SATURDAY 05 MARCH 2016

SAT 00:00 Charles Chilton - Journey into Space (b007jmt2)
Operation Luna
5. The First of Many
The stalled rocket ship prevents Captain Jet Morgan and his crew from returning to Earth.
Written and produced by Charles Chilton.
Jet Morgan …. Andrew Faulds
Lemmy Barnett …. Alfie Bass
Doc …. Guy Kingsley-Poynter
Mitch …. David Williams
Other parts played by David Jacobs
Music composed and orchestra conducted by Van Phillips.
The original 1953 recordings of this futuristic series were erased.
This series was re-recorded and first broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in April 1958.
SAT 00:30 Soul Music (b0076xfb)
Series 5
Ol' Man River
'Old Man River' flowed out of the 1927 musical "Show Boat" with music by Jerome Kern and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein (pictured).
It remains with us today as both a political anthem of oppressed people and a song of deep comfort. Sung by a hospital porter it was the last song that market trader Dave Everett heard before he went into surgery and it calmed his fears.
Tony Benn recalls hearing the great Paul Robeson singing it at the House of Lords Tea Room. Including interviews with Tony Benn, Paul Robeson Jr and Cleo Laine.
Featuring:
Hugh Fordin
Tony Benn
Dave Everett
Cleo Laine
Steve Abrams
Paul Robeson Jr
Ian Bradley
Series about music that makes the hairs stand up on the back of our necks.
Producer: Nicola Humphries
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2006.
SAT 01:00 Julie Enfield Investigates (b007jl8s)
The Net and the Canal
Beyond the Firewall
Detective Superintendent Julie Enfield thinks she's moving closer to a solving the murder mystery, but her internet tormentor has other ideas...
The conclusion of Nick Fisher's atmospheric thriller.
Starring Imelda Staunton as Julie Enfield, Geoffrey Matthews as Dad, Ross Livingstone as DS Lawrence Evans, Denys Hawthorne as Goodfellow and Jane Whittenshaw as Charmaine.
Producer: Richard Wortley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1996.
SAT 01:30 Ruby Murray: The Secret Story of Curry (b00rtg89)
The British are mad about curry - 'Ruby Murray' in Cockney rhyming slang.
Alkarim Jivani speaks to curry lovers north and south of the border to find out how curry came to be so intimately linked with the British sense of identity.
Historically, the English have been seen as distrustful of foreigners and wary of foreign food. So the nation's long love affair with curry - which is as much working class as colonial - is a surprising one. Even more curious is how this passion for curry is now recognised as part of the British identity. Vindaloo was the unofficial song of England's 1998 World Cup team - an unlikely battlecry for English football fans. In 2001, Robin Cook, then Foreign Secretary, declared that chicken tikka masala was the nation's most popular dish. Chicken tikka masala is even included by the Ministry of Defence in its operational ration packs to bring the troops some home comfort.
Contributors include:
* Madhur Jaffrey, whose enormously popular 1982 BBC TV series Madhur Jaffrey's Indian Cookery revolutionised British Indian cuisine.
* Michelin-starred chef, Atul Kochhar (Great British Menu, Saturday Kitchen), known for his masterful use of spices and Indian twist to modern British cuisine.
* Namita Panjabi, Group Director, Masala World (Veeraswamy, Chutney Mary, Amaya, and Masala Zone).
* Neil Hind at Defence Food Services, Defence Equipment and Support, Ministry of Defence (Defence Equipment and Support buys equipment and supports the UK army, navy and airforce around the world).
Producers: Catriona Oliphant / Ian Willox
Executive Producer: Simon Berthon
A Chrome Radio Production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in April 2010.
SAT 02:00 F Scott Fitzgerald - The Diamond as Big as the Ritz (b074h8jl)
Episode 5
Can John and Kismine escape as Percy's hidden family estate falls under attack? Concluded by Garrick Hagon.
SAT 02:15 Plants: From Roots to Riches (b04bryyz)
Patterns from Crossed Peas
In 1900 three papers by three botanists, unknown to each other, appeared in the same scientific journal. Each had independently "rediscovered" the rules of inheritance that Gregor Mendel had found four decades earlier in his solitary investigations of pea plants.
Kathy Willis reassesses Mendel's famous pea experiments in the light of his attempts to uncover what happens over several generations when hybrid plants are created. As historian Jim Endersby explains, Mendel's initial results may have stunned him and shown what plant breeders might have suspected for decades, but science now had mathematical laws to create new varieties.
Historian Greg Radick sheds light on how Mendelism, in the years leading up to the First World War, became heavily promoted by Cambridge botanist William Bateson and was put into action by the first Professor of Agricultural Botany, Roland Biffen. His success in creating new wheat hybrids is explained by a unique international assembly of wheat ears from the early 1900s, curated by Mark Nesbitt, Head of Kew's economic botany collection.
Producer Adrian Washbourne.
SAT 02:30 Jacqueline Susann - Valley of the Dolls (b00mfhv8)
Episode 10
Neely has won an Academy Award, but her second marriage is already on the rocks. Jacqueline Susann drama with Madeleine Potter.
SAT 02:45 Book of the Week (b00z9pzr)
To Miss With Love
Episode 5
Written by Katharine Birbalsingh.
A third of teachers leave within their first term on the job. This one wouldn't quit for all the world.
Meet Furious - sixteen, handsome and completely out of control. Nothing frightens him and no one can get through to him. Now meet Munchkin - a sweet kid with glasses who's an easy target and needs protecting. Then there's Seething and Deranged, two girls who are brimming with bad attitude; Fifty and Cent, who act like gangsters but are afraid of getting beaten up; and Stoic, a brilliant young mind struggling to survive.
In the midst of them all, there is a bodyguard and bouncer, a counsellor and confidante, a young woman whose job it is to motivate and inspire them and somehow keep them out of trouble: their teacher. None will make it through the year unscathed. Some may not even make it at all.
Spanning a year of shocking truths and hard-won victories, of fights and phone-thefts, teenage pregnancies and the dreaded OFSTED report, this is the remarkable diary of an inner-city school teacher. Revealing the extraordinary chaos, mismanagement and wrong-thinking that plague our education system, it is a funny, surprising and sometimes heartbreaking journey from the frontlines of the classroom to the heart of modern Britain.
Katharine Birbalsingh has been teaching in the state school system in London for over a decade. Her dream is for all schools to become interesting and exciting places of learning, where children feel safe, happy and free to aim to be the best that they can be.
Read by Adjoa Andoh
Produced by Clive Brill
A Pacificus Production for BBC Radio 4.
SAT 03:00 Classic Serial (b0122r2m)
LP Hartley - The Hireling
Episode 2
In this 1957 thriller by the author of The Go-Between, L.P.Hartley, ex-Sergeant Stephen Leadbitter, raised from an unhappy working class childhood between the wars, is on a peacetime mission to business success as a chauffeur and car for hire. He uniformly despises his clients, especially the ladies, until the young, widowed, naive and immensely rich Lady Franklin hires him to take her on trips to cathedrals which she had visited with her late husband.
Lady Franklin has been in mourning for her late husband - a man considerably older than her and an invalid - for two years, and is finding it impossible to return to normal life. In the confines of the car, and in search of a cure for her depression, she shares her burden with him. He obliges with a story of his own, a fiction, which grows, monster-like, to plague the inventor. Two alien classes are put on a collision course, causing salvation or destruction to all involved, from the epicentre of an unexpected burst of love.
Simon Day (The Simon Day Show (R4), The Fast Show) stars as the lonely damaged anti-hero and Lisa Dillon (Cranford, Bright Young Things) as the hugely rich and very young widow who is the unwitting cause of his downfall. Kenneth Cranham narrates.
Dramatised by Judith Adams from the novel by L.P.Hartley.
Cast:
Narrator ...... Kenneth Cranham
Steve Leadbitter ..... Simon Day
Lady Franklin ..... Lisa Dillon
Hughie ..... Joseph Millson
Constance ..... Ursula Burton
Clarice ..... Nicola Duffett
Simmonds ..... Anthony Gleave
Bert Standing ..... Kevin James
Landlady ..... Jane Purcell
Porter ..... Andrew Cullimore
Producer/Director: Chris Wallis
An Autolycus production for BBC Radio 4.
SAT 04:00 Wildbrain (b0729kh8)
1997 - Heat 4
Lionel Kelleway visits Derbyshire, to test three contestants' wildlife knowledge in the BBC Natural History Unit's quiz.
SAT 04:30 No Commitments (b007jp1m)
Series 8
Fresh Starts
Former TV soap star Charlotte finds the path to self-knowledge. Stars Rosemary Leach and Celia Imrie. From January 2002.
SAT 05:00 Dry Slopes (b0729jgv)
Series 2
The Invisible Man
Nobody seems to pay Angus much attention these days.
He tries telling his problems to a psychiatrist, but has trouble making himself heard.
Written by and starring Nick Ball.
Angus ...... Nick Ball
Mum ...... Mum
With Robert Hartley and Wayne Forester.
Producer: Gareth Edwards
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1997.
SAT 05:30 Wordaholics (b01rr48h)
Series 2
Episode 2
Gyles Brandreth hosts the comedy panel show challenging guests to display their knowledge of words and language.
Katy Brand and Alex Horne compete against Richard Herring and Natalie Haynes to find out who knows more about words.
Katy Brand reveals an unexpected love of Proverbs in the Old Testament and takes a guess at what 'cougar juice' meant at the turn of the 20th century; Richard Herring explains why his favourite West County word from his schooldays is 'wasp'; Natalie Haynes guesses the meaning of the German word 'zechpreller' which has no direct translation in English, and Alex Horne coins his very own onomatopoeia to describe a snowflake landing on a bubble.
Writers: Jon Hunter and James Kettle.
Producer: Claire Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2013.
SAT 06:00 Hood (b072nn3t)
King's Command
Summoned by King John, Philip De Nicholay, the Sheriff of Nottingham, finds himself with the power to grant the man known as Robin Hood a pardon. But there is a price to pay. But for Philip, there lies betrayal that will set former friends on a new path.
Stars Lee Ingleby as Philip De Nicholay, Peter Greenall as Little John, Damian Cooper as Will Scarlet, Sean Connolly as Brother Tuck, Anthony Milles as Robert De Loxley, Sarah McKendrick as Lady Marion and Billy Miller as King John..
Director: Iain Meadows.
Produced by Iain Meadows and Matt Hopper for Spiteful Puppet Entertainment.
SAT 07:30 You're Entering The Twilight Zone (b00mk6t9)
Alan Dein explores the classic American television series The Twilight Zone, as well as the life and imagination of its creator, Rod Serling.
Fifty years ago, Serling ushered audiences into a new realm of light and shadow. He had already electrified the new medium of television with his powerful dramas and their explorations of race, morality and capitalism, but now he offered glimpses of American dreams and nightmares.
SAT 08:00 Archive on 4 (b01nnw8t)
Tuning In
The press fulminated, the enthusiasts were frustrated, and the radio manufacturers fumed. Despite the fact that Marconi had invented radio before Queen Victoria had celebrated her Diamond Jubilee in 1897, radio in Britain took another 25 years to begin an official service to listeners. But when, on November 14th 1922 the British Broadcasting Company's station at Marconi House radiated to an awaiting nation "This is 2LO calling" for the first time under the company's name, it marked the start of the first and most distinguished public-service radio station in the world.
As part of the celebrations to mark nine decades of the BBC, historian Dominic Sandbrook explores the long and involved pre-BBC history of radio in Britain, how Britain's broadcaster got going and developed into an institution dedicated to entertainment, education and information, discovers why Australian diva Dame Nellie Melba was involved, and how the improbably-named Captain Plugge made his first commercial broadcast to Britain, sponsored by Selfridges department store, from the Eiffel Tower. From Marconi to Savoy Hill via an old army hut in Essex, the story of the early radio in Britain.
Producer: Simon Elmes.
SAT 09:00 Comedy Greats (b007k3x4)
The Noughties
Episode 1
Decade by decade, Barry Cryer showcases some of the funniest and finest shows ever broadcast by the BBC.
Baz finally reaches the 21st century of radio comedy with his first selection from the noughties:
* The Small World of Dominic Holland
Series 1 (6/6)
Dominic ponders the journey of life to adulthood. Stand-up and sketches with Dave Lamb, Sally Grace and Simon Greenall. From 2000.
* At Home With The Snails
Series 1 (1/4)
Fed-up Alex has done nothing since university, but then he discovers an unusual hobby. Stars Geoffrey Palmer, Angela Thorne, Gerard Foster and Miranda Hart. From 2001.
* Clare in the Community
Series 1 (4/6)
Social worker Clare Barker is racked with relief when her most detested client dies. Stars Sally Phillips, Alex Lowe, Richard Lumsden, Gemma Craven, Ellen Thomas and Nina Conti. From 2004.
* Radio Shuttleworth
Series 2 (5/6)
1997 Eurovision Song Contest winner Katrina Leskanich drops into visit Sheffield singer John Shuttleworth, but his wife Mary gets the ironing board out. From 2000.
* Mark Watson Makes The World Substantially Better
Series 1 (3/6) Pride
Welsh comic Mark continues his quest to free us from the seven deadly sins. With Tim Key and Tim Minchin. From 2007.
* Little Britain
Series 2 (3/4)
Fat fighting with Marjorie and the hypnotic Kenny Craig. Back where it started out - Matt Lucas and David Walliams's oddball TV smash hit - without the cameras. From 2002.
Produced and scripted by Peter Reed.
Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in August 2003.
SAT 12:00 PG Wodehouse (b00bfq14)
What Ho! Jeeves: Joy in the Morning
Sundry Happenings in a Garden
Bertie Wooster must mend bridges after the debacle of the fake burglary.
PG Wodehouse romp adapted in seven-parts by Chris Miller.
Starring Michael Hordern as Jeeves, Richard Briers as Bertie Wooster, Jonathan Cecil as Boko Fittleworth, Peter Woodthorpe as Percy, Lord Worplesden, Bronwen Williams as Florence Craye and Denise Bryer as Edwin the Boy Scout.
Producer: Simon Brett
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1978.
SAT 12:30 No Commitments (b007jp1m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:30 today]
SAT 13:00 Charlotte Bronte - Jane Eyre: Omnibus (b072rsqx)
Episode 1
Charlotte Bronte's most beloved novel - the iconic and dangerous love story starring Amanda Hale and Tom Burke.
SAT 14:10 Inheritance Tracks (b072rsxt)
Rob Brydon
Welsh actor and comedian Rob Brydon chooses 'You Are My Sunshine' by Bing Crosby and 'That's Why I'm Here' by James Taylor.
SAT 14:15 Drama (b010y37b)
Judith Kampfner - Unfinished Business
Judith Kampfner's play about how a quick Internet search can change the lives of two families who never knew of each other's existence.
Based on the actual story of one man's impulse to discover more about his absent father and the fragile friendship he then forms with the man who was perhaps closest to the dad he never knew. The words of the letters they send are taken from the real email correspondence they exchanged. All names have been changed and additional characters invented.
After a family tragedy, fifty-year old Simon decides to discover all he can about the mystery that has haunted him for decades. Neither Simon nor his mother, know anything about the whereabouts of Simon's dad. The last they knew of him was that he was a flamboyant artist in Florence, some time in the 1970s.
A chance search on the Internet leads to an artist in Tucson Arizona. Jeff Rodriguez was once taught by Simon's dad and became his business partner. After some initial suspicion from Jeff, the men exchange messages that are more like old-fashioned letters, revealing more to each other as trust grows between them.
Just when Simon thinks he's learns the truth, new revelations complicate the story.
Meanwhile, his relationship with his only child, his teenage son Owen, is put under increasing strain, as Simon appears to be abandoning his responsibilities in favour of exploring a distant and unreachable past.
Cast:
Simon Sachanah ..... Daniel Gerroll
Owen Sachanah ..... Tom Datnow
Marjorie Robinson ..... Sandra Shipley
Dr Anna Carter ..... Christa Scott-Reed
Jeff Rodriguez ..... Shawn Elliot
Tina Rodriguez ..... Leslie Lyles
Radio Announcer ..... Sydney Beveridge
Technical Direction: Scott Lehrer
Producer/Director: Judith Kampfner
A Waters Company production for BBC Radio 4.
SAT 15:00 Archive on 4 (b01nnw8t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
SAT 16:00 Hood (b072nn3t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 17:30 You're Entering The Twilight Zone (b00mk6t9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 18:00 The Twilight Zone (b072rwl0)
Series 3
An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge
With his neck in a noose, plantation-owner Peyton Farquhar is being prepared for execution by hanging from a railroad bridge in Alabama. Thinking of his wife and children, the condemned man's tale is told in flashbacks until his final fate is revealed...
Based on Ambrose Bierce's short story originally published in 1890 and adapted by MJ Elliot.
Starring Christian Stolte, Rob Riley, Danny Goldring, Susan Hart and John Hoogenakker.
Narrator: Stacy Keach.
Originally a cult sci-fi and horror TV series created by Rod Serling and broadcast in the USA on CBS from 1959 to 1964, The Twilight Zone was first adapted by American producer Carl Amari in 2002 as a 40-minute radio drama series.
Rod Serling had managed to electrify the new medium of television - so armed with a licence from CBS and the Serling estate, Amari's slick adaptions are based on the original TV scripts.
Actor Stacy Keach (best known here as TV detective Mike Hammer) takes Serling's original role as narrator - with a full cast, music and sound effects.
Director: JoBe Cerny
Produced by Carl Amari for the Falcon Picture Group.
SAT 18:40 James Follett - The Pentworth Trilogy (b007jr6v)
Temple of the Winds
Episode 1
A violent storm in West Sussex triggers a series of strange encounters for teenager Vikki Taylor. Read by Nigel Anthony.
SAT 19:00 Comedy Greats (b007k3x4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 22:00 James Acaster's Findings (b01rg23c)
Pilot Episode: Bread
Stand-up comedian James Acaster presents the results of his in-depth research into the subject of 'bread', assisted by his trusty sidekick Nathaniel Metcalfe, in this brand new comedy show for BBC Radio 4.
We'll find out why the French struggle to come up with a snappy slogan to advertise Brioche, learn why the Bagel is so trendy, and discover the hidden anti-bread propaganda pushed at children through the medium of fairytales.
Produced by Lyndsay Fenner.
SAT 22:30 Boyle's Law (b00n12rr)
Pilot for a new comedy by Suk Pannu about tough-talking cop Inspector Vincent Boyle, head of data storage. Banned from doing any actual detecting nowadays, he saves his 'catlike' instincts for reading difficult situations among workmates and acting as a father figure to the community support officers.
Boyle ...... Sanjeev Bhaskar
Fox ...... Anna Chancellor
Adams ...... Meredith MacNeill
Commander Norris ...... Nicholas Farrell
Shankar ...... Nitin Ganatra
Waitres ...... Kate Layden.
SAT 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (b07303q7)
The best in contemporary comedy. Arthur Smith is joined by Rob Auton.
SAT 23:00 Jason Cook's Happiness HQ (b0112ydx)
The comedian Jason Cook is joined by Chris Ramsey, psychiatrist Dr Sandra Scott and his own mum, Pat, as they take a vivacious look at happiness in the workplace. In this pilot episode of the comedy, the team discuss what is Britain's happiest job and what we can do to make our professional lives more cheerful.
SAT 23:30 Mark Thomas: The Manifesto (b00lbt3y)
Series 1
Episode 2
The renowned comedian and activist tries to shape policies, including honesty for politicians and truthful ads. From July 2009.


