SATURDAY 28 DECEMBER 2013

SAT 00:00 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.
SAT 00:15 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.
SAT 00:30 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.
SAT 01:00 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.
SAT 01:30 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.
SAT 02:00 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.
SAT 02:30 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.
SAT 03:00 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.
SAT 04:00 Roshi Fernando - Homesick (b01cwv65)
Test
A day out with his son gives Rohan new understandings of love. Stories of Sri Lankan immigrants in Britain, read by Paul Bazely.
SAT 04:15 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.
SAT 05:00 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.
SAT 05:30 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.
SAT 06:00 Saturday Drama (b00s7yrb)
JB Priestley - An Inspector Calls
By J. B. Priestley
The Birlings are celebrating the engagement of their daughter Sheila when a police Inspector calls. Each member of the family is questioned about their relationship with a young woman, Eva Smith. And they each have to face up to their role in her tragic story.
Inspector Goole ... Toby Jones
Arthur Birling....David Calder
Sibyl Birling...Frances Barber
Sheila Birling ... Morvern Christie
Eric Birling ... Sam Alexander
Gerald Croft ...Geoffrey Streatfeild
Edna... Vineeta Rishi
Directed by Jeremy Mortimer.
SAT 07:30 The Seeds of Love (b00tvpvc)
Cecil Sharp collected thousands of songs to try and bring English folk music to a wider audience. Malcolm Taylor investigates. From August 2003.
SAT 07:58 Big Ben's Chimes (b03m78kj)
Big Ben as an Icon of Britain
Archive recordings and a new poem by Ian McMillan pay tribute to the chimes of Big Ben, familiar across the globe on BBC Radio.
SAT 08:00 Garrison Keillor's Radio Show (b01c6brd)
Series 7
Episode 18
From a gym in Minnesota, the American funny man welcomes a University Concert Choir and singing saw master Andy McCormick. From 2011.
SAT 09:00 Let's Get Quizzical (b0106tcv)
Brains, Pickles and Slips
Russell Davies' historical trawl through radio quiz and panel games includes Have a Go, Many a Slip, The News Quiz pilot and Twenty Questions, via numerous other classics.
SAT 11:58 Big Ben's Chimes (b03m78kj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:58 today]
SAT 12:00 The Tales of Beatrix Potter (Omnibus) (b0076gm4)
Five stories from celebrated children's author, Beatrix Potter - old favourites and some lesser known tales:
1. The Tale of Pigling Bland
Two young pigs embark on an adventure on the way to market. Starring Johnny Vegas and Morwenna Banks.
2. The Tale of Peter Rabbit
If there's one thing we should all know - it's NOT to go into Mr McGregor's garden. Starring Chris Addison.
3. The Tale of Jemima Puddleduck
Jemima looks for a quiet place to lay her eggs away from the farmer’s wife. Starring Janine Duvistki.
4. The Tale of Mr Tod
Tommy Brock the Badger and Mr Tod the fox are old enemies. Stars Seymour Mace and John Henshaw.
5. The Tale of Ginger and Pickles
A terrier and a ginger cat run a shop – mainly on credit. Stars Reece Shearsmith and John Henshaw.
Potter's love of the British landscape and its inhabitants - coupled with her world famous ability for storytelling - means she's been one of our most celebrated children's authors.
The timeless wonders of her stories pit the delight and childlike innocence of the very human characters against the dark and dramatic ruthlessness of the food-chain-led underbelly of Cumbria's fields and hedgerows.
Adapted and directed by Sean Grundy
Produced by Sally Harrison
A Woolyback production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in 2013.
SAT 13:15 Baldi (b007k085)
Series 3
The Bookcase
Paolo Baldi helps a librarian investigate the link between her young lover's death, a shifty Chicago cop and the surprisingly dangerous, illegal trade in rare books.
David Threlfall stars as the murder-solving priest, Paolo Baldi.
Written by Simon Brett.
With Tina Kellegher as Tina Mahon, Bill Nighy as O'Connor, TP McKenna as Father Troy, Geraldine James as Maggie,Owen Roe as Rynne, Gerard McSorley as Dr Virgo, Niall Buggy as Donal Clare, Luke Griffin as Billy and Collette Proctor as Kitty Henderson.
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 Dave Sheasby - Shifting the Leaves (b007jtch)
Episode 5
In her quest to finally come to terms with her Cornish past, Marjorie gets help from some youngsters.
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.
SAT 14:15 Puzzling Passions (b0075yr0)
Rock Paintings
Marcel Berlins gets his hands dirty when he delves into the world of tactile puzzles and a famous cube. From October 2000.
SAT 14:30 Jan Struther - Mrs Miniver (b00nnp65)
Back From Abroad; Three Stockings
The engaging stories of an English housewife, created in The Times of 1937 and immortalised on film. Read by Penelope Wilton.
SAT 14:45 The Pantomime Life of Joseph Grimaldi (b00xnddx)
Episode 5
Crippled by his comedy antics, the superstar clown must bow out. Kenneth Cranham concludes Andrew McConnell Stott's account. From December 2009.
SAT 15:00 Garrison Keillor's Radio Show (b01c6brd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
SAT 16:00 Saturday Drama (b00s7yrb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 17:30 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.
SAT 18:00 Fear on 4 (b0088l6z)
Series 1
Speciality of the House
Mr Costain is introduced to a fine restaurant by his boss, but what exactly is in the Special? Stars Timothy West and the Man in Black, Edward De Souza.
SAT 18:30 The Price of Fear (b007jmgf)
Come as You Are
Horror film legend Vincent Price gets a chilling invitation to a very special costume party.
Co-starring Morris Perry, Betty Huntley-Wright and Peter Williams.
Scripted by Bill Ingram.
Producer: John Dyas
First broadcast on the BBC World Service in 1974.
SAT 18:58 Big Ben's Chimes (b03m78kj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:58 today]
SAT 19:00 Let's Get Quizzical (b0106tcv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 22:00 The Lawrence Sweeney Mix (b00kpybx)
Series 1
Episode 4
Something you find in the Attic – and an unusual gathering with the neighbours...
Josie Lawrence and Jim Sweeney make it up as they go along!
Faced with a live studio audience and a couple of microphones - the masters of improve create sketches from shouted out suggestions.
Producer: Dawn Ellis
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2007.
SAT 22:30 The Jason Byrne Show (b01g7nry)
Series 2
Holidays
Award-winning comedian Jason Byrne tackles the stress of going on holiday.
Stand up and sketches with Laurence Howarth and Daisy Haggard.
Producer: Julia McKenzie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2009.
SAT 23:00 Julie Enfield Investigates (b010nwbj)
Leaves of the Dead
4. Pyramids In The Spider
Rendered unconscious, detective superintendent Julie Enfield has been injected with a deadly drug.
Are Lawrence Evans and her dad in a position to help?
Conclusion of Nick Fisher’s atmospheric thriller starring Imelda Staunton as Julie Enfield.
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
Arthur Morton ...... Stephen Thorne
Richard Baker ...... Ioan Meredith
Sal ...... Tracy-Ann Oberman
Terry Faulkner ...... Hugh Dickson
Producer: Richard Wortley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1997.
SAT 23:30 Jennifer Donnelly - A Gathering Light (b0150pc2)
Episode 1
In 1906 the body of a drowned woman is found in Big Moose Lake, in upstate New York.
As the story behind Grace Brown's death unfolds, 17 year old Mattie Gokey must chose to between her desire to be a writer, and the excitement of a first romance.
Jennifer Donnelly's debut novel read by Vicki Simon.
Abridged by Penny Leicester.
Producer: Liz Allard
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2004.
SAT 23:45 The Late Alfred Hitchcock Presents (b00tqlfh)
The Waxwork
By AM Burrage. In a reprise of the director's celebrated series from beyond the grave, convincing effigies become all too real. Stars Michael Roberts.


