SATURDAY 21 DECEMBER 2013

SAT 00:00 Simon Bovey - Cold Blood (b007jv49)
The Antarctican
The struggle at the South Pole continues.
Having witnessed the destruction of the Ellsworth Research Centre and the death of several of their colleagues, the survivors prepare to flee...
Conclusion of Simon Bovey's 5-part sci-fi thriller set in 2015 stars Tim McMullan as Bowers, Tom Mannion as Commander Taft, Stuart McLoughlin as Max Bellingfield, Ndidi Del Fatti as Anaya and Helen Longworth as Deborah.
Director: Marc Beeby
Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in 2005.
SAT 00:30 Jonathan Aycliffe - The Matrix (b01ns0y8)
The Ceremony
"Andrew, I do not think you will ever know peace again until you know the ..."
Can student Andrew MacLeod escape the evil that stretches from North Africa to Scotland?
The gripping conclusion of Jonathan Aycliffe's chilling novel abridged in ten parts by Rosemary Goring.
Read by Robert Paterson
Producer: David Jackson Young
First broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland in 1997.
SAT 00:45 A Night with a Vampire (b017mws7)
Series 2
A Lot of Mince Pies
Written by Robert Swindells.
Swindells is a British author known mainly for his children's books and indeed, this tale first appeared in a collection of haunted tales for the young adult. But it has a macabre and chilling undertone - set at Xmas and focussing on a group of carollers who visit the same cottage every year - and receive a special treat in return.....
David Tennant returns with another selection of chilling Vampire stories.
Last year in the first series we concentrated on Victorian Vampire output but in these five tales we enter the 20th Century and introduce stories with a little twist from the UK and the USA.
Producer: Clive Brill
A Pacificus Production for BBC Radio 4.
SAT 01:00 Inspector Purbright - Charity Ends at Home (b007jtdt)
Episode 6
As Mortimer Hive enters the lion's den - can Inspector Purbright finally unravel the wicked web?
One of Colin Watson's Flaxborough Chronicles dramatised by Christopher Denys in 6 parts.
Stars John Rowe as Inspector Purbright, Geoffrey Banks as Mortimer Hive, Paul Downing as Love, Russell Dixon as Booker and Ann Rye as Lucilla Teatime.
Producer: Tony Cliff
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1992.
SAT 01:30 Falco (b007wpcl)
The Silver Pigs
Episode 4
Falco battles to discover who killed Sosia - and to unmask the plotters against the Emperor.
He also discovers that true love can cross the boundaries of the strict Roman class structure...
Starring Anton Lesser as Marcus Didius Falco.
Conclusion of Lindsey Davis's adventure set in the days of the Roman Empire.
Falco …. Anton Lesser
Decimus …. Robert Lister
Publius …. Richard Derrington
Falco’s Mother …. Frances Jeater
Marcia …. Helen Monks
Helena …. Fritha Goodey
Titus …. Jonathan Keeble
Vespasian …. Michael Tudor Barnes
Dramatised by Mary Cutler.
Directed at BBC Birmingham by Peter Leslie Wild.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2004.
SAT 02:00 Girls Will Be Girls (b007jy1z)
From 23/02/1991
Sketches and songs from Rebecca Front and Sioned Wiliam, featuring some girly gossip at the health club.
SAT 02:30 Electric Ink (b01jrt6d)
Series 2
Episode 2
By Alistair Beaton and Tom Mitchelson.
A comic satire set in the struggling world of newspapers. Maddox refuses to give up a source. Could he really face prison.
Maddox ..... John Sessions
Oliver ..... Alex Jennings
Freddy ..... Stephen Wight
Carol ..... Polly Frame
Masha ..... Debbie Chazen
Policeman ..... Henry Devas
Warder ..... Adeel Akhtar
Producer ..... Sally Avens
Alistair Beaton and Tom Mitchelson's satire is set in the world of modern newspapers.
A group of dysfunctional journalists attempt to cover major news stories at the same time as grappling with the demands of working in a multi-platform environment, watching circulation figures plummet and the recession causing half the workforce to be laid off.
At the heart of the comedy is the relationship between Maddox Bradley, a journalist who mourns the day of proper investigative journalism, and Freddy, the online editor who will regurgitate a press release quite happily and call it a story. But they have a grudging respect for the each other as Freddy helps Maddox stay afloat in the world of Twitter, Facebook and podcasting and Maddox shows Freddy how to sniff out the real story. Both are at the mercy of Oliver, the pragmatic editor more concerned with keeping his job, and Carol, the news editor who believes that circulation will increase if they run pieces on Big Mac eating orang-utans and 'intelligent' skunks rather than Maddox's moral crusading diatribes. And only Masha, the Russian head of online communities, who wants to give away all their content because that is true democracy, knows Freddy's secret; that he's a posh boy from Eton rather than a hypercool kid from the street; well that's what Freddy thinks anyway.
SAT 03:00 William Makepeace Thackeray - Barry Lyndon (b00t18j1)
The Duel
An unfortunate duel is the catalyst for young Redmond Barry to leave his native Ireland and serve on the battlefields of the Seven Years War - before a chance reunion with his long-lost uncle offers a way to make their fortune at the gaming-tables of the highest courts of Europe.
William Makepeace Thackeray's classic novel (1844) about the rise and fall of an Irish adventurer, set during the last half of the 18th century. The action moves from rural Ireland to the courts of Europe to the drawing rooms of English society.
The first of two-parts dramatised by Don McCamphill
Barry ...... Gerard McSorley
Redmond ...... Andrew Scott
Chevalier de Balibari ...... David Kelly
Bell Barry ...... Sheila Hancock
Lord Lyndon ...... Kenneth Cranham
Sir Rumford Bumford ...... Jamie Foreman
Mme Fitzsimons ...... Tina Kellegher
Fitzsimons ...... Kevin Flood
Captain Fagan ...... Frank O'Sullivan
John Quin ...... Mark Lambert
Von Potzdorff ...... Don Wycherley
Ulick ...... Darragh Kelly
Mick ...... Eanna MacLiam
Nora ...... Alice Barry
Directed at BBC Belfast by Lawrence Jackson.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2003.
SAT 04:00 Roddy Doyle - Bullfighting (b01dlff5)
Sleep
From the mind of Chris Morris leaks onto radio in this dreamlike combination of comedy and music. Julia Davis, Kevin Eldon, David Cann, Mark Heap and Amelia Bullmore.
Are you still lying curare-still, seeking relief in feigning dead? Then welcome, oo-tazz welcome. Chris Morris is here to help you wallow in the melancholy, for third series of this subversive radio classic.
Immediately prior to Blue Jam's initial burst on radio, Chris Morris had caused a furore with Channel 4's Brass Eye. Yet Blue Jam managed to be a total departure from his previous work. Originally airing in the early hours on BBC Radio 1, it's a blend of ambient music, deadpan ( sometimes brutal ) sketches and offbeat monologues. A whole audio landscape of the subconscious, the ad-hoc low-fi sheen of production lending it a kind of verisimilitude.
In sharp contrast with the personality-led comedies of recent years, Blue Jam makes a virtue of anonymity. Borat scribe Pater Baynham and Father Ted creator Graham Linehan are among the writers. Rightly winning a clutch of Sony Awards, it remains unique - nothing before or after was remotely like it.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 1 in January 1999.
SAT 04:15 Old Ladies at the Zoo (b03lnyc8)
Every Monday they go to the zoo, look at the animals, talk about their lives and loves - and share a joke or two. Sometimes Bruno's jokes are a bit too vulgar for Lily's liking. But one Monday...
David Ashton's poignant, comic drama was a joint winner of the 1985 Radio Times Drama Awards.
Starring Liz Smith as Lily and Peggy Mount as Bruno.
Producer: Jane Morgan.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2001.
SAT 05:00 Capital Gains (b007r5d3)
Series 1
Venture Capital
Absconding with £4,601,740.72 of someone else's money proves more challenging than it sounds for Julius Hutch.
Peter Jones stars as Julius Hutch.
Written by Collin Johnson.
Julius Hutch ...... Peter Jones
Pauline Tone ...... Celestine Randall
Sexton Lewis ...... Jeffrey Wickham
Peter Fang ...... Peter Whitman
News Reader ...... Collin Johnson
Kate ...... Justine Midda
Producer: Andy Jordan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1995.
SAT 05:30 Smelling of Roses (b007k0d2)
Series 1
Survival of the Fittest
Rosie’s company hosts a management team building course. It all goes well until the murder mystery dinner, but it isn't Rosie who makes a killing.
Prunella Scales in Simon Brett's sitcom.
The trials and tribulations of Rosie Burns and her event management company, based in Brighton.
Rosie ...... Prunella Scales
Kate ...... Arabella Weir
Jo ...... Rebecca Callard
Bob ...... Duncan Preston
Tess ...... Annette Badland
Barry ...... Lee Simpson
Alex ...... Chris Pavlo
Dick ...... David Holt
Producer: Maria Esposito
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2000.
SAT 06:00 Caryl Churchill - Top Girls (b0076y00)
A dinner party with a difference - as Marlene, a modern, successful woman of the 1980s, entertains five guests from the past.
19th century Victorian traveller Isabella Bird, 13th century Japanese Courtesan Lady Nijo, Dull Gret, a character from a Breughel painting, Pope Joan and, arriving late, Patient Griselda - Chaucer's obedient wife.
All are remarkable women - all are long dead.
Caryl Churchill's drama - first staged in 1982 at the Royal Court in London - examines the political costs of women rising to the top.
Starring Lesley Manville as Marlene, Deborah Findlay as Isabella Bird, Lesley Sharp as Dull Gret, Sarah Lam as Lady Nijo, Cecily Hobbs as Pope Joan, Anna Patrick as Patient Griselda and Beth Goddard as the Waitress.
Director: Hilary Norrish
First broadcast on the BBC World Service in 1992.
SAT 07:30 Candlelight: The Living Flame (b00765mf)
One thing we'll probably do this Christmas is light a candle.
But why? What does it mean to us and what does it symbolize?
Pastors, Ministers and protestors describe the power and meaning of candlelight.
Through personal story and commentary, this programme explores the symbolism of candlelight and the natural affinity between candles and Christmas time; the turning point of the year at its darkest nadir and a celebration of the coming of the Light of the World.
Producer: Sera Lefroy-Owen
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2001.
SAT 08:00 Garrison Keillor's Radio Show (b018j117)
Series 7
Christmas Compilation
The festive funny man's highlights from Christmases past. Including legendary folk singer Odetta and soprano Renee Fleming.
SAT 09:00 Sue Perkins' Christmas Comedy Stocking (b007jzvz)
Episode 1
Sue Perkins gets the sherry and chocolates out to accompany 3 hours of the very best vintage BBC Christmas comedy crackers:
* Radio Active's Christmas Turkey:
The National Local Radio Station links up with Bethlehem and visits some poorly hospital patients. Stars Helen Atkinson-Wood, Geoffrey Perkins and Angus Deayton. From 1983.
* The Masterson Inheritance Christmas Special:
The Masterson family's ancient culture reveals some curious customs. Improvised historical saga with Paul Merton, Josie Lawrence, Caroline Quentin and Jim Sweeney. From 1995.
* Lines from My Grandfather Christmas' Forehead:
How even the best laid festive plans can go awry - and a message from your milkman. Stars Ronnie Barker, Pauline Yates and Terence Brady. From 1971.
* Tony Hawks' Twelve Days of Christmas:
To make his girlfriend happy, comedian Tony Hawks tries collecting every item featured in the famous carol. From 2001.
* I'm Sorry I Haven't a Christmas Carol:
Humphrey Lyttelton makes for a convincing scrooge in the all-star Clue cast's unique interpretation of the Charles Dickens classic. Stephen Fry narrates. With Tim Brooke-Taylor, Barry Cryer, Sandi Toksvig, Linda Smith, Andy Hamilton, Jeremy Hardy, Tony Hawks and Graeme Garden. From 2003.
Producer: Sarah Wade
Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in 2010.
SAT 12:00 Roddy Doyle - The Snapper, Omnibus (b03lzb4g)
Barrytown 1989, and Sharon has a shocking announcement that is about to rock the Rabbitte household. What on earth will the neighbours think?
SAT 13:15 Baldi (b007k06w)
Series 3
Tempus Fugit
Mrs Reid leads Franciscan priest Paolo Baldi and his broken watch to a house of clocks where love, revenge and jealousy make a mockery of time...
David Threlfall stars in Series 3 about the murder-solving priest.
Written by Martin Meenan.
Starring David Threlfall as Paolo Baldi, Tina Kellegher as Tina Mahon, Owen Roe as Rynne, Margaret D'Arcy as Mrs Reid, David Kelly as Stanley, Niall Toibin as Frederick, Sorcha Cusack as Aggie, Des Cave as Eddie and Pauline McLynn as Deborah.
Format by Barry Devlin. Developed and produced by BBC Northern Ireland.
Script Editor: Gemma McMullan
Recorded at RTE's studios in Dublin.
Director: Mark Lambert
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2003.
SAT 14:00 The Navy Lark (b008fj41)
Series 9
Celebrating Their Important Anniversary
The crew discover HMS Troutbridge has been afloat for 25 years, so Pertwee plans some special commemorative gifts...

