SATURDAY 30 APRIL 2016

SAT 00:00 Sally Warboyes - Wishing Well (b0075vj3)
When Sarah’s car breaks own on the motorway, she soon regrets asking Grace and Kenneth for shelter...
Rosemary Leach stars in a chilling tale by Sally Warboyes.
Grace ...... Rosemary Leach
Sarah ...... Kate Buffery
Kenneth ...... Norman Bird
Man ...... Alan Barker
Policeman ...... Robert Portal
Director: Cherry Cookson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1991.
SAT 00:30 On Your Farm: A Journey Through the British Isles and Beyond (b078k3vn)
Rare Breeds
Charlotte Smith hears from founder Joe Henson why the Rare Breeds Survival Trust was set up. BBC Radio 4's On Your Farm programme visits Joe's Cotswold farm to hear about the history of farm animals.
Mining the rich archive of past editions of the long running series On Your Farm shows how much the farming industry changed across the 20th century. The series, which began in 1965, has visited every possible kind of farm around the British Isles and beyond.
Producer: Mark Smalley.
SAT 01:00 Renny Krupinski - Bright Red One (b078jzlg)
Alan: We have it in red, sir.
Keith: Red, eh?
Alan: A sort of bright red, sir. Immaculate throughout. 19,000 miles.
Keith: And three four fifty, you said? I'll come down.
But Keith looks set to regret the day he had this telephone conversation, the first of many.
Renny Krupinski's drama stars John Baddley as Alan, Renny Krupinski as Keith, Camille Coduri as Sharon and Paul Gregory as Meetek.
Directed by Janet Whitaker
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1988 as part of Tuesday Follies: Six Thirty Minute Plays.
SAT 01:30 Uncool Britannia (b00sn4rd)
The Austin Montego Years
Steve Punt concludes his three part history of the Britain that's ubiquitous yet unashamedly uncool. Steve argues the nation's recent past has been hijacked by the fashionistas and that it's time to celebrate the past as it really was - deeply unhip.
Today Steve takes to the road, remembering the Austin Maestro & Montego which were unveiled with great fanfare in the early 80s. Steve takes a drive in a Montego with motoring journalist Quentin Willson and attempts to get to grips with why history has been so unkind to these two sensible but unstylish motors. He hears from the voice behind the cars' celebrated speech synthesiser, Nicolette McKenzie, and hears from dealers, designers and marketing men involved in the car's launch.
Producer: Laurence Grissell.
SAT 02:00 Book at Bedtime (b065gkj1)
Go Set a Watchman
Episode 5
Harper Lee's explosive second novel was finally published in 2015. Believed lost for decades after the publication of 'To Kill A Mockingbird', this book revisits much-loved characters, this time through adult eyes.
Jean Louise 'Scout' Finch travels from New York to Maycomb for her annual visit home. It's always a relief to slip into the comfortable rhythms of the South; to spend time with her beloved father Atticus and rekindle her spiky relationship with Aunt Alexandra. But mid-50s Alabama is not the same place where young Scout spent idyllic summers with brother Jem, and the 26-year old will be betrayed and have her trust shattered before she is able to become her own woman.
Harper Lee was the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of 'To Kill a Mockingbird', a book which has been studied, loved, wept over and revered by generations since its publication in 1960. She lived in Monroeville, Alabama until her death in February 2016.
Read by Fenella Woolgar
Written by Harper Lee
Abridged by Robin Brooks
Produced by Eilidh McCreadie.
SAT 02:15 Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen's Men of Fashion (b00jm2yn)
Sporting Gents - The Prince of Wales Plays Golf
The interior designer examines how sportswear has been men's fashion's single biggest influence since the French Revolution.
SAT 02:30 15 Minute Drama (b01293bs)
Cath Staincliffe - Blood in the Mountains
Episode 5
When the weekly list of unclaimed estates is published, probate researchers, brother and sister team Dan and Rachel, search backwards through the family line to find the true heir and get a slice of the fortune. Their quest leads them to uncover a broken family and a terrible secret.
Henry Gaunt died leaving a sizeable estate but no Will. Ninety four year old Eric Beatty, the rightful heir to the estate has rejected the money. Eric fought for the International Brigades in the Spanish Civil War alongside Henry Gaunt's father George who was killed there. But Eric has been holding a terrible secret about George's death and Dan and Rachel are about to uncover it.
DAN.....William Ash
RACHEL.....Claire Keelan
YOUNG ERIC.....Tom Hughes
GEORGE.....Stephen Hoyle
JO.....Eithne Brown
ERIC.....Russell Dixon
Directed by Nadia Molinari.
SAT 02:45 Book at Bedtime (b00fgj4f)
Bruce Chatwin - On the Black Hill
Episode 5
Iestyn Jones reads from Bruce Chatwin's novel about the lives of identical twin brothers Lewis and Benjamin Jones, on their farm in the Welsh Marches.
The twins continue to enjoy farm life, shunning modernity and sharing their parents' bed. Then Mrs Redpath arrives with news that will change everything.
SAT 03:00 Classic Serial (b01n606d)
Thomas Hardy - Far From the Madding Crowd
A Successful Rival
One man proves constant in his love for Bathsheba, while she gives up on all hopes of happiness.
Thomas Hardy's classic tale dramatised by Graham White.
Bathsheba ...... Alex Tregear
Gabriel Oak ...... Shaun Dooley
Boldwood ...... Toby Jones
Troy ...... Patrick Kennedy
Liddy ...... Lizzy Watts
Fanny ...... Hannah John-Kamen
Maltster ...... Robert Blythe
Jan ...... Joe Sims
Joseph ...... Sam Alexander
Henery ...... Patrick Brennan
Billy ...... Don Gilet
Cain ...... Harry Livingstone
Maryann ...... Amaka Okafor
Musicians: Colin Guthrie, Chris Davies, Lauren Swift
Director: Jessica Dromgoole
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2012.
SAT 04:00 The Museum of Curiosity (b01n9yfs)
Series 5
Ker, Stephenson Connolly, Geim
Professor of Ignorance at the University of Buckingham, Professor John Lloyd CBE is joined by comedian Jimmy Carr for the fifth series.
Three guests are invited to donate one item each and explain why it deserves a place in the museum.
John and Jimmy welcome comedian Humphrey Ker, sex therapist, comedian and author Dr Pamela Stephenson-Connolly and Nobel Physics Laureate Professor Sir Andre Geim.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2012
SAT 04:30 No Commitments (b016vn8c)
Series 9
Imaginary Friends
Victoria is keen to meet her daughter's new boyfriend, but is he all that he seems? Stars Angela Thorne. From January 2003.
SAT 05:00 Winston (b007jnby)
Winston in Love
A Dangerous Critter
Everybody except William has fallen in love: Nancy with Roland from the Ministry of Whatsisname, Father with a ghastly old crone, Rosie with a handsome young 'blokie' - and Winston with a disgusting woman from the fish shop...
Peter Tinniswood's bawdy comedy serial stars Bill Wallis as Winston, Maurice Denham as Father, Shirley Dixon as Nancy, Liz Goulding as Rosie and Christian Rodska as William.
Director: Shaun MacLoughlin.
First broadcast on BBC Radio in January 1991.
SAT 05:30 The Rest is History (b07858bs)
Series 2
Episode 4
Frank Skinner loves history, but just doesn't know much of it. So he's devised a comedy discussion show in order to find out more about it.
Along with his historian in residence, Professor Kate Williams, Frank is joined by Chris Addison and Alun Cochrane, who discuss the three wise men, Jack Straw (not that one), Henry Austen and a weaponry timeline.
Producers: Mark Augustyn and Justin Pollard
An Avalon production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in April 2016.
SAT 06:00 Miguel de Cervantes - Don Quixote (b007k0d1)
Episode 1
The Adventures of the Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote de Ie Mancha by Miguel De Cervantes Saavedra.
Don Quixote dons his rusty armour, mounts his broken down horse and sets off with Sancho Panza, his faithful squire, to put the world to rights. The classic adventure published in 1605. Adapted by John Arden.
Starring Bob Grant as Don Quixote, Bernard Cribbins as Sancho Panza, Ronald Baddiley as Cervantes and Meg Johnson as Aldonza.
Music composed by Stephen Boxer.
Director: Alfred Bradley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1980.
SAT 07:30 I Found a Tenor: Richard Tauber Revived (b03ffkfq)
As he prepares to perform operetta for the first time, comedian and entertainer Bernie Clifton explores the impact of Austrian tenor Richard Tauber, the man who inspired him to return to the stage as a singer.
Bernie Clifton began his career singing with a dance band before cutting his teeth as a comedian on the northern club circuit. Famous for riding an ostrich and other outrageous props, Clifton became a regular face on television in the 70s and 80s, appearing on The Lulu Show, The Good Old Days and presenting Crackerjack.
A few years ago Clifton toyed with the idea of returning to the stage as a serious singer and, although his roots lay in Dance Band music, it was rediscovering the voice of Richard Tauber that inspired a new passion in him to perform operetta.
Tauber, acclaimed as one of the greatest singers of the 20th century was a favourite in the Clifton family home and the young Bernie was regularly exposed to his music. As the decades passed by, Tauber's songs including the classics 'My Heart and I' and 'You Are My Heart's Desire' were almost forgotten until Clifton purchased an album of recordings. One atmospheric night he relived them and they revived some wonderful memories and motivated a new career ambition.
In this programme we join Clifton preparing for a special evening of Viennese music where he'll perform songs before an audience in the Tauber style with The National Concert Orchestra.
He trains his voice at the Royal Northern College of Music under the tutorship of the celebrated tenor David Maxwell Anderson, visits Tauber landmarks in London and meets Tauber enthusiast Bernard Keeffe, the Chairman of the Anglo-Austrian Music Society.
Throughout, Clifton reflects on his own career and explores the more interesting aspects of the life of the Austrian singer. Much-admired Lancashire tenor Jon Christos is also on hand with music recordings to illustrate the uniqueness of the Tauber voice and his effect on 21st-century performers.
As the journey concludes we discover if Bernie Clifton has got what it takes to perform without laughter as he takes to the stage as a serious singer of operetta.
Produced by Stephen Garner
SAT 08:00 Archive on 4 (b01p6p7s)
Lawrence of Arabia: The Man and the Myth
David Lean's epic film Lawrence of Arabia was premiered in London fifty years ago. It perpetuated but also critiqued the myth of TE Lawrence, the Imperial desert adventurer, and proved a turning point in the representation of the Empire on screen.
Allan Little examines the film and Lawrence's own account of his desert campaign on which it was based, Seven Pillars of Wisdom. He considers how they may be read in the light of the modern Middle East.
With archive of those who knew and served with Lawrence, recollections of his brother and his biographer, contributions from Arab scholars and Lawrence's own words, Allan Little makes a case for Lawrence as a man of great foresight - both as the 'father of guerrilla warfare' and as a strategist who championed the Arab cause.
The programme includes recordings from Jordan, where a team of archaeologists from Bristol University is currently excavating the remains of The Great Arab Revolt and Lawrence's part in it.
Producer: Susan Marling
A Just Radio production for BBC Radio 4.
SAT 09:00 Comedy Controller (b01m6hqn)
Adam Hills
The Antipodean funny man opens up his own personal comedy preferences. Including The Goon Show, Kenny Everett - The Local Radio Years, League of Gentlemen, Flight of the Conchords and Little Britain.
What do Adelaide, Melbourne and Edinburgh all have in common? Their Fringe and comedy festivals have all been host to popular and critically-lauded shows from this sunny Australian comic. A purveyor of self-confessed "positive uplifting comedy", Adam has been a Perrier nominee on no less than three separate occasions, and a winner of the Best of the Fest. Not only a veteran of the British panel game circuit - via Mock the Week and Never Mind the Buzzcocks - he has presented Four at the Store for Radio 4.
A consistently popular comedian, in this programme, Adam shares his love of radio comedy and it's formative role in his comedy career. Go you big red fire engine!
Produced by Martin Dempsey.
SAT 12:00 Parsley Sidings (b01nrmxq)
Series 1
The Market Special
The station staff at Parsley Sidings go all out to boost falling passenger numbers.
The eponymous series is set in a sleepy railway station. The Hepplewhites have run 'Parsley Sidings' station for generations and the current Station Master, Horace, hopes that his son Bert will continue the line. Mild-mannered Ticket Clerk Bert wants to work anywhere but on the railways. His colleague, Station Announcer Gloria Simpkins, secretly loves him. Porter Percy Valentine is an archetypal wheeler-dealer and the ancient Signalman, Bradshaw, causes havoc and dispenses home-made remedies in equal measure. The 'Parsley Sidings' nemesis is Phineas Perkins, the station master of Potwhistle Halt, one stop down the line.
Starring Arthur Lowe as Horace, Ian Lavender as Bert, Kenneth Connor as Percy, Liz Fraser as Gloria and Elizabeth Morgan as Ethel.
Re-created Announcements by Keith Skues.
Producer: Edward Taylor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in December 1971.
SAT 12:30 Artists (b00x59wq)
Series 1
Moor Will Mean Worse
A community of artists in Cornwall bicker over each others' work - and with each other. Stars Pauline McLynn. From March 2003.
SAT 13:00 A Girl Called Jack by Jack Monroe (Omnibus) (b0790hpb)
Jack Monroe is an unusual food writer, gaining celebrity from her unique blog about existing on the breadline. During that time, she hit rock bottom but kept fighting to eat well and give her son proper food, rather than live on processed, cheap products. Now successful and no longer on the breadline, she continues to campaign passionately for decent food and standards of living.
This drama revisits her past and her relationship with her beloved Grandma.
Starring Jaime Winstone and June Whitfield.
