developed a cult following.
Music and songs by Dave Lee and Bill Oddie.
Producer: Humphrey Barclay
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in November 1966.
WED 09:00 Winston (b007lmgv)
Series 1
What Do You Reckon?
Rosie plans to go to London and set up house. William dreams of esteem and beautiful women. Nancy doesn't relish the prospect of being left alone to care for Father; but she doesn't know about his own plans...
Peter Tinniswood's bawdy comedy serial.
CAST:
Winston …. Bill Wallis
Father …. Maurice Denham
Nancy …. Shirley Dixon
Rosie …. Liz Goulding
William …. Christian Rodska
Directed at BBC Bristol by Shaun MacLoughlin.
First broadcast on BBC Radio in May 1989.
WED 09:30 Foul Play (b00jh5hn)
Series 3
Death By a Short Head
Crime writers Lady Antonia Fraser and Anthony Price try to solve the mystery death of a top jockey.
With the help of witnesses played by Maria McErlane and Lee Simpson.
Murder mystery panel game devised, written and chaired by Simon Brett.
Producer: Liz Anstee
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1997.
WED 10:00 Charles Dickens - The Pickwick Papers (b007jzhd)
Alarms and Excursions
'I will follow him. How do we know when he is deceiving? He deceived a worthy man once and we were the innocent cause. He shall not do it again, if I can help it.'
Mr Pickwick is determined to expose Alfred Jingle as the rascal he is, but he can be an elusive gentleman.
Charles Dickens 1837 novel dramatised in eight parts by Barry Campbell and Constance Cox.
Charles Dickens ..... Simon Cadell
Mr Pickwick ... Freddie Jones
Mr Winkle .... Philip Bond
Mr Tupman ..... Michael Graham Cox
Mr Snodgrass .... Stephen Thorne
Sam Weller ... Douglas Livingstone
Job Trotter ...Tim Wylton
Captain Boldwig ... Michael Goldie
Mrs Bardell ... Elizabeth Spriggs
Tommy Bardell .... Heather Bell
Joe .... Michael Troughton
Mr Dodson ... John Gabriel
Mr Fogg ... Michael Tudor Barnes
Mr Jackson ....Peter Wickham
Mr Wicks... Tom Owen
Tony Weller ... John Hollis
Miss Tompkins ...Joan Matheson
Miss Gwyn .... Brenda Kaye
Mr Wardle .... Jack May
Cook ... Jane Knowles
Miss Smethers ... Elizabeth Bell
Goodwin ...Mary Elliott Nelson
Martin ... William Eadle
Hunt .... Kenneth Shanley
Laundress.... Gladys Spencer
Director: Jane Morgan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1977.
WED 11:00 Sana Krasikov - One More Year (b00lbq2l)
The Repatriates
After years in America, Grisha and Lera return to Moscow, but find Russia has changed beyond recognition. Read by Sian Thomas.
WED 11:15 Alex Ferguson - My Uncle Freddie (b007jw69)
Heart's Ache, Heart's Ease
10 year old Lecky and his Uncle Freddie rescue the Prince of Wales from the Tyne. Is he the true prince? Will the course of history change in the North East?
The first of Alex Ferguson's hilarious and heart-warming trilogy is a passionate evocation of a 1930s childhood in Jarrow.
Stars Shaun Prendergast as Uncle Freddie, Colin Maclachlan as Our Dad, Alex Ferguson as Alex and Janine Birkett as Aunt Bella.
Producer: Melanie Harris
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1997.
WED 12:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b007k06k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 12:30 I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again (b0092s7l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 13:00 Wimsey (b007k440)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 13:30 Chester Himes - Cotton Comes to Harlem (b01pcxq1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 14:00 Ladies of Letters (b01pcxq3)
Ladies of Letters Go Crackers
Episode 3
There is a major fallout when Vera's theories over Irene's relations spark family uproar. Stars Anne Reid and Prunella Scales.
WED 14:15 Amanda Vickery - A History of Private Life (b00mvg03)
The State in Miniature
The home as a microcosm of social order. Historian Amanda Vickery reveals the hidden history of the home over 400 years.
