SATURDAY 24 MAY 2014

SAT 00:00 Jane Austen (b0076h34)
Mansfield Park
Episode 10
Fanny returns to Mansfield Park to claim her rightful place in the household. Stars Felicity Jones, Benedict Cumberbatch and David Tennant.
SAT 00:15 A Short History of Ireland (b007v073)
Cultural Revival; Home Rule Promised
The country's rich and turbulent story continues. With Richard Dormer, James Greene and Frances Tomelty.
SAT 00:30 Inspector Resnick (b00mbmh4)
Wasted Years
Episode 5
A spate of armed robberies has DI Charlie Resnick recalling his 1980s nemesis, the soon-to-be-paroled John Prior. Philip Jackson reads John Harvey's thriller.
SAT 01:00 Life, Death and Sex with Mike and Sue (b01n6yj7)
Series 2
Relationships
Sofa-bound TV presenters Mike and Sue ponder the future and grapple with relationships.
Series 2 of Bill Dare's sitcom stars Robert Duncan and Jan Ravens.
Mike ...... Robert Duncan
Sue ...... Jan Ravens
With Roger Blake, Bill Dare, Alistair McGowan and Sally Philips.
Music by Mark Burton.
Producer: Jo Clegg
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1997.
SAT 01:30 Humphrey Lyttelton - Play As I Please (b01ghlgr)
Gigging Around
Humphrey Lyttelton tells June Knox-Mawer about forming his first band and all-time hero, Louis Armstrong. From December 1993.
SAT 02:00 Wimsey (b007jwgz)
Busman's Honeymoon
2. Credit Where Credit's Due
With William Noakes dead, Superintendent Kirk has his suspicions, but upper crust sleuth, Lord Peter Wimsey is not so sure...
Ian Carmichael stars as Lord Peter Wimsey – the British gentleman detective created by Dorothy L Sayers.
Classy and sharp-witted, aristocratic amateur sleuth Lord Peter Bredon Wimsey was born in 1890 and educated at Eton and Oxford, before serving in the military during the First World War.
Ian Carmichael appeared as Lord Peter Wimsey for BBC Radio from 1973 to 1983, in addition to the BBC TV adaptations that were broadcast between 1972 and 1975.
Lord Peter Wimsey …. Ian Carmichael
Lady Wimsey …. Sarah Badel
Bunter …. Peter Jones
Mrs Ruddle …. Pearl Hackney
Mr Puffett …. Michael Ripper
MacBride …. Roger Lloyd Pack
Frank Crutchley …. Kenneth Cranham
Narrator …. John Westbrook
Superintendent Kirk …. Peter Vaughan
Constable Sellon …. Christopher Beeny
Dramatised by Alistair Beaton.
Producer: Martin Fisher
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1983.
SAT 02:30 The World's a Stage (b00763zg)
Merely Players?
Henry Goodman looks at the actor's role in casting, characterisation and 'resting'. With Geraldine James and Pam St Clement. From September 2001.
SAT 03:00 Inspector Resnick (b00755wt)
Slow Burn
2/2 Deadly Rhythm
A charred body has been found in the remains of Jimmy Nolan's city-centre jazz club.
Inspector Resnick's team are called to the scene of another deadly conflagration. Is there a link?
Conclusion of John Harvey's thriller.
Charlie Resnick ...... Philip Jackson
Graham Millington ...... Sean Baker
Lynn Kellogg ...... Kate Eaton
Jimmy Nolan ...... John Rowe
Joanne Hubble ...... Alison Pettitt
Stuart Hubble ...... Gerard McDermott
Nicola Venner ...... Rachel Atkins
Fire Officer ...... Alistair Danson
Clarice ...... Jenny Lee
Simmonds ...... Iwan Thomas
Producer: David Hunter
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1998.
SAT 04:00 Dylan Thomas (b04412c9)
Holiday Memory
4 Extra Debut. 'A tuck of dresses, a rolling of trousers'. Poet Dylan Thomas vividly recalls an evocative August Bank Holiday. From January 1946.
SAT 04:15 Martyn Wade - The Other Constance Chatterley (b007k0l7)
Mrs Chatterley of Gravesend reveals similar interests to her famous namesake.
Martyn Wade's comedy set in the 1930s starring Felicity Montagu and Rachel Atkins.
A failing firm of solicitors is saved from ruin by the prospect of a literary libel case. But it may involve the rather buttoned up partner of the firm going way beyond the call of duty.
Constance Chatterley ...... Rachel Atkins
Miss Priestley ...... Felicity Montagu
David Horovitch ...... Mr Greene
Mr Chatterley ...... Jon Glover
Director: Cherry Cookson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2004.
SAT 05:00 Second Holmes (b016px9c)
The Case of the Missing Link
The grandsons of Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson meet a member of the Moriarty family.
Six light-hearted adventures involving the grandsons of Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson written by Grant Eustace
Starring Peter Egan as Stamford Holmes, Jeremy Nicholas as Dr Watson, Simon Hewitt as James Macpherson, David Gooderson as Inspector Winter, Lolly Cockerell as Mrs Pettifer and John Dunn as himself.
Producer: Paul Mayhew-Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1983.
SAT 05:30 Smelling of Roses (b00dl042)
Series 3
A Cheeky Little Number
Jo's relationship with Robert is looking a bit rocky, and the situation isn't helped when she meets a charming young wine shipper for whom Rosie's organising a tasting...
Another assignment for Rosie Burns and the event management company, where the clients are only part of the problem...
Written by Simon Brett.
Rosie ..... Prunella Scales
Jo ..... Rebecca Callard
Bob ..... Duncan Preston
Tess ..... Annette Badland
Harry Butt ..... Gideon Turner
Emma Bryson ..... Rebecca Front
Producer: Maria Esposito
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2002.
SAT 06:00 Alick Rowe - Odysseus on an Iceberg (b00l3pxl)
A comic re-telling of the legendary figure's protracted journey home from the Trojan War. With Hugh Dickson and Alex Jennings.
SAT 07:30 Ay Mariachi! (b00xmv28)
It's night-time in the Plaza Garibaldi, Mexico City.
Neil Mcarthy descends into the meaning, madness and music of mariachi - hustling troubadours in sequined suits whose songs of love and pain are inseparable from Mexican life.
Producer: Mark Burman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2004.
SAT 08:00 Archive on 4 (b00s1n54)
The Split Up (and the Almost Inevitable Reunion)
To mark the 40th anniversary of the Beatles disbanding, the Reverend Richard Coles, whose own band The Communards split up, examines how rock groups through the decades have decided to call it a day. From the Beatles through to the Verve who've disbanded several times, Richard trawls the BBC archives to find examples of rock split-ups and to ask whether there can ever be a dignified parting of the ways. He examines the many reasons that bands split and reveals a myriad of circumstances underlying these partings of the ways, from artistic differences to personal animosity, the wish of one singer to go solo or simply the end of a particular zeitgeist which characterised their sound. He also asks whether the energy and drive of the music and early days of a band means that tensions and a sundering is often inevitable.
The programme features a wealth of archive material from bands through the decades, of all kinds of musical styles from the Rubettes to The Verve, and from 10cc to The Eagles. There are also new interviews with the record executive Tony Wadsworth and the artist manager Jazz Summers, which give the view points of those working behind the scenes who have to manage and deal with the fall-out when a band splits up. Extra comment is provided by the rock specialists Stuart Maconie and Laura Lee Davies.
But the story doesn't just stop when the bands split. The members may go off and pursue other careers, but often, the creativity which fuelled them at the beginning still drives them 10 years down the line. In addition, touring is now where the big money is to be made. So, for many different reasons, many of the bands we thought we'd never see again are being coaxed from their separate career paths to reunite and go on the road once more. The Police regrouped, Take That have had a new lease of life and the Spice Girls took their children touring the second time around.
Of course, the reunion doesn't always go well. Perhaps the band is without the lead singer who gave such a distinctive sound. Sometimes the artistic differences which sundered the artists in the first place rear their heads again 10 years later. Maybe the fans have grown up and moved on. And that means that a reunited band can do the split-up all over again...
SAT 09:00 Just a Minute (b01dh763)
Without Hesitation
'Nicholas Parsons - he's an institution'. That's what Just a Minute listeners think. And so too is the classic comedy panel game that he's chaired since its first broadcast on 22nd December 1967, on the new BBC Radio 4.
Nicholas Parsons celebrates six decades and counting of dodging deviation, hurdling hesitation and repelling repetition, with performances from some of shows greatest players, including Clement Freud, Derek Nimmo, Peter Jones, Kenneth Williams, Paul Merton, Linda Smith, Stephen Fry, Tony Hawks, Julian Clary and Graham Norton.
Nicholas talks about how he rather accidently became the chairman. He remembers his friend and creator of the game, the late Ian Messiter. And wonders how he survived the challenges of all those unruly panellists. And Paul Merton recalls his joy and worry when he appeared on the show for the first time. He went from being its greatest fan to being behind the microphone.
SAT 12:00 Vikas Swarup - The Seventh Test Omnibus (b044jhrs)
Episode 1
