SATURDAY 21 NOVEMBER 2015
SAT 00:00 Elspeth Davie - A Collection of Bones (b012yym2)
The Eyelash
A humorous diversion into an evening meal, ruined by a small matter which prompts a big discussion. Read by Edith MacArthur. From January 2002.
SAT 00:15 MR James (b00pfljb)
MR James Stories
Number 13
Dr Anderson's obsessive interest in why the hotel he's staying at doesn't include a number 13 puts him in terrible danger.
Derek Jacobi - as the voice of MR James - introduces classic ghost stories.
Dramatised by Chris Harrald.
Stars Julian Rhind-Tutt as Dr Anderson, Jan Delukowicz as Herr Lund, Simon Treves as Herr Scavenius and Ben Onwukwe as the Voice.
Producer: Gemma Jenkins
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2007.
SAT 00:30 Soul Music (b0076412)
Series 2
Amazing Grace
John Newton's near-death experience prompted his hymn Amazing Grace.
With Martin Bell, Judy Collins and Bob Zellner
Series about music that makes the hairs stand up on the back of our necks.
Producer: Sara Conkey
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2001.
SAT 01:00 Miss Marple (b007jnl4)
A Murder Is Announced
Episode 5
A further murder has been committed, but just as Miss Marple is piecing her thoughts together - she disappears...
Conclusion of Agatha Christie's whodunit starring June Whitfield as the deceptively mild sleuth, Miss Jane Marple.
Dramatised by Michael Bakewell.
Miss Marple ...... June Whitfield
Inspector Craddock ...... Ian Lavender
Letty Blacklock ...... Sarah Lawson
Colonel Easterbrook ...... Jack Hedley
Laura Easterbrook ...... Joanna McCallum
Bunch Harmon ...... Molly Gaisford
Patrick Simmons ...... Jamie Glover
Mitzi ...... Jenny Funnell
Julia Simmons ...... Angela Sims
Phillipa Haymes ...... Sarah Rice
Director: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1999
SAT 01:30 The Ghost Trains of Old England (b00vhhcf)
Just one train a week runs between Stockport and Stalybridge. It never returns. "There is no service from Stalybridge to Stockport", says a platform sign, cryptically. The Stockport-Stalybridge service is what's known as a "parliamentary train" and exists only so that the rail company can avoid going through formal closure proceedings. Running the single weekly service costs only £50, but to close it down would cost far more. Of the intermediate stops on the line, Network Rail notes: "Data collection including observation has been unable to record any use of these stations".
In this programme, Ian Marchant travels these little used lines and forgotten stations. There is Teesside Airport station, the least-used stop in Britain, with just 44 passengers a year. It has only one train a week, is a 20 minutes walk from the airport (a journey which involves negotiating a locked gate), and the airport has a different name anyway.
Then there is the train that goes from Manchester to Brighton - except that since the Manchester to Brighton direct service has been abolished, a semi-secret replacement bus travels once a week from Ealing Broadway to Wandsworth Road, two stations that were never on the Manchester-Brighton route anyway.
Most bizarre is the case of Newhaven Marine, a station which is technically open, and is served by one train a day. But the station is behind a locked fence and passengers are forbidden to get on the train, which does not appear on any timetable. The company offers to provide a taxi service to any passenger "in possession of a valid ticket". But it is impossible to buy a ticket.
Who are the people who use these secret trains which are also buses and taxis? Mostly rail enthusiasts and hobbyists who collect rail tickets. But occasionally a real passenger stumbles across a service and uses it almost by accident. And what does it say about the British attitude to rules that we stick within the letter of the law while entirely subverting their intention?
SAT 02:00 Book at Bedtime (b00yhygl)
David Vann - Caribou Island
Episode 10
Caribou Island is set in David Vann's native Alaska, amid the icy, glacier fed lakes and the remote islands covered in alder and Sitka spruce. And it is on such island, far from any habitation, that Gary, a medievalist who fled to Alaska thirty years ago with his young wife Irene, in search of an unattainable idyll, is now determined to begin once again. He will build a simple cabin there and at last find peace. Irene joins him in his endeavour, understanding, unlike her husband, that there are costs.
Meanwhile her daughter Rhoda dreams of marriage with Jim, a dentist, who is about to enter his own 'mid-life crisis'.
Fluid and sometimes raw, David Vann explores the depths an unravelling marriage can sink to and the hopes the young still entertain.
Today: While Rhoda fears for her parents on the island and tries to find a way reach them, Irene confronts her loneliness and finds a stark and uncompromising solution.
The reader is William Hope
The abridger is Sally Marmion
The producer is Di Speirs.
SAT 02:15 Noise: A Human History (b01rw8xt)
Capturing Sound
Sounds were ephemeral until recording technology made it possible to capture them.
Professor David Hendy of the University of Sussex introduces bottled moments from the past, including the voices of Robert Browning and Florence Nightingale and 9/11 answerphone messages.
30-part series made in collaboration with the British Library Sound Archive.
Signature tune composed by Joe Acheson.
Producer: Matt Thompson
A Rockethouse production for BBC Radio 4.
SAT 02:30 Elizabeth Gaskell - Mary Barton (b007jqj4)
Episode 10
Margaret has an admirer, and Jem hears Mary's secret via a mysterious stranger. 1840s Manchester tale stars Emma Rydal, Roy Hudd and Teresa Gallagher.
SAT 02:45 Book of the Week (b00w48g8)
Giles Tremlett - Catherine of Aragon: Henry's Spanish Queen
Episode 5
A compelling account of the life of the Spanish Infanta who changed the course of Tudor history. At Henry's urging, Parliament has passed the Act of Succession annulling the marriage of the king and queen. However Catherine still has influential allies across Europe.
Yolanda Vazquez reads Giles Tremlett's new biography of Catherine of Aragon, the tenacious woman whose marriage lasted twice as long as those of Henry's five other wives put together.
Abridged by Alison Joseph
Producer: Eilidh McCreadie.
SAT 03:00 Marcel Proust - In Search of Lost Time (b0076qrn)
The Prisoner and the Fugitive
Hiding away from his turbulent love affair with Albertine, Marcel receives a devastating telegram. Stars James Wilby.
SAT 04:00 The 99p Challenge (b0075w2m)
Series 4
Episode 1
Crazy panel show capers as host Sue Perkins grills Simon Pegg, Armando Iannucci, Bill Bailey and David Quantick.
The game where someone stands to leave the studio 99p richer than when they came in.
Producer: David Tyler
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2003.
SAT 04:30 Albert and Me (b007jsm1)
Series 1
The Homecoming
Single dad Bryan gets worried when his son's mum wants to visit.
Stars Richard Beckinsale as Bryan Archer, Pat Coombs as Mum/Albert and John Comer as Dad. With Robert Gillespie as the Police Sergeant and Diana Berriman as Rose.
Written by Jim Eldridge.
Producer: John Fawcett Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in December 1977.
SAT 05:00 Winston (b007qq36)
Winston Comes to Town
Line of Communication
Cunning rogue Winston has stowed away in a yellow removal van to follow the family to London.
Peter Tinniswood's bawdy comedy serial.
Winston ...... Bill Wallis
Father ...... Maurice Denham
Nancy ...... Shirley Dixon
Rosie ...... Liz Goulding
William ...... Christian Rodska
Director: Shaun MacLoughlin.
First broadcast on BBC Radio in January 1990.
SAT 05:30 Instant Sunshine (b00lh3hd)
From 29/08/1988
Humorous songs performed by the comedy musical cabaret group, Instant Sunshine:
Featuring David Barlow, Peter Christie, Miles Kington and Alan Maryon-Davis
Producer: David Rayvern Allen
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1988.
SAT 06:00 Hercule Poirot (b00rl44w)
Five Little Pigs
Sixteen years after her mother was convicted of murdering her father, Carla Lemarchant desperately seeks the help of Hercule Poirot.
Convinced her mother was innocent, Carla is prepared for whatever discovery the Belgian sleuth might make.
But this is a formidable challenge even for the remarkable detective - especially as he's nothing to go on - except five suspects who fit strangely into the pattern of a children's nursery rhyme...
John Moffatt stars as Hercule Poirot.
First published in 1943, Agatha Christie's whodunnit dramatised by Michael Bakewell. ,
Hercule Poirot …. John Moffatt
Carla Lemarchant …. Clare Heyhoe
Sir Montague Depleach …. John Woodnutt
Elsa Greer …. Suzy Aitchison
Caroline Crale …. Jemma Churchill
Amyas Crale …. John Hartley
Cale Jonathan …. David Kossoff
Philip Blake …. Derek Waring
Meredith Blake …. Graham Crowden
Miss Williams …. Carmel McSharry
Angela Warren …. Charlotte Attenborough
Actor John Moffatt (1922-2012) played Hercule Poirot in 25 productions for BBC Radio.
Director: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1994.
SAT 07:30 Marguerite Patten's Century of British Cooking (b0075jp1)
The End of an Era: 1900-1909
Kedgeree, Devilled Kidneys, Stuffed Mutton, Lamb Cutlets Reform, Peach Melba and Victoria Sponge. Food guru Marguerite Patten demonstrates classic recipes from the first decade of the 20th Century in her 10-part history of British cooking.
Marguerite told us how to make the most of our rations during the Second World War in 'Kitchen Front' on the BBC Home Service. She fronted her first BBC TV cookery show in 1947.
Born in Bath, the home economist was widely considered to be the first celebrity cook, and wrote more than 170 books with worldwide sales of 17 million.
A regular contributor to BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour programme from 1946, Marguerite's final appearance was in 2011. She was awarded the OBE in 1991 and CBE in 2011.
Born November 4th 1915, Marguerite Patten died just a few months short of her 100th birthday in June 2015.
Producer: Ian Willox.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1999.
SAT 08:00 Archive on 4 (b00jwqlg)
Working for Margaret
Matthew Parris, who worked for Margaret Thatcher before becoming a political journalist, delves into the Brook Lapping archive to hear from some of her former staff, ministers, civil servants, speechwriters and advisors about what she was like to work for.
Was she any gentler with her staff than she was with her Cabinet colleagues? Matthew finds out about the Margaret Thatcher that only her closest circle saw.
A Brook Lapping production for BBC Radio 4.
SAT 09:00 Inspiring Alice (b06q43pl)
'I can't go back to yesterday, because I was a different person then.' - Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland.
Lewis Carroll's book 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' is one of the most influential, best loved Victorian English novels. 150 years after the first book was published, it is still inspiring film makers, artists, poets and even chefs.
But who or what inspired Charles Dodgson (Lewis Carroll), and just why has the book been so inspirational to others?
Mel Giedroyc and her guest, children's author Philip Ardagh dive headlong into the rabbit hole after the secret of Carroll's spell.
Archive includes:
* Gyles Brandreth, Just A Minute
* Lewis Carroll, Great Lives
* Alice's Adventures in Wonderland part 1, read by Alan Bennett
* Christchurch, Open Book
* Mad Hatter's Tea Party, The Food Programme
* Mock Turtle Soup, Historic Heston
* The Hatter, Digging Up Your Roots
* The Dodo, Science in Action
* Shrinking Heads, Questions Questions
* The Crying Game
* Lewis Carroll, The Unbelievable Truth
* Alice in Wonderland around the world, The Fifth Floor
* Wonder.land, Front Row
* The Sleep Diaries
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in November 2015.
SAT 12:00 Booked (b0075lcp)
Series 2
Episode 1
Piglet bumps into the Greek Chorus, Inspector Clouseau takes Blanche Dubois to a dance, and Hunter S Thompson writes a public school prospectus.
Outrageous parody, wit and original writing from Mark Thomas, Dillie Keane, Miles Kington and Roger McGough in the irreverent literary game.
Chaired by Ian McMillan.
Producer: Marc Jobst
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1997.
SAT 12:30 The Leopard in Autumn (b00rvzkq)
Series 2
Considering the Lillies of the Field
Prince Ludovico of Monte Guano - besieged ruler of the pettiest state in Italy - battles to raise enough money from his meagre subjects to pay for the new Pope's tribute.
Second series of the comedy drama set in Renaissance Italy devised by Neal Anthony.
Written by Roger Danes.
Stars David Swift as Ludovico, Sian Phillips as Plethora, Graham Crowden as Francesco, Saskia Wickham as Rosalie, Nick Romero as Salvatori, Paul Bigley as Alessandro, Christopher Kelham as Guido and Kim Wall as Vitelozzo.