SUNDAY 06 MARCH 2016

SUN 00:00 The Twilight Zone (b072rwl0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Saturday]
SUN 00:40 James Follett - The Pentworth Trilogy (b007jr6v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:40 on Saturday]
SUN 01:00 Charlotte Bronte - Jane Eyre: Omnibus (b072rsqx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 13:00 on Saturday]
SUN 02:10 Inheritance Tracks (b072rsxt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:10 on Saturday]
SUN 02:15 Drama (b010y37b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Saturday]
SUN 03:00 Archive on 4 (b01nnw8t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Saturday]
SUN 04:00 Hood (b072nn3t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]
SUN 05:30 You're Entering The Twilight Zone (b00mk6t9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Saturday]
SUN 06:00 Jacqueline Susann - Valley of the Dolls (Omnibus) (b00mj3g2)
Episode 2
1945 and war is over. Set on showbiz careers in New York, Anne, Jennifer and Neely move in together
Jacqueline Susann's 1960s best seller. Three beautiful young women become best friends as they carve out careers in the entertainment industry.
Stars Madeleine Potter, Barbara Barnes, Julia Ford, Susan Jameson, Jamie Glover and Harry Myers.
Omnibus of episodes six to ten of fifteen - dramatised by Yvonne Antrobus.
Producer: Claire Grove
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2005.
SUN 07:15 Clive Dunn - Definitely Dunn (b072s2zc)
Grandad and the Elephant
Don't panic! Memories of Dad's Army star Clive Dunn, who played Lance-Corporal Jack Jones for nearly a decade on TV, radio and film between 1968 to 1977.
Recalling highlights from his first 50 years in entertainment, Clive recalls his first TV appearances and recording his chart-topping greatest hit.
Clive was aged 68 at the time of recording. He died in Portugal in 2012, aged 92.
Producer: Edward Taylor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in 1988.
SUN 07:30 Mr Blue Sky (b01dp51w)
Series 2
Sorry
In this week's episode, Harvey's cat Lucky has gone missing, but does her disappearance have anything to do with the book-burning neighbour (played by Simon Day)? Robbie develops a crush on an older woman and Jax rekindles her relationship with the builder Rakesh.
Harvey Easter (played by Mark Benton), 46, is the eternal optimist. He is able to see the good in every situation, the silver lining within every cloud, the bright side to every bit of bad news.
This, however, is his downfall. Someone for whom the glass is always half-full can be difficult to live with, as his wife of 19 years, Jacqui (played by Claire Skinner), knows all too well. Even as life deals Harvey and the Easter family a series of sadistic blows, Harvey looks on the positive side. It's pathological with him. The way Jax sees it, instead of dealing with the problems of their marriage and their teenage kids, Harvey's optimism is actually his way of avoiding engagement with the big issues.
Mr Blue Sky is about one man battling to remain positive in moments of crisis, and one woman battling to live with someone who has his head in the clouds.
Cast:
Harvey Easter ..... Mark Benton
Jacqui Easter ..... Claire Skinner
Charlie Easter ..... Rosamund Hanson
Robbie Easter ..... Tyger Drew Honey
Kill-R ..... Javone Prince
Rakesh Rathi ..... Navin Chowdhry
Dr Ray Marsh ..... Justin Edwards
Mr Leopold ..... Simon Day
Sean Calhoun .... Michael Legge
Written by Andrew Collins
Title Music Arrangement by Jim Bob
Producer/Director: Anna Madley
An Avalon Production for BBC Radio 4.
SUN 08:00 ITMA - It's That Man Again (b072s3gk)
From 03/06/1943
Can Tommy Handley take care of all the guests at his new hotel in the legendary wartime comedy.
ITMA proved to be one of the BBC's most popular radio comedies ever produced. It was first transmitted just before the start of the Second World War in 1939 and ran to 1949. Domestic audiences topped 20 million, and the audience worldwide was said to number 30 million. It starred Liverpudlian comic Tommy Handley, who with Ted Kavanagh created the series named after the phrase newspapers often used to describe Hitler: It's That Man Again!
The original setting on a ship was deemed inappropriate once war broke out, and was replaced with the Office Of Twerps, with Tommy as Minister of Aggravation and Mysteries.
Other settings followed - a seaside resort, and a war factory which by 1943, for this run of episodes, had been turned into a hotel.
Featuring a host of supporting characters including Dorothy Summers as Mrs Mopp and Jack Train as Colonel Humphrey Chinstrap.
Producer: Francis Worsley
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in 1943.
SUN 08:30 Lines From My Grandfather's Forehead (b00j0hbp)
Series 2
Episode 7
A forgetful actor, a grave digger's wedding - and people who use lots of words but say very little.
A sequential entertainment for radio starring Ronnie Barker.
With Terence Brady, Pauline Yates and John Graham.
Pianist: Gordon Langford.
Written by Tony Bilbow and Mike Fentiman, Guy Boas, Terence Brady, David Climie, John Graham, Charles Griffin, Kevin Paul and Harold Arkthorp, Allan Scott and Chris Bryant, Peter Spence and Gerald Wiley.
Producer John Fawcett-Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1972.
SUN 09:00 The Real Henry James (Omnibus) (b072s4hn)
Henry James was not only a great novelist - he also wrote a great deal of entertaining non-fiction, producing reviews and essays on a wide variety of subjects. To mark the centenary of his death, these five anthologies reveal James through his letters, memoirs, essays and private notebooks.
The anthology has been selected by Professor Philip Horne of University College London, who is founding General Editor of a major scholarly edition of James's fiction and has re-transcribed the notebooks for an authoritative new edition.
Reader: Henry Goodman
With introductions by Olivia Williams
Producer: Elizabeth Burke
A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4
SUN 10:10 Inheritance Tracks (b072s5f0)
Ruby Wax
Brash comedian and actress Ruby Wax chooses 'Twist and Shout' by The Beatles and 'You Can Close Your Eyes' by James Taylor.
SUN 10:15 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b072s5f3)
Comedy Writers
Armando Iannucci
4 Extra Debut. From Bach to Sibelius, comedy writer and producer Armando Iannucci makes his castaway choices. With Sue Lawley. From April 2006.
SUN 11:00 The Moth Radio Hour (b072s73v)
Series 2
Mother, Mommy, Mama, Mom
True stories told live in the USA: Catherine Burns introduces tales about motherhood. With actress Molly Ringwald.
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 (b00zm4j4)
Series 2
Earthworms
Although Charles Darwin is especially well known for his work on the Theory of Evolution through his seminal work "On the Origin of Species", he also published a lot of his research on earthworms.
Earthworms fascinated Darwin, so much so that his observations led him to believe that they showed marked intelligence. And earthworms fascinate Sir David Attenborough too.
He recalls a visit to Australia to film the giant earthworm and intriguingly used his ears more than any other sense to find them. What did they sound like and what did they look like? He reveals all.
Producer: Julian Hector
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2011.
SUN 12:00 ITMA - It's That Man Again (b072s3gk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
SUN 12:30 Lines From My Grandfather's Forehead (b00j0hbp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
SUN 13:00 Jacqueline Susann - Valley of the Dolls (Omnibus) (b00mj3g2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 14:15 Clive Dunn - Definitely Dunn (b072s2zc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
SUN 14:30 We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson (Omnibus) (b072sbd8)
Merricat Blackwood lives on the family estate with her sister Constance and her uncle Julian. Not long ago there were seven Blackwoods — until a fatal dose of arsenic found its way into the sugar bowl one terrible night. Acquitted of the murders, Constance has returned home, where Merricat protects her from the curiosity and hostility of the villagers.
“If you haven’t read We Have Always Lived In The Castle you are missing out.” Neil Gaiman.
“Her greatest book…at once whimsical and harrowing.” Donna Tartt.
“A masterpiece of Gothic suspense.” Joyce Carol Oates.
Shirley Jackson, who died in 1965, was perhaps best known for her short story, The Lottery, and her novel, The Haunting Of Hill House, twice filmed and thought to be the last word in haunted-house tales. Her work has received increasing attention from literary critics in recent years. She’s influenced such writers as Stephen King and Nigel Kneale.
Reader: Bryony Hannah
Abridger: Jeremy Osborne
Producer: Karen Rose
A Sweet Talk production first broadcast in five parts on BBC Radio 4 in 2018
SUN 15:45 EM Forster - Ansell (b072sbp4)
"Books! I don't hold with books in the country. What you want is recr'ation and h'air and h'exercise." Two childhood friends go onto lead very different lives. EM Forster's short story read by Peter Kenny.
SUN 16:00 Zoe Fairbairns - The Belgian Nurse (b00772vr)
The story of a friendship that created one of the 20th century's best-selling novels and films.
When American writer Kathryn Hulme meets a Belgian nurse on a UN Relief Programme after the Second World War, she doesn't understand why Marie-Louise Habets is so unwilling to talk about herself.
It's only later that Marie-Louise admits she has recently left her convent - a confession that reaches a worldwide audience through the book and then the film of The Nun's Story.
Written by Zoe Fairbairns.
Kathryn Hulme ...... Debora Weston
Marie-Louise Habets ...... Rachel Atkins
Pierre ...... John Moraitis
Fred Zinneman ...... Garrick Hagon
Audrey Hepburn ...... Christine Kavanagh
Mother Benedict ...... Jane Ridley
Director: Sara Davies
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2007.
SUN 17:00 Poetry Extra (b072sj34)
Lost Voices - Rosemary Tonks
BBC Radio 4's Poet in Residence, Daljit Nagra revisits the BBC's radio poetry archive.
'Lost Voices' features Rosemary Tonks. For a female poet in the 1960s Rosemary Tonks was unusually candid about adventures in steamy cafes and illicit hotel bedrooms. She published two extraordinary books of poetry which were heavily influenced by the eroticism of 19th century French poets. And then she fell silent. By the end of the 1970s, she'd disappeared from public life. Brian Patten talks to some other poets about Tonks's writing and asks if it has survived the 1960s. Then, right at the end of the programme, he receives some new information.
Producer: Christine Hall
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2009.
SUN 17:30 Mr Blue Sky (b01dp51w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 18:00 Classic Serial (b01lh971)
John Wyndham - The Chrysalids
Episode 2
John Wyndham's post-apocalyptic science fiction classic dramatised by Jane Rogers.
Genetic mutation has devastated the world. Any deviation is seen as the work of the devil, ruthlessly hunted out and destroyed. David Strorm is one of a group of young people who can communicate by transferring thought-shapes. In God fearing, law abiding Waknuk, David and his friends would be classed as Mutants. Will David be forced to flee to the Fringes, the lawless territory inhabited by mutants or risk discovery?
Directed by Nadia Molinari
Written in 1955 Wyndham's novel explores the dangers inherent in discrimination and the threats posed by religious fundamentalism. The 'Old People' who caused the apocalypse are depressingly like us: ' They were shut off by different languages and different beliefs. They created vast problems then buried their heads in the sands of idle faith.' The children of the future (the Chrysalids) are able to 'think-together' and so can rise above the selfish violence and conflicting religions of the past. Wyndham's story of a group of persecuted teenagers is more timely than ever in our post-Fukushima, war-riven, genetically engineered and religiously divided world. Jane Rogers is a playwright and novelist, her latest novel The Testament of Jessie Lamb won the Arthur C Clarke Award this year.
SUN 19:00 The Moth Radio Hour (b072s73v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
SUN 19:50 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00zm4j4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:50 today]
SUN 20:00 The Real Henry James (Omnibus) (b072s4hn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SUN 21:10 Inheritance Tracks (b072s5f0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:10 today]
SUN 21:15 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b072s5f3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:15 today]
SUN 22:00 Mr Blue Sky (b01dp51w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 22:30 The Shuttleworths (b007jm47)
Series 2
The Birthday Bench
Sheffield’s aspiring singer/songwriter John Shuttleworth spots the perfect birthday gift for his agent. But Ken’s got other ideas...
Written and performed by Graham Fellows.
Producer: Paul Schlesinger
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1995.
SUN 22:45 The In Crowd (b007jpmk)
Series 2
Episode 3
A woman obsessed with making soup – and the furniture removal men who think they're on TV’s Antiques Roadshow.
Sketch show from Manchester's Comedy Store.
With Robin Ince, Helen Moon, Smug Roberts and Kate Ward.
Producer: Graham Frost
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2002.
SUN 23:00 Newsjack (b07295ph)
Series 14
Episode 4
This week's stories lovingly bashed, mashed and moulded into sketches, one-liners and vox-pops written by the public. Trying to make sense of it all is our host, Nish Kumar.
Nish is joined this week by Vivienne Acheampong, Kieran Hodgson and Emma Sidi.
The Production Coordinator was Sophie Richardson.
Newsjack was produced by Matt Stronge and Paul Sheehan
It was a BBC Radio Comedy Production.
SUN 23:30 The Nick Revell Show (b00ct94s)
Series 2
The Promised Land
As writer Nick gets a lucky Hollywood break, his geraniums are terrorised by an old foe.
A sitcom for the 1990s, written by and starring comedian Nick Revell.
With:
Alistair McGowan
Doon MacKichan
Brian Bowles
Alison Sterling
John Guerrasio
Producer: Ioan Magnusson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1993.