Offered a chance to change her life, sales assistant Sapna must pass seven tests. Thriller set in India. Stars Rasika Dugal.
SAT 13:15 In the Psychiatrist's Chair (b00751hc)
Paul Theroux
Controversial novelist and travel writer Paul Theroux talks to Dr. Anthony Clare about what spurs him on to write.
Psychiatrist Dr Anthony Clare's in depth interviews with prominent people from different walks of life.
Born in Dublin, author Anthony held a doctorate in medicine, a master's degree in philosophy and was a fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. After becoming a regular on BBC Radio 4's Stop the Week in the 1980s, he became Britain's best-known psychiatrist and earned his own vehicle, In the Psychiatrist's Chair.
Starting in 1982, this series ran until 2001 and also transferred to TV. Series highlights include conversations with Bob Monkhouse, Cecil Parkinson and Gerry Adams.
Anthony Clare died suddenly in Paris aged 64 in 2007.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1997.
SAT 14:00 Desert Island Discs: Longplay (b076130h)
Ant and Dec
Kirsty Young chats to the kings of TV prime time, Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly
Specially extended edition for BBC Radio 4 Extra.
ITV’s Saturday Night Takeaway, I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here and Britain's Got Talent stars look back over their careers and firm friendship spanning 20-odd years, from their days as child actors on TV’s Byker Grove.
They say, "without doubt, the best thing to come out of the last 20 years, the greatest thing we've ever achieved, our biggest success, has been our friendship. And nothing will ever change that."
Back in 2013, Ant and Dec were the first double-act to appear on Desert Island Discs since 1987 – following in the footsteps of legendary duos Morecambe and Wise, Bob Monkhouse and Denis Goodwin, and Peter Brough and Archie Andrews.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Extra in May 2014
SAT 15:00 Archive on 4 (b00s1n54)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
SAT 16:00 Alick Rowe - Odysseus on an Iceberg (b00l3pxl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 17:30 Bird Island (b043wk17)
Series 2
Episode 3
Graham teaches Ben to abseil and the bathroom lock in the Unit base is broken.
Ben ...... Reece Shearsmith
Graham ...... Julian Rhind-Tutt
Mother ...... Alison Steadman
Jane ...... Katy Wix
Atmospheric comedy about a cheery scientist based in Sub-Antarctica by Katy Wix.
It’s Ben’s trip of a lifetime, but in a vast icy landscape with dodgy internet. Feeling lonely, he shares his thoughts via an audio 'log' on his dictaphone.
Graham is a fellow nerdy scientist so their exchanges are mumbled. Ben’s even more awkward around new arrival Jane, though he’s not entirely sure why.
Producer: Tilusha Ghelan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2014.
SAT 17:45 Don't Start (b01mwvld)
Series 2
Pillow Talk
A potential burglary brings out Frank's inner hero.
What do long term partners really argue about? Sharp new comedy from Frank Skinner returns for a second series. Starring Frank Skinner and Katherine Parkinson.
The first series of Don't Start met with instant critical and audience acclaim:
"That he can deliver such a heavy premise for a series with such a lightness of touch is testament to his skills as a writer and, given that the protagonists are both bookworms, he's also permitted to use a flourish of fine words that would be lost in his stand-up routines" - Jane Anderson, Radio Times.
"Writing and starring in the four-parter Don't Start (Radio 4) Frank Skinner gives full rein to his sharp but splenetic comedy. He and his co-star Katherine Parkinson play a bickering couple exchanging acerbic ripostes in a cruelly precise dissection of a relationship" - Daily Mail.
"a lesson in relationship ping-pong".. - Miranda Sawyer, The Observer.
Series 2 follows hard on its heels. Well observed, clever and funny, Don't Start is a scripted comedy with a deceptively simple premise - an argument. Each week, our couple fall out over another apparently trivial flashpoint - the Krankies, toenail trimming and semantics. Each week, the stakes mount as Neil and Kim battle with words. But these are no ordinary arguments. The two outdo each other with increasingly absurd images, unexpected literary references (the Old Testament, Jack Spratt and the first Mrs Rochester, to name a few) and razor sharp analysis of their beloved's weaknesses. Underneath the cutting wit, however, there is an unmistakable tenderness.
Frank says:
"Having established, in the first series, that Neil and Kim are a childless academic couple who, during their numerous arguments, luxuriate in their own, and each other's, learning and wit, I've tried, in the second series, to dig a little deeper into their relationship. Love and affection, occasionally splutter into view, like a Higgs boson in a big tunnel-thing, but can such emotions ever prevail in a relationship where the couple prefers to wear their brains, rather than their hearts, on their sleeves? Is that too much offal imagery?"
Directed and Produced by Polly Thomas
Executive Producer: Jon Thoday
An Avalon Production for BBC Radio 4.
SAT 18:00 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (b007jm6g)
The Secondary Phase
Fit The Twelfth
Arthur and Zaphod learn some unpalatable home truths, but not before disappointment from the ruler of the universe.
Douglas Adams' sci-fi comedy following the misadventures of hapless human Arthur Dent.
The Book ...... Peter Jones
Arthur Dent ...... Simon Jones
Ford Prefect ...... Geoffrey McGivern
Zaphod Beeblebrox ...... Mark Wing-Davey
Eddie ...... David Tate
Marvin ...... Stephen Moore
Lintillas ...... Rula Lenska
Zarniwoop ...... Jonathan Pryce
The original scripts by Douglas Adams (1952-2001) went on to spawn a series of novels, a feature film, at least three stage shows, a TV series, a computer game, a collection of comic books - and various towels.
Radiophonic sound and music by Paddy Kingsland.
Producer: Geoffrey Perkins
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1980.
SAT 18:30 Fear on 4 (b007jnx3)
Series 2
A Child Crying
To hear the sound of a crying child is not unusual.
What does it mean though when you are the only one who can hear it?
The Man in Black sets the chilling scene...
Fear on 4 brings you more in a series of nerve-tinglers.
Written by James Saunders
The Man In Black …. Edward de Souza
Guy …. Nigel Anthony
Paul …. Ken Cumberlidge
Child's voice …. Cara Kelly
Ian …. Kim Wall
Producer: Gerry Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1989.
SAT 19:00 Just a Minute (b01dh763)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 22:00 Shappi Talk (b00wr9q6)
Series 2
Divorce and the Single Mother
Shappi Khorsandi uses her own personal experience by taking an acerbic look at what it's like to go through divorce and to become an unexpected single mother. She reveals the challenges and comic consequences of becoming divorced and what it's like raising a young child.
Armed with this experience, Shappi also has a light-hearted chat with model and fellow single mother Jerry Hall, where they find time to compare fascinating notes!
Australian comedian Celia Pacquola provides some additional laughs giving her perspective on the subject and there'll be a themed song from Duncan Oakley.
Producer: Paul Russell
An Open Mike production for BBC Radio 4.
SAT 22:30 The Jason Byrne Show (b01p2s1y)
Series 3
I Looked Like Gollum at School
Award-winning comedian Jason Byrne lists the liabilities of looking good.
Stand up and sketches with Laurence Howarth and Daisy Haggard.
Producer: Julia McKenzie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in November 2010.
SAT 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (b0469hgs)
The best in contemporary comedy. Tonight, Arthur Smith is drawn in to the mystic world of the fortune teller Madame Magenta.
SAT 23:00 Bussmann and Quantick Kingsize (b007587z)
Episode 2
Sketches, monologues and weird soup, featuring the Ike Turner and Melvyn Bragg Story.
Originally broadcast live from London's exclusive Imperial Rooms, Mayfair.
Written and performed by Jane Bussmann and David Quantick.
Featuring:
Peter Serafinowicz
Emma Clarke
Steve Brody.
Producer: Phil Bowker.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1998.
SAT 23:30 Richard Herring's Objective (b00v730v)
Series 1
The Toothbrush Moustache
Richard Herring reclaims objects that we've grown to hate.
This week he's reclaiming the toothbrush moustache on behalf of comedy - taking it back from Hitler to give to it's rightful owner Charlie Chaplin. Based on his Edinburgh show Richard examines why a particular piece of facial hair can evoke revulsion in all who see it when in fact the person first associated with it was one of the funniest people on the planet. He grows his own toothbrush moustache and hears what passers by make of it, talks to a German moustache expert about Hitler's vanity and describes how wearing it on the day after the BNP won seats in the last European election strengthened his resolve to continue his campaign. The show was recorded in front of an audience.
Producer ..... Alison Vernon-Smith.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2010.