SUNDAY 29 DECEMBER 2013

SUN 00:00 Fear on 4 (b0088l6z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Saturday]
SUN 00:30 The Price of Fear (b007jmgf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Saturday]
SUN 01:00 Garrison Keillor's Radio Show (b01c6brd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Saturday]
SUN 02:00 The Tales of Beatrix Potter (Omnibus) (b0076gm4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:00 on Saturday]
SUN 03:15 Baldi (b007k085)
[Repeat of broadcast at 13:15 on Saturday]
SUN 04:00 Saturday Drama (b00s7yrb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]
SUN 05:30 Meet David Sedaris (b03m3nty)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:30 on Saturday]
SUN 06:00 Dave Sheasby - Shifting the Leaves (Omnibus) (b007jtcr)
Returning to Porthant Bay in Cornwall after 60 years. Marjorie Beaumont is coming to terms with her past
Omnibus written by Dave Sheasby.
Marjorie Beaumont ...... Elizabeth Bradley.
Mrs Nugent ...... June Barrie
Mandy ...... Alison Pettitt
Tilson ...... Tristan Sturrock
Producer: David Hunter
First broadcast in five parts on BBC Radio 4 in April 1998.
SUN 07:15 Could Do Better (b03m7dn7)
Terence Stamp
Robert Booth summons Terence Stamp to his study for a quiet word about the actor's school reports. From November 1987.
SUN 07:30 Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show! (b00gllnq)
Series 4
An Audience With
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.
A timely visit from the vicar interrupts Arthur's artistic flow as he pens a new novel, and reminds him that he needs to organise entertainment for a fundraiser that night.
The choice of headliner is obvious, but who will he get to support? Surely some auditions in the Shoulder of Mutton will tempt some local talent out of the woodwork.
With Steve Delaney, Mel Giedroyc, Dave Mounfield and Alastair Kerr.
A Komedia Entertainment/Smooth Operations production for BBC Radio 4.
SUN 07:58 Big Ben's Chimes (b03m7fq9)
Big Ben as Beating Heart
Ian McMillan's new poem pays moving tribute to the hope-inspiring chimes of Big Ben on BBC Radio throughout World War II.
SUN 08:00 The Burkiss Way (b00gs06p)
Series 2
Influence Friends and Win People...
Helpful hints from the Smarty Pants family and Knickertwist Copperby.
The Burkiss Way to Dynamic Living from radio's Advanced Correspondence Course
With instruction from Jo Kendall, Nigel Rees, Chris Emmett and Fred Harris.
Learn the Burkiss Way to write a script like Andrew Marshall and David Renwick and the Burkiss Way to produce a programme like Simon Brett (You'll be amazed at the results!)
Cult sketch show first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1976.
SUN 08:30 The Clitheroe Kid (b007jzmn)
Series 7
A Load of Chinese Junk
Hijinks abound as the cheeky schoolboy performs in a pantomime, with a twist. 50th anniversary broadcast on the exact day. Stars Jimmy Clitheroe. From December 1963.
SUN 09:00 The Silver Sword - Ian Serraillier (b010tbkc)
Episode 1
When the Germans march into Poland in 1939, the Balicki family are suddenly torn apart by war. Stars Sarah McDonald Hughes.
SUN 09:30 Herge - The Adventures of Tintin (b009mb9h)
Series 2
The Red Sea Sharks, part 1
The intrepid boy reporter, Captain Haddock and Snowy try to avert a coup d'etat. Stars Richard Pearce and Andrew Sachs.
SUN 10:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b03m7hk6)
The Good Life
Felicity Kendal
4 Extra Debut. From Bream to A Chorus Line, the Good Life star shares her castaway choices with Roy Plomley. From April 1978.
SUN 10:45 Short Stories by John Mortimer (b007jzcv)
The Mysterious Affair
Freddy becomes convinced that his father has played a gruesome part in his grandfather's sudden disappearance
Written by John Mortimer and read by Bernard Cribbins.
Producer: Emma Harding
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2003.
SUN 11:00 That Reminds Me (b007jn9p)
Series 2
Maureen Lipman
Actress Maureen Lipman looks back on her career in film, TV and the theatre, as she entertains an audience.
Featuring memories of growing up in Hull and her great heroine, Joyce Grenfell.
Producer: Claire Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2000.
SUN 11:30 Dad Made Me Laugh (b00mzw55)
Anthony Bygraves
Max Bygraves' son chats to Sally Magnusson about growing up with a famous showbiz father.
Producer: Mike Walker
First broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland in September 2006.
SUN 11:58 Big Ben's Chimes (b03m7fq9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:58 today]
SUN 12:00 Dave Sheasby - Shifting the Leaves (Omnibus) (b007jtcr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 13:15 Could Do Better (b03m7dn7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
SUN 13:30 Alan Garner - The Owl Service (b007jq2t)
Mysterious events in a house turn frightening in a gripping reworking of the Welsh Blodeuwedd myth. Stars Siriol Jenkins.
SUN 15:00 The Burkiss Way (b00gs06p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
SUN 15:30 The Clitheroe Kid (b007jzmn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
SUN 16:00 Mel's Mix: The Best of The 4 O'Clock Show (b03m7j1w)
The pick of the week's 4 O'Clock Show, with Mel Giedroyc.
SUN 17:00 The Silver Sword - Ian Serraillier (b010tbkc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SUN 17:30 Herge - The Adventures of Tintin (b009mb9h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SUN 18:00 The Laxian Key (b007k2tx)
Episode 3
With the planetary decontaminationists on the run, Arnold's apologetic call for melting Earth is traced.
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 (b00yy6vt)
Israbel By Tanith Lee
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...
Mark Bonnar and Claire Harry read Tanith Lee’s tale: A beautiful vampire hires an artist to paint her portrait, but then he develops a dangerous obsession...
Producer: Gemma Jenkins
Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in February 2011.
SUN 18:58 Big Ben's Chimes (b03m7fq9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:58 today]
SUN 19:00 That Reminds Me (b007jn9p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
SUN 19:30 Dad Made Me Laugh (b00mzw55)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:30 today]
SUN 20:00 The Burkiss Way (b00gs06p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
SUN 20:30 The Clitheroe Kid (b007jzmn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
SUN 21:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b03m7hk6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 21:45 Short Stories by John Mortimer (b007jzcv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:45 today]
SUN 22:00 Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show! (b00gllnq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 22:30 The Richest Man in Britain (b00nz1bk)
The African Village
Sitcom by Nick Hornby and Giles Smith about an ageing rock star and his search for fulfilment.
Trillionnaire rocker Dave Mabbutt contemplates the purchase of an African village to complement his afternoons-only radio station.
Dave Mabbutt ...... Mark Williams
Dom ...... Russell Tovey
Naomi, the Charity Worker ...... Ayesha Antoine
Dave's Mum ...... Lynda Bellingham
Ken, the Maintenance Man ...... Phil Cornwell.
SUN 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (b03ql75m)
For two hours, six nights a week, the Comedy Club offers the best laughs around. Tonight, Arthur Smith chats to Rob Newman.
SUN 23:00 King Cutler (b008vr1b)
King Cutler III
Another zesty batch of poems, songs and stories from Phyllis King and Ivor Cutler.
Interrupting from beyond the harmonium are Dylan Edwards , David Lloyd and Craig Murray-Orr.
Producer: Neil Cargill
First broadcast on BBC Radio 3 in January 1990.
SUN 23:30 The Maltby Collection (b00mvr2w)
Series 3
Episode 6
Walter continues to be suspicious of his wife's attempts at reconciliation, and the Crumb-Looselys' long-distance relationship steers towards the rocks.
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 ...... Chris Pavlo
Gloria Brindle ...... Helen Atkinson-Wood
Vicar ...... Stephen K Amos
Producer: Colin Anderson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2009.


MONDAY 30 DECEMBER 2013

MON 00:00 The Laxian Key (b007k2tx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Sunday]
MON 00:30 A Short History of Vampires (b00yy6vt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Sunday]
MON 01:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b03m7hk6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Sunday]
MON 01:45 Short Stories by John Mortimer (b007jzcv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:45 on Sunday]
MON 02:00 That Reminds Me (b007jn9p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 on Sunday]
MON 02:30 Dad Made Me Laugh (b00mzw55)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:30 on Sunday]
MON 03:00 The Burkiss Way (b00gs06p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Sunday]
MON 03:30 Alan Garner - The Owl Service (b007jq2t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 13:30 on Sunday]
MON 05:00 The Silver Sword - Ian Serraillier (b010tbkc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Sunday]
MON 05:30 Herge - The Adventures of Tintin (b009mb9h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Sunday]
MON 06:00 Agatha Christie (b0081rx2)
The Sittaford Mystery
1. The Message
A blizzard has hit England.
In the tiny village of Sittaford, on the fringes of Dartmoor, a party of six is gathered in Sittaford House, home of Captain Trevelyan. He's rented the house out for the winter and is staying in a nearby village. As evening draws in, a séance is proposed.
But it reveals something far more sinister than they'd all anticipated...
Starring Geoffrey Whitehead and Barbara Atkinson.
First published in 1931, Agatha Christie's whodunit dramatised in five parts.
Inspector Narracott …. Geoffrey Whitehead
Mrs. Curtis …. Barbara Atkinson
Major Burnaby …. Norman Bird
Mrs. Willett …. Susan Westerby
Violet Willett …. Victoria Carling
Mr. Rycroft …. John Moffat
Mr. Duke …. Michael Graham Cox
Ronnie Garfield …. Nigel Greaves
Sergeant Pollock …. Vincent Brimble
Doctor Warren …. Michael Kilgarriff
Evans …. Donald Gee
Jim Pearson …. Stephen Garlick
Dramatised and directed by Michael Bakewell.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1990.
MON 06:30 John Mortimer - Rumpole (b007k4nk)
The Defence of Guthrie Featherstone
Rumpole recalls the tale of a philandering member of chambers.
"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, Angela Thorne as Marigold Featherstone and Michael Elphick as Bertie Timson.
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 PG Wodehouse (b00b7b0p)
What Ho! Jeeves: Joy in the Morning
Steeple Bumpleigh
Forced into a meeting he's been trying to avoid at the cottage, Bertie Wooster gets a warning.
PG Wodehouse's romp starring Michael Hordern and Richard Briers.
Adapted by Chris Miller.
Jeeves ...... Michael Hordern
Bertie Wooster ..... Richard Briers
Stilton Cheesewright ..... Michael Kilgarriff
Boko Fittleworth ..... Jonathan Cecil
Edwin the Boy Scout ..... Denise Bryer
Producer: Simon Brett
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1978.
MON 07:30 Just a Minute (b03m43g1)
Just a Christmas Minute
Nicholas Parsons ho-ho-hosts a Christmas edition of the deviously, divine linguistic panel show with Pam Ayres, Stephen Mangan, Gyles Brandreth and Paul Merton being challenged to talk on Christmas themed subjects without hesitation, deviation or repetition for Just A Minute.
MON 07:58 Big Ben's Chimes (b03m80vk)
Big Ben - Good News
Archive recordings and a new poem by Ian McMillan reflect on Big Ben's chimes on BBC Radio during pivotal moments in history.
MON 08:00 Round the Horne (b00svbbs)
Series 4
Episode 6
Kenneth Horne's in for a shock from sneaky Kenneth Williams in 'Big Broads Don't Squeal' - and bona gifts galore from Julian and Sandy.
With 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.
Written by Barry Took, Johnnie Mortimer, Brian Cooke and Donald 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 (b007k188)
Series 9
Seeing Red
Can the inept crew of HMS Troutbridge manage to carry Sir Willoughby Todhunter-Brown to a secret rendezvous?