Producer: Helen Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2002.
SAT 13:00 15 Minute Drama (b06q4402)
How Does That Make You Feel
Series 6 Omnibus
Made for 4 Extra. Therapist Martha braces herself for the arrival of the newly re-elected Richard Fallon MP. With Roger Allam and Frances Tomelty.
SAT 14:10 Inheritance Tracks (b06q444c)
Guy Chambers
Songwriter Guy Chambers chooses 'Tomorrow Never Knows' by The Beatles and Ravel's 'Piano Concerto in G', second movement.
SAT 14:15 In the Psychiatrist's Chair (b06q4568)
Joanna Lumley
The Absolutely Fabulous actress and activist Joanna Lumley shares her anxieties and regrets with Professor Anthony Clare.
Psychiatrist Dr Anthony Clare's in depth interviews with prominent people from different walks of life.
Born in Dublin, author Anthony Clare held a doctorate in medicine, a master's degree in philosophy and was a fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. After becoming a regular on BBC Radio 4's Stop the Week in the 1980s, he became Britain's best-known psychiatrist and earned his own vehicle, In the Psychiatrist's Chair. Starting in 1982, this series ran until 2001 and also transferred to TV. Series highlights include conversations with Bob Monkhouse, Cecil Parkinson and Gerry Adams.
Anthony Clare died suddenly in Paris aged 64 in 2007.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October July 1994.
SAT 15:00 Archive on 4 (b00jwqlg)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
SAT 16:00 Hercule Poirot (b00rl44w)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
SAT 17:30 Marguerite Patten's Century of British Cooking (b0075jp1)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
SAT 18:00 Mike Walker - Alpha (b0080p6l)
An all-knowing computer appears to have an independent life of its own - an abomination for those who believe in a supreme creator.
Father Marquez is sent to interrogate ‘Alpha’ to decide whether or not it can be allowed to exist. During their conversations, Marquez finds out far more than he expects about both Alpha and - much more disturbingly - himself...
Mike Walker’s chilling drama won Gold at the Sony Radio Academy Awards 2001.
Stars David Calder as Father Marquez, Sarah-Jane Holm as Alpha, John Moffatt as Cardinal Correlli, Ana Sofrenovia as Katerina, Daniel O'Grady as Tom and Lexi Ross as Sophia.
Original music composed and played by David Chilton.
Producer: Gordon House
First broadcast on the BBC World Service in 2001.
SAT 19:00 Inspiring Alice (b06q43pl)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 today]
SAT 22:00 Concrete Cow (b0076jvx)
Series 1
Episode 4
The personal problems of King Midas who's not sure whether life is as good as gold? - and a man hunting a pig in his living room.
This show is the product of a CD player, a beardy man pressing a button, a shiny disc that spins round really fast, a laser, some wires, a transmitter, an aerial, your ears and your brain.
Starring Olivia Colman, Sally Hawkins, Steven Kynman, Chris Pavlo and Robert Webb.
Written by James Cary, Sally Hawkins, Catherine Shepherd, Tim Higham, Stuart Barker and Adam Bromley.
Producer: Adam Bromley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2002
SAT 22:30 Armando Iannucci's Charm Offensive (b00dhxn7)
Series 4
Episode 6
The comedy banker awards laughter bonuses. With Chris Addison, Miranda Hart and David Quantick. From September 2008.
SAT 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (b06s98x1)
From
10.00pm to midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Arthur Smith chats again to Rory McGrath.
SAT 23:00 Giles Wemmbley Hogg Goes Off (b017m14c)
Series 5
Local Hero
When an American mogul tries to buy up every last pebble in lovely Budleigh, Giles decides to run for Mayor. Meanwhile his sister Charlotte goes on a tent protest...
Budleigh Salterton's most famous citizen is back! But this time, he's got a computer! Giles Wemmbley Hogg has been grounded by both the Home Office and his father, so he's set up GWH Travvel ("2m's 2g's 2v's, bit of a mix up at the printers").
Run from his bedroom in Budleigh Salterton, with the help of his long-suffering former Primary Schoolteacher Mr Timmis and the hindrance of his sister Charlotte, it's a one-stop Travel/Advice/Events Management/Website service, where each week, his schemes range far and wide - whether it's roaming the country lecturing would-be overlanders on how to pack a rucksack ("If in doubt, put it in. And double it"), or finding someone a zebra for a corporate promotion ("I'll look in the Phone Book - how hard can it be? Now, "A to D".....), GWH Travvel stays true to its motto - "We do it all, so you won't want to".
Starring Marcus Brigstocke as Giles
And featuring -
Mr. Timmis ...... Vincent Franklin
Charlotte Wemmbley Hogg ...... Catherine Shepherd
Annie ...... Rebecca Front
Ronald Crump ..... Stuart Milligan
Mayor Netherclap ..... Flip Webster
Gabe Bjesterveldt ...... David Armand
Written by Marcus Brigstocke, Jeremy Salsby & Toby Davies
Producer/Director: David Tyler
A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4.
SAT 23:30 The Problem With Adam Bloom (b019jtl7)
Series 3
Technology
The comedian explores the barriers and dilemmas which technology creates in normal everyday relationships.
Fast-paced and inventive comedy, written and starring Adam Bloom
With Rob Rouse, Hattie Hayridge and Stefano Paolini.
Producer: Adam Bromley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2005.
SUNDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2015
SUN 00:00 Mike Walker - Alpha (b0080p6l)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:00 on Saturday]
SUN 01:00 15 Minute Drama (b06q4402)
[Repeat of broadcast at
13:00 on Saturday]
SUN 02:10 Inheritance Tracks (b06q444c)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:10 on Saturday]
SUN 02:15 In the Psychiatrist's Chair (b06q4568)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:15 on Saturday]
SUN 03:00 Archive on 4 (b00jwqlg)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 on Saturday]
SUN 04:00 Hercule Poirot (b00rl44w)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 on Saturday]
SUN 05:30 Marguerite Patten's Century of British Cooking (b0075jp1)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 on Saturday]
SUN 06:00 Elizabeth Gaskell - Mary Barton Omnibus (b008003l)
Episode 2
Tragedy strikes for Jem, but will occupied Mary offer any comfort? Frank portrayal of 1840s Manchester life with Emma Rydal.
SUN 07:15 Ghost Houses (b0076047)
Berrymead Priory
Charlotte Smith visits a car park in Acton to find out about the grand old house that stood there until 1985. From January 2001.
SUN 07:30 Clare in the Community (b01q8qpv)
Series 8
The Scapegoat
After an unprofessional mishap at the Sparrowhawk Family Centre, one of the Social Workers needs to fall on their sword.
Sally Phillips is Clare Barker the social worker who has all the right jargon but never a practical solution.
A control freak, Clare likes nothing better than interfering in other people's lives on both a professional and personal basis. Clare is in her thirties, white, middle class and heterosexual, all of which are occasional causes of discomfort to her.
Each week we join Clare in her continued struggle to control both her professional and private life
In today's Big Society there are plenty of challenges out there for an involved, caring social worker. Or even Clare.
Written by Harry Venning and David Ramsden.
Clare ...... Sally Phillips
Brian ...... Alex Lowe
Megan ...... Nina Conti
Nali ...... Nina Conti
Ray ...... Richard Lumsden
Helen ...... Liza Tarbuck
Simon ...... Andrew Wincott
Libby ...... Sarah Kendall
Man ...... Robert Blythe
Mr Needham ...... Patrick Brennan
Trudi ...... Sarah Thom
Producer: Katie Tyrrell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2013.
SUN 08:00 The Al Read Show (b007jwx8)
From 15/11/1955
The joys of motoring – and modern cafeterias.
Monologues and sketches from Salford sausage maker turned monarch of the monologue.
With Louise Traill.
Music from the Silvertones and the Augmented BBC Northern Variety Orchestra.
Conductor: Alyn Ainsworth
Produced in the North of England by Ronnie Taylor.
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in November 1955.
SUN 08:30 Much Binding in the Marsh (b018sjr1)
From 10/05/1950
Still looking for work, the ex-RAF gang turns its hand to babysitting.
Starring Kenneth Horne and Richard 'Stinker' Murdoch.
With Sam Costa, Maurice Denham, Diana Morrison and Barbara Leigh.
Much Binding in the Marsh ran from 1944 to 1954 initially set at a remote RAF station before being converted to a country club and later the action moved to a newspaper. (The show also ran for a season with commercial breaks on Radio Luxembourg).
Written by Richard Murdoch and Kenneth Horne.
Music by the Augmented Dance Orchestra conducted by Stanley Black.
Producer: Leslie Bridgemont
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in May 1950.
SUN 09:00 Unfaithful Music and Disappearing Ink: Omnibus (b06q469s)
Elvis Costello's witty and irreverent account of 40 years at the top of the music business.
SUN 10:10 Inheritance Tracks (b06q5swt)
Sheila Ravenscroft
John Peel's widow, Sheila Ravenscroft, chooses 'Panis Angelicus' by César Franck and 'You Little Thief' by Feargal Sharkey.
SUN 10:15 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b06q5sww)
Comedians
Tim Minchin
From Deep Purple to Muddy Waters. Comedian and musician Tim Minchin shares his castaway choices with Kirsty Young. From May 2012.
SUN 11:00 The Moth Radio Hour (b06q5tts)
Series 1
Live from Dublin
True stories told live: the American show travels to Dublin with Lynn Ferguson introducing tales cautioning 'don't look back'.
The Moth is an acclaimed not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the art and craft of storytelling based in the USA. Since 1997, it has celebrated both the raconteur and the storytelling novice, who has lived through something extraordinary and yearns to share it. Originally formed by the writer George Dawes Green as an intimate gathering of friends on a porch in Georgia (where moths would flutter in through a hole in the screen), and then recreated in a New York City living room, The Moth quickly grew to produce immensely popular events at theatres and clubs around New York City and later around the USA, the UK and other parts of the world.
The Moth has presented more than 15,000 stories, told live and without notes, to standing-room-only crowds worldwide. The Moth podcast is downloaded over 27 million times a year.
Featuring true stories told live on stage without scripts, from the humorous to the heart-breaking.
The Moth Radio Hour is produced by Jay Allison and Atlantic Public Media in Woods Hole, Massachusetts and is distributed by the Public Radio Exchange.
SUN 11:50 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00mj16h)
Series 1
Tracks
Following the tracks left by animals is a great craft owned by many aboriginal people. Doing the same with fossilised tracks is much the same skill, but with a whole new set of extraordinary revelations.
Series of talks by Sir David Attenborough on the natural histories of creatures and plants from around the world.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2009.
SUN 12:00 The Al Read Show (b007jwx8)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
SUN 12:30 Much Binding in the Marsh (b018sjr1)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
SUN 13:00 Elizabeth Gaskell - Mary Barton Omnibus (b008003l)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
SUN 14:15 Ghost Houses (b0076047)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:15 today]
SUN 14:30 Death in the Fifth Position Omnibus (b06q5vvg)
Episode 2
McCarthyite New York. There's shocking news as conductor Miles Sutton faces arrest for his wife's murder. Read by Jamie Parker.
SUN 15:45 JG Ballard - Having a Wonderful Time (b06q5wmv)
An extended Las Palmas holiday, at someone else's expense, seems ideal. But is there a hidden agenda? Read by Patricia Brake. From July 1994.
SUN 16:00 Saturday Drama (b00p1k88)
Michael Dobbs - A Family Affair
On 22nd November 1990, following dissention in the Conservative ranks and an equivocal leadership ballot, Margaret Thatcher made the dramatic decision to offer her resignation as prime minister. Michael Dobbs' play follows Thatcher's last traumatic days in power, seen from the perspective of her husband, Denis, and her family.
Margaret Thatcher ...... Clare Higgins
Denis Thatcher ...... Stephen Moore
Carol Thatcher ...... Monica Dolan
Mark Thatcher ...... William McGeogh
Bill ...... Benjamin Whitrow
Sir Geoffrey Howe ...... John McEnery
Anthony ...... Kevin Doyle
Minister ...... Sean Campion
Christine ...... Sara Stewart
Directed by Roland Jaquerello
A Fiction Factory production for BBC Radio 4.
SUN 17:00 Poetry Extra (b06q5yh4)
Poetry Please: Goblin Market
BBC Radio 4's Poet in Residence, Daljit Nagra revisits the BBC's radio poetry archive.