SUNDAY 25 MAY 2014

SUN 00:00 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (b007jm6g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Saturday]
SUN 00:30 Fear on 4 (b007jnx3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Saturday]
SUN 01:00 Archive on 4 (b00s1n54)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Saturday]
SUN 02:00 Vikas Swarup - The Seventh Test Omnibus (b044jhrs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:00 on Saturday]
SUN 03:15 In the Psychiatrist's Chair (b00751hc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 13:15 on Saturday]
SUN 04:00 Alick Rowe - Odysseus on an Iceberg (b00l3pxl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]
SUN 05:30 Bird Island (b043wk17)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:30 on Saturday]
SUN 05:45 Don't Start (b01mwvld)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:45 on Saturday]
SUN 06:00 Jane Austen (b044jsv6)
Mansfield Park
Omnibus, part 2
Made for 4 Extra. Will Fanny Price's true feelings of love ever be known? Stars Felicity Jones, Benedict Cumberbatch and David Tennant.
SUN 07:15 Redesigning the Human Body (b00pl15p)
A Spare Pair of Arms and Eyes in the Back of My Head
Discovering how the body might work if we had a go at remaking ourselves, Len Fisher picks up some tips from the animal kingdom.
SUN 07:30 Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show! (b00pr7zj)
Series 5
Cookery Book
Arthur's attempt to secure a publisher's advance for a celebrity recipe book goes askew. Stars Steve Delaney. From January 2010.
SUN 08:00 Beyond Our Ken (b007jr4b)
From 21/12/1959
Kenneth Horne sets sail with Treasure Island as you've never heard it before. With Kenneth Williams. From December 1959.
SUN 08:30 The Men from the Ministry (b007jzmz)
Flushed With Success
The bungling bureaucrats take on Trooping the Colour and try to fix the plumbing...
A weekly tribute to all those who work in government departments.
Stars Richard Murdoch and Deryck Guyler.
With Norma Ronald, Ronald Baddiley and John Graham.
Written by Edward Taylor and John Graham.
'The Men from the Ministry' ran for 14 series between 1962 and 1977. Deryck Guyler replaced Wilfrid Hyde-White from 1966. Sadly many episodes didn't survive in the archive, however the BBC's Transcription Service re-recorded 14 shows in 1980 - never broadcast in the UK, until the arrival of BBC Radio 4 Extra.
Producer: Edward Taylor
First broadcast on the BBC Radio 4 in May 1973.
SUN 09:00 Gillian Cross - The Demon Headmaster (b00rq3j1)
Episode 4
Dinah discovers the headmaster's evil plan, but can she and the other children stop him? Stars Lucy Speed and Simon Fenton.
SUN 09:30 Alf Proysen - Mrs Pepperpot (b00pd7cw)
Episode 4
The incredible shrinking woman brings home a troublesome bionic baby. Based on Alf Proysen's popular books. Stars Alison Steadman.
SUN 10:00 The Reunion (b00rvxzc)
Brideshead Revisited
In this episode of The Reunion, Sue MacGregor brings together the cast, the producer and the director of the iconic TV drama Brideshead Revisited.
Brideshead became one of the most popular TV shows ever made when it first aired on ITV in the autumn of 1981. It made household names of its stars Jeremy Irons and Anthony Andrews and starred two of the greatest actors of the twentieth century, Laurence Olivier and John Gielgud.
Based on the best-selling novel by Evelyn Waugh and adapted by John Mortimer initially and then also Derek Granger, it told a poignant story of forbidden love and religious faith set prior to the Second World War. The size and scale of the series was unprecedented. To make eleven fifty minute episodes, shot entirely on film and all on location was a huge undertaking. And no expense was spared with glamorous costumes, vintage cars and exotic locations including Venice, Malta and the QE2. It was one of the most expensive ITV serials ever made and set the benchmark for others to follow, notably Jewel in the Crown in 1985.
Sue is joined around the table by: Jeremy Irons, who played the narrator of the story Charles Ryder; Anthony Andrews, who was Sebastian Flyte; Claire Bloom, who played Sebastian's mother Lady Marchmain; the series' director Charles Sturridge; Derek Granger the producer; and Diana Quick who was Lady Julia Flyte, Sebastian's sister.
A WHISTLEDOWN Production for BBC Radio 4. The producers are Sarah Cuddon and David Prest.
SUN 10:45 Love Stories (b010grrf)
Restoration Woman
By Elizabeth Buchan. A portrait sparks an epiphany in a young widower. Series of stories by bestselling romantic novelists. Read by Tom Goodman-Hill.
SUN 11:00 This American Life (b044jtd0)
Babysitting
Stories of babysitters, and what goes on while mom and dad are away that mom and dad never find out about. Including the story of two teenagers who decide to invent children to babysit, as an excuse to get out of their own house.
US public radio show from 2001.
Weaving interviews, stories, and music, This American Life takes us on an intense weekly journey into the lives of ordinary and extraordinary people and situations.
One of the great speech radio successes of recent years from Ira Glass and his team at Chicago Public Media.
SUN 12:00 Jane Austen (b044jsv6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 13:15 Redesigning the Human Body (b00pl15p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
SUN 13:30 Shelagh Stephenson - Darling Peidi (b01kkmk8)
Dramatisation based on he true story of Edith Thompson who, with Freddy Bywaters, was charged murdering her husband in 1922.
Rachel Joyce stars as Edith and Charles Simpson as Freddy in Shelagh Stevenson's drama.
Edith Thompson .... Rachel Joyce
Freddy Bywaters ... Charles Simpson
Percy Thompson ... Peter Wight
Avis Graydon ... Theresa Streatfield
Mr Graydon ... Norman Bird
Mrs Graydon ... Gudrun Ure
Rose/Wardress ... Siriol Jenkins
Elsie/Wardress .... Joanna Myers
Mr Stern ... David Learner
Henry Curtis-Bennett ... Mark Lambert
Thomas Inskip .... Brett Usher
Mr Justice Shearman .... Jonathan Adams
Clerk/Chaplain ... Nicholas Murchie
Foreman/Officer .... Peter Gunn
Prison Governor ... Keith Drinkel
Director: Jeremy Mortimer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1992
SUN 15:00 Beyond Our Ken (b007jr4b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
SUN 15:30 The Men from the Ministry (b007jzmz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
SUN 16:00 Mel's Mix: The Best of The 4 O'Clock Show (b044jtlp)
Mel Giedroyc picks her favourite bits of this week's 4 O'Clock Show programmes, including beach art in San Francisco, the biggest fish market in the world and a visit to Concorde.
SUN 17:00 Gillian Cross - The Demon Headmaster (b00rq3j1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SUN 17:30 Alf Proysen - Mrs Pepperpot (b00pd7cw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SUN 18:00 The Price of Fear (b007jmqz)
Is There Anybody There?
Horror legend Vincent Price introduces a tale set in discrete suburbia - home to medium and clairvoyant, Griselda Thorpe and her older sister Edie. And it is to their genteel house that Henry Jollit comes in search of a preview of eternity...
Written by William Ingram.
Griselda Thorpe …. Dilys Laye
Edie Thorpe .… Sylvia Coleridge
Henry Jollit …. Norman Bird
Music by Derek Price.
Producer: John Dyas
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1983.
SUN 18:30 Bradbury 13 (b01381ts)
The Wind
The mounting wind proves to be an enemy for one man. Ray Bradbury's atmospheric tale stars Bob Nelson.
SUN 19:00 This American Life (b044jtd0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
SUN 20:00 Beyond Our Ken (b007jr4b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
SUN 20:30 The Men from the Ministry (b007jzmz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
SUN 21:00 The Reunion (b00rvxzc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 21:45 Love Stories (b010grrf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:45 today]
SUN 22:00 Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show! (b00pr7zj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 22:30 Beautiful Dreamers (b00vkxm8)
The Traitor of the Zazalcara
By James Lever and Nat Segnit
In this series documentary maker Nat Segnit investigates the untold stories of visionary mavericks. This week Nat explores the difficult life of a Uruguayan footballer who made an ingenious attempt to counter one of world football's worst scandals. With Contributions from Andrew Sachs, Javier Marzan, Kevin Eldon, David Sant, Sean Baker, Tony Bell and Iain Batchelor.
Produced by Steven Canny and Sasha Yevtushenko
Nat Segnit's short stories and journalism have appeared in The Times and The Independent on Sunday. For Radio 4 he has written Dolphin Therapy and Strangers on Trains.
James Lever is author of the best-selling Me Cheeta, which Lynne Truss loved so much she said, "It will subtly change forever the way we think not only about Hollywood but also about our own species" (The Sunday Times).
SUN 23:00 Jon Ronson On (b0076wm8)
Series 2
Living in the Past
Journalist and broadcaster Jon Ronson looks at the human condition with the help of interviewees and reporters from the world of writing and performance.
Jon investigates why often it is so difficult to leave a particular incident in the past. He he looks back to the time when he was thrown into a lake by his school friends, and confronts his bullies at his school reunion. Father Ted writer Graham Linehan remembers his own bully, and comedians Dan Tetsell and Robert Popper discover that they have parallel stories: one has a Nazi grandfather, the other a Jewish evacuee grandmother.
A Unique production for BBC Radio 4.
SUN 23:30 Steven Appleby's Normal Life (b007jqqw)
Series 1
The Normal Mind
Cartoonist Steven takes advantage of modern surgical techniques to reveal the inner workings of the creative artist's brain.
Starring Mark Perry as cartoonist Steven Appleby who takes an abnormal look at everyday life.
Steven ...... Paul McCrink
Mum ...... Rosalind Paul
Female Steven ...... Rachel Atkins
Mr Two ...... Ewan Bailey
Dad ...... Nigel Betts
Other parts played by the cast.
Written by Steven Appleby
Producer: Toby Swift
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2001.
SUN 23:45 Jelly Mountain (b00fr1z3)
Episode 4
Musing on old cuppas and paying with Fool's Gold. Songs and stories from Ivor Cutler, with Craig Murray-Orr. From May 1996.


MONDAY 26 MAY 2014

MON 00:00 The Price of Fear (b007jmqz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Sunday]
MON 00:30 Bradbury 13 (b01381ts)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Sunday]
MON 01:00 The Reunion (b00rvxzc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Sunday]
MON 01:45 Love Stories (b010grrf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:45 on Sunday]
MON 02:00 Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show! (b00pr7zj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Sunday]
MON 02:30 Beyond Our Ken (b007jr4b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Sunday]
MON 03:00 The Men from the Ministry (b007jzmz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Sunday]
MON 03:30 Shelagh Stephenson - Darling Peidi (b01kkmk8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 13:30 on Sunday]
MON 05:00 Gillian Cross - The Demon Headmaster (b00rq3j1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Sunday]
MON 05:30 Alf Proysen - Mrs Pepperpot (b00pd7cw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Sunday]
MON 06:00 Wimsey (b007k47f)
Busman's Honeymoon
3. A Policeman's Lot
As the questioning over the murder of William Noakes continues, some revelatory evidence emerges from the upper crust sleuth's cleaner.
Ian Carmichael stars as Lord Peter Wimsey – the British gentleman detective created by Dorothy L Sayers.
Lord Peter Wimsey …. Ian Carmichael
Lady Wimsey …. Sarah Badel
Bunter …. Peter Jones
Mrs Ruddle …. Pearl Hackney
Narrator …. John Westbrook
Superintendent Kirk …. Peter Vaughan
Constable Sellon …. Christopher Beeny
Miss Twitterton …. Rosemary Leach
Reverend Goodacre …. Gerald Sim
Sergeant Foster …. Alexander John
Dramatised by Alistair Beaton.
Producer: Martin Fisher
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1983.
MON 06:30 Cooking up a Royal Treat (b0076mrt)
What was it like to serve in the 1930s? Adrian Bell takes Flo Wadlow back to Blickling Hall in Norfolk, where she once cooked lunch for Queen Mary. From August 2004.
MON 07:00 Double Science (b0141zm1)
Forresters FM
When Forresters Sixth Form College gets a temporary FM radio licence, dramas are soon breaking out on the airwaves...
The turmoil continues at Forresters Sixth Form College.
Written by and starring Ben Willbond and Justin Edwards.
With Rebecca Front, Raza Jaffrey, Margaret Cabourn-Smith and Alex MacQueen.
Producer: Adam Bromley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2008.
MON 07:30 Just a Minute (b043wvy3)
Series 69
Episode 1
Just how hard can it be to talk for 60 seconds without hesitation, repetition or deviation? Paul Merton, Jenny Eclair, Julian Clary and Vanessa Feltz find out. Nicholas Parsons watches the clock and keeps the scores.
MON 08:00 Listen to Les (b01n21nt)
From 10/02/1985
Lugubrious Les Dawson tells us of thin Albert, and Cosmo Smallpiece discusses modern teenagers.
With Daphne Oxenford, Eli Woods and Colin Edwynn.
Music by Brian Fitzgerald.
Scripted and produced by James Casey.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in February 1985.
MON 08:30 The Navy Lark (b007jngd)
Series 14
The Montezuela Revolution
Ramona Povey causes havoc on HMS Troutbridge's goodwill visit to Montezuela.

Starring Leslie Phillips as the Sub-Lieutenant, Jon Pertwee as the Chief Petty Officer, Stephen Murray as the Commanding Officer, Richard Caldicot as Captain Povey, Heather Chasen as Ramona Povey, Tenniel Evans as Carlo and Michael Bates as Manuelo.

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

Scripted by Lawrie Wyman and George Evans.

