SATURDAY 27 JUNE 2015

SAT 00:00 Alex Garland - The Coma (b007jtwc)
Episode 5
Fear of never waking up turns to fear of waking up as Carl starts to stir. Tom Goodman-Hill concludes Alex Garland's novel.
SAT 00:30 My Life in Five Songs (b01q95t1)
Series 5
Craig Armstrong
5/8 Craig Armstrong is a respected composer and arranger and a Royal Academy of Music graduate.
His film credits include the scores for William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet which earned him a BAFTA award and Moulin Rouge which earned him an Ivor Novello award for best original score. He wrote the music for the film Love Actually and has produced his own albums including Piano Works and Film Works.
Phil Cunningham opens the programme with the music to accompany the Balcony Scene from the soundtrack to the film Romeo + Juliet and then they go on to talk about these five tracks.
The Long and Winding Road - The Beatles
Lontano for Orchestra (1967 ) - Ligeti
Safe from Harm - Massive Attack
Lets make our own movies - AGF - Westernization Completed
Because of Toledo - The Blue Nile
Phil closes the programme with Enno Morricone's Love Theme.
SAT 01:00 Agatha Raisin (b011vf01)
Series 3
The Fairies of Fryfam
Hurt by James once too often, Agatha takes a trip to the Cornish village of Fryfam, but is soon disturbed by some strange lights at the bottom of her garden.
Starring Penelope Keith as Agatha Raisin, Malcolm Sinclair as James Lacey, Liza Sadovy as Mrs Bloxby and Rebecca Saire as Lucy Danvers.
Dramatised by David Semple from the novel by MC Beaton
Producer Carol Smith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2006.
SAT 01:30 In Search of the Singing Postman (b00tmlh2)
The writer DJ Taylor grew up in Norfolk. When he was missing his roots, he'd put on a record by Allan Smethurst, The Singing Postman, to remind him of home.
Smethurst is best known for one song - Have You Got A Loight Boy. By the mid 1960's he featured on the pop chart, just behind The Moody Blues. With his goofy smile and postman's uniform, he was the one hit wonder to end all one hit wonders. But DJ Taylor believes he was something far more than that.
Taylor argues that the songs turn out, not to be novelty numbers, but plaintive celebrations of a kind of lost, rural life that had begun to disappear, even as it was committed to vinyl. His songs are firmly rooted in the traditional ballads of Norfolk. His work is the last gasp of a genuinely popular art form, before it went down amid the onslaught of post-war mass culture.
There were even plans to send Smethurst to Nashville, the idea being that 'Country and Eastern' would appeal to the US audience. Smethurst admired the early American greats like Jimmie Rodgers and The Carter Family - their playing influenced his own lilting guitar style.
This programme tells the story of Smethurst's brief dalliance with fame and his steady fall into obscurity as he struggled with alcohol addiction. DJ Taylor pays tribute to the man who loved Norfolk, and through his songs preserved the memories and language of an entire way of life.
The programme is produced in Manchester by Nicola Swords.
SAT 02:00 Truman Capote - Breakfast at Tiffany's (b008900m)
Episode 5
Budding New York author Paul gets a job, but is still captivated by girl-about-town Holly Golightly. Truman Capote's New York novel. Read by Henry Goodman.
SAT 02:15 On the Map (b00rlwwy)
Maps of the Mind
Self-confessed map addict Mike Parker explores modern cartography.
Maps of the Mind. The most powerful maps aren't found on paper or a computer screen. They're the maps we hold in our memories and imaginations. Mike Parker visits a primary school in his home town to compare the pupils' maps with his own, drawn from childhood recollection. And he takes a trip to Ambridge, home of the Archers, to meet Eddie Grundy and ask him for directions around the village.
From 2010.
SAT 02:30 Mr Maugham's Journey Home (b05zzxjz)
Before the Party
Sailing home from colonial life in Borneo, Millicent tells the story of the death of her husband Harold. With David Troughton.
SAT 02:45 David Nobbs - I Didn't Get Where I Am Today... (b00cl496)
Episode 5
From Perrin and Pratt to 'Going Gently', writer David Nobbs concludes reading from his autobiography.
SAT 03:00 JB Priestley - Lost Empires (b007jr39)
3. Final Curtain
The glamour of the music halls begins to fade as Richard Herncastle embarks on a dangerous affair - and tragedy strikes the company.
Meanwhile, war is on the horizon...
Conclusion of JB Priestley's classic starring Tom Baker as Nick Ollanton.
Nick Ollanton ...... Tom Baker
Old Richard ...... Bryan Pringle
Young Richard ...... Richard Hollick
Sam ...... Freddie Davies
Tommy Beamish ...... Steven Frost
Julie Blane ...... Brigit Forsyth
Cissie Mapes ...... Deborah McAndrew
Nancy ...... Kathryn Hunt
Jenning ...... Russell Dixon
Johnson ...... John Lloyd Fillingham
Barney ...... Mike Edmunds
Nonnie ...... Ann-Marie Frater
Dramatised by Bert Coules.
Music: Chris Monks
Producer: Kate Rowland
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1994
SAT 04:00 The 99p Challenge (b01rqnfh)
Series 5
Episode 4
Crazy panel show capers with Sue Perkins, Jon Holmes, Marcus Brigstocke, Rob Rouse and Armando Iannucci. From September 2004.
SAT 04:30 Sneakiepeeks (b00pckm1)
Trust
The bungling surveillance team undertakes a top-secret category G surveillance operation.
It's a job so secret even the boss doesn't know about it.
Comedy by Harry Venning and Neil Brand about a team of inept, backstabbing surveillance operatives.
Sharla ...... Nina Conti
Bill ...... Richard Lumsden
Mark ...... Daniel Kaluuya
Mrs A ...... Kate Layden
Mr A ...... Ewan Hooper
Justine ...... Tessa Nicholson
David ...... Ewan Bailey
Delphine ...... Kate Layden
Producer: Katie Tyrrell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2009.
SAT 05:00 Little Blighty on the Down (b00tp807)
Series 4
Episode 2
The Parish council needs its money, but will the bank be able to pay out? Political satire with John Baddeley. From July 1991.
SAT 05:30 The Price of Happiness (b05v6gnt)
Series 1
Children
Stand-up poet Kate Fox explores some of the things she doesn't want and has cheerfully failed to achieve in life, despite feeling society constantly reminds her that, as a woman, she should.
Kate kicks off with a look at the subject of children.
Are we all wired to be baby-making machines? Not always, no. Some of us would rather spend our hard earned cash in Mango than Mothercare. Prospective parents are plagued by questions - Would I be a good parent? Would a child change my life beyond all recognition? Would having a child mean I could legitimately buy myself Lego and eat jelly?
Can legislation across the world be used to either encourage or discourage parenthood? And what's the cost of feeling you have to want the same things as everybody else? Kate and the audience draw up a list of pros and cons of having children, and work out whether the average cost of raising a child could be better spent making our lives more fun and meaningful in other ways.
Kate Fox is a comedian and poet from the North East of England. She has contributed poems and comic pieces to many Radio 4 shows including "Saturday Live", "Wondermentalist Cabaret", "From Fact to Fiction", "Woman's Hour" and "Arthur Smith's Balham Bash".
Producer: Lianne Coop
An Impatient production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in 2015.
SAT 06:00 Ian Curteis - Miss Morison's Ghosts (b060bn9s)
Based on what's been called 'the most authenticated ghost story of all time', Ian Curteis's play tells of the paranormal events experienced by two English ladies in the gardens of the Palace of Versailles, France, in 1901.
Starring Patrica Hodge as Miss Morison, Juliet Stevenson as Miss Lamont, Robert Hardy as Lord Kedlestone and Toby Longworth as Mr Hodgson.
Musical Accompaniment by Tim Woolfe
Directed by Dirk Maggs
A BBC World Service production first broadcast in 2004.
SAT 07:30 Michael Bentine - The Reluctant Jester (b01kpyzt)
The Reluctant Jester
Have Red Nose Will Travel
The founding member of The Goon Show recalls the exact moment that his comic inspiration reached full fruition.
Michael Bentine CBE concludes his reminiscences before an audience about his life and times.
Producer: Andy Aliffe
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in October 1993.
SAT 08:00 Archive on 4 (b040h1d7)
Dark Horse: An Alec Guinness Archive
Alistair McGowan reveals the private side of a purportedly 'retiring' artist - a man who forged one of the most stunningly successful theatrical and cinematic careers of the last century with intelligence, guile and a deep understanding of the creation of image.
One of the most extraordinary aspects of the film, television, stage and radio career that made Sir Alec the most successful British character actor of the 20th century was his apparent talent for anonymity. Laurence Olivier, Alec Guinness' mentor and co-star, famously described him as 'a dark horse' in a leading article in Time Magazine.
A remarkably good mimic, Sir Alec preferred, it seemed, to define himself by the roles he played. Was he really the scholarly, unworldly artist he appeared to be? He was a diarist, raconteur, and polished Hollywood operator, who turned self-deprecation into an art-form, took pride in not being recognised and disliked showmanship.
Alistair McGowan examines the many contradictions in the life of this enigmatic man through archive of interviews with the actor himself and those who knew him well.
Producer: Frank Stirling
A Unique production for BBC Radio 4.
SAT 09:00 Selected Radiophonic Works (b00g15x3)
In 1958 an extraordinary musical laboratory was opened by the BBC. The Radiophonic Workshop provided music and sound for a wealth of BBC TV and radio programmes - from The Goon Show to Doctor Who.
Richard Coles explores the achievements of the unit and presents a carefully chosen selection of programmes showcasing the department's work:
* THE ELECTRIC TUNESMITHS
What have Doctor Who, New Worlds and Major Bloodnok's stomach in common? A Radiophonics Workshop signature tune.
George Luce finds out how sounds and tunes are conjured out of springs, shampoo bottles and electronic synthesisers. From BBC Radio 4, 1971.
* THE DREAMS
One of Delia Derbyshire's ‘Inventions for Radio’ produced in collaboration with the poet and dramatist Barry Bermange for the BBC Third Programme in 1964.
* THE GOON SHOW Series 9 (14/17) The Scarlet Capsule
Professor Ned Quatermass unravels a mystery around some enigmatic blue serge suits.
Stars Spike Milligan. From the BBC Home Service, 1959.
* INFERNO REVISITED
Peter Howell’s musical play by Peter Howell inspired by Dante's Inferno, with Alec McCowen as the Guide.
The music was realised at the BBC Radiophonic Workshop. From BBC Radio 3, 1983
Plus clips of Bath Time (1976), Relativity (1974) and the legendary sound effect of Doctor Who’s TARDIS.
With contributions from Coldcut, Dick Mills and Mark Ayres.
Producer: Elizabeth Jaynes
Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in December 2008.
SAT 12:00 The Burkiss Way (b007jsfr)
Series 5
The Man from the Burkiss Way
A deadly game of Russian Roulette Video Cassette and Blake's 7 spoofed.
Starring Fred Harris, Jo Kendall, Nigel Rees and Chris Emmett.
Cult sketch comedy series which originally ran from 1976 to 1980.
Written by Andrew Marshall and David Renwick.
Producer: David Hatch
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1980.
SAT 12:30 I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again (b00vt6jy)
Series 5
Episode 7
The transport cafe that discovered Haute Cuisine - and the "Grim" fairy tale of Goldilocks and the Green Witch.
More quick-fire sketches, terrible puns, humorous songs and parodies.
Stars Tim Brooke-Taylor, John Cleese, David Hatch, Jo Kendall and Bill Oddie.
Written by Eric Idle, Bill Oddie, Graeme Garden and Andy Smith.
Originating from the Cambridge University Footlights revue 'Cambridge Circus', ISIRTA ran for 8 years on BBC Radio and quickly developed a cult following.
Music and songs by Dave Lee, Leon Cohen and Bill Oddie.
Producer: Humphrey Barclay
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in June 1967.
SAT 13:00 The Pursuits of Darleen Fyles (b060bsf3)
Series 7 Omnibus
Return of the award-winning drama series, an illuminating and quirky exploration of the challenges and aspirations of a young couple with learning disabilities.
SAT 14:10 Inheritance Tracks (b010gbwd)
Laurie Anderson
The artist and musician inherits 'Music in Twelve Parts' by Philip Glass and passes on 'Strange Fruit' by Billie Holiday.
SAT 14:15 In the Psychiatrist's Chair (b060bss8)
Spike Milligan
Writer and comedian Spike Milligan tells Professor Antony Clare about the profound impact of shell shock on his mental health.
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.
Anthony Clare died suddenly in Paris aged 64 in 2007.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1982.
SAT 15:00 Archive on 4 (b040h1d7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
SAT 16:00 Ian Curteis - Miss Morison's Ghosts (b060bn9s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 17:30 Michael Bentine - The Reluctant Jester (b01kpyzt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 18:00 Stanislaw Lem - Solaris (b00pf12m)
Episode 1
A psychologist is sent to a rundown space station to find out what has happened to its crew. When his long-dead young wife turns up, he suddenly finds himself in serious trouble.
Stanislaw Lem's famous modern sci-fi classic dramatised by Hattie Naylor.
Starring Ron Cook as Kris, Stuart Richman as Sartoris, Tim McMullan as Snow, Joanne Froggatt as Rheya and Maxine Burth as the Woman.
Music by Alice Trueman
Sound Design: Steve Brooke
Directed at BBC Manchester by Polly Thomas
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2007.
SAT 19:00 Selected Radiophonic Works (b00g15x3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 22:00 Mark Watson Makes the World Substantially Better (b00kvq7t)
Series 1
Wrath
Mark Watson investigates wrath as he continues his quest to free us from the seven deadly sins via stand-up comedy.
Tim Key and Tim Minchin provide sketches, songs and jealous glances.
Producer: Katie Marsden
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2007.
SAT 22:30 Armando Iannucci's Charm Offensive (b007x6kn)
Series 3
Episode 3
Topical piffle and outrageous fibs from Armando and his special guests Dara O Briain, Simon Evans and David Quantick. From August 2007.
SAT 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (b0612yb8)
The best in contemporary comedy. Tonight Arthur Smith is joined by John Robbins.
SAT 23:00 The Lee Mack Show (b00c4cd2)
Toyah Willcox
Toyah Willcox joins the sharp comedian for stand-up, sketches and music. With Angela McHale and Steve Brown. From April 2005.
SAT 23:30 Innes Own World (b017px05)
Episode 4
Neil Innes invites you to join him inside his own mind for half an hour.
There are some stories of working with Monty Python, jingles for products you never thought you needed and a modest little song called Isn't It Great Being A Star?
It's the only show that promises to pluck the eyebrows of intelligence with the sugar tongs of fact.
Script Editor: John Dowie
Producer: Claire Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2003.