In 'Poetry Please' Roger McGough features the poems of Christina Rossetti. Shirley Henderson gives a beguiling rendition of what is arguably Rossetti's most famous poem 'Goblin Market', published in 1862. It's a heady fairy tale about temptation involving two sisters, Laura and Lizzie. The poem has a sexual undertone and a menacing quality that lurks among the persistent pleas of the fruit selling Goblin men to 'come buy, come buy.' Visits to your greengrocer may never be the same again.
There is also a reading of another of Rossetti's much requested and moving poems 'Remember,' as well as a lesser known poem of pilgrimage, 'Up-hill'.
Producer: Sarah Langan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2014 .
SUN 17:30 Clare in the Community (b01q8qpv)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
SUN 18:00 Ray Bradbury's Tales of the Bizarre (b007jm1r)
Series 2
And So Died Riabouchinska
A man lies murdered in a basement - but there's a surprising non-human witness.
Strange and chilling tales from the award-winning master of thrillers Ray Bradbury, who tops and tails these radio dramatisations in his own inimitable style.
Don Fabian ...... Liam Brennan
Ria ...... Vari Sylvester
Detective Lieutenant Krovitch ...... John Rammage
Alice ...... Katherine Connolly
Douglas ...... Stephen Ethol
Dramatised by Catherine Czerkawska.
Producer: Hamish Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1997.
SUN 18:30 Terry Pratchett (b008pc0b)
Guards! Guards!
Episode 5
"That dragon isn't going to accept any mealy-mouthed, wishy-washy liberal nonsense.... Do you know what you're getting with a dragon? Unashamed strong leadership."
The dragon strikes. But will Captain Vimes triumph?
Stars John Wood and Martin Jarvis.
The 8th of Terry's Pratchett's comic fantasy stories set on Discworld.
Narrator …. Martin Jarvis
Captain Vimes …. John Wood
Nobby …. Melvyn Hayes
Sergeant Colon …. Stephen Thorne
Lady Ramkin …. Helen Atkinson-Wood
Carrot …. Robert Gwilym
Lord Vetinari …. Crawford Logan
Supreme Grand Master …. Brett Usher
Chief Merchant …. Jeff Nuttall
Librarian …. Michael Roberts
Little Girl …. Kate McEnery
Director: John Taylor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 5 in December 1992.
SUN 19:00 The Moth Radio Hour (b06q5tts)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 today]
SUN 19:50 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00mj16h)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:50 today]
SUN 20:00 Nuremberg Trials (b0076vq1)
On 20th November 1945, the most significant trial of the 20th century began - as Germany's Nazi leaders were indicted for waging aggressive war, crimes against humanity and inciting racial hatred - issues still of profound concern today.
This programme combines extracts from the trial with eye-witness accounts from victims, relatives, lawyers and prosecutors.
With Bernard Hepton as Geoffrey Lawrence, Henry Goodman as Robert Jackson, David Timson as Hartley Shawcross David Timson, Geoffrey Whitehead as David Maxwell-Fyfe, Mike Nussbaum as Dr Gilbert, Gerard Murphy as Hermann Goering, David Collings as Ribbentrop and Ian Hogg as Kaltenbrunner.
Trial sequences selected by Peter Goodchild
Produced and directed by Martin Jenkins and John Theocharis
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1996.
SUN 22:00 Clare in the Community (b01q8qpv)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
SUN 22:30 Bussmann and Quantick Kingsize (b044w4v4)
Episode 4
Buy a compendium of fairy tales from Boney M.
A decadent ounce of sketches, monologues and evil chat.
Originally broadcast live from London's exclusive Imperial Rooms, Mayfair.
Written and performed by Jane Bussmann and David Quantick.
Featuring:
Peter Serafinowicz
Emma Clarke
Steve Brody.
Producer: Phil Bowker.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1998.
SUN 23:00 Laura Solon - Talking and Not Talking (b00773xs)
Series 1
Episode 5
The torrid tale of Justine's jeans and the sad story of a second gap year.
Award-winning comedian Laura Solon's sketch and character comedy series
With Ben Moor, Katherine Parkinson and Ben Willbond.
Written by Laura Solon. With additional material by the cast, Carl Cooper, Tony Roche and Andy Marlatt.
Producer: Colin Anderson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2007.
SUN 23:30 Recorded for Training Purposes (b00hdd69)
Series 3
Episode 6
Sketch show about modern communication and contemporary obsessions. With Ben Willbond and Rachel Atkins. From February 2009.
MONDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2015
MON 00:00 Ray Bradbury's Tales of the Bizarre (b007jm1r)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:00 on Sunday]
MON 00:30 Terry Pratchett (b008pc0b)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:30 on Sunday]
MON 01:00 Elizabeth Gaskell - Mary Barton Omnibus (b008003l)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 on Sunday]
MON 02:15 Ghost Houses (b0076047)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:15 on Sunday]
MON 02:30 Death in the Fifth Position Omnibus (b06q5vvg)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:30 on Sunday]
MON 03:45 JG Ballard - Having a Wonderful Time (b06q5wmv)
[Repeat of broadcast at
15:45 on Sunday]
MON 04:00 Saturday Drama (b00p1k88)
[Repeat of broadcast at
16:00 on Sunday]
MON 05:00 Poetry Extra (b06q5yh4)
[Repeat of broadcast at
17:00 on Sunday]
MON 05:30 Clare in the Community (b01q8qpv)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 on Sunday]
MON 06:00 Adam Dalgliesh - Cover Her Face (b008ycyr)
1. Murder
A murder in an East Anglian village reveals hidden passions beneath the calm surface.
Robin Ellis stars as detective Adam Dalgliesh in the debut crime novel of PD James.
Co-starring Sian Phillips and Hugh Grant.
Cover Her Face was first published in 1962, where the author created her famous poetry-writing detective who went on to feature in many more of her stories.
Dramatised in four-parts by Neville Teller.
Inspector Adam Dalgliesh .... Robin Ellis
Mrs Maxie …. Sian Phillips
Felix Hearne …. Hugh Grant
Deborah …. Beatie Edney
Stephen Maxie …. David Thorpe
Catherine Bowers …. Oona Beeson
Miss Liddell …. Kate Binchy
Dr Epps …. Philip Anthony
Martha …. Jill Graham
Sally Jupp …. Melanie Hudson
Mrs Webster …. Linda Polan
Producer: Matthew Walters
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1993.
MON 06:30 The Art of the Public Address (b00s50mc)
Laurie Taylor investigates the pain - and occasional pleasure - of the UK's public address announcements and goes on a mission to improve people who make these announcements. It's a form of broadcasting that often has very little or no training whatsoever, yet it's heard by millions each day.
Laurie discovers what elements are needed to make us listen to public messages and asks if the people who make them simply get handed a microphone and told to speak. What causes the un-natural pronunciation with the stress nearly always in the wrong place? Why is the language often so archaic? Laurie holds a master-class for shop workers eager to improve their announcements and tests the before and after results.
Comedian Arthur Smith, who has trained train workers to speak, challenges Laurie to master the tannoy himself and we hear what happens when he takes over making the announcements on the
12.03 to Birmingham.
The producer is Howie Shannon, and this is a White Pebble production for BBC Radio 4.
MON 07:00 The Right Time (b00c90g4)
Series 3
Episode 1
Gym shenanigans, finding a fox - and can you feel sexy at 60?
The sketch comedy for people growing older disgracefully.
Stars Eleanor Bron, Graeme Garden, Neil Innes, Clive Swift, Roger Blake and Pam Ayres.
Written by Pam Ayres, Mike Coleman, Jan Etherington, Graeme Garden, Neil Innes, Colin Bostock-Smith, Bob Sinfield, Chris Thompson, Pete Reynolds, Tony Bagley, Richard Turner and Phil Nice,
Script Editor: Geoff Parsons.
Music by Ronnie & The Rex and Neil Innes.
Producer: Claire Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2003.
MON 07:30 Just a Minute (b06p7cz0)
Series 73
Episode 7
Swimming, clementines, and festive spirits are amongst the subjects on the cards as Paul Merton, Sheila Hancock, Josh Widdicombe and Jenny Eclair try to avoid repetition, hesitation and deviation in the fiendishly simple panel game. Host Nicholas Parsons adjudicates. Hayley Sterling blows the whistle.
Produced by Victoria Lloyd.
Josh Widdicombe's new sitcom Josh premiers on BBC3 this week.
MON 08:00 Dad's Army (b008h50c)
Series 3
Absent Friends
Captain Mainwaring returns to platoon insubordination - and an escaped convict.
Adapted for radio from Jimmy Perry and David Croft's TV scripts by Harold Snoad and Michael Knowles.
Captain Mainwaring …. Arthur Lowe
Sergeant Wilson …. John Le Mesurier
Corporal Jones …. Clive Dunn
Private Frazer …. John Laurie
Private Pike …. Ian Lavender
Private Godfrey …. Arnold Ridley
Private Walker …. Larry Martyn
Mrs Pike …. Pearl Hackney
Additional music by Dennis Gomm.
Producer: John Dyas
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1976.
MON 08:30 The Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise Show (b01s5crm)
Series 2
Episode 4
Money talks when the duo visit their bank manager and Ernie shows off his court skills in a game of tennis.
Written by Eddie Braben.
With Allan Cuthbertson.
Music from Syd Lawrence and his Orchestra.
Producer: John Browell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in September 1976.
MON 09:00 The Write Stuff (b009rjdh)
Series 11
Jonathan Swift
James Walton takes the chair for the game of literary correctness, flanked by captains Sebastian Faulks and John Walsh with guests Peter Kemp and Andrew Davies. The author of the week and subject for pastiche is Jonathan Swift and the reader is Beth Chalmers.
MON 09:30 Getting Nowhere Fast (b00n490h)
Series 3
Episode 5
Reunions top the agenda at the CyberPass bistro, but are they such a good idea? Stars Mervyn Stutter. From June 2004.
MON 10:00 Marcel Proust - In Search of Lost Time (b0076qw1)
Time Regained
Paris is ravaged by the Great War. Marcel despairs at his own failures, but the simplest of discoveries awakens astonishing possibilities. Stars James Wilby.
MON 11:00 15 Minute Drama (b03s6mdy)
Writing the Century: The Dock, Nuremberg
Episode 1
By Amanda Whittington. In January 1946, at the age of sixty-eight, renowned artist Dame Laura Knight takes a life-changing commission as war artist to the Nuremberg Trials.
Dame Laura meets Major Peter Casson, Deputy Assistant Adjutant-General of the British War Crimes Executive, who is charged with smoothing her path through bureaucracy. He helps her to settle into her suite in the Grand Hotel (originally built for Hitler); to deal with the international social whirl that attends the trials and to cope with coming face-to-face with Hitler's henchmen for the first time in court.
Writing the Century is an ongoing series of dramas reflecting on the 20th Century through diaries and letters.
This serial is based on the diaries of Dame Laura Knight, whose painting 'The Dock' has become a classic image of the Nazi War Crime Trials.
Writer...Amanda Whittington
Director...Mary Ward-Lowery.
MON 11:15 Drama (b00zzy2g)
Dan Rebellato - My Life Is a Series of People Saying Goodbye
How many ways are there to say goodbye? Why do we say goodbye? And what does it really feel like? Is it always forever? An adventurous new play about parting by Dan Rebellato.
Scott and Ben are climbing a mountain. When Scott falls, Ben has to leave him to get help. Sean and Nathan turned the company around but today, Nathan has to make his colleague redundant. Richard has been with Dawn for years, but he knows tonight's evening out is make or break. Sarah is expecting her girlfriend Lou for dinner, so the call from the airport comes as a shock. Nikki is nervous about leaving London to start a new life as a student in Cardiff. MP Andrew has survived a media storm about his expenses claims, with the support of his constituency party - until now.
Blurring distinctions between time, place and people, My Life is a Series of People Saying Goodbye explores the pain, poignancy and new possibilities of parting.
Dan Rebellato is a playwright and academic. He has been shortlisted twice for a Sony award. His new stage play, Chekov in Hell, will be at the Soho Theatre London 20 April to 14 May, after a successful run at The Drum, Plymouth. Other radio work includes an adaptation of Gogol's Dead Souls starring Michael Palin and Mark Heap. He is Professor of Contemporary Theatre at Royal Holloway University of London and a regular contributor to The Guardian theatre website.
Sound designer: Eloise Whitmore
Producer: Polly Thomas
A Crosslab production for BBC Radio 4.