Stars Leslie Phillips, Jon Pertwee and Stephen Murray.

Laughs afloat aboard British Royal Navy frigate HMS Troutbridge. The Navy Lark ran for an impressive 13 series between 1959 and 1976.

The Sub-Lieutenant ...... Leslie Phillips
The Chief Petty Officer ...... Jon Pertwee
The Number One ...... Stephen Murray
Captain Povey ...... Richard Caldicot
Mrs Povey ...... Heather Chasen
Commander Bell ...... Ronnie Barker
The Admiral ...... Tenniel Evans
The Padre ....... Michael Bates

Written by Lawrie Wyman.

Producer: Alastair Scott Johnston.

First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in September 1967.
SAT 14:30 Harry Worth (b00rl56h)
Thirty Minutes Worth
The Burglar
Cat burglar Fingers Fogerty pays Harry Worth an unwelcome visit.
Starring Harry Worth.
With Jacqueline Clarke, Roger John-Lee and Michael Robbins.
The amiable, woolly-minded bumbler, causes more confusion!
Written by Vince Powell.
Producer: Mike Craig
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in October 1988.
SAT 15:00 Garrison Keillor's Radio Show (b018j117)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
SAT 16:00 Caryl Churchill - Top Girls (b0076y00)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 17:30 Meet David Sedaris (b03lnprh)
Series 4
#2 to Go; Innocents Abroad
One of the world's funniest storytellers is back on BBC Radio 4 doing what he does best.
This week, in "#2 to Go", a trip to China does not work out well for David - especially on the food front.
The second story is called "Innocents Abroad" and tackles the tricky tightrope of "going native" when learning a foreign language.
Producer: Steve Doherty
A Giddy Goat production for BBC Radio 4.
SAT 18:00 Fear on 4 (b007jv55)
Series 1
A Day at the Dentist
Why is a dentist set on a dreadful revenge against an unsuspecting patient? Stars John Castle and the Man in Black, Edward De Souza.
SAT 18:30 Schalken the Painter by Sheridan Le Fanu (b007sw35)
2. The Deal
The ghoulish Vanderhausen seals his deal with Rose's uncle who is unaware that his pupil Godfrey Schalken is in love with her...
Ian McDiarmid concludes the unabridged reading of Sheridan Le Fanu's supernatural tale.
Producer: Lawrence Jackson
Made for BBC 7 by BBC Northern Ireland.
First broadcast in June 2005.
SAT 19:00 Sue Perkins' Christmas Comedy Stocking (b007jzvz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 22:00 4 Extra Stands Up (b03lzcph)
4 Extra Stands Up
Episode 4
Host Janey Godley introduces the acts on stage at The Stand Comedy Club in Edinburgh:
* Tony Law takes us on a trip through space and time
* Hari Sriskantha keeps his science background based in fact
* Gavin Webster and David Kay show off their cultural heritages
* Julia Sutherland celebrates Glasgow's modern art scene.
* Marcel Lucont offers nuanced insight
* Joe Heenan proposes a second university boat race
Producer: Richard Melvin
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra by Dabster Productions and first broadcast in 2013.
SAT 23:00 Julie Enfield Investigates (b010nnhx)
Leaves of the Dead
3. Welcome To The Nightmare
Feisty detective superintendent Julie Enfield probes a third killing. Could it be a ritual murder?
Imelda Staunton stars as Julie Enfield in Nick Fisher’s atmospheric thriller.
Julie Enfield ...... Imelda Staunton
Dad ...... Geoffrey Matthews
Lawrence Evans ...... Ross Livingstone
Stephen Arnold ...... Alex Lowe
Amanda Thorne ...... Janet Maw
Melanie Sharp ...... Colleen Prendergast
Dorothy ...... Shirley Dixon
Phil Carter ...... Christopher Scott
Producer: Richard Wortley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1997.
SAT 23:30 Scandinavian Chiller (b011p4q4)
Hakan Nesser - Woman With Birthmark
Episode 5
Inspector Van Veeteren pieces together a woman's past to help understand a serial killer. Read by Michael Maloney.


SUNDAY 22 DECEMBER 2013

SUN 00:00 Fear on 4 (b007jv55)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Saturday]
SUN 00:30 Schalken the Painter by Sheridan Le Fanu (b007sw35)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Saturday]
SUN 01:00 Garrison Keillor's Radio Show (b018j117)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Saturday]
SUN 02:00 Roddy Doyle - The Snapper, Omnibus (b03lzb4g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:00 on Saturday]
SUN 03:15 Baldi (b007k06w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 13:15 on Saturday]
SUN 04:00 Caryl Churchill - Top Girls (b0076y00)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]
SUN 05:30 Meet David Sedaris (b03lnprh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:30 on Saturday]
SUN 06:00 Ladies of Letters (b00wr8st)
Ladies of Letters Make Mincemeat
Omnibus
Recipes and Christmas survival tips from the worst of pen friends Vera and Irene. Stars Patricia Routledge and Prunella Scales.
SUN 07:15 Could Do Better (b007znr4)
Stephen Fry
Robert Booth summons writer and comic actor Stephen Fry to his study for a quiet word about his school reports. From November 1987.
SUN 07:30 Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show! (b00gd4sy)
Series 4
Alf Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmare
Spoof reminiscences of a former variety star. Count Arthur Strong is an expert in everything from the world of entertainment to the origins of the species, all false starts and nervous fumbling, poorly concealed by a delicate sheen of bravado and self-assurance.
After Gerry takes a tumble over a bucket mysteriously left in his cafe, Arthur steps in and offers to 'do an Alf Ramsey' by running the cafe in Gerry's absence. Culinary experimentation, customer service... Arthur's a natural. Or is he...?
With Steve Delaney, Mel Giedroyc, Dave Mounfield and Alastair Kerr.
A Komedia Entertainment/Smooth Operations production for BBC Radio 4.
SUN 08:00 The Burkiss Way (b00gs067)
Series 2
Plan Christmas Schedules the Burkiss Way
The team mock TV and radio's festive line-up. Stars Nigel Rees, Jo Kendall, Chris Emmett and Fred Harris. From December 1976.
SUN 08:30 The Clitheroe Kid (b007jszx)
Series 8
The Kid Makes History
The schoolboy is in trouble for not doing his homework, so Alfie is forced to help. Starring Jimmy Clitheroe. From December 1964.
SUN 09:00 Bill Taylor - Likely Stories (b00tv8wd)
Letting Your Hair Down
When her parents separate, Kate is sent to stay with her strict Aunt Austeria. Modern retelling of a Brothers Grimm tale, with Jane Danson.
SUN 09:30 Herge - The Adventures of Tintin (b007jvdm)
Series 2
The Calculus Affair, part 2
Not only is Professor Calculus still missing, but his long-distance ultrasonic weapon has been stolen too. Stars Richard Pearce.
SUN 10:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b03lzh0x)
The Good Life
Richard Briers
4 Extra Debut. From Verdi to Mozart, the Good Life star offers his second castaway selection. With Sue Lawley. From December 2000.
SUN 10:45 Charles Dickens (b00pdkdp)
The Signalman
The famous spine-chilling tale about a railway worker haunted by a spectre, warning him of danger on the rails. Read by Emlyn Williams.
SUN 11:00 That Reminds Me (b007jn6n)
Series 2
Roy Hudd
Entertainer Roy Hudd looks back at his long and varied career on stage, TV and radio, as he entertains an audience.
Featuring memories of stars he has worked with from Billy Dainty to Arthur Askey, plus his love of music hall.
Producer: Claire Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2000.
SUN 11:30 Dad Made Me Laugh (b00cyywj)
Jenny Secombe
Harry Secombe's daughter chats to Sally Magnusson about growing up with her versatile, funny father - singer, actor and comic.
Producer: Mike Walker
First broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland in August 2006.
SUN 12:00 Ladies of Letters (b00wr8st)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 13:15 Could Do Better (b007znr4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
SUN 13:30 JM Barrie - The Little White Bird (b00sbcdt)
A young boy becomes the 'son' a retired bachelor never had, so sparking the creation of Peter Pan. Stars Michael Siberry.
SUN 15:00 The Burkiss Way (b00gs067)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
SUN 15:30 The Clitheroe Kid (b007jszx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
SUN 16:00 Mel's Mix: The Best of The 4 O'Clock Show (b03lzj5c)
Mel Giedroyc is back with highlights of the past week, including the farmer who turned his cow's mooing into a best-selling ringtone and a chat with Sir Bruce Forsyth.
SUN 17:00 Bill Taylor - Likely Stories (b00tv8wd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SUN 17:30 Herge - The Adventures of Tintin (b007jvdm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SUN 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.
SUN 18:30 A Short History of Vampires (b00yqqs8)
Hero Dust By Kristine Kathryn Rusch
The ultimate killing machines.
Natalie Haynes introduces another dark story, as she examines why the vampire - an iconic figure in horror-fiction - continues to exert such a powerful hold on our imaginations...
David Horovitch reads Kristine Kathryn Rusch’s tale: Vampire slayer Bram is getting old and tired so starts the search for his successor.
Producer: Gemma Jenkins
Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in February 2011.
SUN 19:00 That Reminds Me (b007jn6n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
SUN 19:30 Dad Made Me Laugh (b00cyywj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:30 today]
SUN 20:00 The Burkiss Way (b00gs067)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
SUN 20:30 The Clitheroe Kid (b007jszx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
SUN 21:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b03lzh0x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 21:45 Charles Dickens (b00pdkdp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:45 today]
SUN 22:00 Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show! (b00gd4sy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 22:30 The Richest Man in Britain (b00nw3wq)
The Kidnap
Sitcom by Nick Hornby and Giles Smith about an ageing rock star and his search for fulfilment.
Trillionnaire rocker Dave Mabbutt finds the perfect excuse to get rid of shed-loads of cash when his mum is taken hostage.
Dave Mabbutt ...... Mark Williams
Dom ...... Russell Tovey
Mr Green the Banker ......Geoff McGivern
Dimitri the Kidnapper ...... Phil Cornwell
Sophie/Waiter ...... Matt Addis.
SUN 23:00 King Cutler (b008s3cc)
King Cutler II
A succulent batch of poems, songs and stories from Phyllis King and Ivor Cutler.
With wood-carver's words from Craig Murray-Orr.
Translation by Dylan Edwards and page-turning by David Lloyd.
Producer: Neil Cargill
First broadcast on BBC Radio 3 in January 1990.
SUN 23:30 The Maltby Collection (b00mqhqt)
Series 3
Episode 5
The museum is due to send an exhibition of its finest artefacts around Europe.
But can Walter find a suitably experienced and diplomatic member of staff to curate it?
Geoffrey Palmer and Julian Rhind-Tutt star in series 3 of David Nobbs’s sitcom about a small museum of paintings and sculpture.
Rod Millet ...... Julian Rhind-Tutt
Walter Brindle ...... Geoffrey Palmer
Prunella Edgecumbe ...... Rachel Atkins
Susie Maltby ...... Margaret Cabourn-Smith
Julian Crumb-Loosely ...... Ben Willbond
Wilf Arbuthnot ...... Geoff McGivern
Eva Tattle ...... Juklia Deakin
Des Wainwright ...... Michael Smiley
Stelios Constantinopoulis/Van Driver ...... Chris Pavlo
Barman ...... Stephen Hogan.
Producer: Colin Anderson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2009.


