SATURDAY 22 APRIL 2017

SAT 00:00 Thou Shalt Not Suffer a Witch (b0076pkb)
Windfall
A woman sells her trinkets to a passing salesman. From Dorothy K Haynes' 1949 collection. Read by Mark McDonnell.
SAT 00:15 15 Minute Drama (b037jn88)
Chronicles of Ait - The Lotos Effect, Episode 5
In The Lotos Effect, Linus Scott is a General Practitioner dealing with the normal range of ailments when he is called to the home of a young woman struggling with a recurring nightmare. But after a second teenager independently reports the same dream, something happens which moves events into a more sinister dimension.
A man called Linus Scott, a woman called Alice Pyper and a remote East Coast village called Ait - these are the only ingredients of this returning series which remain constant. In all other respects, each story from the Chronicles of Ait is discrete from the others, though the prevailing mood is always one of mystery.
Episode Five:
Linus's fears for Alice's safety become intense when, after Charlene's funeral, he is unable to find her.
Written by Michael Butt
Produced and Directed by John Taylor
A Fiction Factory production for BBC Radio 4.
SAT 00:30 Richard Baker Compares Notes (b08msn9v)
Patrick Moore talks about his musical life with Richard Baker.
Patrick Moore (1923-2012) was a well-known as an astronomer and long-term TV presenter of the BBC's 'The Sky at Night'.
But he was also a pianist, a virtuoso xylophonist and the composer of two operas, and once accompanied the violin-playing of Albert Einstein.
Producer: Michael Emery
First broadcast on the BBC Radio 4 in 1989.
SAT 01:00 The Blackburn Files (b007jptk)
Series 1, A Case of Haddock and Plaice
An elderly couple's time-share cash con sparks private investigator Stephen J Blackburn's first case abroad.
The last of five cases for the ex-pitman turned investigator and his government scheme-funded assistant Tracey. Set in a South Yorkshire town that's seen better days.
Starring Fine Time Fontayne as Stephen J Blackburn, Judy Flynn as Tracey Duggan.
With Gerry Kersey, Lorraine Peters, Norman Mills, Lucia Laratonda and James Tomlinson.
Scripted by Ian McMillan, Martyn Wiley and Dave Sheasby
Directed for BBC North East by Dave Sheasby
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1989.
SAT 01:30 John Gielgud - An Actor in His Time (b08msh8s)
Life in the Movies
"I always wanted to play the old king in Henry IV"
Sir John Gielgud talks to John Miller about the growth of the film industry and working with Alfred Hitchcock and Orson Welles.
Actor and theatre director, Sir John Gielgud (1904-2000) was regarded as one of the greatest thespians of his generation.
Producer: John Powell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1978.
SAT 02:00 Book at Bedtime (b03lsdh5)
Aunts Aren't Gentlemen, Trying to Brazen It Out
A classic Jeeves and Wooster story from P G Wodehouse, one of the masters of comic fiction, read by Blake Ritson.
'Mr Wooster,' he said, 'you are a typical young man about town.'
'Oh thanks,' I responded, for it sounded like a compliment, and one always likes to say the civil thing.
Bertie Wooster has been rather overdoing the metropolitan life, so on doctor's orders, finds himself retiring to the quiet hamlet of Maiden Eggesford to 'sleep the sleep of the just and lead the quiet Martini-less life'. Only the presence of his irrepressible Aunt Dahlia shatters the rustic peace as an imbroglio develops, involving a stolen cat, an over-sensitive racehorse, and some star-crossed lovers. Wooster's quick-thinking butler Jeeves, as always, comes to the rescue.
Today: 'Trying to brazen it out' - Bertie is still trying to extricate himself from a very unwelcome betrothal, while avoiding the terrifying Pop Cook. Must he rely again on his quick-thinking butler, Jeeves?
The author of almost a hundred books and the creator of Jeeves, Blandings Castle, Psmith, Ukridge, Uncle Fred and Mr Mulliner, P G Wodehouse was born in 1881 in Guildford, Surrey, in 1881. He was created a Knight of the British Empire in 1975 and died the same year at the age of ninety-three. Jeeves and Wooster were perhaps his best-known creations; 'Aunts Aren't Gentlemen' was published in 1974, and was the last novel to feature the literary duo.
Reader: Blake Ritson
Abridger: Richard Hamilton
Producer: Justine Willett.
SAT 02:15 Our Dreams: Our Selves (b03bg4vr)
Science and Psychoanalysis: the Recurring Dream of Sigmund Freud
Lucy Powell explores the history of dreams and what we think they mean, a hundred years after Sigmund Freud's great work 'The Interpretation of Dreams' appeared in English. She traces the shadowy, circuitous and often surprising history of dreams, from the oldest works of western literature to the very forefront of neuroscience, and finds out where dreams have taken us in the past, and where they might transport us next.
It's hard to imagine now just how radical 'The Interpretation of Dreams' was a century ago. For his contemporaries, dreams were just froth - 'trauma sind schaume'. But Freud accorded them meaning. The men and women who once lay on his couch came to Freud with disturbing symptoms that mainstream medical science couldn't cure. He decided to look, not at their bodies for the source of their malaise, but at their minds. In particular, he delved into the darkest reaches of their dreams. Freud's extraordinary claim was that dreams are 'the royal road to the unconscious'.
Lucy explores Freud's greatest work, and talks to Mark Solms, a neuroscientist at the cutting edge of research into dreams. She asks if Freud was right.
Producer: Jane Greenwood.
A Loftus production for BBC Radio 4.
SAT 02:30 Edith Wharton - The Reef (b00b3zz3)
Episode 5
George Darrow tries persuading Sophie to leave Givre, but complications set in. Stars Jodhi May and Sian Thomas and Ben Miles.
SAT 02:45 Charles Chaplin - My Autobiography (b08msmq3)
Episode 5
Charlie Chaplin explains how he became a cinema legend. The fate of his father. Read by Nigel Hawthorne.
SAT 03:00 Geoffrey Parkinson - The Annunciation (b06h1nmk)
Are mysterious messages foretelling the Second Coming?
Starring Michael Gambon as Graham, Eva Stuart as Myra and Peter Howell as the Vicar.
Graham and Myra are a childless couple in early middle-age, living a quiet, uninspiring life in a London suburb. Until one day a series of curious events commence that make Myra begin to believe that she's been chosen for something special - by God.
Written by Geoffrey Parkinson.
Directed by Cherry Cookson.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1980.
SAT 04:00 Who Goes There? (b00fks6r)
Series 3, Episode 3
Martin Young's famous people quiz. With Francis Wheen, Carol Sarler, Fred Housego and Rachel Holmes. From January 2000.
SAT 04:30 No Commitments (b00776j7)
Series 13, Age Difference
Can Charlotte make it as a model? And why isn't Victoria happier about Emily's pregnancy? With Rosemary Leach. From April 2007.
SAT 05:00 Old Dog and Partridge (b007vmbx)
Episode 3
Nicola is on the verge of romance, while pub customer Andy faces being found out. Stars Michael Williams. From January 1999.
SAT 05:30 Hal (b08m9flm)
Series 2, Racists
The second series of the sitcom with Hal Cruttenden finds the hapless house husband still trying to cope with his mid-life crisis and doubting his every move.
His wife Sam (Kerry Godliman) is still a highly successful business woman, his two daughters Lily and Molly continue to grow into teenagers and find their dad just a little annoying, his bitter and embittered sister Pippa (Abigail Cruttenden) has inconveniently decided to stay with Hal alongside her angry teenage son Oberon, racist neighbour Penny (Ronni Ancona) proves to be a major thorn in Hal's side and best mates Fergus (Ed Byrne) and Barry (Gavin Webster) hinder rather than help Hal's goal of finding himself.
In this second episode, as his wife is nominated for Business Woman of the Year, Hal is interviewed on local news and inadvertently becomes an internet sensation.
Written by Hal Cruttenden and Dominic Holland
Produced by Paul Russell
An Open Mike production for BBC Radio 4.
SAT 06:00 Kingsley Amis - All Free Now (b08n1vxy)
"As you get older, you'll find that absolutely straight-down-the-middle sex doesn't strike you in quite the way it did."
Sir Roy's pursuit of something more stimulating wreaks havoc in his own and everyone else's life in this comic observation of the late 1960s. Written by Tony Bilbow based on Kingsley Amis's novel 'Girl 20'.
Starring Robert Stephens as Sir Roy Vandervane, Christopher Timothy as Douglas Yandell, Eva Stuart as Lady Kitty, Geoffrey Whitehead as Meers, Kim Thomson as Penny, Anna Mazzotti as Sylvia and Okon Jones as Gilbert.
Producer: Matthew Walters
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1989.
SAT 07:30 The Real Patron Saints (b00768z8)
Saint George
Ian Hislop chases dragons, crusaders and a large joint of roast beef searching for the real patron saint of England. From August 2002.
SAT 08:00 Archive on 4 (b01pgq4j)
Blithe Margaret
Margaret Rutherford was a benign battleaxe, chin wagging like a windsock, famous as Miss Marple, Madame Arcati in Blithe Spirit and for her roles in Passport to Pimlico, The Importance of Being Earnest and an Oscar-winning performance in The VIPs. Stephen Fry looks back at the life and work of one of our finest comedy actors and one of Britain's best-loved box office stars.
The comic and dramatic roles Margaret played were as nothing to the astonishing true crime stories that shaped her life and career. Murder was to play a part in her life, beyond the role of Miss Marple. She was also a regular visitor to a young offenders' institution and had a family secret that she never revealed.
The programme includes archive of Margaret herself, film director David Lean, writer Rumer Godden, comedian Frankie Howerd, actor Robert Morley, her husband Stringer Davis, and informally adopted daughter Dawn Langley Simmons. We also hear from Andy Merriman (author of Margaret Rutherford: Dreadnought with Good Manners) and actress Damaris Hayman.
And Stephen talks to one of Margaret's distant relatives. Somewhat surprisingly, it's the Rt.Hon.Tony Benn.