MON 12:00 Dad's Army (b008h50c)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
MON 12:30 The Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise Show (b01s5crm)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
MON 13:00 Adam Dalgliesh - Cover Her Face (b008ycyr)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
MON 13:30 The Art of the Public Address (b00s50mc)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
MON 14:00 Lewis Carroll - Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (b06q6r9t)
Down the Rabbit Hole
By a river bank, young Alice sees a talking white rabbit scuttling down a hole - should she follow?
Charles Lutwidge Dodgson's 1865 novel (published under the pseudonym Lewis Carroll) tells the story of how Alice falls through a rabbit hole and begins an adventure through a strange world of fantasy.
Read by Alan Bennett.
Abridged and produced by Colin Smith.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1985.
MON 14:15 Noise: A Human History (b01s09k9)
Shell Shock
The rumble of artillery bombardment in Northern France could be heard as far away as Kent during the First World War. Up close in the trenches, soldiers experienced a sonic onslaught that continued night and day: howling shells, the machine gun's rattle, and the screams of injured men.
Professor David Hendy of the University of Sussex visits Flanders to relay echoes from the Front.
30-part series made in collaboration with the British Library Sound Archive.
Signature tune composed by Joe Acheson.
Producer: Matt Thompson
A Rockethouse production for BBC Radio 4.
MON 14:30 Elizabeth Gaskell - Mary Barton (b007jqjr)
Episode 11
Aunt Esther reappears worried for her niece's welfare, and the mill workers are angry. Stars David Calder and Roy Hudd.
MON 14:45 Book of the Week (b048jflr)
The Zhivago Affair
Episode 1
By Peter Finn and Petra Couvée.
It's 1956 and Boris Pasternak presses a manuscript into the hands of an Italian publishing scout with these words, 'This is Doctor Zhivago. May it make its way around the world.'
Pasternak knew his novel would never be published in the Soviet Union as the authorities regarded it as seditious, so instead he allowed it to be published in translation all over the world - a highly dangerous act.
By 1958 the life of this extraordinary book enters the realms of the spy novel. The CIA, recognising that the Cold War was primarily an ideological battle, published Doctor Zhivago in Russian and smuggled it into the Soviet Union. It was immediately snapped up on the black market. Pasternak was later forced to renounce the Nobel Prize in Literature, igniting worldwide political scandal.
With first access to previously classified CIA files, The Zhivago Affair gives an irresistible portrait of Pasternak, and takes us deep into the Cold War, back to a time when literature had the power to shake the world.
Abridged by Libby Spurrier
Read by Nigel Anthony
Producer: Joanna Green
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4.
MON 15:00 Marcel Proust - In Search of Lost Time (b0076qw1)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 today]
MON 16:00 The Write Stuff (b009rjdh)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 today]
MON 16:30 Getting Nowhere Fast (b00n490h)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 today]
MON 17:00 The Right Time (b00c90g4)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 today]
MON 17:30 Just a Minute (b06p7cz0)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
MON 18:00 Martin Kiszko - Scramble (b007jwnl)
Episode 1
With music banned by the government of a totalitarian Britain, a battle ensues between good and evil. Stars Clare Corbett.
MON 18:30 A Good Read (b007603t)
Candida Clark and Robert McCrum
Louise Doughty, novelist Candida Clark and journalist Robert McCrum discuss three books by PG Wodehouse, William Faulkner and Margaret Attwood. From 2001.
'The Code of the Woosters' by PG Wodehouse
Publisher: Penguin
'The Wild Palms' by William Faulkner
Publisher: Vintage Classics
'Alias Grace' by Margaret Attwood
Publisher: Virago.
MON 19:00 Dad's Army (b008h50c)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
MON 19:30 The Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise Show (b01s5crm)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
MON 20:00 Adam Dalgliesh - Cover Her Face (b008ycyr)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
MON 20:30 The Art of the Public Address (b00s50mc)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
MON 21:00 15 Minute Drama (b03s6mdy)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 today]
MON 21:15 Drama (b00zzy2g)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:15 today]
MON 22:00 Just a Minute (b06p7cz0)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
MON 22:30 The Headset Set (b01p436v)
Series 2
Episode 6
EPISODE 6
Audience sketch show set in the world of a call centre called Smile5, a company that sells anything and everything. The call centre installs a thermostat, which causes conflict.
Aleesha and other characters ..... Chizzy Akudolu
Bernie and other characters ..... Margaret-Cabourn Smith
Big Tony, Ralph and other characters ..... Colin Hoult
Various ..... Lucy Montgomery
Sailesh, Bradley and other characters ..... Phaldut sharma
Writers ..... Various
Producer ..... Tilusha Ghelani.
MON 23:00 The Now Show (b06pdjhc)
Series 47
Episode 2
Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis are joined by Freya Parker, John Robins, Emily Taylor, Mitch Benn and Mae Martin for a comedy take on the week's news.
Written by the cast with additional material from Gareth Gwynn, Andy Wolton, Sarah Campbell and Kiri Pritchard-McClean.
MON 23:30 The Harpoon (b007n0st)
Series 2
Episode 2
Broadcasting secrets are revealed in the nostalgic spoof of boys' adventure story papers.
Fun, frolics, and much, much, more. Subscribe now!
With Susie Brann, Alistair McGowan , Mary Elliot-Nelson, Julian Dutton and Peter Baynham.
Producer: Sarah Smith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1992.
TUESDAY 24 NOVEMBER 2015
TUE 00:00 Martin Kiszko - Scramble (b007jwnl)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:00 on Monday]
TUE 00:30 A Good Read (b007603t)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:30 on Monday]
TUE 01:00 Adam Dalgliesh - Cover Her Face (b008ycyr)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 on Monday]
TUE 01:30 The Art of the Public Address (b00s50mc)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 on Monday]
TUE 02:00 Lewis Carroll - Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (b06q6r9t)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:00 on Monday]
TUE 02:15 Noise: A Human History (b01s09k9)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:15 on Monday]
TUE 02:30 Elizabeth Gaskell - Mary Barton (b007jqjr)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:30 on Monday]
TUE 02:45 Book of the Week (b048jflr)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:45 on Monday]
TUE 03:00 Marcel Proust - In Search of Lost Time (b0076qw1)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:00 The Write Stuff (b009rjdh)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:30 Getting Nowhere Fast (b00n490h)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 on Monday]
TUE 05:00 The Right Time (b00c90g4)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 on Monday]
TUE 05:30 Just a Minute (b06p7cz0)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 on Monday]
TUE 06:00 Adam Dalgliesh - Cover Her Face (b008ypyg)
2. Investigation
Inspector Adam Dalgliesh arrives on the scene to investigate the murder of Sally Jupp in a peaceful Essex village.
Robin Ellis stars as Dalgliesh with Sian Phillips and Hugh Grant.
PD James's debut crime novel about her gentleman detective.
Inspector Adam Dalgliesh .... Robin Ellis
Mrs Maxie …. Sian Phillips
Felix …. Hugh Grant
Deborah …. Beatie Edney
Catherine …. Oona Beeson
Miss Liddell …. Kate Binchy
Stephen …. David Thorpe
Dr Epps …. Philip Anthony
Martha ... Jill Graham
Thornton/Hicks …. John Church
Sgt Martin …. Steve Hodson
Inspector Manning …. John Fleming
Police Doctor …. John Baddeley
Dramatised by Neville Teller.
Producer: Matthew Walters
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1993.
TUE 06:30 Hallelujah (b00jhpp8)
Composer Jocelyn Pook celebrates the music and meaning of the word Hallelujah through history and creates a new composition inspired by the word. This exuberant exclamation of joy and gratitude has survived the passage of centuries, transcending the barriers of language, religion and culture, and has inspired composers and songwriters from the Psalms through Monteverdi, Handel, Vivaldi, Nick Cave and Leonard Cohen.
Featuring contributions from composer Julian Anderson and singer-songwriter kd lang.
TUE 07:00 HR (b01bb7jh)
Series 3
Naked
Jonathan Pryce and Nicholas le Prevost star as two 60-something chums enjoying a comfortable retirement. Until, that is, in this opening episode they get a chilly warning about an imminent danger to their pensions.
Will they soon be joining the army of dispossessed older folk?
Series three of Nigel Williams' comedy.
Peter ..... Jonathan Pryce
Sam ..... Nicholas le Prevost
Man ..... James Lailey
Director: Peter Kavanagh.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2012.
TUE 07:30 Gloomsbury (b040014b)
Series 2
Desperate for a Thumbs-Up
At last, Ginny Fox has finished her rewrite of Borlando and rushes it off to her friend and confidante, Vera Sackcloth-Vest, for appraisal. Meanwhile, DH Lollipop has just completed a rewrite of Lady Hattersley's Plover and is nervously awaiting the critical verdict of Lionel Fox.
Never have two literary giants been so eager to have their geniuses confirmed, but self-doubt plagues their every waking hour.
Due to a series of unfortunate coincidences, involving Lionel's inability to remember addresses and Vera's obsession with creating a new Blue Garden at Sizzlinghust, which involves her sending off for hundreds of new plants by mail order and storing them in Gosling's shed, the manuscripts go missing.
What the writers interpret as a literary thumbs-down from their readers is nothing more than misdirected-mail. Friendships are strained to breaking point, while Ginny and Vera try to guess what the other is thinking and Mrs Gosling burns DH Lollipop's filthy manuscript when she accidentally comes across it and reads it from cover to cover.
Producer: Jamie Rix
A Little Brother production for BBC Radio 4.
TUE 08:00 Round the Horne (b007jsvw)
Series 3
Episode 9
Kenneth Horne hosts a special tribute to the passing of J Peasmold Gruntfuttock. Mr Horne also pops into Bona Press to varda the tomes of Julian and Sandy.
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 April 1967.
TUE 08:30 To the Manor Born (b007lzww)
A Wife's Prerogative
Audrey makes the most of helping Devere - by pretending she's his wife.
Starring Penelope Keith as Audrey fforbes-Hamilton.
Keith Barron ..... Richard DeVere
Angela Thorne ..... Marjory Frobisher
Nicholas McArdle ..... Brabinger
Margery Withers ..... Mrs Polouvicka
Frank Middlemass ..... Ned
Mademoiselle Dutoit ..... Rula Lenska
The tale of lady of the manor Audrey fforbes-Hamilton, forced to sell her beloved Grantleigh Estate when her husband's death leaves her financially strapped. With butler Brabinger in tow, they've decamped to the tiny Old Lodge cottage.
From this vantage point, Audrey keeps a close and disapproving eye on the estate's new owner, the nouveau-riche Richard DeVere, a wholesale foods magnate of Czech descent.
First piloted on radio and then whisked off to TV before it ever appeared, before finally arriving home in 1997.
Adapted from his TV scripts by Peter Spence.
Producer: Jane Berthoud
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in March 1997.
TUE 09:00 The Now Show (b06pdjhc)
[Repeat of broadcast at
23:00 on Monday]
TUE 09:30 The Wordsmiths at Gorsemere (b007js6w)
Series 1
Episode 2
An Everyday Story of Towering Genius.
Sue Limb’s four-part soap opera set in and around the Lake District at the turn of the 18th century
Lord Biro arrives with his menagerie. He attempts the seduction of both Stinking Iris and Dorothy. His mysterious half-cousin is in labour. William is afflicted by his ailment....
Dorothy Wordsmith ...... Denise Coffey
William Wordsmith ...... Geoffrey Whitehead
Samuel Tailor Cholericke ...... Simon Callow
Stinking Iris ...... Miriam Margolyes
The Leechpedlar ...... Chris Emmett
Lord Biro ...... Tim Curry
Teresa Sanseveria ...... Helen Atkinson-Wood
Music by Stephen Oliver and sung by Cantabile
Producer: Jonathan James-Moore
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1985.
TUE 10:00 Classic Serial (b00djvtl)
Apsley Cherry-Garrard - The Worst Journey in the World
Episode 1
The Worst Journey in the World
Apsley Cherry-Garrard's gripping account of his experiences as the youngest member of Captain Scott's polar expedition team, adapted by Stef Penney.
In the austerely beautiful icescapes of Antarctica, things go disastrously wrong.