Producer: Alastair Scott Johnston.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in July 1973.
MON 09:00 When the Dog Dies (b0139d46)
Series 2
The Never Ending Story
Ronnie Corbett and the writers of his hit sitcom Sorry, Ian Davidson and Peter Vincent, return for a second series of this popular sitcom about Sandy Hopper, a granddad happily growing old along with his dog Henry and his lodger, Dolores (Liza Tarbuck).
Dolores seems to have taken up with a married man but Sandy's grandfatherly duties come before his fatherly ones. And thus Sandy discovers the power of the story. Tyson's sister Zoe is desperate to find out what happened next. If it were just a matter of googling Emily Bronte, it would be simple enough but things are never that easy for Sandy. Just who is Byron Queasley, for a start?
Cast:
Ronnie Corbett ...... Sandy
Liza Tarbuck ...... Dolores
Sally Grace ...... Mrs Pompom
Tilly Vosburgh ...... Ellie
Philip Bird ....... Lance
Amelia Clarkson ...... Zoe
Stephen Critchlow ...... Queasley
Producer: Liz Anstee
A CPL Production for BBC Radio 4.
MON 09:30 Life: An Idiot's Guide (b044mc1g)
Series 3
Belief and Opinion
Stephen K Amos is joined by comedians Wil Hodgson, Gavin Webster and Shazia Mirza to present a guide to belief and opinion.
MON 10:00 Classic Serial (b017lbqk)
Stefan Zweig - Beware of Pity
Episode 1
By Stefan Zweig. Dramatised for radio by Stephen Wyatt.
Stefan Zweig is a remarkable writer who had a remarkable life, but is not nearly as well known as he deserves to be, as Simon Gray discovered when he was attracted by the cover of his only novel, Beware of Pity.
Simon Gray took the book on holiday with him and used it as an escape from worrying about his cancer and the likely prognosis, "it being too good to read except with the closest attention" and he became immersed in the story of "a young man betrayed by his own unwonted impulses, his own nature........ it's the way that the novel single-mindedly, almost obsessively, illustrates and analyses the destructive power of a single emotion -if that's what pity is - that makes it unique, at least in my experience."
Simon Gray embarked on a dramatisation of the book for Radio 4, but it was unfinished at his death in 2008. Another writer, Clare McIntyre, was also attracted by the story and wrote a stage version, but she too died before it was completed. Stephen Wyatt has taken on the task of writing a two part radio version based on Clare McIntyre's material, which will be broadcast on Radio 4 on 27 November and 4 December, with a cast that includes Piers Wehner, Bryony Hannah, Ronald Pickup, Jasper Britton & Michael Jayston.
Cast:
Anton Hofmiller ...... Piers Wehner
Edith ...... Bryony Hannah
Kekesfalva ...... Ronald Pickup
Dr Condor ....... Jasper Britton
Josef ...... Michael Jayston
Ilona ...... Mabel Clements
Ferencz ...... Jack Chedburn
Jozsi/Flowerseller ..... Tai Lawrence
The Apothecary ..... Jason Devoy
Director: Jane Morgan
A Pier Production for BBC Radio 4.
MON 11:00 Five Stories by James Ellis (b00l16tj)
The Devil
Old Granny Greer outwits a miserly son when she strikes a deal to sit with his ailing Mother until she dies.
The first of five French stories adapted to an Irish setting and read by James Ellis,
Recorded on location in a picturesque thatched cottage at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum in Holywood.
Producer: Heather Brennon
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2005.
MON 11:15 Loose Ends (b044b3fp)
Tamsin Greig, Nina Wadia, Tanya Byron, Scottee, Nathan Penlington, Real Estate, Rae Morris
Emma's fresh from a Friday Night Dinner with actress Tamsin Greig, who is reunited with her 'Green Wing' co-star, Stephen Mangan, for the third series of 'Episodes'. Sean and Beverly Lincoln are an English couple whose hit UK sitcom is remade for US audiences and corrupted beyond recognition, and in which Matt LeBlanc plays an outrageous version of himself.
Emma examines the mind of clinical psychologist Professor Tanya Byron, whose new book is about the years she spent training as a clinical psychologist. In 'The Skeleton Cupboard', Tanya experiences some of the toughest placements of her career and she shares the fascinating stories of some of the people she treated.
Scottee fantasises with writer and performer Nathan Penlington, whose book 'The Boy in the Book' materialised from his obsession with 'Choose Your Own Adventure' novels. When he came across the very first in the series, he anticipated a nostalgia trip. But what he discovered sent him off on an adventure all of his own.
Emma's going out for an English with actress Nina Wadia, who's starring in a one off special of the ground-breaking British Asian sketch show 'Goodness Gracious Me', as part of BBC 2's 50th Anniversary Celebrations. It features all the favourite characters from the original series and includes some very competitive Grandmothers, a bit of politics with the Kapoors and a high-tech use for an aubergine.
With music from Real Estate, who perform 'Crime' from their album 'Atlas'. And from Rae Morris, who performs new single 'Cold' from her forthcoming album
Producer: Sukey Firth.
MON 12:00 Listen to Les (b01n21nt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 12:30 The Navy Lark (b007jngd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 13:00 Wimsey (b007k47f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 13:30 Cooking up a Royal Treat (b0076mrt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 14:00 15 Minute Drama (b00m0v38)
Katie Hims - Five Wedding Dresses
True Love
Series of dramas by Katie Hims about brides dressing for wedding ceremonies and the significance and symbolism of the dress itself.
Maggie's dress is so beautiful she can't bear to take it off.
Maggie ...... Olivia Colman
Eric ...... Trystan Gravelle
Air Steward ...... Gunnar Cauthery
Directed by Jessica Dromgoole.
MON 14:15 A Short History of Ireland (b007vgg4)
The Covenant; The Great Dublin Lock-Out
The country's rich and turbulent story continues. With Richard Dormer, James Greene and Frances Tomelty.
MON 14:30 Inspector Resnick (b00mdylc)
Wasted Years
Episode 6
A stroke of luck enables the detective to ensnare a violent gunman. Phillip Jackson reads the John Harvey thriller.
MON 15:00 Classic Serial (b017lbqk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
MON 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b044mdq4)
Mel Giedroyc introduces Whizziwig Returns, the second series of Malorie Blackman stories about a furry little alien from the planet Oricon.
MON 17:00 Like They've Never Been Gone (b00936z4)
Series 1
Episode 1
Sweethearts Tommy Franklin and Sheila Parr won the 1962 Eurovision Song Contest, but find themselves suddenly thrust back into the limelight when their song is used on TV.
The only snag is they can no longer stand the sight of one another...
Series 1 of Mike Coleman's sitcom starring June Whitfield and Roy Hudd.
Tommy Franklin ...... Roy Hudd
Sheila Parr ...... June Whitfield
With Pat Coombs, Julian Eardley, Joshua Henderson, Chris Pavlo and Terry Wogan.
Music by Frido Ruth.
Producer: Steve Doherty
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1998.
MON 17:30 Double Science (b0141zm1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 18:00 When the Dog Dies (b0139d46)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
MON 18:30 A Good Read (b044mds7)
Jude Kelly and Jatinder Verma
Tom Sutcliffe, Jude Kelly and Jatinder Verma discuss books by Amitav Ghosh, Robert Hughes and Jeanette Winterson. From 1997.
In An Antique Land by Amitav Ghosh
Publisher: Granta Books
The Culture of Complaint by Robert Hughes
Publisher: Tthe Harvill Press
Art Objects by Jeanette Winterson
Publisher: Vintage.
MON 19:00 Listen to Les (b01n21nt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 19:30 The Navy Lark (b007jngd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 20:00 Wimsey (b007k47f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 20:30 Cooking up a Royal Treat (b0076mrt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 21:00 Five Stories by James Ellis (b00l16tj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
MON 21:15 Loose Ends (b044b3fp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
MON 22:00 Just a Minute (b043wvy3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 22:30 Life: An Idiot's Guide (b044mc1g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
MON 23:00 The Now Show (b04416ss)
Series 43
Episode 6
Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis are joined by special guest Sara Pascoe for a comic romp through the week's news. With Mitch Benn, Laura Shavin and Jon Holmes.
Written by the cast with additional material from Gareth Gwynn, Nadia Kamil and Matt Green. Produced by Alexandra Smith.
MON 23:30 Dan and Nick: The Wildebeest Years (b0089c0y)
Jelly Stinger
Dan Freedman and Nick Romero's pun-fest, where salty talk show host Jelly Stinger meets some fishy guests.
Comedy extravaganza written by and featuring Dan Freedman and Nick Romero.
With Richard Coles.
Music by the Gents.
Producer: Julian Mayers
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1998