Producer: Tamsin Hughes
A Testbed production for BBC Radio 4.
SAT 09:00 Barry Humphries: Gladdies All Over (b05xwsnj)
Kathy Lette celebrates Barry Humphries. An interesting, inspiring, true creative, treasured for his outrageous characters, acerbic wit and sharp tongue. Humphries has collaborated with some of the most revered creative minds of the last century.
The man himself is a considered intellectual with a life immersed in music, literature and arts. For his delivery of Dadaist and absurdist humour to millions, biographer Anne Pender described Humphries as not only "the most significant theatrical figure of our time ... [but] the most significant comedian to emerge since Charlie Chaplin"
In this three hour compilation, self-styled 'deranged author' Kathy Lette chats to Barry Humphries about his relationship with Sir Les Patterson, Sandy Stone and Dame Edna Everage.
Kathy also introduces rare performances, interviews and programmes from the BBC archive including:
* Barry and Dame Edna's appearances on Front Row, In Tune, Profile, and Nightwave
* Early performances alongside Spike Milligan
* A discussion of working with Emily Perry, who played Dame Edna's bridesmaid Madge.
* Interviews with Dame Edna shortly after her escape from Mooney Ponds.
There's also a look at the people and things that have influenced Humphries' work and life:
* His passion for literature is discussed in Open Book
* His passion for the decadent world of art, music and satire is delved into in Barry Humphries In Weimar.
Produced by Laura Baron.
SAT 12:00 Marriage Lines (b04krq1d)
Series 1, The Threshold
Newlyweds George and Kate find themselves locked out of their new flat.
Richard Briers and Prunella Scales star as newlyweds, in the 1960's BBC comedy that brought the pair to prominence.
Originating on BBC TV, it was adapted for radio version due to its popularity. The sitcom charts their domestic and relationship trials, tribulations and stresses, in addition to George's troubles at the office and their first baby.
In this opening episode the young, newly-married couple Kate and George Starling return to their first home together.
A decade later, Richard Briers went on to play Tom Good in The Good Life and Prunella Scales went on to star as Sybil in Fawlty Towers. They remained friends until Richard Briers' death in 2013.
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in May 1965.
SAT 12:30 Tracy Aston - Mad Man Blue (b0113060)
Roy Hudd's comic monologue as the unassuming but irrepressible Bloomer. Will a feud with his neighbour leave him unscathed?
SAT 13:00 Anne Tyler - The Amateur Marriage: Omnibus (b08n1vy0)
Episode 2
Michael and Pauline's creaky marriage continues with their 30th wedding anniversary. Starring Sara Stewart and Ian Porter.
SAT 14:10 Inheritance Tracks (b08n1vy2)
Toyah Willcox
Singer Toyah Wilcox has inherited 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' and wants to pass on the track by Bjork, 'Human Behaviour'.
SAT 14:15 Frankly Speaking (b05vrnll)
Flora Robson
The actress Dame Flora Robson answers questions posed by John Freeman and Philip Hope-Wallace.
After she performed a poem at the age of five, Flora was told by her father she'd be "the next Ellen Terry". But the strain of performing caused a breakdown at the age of 12. RADA beckoned - and the actress won fame for her powerful, emotional acting as an adult. Her long career included appearances in 60 films and more than 100 plays.
Launched in 1952, Frankly Speaking was a completely novel and ground breaking BBC series. Initially there were three interviewers and the series was both unrehearsed and unscripted.
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in 1960.
SAT 14:45 Uncle Mort's Celtic Fringe (b007jrhg)
Series 2, Tricky Icky
Carter Brandon and his Uncle track down a sporting hero. Peter Tinniswood's adventures with Stephen Thorne and Sam Kellly.
SAT 15:00 Archive on 4 (b01pgq4j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
SAT 16:00 Kingsley Amis - All Free Now (b08n1vxy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 17:30 The Real Patron Saints (b00768z8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 18:00 Michael Symmons Roberts - The Sleeper (b08plj7j)
A fable for our times. A future British society as it is today - except human beings have gradually lost the gift of sleep.
Michael Symmons Roberts' verse drama with music composed by Stephen Deazley adapted to create a soundtrack mixing speech, poetry and chorus.
Society is strained to breaking point by 24-hour wakefulness. The government has cracked down on subversive images of sleep. People work around the clock. Hotels are for private meetings and illicit sex. Shops never close.
Into this paranoid world, a teenage girl emerges, a girl who can sleep. Protected by her friends, she goes on the run from the authorities who are keen to control and study her gift. The group ends up living in a city centre squat, surviving as a group by shoplifting and begging.
The group grows increasingly anxious and fractious, with Ellah (the sleeper)'s boyfriend Jamie lapsing into cultish beliefs in the 'old gods', in which lullabies are chanted as prayers, worshipping sleep. Some of the other group members join in these rituals. Keller, the level-headed natural leader of the group, is struggling to keep the peace.
Hungry, scared and sick of being pursued, the group receives an offer of help from a wealthy man - known by the nickname Hypnos - who says he will protect them. But what does he want in return?
Stars Matthew Beard as Keller, Sarah Churm as Ella, Henry Devas as Jamie, Rachel Austin as Sara, Jason Done as Davis, Maxine Peake as Harper, Danielle Henry as Somnus and Kevin Doyle as Hypnos.
With music created from the original WNO Youth commission by the composer Stephen Deazley, and performed by members of the Welsh National Opera Orchestra and Youth Opera
Directed in Salford by Susan Roberts
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2013.
SAT 19:00 Barry Humphries: Gladdies All Over (b05xwsnj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 22:00 Shappi Talk (b00lpmz7)
Series 1, Religion
Comedy series in which Shappi Khorsandi examines what it is like growing up in multi-cultural families.
Joining Shappi is Bengali comic Paul Sinha sharing his experiences of religion in his family. Shappi will also be joined by another 'related' guest- and she chats to ex Mayor of London Ken Livingstone.
There'll also be a chance for Shappi to chat with the audience and a song from Hils Barker.
Producer: Paul Russell
An Open Mike Production for BBC Radio 4.
SAT 22:30 Alex Horne Presents The Horne Section (b01r51fb)
Series 2, Charlie Baker
New series of the comedy show hosted by Alex Horne and his five piece band and specially written, original music. Guests across this series include Phill Jupitus, Charlie Baker, Nick Mohammed, Doc Brown, Matt Lucas and Danny Baker.
This third episode explores the theme of love including songs on chat up lines and romance in Bognor as well as a foray into drum and bass and a look at the history of the flute. Guest starring Charlie Baker who deconstructs a classic love song.

Host .... Alex Horne
Trumpet/banjo .... Joe Auckland
Saxophone/clarinet ....Mark Brown
Double Bass/Bass .... Will Collier
Drums and Percussion .... Ben Reynolds
Piano/keyboard .... Ed Sheldrake
Guest performer .... Charlie Baker
Producer .... Julia McKenzie.
SAT 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (b06l5z4j)
The best in contemporary comedy. Tonight Arthur Smith chats to Tony Law.
SAT 23:00 Machynlleth Stand-Up Show (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.
SAT 23:30 The Toll (b02140k8)
The Toll is a warm-hearted and uncynical sitcom following the lives of the people who work on a toll bridge in Wales, written by Benjamin Partridge. It centres around the character of Neville, who is the general manager of the bridge, a man struggling always to do the right thing.
In this episode, Neville (Played by Gavin and Stacy's Steffan Rhodri) finds a pair of rare birds nesting on the bridge and disrupts traffic flow to protect them, enraging motorists and his boss Felicity. Meanwhile, Paul has bought a new coat having discovered the local charity shop.
Benjamin Partridge has written for The News Quiz, The Now Show, Dilemma, The Headset Set and Listen Against. He devised the Radio 4 panel show It's Your Round. Partridge has also co-presented shows on BBC Radio Wales with Chris Corcoran or Gareth Gwynn, and is a regular panellist on the BBC Radio Wales panel show What's The Story?
Written by ..... Benjamin Partridge
Producer ..... Tilusha Ghelani.


SUNDAY 23 APRIL 2017

SUN 00:00 Michael Symmons Roberts - The Sleeper (b08plj7j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Saturday]
SUN 01:00 Anne Tyler - The Amateur Marriage: Omnibus (b08n1vy0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 13:00 on Saturday]
SUN 02:10 Inheritance Tracks (b08n1vy2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:10 on Saturday]
SUN 02:15 Frankly Speaking (b05vrnll)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Saturday]
SUN 02:45 Uncle Mort's Celtic Fringe (b007jrhg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Saturday]
SUN 03:00 Archive on 4 (b01pgq4j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Saturday]
SUN 04:00 Kingsley Amis - All Free Now (b08n1vxy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]
SUN 05:30 The Real Patron Saints (b00768z8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Saturday]
SUN 06:00 Edith Wharton - The Reef (b00b523y)
Omnibus, part 1
An unexpected obstacle sparks a beguiling adventure for diplomat George Darrow. Stars Jodhi May, Sian Thomas and Ben Miles.
SUN 07:15 Martyn Read - Living History (b08n1wsf)
4 Extra Debut. As the Reverend William Bendigo nears his 100th birthday, his friend considers life without him. Read by John Moffatt.
SUN 07:30 Deborah Frances-White Rolls the Dice (b05qfjn1)
Series 1, Episode 1
Comedian Deborah Frances-White tells the true life story of her search for her birth mother.
Deborah is Australian but now living in London. With the vocal assistance of Thom Tuck, Alex Lowe, and Celia Pacquola, she ploughs through Google and Facebook to seek out her long lost family before finally hiring a private detective.
Deborah soon uncovers clues that lead her to the discovery of a genuine relative - her aunt - but not before some odd detours, including possibly being related to a one-armed champion pole dancer.
Eventually, contact is made with Deborah's real mother, Devon, and she must ask the awkward question - why was she given away?
Producer: Alan Nixon
A So Radio production for BBC Radio 4.
SUN 08:00 The Frankie Howerd Variety Show (b007jr40)
From 24/10/1978
Frankie Howerd receives Meals On Wheels by mistake and proves guilty of doing jury service...
Plus stars from the world of entertainment - Acker Bilk, Brian Coshall, Lois Lane and Alan J Bartley.
Music from the Max Harris Orchestra
Scripted by Rory McGrath, Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran.
Producer: Richard Willcox
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in October 1978.
SUN 09:00 The Odyssey Project: My Name Is Nobody (b08nfttb)
Omnibus, Episode 1
There are parallels between Homer's Odyssey and the journeys of refugees today. Poets who are themselves migrants offer new responses to The Odyssey.
SUN 10:10 Inheritance Tracks (b08n1zy2)
Eoin Colfer
Children's author Eoin Colfer inherits the Status Quo track 'Whatever You Want' and wants to pass on U2's 'All I Want Is You'.
SUN 10:15 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b08n1zy4)
Honoured Actors, Ralph Richardson
4 Extra Debut. From Frederic Chopin to Ella Fitzgerald, actor Sir Ralph Richardson shares his castaway choices with Roy Plomley. From August 1979.
SUN 10:50 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00pf12c)
Series 1, Monstrous Flowers
Series of talks by Sir David Attenborough on the natural histories of creatures and plants from around the world.
Deep in the steamy forests of Sumatra, the largest flowers in the world bloom, albeit for under a week. But why are they so big?
SUN 11:00 TED Radio Hour (b08n1zy6)
Series 4, Beyond Tolerance
Guy Raz explores whether we need to move beyond the idea of tolerance to a place of deeper understanding?
A journey through fascinating ideas based on talks by riveting speakers on the TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) stage.
SUN 11:55 The Listening Project (b01nq3fv)
Ranjit and Sara: It Started in a Coffee Shop
Fi Glover presents this conversation about how spaghetti bolognese for breakfast in an Oxford coffee shop caused an English girl and an Indian Brahmin to meet and fall in love in Radio 4's series that proves it's surprising what you hear when you listen.
The Listening Project is a Radio 4 initiative that offers a snapshot of contemporary Britain in which people across the UK volunteer to have a conversation with someone close to them about a subject they've never discussed intimately before. The conversations are being gathered across the UK by teams of producers from local and national radio stations who facilitate each encounter. Every conversation - they're not BBC interviews, and that's an important difference - lasts up to an hour, and is then edited to extract the key moment of connection between the participants. Many of the long conversations are being archived by the British Library and used to build up a collection of voices capturing a unique portrait of the UK in the second decade of the millennium. You can upload your own conversations or just learn more about The Listening Project by visiting bbc.co.uk/listeningproject
Producer: Marya Burgess.
SUN 12:00 The Frankie Howerd Variety Show (b007jr40)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
SUN 13:00 Edith Wharton - The Reef (b00b523y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 14:15 Martyn Read - Living History (b08n1wsf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
SUN 14:30 Sarah Hall - Wolf Border Omnibus (b05wcz1b)
Episode 1
Tough but wary Rachel Caine is a wolf expert. Hattie Morahan reads Sarah Hall's tale of wilderness, family, power and love.
SUN 15:45 Snapshots in the Dark (b0075qfz)
Julia Margaret Cameron: Portrait of Thomas Carlyle, 1867
Colin Ford discovers how Cameron changed portraiture forever, thanks to her life-size reproduction of the head. From December 1999.
SUN 16:00 David Cregan - What Happened with St George (b08n1zy9)
A man and a woman look at a statue of St George and the dragon in a Swedish cathedral. She's heard the myth. But what was the reality?
The man knows - and tells. A revelation......
David Cregan's drama stars Ian Holm as the Man, Kate Harper as the Woman, Peter Davison as George, Mary Wimbush as the Blessed Virgin Mary, Christopher Benjamin as the King, Jennifer Piercey as the Queen, Holly de Jong as Cleodolinda and Amanda Root as Alison.
Director: David Hitchinson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 and around the world in the Globe Theatre '92 season.
SUN 17:00 Poetry Extra (b0076k4c)
Dunstanburgh Castle: A Secret as Old as the Stones
BBC Radio 4's Poet in Residence, Daljit Nagra revisits the BBC's radio poetry archive with 'Dunstanburgh Castle: A Secret as Old as the Stone'.
Featuring the sounds of Dunstanburgh Castle in Northumberland, recorded by poet Katrina Porteous, and drawing on local myth and memories of Scottish raids and the ideal of good lordship.
Performed by Trevor Fox and the children of Seahouses First School.
Producer: Julian May
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2004.
SUN 17:30 Deborah Frances-White Rolls the Dice (b05qfjn1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 18:00 The Price of Fear (b007jmqz)
Is There Anybody There?
Horror legend Vincent Price introduces a tale set in discrete suburbia - home to medium and clairvoyant, Griselda Thorpe and her older sister Edie. And it is to their genteel house that Henry Jollit comes in search of a preview of eternity...
Stars Dilys Laye as Griselda Thorpe, Sylvia Coleridge as Edie Thorpe and Norman Bird as Henry Jollit.
Music by Derek Price.
Scripted by William Ingram.
Producer: John Dyas
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1983.
SUN 18:30 Kurt Vonnegut - Thanasphere (b007jqzb)
Major Allen Rice is the first American astronaut in space. His military mission is to report back weather conditions over enemy terrain. Lift off goes well and the spaceship settles into its orbit, with regular radio reports coming back to base.
But then, somehow the major hears a child crying. What happens next takes this pioneering mission in a direction no-one could have predicted...
American writer, Kurt Vonnuegut's delicious piece of sci-fi philosophy from the 1950's is read by Kerry Shale.
Producer: Joanne Lafferty
Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in 2004.
SUN 19:00 TED Radio Hour (b08n1zy6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
SUN 19:55 The Listening Project (b01nq3fv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:55 today]
SUN 20:00 The Odyssey Project: My Name Is Nobody (b08nfttb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SUN 21:10 Inheritance Tracks (b08n1zy2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:10 today]
SUN 21:15 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b08n1zy4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:15 today]
SUN 21:50 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00pf12c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:50 today]
SUN 22:00 Deborah Frances-White Rolls the Dice (b05qfjn1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 22:30 Jo Caulfield's Speakeasy (b0381lzj)
Episode 2
Comedian Jo Caulfield invites best selling authors, comedians and a man who played with Pink Floyd to tell true stories from their lives. The results are revealing, hilarious and hugely entertaining.
The performers are all recorded live at the historic Scottish Story Telling centre in Edinburgh.
This week Ian Rankin tells us why not to get on the wrong side of a crime writer, Boothby Graffoe shares a gruesome tale about the world's worst serial killer and Janey Godley and Pink Floyd's Guy Pratt share with us moments they'd rather forget.
Created by Jo Caulfield and Kevin Anderson
A Dabster production for BBC Radio 4.
SUN 23:00 Cabin Pressure (b00lmcyc)
Series 2, Helsinki
Carolyn has a reunion, with orchids galore. The ups and downs of a tiny charter airline. Stars Stephanie Cole. From July 2009.
SUN 23:30 Bussmann and Quantick Kingsize (b007587z)
Episode 2
Featuring the Ike Turner and Melvyn Bragg Story. Stars Jane Bussmann and David Quantick. With Peter Serafinowicz. From April 1998.