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
Russian Minister ...... Heather Chasen
Dorps ...... Ronnie Barker
Sir Willoughby Todhunter Brown ...... Tenniel Evans
Russian Frigate Captain. ....... Michael Bates

Written by Lawrie Wyman.

Producer: Alastair Scott Johnston.

First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in September 1967.
MON 09:00 2525 (b03m80yd)
Episode 2
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 invites you to hear more snippets of our future from weight-gain classes to talking pets.
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 (b00lgn62)
Vorsprung Durch Picnik
Adverts make the heart grow fonder for the four friends. Stars Jeremy Hardy, Kit Hollerbach and Caroline Leddy. From May 1990.
MON 10:00 Margaret Oliphant - Phoebe Junior (b03m7vj1)
The Young Lady in Black
Mrs Oliphant wrote her last chapter of the Chronicles of Carlingford when Lucilla Marjoribanks married Tom.
It's now 1875 and Mrs Oliphant returns to the town to focus on Phoebe Beecham's family - with the jealousies and rivalries of Carlingford between the Church and the Dissenters and Society and its shopkeepers.
Stars Elizabeth Spriggs as Mrs Oliphant, Charlotte Attenborough as Phoebe, Junior, Michael Onslow as Clarence Copperhead, Timothy West as Copperhead, Elizabeth Proud as Mrs Copperhead, Norman Bird as Mr Beecham, Ann Windsor as Phoebe, Snr, John Hollis as Tozer, Cathy Sara as Ursula, Peter Jeffrey as Mr May, Fiona Christie as Janey May, Richard Derrington as Reginald May, David King as Sir Robert Dorset, Sunny Ormonde as Ann Dorset and Oona Beeson as Sophy Dorset.
Music composed and played by Malcolm McKee.
Directed at BBC Pebble Mill by Sue Wilson.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1994.
MON 11:00 Roshi Fernando - Homesick (b01cwv65)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:00 on Saturday]
MON 11:15 Loose Ends (b03mckkx)
Emma Freud, Arthur Smith, Danny Wallace, Miranda Sawyer, Scottee, Emma Kennedy, Alison Moyet, London Community Gospel Choir
Clive Anderson is joined by regular guest interviewers Emma Freud, Arthur Smith, Danny Wallace, Nikki Bedi, Miranda Sawyer and Scottee for an eclectic, festive mix of conversation, music and comedy at the Loose Ends Christmas party. With Emma Kennedy and music from Alison Moyet and The London Community Gospel Choir.
MON 11:58 Big Ben's Chimes (b03m80vk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:58 today]
MON 12:00 Round the Horne (b00svbbs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 12:30 The Navy Lark (b007k188)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 13:00 Agatha Christie (b0081rx2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 13:30 John Mortimer - Rumpole (b007k4nk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 14:00 The Churchills - Speaking for Themselves (b007jrdv)
Episode 1
Winston woos his bride as "Pug" and "Cat" get romantic.
From one of the great romances of the 20th century - the personal letters of Winston and Clementine Churchill, edited by their daughter Mary Soames.
Read by Alex Jennings and Sylvestra le Touzel.
Narrated by Helen Bourne.
Abridged in ten parts by Penny Leicester.
Producer: Di Speirs
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1999.
MON 14:15 A Short History of Ireland (b007k31m)
The First Plants, Animals and People; Stone Age Ireland
The country's rich and turbulent story begins in the Ice Age. Written by Dr Jonathan Bardon, with Frances Tomelty.
MON 14:30 Eric Lomax - The Railway Man (b008jf5v)
Episode 1
Eric Lomax's best-selling autobiography, featuring his wartime experiences as a prisoner of the Japanese. Read by Alec Heggie.
MON 14:45 Sir John Betjeman - Summoned by Bells (b008jdch)
Before MCMXIV
4 Extra Debut. The late poet laureate's 'life in verse', from nursery to university. Read by the author. Recorded in 1960.
MON 15:00 Margaret Oliphant - Phoebe Junior (b03m7vj1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
MON 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b03m8209)
Join Mel for the first episode of our story, Stig of the Dump, the classic story by Clive King about a boy called Barney who befriends a caveman who lives in a rubbish dump.
MON 17:00 The World As We Know It (b00fnrkf)
Around the World in 80 Hours
It's Bank Holiday weekend and Donna, Johnny, Patrick and Abigail see no reason to end their usual habits just because the world has ended.
So they do what they usually do and go away on holiday. But with the choice of anywhere in the world, where will they go?
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 June 1999.
MON 17:30 PG Wodehouse (b00b7b0p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 18:00 Terry Pratchett (b007jl80)
Wyrd Sisters
1. Surprise Bundle
Three witches meet on a blasted heath while murder is in the air.
Starring Sheila Hancock, Lynda Baron and Deborah Berlin.
Terry Pratchett's popular tale dramatised in four parts by Vince Foxall.
Granny Weatherwax …. Sheila Hancock
Nanny Ogg …. Lynda Baron
Magrat Garlick …. Deborah Berlin
Duke Felmet …. Ian Masters
Lady Felmet …. Kristin Milward
King Verence …. John Hartley
Mrs Vitoller …. Natasha Pyne
Hwel …. Brian Hibbard
Fool …. Andrew Branch
Vitoller …. Gavin Muir
Death was played by himself.
All other parts played by the cast.
Director: Claire Grove
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1995.
MON 18:30 John Wyndham - The Midwich Cuckoos (b007jmfp)
Episode 1
The mystery deepens when all the residents of the rural village of Midwich suddenly fall into a state of unconsciousness...
The classic 1957 sci-fi novel by John Wyndam (1903-1969) adapted in three-parts by William Ingram.
Colonel Bernard Westcott ...... Charles Kay
Richard Gayford ...... William Gaunt
Gordon Zellaby ...... Manning Wilson
Angela Zellaby ...... Pauline Yates
Janet Gayford ...... Rosalind Adams
Ferrelyn Zellaby ...... Jenny Quayle
Alan Hughes ...... Gordon Dulieu
Doctor Willers ...... Hugh Dickson
Vicar Leebody ...... William Ingram
Colonel Latcher ...... Garard Green
Captain Beamish ...... Martin Bansley
Group Captain Harding ...... Peter Tuddenham
Chief Constable ...... Ronald Baddiley
Pilot ...... Alex Jennings
PC ...... David Peart
Base Controller ...... Edward Cast
Music specially composed by Roger Limb of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop.
Director: Gordon House
First broadcast on the BBC World Service in December 1982.
MON 18:58 Big Ben's Chimes (b03m80vk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:58 today]
MON 19:00 Round the Horne (b00svbbs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 19:30 The Navy Lark (b007k188)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 20:00 Agatha Christie (b0081rx2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 20:30 John Mortimer - Rumpole (b007k4nk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 21:00 Roshi Fernando - Homesick (b01cwv65)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:00 on Saturday]
MON 21:15 Loose Ends (b03mckkx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
MON 22:00 Just a Minute (b03m43g1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 22:30 2525 (b03m80yd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
MON 22:55 Pattie Brewster Comedy Club Shorts (b007k3qv)
Positivity
Tonight, normal, non-creepy and okay girl Pattie Brewster will show you how to become more positive, as being positive can help you live a more positive life.
MON 23:00 Genius (b008gh65)
Series 1
Paul Daniels
From the 99p coin to steel drum urinals.
Dave Gorman asks magician Paul Daniels to select the public's best loopy idea.
The first of three radio comedy series where award-winning comedian Dave Gorman and a celebrity guest chew over the ridiculous, unworkable but sometimes genius inventions, schemes and policies of the public.
Producer: Simon Nicholls
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2005.
MON 23:30 Think the Unthinkable (b007jm2g)
Series 1
Longley's Bank
Longley's Bank recruits consultants Unthinkable Solutions to transform its image.
Daisy, Sophie and Ryan persuade Longleys to change its name, its logo and even the design of its bank. At least they can say no company they've ever worked with was ever the same again.
James Cary’s award-winning sitcom about management consultants.
Sophie Stott ...... Emma Kennedy
Ryan Packer ...... Marcus Brigstocke
Daisy de Vere ...... Catherine Shepherd
John ...... Stephen Moore
Derek ...... Kim Wall
Vanessa ...... Olivia Colman.
Script associates: Paul Mayhew-Archer and Ed Drew.
Music by John Whitehall.
Producer: Adam Bromley.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2001.