MONDAY 23 DECEMBER 2013

MON 00:00 The Laxian Key (b007k2m3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Sunday]
MON 00:30 A Short History of Vampires (b00yqqs8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Sunday]
MON 01:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b03lzh0x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Sunday]
MON 01:45 Charles Dickens (b00pdkdp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:45 on Sunday]
MON 02:00 That Reminds Me (b007jn6n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 on Sunday]
MON 02:30 Dad Made Me Laugh (b00cyywj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:30 on Sunday]
MON 03:00 The Burkiss Way (b00gs067)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Sunday]
MON 03:30 JM Barrie - The Little White Bird (b00sbcdt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 13:30 on Sunday]
MON 05:00 Bill Taylor - Likely Stories (b00tv8wd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Sunday]
MON 05:30 Herge - The Adventures of Tintin (b007jvdm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Sunday]
MON 06:00 A Case for Dr Morelle (b007qrp6)
2. Confession of Guilt
A woman wants to be absolved from a case of murder, but will the cantankerous criminal psychologist Dr Morelle agree?
Ernest Dudley's Harley Street psychiatrist-turned-detective uses psychology as well as criminology to hunt down lawbreakers by deducing their felonious personalities.
Cecil Parker stars as Dr Morelle with Sheila Sim as his long-suffering assistant, Miss Frayle
Dr Morelle …. Cecil Parker
Miss Frayle …. Sheila Sim
Inspector Hood …. Phillip Wray
Paula Webb …. Mary Law
With Maurice Sweden, Norman Wynn, Hugh Manning, Betty Lynton and Alan McLelland.
Audio recovered by BBC Radio 4 Extra listener, Steve Arnold.
Director: Leslie Bridgmont
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in April 1957.
MON 06:30 John Mortimer - Rumpole (b007k4fd)
The Confession of Guilt
Recalling the case of an immigrant accused of wounding near a cricket ground, Horace Rumpole investigates the truth of a true confession.
"The Splendours And Miseries Of An Old Bailey Hack". Starring Maurice Denham as ageing London barrister-at-law Horace Rumpole and Margot Boyd as Hilda Rumpole
With Michael Maloney as Nick Rumpole and Godfrey Kenton as Mr Justice Everglades and John Church as Magnus Piecan.
Originally a TV series created by writer and barrister John Mortimer, Rumpole hit the BBC radio airwaves in 1980. Case-by-case, Rumpole recalls his work at the Central Criminal Court of England and Wales.
Director: Ian Cotterell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1980.
MON 07:00 Double Income, No Kids Yet (b0094wj8)
Series 3
Episode 6
Friends are getting divorced, accountants are living as cavemen and 87-year-old women are having triplets.
Have Daniel and Lucy finally had enough of dealing with other people's problems?
David Spicer's comedy drama about modern life and parenthood, as seen through the eyes of two 30-something non-parents.
Starring David Tennant as Daniel, Liz Carling as Lucy, Tracy-Ann Oberman as Katie, Tony Gardner as Andy, Carla Mendonca as Linda and Jonathan Aris as Steve.
Producer: Liz Anstee
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2003.
MON 07:30 I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue (b03lpc02)
Series 60
Episode 6
Back for a second week at the Milton Keynes Theatre, regulars Barry Cryer, Graeme Garden and Tim Brooke-Taylor are joined on the panel by David Mitchell, with Jack Dee in the chair. Piano accompaniment is provided by Colin Sell.
Producer - Jon Naismith.
MON 08:00 Round the Horne (b00srqjv)
Series 4
Episode 5
Announcer Douglas Smith is taken for a spin in 'Relatively Grand Prix' - and at the Bona Male Model Agency, Julian and Sandy sign up some brand new talent.
Stars Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick and Betty Marsden.
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.
Marty Feldman had moved on so series 4 is written by Barry Took with Brian Cooke & Johnnie Mortimer and Brian Webster.
Music by the Max Harris Group.
Producer: John Simmonds
First broadcast on the BBC Radio 2 in March 1968.
MON 08:30 The Navy Lark (b007k018)
Series 9
Computerising
Captain Povey hopes a fancy new communications system will help him keep better control of the crew aboard HMS Troutbridge.

Stars Leslie Phillips, Jon Pertwee and Stephen Murray.

Laughs afloat aboard British Royal Navy frigate HMS Troutbridge. The Navy Lark ran for an impressive 13 series between 1959 and 1976.

The Sub-Lieutenant ...... Leslie Phillips
The Chief Petty Officer ...... Jon Pertwee
The Number One ...... Stephen Murray
Captain Povey ...... Richard Caldicot
Second Officer McCluty ...... Heather Chasen
Policeman ...... Ronnie Barker
The Admiral ...... Tenniel Evans
The Flag Lieutenant. ....... Michael Bates

Written by Lawrie Wyman.

Producer: Alastair Scott Johnston.

First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in September 1967.
MON 09:00 2525 (b007znn2)
Episode 1
In the year 2525, if man is still alive, if woman can survive... then it may sound something like this. Set 511 years in the future, 2525 welcomes you into a world of competitive kitchen appliances, robotic stand-up comedians and religions devoted to the worship of the Beatles.
Cast:
Jenny Bede
Jamie Demetriou
Kieran Hodgson
Catriona Knox
Waen Shepherd
Written by Colin Birch, Ali Crockatt and David Scott, Jason Hazeley and Joel Morris, Jon Hunter, Jane Lamacraft, Alex Lowe, Paul Putner, John Luke Roberts and Eddie Robson.
Produced by Ashley Blaker.
A John Stanley production for BBC Radio 4.
MON 09:30 At Home With the Hardys (b00lbnyq)
Surprise Surprise
Bored Kitty's surprise birthday party exceeds everyone's expectations. Stars Jeremy Hardy and Kit Hollerbach. From May 1990.
MON 10:00 William Makepeace Thackeray - Barry Lyndon (b00t1bsd)
The Squire
Redmond Barry pursues and wins the widowed Lady Lyndon to take the title of Barry Lyndon and play the role of country squire.
However, once arrived at the summit of his good fortune, his luck begins to change for the worse.
Conclusion of William Makepeace Thackeray's classic novel about the rise and fall of an Irish adventurer in the 18th century.
Dramatised by Don McCamphill
Barry ...... Gerard McSorley
Lady Lyndon ...... Tina Kellegher
Chevalier de Balibari ...... David Kelly
Bell Barry ...... Sheila Hancock
Earl of Crabs ...... Kenneth Cranham
Wiggins ...... Jamie Foreman
Redmond ...... Andrew Scott
Furniture Dealer ...... Mark Lambert
Poynings ...... Don Wycherley
Ulick ...... Darragh Kelly
Brendan ...... Eanna MacLiam
Maggie-Rose ...... Alice Barry
Directed at BBC Belfast by Lawrence Jackson.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2003.
MON 11:00 Roshi Fernando - Homesick (b01cvdpz)
The Clangers
A young girl turns to her favourite TV programme to make sense of her world.
A powerful collection exploring identity by British born Sri Lankan writer, Roshi Fernando.
Read by Amara Karan.
Producer: Gemma Jenkins
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in March 2012.
MON 11:15 Loose Ends (b03m3j7d)
Sting, Harry Hill, Nick Lowe, David Quantick, Orla Brady
Clive finds a Message In A Bottle from singer-songwriter Sting, who talks about fronting The Police and his successful solo career. He performs the title track to new album 'The Last Ship', which draws upon his memories of growing up in the shadow of the Swan Hunters Shipyard in Wallsend and explores the complexity of relationships, community and the passage of time. An intimate live performance, recorded in New York 'Sting: When The Last Ship Sails' is on 22nd December at 22.55 on BBC One.
Clive takes off in the Tardis with actress Orla Brady, who's starring in the Christmas episode of Doctor Who. Orbiting a quiet backwater planet, the massed forces of the universe's deadliest species gather, drawn to a mysterious message that echoes out to the stars - and amongst them, the Doctor. 'Doctor Who - The Time Of The Doctor' is on Christmas Day at 19.30 on BBC One.
David Quantick talks to musician and Jesus of Cool, Nick Lowe. A pivotal figure in UK music, Nick has recorded a string of solo albums. 'Quality Street - A Seasonal Selection For All The Family' is a twinkling blend of traditional hymns, forgotten gems and Lowe originals that conjure up all the nostalgia, good cheer and warmth of the season. Nick also performs 'Christmas At The Airport'.
It's Sausage Time for Clive, who has a festive mash-up with comedian Harry Hill, now in a cinema near you with 'The Harry Hill Movie'. Under the mistaken impression that his pet hamster, Abu, is ill, matters deteriorate when Harry and his Nan are wrongly informed by the Vet that Abu's days are numbered. Unbeknownst to them, the Vet is the henchman of Harry's evil twin brother Otto, who plans to kidnap Abu for a plastinated hamster world he's creating in his evil lair
Producer: Sukey Firth.
MON 12:00 Round the Horne (b00srqjv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 12:30 The Navy Lark (b007k018)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 13:00 A Case for Dr Morelle (b007qrp6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 13:30 John Mortimer - Rumpole (b007k4fd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 14:00 Dave Sheasby - Shifting the Leaves (b007jtbl)
Episode 1
Returning to Porthant Bay in Cornwall after 60 years. Marjorie Beaumont is coming to terms with her past
Written by Dave Sheasby.
Marjorie Beaumont ...... Elizabeth Bradley.
Mrs Nugent ...... June Barrie
Mandy ...... Alison Pettitt
Tilson ...... Tristan Sturrock
Producer: David Hunter
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1998.
MON 14:15 Puzzling Passions (b0075yb6)
Puzzles of Space
4 Extra Debut. Marcel Berlins explores his own love of puzzles, and the significance of mazes as iconography and pastime. From October 2000.
MON 14:30 Jan Struther - Mrs Miniver (b00nm5ww)
Mrs Miniver Comes Home; On Hampstead Heath
Mrs Miniver first appeared in a series of articles on the Court page of 'The Times' newspaper in 1937, and was later immortalised in the wartime movie starring Greer Garson.
The series brings together ten of Jan Struther's original engaging stories about an English housewife.
Read by Penelope Wilton.
Producer: Sara Davies
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2001.
MON 14:45 The Pantomime Life of Joseph Grimaldi (b00xblgw)
Episode 1
Kenneth Cranham reads Andrew McConnell Stott's account of the world-famous clown who became a superstar of Georgian panto. From December 2009.
MON 15:00 William Makepeace Thackeray - Barry Lyndon (b00t1bsd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
MON 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b03lzxjn)
Mel Giedroyc with Sir David Jason's atmospheric reading of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, plus it's the end of the 1000-Mile Husky Race and we cook the perfect Christmas cake.
MON 17:00 The World As We Know It (b00fks6k)
Babytalk
Donna, Johnny, Patrick and Abigail are the last four people left on Earth along with the mysterious stranger in their cellar.
Thoughts turn to the problem of furthering the species. Patrick sets up a test with a baby doll, to decide who would make the best parent.
Sitcom by Luke Sorba.
Donna ...... Meera Syal
Johnny ...... Toby Longworth
Patrick ...... Luke Sorba
Abigail ...... Carla Mendonca
The Stranger ...... Simon Greenall
Producer: Elizabeth Anstee
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1999.
MON 17:30 Double Income, No Kids Yet (b0094wj8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 18:00 Christopher Lee's Fireside Tales (b018jcct)
The Black Cat
The master of horror shares a classic creepy yarn. Black cats loom large in Edgar Allan Poe's story of feline revenge.
MON 18:15 MR James (b007jtcn)
MR James: Ghost Stories
Canon Alberic's Scrapbook
A collector of antiquities finds a priceless ancient book. But something evil lies within its pages. Read by Benjamin Whitrow.
MON 18:30 Wally K Daly (b007js6f)
625Y
1. Discovery
Research scientist Kate Brown makes a dramatic discovery in he r laboratory about human genes.
But when her news starts to spread, events rapidly spiral out of control...
Starring Amanda Root and Geoffrey Whitehead.
Wally K Daly's intriguing two-part sci-fi drama.
Kate Brown …. Amanda Root
Professor Slingsby …. Geoffrey Whitehead
Joe Barnard …. Jon Strickland
Reporter …. Elizabeth Conboy
Prime Minister …. Chris Tranchell
Minister of Defence …. Ian Masters
Major Peters …. Brett Usher
Danny Flowers …. Stuart Milligan
Lab Technician …. Harry Myers
Minister of Health …. Sandra Clark
Director: Gordon House.
First broadcast as a one hour drama on BBC Radio 4 in January 1999.
MON 19:00 Round the Horne (b00srqjv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 19:30 The Navy Lark (b007k018)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 20:00 A Case for Dr Morelle (b007qrp6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 20:30 John Mortimer - Rumpole (b007k4fd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 21:00 Roshi Fernando - Homesick (b01cvdpz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
MON 21:15 Loose Ends (b03m3j7d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
MON 22:00 I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue (b03lpc02)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 22:30 2525 (b007znn2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
MON 23:00 The News Quiz Extra (b03lsn4c)
Series 9
Episode 7
A satirical review of the week's news chaired by Sandi Toksvig. Featuring jokes, clips and material that you won't have heard in this week's News Quiz.
MON 23:45 Hearing With Hegley (b0075ss5)
Series 3
Episode 7
John invites poet Christopher Logue and 'actor of sorts' Andrew Bailey to his house to perform the Tarantella. From March 2000.