SUNDAY 28 JUNE 2015

SUN 00:00 Stanislaw Lem - Solaris (b00pf12m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Saturday]
SUN 01:00 The Pursuits of Darleen Fyles (b060bsf3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 13:00 on Saturday]
SUN 02:10 Inheritance Tracks (b010gbwd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:10 on Saturday]
SUN 02:15 In the Psychiatrist's Chair (b060bss8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Saturday]
SUN 03:00 Archive on 4 (b040h1d7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Saturday]
SUN 04:00 Ian Curteis - Miss Morison's Ghosts (b060bn9s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]
SUN 05:30 Michael Bentine - The Reluctant Jester (b01kpyzt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Saturday]
SUN 06:00 Mr Maugham's Journey Home (b060bxq4)
Omnibus
Cruising home from the Far East, Somerset Maugham's tales of some passengers - starting with Mrs Hamley. With David Troughton.
SUN 07:15 Bad Habits (b00fl05d)
Time-keeping
Comedian and writer Richard Herring explores some of the bad habits and personal failings which directly or indirectly affect all of us in our daily working lives.
Richard explores the problem of time-keeping. He visits a call centre that had problems with punctuality, meets a factory worker from Scotland who blew the whistle on draconian time-management practices and hears from Diana DeLonzor, author of How to Never Be Late Again, who explains why lateness is a pathology that deserves our sympathy.
SUN 07:30 Another Case of Milton Jones (b012r7tp)
Series 5
International Diplomat
Diplomat Milton Jones is on the run after leaking all the UN's emails - except for the Swiss ones, which were too dull. And he meets a shadowy hacker. And the shadowy hacker's mum. He's joined in his endeavours by his co-stars Tom Goodman-Hill ("Camelot"), Dan Tetsell ("Newsjack") and Lucy Montgomery ("Down The Line").
Milton Jones returns to BBC Radio Four for an amazing 9th series - which means he's been running for longer than Gardeners' Question Time and answered more questions on gardening as well.
Britain's funniest Milton and the king of the one-liner returns with a fully-working cast and a shipload of new jokes for a series of daffy comedy adventures
Each week, Milton is a complete and utter expert at something - brilliant Mathematician, World-Class Cyclist, Aviator, Championship Jockey...
... and each week, with absolutely no ability or competence, he plunges into a big adventure with utterly funny results...
"Milton Jones is one of Britain's best gagsmiths with a flair for creating daft yet perfect one-liners" - The Guardian.
"King of the surreal one-liners" - The Times
"If you haven't caught up with Jones yet - do so!" - The Daily Mail
The cast includes regulars Tom Goodman-Hill ( "Spamalot"), Lucy Montgomery ("Down The Line"), Dave Lamb ("Come Dine With Me") and Ben Willbond ("Horrible Histories")
David Tyler's radio credits include Armando Iannucci's Charm Offensive, Cabin Pressure, Bigipedia, Another Case Of Milton Jones, Jeremy Hardy Speaks To The Nation, Giles Wemmbley Hogg Goes Off, The 99p Challenge, The Castle, The 3rd Degree and even, going back a bit, Radio Active. His TV credits include Paul Merton - The Series, Spitting Image, Absolutely, The Paul & Pauline Calf Video Diaries, Coogan's Run, The Tony Ferrino Phenomenon and exec producing Victoria Wood's dinnerladies.
Written by Milton with James Cary ("Think The Unthinkable", "Miranda"), the man they call "Britain's funniest Milton," returns to the radio with a fully-working cast and a shipload of new jokes.
Produced & directed by David Tyler
A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4.
SUN 08:00 Ray's a Laugh (b007js2p)
From 6/12/1949
Kitty suspects Ted is having an affair - and reporter George dons disguise.
Starring Ted Ray.
With Kitty Bluett, Peter Sellers, Patricia Hayes, Fred Yule and Leslie Perrins.
Ray's A Laugh - the successor to ITMA - follows the comedy exploits of Ted's life at home with his 'radio' wife Kitty, as well as in a variety of jobs. It ran from 1949-1961.
Scripted by Eddie Maguire and Ted Ray.
Music from Bob & Alf Pearson and The Beaux and The Belles.
BBC Dance Orchestra conducted by Stanley Black.
Announcer: Kenneth Kendall
Producer: George Inns
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in December 1949.
SUN 08:30 Whack-O! (b060c2x6)
From 06/06/1961
When an attractive exchange teacher from France arrives at Chiselbury, Professor Jimmy Edwards is forced to act.
June Whitfield ...... Matron
Roddy Maude-Roxby ...... Mr Potter
Joan Sanderson ...... The Marchioness
Roy Dotrice ...... Dr Sopwith
Frederick Treves ...... Soames
Roger Shepherd ...... Lumley
David Lott ...... Taplow
Starting life on BBC TV before transferring to radio, Chiselbury School is run"for the sons of gentlefolk".
Headmaster, Professor James Edwards, M.A. never misses a trick when it comes to exploiting the students and their parents. Sports pitches are given over to growing vegetables, which the boys nurture for their head to sell. Classes never exceed 95 pupils - 50 if private tuition is paid for at five guineas extra. It's only thanks to the efforts of the devoted deputy head, Mr Pettigrew, that the school exists at all.
Written by Frank Muir and Denis Norden and adapted for radio by David Climie.
Producer: Edward Taylor
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in June 1961.
SUN 09:00 Keeping an Eye Open Omnibus (b060c2zr)
Writer Julian Barnes reflects on his early encounters with art when, as a teenager in Paris, he began to discover what he liked.
SUN 10:10 Inheritance Tracks (b010t8t8)
June Spencer
The Archers actress inherits 'I'll See You Again' by Noel Coward and passes on Bruch's Violin Concerto No 1.
SUN 10:15 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b060c33s)
Military
John Keegan
From Elgar to Schubert, military historian John Keegan shares his castaway choices with Sue Lawley. From December 1998.
SUN 11:00 Mystery Theater (b060c5j9)
Across the Pacific: Humphrey Bogart
Selected shows from the golden days of American radio in the 1940s and 50s, when many of Hollywood's greatest screen stars were regular performers - often re-enacting their famous film roles.
Across the Pacific re-unites the original 1942 Warner Brothers' film cast for radio with the Screen Guild Players.
Humphrey Bogart stars as Captain Rick Leeland (US Army intelligence officer), Mary Astor as Alberta Marlowe and Sydney Greenstreet as "Dr Lorenz, a spy in the employ of the Japanese government".
With the melodramatic orchestra poised, prepare for "a suspenseful programme of espionage and counter-espionage" Recorded with an audience on 25 January 1943, America is at war with Japan. Can one man thwart the plans of dangerous spy network?
Adapted from the film script by Bill Hampton
With a variety of on-air sponsors in the 1940s, the Screen Guild Theater was created to help raise funds for the Motion Picture Relief Fund which maintained a Country Home offering assistance to people from across the film industry.
First broadcast in the USA on the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) in 1943.
SUN 11:30 Film Star (b060c9bx)
"Humphrey Bogart belonged to the era - on screen anyhow - when a guy could still call a lady a broad and not be thought sexist, and when the lady in question could give back as good as she got - and sometimes better - without being thought feminist."
Alexander Walker recalls the screen career of the legendary actor Humphrey Bogart, star of The Maltese Falcon, Casablanca and The Big Sleep.
Whether a snarling gangster, a trench-coated crusader, a romantic loner or even a grizzled old soak, Bogart created more classic roles than maybe any other star and, as one of the great movie heroes, he's never gone out of fashion - or affection.
Alexander Walker reviewed films for the London Evening Standard for over 43 years, He died in 2003.
Produced by Wendy Clay.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1988.
SUN 12:00 Ray's a Laugh (b007js2p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
SUN 12:30 Whack-O! (b060c2x6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
SUN 13:00 Mr Maugham's Journey Home (b060bxq4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 14:15 Bad Habits (b00fl05d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
SUN 14:30 Jami Attenberg - Saint Mazie (Omnibus) (b060c9qb)
Episode 2
The Great Depression and Mazie's life is on the brink of a transformation. An adventurous life explored through her diary. From June 2015.
SUN 15:40 Inheritance Tracks (b010t8t8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:10 today]
SUN 15:45 Opening Lines (b012qtb9)
Series 13
Writing in Chalk
A return of the series which gives first-time and emerging short story writers their radio debut.
A young girl, struggling with her reading and writing in school, looks to her mother for support in this touching story by Helen Barton
Read by Claire Skinner
Produced by Robert Howells
In 2009, Helen won the Orange Harper's Bazaar short story award and has written a novel and several short stories, as well as a series of literary quiz books.
SUN 16:00 Kenneth Grahame - The Golden Age (b00mcych)
Five orphans growing up in the idyllic English countryside are looked after by assorted aunts and uncles.
Their lives are filled with fun and games, as they transform their toys and surroundings into many magical fantasies and adventures. But the time will come when the toys will be sent away, and the dreaded threat of boarding school looms to put an end forever to the innocent pleasures of childhood...
Kenneth Grahame's collection of reminiscences of childhood dramatised by Martyn Wade.
Stars James Fleet as The Man, Jesse Jeune as The Boy, Marcia Warren as Miss Smedley, Alexandra Stone as Charlotte, Oliver Cookson as Edward, Harry Francis as Harold, Teresa Gallagher as Selina, David Timson as Uncle Thomas, Ann Beach as Aunt Eliza, Ian Masters as Mr Hodgitts, Patience Tomlinson as Aunt Maria, Gerard McDermott as Uncle William and Hannah Dee as Martha.
Music composed by Elizabeth Parker.
Producer: Cherry Cookson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2002.
SUN 17:30 Another Case of Milton Jones (b012r7tp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 18:00 Peter Ackroyd - Hawksmoor (b007jq33)
Episode 1
Nicholas Dyer, an 18th-century architect, builds churches to the glory of God, but underpins them with his secret obsession with the old religion.
Nicholas Hawksmoor, a detective in contemporary London, investigates murders that mirror the sacrifices from 300 years before...
Peter Ackroyd's acclaimed 1985 novel dramatised in two parts by Nick Fisher.
Dyer/Hawksmoor ...... Philip Jackson
Sir Christopher Wren ...... Norman Rodway
Anne ...... Miranda Foster
Walter ...... Thomas Arnold
Mirabelis ...... Richard Johnson
Nat Eliot ...... Ben Crowe
Thomas Hill ...... Jordan Calvert
Ned ...... Andrew Wincott
Hill ...... Terence Edmond
Tom's Mum ...... Helen Ayres
Woman Tramp (Annie) ...... Richenda Carey
Boy 1 ...... Luke Smith
Boy 2 ...... Bradley Sowter
Teacher ...... Clare Corbett
Other parts played by the cast.
Recorded on location in London’s Spitalfields and Clerkenwell and at Soundhouse Studios.
Producer: Janet Whitaker
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2000.
SUN 19:00 Mystery Theater (b060c5j9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
SUN 19:30 Film Star (b060c9bx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:30 today]
SUN 20:00 Keeping an Eye Open Omnibus (b060c2zr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SUN 21:10 Inheritance Tracks (b010t8t8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:10 today]
SUN 21:15 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b060c33s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:15 today]
SUN 22:00 Another Case of Milton Jones (b012r7tp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 22:30 Cowards (b007772j)
Series 1
Episode 2
Elephant rides and bear fights in the bizarre world of the comedy sketch show team.
Featuring the talents of writers and performers Tom Basden, Stefan Golaszewski , Tim Key and Lloyd Woolf.
Producer: Victoria Lloyd
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2007.
SUN 23:00 All the World's a Globe (b007jwwz)
8. From 20th Century Wars to Twiggy
The National Theatre of Brent's definitive history of Earth reaches the 20th century. With guest Ben Kingsley. From June 1990.
SUN 23:15 The Shuttleworths (b01mxrc7)
Series 4
A Moving Story
It's a new era for The Shuttlworths as son Darren leaves home to share a bedsit with his friend Plonker.
John is sad to see him go, especially as his contribution to the household budget will be missed.
Help may be at hand though, when a sudden change in next door neighbour (and sole agent) Ken Worthington's domestic situation, leads him to John's front door.
Written and performed by Graham Fellows
Producer: Dawn Ellis
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2003.
SUN 23:30 Jon Ronson On (b011c0wc)
Series 6
Aiming Low
Jon Ronson talks to Stewart Lee about why we are all so caught up in competitive lives. They discuss how choosing to aim low in a conscious way is the way forward.
Producer: Laura Parfitt and Simon Jacobs
An Unique production for BBC Radio 4.