TUESDAY 31 DECEMBER 2013

TUE 00:00 Terry Pratchett (b007jl80)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Monday]
TUE 00:30 John Wyndham - The Midwich Cuckoos (b007jmfp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Monday]
TUE 01:00 Agatha Christie (b0081rx2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]
TUE 01:30 John Mortimer - Rumpole (b007k4nk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Monday]
TUE 02:00 2525 (b03m80yd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Monday]
TUE 02:30 At Home With the Hardys (b00lgn62)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:00 Margaret Oliphant - Phoebe Junior (b03m7vj1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:00 Roshi Fernando - Homesick (b01cwv65)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:00 on Saturday]
TUE 04:15 Loose Ends (b03mckkx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 on Monday]
TUE 05:00 The World As We Know It (b00fnrkf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:00 on Monday]
TUE 05:30 PG Wodehouse (b00b7b0p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Monday]
TUE 06:00 Agatha Christie (b007jlqg)
The Sittaford Mystery
2. An Arrest for Murder
A seance at the remote Sittaford House has revealed the murder of Captain Trevelyan.
But who could have killed a man who didn't have an enemy in the world...?
Geoffrey Whitehead stars in Agatha Christie's whodunit.
Inspector Narracott …. Geoffrey Whitehead
Evans …. Donald Gee
Mrs. Belling …. Jo Kendall
Major Burnaby …. Norman Bird
Williamson …. David Goudge
Kirkwood …. John Gabriel
Charles Enderby …. Stephen Tompkinson
Beatrice …. Alice Arnold
Mrs. Gardner …. Anna Cropper
Sylvia Dering …. Susan Sheridan
Jim Pearson …. Stephen Garlick
Emily Trefusis …. Melinda Walker
Dramatised and directed by Michael Bakewell.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1990.
TUE 06:30 John Mortimer - Rumpole (b007jsgf)
The Show Folk
Rumpole recalls the case of an actress accused of murder.
"The Splendours And Miseries Of An Old Bailey Hack". Starring Maurice Denham as ageing London barrister-at-law Horace Rumpole.
With Derek Farr as Mr Justice Skelton, Peter Woodthorpe as Tommy Pierce and Jonathan Scott as Jarvis Allen.
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 (b007k1yv)
Episode 6
Edgar Finchley meets a one-man band, is put in the picture and all is revealed.
Victor Canning's novel about the adventures of a man and his horse-drawn caravan touring the 1930s countryside of Kent.
Richard Griffiths stars as Mr Finchley.
With Peter Vaughan as Turk, Robert Gill as Robert Finchley, Dinah Sheridan as Mrs Finchley, Richard Ridings as Duffy, Ian Bartholomew as Jenks, Bill Wallis as Joe Turnbull, Geoffrey McGivern as James Grimes, Sebastian Brennan as Clarence Armitage and Jacqueline Tong as Mrs Armitage.
Concluding episode 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 Chain Reaction (b03m81pm)
Series 9
Terry Christian talks to Kevin Bridges
Manchester's very own Terry Christian talks to Scotland's comedy superstar Kevin Bridges.
Chain Reaction is the long-running host-less chat show where last week's interviewee becomes this week's interviewer.
Producer: Carl Cooper
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2013.
TUE 07:58 Big Ben's Chimes (b03mj0vc)
New Year in War Time
Ian McMillan's new poem imagines allied troops in World War II, listening out for the New Year chimes of Big Ben on BBC Radio.
TUE 08:00 The Goon Show (b007jmyg)
Series 6
The Greenslade Story
The amazing story of the rise and fall of BBC Home Service radio announcer Wallace Greenslade.
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 December 1955.
TUE 08:30 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b007ww6z)
Series 1
Episode 2
Shady lawyer Flywheel goes into showbiz, taking over running of the theatre company.
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 Genius (b008gh65)
[Repeat of broadcast at 23:00 on Monday]
TUE 09:30 Spread a Little Happiness (b00kjjyp)
Series 1
Episode 1
Comedy by John Godber and Jane Thornton, set in a Yorkshire sandwich bar.
Today's the day that Jodie opens her own business, a sandwich bar in Beverley, East Yorkshire, and she is excited and a bit anxious. But fortunately for her she has Hope, who has just left her husband and come to live on Jodie's floor, and is very willing to help.
Hope ...... Suranne Jones
Jodie ...... Susan Cookson
Milkman ...... Shaun Prendergast
Dustbinman ...... Ben Crowe
Directed by Chris Wallis.
TUE 10:00 Margaret Oliphant - Phoebe Junior (b03m7vj3)
A New Gentleman
Phoebe Beecham has met Clarence Copperhead at a Ball in London. His wealthy father disapproves of her, and she fortuitously leaves London to visit her sick Grandmother in Carlingford but gets a shock on arrival...
Stars Elizabeth Spriggs as Mrs Oliphant, Charlotte Attenborough as Phoebe, Junior and Peter Jeffrey as Mr May.
Dramatised from Margaret Oliphant's 1876 novel by Elizabeth Proud.
Producer: Sue Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1994.
TUE 11:00 Robin Black - If I Loved You, I Would Tell You This (b00sm5bj)
If I Loved You
'If I Loved You, I Would Tell You This' is the debut collection by US author Robin Black, whose work has drawn comparisons with that of Lorrie Moore and Alice Munroe. This week's selection of stories of loss, love and redemption chart the very everyday lives of suburban American families with wisdom, humour and humanity.
A woman struggles to make sense of the insensitivities of a new neighbour, while she tries to come to terms with her own, very imminent demise.
Robin Black's stories and essays have appeared in numerous US magazines and newspapers, where she has also won several awards, but this is her first published collection. She is currently teaching creative writing at Bryn Mawr College, Pennsylvania, and lives with her family in Philadelphia.
Reader: Debora Weston
Abridger: Richard Hamilton
Producer: Justine Willett.
TUE 11:15 Christopher Reason - The Final Furlong (b0075cwc)
An old man with a broken heart wonders whether he can remedy his sorry situation. Poignant monologue with Bernard Cribbins.
TUE 11:58 Big Ben's Chimes (b03mj0vc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:58 today]
TUE 12:00 The Goon Show (b007jmyg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 12:30 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b007ww6z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 13:00 Agatha Christie (b007jlqg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 13:30 John Mortimer - Rumpole (b007jsgf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 14:00 The Churchills - Speaking for Themselves (b007jrf5)