WED 14:30 And June Whitfield (b007jvf6)
Episode 3
Reading her own life story, the famous actress recalls the highs and lows of working with Peter Sellers and Kenneth Williams.
WED 14:45 Michelle Magorian - Goodnight Mister Tom (b007jy06)
Episode 8
With no news of Willie - Tom heads to London and gets a shock. Michelle Magorian's wartime tale read by David Brierley.
WED 15:00 Charles Dickens - The Pickwick Papers (b007jzhd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
WED 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b01pcxq5)
Actress Emma Thompson shares her Inheritance Tracks, and we make the perfect Christmas pudding. Plus, the next chapter in The Sarah Jane Adventures: The Glittering Storm.
WED 17:00 PG Wodehouse - Stiff Upper Lip, Jeeves (b007jqdd)
Upstairs, Downstairs and Bumps in the Night
Bertie Wooster tries to play peacemaker when he arrives at Totleigh Towers.
PG Wodehouse romp adapted in six-parts by Richard Usborne.
Starring Michael Hordern as Jeeves, Richard Briers as Bertie Wooster, Paul Eddington as Roderick Spode, John Le Mesurier as Sir Watkin Bassett, Vivian Pickles as Aunt Dahlia, Amy MacDonald as Madeleine Bassett, Douglas Blackwell as the Reverend Harold Pinker, Jonathan Cecil as Boko Fittleworth and Denise Coffey as Stiffy Bing,
Producer: David Hatch
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1980.
WED 17:30 One Foot in the Grave (b007jn39)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 18:00 The Spaceship II (b00911c5)
Rude
The crew of Really Invincible III have some space tourists aboard - but it turns into a holiday from hell. Sci-fi comedy stars James Fleet.
WED 18:30 Paradise Lost in Space (b007jnt5)
3. Anyone for Tennis?
As the Oblivions have so much time on their hands, it couldn't possibly hurt to introduce them to the gentle game of tennis, could it?
Colin Swash's sci-fi comedy about two space-age humans stranded on a friendly alien planet.
Norman ...... Tony Robinson
Max ...... David Haig
Stella ...... Louise Lombard
Macari ...... Michael Troughton
Terayz ...... Carla Mendonca
Ken ...... Tom Hollander
Producer: Richard Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1995.
WED 19:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b007k06k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 19:30 I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again (b0092s7l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 20:00 Wimsey (b007k440)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 20:30 Chester Himes - Cotton Comes to Harlem (b01pcxq1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 21:00 Sana Krasikov - One More Year (b00lbq2l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
WED 21:15 Alex Ferguson - My Uncle Freddie (b007jw69)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
WED 22:00 Mark Steel's in Town (b01p720p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 22:30 Gus Murdoch's Sacred Cows (b00fcbgm)
1. Pubs
Is the concept of the pub is dead?
Incisive reporter Gus Murdoch investigates Britain's public houses.
Written by and starring Stephen Carlin.
With:
Rachel Atkins
Christopher Douglas
Chris Pavlo
Renton Skinner
Dan Tetsall
Producer: Tilusha Ghelani
Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in November 2008.
WED 22:45 Jelly Mountain (b00fh6vz)
Episode 2
Ivor Cutler's unique views on how to promote a child's growth. Songs and stories, with Craig Murray-Orr. From May 1996.
WED 23:00 Mitch Benn's Crimes Against Music (b007k03f)
Series 1
Death
Death comes to us all, but for the rock star; it can be the start of a whole new career.
Mitch Benn sets out on a musical journey through the showbiz glitz and backstage litter of pop music.
With Robert Ince, Alfie Joey, Tash Baylis and Kirsty Newton
Producer: Adam Bromley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2004.
WED 23:30 If You're So Clever, Why Aren't You Rich? (b00srqfx)
Series 3
Happy New Year
The London flatmates throw a party, with dates to impress - and a sandwich-maker to mend. Stars Tony Slattery. From May 1998.