MONDAY 29 JUNE 2015

MON 00:00 Peter Ackroyd - Hawksmoor (b007jq33)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Sunday]
MON 01:00 Mr Maugham's Journey Home (b060bxq4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Sunday]
MON 02:15 Bad Habits (b00fl05d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 on Sunday]
MON 02:30 Jami Attenberg - Saint Mazie (Omnibus) (b060c9qb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Sunday]
MON 03:40 Inheritance Tracks (b010t8t8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:10 on Sunday]
MON 03:45 Opening Lines (b012qtb9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 on Sunday]
MON 04:00 Kenneth Grahame - The Golden Age (b00mcych)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Sunday]
MON 05:30 Another Case of Milton Jones (b012r7tp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Sunday]
MON 06:00 Agatha Raisin (b011vhyk)
Series 3
Murder in the Dark
The sleuths investigate the Cornish murder - but, even more of a mystery, can James forgive and forget?
Starring Penelope Keith as Agatha Raisin, Malcolm Sinclair as James Lacey and Liza Sadovy as Mrs Bloxby.
Dramatised by David Semple from the novel by MC Beaton
Producer Carol Smith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2006.
MON 06:30 A Strange, Enchanted Boy (b00stsjh)
eden ahbez is one of those extraordinary characters. His name is not well known but his story and influence are considerable. Credited with having singlehandedly initiated the hippy movement twenty years before it was to arrive in San Francisco in the early 1960s, ahbez was a songwriter who is now known for only one song. But what a song: 'Nature Boy'.
Living a sort of gypsy life from sometime in the 1940s, he travelled around in sandals, wore shoulder-length hair and a beard, and was draped in white robes. He camped out below the first L in the Hollywood sign above Los Angeles, studied Oriental mysticism, and claimed to live on three dollars a week.
The impetus for this lifestyle came from his time in Los Angeles in the early 40s, when he was playing piano in a small raw food restaurant. The cafe was owned by German immigrants who were influenced by the Wandervogel movement in Germany. Their followers were known as 'Nature Boys'. It was during this period that he adopted the name 'eden ahbez', claiming that only God was worthy of capital letters.
'Nature Boy' was a huge success for Nat King Cole, though it has had a long and continuing life since that first million selling hit. It has been covered by hundreds of artists of every genre, and Baz Luhrmann made it the central focus of "Moulin Rouge". We explore the background to the song, set it against the context of ahbez's philosophy and lifestyle, and hear from those who knew ahbez, including Wandervogel expert Dan Dailey, writer on the origins of the hippy movement, Gordon Kennedy and the last of the singing cowboys, jazz singer Herb Jeffries.
Producer: Neil Rosser
A Ladbroke production for BBC Radio 4.
MON 07:00 The Other Man (b0076xv6)
Another Other
As Travis and Grace's affair steams along, Travis meets the other man in Grace's life - her son
Written by Jan Etherington and Gavin Petrie.
Travis ..... Julian Rhind-Tutt
Grace ..... Charlotte Randle
Charlie ..... Paul Reynolds
Serena ..... Alice Lowe
Alice ...... Clare Cathcart
Miles ..... Charlie Hicks
Producer: Elizabeth Freestone
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2006.
MON 07:30 Just a Minute (b05zhl3k)
Series 72
Episode 6
Nicholas Parsons hosts the perennially popular panel game in which guests Paul Merton, Shelia Hancock, Mike McShane and Pam Ayres attempt to talk for 60 seconds with no hesitation, repetition or deviation.
Hayley Sterling blows the whistle.
Produced by Victoria Lloyd.
A BBC Comedy Production.
MON 08:00 Dad's Army (b007jmyj)
Series 2
Boots, Boots, Boots
The Home Guard platoon take action when Captain Mainwaring becomes obsessed with their feet.
Starring Arthur Lowe as Captain Mainwaring, John Le Mesurier as Sergeant Wilson, Clive Dunn as Corporal Jones, John Laurie as Private Frazer, Ian Lavender as Private Pike and Arnold Ridley as Godfrey.
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 March 1975.
MON 08:30 Marriage Lines (b060fyhy)
Series 2
Episode 3
The new baby arrives, but George manages to mess up big time.
Richard Briers and Prunella Scales star in their second series based on the mutual love and mistrust of a young married couple.
Originating on BBC TV, it was adapted for radio due to its popularity by Richard Waring from his own TV scripts.
A decade later, Richard Briers was starring as Tom Good in The Good Life whilst Prunella Scales starred as Sybil in Fawlty Towers. They remained friends until Richard Briers' death in 2013.
Producer: Charles Maxwell
Recorded at the BBC Paris Studio in London.
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in April 1967.
MON 09:00 Quote... Unquote (b00t1wcl)
Nigel Rees chairs the quotations quiz with Julia Hartley-Brewer, AL Kennedy, Patrick Barlow and Max Hastings. From July 2010.
MON 09:30 Never Too Late (b011j605)
Down Memory Lane
Feisty Hilda's senior citizen holiday sees man-mad Mildred after a nostalgic destination.
A surviving episode from the BBC archive of Terry Gregson's sitcom about a group of highly active pensioners starring Thora Hird.
Hilda Spriggett …. Thora Hird
Mildred Emmett …. Avis Bunnage
Albert Pickles …. Kenneth Connor
Emily Holroyd …. Megs Jenkins
Tommy Preston …. Joe Gladwyn
Producer: Edward Taylor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1981.
MON 10:00 Anthony Trollope - The Pallisers (b007jwfw)
Episode 1
Love affairs, financial wrangles and murder - Anthony Trollope's political intrigues of a Victorian aristocratic family begin with Lady Glencora's search for romance and happiness.
Starring David Troughton as the Narrator, Ben Miles as Plantagenet Palliser, Sophie Thompson as Lady Glencora, Anastasia Hille as Alice Vavasor, Adrian Lukis as George Vavasor, Frances Jeater as Lady Monk, Mark Bazeley as John Grey, Bertie Carvel as Burgo Fitzgerald and Chris Moran as Scruby.
Dramatised from the novels in 12 parts by Martyn Wade.
Music by Elizabeth Parker.
Director: Cherry Cookson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2004.
MON 11:00 David Constantine - Tea at the Midland (b01pvbsw)
Goat
A penny whistle and a tramp called Goat unleash a potent transformation within a disillusioned clergyman. Read by Paul Hilton.
MON 11:15 Drama (b009fwpk)
Mrs Mabb
Susanna Clarke's short story, dramatised by Judith Adams.
Handsome Captain Fox has been spirited away by the amazing Mrs Mabb, and audacious heroine Venetia wants him back. But she has Mrs Mabb's malign magic to contend with.
Narrator ...... Emma Fielding
Venetia ...... Jasmine Hyde
Fanny ...... Lucy Akhurst
Captain Fox ...... Bertie Carvel
Mr Hawkins/Mr Grout ...... Philip Fox
Lucas/John Purvis ...... Sam Pamphilon
Marje ...... Poppy Friar
Nan ...... Millie Binks.
MON 12:00 Dad's Army (b007jmyj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 12:30 Marriage Lines (b060fyhy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 13:00 Agatha Raisin (b011vhyk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 13:30 A Strange, Enchanted Boy (b00stsjh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 14:00 Truman Capote - Breakfast at Tiffany's (b0089jbx)
Episode 6
As Holly returns from holiday in Havana, Fred is approached by a stranger...
Henry Goodman continues Truman Capote's vivid and witty novel about the relationship between young writer, Paul Varjak and captivating girl-about-town, Holly Golightly, in 1940s New York.
With her tousled blond hair and upturned nose, dark glasses and chic black dresses, Holly Golightly is top notch in style and a sensation wherever she goes. Her brownstone apartment vibrates with martini-soaked parties as she plays hostess to millionaires and gangsters alike. Yet Holly never loses sight of her ultimate goal - to find a real life place like Tiffany's that makes her feel at home.
Truman Capote's 1958 novella abridged in 10-parts by James Robertston.
Born in New Orleans in 1925, Truman Capote left school at 15 to work for the New Yorker - his first, and last, regular job. He's the author of many highly praised books, including A Tree of Night and Other Stories, The Grass Harp, In Cold Blood, Music for Chameleons and Answered Prayers. Truman Capote died in 1984.
Producer: Bruce Young
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2001.
MON 14:15 Life at 24 Frames a Second (b00xhd7q)
In the Dark
David Thomson, author of the Biographical Dictionary of Film, takes a highly personal journey through how cinema has changed both him and us.
Film has changed us. It is all too easy to forget what a shock the coming of the moving image was to our world. First we could see ourselves and then we could imagine ourselves and then we could hear ourselves. How we kissed, fought, dreamed and died have all been projected around the world.
David Thomson writes:
"Do you want a map for the dark? By now you either know the history of the movies or you have it wrong and all mixed up. It doesn't matter, the mixture is in your unconscious and your nervous system, and one of the consequences of the movies is that we trust nothing and imagine everything. That's why the dark is so important."
Producer: Mark Burman.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2011.
MON 14:30 15 Minute Drama (b00jr553)
ME Braddon - Lady Audley's Secret
Episode 1
Dramatisation of the classic Victorian thriller by Mary Elizabeth Braddon.
Lucy Graham gains all the wealth she desires when she marries rich older widower Sir Michael Audley, and her maid, Phoebe, watches with envy as Lucy delights in the luxury of her new life.
Mary Braddon ...... Hattie Morahan
Lucy, Lady Audley ...... Charlotte Emmerson
Sir Michael Audley ...... Sam Dale
Phoebe Marks ...... Lizzy Watts
Luke Marks ...... Benjamin Askew
Directed by Julie Beckett and Fiona Kelcher.
MON 14:45 Book at Bedtime (b009fsnr)
Sadie Jones - The Outcast
Homecomings
In 1957 a 19-year-old boy is released from jail. Emma Fielding reads Sadie Jones's novel about transgression and redemption.
MON 15:00 Anthony Trollope - The Pallisers (b007jwfw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
MON 16:00 Quote... Unquote (b00t1wcl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
MON 16:30 Never Too Late (b011j605)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
MON 17:00 The Other Man (b0076xv6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 17:30 Just a Minute (b05zhl3k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 18:00 The Price of Fear (b01nt0ry)
Remains to Be Seen
Two emasculated husbands - one a lover of gardening, the other of chess, and both with nagging wives - plan to restore peace to their lives and enjoy their retirement at leisure...
Horror legend Vincent Price introduces another dark tale starring Mervyns Johns, Michael Gwyn, Clive Swift, Avril Angers, Diana Bishop and Robin Browne.
Jack Ritchie’s short story dramatised by William Ingram.
Producer: John Dyas
First broadcast on the BBC World Service in 1973.
MON 18:30 A Good Read (b0075qyh)
Professor Richard Gregory and Henrietta Green
Margaret Forster and her guests Professor Richard Gregory and food writer Henrietta Green discuss their favourite paperbacks by Paul Bailey, Liza Picard and Eric Lomax. From 1999.
The Railway Man by Eric Lomax
Publishers: Vintage
Restoration London by Liza Picard
Publisher: Orion
Gabriel's Lament by Paul Bailey
Publisher: Fourth Estate.
MON 19:00 Dad's Army (b007jmyj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 19:30 Marriage Lines (b060fyhy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 20:00 Agatha Raisin (b011vhyk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 20:30 A Strange, Enchanted Boy (b00stsjh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 21:00 David Constantine - Tea at the Midland (b01pvbsw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
MON 21:15 Drama (b009fwpk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
MON 22:00 Just a Minute (b05zhl3k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 22:30 Kerry's List (b01shw0r)
Series 1
Episode 4
A four-part sketch show co-written by and starring comedian and actress Kerry Godliman.
Kerry is a married mother of two, a stand up comedian and has two children. Her life can only properly function with her daily list - if she didn't compile this vital list, her life would simply fall apart.
Each week, this series looks at a different list and delves into Kerry's madcap world by looking at various elements of that week's list in sketches, narrative and stand up.
In this final episode, Kerry's List involves changing sheets, buying a kids book on where babies come from, getting her roots done, learning to knit, not drifting off, reading a classic and dusting the plants.
Joining Kerry is her husband Ben (played by her real husband Ben Abell) and her five year old daughter Elsie (played by Melissa Bury) together with a range of bizarre characters - including an enthusiastic council environment worker, some disgruntled satsumas, a bored therapist, a Fairy Jeanmother and a very keen gym instructor.
Any busy parent who's ever compiled a list of their own will relate to Kerry Godliman's incident filled world.
The cast includes David Pusey (who co-wrote the series), Bridget Christie, Lucy Briers, Rosie Cavaliero and Nicholas Le Prevost.
Kerry Godliman is fast establishing herself as a highly skilful stand up comic and actress, from her recent appearances on Live at The Apollo (BBC 1), Derek (C4) and Our Girl (BBC 1).
Producer: Paul Russell
An Open Mike production for BBC Radio 4.
MON 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (b061bjhk)
The best in contemporary comedy. Tonight Diane Morgan is joined by Charlie Brooker.
MON 23:00 The News Quiz Extra (b060gyz2)
Series 14
Episode 7
Sandi Toksvig chairs her last edition of 4 Extra's extended satirical review of the week's news, with Jeremy Hardy, Phill Jupitus, Andy Hamilton and Francis Wheen.
MON 23:45 Adam and Joe's Famous Guy (b010m7g6)
"I'm the best at pretending..."
Adam Buxton and Joe Cornish star in the tale of Manthea Shringleton, a journalist sent to interview a reclusive Hollywood star.
Written by Adam Buxton.
Producer: Claudine Toutoungi.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2006.