MONDAY 07 MARCH 2016

MON 00:00 Classic Serial (b01lh971)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Sunday]
MON 01:00 Jacqueline Susann - Valley of the Dolls (Omnibus) (b00mj3g2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Sunday]
MON 02:15 Clive Dunn - Definitely Dunn (b072s2zc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 on Sunday]
MON 02:30 We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson (Omnibus) (b072sbd8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Sunday]
MON 03:45 EM Forster - Ansell (b072sbp4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 on Sunday]
MON 04:00 Zoe Fairbairns - The Belgian Nurse (b00772vr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Sunday]
MON 05:00 Poetry Extra (b072sj34)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:00 on Sunday]
MON 05:30 Mr Blue Sky (b01dp51w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Sunday]
MON 06:00 Wilkie Collins - Who Killed Zebedee? (b007jq0p)
Episode 1
Given just days to live, a Victorian policeman is ready to make his final confession
He candidly reveals his involvement in a murder case many years before. As a young police constable in London, he recalls how a young woman burst in with news of a gruesome killing...
Detective story by Wilkie Collins, first published in 1881.
Read by Ronald Pickup.
Producer: Joanne Reardon
Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in October 2003.
MON 06:30 Rocking the Blitz Club (b00rz61w)
Midge Ure takes us back to the Blitz Club in London's Covent Garden where the 'New Romantics' came of age.
The club first opened its doors in 1979 at the height of another recession and Midge explores how the flamboyant Blitz scene offered an escape from the hard economic reality that he and his contemporaries were facing.
Midge remembers how "walking into the Blitz was like stepping out of time, you never knew what period it was set in. It was a total mish-mash of styles, full of blurred genders and make-up for girls and boys". The Blitz crowd were christened the 'New Romantics' because of what Midge calls their "nostalgia for the future".
The Blitz was a seedbed for creative talent, full of musicians, designers, photographers and stylists. John Galliano first flaunted his ideas there, Spandau Ballet played their early gigs and a young Boy George took the coats.
A new sound emerged from the club - the synthesizer-based electropop pioneered by Midge in his bands Visage and Ultravox. The success of the Blitz bands brought wealth and fame, but the "extreme hedonism" of the 'New Romantic' movement led many into very dark places.
Finally, Midge explores why the 1980s 'New Romantic' synth sound has seen a revival in the current recession.
Midge meets former Blitz Kids including: Gary Kemp (Spandau Ballet), Gary Numan, Robert Elms, Rusty Egan, Steve Strange (Visage), Stephen Jones (milliner) and Dylan Jones, to revisit what was undoubtedly a golden era of British pop music.
Producer: Melissa FitzGerald
A Blakeway production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in April 2010.
MON 07:00 The Right Time (b0076mmf)
Series 4
Episode 5
Musing on middle-age and a near-death experience turns out mundane.
Sketch show about growing older disgracefully.
Stars Eleanor Bron, Dudley Sutton, Roger Blake, Paula Wilcox. Clive Swift and Barry Cryer.
Written by Colin Bostock-Smith, Jill Brodie & John Pidgeon, Barry Cryer, Dave Dixon, Jan Etherington, Alan Stafford and Chris Thompson & Pete Reynolds.
Script editor: George Poles.
Music by Ronnie & The Rex.
Producer: Katie Marsden
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2004.
MON 07:30 Just a Minute (b071sn2k)
Series 74
Episode 2
Gyles Brandreth, Tim Rice & Esther Rantzen join Paul Merton and Nicholas Parsons as they try to speak without deviation, hesitation or repetition on such diverse subjects as Bubble & Squeak, Kiwis and A Leap Year in the classic panel game.
Produced by Victoria Lloyd.
MON 08:00 Dad's Army (b007jr4t)
Series 3
The Cricket Match
Captain Mainwaring goes into bat when the Home Guard platoon are challenged to play a match against the wardens..
The comic exploits of a Second World War Home Guard platoon in Walmington-on-Sea.
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 Godfrey …. Arnold Ridley
Private Pike …. Ian Lavender
Warden Hodges …. Bill Pertwee
Private Walker …. Larry Martyn
Vicar …. Frank Williams
Verger …. Edward Sinclair
Announcer/Newsreader …. John Snagge
Producer: John Dyas
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1976.
MON 08:30 Listen to Les (b0180fmx)
From 20/01/1985
Les Dawson pays tribute to a feisty barber, Cosmo Smallpiece chairs a chat show and with Les at the piano, the Ink Blots help to murder a song.
With Daphne Oxenford, Eli Woods and Colin Edwynn.
Music by Brian Fitzgerald.
Scripted and produced by James Casey.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in January 1985.
MON 09:00 The Write Stuff (b00f9vnx)
Series 8
Robert Burns
James Walton takes the chair for the game of literary correctness, flanked by captains Sebastian Faulks and John Walsh and guests Harry Ritchie and Simon Brett. The author of the week and subject for pastiche is Robert Burns and the reader is Beth Chalmers.
MON 09:30 King Street Junior (b007jmjs)
Series 6
In Real Terms
When expenditure exceeds income, Mr Beeston faces tough decisions over the new school year. Stars Karl Howman and James Grout.
MON 10:00 CP Snow - Strangers and Brothers (b017gq5y)
Time of Hope
Lewis Eliot starts his rise to power by escaping from the drudgery of a council clerk's office in Leicester in the 1920s by passing exams to study at the Bar in this first episode of CP Snow's epic novel sequence about the English Establishment and Power.
Dramatised by Jonathan Holloway
With Adam Godley as Lewis Eliot and narrated by David Haig
George Passant ... Bill Wallis
Marion ... Laura Doddington
Sheila Knight ... Anastasia Hille
Herbert Getliffe ... Stephen Moore
Percy Hall ... Danny Webb
Charles March ... Jamie Glover
Leonard March ... John Standing
Katherine March ... Carla Simpson
Ann Simon .... Emma Woolliams
Mrs Getliffe ... Suzanna Hamilton
Revd Knight ...Brett Usher
Directed by Jeremy Howe and Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2003.
MON 11:00 Graham Swift - England and Other Stories (b04j2333)
Fusilli
A packet of pasta from the supermarket shelf reawakens a father's loss. Read by Ewan Bailey.
The 25 short stories that comprise England and Other Stories mark Swift's return to the short form after seven acclaimed novels. The stories dwell on the essence of Englishness and those chosen place us on the eve of the Battle of Trafalgar, in a barbers, a supermarket, a laboratory and Macintyre's warehouse, and in each place and time, Swift perfectly captures a universal truth from the minutiae of lives.
"This is a sharp, beautiful collection: every story quick and readable but leaving in the memory a core, a residue of thoughtfulness" The Guardian
Graham Swift came to prominence with this second novel Shuttlecock, which won the Geoffrey Faber Memorial Prize in 1983. That same year, Swift's Waterland, set in the Fens earned him a place on the shortlist for the Booker prize. Swift would go on to win the Booker prize in 1996 with his novel Last Orders, which became a film starring Michael Caine, Tom Courtney, Bob Hoskins and Helen Mirren.
Produced by Jeremy Osborne
Made for BBC Radio 4Extra by Sweet Talk.
MON 11:15 Sherlock Holmes (b007k241)
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
The Man With the Twisted Lip
Trailing a missing man, the detective enters one of London's vilest opium dens. Stars Clive Merrison and Michael Williams.
MON 12:00 Dad's Army (b007jr4t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 12:30 Listen to Les (b0180fmx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 13:00 Wilkie Collins - Who Killed Zebedee? (b007jq0p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 13:30 Rocking the Blitz Club (b00rz61w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 14:00 Book at Bedtime (b01n9yg5)
Patricia Ferguson - The Midwife's Daughter
Episode 1
By Patricia Ferguson
Read by Joanna Tope
Set at the turn of the twentieth century, the new novel by Orange Prize listed author Patricia Ferguson is the compassionate and moving story of two sisters and the young black orphan who changes their lives.
Violet Dimond has a terrible nightmare about her dead daughter but wonders if the dream may not strictly be her own.
Abridged by Robin Brooks
Produced by Gaynor Macfarlane.
MON 14:15 Plants: From Roots to Riches (b04cb9gw)
Towards the Light
The Nobel prize for Chemistry was awarded to German scientist Richard Willstatter in 1915 for his analysis of the green plant pigment chlorophyll. It marked a significant moment in the long history of piecing together the many elements that contribute to photosynthesis - the process by which plants draw in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and together with light and water can generate their own glucose and release oxygen back into the air. The limits of this process were now clear
Kathy Willis hears from historian Jim Endersby about defining moments in photosynthesis' long history and from Kew's Head of Conservation Biotechnology about how artificially elevating levels of carbon dioxide in the air,a technique long developed by horticulturists to produce bigger fruit and vegetable crops, is now having dramatic effects on successful reintroduction of cultivated endangered plants back into the wild.
And as scientists understand the different methods that plants use to photosynthesise, Kathy Willis hears from Oxford plant scientist Jane Langdale who's part of a network of international scientists who are attempting to mend a fundamental flaw in the process of photosynthesis which could improve future rice yields by 50%
Producer Adrian Washbourne.
MON 14:30 Jacqueline Susann - Valley of the Dolls (b00mjktk)
Episode 11
1956: Neely's Hollywood career has collapsed. Back in New York she and Anne go to see Neely's old rival Helen Lawson in a new show.
Jacqueline Susann's 1960s best seller. Three beautiful young women are best friends carving out careers in the entertainment industry.
Stars Madeleine Potter, Barbara Barnes, Kerry Shale, Sally Dexter and Coleen Prendergast.
Dramatised in fifteen parts by Yvonne Antrobus.
Producer: Claire Grove
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2005.
MON 14:45 Book of the Week (b00zlfh1)
John Julius Norwich - The Popes
Episode 1
Well known for his histories of Norman Sicily, Venice, the Byzantine Empire and the Mediterranean, John Julius Norwich has now turned his attention to the oldest continuing institution in the world, tracing the papal line down the centuries from St Peter himself - traditionally (though by no means historically) the first pope - to the present day. Of the 280-odd holders of the supreme office, some have unquestionably been saints; others have wallowed in unspeakable iniquity.
John Julius Norwich begins reading The Popes today in suitably sensational fashion, with a 9th century scandal, believed for several centuries and doubted for as many again. The pope reputed to have given birth on a Roman street, who inspired a bizarre and unlikely ritual which was inflicted on future pontiffs to ensure their gender was male... meet Pope Joan.
Producer: David Roper
A Heavy Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4.
MON 15:00 CP Snow - Strangers and Brothers (b017gq5y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
MON 16:00 The Write Stuff (b00f9vnx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
MON 16:30 King Street Junior (b007jmjs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
MON 17:00 The Right Time (b0076mmf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 17:30 Just a Minute (b071sn2k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 18:00 Charles Chilton - Journey into Space (b007jmtk)
Operation Luna
6. The Irresistible Force
Captain Jet Morgan decides to investigate the dark side of the moon, before the ship returns to Earth.
Futuristic tale set in 1965 written and produced by Charles Chilton.
Jet Morgan …. Andrew Faulds
Lemmy Barnett …. Alfie Bass
Doc …. Guy Kingsley-Poynter
Mitch …. David Williams
All Other Parts …. David Jacobs
Music composed and orchestra conducted by Van Phillips.
The original 1953 recordings of this futuristic series were erased.
This series was re-recorded and first broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in April 1958.
MON 18:30 A Good Read (b00763q1)
Sheena McDonald & Chris Woodhead
Matthew Parris and his guests broadcaster Sheena McDonald and former chief inspector of schools Chris Woodhead discuss favourite books by John Cowper Powys, Edward Platt and Peter Novick. From 2001.
Books discussed:
Wolf Solant by John Cowper Powys
Pub: Penguin
Holocaust and Collective Memory by Peter Novick
Pub: Bloomsbury
Leadville by Edward Platt
Pub: Picador.
MON 19:00 Dad's Army (b007jr4t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 19:30 Listen to Les (b0180fmx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 20:00 Wilkie Collins - Who Killed Zebedee? (b007jq0p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 20:30 Rocking the Blitz Club (b00rz61w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 21:00 Graham Swift - England and Other Stories (b04j2333)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
MON 21:15 Sherlock Holmes (b007k241)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
MON 22:00 Just a Minute (b071sn2k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 22:30 Chris Addison's Civilization (b00f2zsd)
A Working Society
Charting our bumpy evolution, Chris Addison explains why he chose to spell civilisation with a Z.
Continuing his journey through the vast and rich subject of civilisation, the thinking-idiot's anthropologist explains exactly what we need to create a new one.
With:
Professor Austin Herring (Geoffrey McGivern)
Jo Enright
Dan Tetsell
Producer: Simon Nicholls
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2006.
MON 23:00 The Now Show (b071x885)
Series 48
Episode 1
Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis are joined by Mae Martin, Marcus Brigstocke and Gemma Arrowsmith to present the week in news through stand-up and sketches.
This week the gang take a look at the impending EU Referendum and discuss the fallout from Super Tuesday with Channel 4 News' Chief Writer Felicity Spector.
MON 23:30 Elvenquest (b01616lj)
Series 3
Episode 1
When Sam is left behind to "guard the stuff" whilst the others are off killing the Man-munching Giant of Rankor he is accosted by a beautiful maiden, Eirwen, who has been kept captive in the giant's castle and takes Sam to be her rescuer. She promptly proposes, throwing the future of the Questers' Fellowship into jeopardy.
Meanwhile, Lord Darkness' attempts to conquer Lower Earth take a new turn when Kreech discovers an ancient prophesy enabling Lord Darkness to create the "UnChosen One", an evil spirit that is the only being that can defeat the Chosen One.
Problem is, it means Lord Darkness has to impregnate a hideous, misshapen creature. If only there was one of those close to hand...
Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto.
Sam …. Stephen Mangan
Lord Darkness …. Alistair McGowan
Dean/Kreech …. Kevin Eldon
Vidar …. Darren Boyd
EirwenMartha Howe-Douglas
Amis ‘The Chosen One’ …. Dave Lamb
Penthiselea …. Sophie Winkleman
Producer: Sam Michell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2011.


