SATURDAY 19 DECEMBER 2020

SAT 00:00 Eric Pringle - Dancing With Jaques (b06zjdjy)
London 1959: A young woman begins her first night "working the streets".
It ends in a ghostly encounter with a man with a wind-up gramophone who calls himself Jaques.
Written by Eric Pringle
Jackie ...... Alice Arnold
Jaques ...... John Evitts
Alice ...... Thersa Streatfeild
News Vendor ...... John Church
Director: Adrian Bean
First broadcast in Thirty Minute Theatre on BBC Radio 4 in May 1993.
SAT 00:30 Off the Page (b00cb5x6)
Nanny Wouldn't Like It
Dominic Arkwright presents a discussion on nannies, with columnist Guy Browning; author of The Victorian Governess, Kathryn Hughes; and Anna Raeburn. Browning considers the nanny as the queen of arrested development, while Hughes volunteers a long list of men who have fallen for the nanny's charms.
Produced by Miles Warde
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2008.
SAT 01:00 Wimsey (b00sbvcv)
Have His Carcase
5. Too Perfect an Alibi
As the desperate upper class sleuth fails to confirm his theories, the elusive witness Perkins turns up...
Ian Carmichael stars as Lord Peter Wimsey – the aristocratic amateur detective created by Dorothy L Sayers.
Dramatised by Alistair Beaton.
Lord Peter Wimsey …. Ian Carmichael
Harriet Vane …. Maria Aitken
Inspector Umpelty …. Nigel Stock
Henry Weldon …. Warren Clarke
Julian Perkins …. Richard O'Callaghan
Nurse …. Judy Franklin
Jem Pollack …. Haydn Wood
Narrator …. John Westbrook
Producer: Martin Fisher
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1981.
SAT 01:30 Cadfael (b007jlbz)
Monk's Hood
5. Judgement
With a fresh arrest made for murder, Brother Cadfael is keen to see justice delivered.
Conclusion of Ellis Peters's medieval thriller starring Philip Madoc as Brother Cadfael.
Sir Michael Hordern is the narrator.
From the Chronicles of Brother Cadfael, dramatised by Bert Coules.
Narrator ...... Sir Michael Hordern
Brother Cadfael ...... Phillip Madoc
Sergeant William Warden ...... Ian Hogg
Brother Mark ...... Ian Targett
Prior Robert ...... Geoffrey Whitehead
Martin Bellecott ...... Timothy Carlton
Edwin Gurney ...... Richard Pearce
Edwy Bellecott ...... Stephen Garlick
Brother Petrus ...... Fraser Kerr
The Judge ...... Norman Jones
Hugh Beringar ...... Alan Barker
Maerreg ...... Kenneth Price
Brother Simon ...... Michael Turner
Brother Barnabas ...... Terrence Edmond
Father Heribert ...... Timothy Bateson
Producer: Lissa Evans
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1991.
SAT 02:00 Village Christmas by Laurie Lee (b09jgnf6)
5. The Cold Christmas Walk in the Country
Derek Jacobi concludes this collection of Laurie Lee's writings.
Laurie's ever-popular classic memoir Cider with Rosie launched his writing career in the late 1950s.
Abridged and produced by Karen Rose.
A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2017.
SAT 02:15 Claudine Toutoungi - The Inheritors (b092r9hy)
5. Crunch Time
The Chédids gather to remember their mum's passing. And to celebrate the end to Dad's mad scheme to give away the Chedid fortune.
So all will be well. That's the plan anyway.
Concluding Claudine Toutoungi's comic drama.
Jasmine ..... Montserrat Lombard
Francois ..... Kulvinder Ghir
Nadia ..... Katie Lyons
Frank ..... Samuel James
Diane ..... Sanchia McCormack
Deliverer ..... David Sturzaker
Director: Toby Swift
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2017.
SAT 02:30 Classic Toys (b0075fz2)
What makes Lego more popular than ordinary building blocks?
Why was Sindy taken off the market?
Emma Freud delves into her toy cupboard to discover which playthings have stood the test of time and why.
Producer: Penelope Gibbs.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1998.
SAT 03:00 Terence Rattigan - The Browning Version (b092ks2g)
Teacher Andrew Crocker-Harris is on the verge of retirement - and a divorce. But he has a shot at trying to redeem his dignity when a young schoolboy gives him an unexpected parting gift...
Starring Sir John Gielgud and Angela Baddeley, CBE.
Terence Rattigan’s play was first performed on the London stage in 1948. Adapted by Cynthia Pughe.
Andrew Crocker-Harris ...... John Gielgud
Millie Crocker-Harris ...... Angela Baddeley
Frank Hunter ...... Brewster Mason
Taplow ...... Anthony Adams
Dr Frobisher ...... Clive Morton
Peter Gilbert ...... Denis Goacher
Mrs Gilbert ...... Anne Cullen
Schoolboy ...... Warren Hearnden
Sir Terence Mervyn Rattigan, CBE (1911–1977) is remembered as a theatre heavyweight for dramas about the middle and upper-classes, including The Winslow Boy, The Deep Blue Sea and Separate Tables.
Director: Norman Wright
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in September 1957.
SAT 04:00 The Personality Test (b007rlx5)
Series 3
Janet Street-Porter
Comedy quiz presented by a fresh guest host every episode.
All the questions are about the host.
Broadcaster and Youth TV Pioneer Janet Street-Porter takes the chair.
Facing up to a quiz based on her career, whims and interests are panelists - Sue Perkins, Lucy Porter, Nick Doody and Will Smith.
Script by Simon Littlefield and Kieron Quirke
Devised and produced by Aled Evans.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2007.
SAT 04:30 Ballylenon (b00fz0g7)
Series 2
Episode 1
Already divided over the proposed demolition of an 18th-century court house to make way for the Swilly Arms' car park, the town's Development Association seems set for open confrontation.
Series set in the sleepy town of Ballylenon, Co Donegal, in 1954, before the days of mass tourism and proper plumbing in every home.
Written by Christopher Fitz-Simon.
Phonsie Doherty …. T.P. McKenna
Muriel McConkey …. Margaret D'Arcy
Vera McConkey …. Stella McCusker
Vivienne Boal …. Aine McCartney
Guard Gallagher …. John Hewitt
Stumpy Bonnar …. Gerard McSorley
Packy McGoldrick …. Charlie Bonnar
Josie Doherty …. Ciara McKeown
Music arranged and performed by Stephanie Hughes.
Director: Eoin O'Callaghan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1995.
SAT 05:00 Clare in the Community (b06442qh)
Series 10
This Is a Man's World
Nali's ex-husband arrives unexpectedly and Clare takes it upon herself to intervene. Simon has some bad news about Brian's vitamin supplements.
Sally Phillips is Clare Barker the social worker who has all the right jargon but never a practical solution.
A control freak, Clare likes nothing better than interfering in other people's lives on both a professional and personal basis. Clare is in her thirties, white, middle class and heterosexual, all of which are occasional causes of discomfort to her.
Clare continually struggles to control both her professional and private life In today's Big Society there are plenty of challenges out there for an involved, caring social worker. Or even Clare.
Written by Harry Venning and David Ramsden.
Clare ...... Sally Phillips
Brian ...... Alex Lowe
Nali ...... Nina Conti
Simon ...... Andrew Wincott
Justin ...... Dustin Demri-Burns
Thomas ...... Stefan Ramsden
Producer: Alexandra Smith.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2015.
SAT 05:30 Dot (b0bgbyjy)
Series 3
London Can Take It
By Ed Harris
The Prime Minister is preparing to broadcast to the French Resistance and needs urgent help with his French vocab. Desperate to please, Dot and Millicent embark on a race across London to get to him first when an air raid stops them in their tracks. But could Dot's resemblance to Vera Lynn give her the upper hand? Comic adventures in Ed Harris' witty and quirky wartime comedy.