TUESDAY 24 DECEMBER 2013

TUE 00:00 Christopher Lee's Fireside Tales (b018jcct)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Monday]
TUE 00:15 MR James (b007jtcn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:15 on Monday]
TUE 00:30 Wally K Daly (b007js6f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Monday]
TUE 01:00 A Case for Dr Morelle (b007qrp6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]
TUE 01:30 John Mortimer - Rumpole (b007k4fd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Monday]
TUE 02:00 2525 (b007znn2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Monday]
TUE 02:30 At Home With the Hardys (b00lbnyq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:00 William Makepeace Thackeray - Barry Lyndon (b00t1bsd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:00 Roshi Fernando - Homesick (b01cvdpz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:15 Loose Ends (b03m3j7d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 on Monday]
TUE 05:00 The World As We Know It (b00fks6k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:00 on Monday]
TUE 05:30 Double Income, No Kids Yet (b0094wj8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Monday]
TUE 06:00 A Case for Dr Morelle (b007qw04)
5. The Blackmailer
Cantankerous criminal psychologist, Dr Morelle probes the dealings of a mysterious Spanish Count.
Ernest Dudley's Harley Street psychiatrist-turned-detective uses psychology as well as criminology to hunt down lawbreakers by deducing their felonious personalities.
Cecil Parker stars as Dr Morelle with Sheila Sim as his long-suffering assistant, Miss Frayle
Dr Morelle …. Cecil Parker
Miss Frayle …. Sheila Sim
Inspector Hood …. Phillip Wray
Sir Clifford Forbes …. Douglas Young
Lady Forbes …. Madeleine Christie
Cynthia Forbes …. Ruth Trouncer
Hotel Waiter …. Haydn Jones
Hotel Manager …. Humphrey Morton
Lily the Maid …. Beryl Calder
Matron …. Molly Rankin
Harry Fox …. Ian Sadler
Audio recovered by BBC Radio 4 Extra listener, Steve Arnold.
Director: Leslie Bridgmont
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in May 1957.
TUE 06:30 John Mortimer - Rumpole (b007k4gk)
The Dear Departed
Rumpole recalls a fraud case based on some ghostly messages.
"The Splendours And Miseries Of An Old Bailey Hack". Starring Maurice Denham as ageing London barrister-at-law Horace Rumpole and Margot Boyd as Hilda Rumpole
With Michael Spice as Guthrie Featherstone, Peter Pratt as Justice Venables and Preston Lockwood as Mr Pontefract.
Originally a TV series created by writer and barrister John Mortimer, Rumpole hit the BBC radio airwaves in 1980. Case-by-case, Rumpole recalls his work at the Central Criminal Court of England and Wales.
Director: Ian Cotterell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1980.
TUE 07:00 Mr Finchley Takes the Road (b007k1q4)
Episode 5
Edgar Finchley goes on a crusade, Master Finchley plays truant and a barber gets a close shave.
Victor Canning's novel about the adventures of a man and his horse-drawn caravan touring the 1930s countryside of Kent.
CAST:
Mr Finchley …. Richard Griffiths
Mr Blain …. John Bird
Turk …. Peter Vaughan
Robert Finchley …. Robert Gill
Mr Harbottle …. Piers Gibbon
Miss Slater …. Kate Binchy
Sir Simon Penickle …. Alan Thompson
The Mechanic …. David Howarth
Narrated by James Villiers.
Adapted in six parts by Andy and Eric Merriman.
Producer: Gareth Edwards
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in May 1993.
TUE 07:30 That Mitchell and Webb Sound (b03lph8r)
Series 5
Episode 4
A horror story for slugs; the Escalator brothers inventing the world's first horseless staircase; and the very last programme the BBC ever does...
Offbeat sketches from the lopsided world of David Mitchell and Robert Webb.
With Olivia Colman and James Bachman.
Producer: Gareth Edwards
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2013.
TUE 08:00 The Goon Show (b0080j61)
Series 6
Sale of Manhattan
Neddie Seagoon learns that he is the rightful owner of New York and tries to reclaim his land.
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 November 1955.
TUE 08:30 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b007jv6w)
Series 1
Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel
Shady lawyer Waldorf T Flywheel and his assistant Ravelli get themselves hired to guard a Rembrandt painting.
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 and Graham Hoadly.
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 1990.
TUE 09:00 The News Quiz Extra (b03lsn4c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 23:00 on Monday]
TUE 09:45 Hearing With Hegley (b0075ss5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 23:45 on Monday]
TUE 10:00 Gaston Leroux - The Mystery of the Yellow Room (b01gyl0j)
The door was bolted and the windows barred, so how was Mlle Sangerson shot at, knocked unconscious, and left for dead?
Gaston Leroux's classic 'locked room' mystery, dramatised by Stephen Sheridan.
Joseph Rouletabille …. Nicholas Boulton
Inspector Frédéric Larsan …. Geoffrey Whitehead
Mathilde Stangerson …. Becky Hindley
Jean Sainclair …. Charles Simpson
Robert Darzac …. Alastair Danson
With Hugh Dickson, Stephen Thorne and Brian Parr.
Director: David Blount
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1998
TUE 11:00 Roshi Fernando - Homesick (b01cvkch)
The Turtle
A fractured family finds solace in a newly hatched egg. Stories of Sri Lankan immigrants in Britain, read by Seeta Indrani.
TUE 11:15 Charles Dickens (b007jw8x)
The Haunted Man and the Ghost's Bargain
The last ever Christmas story written by Charles Dickens is a vivid portrait of a man tormented by his past.
Stars John Moffatt as Charles Dickens, Michael Tudor Barnes as Redlaw, Dilys Laye as Milly Swidger, Ronald Herdman as William Swidger, Godfrey Kenton as Philip Swidger, Timothy Carlton as George Swidger, Timothy Alcock as Adolphus Tetterby, Maxine Audley as Sophie Tetterby, Stuart Heath as Johnny Tetterby, Andrew Wincott as Denham, Winston Eade as Adolphus Tetterby Jnr and Rikki Belsham as the Boy.
Dramatised by Jill Brookes.
Producer: Kay Patrick
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1990.
TUE 12:00 The Goon Show (b0080j61)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 12:30 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b007jv6w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 13:00 A Case for Dr Morelle (b007qw04)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 13:30 John Mortimer - Rumpole (b007k4gk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 14:00 Dave Sheasby - Shifting the Leaves (b007jtbt)
Episode 2
Back in Cornwall's Porthant Bay after 60 years, Marjorie Beaumont visits the Tate in St Ives and finds a supper companion.
Written by Dave Sheasby.
Marjorie Beaumont ...... Elizabeth Bradley.
Mrs Nugent ...... June Barrie
Mandy ...... Alison Pettitt
Tilson ...... Tristan Sturrock
Producer: David Hunter
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1998.
TUE 14:15 Puzzling Passions (b0075ygq)
Maths
Marcel Berlins looks at the value of games and playing within maths, and at what point it becomes serious. From October 2000.
TUE 14:30 Jan Struther - Mrs Miniver (b00nm9sb)
The New Car; Guy Fawkes Day
The engaging stories of an English housewife, created for The Times in 1937 and immortalised on film. Read by Penelope Wilton.
TUE 14:45 The Pantomime Life of Joseph Grimaldi (b00xc8k8)
Episode 2
When tragedy strikes, the young clown seeks consolation in making others laugh with a new character. Read by Kenneth Cranham. From December 2009.
TUE 15:00 Gaston Leroux - The Mystery of the Yellow Room (b01gyl0j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
TUE 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b03m05bn)
Mel Giedroyc celebrates Annie Lennox's birthday, and Sophie Dahl shows us how to make the perfect Bread and Butter Pudding.
TUE 17:00 Flying the Flag (b00dhkzf)
Series 4
In Custody
‘We are representatives of Democracy in this benighted place, William. We enshrine the values of liberty, tolerance and free speech. By the way, why is that woman chained to the embassy railings..?'
Ambassador Mackenzie must tackle the delicate issue of a Briton being held hostage.
Series 4 of Alex Shearer's Eastern bloc embassy sitcom.
Starring Dinsdale Landen as HM Ambassador Mackenzie, Peter Acre as William Frost, Moir Leslie as Helen Waterson, Christopher Benjamin as Colonel Surikov and Stephen Greif as Spiro.
Producer: Neil Cargill
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1992.
TUE 17:30 Mr Finchley Takes the Road (b007k1q4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 18:00 Christopher Lee's Fireside Tales (b018jk1f)
The Man of Science
The famed horror actor recounts Jerome K Jerome's piquant story of a doctor being hunted from beyond the grave.
TUE 18:15 MR James (b007jtfj)
MR James: Ghost Stories
Lost Hearts
A young orphan is given a home by his elderly cousin. But how hospitable is the old man? Read by Benjamin Whitrow.
TUE 18:30 Wally K Daly (b007nfs5)
625Y
2. Elixir of Life
Scientist Kate Brown's attempt to bring her dramatic new gene discovery into the public domain doesn't go to plan...
Conclusion of Wally K Daly intriguing sci-fi drama.
Kate Brown …. Amanda Root
Professor Slingsby …. Geoffrey Whitehead
Joe Barnard …. Jon Strickland
Reporter …. Elizabeth Conboy
Prime Minister …. Chris Tranchell
Minister of Defence …. Ian Masters
Major Peters …. Brett Usher
Danny Flowers …. Stuart Milligan
Lab Technician …. Harry Myers
Minister of Health …. Sandra Clark
Director: Gordon House.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1999.
TUE 19:00 The Goon Show (b0080j61)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 19:30 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b007jv6w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 20:00 A Case for Dr Morelle (b007qw04)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 20:30 John Mortimer - Rumpole (b007k4gk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 21:00 Roshi Fernando - Homesick (b01cvkch)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
TUE 21:15 Charles Dickens (b007jw8x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
TUE 22:00 That Mitchell and Webb Sound (b03lph8r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 22:30 The Mark Steel Lecture (b007jlx9)
Series 2
Leonardo da Vinci
The radical comedian profiles the Italian artist and scholar. Was he a genius or a hopeless absent-minded buffoon? From March 2001.
TUE 23:00 Delve Special (b007jmq1)
Series 3
City Limits
The money men may be making a killing, but are they getting away with murder?
David Lander looks at the City and in particular the Rouget-Dory Venture Capital Syndicate
Presented by David Lander with assistance from Stephen Fry.
Studio production by Felicity Montagu, Jack Klaff and Robert Bathurst.
Dramatic reconstructions by Harry Enfield and Mark Arden.
Researched by Tony Sarchet.
Editor: Paul Mayhew-Archer
Delve Special ran for four series from 1984 to 1987 and later transferred to TV as: This is David Lander.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1986.
TUE 23:30 Mordrin McDonald: 21st Century Wizard (b00yqvkb)
Series 2
Team Building
Written by David Kay and Gavin Smith, Mordrin McDonald is a 2000 year old Wizard living in the modern world where settling garden disputes and watching Countdown are just as important as slaying the odd Jakonty Dragon.
This week Mordrin is convinced by Councillor Campbell to take part in a team building exercise.
Featuring and co-written by Scottish stand up David Kay, and starring Gordon Kennedy and Jack Docherty with this week's guest star Brian Pettifer. Mordrin McDonald mixes the magical with the mundane and offers a hilarious take on the life of a modern day Wizard.
Cast:
Mordrin ..... David Kay
Geoff ..... Gordon Kennedy
Councillor Campbell ..... Callum Cuthbertson
Pete The Pict ..... Brian Pettifer
Heather ..... Hannah Donaldson
Producer/Director: Gus Beattie
A Comedy Unit production for BBC Radio 4.
TUE 23:45 Mastering the Universe (b00wstg6)
Series 1
Christmas
Professor Joy Klamp explores ways to make the festive season truly miserable. Stars Dawn French. From December 2005.