TUESDAY 08 MARCH 2016

TUE 00:00 Charles Chilton - Journey into Space (b007jmtk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Monday]
TUE 00:30 A Good Read (b00763q1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Monday]
TUE 01:00 Wilkie Collins - Who Killed Zebedee? (b007jq0p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]
TUE 01:30 Rocking the Blitz Club (b00rz61w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Monday]
TUE 02:00 Book at Bedtime (b01n9yg5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Monday]
TUE 02:15 Plants: From Roots to Riches (b04cb9gw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Monday]
TUE 02:30 Jacqueline Susann - Valley of the Dolls (b00mjktk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Monday]
TUE 02:45 Book of the Week (b00zlfh1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Monday]
TUE 03:00 CP Snow - Strangers and Brothers (b017gq5y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:00 The Write Stuff (b00f9vnx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:30 King Street Junior (b007jmjs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Monday]
TUE 05:00 The Right Time (b0076mmf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Monday]
TUE 05:30 Just a Minute (b071sn2k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Monday]
TUE 06:00 Wilkie Collins - Who Killed Zebedee? (b007jq12)
Episode 2
With just days to live, a Victorian policeman continues his final confession from his death bed.
With mystery still surrounding the brutal murder of John Zebedee, he recalls his determination to solve the case when the rest of the police force had given up.
Detective story by Wilkie Collins, first published in 1881.
Concluded by Ronald Pickup
Producer: Joanne Reardon
Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in October 2003.
TUE 06:30 Mandela in His Own Words (b00wr4j3)
Nelson Mandela wrote a letter every day of his life. He also wrote diaries, kept notebooks, scratched out ideas for speeches and doodled his thoughts and meditations on scraps of paper.
In this programme Fergal Keane takes a journey through this special archive, which was bequeathed to the Nelson Mandela Foundation in 2009 and published by Macmillan in the book 'Conversations With Myself' in October 2010.
The archive reveals surprises, painful reminders and unanswered questions and offers insight into the experiences which led to Mandela's daily disciplines, life lessons and to the moral and political vision which inspired and continues to inspire so many.
We hear the voice of someone who is communicating not necessarily to a particular audience but who is laying out his personal thoughts. We are also given snatches of audio archive - conversations between Mr Mandela and one of his closest friends and colleagues, Ahmed Kathrada speaking on a range of subjects from lessons on how to fire a rifle, to Tracy Chapman.
We hear Mandela's reflections as an activist with the ANC in the 1960s. We hear his voice at the moment he is told he will be sent to Robben Island, and in more personal moments, recalling dreams about his wife Winnie and his children, during his years apart from his family. We hear diary excerpts written on the night of his release from Pollsmoor in February 1990, and drafts of his very early speeches as leader of the ANC. And we hear extracts from letters and diaries written during his years in retirement, as he observes the ongoing political struggles of his country.
Producer: Sarah Cuddon
A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.
TUE 07:00 55 and Over (b01nt3xm)
1. Out of Tune
Ray and Jane's marriage is rocked by some very bad singing and late-life crises take hold.
Starring Juliet Stevenson and Philip Jackson.
Multi-award winning writer, Peter Souter's comedy about love, sex and other foolhardy mistakes made by the modern 50-pluser.
Jane ..... Juliet Stevenson
Ray ..... Philip Jackson
Tony ..... Patrick Brennan
Heather ..... Liza Sadovy
Honey ..... Stephanie Racine
Sam ..... Adam Nagaitis
Director: Helen Perry
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2012.
TUE 07:30 Linda Smith's A Brief History of Timewasting (b007jsf7)
Series 1
A Day Trip to Romney Marsh
Linda and her chums head to the coast, letting the train increase the strain.
Comedy series written by and starring Linda Smith.
With Femi Elufowoju Jr, Jeremy Hardy, Martin Hyder, Margaret John, Chris Neill and Mark Steel.
Producer: Lucy Armitage
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2001.
TUE 08:00 Round the Horne (b00spqnx)
Series 4
Episode 4
A funny turn round the table with 'The Knights of Camelot' and a bona peek in Kenneth Horne's wardrobe, courtesy of Julian and Sandy.
With Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick and Betty Marsden.
Recorded at the BBC's Paris Studio in Lower Regent Street, London. Announcer: Douglas Smith
Round The Horne was born out of the demise of BBC radio comedy Beyond Our Ken, after the end of writer Eric Merriman's involvement. Using the same cast and producer, Barry Took and Marty Feldman were persuaded to write the scripts - which led to four series that ran between 1965 and 1968 - packed full of parodies, recurring characters, catchphrases and double-entendres.
Marty Feldman had moved on so series 4 is written by Barry Took with Brian Cooke & Johnnie Mortimer and Brian Webster.
Music by the Max Harris Group.
Producer: John Simmonds
First broadcast on the BBC Radio 2 in March 1968.
TUE 08:30 The Men from the Ministry (b0133g6y)
Bridge Under Troubled Water
Grumbling Hampshire locals oppose the bungling duo's plans for a river crossing.
A weekly tribute to all those who work in government departments.
Stars Richard Murdoch and Deryck Guyler. With Norma Ronald, Ronald Baddiley and John Graham.
Written by Edward Taylor and John Graham.
'The Men from the Ministry' ran for 14 series between 1962 and 1977. Deryck Guyler replaced Wilfrid Hyde-White from 1966. Sadly many episodes didn't survive in the archive, however the BBC's Transcription Service re-recorded 14 shows in 1980 - never broadcast in the UK, until the arrival of BBC Radio 4 Extra.
Producer: Edward Taylor
First broadcast on the BBC Radio 4 in March 1973.
TUE 09:00 The Now Show (b071x885)
[Repeat of broadcast at 23:00 on Monday]
TUE 09:30 Mr and Mrs Smith (b01bgp22)
Pilot Episode - The Anniversary
A weekend break to celebrate their anniversary ends in disaster for Will and Annabelle. Will's terrible anniversary present is the last straw so Annabelle signs them up for marriage counselling.
Guy mediates between Will and Annabelle, with flashbacks to the events that spawned the argument. By the end, the couple find marital equilibrium once more. Sort of.
A repeat of the pilot episode from last year, ahead of the new series which begins next week. Sitcom by Will smith.
EPISODE CAST DETAILS:
Will Smith ..... Will Smith
Annabelle Smith ..... Sarah Hadland
Guy, Darryl ..... Paterson Joseph
John, TV repairman ..... Geoffrey Whitehead
Receptionist, Sally ..... Morwenna Banks
Written by ..... Will Smith
Produced by ..... Tilusha Ghelani
ABOUT THE SERIES
The writer and comedian Will Smith leads the starry cast of Mr and Mrs.Smith. Sarah Hadland (Miranda, The Mitchell and Webb Look, Moving Wallpaper) stars as Will's wife Annabelle. Paterson Joseph (Peep Show, Survivors, Green Wing) plays Counsellor Guy. The series also includes Geoffrey whitehead (Reggie Perrin, Worst Week of My Life) , Susie Blake (Coronation Street; Victoria Wood as Seen on TV) and Morwenna Banks (Absolutely; Skins; Saxondale).
Will's writing credits include Armstrong and Miller (BBC1), Harry and Paul (BBC1), Moving Wallpaper (ITV1), Time Trumpet (BBC2), the multi-award winning The Thick Of It (BBC2) in which he also appears as Phil Smith, and the upcoming Veep (HBO).
TUE 10:00 CP Snow - Strangers and Brothers (b017gtdx)
The Conscience of the Rich
1920s
Lewis Eliot gets caught up in a political scandal that engulfs the family of his best friend Charles March.
CP Snow's epic novel sequence about the English Establishment and Power.
Dramatised by Jonathan Holloway
With Adam Godley as Lewis Eliot and narrated by David Haig
George Passant ... Bill Wallis
Marion ... Laura Doddington
Sheila Knight ... Anastasia Hille
Herbert Getliffe ... Stephen Moore
Percy Hall ... Danny Webb
Charles March ... Jamie Glover
Leonard March ... John Standing
Katherine March ... Carla Simpson
Ann Simon .... Emma Woolliams
Mrs Getliffe ... Suzanna Hamilton
Revd Knight ...Brett Usher
Directed by Jeremy Howe and Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2003.
TUE 11:00 Graham Swift - England and Other Stories (b04j29zn)
Holly and Polly
A love story, and how it happens. Read by Jenny Funnell
The 25 short stories that comprise England and Other Stories mark Swift's return to the short form after seven acclaimed novels. The stories dwell on the essence of Englishness and those chosen place us on the eve of the Battle of Trafalgar, in a barbers, a supermarket, a laboratory and Macintyre's warehouse, and in each place and time, Swift perfectly captures a universal truth from the minutiae of lives.
"This is a sharp, beautiful collection: every story quick and readable but leaving in the memory a core, a residue of thoughtfulness" The Guardian
Graham Swift came to prominence with this second novel Shuttlecock, which won the Geoffrey Faber Memorial Prize in 1983. That same year, Swift's Waterland, set in the Fens earned him a place on the shortlist for the Booker prize. Swift would go on to win the Booker prize in 1996 with his novel Last Orders, which became a film starring Michael Caine, Tom Courtney, Bob Hoskins and Helen Mirren.
Produced by Jeremy Osborne
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra by Sweet Talk.
TUE 11:15 Sherlock Holmes (b007k25c)
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
The Blue Carbuncle
The detective must solve a case where the only clues are a Christmas goose and a hat. Stars Clive Merrison and Michael Williams.
TUE 12:00 Round the Horne (b00spqnx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 12:30 The Men from the Ministry (b0133g6y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 13:00 Wilkie Collins - Who Killed Zebedee? (b007jq12)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 13:30 Mandela in His Own Words (b00wr4j3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 14:00 Book at Bedtime (b01ncj0v)
Patricia Ferguson - The Midwife's Daughter
Episode 2
By Patricia Ferguson
Read by Joanna Tope
The new novel by Patricia Ferguson is the compassionate and moving story of two sisters and the young black orphan who changes their lives.
Violet has had a nightmare about her dead daughter, Ruth, and sets off to visit her twin sister, Bea, whose dream it may actually have been.
Abridged by Robin Brooks
Produced by Gaynor Macfarlane.
TUE 14:15 Plants: From Roots to Riches (b04cc1wy)
Multiple Genes
In 1903 a cluster of evening primrose in an abandoned potato field outside the Dutch town of Hilversum caught the eye of German botanist Hugo de Vries. Its huge blooms and large leaves appeared to suggest the sudden development of a new species. Around the same time in Kew Gardens a mysterious primula hybrid appeared. The new discipline of plant genetics soon revealed that this curious trick was being driven by multiplication of chromosomes inside the plant cell nucleus.