Director . . . . . Sasha Yevtushenko.
SAT 06:00 Hercule Poirot (b00rl44w)
Five Little Pigs
Sixteen years after her mother was convicted of murdering her father, Carla Lemarchant desperately seeks the help of Hercule Poirot.
Convinced her mother was innocent, Carla is prepared for whatever discovery the Belgian sleuth might make.
But this is a formidable challenge even for the remarkable detective - especially as he's nothing to go on - except five suspects who fit strangely into the pattern of a children's nursery rhyme...
John Moffatt stars as Hercule Poirot.
First published in 1943, Agatha Christie's whodunnit dramatised by Michael Bakewell. ,
Hercule Poirot …. John Moffatt
Carla Lemarchant …. Clare Heyhoe
Sir Montague Depleach …. John Woodnutt
Elsa Greer …. Suzy Aitchison
Caroline Crale …. Jemma Churchill
Amyas Crale …. John Hartley
Cale Jonathan …. David Kossoff
Philip Blake …. Derek Waring
Meredith Blake …. Graham Crowden
Miss Williams …. Carmel McSharry
Angela Warren …. Charlotte Attenborough
Actor John Moffatt (1922-2012) played Hercule Poirot in 25 productions for BBC Radio.
Director: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1994.
SAT 07:30 Great Lives (b06sgy7r)
Series 38
Precious Lunga chooses Wangari Maathai
Matthew Parris's guest this week is the epidemiologst Precious Lunga, who nominates for Great Life status that of the Kenyan environmental activist Wangari Muta Maathai.
In the course of her life, Professor Maathai made a huge contribution to re-establishing environmental integrity to Kenya by working with the women who lived there. She founded the Green Belt Movement and became a politician. In 2004 she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The expert witness is Maggie Baxter from the Green Belt Movement.
Producer Christine Hall
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2015.
SAT 08:00 All the Way from Memphis (b00m52xh)
Series 2
Episode 2
James Walton tests and tickles the knowledge of industry pundits and people passionate about pop music.
Team captains Tracey MacLeod and Andrew Collins are joined by David Quantick and Stewart Lee to be put through their musical paces.
Reader: Beth Chalmers
Written and researched by James Walton
Producer: Dawn Ellis
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2006.
SAT 08:30 Life in London (b011vjfn)
The Show Folks
Desperate for money, Pierce Egan tries to get Tom, Bob and Jerry's adventures onto the stage.
Jerry rescues a damsel at Bartholomew fair who leads him once more to the rapacious lady wanton...
Starring Greg Wise and Mark Gatiss.
Pierce Egan’s 19th-century comic novel adapted by Dan Tetsell.
Pierce Egan .... Geoffrey McGivern
Corinthian Tom .... Greg Wise
Pickpocket .... Neil Edmond
Jerry Hawthorn .... Mark Gatiss
With James Bachman, Chris Douglas, Dave Lamb, Morwenna Banks, Neil Edmond and Margaret Cabourn-Smith.
Original music by Ben Walker
Producer: Tilusha Ghelani
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2006.
SAT 09:00 Barry Cryer's Christmas Selection Box (b007jqqy)
Episode 1
Avoiding all the hard centres - our jovial host Barry Cryer plunders his Christmas selection box to bring you six shining examples of Auntie's festive jewels:
* Radio Active's Christmas Turkey - 1983.
The National Local Radio Station links up with Bethlehem and drops in on sick kids.
Starring Helen Atkinson-Wood, Philip Pope, Geoffrey Perkins, Angus Deayton and Michael Fenton-Stevens.
* The Masterson Inheritance - Christmas Special 1993
The Masterson family face repercussions from a child's innocent gift. Improvised historical saga.
Starring Paul Merton, Josie Lawrence, Jim Sweeney, Caroline Quentin, Phelim McDermott and Lee Simpson.
* Christmas Night with Dr Evadne Hinge and Dame Hilda Bracket - 1983.
Evadne's mother is on a festive visit, and she's driving her daughter crackers!
Starring Dame Hilda Bracket, Dr Evadne Hinge, Jean Heywood, Anthony Sharp, Chris Emmett and Frances Jeater.
* Round the Horne: Cinderella - 1967.
Baron Hardup's daughters battle it out to go to Prince Charming's ball.
Starring Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick, Betty Marsden and Douglas Smith.
* Lines from my Grandfather Christmas's Forehead - 1971.
How even the best laid festive plans can go awry - and a message from your milkman.
Starring Ronnie Barker, Terence Brady and Pauline Yates.
* The Goon Show: Ye Bandit of Sherwood Forest – 1954 .
Neddie Seagoon wants fame and riches, but will he risk life and limb for Maid Marion?
Starring Spike Milligan, Harry Secombe and Peter Sellers.
Mr Cryer's Santa hat and baubles (not shown) artiste's own.
Mr Cryer's contractual egg nog provided by his producer: Peter Reed.
Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in December 2003.
SAT 12:00 Cooking in a Bedsitter (b083mrvf)
Series 1
Beef Olives
Beattie Edmondson and Nikesh Patel star in Sue Teddern's comedy, set in a 1960s' bedsitter - inspired by Katharine Whitehorn's cookery classic.
In this opening episode, Trisha embarks on bedsit life, determined to make it as a get-ahead girl about town.
Trisha.....Beattie Edmondson
Deepak.....Nikesh Patel
June.....Alison Belbin
Len.....John Bowler
Tony.....John Dougall
Katharine Whitehorn.....Karen Bartke
Director: Emma Harding.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2016.
SAT 12:30 Hidden Treasures (b0075xyh)
Petworth House
Check out your chattels and hang on to your heirlooms!
Lars Tharp chairs the light-hearted Antiques Quiz from some of England's finest country houses.
Starting at Petworth House in West Sussex – there are mystery objects, several hidden treasures from the house itself and valuations.
With Eric Knowles and Bunny Campione.
Producer: Annie Bristow
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1998.
SAT 13:00 Cadfael (b007k2mr)
Monk's Hood
1. Troubled Times
The year is 1138, and Brother Cadfael, herbalist of Shrewsbury Abbey, is asked to supply a healing potion for a sick monk.
But monk's hood oil can kill as well as cure....
Ellis Peters' medieval thriller stars Philip Madoc as Brother Cadfael.
Sir Michael Hordern is the narrator.
From the Chronicles of Brother Cadfael dramatised in five-parts by Bert Coules.
Narrator ...... Sir Michael Hordern
Brother Cadfael ...... Phillip Madoc
Brother Mark ...... Ian Targett
Prior Robert ...... Geoffrey Whitehead
Brother Rees ...... Norman Jones
Rishildis Burnel ...... Pat Heywood
Father Heribert ...... Timothy Bateson
Elfrick ...... Mark Straker
Maerreg ...... Kenneth Price
Aldith ...... Jane Whittenshaw
Brother Edmund ...... Timothy Carlton
Brother Petrus ...... Fraser Kerr
Producer: Lissa Evans
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1991.
SAT 13:30 Cadfael (b007jl9z)
Monk's Hood
2. The Inheritance
Brother Cadfael fears the worst over the sickness of Shrewsbury Abbey's benefactor.
Ellis Peters's medieval thriller stars Philip Madoc as Brother Cadfael.
Sir Michael Hordern is the narrator.
From the Chronicles of Brother Cadfael, dramatised by Bert Coules.
Narrator ...... Sir Michael Hordern
Brother Cadfael ...... Phillip Madoc
Sergeant William Warden ...... Ian Hogg
Brother Mark ...... Ian Targett
Prior Robert ...... Geoffrey Whitehead
Brother Rees ...... Norman Jones
Rishildis Burnel ...... Pat Heywood
Elfrick ...... Mark Straker
Maerreg ...... Kenneth Price
Aldith ...... Jane Whittenshaw
Brother Edmund ...... Timothy Carlton
Edwin Gurney ...... Richard Pearce
Sybil Bellecott ...... Petra Markham
Edwy Bellecott ...... Stephen Garlick
Producer: Lissa Evans
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1991.