Apsley Cherry-Garrard ...... Matt Green
Captain Robert Falcon Scott ...... John McAndrew
Dr Atkinson ...... Carl Prekopp
Captain Oates ...... Mark Meadows
Lieutenant Bowers ...... Peter Callaghan
Charles Wright ...... Simon Lee Phillips
Dr Edward Wilson ...... Richard Mitchley
PO Tom Crean ...... Jack Reynolds
Taff Evans ...... Huw Davies
Specially composed music by Will Gregory of Goldfrapp, orchestrated by Ian Gardiner and performed by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by Grant Llewellyn.
Directed by Kate McAll.
TUE 11:00 15 Minute Drama (b03sgp6d)
Writing the Century: The Dock, Nuremberg
Episode 2
By Amanda Whittington. In a break from painting the Trial, Dame Laura explores the city of Nuremberg. She meets citizens who have lost everything in the bombing and visits the stadium where Hitler addressed five hundred thousand people, now home to a baseball team.
Director...Mary Ward-Lowery.
TUE 11:15 Lucy Catherine - Starry Eyes (b007jtf9)
Amateur astronomer Leanne finds consolation in the constellations while washing up in an all-night cafe. Stars Robin Weaver. From May 1999.
TUE 12:00 Round the Horne (b007jsvw)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
TUE 12:30 To the Manor Born (b007lzww)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
TUE 13:00 Adam Dalgliesh - Cover Her Face (b008ypyg)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
TUE 13:30 Hallelujah (b00jhpp8)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
TUE 14:00 Lewis Carroll - Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (b06q77n3)
The Caucus-Race, the White Rabbit and the Caterpillar
After following the White Rabbit, and an impromptu swim, Alice finds herself drenched. Read by Alan Bennett.
TUE 14:15 Noise: A Human History (b01s09zw)
Radio Everywhere
In the early days, listening to radio was a magical, uncanny experience. Voices arrived out of thin air from hundreds of miles away. In time, the radio became a trusted part of family life - and by the 1930s and 40s, the perfect medium for propaganda, as Joseph Goebbels recognized.
Professor David Hendy of the University of Sussex considers the seductive power of the disembodied voice.
30-part series made in collaboration with the British Library Sound Archive.
Signature tune composed by Joe Acheson
Producer: Matt Thompson
A Rockethouse production for BBC Radio 4
TUE 14:30 Elizabeth Gaskell - Mary Barton (b007jqk2)
Episode 12
Mill owner Mr Carson is unsympathetic to his workers' plight and their demands. Stars David Calder and Emma Rydal.
TUE 14:45 Book of the Week (b048zk89)
The Zhivago Affair
Episode 2
By Peter Finn and Petra Couvée.
It's 1956 and Boris Pasternak presses a manuscript into the hands of an Italian publishing scout with these words, 'This is Doctor Zhivago. May it make its way around the world.'
Pasternak knew his novel would never be published in the Soviet Union as the authorities regarded it as seditious, so instead he allowed it to be published in translation all over the world - a highly dangerous act.
By 1958 the life of this extraordinary book enters the realms of the spy novel. The CIA, recognising that the Cold War was primarily an ideological battle, published Doctor Zhivago in Russian and smuggled it into the Soviet Union. It was immediately snapped up on the black market. Pasternak was later forced to renounce the Nobel Prize in Literature, igniting worldwide political scandal.
With first access to previously classified CIA files, The Zhivago Affair gives an irresistible portrait of Pasternak, and takes us deep into the Cold War, back to a time when literature had the power to shake the world.
Abridged by Libby Spurrier
Read by Nigel Anthony
Producer: Joanna Green
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4.
TUE 15:00 Classic Serial (b00djvtl)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 today]
TUE 16:00 The Motion Show (b0075wnx)
Series 2
Episode 2
Dr Phil Hammond chairs the debating game with Tony Hawks, Simon Fanshawe, Stuart Maconie and Steve Punt. From January 2000.
TUE 16:30 The Wordsmiths at Gorsemere (b007js6w)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 today]
TUE 17:00 HR (b01bb7jh)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 today]
TUE 17:30 Gloomsbury (b040014b)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
TUE 18:00 Martin Kiszko - Scramble (b007jwp8)
Episode 2
In a Britain where music is banned, Mel discovers some uncomfortable truths about herself and her past. Stars Clare Corbett.
TUE 18:30 Shah Rukh Khan's Heroes (b06rcwtd)
Taj Mohammed Khan
Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan's selection of his personal heroes, starts with a tribute to his late father, Taj Mohammed Khan who died when he was just a teenager.
First broadcast on the BBC Asian Network in 2012.
TUE 19:00 Round the Horne (b007jsvw)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
TUE 19:30 To the Manor Born (b007lzww)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
TUE 20:00 Adam Dalgliesh - Cover Her Face (b008ypyg)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
TUE 20:30 Hallelujah (b00jhpp8)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
TUE 21:00 15 Minute Drama (b03sgp6d)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 today]
TUE 21:15 Lucy Catherine - Starry Eyes (b007jtf9)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:15 today]
TUE 22:00 Gloomsbury (b040014b)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
TUE 22:30 Don't Start (b01mwvld)
Series 2
Pillow Talk
A potential burglary brings out Frank's inner hero.
What do long term partners really argue about? Sharp new comedy from Frank Skinner returns for a second series. Starring Frank Skinner and Katherine Parkinson.
The first series of Don't Start met with instant critical and audience acclaim:
"That he can deliver such a heavy premise for a series with such a lightness of touch is testament to his skills as a writer and, given that the protagonists are both bookworms, he's also permitted to use a flourish of fine words that would be lost in his stand-up routines" - Jane Anderson, Radio Times.
"Writing and starring in the four-parter Don't Start (Radio 4) Frank Skinner gives full rein to his sharp but splenetic comedy. He and his co-star Katherine Parkinson play a bickering couple exchanging acerbic ripostes in a cruelly precise dissection of a relationship" - Daily Mail.
"a lesson in relationship ping-pong".. - Miranda Sawyer, The Observer.
Series 2 follows hard on its heels. Well observed, clever and funny, Don't Start is a scripted comedy with a deceptively simple premise - an argument. Each week, our couple fall out over another apparently trivial flashpoint - the Krankies, toenail trimming and semantics. Each week, the stakes mount as Neil and Kim battle with words. But these are no ordinary arguments. The two outdo each other with increasingly absurd images, unexpected literary references (the Old Testament, Jack Spratt and the first Mrs Rochester, to name a few) and razor sharp analysis of their beloved's weaknesses. Underneath the cutting wit, however, there is an unmistakable tenderness.
Frank says:
"Having established, in the first series, that Neil and Kim are a childless academic couple who, during their numerous arguments, luxuriate in their own, and each other's, learning and wit, I've tried, in the second series, to dig a little deeper into their relationship. Love and affection, occasionally splutter into view, like a Higgs boson in a big tunnel-thing, but can such emotions ever prevail in a relationship where the couple prefers to wear their brains, rather than their hearts, on their sleeves? Is that too much offal imagery?"
Directed and Produced by Polly Thomas
Executive Producer: Jon Thoday
An Avalon Production for BBC Radio 4.
TUE 22:45 The Music Teacher (b01gvryw)
Series 2
Episode 5
Richie Webb returns as multi-instrumentalist music teacher Nigel Penny.
Nigel finds himself agreeing to join an unusual Simon and Garfunkel tribute act. Meanwhile Belinda is attempting to keep a coachload of pensioners captive in the Arts Centre Gift Shop.
Directed by Nick Walker
Audio production by Matt Katz
Written and produced by Richie Webb
A Top Dog Production for BBC Radio 4.
TUE 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (b06s9920)
From
10.00pm to midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Tom Wrigglesworth chats to Elis James about the sitcom 'Josh'.
TUE 23:00 Alice's Wunderland (b01l1dlg)
Series 1
Episode 3
A trip round Wunderland, the Poundland of magical realms. It's a kingdom much like our own, and also nothing like it in the slightest.
Stay a while and meet waifs and strays, wigshops and witches, murderous pensioners and squirrels of this delightful land as they go about their bizarre business.
A sketch show written and performed by Alice Lowe.
Also starring:
Richard Glover
Simon Greenall
Rachel Stubbings
Clare Thompson
Marcia Warren
Producer: Sam Bryant
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2012.
TUE 23:30 The Sofa of Time (b00hy949)
Night of the Sexicle
Sexy assassin Morpheena is called in, while Milford and Parker grab a cab. Stars Mark Heap and Nick Frost. From November 2002.
WEDNESDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2015
WED 00:00 Martin Kiszko - Scramble (b007jwp8)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:00 on Tuesday]
WED 00:30 Shah Rukh Khan's Heroes (b06rcwtd)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:30 on Tuesday]
WED 01:00 Adam Dalgliesh - Cover Her Face (b008ypyg)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:30 Hallelujah (b00jhpp8)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 on Tuesday]
WED 02:00 Lewis Carroll - Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (b06q77n3)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:00 on Tuesday]
WED 02:15 Noise: A Human History (b01s09zw)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:15 on Tuesday]
WED 02:30 Elizabeth Gaskell - Mary Barton (b007jqk2)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:30 on Tuesday]
WED 02:45 Book of the Week (b048zk89)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:45 on Tuesday]
WED 03:00 Classic Serial (b00djvtl)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:00 The Motion Show (b0075wnx)
[Repeat of broadcast at
16:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:30 The Wordsmiths at Gorsemere (b007js6w)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 on Tuesday]
WED 05:00 HR (b01bb7jh)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 on Tuesday]
WED 05:30 Gloomsbury (b040014b)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 on Tuesday]
WED 06:00 Adam Dalgliesh - Cover Her Face (b008yszy)
3. Fresh Leads
As Inspector Dalgliesh continues his investigation, the evidence points to one of the family. But which one?
Robin Ellis stars as Dalgliesh with Sian Phillips and Hugh Grant.
PD James's debut crime novel about her gentleman detective.
Inspector Adam Dalgliesh …. Robin Ellis
Mrs Maxie …. Sian Phillips
Felix Hearne …. Hugh Grant
Deborah Riscoe …. Beatie Edney
Stephen Maxie …. David Thorpe
Catherine Bowers …. Oona Beeson
Derek Pullen …. David Holt
Mrs Proctor …. Jillie Meers
Johnny Wilcox/Lilly Burwood …. Susan Sheridan
Sgt Martin …. Steve Hodson
Mr Wilson …. John Fleming
Sir Reynold Price …. Jonathan Adams
Miss Malpass …. Linda Polan
The Rev Hinks …. John Church
James Ritchie …. James Telfer
Dramatised by Neville Teller.
Producer: Matthew Walters
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1993.
WED 06:30 The Counterfeiter's Tale (b00j1dvs)
Adolf Burger's role in the Nazi's failed 'Operation Bernhard' to flood Britain with forged cash. With Tristram Hunt. From 2009.
WED 07:00 Huddwinks (b00fsmzd)
Series 2
The Fall of the House of Slaithwaite
A northern black pudding maker must deal with the consequences of some unexpected ingredients
Roy Hudd stars in Laurie Rowley’s comic parodies.
With:
Denise Coffey
Chris Emmett
David Gooderson
Fred Harris
Producer: Jonathan James-Moore
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in July 1988.
WED 07:30 Tom Wrigglesworth's Hang-Ups (b06pbwzh)
Series 3
Broadband on the Run
Tom and his Dad fret about some potentially uncomfortable brushes with the law while Mum prepares for the arrival of a new lodger.
Series 3 of the sitcom where Tom Wrigglesworth phones home for his weekly check-in with his Mum, Dad and Gran - giving us a glimpse into his background and influences shaping his temperament, opinions and hang-ups.
Tom ...... Tom Wrigglesworth
Granny ...... Elizabeth Bennett
Dad ...... Paul Copley
Mum ...... Kate Anthony
With Chris Pavlo.
Written by Tom Wrigglesworth and James Kettle. With Miles Jupp.
Producer: Richard Morris
A BBC Radio Comedy production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in November 2015.
WED 08:00 The TV Lark (b01ckdll)
Ship Ahoy
Troutbridge TV's new naval show is set to film a mine sweeper sailing to the breakers' yard.
After four series of 'The Navy Lark', the BBC decided the comedy crew needed a new setting, so where better than brand new independent station, Troutbridge TV?
However, after just ten episodes, this proved to be only a temporary change of course for the crew of HMS Troutbridge - as the crew were soon back aboard 'The Navy Lark'.