TUESDAY 30 JUNE 2015

TUE 00:00 The Price of Fear (b01nt0ry)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Monday]
TUE 00:30 A Good Read (b0075qyh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Monday]
TUE 01:00 Agatha Raisin (b011vhyk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]
TUE 01:30 A Strange, Enchanted Boy (b00stsjh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Monday]
TUE 02:00 Truman Capote - Breakfast at Tiffany's (b0089jbx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Monday]
TUE 02:15 Life at 24 Frames a Second (b00xhd7q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Monday]
TUE 02:30 15 Minute Drama (b00jr553)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Monday]
TUE 02:45 Book at Bedtime (b009fsnr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Monday]
TUE 03:00 Anthony Trollope - The Pallisers (b007jwfw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:00 Quote... Unquote (b00t1wcl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:30 Never Too Late (b011j605)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Monday]
TUE 05:00 The Other Man (b0076xv6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Monday]
TUE 05:30 Just a Minute (b05zhl3k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Monday]
TUE 06:00 Falco (b00qy0lr)
The Iron Hand of Mars
Episode 1
The famous detective of Ancient Rome, Falco is sent to the Barbarian forests of Free Germany - home to a giant bull, raging Celts and a pagan priestess.
Starring Anton Lesser as Marcus Didius Falco, Anna Madely as Helena Justina and Ben Crowe as Petronius.
Dramatised by Mary Cutler.
Directed at BBC Birmingham by Peter Leslie Wild.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2007.
TUE 06:30 Children of Wealth (b00f1qwx)
Jim White spends a week with the children of Citi Private Bank's richest clients as they contemplate their future. Over a week of cossetting at London's Dorchester Hotel, they are tutored on how to keep, spend and give away their wealth by some of the finest financial minds in the world.
TUE 07:00 Like They've Never Been Gone (b00cvjvf)
Series 4
Episode 5
Will singers Tommy and Sheila finally achieve the recognition they deserve – a Golden Goblet?
Ageing showbiz couple Tommy Franklin and Sheila Parr battle on with their second stab at fame.
Mike Coleman's sitcom starring Roy Hudd and June Whitfield.
Tommy Franklin …. Roy Hudd
Sheila Parr …. June Whitfield
Hetty Stark …. Pat Coombes
Murray …. Julian Eardley
Louis Elstein …. Edward Halsted
Laura Chapel …. Nicola Blake
Music by Frido Ruth.
Producer: Steve Doherty
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2002.
TUE 07:30 Mark Steel's in Town (b05zktnk)
Series 6
Saint Anne, Alderney, the Channel Islands
"Alderney. So close, so different"
For the final episode, Mark Steel visits Alderney in the Channel Islands. After a terrifying ride in a tiny yellow plane called Joey, Mark spends his first day on the island trying to buy new trousers (there is no causal connection between these two events). It's not the easiest place to buy trousers, he eventually gets a pair with zips on from a bicycle shop.
Mark meets an organic pic farmer who is also a radiologist, gets lost on a guided nature walk and visits an a old Nazi bunker which is now an Aussie BBQ hang out. Blond Hedgehogs, seven species of dragonfly, beaches, bird life and tax bonuses. What a strange place. Lovely though, and worth the effort to get to.
Mark Steel's sixth series of the award winning show that travels around the country, researching the history, heritage and culture of six towns that have nothing in common but their uniqueness, and performs a bespoke evening of comedy for the local residents.
Written and performed by ... Mark Steel
Additional material by ... Pete Sinclair
Production co-ordinator ... Hayley Sterling
Producer ... Carl Cooper
A BBC Radio Comedy production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in 2015. .
TUE 08:00 Round the Horne (b007jr8c)
Series 2
Episode 1
Big Ben's missing, so Kenneth Horne gets spying - and Julian and Sandy open a bona boutique.
With Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick, Betty Marsden and Bill Pertwee.
Recorded at the BBC's Paris Studio in Lower Regent Street, London. Announcer: Douglas Smith
Round The Horne was born out of the demise of BBC radio comedy Beyond Our Ken, after the end of writer Eric Merriman's involvement. Using the same cast and producer, Barry Took and Marty Feldman were persuaded to write the scripts - which led to four series that ran between 1965 and 1968 - packed full of parodies, recurring characters, catchphrases and double-entendres.
Music by Edwin Braden and the Hornblowers and The Fraser Hayes Four.
Producer: John Simmonds
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in March 1966.
TUE 08:30 The Burkiss Way (b00d16g6)
Series 5
Sack the Burkiss Way
Confusion at Eddie's 24 Hour Sniffery and let's play 'Family Fortunes'.
Starring Fred Harris, Jo Kendall, Nigel Rees and Chris Emmett.
Cult sketch comedy series which originally ran from 1976 to 1980.
Written by Andrew Marshall and David Renwick.
Producer: David Hatch
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1980.
TUE 09:00 The News Quiz Extra (b060gyz2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 23:00 on Monday]
TUE 09:45 Adam and Joe's Famous Guy (b010m7g6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 23:45 on Monday]
TUE 10:00 Anthony Trollope - The Pallisers (b007jwg1)
Episode 2
More political and romantic intrigue, with newlyweds and new arrivals Phineas and Laura. Stars Ben Miles and Juliet Stevenson.
TUE 11:00 David Constantine - Tea at the Midland (b01pvws2)
The House by the Weir and the Way, part 1
A rambling house on the route to Compostela is home to lovers Odile and Sabela. Old age confronts them. Read by Sara Kestelman.
TUE 11:15 Martyn Wade - Blue Veils and Golden Sands (b007jvh7)
The remarkable story of pioneering BBC Radiophonic Workshop music composer Delia Derbyshire. Starring Sophie Thompson.
TUE 12:00 Round the Horne (b007jr8c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 12:30 The Burkiss Way (b00d16g6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 13:00 Falco (b00qy0lr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 13:30 Children of Wealth (b00f1qwx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 14:00 Truman Capote - Breakfast at Tiffany's (b0089kf3)
Episode 7
Henry Goodman reads Truman Capote's vivid and witty novel about the relationship between young writer, Paul Varjak and captivating girl-about-town, Holly Golightly, in 1940s New York.
With her tousled blond hair and upturned nose, dark glasses and chic black dresses, Holly Golightly is top notch in style and a sensation wherever she goes. Her brownstone apartment vibrates with martini-soaked parties as she plays hostess to millionaires and gangsters alike. Yet Holly never loses sight of her ultimate goal - to find a real life place like Tiffany's that makes her feel at home.
Truman Capote's 1958 novella abridged in 10-parts by James Robertston.
Born in New Orleans in 1925, Truman Capote left school at 15 to work for the New Yorker - his first, and last, regular job. He's the author of many highly praised books, including A Tree of Night and Other Stories, The Grass Harp, In Cold Blood, Music for Chameleons and Answered Prayers. Truman Capote died in 1984.
Producer: Bruce Young
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2001.
TUE 14:15 Life at 24 Frames a Second (b00xhff4)
Fear and Desire
Film is many things, but its ability to carry us into the darkest dreams and fiercest desires of its characters via the magic of the score and the sound binds us all in the dark.
Author and film critic David Thomson takes a highly personal journey through the lasting impact and power of cinema.
Producer: Mark Burman.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2011.
TUE 14:30 15 Minute Drama (b00jwy2f)
ME Braddon - Lady Audley's Secret
Episode 2
Dramatisation of the classic Victorian thriller by Mary Elizabeth Braddon.
Young lawyer Robert Audley bumps into his old school friend George Talboys, who has made his fortune in Australia. George is returning home to the wife he left behind, but there is an unexpected letter waiting for him in London.
Mary Braddon ...... Hattie Morahan
Lucy, Lady Audley ...... Charlotte Emmerson
Robert Audley ...... Alex Wyndham