Episode 2
The letters of Winston and Clementine Churchill, recalling time spent apart as their daughter grows up. With Alex Jennings. From February 1999.
TUE 14:15 A Short History of Ireland (b007k32m)
Neolithic Megaliths; The First Farmers
The country's epic story continues with the huts, megaliths and burial chambers of the Stone Age. With James Greene.
TUE 14:30 Eric Lomax - The Railway Man (b03mj37r)
Episode 2
The outbreak of the Second World War allows the young Scot to escape from his mundane Post Office job. Read by Alec Heggie.
TUE 14:45 Sir John Betjeman - Summoned by Bells (b03mj43d)
The Dawn of Guilt
The late poet laureate's 'life in verse', from nursery to university. Read by the author. Recorded in 1960.
TUE 15:00 Margaret Oliphant - Phoebe Junior (b03m7vj3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
TUE 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b03mj43g)
Mel Giedroyc says Happy Birthday to actor Sir Ben Kingsley, the villain in Iron Man 3. Plus, on the last day of the year, she hears about the traditions of the Scottish Hogmanay.
TUE 17:00 Flying the Flag (b00dk3vl)
Series 4
As Unequal as Others
When equal rights for women appears on the agenda, closely followed by the emergence of militant feminists, the ambassador is stuck by the echo of men closing ranks.
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 US Ambassador Spiro Weinberg.
Producer: Neil Cargill
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1992.
TUE 17:30 Mr Finchley Takes the Road (b007k1yv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 18:00 Terry Pratchett (b007lzwx)
Wyrd Sisters
2. Three Wishes
The new monarch has a troubled conscience and a wife like Lucrezia Borgia.
The three witches have decisions to make...
Starring Sheila Hancock, Lynda Baron and Deborah Berlin.
Terry Pratchett's popular tale dramatised by Vince Foxall.
Granny Weatherwax …. Sheila Hancock
Nanny Ogg …. Lynda Baron
Magrat Garlick …. Deborah Berlin
Duke Felmet …. Ian Masters
Lady Felmet …. Kristin Milward
King Verence …. John Hartley
Mrs Vitoller …. Natasha Pyne
Vitoller …. Gavin Muir
The Fool …. Andrew Branch
Hwel …. Brian Hibbard
Director: Claire Grove
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1995.
TUE 18:30 John Wyndham - The Midwich Cuckoos (b007jmg5)
Episode 2
There are moral and security issues when all the women of child-bearing age in the village of Midwich simultaneously become pregnant by an alien force.
The classic 1957 sci-fi novel by John Wyndam dramatised by William Ingram.
Bernard Westcott …. Charles Kay
Gordon Zellaby …. Manning Wilson
Angela Zellaby …. Pauline Yates
Richard Gayford …. William Gaunt
Janet Gayford/Secretary …. Rosalind Adams
Ferrelyn Zellaby …. Jenny Quayle
Alan Hughes …. Gordon Dulieu
Vicar Leebody …. William Ingram
Doctor Willers …. Hugh Dickson
Music specially composed by Roger Limb of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop.
Director: Gordon House.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1982.
TUE 18:58 Big Ben's Chimes (b03mj0vc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:58 today]
TUE 19:00 The Goon Show (b007jmyg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 19:30 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b007ww6z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 20:00 Agatha Christie (b007jlqg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 20:30 John Mortimer - Rumpole (b007jsgf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 21:00 Robin Black - If I Loved You, I Would Tell You This (b00sm5bj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
TUE 21:15 Christopher Reason - The Final Furlong (b0075cwc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
TUE 22:00 Chain Reaction (b03m81pm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 22:30 The Mark Steel Lecture (b007md98)
Series 2
Che Guevara
The radical comedian profiles the revolutionary leader who became a left-wing hero, despite chronic asthma. From April 2001.
TUE 22:55 Pattie Brewster Comedy Club Shorts (b03qglp6)
Confidence
Start 2014 in style by thinking that you are good. Self-esteem guru Pattie Brewster will help find your confidence levels, and give fantastic advice on how to be more confident.
TUE 23:00 The Museum of Everything (b00899zt)
Series 1
Welcome to the Museum of Everything
Feel free to wander round our many galleries and experience the history of everything. Learn about the history of everything.
Learn about the history of wicker, tour a stately home and discover the real identity of Jack the Ripper.
Written and performed by Marcus Brigstocke, Danny Robins and Dan Tetsell.
With Lucy Montgomery.
Music by Dominic Haslam and Ben Walker.
Producer: Alex Walsh-Taylor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2004.
TUE 23:30 Mordrin McDonald: 21st Century Wizard (b00yz2hw)
Series 2
Merlin's Visit
Written by David Kay & Gavin Smith.
Step into the magically mundane world that is the life of 21st century wizard Mordrin McDonald. An isolated 2000-year-old sorcerer with enough power in his small finger to destroy a town, yet not even enough clout to get his bins emptied on time by the local council. Even for such a skilful sorcerer - modern life is rubbish!
Mordrin is deadpan, dry and makes delicious jams. He initially set up as a plc for income tax relief, but has found it a useful vehicle to help him bolster his Wizard skill set and his range of services. (Even a wizard has to diversify). He's been running Fruity Potions from his cave for the past few years, in between completing the odd quest as instructed by the Wizard Council. In the past his services were to help kings in battles of good and evil, or as he prefers to put it, 'assisting with neighbour disputes.'
This week Mordrin has to prepare for the visit of Merlin to Blairochil, and eyeing an opportunity for a promotion, pulls out all the stops.
Cast:
Mordrin: David Kay
Geoff: Gordon Kennedy
Heather: Hannah Donaldson
Bernard The Blue: Jack Docherty
Lord Cumnock: Michael McKenzie
Policeman: Jonny Austin
Producer/Director: Gus Beattie
A Comedy Unit production for BBC Radio 4.
TUE 23:45 Mastering the Universe (b00sg6yn)
Series 1
The Joy of Sulks
Professor Joy Klamp tours the miserable world of relationships. Stars Dawn French and Christopher Douglas. From November 2005.