CAST:
The Producer …. Stephen Murray
The Floor Manager …. Jon Pertwee
The Director …. Leslie Phillips (The Director)
Henry Povey, The Deputy Controller of Programmes …. Richard Caldicote
'Fatso' Johnson/Commander Stanton …. Ronnie Barker
The Admiral/Taffy Goldstein/ Uncle Ebenezer Pertwee …. Teniel Evans
DG/Rear Admiral Ironbridge …. Michael Bates
Janet …. Janet Brown
TTV Continuity Announcer …. Robin Boyle
Scripted by Lawrie Wyman
Producer: Alastair Scott Johnston.
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in March 1963.
WED 08:30 I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again (b01075d1)
Series 7
Episode 2
A truthful army recruitment campaign - and Professor Prune's travels in his electrical trousers back to the 16th century.
Starring:
Tim Brooke-Taylor
John Cleese
Graeme Garden
David Hatch
Jo Kendal
Bill Oddie
Sketches written by Graeme Garden and Bill Oddie.
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 Liam Cohen, Dave Lee, Graeme Garden and Bill Oddie.
Producer: David Hatch / Peter Titheradge
First broadcast on the BBC Radio 2 in January 1969.
WED 09:00 Counterpoint (b008f89h)
1999
Heat 5
Ned Sherrin chairs the music quiz with Philip Robinson of Hatfield, Northampton's Catherine Wills and John Tracey of Argyll.
WED 09:30 The Leopard in Autumn (b00rzky4)
Series 2
An Englishman Abroad
Monte Guano, the pettiest of Italian states, plays host to an honoured English aristocratic guest - the somewhat suspect Lord Luton.
Second series of the comedy drama set in Renaissance Italy devised by Neal Anthony.
Written by Sue Limb.
Stars David Swift as Ludovico, Sian Phillips as Plethora, Graham Crowden as Francesco, Saskia Wickham as Rosalie, Paul Bigley as Alessandro and Nicholas Grace as Lord Luton.
Producer: Helen Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2002.
WED 10:00 Classic Serial (b00dm7q7)
Apsley Cherry-Garrard - The Worst Journey in the World
Episode 2
Apsley Cherry-Garrard's gripping account of his experiences as the youngest member of Captain Scott's polar expedition team, adapted by Stef Penney.
After two months of hard marching, Scott must tell four of the surviving twelve men that they must turn back.
Apsley Cherry-Garrard ...... Matt Green
Captain Robert Falcon Scott ...... John McAndrew
Dr Atkinson ...... Carl Prekopp
Captain Oates ...... Mark Meadows
Lieutenant Bowers ...... Peter Callaghan
Charles Wright ...... Simon Lee Phillips
Dr Edward Wilson ...... Richard Mitchley
PO Tom Crean ...... Jack Reynolds
Taff Evans ...... Huw Davies
PO Keohane/Dimitri ...... Andrew Byron
Specially composed music by Will Gregory of Goldfrapp, orchestrated by Ian Gardiner and performed by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by Grant Llewellyn.
Directed by Kate McAll.
WED 11:00 15 Minute Drama (b03sgpj3)
Writing the Century: The Dock, Nuremberg
Episode 3
By Amanda Whittington. Even though her press box at the court in Nuremberg is so tiny, Dame Laura decides to bring in her enormous canvas and paint the trial in situ. But the United States Civil Broadcasting Company has other ideas.
Director...Mary Ward-Lowery.
WED 11:15 Steve Chambers - Victoria Station (b06qc290)
Signal Failure
Wednesday January 4th 1895: A derailed goods train and the arrival of a VIP General Booth expose enmities at Victoria station in Bridgford.
Nottingham born author Steve Chambers' 5-part set in Victoria Station, Bridgford in 1895 each with a self-contained drama , as well as the day-to-day shenanigans and goings on of the station staff.
Stars Sean Baker as Station Master Joe Braddock, Philip Jackson as Tidmarsh, John Hartley as Union activist Fred Roberts, Gavin Muir as Area Manager Mr Cripps and Frances Jeater as Mrs Brook Hammond.
Director: Celia de Wolff
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1995 and set a century before.
WED 12:00 The TV Lark (b01ckdll)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
WED 12:30 I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again (b01075d1)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
WED 13:00 Adam Dalgliesh - Cover Her Face (b008yszy)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
WED 13:30 The Counterfeiter's Tale (b00j1dvs)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
WED 14:00 Lewis Carroll - Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (b06qc33b)
Pig, Pepper, and the Hatter's Tea-party
How will Alice fair when her curious journey leads to royalty and a cat with a very wide smile? Read by Alan Bennett.
WED 14:15 Noise: A Human History (b01s0dk7)
Music While You Shop, Music While You Work
Professor David Hendy of the University of Sussex considers how music has been used to soothe us, cheer us, and make us productive over the past 100 years.
Featuring extremely rare recordings of wartime episodes of the much-loved BBC series, Music While You Work.
30-part series made in collaboration with the British Library Sound Archive.
Signature tune composed by Joe Acheson.
Producer: Matt Thompson
A Rockethouse production for BBC Radio 4.
WED 14:30 Elizabeth Gaskell - Mary Barton (b007jqkd)
Episode 13
Jem's beloved Aunt Alice falls ill, and John Barton's trip ends in tragedy. Stars David Calder, Emma Rydal and Roy Hudd.
WED 14:45 Book of the Week (b048zld9)
The Zhivago Affair
Episode 3
By Peter Finn and Petra Couvée.
It's 1956 and Boris Pasternak presses a manuscript into the hands of an Italian publishing scout with these words, 'This is Doctor Zhivago. May it make its way around the world.'
Pasternak knew his novel would never be published in the Soviet Union as the authorities regarded it as seditious, so instead he allowed it to be published in translation all over the world - a highly dangerous act.
By 1958 the life of this extraordinary book enters the realms of the spy novel. The CIA, recognising that the Cold War was primarily an ideological battle, published Doctor Zhivago in Russian and smuggled it into the Soviet Union. It was immediately snapped up on the black market. Pasternak was later forced to renounce the Nobel Prize in Literature, igniting worldwide political scandal.
With first access to previously classified CIA files, The Zhivago Affair gives an irresistible portrait of Pasternak, and takes us deep into the Cold War, back to a time when literature had the power to shake the world.
Abridged by Libby Spurrier
Read by Nigel Anthony
Producer: Joanna Green
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4.
WED 15:00 Classic Serial (b00dm7q7)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 today]
WED 16:00 Counterpoint (b008f89h)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 today]
WED 16:30 The Leopard in Autumn (b00rzky4)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 today]
WED 17:00 Huddwinks (b00fsmzd)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 today]
WED 17:30 Tom Wrigglesworth's Hang-Ups (b06pbwzh)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
WED 18:00 Martin Kiszko - Scramble (b007jwq4)
Episode 3
Racing against time, Mel battles to use music to thwart a crucial government project. Stars Clare Corbett and Christian Rodska.
WED 18:30 Off the Page (b0076ww3)
Am I My Brother's Keeper?
Dominic Arkwright and guests Mary Loudon, Morag Joss and Pip Utton discuss brothers, sisters and sibling rivalry. From 2006.
WED 19:00 The TV Lark (b01ckdll)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
WED 19:30 I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again (b01075d1)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
WED 20:00 Adam Dalgliesh - Cover Her Face (b008yszy)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
WED 20:30 The Counterfeiter's Tale (b00j1dvs)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
WED 21:00 15 Minute Drama (b03sgpj3)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 today]
WED 21:15 Steve Chambers - Victoria Station (b06qc290)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:15 today]
WED 22:00 Tom Wrigglesworth's Hang-Ups (b06pbwzh)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
WED 22:30 Tim Key's Late Night Poetry Programme (b01d2hf1)
Series 1
Superstition
Tim Key tells the tale of Mike Figg, an intensely superstitious man. Tom Basden plays the xylophone and has brought his own beaters.
Written and presented by Tim Key
With Tom Basden
Produced by James Robinson.
WED 22:45 Earls of the Court (b00rbmgt)
Downward Inflection
Johnno's so sick and tired of London that he's even lost his upward inflection. If only Lloydie could make the city more like Australia.
Comedy drama series by Will Adamsdale and Stewart Wright about two Australians down on their luck in London.
Lloydie ...... Stewart Wright
Johnno ...... Will Adamsdale
Reporter ...... Keely Beresford
TV Anchor ...... David Seddon
Director: Sasha Yevtushenko.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2010.
WED 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (b06s994j)
From
10.00pm to midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Tom Wrigglesworth chats again to Elis James about the sitcom 'Josh'.
WED 23:00 Richard Herring's Objective (b00vkycj)
Series 1
Dolly the Sheep
Comedian Richard Herring reclaims those things we've grown to hate. In the final show of the series Richard reclaims Dolly the sheep as he examines why we are fearful and suspicious of the idea of cloning without really understanding it.
Richard talks to a genetics professor about how cloning works and what it was like to meet Dolly. Richard also asks science writer Dr Ben Goldacre whether evil scientists exist and whether he is allowed to clone Dr Who assistant Amy Pond.
The show was recorded in front of an audience.
Producer ..... Tilusha Ghelani.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2010.
WED 23:30 Revolting People (b008j10d)
Series 3
Them Thar Hills
Samuel and McGurk follow a prospector named Mad Pete in search of gold...
Sitcom set just before the American War of Independence.
Written by Andy Hamilton and Jay Tarses.
McGurk ...... Andy Hamilton
Samuel ...... Jay Tarses
Captain Brimshaw ...... James Fleet
Joshua ...... Tony Maudsley
Mad Pete ...... Hugh Dennis
Jeremiah ...... Philip Pope
Producer: Paul Mayhew-Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2004.
THURSDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2015
THU 00:00 Martin Kiszko - Scramble (b007jwq4)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:00 on Wednesday]
THU 00:30 Off the Page (b0076ww3)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:30 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 Adam Dalgliesh - Cover Her Face (b008yszy)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:30 The Counterfeiter's Tale (b00j1dvs)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 Lewis Carroll - Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (b06qc33b)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:15 Noise: A Human History (b01s0dk7)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:15 on Wednesday]
THU 02:30 Elizabeth Gaskell - Mary Barton (b007jqkd)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:45 Book of the Week (b048zld9)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:45 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 Classic Serial (b00dm7q7)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 Counterpoint (b008f89h)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:30 The Leopard in Autumn (b00rzky4)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 Huddwinks (b00fsmzd)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 05:30 Tom Wrigglesworth's Hang-Ups (b06pbwzh)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 on Wednesday]
THU 06:00 Adam Dalgliesh - Cover Her Face (b008yv5r)
4. The Gathering
Inspector Adam Dalgliesh summons the entire household to hear his conclusions about the killer of Sally Jupp.
Robin Ellis stars as Dalgliesh with Sian Phillips and Hugh Grant.
The climax of PD James's debut crime novel about her gentleman detective.
Inspector Adam Dalgliesh …. Robin Ellis
Mrs Maxie …. Sian Phillips
Felix Hearne …. Hugh Grant
Deborah Riscoe …. Beatie Edney
Stephen Maxie …. David Thorpe
Catherine Bowers …. Oona Beeson
Mrs Proctor …. Jillie Meers
Victor Proctor …. John Baddeley
Sgt Martin …. Steve Hodson
James Ritchie …. James Telfer
Johnny Wilcox …. Susan Sheridan
Martha …. Jill Graham
Sally Jupp …. Melanie Hudson
Dramatised by Neville Teller.
Producer: Matthew Walters
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1993.
THU 06:30 Madwomen in the Attic (b00s0cn3)
Following on from the positive response to Vivienne Parry's 'A Nasty Case of the Vapours' in which the ailments of literature's great heroines were dissected and finally diagnosed using modern medicine (and a good deal of hindsight), 'Madwomen in the Attic' will consider bedside analysis from afar for the mad, bad and sad heroines of classic fiction through the eyes of modern medicine and psychiatry.
Aided by psychiatrists and literary critics Vivienne Parry will steer a course through classic fiction's fascinating depictions of madness and mental illness, including the first Mrs Rochester in 'Jane Eyre', Lady Glyde in Wilkie Collins' 'A Woman in White' and the (undoubtedly maddening) Emma Bovary in 'Madame Bovary'. The literary and the medical intersect and the programme draws on both strands of expertise. 'Jane Eyre' Bertha Rochester's madness is animalistic, violent and feral - the archetypal 'madwoman in the attic' whereas 'The Woman In White' evokes the asylum as a sinister place, 'bins' where women could be interred against their will. Meanwhile Freud once said that wherever his work took him, the great works of literature had got there first: some psychoanalysts read 'Madame Bovary' as close to a Freudian case history as a novel can get.