George Talboys ...... Joseph Kloska
Sir Michael Audley ...... Sam Dale
Alicia Audley ...... Perdita Weeks
Directed by Julie Beckett and Fiona Kelcher.
TUE 14:45 Book at Bedtime (b009fsny)
Sadie Jones - The Outcast
The River
It is 1947 and, home from prep school, Lewis's idyllic summer is set to come to a sudden and shocking end. Read by Emma Fielding.
TUE 15:00 Anthony Trollope - The Pallisers (b007jwg1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
TUE 16:00 The Write Stuff (b060m151)
Series 9
WB Yeats
James Walton quizzes the panel in the literary quiz show.
Team captains Sebastian Faulks and John Walsh with guests Peter Kemp and Miles Kington.
The Author of the Week and subject for pastiche is WB Yeats.
Reader: Beth Chalmers.
Producer Katie Marsden
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2006.
TUE 16:30 Electric Ink (b0121pjk)
Series 1
Episode 6
A swathe of job cuts are predicted with circulation dropping, but who will survive the bloodbath?
Old hacks meet new media in Alistair Beaton’s satire set in the changing world of the newspaper industry.
Maddox ...... Robert Lindsay
Oliver ...... Alex Jennings
Amelia ...... Elizabeth Berrington
Tasneem ...... Zita Sattar
Masha ...... Debbie Chazen
Freddy ...... Ben Willbond
Announcer ...... Matt Addis
With additional material by Tom Mitchelson.
Director: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2009.
TUE 17:00 Like They've Never Been Gone (b00cvjvf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 17:30 Mark Steel's in Town (b05zktnk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 18:00 The Price of Fear (b01nt4qh)
Cat's Cradle
A small party of tourists visit an old castle in Bavaria – unaware of a horrifying series of events awaiting them in a dank and dismal torture chamber...
Fright master Vincent Price introduces a tale of horror starring Kenneth J Warren, Frederick Schrecker, John Samson and Bonnie Hurren.
Bram Stoker’s story ‘The Score’ dramatised by Richard Davis.
Producer: John Dyas
First broadcast on the BBC World Service in 1973.
TUE 18:30 Dad Made Me Laugh (b00cyywj)
Jenny Secombe
Harry Secombe's daughter chats to Sally Magnusson about growing up with her versatile, funny father - singer, actor and comic.
Producer: Mike Walker
First broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland in August 2006.
TUE 19:00 Round the Horne (b007jr8c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 19:30 The Burkiss Way (b00d16g6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 20:00 Falco (b00qy0lr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 20:30 Children of Wealth (b00f1qwx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 21:00 David Constantine - Tea at the Midland (b01pvws2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
TUE 21:15 Martyn Wade - Blue Veils and Golden Sands (b007jvh7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
TUE 22:00 Mark Steel's in Town (b05zktnk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 22:30 The Boosh (b007jmg2)
Jazz
Vince can't make the porpoise derby because his band's on New Faces of Pop and Howard can't relax because he's constantly being visited by the spirit of jazz.
Written by and starring Noel Fielding and Julian Barratt.
The Boosh is a surreal adventure based on the Perrier Award-winning comedy show, featuring Howard and Vince's battles with zoo manager Bob Fossil.
Howard Moon ...... Julian Barrattt
Vince Noir ...... Noel Fielding
Bob Fossil ...... Rich Fulcher
With Simon Evans.
After BBC radio gave them their big break with this series, they transferred to BBC TV where The Mighty Boosh ran for three series.
Producer: Danny Wallace.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2001.
TUE 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (b061bjvn)
The best in contemporary comedy. Tonight Diane Morgan is joined by Charlie Brooker.
TUE 23:00 Delve Special (b007jq1p)
Series 3
A Rocket for Defence
Reporter David Lander investigates whether we really need the new 'Sea Snake' torpedo.
Every year each British taxpayer gives £700 to the Ministry of Defence for new nuclear weapons.
Would we be better off putting an extra lock on the door and having a fortnight in Bermuda?
Presented by David Lander with assistance from Stephen Fry.
Studio production by Jack Klaff, Brenda Blethyn and Harry Enfield.
Dramatic reconstructions by Felicity Montagu, Robert Bathurst and Mark Arden.
Researched and compiled by Tony Sarchet.
Editor: Paul Mayhew-Archer
Delve Special ran for four series from 1984 to 1987 and later transferred to TV as: This is David Lander.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1986.
TUE 23:30 King Cutler (b008yt5q)
King Cutler V
A message to the nation from Phyllis King and Ivor Cutler.
Visitors bear gifts of words to add to their collection of poems, songs and stories.
With Dylan Edwards , David Lloyd, Ted Harrison and Craig Murray-Orr.
Producer: Neil Cargill
First broadcast on BBC Radio 3 in February 1990.


WEDNESDAY 01 JULY 2015

WED 00:00 The Price of Fear (b01nt4qh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Tuesday]
WED 00:30 Dad Made Me Laugh (b00cyywj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Tuesday]
WED 01:00 Falco (b00qy0lr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:30 Children of Wealth (b00f1qwx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Tuesday]
WED 02:00 Truman Capote - Breakfast at Tiffany's (b0089kf3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Tuesday]
WED 02:15 Life at 24 Frames a Second (b00xhff4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Tuesday]
WED 02:30 15 Minute Drama (b00jwy2f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Tuesday]
WED 02:45 Book at Bedtime (b009fsny)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Tuesday]
WED 03:00 Anthony Trollope - The Pallisers (b007jwg1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:00 The Write Stuff (b060m151)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:30 Electric Ink (b0121pjk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:30 on Tuesday]
WED 05:00 Like They've Never Been Gone (b00cvjvf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Tuesday]
WED 05:30 Mark Steel's in Town (b05zktnk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Tuesday]
WED 06:00 Falco (b00qyk7j)
The Iron Hand of Mars
Episode 2
Falco and Xanthus travel to Germany and witness the aftermath of a grisly crime on the way. As the Roman detective tries to deliver the new standard to the 14th legion, he receives a rather hostile welcome. At least he finds more hospitality at the house of Helena's Tribune brother, Justinus.
Starring Anton Lesser as Marcus Didius Falco and David Holt as Xanthus.
Dramatised by Mary Cutler.
Directed at BBC Birmingham by Peter Leslie Wild.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2007.
WED 06:30 40 Years from Folsom (b00d44xl)
Matthew Bannister recalls Johnny Cash's historic 1968 concert at Folsom Prison in California, one of the most famous live recordings ever made. Contributors include musicians, former prison guards, inmates and local newspaper reporter Gene Beley, who recorded the event on a small tape machine.
WED 07:00 Are You From the Bugle? (b01jt2sc)
A Bit of Bad News
Butterthwaite's frustrated cub reporter Graham faces a steep learning curve. Stars Jeffrey Holland. From June 1996.
WED 07:30 Big Problems with Helen Keen (b05zl1b6)
Series 1
Other People
Helen looks at the challenges posed by other people.
What are the unspoken rules that make society work? How can we make the internet polite? How did air-conditioners win an election? And are emoticons completely pointless (sad face)?
Helen Keen is joined by Peter Serafinowicz and Susy Kane for a comic account of the big problems that have beset humanity over the centuries, and the surprising ways we have devised to solve them.
Written by Helen Keen and Miriam Underhill.
Producer: Gareth Edwards
A BBC Radio Comedy production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in June 2015.
WED 08:00 The Navy Lark (b007w2hx)
Series 3
Sir Willoughby Takes over an Island
A new location is needed for the troublesome former governor and his wife.

Starring Leslie Phillips as the Sub-Lieutenant, Stephen Murray as the Number One, Jon Pertwee as the Chief Petty Officer, Richard Caldicot as Captain Povey, Ronnie Barker as AS Johnson, Tenniel Evans as Nunky, Heather Chasen as Lady Todhunter-Brown and Michael Bates as Mr Whittaker-Smyth.