SAT 14:00 Cadfael (b007jlbb)
Monk's Hood
3. Hunted
Medieval monk Brother Cadfael’s suspicions grow over who committed the murder.
Ellis Peters's medieval thriller stars Philip Madoc as Brother Cadfael.
Sir Michael Hordern is the narrator.
From the Chronicles of Brother Cadfael, dramatised by Bert Coules
Narrator ...... Sir Michael Hordern
Brother Cadfael ...... Phillip Madoc
Sergeant William Warden ...... Ian Hogg
Brother Mark ...... Ian Targett
Prior Robert ...... Geoffrey Whitehead
Brother Rees ...... Norman Jones
Rishildis Burnel ...... Pat Heywood
Elfrick ...... Mark Straker
Maerreg ...... Kenneth Price
Aldith ...... Jane Whittenshaw
Brother Edmund ...... Timothy Carlton
Edwin Gurney ...... Richard Pearce
Sybil Bellecott ...... Petra Markham
Edwy Bellecott ...... Stephen Garlick
Brother Petrus ...... Fraser Kerr
Brother Jerome ...... Andrew Wincott
Groom ...... Nigel Carrington
Producer: Lissa Evans
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1991.
SAT 14:30 Cadfael (b007jlbp)
Monk's Hood
4. Mallilie
Confusion reigns in the hunt for the poisoner. Brother Cadfael has fresh suspicions.
Ellis Peters's medieval thriller stars Philip Madoc as Brother Cadfael.
Sir Michael Hordern is the narrator.
From the Chronicles of Brother Cadfael, dramatised by Bert Coules
Narrator ...... Sir Michael Hordern
Brother Cadfael ...... Phillip Madoc
Sergeant William Warden ...... Ian Hogg
Brother Mark ...... Ian Targett
Prior Robert ...... Geoffrey Whitehead
Martin Bellecott ...... Timothy Carlton
Edwin Gurney ...... Richard Pearce
Edwy Bellecott ...... Stephen Garlick
Brother Petrus ...... Fraser Kerr
Brother Rees ...... Norman Jones
Hugh Beringar ...... Alan Barker
Brother Simon ...... Michael Turner
Brother Barnabas ...... Terrence Edmond
Producer: Lissa Evans
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1991.
SAT 15:00 Cadfael (b007jlbz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 01:30 today]
SAT 15:30 A Good Read (b011jrh3)
James Walton and Lindsey Davis
Journalist and critic James Walton and Lindsey Davis, creator of the ancient Roman detective Falco join Harriett Gilbert to discuss favourite books by Richard Hughes, Nicholson Baker and Georgette Heyer.
A High Wind in Jamaica by Richard Hughes
Publisher: Vintage Classics
James Walton's choice
The Anthologist by Nicholson Baker
Publisher: Pocket Books
Royal Escape by Georgette Heyer
Publisher: Arrow Books
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2011.
SAT 16:00 Hercule Poirot (b00rl44w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 17:30 Great Lives (b06sgy7r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 18:00 Bram Stoker - Dracula (b04y9dzf)
2. The Warmth of Strangers
Lucy Westenra is dead, but Professor Van Helsing is determined to find out the true cause of her death, track it down, fight it and defeat it forever.
Nicky Henson stars as Count Dracula.
Bram Stoker's disturbing vampire tale of horror, re-imagined by Rebecca Lenkiewicz.
The conclusion of a thrilling ride through the dark psyche of Victorian England.
Count Dracula ...... Nicky Henson
Dr Seward ...... Charles Edwards
Renfield ...... Don Gilet
Jonathan Harker ...... Michael Shelford
Mina Harker ...... Ellie Kendrick
Lucy Westenra ...... Scarlett Brookes
Dr Van Helsing ...... John Dougall
Arthur ...... Joe Sims
Maid ...... Christine Absalom
Policeman ...... Robert Blythe
Simmons ...... Patrick Brennan
Vampiress ...... Sarah Thom
Vampiress ...... Ellie Crook
Vampiress ...... Stephanie Racine
Child ...... Harper Bone
Singer ...... Adriana Festeu
Director: Jessica Dromgoole.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2012.
SAT 19:00 Barry Cryer's Christmas Selection Box (b007jqqy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 22:00 Saturday Night Fry (b007jt12)
Episode 6
Stephen Fry serves up a final portion of witty banter and sketches.
With Hugh Laurie, Jim Broadbent, Emma Thompson and Phyllida Law.
Written by Stephen Fry with additional material by Ian Brown and James Hendrie.
Producer: Dan Patterson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1988.
SAT 22:30 The Maltby Collection (b00mqhqt)
Series 3
Episode 5
The museum is due to send an exhibition of its finest artefacts around Europe.
But can Walter find a suitably experienced and diplomatic member of staff to curate it?
Geoffrey Palmer and Julian Rhind-Tutt star in series 3 of David Nobbs’s sitcom about a small museum of paintings and sculpture.
Rod Millet ...... Julian Rhind-Tutt
Walter Brindle ...... Geoffrey Palmer
Prunella Edgecumbe ...... Rachel Atkins
Susie Maltby ...... Margaret Cabourn-Smith
Julian Crumb-Loosely ...... Ben Willbond
Wilf Arbuthnot ...... Geoff McGivern
Eva Tattle ...... Juklia Deakin
Des Wainwright ...... Michael Smiley
Stelios Constantinopoulis/Van Driver ...... Chris Pavlo
Barman ...... Stephen Hogan.
Producer: Colin Anderson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2009.
SAT 23:00 Elis James's Pantheon of Heroes (b01pjp4n)
Series 2
Communication
Pryce Pryce-Jones, Richard Trevithick and Guglielmo Marconi.
Comedian Elis James compares key figures in Welsh history to determine the ultimate heroes of Wales.
With Ben Partridge and Nadia Kamil.
Written by Elis James, Gareth Gwyn and Benjamin Partridge.
Producer: Sharif Shahwan
First broadcast on BBC Radio Wales in January 2013.
SAT 23:30 The Ape That Got Lucky (b0081sw3)
Man or Monkey
A look at how so many of the things we imagine to be human characteristics are really just animal ones.
Plus a glimpse at where evolution might take the human race next.
A spoof exploration of the fascinating subject of human evolution.
Starring Chris Addison.
With Professor Austin Herring (aka Geoffrey McGivern), Jo Enright and Dan Tetsell.
Written by Chris Addison and Carl Cooper.
Producer: Simon Nicholls
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2005.


SUNDAY 20 DECEMBER 2020

SUN 00:00 Bram Stoker - Dracula (b04y9dzf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Saturday]
SUN 01:00 Cadfael (b007k2mr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 13:00 on Saturday]
SUN 01:30 Cadfael (b007jl9z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 13:30 on Saturday]
SUN 02:00 Cadfael (b007jlbb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Saturday]
SUN 02:30 Cadfael (b007jlbp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Saturday]
SUN 03:00 Cadfael (b007jlbz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 01:30 on Saturday]
SUN 03:30 A Good Read (b011jrh3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:30 on Saturday]
SUN 04:00 Hercule Poirot (b00rl44w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]
SUN 05:30 Great Lives (b06sgy7r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Saturday]
SUN 06:00 Village Christmas by Laurie Lee (Omnibus) (b09jxgdv)
From childhood to a cold Christmas walk in the country.
Derek Jacobi reads from a collection of Laurie Lee's writings, including newly discovered pieces by his daughter Jessy Lee, which return to the landscape and traditions of his rural home in Slad as well as a changing London in the last century.
Omnibus edition of five readings.
Laurie Lee's classic memoir Cider with Rosie, his lyrical evocation of an early life in Gloucestershire, launched his writing career in the late 1950s and continues to be one of England's most popular books.