Jack's blog started in 2012 after a local councillor in Southend-on-Sea attacked single mothers. Jack lived in a small flat with her young son. Having been made redundant from a well-paid job, she found herself struggling to get by on benefits while applying unsuccessfully for jobs. Her blog documented the difficulties of living on welfare and, particularly, how to feed her son a nutritious and enjoyable diet on just £10 a week. It became a huge hit. Jack became a journalist, published food writer and social campaigner.
Omnibus of five episodes: Why isn't Grandma talking to Jack? And discover why soda bread is her favourite recipe.
Jack Monroe ...... Jaime Winstone
Grandma ...... June Whitfield
Gary ...... Sam Troughton
Dramatised by Sarah Daniels.
Guitar playing by Dan Cocker
Producer: Polly Thomas
Executive Producer: Joby Waldman
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in April 2016
SAT 14:10 Inheritance Tracks (b0790jc0)
Edith Bowman
Radio DJ and TV presenter Edith Bowman chooses 'Blackbird' by The Beatles and 'Slow Show' by The National.
SAT 14:15 Frankly Speaking (b0790m7g)
Stanley Holloway
Actor and singer, Stanley Holloway OBE discusses his career with renowned journalist John Freeman (remembered for his Face to Face interviews) and theatre critic Philip Hope-Wallace.
Aged 70 when interviewed, Stanley looks back over his career so far. He's best remembered on the big screen for Brief Encounter, Passport To Pimlico, The Titfield Thunderbolt and The Lavender Hill Mob. But it was playing Eliza Doolittle's father Alfred the dustman in the original Broadway (1956) and London (1958) productions of 'My Fair Lady' that won him the 1964 film role which brought Stanley international fame.
Stanley Holloway was born in 1890 and died in 1982.
Launched in 1952 on the BBC Home Service, Frankly Speaking was a novel, ground breaking series. Unrehearsed and unscripted, the traditional interviewee/interviewer pairing was initially jettisoned for three interviewers firing direct questions. Early critics described it as 'unkempt', 'an inquisition' and described the guest as prey being cornered, quarry being pursued - with calls to axe the unscripted interview. But the format won out and eventually won over its detractors.
Unknown or very inexperienced broadcasters were employed as interviewers, notably John Betjeman, Malcolm Muggeridge and Penelope Mortimer. Only 40 or so of the original 100 programmes survive.
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in July 1960.
SAT 14:45 Could Do Better (b03lbzfg)
Kenneth Williams
Robert Booth summons Kenneth Williams to his study for a quiet word about the comic actor's school reports. From October 1987.
SAT 15:00 Archive on 4 (b01p6p7s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
SAT 16:00 Miguel de Cervantes - Don Quixote (b007k0d1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 17:30 I Found a Tenor: Richard Tauber Revived (b03ffkfq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 18:00 Jenny McDade - Something of the Night (b0075bgz)
A bad dream, ley lines, the marsh mist - or simply an overactive imagination?
A schoolboy witnesses strange goings-on. But will any of the grown-ups believe his fantastic tale?
Jenny McDade's drama stars Leonard Kirby as Dean Batty, John Challis as Inspector Andrews, Geoffrey Whitehead as Adrian Knight MP and Jane Whittenshaw as Hatty Fielding.
Director Celia de Wolff
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1998.
SAT 18:45 Roald Dahl (b0790vxt)
Lamb to the Slaughter
Patrick Maloney comes home one night with shocking news for his wife - but not as big as the shock she's going to give him!
Jenny Lynch reads Roald Dahl's short story.
Producer: Rosemary Watts
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1992.
SAT 19:00 Comedy Controller (b01m6hqn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 22:00 What Does the K Stand For? (b03k21ns)
Series 1
My Mum Is Shirley Bassey
Stephen traces his ability to spin a yarn back to an incident with his mum and the school fete.
Stephen K Amos's sitcom about his teenage years, growing up black, gay and funny in 1980s South London.
Written by Jonathan Harvey with Stephen K Amos.
Himself ... Stephen K Amos
Young Stephen ... Shaquille Ali-Yebuah
Stephanie Amos ... Fatou Sohna
Virginia Amos ... Ellen Thomas
Vincent Amos ... Don Gilet
Miss Collins ... Gemma Whelan
Jayson ... Frankie Wilson
PE Teacher/Red Coat ... Harry Jardine
Producer: Colin Anderson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2013.
SAT 22:30 Comedy Club at Machynlleth (b0790wlw)
2016
Episode 2
Made for 4 Extra. Arthur Smith chats to John Shuttleworth at the Machynlleth Comedy Festival.
SAT 22:35 Mark Watson Makes the World Substantially Better (b00k3n96)
Series 1
Greed/Gluttony
Welsh comedian Mark Watson sets out on his quest to free us from the seven deadly sins via stand-up comedy.
It's greed and gluttony for starters.
Tim Key and Tim Minchin provide sketches, songs and distractions.
Producer: Katie Marsden
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2007.
SAT 23:05 Comedy Club at Machynlleth (b0791h7l)
2016
Episode 3
Made for 4 Extra. Arthur Smith entertains on an Electro-Mechanic Lithophone at the Machynlleth Festival.
SAT 23:10 Isy Suttie: Pearl and Dave (b0196rpc)
Isy Suttie ('Dobby' from Channel 4's 'Peep Show' & double British Comedy Award nominee.) recounts a moving love story involving a socially awkward childhood neighbour (her first pen pal) and a 'well-bred' girl from Surrey - the titular Pearl and Dave. She interweaves the narrative with her own tales of failed relationships, internet dating and eventual happiness, much of which is told through song. Adapted from her sell out Edinburgh 2011 Edinburgh show of the same name. From BBC Radio Comedy.
"I'm overjoyed to be doing my Edinburgh show on Radio 4. Having spent a month playing to audiences who'd been rained on all day, some of them dashing in late, I advise listeners to wrap up warm, eat a hearty meal and leave enough time for the journey from the sofa to the radio." Isy Suttie Nov 2011.
The Producer is John Pocock.
SAT 23:40 Comedy Club at Machynlleth (b0791hnw)
2016
Episode 4
Made for 4 Extra. Arthur Smith chats to Jess Thom aka Touretteshero at the Machynlleth Comedy Festival.
SAT 23:45 Mordrin McDonald: 21st Century Wizard (b01jxslj)
Series 3
Election Fever
Step into the magically mundane world that is the life of 21st Century Wizard Mordrin McDonald. An isolated 2000 year-old Scottish sorcerer with enough power in his small finger to destroy a town, yet insufficient clout to get a speed bump installed outside his cave by the local council. Even for such a skilful sorcerer, modern life is rubbish!
In this episode, Mordrin (David Kay) finally gets an opportunity to get a seat on the Wizard Council. The Golden Phoenix has flown down the chimney at the Wizard Chambers signifying the start of the election process, which only happens every 150 years, and Mordrin has been called to stand. It's a brilliant chance for Mordrin to finally get some clout in the Wizard community, the only downside is that failure to win at the ballot box will result in certain fiery death under the Golden Phoenix. Mordrin decides to call upon Bernard (Jack Docherty) to be his campaign manager.
Written by David Kay and Gavin Smith
Producer: Gus Beattie
A Comedy Unit production for BBC Radio 4.


SUNDAY 01 MAY 2016

SUN 00:00 Jenny McDade - Something of the Night (b0075bgz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Saturday]
SUN 00:45 Roald Dahl (b0790vxt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:45 on Saturday]
SUN 01:00 A Girl Called Jack by Jack Monroe (Omnibus) (b0790hpb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 13:00 on Saturday]
SUN 02:10 Inheritance Tracks (b0790jc0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:10 on Saturday]
SUN 02:15 Frankly Speaking (b0790m7g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Saturday]
SUN 02:45 Could Do Better (b03lbzfg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Saturday]
SUN 03:00 Archive on 4 (b01p6p7s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Saturday]
SUN 04:00 Miguel de Cervantes - Don Quixote (b007k0d1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]
SUN 05:30 I Found a Tenor: Richard Tauber Revived (b03ffkfq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Saturday]
SUN 06:00 Cath Staincliffe - Legacy: Blood in the Mountains (b012f50s)
Omnibus: Probate researchers Dan and Rachel are on a challenging quest to find an heir to a fortune. Stars William Ash and Claire Keelan.
SUN 07:15 A Woman's World (b00wr6r0)
The Primary School
"I felt awkward going to school - it was only women who did - it just wasn't a man thing. It didn't seem right." Colin, a parent at Sanquhar Primary School in Dumfries and Galloway, reflects on how he used to feel about going into school.
The series on men with jobs in female workplaces begins with the story of Alex Douglas, the only man in the staff room. Alex talks about his battle to get men like Colin to engage with the school. Five years ago - after only one man turned up for a parents' evening - he set up a Dads' club. Alex explains how he persuaded Sanquhar Dads to join the club (he drew on his background as a professional photographer) and then managed to keep it going.
"In most primary schools, because it's a female environment, the female view takes precedence", he argues. "When my children were at primary school, I was available to help out during the day, and not once was I asked. But my wife was."
Chris Ledgard meets Sanquhar staff, parents and children who talk about how Mr Douglas' good idea changed a school culture.
SUN 07:30 Ed Reardon's Week (b01gg7g4)
Series 8
Making a Difference
Ed Reardon leads us through the ups and down of his week, complete with his trusty companion, Elgar, and his never-ending capacity for scrimping and scraping at whatever scraps his agent, Ping, can offer him to keep body, mind and cat together.
Ed decides to 'Make a Difference' to impress Fiona and as a consequence finds himself becoming 'a voice for the people' when he joins a group trying to change the railways. As a consequence he finds himself on local radio representing the group and 'channelling grumpy', and astonishingly finds that people agree with his views and find his conversation 'totes legde'. Thus it is that 'Captain Grumblebum' is created.
Written by Andrew Nickolds and Christopher Douglas.
Produced by Dawn Ellis.
SUN 08:00 The Clitheroe Kid (b007k1lk)
Series 2
Girl Trouble
Cheeky schoolboy Jimmy is ribbed by his pals when he has to escort new neighbour Shirley to school.
Starring Jimmy Clitheroe as The Clitheroe Kid. With Peter Sinclair as Grandfather, Patricia Burke as Mother, Diana Day as Susan and Leonard Williams as Theodore Craythorpe.
The Clitheroe Kid ran from 1958 - 1972 - gaining audiences above 10 million at its peak.
Its Lancashire born star, Jimmy Clitheroe (1921-1973) was just 4'3" tall, with a rather shrill voice making him a very believable naughty schoolboy - despite being 35 when it began as a one-off show. Created by James Casey in 1956, a pilot followed and series 1 proper in 1958. Both writing and producing, James stayed with his creation until it finally came off-air. Jimmy died a year later aged just 51.
Theme music by Alan Roper and played by the BBC Northern Dance Orchestra conducted by Alyn Ainsworth - with Jimmy Leach at the Electronic Organ.
Scripted by James Casey and Frank Roscoe
Produced: James Casey
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in February 1959.
SUN 08:30 Doctor in the House (b007k4bc)
Our First Baby
Medic Simon Sparrow is thrown in the deep-end on St Swithins' ante-natal ward.
The misadventures of student doctor Simon Sparrow - adapted for radio by Ray Cooney from Richard Gordon's novel 'Doctor in the House' published in 1952.
Starring Richard Briers as Simon Sparrow, Geoffrey Sumner as Sir Lancelot Spratt, Ray Cooney as Tony Benskin, Edward Cast as Taffy Evans and Norma Ronald as Vera.
Producer: David Hatch
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1968.
SUN 09:00 Respectable: Omnibus (b0791r9q)
Lynsey Hanley explores the experience of class aspiration in Britain over the past four decades, via the lens of her own life.
SUN 10:10 Inheritance Tracks (b0791s3x)
Gordon Buchanan
Globetrotting wildlife film-maker Gordon Buchanan chooses 'D-I-V-O-R-C-E' by Tammy Wynette and 'Tusk' by Fleetwood Mac.
SUN 10:15 Desert Island Discs: Longplay (b0791s3z)
Bill Gates
4 Extra's extended edition. Kirsty Young chats to key technological pioneer and Microsoft co-founder, Bill Gates. From January 2016.
SUN 11:15 The Moth Radio Hour (b0791s5x)
Series 2
Motherlove, Money and War
True stories told live in the USA. Sarah Austin Jenness introduces tales about gambling, a family visit and war reporting.
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 12:00 The Clitheroe Kid (b007k1lk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
SUN 12:30 Doctor in the House (b007k4bc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
SUN 13:00 Cath Staincliffe - Legacy: Blood in the Mountains (b012f50s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 14:15 A Woman's World (b00wr6r0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
SUN 14:30 Gillian Slovo - 10 Days: Omnibus (b0794hyk)
Episode 2
Police discover where their missing officer is hiding, just as Cathy does the same. Read by Jasmine Hyde and Ben Onwukwe.
SUN 15:45 Daphne Du Maurier (b007j7pb)
And His Letters Grew Colder
A passionate affair gradually dies. An early story by Daphne du Maurier that was only discovered in 2006. Read by Nigel Havers.
SUN 16:00 Daphne Du Maurier (b007k4qn)
September Tide
When Cherry comes home to visit her widowed mother Stella, she brings her new husband with her.
But surprises are in-store, as this is the first time mother and son-in-law have met.
Starring Paula Wilcox, Jonathan Firth and Alice Hart.
Daphne du Maurier's bittersweet love story set in a beautiful house on a Cornish estuary.
Stella Martin …. Paula Wilcox
Evan Davies …. Jonathan Firth
Cherry Davies …. Alice Hart
Robert Hanson …. John Rowe
Mrs Tucket …. Susan Jameson
Neighbour …. Duncan Walsh Atkins
Director: Tracey Neale
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2005.