WEDNESDAY 01 JANUARY 2014

WED 00:00 Terry Pratchett (b007lzwx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Tuesday]
WED 00:30 John Wyndham - The Midwich Cuckoos (b007jmg5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Tuesday]
WED 01:00 Agatha Christie (b007jlqg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:30 John Mortimer - Rumpole (b007jsgf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Tuesday]
WED 02:00 Genius (b008gh65)
[Repeat of broadcast at 23:00 on Monday]
WED 02:30 Spread a Little Happiness (b00kjjyp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:00 Margaret Oliphant - Phoebe Junior (b03m7vj3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:00 Robin Black - If I Loved You, I Would Tell You This (b00sm5bj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:15 Christopher Reason - The Final Furlong (b0075cwc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 on Tuesday]
WED 05:00 Flying the Flag (b00dk3vl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:00 on Tuesday]
WED 05:30 Mr Finchley Takes the Road (b007k1yv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Tuesday]
WED 06:00 Agatha Christie (b007k07y)
The Sittaford Mystery
3. Emily Goes to Work
James Pearson has been arrested for the murder of his uncle.
But his fiancee Emily is determined to prove his innocence.
Geoffrey Whitehead stars in Agatha Christie's whodunnit.
Inspector Narracott …. Geoffrey Whitehead
Emily Trefusis …. Melinda Walker
Charles Enderby …. Stephen Tompkinson
Mrs. Belling …. Jo Kendall
Mrs. Willett …. Susan Westerby
Violet Willett …. Victoria Carling
Mrs. Curtis …. Barbara Atkinson
Major Burnaby …. Norman Bird
Maid …. Jane Slavin
Cab Driver …. Vincent Brimble
Dramatised and directed by Michael Bakewell.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1990.
WED 06:30 John Mortimer - Rumpole (b007jsgq)
The Fascist Beast
Rumpole takes on a new pupil and defends a racist politician.
"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 John Bott as Judge Jameson, Michael Spice as Guthrie Featherstone, Lockwood West as Mr Keith and Saeed Jaffrey as Lutuf Khan.
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.
WED 07:00 Tales From the Mausoleum Club (b007jnlh)
The Turn of the Knob
Miss Primrose's gruesome story of her time as governess at a country mansion. Stars Miranda Richardson. From January 1987.
WED 07:30 What Does the K Stand For? (b03m7pzs)
Series 1
The First Noel
The Amos family plan to fly out to celebrate Christmas in Lagos, Nigeria.
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
Check-in attendant ... Harry Jardine
Producer: Colin Anderson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2013.
WED 08:00 Marking Monkhouse (b03mj8xd)
Fletcher's Fare
Cyril Fletcher mixes monologues and sketches with special guest, film star Herbert Lom (Inspector Dreyfus in the Pink Panther films) in a series of crazy mix-ups.
With Cyril's real wife, Betty Astell and budding comedy duo Bob Monkhouse and Denis Goodwin, who also scripted this series.
Back in the 1950s Cyril was one of radio comedy's pioneers, beginning on Radio Luxembourg before switching to the BBC. Cyril is probably best-remembered for reciting his 'Odd Odes' on BBC TV's That's Life with Esther Rantzen.
Producer: Leslie Bridgmont
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in March 1953.
WED 08:30 Marking Monkhouse (b03mj8xg)
Mixed Doubles
Mixed Doubles in Wimbledon Avenue - a lesson in living.
Observed and written by Bob Monkhouse and Denis Goodwin.
Starring real-life married duo, Michael Denison and Dulcie Gray on one-side of the fence - and Cyril Fletcher and his sister Janet, played by Billie Whitelaw on the other.
With Pat Coombs and Anthea Askey.
Producer: Leslie Bridgmont
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in September 1957.
WED 09:00 Winston (b00pkyb2)
Winston Back Home
Don't Call Me Soams
Bossy Rosie and William irk old rogue Winston whose thoughts turns to 'The Forsyte Saga'.
Peter Tinniswood's bawdy comedy serial stars Bill Wallis as Winston, Maurice Denham as Father, Shirley Dixon as Nancy, Liz Goulding as Rosie and Christian Rodska as William.
Director: Shaun MacLoughlin.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1994.
WED 09:30 The Adventures of John and Tony (b009m38r)
The Quest for the Holy Spectacles
John discovers that Jesus wore glasses, but whatever happened to them? And John and Tony travel to Glastonbury and Loch Ness.
Another comic journey in which John and his best friend Tony search for happiness, love, the meaning of life ... and glasses.
Written by John Hegley
Starring John Hegley, Simon Munnery, Terry Malloy, Sunny Ormonde and John Korne.
Original music by Nigel Piper.
Director: Anne Edyvean
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1999.
WED 10:00 Margaret Oliphant - Phoebe Junior (b03m7vk2)
An Unmitigated Cub
Phoebe has made the acquaintance of the Mays in Carlingford. Although of opposing religious persuasions, Reginald is strongly attracted to her - and the arrival of Mr Northcote, the new non-conformist minister, causes friction which is not based on purely ecclesiastical differences.
Stars Elizabeth Spriggs as Mrs Oliphant, Charlotte Attenborough as Phoebe, Junior and Peter Jeffrey as Mr May.
Dramatised from Margaret Oliphant's 1876 novel by Elizabeth Proud.
Producer: Sue Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1994.
WED 11:00 Robin Black - If I Loved You, I Would Tell You This (b00sm5mc)
The Guide
'If I Loved You, I Would Tell You This' is the debut collection by US author Robin Black, whose work has drawn comparisons with that of Lorrie Moore and Alice Munroe.
A father wrestles with his spirited blind daughter's unexpected independence, and with his own role as her father, as he helps her to prepare for life away at college.
Robin Black's stories and essays have appeared in numerous US magazines and newspapers, where she has also won several awards, but this is her first published collection. She is currently teaching creative writing at Bryn Mawr College, Pennsylvania, and lives with her family in Philadelphia.
Reader: William Hope
Abridger: Richard Hamilton
Producer: Justine Willett.
WED 11:15 Drama (b0076xbc)
Nick Leather - The Domino Man of Lancashire
The Domino Man of Lancashire
Nick Leather's witty look at loneliness, romance and record-breaking features a man, a woman and thousands of dominoes.
Arthur ...... Tom Courtenay
Annie ...... Denise Welch
Pete ...... Craig Cheetham
Directed by Polly Thomas.
WED 12:00 Marking Monkhouse (b03mj8xd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 12:30 Marking Monkhouse (b03mj8xg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 13:00 Agatha Christie (b007k07y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 13:30 John Mortimer - Rumpole (b007jsgq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 14:00 The Churchills - Speaking for Themselves (b007jrfh)
Episode 3
The letters of Winston and Clementine Churchill. Tragedy strikes and more loneliness follows. With Sylvestra Le Touzel. From February 1999.
WED 14:15 A Short History of Ireland (b007k33h)
Copper, Bronze and Gold; Before the Celts
The country's epic story continues with the artefacts and monuments revealing organised communities. With Richard Dormer.
WED 14:30 Eric Lomax - The Railway Man (b03mj9t5)
Episode 3
When Singapore falls in February 1942, the signals officer soon finds himself a prisoner of the Japanese. Read by Alec Heggie.
WED 14:45 Sir John Betjeman - Summoned by Bells (b03mj9wx)
Highgate
The late poet laureate's 'life in verse', from nursery to university. Read by the author. Recorded in 1960.
WED 15:00 Margaret Oliphant - Phoebe Junior (b03m7vk2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
WED 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b03mj9wz)
Mel Giedroyc presents episode three of the classic story, Stig of the Dump by Clive King. And actress Maxine Peake, star of Shameless and Silk, chooses her Inheritance Tracks.
WED 17:00 No Commitments (b007772z)
Series 13
Model Behaviour
Comedy series by Simon Brett following the fortunes of three fortysomething sisters.
3/6. Model Behaviour
Emily's baby hasn't even arrived yet, but Victoria is already into competitive granny mode. And is it really possible that Eddie the dentist has a girlfriend?
Anna ...... Rosemary Leach
Victoria ...... Angela Thorne
Charlotte ...... Felicity Montagu
Eddie ...... James Greene
George ...... Bruce Alexander
Felicity ...... Susan Jameson.
WED 17:30 Tales From the Mausoleum Club (b007jnlh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 18:00 Terry Pratchett (b007m481)
Wyrd Sisters
3. Hogwatch Night
The old King is dead. The new ruler has a troubled conscience and a wife on the warpath - in pursuit of the three witches...
Starring Sheila Hancock, Lynda Baron and Deborah Berlin.
Terry Pratchett's popular tale dramatised by Vince Foxall.
Granny Weatherwax …. Sheila Hancock
Nanny Ogg …. Lynda Baron
Magrat Garlick …. Deborah Berlin
Duke Felmet …. Ian Masters
Lady Felmet …. Kristin Milward
King Verence …. John Hartley
The Fool …. Andrew Branch
The Demon …. Gavin Muir
Shawn …. Brian Hibbard
Director: Claire Grove
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1995.
WED 18:30 John Wyndham - The Midwich Cuckoos (b007jmh3)
Episode 3
The mysterious powers of the alien children start to become destructive...
Conclusion of the classic 1957 sci-fi novel by John Wyndam.
Bernard Westcott …. Charles Kay
Gordon Zellaby …. Manning Wilson
Angela Zellaby …. Pauline Yates
Richard Gayford …. William Gaunt
Chief Constable …. Ronald Baddiley
Coroner …. Nigel Graham
Doctor Torrance …. Peter Tuddenham
Mrs Williams …. Katherine Parr
Girl …. Rosalind Adams
Boy …. Jill Lidstone
Man …. Simon Hewitt
Dramatised by William Ingram.
Music specially composed by Roger Limb of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop.
Director: Gordon House.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1982.
WED 19:00 Marking Monkhouse (b03mj8xd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 19:30 Marking Monkhouse (b03mj8xg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 20:00 Agatha Christie (b007k07y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 20:30 John Mortimer - Rumpole (b007jsgq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 21:00 Robin Black - If I Loved You, I Would Tell You This (b00sm5mc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
WED 21:15 Drama (b0076xbc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
WED 22:00 What Does the K Stand For? (b03m7pzs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 22:30 Armando Iannucci's Charm Offensive (b007w3c6)
Series 3
Episode 1
Armando Iannucci offers a heady mix of topical comedy, chat, bluster and kerfuffle with guests Stewart Lee and Mark Watson. From August 2007.
WED 22:55 Pattie Brewster Comedy Club Shorts (b03qglp8)
Achieve Your Goals
Happiness impresario Pattie Brewster continues her quest to make you brilliant for 2014 by telling you how to achieve those long-held dreams and ambitions.
WED 23:00 Giles Wemmbley Hogg Goes Off (b00pfp8n)
Series 4
The Orient Express
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 in Budleigh Salterton, 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 episode; It's a Merger On The Orient Express as Giles takes four cross ladies and a piece of lead piping on a septuagenarian trans-Balkan hen party. With an Agatha Christie theme.
Mysterious jewels, magnificent moustaches and a set of pink fluffy handcuffs add up to a baffling mystery.
Starring Marcus Brigstocke as Giles.
Giles Wemmbley Hogg ..... Marcus Brigstocke
Lady Flench ..... Alison Steadman
Mrs Hadleigh-Broome ..... Morwenna Banks
Mrs Gunthorne ..... Janet Henfrey
Mr Timmis ..... Adrian Scarborough
Charlotte Wemmbley Hogg ..... Catherine Shepherd
Hugo ..... Ben Willbond
David ..... David Armand
Mehmet ..... Nej Adamson
Written by Marcus Brigstocke & Jeremy Salsby.
Producer: David Tyler
A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4.
WED 23:30 Absolute Power (b007t3kk)
Series 2
Episode 1
Prentiss McCabe try to save New Labour from total voter humiliation. Starring Stephen Fry and John Bird. From January 2001.