What does the depiction of their illness say about the author's, or wider societal views of madness at the time of publication? And what does their situation say to us today? These are texts situated between 19th century, physician-driven notions of mental and - by implication - moral health and the origins of mental health as a science, the (thankfully) short-lived 'mental hygiene' movement and the beginnings of modern psychoanalysis, a body of thought which has itself influenced literary criticism. Contributors include Adam Phillips, Sandra Gilbert, Professor John Sutherland and Dinesh Bhugra, president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
The producer is Simon Hollis. This is a Brook Lapping production for BBC Radio 4.
THU 07:00 North by Northamptonshire (b03mflth)
Series 3
Episode 2
Against her better judgement, Jan has dinner with her ex-husband, and Mary and Jonathan have crossed wires.
Sheila Hancock narrates the bittersweet adventures of the residents of a small town in Northamptonshire.
Written by Katherine Jakeways.
As is well-known: Yorkshiremen wear flat caps and Essex girls wear short skirts; Liverpudlians are scallies and Cockneys are wideboys. Northamptonians gaze wistfully at these stereotypes and wish for an identity of any kind and a label less ridiculous than Northamptonians. Northamptonshire, let us be clear, is neither north, nor south nor in the Midlands. It floats somewhere between the three eyeing up the distinctiveness of each enviously.
Katherine Jakeways gives Northamptonshire an identity. And she waits, eagerly, for her home-county to thank her. And possibly make her some kind of Mayor.
Narrator ...... Sheila Hancock
Rod ...... Tim Key
Frank ...... Rufus Wright
Mary ...... Penelope Wilton
Jonathan ...... Kevin Eldon
Esther ...... Katherine Jakeways
Keith ...... John Biggins
Norman ...... Geoffrey Palmer
Orson ...... Nathaniel Parker
Jan ...... Felicity Montagu
Producer: Steven Canny
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2013.
THU 07:30 Alex Horne Presents The Horne Section (b01rfy5w)
Series 2
With Doc Brown
Comedy show hosted by Alex Horne and his five piece band and specially written, original music.
This episode explores the theme of children including songs on George Formby, the alphabet and Rastafarians. Guest starring Doc Brown who raps with the band and talks to whales.
Guest starring comedian Doc Brown.
Alex's Horne Section are:
Trumpet/banjo .... Joe Auckland
Saxophone/clarinet ....Mark Brown
Double Bass/Bass .... Will Collier
Drums and Percussion .... Ben Reynolds
Piano/keyboard .... Ed Sheldrake
Producer: Julia McKenzie.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2013.
THU 08:00 Steptoe and Son (b007k0k6)
Series 4
Is That Your Horse Outside?
Albert Steptoe advises son Harold on the art of seduction.
Starring Wilfrid Brambell and Harry H Corbett.
Following the conclusion of their hugely successful association with Tony Hancock, writers Ray Galton and Alan Simpson wrote 10 pilots for the BBC TV's Comedy Playhouse in 1962.
The Offer featured the lives of rag and bone men Albert Steptoe and son Harold - and was the spark for a run of eight series on TV.
Albert ...... Wilfrid Brambell
Harold ...... Harry H Corbett
With Jo Manning Wilson and John Samson.
Adapted for radio from their TV scripts by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.
Producer: Bobby Jaye
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in February 1972.
THU 08:30 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b00890mh)
Series 3
Episode 3
Shady lawyer Waldorf T Flywheel starts a bus tour of New York.
Recreation of the Marx Brothers' lost shows charting the adventures of shady lawyer Waldorf T Flywheel and his assistant, Emmanuel Ravelli. Originally broadcast with sponsors on America's NBC radio network in the 1930s. The scripts were rediscovered in 1988.
Starring Michael Roberts as Groucho Marx as Waldorf T Flywheel and Frank Lazarus as Chico Marx as Emmanuel Ravelli. With Lorelei King and Graham Hoadly.
Special guest stars Spike Milligan and Dick Vosburgh.
Written by Nat Perrin and Athur Sheekman. Adapted by Mark Brisenden.
Music arranged and conducted by David Firman.
Producer: Dirk Maggs
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1992.
THU 09:00 Booked (b0075lk3)
Series 2
Episode 2
Sickboy from Trainspotting jumps into Pride and Prejudice, Fred Flintstone advertises in the lonely hearts column and The Three Musketeers gets a radical reworking.
John Hegley joins regular panellists Mark Thomas. Miles Kington and Dillie Keane to write the believably absurd from the utterly ridiculous.
Chaired by Ian McMillan.
Producer: Marc Jobst
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1997.
THU 09:30 Be Prepared (b0076t37)
Survival
Recently separated from his wife and with a teenage son, Miles Rummings sets out to fulfil his dream of running a scout troop.
Family and friends don't quite share his enthusiasm, but nevertheless four misfits attempt to venture where no scout has ventured before...
Stars Kim Wall as Miles, Emma Amos as Dawn, Barnaby Power as Steve, Louis Dunsford as Jason and Gerard McDermott as the Farmer.
Producer: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2005.
THU 10:00 Classic Serial (b00gq4nd)
Arnold Bennett - The Grand Babylon Hotel
Episode 1
Murder mystery by Arnold Bennett, adapted in two parts by Chris Harrald.
American tycoon Theodore Racksole buys Europe's most exclusive hotel on a whim, but is warned by the seller that he will live to regret it. Soon, a mysterious death occurs and Theodore and his daughter Nella find themselves in danger in their own hotel.
Theodore Racksole ...... John Sessions
Nella Racksole ...... Matti Houghton
Aribert ...... Joe Kloska
Jules ...... Richard Katz
Miss Spencer ...... Fenella Woolgar
Felix Babylon ...... Stephen Greif
Reginald Dimmock ...... Gunnar Cauthery
Miss Ferguson ...... Jill Cardo
Servant ...... Inam Mirza.
THU 11:00 15 Minute Drama (b03sgpz8)
Writing the Century: The Dock, Nuremberg
Episode 4
By Amanda Whittington.
Dame Laura takes Peter on a visit to her old circus friends, the Carollis, who are also living, by coincidence, in Nuremberg.
Meanwhile there is a hitch with the press box at court and Laura's eminence as a painter cuts no ice with the American colonel.
Flamenco music by The Thumping Tommys
Director...Mary Ward-Lowery.
THU 11:15 Sue Rodwell - The Last Trace (b00lbnyv)
Tracing your ancestors can be fun - as long as they are quite, quite dead.
Genealogy, murder and revenge in Sue Rodwell's black comedy.
Stars Elizabeth Mansfield as Sally, Peter Dahlsen as Frank, David Bannerman as Jimmy, Jan Shand as Penny, Susie Baxter as Liz, Anny Tobin as Sheila, Elizabeth Kelly as Emily, David King as Tom and Paul Downing as Paul.
Producer: Sue Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1990.'.
THU 12:00 Steptoe and Son (b007k0k6)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
THU 12:30 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b00890mh)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
THU 13:00 Adam Dalgliesh - Cover Her Face (b008yv5r)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
THU 13:30 Madwomen in the Attic (b00s0cn3)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
THU 14:00 Lewis Carroll - Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (b06qcgw3)
The Queen's Croquet and the Lobster Quadrille
Join Alice on her surreal adventures in Alice in Wonderland.
THU 14:15 Noise: A Human History (b01s0qmz)
An Ever Noisier World
The 20th century brought attempts to distinguish between 'necessary' and 'unnecessary' noise. In New York, the authorities tried to clean up Coney Island fairground, banning barkers from using megaphones and targeting street sellers, newspaper boys, and buskers. But the volume of modern life has risen inexorably.
Professor David Hendy of the University of Sussex travels to Ghana's capital, Accra, a city so loud that visitors describe its streets as a visceral shock, and introduces an elegiac recording of the wild soundscape we've lost, captured by the celebrated naturalist, Bernie Krause.
30-part series made in collaboration with the British Library Sound Archive.
Signature tune composed by Joe Acheson.
Producer: Matt Thompson
A Rockethouse production for BBC Radio 4.
THU 14:30 Elizabeth Gaskell - Mary Barton (b007jqkp)
Episode 14
Jem is arrested for murder, while Mary is accused of bringing about his downfall. Stars Emma Rydal and Fiona Clarke.
THU 14:45 Book of the Week (b048znkd)
The Zhivago Affair
Episode 4
By Peter Finn and Petra Couvée.
It's 1956 and Boris Pasternak presses a manuscript into the hands of an Italian publishing scout with these words, 'This is Doctor Zhivago. May it make its way around the world.'
Pasternak knew his novel would never be published in the Soviet Union as the authorities regarded it as seditious, so instead he allowed it to be published in translation all over the world - a highly dangerous act.
By 1958 the life of this extraordinary book enters the realms of the spy novel. The CIA, recognising that the Cold War was primarily an ideological battle, published Doctor Zhivago in Russian and smuggled it into the Soviet Union. It was immediately snapped up on the black market. Pasternak was later forced to renounce the Nobel Prize in Literature, igniting worldwide political scandal.
With first access to previously classified CIA files, The Zhivago Affair gives an irresistible portrait of Pasternak, and takes us deep into the Cold War, back to a time when literature had the power to shake the world.
Abridged by Libby Spurrier
Read by Nigel Anthony
Producer: Joanna Green
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4.
THU 15:00 Classic Serial (b00gq4nd)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 today]
THU 16:00 Booked (b0075lk3)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 today]
THU 16:30 Be Prepared (b0076t37)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 today]
THU 17:00 North by Northamptonshire (b03mflth)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 today]
THU 17:30 Alex Horne Presents The Horne Section (b01rfy5w)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
THU 18:00 Daphne du Maurier - The Blue Lenses (b007k4jq)
Episode 1
Recovering from a serious eye operation, Marda West discovers her vision has been heightened to a frighteningly new degree of clarity.
It makes her fear that people she trusts the most have sinister designs against her...
Daphne du Maurier's two-part fantasy thriller explores the darker aspects of human nature.
Read by Emma Fielding.
Produced and abridged by Gemma Jenkins.
Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in 2007.
THU 18:30 Great Lives (b0076v56)
Series 8
RD Laing
Carole Stone and RD Laing's son Adrian discuss the charismatic guru hailed during the 60s as one of the greatest philosophers of his age. From October 2005.
THU 19:00 Steptoe and Son (b007k0k6)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
THU 19:30 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b00890mh)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
THU 20:00 Adam Dalgliesh - Cover Her Face (b008yv5r)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
THU 20:30 Madwomen in the Attic (b00s0cn3)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
THU 21:00 15 Minute Drama (b03sgpz8)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 today]
THU 21:15 Sue Rodwell - The Last Trace (b00lbnyv)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:15 today]
THU 22:00 Alex Horne Presents The Horne Section (b01rfy5w)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
THU 22:30 The Secret World (b0121myp)
Series 1
Episode 6
From William Hague to Simon Cowell, Jon Culshaw explores the bizarre private lives of famous folk. From May 2009.
THU 23:00 Old Harry's Game (b007jpf2)
Series 2
Too Far
Satan instructs Scumspawn to perform the most gross and humiliating act of all time.
Has the Prince of Darkness finally gone too far?
Andy Hamilton's comedy series set in Hell.
Satan ...... Andy Hamilton
The Professor ...... James Grout
Thomas ...... Jimmy Mulville
Scumspawn ...... Robert Duncan
Other characters played by Philip Pope, Felicity Montagu and Nick Revell.
Producer Paul Mayhew-Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1998.
THU 23:30 The Penny Dreadfuls (b00gpbcx)
More Brothers Faversham
Marcus Faversham
The comedy trio's swashbuckling tale of Victorian Britain's greatest actor - Marcus Faversham.
Written by and starring Humphrey Ker, David Reed and Thom Tuck.
With Miles Jupp and Ingrid Oliver.
Script edited by Richard Turner.
Producer: Julia McKenzie
Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in October 2008.