Professor Kathy Willis examines this phenomenon - known as polyploidy ( "multiple forms") - and how insights into this peculiarity can contribute to the evolutionary success of plants. It may also hold the answer to one of the botanical world's greatest mysteries - why so soon after appearing in the fossil record did the flowering plants suddenly explode into the bewildering range of species we see today.
With contributions from historian Jim Endersby, Keeper of Kew's Jodrell Lab Mark Chase, and Jodrell Laboratory geneticist Illia Leitch.
Producer Adrian Washbourne.
TUE 14:30 Jacqueline Susann - Valley of the Dolls (b00mjnwj)
Episode 12
Just as Jennifer finds love and happiness, tragedy strikes. Stars Madeleine Potter, Kerry Shale and Nathan Osgood.
TUE 14:45 Book of the Week (b00zlhhl)
John Julius Norwich - The Popes
Episode 2
Well known for his histories of Norman Sicily, Venice, the Byzantine Empire and the Mediterranean, John Julius Norwich has now turned his attention to the oldest continuing institution in the world, tracing the papal line down the centuries from St Peter himself - traditionally (though by no means historically) the first pope - to the present day.
Of the 280-odd holders of the supreme office, some have unquestionably been saints; others have wallowed in unspeakable iniquity.
John Julius Norwich continues his history of the papacy today with a period of immense political turmoil. In 1152 Frederick Barbarossa became King of the Romans - determined to take his place as successor to the great Charlemagne. At the same time the Norman King William of Sicily harboured expansionist ambitions and in Rome the threat of civil war simmered. In the middle stood the only English pope in the Papacy's history: Nicholas Breakspear, Hadrian IV.
Producer: David Roper
A Heavy Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4.
TUE 15:00 CP Snow - Strangers and Brothers (b017gtdx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
TUE 16:00 It's Your Round (b00zf4nz)
Series 1
Episode 5
Angus Deayton hosts the comedy panel show with no format.
Tim Key, Micky Flanagan, Bridget Christie and Nick Hancock battle it out to see who can beat each other at their own games each has brought along.
What is Micky's 'Cockney Rhyming Slang Charades' all about and is it any fun to play? Can anyone understand the rules to Tim's 'No More Women'? And what is Bridget's idea of her 'Fantasy Funeral'? Find out the answers to these questions, and more, in this show.
Angus valiantly tries to make sure everyone comes out of it with their reputations intact.
Reader: Christine Kavanagh
Writers: Angus Deayton, Ged Parsons and Paul Powell
Devised by Benjamin Partridge
Producer: Sam Michell.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2011.
TUE 16:30 Mr and Mrs Smith (b01bgp22)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
TUE 17:00 55 and Over (b01nt3xm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 17:30 Linda Smith's A Brief History of Timewasting (b007jsf7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 18:00 Charles Chilton - Journey into Space (b007jmvs)
Operation Luna
7. Is this The Earth?
As Captain Jet Morgan's crew are pursued on the dark side of the moon, they drift dangerously off course.
Written and produced by Charles Chilton.
Jet Morgan …. Andrew Faulds
Lemmy Barnett …. Alfie Bass
Doc …. Guy Kingsley-Poynter
Mitch …. David Williams
All Other Parts …. David Jacobs
Music composed and orchestra conducted by Van Phillips.
The original 1953 recordings of this futuristic series were erased.
This series was re-recorded and first broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in May 1958.
TUE 18:30 The Palace of Laughter (b007vcw2)
Series 1
Grand Blackpool
Known after its architect Frank Matcham as "Matcham's Masterpiece", the Grand Theatre, Blackpool, is a sumptuously decorated tribute to the greatness of Victorian theatre design.
Bernard Cribbins , Bill Pertwee and Mike Harding are among those recalling their appearances there.
Series in which Geoffrey Wheeler visits variety theatres around the United Kingdom.
Producer: Libby Cross
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2002.
TUE 19:00 Round the Horne (b00spqnx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 19:30 The Men from the Ministry (b0133g6y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 20:00 Wilkie Collins - Who Killed Zebedee? (b007jq12)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 20:30 Mandela in His Own Words (b00wr4j3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 21:00 Graham Swift - England and Other Stories (b04j29zn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
TUE 21:15 Sherlock Holmes (b007k25c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
TUE 22:00 Linda Smith's A Brief History of Timewasting (b007jsf7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 22:30 Tim FitzHigham: The Gambler (b040h6xq)
Series 1
Episode 2
Adventuring comedian Tim FitzHigham recreates a 'gamble Anglaise' from 1811. He's attempting to get a cheeseboard to travel a distance of four and a half miles in under 100 throws.
Challenge number one? Getting permission to have the A151 closed down for the purposes of cheeseboard tossing.
Comedian-author-adventurer Tim FitzHigham recreates a series of bizarre bets from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Written by and starring Tim FitzHigham.
Additional material by Jon Hunter and Paul Byrne and sums and support from Joe Oldak.
Produced by Colin Anderson.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2014.
TUE 23:00 World of Pub (b007sygy)
Series 2
Episode 2
The Red Lion's almost bankrupt - can Dodgy Phil get the punters back?
Tony Roche's comedy about the world's worst pub in London's East End.
Dodgy Phil ...... John Thomson
Barry ...... Phil Cornwell
Garry ...... Alistair McGowan
With Debra Stephenson and Simon Greenall.
Special effects: Carl Phillips and Nick Romero.
Music: Bill Bailey
Producer: Jane Berthoud
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1999.
TUE 23:30 Think the Unthinkable (b007m4dz)
Series 2
Riddlington Plastic
The consultants marvel at the world wide web, and Ryan gets embroiled in a protest. Stars Marcus Brigstocke. From November 2002.


WEDNESDAY 09 MARCH 2016

WED 00:00 Charles Chilton - Journey into Space (b007jmvs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Tuesday]
WED 00:30 The Palace of Laughter (b007vcw2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Tuesday]
WED 01:00 Wilkie Collins - Who Killed Zebedee? (b007jq12)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:30 Mandela in His Own Words (b00wr4j3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Tuesday]
WED 02:00 Book at Bedtime (b01ncj0v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Tuesday]
WED 02:15 Plants: From Roots to Riches (b04cc1wy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Tuesday]
WED 02:30 Jacqueline Susann - Valley of the Dolls (b00mjnwj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Tuesday]
WED 02:45 Book of the Week (b00zlhhl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Tuesday]
WED 03:00 CP Snow - Strangers and Brothers (b017gtdx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:00 It's Your Round (b00zf4nz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:30 Mr and Mrs Smith (b01bgp22)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Tuesday]
WED 05:00 55 and Over (b01nt3xm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Tuesday]
WED 05:30 Linda Smith's A Brief History of Timewasting (b007jsf7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Tuesday]
WED 06:00 Craddock and Co (b007jsvl)
1. The Crompton Canvas
A violent burglary leads Victorian detective Charles Craddock to a sinister rendezvous.
Lucy Greenwood travels from Lancashire to London to work with her Uncle Charles at his London book shop - but soon discovers he has another profession as a private investigator.
CAST:
Charles Craddock …. Martin Jarvis
Lucy Greenwood …. Emma Tate
Grout …. Struan Rodger
Leopold Kransky …. Stephen Thorne
Slip …. Lyndham Gregory
Peggie McLavety …. John Evitts
Captain John Trevail …. Gareth Armstrong
Written by Chris Thompson.
Director: John Taylor.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 5 in 1993.
WED 06:30 Plumbers and Penguins (b00wr6qk)
Stories of some of the tradesmen who live and work on Antarctica.
In the summer of 2009, British Antarctic Survey very publicly recruited 43 plumbers, carpenters, mechanics, electricians and doctors to spend 18 months working on their most southerly research stations - promising "the most exhilarating experience of a lifetime". Chris Eldon Lee discovers what actually happened to the new recruits. Almost 2000 tradesman applied to be parted from their white vans and sent into whiteout conditions. Doctors were also hired to care for their welfare in such extreme conditions.
Mark Green, a 48-year-old Bristol plumber, was sent to Halley Research Station on the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula. His job is to keep water supplies flowing at temperatures of minus 50 Celsius. 30-year-old Claire Lehman, a recently qualified Wiltshire GP, was posted to Rothera, on the western shore of the Peninsula.
Like everybody else in Antarctica, both have had to learn brand new skills to help keep their Bases going. Mark finds himself abseiling down precipitous crevasses and learning to be a sea-ice driver's mate. Claire is refuelling planes and supplying all the field scientists with freshly baked Christmas Cakes.
Producer: Chris Eldon Lee
A Culture Wise production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in December 2020.
WED 07:00 Married (b007w523)
Series 1
Episode 5
Just as he is starting to make the most of his new life, Robin is whisked back to his old universe where his doppelganger has been wreaking havoc...
Hugh Bonneville stars in Tony Bagley's comedy.
Robin ...... Hugh Bonneville
Lesley ...... Josie Lawrence
Dirk ...... Steve Frost
Julia ...... Barbara Murray
Penny ...... Melanie Hudson
Drunk ...... Harry Myers
Producer Claire Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1999.
WED 07:30 Chain Reaction (b071vkwl)
Series 11
Al Murray interviews Ian Hislop
Pub Landlord creator, Al Murray passes the baton to the comedian and satirist Ian Hislop.
Chain Reaction is the long running hostless chat show where this week's interviewee becomes next week's interviewer.
After an early foray into stand-up as a character called 'The Murderer', Al Murray created his famous Pub Landlord character in the mid nineties as part of a touring show with Harry Hill. The Pub Landlord went on to tour venues and festivals worldwide before making his own chat show and sitcom for Sky. Outside of the Pub Landlord, Al is well known as a presenter of history documentaries and more recently as a candidate for parliament when he stood against Nigel Farage in South Thanet during the UK General Election of 2015.
Al's guest Ian Hislop is much more used to the cut and thrust of British politics both as a long-standing team captain on 'Have I Got News for You' and as the editor of satirical magazine Private Eye. As a dedicated fan and student of history, he has made several acclaimed documentaries on wide-ranging subjects including conscientious objectors and The Beeching Report.
Al grills Ian on his early days writing for such comedians as Harry Enfield, asks how we should define the role of the satirist and poses the intriguing question, 'what's it like being sued?'
Producer: Richard Morris
A BBC Radio Comedy production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in March 2016.
WED 08:00 The Navy Lark (b01jt25y)
Series 6
The Struggle for Promotion
A new naval directive lets Pertwee apply for a commission.