SUN 17:00 Poetry Extra (b0794n4b)
We Real Cool - The Poetry of Gwendolyn Brooks
BBC Radio 4's Poet in Residence, Daljit Nagra revisits the BBC's radio poetry archive with 'We Real Cool' - The Poetry of Gwendolyn Brooks
Gwendolyn Brooks was an African American poet whose imagination, conscience and passion for words made her the first black poet to win the Pulitzer Prize, in 1950. Narrated by her daughter Nora Brooks Blakely, this is portrait features friends and fellow poets - including Sonia Sanchez and Haki Madhubuti.
Publishing her first poem at 13 - when she hit 16, Gwendolyn was publishing in newspapers serving Chicago's black population. Early critics welcomed her as 'a real poet writing poignant social documents.'
Her poems are portraits of ordinary people she observed day-to-day. She moulded them into memorable characters like Annie Allen, Rudolph Reed and Satin Legs Smith. Her deepest compassion though was for young people, particularly struggling youth. Her most famous poem, We Real Cool, is about children skipping school - still spoken aloud today by children who learn it by heart.
Brooks believed she had a social and political role as a poet and became one of the most visible articulators of the "black aesthetic" as the Black Arts Movement took off in the late 1960s. Her commitment to nurturing black literature led her to leave major publisher Harper & Row in favour of a fledgling black company. When she was appointed poet laureate of Illinois in 1968, she used her role to visit schools, prisons, and rehabilitation centres to help people 'see the poetry in their lives.' She always claimed her greatest achievement was teaching people that poetry isn't a formal activity but an art form within the reach of everybody.
Produced by Sarah Cuddon
A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4 from 2015.
SUN 17:30 Ed Reardon's Week (b01gg7g4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 18:00 The Female Ghost (b00njx8j)
Afterward
After an unexpected windfall on their American mine, Ned and Mary move to a dream home in England, but their past is catching up with them...
A series of ghostly stories by women dramatised by Christopher Hawes.
Edith Wharton's eerie tale stars Buffy Davis as Edith Wharton, Carolyn Jones as Alida, John Guerrasio as Ned, Barbara Barnes as Mary, Sean Baker as Parvis, Rachel Atkins as Trimmle, Christopher Scott as Peters and Alex Lowe as Robert Elwell.
Producer: Marion Nancarrow
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1997.
SUN 18:30 Voices From the Grave (b007jwn1)
The Lie
Lisa gives up everything for her lover - and wanders a disused Victorian psychiatric hospital.
Series of four chilling and intimate dramas inspired by existing ghost stories from around Britain.
Lynn Ferguson's horror stars Leslie Ash as Angela, Ian Dunn as Colin, Leslie Ash as Angela, Janet Brown as Martha/Lisa's Mother, Geoffrey Beevers as the Caretaker and Lynn Ferguson as Lisa.
Producers: Luke Fresle/Gemma Jenkins
Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in 2006.
SUN 19:00 The Moth Radio Hour (b0791s5x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
SUN 19:50 Respectable: Omnibus (b0791r9q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SUN 21:00 Desert Island Discs: Longplay (b0791s3z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:15 today]
SUN 22:00 Ed Reardon's Week (b01gg7g4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 22:30 Comedy Club at Machynlleth (b0794pnb)
2016
Episode 5
Made for 4 Extra. Arthur Smith chats to Nick Helm at the Machynlleth Comedy Festival.
SUN 22:35 Lee and Herring's Fist of Fun (b007k1qh)
Belfast
Goldilocks, Robert the Bruce and body awareness.
From Queen's University, Belfast.
Stewart Lee and Richard Herring’s mix of sharp sketches and situations, stand up topical gags and banter.
With Peter Baynham, Ronni Ancona and John Thomson.
Lee and Herring went to write and star in their successful TV transfer to BBC Two in 1995.
Cult BBC Radio 1 series first broadcast in October 1993.
SUN 23:05 Comedy Club at Machynlleth (b0794pxq)
2016
Episode 6
Made for 4 Extra. Thom Tuck 'savours' a gig in a static home at the Machynlleth Comedy Festival.
SUN 23:10 The Shuttleworths (b007lrj3)
John Shuttleworth's Open Mind
Ghosts
Spooky happenings hamper John's investigation as he delves into the world of ghosts.
He can't afford a night at a haunted hotel, but he does get some expert advice from his telephone guest, Yvette Fielding.
Sheffield's John Shuttleworth continues his probe into unsolved phenomena..
With Mary Shuttleworth.
Written and performed by Graham Fellows.
Additional material by Dean Wilkinson.
Producer: Dawn Ellis
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2006.
SUN 23:40 Comedy Club at Machynlleth (b0794qpp)
2016
Episode 7
Made for 4 Extra. Arthur Smith chats to Louise Reay about doing comedy in Mandarin at the Machynlleth Festival.
SUN 23:45 Mordrin McDonald: 21st Century Wizard (b01k2b1b)
Series 3
School Sports Day
Step into the magically mundane world that is the life of 21st Century Wizard Mordrin McDonald. An isolated 2000 year-old Scottish sorcerer with enough power in his small finger to destroy a town, yet insufficient clout to get a speed bump installed outside his cave by the local council. Even for such a skilful sorcerer, modern life is rubbish!
In this episode, Mordrin (David Kay) is persuaded by his neighbour Tracey (Rosemary Hollands) to take part in her School Sports Day. Mordrin is struggling with his fitness and any attempts to simply 'magic' himself fit may result in an unwanted call up to the Wizard Olympics which contains events such as the Dragon Hurdles, a Magroth Marathon and, worst of all, a Troll chasing Decathlon.
Written by David Kay & Gavin Smith.
Producer: Gus Beattie
A Comedy Unit production for BBC Radio 4.


MONDAY 02 MAY 2016

MON 00:00 The Female Ghost (b00njx8j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Sunday]
MON 00:30 Voices From the Grave (b007jwn1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Sunday]
MON 01:00 Cath Staincliffe - Legacy: Blood in the Mountains (b012f50s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Sunday]
MON 02:15 A Woman's World (b00wr6r0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 on Sunday]
MON 02:30 Gillian Slovo - 10 Days: Omnibus (b0794hyk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Sunday]
MON 03:45 Daphne Du Maurier (b007j7pb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 on Sunday]
MON 04:00 Daphne Du Maurier (b007k4qn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Sunday]
MON 05:00 Poetry Extra (b0794n4b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:00 on Sunday]
MON 05:30 Ed Reardon's Week (b01gg7g4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Sunday]
MON 06:00 Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn (b00d7lzt)
Episode 1
18th Century swashbuckling scholar, Doctor Syn finds love - and encounters a dastardly squire. Read by Rufus Sewell.
Christopher Syn, a brilliant young scholar, is a Doctor of Divinity at Oxford, but his eventual decision to throw away the Bible for the sword in a mad quest for vengeance will influence the rest of his life.
Russell Thorndike's Kent-based adventure featuring pirates, smuggling, highwaymen, duels, wicked squires and beautiful Spanish ladies. Based on the first two novels (published 1935 and 1936) in the seven-title sequence, 'Doctor Syn on the High Seas' and 'Doctor Syn Returns'. Abridged by Doreen Estall.
Writer Russell Thorndike (1885-1972) is less well-known than his sister, the actress Dame Sybil Thorndike, but his Doctor Syn novels hold a special place in the affection of lovers of atmospheric, swashbuckling storytelling everywhere. His novels have been filmed with actors as diverse as George Arliss, Peter Cushing and Patrick McGoohan in the role of Syn, and the Kent village of Dymchurch holds an official 'Day of Syn' every other year, to commemorate a home-grown literary folk hero.
Producer: Lawrence Jackson
Made for BBC Radio 7 by BBC Northern Ireland
First broadcast in 2006.
MON 06:30 Inside the Brain of a Five-Year-Old (b00rm072)
Claudia Hammond investigates the latest research into the working of the five year old brain, and asks whether the latest developments in neuroscience might have an application in the classroom.
Could a deeper understanding of brain development help educationalists get better results- and if so how can teachers separate the brain fact from so much of the brain fiction which seems to be out there?
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2010.
MON 07:00 Elephants to Catch Eels (b007mcc4)
Series 1
Episode 1
If smugglers were the rock stars of the day, Tamsyn Trelawny was Drumlin Bay's very own Ms Dynamite-ee-ee.
But how will she cope when a keen young soldier from London is appointed the new local customs collector.?
18th century Cornish village sitcom by the writers of Dead Ringers - Tom Jamieson and Nev Fountain.
Starring Lucy Speed as Tamsyn Trelawny, John Bowe as Jago Trelawny, Cameron Stewart as Major Thomas Falconer, Andrew McGibbon as Captain Marriot, Martin Hyder as Squire Bascombe, Julia Deakin as Lady Mary, Mark Felgate as Dewey and Phil Nice as Various Characters.
Producer: Jan Ravens.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2003.
MON 07:30 The Unbelievable Truth (b078xpfg)
Series 16
Episode 4
David Mitchell hosts the panel game in which four comedians are encouraged to tell lies and compete against one another to see how many items of truth they're able to smuggle past their opponents.
Joe Lycett, Sam Simmons, Richard Osman and Aisling Bea are the panellists obliged to talk with deliberate inaccuracy on subjects as varied as the jokes, ghosts, LEGO and reality TV.
The show is devised by Graeme Garden and Jon Naismith, the team behind Radio 4's I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue.
Produced by Jon Naismith
A Random Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4.
MON 08:00 Parsley Sidings (b01ntnsd)
Series 1
The Postal Express
Parsley Sidings' Station Master Horace Hepplewhite hopes a new automated mail system will save the sleepy halt in a trial with his deadly rival.
Starring Arthur Lowe as Horace, Ian Lavender as Bert, Kenneth Connor as Percy, Liz Fraser as Gloria and John Graham as Phineas Perkins.
Jim Eldridge's eponymous series is set in a sleepy railway station. The Hepplewhites have run 'Parsley Sidings' station for generations and the current Station Master, Horace, hopes that his son Bert will continue the line. Mild-mannered Ticket Clerk Bert wants to work anywhere but on the railways. His colleague, Station Announcer Gloria Simpkins, secretly loves him. Porter Percy Valentine is an archetypal wheeler-dealer and the ancient Signalman, Bradshaw, causes havoc and dispenses home-made remedies in equal measure. The 'Parsley Sidings' nemesis is Phineas Perkins, the station master of Potwhistle Halt, one stop down the line.
Re-created Announcements by Keith Skues.
Producer: Edward Taylor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in December 1971.
MON 08:30 Listen to Les (b00d8yxw)
Les Dawson's topic is marriage and mothers-in-law, plus Wotan, Man of Steel camps it up.
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 March 1985.
MON 09:00 The Write Stuff (b00qcjwq)
Series 12
Irvine Welsh
James Walton takes the chair for the game of literary correctness. Team captains John Walsh and Lynne Truss are joined by Jane Thynne and Christopher Brookmyre. The author of the week and subject for pastiche is Irvine Welsh, and the reader is Beth Chalmers.
MON 09:30 Tony's (b007jsz2)
Series 1
Putting on the Style
Misadventures of a corner-shop barber, with a battle against rival Boris the Russian. Stars Victor Spinetti. From October 1979.
MON 10:00 EF Benson - Secret Lives (b014r622)
A Most Desirable Address
A Most Desirable Address is how Durham Square is unerringly described by its inhabitants; but is this treasured status soon to be eroded by the arrival of Miss Susan Leg?
First published in 1932, EF Benson’s novel dramatised in three parts.
Pauline Collins stars as Miss Susan Leg.
Narrated by Aubrey Woods.
Miss Susan Leg ...... Pauline Collins
Margaret Mantrip ...... Margot Boyd
Jimmie Mason ...... Ronald Herdman
Elizabeth Conklin ...... Rachel Gurney
Lady Eva Lowndes ...... Pauline Letts
Mr Cartwright ...... Peter Howell
Arthur Armstrong ...... Edward de Souza
Bosanquet ...... John Church
Vicar ...... Tim Reynolds
Miss Ascham ...... Sheila Grant
Mr Woodstock ...... Manning Wilson
Figus ...... George Parsons
Ellen ...... Jennifer Piercey
Foreman ...... Gordon Reid
Receptionist ...... Jonathan Tafler
Branch Dealer ...... Andrew
Assorted dogs played by the cast.
Music by John Owen Edwards.
Producer: Ian Cotterell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1987
MON 11:00 Kenneth Williams Reads: Cold Comfort Farm (b0795fpm)
Episode 6
"Come rue, come snow. So maides mun go."
Plans for Elfine's wedding day test Flora's organisational skills.
In 1932, Stella Gibbons' book was acclaimed as a wickedly funny send-up of a certain kind of heavy-breathing novel about the doom-laden everyday life of country folk. Since then it has become a classic of comedy in its own right.
Abridged in six parts and produced by Pamela Howe.
Concluded by Kenneth Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1974.
MON 11:30 Martyn Wade - Lover Come Back (b04ndr4h)
Tom is not happy with married life. Will he find true happiness with an old flame? Starring Stephen Moore and Sherrie Hewson.
MON 12:00 Parsley Sidings (b01ntnsd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 12:30 Listen to Les (b00d8yxw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 13:00 Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn (b00d7lzt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 13:30 Inside the Brain of a Five-Year-Old (b00rm072)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 14:00 Book at Bedtime (b065sycn)
Go Set a Watchman
Episode 6
GO SET A WATCHMAN
In the literary event of the year Harper Lee's explosive second novel has finally been published. Believed lost for decades after the publication of 'To Kill A Mockingbird', this book revisits much-loved characters, this time through adult eyes. This abridgement for Book at Bedtime brings a compelling and important release to Radio 4.