TUESDAY 27 MAY 2014

TUE 00:00 15 Minute Drama (b00m0v38)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Monday]
TUE 00:15 A Short History of Ireland (b007vgg4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Monday]
TUE 00:30 Inspector Resnick (b00mdylc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Monday]
TUE 01:00 When the Dog Dies (b0139d46)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Monday]
TUE 01:30 A Good Read (b044mds7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Monday]
TUE 02:00 Wimsey (b007k47f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]
TUE 02:30 Cooking up a Royal Treat (b0076mrt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:00 Classic Serial (b017lbqk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:00 Five Stories by James Ellis (b00l16tj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:15 Loose Ends (b044b3fp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 on Monday]
TUE 05:00 Like They've Never Been Gone (b00936z4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:00 on Monday]
TUE 05:30 Double Science (b0141zm1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Monday]
TUE 06:00 Wimsey (b007k48n)
Busman's Honeymoon
4. Not Why, But How
The upper crust sleuth and his new bride try to recreate the lead-up to the mysterious circumstances of the murder of Noakes.
Ian Carmichael stars as Lord Peter Wimsey – the British gentleman detective created by Dorothy L Sayers.
Lord Peter Wimsey …. Ian Carmichael
Lady Wimsey …. Sarah Badel
Bunter …. Peter Jones
Mrs Ruddle …. Pearl Hackney
Narrator …. John Westbrook
Miss Twitterton …. Rosemary Leach
Frank Crutchley …. Kenneth Cranham
Salcombe Hardy …. Patrick Newell
Sid …. David Peart
Dramatised by Alistair Beaton.
Producer: Martin Fisher
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1983.
TUE 06:30 Losing the Children (b0076qk1)
Author Michael Rosen explores the meaning behind one of Germany's greatest fairy tales, The Pied Piper of Hamelin. From February 2005.
TUE 07:00 The Mitch Benn Music Show (b007vh35)
Series 1
Episode 5
The musical comedian presents his selection of some of the finest comic songs. With guest Neil Innes. From August 2005.
TUE 07:30 Alex Horne Presents The Horne Section (b043x48z)
Series 3
Marcus Brigstocke
Stand-up Alex Horne and his five-piece band explore fashion and trends through live music and comedy.
This week there's a ceilidh and songs about Alex's car and the first dance at his wedding amongst others.
With special guest comedian Marcus Brigstocke and singer Vula Malinga.
Band: Joe Auckland, Mark Brown, Will Collier, Ben Reynolds, Ed Sheldrake
Producer: Charlie Perkins.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2014.
TUE 08:00 The Goon Show (b007jtqc)
Series 7
Six Charlies in Search of an Author
Through pages and chapters, the fate of Neddie Seagoon is in the hands of the writer.
Groundbreaking, surreal BBC radio comedy written by Spike Milligan and Larry Stephens.
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: Pat Dixon
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in December 1956.
TUE 08:30 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b008hgpz)
Series 3
Episode 5
Shady lawyer Waldorf T Flywheel takes on an amusement arcade.
Recreation of the Marx Brothers' lost shows charting the adventures of shady lawyer Waldorf T Flywheel and his assistant, Emmanuel Ravelli. Originally broadcast with sponsors on America's NBC radio network in the 1930s. The scripts were rediscovered in 1988.
Groucho Marx as Waldorf T. Flywheel …. Michael Roberts
Chico Marx as Emmanuel Ravelli …. Frank Lazarus
With Lorelei King, Graham Hoadly and Vincent Marzello.
Written by Nat Perrin and Athur Sheekman. Adapted by Mark Brisenden.
Music arranged and conducted by David Firman.
Producer: Dirk Maggs
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1992.
TUE 09:00 Chain Reaction (b00tq1vw)
Series 6
Stephen Merchant interviews Jarvis Cocker
The last in the current series of the tag team talk show where last week's guest, multi award-winning co-creator of The Office and Extras, and famously tall funny man Stephen Merchant takes the microphone to interview Pulp frontman and successful solo artist, dandy Englishman Jarvis Cocker.
Stephen asks Jarvis about the perils of being a glasses wearer, his protests against pop and what really happened with that famous Michael Jackson incident.
TUE 09:30 The Now Show (b04416ss)
[Repeat of broadcast at 23:00 on Monday]
TUE 10:00 Classic Serial (b017vk97)
Stefan Zweig - Beware of Pity
Episode 2
By Stefan Zweig. Dramatised for radio by Stephen Wyatt.
What had seemed to Hofmiller to be merely a social blunder has had unforeseen consequences and he's now embarked on a most perilous course of deception.
Stefan Zweig is a remarkable writer who had a remarkable life, but is not nearly as well known as he deserves to be, as Simon Gray discovered when he was attracted by the cover of his only novel, Beware of Pity.
Simon Gray took the book on holiday with him and used it as an escape from worrying about his cancer and the likely prognosis, "it being too good to read except with the closest attention" and he became immersed in the story of "a young man betrayed by his own unwonted impulses, his own nature........ it's the way that the novel single-mindedly, almost obsessively, illustrates and analyses the destructive power of a single emotion -if that's what pity is - that makes it unique, at least in my experience."
Simon Gray embarked on a dramatisation of the book for Radio 4, but it was unfinished at his death in 2008. Another writer, Clare McIntyre, was also attracted by the story and wrote a stage version, but she too died before it was completed. Stephen Wyatt has taken on the task of writing a two part radio version based on Clare McIntyre's material, which will be broadcast on Radio 4 on 27 November and 4 December, with a cast that includes Piers Wehner, Bryony Hannah, Ronald Pickup, Jasper Britton & Michael Jayston.
Cast:
Anton Hofmiller ..... Piers Wehner
Edith ...... Bryony Hannah
Kekesfalva ....... Ronald Pickup
Dr Condor ..... Jasper Britton
Colonel/ Josef ...... Michael Jayston
Ilona ..... Mabel Clements
Ferencz ..... Jack Chedburn
Director: Jane Morgan
A Pier Production for BBC Radio 4.
TUE 11:00 Five Stories by James Ellis (b00l3pxv)
Scully's Goat
What befalls an unsuspecting goat when she escapes to pursue her freedom? A French story adapted to an Irish setting.
TUE 11:15 McLevy (b0082hxv)
Series 1
For Unto Us
The Edinburgh inspector hits the Victorian streets on the trail of an ingenious cat-burglar. Brian Cox stars as David Ashton's sleuth.
TUE 12:00 The Goon Show (b007jtqc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 12:30 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b008hgpz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 13:00 Wimsey (b007k48n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 13:30 Losing the Children (b0076qk1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 14:00 15 Minute Drama (b00m0vh7)
Katie Hims - Five Wedding Dresses
The Rescue
Series of dramas by Katie Hims about brides dressing for wedding ceremonies and the significance and symbolism of the dress itself.
Lauren resorts to drastic measures to stop her sister getting married.
Lauren ...... Bethany Filler
Dwayne ...... Verelle Roberts
Charlene ...... Jade Williams
Jackie ...... Elaine Lordan
Patrick ...... Alex Lanipekun
Directed by Jessica Dromgoole.
TUE 14:15 A Short History of Ireland (b007vhhs)
The Curragh Mutiny; To the Brink of Civil War
The country's rich and turbulent story continues. With Richard Dormer, James Greene and Frances Tomelty.
TUE 14:30 Inspector Resnick (b00mdz5g)
Wasted Years
Episode 7
As Prior prepares to be paroled, Darren's behaviour becomes more menacing. Phillip Jackson reads the John Harvey thriller.
TUE 15:00 Classic Serial (b017vk97)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
TUE 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b044mhlz)
Mel Giedroyc rolls out the birthday bunting for celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, and we hear the next episode of Malorie Blackman's story Whizziwig Returns.
TUE 17:00 Up the Garden Path (b0080p54)
Series 2
Hot Water
With more love entanglements, Izzy is finding life back in England rather confusing.
Tumbling from one love entanglement to another, 30 something teacher Izzy Comyn has a predilection for inappropriate men.
Imelda Staunton stars as Izzy.
An 8-part radio sequel adapted from Sue Limb’s 1984 novel. The second of 3 series which ran from 1987 to 1993. Granada also adapted the series for ITV.
Izzy ...... Imelda Staunton
Dick ...... Mike Grady
Michael ...... Nicholas Le Prevost
Aunt Vinny ...... Rosemary Martin
Charles ...... David Robb
Gwyn ...... Dafydd Hywel
Producer: Jonathan James-Moore
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1988.
TUE 17:30 The Mitch Benn Music Show (b007vh35)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 18:00 Chain Reaction (b00tq1vw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
TUE 18:30 That Reminds Me (b007jp4b)
Series 3
Jack Douglas
Comic actor Jack Douglas - famed for playing 'Alf Ippititimus' - shares memories of his TV, stage and film career with an audience.
How Des O'Connor was Jack's springboard to success and a part in the 'Carry On' films. Plus the mystery of the sex appeal of co-star Sid James!
Producer: Claire Jones
Jack Douglas: Born: 26th April 1927. Died: 18th December 2008
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2001.
TUE 19:00 The Goon Show (b007jtqc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 19:30 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b008hgpz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 20:00 Wimsey (b007k48n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 20:30 Losing the Children (b0076qk1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 21:00 Five Stories by James Ellis (b00l3pxv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
TUE 21:15 McLevy (b0082hxv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
TUE 22:00 Alex Horne Presents The Horne Section (b043x48z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 22:30 The Music Teacher (b00sgbh0)
Series 1
Episode 4
Written by Richie Webb.
Another tough week shut away in a tiny windowless practice room enduring challenging pupils for music teacher Nigel Penny, in this new musical comedy written by and starring 2009 Writers' Guild Award winner Richie Webb. Featuring Vicki Pepperdine as Arts Centre Manager Belinda.
Episode 4 sees Nigel faced with the usual bizarre array of pupils: the midlands answer to Bob Dylan, a homemade keyboard hobbyist and a singing dog prove to be fairly hard going. But it is Arts Centre manager Belinda - so usually the cause of much of his misery - who offers Nigel the chance of a lifetime: to write a jingle advertising the Arts Centre to feature on local radio. This is the chance Nigel has been looking for. This is his way out. This is his ticket to the fame and fortune that he so nearly tasted as a Young Musician of the Year Finalist in 1975. If only he could get The Beatles 'Eight Days A Week' out of his head he'd be fine. But he can't. And the deadline is approaching fast.
Cast:
Nigel Penny ...... Richie Webb
Belinda ...... Vicki Pepperdine
Other roles by Dave Lamb, Jim North and Jess Robinson.
Produced by Richie Webb
Directed by Nick Walker
A Top Dog production for BBC Radio 4
TUE 22:45 Earls of the Court (b00rbmgt)
Downward Inflection
Johnno's so sick and tired of London that he's even lost his upward inflection. If only Lloydie could make the city more like Australia.
Comedy drama series by Will Adamsdale and Stewart Wright about two Australians down on their luck in London.
Lloydie ...... Stewart Wright
Johnno ...... Will Adamsdale
Reporter ...... Keely Beresford
TV Anchor ...... David Seddon
Director: Sasha Yevtushenko.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2010.
TUE 23:00 Ectoplasm (b007w5l4)
The Case of the Missing Lost Soul
A mysterious countess begs Lord Zimbabwe to win back her soul from the lord of the underworld.
Without a soul, she is destined to be a Barry Manilow fan for eternity.
Dan Freedman and Nick Romero’s comedy about the exploits of Lord Zimbabwe, occultist and adventurer.
Lord Zimbabwe ...... Nick Romero
Dr Lilac ...... Dan Freedman
Contessa Del Monte ...... Sophie Aldred
Priest ...... Colin Guthrie
Theremin ...... Peter Donaldson
Other parts played by the cast.
Producer: Helen Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2000.
TUE 23:30 2000 Years of Radio (b007tcbl)
Series 1
Headless - Civil War Radio
Battle reports as they happen - with all the decapitations and more. Stars Marcus Brigstocke. From November 2000.
TUE 23:45 Gus Murdoch's Sacred Cows (b00fgq45)
2. Bank Hols
Incisive reporter Gus Murdoch investigates the pros and cons of bank holidays.
Written by and starring Stephen Carlin.
With:
Neil Edmond
Margaret Cabourn-Smith
Stephen Carlin
Helen Longworth
Chris Pavlo
Producer: Tilusha Ghelani
Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in November 2008.