Stars Leslie Phillips as the Sub-Lieutenant, Jon Pertwee as the Chief Petty Officer, Stephen Murray as the Number One, Richard Caldicote as Captain Povey, Heather Chasen as Heather and Michael Bates as the Padre and Tenniel Evans as Taffy Goldstein.

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

Scripted by Lawrie Wyman

Producer: Alastair Scott Johnston.

First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in November 1963.
WED 08:30 I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again (b012xpyk)
Series 8
Episode 5
It's music all the way on Wonderful Radio Prune with Dave "the Rave" Hatch.
Starring Tim Brooke-Taylor, Graeme Garden, David Hatch, Jo Kendall and 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 Bill Oddie, Liam Cohen and Dave Lee.
Producer: David Hatch/Peter Titheradge
First broadcast on the BBC Radio 2 in March 1970.
WED 09:00 It's Not What You Know (b036v9hd)
Series 2
Episode 2
Frank Skinner, Grace Dent and Jonathan Agnew each nominate someone they know well to answer a series of questions and they than have to second guess how they answered.
Host Miles Jupp tests Frank on how well he knows his friend and radio co-host Emily Dean, Grace her best friend, the Times columnist Caitlin Moran, and Jonathan his wife's best friend Anne Davies.
What is Frank's favourite drink? Who is Grace's favourite writer? And what would Jonathan do if he wasn't a cricket commentator?
All answers and more will be revealed.
Producer: Sam Michell.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2013.
WED 09:30 The Party Line (b00sx226)
Series 1
Episode 5
Family friction for Duncan Stonebridge as MPs debate the Religious and Racial Hatred Bill. Stars James Fleet. From June 2005.
WED 10:00 CP Snow - Strangers and Brothers (b017gyjd)
The Masters, Part 1
1920s. Lewis Eliot is teaching in a Cambridge College when an election is called for a new Master.
CP Snow's epic novel sequence about the English Establishment and Power.
Dramatised by Jonathan Holloway
With Adam Godley as Lewis Eliot and narrated by David Haig
Francis Getliffe ... Andy Taylor
Winslow ... Clive Merrison
Brown ... Philip Franks
Calvert ... Adam Levy
Jago ... David Calder
Nightingale ... Jeremy Child
Chrystal ... Matthew Marsh
Crawford ... Hugh Quarshie
Mrs Jago... Joanna Monroe
SIr Horace Timberlake... Ian Hogg
Directed by Jeremy Howe and Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2003.
WED 11:00 Graham Swift - England and Other Stories (b04j2dsd)
Articles of War
It is September 1805 and a young lieutenant awaits his first naval action with some trepidation. Read by Ewan Bailey.
The 25 short stories that comprise England and Other Stories mark Swift's return to the short form after seven acclaimed novels. The stories dwell on the essence of Englishness and those chosen place us on the eve of the Battle of Trafalgar, in a barbers, a supermarket, a laboratory and Macintyre's warehouse, and in each place and time, Swift perfectly captures a universal truth from the minutiae of lives.
"This is a sharp, beautiful collection: every story quick and readable but leaving in the memory a core, a residue of thoughtfulness" The Guardian
Graham Swift came to prominence with this second novel Shuttlecock, which won the Geoffrey Faber Memorial Prize in 1983. That same year, Swift's Waterland, set in the Fens earned him a place on the shortlist for the Booker prize. Swift would go on to win the Booker prize in 1996 with his novel Last Orders, which became a film starring Michael Caine, Tom Courtney, Bob Hoskins and Helen Mirren.
Produced by Jeremy Osborne
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra by Sweet Talk.
WED 11:15 Sherlock Holmes (b007k26n)
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
The Speckled Band
After her twin sister dies screaming in terror, a woman seeks the detective's help. Star Clive Merrison and Michael Williams.
WED 12:00 The Navy Lark (b01jt25y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 12:30 I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again (b012xpyk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 13:00 Craddock and Co (b007jsvl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 13:30 Plumbers and Penguins (b00wr6qk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 14:00 Book at Bedtime (b01ncjfs)
Patricia Ferguson - The Midwife's Daughter
Episode 3
By Patricia Ferguson
Read by Joanna Tope
The new novel by Patricia Ferguson is the compassionate and moving story of two sisters and the young black orphan who changes their lives.
Violet has taken Grace home to Silkhampton where she causes quite a stir. And Violet receives an unwelcome visitor.
Abridged by Robin Brooks
Produced by Gaynor Macfarlane.
WED 14:15 Plants: From Roots to Riches (b04cffpd)
Battling Bark and Beetle
By the end of the First World War the mysterious sudden death of elms was a common sight across Belgium and the Netherlands. Dutch researchers managed to elucidate the real culprit amidst rumours of drought or wartime gas poisoning. It was a fungus thought to originate from America, carried by a beetle and the disease rather unfairly gained its name Dutch elm disease. Diagnosis produced no cure and it soon advanced across the channel to Britain.
Professor Kathy Willis talks to the head of Kew's arboretum, Tony Kirkham, on the disease's impact amidst complacency, and how the emergence of a vigorous new fungal strain was to completely transform the landscape during its peak in the 1970's.
Now that the principle replacement for lost elms, ash, itself has fallen victim to the latest disease to hitch a ride on incoming nursery stock, Paul Smith, Head of Kew's Millennium Seed Bank, explains why this new disease could be easier to control.
Producer Adrian Washbourne.
WED 14:30 Jacqueline Susann - Valley of the Dolls (b00mjs2l)
Episode 13
After the tragedy, Neely gets agitated and Anne gets a visit from an old flame. Stars Madeleine Potter and Susan Jameson.
WED 14:45 Book of the Week (b00zm07y)
John Julius Norwich - The Popes
Episode 3
Well known for his histories of Norman Sicily, Venice, the Byzantine Empire and the Mediterranean, John Julius Norwich has now turned his attention to the oldest continuing institution in the world, tracing the papal line down the centuries from St Peter himself - traditionally (though by no means historically) the first pope - to the present day. Of the 280-odd holders of the supreme office, some have unquestionably been saints; others have wallowed in unspeakable iniquity.
Irresistible to women, the father of at least six children before he became pope, Rodrigo Borgia became a byword for deviousness and corruption. Bribes helped him become pope and his notorious son Cesare helped him run the Vatican. As described by John Julius Norwich in today's episode of The Popes the Papacy of 1492 was a very different world.
Producer: David Roper
A Heavy Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4.
WED 15:00 CP Snow - Strangers and Brothers (b017gyjd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
WED 16:00 It's Not What You Know (b036v9hd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
WED 16:30 The Party Line (b00sx226)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
WED 17:00 Married (b007w523)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 17:30 Chain Reaction (b071vkwl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 18:00 Charles Chilton - Journey into Space (b007jmw8)
Operation Luna
8. The Time Travellers
Captain Jet Morgan and his crew find themselves on a curiously familiar planet as visitors arrive.
Futuristic tale set in 1965 written and produced by Charles Chilton.
Jet Morgan …. Andrew Faulds
Lemmy Barnett …. Alfie Bass
Doc …. Guy Kingsley-Poynter
Mitch …. David Williams
All Other Parts …. David Jacobs
Music composed and orchestra conducted by Van Phillips.
The original 1953 recordings of this futuristic series were erased.
This series was re-recorded and first broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in May 1958.
WED 18:30 Off the Page (b072zkkm)
Putting Your Foot in It
Dominic Arkwright discusses putting your foot in it, with Melissa Kite, Dominic Holland and Annie Nightingale. From August 2006.
WED 19:00 The Navy Lark (b01jt25y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 19:30 I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again (b012xpyk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 20:00 Craddock and Co (b007jsvl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 20:30 Plumbers and Penguins (b00wr6qk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 21:00 Graham Swift - England and Other Stories (b04j2dsd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
WED 21:15 Sherlock Holmes (b007k26n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
WED 22:00 Chain Reaction (b071vkwl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 22:30 Andrew Lawrence: How Did We End Up Like This? (b01p0sbk)
Violence
Andrew Lawrence continues his comic explanation of our development via stand up, sketch and song.
This time, Andrew explores violence.
Sara Pascoe and Marek Larwood assist.
Producer: Jane Berthoud
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2012.
WED 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (b074v66j)
The best in contemporary comedy. Jessica Fostekew talks food and funnies with George Egg.
WED 23:00 In and Out of the Kitchen (b01qlhjh)
Series 2
The Literary Festival
Damien and Anthony arrive at a literary festival to promote Damien's book about the culinary habits of the Great Poets. Despite the charming hotel and the peaceful surroundings, the cookery writer can barely disguise his chagrin at his talk being in a tent smaller to other writers he considers lesser than him.
But he soon has the opportunity to get the audience he feels he deserves when a fellow author is knocked unconscious and Damien is asked to fill in. But can he rise to the occasion?
Written by Miles Jupp.
Damien Trench ...... Miles Jupp
Anthony MacIlveny ...... Justin Edwards
Gary McDade ...... Ben Crowe
Sound Man ...... Ben Crowe
Bill Trumpetz ...... Toby Longworth
The Lady ...... Sarah Thom
Marion Duffett ...... Lesley Vickerage
Producer: Sam Michell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2013.
WED 23:30 At Home With The Snails (b007k3hb)
Series 2
Episode 2
George and Beverley have feigned their deaths to see how their children will cope with the grief.
Alex is missing his parents, but his snail obsession is back with a vengeance...
Second series of Gerard Foster's comedy drama
George ..... Geoffrey Palmer
Beverley ..... Angela Thorne
Alex ..... Gerard Foster
Rose ..... Miranda Hart
Hosana ..... Debra Stephenson
Producer: Jane Berthoud
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2002.