Jean Louise 'Scout' Finch travels from New York to Maycomb for her annual visit home. It's always a relief to slip into the comfortable rhythms of the South; to spend time with her beloved father Atticus and rekindle her spiky relationship with Aunt Alexandra. But mid-50s Alabama is not the same place where young Scout spent idyllic summers with brother Jem, and the 26-year old will be betrayed and have her trust shattered before she is able to become her own woman.
Harper Lee was the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of 'To Kill a Mockingbird', a book which has been studied, loved, wept over and revered by generations since its publication in 1960. She lived in Monroeville, Alabama until her death in February 2016.
Read by Fenella Woolgar
Written by Harper Lee
Abridged by Robin Brooks
Produced by Eilidh McCreadie.
MON 14:15 Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen's Men of Fashion (b00jrnw8)
Cary Grant - The Influence of Hollywood
The interior designer examines the impact of the silver screen on men's fashion, celebrating the stars that have redefined it.
MON 14:30 15 Minute Drama (b0183rsx)
Legacy: High Green Walls
Episode 1
Cath Staincliffe's drama series returns with High Green Walls. When the weekly list of unclaimed estates is published, probate researchers, brother and sister team Dan and Rachel, search backwards through the family line to find the true heir and get a slice of the fortune.
Susan Pellier, a 73 year-old recluse, died intestate with no known next of kin, Dan and Rachel's quest to find an heir leads them to a heartbreaking discovery .
DAN.....William Ash
RACHEL.....Claire Keelan
MORELLI.....Russell Dixon
BARBARA.....Kellie Shirley
SUSAN.....Ellie Meigan Rose
Directed by Nadia Molinari.
MON 14:45 John Heilpern - A Patriot for Us (b0076y6q)
Episode 1
The childhood of playwright John Osborne in Fulham where he was weaned on reproach and failure by his neurotically clean mother Nelly Beatrice. Read by Gareth Thomas.
John Heilpern's biography of the playwright who changed the face of British Theatre with an ironing board. Osborne's most famous protagonist Jimmy Porter first burst onto the English Stage in the ground-breaking play Look Back in Anger on the 8th March 1956.
Abridged by Robert Evans.
Producer: Lu Kemp
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2006.
MON 15:00 EF Benson - Secret Lives (b014r622)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
MON 16:00 The Write Stuff (b00qcjwq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
MON 16:30 Tony's (b007jsz2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
MON 17:00 Elephants to Catch Eels (b007mcc4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 17:30 The Unbelievable Truth (b078xpfg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 18:00 Ben Moor - Undone (b007jwq5)
Series 2
Unaccompanied
Edna tries to make sense of a reality without Undone. Are the gaps closed?
Staring Alex Tregear and Ben Moor.
Series 2 of Ben Moor's comic sci-fi saga about a magazine editor called Edna Turner who enters a parallel world where her version of London is replaced with the city of Undone.
Edna Turner ...... Alex Tregear
Tankerton Slopes ...... Ben Moor
Billy ...... Duncan Wisbey
Voodoo Electrician ...... Nitin Ganatra
Grant ...... Tim Key
Other parts played by the cast.
Producer: Colin Anderson
Made for BBC Radio 7 by BBC Radio Comedy and first broadcast in January 2008.
MON 18:30 A Good Read (b00765hk)
Tanni Grey-Thompson & Chris Smith
Louise Doughty, Chris Smith and Tanni Grey-Thompson discuss books by Ian McEwan, Kate Clanchy and Annie Proulx. From December 2001.
MON 19:00 Parsley Sidings (b01ntnsd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 19:30 Listen to Les (b00d8yxw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 20:00 Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn (b00d7lzt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 20:30 Inside the Brain of a Five-Year-Old (b00rm072)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 21:00 Kenneth Williams Reads: Cold Comfort Farm (b0795fpm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
MON 21:30 Martyn Wade - Lover Come Back (b04ndr4h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:30 today]
MON 22:00 The Unbelievable Truth (b078xpfg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 22:30 Comedy Club at Machynlleth (b0795qr4)
2016
Episode 8
Made for 4 Extra. Arthur Smith jams with IT rock 'n' roll consultants Foxdog Studios at the Machynlleth Comedy Festival.
MON 22:35 The Machynlleth Comedy Festival (b0795r64)
2016
Mike Bubbins oversees proceedings at the Bowling Club in Machynlleth showcasing some of the acts from 2016's Machynlleth Comedy Festival.
Expect sets from Ed Aczel, David Kay, Lou Sanders, Rhys James, Annie Mcgrath plus music from Jonny and the Baptists.
Recorded in front of a live audience.
BBC Wales production.
MON 23:05 Comedy Club at Machynlleth (b0795r66)
2016
Episode 9
Made for 4 Extra. Arthur Smith heads off in the rain to an unusual alternative comedy venue at the Machynlleth Comedy Festival.
MON 23:10 The News Quiz Extra (b0795rms)
Series 17
Episode 3
Susan Calman, Zoe Lyons, Vicky Pepperdine and Andy Hamilton are Miles' guests for this episode of News Quiz Extra, the bumper bonus version of Friday's programme.
Producer...Tamara Shilham
A BBC Radio Comedy Production.
MON 23:55 Comedy Club at Machynlleth (b0795r87)
2016
Episode 10
Made for 4 Extra. Arthur Smith chats to George Orange at the Machynlleth Comedy Festival.


TUESDAY 03 MAY 2016

TUE 00:00 Ben Moor - Undone (b007jwq5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Monday]
TUE 00:30 A Good Read (b00765hk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Monday]
TUE 01:00 Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn (b00d7lzt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]
TUE 01:30 Inside the Brain of a Five-Year-Old (b00rm072)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Monday]
TUE 02:00 Book at Bedtime (b065sycn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Monday]
TUE 02:15 Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen's Men of Fashion (b00jrnw8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Monday]
TUE 02:30 15 Minute Drama (b0183rsx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Monday]
TUE 02:45 John Heilpern - A Patriot for Us (b0076y6q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Monday]
TUE 03:00 EF Benson - Secret Lives (b014r622)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:00 The Write Stuff (b00qcjwq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:30 Tony's (b007jsz2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Monday]
TUE 05:00 Elephants to Catch Eels (b007mcc4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Monday]
TUE 05:30 The Unbelievable Truth (b078xpfg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Monday]
TUE 06:00 Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn (b00d7p95)
Episode 2
The wicked Squire's kidnap plot sparks the swashbuckler's daring rescue attempt - and nephew Nicholas appears. Read by Rufus Sewell.
Christopher Syn, a brilliant young scholar, is a Doctor of Divinity at Oxford, but his eventual decision to throw away the Bible for the sword in a mad quest for vengeance will influence the rest of his life.
Russell Thorndike's 18th Century, Kent-based adventure features pirates, smuggling, highwaymen, duels, wicked squires and beautiful Spanish ladies. Based on the first two novels (published 1935 and 1936) in the seven-title sequence, 'Doctor Syn on the High Seas' and 'Doctor Syn Returns'. Abridged by Doreen Estall.
Writer Russell Thorndike (1885-1972) is less well-known than his sister, the actress Dame Sybil Thorndike, but his Doctor Syn novels hold a special place in the affection of lovers of atmospheric, swashbuckling storytelling everywhere. His novels have been filmed with actors as diverse as George Arliss, Peter Cushing and Patrick McGoohan in the role of Syn, and the Kent village of Dymchurch holds an official 'Day of Syn' every other year, to commemorate a home-grown literary folk hero.
Producer: Lawrence Jackson
Made for BBC Radio 7 by BBC Northern Ireland
First broadcast in 2006.
TUE 06:30 The Tudor Tarantino (b00s936x)
Dominic Arkwright charts the rise and fall of Thomas Middleton, the bad boy of Renaissance drama.
He wrote stories of murder, incest and sexual blackmail in the backstreets of London and was hugely popular in his day, occasionally out-selling Shakespeare at the box office. So why were his plays banned from the stage for over 300 years?
Gary Taylor, editor of The Complete Middleton, argues that this dangerous genius was just too controversial to survive and thrive. Shakespeare's stories of kings and queens, of hope and redemption, outlasted the disturbing visions of the trouble-maker Middleton. But more controversial is the claim that Middleton had a hand in the Bard's success.
Dominic examines the evidence for Middleton's "collaborations" with Shakespeare, and looks at Middleton's claim to greatness. Also assessing the case for Middleton are Professor Jonathan Bate, Professor Sir Brian Vickers, and actress Harriet Walter, about to take to the London stage as one of Middleton's most villainous anti-heroes.
Producer: John Byrne
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2010.
TUE 07:00 Linda Smith's A Brief History of Timewasting (b00fnfnx)
Series 2
Fragile Peace
Linda takes on the mantle of Kofi Annan as she tries to broker a fragile peace between her elderly neighbour Betty and live-in builder Chris. In the strife-torn streets of East London, can bingo and musical theatre ever be reconciled?
Sitcom written by and starring Linda Smith.
With Femi Elufowoju Jnr, Jeremy Hardy, Margaret John, Martin Hyder and Chris Neill.
Producer: Jon Rolph
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2002.
TUE 07:30 Clare in the Community (b0650619)
Series 10
Party On
The Sparrowhawk team hold a leaving do, and take the opportunity to reminisce.
Sally Phillips is Clare Barker the social worker who has all the right jargon but never a practical solution.
A control freak, Clare likes nothing better than interfering in other people's lives on both a professional and personal basis. Clare is in her thirties, white, middle class and heterosexual, all of which are occasional causes of discomfort to her.
Clare continually struggles to control both her professional and private life In today's Big Society there are plenty of challenges out there for an involved, caring social worker. Or even Clare.
Written by Harry Venning and David Ramsden.
Clare ...... Sally Phillips
Brian ...... Alex Lowe
Megan ...... Nina Conti
Ray ...... Richard Lumsden
Helen ...... Pippa Haywood
Libby ...... Sarah Kendall
Joan ...... Sarah Thom
Producer: Alexandra Smith.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2015.
TUE 08:00 Round the Horne (b00tb9j7)
Series 4
Episode 12
Kenneth Horne is making Fleet Street headlines - and pays a visit to Julian and Sandy's Bona Private Detective Agency.
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 departed after series 3.
Scripted by Barry Took, Brian Cooke and Johnnie Mortimer.
Music by the Max Harris Group.
Producer: John Simmonds
First broadcast on the BBC Radio 2 in May 1968.
TUE 08:30 The Men from the Ministry (b014tlll)
Cheesed Off
The bungling bureaucrats battle some unwelcome furry visitors.
Stars Richard Murdoch and Deryck Guyler.
With Norma Ronald, Ronald Baddiley, John Graham and John Cole.
Written by Edward Taylor and John Graham.
The Men from the Ministry ran for 14 series between 1962 and 1977. Deryck Guyler replaced Wilfrid Hyde-White from 1966. Sadly many episodes didn't survive in the archive, however the BBC's Transcription Service re-recorded 14 shows in 1980 - never broadcast in the UK, until the arrival of BBC Radio 4 Extra.
Producer: Edward Taylor
First broadcast on the BBC Radio 4 in May 1973.
TUE 09:00 The News Quiz Extra (b0795rms)
[Repeat of broadcast at 23:10 on Monday]
TUE 09:45 Paperback Hell (b0076cl3)
Series 1
Shopping For Mr Wrong
Tale of a singleton who wants to be swept off her feet. Another spoof chapter of a bestseller. Starring Mel Hudson. From 2003.
TUE 10:00 EF Benson - Secret Lives (b014sh4w)
A Most Salubrious Seaside Resort
'A most salubrious seaside resort' is an apt description of Brighton.
But will the arrival of Mr Arthur Armstrong - critic, poet, novelist and Labour Member of Parliament - make it even more attractive to Miss Susan Leg?
Pauline Collins stars as Miss Susan Leg.
EF Benson’s novel dramatised by Aubrey Woods.
Miss Susan Leg ...... Pauline Collins
Margaret Mantrip ...... Margot Boyd
Jimmie Mason ...... Ronald Herdman
Elizabeth Conklin ...... Rachel Gurney
Lady Eva Lowndes ...... Pauline Letts
Mr Cartwright ...... Peter Howell
Arthur Armstrong MP ...... Edward de Souza
Bosanquet ...... John Church
Vicar ...... Tim Reynolds
Minnie Mimps ...... Sheila Grant
Head Waiter...... Manning Wilson
Mr Puffy ...... George Parsons
Doctor ...... Gordon Reid
Receptionist ...... Jonathan Tafler
Augustus ...... Andrew Branch
Vicar ...... Tim Reynolds
Narrated by Aubrey Woods.
Music by John Owen Edwards.
Producer: Ian Cotterell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1987.
TUE 11:00 Sussex Scandals (b019rgtf)
Emma Carew
Written by John Peacock.
At Uppark, Amy Lyons caused a scandal by dancing naked on Sir Harry Featherstonehaugh's dining table. As Lady Hamilton, 32 years later, the repercussions come back to haunt her.
These are three short stories narrated by characters involved in notorious scandals that originated in Sussex: Uppark (Lady Hamilton), Crawley (John George Haigh's girl friend) and Brighton (Katie O' Shea's son, Gerard), ranging from 1815 to 1953. The fall of a woman who revelled in her scandals, another who was forced to face the truth that her lover was a murderer, and the son of Katie O' Shea defending his father during his mother's notorious affair with Charles Stewart Parnell.
Director: Celia de Wolff
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4.
TUE 11:15 Nick Warburton - Lawn Wars (b00td4zv)
A single older woman takes on a gardener, and gets much more than she bargained for.
Nick Warburton's gentle comedy about relationships, property and cricket.