WEDNESDAY 28 MAY 2014

WED 00:00 15 Minute Drama (b00m0vh7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Tuesday]
WED 00:15 A Short History of Ireland (b007vhhs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Tuesday]
WED 00:30 Inspector Resnick (b00mdz5g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Tuesday]
WED 01:00 Chain Reaction (b00tq1vw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:30 That Reminds Me (b007jp4b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Tuesday]
WED 02:00 Wimsey (b007k48n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Tuesday]
WED 02:30 Losing the Children (b0076qk1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:00 Classic Serial (b017vk97)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:00 Five Stories by James Ellis (b00l3pxv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:15 McLevy (b0082hxv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 on Tuesday]
WED 05:00 Up the Garden Path (b0080p54)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:00 on Tuesday]
WED 05:30 The Mitch Benn Music Show (b007vh35)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Tuesday]
WED 06:00 Wimsey (b007k4c3)
Busman's Honeymoon
5. Crossed in Love
As the debts of murder victim William Noakes start mounting up, the upper crust sleuth grows suspicious of one of his relatives.
Ian Carmichael stars as Lord Peter Wimsey – the British gentleman detective created by Dorothy L Sayers.
Lord Peter Wimsey …. Ian Carmichael
Lady Wimsey …. Sarah Badel
Bunter …. Peter Jones
Mrs Ruddle …. Pearl Hackney
Narrator …. John Westbrook
Miss Twitterton …. Rosemary Leach
Frank Crutchley …. Kenneth Cranham
MacBride …. Roger Lloyd Pack
Mr. Solomons …. Bernard Spear
Voice from wireless …. Michael Bilton
Superintendent Kirk …. Peter Vaughan
Dramatised by Alistair Beaton.
Producer: Martin Fisher
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1983.
WED 06:30 The Music Factory (b00769jq)
BBC institution Music While You Work was created to give wartime productivity a boost. Russell Davies taps his foot to a national audio treasure. From September 2002.
WED 07:00 An Actor's Life for Me (b00899ps)
Series 2
The Scottish Play
Robert gets involved in a performance of the play whose title we are not allowed to say. He is overly superstitious about saying "Macbeth" ... Whoops!
John Gordon Sinclair stars in Paul Mayhew-Archer's sitcom.
Robert Wilson ..... John Gordon Sinclair
Desmond Shaw ..... Gary Waldhorn
Sue ..... Caroline Quentin
With:
Jo Kendall
Joe Dunlop
Jonathan Kydd
Danny Schiller
Producer: Paul Spencer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in February 1990.
WED 07:30 Isy Suttie's Love Letters (b01s8cp3)
Series 2
George and Louise
Isy Suttie recounts the tale of George and Louise, set against the backdrop of the Matlock Ceilidh over Christmas and New Year 2014.
Sony Award Winning series, recounting a series of love stories affecting people she's known throughout her life, told partly through song.
Sometimes Isy has merely observed other people's love lives; quite often she's intervened, changing the action dramatically - for better or worse. Intertwined within these stories are related real life anecdotes from Isy's own, often disastrous, love life.
With her multi-character and vocal skills, and accompanied by her guitar, Isy creates a hilarious and deeply moving world, sharing with us her lessons in life and love.
"A voice you want to swim in" The Independent
Producer: Lyndsay Fenner
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2014.
WED 08:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jpl8)
Series 6
The Elopement
With Bill suffering heartache, can Sid and The Lad Himself smooth the path to true love?
Starring Tony Hancock.
With Sidney James, Bill Kerr, Lillian Grasson, Wilfred Babbage, Fraser Kerr and Lee Crutchley.
Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.
Theme and incidental music written by Wally Stott.
Producer: Tom Ronald
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in November 1959.
WED 08:30 Albert and Me (b007jsm1)
Series 1
The Homecoming
Single dad Bryan gets worried when his son's mum wants to visit.
Stars Richard Beckinsale as Bryan Archer, Pat Coombs as Mum/Albert and John Comer as Dad. With Robert Gillespie as the Police Sergeant and Diana Berriman as Rose.
Written by Jim Eldridge.
Producer: John Fawcett Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in December 1977.
WED 09:00 All the Young Dudes (b019m2ys)
Series 2
Still Crazy
Patrick wonders who Green Day are, and Joe turns into a doting daddy. Written by and starring Jim Sweeney. From September 2002.
WED 09:30 1835 (b012gpr4)
The Reluctant Aristocrat
In order to prove he's not a feckless, idle aristocrat, Belport manages to kick off the world's first rail strike - in the process proving to everyone that he's a feckless, idle aristocrat...
Comic saga of an aristocrat and his servant who struggle to find things to do in the mid- 1830s.
Belport ...... Paul Rider
Ned ...... Jason Done
Arbuthnot ...... Roy Barraclough
George ...... Simon Greenall
Charlie ...... Jonathan Keeble
Written and directed at BBC Manchester by Jim Poyser.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2004.
WED 10:00 George Eliot - Daniel Deronda (b007k05d)
1. Attraction
From the moment their eyes meet across a packed gaming room, Daniel Deronda is as drawn to Gwendolen Harleth as she is to him.
George Eliot's 1876 classic novel of love and idealism, dramatised in three parts by Robert Forrest.
Starring Anna Chancellor and Michael Perceval-Maxwell.
Gwendolen Harleth ...... Anna Chancellor
Deronda ...... Michael Perceval-Maxwell
Grandcourt ...... James Bryce
Mrs Davilow ...... Joanna Tope
Klesmer ...... Finlay Welsh
Mirah ...... Lucy Patterson
Baroness Langen ...... Sarah Collier
Sir Hugo ...... Sandy Neilson
Catherine ...... Katherine Igoe
Lydia ...... Noreen Leighton
Lush ...... Simon Tait
Rex ...... Gregor Powrie
Director: Patrick Rayner
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1999.
WED 11:00 Five Stories by James Ellis (b00lbgr5)
My Uncle Julius
The Davenport family's boat fails to come in, in more ways than one. A French story adapted to an Irish setting.
WED 11:15 McLevy (b0082k6q)
Series 1
The Trophy Club
Blocked in his efforts to solve a prostitute's murder, the detective bends the rules with bitter consequences. With Brian Cox.
WED 12:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jpl8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 12:30 Albert and Me (b007jsm1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 13:00 Wimsey (b007k4c3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 13:30 The Music Factory (b00769jq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 14:00 15 Minute Drama (b00m0vgz)
Katie Hims - Five Wedding Dresses
The Scarecrow
Series of dramas by Katie Hims about brides dressing for wedding ceremonies and the significance and symbolism of the dress itself.
Carla suddenly finds herself the object of attention for all the village men.
Carla ...... Claudie Blakley
Victor ...... Sam Dale
Darren ...... Benjamin Askew
Peter ...... Paul Rider
Directed by Jessica Dromgoole.
WED 14:15 A Short History of Ireland (b007vkjb)
Faithful to Erin, We Answer Her Call; The Conspirators Prepare
The country's rich and turbulent story continues. With Richard Dormer, James Greene and Frances Tomelty.
WED 14:30 Inspector Resnick (b00mf04l)
Wasted Years
Episode 8
Darren and Keith raid the building society, and a visit is planned for Prior. Phillip Jackson reads the John Harvey thriller.
WED 15:00 George Eliot - Daniel Deronda (b007k05d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
WED 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b044ml05)
Mel Giedroyc uncovers the Inheritance Tracks of Razorlight frontman Johnny Borrell and we hear the further adventures of Malorie Blackman's furry little alien in Whizziwig Returns.
WED 17:00 After Henry (b007k1hq)
Series 1
Mr Right
Sarah meets her daughter Clare's boyfriend, while her mother Eleanor interferes.
Simon Brett's comedy about three generations of women - struggling to cope after the death of Sarah's GP husband - who never quite manage to see eye to eye.
Starring Prunella Scales as Sarah, Joan Sanderson as Eleanor, Benjamin Whitrow as Russell, Gerry Cowper as Clare and Nigel Williams as David.
Four radio series were made, but instead of then moving to BBC TV - Thames Television produced 'After Henry' for the ITV network.
Producer: Pete Atkin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1985.
WED 17:30 An Actor's Life for Me (b00899ps)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 18:00 All the Young Dudes (b019m2ys)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
WED 18:30 Off the Page (b00766lg)
Being Alone
Three's a crowd? Jenny Ditski and Francis Spufford join Chris Bigsby to discuss solitude versus loneliness. From March 2002.
WED 19:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jpl8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 19:30 Albert and Me (b007jsm1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 20:00 Wimsey (b007k4c3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 20:30 The Music Factory (b00769jq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 21:00 Five Stories by James Ellis (b00lbgr5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
WED 21:15 McLevy (b0082k6q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
WED 22:00 Isy Suttie's Love Letters (b01s8cp3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 22:30 Genius (b0082b9x)
Series 3
Gyles Brandreth
A conveyor duvet for quibbling couples? Loaning out our royals abroad?
Dave Gorman asks author and broadcaster Gyles Brandreth to select the public's best loopy idea.
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 2007.
WED 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (b0469hgv)
The best in contemporary comedy. Tonight, Simon Munnery and San Fran comic Will Franken discuss where they find their comedy inspiration.
WED 23:00 The Harpoon (b007n0st)
Series 2
Episode 2
Broadcasting secrets are revealed in the nostalgic spoof of boys' adventure story papers.
Fun, frolics, and much, much, more. Subscribe now!
With Susie Brann, Alistair McGowan , Mary Elliot-Nelson, Julian Dutton and Peter Baynham.
Producer: Sarah Smith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1992.
WED 23:30 The Sofa of Time (b00hxqnm)
And the Hackett March on...
Milford, Parker and Marmite venture to Moran's ruins to try and locate the "ancient finding device", while Raamen Bod summons general Geezer to finish them off once and for all.
Continuing the epic and timeless tale of two men and their quest to find "The Sofa of Time", the most magical and powerful item of furniture in the entire universe.
It is said that those who sit on the sofa can be transported to anywhere and anytime.
Fantasy sitcom written by Nick Frost and Matt King.
Milford ...... Matt King.
Parker ...... Nick Frost
Marmite ...... Mark Heap
Raamen Bod ...... Peter Serafinowcz
With Kevin Eldon, Julia Deakin, Janei Anderson, Daisy Jones and Simon Pegg.
Producer: Mario Stylianides
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2002.