THURSDAY 20 DECEMBER 2012

THU 00:00 The Spaceship II (b00911c5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Wednesday]
THU 00:30 Paradise Lost in Space (b007jnt5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 Wimsey (b007k440)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:30 Chester Himes - Cotton Comes to Harlem (b01pcxq1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 Winston (b007lmgv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:30 Foul Play (b00jh5hn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 Charles Dickens - The Pickwick Papers (b007jzhd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 Sana Krasikov - One More Year (b00lbq2l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:15 Alex Ferguson - My Uncle Freddie (b007jw69)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 PG Wodehouse - Stiff Upper Lip, Jeeves (b007jqdd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:00 on Wednesday]
THU 05:30 One Foot in the Grave (b007jn39)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 06:00 Falco (b008kkch)
Shadows in Bronze
1. Vipers
Following a plot to depose the Emperor Vespasian, Falco sets out to clear up a few loose ends, only to uncover a nest of vipers.
Starring Anton Lesser.
Lindsey Davis's witty detective, Marcus Didius Falco is back patrolling the streets of 1st-century Rome.
Falco ....... Anton Lesser
Petronius / Chamberlain ....... Ben Crowe
Tullia ....... Fiona Clarke
Helena Justina ....... Anna Madeley
Vespasian / Milo ....... Michael Tudor Barnes
Gordianus ....... Christian Rodska
Dramatised by Mary Cutler.
Directed at BBC Birmingham by Peter Leslie Wild.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2005.
THU 06:30 Chester Himes - Cotton Comes to Harlem (b01pcz6p)
Episode 4
New York, 1965: detectives Digger and Ed have taken the biggest gamble of their careers and smuggled Iris out of jail hoping she'll lead them to Deke and the money. So why is she going to church?
Grave Digger Jones and Coffin Ed Johnson are the most notorious Detectives in the Harlem precinct. Their methods are unorthodox, and some people think they're trigger happy, but ask any law-abiding citizen of Harlem and they'll sing their praises. When the Reverend Deke O'Malleys Back to Africa movement collected $87,000 from poor black families - only to have it stolen from under their noses - Jones and Johnson are determined to get it back.
Hugh Quarshie reads Chester Himes' thriller.
Abridged and produced by Chris Wallis.
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra by Autolycus Productions.
THU 07:00 An Actor's Life for Me (b00rw8p7)
Series 3
Here's Looking At You, Kid
Robert discovers acting isn't everything it appears to be...
The return of the farcical comedy about the trials and tribulations of a young actor desperately seeking work.
John Gordon Sinclair stars in Paul Mayhew-Archer's sitcom.
Robert Wilson ..... John Gordon Sinclair
Desmond Shaw ..... Gary Waldhorn
Sue ..... Gina McKee
With:
Sally Grace
Toby Longworth
Ainsley Foster
Ian Angus Wilkie
Christopher Roe
Producer: Diane Messias
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in January 1993.
THU 07:30 Births, Deaths and Marriages (b01j6wgv)
Series 1
Episode 2
In this episode, the team are horrified that the media have been invited to one of Malcolm's citizenship ceremonies, Anita's got problems with childcare and Luke's having a 'quarter life' crisis.
Births, Deaths and Marriages is a brand new sitcom set in a Local Authority Register Office where the staff deal with the three greatest events in anybody's life.
Written by David Schneider (The Day Today, I'm Alan Partridge), he stars as chief registrar Malcolm Fox who is a stickler for rules and would be willing to interrupt any wedding service if the width of the bride infringes health and safety. He's single but why does he need to be married? He's married thousands of women.
Alongside him are rival and divorcee Lorna who has been parachuted in from Car Parks to drag the office (and Malcolm) into the 21st century. To her, marriage isn't just about love and romance, it's got to be about making a profit in our new age of austerity.
There's also the ever spiky Mary, geeky Luke who's worried he'll end up like Malcolm one day, and ditzy Anita who may get her words and names mixed up occasionally but, as the only parent in the office, is a mother to them all.