Stars Anna Calder-Marhsall as Alice, Richard Johnson as Anthony and Robert Daws as Rob.
With thanks to David Acfield of Essex County Cricket Club for off-spin advice.
Director: Peter Kavanagh
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2007.
TUE 12:00 Round the Horne (b00tb9j7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 12:30 The Men from the Ministry (b014tlll)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 13:00 Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn (b00d7p95)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 13:30 The Tudor Tarantino (b00s936x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 14:00 Book at Bedtime (b065vrtn)
Go Set a Watchman
Episode 7
GO SET A WATCHMAN
In the literary event of the year Harper Lee's explosive second novel has finally been published. Believed lost for decades after the publication of 'To Kill A Mockingbird', this book revisits much-loved characters, this time through adult eyes. This abridgement for Book at Bedtime brings a compelling and important release to Radio 4.
Jean Louise 'Scout' Finch travels from New York to Maycomb for her annual visit home. It's always a relief to slip into the comfortable rhythms of the South; to spend time with her beloved father Atticus and rekindle her spiky relationship with Aunt Alexandra. But mid-50s Alabama is not the same place where young Scout spent idyllic summers with brother Jem, and the 26-year old will be betrayed and have her trust shattered before she is able to become her own woman.
Harper Lee is the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of 'To Kill A Mockingbird', a book which has been studied, loved, wept over and revered by generations since its publication in 1960. She lives in Monroeville, Alabama.
Read by Fenella Woolgar
Written by Harper Lee
Abridged by Robin Brooks
Produced by Eilidh McCreadie.
TUE 14:15 Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen's Men of Fashion (b00jrnxc)
Teddy Boys - Fashion for the Youthquake
The interior designer rock 'n' rolls back to the 1950s, when Teddy Boys aped and subverted the styles of their social superiors.
TUE 14:30 15 Minute Drama (b0184rg4)
Legacy: High Green Walls
Episode 2
Cath Staincliffe's drama series returns with High Green Walls. When the weekly list of unclaimed estates is published, probate researchers, brother and sister team Dan and Rachel, search backwards through the family line to find the true heir and get a slice of the fortune.
Dan and Rachel have discovered that Susan had a twin sister Barbara who may be the rightful heir if she is still alive. Susan was a significant artist in the US in the 1960's, her most famous paintings known as High Green Walls were destroyed but Dan and Rachel guess her estate might still be worth a substantial amount and take a chance by visiting her studio in a remote area of upstate New York where they make a surprising discovery.
DAN.....William Ash
RACHEL.....Claire Keelan
MR WHITE.....Malcolm Raeburn
SUSAN.....Ellie Meigan Rose
MR CARLSON.....Jonathan Keeble
Directed by Nadia Molinari.
TUE 14:45 John Heilpern - A Patriot for Us (b0076y78)
Episode 2
John Osborne's most renowned play was a mirror of his own tempestuous marriage to Pamela Lane. Read by Gareth Thomas.
TUE 15:00 EF Benson - Secret Lives (b014sh4w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
TUE 16:00 Counterpoint (b00dbdnr)
2005
Episode 2
Ned Sherrin's music quiz with Worcester's Alan Douglas, Christine Lumsden of Edinburgh and Chris Moore-Bridger from Oswestry.
TUE 16:30 Flying the Flag (b00wmnvf)
Series 3
A Loss of Marbles
Gathering dust in the British Museum are great lumps of the Republic's heritage - and now it wants them back.
"But we did give them lots of things in return, William..."
"Like beads, sir?"
"Like standards William..."
Series 3 of Alex Shearer's Eastern bloc embassy sitcom.
Starring Dinsdale Landen as HM Ambassador Mackenzie, Peter Acre as William Frost, Moir Leslie as Helen Waterson and Christopher Benjamin as Colonel Surikov.
Producer: Neil Cargill
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1990.
TUE 17:00 Linda Smith's A Brief History of Timewasting (b00fnfnx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 17:30 Clare in the Community (b0650619)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 18:00 Ben Moor - Undone (b008s9dm)
Series 2
Unsurprised
Edna heads to another London and uncovers a city-wide drugs racket.
Staring Alex Tregear and Ben Moor.
Ben Moor's comic sci-fi saga about magazine editor Edna Turner entering a parallel world where her version of London is replaced with the city of Undone.
Edna Turner ...... Alex Tregear
Tankerton Slopes ...... Ben Moor
Billy ...... Duncan Wisbey
Ida ...... Sophie Duval
Kate ...... Montserrat Lombard.
Prince ...... Kevin Eldon
Other parts played by the cast.
Producer: Colin Anderson
Made for BBC Radio 7 by BBC Radio Comedy and first broadcast in January 2008.
TUE 18:30 The Palace of Laughter (b0082b02)
Series 2
Swansea Grand Theatre
The Grand Theatre Swansea is a South Wales success story.
It's said to be the theatre where Hollywood star Catherine Zeta Jones first stepped on to a stage, and it's now home to the Swansea Ballet Russe and a thriving community theatre programme.
Geoffrey Wheeler discovers the stories behind the Grand's unassuming façade.
Series visiting variety theatres around the United Kingdom.
Producer: Libby Cross
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2003.
TUE 19:00 Round the Horne (b00tb9j7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 19:30 The Men from the Ministry (b014tlll)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 20:00 Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn (b00d7p95)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 20:30 The Tudor Tarantino (b00s936x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 21:00 Sussex Scandals (b019rgtf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
TUE 21:15 Nick Warburton - Lawn Wars (b00td4zv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
TUE 22:00 Clare in the Community (b0650619)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 22:30 Bleak Expectations (b00wlgnn)
Series 4
A Life Destroyed Then Repaired and Rehappied
Pip in the company of Pippa, the Reverend Fecund and Harry Biscuit, now just a brain in a jar, have tracked Mister Benevolent to the heart of the vast Russian Empire.
But when they find him, he is at the head of a mighty army. Who will triumph in the final battle between good and evil? Will Harry get a new body? Will Mister Benevolent detonate his infamous cheese bomb? And what is the correct way to spell Czar?
As fate decides these crucial questions it seems there are a few surprises in store for Pip.
Mark Evans's epic Victorian comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.
Sir Philip ..... Richard Johnson
Young Pip Bin ..... Tom Allen
Gently Benevolent ..... Anthony Head
Harry Biscuit ..... James Bachman
Grimpunch ..... Geoffrey Whitehead
Ripely ..... Sarah Hadland
Pippa ..... Susy Kane
Reverend Godly Fecund ..... David Mitchell
Producer Gareth Edwards.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2010.
TUE 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (b07bfx07)
The best in contemporary comedy. Tonight Iain Lee chats to James Veitch.
TUE 23:00 Vent (b00sy275)
Series 1
Don't Bet on It
As Ben lies on a ventilator in hospital, Mary and Mum put the racing on to try to bring him out of his coma. It doesn't work, but Ben does somehow seem to have developed a knack for predicting the winners, if only he could think of a way of telling anyone.
Meanwhile John Dee, Queen Elizabeth I's own fortune teller, appears in Ben's brain, with some unhelpful observations about what the future might hold.
Dark sitcom written by Nigel Smith.
Starring Neil Pearson as Ben Smith, Fiona Allen as Mary, Josie Lawrence as Mum and Leslie Ash as Blitzkrieg.
With Mark Perry, Dave Lamb, Jo Martin, Giles New, Hils Barker and David Mitchell.
Producer: Gareth Edwards
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2006.
TUE 23:30 The Wilson Dixon Line (b00kdnj9)
Words of Wisdom
Cowboy philosopher Wilson Dixon shares his viewpoints on life, love and relationships through songs and anecdotes.
Introduced by Johnnie Walker. Wilson’s affectionate tribute to the philosophy of country music begins with his observations of society and the differences between the UK and Cripple Creek.
Saddled up with sidekick Snake Wizzelteats, his observations on everyday life draw the audience into world full of larger than life characters and situations.
Wilson Dixon is the creation of Jesse Griffin; an award winning comedian, actor and founding member of the acclaimed comedy trio The 4 Noels. Since his creation, Wilson Dixon has performed extensively around Australia and New Zealand as well as the UK comedy circuit.
Sidekick Snake Wizzelteats is performed by Jesse Budd.
Written and performed by Jesse Griffin.
Recorded with an audience at BBC Maida Vale, London.
Producer: Lianne Coop
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in May 2009.


WEDNESDAY 04 MAY 2016

WED 00:00 Ben Moor - Undone (b008s9dm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Tuesday]
WED 00:30 The Palace of Laughter (b0082b02)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Tuesday]
WED 01:00 Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn (b00d7p95)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:30 The Tudor Tarantino (b00s936x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Tuesday]
WED 02:00 Book at Bedtime (b065vrtn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Tuesday]
WED 02:15 Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen's Men of Fashion (b00jrnxc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Tuesday]
WED 02:30 15 Minute Drama (b0184rg4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Tuesday]
WED 02:45 John Heilpern - A Patriot for Us (b0076y78)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Tuesday]
WED 03:00 EF Benson - Secret Lives (b014sh4w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:00 Counterpoint (b00dbdnr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:30 Flying the Flag (b00wmnvf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:30 on Tuesday]
WED 05:00 Linda Smith's A Brief History of Timewasting (b00fnfnx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Tuesday]
WED 05:30 Clare in the Community (b0650619)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Tuesday]
WED 06:00 Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn (b00d7qkq)
Episode 3
The swashbuckling daredevil pursues his enemy over to America - and falls in with pirates. Read by Rufus Sewell.
Christopher Syn, a brilliant young scholar, is a Doctor of Divinity at Oxford, but his eventual decision to throw away the Bible for the sword in a mad quest for vengeance will influence the rest of his life.
Russell Thorndike's 18th Century, Kent-based adventure features pirates, smuggling, highwaymen, duels, wicked squires and beautiful Spanish ladies. Based on the first two novels (published 1935 and 1936) in the seven-title sequence, 'Doctor Syn on the High Seas' and 'Doctor Syn Returns'. Abridged by Doreen Estall.
Writer Russell Thorndike (1885-1972) is less well-known than his sister, the actress Dame Sybil Thorndike, but his Doctor Syn novels hold a special place in the affection of lovers of atmospheric, swashbuckling storytelling everywhere. His novels have been filmed with actors as diverse as George Arliss, Peter Cushing and Patrick McGoohan in the role of Syn, and the Kent village of Dymchurch holds an official 'Day of Syn' every other year, to commemorate a home-grown literary folk hero.
Producer: Lawrence Jackson
Made for BBC Radio 7 by BBC Northern Ireland
First broadcast in 2006.
WED 06:30 Happy Birthday Tommy Walker (b00kfqmb)
Nick Maes revisits and celebrates The Who's influential rock-opera Tommy, 40 years on.
Featuring interviews with The Who's lead singer Roger Daltrey; Ken Russell, who directed the 1975 film version; Paul Nicholas, who appeared in the film as Cousin Kevin; and Michael Cerveris, star of the 1993 Broadway musical.
The programme recalls Tommy in its various incarnations and considers its cultural and musical value and significance four decades on.
A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.
WED 07:00 Married (b00cpcw6)
Series 2
Churlish
Confirmed bachelor Robin Lightfoot wakes up to find himself married in a parallel universe in which the Lib Dems are in power, the Richard Whiteley Experience has just opened in London and alcohol is a class-A drug.
Now Robin's life is about to change again. He's about to be divorced from the woman he was never married to in the first place...
Hugh Bonneville stars in series two of Tony Bagley's comedy.
Robin .... Hugh Bonneville
Lesley .... Josie Lawrence
Dame Jenny Hyde …. Stephanie Cole
Dirk .... Steve Frost
Murdo …. Lewis MacLeod
Producer: Claire Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2000.
WED 07:30 Welcome to Our Village, Please Invade Carefully (b04n6010)
Series 2
Ctrl-Alt-Del
The Computer catches a virus - in fact, it's probably the most common virus on Earth. With Uljabaan's sole method of control, analysis and communication now compromised, the invasion is doomed in more ways than one.
Series two of Eddie Robson's sitcom about an alien race that have noticed that those all-at-once invasions of Earth never work out that well. So they've locked the small Buckinghamshire village of Cresdon Green behind an impenetrable force field in order to study human behaviour and decide if Earth is worth invading.
The only inhabitant who seems to be bothered by their new alien overlord is Katrina Lyons, who was only home for the weekend to borrow the money for a deposit for a flat when the force field went up.
So along with Lucy Alexander (the only teenager in the village, willing to rebel against whatever you've got) she forms The Resistance - slightly to the annoyance of her parents Margaret and Richard who wish she wouldn't make so much of a fuss, and much to the annoyance of Field Commander Uljabaan who, alongside his unintelligible minions and The Computer (his hyperintelligent supercomputer), is trying to actually run the invasion.
Katrina Lyons ...... Hattie Morahan
Richard Lyons ...... Peter Davison
Margaret Lyons ...... Jan Francis
Lucy Alexander ...... Hannah Murray
Field Commander Uljabaan ...... Charles Edwards
The Computer ...... John-Luke Roberts
The Virus ...... Cerrie Burnell
Script-edited by Arthur Mathews
Producer: Ed Morrish.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2014.
WED 08:00 The Navy Lark (b01lmx3c)
Series 6
The Calais Dock Strike
When HMS Troutbridge is sent to collect some stranded tourists, Chief Petty Officer Pertwee has other ideas.
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 Ronnie Barker as AS Johnson.
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 January 1964.
WED 08:30 I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again (b00hg824)
Series 8
Episode 13
It's a song-packed edition - but is it really the end for wonderful Radio Prune?
Starring Tim Brooke-Taylor, John Cleese, 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, Graeme Garden, John Cleese, Liam Cohen and Dave Lee.