WEDNESDAY 25 DECEMBER 2013

WED 00:00 Christopher Lee's Fireside Tales (b018jk1f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Tuesday]
WED 00:15 MR James (b007jtfj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:15 on Tuesday]
WED 00:30 Wally K Daly (b007nfs5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Tuesday]
WED 01:00 A Case for Dr Morelle (b007qw04)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:30 John Mortimer - Rumpole (b007k4gk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Tuesday]
WED 02:00 The News Quiz Extra (b03lsn4c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 23:00 on Monday]
WED 02:45 Hearing With Hegley (b0075ss5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 23:45 on Monday]
WED 03:00 Gaston Leroux - The Mystery of the Yellow Room (b01gyl0j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:00 Roshi Fernando - Homesick (b01cvkch)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:15 Charles Dickens (b007jw8x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 on Tuesday]
WED 05:00 Flying the Flag (b00dhkzf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:00 on Tuesday]
WED 05:30 Mr Finchley Takes the Road (b007k1q4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Tuesday]
WED 06:00 A Case for Dr Morelle (b007qww7)
6. Voice in the Night
After receiving sinister death threats over the telephone, an elderly spinster calls in cantankerous criminal psychologist, Dr Morelle.
Ernest Dudley's Harley Street psychiatrist-turned-detective uses psychology as well as criminology to hunt down lawbreakers by deducing their felonious personalities.
Cecil Parker stars as Dr Morelle with Sheila Sim as his long-suffering assistant, Miss Frayle
Dr Morelle …. Cecil Parker
Miss Frayle …. Sheila Sim
Miss Nicholson …. Hester Paton Brown
Billy Boy the Dog …. Percy Edwards
Mr Nicolson …. Alan McClelland
Superintendent Denham …. Fred Yule
Station Officer …. Alan Keith
Julian Smith/Taxi Driver …. John Baker
Audio recovered by BBC Radio 4 Extra listener, Steve Arnold.
Director: Leslie Bridgmont
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in May 1957.
WED 06:30 John Mortimer - Rumpole (b007jsdk)
The Gentle Art of Blackmail
Rumpole recalls a clear case of extortion at his Oxford College, St Joseph's.
"The Splendours And Miseries Of An Old Bailey Hack". Starring Maurice Denham as ageing London barrister-at-law Horace Rumpole and Margot Boyd as Hilda Rumpole
With Brian Sanders as the Judge, Geoffrey Bayldon as Bernard Crompton and Emily Richard as Sue Galton.
Originally a TV series created by writer and barrister John Mortimer, Rumpole hit the BBC radio airwaves in 1980. Case-by-case, Rumpole recalls his work at the Central Criminal Court of England and Wales.
Director: Ian Cotterell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1980.
WED 07:00 Tales From the Mausoleum Club (b007k2d0)
A Study in Starlets
Clever sleuth Melcroft Dupont gets his comeuppance, but Inspector Chalker's on the case. Stars Fulton Mackay. From January 1987.
WED 07:30 What Does the K Stand For? (b03lpjy6)
Series 1
The Cat Next Door
An actress moves in next door to the Amos household and encourages Young Stephen to overcome his stage fright.
Stephen K Amos's sitcom about his teenage years, growing up black, gay and funny in 1980s South London.
Written by Jonathan Harvey with Stephen K Amos.
Himself ... Stephen K Amos
Young Stephen ... Shaquille Ali-Yebuah
Stephanie Amos ... Fatou Sohna
Virginia Amos ... Ellen Thomas
Vincent Amos ... Don Gilet
Miss Collins ... Gemma Whelan
Fola ... Kathryn Drysdale
PE Teacher ... Harry Jardine
Bo Bells ... Rachel Atkins
Producer: Colin Anderson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2013.
WED 08:00 Brothers in Law (b007k1xl)
Series 2
Polite Notice
Parking his car lands bungling barrister Roger in a jam.
Starring Richard Briers as Roger Thursby, John Glyn-Jones as Grimes, Julia Lockwood as Sally, Bridget Armstrong as Joy, David Jason as Bannister, Gerald Cross as the Judge.
Others parts by Sean Arnold and Douglas Blackwell.
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 August 1971.
WED 08:30 Doctor in the House (b007jsw0)
St Swithin's
Simon Sparrow dithers over registering to train as a doctor as St Swithin's hospital in London.
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, Erik Chitty as the Secretary, Beth Boyd as the Sister and Michael Deacon as the Padre.
Special guest star: John le Mesurier as The Dean
Producer: David Hatch
Recorded at the BBC Paris studio in London.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1968.
WED 09:00 Aled Jones (b00krgg4)
Richard Briers
4 Extra Debut. Richard Briers talks to Aled Jones about his life and career, with music choices including Fats Waller and Al Bowlly. From May 2009.
WED 09:55 Prunella Scales Remembers Richard Briers (b03m32qc)
Actress Prunella Scales recalls working with her co-star Richard Briers in their 1960s BBC TV sitcom about a couple of newly-weds. Marriage Lines proved to be such a hit that it was later adapted for radio. To introduce the only surviving radio episode of in the BBC archive, Prunella explains how the show was recorded with a quick pace set by Richard. Assessing his skills as an actor, Prunella also reveals how they remained close friends to the end.
WED 10:05 Marriage Lines (b03m32qf)
Series 1
The Job
Grumpy George finds keeping his new wife at home is very expensive. So Kate sets off to find a job....
Starring Richard Briers as George and Prunella Scales as Kate.
Richard Waring’s sitcom based on the mutual love and mistrust of two newlyweds. Originating on BBC TV, it ran between 1963-65 and was adapted in two series for BBC radio due to its popularity.
George ...... Richard Briers
Kate ...... Prunella Scales
Ronald ...... Terence Alexander
Other parts played by Isabel Rennie, John Baddeley and Elizabeth Morgan.
Producer: Charles Maxwell
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in June 1965.
WED 10:30 Christmas Briers (b03m32v9)
Relive Christmas Day morning 1978 as first heard on BBC Radio 4 exactly as it happened on the day from 10.30am.
Having recorded his final episode of The Good Life that summer, Richard Briers was invited by the BBC to personally pluck seasonal snippets for his very own treasure trove of delights.
Choices include: "The Great Schnoz" Jimmy Durante singing Christmas Comes But Once a Year; Joyce Grenfell trying to keep order at the school nativity play; The Goon Show's version of A Christmas Carol. Jovial jests from Peter Ustinov, Nat King Cole and Shirley Bassey, plus Christmas for Pa, Ron and Eth in The Glums.
Produced by Jonathan James-Moore.
WED 12:00 The Briers Family Remember Richard (b03m335l)
The family of Richard Briers share their specially recorded memories of the man himself. His widow, actress Ann Davies and their daughters, Kate and Lucy reveal memories of childhood holidays listening to Tony Hancock with their Dad. Tales of his delightfully mischievous personality mingle with memories of Richard's determination to forever escape a precarious financial upbringing.
WED 12:15 Drama (b00z58bj)
Shelley Silas - Mr Jones Goes Driving
Written by Shelley Silas. Johnny Jones isn't particularly old, he's a regular man with a regular wife, two grown up children and a handful of grandkids. His has a good life, and for that he's grateful. He accepts that growing old is just one of those things, and until now, he has just got on with everything that has been thrown his way. He has always lived his life by getting up each day and getting on. However, all that is about to change.
Told that a series of seizures he's been having are not because of a brain tumour, but epilepsy, relief soon turns to gloom. While Johnny accepts everything the doctors tell him, he cannot accept having to give up his driving license. For over fifty years he's driven just about everyone everywhere in his beloved almond Rover P6 with a V8 engine. It is his private place, where he can be alone, think alone, listen to music, or simply sit by the sea, looking out at nothing more than sand and waves. It's a great big armchair of a car, with a chrome and oak interior, which he loves passionately. His wife, Alice hasn't driven for years, why would she when she has Johnny to drive her everywhere? While he's happy to part with many other activities, this is one he just can't give up. Now he's told he must stop driving or face the consequences.
Every day he says tomorrow will be the last day he'll drive.
This is the story of the day he takes one last journey in his dark Rover. And gradually we learn about the secrets no one else knows about.
The play stars real life husband and wife Richard Briers and Ann Davies.
Mr Jones Goes Driving is about growing old but not always gracefully. It's about facing up to things in life we don't want to. It's the story of a man giving up the one thing that he has always loved.
Cast:
Johnny Jones ...... Richard Briers
Alice Jones ..... Ann Davies
Imran ..... Muzz Khan
Lizzie Gray ..... Helena Breck
Ian ..... Jonathan Holby
Patrick ..... Ben Tosh
Johnny's Mother ..... Stella Duffy
Johnny's Grandchildren ..... Wilf and Ruby Armstrong Ashdown
Original Music composed by Lucinda Mason Brown
Producer/Director: Gordon House
A Goldhawk Essential production for BBC Radio 4.
WED 13:00 Michael Chaplin on Richard Briers (b03m33kw)
The creator of Radio 4's Two Pipe Problems and BBC TV's Monarch of the Glen remembers working with the late actor.
WED 13:10 Drama (b0132pk9)
Two Pipe Problems
The Case of the Missing Meerschaum
In tribute to Richard Briers, who co-starred in this series for six years.
Starring the late Richard Briers and Stanley Baxter.
William and Sandy are to appear at a Sherlock Holmes Convention, held at a hotel just around the corner from Baker Street. Sandy isn't keen but succumbs to William's desperate need to be in the spotlight once more. Sandy finds the display of 'fandom' absurd - the packed memorabilia stalls and one fan's observation that he thought he'd died years before. He also finds the political infighting threatening to tear the Society apart faintly ridiculous. But William is in his bombastic element, to such an extent that he has a very public and painful row with Sandy, who quits the convention and catches the Metropolitan Line back to the Old Beeches.
William occupies centre-stage at that night's dinner, flourishing the Society's prized meerschaum used by Basil Rathbone in the Holmes films. After a bibulous evening, William rolls into bed still with the precious pipe in his possession.
He wakes up the following morning and discovers that it's gone. He travels to the Old Beeches in a panic, begging Sandy to return to the Convention to help him solve the mystery - which he does using Holmesian precepts, and restoring their friendship in the process.
Written by Michael Chaplin
Directed by Marilyn Imrie
A Catherine Bailey production for BBC Radio 4.
WED 13:55 Alan Bennett Remembers Richard Briers (b008lytv)