Cast:
Malcolm ...... David Schneider
Lorna ....... Sarah Hadland
Anita ........ Sandy McDade
Luke ....... Russell Tovey
Mary ....... Sally Bretton
Mr. Arnold/Peter Stephenson ...... Andrew Brooke
Bereaved woman/New Citizen/Mum ...... Jane Whittenshaw
Producer: Simon Jacobs
A Unique production for BBC Radio 4.
THU 08:00 Parsley Sidings (b01pcz6r)
Series 1
Cricket, Lovely Cricket
Station Master Horace Hepplewhite steps up to the crease in his battle to save his sleepy station from closure.
Starring Arthur Lowe as Horace, Ian Lavender as Bert, Kenneth Connor as Percy, Liz Fraser as Gloria and Ronald Baddiley as Mr Bun the Inspector.
Jim Eldridge's eponymous series is set in a sleepy railway station. The Hepplewhites have run 'Parsley Sidings' station for generations and the current Station Master, Horace, hopes that his son Bert will continue the line. Mild-mannered Ticket Clerk Bert wants to work anywhere but on the railways. His colleague, Station Announcer Gloria Simpkins, secretly loves him. Porter Percy Valentine is an archetypal wheeler-dealer and the ancient Signalman, Bradshaw, causes havoc and dispenses home-made remedies in equal measure. The 'Parsley Sidings' nemesis is Phineas Perkins, the station master of Potwhistle Halt, one stop down the line.
Re-created Announcements by Keith Skues.
Producer: Edward Taylor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in January 1972.
THU 08:30 Take It From Here (b00cl50x)
From 07/01/1954
The Glums debate culinary insularity, and Jim and Bentley ponder pathos. With Jimmy Edwards and Alma Cogan. From January 1954.
THU 09:00 Unnatural Acts (b00kmtcc)
Series 2
Monkey Business
A lion with poor cuticles? A trip to a safari park trip throws up unexpected attractions. Stars Jeremy Hardy. From April 1988.
THU 09:30 Just a Minute (b013214n)
Series 61
From 08/08/2011
Ventriloquism and PAs. Nicholas Parsons welcomes Paul Merton, Tony Hawks, Shelia Hancock and Graham Norton. From August 2011.
THU 10:00 Charles Dickens - The Pickwick Papers (b007jzjn)
Perambulations and Proposals
Romantic encounters spark more confusion for Samuel Pickwick...
Charles Dickens 1837 novel dramatised in eight parts by Barry Campbell and Constance Cox.
Charles Dickens ..... Simon Cadell
Mr Pickwick ... Freddie Jones
Mr Winkle .... Philip Bond
Mr Tupman ..... Michael Graham Cox
Mr Snodgrass .... Stephen Thorne
Jingle .... Paul Chapman
Sam Weller ... Douglas Livingstone
Tony Weller ... John Hollis
Mr Magnus ... David Sinclair
Job Trotter... Tim Wylton
Miss Witherfield ... Hilda Schroder
Mr Nupkins ... Bruce Purchase
Jinks .... Kenneth Shenley
Muzzle ... Eric Allan
Mary ...Alison Frazer
Miss Nupkins .... Susan Colgrave
Tommy Bardell ... Heather Bell
Grummer... Michael Goldie
Mrs Bardell .. Elizabeth Spriggs
Mrs Cluppins ... Cecile Chevreau
Cook ....Deddie Davies
Director: Jane Morgan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1977.
THU 11:00 Perspectives (b00lxfbg)
futouristic.co.uk
By Christopher Priest. Replying to an irresistible email proposition, Mr Frogle is sure nothing will ever be the same again. Read by Nick Underwood.
THU 11:15 Alex Ferguson - My Uncle Freddie (b007jw6c)
A Time of Deep Affliction
Lecky's pursuit of a butcher's daughter threatens his scholarship chances. 1930s Jarrow childhood trilogy with Gareth Brown.