MONDAY 24 APRIL 2017

MON 00:00 The Price of Fear (b007jmqz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Sunday]
MON 00:30 Kurt Vonnegut - Thanasphere (b007jqzb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Sunday]
MON 01:00 Edith Wharton - The Reef (b00b523y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Sunday]
MON 02:15 Martyn Read - Living History (b08n1wsf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 on Sunday]
MON 02:30 Sarah Hall - Wolf Border Omnibus (b05wcz1b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Sunday]
MON 03:45 Snapshots in the Dark (b0075qfz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 on Sunday]
MON 04:00 David Cregan - What Happened with St George (b08n1zy9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Sunday]
MON 05:00 Poetry Extra (b0076k4c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 17:00 on Sunday]
MON 05:30 Deborah Frances-White Rolls the Dice (b05qfjn1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Sunday]
MON 06:00 Paul Temple (b007t1kg)
Paul Temple and the Margo Mystery, The Coat
A dangerous web of lies and murder awaits Paul Temple when his wife Steve disappears...
Francis Durbridge's thriller stars Peter Coke as Paul Temple and Marjorie Westbury as Steve in another intriguing case for BBC radio's smoothest investigator and his glamorous wife.
With James Thomason as Sir Graham Forbes, Simon Lack as Superintendent Raine, Tommy Duggan as Mike Langdon, James Beattie as Charlie, June Tobin as Linda Kelburn, Jon Rollason as Tony Wyman and Mary Wimbush as the Telephone Operator.
From 1938 to 1969 the fictional crime novelist and detective Paul Temple, together with his Fleet Street journalist Steve, solved case after case in one of BBC radio's most popular series. They inhabited a sophisticated world of chilled cocktails and fast cars, where the women were chic and the men wore cravats - a world where Sir Graham Forbes, of Scotland Yard, usually needed Paul's help with his latest tricky case.
Producer: Martin C Webster
First heard on the BBC Light Programme in 1961.
MON 06:30 John Gielgud - An Actor in His Time (b08n276l)
Our Revels Now Are Ended
"I want to make it in Japan... of course the Masque would be wonderful on the screen, having them coming down in peacock chariots from the sky and walking on the sands..."
Sir John Gielgud tells John Miller about starring in The Providence and hopes of directing a film of The Tempest.
Actor and theatre director, Sir John Gielgud (1904-2000) was regarded as one of the greatest thespians of his generation. He played every major Shakespearean role, including King Lear, Hamlet, Richard II and Prospero. His Hollywood supporting role as a butler in 'Arthur' won him his only Oscar in 1982.
Producer: John Powell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1979.
MON 07:00 Mr Finchley Takes the Road (b007k17f)
Episode 3
Edgar Finchley gets locked up, wins an unlikely prize and hits the wrong note with an army band. With Richard Griffiths.
MON 07:30 The Unbelievable Truth (b08m9kvp)
Series 18, Episode 3
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.
David O'Doherty, Richard Osman, Zoe Lyons and Marcus Brigstocke are the panellists obliged to talk with deliberate inaccuracy on subjects as varied as bicycles, wine, trees and chocolate.
Produced by Jon Naismith
A Random Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4.
MON 08:00 The Burkiss Way (b007jrtv)
Series 4, Remember the Burkiss Way
It's the clash of the game shows! Jo Kendall, Chris Emmett, Fred Harris and Nigel Rees try to win the car.
Cult sketch comedy series which originally ran from 1976 to 1980.
Scripted by David Renwick and Andrew Marshall.
Producer: David Hatch
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1979.
MON 08:30 Dad's Army (b007jmrm)
Series 2, If the Cap Fits
Captain Mainwaring decides to promote fractious Private Frazer with some unexpected results.
Starring Arthur Lowe as Captain Mainwaring, John Le Mesurier as Sergeant Wilson, Clive Dunn as Corporal Jones, John Laurie as Private Frazer, Ian Lavender as Private Pike and Arnold Ridley as Godfrey.
Adapted for radio from Jimmy Perry and David Croft's TV scripts by Harold Snoad and Michael Knowles.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1975.
MON 09:00 Booked (b0075t8p)
Series 5, Episode 4
Ian McMillan chairs the literary quiz with Helen Lederer, David Stafford, Roger McGough and Miles Kington. From December 1998.
MON 09:30 Artists (b0194n5x)
Series 2, Self-Destruct
Traditional Tamsin competes with her installationist boyfriend to create a self-portrait. Stars Ben Miller. From April 2004.
MON 10:00 Classic Serial (b00nhv35)
Guy de Maupassant - Bel Ami, Episode 1
Dramatisation by Frances Byrnes of Guy de Maupassant's story of political corruption in the newspaper world of 19th-century France and the inexorable rise of Georges Duroy - 'Bel Ami' - a charming, ruthless man of little talent but plenty of ambition.
Bel Ami is making the perfect match with a society heiress but his past is about to catch up with him, in the shape of Mme de Marelle, his long-term mistress.
Bel Ami ...... Jonathan Slinger
Marelle ...... Emma Fielding
Madeleine ...... Mali Harries
Forestier ...... Kieran Self
Monsieur Walter ...... Steffan Rhodri
Rachel ...... Sara McGaughey
Other roles played by Richard Nichols.
Directed by Polly Thomas.
MON 11:00 Katherine Mansfield - The Montana Stories (b007647w)
Marriage a la Mode
Isobel has a happy marriage until she falls in with a racy set and begins to neglect her adoring husband. Read by Emilia Fox.
MON 11:15 Juliet Ace - Dead-Heading the Roses (b0076j6q)
Naval officer's wife, Ariadne Fitz-John has become the benign queen of death, arranging tasteful memorial services - which will include her husband George's send-off.
But before his departure, her husband has plotted a final surprise...
Stars Jill Balcon as Ariadne Fitz-John and her real son, Daniel Day-Lewis as Felix Brown.
With Cheryl Campbell as Phyliss Beacon, William Hootkins as Ephraim Cohn, Graham Crowden as George Fitz-John and Lucy Carol Jenkins as William the bulldog.
Sparkling drama specially written by Juliet Ace to celebrate Jill Balcon's 60th year of performing on radio.
Director: Ned Chaillet
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2003.
MON 12:00 The Burkiss Way (b007jrtv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 12:30 Dad's Army (b007jmrm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 13:00 Paul Temple (b007t1kg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 13:30 John Gielgud - An Actor in His Time (b08n276l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 14:00 Book at Bedtime (b01m0lh1)
Andrew Miller - Pure, Episode 1
By Andrew Miller
Abridged by Jeremy Osborne
Read by John Sessions.
It's Paris in 1785. The cemetery of Les Innocents is the oldest in the city, but it is overflowing and can no longer hold on to its dead. Newcomers to the quarter are overpowered by the smell. It taints the breath and food of the locals. And some believe it can even taint the mind.
By order of the King, the church and cemetery are to be destroyed and every last bone rehoused. The place is to be made sweet again. It shall be made pure.
Charged with the task, Jean-Baptiste Baratte - a young engineer from Normandy - arrives in Paris. And thus begins "A year of bones, of grave-dirt, relentless work. Of ... chanting priests. A year of rape, suicide, sudden death. Of friendship too. Of desire. Of love...A year unlike any other he has lived."
Episode 1 of 10: A young engineer from Normandy waits in an anteroom in the Palace of Versailles for a meeting with the minister.
Andrew Miller was born in Bristol. He studied Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia in 1991 and finished a PhD in Critical and Creative Writing at Lancaster University in 1995. He lives in Somerset.
His first novel, Ingenious Pain, was published in 1997 and won the James Tait Black Memorial Prize (for fiction). His third, Oxygen (2001), was shortlisted for both the Booker Prize and the Whitbread Novel Award. One Morning Like A Bird (2008) was also produced by Sweet Talk for Book At Bedtime on BBC Radio 4.
Pure is Andrew Miller's sixth novel and won the Costa Book Of The Year award in 2011.
Produced by Rosalynd Ward
A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4.
MON 14:15 The Ideas That Make Us (b03b0kfh)
Series 1, Ideas
The Ideas That Make Us is a Radio 4 series which reveals the history of the most influential ideas in the story of civilisation, ideas which continue to affect us all today.
In this 'archaeology of philosophy', the award-winning historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes begins each programme with the first, extant evidence of a single word-idea in Ancient Greek culture and travels both forwards and backwards in time, investigating how these ideas have been moulded by history and have impacted on history and the human experience. In this, the first programme of the series, Bettany investigates the idea of 'idea' with neuroscientist Professor Faraneh Vargha-Khadem, classicist Professor Paul Cartledge, historian Dr. Stephen Pigney and specialist in intellectual property law, Professor Tanya Aplin.
Other ideas examined in The Ideas that Make Us are desire, agony, fame, justice, wisdom, comedy, liberty, hospitality and peace.
Producer: Dixi Stewart.
MON 14:30 Edith Wharton - The Reef (b00b5pr3)
Episode 6
Anna is suspicious of diplomat George Darrow, while Sophie has a shock for Owen. Stars Jodhi May and Sian Thomas.
MON 14:45 Charles Chaplin - My Autobiography (b08n276q)
Episode 6
Repercussions from the fate of his mother. Charlie Chaplin reveals how he became a legend of the silent cinema screen.
Charlie Chaplin (1889-1975) rose from a destitute childhood to become perhaps the greatest comedian and filmmakers of them all.
First published in 1964, Nigel Hawthorne reads the extraordinary story of how Sir Charlie Chaplin became a silent cinema comedy legend renowned for his on-screen slapstick. Abridged in ten parts by Donald Bancroft.
Producer: Gerry Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1989.
MON 15:00 Classic Serial (b00nhv35)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
MON 16:00 Booked (b0075t8p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
MON 16:30 Artists (b0194n5x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
MON 17:00 Mr Finchley Takes the Road (b007k17f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 17:30 The Unbelievable Truth (b08m9kvp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 18:00 Colin Swash - Paradise Lost in Space (b007jnlt)
Episode 1
Space travel throws the most unlikely people together. Norman is an idealist with a hand grenade. Max is a cheerful bore who won't stop talking.
Together, they're set to ruin the lives of some decidedly friendly aliens. Forever.
Stars Tony Robinson as Norman, David Hague as Max, Louise Lombard as Stella, Michael Troughton as Macari, Dan Strauss as Captain Rossiter, Carla Mendonca as Jane and Geoff McGivern as Tony.
Producer: Richard Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1995.
MON 18:30 A Good Read (b0076jjw)
Clare Short and Beryl Bainbridge
Sue MacGregor and her guests - writer, Beryl Bainbridge and politician, Clare Short - discuss books by Bruce Chatwin, Francois Mauriac and Amy Chua. From 2003.
Therese by Francois Mauriac
Published by Penguin
World On Fire by Amy Chua
Published by Heinemann
In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin
Published by Vintage.
MON 19:00 The Burkiss Way (b007jrtv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 19:30 Dad's Army (b007jmrm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 20:00 Paul Temple (b007t1kg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 20:30 John Gielgud - An Actor in His Time (b08n276l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 21:00 Katherine Mansfield - The Montana Stories (b007647w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
MON 21:15 Juliet Ace - Dead-Heading the Roses (b0076j6q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
MON 22:00 The Unbelievable Truth (b08m9kvp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 22:30 The Consultants (b008j2v3)
Series 3, Episode 2
Chesney throws a festive party for his colleagues. Cerebral sketch show with Neil Edmond and Justin Edwards. From December 2004.
MON 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (b08p5tyl)
The best in contemporary comedy. Tonight, Jess Fostekew chats to Chris Stokes.
MON 23:00 News Quiz Extra (b08n276t)
Series 20, Episode 1
New Year, News Quiz. Jeremy Hardy, Angela Barnes, Danny Finkelstein and Andy Parsons are the guests joining Miles Jupp to scrutinize the goings-on behind the week's headlines.
News Quiz Extra brings you all the fun of Friday's show plus some bonus extra bits, lovingly rescued from the cutting room floor.
Producer: Steve Lanham
A BBC Studios Production.
MON 23:45 Hearing With Hegley (b0075rsh)
Series 3, Episode 1
The poet visits Southampton to unravel the mystery of King Canute, plus poems on egg cosies and flannels. From February 2000.