Abridged and produced by Karen Rose.
A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2017.
SUN 07:10 Inheritance Tracks (b09t0r9h)
Feargal Sharkey
Undertones frontman Feargal Sharkey chooses 'Brown-Eyed Handsome Man by Buddy Holly and Acperience by Hardfloor.
SUN 07:20 The Inheritors by Claudine Toutoungi (Omnibus) (b094281q)
Francois Chédid is the falafel king. Who knew there was so much money in Lebanese food?
Or that his three delightful grown-up children would be sent into such a spin when he tries to share his good fortune?
Omnibus of the five-part comic drama by Claudine Toutoungi.
Jasmine …. Monserrat Lombard
Francois …. Kulvinder Ghir
Nadia …. Katie Lyons
Frank …. Samuel James
Diane …. Sanchia McCormack
Nanette …. Amira Ghazalla
CD Voice / Tutor …. Chetna Pandya
Deliverer …. David Sturzaker
Mark …. Simon Ludders
Receptionist …. Tom Forrister
Claudine Toutoungi writes for stage, TV and radio. Previous work for BBC Radio 4 includes 'Deliverers' and 'Slipping' which starred Andrew Scott and Charlotte Riley and was a finalist for the Best Single Original Drama in the BBC Audio Drama Awards.
Director: Toby Swift
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2017.
SUN 08:30 Dad's Army (b007jqrv)
Present Arms
Military medal rivalry sparks a shooting contest with another platoon. Adapted from TV with Arthur Lowe. From December 1974.
SUN 09:30 Ed Reardon's Week (b007k3ym)
Series 2
The Last Laugh
Embittered writer Ed takes action when he sees his bank statement.
Welcome to the comical world of Ed Reardon, author, pipe smoker, consummate fare-dodger and master of the abusive e-mail.
Christopher Douglas stars as Ed Reardon.
Written by Christopher Douglas and Andrew Nickolds.
Featuring:
Stephanie Cole
John Fortune
Martin Hyder
Rita May
Geoffrey McGivern
Barunka O'Shaughnessy
Sally Grace
Geoffrey Whitehead
Tom Colebrook
Dan Tetsell
Matthew Holness
Andy Hamilton
Producer: Simon Nicholls
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2006.
SUN 10:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m000qk23)
Absent Friends
Geoffrey Palmer
From Benny Goodman to Richard Strauss.
Actor Geoffrey Palmer OBE shares his castaway choices with Sue Lawley.
Best known for his TV roles in The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin, Butterflies and As Time Goes By, Geoffrey had to wait a long time to become a household name and national treasure.
Unsure what career to pursue after a spell in the army, he fell into acting because a girlfriend was involved in amateur dramatics. He worked in repertory theatre throughout the 60s and 70s and ended up working with John Osborne during the Royal Court's heyday in West of Suez, and later with Laurence Olivier.
With a face "reminiscent of a bloodhound mourning a lost scent", Palmer has, by his own admission "cornered the market in playing dull, plodding men". Many of his characters live out lives characterised by petty worries, suburban frustration and missed opportunities, but he plays them brilliantly, and with a sympathy that elevates them to the status of unlikely heroes.
Geoffrey's grumpy on-screen persona has also led to him narrating BBC TV's cult hit Grumpy Old Men, which brought him a whole new generation of viewers.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2005.
SUN 10:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00lq99f)
Series 1
Archaeopteryx
Sir David recounts the remarkable story of a feather, like any other feather from a bird.
Only this one was 150 million years old, and the animal that lost it lived when birds had not yet evolved.
Series of talks by Sir David Attenborough on the natural histories of creatures and plants from around the world.
Producer: Julian Hector
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2009.
SUN 11:00 Radiolab (m0002ycw)
Series 5
Laughter
Radiolab asks what makes us laugh – and does humour have that much to do with it? With Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich.
Aristotle thought that laughter is what separates us from the beasts, and that a baby does not have a SOUL, until the moment it laughs for the first time. Historian Barry Sanders, author of Sudden Glory, says that according to Aristotle, this moment of "human ensouling" is supposed to happen when a baby is 40 days old. We follow radio producer Amanda Aronczyk as she tests this theory on her newborn baby.
Then we go to Bowling Green State University in Ohio, to tickle rats with psychobiologist Dr. Jaak Panksepp. It's his notion that laughter is found all across the animal kingdom. Boom, Aristotle! Then Dr. Robert Provine, author of Laughter: A Scientific Investigation, shows us chimps who seem to be laughing. And we travel to Tanzania to investigate an outbreak of contagious laughter.
Radiolab is a Peabody-award winning show about curiosity. Where sound illuminates ideas, and the boundaries blur between science, philosophy, and the human experience.
Hosts Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich investigate a strange world.
First broadcast in the USA in 2008.
SUN 12:00 Poetry Extra (m000qk25)
Old Possum's Book Of Practical Cats 2/2/Letters To A Young Poet: Moniza Alvi
Poet Daljit Nagra revisits the BBC's radio poetry archive and selects two programmes this week. Firstly part 2/2 of Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats read by Jeremy Irons and The Essay featuring Moniza Alvi: Letters To A Young Poet.
On Christmas Day 1937, nearly two years before book publication, five of T.S Eliot's Practical Cats poems were broadcast as readings by Geoffrey Tandy on BBC Radio. The Radio Times wrote' For some time past Mr Eliot has been amusing and instructing the offspring of some of his friends in verse on the subject of cats. These poems are not the kind that have been usually associated with his name'. Over 75 years later, one of our greatest actors, Oscar- winning Jeremy Irons re-visits the original poems.
In part two you can hear five poems featuring Gus: The Theatre Cat, The Old Gumbie, CatBustopher Jones: The Cat about Town, Cat Morgan introduces himself and The Ad-dressing of Cats.
Producer: Susan Roberts.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on Christmas Day 2015.
The Essay - Moniza Alvi: Letters To A Young Poet
Taking Rilke's classic correspondence as inspiration, leading poets write a personal letter to a young poet to pass on life experience and thoughts about the poetic art..
Today, Pakistan-born Moniza Alvi.
The original Letters to a Young Poet is a compilation of letters by Rainer Maria Rilke, written between 1902 and 1908 to a 19-year-old officer cadet called Franz Kappus. Rilke's letters touch on poetry and criticism, but they range widely in subject matter from atheism and loneliness, to friendship and sexuality.
Moniza Alvi was born in Pakistan and grew up in Hertfordshire.
Producer - Emma Harding
First broadcast on BBC Radio 3 in 2014.
SUN 12:30 Paul Sinha's History Revision (b04v3cxr)
Series 1
Communication
Paul Sinha looks through all of human history and examines how we came to be where we are.
In this edition, he looks at the modern's youth's obsession with a device that can be used to email, text, surf the web, play games and, very occasionally, make telephone calls - the telephone.
The story of how it came, legally, into being obviously involves electro-shock therapy and an exploding boat.
Paul also looks at a more positive aspect of young people, and tells a story of how the introduction of gin to the United Kingdom inspired the 17th-century equivalent of the Ice Bucket Challenge.
Written and performed by Paul Sinha.
Producer: Ed Morrish
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2014.
SUN 13:00 Forty Weeks by Katherine Jakeways (Omnibus) (b0854qgj)
Katherine Jakeways's romantic comedy about the fallout from an unexpected one-night stand.
Sam loves Rose. And Rose loves Sam.
But while Rose is away on business, Sam’s dad dies and he ends up getting drunk and sleeping with a woman he’s never met before, called Bayley. Love compels him to confess to Rose, but can they salvage their relationship?
Starring Rebecca Humphries, Matthew Baynton, Kimberley Nixon and Julia Deakin.
Omnibus of five parts.