THU 12:00 Parsley Sidings (b01pcz6r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 12:30 Take It From Here (b00cl50x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 13:00 Falco (b008kkch)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 13:30 Chester Himes - Cotton Comes to Harlem (b01pcz6p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 14:00 Ladies of Letters (b01pd62t)
Ladies of Letters Go Crackers
Episode 4
Daughter Karen mediates after her mum Vera and Irene's vitriolic falling out. Stars Anne Reid, Prunella Scales and Mia Soteriou.
THU 14:15 Ambridge Extra (b01pd62w)
Series 4
Episode 6
Clive makes a suggestion while making himself at home at Donna's place... and Poochie for one doesn't like it.
THU 14:30 And June Whitfield (b007jvfd)
Episode 4
The much-loved actress remembers the challenges of working with Tony Hancock, and her huge TV success with Terry and June.
THU 14:45 Michelle Magorian - Goodnight Mister Tom (b007jy1g)
Episode 9
Willie recovers from his trauma in London, but can he stay with Tom? Michelle Magorian's wartime tale read by David Brierley.
THU 15:00 Charles Dickens - The Pickwick Papers (b007jzjn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
THU 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b01pd62y)
The next part of The Sarah Jane Adventures: The Glittering Storm, plus Mel finds out about some interesting uses for gold and hears how to make the perfect vegetarian nut roast.
THU 17:00 King Street Junior (b007jn8z)
Series 7
Is There a Father Christmas?
Mr Sims is elected to co-ordinate the school's festivities, but he doesn't spot the 'banana skin'.
Created by Jim Eldridge, ten series of this comedy about a junior school ran between 1985 and 1998. King Street Junior Revisited ran from 2002 to 2005.
Written by Paul Copley.
Stars Karl Howman as Mr Sims, James Grout as the Headmaster, Tom Watson as Mr Holiday, Margaret John as Mrs Stone, Paul Copley as Mr Long, Deirdre Costello as Mrs Patterson, Vivienne Martin as Mrs Rudd, Marlene Sidaway as Miss Lewis, Kemal Ibrahim as Andy, Sarah Harvey-Smart as Tanita, Anna Williams as Paula, Ben Wint as Martin,Adam Dean as Rajid and Michaela Strachan as herself.
Producer: John Fawcett Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1992.
THU 17:30 An Actor's Life for Me (b00rw8p7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 18:00 The Spaceship II (b0091ppl)
Sick
The crew contract a mystery virus which makes them age at an alarming rate. Sci-fi comedy stars James Fleet and Rosie Cavaliero.
THU 18:30 Paradise Lost in Space (b007jnx2)
4. Martinis
The dangers of tennis are now apparent to the Oblivions - but Martinis? What could possibly go wrong with Martinis?
Colin Swash's sci-fi comedy about two space-age humans stranded on a friendly alien planet.
Norman ...... Tony Robinson
Max ...... David Haig
Stella ...... Louise Lombard
Macari ...... Michael Troughton
Terayz ...... Carla Mendonca
Ken ...... Tom Hollander
Tony ...... Geoff McGivern
Clive ...... Guy Witcher
Jonathan ...... RossAlistair McGowan
Producer: Richard Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1995.
THU 19:00 Parsley Sidings (b01pcz6r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 19:30 Take It From Here (b00cl50x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 20:00 Falco (b008kkch)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 20:30 Chester Himes - Cotton Comes to Harlem (b01pcz6p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 21:00 Perspectives (b00lxfbg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
THU 21:15 Alex Ferguson - My Uncle Freddie (b007jw6c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
THU 22:00 Births, Deaths and Marriages (b01j6wgv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 22:30 Mark Watson Makes the World Substantially Better (b00d0sjl)
Series 2
Patience
The comedian examines the virtue of holding your horses. With poetry and songs by Tim Key and Tom Basden. From August 2008.
THU 23:00 The Atkinson People (b007k1z5)
George Dupont
The French philosopher remains an enigma, despite an exhaustive biography. Rowan Atkinson's satirical probe. From April 1979.
THU 23:30 Weak at the Top (b00rgpbw)
Series 1
Gold Card
John Weak puts the man into management.