THURSDAY 29 MAY 2014

THU 00:00 15 Minute Drama (b00m0vgz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Wednesday]
THU 00:15 A Short History of Ireland (b007vkjb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Wednesday]
THU 00:30 Inspector Resnick (b00mf04l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 All the Young Dudes (b019m2ys)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:30 Off the Page (b00766lg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 Wimsey (b007k4c3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:30 The Music Factory (b00769jq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 George Eliot - Daniel Deronda (b007k05d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 Five Stories by James Ellis (b00lbgr5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:15 McLevy (b0082k6q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 After Henry (b007k1hq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:00 on Wednesday]
THU 05:30 An Actor's Life for Me (b00899ps)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 06:00 Wimsey (b007k4d8)
Busman's Honeymoon
6. A Chain of Circumstance
With no clear murder suspect, the arrival of the removal men helps the upper crust sleuth to spot a vital clue.
Ian Carmichael stars as Lord Peter Wimsey in the gripping conclusion of Dorothy L Sayers' thriller.
Lord Peter Wimsey …. Ian Carmichael
Lady Wimsey …. Sarah Badel
Bunter …. Peter Jones
Mrs Ruddle …. Pearl Hackney
Narrator …. John Westbrook
Miss Twitterton …. Rosemary Leach
Frank Crutchley …. Kenneth Cranham
Superintendent Kirk …. Peter Vaughan
Mr Puffett …. Michael Ripper
The Rev. Goodacre …. Gerald Sim
Constable Sellon …. Christopher Beeny
First Removal man …. Edward Cast
Second Removal Man …. Alex Jennings
Dramatised by Alistair Beaton.
Producer: Martin Fisher
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1983.
THU 06:30 Tales From The Statue (b0076gnm)
Sally Pomme Clayton examines the nature, impact and worth of stories and storytelling.
The title of the programme relates to a statue in Manhattan's Central Park of one of literature's greatest storytellers, Hans Christian Andersen which, since the '60s, has become a Saturday venue for people to tell and listen to stories.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2003.
THU 07:00 Semi Circles (b007jtw6)
Series 2
The Liberated Generation
"Ours is the generation of freedom, of permissiveness. We aren't shocked by anything. I mean, we may not want to participate, but there's nothing we actually disapprove of..".
Ben and Helen's marriage is at a standstill. Will Dick and Marian get it moving?
The improving story of life and improving times in an improving neighbourhood.
Starring Paula Wilcox as Helen and David Wood as Ben
Written by Simon Brett
Helen ...... Paula Wilcox
Ben ...... David Wood
Mrs Kelly ...... Pay Heywood
Alastair ...... Tony Millan
Dick ...... David Gooderson
Marian ...... Jean Trend
Producer: Pete Atkin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1982
THU 07:30 Simon Evans Goes to Market (b043xqry)
Series 1
Grain
How do you make economics funny? How do you put the comedy in commodity? Simon Evans has the answer in this new series which asks us to get involved in investment.
Rather than being cowed by an apparently complicated and overwhelming system, Simon jumps right in. He takes as his focus four commodities which are so intrinsic to our lives they have an almost elemental significance - land, gold, oil and grain. Yet, despite the fact we encounter them everywhere we look, very few people have been able to build a fortune on them.
All that's about to change as, Simon enlists help from the experts. Each week he will be joined by Tim Harford, Merryn Somerset Webb and a guest specialist as they examine the chequered social and economic histories of these commodities. By looking at four such fundamental products, Simon brings us to a closer understanding of how global economic forces have a far-reaching and often surprising impact on our lives.
In this episode, Simon looks at commodities markets in grain. How moral is it to trade in food? how much of it is animal feed and what is the future of food?
Performed by ..... Simon Evans, with regular guests Tim Harford and Merryn Somerset-Webb, and to talk about grain markets, Kanes Rajah and Jim Rogers.
Written by ..... Simon Evans with Benjamin Partridge and Andy Wolton
Producer ..... Tilusha Ghelani.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2014.
THU 08:00 Dad's Army (b007jqxp)
Series 3
High Finance
Captain Mainwaring realises Corporal Jones's money troubles involve the whole platoon.
Starring Arthur Lowe as Captain Mainwaring, John Le Mesurier as Sergeant Wilson, Clive Dunn as Corporal Jones, John Laurie as Private Frazer, Arnold Ridley as Private Godfrey, Ian Lavender as Private Pike, Bill Pertwee as Hodges, Frank Williams as the Vicar and Pearl Hackney as Mrs Pike.
Adapted for radio from Jimmy Perry and David Croft's TV scripts by Harold Snoad and Michael Knowles.
Producer: John Dyas
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1976.
THU 08:30 Take It From Here (b015zzmn)
From 07/04/1955
Does Eth still fan the flames of Ron Glum's passion? Stars Dick Bentley, Jimmy Edwards and June Whitfield. From April 1955.
THU 09:00 Heresy (b00smb69)
Series 7
Episode 4
Victoria Coren presents the programme which sets out to prove our most deeply held beliefs, the assumptions on which we base our view of the world, are all plain wrong.
This time, Victoria's guests leap to the defence of the weather forecasters, with Janet Street-Porter admitting that one particular BBC weatherman has been sending her temperature soaring. Richard Herring argues that we have come to expect too much of forecasters, pointing out that in medieval times, Michael Fish would have been hailed as a god for his predictive powers.
And on another topic, Mark Steel uncharacteristically speaks out in favour of David Cameron and George Osborne, praising them for their "proper poshness" in the face of the pseudo-poshness of their Labour counterparts.
Producer: Brian King
An Avalon production for BBC Radio 4.
THU 09:30 Bristow (b00cglkn)
Series 1
Follow That Star
The troublesome buying clerk tries smuggling a food inspector into chef Gordon Blue's staff canteen.
Michael Williams stars as Bristow, the Chester-Perry buying clerk. He is but a small cog in a gigantic wheel... and he knows it.
Adapted from by Frank Dickens from his famous newspaper cartoon strip. Syndicated internationally, it ran for 51 years from 1961.
Bristow …. Michael Williams
Jones …. Rodney Bewes
B.J. Bothwick …. Christopher Benjamin
Hewitt …. Owen Brenman
Miss Sunman …. Katy Odey
Station Master …. Jon Glover
Post Boy …. Simon Schatzberger
Mrs Dimple …. Sheila Reid
Music: John Whitehall
Poducer: Neil Cargill
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1999.
THU 10:00 George Eliot - Daniel Deronda (b007k06p)
2. Marriage
Gwendolen is now trapped in a cruel and loveless marriage with the philandering Grandcourt.
George Eliot's classic novel of love and idealism dramatised by Robert Forrest.
Starring Anna Chancellor and Michael Perceval-Maxwell.
Gwendolen Harleth ...... Anna Chancellor
Deronda ...... Michael Perceval-Maxwell
Grandcourt ...... James Bryce
Mrs Davilow ...... Joanna Tope
Klesmer ...... Finlay Welsh
Mirah ...... Lucy Patterson
Mrs Arrowpoint ...... Sarah Collier
Sir Hugo ...... Sandy Neilson
Mordecai ...... Mark McDonnell
Mrs Meyrick ...... Gerda Stevenson
Ezra Cohen ...... Steven McNicoll
Director: Patrick Rayner
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1999.
THU 11:00 Five Stories by James Ellis (b00lg8gr)
The Miller's Tale
A priest goes to desperate lengths to entice his erring flock back to the fold. A French story adapted to an Irish setting. From July 2007.
THU 11:15 McLevy (b007jlj2)
Series 1
The Second Shadow
The Edinburgh detective must secure some rapid counterfeiter convictions, but he's distracted by a woman. Starring Brian Cox.
THU 12:00 Dad's Army (b007jqxp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 12:30 Take It From Here (b015zzmn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 13:00 Wimsey (b007k4d8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 13:30 Tales From The Statue (b0076gnm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 14:00 15 Minute Drama (b00m0vh1)
Katie Hims - Five Wedding Dresses
Janey's Big Day
Series of dramas by Katie Hims about brides dressing for wedding ceremonies and the significance and symbolism of the dress itself.
Janey is unprepared for quite how involved her mother is in her wedding plans.
Janey ...... Lizzy Watts
David ...... Hogan
Valerie ...... Caroline Guthrie
Directed by Jessica Dromgoole.
THU 14:15 A Short History of Ireland (b007vkvs)
We Are Going to Be Slaughtered; Easter Week
The country's rich and turbulent story continues. With Richard Dormer, James Greene and Frances Tomelty.
THU 14:30 Inspector Resnick (b00mf3km)
Wasted Years
Episode 9
Darren gets serious, and Ruth receives an unwelcome visitor from her past. Phillip Jackson reads the John Harvey thriller.
THU 15:00 George Eliot - Daniel Deronda (b007k06p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
THU 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b044p22h)
Mel Giedroyc explores the history of the visitor's book, and there's more from Whizziwig Returns, Malorie Blackman's story about a furry little alien from the planet Oricon.
THU 17:00 No Commitments (b007jv56)
Series 1
Sisters Of Mercy
Anna struggles to be free of her younger sisters. Simon Brett's sitcom stars Rosemary Leach, and Celia Imrie.
Produced by Paul Schlesinger.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1992.
THU 17:30 Semi Circles (b007jtw6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 18:00 Heresy (b00smb69)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
THU 18:30 Great Lives (b00763z8)
Series 1
Friedrich Nietzsche
4 Extra Debut. Cartoonist Ralph Steadman and translator Adam Czerniawski discuss the life of philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. With Humphrey Carpenter. From September 2001.
THU 19:00 Dad's Army (b007jqxp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 19:30 Take It From Here (b015zzmn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 20:00 Wimsey (b007k4d8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 20:30 Tales From The Statue (b0076gnm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 21:00 Five Stories by James Ellis (b00lg8gr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
THU 21:15 McLevy (b007jlj2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
THU 22:00 Simon Evans Goes to Market (b043xqry)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 22:30 Revolting People (b00w48m7)
Ezekiel is Kidnapped
Ezekiel upsets the Baltimore rebels in the 1775 American sitcom. With Andy Hamilton, Jay Tarses and Hugh Dennis. From May 2006.
THU 23:00 The Museum of Everything (b007k4j3)
Series 2
The Coach Trip
The Museum's annual away day heads to a medieval fayre in Chaversham.
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 April 2005.
THU 23:30 The Skivers (b00jd5jn)
Series 3
Paul McKenna
Hypnotist Paul McKenna gets a taste of his own medicine. Sketch show with Nick Golsen and Tim de Jongh. From January 1997.