TUESDAY 25 APRIL 2017

TUE 00:00 Colin Swash - Paradise Lost in Space (b007jnlt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Monday]
TUE 00:30 A Good Read (b0076jjw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Monday]
TUE 01:00 Paul Temple (b007t1kg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]
TUE 01:30 John Gielgud - An Actor in His Time (b08n276l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Monday]
TUE 02:00 Book at Bedtime (b01m0lh1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Monday]
TUE 02:15 The Ideas That Make Us (b03b0kfh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Monday]
TUE 02:30 Edith Wharton - The Reef (b00b5pr3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Monday]
TUE 02:45 Charles Chaplin - My Autobiography (b08n276q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Monday]
TUE 03:00 Classic Serial (b00nhv35)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:00 Booked (b0075t8p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:30 Artists (b0194n5x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Monday]
TUE 05:00 Mr Finchley Takes the Road (b007k17f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Monday]
TUE 05:30 The Unbelievable Truth (b08m9kvp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Monday]
TUE 06:00 Paul Temple (b007t1qq)
Paul Temple and the Margo Mystery, Concerning Ted Angus
The suave sleuth tries to connect his wife's kidnapping with a body dressed in a coat.
Francis Durbridge's thriller stars Peter Coke as Paul Temple and Marjorie Westbury as Steve in another intriguing case for BBC radio's smoothest investigator and his glamorous wife.
With James Beattie as Charlie, Tommy Duggan as Mike Langdon, Simon Lack as Superintendent Raine, Hugh Manning as Larry Cross, Jon Rollason as Tony Wyman, June Tobin as Linda Kelburn, Julian Somers as George Kelburn and Tom Watson as Ted Angus.
From 1938 to 1969 the fictional crime novelist and detective Paul Temple, together with his Fleet Street journalist Steve, solved case after case in one of BBC radio's most popular series. They inhabited a sophisticated world of chilled cocktails and fast cars, where the women were chic and the men wore cravats - a world where Sir Graham Forbes, of Scotland Yard, usually needed Paul's help with his latest tricky case.
Producer: Martin C Webster
First heard on the BBC Light Programme in 1961.
TUE 06:30 The Actress: Edith Evans Talks About the Stage (b08n2crx)
4 Extra Debut. A year before she was made a dame, Edith Evans gives a masterclass in stage acting. From the BBC Home Service in 1945.
TUE 06:50 Love at Arms: Edith Evans and Michael Redgrave (b08n2crz)
4 Extra Debut. Surviving Shakespearean extract of Edith Evans and Michael Redgrave performing Act 4 Scene 1 of As You Like It. With Sarah Jackson. From the BBC Home Service in 1940.
TUE 07:00 Control Group Six (b08n2cs1)
Series 2, Episode 3
President Heaven holds a peace conference. There can be only one conclusion - all-out war.
The second series of the bizarre four-part comedy - half sketch show and half psychological thriller. Written and performed by Richard Bean, Andrew Clifford, Clive Coleman and Colin Swash. With Geraldine Fitzgerald.
Producer: Jon Rolph
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1997.
TUE 07:30 Rob Newman's Neuropolis (b08mb1g6)
Series 1, Love on the Brain
One of Britain's finest comedians, Rob Newman, is our guide on a unique audio odyssey of the brain, taking in everything from love and guilt to robot co-workers and the unlikely importance of prehistoric trousers.
It's a witty, fact-packed series mixing stand-up and sketches, challenging notions of neuroscience with a new theory that's equal parts enlightening and hilarious.
Rob offers an alternative to some of the more bizarre claims in modern popular science, as well as rejigging theories of our brains in light of what we know about nature, artificial intelligence and Belinda Carlisle.
Created by the award-winning team behind Robert Newman's Entirely Accurate Encyclopaedia of Evolution.
Written by and starring Rob Newman
Co-starring Claire Price and Richard McCabe
Producer: Jon Harvey
Executive Producer: Richard Wilson
A Hat Trick production for BBC Radio 4.
TUE 08:00 Great Scott! It's Terry Scott (b007k1hr)
Terry Scott pokes fun at public services, future prisons and reveals his own life story.
With June Whitfield, Hugh Paddick, Dilys Watling and Colin Jeavons.
Surviving episode of Eric Merriman's Great Scott! which ran for one series on BBC Radio 2 beginning in 1971 and later repeated in 1972 on BBC Radio 4.
Terry Scott co-starred with June Whitfield on both radio and TV, most notably in BBC1's 'Happy Ever After' and 'Terry and June' (1974-87).
Producer: John Browell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in February 1972.
TUE 08:30 The Men From the Ministry (b00ybxgy)
The War with the Isle of Wight
The daft duo sets out to buy some land for the military and nearly start a war...
A weekly tribute to all those who work in government departments.
Stars Wilfrid Hyde White and Richard Murdoch.
With Norma Ronald, Roy Dotrice, Diana Olsson, Julian Somers and Joan Sanderson.
Written and produced by Edward Taylor.
'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.
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in November 1962.
TUE 09:00 News Quiz Extra (b08n276t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 23:00 on Monday]
TUE 09:45 Hearing With Hegley (b0075rsh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 23:45 on Monday]
TUE 10:00 Classic Serial (b00nnrcq)
Guy de Maupassant - Bel Ami, Episode 2
Dramatisation by Frances Byrnes of Guy de Maupassant's story of political corruption in the newspaper world of 19th-century France and the inexorable rise of Georges Duroy - 'Bel Ami' - a charming, ruthless man of little talent but plenty of ambition.
Bel Ami's first wife and mistress are in the church to see him marry again, but will their knowledge of his past threaten his glittering future?
Duroy ...... Jonathan Slinger
Marelle ...... Emma Fielding
Madeleine ...... Mali Harries
Msr Walter ...... Steffan Rhodri
Rachel ...... Sara McGaughey
Suzanne ...... Catrin Morgan
Mme Walter ...... Nickie Rainsford
The Bishop ...... Richard Nichols
Directed by Polly Thomas.
TUE 11:00 Katherine Mansfield - The Montana Stories (b007648f)
The Doll's House
The Burnell children invite their classmates to see their new toy, all except the pauper Kelsey girls. Read by Emilia Fox.
TUE 11:15 Afternoon Drama (b00772zm)
Julia Darling - The Waiting Room
The writer Julia Darling began a web diary in 2002 to chart her journey through breast cancer.
Poignant, honest, funny - filled with everyday life looking after teenagers, staying in hotels living in Newcastle - the diary also charts the ups and downs of being ill, until her death 3 years later.
With poems set to music and performed by Tim Dalling, Pete Challower and Charlie Harwick.
And contributions from Bev Robinson.
Producer: Sue Roberts.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2007.
TUE 12:00 Great Scott! It's Terry Scott (b007k1hr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 12:30 The Men From the Ministry (b00ybxgy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 13:00 Paul Temple (b007t1qq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 13:30 The Actress: Edith Evans Talks About the Stage (b08n2crx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 13:50 Love at Arms: Edith Evans and Michael Redgrave (b08n2crz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:50 today]
TUE 14:00 Book at Bedtime (b01m2x0f)
Andrew Miller - Pure, Episode 2
By Andrew Miller
Abridged by Jeremy Osborne.
Read by John Sessions.
By Andrew Miller
Abridged by Jeremy Osborne
Read by John Sessions.
It's Paris in 1785. The cemetery of Les Innocents is the oldest in the city, but it is overflowing and can no longer hold on to its dead. Newcomers to the quarter are overpowered by the smell. It taints the breath and food of the locals. And some believe it can even taint the mind.
By order of the King, the church and cemetery are to be destroyed and every last bone rehoused. The place is to be made sweet again. It shall be made pure.
Charged with the task, Jean-Baptiste Baratte - a young engineer from Normandy - arrives in Paris. And thus begins "A year of bones, of grave-dirt, relentless work. Of ... chanting priests. A year of rape, suicide, sudden death. Of friendship too. Of desire. Of love...A year unlike any other he has lived."
Episode 2 of 10: For the first time in daylight, Baratte visits the church and the neighbourhood of Les Innocents.
Andrew Miller was born in Bristol. He studied Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia in 1991 and finished a PhD in Critical and Creative Writing at Lancaster University in 1995. He lives in Somerset.
His first novel, Ingenious Pain, was published in 1997 and won the James Tait Black Memorial Prize (for fiction). His third, Oxygen (2001), was shortlisted for both the Booker Prize and the Whitbread Novel Award. One Morning Like A Bird (2008) was also produced by Sweet Talk for Book At Bedtime on BBC Radio 4.
Pure is Andrew Miller's sixth novel and won the Costa Book Of The Year award in 2011.
Produced by Rosalynd Ward
A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4.
TUE 14:15 The Ideas That Make Us (b03b0wmz)
Series 1, Fame
The Ideas That Make Us is a new Radio 4 series which reveals the history of the most influential ideas in the story of civilisation, ideas which continue to affect us all today.
In this 'archaeology of philosophy', the award-winning historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes begins each programme with the first, extant evidence of a single word-idea in Ancient Greek culture and travels both forwards and backwards in time, investigating how these ideas have been moulded by history and have impacted on history and the human experience. In this, the second of five programmes, Bettany investigates the idea of fame with philosopher Angie Hobbs, British Museum curator Dr Irving Finkel, historian Stella Tillyard and YouTuber Benjamin Cook.
Other ideas examined in the first series are desire, agony, fame and justice. Wisdom, comedy, liberty, peace and guest-host friendship will be explored in January 2014.
Producer: Dixi Stewart.
TUE 14:30 Edith Wharton - The Reef (b00b5v8b)
Episode 7
Diplomat George Darrow tries to explain himself, while Sophie prompts a revelation. Stars Jodhi May and Ben Miles.
TUE 14:45 Charles Chaplin - My Autobiography (b08n3gww)
Episode 7
With his mother ill, Charlie Chaplin's stage career begins. Nigel Hawthorne continues the story of the legend of silent cinema.
TUE 15:00 Classic Serial (b00nnrcq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
TUE 16:00 Whose Line Is It Anyway? (b008kty5)
Episode 2
Clive Anderson hosts the famed improvisation game with Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, John Sessions and Enn Reitel. From January 1988.
TUE 16:30 Ballylenon (b007nfs3)
Series 1, Episode 1
1953: Trouble brews when the McConkey sisters join forces with hotel owner, Phonsie Doherty to campaign for the demolition of the Georgian courthouse to make way for a car park.
Series set in the sleepy town of Ballylenon, Co Donegal, in 1953, before the days of mass tourism and proper plumbing in every home. Written by Christopher Fitz-Simon.
Starring TP McKenna as Phonsie Doherty, Margaret D'Arcy as Muriel McConkey, Stella McCusker as Vera McConkey, Aine McCartney as Vivienne Boal, John Hewitt as Guard Gallagher, Gerard Murphy as Reverend Samuel Hawthorne, Roma Tomelty as RL Watson and Kevin Flood as O'Brollochain.
Music arranged and performed by Stephanie Hughes
Director: Eoin O'Callaghan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1994.
TUE 17:00 Control Group Six (b08n2cs1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 17:30 Rob Newman's Neuropolis (b08mb1g6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 18:00 Colin Swash - Paradise Lost in Space (b007jnpy)
Episode 2
Norman and Max are welcomed by the incurably friendly Oblivions and are soon offering priceless gifts. Stars Louise Lombard.
TUE 18:30 How Tickled Am I? (b00f670x)
Series 3, Harry Worth
Mark Radcliffe profiles comedian Harry Worth, who was a miner in Barnsley before taking to the stage and a life in showbiz.
TUE 19:00 Great Scott! It's Terry Scott (b007k1hr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 19:30 The Men From the Ministry (b00ybxgy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 20:00 Paul Temple (b007t1qq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 20:30 The Actress: Edith Evans Talks About the Stage (b08n2crx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 20:50 Love at Arms: Edith Evans and Michael Redgrave (b08n2crz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:50 today]
TUE 21:00 Katherine Mansfield - The Montana Stories (b007648f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
TUE 21:15 Afternoon Drama (b00772zm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
TUE 22:00 Rob Newman's Neuropolis (b08mb1g6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 22:30 Cowards (b007d5bl)
Series 1, Episode 4
Talking fruit meets crosswords in the bizarre world of Tom Basden, Stefan Golaszewski, Tim Key and Lloyd Woolf. From May 2007.
TUE 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (b08p5tyn)
The best in contemporary comedy. Tonight, Jess Fostekew chats to Chris Stokes.
TUE 23:00 Strap In - It's Clever Peter (b01hkz35)
Nigel
Strap in for fifteen minutes of rip-roaring comedy as Clever Peter bring you a pygmy hippo, a mystery voice, some house eyes & the Pope.
Clever Peter - the wild and brilliantly funny award-winning sketch team - get their own Radio 4 show.
From the team that brought you Cabin Pressure and Another Case Of Milton Jones comes the massively bonkers and funny Clever Peter, hot off the Edinburgh Fringe and wearers of tri-coloured jerseys.
"If they don't go very far very soon there is no such thing as British justice" - Daily Telegraph
"A masterclass in original sketch comedy" - Metro
"Pretty much top of the class" - The Scotsman
So -
Why "Clever"?
Dunno
Why "Peter"?
Not a clue mate
Should I listen to the show?
Yes, of course! Derrr.
Starring Richard Bond, Edward Eales-White, William Hartley
and special guest Catriona Knox
Written by Richard Bond, Edward Eales-White, William Hartley & Dominic Stone
Produced & directed by David Tyler
A Pozzitive Television Ltd Production for BBC Radio 4.
TUE 23:15 Political Animals (b01lv38q)
Series 1, Wilberforce
by Tony Bagley.
The first in a series of four scurrilous talks given by well-known, if unreliable, Downing Street cats, who relate their trials and tribulations under four different Prime Ministers.
Part 1
Wilberforce, Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office 1973-1987, reflects on his life with Margaret Thatcher.
Wilberforce ..... Clive Swift
Directed by Marc Beeby.
TUE 23:30 Mark Thomas: The Manifesto (b01by7cs)
Series 4, Sheffield
Comedian-activist Mark Thomas heads to Sheffield City Hall in search of new proposals for his People's Manifesto.
This week's agenda:
1) Councils to plant fruit trees in public spaces
2) 3 Years' free education for all between age 25 and retirement
and
3) Buckingham Palace to be converted into homeless flats
Plus lots of "any other business" suggestions for the studio audience, including a novel approach to reducing knife crime.
Written and presented by Mark Thomas
Produced by Colin Anderson.