He's randy, devious, sexist and drink-sodden, a high-powered marketing director with the morals of a skunk, the skin of a rhino and the brain of a one-celled organism.
Alexander Armstrong stars as John Weak in Guy Browning’s sitcom.
John Weak ...... Alexander Armstrong
Hayley ...... Clare Perkins
Sir Marcus ...... Geoffrey Whitehead
Bill Peters ...... Ron Cook
Tim Smallwood ...... Ewan Bailey
Debbie ...... Colleen Prendergast
Producer: Jonquil Panting
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2005.


FRIDAY 21 DECEMBER 2012

FRI 00:00 The Spaceship II (b0091ppl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Thursday]
FRI 00:30 Paradise Lost in Space (b007jnx2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 Falco (b008kkch)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:30 Chester Himes - Cotton Comes to Harlem (b01pcz6p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 Unnatural Acts (b00kmtcc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:30 Just a Minute (b013214n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 Charles Dickens - The Pickwick Papers (b007jzjn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 Perspectives (b00lxfbg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:15 Alex Ferguson - My Uncle Freddie (b007jw6c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 King Street Junior (b007jn8z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:00 on Thursday]
FRI 05:30 An Actor's Life for Me (b00rw8p7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Thursday]
FRI 06:00 Falco (b008klh0)
Shadows in Bronze
2. Resort
Probing the murder of a conspirator against the Emperor, Roman sleuth Falco is sent to a fashionable resort.
Starring Anton Lesser.
Lindsey Davis's witty detective, Marcus Didius Falco patrols the streets of 1st-century Rome.
Falco ....... Anton Lesser
Petronius ....... Ben Crowe
Vespasian ....... Michael Tudor Barnes
Silvia ....... Sara Poyzer
Larius ....... Christopher Kelham
Caprenius Marcellus ....... Paul Webster
Helena Justina ....... Anna Madeley
Dramatised by Mary Cutler.
Directed at BBC Birmingham by Peter Leslie Wild.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2005.
FRI 06:30 Andrew Sachs - The Revenge (b007jr11)
Que? Andrew Sachs's pioneering thriller featuring sound effects and 11 actors, but no written dialogue.
This experimental play for radio an attempt to tell a story in terms of sounds alone. There is no dialogue, and no coherent speech, yet the play is a thriller with a straightforward storyline full of action and dramatic tension.
Recorded on location using the naturalistic recording techniques of binaural stereo.
Written and interpreted by Andrew Sachs, The Revenge, was the world's first radio drama without words...
With Andrew Sachs, Sean Barrett, Fraser Kerr, Graham Ashley, Paul Rosebury, Michael Deacon, Blain Fairman, John Rye, Melody Sachs, Frances Jeater and Leonard Fenton.
Producer: Glyn Dearman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1978.
FRI 07:00 Elephants to Catch Eels (b007mcc4)
Series 1
Episode 1
If smugglers were the rock stars of the day, Tamsyn Trelawny was Drumlin Bay's very own Ms Dynamite-ee-ee.
But how will she cope when a keen young soldier from London is appointed the new local customs collector.?
18th century Cornish village sitcom by the writers of Dead Ringers - Tom Jamieson and Nev Fountain.
Starring Lucy Speed as Tamsyn Trelawny, John Bowe as Jago Trelawny, Cameron Stewart as Major Thomas Falconer, Andrew McGibbon as Captain Marriot, Martin Hyder as Squire Bascombe, Julia Deakin as Lady Mary, Mark Felgate as Dewey and Phil Nice as Various Characters.
Producer: Jan Ravens.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2003.
FRI 07:30 What's So Funny? (b01pdy7q)
Ed Byrne, Kerry Godliman and Paul Chowdhry preview the best Christmas comedy, plus tales of panto and Ed interviews Lee Mack.
FRI 08:00 The Embassy Lark (b00sm82r)
National Grumpshog Week
HMS Troutbridge joins the British Embassy staff in local celebrations. Stars Derek Francis and Stephen Murray. From April 1966.