FRIDAY 30 MAY 2014

FRI 00:00 15 Minute Drama (b00m0vh1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Thursday]
FRI 00:15 A Short History of Ireland (b007vkvs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Thursday]
FRI 00:30 Inspector Resnick (b00mf3km)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 Heresy (b00smb69)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:30 Great Lives (b00763z8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 Wimsey (b007k4d8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:30 Tales From The Statue (b0076gnm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 George Eliot - Daniel Deronda (b007k06p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 Five Stories by James Ellis (b00lg8gr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:15 McLevy (b007jlj2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 No Commitments (b007jv56)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:00 on Thursday]
FRI 05:30 Semi Circles (b007jtw6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Thursday]
FRI 06:00 Raymond Chandler - Goldfish (b007jrrz)
Episode 1
On new information, LA-based PI Carmady sets out to retrieve the valuable Leander pearls, stolen 15 years earlier. Read by Henry Goodman.
FRI 06:30 A Gothic Cathedral (b0075cdg)
Simon Fanshawe tells the story of Roget's Thesaurus, the retirement project of an eminent Victorian with a passion for order and classification. From September 1998.
FRI 07:00 Smelling of Roses (b00dpspn)
Series 3
The Queen of Song
A showcase concert for a local diva turns into a headache for organiser Rosie Burns.
Rosie is asked to arrange a showcase concert for a new potential rival to Celine Dion.
The girl has plenty of money, but what about talent?
Another assignment for Rosie Burns and the event management company, where the clients are only part of the problem...
Written by Simon Brett.
Rosie ..... Prunella Scales
Jo ..... Rebecca Callard
Bob ..... Duncan Preston
Tess ..... Annette Badland
Robert ..... Simon Trinder
Cath Unger ..... Felicity Goodson
Terry ..... Colin Sell
Producer: Maria Esposito
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2002.
FRI 07:30 Bird Island (b044ghpd)
Series 2
Episode 4
Ben gets a new telescope, and Graham has some big news.
Ben ...... Reece Shearsmith
Graham ...... Julian Rhind-Tutt
Jane ...... Katy Wix
Beverley ...... Alison Steadman
Robin ...... Richard Aldridge
Atmospheric comedy about a cheery scientist based in Sub-Antarctica by Katy Wix.
It’s Ben’s trip of a lifetime, but in a vast icy landscape with dodgy internet. Feeling lonely, he shares his thoughts via an audio 'log' on his dictaphone.
Graham is a fellow nerdy scientist so their exchanges are mumbled. Ben’s even more awkward around new arrival Jane, though he’s not entirely sure why.
Producer: Tilusha Ghelan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2014.
FRI 07:45 Don't Start (b01n1qyz)
Series 2
The Bathroom
Kim calls Neil into the bathroom for an impromptu debate about shaving, the Krankies and Phantom of the Opera - but to what end?
What do long term partners really argue about? Sharp new comedy from Frank Skinner returns for a second series. Starring Frank Skinner and Katherine Parkinson.
The first series of Don't Start met with instant critical and audience acclaim:
"That he can deliver such a heavy premise for a series with such a lightness of touch is testament to his skills as a writer and, given that the protagonists are both bookworms, he's also permitted to use a flourish of fine words that would be lost in his stand-up routines". Jane Anderson, Radio Times
"Writing and starring in the four-parter Don't Start (Radio 4) Frank Skinner gives full rein to his sharp but splenetic comedy. He and his co-star Katherine Parkinson play a bickering couple exchanging acerbic ripostes in a cruelly precise dissection of a relationship". Daily Mail
.. "a lesson in relationship ping-pong" .. - Miranda Sawyer, The Observer
Series 2 follows hard on its heels. Well observed, clever and funny, Don't Start is a scripted comedy with a deceptively simple premise - an argument. Each week, our couple fall out over another apparently trivial flashpoint - the Krankies, toenail trimming and semantics. Each week, the stakes mount as Neil and Kim battle with words. But these are no ordinary arguments. The two outdo each other with increasingly absurd images, unexpected literary references (the Old Testament, Jack Spratt and the first Mrs Rochester, to name a few) and razor sharp analysis of their beloved's weaknesses. Underneath the cutting wit, however, there is an unmistakable tenderness".
Frank says:
"Having established, in the first series, that Neil and Kim are a childless academic couple who, during their numerous arguments, luxuriate in their own, and each other's, learning and wit, I've tried, in the second series, to dig a little deeper into their relationship. Love and affection, occasionally splutter into view, like a Higgs boson in a big tunnel-thing, but can such emotions ever prevail in a relationship where the couple prefers to wear their brains, rather than their hearts, on their sleeves? Is that too much offal imagery?"
Directed and Produced by Polly Thomas
Executive Producer: Jon Thoday
An Avalon production for BBC Radio 4.
FRI 08:00 Steptoe and Son (b007jnms)
Series 6
Oh, What a Beautiful Mourning
The Steptoe family clash over the will at the funeral of Albert's brother, George.
Starring Wilfrid Brambell as Albert and Harry H Corbett as Harold.
Written for TV and adapted for radio by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.
Albert ...... Wilfrid Brambell
Harold ...... Harry H Corbett
Arthur ...... George A Cooper
With Michael Burlington, David Graham, Anne Jameson, Norma Ronald and Marianne Stone.
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.
Producer: Bobby Jaye
First broadcast on the BBC Radio 2 in February 1976.
FRI 08:30 The Small, Intricate Life of Gerald C Potter (b007wwg9)
Series 1
The Dog
Gerald is alarmed to discover a large four-legged friend sitting in his car.
The convoluted chronicle of an optimistic crime writer written by Basil Boothroyd.
Starring Ian Carmichael as Gerald C Potter and Charlotte Mitchell as his wife and more successful writer, Diana.
With Margaret Robertson, James Thomason and Peter Craze.
The Small, Intricate Life of Gerald C Potter ran from 1976 to 1981.
Producer: Bobby Jaye
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1976.
FRI 09:00 Life, Death and Sex with Mike and Sue (b01nbzs8)
Series 2
Work and Travel
Sofa-bound TV presenters Mike and Sue look at work and travel, plus "Missing Persons".
Series 2 of Bill Dare's sitcom stars Robert Duncan and Jan Ravens.
Mike ...... Robert Duncan
Sue ...... Jan Ravens
With Roger Blake, Bill Dare, Alistair McGowan and Sally Philips.
Music by Mark Burton.
Producer: Jo Clegg
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1997.
FRI 09:30 Coming Alive (b00gsjth)
Series 2
Where the Action Is
Ex-convict Terry comes a cropper when he tries to stop a mob of vigilantes. Starring Karl Howman and Phyllis Logan.
FRI 10:00 George Eliot - Daniel Deronda (b007k07z)
3. Tensions
In the sun-drenched port of Genoa, Gwendolen and Daniel's fates become eternally and tragically entwined.
The conclusion of George Eliot's classic novel of love and idealism.
Starring Anna Chancellor and Michael Perceval-Maxwell.
Dramatised by Robert Forrest.
Gwendolen Harleth ...... Anna Chancellor
Deronda ...... Michael Perceval-Maxwell
Grandcourt ...... James Bryce
Mrs Davilow ...... Joanna Tope
Klesmer ...... Finlay Welsh
Mirah ...... Lucy Patterson
Lydia ...... Noreen Leighton
Lush ...... Simon Tait
Leonara ...... Vivienne Dixon
Mordecai ...... Mark McDonnell
Director: Patrick Rayner
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1999.
FRI 11:00 Five Stories by James Ellis (b00ljmsm)
The Umbrella
When a man's new umbrella is ruined, his wife cunningly replaces it within budget. A French story adapted to an Irish setting.
FRI 11:15 McLevy (b007jljg)
Series 1
The Burning Question
An unsolved murder is bringing vigilantes onto the streets. Time is running out for the Edinburgh detective. Stars Brian Cox.
FRI 12:00 Steptoe and Son (b007jnms)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 12:30 The Small, Intricate Life of Gerald C Potter (b007wwg9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 13:00 Raymond Chandler - Goldfish (b007jrrz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 13:30 A Gothic Cathedral (b0075cdg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 14:00 15 Minute Drama (b00m0vh3)
Katie Hims - Five Wedding Dresses
The Perfect Dress
Series of dramas by Katie Hims about brides dressing for wedding ceremonies and the significance and symbolism of the dress itself.
Nell loves the stories behind the second-hand wedding dresses she sells, until Julia tells her story.
Nell ...... Chipo Chung
Carla ...... Claudie Blakley
Eric ...... Trystan Gravelle
Julia ...... Rosalind Philips
Directed by Jessica Dromgoole.
FRI 14:15 A Short History of Ireland (b007vmbv)
Executions and Internment; Sacrifice at the Somme
The country's rich and turbulent story continues. With Richard Dormer, James Greene and Frances Tomelty.
FRI 14:30 Inspector Resnick (b00mfhvb)
Wasted Years
Episode 10
Deadly conclusions to the crimes separated by decades. Phillip Jackson reads the final part of John Harvey's thriller.
FRI 15:00 George Eliot - Daniel Deronda (b007k07z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
FRI 16:00 The 4 O'Clock Show (b044p4bc)
Another chance to hear the winning entries in this year's 500 WORDS competition, and the final part of Malorie Blackman's story Whizziwig Returns about a furry little pink alien.
FRI 17:00 The Brothers (b007k4nx)
Series 1
Episode 1
A couple of years ago brothers Nigel and Michael gave up respectable careers to set up a website-design company. That was their first mistake...
Starring Adam Godley and Raymond Coulthard.
First of three comedy series by Caroline and David Stafford.
Nigel ...... Adam Godley
Michael ...... Raymond Coulthard
Oona ...... Pauline McLynn
Zorro ...... Pearce Quigley
Producer: Marc Beeby
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2004.
FRI 17:30 Smelling of Roses (b00dpspn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 18:00 Life, Death and Sex with Mike and Sue (b01nbzs8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
FRI 18:30 Humphrey Lyttelton - Play As I Please (b01gw5lm)
Blowing Strong
Humphrey Lyttelton tells June Knox-Mawer about his creativity, coping strategies and musical inspiration. From December 1993.
FRI 19:00 Steptoe and Son (b007jnms)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 19:30 The Small, Intricate Life of Gerald C Potter (b007wwg9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 20:00 Raymond Chandler - Goldfish (b007jrrz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 20:30 A Gothic Cathedral (b0075cdg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 21:00 Five Stories by James Ellis (b00ljmsm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
FRI 21:15 McLevy (b007jljg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
FRI 22:00 Bird Island (b044ghpd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 22:15 Don't Start (b01n1qyz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:45 today]
FRI 22:30 My Teenage Diary (b00x9xbb)
Series 2
Rob Deering
Rufus Hound invites Rob Deering to read embarrassing extracts from his teenage diary and read it out in public for the very first time.
Producer: Victoria Payne
A TalkbackThames production for BBC Radio 4.
FRI 22:45 Creme de la Crime (b008756y)
Series 3
The Quiller Killer
TV detective Michael Feydeau ponders the murder of Christopher Marlowe. Stars Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis. From April 2003.
FRI 23:00 The Mary Whitehouse Experience (b044p64l)
Series 4
Episode 3
Hugh Dennis, Steve Punt, Robert Newman and David Baddiel skewer bonfire night and confront Vidal Sassoon.
Starring the double double-acts of David Baddiel and Rob Newman and Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis.
With Mark Hurst.
BBC Radio 1's alternative comedy with sketches, stand-up and the odd spot of audience participation.
Starting in 1989, the foursome's popularity sparked a BBC TV-transfer of the same name.
Producer: Armando Iannucci
First broadcast on BBC Radio 1 in November 1990
FRI 23:30 Lionel Nimrod's Inexplicable World (b007jqf9)
Series 1
Good and Evil
The sci-fi star and inventor explains life's big mysteries. Stars Richard Herring, Stewart Lee and Tom Baker. From October 1992.