Rose .... Rebecca Humphries
Sam .... Mathew Baynton
Bayley .... Kimberley Nixon
Mum ... Julia Deakin
Technician/Nurse ... Alison Belbin
Teacher.... Katherine Jakeways
Receptionist/Barista .... Finlay Robertson
Writer Katherine Jakeways (North by Northamptonshire) is described by The Radio Times as the 'new Victoria Wood' saying "her character comedy is so acutely observed and so sharp that it's in danger of causing permanent injury."
Director: James Robinson
A BBC Cymru Wales production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2016.
SUN 14:10 Inheritance Tracks (m0004fw6)
Shakin' Stevens
Singer Shakin' Stevens chooses ’Brother Can You Spare A Dime’ by Ronnie Lane's Slim Chance and Johnny Cash’s ‘We'll Meet Again’.
SUN 14:20 Evelyn Waugh: A Life Revisited (Omnibus) (b07kwmtm)
Hailed by Graham Greene as 'the greatest novelist of my generation', yet reckoned by Hilaire Belloc to have been possessed by the devil, Waugh's literary reputation has risen steadily since Greene's assessment in 1966.
Philip Eade revisits the life of Evelyn Waugh for a revealing biography.
Omnibus of five parts read by Nickolas Grace.
Waugh's Estate released previously unseen letters and personal testimony from those who knew and worked with him.
The book spans the whole of Waugh's life, presenting details of his difficult relationship with his embarrassingly sentimental father, his love affair with Alastair Graham at Oxford, his disastrous marriage to Evelyn Gardner and its complicated annulment, his dramatic conversion to Roman Catholicism and his chequered wartime career.
Abridged by Libby Spurrier.
Director: Celia de Wolff
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in July 2016.
SUN 15:30 Mark Rylance - Golden Lads and Girls (b0075fm7)
Mark Rylance discovers the astonishing appeal of Shakespeare for very young children.
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. He 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.
SUN 16:00 Peter Gibbs - Get Santa (m000qk28)
Two successful businessmen, one American and the other Australian, appear to have everything they want.
However, their interests lack one vital commercial element - Santa Claus! So they decide to get him...
Starring Dinsdale Landem and Barry Morse.
Festive drama by award-winning writer, Peter Gibbs.
Osborne …. Dinsdale Landen
Ron Grist …. Barry Morse
Gil Maddocks …. John Bluthal
Falklander …. John Church
Professor Lungkvist …. Ronald Herdman
Mester …. Peter Woodthorpe
Ingar …. Anne Jameson
Desmond …. David Learner
Director: John Tydeman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1985.
SUN 17:00 Poetry Extra (m000qk25)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:00 today]
SUN 17:30 Paul Sinha's History Revision (b04v3cxr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:30 today]
SUN 18:00 Emily's Ghost, by Colin Finbow (b05p2h6p)
Young Emily goes to live with her family in an inherited country house.
When she begins to see and hear strange things, Emily fears that she is being haunted.
Colin Finbow's unusual ghost story is set in Edwardian England.
Stars Anna Jones, Kate Buffery, John Rowe and Anna Massey.
Emily ...... Anna Jones
Mama ...... Kate Buffery
Papa ...... John Rowe
Miss Rabstock ...... Anna Massey
Dawson ...... Gareth Armstrong
Crabtree ...... Tina Gray
Ghost ...... Emily Howes
Edward ...... Michael Tucek
Louise ...... Oona Beeson
James ...... Daniel Main
Will ...... Nicholas Yeoman
Grandpa ...... Colin Pinney
Polly ...... Cathy Sara
Sharon ...... Elaine Claxton
Director: Cherry Cookson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1994.
SUN 19:00 Radiolab (m0002ycw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
SUN 20:00 Peter Gibbs - Get Santa (m000qk28)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 today]
SUN 21:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m000qk23)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 21:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00lq99f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:45 today]
SUN 22:00 Paul Sinha's History Revision (b04v3cxr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:30 today]
SUN 22:30 All the World's a Globe (b007jwt1)
5. The Male Nude and Charlton Heston
From St Francis to Buddhism
The history of mankind from the first amoeba to the Second World War.
Presented by the entire cast of the National Theatre of Brent - Desmond Olivier Dingle and Wallace, aided by Mr Barker.
Written by Patrick Barlow, with additional material by Jim Broadbent and Martin Duncan.
With guest star Peter Barker.
With thanks to
Patrick Barlow
Jim Broadbent
Martin Duncan
Producer: Lissa Evans
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1990.
SUN 22:45 Hearing With Hegley (b07yv9n7)
Series 2
Episode 5
The Luton Laureate entertains with songs and poems about glasses. With Nigel Piper and the Popticians. From September 1998.
SUN 23:00 The Museum of Everything (b00h3h6c)
Series 3
The Thing
Learn about medieval cooking, and view the most precious exhibit.
Written and performed by Marcus Brigstocke, Danny Robins and Dan Tetsell.
With Lucy Montgomery.
Music by Dominic Haslam and Ben Walker.
Producer: Alex Walsh-Taylor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2006.
SUN 23:30 Weak at the Top (b00rmygl)
Series 1
Smoked Meat
Sir Marcus wants a global web presence by the end of the week.
Mean marketing director John Weak descends to the IT netherworld to do battle with Gavin Smedley, an IT director grown from the sweat of a techie's armpit.
Alexander Armstrong stars as John Weak in Guy Browning’s sitcom.
John Weak ...... Alexander Armstrong
Hayley ...... Clare Perkins
Sir Marcus ...... Geoffrey Whitehead
Bill Peters ...... Ron Cook
Gary Peyton ...... Ewan Bailey
Gavin Smedley ...... Gerard McDermott
Paul ...... Harry Myers
Producer: Jonquil Panting
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2005.


MONDAY 21 DECEMBER 2020

MON 00:00 Emily's Ghost, by Colin Finbow (b05p2h6p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Sunday]
MON 01:00 Forty Weeks by Katherine Jakeways (Omnibus) (b0854qgj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 13:00 on Sunday]
MON 02:10 Inheritance Tracks (m0004fw6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:10 on Sunday]
MON 02:20 Evelyn Waugh: A Life Revisited (Omnibus) (b07kwmtm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:20 on Sunday]
MON 03:30 Mark Rylance - Golden Lads and Girls (b0075fm7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:30 on Sunday]
MON 04:00 Peter Gibbs - Get Santa (m000qk28)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Sunday]
MON 05:00 Poetry Extra (m000qk25)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:00 on Sunday]
MON 05:30 Paul Sinha's History Revision (b04v3cxr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:30 on Sunday]
MON 06:00 Wimsey (b00scvsc)
Have His Carcase
6. All a Question of Time
Will inspiration strike?
The upper class sleuth battles to finally unmask a killer.
Ian Carmichael stars as Lord Peter Wimsey – the aristocratic amateur detective created by Dorothy L Sayers.
The conclusion dramatised by Alistair Beaton.
Lord Peter Wimsey …. Ian Carmichael
Harriet Vane …. Maria Aitken
Inspector Umpelty …. Nigel Stock
Leila Garland …. Rosalind Ayres
Saunders …. John Webb
Polwhistle …. Alan Dudley
Tom …. Andrew Secombe
Narrator …. John Westbrook
Producer: Martin Fisher
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1981.
MON 06:30 Agatha Christie (b0081rx2)
The Sittaford Mystery
1. The Message
A blizzard has hit England.
In the tiny village of Sittaford, on the fringes of Dartmoor, a party of six is gathered in Sittaford House, home of Captain Trevelyan. He's rented the house out for the winter and is staying in a nearby village. As evening draws in, a séance is proposed.
But it reveals something far more sinister than they'd all anticipated...
Starring Geoffrey Whitehead and Barbara Atkinson.
First published in 1931, Agatha Christie's whodunnit dramatised in five parts.