Playwright Alan Bennett's specially recorded personal and affectionate tribute to Richard Briers. Recalling when the National Theatre staged his adaptation of The Wind in the Willows, Alan describes how Richard went about embracing his character of Ratty. He explains that Richard did not have a star's ego. He thought of himself as a "jobbing actor and those are the best really".
WED 14:00 Kenneth Grahame - The Wind in the Willows (b00fyl8x)
Mole, Rat and Badger try to curb the wild ways of their friend, Toad as they set out on their famous adventure.
Dramatised and narrated by Alan Bennett.
Starring Richard Briers, Derek Waring, Nickolas Grace and Adrian Scarborough.
Alan Bennett's acclaimed Royal National Theatre version of Kenneth Grahame classic story first published in 1908.
Mole ... Adrian Scarborough
Rat ... Richard Briers
Toad ... Nickolas Grace
Badger ... Derek Waring
Albert ... Terence Rigby
Otter ... John Hartley
Chief Weasel ... David March
Weasel Norman ... Stephen Tompkinson
Rupert ... Graham Seed
Monlca ... Allson Dowling
Magistrate ... Leslie Phillips
Narrator: Alan Bennett
Other cast members:
Amy Stanton, Belinda Baldwin, Danny Schiller, David Holt, David Sinclair, Elizabeth Mansfield, Geoffrey Matthews, Jack Stevens, James Hall, James Taylor, Jeffrey Holland,, Jessie Holder, Jill Graham, Luciano Macis, Lucie Fitchett, Maria Charles, Natasha Pyne, Paul Panting, Peter Acre, Peter Kenny, Peter Whitman, Sam Gordon, Simon Treves, Stefan Arestis, Tina Gray, Tom Bevan, Victoria Gunning and Victoria Wojciechowska
Original music and songs by Jeremy Sams.
Musicians:
Sara Clarke, Williams Cox, Julia Findon, Nicola Hadley, Anna Hemery, Juliet Leighton-Jones, Christopher O'Neal, Jane Pickles, Andrew Roberts, Jeremy Sams, Jane Sebba, Kate Somerby, Missak Takoussian, Keith Thompson and Christopher Wells
Producer: David Blount
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1994.
WED 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b03m36vr)
Gary Barlow shares his favourite song of all time, and the one food that's the taste of the festive season for Jamie Oliver.
WED 17:00 Michael Ball's Sunday Brunch (b00q93z4)
Richard Briers
4 Extra Debut. Michael Ball talks to Richard Briers about his life and career, with music choices including Ethel Merman and the Beatles. From January 2010.
WED 17:30 Briers and the Bard (b03ncsqy)
Richard's widow Ann Davies and Sir Kenneth Branagh remember how Richard decided to take more risks in his middle 50s, leading to a burst of stage creativity in Shakespearean roles like Malvolio in Twelfth Night and King Lear. Richard Briers is heard talking about playing one of his greatest Shakespearean roles, Polonius in Hamlet - a role that particularly touched him where Polonius advises his son: "to thine own self be true".
WED 17:40 Drama on 3 (b01fbhlr)
Vaclav Havel - Largo Desolato
Theatre critic Michael Billington introduces a classic play from the archives by Czech playwright and President, Vaclav Havel, to mark Havel's death in December last year.
When the death of the former President of the Czech Republic Vaclav Havel was announced last year, Europe lost one of its great dissident voices. From the 1960s to the 1980s, BBC radio broadcast many new productions of Havel's plays - plays that were usually banned in his then-Communist homeland because of the way they mocked and interrogated the absurd nature of totalitarian rule.
Michael Billington, theatre-critic for the Guardian for much of this period, introduces another chance to hear a 1987 Havel black comedy called Largo Desolato in an English version by Tom Stoppard, himself born in Czechoslovakia.
Richard Briers stars as Leopold, a philosopher who has offended the authorities in an unnamed country. He has written a certain philosophical essay and anxiously each day awaits the knock on the door. His friends, of course, expect him to act like a hero....
Professor Leopold Nettles.......................Richard Briers
Edward.................................................Paul Gregory
Suzanna............................................Jennifer Piercey
First Sidney.........................................Philip Jackson
Second Sidney........................................David Goodland
Lucy...................................................Belinda Lang
Bertram................................................John Moffatt
First Chap..........................................Anthony Jackson
Second Chap............................................Ian Thompson
Marguerite..............................................Sue Broomfield
Produced by Matthew Walters.
WED 18:50 Stephen Fry Remembers Richard Briers (b03m37lv)
Stephen Fry explains his admiration for one of BBC Radio's "greatest achievements of the 1970s and 1980s", its adaptation of PG Wodehouse's Jeeves and Wooster stories, starring Richard Briers as Bertie Wooster and Michael Horden as his butler, Jeeves. Discover how they inspired Stephen's own attempts to capture Jeeves and Wooster on TV. Stephen also reveals the impact of Richard's death on both himself and the nation.
WED 19:00 PG Wodehouse (b00b41fq)
What Ho! Jeeves: Joy in the Morning
Florence Craye
Trapped in the Hampshire hamlet of Steeple Bumpleigh, Bertie Wooster meets an old flame.
PG Wodehouse's romp starring Michael Hordern and Richard Briers.
Adapted in seven-parts by Chris Miller.
Jeeves ...... Michael Hordern
Bertie Wooster ..... Richard Briers
Florence Craye ..... Bronwen Williams
Stilton Cheesewright ..... Michael Kilgarriff
Salesman ..... Bruce Bennett
Producer: Simon Brett
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1978.
WED 19:30 With Great Pleasure (b007wjc9)
Richard Briers
Much-loved screen, stage and radio actor, Richard Briers chooses some of his favourite performance pieces in the company of his daughter Lucy Briers and his old friend Peter Egan.
Includes extracts from PG Wodehouse, William Shakespeare and Dorothy Parker.
Producer: Christine Hall
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2007.
WED 19:55 Ed Harris Remembers Richard Briers (b03m37r2)
Award-winner Ed Harris tells us about the thrill of working with Richard as a young radio writer. Richard starred in his poignant 2009 BBC Radio 4 drama, The Moment You Feel It, a story in which Alf (Richard Briers) struggles to come to terms with growing older. Ed tells us what it was like to meet and work with Richard. In a performance he considers to be 'astounding' he remembers Richard becoming Alf - it was like the "ringtone" of writing in his head being transformed into music with a full orchestra.
WED 20:05 Drama (b00jzf6b)
Ed Harris - The Moment You Feel It
The Moment You Feel It
By Ed Harris
Alf's memories come in flashes and great blank holes, along with a running commentary from the voices of his past. So how does finding a strange coat in his kitchen, remind Alf why he doesn't want a bath today? A tender, sad comedy about re-remembering your past.
Alf ..... Richard Briers
Young Alf ..... Rory Kinnear
Pru ..... Tracy Wiles
Steven ..... Hugh Ross
Marina ..... Caroline Guthrie
with Janice Acquah
Producer/Director: Jonquil Panting.
WED 20:50 Briers on Hancock (b03m3d5j)
A documentary exploring Richard Briers lasting admiration for comedy legend Tony Hancock. Briers rejected the idea of recreating Hancock's Half Hour for radio. Instead, for Radio 4 in 1984, Richard talked to those who worked with Hancock: his BBC producer Dennis Main Wilson; his writers Ray Galton and Alan Simpson; as well as admirers like comedy writer Denis Norden. Richard explores why Hancock continued to demand more of himself professionally, at the cost of personal friendships and family, leading up to his tragic death in 1968.
WED 21:20 Heathcote Williams - Hancock's Last Half Hour (b01glrp3)
An imagining of the comedy legend alone in a Sydney hotel room on the day he died, with a book of newspaper cuttings, a telephone and a bottle of vodka for company. In a tour de force performance Richard Briers plays his great comedy hero, Tony Hancock, looking back over the highs and lows of his career. Heathcote Williams's play reveals a comedy genius, tormented by his own desire to improve himself. A desire which overwhelmed him, when he tragically took his own life in June 1968.
Produced by Ned Chaillet for BBC Radio 3 in 1988.
WED 22:00 What Does the K Stand For? (b03lpjy6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 22:30 Act Your Age (b010mrzk)
Series 3
Episode 6
Simon Mayo hosts the three-way battle between the comedy generations to find out which is the funniest. Will it be the Up-and-Comers, the Current Crop or the Old Guard who will be crowned, for one week at least, as the Golden Age of Comedy. This week Holly Walsh is joined by Andrew Lawrence, Rufus Hound teams up with Paul Foot and Ted Robbins is paired with Stu Francis.
Devised and Produced by Ashley Blaker and Bill Matthews.
WED 23:00 Giles Wemmbley Hogg Goes Off (b00pbx22)
Series 4
Lapland
He's back! But this time, he's got a computer! Budleigh Salterton's most famous citizen has been grounded by both the Home Office and his father, so he's set up GWH Travvel ("2 Ms, 2 Gs, 2 Vs - bit of a mix up at the printers").
Run from his bedroom with the help of his long-suffering former Primary School teacher Mr Timmis and the hindrance of his sister Charlotte, it's a one-stop Travel/Advice/Events Management/Website service, where each week his schemes range far and wide - whether it's roaming the country lecturing would-be overlanders on how to pack a rucksack ("If in doubt, put it in. And double it"), or finding someone a zebra for a corporate promotion ("I'll look in the Phone Book - how hard can it be? Now, "A to D"...), GWH Travvel stays true to its motto - "We do it all, so you won't want to".
In this special episode, first broadcast at Xmas, Giles takes a trip to Iceland and buys some frozen food for his trip to Lapland. He also learns that when hunting with shotguns, it's good to know the difference between an elk and an elf.
Co-starring Catherine Tate as his long-suffering fiancee Arabella and Celia Imrie as his mother-in-law-to-be - the woman known only as "Mrs Wells" - in a snowbound special that mixes The Wizard Of Oz, It's A Wonderful Life and The Ice Queen in Giles's head, and serves them up with a helping of brandy butter and South Devon-style idiocy.
Starring Marcus Brigstocke as Giles.
Cast:
Giles Wemmbley Hogg ..... Marcus Brigstocke
Bella ..... Catherine Tate
Mrs Wells ..... Celia Imrie
Mr Timmis ..... Adrian Scarborough
Charlotte Wemmbley Hogg ..... Catherine Shepherd
Santa ..... Ewan Bailey
Written by Marcus Brigstocke & Jeremy Salsby.
Producer: David Tyler
A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4.
WED 23:30 Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show! (b007728p)
Count Arthur Strong's Christmas Special
Count Arthur Strong, one-time variety star, makes his preparations for Christmas. From his altercation with a carol singer and his improvised 'reading' of the Nativity, to his show for the elderly at Leafy Glade old people's home. What could possibly go wrong? Stars Steve Delaney. From December 2006.