FRIDAY 27 NOVEMBER 2015
FRI 00:00 Daphne du Maurier - The Blue Lenses (b007k4jq)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:00 on Thursday]
FRI 00:30 Great Lives (b0076v56)
[Repeat of broadcast at
18:30 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 Adam Dalgliesh - Cover Her Face (b008yv5r)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:30 Madwomen in the Attic (b00s0cn3)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 Lewis Carroll - Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (b06qcgw3)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:15 Noise: A Human History (b01s0qmz)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:15 on Thursday]
FRI 02:30 Elizabeth Gaskell - Mary Barton (b007jqkp)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:45 Book of the Week (b048znkd)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:45 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 Classic Serial (b00gq4nd)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 Booked (b0075lk3)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:30 Be Prepared (b0076t37)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 North by Northamptonshire (b03mflth)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 on Thursday]
FRI 05:30 Alex Horne Presents The Horne Section (b01rfy5w)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 on Thursday]
FRI 06:00 Front Row Interviews (b00761nw)
PD James
PD James talks to Mark Lawson on Radio 4's arts programme Front Row about crime writing and her 15th novel 'Death in Holy Orders' featuring her sleuth, Adam Dalgliesh.
Her books, often featuring Dalgliesh, sold in their millions around the world. Many were adapted for TV and film.
Born Phyllis Dorothy James on 3 August 1920, the author did not publish her first novel, Cover Her Face, until she was 42. Although it was a critical success, she continued working for the Home Office, where she held a job in the forensic science department, and then the criminal law department until 1979.
PD James died aged 94 on the 27 November 2014.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2001.
FRI 06:30 Joan Turner: The Highs and Lows of the Wacky Warbler (b00wlgg4)
Lesley Garrett tells the fascinating story of operatic comedienne Joan Turner.
Joan Turner was a larger-than-life star who enjoyed a successful stage and television career in the 1960s and 70s. She was born in Belfast in 1922 and made her debut at the Finsbury Empire as a singing comedienne.
Joan could perform pop or opera with her four-and-a-half-octave soprano voice, impersonate Judy Garland and Bette Davis, and then change to stand-up comic.
In her early career she worked with The Crazy Gang, appeared at many Royal Events, recorded for Pye Records and became the highest-earning female singer in Britain. After touring all the major music halls she was considered a 'female Harry Secombe', and in the States they billed her as "The Wacky Warbler".
One reviewer described her as having "the voice of an angel and the wit of a devil".
Even though she gained a reputation for being difficult and unpredictable she remained a much loved figure on the show business circuit.
Her daughter Susanna Page always believed that "the best way to describe Mum is that she thought every day was Christmas". She was to discover painfully that it was not.
By the late nineties an unkind reverse reduced her to the status of a bag lady walking the streets of Las Vegas and Los Angeles searching for work. This downturn in her life and career was a result of a long term battle with gambling and alcoholism.
A few film and television roles saw a short revival in her fortunes but her last live comeback attempt ended in a drunken shambles. She spent her final years in sheltered accommodation in Surrey.
The programme features interviews with Actor Harry Dickman,Variety entertainer Roy Hudd and Joan's daughter Susanna page.
FRI 07:00 Winston (b007qzh8)
Winston Comes to Town
Has Anyone Seen Winston?
The family has moved to London. Old rogue Winston spends hours up a tree in the garden, but then he disappears...
Peter Tinniswood's bawdy comedy serial.
Winston ...... Bill Wallis
Father ...... Maurice Denham
Nancy ...... Shirley Dixon
Rosie ...... Liz Goulding
William ...... Christian Rodska
Director: Shaun MacLoughlin.
First broadcast on BBC Radio in January 1990.
FRI 07:30 Trodd en Bratt Say 'Well Done You' (b06s83jl)
Series 2
Episode 1
A fun-packed second series from comedy duo Lucy Trodd and Ruth Bratt. Sketches and songs from a whole range of new characters, with the occasional appearance from some old favourites.
This week we meet the masseuses who might make your visit to their spa more than a little stressful, we find out whether Mary’s embarrassing flatulence has got any better (I wouldn’t hold your breath – well, actually I might) and find out who Julia is - or was.
Performers:
Lucy Trodd
Ruth Bratt
Adam Meggido
Oliver Senton
Written by: Ruth Bratt and Lucy Trodd
Script Editor: Jon Hunter
Original music: Duncan Walsh Atkins
Producer: Steve Doherty
A Lucky Giant production for BBC Radio 4
FRI 08:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jny1)
Series 5
The Grappling Game
The Lad Himself and Miss Pugh go to the wrestling, with a shock result!
Starring Tony Hancock. With Sidney James, Bill Kerr, Hattie Jacques and Kenneth Williams.
Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.
Theme and incidental music written by Wally Stott.
Producer: Tom Ronald
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in April 1958.
FRI 08:30 The Goon Show (b007jmny)
Series 6
Foiled by President Fred
Gas meter inspector Neddie Seagoon heads to South America over an unpaid bill.
Groundbreaking, surreal BBC radio comedy written by Spike Milligan.
Starring:
Peter Sellers
Harry Secombe
Spike Milligan
First billed as Crazy People, ten series of The Goon Show were recorded between 1951 and 1960, but sadly many of the earliest shows weren’t kept in the archive.
With the Ray Ellington Quartet and Max Geldray.
Orchestra conducted by Wally Stott.
Announcer: Wallace Greenslade
Producer: Peter Eton
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in November 1955.
FRI 09:00 The 99p Challenge (b0075w76)
Series 4
Episode 2
Crazy panel show capers as host Sue Perkins grills Simon Pegg, Armando Iannucci, Marcus Brigstocke and Peter Serafinowicz.
The game where someone stands to leave the studio 99p richer than when they came in.
Producer: David Tyler
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2003.
FRI 09:30 Mind Your Own Business! (b00954qd)
She'll Have to Go
An accountant tackles a tycoon over his number of women workers. Stars Bernard Cribbins and Frank Thornton. From December 1987.
FRI 10:00 Classic Serial (b00gsv4x)
Arnold Bennett - The Grand Babylon Hotel
Episode 2
Murder mystery by Arnold Bennett, adapted in two parts by Chris Harrald.
Having bought Europe's most exclusive hotel, American tycoon Theodore Racksole is thrown in to a world of intrigue, espionage and murder.
Theodore Racksole ...... John Sessions
Nella Racksole ...... Matti Houghton
Aribert ...... Joe Kloska
Jules ...... Richard Katz
Miss Spencer ...... Fenella Woolgar
Felix Babylon ...... Stephen Greif
Prince Eugen ...... Stephen Critchlow
Reginald Dimmock ...... Gunnar Cauthery
Hazell ...... Jonathan Tafler
Miss Ferguson ...... Jill Cardo
Tomkins ...... Inam Mirza
Emperor ...... Malcolm Tierney
Sampson Levi ...... Chris Pavlo.
FRI 11:00 15 Minute Drama (b03sgq3n)
Writing the Century: The Dock, Nuremberg
Episode 5
By Amanda Whittington.
Dame Laura's painting of the Nuremberg Trial is almost complete. When she was commissioned as war artist by the British government, they were not expecting this: a vision of the courtroom as a kind of hell, with a mirage of the ruined city in the background.
Director...Mary Ward-Lowery.
FRI 11:15 Drama (b00h8nh9)
Alexis Zegerman - Deja Vu
Performed in French and English, Alexis Zegerman's drama tells the story of a love affair between a woman from London and a Paris-based French Algerian. When Claire and Ahmed meet, it is language that stands between them. But when Ahmed is stopped and searched in London under section 44 of the Terrorism Act, the seed of a much larger difference is sown.
Claire ...... Caroline Catz
Ahmed ...... Karim Saleh
French Policeman ...... Richard Sanda
French Policeman ...... Hovnatan Avedikian
British Policeman ...... Chris Pavlo
Translator ...... Helen Longworth
Directed by Lu Kemp and Christophe Rault.
FRI 12:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jny1)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
FRI 12:30 The Goon Show (b007jmny)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
FRI 13:00 Front Row Interviews (b00761nw)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
FRI 13:30 Joan Turner: The Highs and Lows of the Wacky Warbler (b00wlgg4)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
FRI 14:00 Lewis Carroll - Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (b06qdfmv)
Who Stole the Tarts?
Join Alice on her surreal adventures in Alice in Wonderland.
FRI 14:15 Noise: A Human History (b01s0scn)
The Search for Silence
In the noisy modern world, silence has become an ever more desirable - and fashionable - state. We read books about it, go on retreats to find it, and soundproof our living and working spaces in its name. But when we have it is it what we want?
Professor David Hendy of the University of Sussex considers the modern quest for quiet and asks whether what really makes us humans happy is a little noise.
Conclusion of the 30-part series made in collaboration with the British Library Sound Archive.
Signature tune composed by Joe Acheson.
Producer: Matt Thompson
A Rockethouse production for BBC Radio 4.
FRI 14:30 Elizabeth Gaskell - Mary Barton (b007jqky)
Episode 15
Mary sets out to find an alibi for Jem, who stands accused of murder. Stars Emma Rydall, Deborah Berlin and Roy Hudd.
FRI 14:45 Book of the Week (b048znq5)
The Zhivago Affair
Episode 5
By Peter Finn and Petra Couvée.
It's 1956 and Boris Pasternak presses a manuscript into the hands of an Italian publishing scout with these words, 'This is Doctor Zhivago. May it make its way around the world.'
Pasternak knew his novel would never be published in the Soviet Union as the authorities regarded it as seditious, so instead he allowed it to be published in translation all over the world - a highly dangerous act.
By 1958 the life of this extraordinary book enters the realms of the spy novel. The CIA, recognising that the Cold War was primarily an ideological battle, published Doctor Zhivago in Russian and smuggled it into the Soviet Union. It was immediately snapped up on the black market. Pasternak was later forced to renounce the Nobel Prize in Literature, igniting worldwide political scandal.
With first access to previously classified CIA files, The Zhivago Affair gives an irresistible portrait of Pasternak, and takes us deep into the Cold War, back to a time when literature had the power to shake the world.
Abridged by Libby Spurrier
Read by Nigel Anthony
Producer: Joanna Green
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4.
FRI 15:00 Classic Serial (b00gsv4x)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 today]
FRI 16:00 The 99p Challenge (b0075w76)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 today]
FRI 16:30 Mind Your Own Business! (b00954qd)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 today]
FRI 17:00 Winston (b007qzh8)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 today]
FRI 17:30 Trodd en Bratt Say 'Well Done You' (b06s83jl)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
FRI 18:00 Daphne du Maurier - The Blue Lenses (b007k4rp)
Episode 2
Afer discovering she's able to see things that others can't, Marda West fears for her survival in this dangerous new world.
The conclusion of Daphne du Maurier's two-part fantasy thriller exploring the darker aspects of human nature.
Read by Emma Fielding.
Produced and abridged by Gemma Jenkins.
Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in 2007.
FRI 18:30 Soul Music (b0076b92)
Series 3
Fever
Legendary singer Peggy Lee's daughter Nicki Foster talks about her mother's life and her unforgettable hit record.
Series about music that makes the hairs stand up on the back of our necks.
Producer: Sara Conkey
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2002.
FRI 19:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jny1)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
FRI 19:30 The Goon Show (b007jmny)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
FRI 20:00 Front Row Interviews (b00761nw)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
FRI 20:30 Joan Turner: The Highs and Lows of the Wacky Warbler (b00wlgg4)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
FRI 21:00 15 Minute Drama (b03sgq3n)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:00 today]
FRI 21:15 Drama (b00h8nh9)
[Repeat of broadcast at
11:15 today]
FRI 22:00 Trodd en Bratt Say 'Well Done You' (b06s83jl)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
FRI 22:25 The Comedy Club Interviews (b06s9dr2)
From
10.00pm to midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Arthur Smith chats to Russell Kane.
FRI 22:30 Absolute Power (b007w32v)
Series 2
Episode 5
Charles tackles prison reform, as Martin helps Delia Smith with a new image. Stars Stephen Fry and John Bird. From February 2001.
FRI 23:00 Meet David Sedaris (b01nkt53)
Series 3
Easy Tiger; Possession
The multi-award winning American essayist brings more of his wit and charm to BBC Radio 4 with a series of audience readings. This week the perils of learning a foreign language by audio tape in "Easy Tiger" and when crossing the line in property desire in "Possession".
Producer: Steve Doherty
A Boom Pictures Cymru production for BBC Radio 4.
FRI 23:30 Bridget Christie Minds the Gap (b01rgmfd)
Series 1
Episode 4
Bridget investigates women in comedy as she answers that old chestnut 'Are Women Funny?'
Last of a four-part stand-up comedy series on the state of British feminism today.
With Fred MacAulay
Producer; Alison Vernon-Smith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2013.