Inspector Narracott …. Geoffrey Whitehead
Mrs. Curtis …. Barbara Atkinson
Major Burnaby …. Norman Bird
Mrs. Willett …. Susan Westerby
Violet Willett …. Victoria Carling
Mr. Rycroft …. John Moffat
Mr. Duke …. Michael Graham Cox
Ronnie Garfield …. Nigel Greaves
Sergeant Pollock …. Vincent Brimble
Doctor Warren …. Michael Kilgarriff
Evans …. Donald Gee
Jim Pearson …. Stephen Garlick
Dramatised and directed by Michael Bakewell.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1990.
MON 07:00 Cooking in a Bedsitter (b08492g1)
Series 1
Stuffed Eggs
Katharine Whitehorn's cult cookery classic is the inspiration for Sue Teddern's new comedy drama, set in 1964, starring Beattie Edmondson and Nikesh Patel.
In this episode, Trisha tries to impress new friend Jill with some stuffed eggs.
Trisha.....Beattie Edmondson
Deepak.....Nikesh Patel
Tony.....John Dougall
Jill.....Natasha Cowley
Keith.....Finlay Robertson
The Hunk.....Luke MacGregor
Male Guest.....Gavi Singh Chera
Female Guest.....Catriona McFarlane
Katharine Whitehorn.....Karen Bartke
Directed by Emma Harding.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2016.
MON 07:30 I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue (m000qbmp)
Series 73
Lockdown Recording 1
A remote recording for lockdown of the nation's favourite wireless entertainment sees Marcus Brigstocke, Rachel Parris, Miles Jupp pitted against Rory Bremner, Jo Brand and Andy Hamilton with Jack Dee in the chair. Colin Sell provides piano accompaniment.
Producer - Jon Naismith. It is a BBC Studios production.
MON 08:00 Steptoe and Son (b00rzkyb)
Series 1
Wallah, Wallah, Catsmeat
The rag and bone business falters when Hercules the horse needs a vet.
Starring Wilfrid Brambell as Albert and Harry H Corbett as Harold.
Following the conclusion of their hugely successful association with Tony Hancock, writers Ray Galton and Alan Simpson wrote 10 pilots for the BBC TV's Comedy Playhouse in 1962. The Offer was set in a house with a yard full of junk, featuring the lives of rag and bone men Albert Steptoe and his son Harold and it was the spark for a run of 8 series for TV.
Adapted for radio from Galton and Simpson's TV script by Gale Pedrick.
Produced by Bobby Jaye
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in August 1966.
MON 08:30 Life, Death and Sex with Mike and Sue (b01nh82g)
Series 2
Fear
The sofa hosts invite a stressed bomb disposal expert to "hug his fear".
Series 2 of Bill Dare's sitcom stars Robert Duncan and Jan Ravens.
With Roger Blake, Bill Dare, Alistair McGowan and Sally Philips.
Music by Mark Burton.
Producer: Jo Clegg
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1997.
MON 09:00 Hidden Treasures (b0546cwh)
Harewood House
Undiscovered treasures and porcelain posers.
Enthusiasts and experts come together at Harewood House in West Yorkshire, which is crammed with a fine collection of Chippendale furniture
Lars Tharp chairs the light-hearted Antiques Quiz with Philippa Glanville and Henry Sandon.
Producer: Annie Bristow
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1998.
MON 09:30 Gilbert Without Sullivan (m00019xk)
Series 2
The Realm of Joy
A West End play causes such a scandal, that respectable Victorian theatre-goers can't keep away.
The second series of short stories by WS Gilbert dramatised by Stephen Wyatt.
CAST:
W.S. Gilbert …. Jonathan Coy
Jellybag …. Alexander Delamere
Quisby …. Jeffrey Harmer
Edgar …. Tim Hudson
Henrietta …. Jilly Bond
Joseph …. Stephen Hogan
Hebe …. Bella Merlin
Mrs. Spiff …. Charlotte West-Oram
Playwright and humourist, Sir William Schwenck Gilbert (1836-1911) is best known for his comic opera collaborations with Sir Arthur Sullivan, which first captivated audiences across the English-speaking world in the late 19th century.
Director: Jenny Stephens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2004.
MON 10:00 The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse (m000r630)
Experience the world of a curious boy, a greedy mole, a wary fox and a wise horse who find themselves together, in sometimes difficult terrain, sharing their greatest fears and biggest discoveries about vulnerability, kindness, hope, friendship and love.
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse was written and read by Charlie Mackesy.
The music was by Max Richter and Isobel Waller-Bridge.
It was produced by Colm Roche and mixed by Eli Block, with sound design by Ivor Manley
This is a shortened version of the Penguin Audio Production of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse audiobook.
MON 10:50 Inheritance Tracks (b09t0r9h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:10 on Sunday]
MON 11:00 TED Radio Hour (m000qkrf)
Series 7
Gender, Power, And Fairness
A journey through fascinating ideas based on talks by riveting speakers on the TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) stage.
Guy Raz explores how the conversation has moved beyond a hashtag, in the age of ‘Me Too’, where do we go from here?
First broadcast in the USA on National Public Radio in 2019.
MON 11:50 Inheritance Tracks (m000fn21)
Frank Skinner
Comedian Frank Skinner chooses ‘Winter Wonderland’ by Dean Martin and ‘Why Women Don't Like Me?’ by George Formby.
MON 12:00 Steptoe and Son (b00rzkyb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 12:30 Life, Death and Sex with Mike and Sue (b01nh82g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 13:00 Wimsey (b00scvsc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 13:30 Agatha Christie (b0081rx2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 14:00 Maigret (m0001qhm)
A Maigret Christmas
Episode 1
Sir Derek Jacobi reads a classic Inspector Maigret mystery by Georges Simenon.
On Christmas Day, as the snow begins to fall in Paris, Inspector Maigret receives two unexpected visitors. A young girl claims to have seen Father Christmas in her room, behaving strangely and cutting a hole in the floor. He agrees to investigate.
Read by Sir Derek Jacobi.
Abridged by Lauris Morgan-Griffiths.
Written by Georges Simenon and translated by David Coward.
Produced by Mair Bosworth.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2018.
MON 14:15 Louisa May Alcott - Little Women (b088dpzt)
A Merry Christmas
It is the time of The American Civil War and in New England the March family are facing a frugal Christmas without their father. Four young women forging their path into the adult world, tell of the challenges of a woman's life in a male dominated society. Each of them is very different but in all four of the March sisters the 'All-American girl' emerges for the first time. Louisa May Alcott's coming of age story about love, destiny and freedom, in new version dramatised by Rhiannon Tise.
Meg ..... Natasha J Barnes
Jo ..... Julianna Jennings
Beth ..... Bryony Hannah
Amy ..... Samantha Dakin
Mrs March .....Tara Ward
Mr March ..... John Bowler
Laurie ..... Alex Lanipekun
Mr John Brooke ..... Finlay Robertson
Aunt March ..... Joanna Monro
Hannah ..... Alison Belbin
Mrs Hummel/Mrs Moffat ..... Karen Bartke
Sallie Gardiner ..... Natasha Cowley
Annie Moffat ..... Keziah Joseph
Ned Moffat ..... Luke MacGregor
Produced and Directed by Tracey Neale
As the episodes progress we learn more about each of the sisters. They love and value each other but a couple of them are really feisty and there are lots of funny incidents. All the ups and downs of family life are realistically drawn. There are truly heartbreaking moments during the story too. This new dramatisation by Rhiannon Tise has a pacy, updated and energetic feel to it. Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy each take a turn in telling the story and this focus gives a much stronger voice to each of the sisters. And to give a male dynamic to the piece, Laurie, their neighbour and friend, also takes up the narration at particular moments too.
Louisa May Alcott's Little Women is highly autobiographical, and in Jo's character Alcott portrays a strong-minded and independent woman, determined to control her own destiny in a little town in New England at the height of the American Civil War.