WEDNESDAY 26 APRIL 2017

WED 00:00 Colin Swash - Paradise Lost in Space (b007jnpy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Tuesday]
WED 00:30 How Tickled Am I? (b00f670x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Tuesday]
WED 01:00 Paul Temple (b007t1qq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:30 The Actress: Edith Evans Talks About the Stage (b08n2crx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Tuesday]
WED 01:50 Love at Arms: Edith Evans and Michael Redgrave (b08n2crz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:50 on Tuesday]
WED 02:00 Book at Bedtime (b01m2x0f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Tuesday]
WED 02:15 The Ideas That Make Us (b03b0wmz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Tuesday]
WED 02:30 Edith Wharton - The Reef (b00b5v8b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Tuesday]
WED 02:45 Charles Chaplin - My Autobiography (b08n3gww)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Tuesday]
WED 03:00 Classic Serial (b00nnrcq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:00 Whose Line Is It Anyway? (b008kty5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:30 Ballylenon (b007nfs3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:30 on Tuesday]
WED 05:00 Control Group Six (b08n2cs1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Tuesday]
WED 05:30 Rob Newman's Neuropolis (b08mb1g6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Tuesday]
WED 06:00 Paul Temple (b007t1qp)
Paul Temple and the Margo Mystery, A Change of Mind
The debonair sleuth needs to find out why he's been asked to halt his murder investigation...
Francis Durbridge's thriller stars Peter Coke as Paul Temple and Marjorie Westbury as Steve in another intriguing case for BBC radio's smoothest investigator and his glamorous wife.
With Simon Lack as Superintendent Raine, James Thomason as Sir Graham Forbes, Jon Rollason as Tony Wyman, Tommy Duggan as Mike Langdon, Julian Somers as George Kelburn, Joan Matheson as Mrs Fletcher, William Bedle as Bill Fletcher, Mary Wimbush as Dr Benkaray, Hugh Manning as Larry Cross and Tom Watson as Ted Angus.
From 1938 to 1969 the fictional crime novelist and detective Paul Temple, together with his Fleet Street journalist Steve, solved case after case in one of BBC radio's most popular series. They inhabited a sophisticated world of chilled cocktails and fast cars, where the women were chic and the men wore cravats - a world where Sir Graham Forbes, of Scotland Yard, usually needed Paul's help with his latest tricky case.
Producer: Martin C Webster
First heard on the BBC Light Programme in 1961.
WED 06:30 My Dad's Diary (b04b6bs3)
How a prisoner of war diary found on a beach in Japan in 1945, was returned to the daughter of the writer 45 years later.
Mary Kiehn talks about the diary written by her father Noel Good.
Narrated by Derek Jacobi.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1999.
WED 07:00 The Attractive Young Rabbi (b007k3y6)
Series 3, Mixed Fortunes
Su prepares to take Jeremy home while Abraham prepares to talk to the press. Stars Tracy-Ann Oberman. From March 2002.
WED 07:30 Can't Tell Nathan Caton Nothing (b04kf9mg)
Series 3, About Maturity
ABOUT MATURITY
In a mix of stand-up and re-enacted family life - Nathan decides to prove how mature he is in order to win back the girl that rejected him.
Written by Nathan Caton and James Kettle
Producer: Katie Tyrrell
Can't Tell Nathan Caton Nothing is a series about young, up-and-coming comedian Nathan Caton, who after becoming the first in his family to graduate from University, opted not to use his architecture degree but instead to try his hand at being a full-time stand-up comedian, much to his family's horror and disgust. They desperately want him to get a 'proper job.'
Each episode illustrates the criticism, interference and rollercoaster ride that Nathan endures from his disapproving family as he tries to prove himself.
The series is a mix of Nathan's stand-up intercut with scenes from his family life.
Janet a.k.a. Mum is probably the kindest and most lenient of the disappointed family members. At the end of the day she just wants the best for her son. However, she'd also love to brag and show her son off to her friends, but with Nathan only telling jokes for a living that's kind of hard to do.
Martin a.k.a. Dad works in the construction industry and was looking forward to his son getting a degree so the two of them could work together in the same field. But now Nathan has blown that dream out of the window. Martin is clumsy and hard-headed and leaves running the house to his wife (she wouldn't allow it to be any other way).
Shirley a.k.a. Grandma cannot believe Nathan turned down architecture for comedy. She can't believe she left the paradise in the West Indies and came to the freezing United Kingdom for a better life so that years later her grandson could 'tell jokes!' How can her grandson go on stage and use foul language and filthy material... it's not the good Christian way!
So with all this going on in the household what will Nathan do? Will he persevere and follow his dreams? Or will he give in to his family's interference? Or will he finally leave home?!
WED 08:00 The Navy Lark (b04800pp)
Lighting Up
Stand by for crossed wires when HMS Troutbridge is linked up to shore power.
Starring Leslie Phillips as the Sub-Lieutenant, Jon Pertwee as the Chief Petty Officer, Stephen Murray as the Commanding Officer, Richard Caldicot as Captain Povey, Heather Chasen as Heathe, Tenniel Evans as LS Goldstein, Michael Bates as the Padre and Lawrie Wyman as Sid.
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 BBC Radio 2 in October 1968.
WED 08:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jnf8)
Series 5, The Insurance Policy
Shrewd Miss Pugh urges the lad to get insured. But is Sid's policy such a wise buy?
Stars Tony Hancock. With Sidney James, Bill Kerr, Hattie Jacques and Kenneth Williams.
Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.
Theme and incidental music written by Wally Stott.
Producer: Tom Ronald
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in February 1958.
WED 09:00 Dilemma (b03wpjg8)
Series 3, Episode 5
Sue Perkins presents a third series of Dilemma, the panel show where she puts four guests through the moral and ethical wringer by posing a series of finely-balanced dilemmas and then cross-examining them on their answers.
This week sees Al Murray being asked to decide between two distinct forms of environmentalism; Cbeebies presenter Cerrie Burnell is taken back to school; "Nerd evangelist" Ben Goldacre has a taxing time; and comedian (and devisor of Dilemma) Danielle Ward looks like she's got a decision to make.
The show was devised by the actor and award-winning comedian Danielle Ward.
"A non-irritating, hilarious panel show" (Radio Times)
Presenter ... Sue Perkins
Devised by ... Danielle Ward
Producer ... Ed Morrish.
WED 09:30 Up the Garden Path (b0084qnz)
Series 2, You Shall Go to the Ball
Izzy gets invited to a ball in Cambridge, but she could do with a fairy godmother. Stars Imelda Staunton. From November 1988.
WED 10:00 Saturday Drama (b0134v08)
Frances Byrnes - Belle Amie
Original sequel to Guy de Maupassant's novel Bel Ami - have the years tamed amoral charmer, Georges Duroy? Frances Byrnes' witty take on 19th century French politics, romance and double dealing.
The hero of the story, Georges Duroy, nicknamed Bel Ami by the women he uses, will trample over anyone for money and power. Blessed with good looks and confidence, he is unstoppable. He meets his match in Clothilde de Marelle, the pleasure seeking bored wife of an older businessman.
In this new sequel by Frances Byrnes, we rejoin our hero and his lover as middle age looms.
Age has taken its toll on both, but their passion is as vivid as ever. Then, when Bel Ami's father in law dies and tells his daughter, Suzanne, that her husband has slept with her mother, mid life crisis explodes. Bel Ami seeks solace with the virtuous, church going Laurine, Clothilde's daughter, and makes one last bid to refind his lost youth in a mad dash to Africa, where he has launched an ill advised military campaign. Clothilde is furious and sets out to thwart him, but first she must overcome her daughter's conviction that Bel Ami's holy conversion is for real.