FRI 08:30 The Burkiss Way (b007js2t)
Series 4
Is Britain Going the Burkiss Way? Part 2
The Martians Are Coming! Or are they? Is this a spoof? Or a spoof of a spoof?
Starring Fred Harris, Jo Kendall, Nigel Rees and Chris Emmett.
Cult sketch comedy series which originally ran from 1976 to 1980.
Written by Andrew Marshall and David Renwick.
Producer: David Hatch
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1979.
FRI 09:00 Millport (b0076bfv)
Series 3
Wild Rover
The Cumbrae Club is up and running and the islanders are already arguing over how it should be run.
Meanwhile back at Bruce House, Moira is in hysterics over her missing pet pooch. But will Irene risk missing the ferry and losing her job to help her unhappy sister?
Bittersweet comedy written by and starring Lynn Ferguson as 30-something barmaid Irene Bruce, who hankers after a better life on the mainland.
Irene ...... Lynn Ferguson
Moira/Agnes ...... Janet Brown
Alberto/Dr Hume/Ferryman/Robert the Dog /Morris ...... Lewis McLeod
Ena/Bunty ...... Gabriel Quigley
Minister/Bob ...... Robert Patterson
Dougie ...... Kenneth Bryans
Producer: Lucy Bacon
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2002.
FRI 09:30 Snap (b012llxz)
Series 3
Episode 2
Trying to rebuild their relationship after divorcing, Molly and Doug try changing their least appealing traits.
But life isn't that simple...
Third and final series of Paul Mendelson’s sitcom
Starring Rebecca Lacey as Molly, Paul Venables as Doug, Soumaya Keynes as Kaz, Jessie Sullivan as Ryan, Marlene Sidaway as Annie, Robin Weaver as Dawn, Jonathan Tafler as Raymond and Richard Firth as Ansel.
Producer: David Ian Neville
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2005.
FRI 10:00 Charles Dickens - The Pickwick Papers (b007jzkz)
Christmas and a Wedding
Back from Ipswich, Samuel Pickwick prepares for his Christmas visit to Dingley Dell...
Charles Dickens 1837 novel dramatised in eight parts by Barry Campbell and Constance Cox.
Charles Dickens ..... Simon Cadell
Mr Pickwick ... Freddie Jones
Mr Winkle .... Philip Bond
Mr Tupman ..... Michael Graham Cox
Mr Snodgrass .... Stephen Thorne
Sam Weller ... Douglas Livingstone
Tony Weller .... John Hollis
Mrs Weller .... Stella Tanner
Mr Stiggins .... Christopher Benjamin
Mr Wardle --- Jack May
Old Mrs Wardle .... Kathleen Helme
Emily .... Heather Bell
Isabella .... Anne Rosenfeld
Arabella Allen .... Rosalind Ayres
Ben Allen ..... Tim Piggott Smith
Bob Sawyer .... Nigel Anthony
Joe .... Michael Troughton
Emma ... Jane Knowles
Coachman ... Michael Goldie
Mr Trundle .... Kenneth Shanley
Director: Jane Morgan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1977.
FRI 10:55 Christmas Diaries (b01pdy7t)
Joseph
The first Christmas through the eyes of those it touched. Joseph has a dilemma, and makes a decision. With Adam Nagaitis.
FRI 11:00 Perspectives (b00lxfbj)
Attendance
By Elizabeth Reeder. A man comes to a life-changing decision as he observes his lover tending to a dying relative. Read by Robin Laing.
FRI 11:15 Alex Ferguson - My Uncle Freddie (b007jw6h)
A Catalogue of Disasters
Set-backs and surprises unite the family, making Lecky the hero of the hour. 1930s Jarrow childhood trilogy with Shaun Prendergast.
FRI 12:00 The Embassy Lark (b00sm82r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 12:30 The Burkiss Way (b007js2t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 13:00 Falco (b008klh0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 13:30 Andrew Sachs - The Revenge (b007jr11)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 14:00 Ladies of Letters (b01pdy7x)
Ladies of Letters Go Crackers
Episode 5
Irene discovers her daughter-in-law's awful secret plan, while Vera's future looks bleak. Stars Anne Reid and Prunella Scales.