The Dramatist, Rhiannon Tise, has written nine radio plays. Her first won the Richard Imison Award. Her most recent dramatisation work was Georgy Girl for the British New Wave Season. She is currently developing a 3 part drama for television. Rhiannon's East Prussian paternal ancestors arrived in America around the same time Little Women was written so she has a passion for both the novel and America of that time because of her own family history.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2017.
MON 14:30 Dinosaurs in the Drawing Room (b03pjcy9)
During the Second World War, the Natural History Museum evacuated its collection to the nation's stately homes, and with it some of its curators, with often intriguing results. Giles Dilnot raids the Museum's archives to discover the letters these curators wrote back to the museum. He hears about the fractious relationships, unexpected friendships and matters of life and death that these scientists encountered as guests of the aristocracy, all of which were played out against the backdrop of some vital war work. And he asks what would happen to the collection if such a threat were to occur now?
Producer: James Crawford
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2014.
MON 15:00 The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse (m000r630)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
MON 15:50 Inheritance Tracks (b09t0r9h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:10 on Sunday]
MON 16:00 Hidden Treasures (b0546cwh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
MON 16:30 Gilbert Without Sullivan (m00019xk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
MON 17:00 Cooking in a Bedsitter (b08492g1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 17:30 I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue (m000qbmp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 18:00 Susan Hill - The Woman in Black (b007jlpk)
1. A Journey and a Funeral
Retired solicitor Arthur Kipps recalls his visit to the remote market town of Crythin Gifford - and the isolated house of the reclusive Mrs Drablow...
Susan Hill's chilling ghost story dramatised in four parts by Jon Strickland.
Young Kipps ...... Robert Glenister
Old Kipps ...... John Woodvine
Esme ...... Paula Tilbrook
Samuel ...... Rod Arthur
Tomes ...... Christopher Kent
Bentley ...... Stuart Richman
Isobelle ...... Jane Marlow
Oliver ...... Jason Done
Music composed by Derek Pearce.
Directed at BBC Manchester by Chris Wallis.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 5 in 1993.
MON 18:30 A Good Read (b011p60h)
Chris Smith and Mavis Cheek
Lord Chris Smith, chairman of the Environment Agency, and novelist Mavis Cheek are Harriett Gilbert's guests in this edition of A Good Read. Each brings a very different recommended read to the studio: a series of essays celebrating the wild places in nature; an early novel by a poet; and a profound but disquieting debut novel about a disturbed child.
Trumpet by Jackie Kay
Publ: Picador
The Wild Places by Robert Macfarlane
Publ: Granta Books
Micka by Frances Kay
Publ: Picador
Producer Christine Hall
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2011.
MON 19:00 Steptoe and Son (b00rzkyb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 19:30 Life, Death and Sex with Mike and Sue (b01nh82g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 20:00 Wimsey (b00scvsc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 20:30 Agatha Christie (b0081rx2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 21:00 TED Radio Hour (m000qkrf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
MON 21:50 Inheritance Tracks (m000fn21)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:50 today]
MON 22:00 I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue (m000qbmp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 22:30 2000 Years of Radio (b0076b0q)
Series 2
Sherwood FM
Can the Sheriff of Nottingham develop a sinister laugh? Recreation of the wireless archives with Al Holloway. From October 2002.
MON 22:45 Hamish and Dougal: You'll Have Had Your Tea (b007k0x6)
Series 2
The Vampire of the Glen
The Scotsmen dig a suspicious hole for a coffin-shaped wardrobe. Stars Barry Cryer and Graeme Garden. From February 2004.
MON 23:00 Dead Ringers (m000q8pb)
Christmas Specials 2020
Episode 2
Topical satire from Jon Culshaw, Jan Ravens, Lewis McLeod, Debra Stephenson and Duncan Wisbey.
Dead Ringers somehow manages to make fishing quotas funny. Other topics include The Crown, panic shopping, Christmas bubbling and why on earth the BBC has redesigned the Daleks.
The writing squad for the series: Nev Fountain & Tom Jamieson, Laurence Howarth, Ed Amsden & Tom Coles, Sarah Campbell, James Bugg, Simon Alcock, Jeffrey Aidoo Alex Hardy Edward Tew, Lewis Cook, Jane McUtcheon and Vivienne Riddoch, Sophie Dickson and Cody Daher.
Producer: Bill Dare. A BBC Studios Production
MON 23:30 Mitch Benn's Crimes Against Music (b007k1sw)
Series 2
New Media
Mitch shares his musical experiences and wonders if he should break into ‘new media’ to survive? With Robin Ince. From 2005.


TUESDAY 22 DECEMBER 2020

TUE 00:00 Susan Hill - The Woman in Black (b007jlpk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Monday]
TUE 00:30 A Good Read (b011p60h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Monday]
TUE 01:00 Wimsey (b00scvsc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]
TUE 01:30 Agatha Christie (b0081rx2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Monday]
TUE 02:00 Maigret (m0001qhm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Monday]
TUE 02:15 Louisa May Alcott - Little Women (b088dpzt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Monday]
TUE 02:30 Dinosaurs in the Drawing Room (b03pjcy9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:00 The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse (m000r630)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Monday]
TUE 03:50 Inheritance Tracks (b09t0r9h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:10 on Sunday]
TUE 04:00 Hidden Treasures (b0546cwh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:30 Gilbert Without Sullivan (m00019xk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Monday]
TUE 05:00 Cooking in a Bedsitter (b08492g1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Monday]
TUE 05:30 I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue (m000qbmp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Monday]
TUE 06:00 A Charles Paris Mystery (b083r275)
The Cinderella Killer
1. Oh Yes It Is...
A job in Panto seems the perfect way to spend the Christmas season for Charles, but the cast of Cinderella are a motley crew from reality TV and Charles finds himself having to explain the traditions of Panto to their baffled American star whose career is on a downward trajectory. It's not long before the slapstick makes way for a murder investigation and Charles as always can't help doing some sleuthing of his own.
Charles ..... Bill Nighy
Frances ..... Suzanne Burden
Maurice ..... Jon Glover
Ken ..... Brian Protheroe
Danny ..... Sean Baker
Electra ..... Lorelei King
Larry ..... Nick Underwood
Tad ..... Sam Rix
Josie ..... Norah Lopez Holden
Sparkle ..... Tom Forrister
by Jeremy Front
Based on Simon Brett's novel
Directed by Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2016.
TUE 06:30 Agatha Christie (b007jlqg)
The Sittaford Mystery
2. An Arrest for Murder
A seance at the remote Sittaford House has revealed the murder of Captain Trevelyan. But who would've killed a man who didn't have an enemy in the world...?
Agatha Christie's whodunit, first published in 1931.
CAST:
Inspector Narracott …. Geoffrey Whitehead
Evans …. Donald Gee
Mrs. Belling …. Jo Kendall
Major Burnaby …. Norman Bird
Williamson …. David Goudge
Kirkwood …. John Gabriel
Charles Enderby …. Stephen Tompkinson
Beatrice …. Alice Arnold
Mrs. Gardner …. Anna Cropper
Sylvia Dering …. Susan Sheridan
Jim Pearson …. Stephen Garlick
Emily Trefusis …. Melinda Walker
Dramatised and directed by Michael Bakewell.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1990.
TUE 07:00 Showstopper (b00xw15c)
2. Ancient Egypt
Showstopper! The Improvised Musical is a brand new comedy in which the Showstopper team create a hilarious improvised musical on the spot - with the songs, plot and characters based entirely on suggestions from the live studio audience.
This week: the musical world of ancient Egypt…
The cast includes Pippa Evans, Ruth Bratt, Dylan Emery, Lucy Trodd, Sean McCann and Oliver Senton.
Producer: Sam Bryant
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2011.