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.

Producer: Alastair Scott Johnston

First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in December 1960.
WED 08:30 I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again (b00cgl74)
Series 5
Episode 8
A travelogue of Wales, major surgery - and a trip to Venus.
More quick-fire sketches, terrible puns, humorous songs and parodies.
Stars Tim Brooke-Taylor, John Cleese, David Hatch, Jo Kendall and Bill Oddie.
Written by Eric Idle, Bill Oddie and Graeme Garden. With Ray Butler and Ian Fagelson.
Originating from the Cambridge University Footlights revue 'Cambridge Circus', ISIRTA ran for 8 years on BBC Radio and quickly developed a cult following.
Music and songs by Dave Lee, Leon Cohen and Bill Oddie.
Producer: Humphrey Barclay
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in June 1967.
WED 09:00 Counterpoint (b060pk4s)
1998
Heat 7
Ned Sherrin hosts the music quiz with Dick Hobbs of East Sussex, David Surtees of Warwickshire and Paul Henderson of London. From February 1998.
WED 09:30 Four Joneses and a Jenkins (b007jqmj)
February - Pulling Out all the Stops
Megan awaits news, Mr Bootle considers his position and Mr Jenkins considers Megan.
Sue Limb’s pastoral sitcom follows six months in the life of the Jones family, who live on a small farm in rural Wales.
Mr Jones ...... Geoffrey Whitehead
Ma Jones ...... Lisabeth Miles
Megan Jones ...... Rebecca Front
Owen Jones ...... Matthew Morgan
Bootle ...... Michael Fenton Stevens
Mr Jenkins ...... Nickolas Grace
Recorded on location.
Music composed by John Whitehall.
Producer: Jonathan James Moore.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2000.
WED 10:00 Anthony Trollope - The Pallisers (b007jwg6)
Episode 3
More political and romantic intrigue as Lady Glencora expects a baby and Laura causes disappointment. Stars Sophie Thompson.
WED 11:00 David Constantine - Tea at the Midland (b01pw3hf)
The House by the Weir and the Way, part 2
In Odile and Sabela's story of love and defiance, a traveller on the pilgrim route changes everything. Read by Sara Kestelman.
WED 11:15 Frances Byrnes - Goldengrove (b01pqn8g)
With life skills to be taught, Derbyshire spinster Margaret transforms young working class girl Narn. Stars Jill Balcon. From July 2008.
WED 12:00 The Navy Lark (b007w2hx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 12:30 I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again (b00cgl74)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 13:00 Falco (b00qyk7j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 13:30 40 Years from Folsom (b00d44xl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 14:00 Truman Capote - Breakfast at Tiffany's (b0089m5n)
Episode 8
Henry Goodman reads Truman Capote's vivid and witty novel about the relationship between young writer, Paul Varjak and captivating girl-about-town, Holly Golightly, in 1940s New York.
With her tousled blond hair and upturned nose, dark glasses and chic black dresses, Holly Golightly is top notch in style and a sensation wherever she goes. Her brownstone apartment vibrates with martini-soaked parties as she plays hostess to millionaires and gangsters alike. Yet Holly never loses sight of her ultimate goal - to find a real life place like Tiffany's that makes her feel at home.
Truman Capote's 1958 novella abridged in 10-parts by James Robertston.
Born in New Orleans in 1925, Truman Capote left school at 15 to work for the New Yorker - his first, and last, regular job. He's the author of many highly praised books, including A Tree of Night and Other Stories, The Grass Harp, In Cold Blood, Music for Chameleons and Answered Prayers. Truman Capote died in 1984.
Producer: Bruce Young
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2001.
WED 14:15 Life at 24 Frames a Second (b00xhffg)
Wired for Sound
The dream of a universal language of film, even one that took place in silence with titles, died as Al Jolson sang for his 'mammy' in The Jazz Singer (1927).
A new age of dreaming and illusion was upon us and it had many voices.
Author David Thomson takes a highly personal journey through the meaning of film and its impact on us.
Producer: Mark Burman.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2011.
WED 14:30 15 Minute Drama (b00jwy27)
ME Braddon - Lady Audley's Secret
Episode 3
Dramatisation of the classic Victorian thriller by Mary Elizabeth Braddon.
Curious to meet his uncle's beautiful young wife, Robert Audley travels to Essex. He invites his widowed friend George Talboys to distract him from his grief. But Lady Audley is most reluctant to receive them.
Mary Braddon ...... Hattie Morahan
Robert Audley ...... Alex Wyndham
George Talboys ...... Joseph Kloska
Sir Michael Audley ...... Sam Dale
Alicia Audley ...... Perdita Weeks
Phoebe Marks ...... Lizzy Watts
Directed by Julie Beckett and Fiona Kelcher.
WED 14:45 Book at Bedtime (b009fsp4)
Sadie Jones - The Outcast
The Introduction
Lewis is still raw with grief when Gilbert asks him to meet the woman he has asked to be his second wife. Read by Emma Fielding.
WED 15:00 Anthony Trollope - The Pallisers (b007jwg6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
WED 16:00 Counterpoint (b060pk4s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
WED 16:30 Four Joneses and a Jenkins (b007jqmj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
WED 17:00 Are You From the Bugle? (b01jt2sc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 17:30 Big Problems with Helen Keen (b05zl1b6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 18:00 The Price of Fear (b01ntkt4)
Meeting in Athens
A young film director mysteriously disappears while holidaying in Greece.
But when his girlfriend enlists Vincent Price to help her find him, they only succeed in uncovering the latest commodity on the black market - death...
Vincent Price introduces another chilling tale starring Kate Coleridge, Steve Plytas, Robin Browne, Michael Deacon and Charles Birkin.
Maurice Travers story ‘So Cold, So Pale, So Fair’ dramatised by Charles Birkin.
Producer: John Dyas
First broadcast on the BBC World Service in 1973.
WED 18:30 Off the Page (b0076qbj)
Bringing Up Baby
Matthew Parris discusses the impact of babies with writers Mary Loudon and Katie Baxendale and comic, Lewis Schaffer. From 2005.
WED 19:00 The Navy Lark (b007w2hx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 19:30 I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again (b00cgl74)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 20:00 Falco (b00qyk7j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 20:30 40 Years from Folsom (b00d44xl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 21:00 David Constantine - Tea at the Midland (b01pw3hf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
WED 21:15 Frances Byrnes - Goldengrove (b01pqn8g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
WED 22:00 Big Problems with Helen Keen (b05zl1b6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 22:30 Cabin Pressure (b01293c9)
Series 3
Paris
When a bottle of highly expensive whisky goes missing, Martin becomes the Miss Marple of MJN Air with Arthur assisting as his trusty Doctor Watson and Douglas hindering as his untrusty prime suspect.
John Finnemore's sitcom about the pilots of a tiny charter airline for whom no job is too small and many jobs are too difficult.
Carolyn Knapp-Shappey ..... Stephanie Cole
1st Officer Douglas Richardson ..... Roger Allam
Capt. Martin Crieff ..... Benedict Cumberbatch
Arthur Shappey ..... John Finnemore
Mr Birling ..... Geoffrey Whitehead
Mrs Birling ..... Flip Webster
Phil ...... Ewan Bailey
Producer/Director: David Tyler
A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in July 2011.
WED 23:00 Revolting People (b00f80zs)
Series 1
An Incredible Amount of Storm Clouds
Feared British Commander, General Venables arrives and demands some executions by sunset (so he can have the whole day to look forward to them).
Not everyone can survive...
Historical sitcom set in Boston in 1770, written by Andy Hamilton and Jay Tarses.
Samuel Oliphant …. Jay Tarses
Sergeant McGurk …. Andy Hamilton
General Venables …. Timothy West
Captain Brimshaw …. James Fleet
Mary Oliphant …. Sophie Thompson
Ezekiel Spriggs …. Hugh Dennis
Cora Oliphant …. Felicity Montagu
Joshua Oliphant …. Tony Maudsley
Doctor Rutledge …. Philip Pope
Mrs Arbuthnot …. Susie Blake
Producer: Paul Mayhew-Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2000.
WED 23:30 Dan and Nick: The Wildebeest Years (b00dbj12)
Tossed in Space
Dan and Nick serves up a salad family who are Tossed in Space, plus Robin Wood and The Archers abroad.
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 August 1998