THURSDAY 10 MARCH 2016

THU 00:00 Charles Chilton - Journey into Space (b007jmw8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Wednesday]
THU 00:30 Off the Page (b072zkkm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 Craddock and Co (b007jsvl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:30 Plumbers and Penguins (b00wr6qk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 Book at Bedtime (b01ncjfs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:15 Plants: From Roots to Riches (b04cffpd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Wednesday]
THU 02:30 Jacqueline Susann - Valley of the Dolls (b00mjs2l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:45 Book of the Week (b00zm07y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 CP Snow - Strangers and Brothers (b017gyjd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 It's Not What You Know (b036v9hd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:30 The Party Line (b00sx226)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 Married (b007w523)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 05:30 Chain Reaction (b071vkwl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Wednesday]
THU 06:00 Craddock and Co (b007jsvx)
2. The Play's the Thing
1899: Victorian bookseller-cum-detective Charles Craddock and his niece, Lucy, investigate mysterious backstage dramas at a London theatre.
CAST:
Charles Craddock …. Martin Jarvis
Lucy Greenwood …. Emma Tate
Grout …. Struan Rodger
James Price …. David Thorpe
Rufus Weatherby …. Colin Pinney
Rex Radford …. Barry J. Gordon
Elizabeth Barnes …. Teresa Gallagher
Hamlet …. Michael Onslow
Written by Chris Thompson.
Director: John Taylor.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 5 in 1993.
THU 06:30 Beat It: The World of The Modern Drummer (b00vkwvc)
When John Lennon was asked if Ringo was the best drummer in the world he quipped " He wasn't even the best drummer in the Beatles". Lennon's natural put-down is typical of the way drummers are belittled within music circles.
Presenter Phill Jupitus challenges this notion with the help of a cross-section of musicians to discover how they have gained this reputation?
We hear from Clem Burke (drummer with Blondie) and Dr. Marcus Smith who together have proven scientifically that Clem burns a similar amount of calories during a concert as a premiership footballer. Phil Collins (Genesis) and Stewart Copeland (The Police), explain how they cope with the physical demands of performing and how these veterans react to the negative image of the drummer.
Having established the physical demands made on drummers does this exclude women? Dame Evelyn Glennie thinks not as she believes the physicality is not an obstacle. The programme also hears from Kenny Jones (The Small Faces, The Faces and The Who) who still features a drum solo in his set but has the drum solo had its day? Has the modern drummer discarded this indulgence and settled for keeping time at the back? If so why?
For many, the drummer is the joker in the group, Phil Selway of Radiohead explains within the ranks of Britain's moodiest band, there is not too much light hearted banter but he does see his role as a supporting one for the others to be creative.
This whimsical programme hears its fair share of drummer jokes which happily filter through this engaging half hour and yes we discover what Phil Collins thought of the gorilla crashing his way through 'In The Air Tonight" for that famous chocolate TV commercial.
Beat It - The World Of the Modern Drummer an exhaustive and fun exploration of life at the back.
Producer: John Sugar
A Sugar Production for BBC Radio 4.
THU 07:00 PG Wodehouse (b00bt4vw)
What Ho! Jeeves: Joy in the Morning
Schemes and Ruses
Bertie Wooster is much in demand, but his best-laid plans go awry as he lands in a bit of pickle...
P.G. Wodehouse’s romp adapted in seven-parts by Chris Miller.
CAST:
Jeeves …. Michael Hordern
Bertie Wooster …. Richard Briers
Boko Fittleworth …. Jonathan Cecil
Percy, Lord Worplesden …. Peter Woodthorpe
Florence Craye …. Bronwen Williams
Nobby Hopwood …. Rosalind Adams
Edwin the Boy Scout …. Denise Bryer
Producer: Simon Brett
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1978.
THU 07:30 Susan Calman - Keep Calman Carry On (b071whf9)
Series 1
Holiday with John Finnemore
Susan Calman is the least relaxed person she knows. She has no down time, no hobbies (unless you count dressing up your cats in silly outfits) and her idea of relaxation is to play Grand Theft Auto, an hour into which she is in a murderous rage with sky high blood pressure. Her wife had to threaten to divorce her to make her go on holiday last year. Her first for four years. But she's been told by the same long-suffering wife, that unless she finds a way to switch off, and soon, she's going to be unbearable.
So Susan is going to look at her options and try to immerse herself in the pursuits that her friends find relaxing, to find her inner zen and outer tranquillity. Each week she will ditch the old Susan Calman and attempt to find the new Susan Calm, in a typically British leisure pursuit.
This time John Finnemore takes her on a spontaneous holiday.
Keep Calman Carry On is an audience stand up show in which Susan reports on how successful she's been - both at relaxing and at the pursuit itself - as well as playing in and discussing a handful of illustrative clips from her efforts. It's an attempt to find out how people find solace or sanctuary in these worlds and how Susan can negotiate her own place in them.
Producer: Lyndsay Fenner.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2016.
THU 08:00 Steptoe and Son (b007jnqv)
Series 6
Live Now, Paye Later
The tax inspector catches up with Albert Steptoe and son Harold is not impressed.
Starring Wilfrid Brambell as Albert and Harry H Corbett as Harold.
Written for TV and adapted for radio by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.
Albert ...... Wilfrid Brambell
Harold ...... Harry H Corbett
Mr Greenwood ...... George A Cooper
With Michael Shannon and Peter Williams.
Following the conclusion of their hugely successful association with Tony Hancock, writers Ray Galton and Alan Simpson wrote 10 pilots for the BBC TV's Comedy Playhouse in 1962. The Offer was set in a house with a yard full of junk, featuring the lives of rag and bone men Albert Steptoe and his son Harold and it was the spark for a run of 8 series for TV.
Produced by Bobby Jaye
First broadcast on the BBC Radio 2 in February 1976.
THU 08:30 Radio Active (b007jvfx)
Series 3
Lunchtime With Anna
Anna Dapter moves her Breakfast Show to lunchtime this week to accommodate the revised menu in the Radio Active Canteen. 'Lunchtime with Anna' features live coverage of the Buy British Exhibition, from London's Olympia and carrots.
Starring Helen Atkinson-Wood, Angus Deayton, Geoffrey Perkins, Philip Pope and Michael Fenton-Stevens.
Music by Philip Pope and Steve Brown.
Written by Angus Deayton and Geoffrey Perkins. With Jon Canter, Michael Fenton-Stevens, Moray Hunter, John Docherty and Roger Planer.
Producer: Jamie Rix
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1983.
THU 09:00 The Food Quiz (b072zq3m)
Series 1
Episode 5
On Jay Rayner's menu are Clement Freud, Marguerite Patten, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Sonya Kidney. From October 2003.
THU 09:30 The Senses (b072zxm4)
The Sixth Sense
Conversation is far from neighbourly when the occupants of an old cemetery greet a new arrival and discover their lack of common ground.
Buckmaster ...... Geoffrey Palmer
Sarah ...... Sylvestra Le Touzel
Mildred ...... Joan Sims
Kitchie ...... Brian Murphy
Ridley ...... Peter Blythe
Olivia ...... Jane Booker
Gordon ...... Michael Kilgareth
Last in Bob Sinfield's comedy series who explains: "The six half-hour plays dealt respectively with the five obvious senses plus the er...other one".
Producer: Neil Cargill
First broadcast on the BBC Radio 4 in February 1990.
THU 10:00 CP Snow - Strangers and Brothers (b017gzk8)
The Masters, Part 2
The politics of the Cambridge college where Lewis teaches becomes poisonous as the country stands on the brink of war.
CP Snow's epic novel sequence about the English Establishment and Power.
Dramatised by Jonathan Holloway
With Adam Godley as Lewis Eliot and narrated by David Haig
Francis Getliffe ... Andy Taylor
Winslow ... Clive Merrison
Brown ... Philip Franks
Calvert ... Adam Levy
Jago ... David Calder
Nightingale ... Jeremy Child
Chrystal ... Matthew Marsh
Crawford ... Hugh Quarshie
Mrs Jago... Joanna Monroe
SIr Horace Timberlake... Ian Hogg
Directed by Jeremy Howe and Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2003.
THU 11:00 Graham Swift - England and Other Stories (b04j2p0z)
Tragedy, Tragedy
At Macintyre's warehouse, Mick Hammond turns the conversation to the nature of tragedy. Read by Ewan Bailey.
The 25 short stories that comprise England and Other Stories mark Swift's return to the short form after seven acclaimed novels. The stories dwell on the essence of Englishness and those chosen place us on the eve of the Battle of Trafalgar, in a barbers, a supermarket, a laboratory and Macintyre's warehouse, and in each place and time, Swift perfectly captures a universal truth from the minutiae of lives.
"This is a sharp, beautiful collection: every story quick and readable but leaving in the memory a core, a residue of thoughtfulness" The Guardian
Graham Swift came to prominence with this second novel Shuttlecock, which won the Geoffrey Faber Memorial Prize in 1983. That same year, Swift's Waterland, set in the Fens earned him a place on the shortlist for the Booker prize. Swift would go on to win the Booker prize in 1996 with his novel Last Orders, which became a film starring Michael Caine, Tom Courtney, Bob Hoskins and Helen Mirren.
Produced by Jeremy Osborne
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra by Sweet Talk.
THU 11:15 Sherlock Holmes (b007k27y)
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
The Engineer's Thumb
A young man with severe injuries and a chilling tale arrives at Watson's surgery. Stars Clive Merrison and Michael Williams.
THU 12:00 Steptoe and Son (b007jnqv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 12:30 Radio Active (b007jvfx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 13:00 Craddock and Co (b007jsvx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 13:30 Beat It: The World of The Modern Drummer (b00vkwvc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 14:00 Book at Bedtime (b01ncjyn)
Patricia Ferguson - The Midwife's Daughter
Episode 4
By Patricia Ferguson
Read by Joanna Tope
The new novel by Patricia Ferguson is the compassionate and moving story of two sisters and the young black orphan who changes their lives.
Grace is accepted as part of the Silkhampton community. At a school sports day, she catches a glimpse - for the first time - of another person who looks like her.
Abridged by Robin Brooks
Produced by Gaynor Macfarlane.
THU 14:15 Plants: From Roots to Riches (b04cfhqt)
Hunt for Diversity
Agriculture tends to favour the best food varieties but this is often a trade off with beneficial traits such as resistance to disease or tolerance to drought. During the 1920s the Russian botanist Nikolai Vavilov, having witnessed famine on a large scale, became increasingly concerned about the potential loss of locally adapted varieties and spent his life studying crop plants in their wild habitats.
Professor Kathy Willis examines Vavilov's pioneering work and his search for pools of genetic variability - so called "centres of origin" amongst the wild relatives of our domesticated crops that could help sustain future plant breeding for human use.
Vavilov's story has a tragic end but, as we hear, his legacy lives on in seedbanks such as Kew's Millennium Seedbank at Wakehurst Place whose Crop Wild Relatives Project is collecting and assessing new potential amongst the original progenitors of our domestic crops.
With contributions from archaeobotanist Dorian Fuller, Kew's curator of economic botany Mark Nesbitt, Crop Wild Relatives Project coordinator Ruth Eastwood, and head of the Millennium Seedbank Paul Smith.
Producer Adrian Washbourne.
THU 14:30 Jacqueline Susann - Valley of the Dolls (b00mk688)
Episode 14
Lyon is back and Anne still has feelings for him, despite being engaged to Kevin. Stars Madeleine Potter and Barbara Barnes.
THU 14:45 Book of the Week (b00zm1kv)
John Julius Norwich - The Popes
Episode 4
Well known for his histories of Norman Sicily, Venice, the Byzantine Empire and the Mediterranean, John Julius Norwich has now turned his attention to the oldest continuing institution in the world, tracing the papal line down the centuries from St Peter himself - traditionally (though by no means historically) the first pope - to the present day.
Of the 280-odd holders of the supreme office, some have unquestionably been saints; others have wallowed in unspeakable iniquity.
Nepotistic, vain, pompous and idle - Pius VI was not an ideal choice as pope at any time and certainly not during the revolutionary tumult of the late eighteenth century. In today's episode of The Popes, John Julius Norwich explores one of the most dangerous times for the authority of the Vatican.
Producer: David Roper
A Heavy Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4.
THU 15:00 CP Snow - Strangers and Brothers (b017gzk8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
THU 16:00 The Food Quiz (b072zq3m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
THU 16:30 The Senses (b072zxm4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
THU 17:00 PG Wodehouse (b00bt4vw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 17:30 Susan Calman - Keep Calman Carry On (b071whf9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 18:00 Charles Chilton - Journey into Space (b007jmwq)
Operation Luna
9. An Offer of Help
Captain Jet Morgan and his crew have returned to Earth, but it's not as they left it.
Written and produced by Charles Chilton.
Jet Morgan …. Andrew Faulds
Lemmy Barnett …. Alfie Bass
Doc …. Guy Kingsley-Poynter
Mitch …. David Williams
All Other Parts …. David Jacobs
Music composed and orchestra conducted by Van Phillips.
The original 1953 recordings of this futuristic series were erased.
This series was re-recorded and first broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in May 1958.
THU 18:30 Great Lives (b0076yft)
Series 9
Tamara Karsavina
Series of biographical discussions with Matthew Parris. Anna Raeburn nominates ballerina Tamara Karsavina, the leading female dancer in Diaghilev's Ballet Russes from its beginning in 1909 until 1922. In England she coached Margot Fonteyn and created roles for Frederick Ashton. From May 2006.
THU 19:00 Steptoe and Son (b007jnqv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 19:30 Radio Active (b007jvfx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 20:00 Craddock and Co (b007jsvx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 20:30 Beat It: The World of The Modern Drummer (b00vkwvc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 21:00 Graham Swift - England and Other Stories (b04j2p0z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
THU 21:15 Sherlock Holmes (b007k27y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
THU 22:00 Susan Calman - Keep Calman Carry On (b071whf9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 22:30 Newsjack (b07301mk)
Series 14
Episode 5
This week's stories lovingly bashed, mashed and moulded into sketches, one-liners and vox-pops written by the public. Trying to make sense of it all is our host, Nish Kumar.
Nish is joined this week by Daniel Barker, Natasia Demetriou and Alison Thea-Skot.
The Production Coordinator was Sophie Richardson.
Newsjack was produced by Paul Sheehan and Matt Stronge.
It was a BBC Radio Comedy Production.
THU 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (b074v6b9)
The best in contemporary comedy. Jessica Fostekew has a culinary chat with comedian George Egg.
THU 23:00 Believe It! (b01j5nw6)
Series 1
Power
Celebrity autobiographies are everywhere. Richard Wilson has always said he'd never write one.
Based on glimmers of truth, BELIEVE IT is the hilarious, bizarre, revealing (and, most importantly, untrue) celebrity radiography of Richard Wilson.
He narrates the series, weaving in and out of dramatised scenes from his fictional life-story. He plays a heavily exaggerated version of himself: a Scots actor and national treasure, unmarried, private, passionate about politics, theatre and Manchester United (all true), who's a confidant of the powerful and has survived childhood poverty, a drunken father, years of fruitless grind, too much success, monstrosity, addiction, charity work, secret work for governments and fierce rivalry with Sean Connery (not true). All the melodramatic staples of celebrity-autobiography are wonderfully undercut by Richard's deadpan delivery.
(The title - in case you hadn't spotted - is an unashamed reference to his famous catchphrase.)
Richard is supported by a small core cast viz:
David Tennant
John Sessions
Lewis Macleod
Arabella Weir
And Jane Slavin
Who play anyone and everyone!
Ghost written by Jon Canter
Produced by: Clive Brill
A Pacificus Production for BBC Radio 4.
THU 23:30 Arthur Smith's Balham Bash (b01075pz)
Series 3
Episode 2
Arthur Smith with more music and comedy from his actual flat in Balham, south London.
Jenny Eclair is in the front room, Simon Evans on the landing, John Smallshaw delivers poetry and Alex Wilson and his salsa combo are in the kitchen.
Producer: Alison Vernon-Smith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2011.