FRI 14:15 Amanda Vickery - A History of Private Life (b00mvfzz)
The Closet
A place for prayer, music and safety. Historian Amanda Vickery reveals the hidden history of the home over 400 years.
FRI 14:30 And June Whitfield (b007jvfk)
Episode 5
The final chapter of June's life story so far takes us from the News Huddlines to international fame with Absolutely Fabulous.
FRI 14:45 Michelle Magorian - Goodnight Mister Tom (b007jy2w)
Episode 10
Willie gets news of his mother, as his future life is finally resolved. Michelle Magorian's wartime tale read by David Brierley.
FRI 15:00 Charles Dickens - The Pickwick Papers (b007jzkz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
FRI 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b01pdy7z)
We visit a Christmas market, make the perfect Christmas cake and hear the final chapter in this week's story. Plus, the 30th anniversary of 'The Snowman'.
FRI 17:00 Beachcomber... By the Way (b008y6pd)
Series 3
Episode 6
More odd stories, idiotic court hearings and surprises from the dictionary.
Richard Ingrams, John Wells, John Sessions, Joan Sims and Patricia Routledge recreate the world of JB Morton.
With Brian Bowles, Simon Greenall, Henrietta Gooden and featuring June Whitfield.
Running in the Daily Express from 1924 to 1975 – JB Morton’s surreally comic ‘Beachcomber’ column paved the way for a great deal of modern humour – thanks to characters he created between the wars.
Adapted by Michael Barfield with Richard Ingrams.
Announcer: Brian Perkins
Producer: Harry Thompson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1994.
FRI 17:30 Elephants to Catch Eels (b007mcc4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 18:00 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.
FRI 18:30 Paradise Lost in Space (b007jp0g)
5. Things Hot Up
When Norman introduces the Oblivions to the pleasures of the flesh, one thing leads to another...
Colin Swash's sci-fi comedy about two space-age humans stranded on a friendly alien planet.
Norman ...... Tony Robinson
Max ...... David Haig
Stella ...... Louise Lombard
Macari ...... Michael Troughton
Terayz ...... Carla Mendonca
Clive ...... Guy Witcher
Buzz ...... Peter Serafinowcz
Producer: Richard Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1995.
FRI 19:00 The Embassy Lark (b00sm82r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 19:30 The Burkiss Way (b007js2t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 20:00 Falco (b008klh0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 20:30 Andrew Sachs - The Revenge (b007jr11)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 20:55 Christmas Diaries (b01pdy7t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:55 today]
FRI 21:00 Perspectives (b00lxfbj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
FRI 21:15 Alex Ferguson - My Uncle Freddie (b007jw6h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
FRI 22:00 What's So Funny? (b01pdy7q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 22:30 Goodness Gracious Me (b01pdy85)
Series 3
Episode 5
The man who insists Superman is Indian, and the Bhangra Muffins are acting cool.
Starring:
Sanjeev Bhaskar
Kulvinder Ghir
Meera Syal
Nina Wadia
Gold Winner of the Sony Radio Academy Awards. The sketch comedy show originally ran on BBC Radio 4 from 1996 to 1998, later transferring to TV on BBC Two from 1998 to 2001.
Written by Richard Pinto, Sharat Sardana, Meera Syal, Sanjeev Bhaskar and Sanjeev Kohli.
Script Editors: Sharat Sardana and Richard Pinto
Producer: Anil Gupta.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1998.
FRI 23:00 Tales from the Tower (b00jnnpp)
One Good Turn
Caretaker Bob spies on one of Blackpool's top cabaret acts struggling along the pier. Stars David Holt. From August 2001.
FRI 23:30 Dial M for Pizza (b007k21r)
Series 1
Episode 6
The sketch show team tackle an odd disease - and a legal Aladdin. Stars Brenda Blethyn and Robert Bathurst. From December 1987.