THURSDAY 02 JULY 2015

THU 00:00 The Price of Fear (b01ntkt4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Wednesday]
THU 00:30 Off the Page (b0076qbj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 Falco (b00qyk7j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:30 40 Years from Folsom (b00d44xl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 Truman Capote - Breakfast at Tiffany's (b0089m5n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:15 Life at 24 Frames a Second (b00xhffg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Wednesday]
THU 02:30 15 Minute Drama (b00jwy27)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:45 Book at Bedtime (b009fsp4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 Anthony Trollope - The Pallisers (b007jwg6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 Counterpoint (b060pk4s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:30 Four Joneses and a Jenkins (b007jqmj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 Are You From the Bugle? (b01jt2sc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 05:30 Big Problems with Helen Keen (b05zl1b6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Wednesday]
THU 06:00 Falco (b00qyq1t)
The Iron Hand of Mars
Episode 3
Falco has arrived in Germany and discovered that Gracilis, the Fourteenth Legion's legate, has gone missing. It looks as though he might be involved in some corrupt business with the local potters.
Falco's inquiries get him into trouble with a centurion, and Xanthus the barber reveals an unexpected talent.
Starring Anton Lesser as Marcus Didius Falco, Anna Madely as Helena Justina and David Holt as Xanthus.
Dramatised by Mary Cutler.
Directed at BBC Birmingham by Peter Leslie Wild.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2007.
THU 06:30 Chopsticks at Dawn (b00sm4tg)
Chinese decorative arts are revered in the West. From Willow pattern dinner plates to the Brighton Pavilion, their designs are regarded as beautiful and sophisticated. But for the past two centuries European composers and musicians have had no qualms about mercilessly parodying what they thought of as 'Chinese tunes'.
As a girl growing up in Hackney, the opening orientalised-flute strains of the 1970s pop record Kung Fu Fighting by Carl Douglas were enough to send future comedian Anna Chen running for cover.
The same cliches haunt Turning Japanese by The Vapours, Hong Kong Garden by Siouxsie And The Banshees and David Bowie's China Girl. They have all followed a pattern set by Claude Debussy, Malcolm Arnold, Albert Ketelbey and Lancashire Linnet George Formby, who were equally guilty of taking Chinese musical motifs and mangling them - or simply making them up!
How did this mocking abuse of a handful of venerable Far Eastern notes begin?
Musicologist Dr Jonathan Walker accompanies Anna on a historical mission, picking out examples on the piano and explaining why and how our western ears hear certain note configurations as "oriental" - from Chopsticks to Chopin.
They explore the pentatonic scale that chartacterises so much Chinese music, delve into the story of the Opium Wars which triggered a deep British disrespect of Chinese musical culture and unveil the earliest dubious examples of Chinoiserie in Western Music.
And we hear from a new generation of British born Chinese musicians who are putting right the discordant wrongs of the past 200 years.
Producer: Chris Eldon Lee
A Culture Wise production for BBC Radio 4.
THU 07:00 HR (b00j1dvv)
Series 1
A Leaving Party
Peter meets Sam on his way to a leaving party. But they suffer a mishap...
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
Elevator voice ...... Sam Dale
Director: Peter Cavanagh
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2009.
THU 07:30 It's a Fair Cop (b05zld8g)
Series 2
An Englishman’s Home
Policeman turned comic Alfie Moore asks what is 'reasonable force'? How far can you go to defend yourself?
Series in which the audience makes the policing decisions as Alfie takes them through a real-life crime scenario.
Written and performed by Alfie Moore.
Script Editor: Will Ing
Producer: Alison Vernon-Smith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2015.
THU 08:00 Steptoe and Son (b00sbh9h)
Series 1
The Bath
Harold's plan for a proper bathroom upset his father Albert.
Starring Wilfrid Brambell as Albert and Harry H Corbett as Harold.
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 the BBC Light Programme in September 1966.
THU 08:30 Yes Minister (b007k1mq)
Series 2
The Moral Dimension
Thirsty MP Jim Hacker's trip to an Arab state sparks diplomatic disarray.
Starring Paul Eddington, Nigel Hawthorne and Derek Fowlds.
Antony Jay and Jonathan Lynn's satirical sitcom centred around the hapless MP 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 …. Derek Fowlds
Anne Hacker …. Diana Hoddinot
Bill Pritchard …. Anthony Carrick
Prince Mohammed …. Walter Randall
First Arab …. Vic Tablian
Helpful Arab …. Ali Rifaii
Jenny Goodwin …. Moir Lesley
Ross …. Robin Summers
Diplomat …. Mark Straker
Adapted for radio by producer Pete Atkin.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1984.
THU 09:00 Guess What? (b00757gr)
Episode 1
Animal, vegetable or mineral?
Barry Took hosts a revised version of popular radio parlour game of 20 questions.
Regular Geoffrey Durham is joined by Sir Jeremy Hanley and Helen Atkinson Wood.
Written by Michael Dines.
Producer: Andy Aliffe
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1998.
THU 09:30 Safety Catch (b017skx3)
Series 2
If a Job's Not Worth Doing
Simon is totally convinced this week that he is in the right job and has a duty not only to stay there, but to do his job sloppily. His reasoning for this is that if he wasn't there doing the job badly then someone else would be doing it well and that would be a much worse scenario.
Then he has the awful, soul shattering realisation, and one which is something every person in Britain would be ashamed to admit, that he actually loves his job. Boris of course is in heaven at the thought of a soul-mate at work, but Simon decides the only way he can go on is to learn to hate again.
Series two of Laurence Howarth's black comedy of modern morality set in the world of arms dealing.
Simon McGrath.............................Darren Boyd
Anna Grieg..................................Joanna Page
Boris Kemal...............................Lewis Macleod
Judith McGrath..............................Sarah Smart
Angela McGrath............................Brigit Forsyth
Madeleine Turnbull........................Rachel Atkins
Richard...........................................Dan Mersh
Julius........................................Nyahsa Hatendi
Producer: Dawn Ellis.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2009.
THU 10:00 Anthony Trollope - The Pallisers (b007jwgd)
Episode 4
Phineas Finn finally triumphs in Parliament, but his romantic ambitions are faltering. Stars Ben Miles and David Troughton.
THU 11:00 David Constantine - Tea at the Midland (b01pwcyg)
Mr Carlton
A forced stop on a car journey brings Mr Carlton the gift of beauty in the most unlikely of places. Read by Robert Blythe.
THU 11:15 Drama (b01ljl5g)
Lucy Flannery - Like a Daughter
An afternoon drama by award-winning writer Lucy Flannery.
Home help Ruth cares for Harry above and beyond the call of duty. She fetches his shopping, brings him meals, makes sense of his paperwork. All in all, she's like a daughter to him.
When his health begins to decline, Ruth tries to discover friends or family to care for him but Harry insists there is no one, he's all alone in the world. She becomes even more concerned when a chance discovery reveals a sizable sum of money languishing in his bank account.
When Harry collapses and is given only days to live, Ruth faces a moral dilemma. Should she do nothing and allow a faceless state to benefit from Harry's death, or should she claim some of it as her own bequest?
Supported by friends, criticised by those in authority, Ruth's decision forces both her and others to examine their own moral compass and to penetrate the mystery of the inheritance itself. Her actions reveal the legacy of the dysfunctional dynamic of thirty years ago, still resonating and impacting upon the present day.
Producer: Liz Anstee
A CPL Production for BBC Radio 4.
THU 12:00 Steptoe and Son (b00sbh9h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 12:30 Yes Minister (b007k1mq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 13:00 Falco (b00qyq1t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 13:30 Chopsticks at Dawn (b00sm4tg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 14:00 Truman Capote - Breakfast at Tiffany's (b0089kv5)
Episode 9
Henry Goodman reads Truman Capote's vivid and witty novel about the relationship between young writer, Paul Varjak and captivating girl-about-town, Holly Golightly, in 1940s New York.
With her tousled blond hair and upturned nose, dark glasses and chic black dresses, Holly Golightly is top notch in style and a sensation wherever she goes. Her brownstone apartment vibrates with martini-soaked parties as she plays hostess to millionaires and gangsters alike. Yet Holly never loses sight of her ultimate goal - to find a real life place like Tiffany's that makes her feel at home.
Truman Capote's 1958 novella abridged in 10-parts by James Robertston.
Born in New Orleans in 1925, Truman Capote left school at 15 to work for the New Yorker - his first, and last, regular job. He's the author of many highly praised books, including A Tree of Night and Other Stories, The Grass Harp, In Cold Blood, Music for Chameleons and Answered Prayers. Truman Capote died in 1984.
Producer: Bruce Young
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2001.
THU 14:15 Life at 24 Frames a Second (b00xhffs)
The Big Kill-Off
Cinema has made us see death and final moments in any number of fiendish and inventive ways, but is it a little too in love with this shadowy realm?
Remembering those who lost their celluloid lives and entered our collective dreams.
Author David Thomson continues his journey through the power of cinema.
Producer: Mark Burman.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2011.
THU 14:30 15 Minute Drama (b00jwy29)
ME Braddon - Lady Audley's Secret
Episode 4
Dramatisation of the classic Victorian thriller by Mary Elizabeth Braddon.
Robert Audley continues his search for his lost friend George. He follows the trail to Southampton, but believes the answer to all his questions actually lies at Audley Court.
Mary Braddon ...... Hattie Morahan
Lucy, Lady Audley ...... Charlotte Emmerson
Robert Audley ...... Alex Wyndham
Alicia Audley ...... Perdita Weeks
Sir Michael Audley ...... Sam Dale
Lieutenant Maldon ...... Jonathan Tafler
Directed by Julie Beckett and Fiona Kelcher.
THU 14:45 Book at Bedtime (b009fspb)
Sadie Jones - The Outcast
Soho
Unwelcome at home, Lewis finds his anger and hurt hard to control. An explosive moment ends in flight. Read by Emma Fielding.
THU 15:00 Anthony Trollope - The Pallisers (b007jwgd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
THU 16:00 Guess What? (b00757gr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
THU 16:30 Safety Catch (b017skx3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
THU 17:00 HR (b00j1dvv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 17:30 It's a Fair Cop (b05zld8g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 18:00 The Price of Fear (b007jn6j)
The Man Who Hated Scenes
On a train journey across the USA, Vincent Price orders breakfast in the deserted restaurant car.
But then he encounters a meek millionaire with an alarming tale to share...
Vincent Price introduces another tale of horror starring Peter Cushing as Harry, Diana Olsson as Marilyn and Steve Preston as Chuck.
Robert Arthur’s story dramatised by William Ingram.
Producer: John Dyas
First broadcast on the BBC World Service in 1973.
THU 18:30 Great Lives (b0076ngt)
Series 6
Gilbert and Sullivan
Actress Dillie Keane chooses the musical duo Gilbert and Sullivan. With Mike Leigh. Presented by Humphrey Carpenter. From October 2004.
THU 19:00 Steptoe and Son (b00sbh9h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 19:30 Yes Minister (b007k1mq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 20:00 Falco (b00qyq1t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 20:30 Chopsticks at Dawn (b00sm4tg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 21:00 David Constantine - Tea at the Midland (b01pwcyg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
THU 21:15 Drama (b01ljl5g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
THU 22:00 It's a Fair Cop (b05zld8g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 22:30 Bleak Expectations (b00cxvxj)
Series 2
A Re-Kippered Life Smashed Some More
You're invited to marvel at the engineering genius of the early railways, including a tunnel made of beef and pastry and a man who sends loud telegrams to say "He's on the train. Stop."
But as Pip travels the length and breadth of the land in search of his beloved school could it be that there is another even more sinister plan underway? And will the evil Mister Benevolent be involved somehow? Yes! And yes again!
Mark Evans's epic comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.
Volume Two, Chapter the Second: A Re-Kippered Life Smashed Some More
Sir Philip...........................Richard Johnson
Mr Benevolent.......................Anthony Head
Sternbeater...................Geoffrey Whitehead
Harry Biscuit......................James Bachman
Young Pip..................................Tom Allen
Lily.....................................Sarah Hadland
Mr Parsimonious...............Laurence Howarth
Pippa........................................Susy Kane
Sundry railwaymen.....................Mark Evans
Producer: Gareth Edwards
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2008.
THU 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (b061bk02)
The best in contemporary comedy. Tonight Diane Morgan is joined by Charlie Brooker.
THU 23:00 The Party Party (b007vlzq)
Episode 2
Prime Minister Action Man explains himself to the nation. Stars Hugh Laurie, Clive Mantle and Robert Glenister star. From May 1987.
THU 23:30 Miranda Hart's Joke Shop (b00mbfmf)
Pilot Episode
Meet Miranda, a tall, life-embracing, self-effacing clown, who's at her happiest among the wind-up teeth of her Joke Shop. She's got lots to learn about retail and men - as well as coping with her embarrassing mother.
This is the 2007 pilot for Miranda's four-part 2008 series made for BBC Radio 2, which sparked her popular BBC TV series Miranda. This try-out features some actors who were replaced in the subsequent slightly re-worked radio series. Here Alison Steadman plays Miranda's mother Penny, and Morwenna Banks is Stevie. Also featuring Vincenzo Pellegrino, Katy Brand, Alice Hart, Jim Howick and Charlotte McDougall.
Produced by Lucy Armitage.