Producer: David Hatch/Peter Titheradge
First broadcast on the BBC Radio 2 in May 1970.
WED 09:00 The Motion Show (b00762pb)
Series 4
Episode 4
Graeme Garden chairs the debating game with Jenny Eclair, Hugh Dennis, Stuart Maconie and Greg Proops. From June 2001.
WED 09:30 Change at Oglethorpe (b00mvs9q)
Off the Rails
Ticket sales at Oglethorpe railway station are at an all-time low.
Could passengers be put off by Points's Platform 1 FM Punk Rock Show? Or is it down to June's seances in the cafe? - or perhaps because Rocket refuses to sell anyone a ticket to Barnsley?
New station manager, David Clare has a challenge on his hands!
Peter Morfoot's railway sitcom stars Michael Williams and Peter Davison.
Rocket ...... Michael Williams
David ...... Peter Davison
June ...... Rosemary Martin
Points ...... Phillippa Wilson
Hattie ...... Madge Hindle
Sodd ...... Chris Emmett
Other parts played by Caroline Strong and David Timson.
Producer: Gareth Edwards
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in December 1995.
WED 10:00 EF Benson - Secret Lives (b014tcjb)
A Most Treasured Home
A most treasured home is exactly what 25 Durham Square has become for Miss Susan Leg.
But will its treasure turn to dross with the threatened unravelling of the mystery surrounding her secret life?
Pauline Collins stars as Miss Susan Leg.
Conclusion of EF Benson’s 1932 novel dramatised iby Aubrey Woods
Miss Susan Leg ...... Pauline Collins
Margaret Mantrip ...... Margot Boyd
Jimmie Mason ...... Ronald Herdman
Elizabeth Conklin ...... Rachel Gurney
Lady Eva Lowndes ...... Pauline Letts
Mr Cartwright ...... Peter Howell
Bosanquet ...... John Church
Vicar ...... Tim Reynolds
Minnie Mimps ...... Sheila Grant
Head Waiter...... Manning Wilson
Mr Gandish ...... George Parsons
Ellen ...... Jennifer Piercey
Doctor ...... Gordon Reid
Mr Salt ...... Jonathan Tafler
Augustus ...... Andrew Branch
Vicar ...... Tim Reynolds
Narrated by Aubrey Woods.
Music by John Owen Edwards.
Producer: Ian Cotterell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1987.
WED 11:00 Sussex Scandals (b01c6tzz)
A Yard in Crawley
Written by John Peacock.
A young woman falls in love with her parent's lodger, the charming John George Haigh, twenty years older than herself. Eventually she will have to find a way of dealing with his appalling crimes.
These are three short stories narrated by characters involved in notorious scandals that originated in Sussex: Uppark (Lady Hamilton), Crawley (John George Haigh's girl friend) and Brighton (Katie O' Shea's son, Gerard), ranging from 1815 to 1953. The fall of a woman who revelled in her scandals; another who was forced to face the truth that her lover was a murderer; and the son of Katie O' Shea, defending his father during his mother's notorious affair with Charles Stewart Parnell.
Read by Anna Madeley.
Director: Celia de Wolff
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4.
WED 11:15 Drama (b00r0smq)
Ronald Frame - Pinkerton
By Ronald Frame.
In the new immigrant community of 1840s America, Scotsman Allan Pinkerton turns detective when an influx of counterfeit dollars threatens the local economy.
Allan Pinkerton ...... Forbes Masson
Joan Pinkerton ...... Rachel Ogilvy
John Craig ...... Sam Dale
Mrs O'Riordan/elderly Woman ...... Marcella Riordan
Nathan Madison/ Croupier/Elderly Man ...... Robert Jezek
Lisl ...... Alison Pettitt
Jack Paige/Police Officer ...... John Biggins
Wolf/Bank Teller/Dr Morgan ...... Bruce Alexander
Directed by David Ian Neville.
WED 12:00 The Navy Lark (b01lmx3c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 12:30 I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again (b00hg824)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 13:00 Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn (b00d7qkq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 13:30 Happy Birthday Tommy Walker (b00kfqmb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 14:00 Book at Bedtime (b065wwjc)
Go Set a Watchman
Episode 8
GO SET A WATCHMAN
In the literary event of the year Harper Lee's explosive second novel has finally been published. Believed lost for decades after the publication of 'To Kill A Mockingbird', this book revisits much-loved characters, this time through adult eyes. This abridgement for Book at Bedtime brings a compelling and important release to Radio 4.
Jean Louise 'Scout' Finch travels from New York to Maycomb for her annual visit home. It's always a relief to slip into the comfortable rhythms of the South; to spend time with her beloved father Atticus and rekindle her spiky relationship with Aunt Alexandra. But mid-50s Alabama is not the same place where young Scout spent idyllic summers with brother Jem, and the 26-year old will be betrayed and have her trust shattered before she is able to become her own woman.
Harper Lee is the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of 'To Kill A Mockingbird', a book which has been studied, loved, wept over and revered by generations since its publication in 1960. She lives in Monroeville, Alabama.
Read by Fenella Woolgar
Written by Harper Lee
Abridged by Robin Brooks
Produced by Eilidh McCreadie.
WED 14:15 Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen's Men of Fashion (b00jrnxt)
The King's Road - Granny Takes a Trip Into Punk
Malcolm McLaren joins Lawrence to assess the insoluble partnership between pop music and fashion through the decades.
WED 14:30 15 Minute Drama (b0184s2j)
Legacy: High Green Walls
Episode 3
Cath Staincliffe's drama series returns with High Green Walls. When the weekly list of unclaimed estates is published, probate researchers, brother and sister team Dan and Rachel, search backwards through the family line to find the true heir.
Spurred on by their discovery of Susan Pellier's most famous paintings, Dan and Rachel are desperate to discover what happened to her twin sister Barbara. If they find an heir they are guaranteed a slice of a substantial fortune.
DAN.....William Ash
RACHEL.....Claire Keelan
SUSAN.....Ellie Meigan Rose
MR WHITE.....Malcolm Raeburn
BARBARA.....Kellie Shirley
Directed by Nadia Molinari.
WED 14:45 John Heilpern - A Patriot for Us (b0076y7v)
Episode 3
'Look Back in Anger' and 'The Entertainer' changed John Osborne's fortunes and he embraced the limelight. Read by Gareth Thomas.
WED 15:00 EF Benson - Secret Lives (b014tcjb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
WED 16:00 The Motion Show (b00762pb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
WED 16:30 Change at Oglethorpe (b00mvs9q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
WED 17:00 Married (b00cpcw6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 17:30 Welcome to Our Village, Please Invade Carefully (b04n6010)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 18:00 Ben Moor - Undone (b00f6ddb)
Series 2
Unrelated
Edna interrogates The Prince, learns more about her own powers and takes on the public information porn industry.
Staring Alex Tregear and Ben Moor.
Ben Moor's comic sci-fi saga about magazine editor Edna Turner entering a parallel world where her version of London is replaced with the city of Undone.
Edna Turner ...... Alex Tregear
Tankerton Slopes ...... Ben Moor
Billy ...... Duncan Wisbey
Ida ...... Sophie Duval
Prince ...... Kevin Eldon
Other parts played by the cast.
Producer: Colin Anderson
Made for BBC Radio 7 by BBC Radio Comedy and first broadcast in February 2008.
WED 18:30 Off the Page (b007tn5h)
Keeping Up Appearances
Dominic Arkwright chairs the lively discussion series. This episode looks at personal image.
With Attila the Stockbroker, Susannah Jowitt and James Delingpole
Producer Miles Warde
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2007.
WED 19:00 The Navy Lark (b01lmx3c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 19:30 I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again (b00hg824)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 20:00 Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn (b00d7qkq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 20:30 Happy Birthday Tommy Walker (b00kfqmb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 21:00 Sussex Scandals (b01c6tzz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
WED 21:15 Drama (b00r0smq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
WED 22:00 Welcome to Our Village, Please Invade Carefully (b04n6010)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 22:30 Start/Stop (b039rwch)
Series 1
Weekend Away
Three couples sail off into the sunset. And sink.
Jack Docherty’s sitcom about love, marriage and despair.
Starring Jack Docherty, Charlie Higson, Katherine Parkinson, John Thomson, Fiona Allen and Kerry Godliman.
With their marriages in various states of disrepair - the promise of a weekend away tests everyone's patience.
Barney ...... Jack Docherty
Cathy ...... Kerry Godliman
Fiona ...... Fiona Allen
David ...... Charlie Higson
Evan ...... John Thomson
Alice ...... Katherine Parkinson
Producer Steven Canny
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2013.
WED 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (b07bfx5j)
The best in contemporary comedy. Tonight Iain Lee chats to James Veitch.
WED 23:00 2000 Years of Radio (b007jndx)
Series 1
Roman Britain Radio
It’s 55AD and ancient Britain tries to come to terms with the Roman invasion. DJ Steve-in-the-Afternoon fights the invaders' plans to make changes to the nation's favourite radio station - Iceni Gold.
Six-part series that taps into the radio archive of a bygone age.
Written and performed by Marcus Brigstocke, Claire Downes , Stuart Lane, Al Holloway, Danny Robbins and Dan Tetsell.
Producers: Paul Dodgson & Sean Grundy
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2000.
WED 23:15 Guy Browning's Small Talk (b0076d5r)
Series 1
How to Poach an Egg
"Eggs are no different from most people. Drop them into hot water and they go to pieces".
Some surreal food for thought.
Written by and starring Guy Browning.
Producer: Jonquil Panting
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2003.
WED 23:30 And Now in Colour (b007jvy6)
Series 2
The Grand Tour
The sketch show team take their audience on a luxury excursion to London.
Precision comedy written and performed by Tim Firth, Tim de Jongh, Michael Rutger and William Vandyck.
Producer: Lissa Evans
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1991.


THURSDAY 05 MAY 2016

THU 00:00 Ben Moor - Undone (b00f6ddb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Wednesday]
THU 00:30 Off the Page (b007tn5h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn (b00d7qkq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:30 Happy Birthday Tommy Walker (b00kfqmb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 Book at Bedtime (b065wwjc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:15 Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen's Men of Fashion (b00jrnxt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Wednesday]
THU 02:30 15 Minute Drama (b0184s2j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:45 John Heilpern - A Patriot for Us (b0076y7v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 EF Benson - Secret Lives (b014tcjb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 The Motion Show (b00762pb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:30 Change at Oglethorpe (b00mvs9q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 Married (b00cpcw6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 05:30 Welcome to Our Village, Please Invade Carefully (b04n6010)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Wednesday]
THU 06:00 Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn (b00d8km5)
Episode 4
Dubbed Captain Clegg, the swashbuckling hero wins renown as the most feared of pirates. Read by Rufus Sewell.
Christopher Syn, a brilliant young scholar, is a Doctor of Divinity at Oxford, but his eventual decision to throw away the Bible for the sword in a mad quest for vengeance will influence the rest of his life.
Russell Thorndike's 18th Century, Kent-based adventure features pirates, smuggling, highwaymen, duels, wicked squires and beautiful Spanish ladies. Based on the first two novels (published 1935 and 1936) in the seven-title sequence, 'Doctor Syn on the High Seas' and 'Doctor Syn Returns'. Abridged by Doreen Estall.
Writer Russell Thorndike (1885-1972) is less well-known than his sister, the actress Dame Sybil Thorndike, but his Doctor Syn novels hold a special place in the affection of lovers of atmospheric, swashbuckling storytelling everywhere. His novels have been filmed with actors as diverse as George Arliss, Peter Cushing and Patrick McGoohan in the role of Syn, and the Kent village of Dymchurch holds an official 'Day of Syn' every other year, to commemorate a home-grown literary folk hero.
Producer: Lawrence Jackson
Made for BBC Radio 7 by BBC Northern Ireland
First broadcast in 2006.
THU 06:30 Shimmer and Dazzle: Seeing What Bridget Riley Sees (b00vxzns)
To coincide with the celebratory exhibition of Bridget Riley's work at the National Gallery, Louisa Buck explores the work of Britain's leading abstract artist, exploring how she works with light and colour and the character of forms to produce an exquisite shimmering and geometrical dazzling, that conspire to create what is her signature - the restless movement - in her painting.
Riley's urge to be an artist came from the pleasure of 'sight' which she developed formally at art school and her exploration of the colour and geometry of the 19th century French painter, Seurat, a 'Pointillist' whose colour theories caused the painting surface to bristle with energy and movement. Riley took on the challenge of developing his vision, and turned to abstraction, recognising that figuration could distract from the visual experience of movement - which might reside in 'the eye's mind', the title of a book of her writing and interviews.
Riley is one of the most respected artists in Britain and one of the few contemporary painters with a truly international reputation. Her distinguished career encompasses fifty years of uncompromising and remarkable innovation.
She came to critical attention with the famous black and white paintings that she made in the early 60s. Her work was included in a landmark exhibition, The Responsive Eye at The Museum of Modern Art, New York in 1965 which established her as an artist of the first order. This position was endorsed by Riley's representation of Britain at the Venice Biennale in 1968 when she became the first British contemporary painter to win the International Prize for painting.
Producer: Kate Bland
A Just Radio production for BBC Radio 4.
THU 07:00 All the Young Dudes (b007s74l)
Series 1
Waterloo Sunset
It's the end of the line for Patrick, but Joe and Maria may have some good news to share. Stars Jim Sweeney. From August 2001.
THU 07:30 Don't Start (b06tvc3t)
Series 3
The Bath
Cardamon scented candles, kumquats and a debate over the virtues of shared bathing compared to shared showering occupy Neil and Kim.
Frank Skinner's sharp comedy starring Frank and Katherine Parkinson.
What do long term partners really argue about?