FRIDAY 11 MARCH 2016

FRI 00:00 Charles Chilton - Journey into Space (b007jmwq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Thursday]
FRI 00:30 Great Lives (b0076yft)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 Craddock and Co (b007jsvx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:30 Beat It: The World of The Modern Drummer (b00vkwvc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 Book at Bedtime (b01ncjyn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:15 Plants: From Roots to Riches (b04cfhqt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Thursday]
FRI 02:30 Jacqueline Susann - Valley of the Dolls (b00mk688)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:45 Book of the Week (b00zm1kv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 CP Snow - Strangers and Brothers (b017gzk8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 The Food Quiz (b072zq3m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:30 The Senses (b072zxm4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 PG Wodehouse (b00bt4vw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Thursday]
FRI 05:30 Susan Calman - Keep Calman Carry On (b071whf9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Thursday]
FRI 06:00 Craddock and Co (b007jsw5)
3. My Dear Isabelle
Spring, 1900: The reappearance of a woman from his past persuades Victorian private investigator, Charles Craddock, to help find her kidnapped husband in France, but niece Lucy realises there are hidden perils.
CAST:
Charles Craddock …. Martin Jarvis
Lucy Greenwood …. Emma Tate
Grout …. Struan Rodger
Isabelle Vallance …. Frances Jeater
Leopold Kransky …. Stephen Thorne
Sir Aubrey Blake …. Colin Pinney
Monsieur Vallance …. Malcolm Ward
Walter Smith …. Michael Onslow
Written by Chris Thompson.
Director: John Taylor.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 5 in 1993.
FRI 06:30 Once in a Blue Moon: The Songs of Lal Waterson (b00vrvqh)
Lal Waterson's voice was stark but captivating and it's been said that the songs she wrote were close to German cabaret or chanson. They were lyrically ambitious and melodically powerful.
Since her death in 1998, her reputation has grown and now she is placed alongside the great singer song-writers like Nick Drake and Richard Thompson. She was a member of the famous Waterson family and numbered among other relatives the folk singer Martin Carthy and his daughter Eliza.
In this feature, Robin Denselow explores the life and legacy of Lal Waterson and assesses her impact on song-writers today.
Producer: Emma Kingsley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2010.
FRI 07:00 1835 (b0125lgl)
All at Sea
Aristocrat Belport and his servant Ned are called up to serve in the navy aboard the HMS Fortunate. Fortunate by name, a magnet for French cannons by nature...
Comic saga of an aristocrat and his servant who struggle to find things to do in the mid- 1830s.
Belport ...... Paul Rider
Ned ...... Jason Done
Black Pete ...... Roy Barraclough
Collins ...... Simon Greenall
Tony Nelson ...... Jonathan Keeble
Written and directed at BBC Manchester by Jim Poyser.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2004.
FRI 07:30 Wordaholics (b01rvptv)
Series 2
Episode 3
Gyles Brandreth chairs the word-obsessed comedy panel show.
Lloyd Langford and Susie Dent compete against Dave Gorman and Natalie Haynes to find out who has the most word know-how.
Dave Gorman guesses the meaning of the phrase 'living on Queen Street' from the late 1800s; Natalie Haynes unravels the word 'autodysomophobia'; Lloyd Langford guesses the meaning of the Yiddish word 'farpotshket'; and Susie Dent shares her love of the current Liverpool word 'twirlies' and explains the meaning of the word 'quockerwodger'.
Both teams also have a go at coming up with modern phrases to replace the old cliches 'When life give you lemons, make lemonade' and 'Beauty is only skin deep'.
Writers: Jon Hunter and James Kettle.
Producer: Claire Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2013.
FRI 08:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b009rnlw)
Series 6
The Fete
The lad rashly agrees to tempt Sir Laurence Olivier to open the East Cheam Garden Fete.
Starring Tony Hancock. With Sidney James, Bill Kerr, Wilfred Babbage, Jack Watson and Hugh Morton.
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 December 1959.
FRI 08:30 The Goon Show (b007jnb4)
Series 6
Scradje
With Britain's boots exploding, Neddie Seagoon tries to tackle a national 'scradje' shortage.
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 March 1956.
FRI 09:00 Wildbrain (b07308t6)
1997 - Heat 5
Lionel Kelleway visits Arundel to test three contestants' wildlife knowledge in the BBC Natural History Unit's quiz.
FRI 09:30 No Commitments (b007jp22)
Series 8
New Age Differences
Victoria gets all intellectual, while Charlotte is on a spiritual path. Stars Angela Thorne and Celia Imrie. From January 2002.
FRI 10:00 CP Snow - Strangers and Brothers (b017h805)
The Light and the Dark
As the Second World War erupts, Lewis Eliot heads to Whitehall and his love life takes an unexpected turn.
CP Snow's epic novel sequence about the English Establishment and Power.
Dramatised by Jonathan Holloway
With Adam Godley as Lewis Eliot and narrated by David Haig
Hector Rose ...Rupert Vansittart
Roy Calvert .... Adam Levy
Houston Eggar ... Peter Marinker
Willy Romantovski ... Kenneth Collard
Gilbert Cooke ... Anthony Calf
Margaret Davidson ...Juliet Aubrey
Rosalind ... Anne-Marie Duff
Betty Vane ... Carla Simpson
Directed by Jeremy Howe and Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2003.
FRI 11:00 Graham Swift - England and Other Stories (b04j2yrc)
People Are Life
It's the last customer of the day for a Cypriot barber and the conversation turns toward friendship. Read by Ewan Bailey.
The 25 short stories that comprise England and Other Stories mark Swift's return to the short form after seven acclaimed novels. The stories dwell on the essence of Englishness and those chosen place us on the eve of the Battle of Trafalgar, in a barbers, a supermarket, a laboratory and Macintyre's warehouse, and in each place and time, Swift perfectly captures a universal truth from the minutiae of lives.
"This is a sharp, beautiful collection: every story quick and readable but leaving in the memory a core, a residue of thoughtfulness: The Guardian
Graham Swift came to prominence with this second novel Shuttlecock, which won the Geoffrey Faber Memorial Prize in 1983. That same year, Swift's Waterland, set in the Fens earned him a place on the shortlist for the Booker prize. Swift would go on to win the Booker prize in 1996 with his novel Last Orders, which became a film starring Michael Caine, Tom Courtney, Bob Hoskins and Helen Mirren.
Produced by Jeremy Osborne
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra by Sweet Talk.
FRI 11:15 Sherlock Holmes (b007k297)
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
The Noble Bachelor
When a missing bride's clothes appear in a lake, the sleuth is bound to investigate. Stars Clive Merrison and Michael Williams.
FRI 12:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b009rnlw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 12:30 The Goon Show (b007jnb4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 13:00 Craddock and Co (b007jsw5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 13:30 Once in a Blue Moon: The Songs of Lal Waterson (b00vrvqh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 14:00 Book at Bedtime (b01nd3jk)
Patricia Ferguson - The Midwife's Daughter
Episode 5
By Patricia Ferguson
Read by Joanna Tope
The new novel by Patricia Ferguson is the compassionate and moving story of two sisters and the young black orphan who changes their lives.
Violet hears about her sister's overreaction to a description of Grace and suspects that Bea has been keeping a secret from her.
Abridged by Robin Brooks
Produced by Gaynor Macfarlane.
FRI 14:15 Plants: From Roots to Riches (b04cfvg3)
Botanical Medicine
In 1947 Sir Robert Robinson received the Nobel prize for Chemistry "in recognition of his investigations of plant products of biological importance, especially the alkaloids". This powerful family of plant chemicals was proving a potent medical tool.
Professor Kathy Willis traces the natural role of alkaloids in plants and the first attempts to isolate one of the best know - quinine, from chinchona bark growing in the Andes. This development gave rise to the emergence of a new kind of laboratory scientist equally able to handle botanical and chemical data. As Mark Nesbitt, Keeper of Kew's Economic Botany Collection explains, this was to eliminate the chance and guesswork in identifying "good" plants from "bad".
Professor Monique Simmons of Kew's Jodrell Laboratory, assesses why chemicals from the plant kingdom are still needed in the fight against some of our most challenging diseases, from breast cancer to cardiovascular disease, and how making the nuanced connections between plant species is central to success in this field.
Producer Adrian Washbourne.
FRI 14:30 Jacqueline Susann - Valley of the Dolls (b00mlxk3)
Episode 15
Betrayed by Neely, and with Lyon becoming more distant, Anne turns to the dolls. Stars Madeleine Potter and Barbara Barnes.
FRI 14:45 Book of the Week (b00zm3hq)
John Julius Norwich - The Popes
Episode 5
Well known for his histories of Norman Sicily, Venice, the Byzantine Empire and the Mediterranean, John Julius Norwich has now turned his attention to the oldest continuing institution in the world, tracing the papal line down the centuries from St Peter himself - traditionally (though by no means historically) the first pope - to the present day. Of the 280-odd holders of the supreme office, some have unquestionably been saints; others have wallowed in unspeakable iniquity.
In the final episode of The Popes, John Julius Norwich concludes with the election of the people's pope John XXIII a welcome antidote to Pius XII. Expected to be nothing more than a brief, caretaker pope, John turned out to be anything but. Dragging the Church into the twentieth century, he shook the world.
Producer: David Roper
A Heavy Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4.
FRI 15:00 CP Snow - Strangers and Brothers (b017h805)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
FRI 16:00 Wildbrain (b07308t6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
FRI 16:30 No Commitments (b007jp22)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
FRI 17:00 1835 (b0125lgl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 17:30 Wordaholics (b01rvptv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 18:00 Charles Chilton - Journey into Space (b007jmx1)
Operation Luna
10. The Citadel
Stranded in Earth's past, the Voice tries tempting Captain Jet Morgan and his crew out into the city of the aliens.
Futuristic tale set in 1965 written and produced by Charles Chilton.
Jet Morgan …. Andrew Faulds
Lemmy Barnett …. Alfie Bass
Doc …. Guy Kingsley-Poynter
Mitch …. David Williams
All Other Parts …. Deryck Guyler
Music composed and orchestra conducted by Van Phillips.
The original 1953 recordings of this futuristic series were erased.
This series was re-recorded and first broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in May 1958.
FRI 18:30 Soul Music (b0076xj6)
Series 5
Widor's Toccata
Ever since Widor's Toccata was included in two Royal wedding ceremonies in the 1960's, this display of fireworks at the organ has become a firm favourite for married couples to exit the Church by in the UK.
Organist Thomas Trotter dissects the music and dispels the myths about playing Widor's Toccata. Organist Daniel Roth explains what it's like to be Widor's direct successor as present day organist at the St Sulpice in Paris. And record producer Simon Cooper talks about hearing a synthesized version of the piece as a 7 year old which switched him on to music for the first time and led him to become a composer himself
Featuring:
Thomas Trotter
John Berry
Simon Cooper
Daniel Roth
Dr Francis Jackson
Katherine Dienes
Series about music that makes the hairs stand up on the back of our necks.
Producer: Rosie Boulton
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2006.
FRI 19:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b009rnlw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 19:30 The Goon Show (b007jnb4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 20:00 Craddock and Co (b007jsw5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 20:30 Once in a Blue Moon: The Songs of Lal Waterson (b00vrvqh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 21:00 Graham Swift - England and Other Stories (b04j2yrc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
FRI 21:15 Sherlock Holmes (b007k297)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
FRI 22:00 Wordaholics (b01rvptv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 22:30 Rudy's Rare Records (b01nb1s7)
Series 4
Best Local Business
EPISODE TWO: BEST LOCAL BUSINESS
Father and son comedy set in the finest old-school record shop in Birmingham. Starring Lenny Henry, Larrington Walker and some terrific tunes.
Rudy's Rare Records is a tiny down at heel old reggae record shop in Birmingham - one of a dying breed; a place with real soul, stacked with piles of vinyl, where the slogan is "if we don't have it - them don't mek it". It's owned by the charismatic, irrepressible Rudy Sharpe (Larrington Walker), reluctantly helped out by his long-suffering neurotic son Adam (Lenny Henry) and Handsworth's first, black, surly girly goth, Tasha (Natasha Godfrey). Rudy has recently married his long-term love interest Doreen (Claire Benedict) which is leaving his best friend Clifton (Jeffery Kissoon) feeling left out.
But business is not booming and Adam enters a competition for the Best Local Business hoping the publicity and the prize money will give the record shop a much needed boost. It also means war between Rudy's Rare Records and Clifton's Blooms.
Adam ..... Lenny Henry
Rudy ..... Larrington Walker
Tasha ..... Natasha Godfrey
Doreen ..... Claire Benedict
Clifton ..... Jeffery Kissoon
Richie ..... Joe Jacobs
Darnell ..... Javone Prince
Secret Shopper ..... Sarah Thom
Ainsley Harriott ..... Himself
Twitch ..... Adam Nagaitis
Written by Paula Hines
Script Editor: Danny Robins
Producer: Katie Tyrrell
Music in this episode:
GET UP EDINA DESMOND DEKKER
RUN THIS TOWN JAY Z, RIHANNA & KANYE WEST
FUSSIN AND FIGHTING BOB MARLEY
BE PREPARED WINSTON SAMUEL
DON'T PLAY NO GAME
THAT I CAN'T WIN BEASTIE BOYS FEAT. SANTIGOLD
DO I WORRY DERRICK HARRIOT
NO FRIEND DELROY WILLIAMS.
FRI 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (b074v7wl)
From 10pm to midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Arthur Smith chats to Adam Riches.
FRI 23:00 The Mark Steel Lecture (b007jlw6)
Series 2
Lord Byron
The life and times of the 'mad, bad and dangerous to know' Romantic poet, Lord Byron.
Mark Steel lectures humourously about historical figures that have shaped their era.
With:
Melanie Hudson
Martin Hyder
Producer: Lucy Armitage
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2001.
FRI 23:30 Goodness Gracious Me (b01pgs6z)
Series 3
Episode 6
The Archers and The Waltons with a twist, and the Minx Twins tackle feminism. Stars Sanjeev Bhaskar. From June 1998.