The writer
Guy de Maupassant is one of the finest short story writers of the 19th century.
The dramatist
Frances Byrnes is an award winning radio producer and writer. She won a Sony in 2008 for her Radio 4 feature, Now Wash Your Hands.
Georges Duroy/Bel Ami ............Jonathan Slinger
Clothilde de Marelle................Emma Fielding
Suzanna....................Rhiannon Oliver
Laurine......................Sarah Ovens
Renard......................Rhys ap Hywel
Mme Walter....................Nicky Rainsford
Producer Polly Thomas
Executive producer Kate McAll
A BBC Cymru/Wales production.
WED 11:00 Katherine Mansfield - The Montana Stories (b007648w)
A Cup of Tea
Rosemary Fell is accomplished and rich, but her vanity is exposed when she decides to do a good deed. Read by Emilia Fox.
WED 11:15 Afternoon Drama (b00hv1dz)
Iain M Banks - The State of the Art
The State of The Art
By Iain M. Banks
Dramatised by Paul Cornell
The Culture ship Arbitrary arrives on Earth in 1977 and finds a planet obsessed with alien concepts like 'property' and 'money' and on the edge of self-destruction. When Agent Dervley Linter, decides to go native can Diziet Sma change his mind?
The Ship ...... Antony Sher
Diziet Sma ...... Nina Sosanya
Dervley Linter ...... Paterson Joseph
Li ...... Graeme Hawley
Tel ...... Brigit Forsyth
Sodel ...... Conrad Nelson
Directed by Nadia Molinari.
WED 12:00 The Navy Lark (b04800pp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 12:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jnf8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 13:00 Paul Temple (b007t1qp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 13:30 My Dad's Diary (b04b6bs3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 14:00 Book at Bedtime (b01m30hx)
Andrew Miller - Pure, Episode 3
By Andrew Miller
Abridged by Jeremy Osborne
Read by John Sessions.
It's Paris in 1785. The cemetery of Les Innocents is the oldest in the city, but it is overflowing and can no longer hold on to its dead. Newcomers to the quarter are overpowered by the smell. It taints the breath and food of the locals. And some believe it can even taint the mind.
By order of the King, the church and cemetery are to be destroyed and every last bone rehoused. The place is to be made sweet again. It shall be made pure.
Charged with the task, Jean-Baptiste Baratte - a young engineer from Normandy - arrives in Paris. And thus begins "A year of bones, of grave-dirt, relentless work. Of ... chanting priests. A year of rape, suicide, sudden death. Of friendship too. Of desire. Of love...A year unlike any other he has lived."
Episode 3 of 10: Accompanied by Jeanne, the sexton's daughter, Baratte makes his first inspection of the cemetery grounds at Les Innocents.
Andrew Miller was born in Bristol. He studied Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia in 1991 and finished a PhD in Critical and Creative Writing at Lancaster University in 1995. He lives in Somerset.
His first novel, Ingenious Pain, was published in 1997 and won the James Tait Black Memorial Prize (for fiction). His third, Oxygen (2001), was shortlisted for both the Booker Prize and the Whitbread Novel Award. One Morning Like A Bird (2008) was also produced by Sweet Talk for Book At Bedtime on BBC Radio 4.
Pure is Andrew Miller's sixth novel and won the Costa Book Of The Year award in 2011.
Produced by Rosalynd Ward
A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4.
WED 14:15 The Ideas That Make Us (b03b2g2j)
Series 1, Love
The Ideas That Make Us is a new Radio 4 series which reveals the history of the most influential ideas in the story of civilisation, ideas which continue to affect us all today.
In this 'archaeology of philosophy', the award-winning historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes begins each programme with the first, extant evidence of a single word-idea in Ancient Greek culture and travels both forwards and backwards in time, investigating how these ideas have been moulded by history and have impacted on history and the human experience. In this, the third of five programmes, Bettany explores the idea of love with philosopher Angie Hobbs, historians Professor Kate Cooper and William Dalrymple, and neuroscientist Faraneh Vargha-Khadem.
Other ideas examined in the first series are desire, agony, fame and justice. Wisdom, comedy, liberty, peace and guest-host friendship will be explored in January 2014.
Producer: Dixi Stewart.
WED 14:30 Edith Wharton - The Reef (b00b65j3)
Episode 8
Anna struggles to understand the truth about George Darrow's meeting with Sophie. Stars Jodhi May and Sian Thomas.
WED 14:45 Charles Chaplin - My Autobiography (b08n3mgx)
Episode 8
Honing his stagecraft and falling in love. How Charlie Chaplin became a legend of silent cinema, read by Nigel Hawthorne.
WED 15:00 Saturday Drama (b0134v08)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
WED 16:00 Dilemma (b03wpjg8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
WED 16:30 Up the Garden Path (b0084qnz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
WED 17:00 The Attractive Young Rabbi (b007k3y6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 17:30 Can't Tell Nathan Caton Nothing (b04kf9mg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 18:00 Colin Swash - Paradise Lost in Space (b007jnt5)
Episode 3
Surely it couldn't hurt for Norman and Max to introduce the Oblivions to tennis, could it? Stars Tony Robinson and David Haig.
WED 18:30 Off the Page (b011jvyx)
Foreign
When did you first notice that not everyone was like you ? For American satirist Joe Queenan, growing up in an Irish American neighbourhood of Philadelphia, it was the moment he walked into an Italian cheese shop. Poet Elvis MacGonagall, sole resident of the Graceland caravan park outside Dundee, dodges the question by writing a brilliant poem that rhymes foreign with sporran. And Amanda Mitchison recounts an episode in a Cairo market where she was continually shortchanged in her efforts to buy chicken breast. In short she says, to be foreign is always to be the fool, unsure how to dress, to speak, and to buy a decent piece of chicken.
New writing and discussion on the subject of Foreign, what it means and why it matters, chaired by Dominic Arkwright. The programme is produced by Miles Warde.
WED 19:00 The Navy Lark (b04800pp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 19:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jnf8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 20:00 Paul Temple (b007t1qp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 20:30 My Dad's Diary (b04b6bs3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 21:00 Katherine Mansfield - The Montana Stories (b007648w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
WED 21:15 Afternoon Drama (b00hv1dz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
WED 22:00 Can't Tell Nathan Caton Nothing (b04kf9mg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 22:30 Births, Deaths and Marriages (b0383k8c)
Series 2, Lady Buoy's Visit
Births, Deaths and Marriages is the sitcom set in a Local Authority Register Office where the staff deal with the three greatest events in anybody's life.
Written by David Schneider (The Day Today, I'm Alan Partridge), he stars as chief registrar Malcolm Fox who is a stickler for rules and would be willing to interrupt any wedding service if the width of the bride infringes health and safety. He's single but why does he need to be married? He's married thousands of women.
Alongside him are rival and divorcee Lorna who has been parachuted in from Car Parks to drag the office (and Malcolm) into the 21st century. To her, marriage isn't just about love and romance, it's got to be about making a profit in our new age of austerity.
There's also the ever spiky Mary, geeky Luke who's worried he'll end up like Malcolm one day, and ditzy Anita who may get her words and names mixed up occasionally but, as the only parent in the office, is a mother to them all.
In episode five, Malcolm's stressed because of a very important visit by the office's patron, Lady Wilton-Buoy, while Lorna is trying to organise their first ever civil funeral at the same time. Lorna has also just been on an internet date which ended up with her going to see a stage hypnotist - but she doesn't remember what happened.
Writers: David Schneider & Simon Jacobs
Producer: Simon Jacobs
A Unique production for BBC Radio 4.
WED 23:00 Elis James's Pantheon of Heroes (b03q000c)
Series 3, Music
Elis faces the tough task of choosing between Ivor Emmanuel, Bonnie Tyler and Tom Jones as Wales's greatest musical hero. From January 2014.
WED 23:30 The Rita Rudner Show (b01rqnds)
Who's Your Daddy?
In the second episode of American comedian Rita Rudner's new sitcom (written with her real life husband Martin Bergman), Rita continues to try and re-establish herself in the UK after a long absence.
She's come to the UK with her husband Martin (Martin Trenaman) and, from the start, things go awry! Staying at a bizarre hotel - The Richester - Rita is further confused by its eccentric owner Mrs Harrison (the wonderful Phyllida Law).
Rita and Martin meet some of the hotel's guests including The Fabulous Twins, who take oddness to another level! Rita and Martin are invited for dinner by their friends David Baddiel and Morwenna Banks (playing themselves) and, in so doing, Rita finds out some starting revelations about her husband.
This episode also features a memorable karaoke rendition of a classic Beyonce track - memorable for all the wrong reasons!
Once again mixing sitcom with Rita's infamous stand-up, The Rita Rudner Show is a classic old fashioned sitcom with a sterling cast that includes Michael Fenton Stevens, co-writer Martin Bergman and Vivienne Avramoff.
Producer: Paul Russell
An Open Mike production for BBC Radio 4.