Don't Start is a scripted comedy with a deceptively simple premise - an argument. Our couple fall out over another apparently trivial flashpoint and the stakes mount as Neil and Kim battle with words. But these are no ordinary arguments. The two outdo each other with increasingly absurd images, unexpected literary references and razor sharp analysis of their beloved's weaknesses. Underneath the cutting wit, however, there is an unmistakable tenderness.
The first two series of Don't Start met with instant critical acclaim:
"That he can deliver such a heavy premise for a series with such a lightness of touch is testament to his skills as a writer and, given that the protagonists are both bookworms, he's also permitted to use a flourish of fine words that would be lost in his stand-up routines." Jane Anderson, Radio Times
"Frank Skinner gives full rein to his sharp but splenetic comedy. He and his co-star Katherine Parkinson play a bickering couple exchanging acerbic ripostes in a cruelly precise dissection of a relationship." Daily Mail
"...a lesson in relationship ping-pong..." Miranda Sawyer, The Observer
An Avalon production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in January 2016.
THU 07:45 The Pin (b06j5bjs)
Series 1
Episode 1
Join Alex and Ben in their weird twist on the double-act sketch show.
Strap in for a 15 minute delve in to a world of oddness performed in front of a live studio audience.
The Pin are an award-winning comedy duo, and legends of Edinburgh festival. They deconstruct the sketch form, in a show that exists somewhere between razor-sharp smartness and utterly joyous silliness.
After a sold-out run in Edinburgh, and a string of hilarious performances across BBC Radio 4 Extra, BBC 3, Channel 4, and Comedy Central, this is The Pin's debut solo show for Radio 4. Join them as they celebrate, make, collapse and rebuild their jokes, each other, and probably the radio too.
Producer: Sam Bryant.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2015.
THU 08:00 The Small, Intricate Life of Gerald C Potter (b007jxjk)
Series 2
The Club
Author Gerald has money worries, while his wife Diana bids to join a ladies' club.
The convoluted chronicle of an optimistic author starring Ian Carmichael as Gerald C Potter and Charlotte Mitchell as his wife.
With Michael McClain and Jo Manning Wilson.
Written by Basil Boothroyd.
Producer: Bobby Jaye
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1977.
THU 08:30 Radio Active (b007k1hf)
Series 4
Gigantaquiz
Which lucky contestant is going to win the £10,000 jackpot in Radio Active's massive quiz?!!!!
Starring Helen Atkinson-Wood, Angus Deayton, Geoffrey Perkins, Philip Pope and Michael Fenton-Stevens.
Music by Philip Pope and Steve Brown. With Helen Murry, Nick Wilton and Jamie Rix.
Written by Angus Deayton, Geoffrey Perkins with John Buchan.
Producer: Jamie Rix
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1984.
THU 09:00 The Food Quiz (b0076mlq)
Series 2
Episode 1
Journalist and food critic, Jay Rayner gives his four contestants a good grilling on their knowledge of food and drink.
Devour the secret of Stephen Fry's home-made mayonnaise, the song that keeps Josceline Dimbleby happy while cooking, the store cupboard staple of food writer Elisabeth Luard and the best way to catch an eel, according to Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.
Producer: Dixi Stewart
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2004.
THU 09:30 Artists (b00xbh8b)
Series 1
The Inner Child
Marcus goes away to save his marriage, leaving Dolores with the kids and Nisha in the pub. Stars Dave Lamb. From April 2003.
THU 10:00 Stella Gibbons - Nightingale Wood (b01pjzbx)
Episode 1
On either side of Nightingale Wood through one idyllic year in the late 1930s, hearts beat and minds scheme, as the dowdy Wither family tries to compete with the glittering Springs.
Bookish Tina Wither is in love with Saxon, her father's handsome and aloof chauffeur. Her shop girl sister-in-law, Viola, has fallen for Victor Spring, the lord of the manor. And Madge is in love with a dog...
Stella Gibbons’ sparkling comedy of manners dramatised in two-parts by Christopher William Hill.
Starring Victoria Hamilton as Tina, Dinah Stabb as Mother, Francine Chamberlain as Viola, Simon Bubb as Victor, Paul Moriarty as Father, Adjoa Andoh as Edna, Adam Billington as Saxon, Victoria Inez Hardy as Madge, Alex Rivers as Hetty, Joan Walker as Phyllis, Ian Masters as Spurrey and Judith Coke as Miss Cattyman.
Director: Marion Nancarrow
First broadcast in the ‘Neglected Classics’ season on BBC Radio 4 in 2011.
THU 11:00 Sussex Scandals (b01cjb66)
Up and Down the Fire Escape
Written by John Peacock.
In his teens, Gerard O' Shea, lived innocently, through the tempestuous affair of his mother, Katie O' Shea and Parnell 'the uncrowned King of Ireland'. 50 years later Myrna Loy and Clark Gable, unwittingly, help him to reach an understanding of those days.
These are three short stories narrated by characters involved in notorious scandals that originated in Sussex: Uppark (Lady Hamilton), Crawley (John George Haigh's girl friend) and Brighton (Katie O' Shea's son, Gerard), ranging from 1815 to 1953. The fall of a woman who revelled in her scandals; another who was forced to face the truth that her lover was a murderer; and the son of Katie O' Shea, defending his father during his mother's notorious affair with Charles Stewart Parnell.
Director: Celia de Wolff
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4.
THU 11:15 Vanessa Rosenthal - Exchanges in Bialystok (b0076c91)
Deborah Goldber and her Great Uncle Sol are on a pilgrimage to Bialystok in Poland.
It's 1996 and the country is now more welcoming to tourists. Tourists bring dollars. Dariusz, a local guide, is happy to help them uncover what little remains of Bialystok's Jewish past. Unknown to them he has also arranged for another "tourist" to join their party - Lorna Harris, a retired librarian from Kent.
Lorna has a mysterious agenda of her own in seeking out the past and her presence is deeply intrusive for Deborah. The journey for all three brings to the surface complex questions about forgiveness and tolerance.
Vanessa Rosenthal's drama stars David Horovitch as Sol Goldber, Alison Pettitt as Deborah Goldber, Katharine Barker as Lorna Harris, David Schneider as Dariusz Pogonowski and Andrew Wincott as the Reverend Harris.
Producer: David Ian Neville
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2003.
THU 12:00 The Small, Intricate Life of Gerald C Potter (b007jxjk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 12:30 Radio Active (b007k1hf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 13:00 Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn (b00d8km5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 13:30 Shimmer and Dazzle: Seeing What Bridget Riley Sees (b00vxzns)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 14:00 Book at Bedtime (b065xchl)
Go Set a Watchman
Episode 9
GO SET A WATCHMAN
In the literary event of the year Harper Lee's explosive second novel has finally been published. Believed lost for decades after the publication of 'To Kill A Mockingbird', this book revisits much-loved characters, this time through adult eyes. This abridgement for Book at Bedtime brings a compelling and important release to Radio 4.
Jean Louise 'Scout' Finch travels from New York to Maycomb for her annual visit home. It's always a relief to slip into the comfortable rhythms of the South; to spend time with her beloved father Atticus and rekindle her spiky relationship with Aunt Alexandra. But mid-50s Alabama is not the same place where young Scout spent idyllic summers with brother Jem, and the 26-year old will be betrayed and have her trust shattered before she is able to become her own woman.
Harper Lee is the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of 'To Kill A Mockingbird', a book which has been studied, loved, wept over and revered by generations since its publication in 1960. She lives in Monroeville, Alabama.
Read by Fenella Woolgar
Written by Harper Lee
Abridged by Robin Brooks
Produced by Eilidh McCreadie.
THU 14:15 Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen's Men of Fashion (b00jrny6)
The New Man? - Fashion in the '80s
Big hair, big shoulders, big salaries and big hangovers. Laurence wonders whether fashion reflected 1980s greedy consumerism.
THU 14:30 15 Minute Drama (b0184v2n)
Legacy: High Green Walls
Episode 4
Cath Staincliffe's drama series returns with High Green Walls. When the weekly list of unclaimed estates is published, probate researchers, brother and sister team Dan and Rachel, search backwards through the family line to find the true heir and get a slice of the fortune.
Their quest to find out what happened to deceased artist Susie P's twin sister Barbara leads them to a heartbreaking discovery.
DAN....William Ash
RACHEL.....Claire Keelan
SUSAN.....Ellie Meigan Rose
MR WHITE ..Malcolm Raeburn
MR COTTESLOE.....Jonathan Keeble
CLERK/ KELLY.....Fiona Clarke
Directed by Nadia Molinari.
THU 14:45 John Heilpern - A Patriot for Us (b0076y8f)
Episode 4
John Osborne found happiness with Helen Dawson, but she was unable to save him from his depression. Read by Gareth Thomas.
THU 15:00 Stella Gibbons - Nightingale Wood (b01pjzbx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
THU 16:00 The Food Quiz (b0076mlq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
THU 16:30 Artists (b00xbh8b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
THU 17:00 All the Young Dudes (b007s74l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 17:30 Don't Start (b06tvc3t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 17:45 The Pin (b06j5bjs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:45 today]
THU 18:00 Ben Moor - Undone (b00f6ddd)
Series 2
Unaccustomed
Carlo leads the story as Edna and Tankerton face their biggest challenge yet
Staring Alex Tregear and Ben Moor.
Ben Moor's comic sci-fi saga about magazine editor Edna Turner entering a parallel world where her version of London is replaced with the city of Undone.
Carlo .Jones..... Duncan Wisbey
Edna Turner ...... Alex Tregear
Tankerton Slopes ...... Ben Moor
Faceless Bureaucrat ...... Jot Davies
Daphne ...... Ray Baker
Prince ...... Kevin Eldon
Other parts played by the cast.
Producer: Colin Anderson
Made for BBC Radio 7 by BBC Radio Comedy and first broadcast in February 2008.
THU 18:30 Great Lives (b007709h)
Series 10
Charles Darwin
4 Extra Debut. Lord Adair Turner joins Matthew Parris to discuss the life and work of Charles Darwin. With Professor James Moore. From September 2006.
THU 19:00 The Small, Intricate Life of Gerald C Potter (b007jxjk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 19:30 Radio Active (b007k1hf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 20:00 Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn (b00d8km5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 20:30 Shimmer and Dazzle: Seeing What Bridget Riley Sees (b00vxzns)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 21:00 Sussex Scandals (b01cjb66)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
THU 21:15 Vanessa Rosenthal - Exchanges in Bialystok (b0076c91)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
THU 22:00 Don't Start (b06tvc3t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 22:15 The Pin (b06j5bjs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:45 today]
THU 22:30 Alex Horne Presents The Horne Section (b042jhzs)
Series 3
Sara Pascoe and James Acaster
Stand-up Alex Horne and his band explore the theme of technology through live music and comedy.
With songs about a record player, hoover and a teasmaid amongst others.
They're joined by guest comedians Sara Pascoe and James Acaster.
Producer: Julia McKenzie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2014.
THU 23:00 Jeremy Hardy Speaks to the Nation (b04hyy1f)
Series 10
How to Define Oneself in Terms of Regional, Cultural and Geopolitical Identity Without Tears
Jeremy Hardy dispassionately examines the questions of nationality, identity and accents. The noo.
Helping him get to grips with the new world will be stand-up comedian Susan Murray and, broadly speaking, Scotsman Moray Hunter (Absolutely).
Few can forget where they were when they first heard "Jeremy Hardy Speaks To The Nation". The show was an immediate smash-hit success, causing pubs to empty on a Saturday night, which was particularly astonishing since the show went out on Thursdays. The Light Entertainment department was besieged, questions were asked in the House and Jeremy Hardy himself became known as the man responsible for the funniest show on radio since Money Box Live with Paul Lewis.
Since that fateful first series, Jeremy went on to win Sony Awards, Writers Guild nominations and a Nobel Prize for Chemistry. He was a much-loved regular on both The News Quiz and I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue.
Written by Jeremy Hardy
Produced by David Tyler
A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in 2014. .
THU 23:30 Hardeep at The Stand (b0169ktm)
Series 1
Episode 2
2/6
Hardeep Singh Kohli takes to The Stand's tiny stage to introduce a selection of jokes, stories and revelations from some of the world's best comedians.
First up James Dowdeswell delivers quick fire jokes and observations. Francesca Martinez, star of Grange Hill and Ricky Gervais's Extras tells us some cracking gags and chats to Hardeep backstage. Finally, Lee Camp combines political rants with one liners, he describes himself as "Yet Another American Mistake", we don't think so, judge for yourselves.
The programme was recorded late at night in a comedy club, so inevitably it contains adult themes and the occasional naughty word.
THU 23:45 Steven Appleby's Normal Life (b00swl5g)
Series 2
Normal Truth
Cartoonist Steven boldly tells the truth to end this series.
A less-than-wise career move
Paul McCrink stars as Steven Appleby with what he laughably describes as ‘insights into normal, everyday life.’
With:
Rosalind Paul
Ewan Bailey
Nigel Betts
Rachel Atkins
Written by Steven Appleby
Producer: Toby Swift
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2003.


FRIDAY 06 MAY 2016

FRI 00:00 Ben Moor - Undone (b00f6ddd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Thursday]
FRI 00:30 Great Lives (b007709h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn (b00d8km5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:30 Shimmer and Dazzle: Seeing What Bridget Riley Sees (b00vxzns)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 Book at Bedtime (b065xchl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:15 Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen's Men of Fashion (b00jrny6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Thursday]
FRI 02:30 15 Minute Drama (b0184v2n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:45 John Heilpern - A Patriot for Us (b0076y8f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 Stella Gibbons - Nightingale Wood (b01pjzbx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 The Food Quiz (b0076mlq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:30 Artists (b00xbh8b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 All the Young Dudes (b007s74l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Thursday]
FRI 05:30 Don't Start (b06tvc3t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Thursday]
FRI 05:45 The Pin (b06j5bjs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:45 on Thursday]
FRI 06:00 Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn (b00d8yxp)
Episode 5
The swashbuckling daredevil returns to Kent - but makes a new enemy. Read by Rufus Sewell.