THURSDAY 02 JANUARY 2014

THU 00:00 Terry Pratchett (b007m481)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Wednesday]
THU 00:30 John Wyndham - The Midwich Cuckoos (b007jmh3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 Agatha Christie (b007k07y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:30 John Mortimer - Rumpole (b007jsgq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 Winston (b00pkyb2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:30 The Adventures of John and Tony (b009m38r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 Margaret Oliphant - Phoebe Junior (b03m7vk2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 Robin Black - If I Loved You, I Would Tell You This (b00sm5mc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:15 Drama (b0076xbc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 No Commitments (b007772z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:00 on Wednesday]
THU 05:30 Tales From the Mausoleum Club (b007jnlh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 06:00 Agatha Christie (b007k097)
The Sittaford Mystery
4. A Recipe for Ginger Cake
Emily suspects that the Willetts, - who've rented Sittaford House, - are somehow involved in the murder of Captain Trevelyan.
But how can she get into the house?
Geoffrey Whitehead stars in Agatha Christie's whodunnit.
Inspector Narracott …. Geoffrey Whitehead
Emily Trefusis …. Melinda Walker
Charles Enderby …. Stephen Tompkinson
Mrs. Curtis …. Barbara Atkinson
Mr. Rycroft …. John Moffat
Ronnie Garfield …. Nigel Greaves
Caroline Percehouse …. Margaret Courtenay
Dora …. Jane
Violet Willett …. Victoria Carling
Mr. Dacres …. David King
Beatrice …. Alice Arnold
Jennifer Gardner …. Anna Cropper
Brian Pearson …. Charles Simpson
Dramatised and directed by Michael Bakewell.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1990.
THU 06:30 John Mortimer - Rumpole (b007jsh4)
The Case of Identity
Rumpole deals with some dubious alibis in court and in chambers.
"The Splendours And Miseries Of An Old Bailey Hack". Starring Maurice Denham as ageing London barrister-at-law Horace Rumpole.
With Robert Harris as Mr Justice Vosper, Michael Spice as Guthrie Featherstone, Brian Carroll as Erskine-Brown and Amanda Murray as Phillida Trant.
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: Peter King
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1980.
THU 07:00 Lenin of the Rovers (b007jvcl)
Series 2
Ghosts and Ghoolies
Ricky Lenin decides to write a column in a tabloid newspaper, but ends up learning a few painful lessons about life, love, truth, and Gloria Hunniford.
More adventures of communist football club, Felchester Rovers starring Alexei Sayle.
Ricky Lenin ...... Alexei Sayle
Jeff Frankly ...... John Sessions
Frank Lee Brian ...... Kenneth Wolstenholme
Colonel Brace Cartwright ...... Donald Hewlett
Stevie Stalin ...... Andrew McLean
Terry Trotsky ...... Phil Cornwell
Curvy Corinne ...... Jacqueline Ashman
Announcer ...... John Witty
Written by Marcus Berkmann.
Producer: Harry Thompson.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1989.
THU 07:30 The Secret World (b03m7zb9)
Series 4
Episode 5
Bishop Rowan Williams gets in deep water after deciding to celebrate Boxing Day with a game of knock down ginger.
William Hague finds himself stranded in a snowdrift with only some Belgian truffles for food.
And John Lydon ends up killing Sir Anthony Hopkins.
It can only be the weird goings on in the show that imagines the private lives of public people:
A seasonal edition of The Secret World with:
Margaret Cabourn-Smith
Jon Culshaw
Julian Dutton
Lewis MacLeod
Jess Robinson
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 08:00 Dad's Army (b007jp3q)
Series 2
When Did You Last See Your Money?
Corporal Jones panics when he misplaces £500 destined for the servicemen's canteen.
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
Mr Blewitt …. Timothy Bateson
Announcer …. John Snagge
Producer: John Dyas
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1975.
THU 08:30 Take It From Here (b011klyp)
From 03/12/1953
Listener confusion over June Whitfield and Alma Cogan, and the Glums are hard up. Stars Jimmy Edwards. From December 1953.
THU 09:00 Hazelbeach (b008crhw)
Series 1
Party
Ronnie organises a disastrous birthday party and Nick finally finds his father's will.
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
Andrea ...... Liza Sadovy
Producer: Marc Beeby
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2007.
THU 09:30 HR (b00tppbm)
Series 2
Surfing
Sam and Peter occupy their retirement time surfing the net. Peter has created a flattering but deeply inaccurate online profile for himself and now has a date.
Sam is determined to go along.
Nigel Williams' comedy drama series charting the misfortunes of a middle-aged HR officer and his trouble-making colleague.
Peter .... Jonathan Pryce
Sam .... Nicholas Le Prevost
Janice .... Christine Kavanagh
Drab Woman .... Sally Orrock
Madwoman .... Helen Belbin
Man .... Tony Bell
Director: Peter Kavanagh.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2010.
THU 10:00 Margaret Oliphant - Phoebe Junior (b03m7vkc)
A Guilty Bit of Paper
In the final episode of her Carlingford Chronicles, Mrs Oliphant recounts how Mr May, beset on all sides by debt, is swept towards the conclusion of his deceitful action.
Amongst the close little coterie of lovers, there is a surprise and a disappointment.
Stars Elizabeth Spriggs as Mrs Oliphant, Charlotte Attenborough as Phoebe, Junior, Peter Jeffrey as Mr May and Timothy West as Mr Copperhead.
Dramatised from Margaret Oliphant's 1876 novel by Elizabeth Proud.
Producer: Sue Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1994.
THU 11:00 Robin Black - If I Loved You, I Would Tell You This (b00sm5mf)
Harriet Elliot
'If I Loved You, I Would Tell You This' is the debut collection by US author Robin Black, whose work has drawn comparisons with that of Lorrie Moore and Alice Munroe.
A new girl at school with a 'strangely adult air' shocks her classmates with an improbable story from her past. But one of the disbelieving children decides she must be telling the truth.
Robin Black's stories and essays have appeared in numerous US magazines and newspapers, where she has also won several awards, but this is her first published collection. She is currently teaching creative writing at Bryn Mawr College, Pennsylvania, and lives with her family in Philadelphia.
Reader: Laurel Lefkow
Abridger: Richard Hamilton
Producer: Justine Willett.
THU 11:15 Sherlock Holmes (b007jlpz)
The Return of Sherlock Holmes - Series 1
The Empty House
Three years after his sleuth friend's final encounter with Moriarty, Watson faces more tragedy and murder. With Clive Merrison.
THU 12:00 Dad's Army (b007jp3q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 12:30 Take It From Here (b011klyp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 13:00 Agatha Christie (b007k097)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 13:30 John Mortimer - Rumpole (b007jsh4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 14:00 The Churchills - Speaking for Themselves (b007jrfx)
Episode 4
The letters of Winston and Clementine Churchill. Another world war is looming. With Alex Jennings and Sylvestra Le Touzel. From February 1999.
THU 14:15 A Short History of Ireland (b007k34d)
The Coming of the Celts; Preparing for the Otherworld in Pre-Christian Celtic Ireland
The country's rich and turbulent story continues with the arrival of foreign invaders. With Frances Tomelty.
THU 14:30 Eric Lomax - The Railway Man (b03mjkzh)
Episode 4
The signals officer brands the Burma-Siam railway as 'the last cruel enterprise of the railway age'. Read by Alec Heggie.
THU 14:45 Sir John Betjeman - Summoned by Bells (b03mjkzk)
Cornwall in Childhood
The late poet laureate's 'life in verse', from nursery to university. Read by the author. Recorded in 1960.
THU 15:00 Margaret Oliphant - Phoebe Junior (b03m7vkc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
THU 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b03mjkzp)
Mel has another tricky teaser from the Questions Questions team: Why do ancient buildings and settlements end up buried underneath the earth, and how is there room for them all?
THU 17:00 Ballylenon (b007jpmq)
Series 6
Episode 2
Phonsie’s looking forward to the rich profits Guard Gallagher's singing trip to New York will generate for Ballylenon - and himself...
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, John Hewitt as Guard Gallagher, Gerard McSorley as Stumpy Bonnar and Charlie Bonnar as Packy McGoldrick.
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 Lenin of the Rovers (b007jvcl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 18:00 Terry Pratchett (b007jmq9)
Wyrd Sisters
4. Degrees of Royalty
Lancre's new ruler teeters on the edge of madness. The old King will be revenged. The three witches set to work!
Starring Sheila Hancock, Lynda Baron and Deborah Berlin.
The conclusion of Terry Pratchett's popular tale.
Granny Weatherwax …. Sheila Hancock
Nanny Ogg …. Lynda Baron
Magrat Garlick …. Deborah Berlin
Duke Felmet … Ian Masters
Lady Felmet …. Kristin Milward
King Verence …. John Hartley
The Fool …. Andrew Branch
Vitoller …. Gavin Muir
Hwel …. Brian Hibbard
Tomjon …. Roger May
Dramatised by Vince Foxall.
Director: Claire Grove
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1995.
THU 18:30 Jenny Stephens - Project Raphael (b008p7wl)
Episode 1
British Intelligence, MI7 are working with agents from beyond the grave to gather secrets from the mysterious Nablovski Colony. Agent Raphael volunteers to be transferred, but no-one can contact him.
Enter local ghost-hunter Malcolm Holmes, and his friend Polly, would-be ace reporter.
First of a three-part sci-fi thriller by Jenny Stephens.
Starring Deborah McAndrew and Aneirin Hughes as Agents Finch and Evans, with Dan Hagley as Malcolm Holmes and Emily Chennery as Polly Williams. John Flitcroft is the revenant Raphael, with Sunny Ormonde as Holmes's mum.
Director: Peter Leslie Wild
Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in 2008.
THU 19:00 Dad's Army (b007jp3q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 19:30 Take It From Here (b011klyp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 20:00 Agatha Christie (b007k097)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 20:30 John Mortimer - Rumpole (b007jsh4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 21:00 Robin Black - If I Loved You, I Would Tell You This (b00sm5mf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
THU 21:15 Sherlock Holmes (b007jlpz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
THU 22:00 The Secret World (b03m7zb9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 22:30 Elvenquest (b00wqfnn)
Series 2
Episode 6
The noble band of Questers are in a pub and within touching distance of getting their hands on the Sword of Asnagar.
Lord Darkness still has a few tricks up his sleeve and he's not about to let the possibility of eternal dominion over Lower Earth slip through his fingers without pulling out all the stops.
Will the Questers be strong enough to handle the immense power of the Sword? Or, as ever with these things, will they be tempted over to the Dark Side...?
Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto.
Sam …. Stephen Mangan
Lord Darkness …. Alistair McGowan
Dean/Kreech …. Kevin Eldon
Vidar …. Darren Boyd
Amis ‘The Chosen One’ …. Dave Lamb
Penthiselea …. Sophie Winkleman
Producer: Sam Michell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2010.
THU 22:55 Pattie Brewster Comedy Club Shorts (b03qglpb)
Relationships
Tonight, improvement specialist/fantasist Pattie Brewster is full of advice on how to attract the right people and how to make a good first impression.
THU 23:00 Sarah Millican's Support Group (b011j6lq)
Series 2
5. 'I'm a mother in need of quiet'
"Sibling Rivalry: The grass is always greener in my brother's massive garden"
"I'm a mother in need of quiet - do drum kits have a mute button?"
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
Melissa ...... Isabel Fay
Michael ...... Miles Jupp
Janet ...... Annie Aldington
Written by Sarah Millican.
Producer: Lianne Coop
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2011
THU 23:30 Rubbish (b00770xw)
Series 1
Rage
Martin is dragged along to Life Editing by its course tutor and on-off girlfriend Sarah.
The one thing that would improve his life, he decides, would be being able to say no. But this doesn't mean that people won't carry on saying no to him.
Reece Dinsdale stars as local government officer, cynic and manic-depressive, Martin Christmas in Tony Bagley's sitcom.
Martin ...... Reece Dinsdale
Woman ...... Susie Donkin
Roger ...... Paul Copley
Peter/Chris ...... Jim North
Sarah ...... Nicola Walker
Scott ...... Kevin Eldon
Barney ...... James Lance
Producer: Claire Bartlett
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2006.