THURSDAY 26 DECEMBER 2013

THU 00:00 Christopher Lee's Fireside Tales (b018jmm2)
John Charrington's Wedding
The master of fright shares E Nesbit's spine tingler about a wedding that is all too literally from hell.
THU 00:15 MR James (b007k1gn)
MR James: Ghost Stories
A School Story
A man recalls spooky events from 1870 involving his old teacher. What is 'the well among the yews'? Read by Benjamin Whitrow.
THU 00:30 Brian Aldiss - Song of the Silencer (b007jrb2)
'We have invented God' - will the creation of the Ultimate Machine wreak havoc on the universe? Read by Nigel Anthony.
THU 01:00 A Case for Dr Morelle (b007qww7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:30 John Mortimer - Rumpole (b007jsdk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 Kenneth Grahame - The Wind in the Willows (b00fyl8x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 Brothers in Law (b007k1xl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:30 Doctor in the House (b007jsw0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 Marriage Lines (b03m32qf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:05 on Wednesday]
THU 05:30 Tales From the Mausoleum Club (b007k2d0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 06:00 A Case for Dr Morelle (b007qv83)
9. The Black Ruby
The cantankerous criminal psychologist probes the authenticity of a fabled gem. Is it cursed?
Ernest Dudley's Harley Street psychiatrist-turned-detective uses psychology as well as criminology to hunt down lawbreakers by deducing their felonious personalities.
Cecil Parker stars as Dr Morelle with Sheila Sim as his long-suffering assistant, Miss Frayle.
Dr Morelle …. Cecil Parker
Miss Frayle …. Sheila Sim
Guy Hampton …. Norman Woodland
Sonia Hampton …. Virginia Winter
Helen Reynolds …. Louise Gainsborough
Bill Reynolds …. Richard Bebb
Aubrey Green …. Desmond Carrington
Airline Captain/Various …. John Baker
Director: Leslie Bridgmont
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in February 1957.
THU 06:30 John Mortimer - Rumpole (b007k4l3)
The Rotten Apple
Rumpole recalls a suspicious case of bribery in the police force.
"The Splendours And Miseries Of An Old Bailey Hack". Starring Maurice Denham as ageing London barrister-at-law Horace Rumpole and Margot Boyd as Hilda Rumpole
With Michael Spice as Guthrie Featherstone, Robert Harris as Justice Vosper and Brian Carroll as Erskine-Brown.
Originally a TV series created by writer and barrister John Mortimer, Rumpole hit the BBC radio airwaves in 1980. Case-by-case, Rumpole recalls his work at the Central Criminal Court of England and Wales.
Director: Ian Cotterell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1980.
THU 07:00 Bookcases (b00szhvl)
Series 1
The Prosser Prize
London 1858: Primus is determined that Spavin and Spavin's entry should win this distinguished literary award, even if it means seducing the sponsors.
Martyn Wade's Victorian era comedy stars Michael Cochrane and Maggie Steed.
Primus …. Michael Cochrane
Cordelia …. Maggie Steed
Edith …. Elizabeth Spriggs
Gerald …. David Horovitch
Simeon …. Charles Simpson
Mrs Prosser …. Frances Jeater
Prosser …. Geoffrey Whitehead
Thackeray …. David Antrobus
Director: Cherry Cookson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1998.
THU 07:30 The Secret World (b03ls15z)
Series 4
Episode 4
The Queen hatches a plot to get Pippa Middleton out of the way.
Ed Miliband is so keen to pally-up with some builders that he ends up helping them do their work.
And Russell Crowe has a bizarre fixation with sprouts.
The Secret World is the impression show with a difference.
With
Margaret Cabourn-Smith
Jon Culshaw
Julian Dutton
Lewis MacLeod
Jess Robinson
Debra Stephenson
Duncan Wisbey
Written by Bill Dare, Julian Dutton and Duncan Wisbey.
Produced and created by: Bill Dare.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2013.
THU 07:58 Big Ben's Chimes (b01nt4q1)
Maintaining Big Ben
Made for 4 Extra. Archive recordings and a new poem by Ian McMillan pay tribute to the familiar tone of the chimes of 'Great Uncle Ben'.
THU 08:00 Dad's Army (b007jp0x)
Series 2
The King Was in His Counting House
When Captain Mainwaring's bank gets bombed in Walmington-on-Sea, his Home Guard platoon must guard all the money.
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 Godfrey …. Arnold Ridley
Private Pike …. Ian Lavender
Private Walker …. Larry Martyn
Shirley …. Wendy Richard
Announcer …. John Snagge
Producer: John Dyas
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1975.
THU 08:30 Take It From Here (b011db7s)
From 26/11/1953
Sabotage at the BBC, and Eth dithers over home decor in The Glums. With Jimmy Edwards and June Whitfield. From November 1953.
THU 09:00 Hazelbeach (b00899mt)
Series 1
Language Teacher
Nick gets a job with a dominatrix and Ronnie buys an extraordinary number of sinks.
Caroline and David Stafford's comedy stars Jamie Forman as Ronnie Hazelbeach.
Ronnie ...... Jamie Foreman
Nick ...... Paul Bazely
Mrs Barlow ...... Tracy Wiles
James ...... John Dougall
Senora ...... Liza Sadovy
Producer: Marc Beeby
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2007.
THU 09:30 HR (b00tmkg9)
Series 2
Wandering
Comedy drama series by Nigel Williams that charts the misfortunes of a middle-aged HR officer and his trouble-making colleague.
Sam and Peter wile away retirement blues with a holiday in Spain. Suddenly Sam, a lifelong virgin, seems to be presented with a life-changing opportunity.
Sam ..... Nicholas Le Prevost
Peter ..... Jonathan Pryce
Miguel ..... Sam Dale
Gwenda ..... Christine Kavanagh
Director: Peter Kavanagh.
THU 10:00 Classic Serial (b00mf2mj)
The A-Z of Dr Johnson - Boswell's Life of Johnson
Episode 1
Dramatisation by Robin Brooks of James Boswell's biography of Samuel Johnson, to celebrate the 300th anniversary of Johnson's birth.
Young Boswell comes to London to seek out his hero. He wants to write a biography of the great man 'in scenes', with Johnson's conversation cast as dialogue. Nothing quite like this has ever been attempted before.
Samuel Johnson ...... Kenneth Cranham
James Boswell ...... Paul Higgins
King George ...... David Hargreaves
Louisa ...... Lizzy Watts
Joshua Reynolds ...... Matt Addis
Oliver Goldsmith ...... Stephen Hogan
Lady Di ...... Annabelle Dowler
Davies ...... Philip Fox
Directed by Claire Grove.
THU 11:00 Roshi Fernando - Homesick (b01cvpc2)
Nil's Wedding
On her wedding day, Nil reflects on the meaning of home. Stories of Sri Lankan immigrants in Britain, read by Amara Karan.
THU 11:15 Susan Cooper - King of Shadows (b0076d8n)
4 Extra Debut. An American boy actor comes to London, and his Shakespearian experience turns out to be highly authentic. With Robert Glenister.
THU 11:58 Big Ben's Chimes (b01nt4q1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:58 today]
THU 12:00 Dad's Army (b007jp0x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 12:30 Take It From Here (b011db7s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 13:00 A Case for Dr Morelle (b007qv83)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 13:30 John Mortimer - Rumpole (b007k4l3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 14:00 Dave Sheasby - Shifting the Leaves (b007jtc0)
Episode 3
Coming to terms with her Cornish past, Marjorie finds local fame and receives a mysterious visitor.
Written by Dave Sheasby.
Marjorie Beaumont ...... Elizabeth Bradley.
Mrs Nugent ...... June Barrie
Tilson ...... Tristan Sturrock
Producer: David Hunter
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1998.
THU 14:15 Puzzling Passions (b0075yl9)
Crosswords
Marcel Berlins turns his focus on crossword puzzles. Harmless pastime or a potentially consuming addiction? From October 2000.
THU 14:30 Jan Struther - Mrs Miniver (b00nmzm7)
Married Couples; At the Dentist's
Created in The Times of 1937 and immortalised on film, the engaging stories of an English housewife. Read by Penelope Wilton.
THU 14:45 The Pantomime Life of Joseph Grimaldi (b00xmvf8)
Episode 3
Mother Goose makes the clown a fully fledged Georgian superstar, but fame brings a downside. Read by Kenneth Cranham. From December 2009.
THU 15:00 Classic Serial (b00mf2mj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
THU 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b03m3w5w)
Got the family coming round for a party? Paul Hollywood tells Mel Giedroyc how to rustle up the Perfect Pork Pie.
THU 17:00 Ballylenon (b0081m2y)
Series 6
Episode 1
Phonsie's keen to send Guard Gallagher to take part in a singing competition in New York.
Series set in the sleepy town of Ballylenon, Co Donegal in 1956.
Written by Christopher Fitz-Simon.
Starring TP McKenna as Phonsie Doherty, Margaret D'Arcy as Muriel McConkey, Stella McCusker as Vera McConkey, Aine McCartney as Vivienne Hawthorne, Gerard Murphy as the Reverend Hawthorne and John Hewitt as Guard Gallagher.
Music arranged and performed by Stephanie Hughes.
Directed at BBC Belfast by Peter Kavanagh.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1998.
THU 17:30 Bookcases (b00szhvl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 18:00 Christopher Lee's Fireside Tales (b018jpn2)
The Man and the Snake
The master of terror shares Ambrose Bierce's scary story of serpents and hallucination, with a real sting in its tail.
THU 18:15 MR James (b007k1hw)
MR James: Ghost Stories
The Haunted Dolls' House
Why are the Chittendens so pleased to be rid of their rather splendid miniature mansion? Read by Benjamin Whitrow.
THU 18:30 Wilkie Collins - Who Killed Zebedee? (b007jq0p)
Episode 1
Given just days to live, a Victorian policeman is ready to make his final confession
He candidly reveals his involvement in a murder case many years before. As a young police constable in London, he recalls how a young woman burst in with news of a gruesome killing...
Detective story by Wilkie Collins, first published in 1881.
Read by Ronald Pickup.
Producer: Joanne Reardon
Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in October 2003.
THU 18:58 Big Ben's Chimes (b01nt4q1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:58 today]
THU 19:00 Dad's Army (b007jp0x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 19:30 Take It From Here (b011db7s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 20:00 A Case for Dr Morelle (b007qv83)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 20:30 John Mortimer - Rumpole (b007k4l3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 21:00 Roshi Fernando - Homesick (b01cvpc2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
THU 21:15 Susan Cooper - King of Shadows (b0076d8n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
THU 22:00 The Secret World (b03ls15z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 22:30 Elvenquest (b00wlgt5)
Series 2
Episode 5
The Questers continue their search for the Sword of Asnagar. This time they accidentally trespass upon grounds of the Emperor Jackie.
Jackie claims to have the Sword of Asnagar but he'll only hand it over if the Questers, and particularly Penthiselea, stay with him for a while.
In the meantime, Lord Darkness' main evil priest, Gaydok, is upset - he doesn't believe Darkness is evil anymore. In a fit of pique Darkness fires him.
But it's not long before he realises that keeping the faith with the evil hordes isn't as easy as he originally thought...
Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto.
Sam …. Stephen Mangan
Lord Darkness …. Alistair McGowan
Emperor Jackie …. Sanjeev Bhaskar
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.
THU 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (b03qlhvq)
For two hours, six nights a week, the Comedy Club offers the best laughs around. Tonight, Robin Cooper speaks to Brian Butterfield.
THU 23:00 Sarah Millican's Support Group (b011d6rf)
Series 2
4. 'It's me or the dog'
"It's me or the dog!"
"My phobias are out of control but I'm too scared to even admit it"
Sarah Millican is a life counsellor and modern-day agony aunt tackling the nation's problems head on, dishing out real advice for real people.
Assisted by her very own team of experts of the heart - man of the people local cabbie Terry, and self qualified counsellor Marion,
Sarah tackles the nation's problems head on and has a solution for everything.
Sarah ...... Sarah Millican
Marion ...... Ruth Bratt
Terry ...... Simon Daye
Laura ...... Margaret Cabourn-Smith
Barry ...... Harry Peacock
John ...... Tim Key
Written by Sarah Millican.
Producer: Lianne Coop
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2011
THU 23:30 Rubbish (b00770sz)
Series 1
Chilling
Martin is horrified to hear that certain individuals are doing despicable things to council waste bins.
He makes the mistake of lying in-wait for them with community ranger Matt Jessop.
Reece Dinsdale stars as local government officer, cynic and manic-depressive, Martin Christmas in Tony Bagley's sitcom.
Martin ...... Reece Dinsdale
Matt ...... Robert Wilfort
Sarah ...... Nicola Walker
Andrea ...... Susie Donkin
Barney ...... James Lance
Barry ...... James Lance
Producer: Claire Bartlett
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2006.