THURSDAY 27 APRIL 2017

THU 00:00 Colin Swash - Paradise Lost in Space (b007jnt5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Wednesday]
THU 00:30 Off the Page (b011jvyx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 Paul Temple (b007t1qp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:30 My Dad's Diary (b04b6bs3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 Book at Bedtime (b01m30hx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:15 The Ideas That Make Us (b03b2g2j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Wednesday]
THU 02:30 Edith Wharton - The Reef (b00b65j3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:45 Charles Chaplin - My Autobiography (b08n3mgx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 Saturday Drama (b0134v08)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 Dilemma (b03wpjg8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:30 Up the Garden Path (b0084qnz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 The Attractive Young Rabbi (b007k3y6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 05:30 Can't Tell Nathan Caton Nothing (b04kf9mg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Wednesday]
THU 06:00 Paul Temple (b007t1r7)
Paul Temple and the Margo Mystery, Bill Fletcher's Story
The debonair sleuth and wife Steve face danger when a bomb is sent to their home.
Francis Durbridge's thriller stars Peter Coke as Paul Temple and Marjorie Westbury as Steve in another intriguing case for BBC radio's smoothest investigator and his glamorous wife.
With Simon Lack as Superintendent Raine, James Thomason as Sir Graham Forbes, Jon Rollason as Tony Wyman, Tommy Duggan as Mike Langdon, Julian Somers as George Kelburn, Joan Matheson as Mrs Fletcher, William Bedle as Bill Fletcher, Mary Wimbush as Dr Benkaray, Hugh Manning as Larry Cross and James Beattie as Charlie.
From 1938 to 1969 the fictional crime novelist and detective Paul Temple, together with his Fleet Street journalist Steve, solved case after case in one of BBC radio's most popular series. They inhabited a sophisticated world of chilled cocktails and fast cars, where the women were chic and the men wore cravats - a world where Sir Graham Forbes, of Scotland Yard, usually needed Paul's help with his latest tricky case.
Producer: Martin C Webster
First heard on the BBC Light Programme in 1961.
THU 06:30 Mark Rylance - Golden Lads and Girls (b0075fm7)
Mark Rylance discovers the astonishing appeal of Shakespeare for very young children in a programme featuring their poems, letters and thoughts, as well as performance extracts.
Mark played Hamlet for the first time while he was still at school which set him on the road to stage stardom and his acclaimed and award-winning Shakespearean roles. Mark was the first artistic director of The Globe Theatre in London.
Mark was created a Knight Bachelor in 2017's New Year Honours for services to the theatre.
Producer: Philippa Ritchie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1998.
THU 07:00 Electric Ink (b0116gvm)
Series 1, Episode 1
Old hacks struggle with new media in the changing world of a broadsheet newspaper. Stars Robert Lindsay. From June 2009.
THU 07:30 Reluctant Persuaders (b08md98w)
Series 2, Give a Man a Fish
Starring Nigel Havers, Mathew Baynton and Josie Lawrence. Welcome back to Hardacre's, the worst advertising agency in London, for the second series of Edward Rowett's award-winning sitcom.
This week, the team are on the lookout for a charity prepared to accept their work.
While Joe (Mathew Baynton) is determined to do some good in the world, Amanda (Josie Lawrence) and Hardacre (Nigel Havers) are more interested in winning prestige and awards with a buzzy new charity campaign.
As Joe and Teddy (Kieran Hodgson) head out into the streets and soup kitchens of London, looking for the ground level stories that make a good campaign, Amanda and Hardacre spend an evening at a fundraiser organised by Hardacre's old brother in arms Bill Lessing (guest star Mark Evans). But where's he been for the last ten years? And what exactly does his charity do?
An Absolutely production for BBC Radio 4.
THU 08:00 Marriage Lines (b04ltgdg)
Series 1, Trial Separation
Will a night out with old friends get George in hot water with Kate? Stars Richard Briers and Prunella Scales. From May 1965.
THU 08:30 Benny Hill (b08n3y17)
Benny Hill Time
The master of double entendre with a taste of Saint Tropez, Little Bo Peep with a twist and Fred Scuttle gets poetical.
With Peter Vernon, Jan Waters, Anthony Sharp, the Mike Sammes Singers and the Johnnie Spence Orchestra.
Scripted by Benny Hill.
Producer: John Browel
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in April 1964.
THU 09:00 Guess What? (b064dw48)
Episode 6
Animal, vegetable or mineral? Barry Took's revised 20 questions. With Geoffrey Durham, Neil Innes and Jan Ravens. From May 1998.
THU 09:30 Such Rotten Luck (b01nqqgn)
Series 1, Keats, Baby, You Done It Wrong
Has Woodhouse been beaten to it, biographically? Comedy-drama starring Tim Pigott-Smith and Zoƫ Wanamaker. From September 1989.
THU 10:00 Jon Wynne-Tyson - Marvellous Party (b08n400b)
1950s Las Vegas: sparks fly as Noel Coward gets a visit from his old close friend, Esme Wynne-Tyson.
Stars Stanley Baxter as Noel Coward and Dorothy Tutin as Esme Wynne-Tyson. With Peter Whitman as Gary and David Holt as Waiter/Bellboy/Engineer.
A child actress in London's West End, Esme became a close friend of the young Noel Coward. Here her son, Jon, imagines a meeting in the city of Las Vegas, between his mother and Coward in middle-age.
Written and adapted for radio by Jon Wynne-Tyson.
Director: Neil Cargill
First broadcast on the BBC World Service in 1994.
THU 11:00 Katherine Mansfield - The Montana Stories (b00764b0)
Honeymoon
By the Mediterranean sea, Fanny contemplates her future with George, a 'man of the world'. Read by Emilia Fox.
THU 11:15 Afternoon Drama (b0076xlv)
Natalia Power - The Man Who Built Tunnels
The Man Who Built Tunnels
Natalia Power's haunting tale of unrequited love.
The 79-year-old Duke of Portland receives a visitation from a once famous opera singer.
Duke ...... Alec McCowen
Adelaide ...... Emma Fielding
John Hargreaves ...... Anthony Glennon
Lodge keeper ...... Stephen Critchlow
Wheatley ...... Kim Wall
Maisie ...... Ella Smith
Directed by Martin Jenkins.
THU 12:00 Marriage Lines (b04ltgdg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 12:30 Benny Hill (b08n3y17)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 13:00 Paul Temple (b007t1r7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 13:30 Mark Rylance - Golden Lads and Girls (b0075fm7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 14:00 Book at Bedtime (b01m30jm)
Andrew Miller - Pure, Episode 4
By Andrew Miller
Abridged by Jeremy Osborne
Read by John Sessions.
It's Paris in 1785. The cemetery of Les Innocents is the oldest in the city, but it is overflowing and can no longer hold on to its dead. Newcomers to the quarter are overpowered by the smell. It taints the breath and food of the locals. And some believe it can even taint the mind.
By order of the King, the church and cemetery are to be destroyed and every last bone rehoused. The place is to be made sweet again. It shall be made pure.
Charged with the task, Jean-Baptiste Baratte - a young engineer from Normandy - arrives in Paris. And thus begins "A year of bones, of grave-dirt, relentless work. Of ... chanting priests. A year of rape, suicide, sudden death. Of friendship too. Of desire. Of love...A year unlike any other he has lived."
Episode 4 of 10: Before travelling to Valenciennes to recruit labour, Baratte spends an unusual late night with the organist, Armand.
Andrew Miller was born in Bristol. He studied Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia in 1991 and finished a PhD in Critical and Creative Writing at Lancaster University in 1995. He lives in Somerset.
His first novel, Ingenious Pain, was published in 1997 and won the James Tait Black Memorial Prize (for fiction). His third, Oxygen (2001), was shortlisted for both the Booker Prize and the Whitbread Novel Award. One Morning Like A Bird (2008) was also produced by Sweet Talk for Book At Bedtime on BBC Radio 4.
Pure is Andrew Miller's sixth novel and won the Costa Book Of The Year award in 2011.
Produced by Rosalynd Ward
A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4.
THU 14:15 The Ideas That Make Us (b03b2v70)
Series 1, Agony
The Ideas That Make Us is a Radio 4 series which reveals the history of the most influential ideas in the story of civilisation, ideas which continue to affect us all today.
In this 'archaeology of philosophy', the award-winning historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes begins each programme with the first, extant evidence of a single word-idea in Ancient Greek culture and travels both forwards and backwards in time, investigating how these ideas have been moulded by history and have impacted on history and the human experience. Here Bettany explores the idea of agony with cricket columnist Gideon Haigh, classicist Professor Paul Cartledge, philosopher Martin Warner and kate Mosse, best-selling author of 'Labyrinth' and 'The Taxidermist's Daughter'.
Other ideas examined in The Ideas that Make Us are idea, desire, fame, justice, wisdom, comedy, liberty, hospitality and peace.
Producer: Dixi Stewart.
THU 14:30 Edith Wharton - The Reef (b00b6xp1)
Episode 9
After George's betrayal, Anna makes a decision. But can she muster the resolve to hold to it? Stars Sian Thomas and Ben Miles.
THU 14:45 Charles Chaplin - My Autobiography (b08n400d)
Episode 9
Stage success arouses jealousy and love. How Charlie Chaplin became a legend of silent cinema, read by Nigel Hawthorne.
THU 15:00 Jon Wynne-Tyson - Marvellous Party (b08n400b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
THU 16:00 Guess What? (b064dw48)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
THU 16:30 Such Rotten Luck (b01nqqgn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
THU 17:00 Electric Ink (b0116gvm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 17:30 Reluctant Persuaders (b08md98w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 18:00 Colin Swash - Paradise Lost in Space (b007jnx2)
Episode 4
The dangers of tennis for the Oblivions are now clear, but what could possibly go wrong with martinis? Stars Michael Troughton and Tony Robinson.
THU 18:30 Great Lives (b00gd3f0)
Series 17, Bette Davis
Series of biographical discussions with Matthew Parris.
Actress Tracy-Ann Oberman champions the life of Hollywood actress Bette Davis. Joining the discussion is Davis expert Dr Martin Shingler, who explores her complex character and achievements.
THU 19:00 Marriage Lines (b04ltgdg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 19:30 Benny Hill (b08n3y17)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 20:00 Paul Temple (b007t1r7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 20:30 Mark Rylance - Golden Lads and Girls (b0075fm7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 21:00 Katherine Mansfield - The Montana Stories (b00764b0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
THU 21:15 Afternoon Drama (b0076xlv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
THU 22:00 Reluctant Persuaders (b08md98w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 22:30 Clare in the Community (b03s754k)
Series 9, Driven to Extremes
Episode Four - Driven To Extremes
Clare is facing a disciplinary tribunal after a seemingly straightforward job goes awry. Can she convince the panel of her professionalism? At home, Brian tries to cheer up a despondent Nali.
Sally Phillips is Clare Barker the social worker who has all the right jargon but never a practical solution.
A control freak, Clare likes nothing better than interfering in other people's lives on both a professional and personal basis. Clare is in her thirties, white, middle class and heterosexual, all of which are occasional causes of discomfort to her.
Each week we join Clare in her continued struggle to control both her professional and private life
In today's Big Society there are plenty of challenges out there for an involved, caring social worker. Or even Clare.
Written by Harry Venning and David Ramsden
Producer Alexandra Smith.
THU 23:00 Elastic Planet (b007k3h0)
The Hair
A documentary maker films endangered hairstyles in the cosmic comedy of connections. With Alexander Armstrong. From June 1995.
THU 23:15 The Shuttleworths (b00sp5cy)
Series 5, Picnic at Toadmouth Rock
John has planned a picnic to celebrate Ken's birthday, and also provide an opportunity for him to road-test his new cagoule. But the plan is thwarted by Ken who has other ideas.
John is created and performed by Graham Fellows, and the series is produced by Dawn Ellis.
THU 23:30 The Penny Dreadfuls Present (b00gpbcz)
More Brothers Faversham, Perceus and Lucius Faversham
The comedy trio's swashbuckling tale of Victorian Britain's great twin industrialists, Perceus and Lucius. From October 2008.