Christopher Syn, a brilliant young scholar, is a Doctor of Divinity at Oxford, but his eventual decision to throw away the Bible for the sword in a mad quest for vengeance will influence the rest of his life.
Russell Thorndike's 18th Century, Kent-based adventure features pirates, smuggling, highwaymen, duels, wicked squires and beautiful Spanish ladies. Based on the first two novels (published 1935 and 1936) in the seven-title sequence, 'Doctor Syn on the High Seas' and 'Doctor Syn Returns'. Abridged by Doreen Estall.
Writer Russell Thorndike (1885-1972) is less well-known than his sister, the actress Dame Sybil Thorndike, but his Doctor Syn novels hold a special place in the affection of lovers of atmospheric, swashbuckling storytelling everywhere. His novels have been filmed with actors as diverse as George Arliss, Peter Cushing and Patrick McGoohan in the role of Syn, and the Kent village of Dymchurch holds an official 'Day of Syn' every other year, to commemorate a home-grown literary folk hero.
Producer: Lawrence Jackson
Made for BBC Radio 7 by BBC Northern Ireland
First broadcast in 2006.
FRI 06:30 Svelte Sylvia and the Hollywood Trimsters (b00tgwlc)
Madame Sylvia was a tiny, opinionated Norwegian who became the toast of 1920s Hollywood.
Employed by Pathe studios, her legendary violent massage technique kept stars such as Gloria Swanson ready for their close-ups.
She claimed to be able to make fat ooze from the pores like mashed potato through a colander. A shrewd businesswoman, she made herself into a brand, marketing her techniques through books, articles and radio programmes across America.
She made her name at a time when the movie boom meant not just stars, but audiences were starting to become more self-conscious about physical appearance.
She was the very first fitness guru, and kick-started our modern obsession with working out.
Karen Krizanovich, a film critic and accredited personal trainer, goes to Hollywood in search of Sylvia's story.
She goes to Sylvia's house and the studio where she worked, and reads her racy newspaper columns. But she also assesses Sylvia's legacy, questioning the role that fitness and beauty play in modern Hollywood as she talks to a celebrity personal trainer and joins a class of hula-hoopers on Santa Monica beach.
Was Sylvia a pioneering trailblazer - or can we blame her for the darker side of today's obsession with the body beautiful?
Producer: Kate Taylor
A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in August 2010.
FRI 07:00 Winston (b0080hsj)
Winston in Love
Figuratively Speaking
Nancy sparks concern by eloping with Roland. Meanwhile Father declares he's in love with Mrs Sunderland - figuratively speaking, of course.
Peter Tinniswood's bawdy comedy serial stars Bill Wallis as Winston, Maurice Denham as Father, Shirley Dixon as Nancy, Liz Goulding as Rosie and Christian Rodska as William.
Director: Shaun MacLoughlin
First broadcast on BBC Radio in January 1991.
FRI 07:30 The Rest is History (b078wsdl)
Series 2
Episode 5
Frank Skinner loves history, but just doesn't know much of it. So he's devised a comedy discussion show in order to find out more about it.
Along with his historian in residence, Professor Kate Williams, Frank is joined by Miles Jupp and Zoe Lyons, who discuss King Arthur, Ivan the Terrible, Napoleon and Josephine, and Sir Walter Raleigh.
Producers: Mark Augustyn and Justin Pollard
An Avalon production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in May 2016.
FRI 08:00 Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads? (b007jrk2)
I'll Never Forget Whatshername
Bob asks his fiancee Thelma to fix Terry up with a date.
Starring James Bolam as Terry Collier, Rodney Bewes as Bob Ferris and Brigit Forsyth as Thelma Chambers. With Lois Daine and Lorna Wilde.
Created and scripted for BBC TV by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais. Adapted for radio by Patrick Tilley.
Producer: John Browell
Originally lost from the archive, the audio was recovered in a BBC Treasure Hunt.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1975.
FRI 08:30 The Goon Show (b007jnq8)
Series 7
The Mystery of the Fake Neddie Seagoons
With the revelation that Neddie Seagoon was once mass-produced, can the original be found?
Groundbreaking, surreal BBC radio comedy written by Spike Milligan and Larry Stephens.
Starring:
Peter Sellers
Harry Secombe
Spike Milligan
First billed as Crazy People, ten series of The Goon Show were recorded between 1951 and 1960, but sadly many of the earliest shows weren’t kept in the archive.
With the Ray Ellington Quartet and Max Geldray.
Orchestra conducted by Wally Stott.
Announcer: Wallace Greenslade
Producer: Pat Dixon
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in November 1956.
FRI 09:00 The Museum of Curiosity (b01ng413)
Series 5
Roberts, Cottrell Boyce, Nyman
Professor of Ignorance at the University of Buckingham, Professor John Lloyd CBE is joined by comedian Jimmy Carr for the fifth series.
Three guests are invited to donate one item each and explain why it deserves a place in the museum.
John and Jimmy welcome screenwriter Frank Cottrell Boyce, actor/writer/magician Andy Nyman and anatomist Dr Alice Roberts.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2012.
FRI 09:30 No Commitments (b01709vv)
Series 9
Meeting the Family
Will Victoria get more than she bargained for when Emily brings her new boyfriend home? Stars Angela Thorne. From January 2003.
FRI 10:00 Stella Gibbons - Nightingale Wood (b01pkjwp)
Episode 2
The young, widowed and pretty Viola Wither finally has the chance to escape her stifling in-laws in Essex. Whilst they are spending a month in the Lakes, she and her sister-in-law Tina escape to Stanton on Sea.
Viola is still pining for the dashing Victor Spring - who has kissed her - and Tina for the beautiful chauffeur, Saxon - likewise. But is it all hopeless?
Stella Gibbons’ sparkling pre-war comedy of manners dramatised in two-parts by Christopher William Hill.
Starring Victoria Hamilton as Tina, Dinah Stabb as Mother, Paul Moriarty as Father, Francine Chamberlain as Viola Simon Bubb as Victor, dam Billington as Saxon, Adjoa Andoh as Edna, Alex Rivers as Hetty, Joan Walker as Phyllis, Ian Masters as Spurrey, James Lailey as Uncle Frank, Gerald McDermott as Mr Brodhurst.
Director: Marion Nancarrow
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2011.
FRI 11:00 Rose Tremain (b00rpvgv)
The Crossing of Herald Mountjoy
A tale of public and private anguish, based around the Battle of Agincourt. Trevor Nicholls reads Rose Tremain's short story.
FRI 11:15 Drama (b010xzs7)
Nick Perry - Referee
By Nick Perry.
Geoff is football referee at the top of his profession. But after a controversial game, he's heavily criticised and dropped from the upcoming Cup Final. Geoff's frustration builds and his scruples are soon tested.
Andrew Scott's performance as Walter Koch won the 2011 BBC Audio Drama Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Cast:
Geoff . . . . . Mark Addy
Don . . . . . Ralph Ineson
Koch . . . . . Andrew Scott
Pritchard . . . . . Sean Baker
Lisa . . . . . Denise Gough
Karen . . . . . Sally Orrock
Jamie . . . . . Rielly Newbold
Manager . . . . . Brian Bowles
Players . . . . . Stuart McLoughlin & Daniel Rabin.
Directed by Sasha Yevtushenko.
Studio Managers: Colin Guthrie and Mike Etherden
Editors: Caleb Knightley and Peter Ringrose
Production Co-ordinator: Selina Ream.
FRI 12:00 Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads? (b007jrk2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 12:30 The Goon Show (b007jnq8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 13:00 Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn (b00d8yxp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 13:30 Svelte Sylvia and the Hollywood Trimsters (b00tgwlc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 14:00 Book at Bedtime (b065xk29)
Go Set a Watchman
Episode 10
GO SET A WATCHMAN
In the literary event of the year Harper Lee's explosive second novel has finally been published. Believed lost for decades after the publication of 'To Kill A Mockingbird', this book revisits much-loved characters, this time through adult eyes. This abridgement for Book at Bedtime brings a compelling and important release to Radio 4.
Jean Louise 'Scout' Finch travels from New York to Maycomb for her annual visit home. It's always a relief to slip into the comfortable rhythms of the South; to spend time with her beloved father Atticus and rekindle her spiky relationship with Aunt Alexandra. But mid-50s Alabama is not the same place where young Scout spent idyllic summers with brother Jem, and the 26-year old will be betrayed and have her trust shattered before she is able to become her own woman.
Harper Lee is the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of 'To Kill A Mockingbird', a book which has been studied, loved, wept over and revered by generations since its publication in 1960. She lives in Monroeville, Alabama.
Read by Fenella Woolgar
Written by Harper Lee
Abridged by Robin Brooks
Produced by Eilidh McCreadie.
FRI 14:15 Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen's Men of Fashion (b00jrnzd)
The Clothes We're In - The State of Men's Fashion Now
With women's hemlines acting as a social and economic barometer, Laurence asks what men's fashion says about the state we are in.
FRI 14:30 15 Minute Drama (b0184vh4)
Legacy: High Green Walls
Episode 5
Cath Staincliffe's drama series returns with High Green Walls. When the weekly list of unclaimed estates is published, probate researchers, brother and sister team Dan and Rachel, search backwards through the family line to find the true heir and get a slice of the fortune.
The search for deceased reclusive artist Susie P's heir is finally over. Twin sister Barbara is still alive but Dan and Rachel are disturbed to discover that she has been living in an institution since the 1950's following a leucotomy that left her severely disabled.
DAN.....William Ash
RACHEL.....Claire Keelan
SUSAN.....Ellie Meigan Rose
BARBARA.....Kellie Shirley
MR WHITE.....Malcolm Raeburn
KELLY.....Fiona Clarke
Directed by Nadia Molinari.
FRI 14:45 John Heilpern - A Patriot for Us (b0076y8y)
Episode 5
John Osborne was bankrupt with terrible debts, but continued to entertain one and all with champagne. Read by Gareth Thomas.
FRI 15:00 Stella Gibbons - Nightingale Wood (b01pkjwp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
FRI 16:00 The Museum of Curiosity (b01ng413)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
FRI 16:30 No Commitments (b01709vv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
FRI 17:00 Winston (b0080hsj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 17:30 The Rest is History (b078wsdl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 18:00 Ben Moor - Undone (b008zdkt)
Series 2
Unwelcome
Edna and Tankerton return to her home town and attend a fete worse than death.
Staring Alex Tregear and Ben Moor.
Ben Moor's comic sci-fi saga about magazine editor Edna Turner entering a parallel world where her version of London is replaced with the city of Undone.
Edna Turner ...... Alex Tregear
Tankerton Slopes ...... Ben Moor
Billy/Carlo ..... Duncan Wisbey
Rosie Turner ...... Emma Kennedy
Other parts played by the cast.
Producer: Colin Anderson
Made for BBC Radio 7 by BBC Radio Comedy and first broadcast in February 2008.
FRI 18:30 Soul Music (b00drrl5)
Series 7
Chopin's Ballade No 1 in G Minor
Chopin's Ballade clearly tells a story, and yet that story differs for each person who hears or plays it.
Pianist Peter Donohoe heads a cast of people whose lives have been shaped and changed by hearing and playing this technically demanding, emotionally turbulent piece of music.
Featuring:
Peter Donohoe
Pete Rosskamm
Edi Bilimoria
Richard Bielecki
Andrew Armstrong
Dr Jay B. Hess
Joshua Wright
Series exploring famous pieces of music and their emotional appeal.
Producer: Rosie Boulton
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2008.
FRI 19:00 Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads? (b007jrk2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 19:30 The Goon Show (b007jnq8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 20:00 Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn (b00d8yxp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 20:30 Svelte Sylvia and the Hollywood Trimsters (b00tgwlc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 21:00 Rose Tremain (b00rpvgv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
FRI 21:15 Drama (b010xzs7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
FRI 22:00 The Rest is History (b078wsdl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 22:30 John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme (b03b0yf2)
Series 3
Episode 3
John Finnemore, the writer and star of Cabin Pressure, regular guest on The Now Show and popper-upper in things like Miranda, presents a third series of his hit sketch show.
The first series was described as 'sparklingly clever' by The Daily Telegraph and 'one of the most consistently funny sketch shows for quite some time' by The Guardian. The second series won Best Radio Comedy at both the Chortle and Comedy.co.uk awards, and was nominated for a Sony award.
This time around, John promises to stop doing silly sketches about nonsense like Winnie the Pooh's honey addiction or how goldfish invented computer programming, and concentrate instead on the the big, serious issues.
This third episode of the series features a song about an unheralded inventor, a touching reunion and a normal man.
Written by and starring John Finnemore, with Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Simon Kane, Lawry Lewin and Carrie Quinlan. Original music is by Susannah Pearse.
Producer: Ed Morrish.
FRI 23:00 Dave Podmore (b007s7x4)
Dave Podmore's World of Cricket
Episode 2
The player battles a case of libel based on an alleged encounter in a portable loo.
Sitcom about the exploits of talentless, amateurish, smug, inept and self-deluding English cricketer Dave Podmore.
Starring Chris Douglas and Andrew Nickolds with Chris Pavlo and Nicola Sanderson.
Written by Chris Douglas, Andrew Nickolds and Nick Newman.
Producer: Richard Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2002
FRI 23:30 Ross Noble Goes Global (b007jvsn)
Series 1
South Africa
The stand-up comic tries to climb Table Mountain and discovers that Cape Town has some very posh monkeys...
Producer: Danny Wallace
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2002.