FRIDAY 27 DECEMBER 2013

FRI 00:00 Christopher Lee's Fireside Tales (b018jpn2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Thursday]
FRI 00:15 MR James (b007k1hw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:15 on Thursday]
FRI 00:30 Wilkie Collins - Who Killed Zebedee? (b007jq0p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 A Case for Dr Morelle (b007qv83)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:30 John Mortimer - Rumpole (b007k4l3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 Hazelbeach (b00899mt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:30 HR (b00tmkg9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 Classic Serial (b00mf2mj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 Roshi Fernando - Homesick (b01cvpc2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:15 Susan Cooper - King of Shadows (b0076d8n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 Ballylenon (b0081m2y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:00 on Thursday]
FRI 05:30 Bookcases (b00szhvl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Thursday]
FRI 06:00 A Case for Dr Morelle (b007qsk2)
10. The Wedding Dress
Frightened bride-to-be Audrey Templeton is being spooked by noises in the night. Can the psychiatrist-sleuth uncover what's going on?
Ernest Dudley's Harley Street psychiatrist-turned-detective uses psychology as well as criminology to hunt down lawbreakers by deducing their felonious personalities.
Cecil Parker stars as Dr Morelle with Sheila Sim as his long-suffering assistant, Miss Frayle.
Dr Morelle …. Cecil Parker
Miss Frayle …. Sheila Sim
Audrey Templeton …. Sulwen Morgan
Evelyn Lambert …. Mary Law
Edna Lambert …. Olwyn Brookes
Mrs Vezey …. Peggy Thorpe-Bates
Commercial Traveller/Ames …. Trevor Martin
Director: Leslie Bridgmont
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in February 1957.
FRI 06:30 John Mortimer - Rumpole (b007jsf6)
The Man of God
Rumpole recalls the case of a light-fingered vicar.
"The Splendours And Miseries Of An Old Bailey Hack". Starring Maurice Denham as ageing London barrister-at-law Horace Rumpole and Margot Boyd as Hilda Rumpole
With Michael Spice as Guthrie Featherstone, John Savident as Judge Bullingham and Denys Hawthorne as Judge George Frobisher.
Originally a TV series created by writer and barrister John Mortimer, Rumpole hit the BBC radio airwaves in 1980. Case-by-case, Rumpole recalls his work at the Central Criminal Court of England and Wales.
Director: Ian Cotterell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1980.
FRI 07:00 Smelling of Roses (b007jrrq)
Series 1
A Good Cause
Rosie’s company is tasked to put together a charity gala concert in aid of the Afghans.
But there’s confusion over whether it’s for the people or the dogs?
Prunella Scales in Simon Brett's sitcom.
The trials and tribulations of Rosie Burns and her event management company, based in Brighton.
Rosie ...... Prunella Scales
Kate ...... Arabella Weir
Jo ...... Rebecca Callard
Bob ...... Duncan Preston
Tess ...... Annette Badland
Ginnie ...... Joanna Munro
Lady Helen ...... Celia Imrie
Producer: Maria Esposito
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2000.
FRI 07:30 Meet David Sedaris (b03m3nty)
Series 4
Episode 4
One of the world's funniest storytellers is back on BBC Radio 4 doing what he does best.
This week, the pros and cons of being grown up enough to have a guest room in "Company Man", and some more extracts from his hilarious diary, which he has kept nightly for over 30 years.
Producer: Steve Doherty
A Giddy Goat production for BBC Radio 4.
FRI 07:58 Big Ben's Chimes (b03m3xk5)
Big Ben Seizes Up
Ian McMillan's new poem recalls the day the chimes kept going 'clonk' when Big Ben seized up in the icy winter.
FRI 08:00 Steptoe and Son (b007jlj8)
Series 3
Two's Company
Albert introduces his new fiancee to his very surprised son, Harold.
Starring Wilfrid Brambell 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 featured the lives of rag and bone men Albert Steptoe and son Harold - and was the spark for a run of eight series on TV.
Albert ...... Wilfrid Brambell
Harold ...... Harry H Corbett
Daphne ...... June Whitfield
Adapted for radio from their TV scripts by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.
Producer: Bobby Jaye
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in March 1971.
FRI 08:30 Yes Minister (b007jznv)
Series 1
The Devil You Know
Cabinet reshuffle rumours unsettle MP Jim Hacker and Sir Humphrey
Starring Paul Eddington, Nigel Hawthorne and Derek Fowlds.
Antony Jay and Jonathan Lynn's satirical sitcom ran on BBC TV between 1980 and 1984. Yes Minister is centred around the hapless Jim Hacker and a collection of civil service underlings headed by the Machiavellian Sir Humphrey Appleby and obsequious Bernard.
Jim Hacker ...... Paul Eddington
Sir Humphrey Appleby ...... Nigel Hawthorne
Bernard ...... Derek Fowlds
Annie ...... Diana Hoddinott
Sir Arnold ...... John Nettleton
George ...... Arthur Cox
Waiter ...... Stuart Organ
Adapted for radio by producer Pete Atkin.
First broadcast on Radio 4 in December 1983.
FRI 09:00 Girls Will Be Girls (b00dyb0r)
From 16/03/1991
Sketches and songs from Rebecca Front and Sioned Wiliam, featuring the Suburban Heritage Audio Tour. From March 1991.
FRI 09:30 Electric Ink (b01jyq9c)
Series 2
Episode 3
Struggling print journalist Maddox takes a moral stance with disastrous results.
A comic satire set in the struggling world of newspapers.
A group of dysfunctional journalists attempt to cover major news stories whilst grappling with the demands of a multi-platform environment, as circulation figures plummet as the recession means half the workforce is laid off.
Written by Alistair Beaton and Tom Mitchelson.
Maddox ..... John Sessions
Oliver ..... Alex Jennings
Freddy ..... Stephen Wight
Carol ..... Polly Frame
Masha ..... Debbie Chazen
With Joanna Monro, Sean Baker, Adeel Akhtar,Henry Devas and Sam Dale.
Producer: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2010.
FRI 10:00 Classic Serial (b00mjklh)
The A-Z of Dr Johnson - Boswell's Life of Johnson
Episode 2
Dramatisation by Robin Brooks of James Boswell's biography of Samuel Johnson, to celebrate the 300th anniversary of Johnson's birth.
Boswell visits Johnson only intermittently, but relies on him more and more. Johnson meets Hester Thrale, who becomes his devoted friend and confidante, and the most important person in his life.
Samuel Johnson ...... Kenneth Cranham
James Boswell ...... Paul Higgins
Hester Thrale ...... Annabelle Dowler
David Garrick ...... David Hargreaves
Mrs Desmoulins ...... Susan Jameson
Joshua Reynolds ...... Matt Addis
Dilly ...... Stephen Hogan
Wilkes ...... Philip Fox
Directed by Claire Grove.
FRI 11:00 Roshi Fernando - Homesick (b01cwpxn)
At the Barndance
Preethi gets an unexpected glimpse of what might have been. Stories of Sri Lankan immigrants in Britain, read by Seeta Indrani.
FRI 11:15 Drama (b00jm2nr)
Shakespeare a la Carte
One of the highlights of the 2008 Brighton Festival was turned into an Afternoon Play for BBC Radio 4. Shakespeare A La Carte took the public by storm when it offered audiences the chance to order up their favourite bits of Shakespeare, together with coffee and croissant.
Pippa Smith, Head of Education at the Brighton Festival had the idea after a disappointing encounter at the Edinburgh Festival. "I saw a flyer advertising Shakespeare for breakfast. But breakfast turned out to be stewed tea in polystyrene cups and the Shakespeare was a lame production of 'Love Labour's Lost.' I came away with an entire show in my head. I knew I could create something much classier than this - the bards best bits performed by leading talent from the RSC and National."
Smith approached Richard Hahlo, Jonathan Cullen and Fiona Dunn, who form the theatre company Hydrocracker. They devised a show where the actors, masquerading as waiters in a Pizza Restaurant, take over the performance when they hear that the real actors have been delayed driving down from Stratford. For the radio adaptation two extra characters played by Sian Webber and Richard Attlee, have been created.
Says Richard Hahlo: "They frame the action for those listening at home. It's good that we will record it live, because what you get are big chunks of Shakespeare interwoven into the to-ing and fro-ing of these waiters trying to get these speeches organised."
Cast:
Peter Quince ..... Richard Hahlo
Nick Bottom ..... Jonathan Cullen
Frances Flute ...... Fiona Dunn
Hermione ..... San Webber
Crispin ......Richard Attlee
Producer: Karen Rose
A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4.
FRI 11:58 Big Ben's Chimes (b03m3xk5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:58 today]
FRI 12:00 Steptoe and Son (b007jlj8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 12:30 Yes Minister (b007jznv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 13:00 A Case for Dr Morelle (b007qsk2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 13:30 John Mortimer - Rumpole (b007jsf6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 14:00 Dave Sheasby - Shifting the Leaves (b007jtc7)
Episode 4
Marjorie Beaumont discovers a link to her Cornish past, but still feels matters are not yet fully resolved.
Written by Dave Sheasby.
Marjorie Beaumont ...... Elizabeth Bradley.
Mrs Nugent ...... June Barrie
Mrs Lancaster-Fry ...... Shirley Brown
Producer: David Hunter
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1998.
FRI 14:15 Puzzling Passions (b0075yvk)
Treasure Hunters
Marcel Berlins examines the genuine physical pursuit of a goal. How does one deduce where a prize is buried? From October 2000.
FRI 14:30 Jan Struther - Mrs Miniver (b00nnmhy)
Doing a Mole; Christmas Shopping
Created in The Times of 1937 and immortalised on film, the engaging stories of an English housewife. Read by Penelope Wilton.
FRI 14:45 The Pantomime Life of Joseph Grimaldi (b00xnd57)
Episode 4
The clown's lampoonery and satire take panto into new areas, but physical comedy takes its toll. Read by Kenneth Cranham. From December 2009.
FRI 15:00 Classic Serial (b00mjklh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
FRI 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b03m3zrc)
Sir David Jason comes to the end of his colourful and atmospheric reading of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Plus, fed up with Christmas cake? Mary Berry has an alternative.
FRI 17:00 Capital Gains (b007rq8b)
Series 1
Capital Return
Home at last, how will Julius Hutch come to terms with the bank that made him rich? Can he set himself up to live happily ever after?
Peter Jones stars as Julius Hutch.
Written by Collin Johnson.
Julius Hutch ...... Peter Jones
Pauline Tone ...... Celestine Randall
Sexton Lewis ...... Jeffrey Wickham
Peter Fang ...... Peter Whitman
News Reader ...... Collin Johnson
Kate ...... Justine Midda
Producer: Andy Jordan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1995.
FRI 17:30 Smelling of Roses (b007jrrq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 18:00 Christopher Lee's Fireside Tales (b018js2l)
The Monkey's Paw
The master of terror shares WW Jacobs' classic tale of a sinister talisman sparking untold horror for a dear old couple.
FRI 18:15 MR James (b007k1kh)
MR James: Ghost Stories
Rats
Mr Thompson decides to explore the rooms at the inn where he is staying. Perhaps he shouldn't. Read by Benjamin Whitrow.
FRI 18:30 Wilkie Collins - Who Killed Zebedee? (b007jq12)
Episode 2
With just days to live, a Victorian policeman continues his final confession from his death bed.
With mystery still surrounding the brutal murder of John Zebedee, he recalls his determination to solve the case when the rest of the police force had given up.
Detective story by Wilkie Collins, first published in 1881.
Concluded by Ronald Pickup
Producer: Joanne Reardon
Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in October 2003.
FRI 18:58 Big Ben's Chimes (b03m3xk5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:58 today]
FRI 19:00 Steptoe and Son (b007jlj8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 19:30 Yes Minister (b007jznv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 20:00 A Case for Dr Morelle (b007qsk2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 20:30 John Mortimer - Rumpole (b007jsf6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 21:00 Roshi Fernando - Homesick (b01cwpxn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
FRI 21:15 Drama (b00jm2nr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
FRI 22:00 Meet David Sedaris (b03m3nty)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 22:30 I've Never Seen Star Wars (b014gsmn)
Series 4
Frank Skinner
Marcus Brigstocke invites comedian Frank Skinner to try 4 new things, including getting a spray tan and eating Jugged Hare.
Whether the experiences are banal or profound, the show is about embracing the new and getting out of our comfort zones.
The title comes from the fact that the show's producer and creator Bill Dare had never seen the film Star Wars.
Producer: Bill Dare
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2011.
FRI 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (b03ql75h)
For two hours, six nights a week, the Comedy Club offers the best laughs around. Tonight, Arthur Smith chats to Rob Newman.
FRI 23:00 Little Britain (b008gh5h)
Series 1
Episode 2
Back where it premiered, Matt Lucas and David Walliams' oddball TV smash hit without the cameras. From March 2001.
FRI 23:30 The Simon Day Show (b01j6t0s)
Series 2
Tommy Cockles
Simon Day and his characters once again welcome listeners to The Mallard, a small provincial theatre somewhere in the UK. Each week one of Simon's comic characters come to perform at The Mallard while the staff struggle with rivalries, self-doubt and the new owner's vision for the theatre's future.
This week popular, blazered entertainer Tommy Cockles arrives at the theatre to find it transformed. There's a new Nigerian owner, soundman Goose has been replaced by an authoritarian ex-copper and receptionist Catherine has disappeared off to India to find herself.
Cast list:
Tommy Cockles ..... Simon Day
Catherine ..... Catherine Shepherd
Emanuel Akinyemi ..... Felix Dexter
Pat Bennet ..... Morwenna Banks
Ron Bone ..... Simon Greenall
Written by Simon Day
Produced by Colin Anderson.