FRIDAY 03 JANUARY 2014

FRI 00:00 Terry Pratchett (b007jmq9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Thursday]
FRI 00:30 Jenny Stephens - Project Raphael (b008p7wl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 Agatha Christie (b007k097)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:30 John Mortimer - Rumpole (b007jsh4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 Hazelbeach (b008crhw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:30 HR (b00tppbm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 Margaret Oliphant - Phoebe Junior (b03m7vkc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 Robin Black - If I Loved You, I Would Tell You This (b00sm5mf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:15 Sherlock Holmes (b007jlpz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 Ballylenon (b007jpmq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:00 on Thursday]
FRI 05:30 Lenin of the Rovers (b007jvcl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Thursday]
FRI 06:00 Agatha Christie (b007k0bk)
The Sittaford Mystery
5. The Second Seance
Mr Rycroft decides that only by re-enacting the séance which announced the murder of Captain Trevelyan, will the identity of his killer finally be revealed.
The conclusion of Agatha Christie's whodunit starring Geoffrey Whitehead as Inspector Narracott.
Inspector Narracott …. Geoffrey Whitehead
Emily Trefusis …. Melinda Walker
Charles Enderby …. Stephen Tompkinson
Major Burnaby …. Norman Bird
Ellwood …. Jack May
Martin Dering …. David Goudge
Mr. Rycroft …. John Moffat
Ronnie Garfield …. Nigel Greaves
Mrs. Willett …. Susan Westerby
Violet Willett …. Victoria Carling
Brian Pearson …. Charles Simpson
Caroline Percehouse …. Margaret Courtenay
Mrs. Curtis …. Barbara Atkinson
Sergeant Pollock …. Vincent Brimble
Mr. Dacres …. David King
Beatrice …. Alice Arnold
Jennifer Gardner …. Anna Cropper
Brian Pearson …. Charles Simpson
Dramatised and directed by Michael Bakewell.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1990.
FRI 06:30 John Mortimer - Rumpole (b007jshh)
The Expert Witness
Rumpole recalls the case of a GP accused of killing his wife.
"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 Derek Farr as Mr Justice Skelton and Ellis Dale as Owen Munroe,
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: Peter King
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1980.
FRI 07:00 Chambers (b007jttl)
Series 1
QC at Any Cost
John Fuller-Carp, the Machiavellian head of chambers, is determined to become a QC and will perform almost any moral contortion to achieve his goal.
When left-wing Ruth Quirke, rumoured to be the daughter of a High Court judge, applies to join chambers at Forecourt Buildings, Fuller-Carp's imagination goes into overdrive and a hotline to the Lord Chancellor and promotion seems inevitable.
But will his "New Labour" image amount to anything..?
Clive Coleman’s sitcom about the questionable practices of a group of barristers.
John Fuller Carp ...... John Bird
Hilary Tripping ...... James Fleet
Ruth Quirke ...... Lesley Sharp
Vince ...... Jonathan Kydd
Judge ...... Gavin Muir
Suggs ...... John Baddeley
Brinsley ...... Alex Lowe
Jen ...... Jane Whittenshaw
Producer Paul Schlesinger
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1996.
FRI 07:30 Meet David Sedaris (b03mclqh)
Series 4
Episode 5
One of the world's funniest storytellers is back on BBC Radio 4 doing what he does best.
This week, he considers his native tongue as if it were a foreign language in "English Lesson" and the trouble that taxidermy can bring in "Understanding Understanding Owls".
Producer: Steve Doherty
A Giddy Goat production for BBC Radio 4.
FRI 08:00 Steptoe and Son (b007jlll)
Series 3
Tea for Two
A famous by-election visitor sparks party wars for the rag and bone duo.
Starring Wilfrid Brambell as Albert and Harry H Corbett as Harold. With John Rye and Edward Kelsey.
Following the conclusion of their hugely successful association with Tony Hancock, writers Ray Galton and Alan Simpson wrote 10 pilots for the BBC TV's Comedy Playhouse in 1962. The Offer was set in a house with a yard full of junk, featuring the lives of rag and bone men Albert Steptoe and his son Harold and it was the spark for a run of 8 series for TV.
Adapted for radio from Galton and Simpson's TV script by Gale Pedrick.
Produced by Bobby Jaye
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in April 1971.
FRI 08:30 Yes Minister (b007jzxt)
Series 2
The Compassionate Society
A new hospital needs a cure, but does MP Jim Hacker know his ACAS from his NALGO?
Starring Paul Eddington, Nigel Hawthorne and Derek Fowlds.
Antony Jay and Jonathan Lynn's satirical sitcom centred around the hapless Jim Hacker and a collection of civil service underlings headed by the Machiavellian Sir Humphrey Appleby and obsequious Bernard.
It first ran on BBC TV between 1980 and 1984.
Jim Hacker …. Paul Eddington
Sir Humphrey Appleby …. Nigel Hawthorne
Bernard Woolley …. Derek Fowldes
Sir Ian …. Peter Jeffrey
Brian Baker …. Norman Bird
George …. Arthur Cox
Mrs Rogers …. Ellen McIntosh
Billy Fraser …. Peter Acre
James Lawford, MP …. John Bott
With Narissa Knights, Bernard Brown and Arnold Diamond
Featuring Bryan Martin and Moira Stuart as themselves
Adapted for radio by the producer, Pete Atkin.
First broadcast on Radio 4 in October 1984.
FRI 09:00 Millport (b00761w5)
Series 2
Happy Returns
It's Irene's 33rd birthday - so the island inhabitants have a few surprises in store...
Bittersweet comedy written by and starring Lynn Ferguson as 30-something island barmaid Irene Bruce, who hankers after a better life on the mainland.
Irene ...... Lynn Ferguson
Moira/Agnes ...... Janet Brown
Alberto/Robert/Bob ...... Lewis McLeod
Ena/Bunty ...... Gabriel Quigley
Dougie ...... Matt Costello
Music arranged by Olly Fox.
Producer: Lucy Bacon
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2001.
FRI 09:30 Electric Ink (b01k68hg)
Series 2
Episode 4
Can struggling journalist Maddox make a splash with a tip-off over political corruption that could unseat the coalition?
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
Julie Compton ..... Joanna Monro
Producer: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2010..
FRI 10:00 Saturday Drama (b00g8n5s)
Melissa Murray - Theremin
Theremin by Melissa Murray
Leon Theremin, gifted inventor and reluctant spy, is forced to find a way to bug the US Embassy in London. Now he has to save himself and his former lover from both the CIA and the KGB.
Theremin: Tom Hollander
Alex: Kate Ashfield
Olga: Ania Sowinski
Will: Trystan Gravelle
Sergei/Ambassador: Stephen Critchlow
Boss: Malcolm Tierney
Ambassador's wife/Waitress: Janice Acquah
Bart: Jonathan Tafler
News seller/Man 2: Chris Pavlo
Bellboy/Man 1: Dan Starkey
Directed by Marc Beeby.
FRI 11:00 Rose Tremain (b00rpvgv)
The Crossing of Herald Mountjoy
A tale of public and private anguish, based around the Battle of Agincourt. Trevor Nicholls reads Rose Tremain's short story.
FRI 11:15 Sherlock Holmes (b007jp4j)
The Return of Sherlock Holmes - Series 1
The Norwood Builder
The Baker Street sleuth probes the case of a young solicitor accused of murder. Stars Clive Merrison and Michael Williams.
FRI 12:00 Steptoe and Son (b007jlll)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 12:30 Yes Minister (b007jzxt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 13:00 Agatha Christie (b007k0bk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 13:30 John Mortimer - Rumpole (b007jshh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 14:00 The Churchills - Speaking for Themselves (b007jrg7)
Episode 5
The letters of Winston and Clementine Churchill. The reality of war strikes home. With Alex Jennings and Sylvestra Le Touzel. From February 1999.
FRI 14:15 A Short History of Ireland (b007k357)
Kings and Champions; Agricola Plans to Conquer Ireland
The country's epic story continues with Celtic life and legend, and the advent of the Romans. With Frances Tomelty.
FRI 14:30 Eric Lomax - The Railway Man (b007jywt)
Episode 5
The guards discover the prisoners' home-made radio set. The autobiography of a prisoner of the Japanese, read by Alec Heggie.
FRI 14:45 Sir John Betjeman - Summoned by Bells (b03mk04b)
Private School
The late poet laureate's 'life in verse', from nursery to university. Read by the author. Recorded in 1960.
FRI 15:00 Saturday Drama (b00g8n5s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
FRI 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b03mk092)
What board games do you like to play during the Christmas holiday? Scrabble? Monopoly? Any good at jigsaws? There's plenty of fun and games with Mel Giedroyc on today's show.
FRI 17:00 Huddwinks (b00b1p9r)
Series 2
The Curse of the Smollett's Curse!
Melissa and Compton win a holiday, but spurn Herne Bay for an adventure in ancient Egypt. Stars Roy Hudd. From June 1988.
FRI 17:30 Chambers (b007jttl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 18:00 Daphne Du Maurier (b007jq6k)
The Birds
Episode 1
The birds are "never satisfied, never still". Charlie Barnecut reads Daphne du Maurier's chilling classic in three parts.
The novel was famously filmed for the cinema by Alfred Hitchcock in 1963. But don't expect anything like what was on the big screen here. This is Du Maurier's original story. In fact, the author disliked what Hitchcock did to her tale: particularly his translation of her setting from Cornwall - with its small fields and stone hedges - to small-town America.
As this original story opens, with the colder winter weather drawing in, Nat and his family notice the hungry birds are gathering in the village...
Producer: Gemma Jenkins
Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in 2003.
FRI 18:30 Jenny Stephens - Project Raphael (b008p9wx)
2. Truths
As MI7 recruits Malcolm Holmes to contact Agent Raphael, some uncomfortable truths are uncovered. Stars Deborah McAndrew.
FRI 19:00 Steptoe and Son (b007jlll)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 19:30 Yes Minister (b007jzxt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 20:00 Agatha Christie (b007k0bk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 20:30 John Mortimer - Rumpole (b007jshh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 21:00 Rose Tremain (b00rpvgv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
FRI 21:15 Sherlock Holmes (b007jp4j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
FRI 22:00 Meet David Sedaris (b03mclqh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 22:30 I've Never Seen Star Wars (b014r5qh)
Series 4
Alan Davies
Marcus Brigstocke invites reluctant vocalist, actor Alan Davies to sing in public for the first time.
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 (b03ql78t)
For two hours, six nights a week, the Comedy Club offers the best laughs around. Tonight, Arthur Smith chats to Andy Parsons.
FRI 23:00 Little Britain (b008h569)
Series 1
Episode 3
Back where it started out - Matt Lucas and David Walliams' oddball TV smash hit, without the cameras. From March 2001.
FRI 23:30 The Simon Day Show (b01jhjs3)
Series 2
Billy Bleach
Simon Day and his characters 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, Fast Show favourite Billy Bleach returns to The Mallard, the theatre that last series gave him his first big break.
Cast list:
Billy Bleach ..... Simon Day
Emanuel Akinyemi ..... Felix Dexter
Pat Bennet ... Morwenna Banks
Ron Bone ..... Simon Greenall
Written by Simon Day
Produced by Colin Anderson.