FRIDAY 28 APRIL 2017

FRI 00:00 Colin Swash - Paradise Lost in Space (b007jnx2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Thursday]
FRI 00:30 Great Lives (b00gd3f0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 Paul Temple (b007t1r7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:30 Mark Rylance - Golden Lads and Girls (b0075fm7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 Book at Bedtime (b01m30jm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:15 The Ideas That Make Us (b03b2v70)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Thursday]
FRI 02:30 Edith Wharton - The Reef (b00b6xp1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:45 Charles Chaplin - My Autobiography (b08n400d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:45 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 Jon Wynne-Tyson - Marvellous Party (b08n400b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 Guess What? (b064dw48)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:30 Such Rotten Luck (b01nqqgn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 Electric Ink (b0116gvm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Thursday]
FRI 05:30 Reluctant Persuaders (b08md98w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Thursday]
FRI 06:00 Paul Temple (b007t1sf)
Paul Temple and the Margo Mystery, Breakwater House
As they hunt for Julia's killer, a fortune teller in Brighton warns the Temples they're in grave danger...
Francis Durbridge's thriller stars Peter Coke as Paul Temple and Marjorie Westbury as Steve in another intriguing case for BBC radio's smoothest investigator and his glamorous wife.
With Jon Rollason as Tony Wyman, James Thomason as Sir Graham Forbes, Tommy Duggan as Mike Langdon, Julian Somers as George Kelburn, June Tobin as Linda Kelburn, Joan Matheson as Mrs Fletcher, Hugh Manning as Larry Cross and James Beattie as Charlie.
From 1938 to 1969 the fictional crime novelist and detective Paul Temple, together with his Fleet Street journalist Steve, solved case after case in one of BBC radio's most popular series. They inhabited a sophisticated world of chilled cocktails and fast cars, where the women were chic and the men wore cravats - a world where Sir Graham Forbes, of Scotland Yard, usually needed Paul's help with his latest tricky case.
Producer: Martin C Webster
First heard on the BBC Light Programme in 1961.
FRI 06:30 Up a Gum Tree (b0075kfc)
Pete McCarthy takes a whirlwind tour of the world of chewing gum, from its ancient origins to the present day. From May 1999.
FRI 07:00 Old Dog and Partridge (b007w3j9)
Episode 4
Jack is in for a birthday surprise, while a ladykiller woos barmaid Mrs Drummond. Stars Michael Williams. From January 1999.
FRI 07:30 Hal (b08n22ry)
Series 2, Exes
The second series of the sitcom with Hal Cruttenden finds the hapless house husband still trying to cope with his mid-life crisis and doubting his every move.
His wife Sam (Kerry Godliman) is still a highly successful business woman, his two daughters Lily and Molly continue to grow into teenagers and find their dad just a little annoying, his bitter and embittered sister Pippa (Abigail Cruttenden) has inconveniently decided to stay with Hal alongside her angry teenage son Oberon, racist neighbour Penny (Ronni Ancona) proves to be a major thorn in Hal's side and best mates Fergus (Ed Byrne) and Barry (Gavin Webster) hinder rather than help Hal's goal of finding himself.
In this third episode, Hal's vision of himself as a romantic partner are confounded as Sam reveals she's catching up with a 'blast from the past'. And refugee housemate Mahmoud causes a stir.
Written by Hal Cruttenden and Dominic Holland
Produced by Paul Russell
An Open Mike production for BBC Radio 4.
FRI 08:00 I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again (b00rm4xh)
Series 3, Episode 2
A nervous sex talk - and the fortunes of Moll Flounders.
More quick-fire sketches, terrible puns, humorous songs and parodies.
Stars Tim Brooke-Taylor, Graeme Garden, David Hatch, Jo Kendall and Bill Oddie.
Written by Tim Brooke-Taylor, Phillip Cox and Graeme Garden.
Originating from the Cambridge University Footlights revue 'Cambridge Circus', ISIRTA ran for 8 years on BBC Radio and quickly developed a cult following.
Music and songs by Dave Lee, Bill Oddie and John Cameron.
Producer: Humphrey Barclay
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in March 1966.
FRI 08:30 The Goon Show (b007k0fk)
The Last Smoking Seagoon
Ned is quitting nicotine, but Grytpype-Thynne has other ideas. End of the regular series. With Spike Milligan. From January 1960.
FRI 09:00 Who Goes There? (b00fnq9s)
Series 3, Episode 4
Martin Young's famous people quiz. With Francis Wheen, Sue Cook, Fred Housego and Annabel Giles. From January 2000.
FRI 09:30 No Commitments (b00776t6)
Series 13, Old School
Victoria is very excited about Emily's pregnancy, but is Roger being premature thinking about the child's education? Stars Angela Thorne. From April 2007.
FRI 10:00 Craig Warner - A Sense of Things Moving Forward (b08n42fy)
The true and historical tragedy of the Very Magnificent Lord Don Cristobal Colon, Grand Admiral of the Ocean Sea.
What was the first "American Dream"?
What did Christopher Columbus hope to achieve when he landed in the New World?
And how did his notable voyage alter the course of his own life?
Craig Warner's play about God and Gold.
Starring Ben Kingsley as Don Cristobal Colon, Frances Barber as Isabella, Queen of Spain and Simon Russell Beale as Father Luis de Torres.
With Patrick Maladhide as Martin Alonso Pinzon, Constance Chapman as Anacaona, Hedley Goodall as Guacanagari and David Plimmer as Vincente Pinzon.
Producer: Andy Jordan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1992.
FRI 11:00 Ronald Frame Short Stories (b0654lwf)
The Good Life
4 Extra Debut. A man recalls his illusive past and ruminates on his diminishing creative powers. Read by Nigel Anthony.
FRI 11:15 Pam Leeson - The Unhearable (b007jttg)
Michelle has Meniere's disease, with the prospect of deafness. How will the young and vibrant woman cope? Stars Gillian Kearney.
FRI 12:00 I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again (b00rm4xh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 12:30 The Goon Show (b007k0fk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 13:00 Paul Temple (b007t1sf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 13:30 Up a Gum Tree (b0075kfc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 14:00 Book at Bedtime (b01m30p7)
Andrew Miller - Pure, Episode 5
By Andrew Miller
Abridged by Jeremy Osborne
Read by John Sessions.
It's Paris in 1785. The cemetery of Les Innocents is the oldest in the city, but it is overflowing and can no longer hold on to its dead. Newcomers to the quarter are overpowered by the smell. It taints the breath and food of the locals. And some believe it can even taint the mind.
By order of the King, the church and cemetery are to be destroyed and every last bone rehoused. The place is to be made sweet again. It shall be made pure.
Charged with the task, Jean-Baptiste Baratte - a young engineer from Normandy - arrives in Paris. And thus begins "A year of bones, of grave-dirt, relentless work. Of ... chanting priests. A year of rape, suicide, sudden death. Of friendship too. Of desire. Of love...A year unlike any other he has lived."
Episode 5 of 10: In Valenciennes, Baratte meets Lecoeur, a former colleague from his days at the mines, to recruit workers for the excavation of les Innocents.
Andrew Miller was born in Bristol. He studied Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia in 1991 and finished a PhD in Critical and Creative Writing at Lancaster University in 1995. He lives in Somerset.
His first novel, Ingenious Pain, was published in 1997 and won the James Tait Black Memorial Prize (for fiction). His third, Oxygen (2001), was shortlisted for both the Booker Prize and the Whitbread Novel Award. One Morning Like A Bird (2008) was also produced by Sweet Talk for Book At Bedtime on BBC Radio 4.
Pure is Andrew Miller's sixth novel and won the Costa Book Of The Year award in 2011.
Produced by Rosalynd Ward
A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4.
FRI 14:15 The Ideas That Make Us (b03b2zb9)
Series 1, Justice
The Ideas That Make Us is a new Radio 4 series which reveals the history of the most influential ideas in the story of civilisation, ideas which continue to affect us all today.
In this 'archaeology of philosophy', the award-winning historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes begins each programme with the first, extant evidence of a single word-idea in Ancient Greek culture and travels both forwards and backwards in time, investigating how these ideas have been moulded by history and have impacted on history and the human experience. In this, the last of five programmes, Bettany explores the idea of justice with philosopher Angie Hobbs, British Museum curator Dr Irving Finkel, historian Dr Peter Frankopan and out-going Lord Chief Justice, Lord Judge.
Other ideas examined in the first series are desire, agony, fame and justice. Wisdom, comedy, liberty, peace and guest-host friendship will be explored in January 2014.
Producer: Dixi Stewart.
FRI 14:30 Edith Wharton - The Reef (b00b719j)
Episode 10
Anna has succumbed to desire, but can she ever know happiness? Stars Sian Thomas, Ben Miles and Teresa Gallagher.
FRI 14:45 Charles Chaplin - My Autobiography (b08n42g0)
Episode 10
Taking stock and a fateful decision. How Charlie Chaplin became a legend of silent cinema, concluded by Nigel Hawthorne.
FRI 15:00 Craig Warner - A Sense of Things Moving Forward (b08n42fy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
FRI 16:00 Who Goes There? (b00fnq9s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
FRI 16:30 No Commitments (b00776t6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
FRI 17:00 Old Dog and Partridge (b007w3j9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 17:30 Hal (b08n22ry)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 18:00 Colin Swash - Paradise Lost in Space (b007jp0g)
Episode 5
When the Oblivions are introduced to the pleasures of the flesh, one thing leads to another. Stars David Haig, Michael Troughton and Tony Robinson.
FRI 18:30 Soul Music (b01qwb2n)
Series 15, Pergolesi's Stabat Mater
The Stabat Mater's imagines the sufferings of the Virgin Mary at the foot of the cross, and Pergolesi's eighteen-century setting remains a choral favourite.
Pam Self tells the moving story of how this piece unites her and her friend Helen Vaughan, both during life and after.
Soprano Catherine Bott reflects on the piece's themes.
The Stabat Mater has been reinterpreted many times over the years: Sasha Lazard recalls singing it in the school choir, before later taking the melody and transforming it into a dance version for her album 'The Myth of Red' rechristening it 'Stabat Mater IXXI' in the wake of the September 11th attacks.
Victor Alcantara also sang it as a boy, before returning to the piece as an adult and transforming it into a jazz opus.
Composer and Conductor Paul Spicer examines the musical tensions in the piece, likening its opening to "a heartbeat."
Professor Anthony DelDonna recalls a performance of the Stabat Mater in his hometown of Naples, and reflects on the moment which reaffirmed his his faith.
Producer: Toby Field
Researcher: Nicola Humphries.
FRI 19:00 I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again (b00rm4xh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 19:30 The Goon Show (b007k0fk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 20:00 Paul Temple (b007t1sf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 20:30 Up a Gum Tree (b0075kfc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 21:00 Ronald Frame Short Stories (b0654lwf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
FRI 21:15 Pam Leeson - The Unhearable (b007jttg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:15 today]
FRI 22:00 Hal (b08n22ry)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 22:30 Comedy Club at Machynlleth (b08n42g2)
2017, Episode 1
Made for 4 Extra. Arthur Smith brings you the best of the 2017 Machynlleth Comedy Festival.
FRI 22:35 Radio 4 at the Machynlleth Comedy Festival with Elis James (b078774d)
As the seventh Machynlleth Comedy Festival approaches, comedian Elis James takes a look back at the first six years and asks what makes the intimate festival in the ancient capital of Wales such a special event in the comedy calendar.
With interviews and stand-up from Josh Widdicombe, Tim Key, Josie Long, Rhod Gilbert, Nick Helm, Isy Suttie, Pappy's, Nish Kumar, David Elms, Stuart Laws and Henry Widdicombe.
A Little Wander production for BBC Radio 4.
FRI 23:05 James Acaster's Findings (b01rg23c)
Pilot Episode: Bread
Stand-up comedian James Acaster presents the results of his in-depth research into the subject of 'bread', assisted by his trusty sidekick Nathaniel Metcalfe, in this brand new comedy show for BBC Radio 4.
We'll find out why the French struggle to come up with a snappy slogan to advertise Brioche, learn why the Bagel is so trendy, and discover the hidden anti-bread propaganda pushed at children through the medium of fairytales.
Produced by Lyndsay Fenner.
FRI 23:35 The In Crowd (b00fbc9x)
Series 2, Episode 1
Sketch show from Manchester's Comedy Store with Robin Ince, Helen Moon, Smug Roberts and Kate Ward. From March 2002.
FRI 23:45 Josie Long: All of the Planet's Wonders (b00j0pp8)
Propriety, Plants, Grandparents and Growing Your Own
Award winning comedian, Josie Long (BBC New Comedy Awards, if.comedy Best Newcomer 2006) presents her first radio series, in which she aims to explore all of the planet's wonders (in detail) over four 14 minute episodes.
This comedy series is all about Long's desire to better herself through learning and her enjoyment of discovering things in old reference books.
Over the series Josie is regularly joined by Irish comedian, Maeve Higgins, and by a variety of comedic guests -Robin Ince, Chris Neill, Daniel Harkin, Henning Wehn, Jesse Thorn and Isy Suttie, plus the occasional actual expert.
Each episode is anchored by Josie and Maeve in the studio, with Josie presenting her essay on the week's subject and Maeve helping with questions, illustrations and interruptions. The guests help to play extra characters or to provide specialist advice.
This week, Josie presents a show about propriety, plants, grandparents, being connected to the world around you and growing your own.
This programme features a guest appearance from actress / comedian Isy Suttie.