FRIDAY 03 JULY 2015

FRI 00:00 The Price of Fear (b007jn6j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Thursday]
FRI 00:30 Great Lives (b0076ngt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 Falco (b00qyq1t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:30 Chopsticks at Dawn (b00sm4tg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 Truman Capote - Breakfast at Tiffany's (b0089kv5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:15 Life at 24 Frames a Second (b00xhffs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Thursday]
FRI 02:30 15 Minute Drama (b00jwy29)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:45 Book at Bedtime (b009fspb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 Anthony Trollope - The Pallisers (b007jwgd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 Guess What? (b00757gr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:30 Safety Catch (b017skx3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 HR (b00j1dvv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Thursday]
FRI 05:30 It's a Fair Cop (b05zld8g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Thursday]
FRI 06:00 Falco (b00qyr9t)
The Iron Hand of Mars
Episode 4
After making enquiries with Claudia, the missing legate's mistress, Falco decides he has to cross the Rhine into Barbarian territory. Accompanied by Justinus, Helveticus and a motley crew of raw recruits, he sets off on his most dangerous journey yet.
Things begin to look ominous when they find a deserted Roman camp in the heart of the forest.
Starring Anton Lesser as Marcus Didius Falco, Anna Madely as Helena Justina, David Holt as Xanthus and Gary Lewis as Helveticus.
Dramatised by Mary Cutler.
Directed at BBC Birmingham by Peter Leslie Wild.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2007.
FRI 06:30 A Short History of the Fork (b0075ztd)
If you think about it - which you probably never have - the fork is an odd instrument - four curved, sharpened prongs emanating from a fat ridge joined to a handle.
But where did it come from, and how should it be used?
Joe Farrell tucks into the tale with a little help from collectors, manufacturers and fans of the fork.
Producer: Miles Warde
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2000.
FRI 07:00 Little Blighty on the Down (b00tr63g)
Series 4
Episode 3
Council leader John tries to impress a delegation with a village cover-up. Political satire with John Baddeley. From July 1991.
FRI 07:30 The Price of Happiness (b060724p)
Series 1
A Big White Wedding
Stand-up poet Kate Fox explores some of the things she doesn't want and has cheerfully failed to achieve in life, despite feeling society constantly reminds her that, as a woman, she should.
This time, Kate looks at the subject of "A Big White Wedding". Is it every little girl's dream to be walked down the aisle feeling like a Disney Princess, looking like she's been swallowed by taffeta? What if you're more Lightwater Valley Lass than Disney Princess?
Kate got married in a lighthouse, with guests waiting to cross the causeway because the lighthouse keeper drew up the wrong tide times. The wedding cost under a thousand pounds and guests brought their own food. To Kate, it was perfect. But would this somewhat unconventional day cost other brides their wedding smiles?
Statistics show that males and females still divide domestic duties up in traditional ways, although in Kate's household these roles are almost completely reversed. Is there such a thing as the perfect formula for marriage or is it a tradition as outdated as Morris Dancing with only slightly fewer hankies and bells?
Kate Fox is a comedian and poet from the North East of England. She has contributed poems and comic pieces to many Radio 4 shows including Saturday Live, Wondermentalist Cabaret, From Fact to Fiction, Woman's Hour and Arthur Smith's Balham Bash.
Producer: Lianne Coop
An Impatient production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in 2015
FRI 08:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b007rgpj)
Series 4
The 13th of the Series
The lad gets triskaidekaphobic over the recording an episode of his show numbered between 12 and 14.
Starring Tony Hancock, Sidney James, Bill Kerr, Kenneth Williams and Hattie Jacques.
Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.
Theme and incidental music composed by Wally Stott. Recorded by the BBC Revue Orchestra conducted by Harry Rabinowitz.
Producer: Dennis Main Wilson
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in January 1957.
FRI 08:30 The Goon Show (b007k43y)
Series 5
The Affair of the Lone Banana
Neddie Seagoon tracks young Fred Nurke, who’s vanished from his banana-growing family's home.

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 October 1954.
FRI 09:00 The 99p Challenge (b01rtwl1)
Series 5
Episode 5
Crazy panel show capers with Sue Perkins, Marcus Brigstocke, Miranda Hart, Nick Frost and Armando Iannucci. From September 2004.
FRI 09:30 Sneakiepeeks (b00pfv03)
Special Relationship
A CIA man spends the day with Team Beagle on an exchange visit.
But will his past come back to haunt him?
Comedy by Harry Venning and Neil Brand about a team of inept, backstabbing surveillance operatives.
Bill ...... Richard Lumsden
Sharla ...... Nina Conti
Mark ...... Daniel Kaluuya
Colonel ...... Ewan Bailey
Bristow ...... John Biggins
Sean ...... Joseph Cohen Cole
Lenny ...... Piers Wehner
Ignatius/Fuego ...... Nigel Hastings
Man ...... Rhys Jennings
Producer: Katie Tyrrell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2009.
FRI 10:00 Anthony Trollope - The Pallisers (b007jwgm)
Episode 5
Phineas Finn's political career is on the rise, but he is short of money. Glencora worries over her children's inheritance.
FRI 11:00 David Constantine - Tea at the Midland (b01pwg2m)
Tea at the Midland
An artist and his art threaten to come between a couple on a romantic outing. Thought-provoking story read by Sian Thomas.
FRI 11:15 Katie Hims - The Disappearance of Shirley McGill (b007jtf0)
Shirley has put up with marriage to the overbearing Vernon for 20 years. Her only friend is the butcher, and it's to the butcher she turns when she discovers that - in spite of plenty of greens and red meat - she becomes at first translucent and then completely invisible.
Stars Lesley Manville as Shirley McGill, Philip Jackson as Vernon McGill, Shaun Dingwall as the Butcher, Emma Woolliams as the Police Officer and Scott Brooksbank as the Croupier.
Written by Katie Hims.
Producer: Jeremy Mortimer.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2003.
FRI 12:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b007rgpj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 12:30 The Goon Show (b007k43y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 13:00 Falco (b00qyr9t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 13:30 A Short History of the Fork (b0075ztd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 14:00 Truman Capote - Breakfast at Tiffany's (b0089htv)
Episode 10
Henry Goodman reads Truman Capote's vivid and witty novel about the relationship between young writer, Paul Varjak and captivating girl-about-town, Holly Golightly, in 1940s New York.
With her tousled blond hair and upturned nose, dark glasses and chic black dresses, Holly Golightly is top notch in style and a sensation wherever she goes. Her brownstone apartment vibrates with martini-soaked parties as she plays hostess to millionaires and gangsters alike. Yet Holly never loses sight of her ultimate goal - to find a real life place like Tiffany's that makes her feel at home.
Truman Capote's 1958 novella abridged in 10-parts by James Robertston.
Born in New Orleans in 1925, Truman Capote left school at 15 to work for the New Yorker - his first, and last, regular job. He's the author of many highly praised books, including A Tree of Night and Other Stories, The Grass Harp, In Cold Blood, Music for Chameleons and Answered Prayers. Truman Capote died in 1984.
Producer: Bruce Young
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2001.
FRI 14:15 Life at 24 Frames a Second (b00xhfg3)
You Must Remember This
"Every movie is about time passing away and memory trying to say it was a story."
Author David Thomson continues his idiosyncratic journey through the collective dream of cinema.
Producer: Mark Burman.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2011.
FRI 14:30 15 Minute Drama (b00jwy2c)
ME Braddon - Lady Audley's Secret
Episode 5
Dramatisation of the classic Victorian thriller by Mary Elizabeth Braddon.
Robert leaves the splendour of Audley Court to continue his search for his missing friend at a draughty hilltop inn. When he interviews Lady Audley's former maid, he provokes a surprising result.
Mary Braddon ...... Hattie Morahan
Lucy, Lady Audley ...... Charlotte Emmerson
Robert Audley ...... Alex Wyndham
Phoebe Marks ...... Lizzy Watts
Luke Marks ...... Benjamin Askew
Directed by Julie Beckett and Fiona Kelcher.
FRI 14:45 Book at Bedtime (b009fspj)
Sadie Jones - The Outcast
Desecration
Increasingly alone and at odds with the world, self-loathing Lewis makes a dramatic gesture of despair. Read by Emma Fielding.
FRI 15:00 Anthony Trollope - The Pallisers (b007jwgm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
FRI 16:00 The 99p Challenge (b01rtwl1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
FRI 16:30 Sneakiepeeks (b00pfv03)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
FRI 17:00 Little Blighty on the Down (b00tr63g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 17:30 The Price of Happiness (b060724p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 18:00 The Price of Fear (b007jshy)
Lot 132
Horror legend Vincent Price tells the artistically horrifying tale of a painting. With Douglas Blackwell, Alexander John, Elizabeth Morgan and Vincent Price
FRI 18:30 Fry's English Delight (b00t9t6r)
Series 3
The Trial of Qwerty
All rise for Judge Stephen Fry, in whose court the Qwerty keyboard stands trial.
The gravest charge against the still ubiquitous Qwerty is that the layout was designed deliberately to slow typing down.
Typists in the 1870's got too fast for their machines. The keys would easily stick. Typists would have to delve under the bonnet to untangle them.
Messy business. Dirty Mr Qwerty.
But will the charge against Qwerty stick? Invented in the 1870's before the age of ergonomics and future proofing, it was a result of a commercial race to dominate the new typewriting industry with a universal system. The father of formats. There were typewriting races too, which resembled today's motor racing. Hyped up typists, competing systems and publicity hungry manufacturers proved only one thing: the new fangled typewriting machines could be very noisy.
Alongside contributions from historians and qwerty experts, Stephen meets a man who has deqwertified himself and adopted Dvorak, a system claimed to be quicker and cleaner than Qwerty. There's also an examination of newer, more modern formats, which may be more efficient but are no match for qwerty.
We also meet some speedy junior qwertists' primary school pupils who learn to touch type as part of their curriculum. They come up an idea for the ultimate system for inputting text and in so doing demonstrate an important point about how thought relates to language, and how any system, using keyboard, pen or even speech is a compromise.
But will Qwerty be acquitted?
Producer: Nick Baker
A Testbed production for BBC Radio 4.
FRI 19:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b007rgpj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 19:30 The Goon Show (b007k43y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 20:00 Falco (b00qyr9t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 20:30 A Short History of the Fork (b0075ztd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 21:00 David Constantine - Tea at the Midland (b01pwg2m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
FRI 21:15 Katie Hims - The Disappearance of Shirley McGill (b007jtf0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
FRI 22:00 The Price of Happiness (b060724p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 22:30 Victor Lewis-Smith (b060qsgf)
Episode 9
Telethons, unusual jobs and bad conductors. The darkly comic world of Victor Lewis-Smith.
Award-winning controversial comedy surfaced on BBC Radio 1 in 1990 in the shape of Victor Lewis-Smith. The writer and producer took a comedy cudgel to the self-satisfied, mid-Atlantic style of the very network he was appearing on - with hoax phone calls, sketches, plus comic takedowns of high profile celebs. It's all deliciously sandwiched between the original jangly Radio 1 jingles made by JAM Creative Productions in Dallas, USA.
Winner of the British Comedy Awards 1990 for Best Radio Comedy.
After making a series of late night programmes for Radio 1, Victor took aim at TV in 1993 with BBC TWO's Inside Victor Lewis Smith, before sparking another stir on Channel 4 in 1998 with TV Offal.
Written by Victor Lewis Smith and Paul Sparks
Produced by Victor Lewis Smith
First heard on BBC Radio 1 in May 1990.
FRI 23:00 The Consultants (b060qsl2)
Series 4
Episode 3
Galileo is too busy to party with the Pope.
Cerebral sketch show written by and starring Neil Edmond, Justin Edwards and James Rawlings.
Producer: Will Saunders
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2005.
FRI 23:30 Down the Line (b00zf1zy)
Series 4
Episode 1
The return of the ground-breaking, Radio 4 show, hosted by the legendary Gary Bellamy; brought to you by the creators of The Fast Show.
Down The Line stars Rhys Thomas as Gary Bellamy, with Amelia Bullmore, Simon Day, Felix Dexter, Charlie Higson, Lucy Montgomery, and Paul Whitehouse,
Special guests are Rosie Cavaliero, Robert Popper and Adil Ray.
Producers: Paul Whitehouse and Charlie Higson
A Down The Line production for BBC Radio 4.