TUE 07:30 Help! My Head's in Wookey Hole (m000gc4l)
Anneka Rice goes on the hunt for her Madame Tussaud's waxwork head. This leads her into a hilarious and honest look back at her own life and career.
It's time to ask some tough questions. Why did she even have a waxwork in the first place? Is it because she was once famous? And does that mean she is now 'unfamous'?
Producer: Harriet Jaine
A Talkback production for BBC Radio 4
TUE 08:00 The Goon Show (m0001p37)
A Christmas Carol
Charles Dickens's Christmas tale takes a bashing from Spike Milligan, Peter Sellers and Harry Secombe. From December 1959.
TUE 08:30 Legal, Decent, Honest and Truthful (b007jw0s)
Series 3
Episode 3
An American TV evangelist creates waves, and ad man Ken causes a surprise. Stars Martin Jarvis. From October 1986.
TUE 09:00 Dead Ringers (m000q8pb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 23:00 on Monday]
TUE 09:30 Married (b00804fg)
Series 2
Serenity
As he adjusts to his parallel life, Robin tries to convince his "ex-wife" of the truth. Stars Hugh Bonneville. From May 2000.
TUE 10:00 1. Bertie Takes Action (b09z1dr6)
Martin Jarvis reprises his award-winning Broadway characterisation as Jeeves. Comic mastery directed by Rosalind Ayres and also starring Joanna Lumley, Ian Ogilvy and Michael York.
When Bertie Wooster (James Callis) embarks on an errand of matrimonial mercy down at Totleigh Towers, he needs all the help he can get from Jeeves (Martin Jarvis). Why? Because there’s trouble between Madeline Bassett and Gussie Fink-Nottle. She’s forcing Gussie to become a vegetarian. If Gussie refuses to abandon steak and kidney pies, Madeleine will dump him and marry Bertie. Can Wooster avoid such a fate?
Also, human gorilla Roderick Spode (Adam Godley) is besotted by Madeline and loathes Bertie, mistakenly viewing him as a rival. A midnight encounter between Bertie and an Aberdeen terrier doesn’t help.
And Bertie’s host Sir Watkyn Bassett (Ian Ogilvy) suspects he has designs on a valuable statuette. Joanna Lumley pitches in as dominant Aunt Dahlia, with Michael York as whisky-sodden Major Plank. Can Jeeves sort it all out?
Cast:
Aunt Dahlia … Joanna Lumley
Bertie Wooster ... James Callis
Jeeves ... Martin Jarvis
Roderick Spode … Adam Godley
Major Plank … Michael York
Sir Watkyn Bassett … Ian Ogilvy
Rev Harold Pinker … Julian Sands
Stiffy Byng … Moira Quirk
Madeline Bassett … Elizabeth Knowelden
Gussie Fink-Nottle … Matthew Wolf
Emerald Stoker … Tara Lynne Barr
Cyril/Butterfield … Kenneth Danziger
Dramatised by Archie Scottney
Sound Design: Mark Holden
Director: Rosalind Ayres
A Jarvis and Ayres production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in April 2018.
TUE 11:00 Telling Tales (m000cmb2)
Jeremy Dyson
In the run up to Christmas, settle in for some ghost stories and strange tales with the award-winning author, director and screenwriter Jeremy Dyson.
Jeremy talks about the authors who inspired him, not least Robert Aickman, who preferred the term “strange tales” to “ghost stories” and had a deep reverence for things we cannot understand.
Jeremy began writing his own strange tales when he was still working in a Leeds bookshop, scribbling down notes as he came up with ideas, and selling his first short story to a customer.
But then The League Of Gentlemen took off, the comic and occasionally grotesque stage show starring Mark Gatiss, Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith, which transferred to radio, and then television - with award-winning results.
He remembers The League Of Gentlemen Christmas Special in 2000, an anthology of spooky stories which deliver drama, comedy and fear. Jeremy considers it the apotheosis of this series, which celebrated its 20th anniversary with three new episodes and another live tour in 2017.
Jeremy talks about his writing and projects away from Royston Vasey. These include Ghost Stories, the long-running stage show Jeremy co-wrote and directed with Andy Nyman, which was adapted for the big screen last year. The production draws upon all the tricks in the book, to conjure fear in the audience, as the stories unfold.
We also enjoy two unsettling short stories from Jeremy’s debut collection, Never Trust A Rabbit, which was published in 2000 and adapted for BBC Radio 4.
Produced and presented by Ali Gardiner for Radio 4 Extra.
First broadcast in 2019.
TUE 12:00 The Goon Show (m0001p37)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 12:30 Legal, Decent, Honest and Truthful (b007jw0s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 13:00 A Charles Paris Mystery (b083r275)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 13:30 Agatha Christie (b007jlqg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 14:00 Maigret (m0001qvb)
A Maigret Christmas
Episode 2
Sir Derek Jacobi reads a classic Inspector Maigret mystery by Georges Simenon.
On Christmas Day, as the snow begins to fall in Paris, Inspector Maigret receives two unexpected visitors. A young girl claims to have seen Father Christmas in her room, behaving strangely and cutting a hole in the floor. He agrees to investigate.
Read by Sir Derek Jacobi.
Abridged by Lauris Morgan-Griffiths.
Written by Georges Simenon and translated by David Coward.
Produced by Mair Bosworth.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2018.
TUE 14:15 Louisa May Alcott - Little Women (b088fch5)
Pickled Limes
In between attending to Aunt March, Jo is determined to get to know Laurie more and Amy gets into trouble at school. Louisa May Alcott's coming of age story dramatised by Rhiannon Tise.
Meg ..... Natasha J Barnes
Jo ..... Julianna Jennings
Beth ..... Bryony Hannah
Amy ..... Samantha Dakin
Mrs March .....Tara Ward
Mr March ..... John Bowler
Laurie ..... Alex Lanipekun
Mr John Brooke ..... Finlay Robertson
Aunt March ..... Joanna Monro
Hannah ..... Alison Belbin
Mrs Hummel/Mrs Moffat ..... Karen Bartke
Sallie Gardiner ..... Natasha Cowley
Annie Moffat ..... Keziah Joseph
Ned Moffat ..... Luke MacGregor
Produced and Directed by Tracey Neale
As the episodes progress we learn more about each of the sisters. They love and value each other but a couple of them are really feisty and there are lots of funny incidents. All the ups and downs of family life are realistically drawn. There are truly heartbreaking moments during the story too. This new dramatisation by Rhiannon Tise has a pacy, updated and energetic feel to it. Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy each take a turn in telling the story and this focus gives a much stronger voice to each of the sisters. And to give a male dynamic to the piece, Laurie, their neighbour and friend, also takes up the narration at particular moments too.
Louisa May Alcott's Little Women is highly autobiographical, and in Jo's character Alcott portrays a strong-minded and independent woman, determined to control her own destiny in a little town in New England at the height of the American Civil War.
The Dramatist, Rhiannon Tise, has written nine radio plays. Her first won the Richard Imison Award. Her most recent dramatisation work was Georgy Girl for the British New Wave Season. She is currently developing a 3 part drama for television. Rhiannon's East Prussian paternal ancestors arrived in America around the same time Little Women was written so she has a passion for both the novel and America of that time because of her own family history.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2017.
TUE 14:30 Music to Save Grimethorpe (b04vjh7w)
Ian McMillan, Yorkshire poet and broadcaster, was born and brought up near Grimethorpe, home of one of the most famous brass bands in the world - Grimethorpe Colliery Brass Band. He knows and loves their music, and understands their importance to the local community. In this programme, he celebrates brass band music, revels in its power and precision and explores it's meaning in a world where coal-mining has all but disappeared.
Throughout the twentieth century, the local brass band was a badge of pride for British industry that sat at the very centre of the community. Grimethorpe Colliery Brass Band was founded in 1917 and paid for by the pit to offer miners a hobby. After the mine shut, its fight to survive inspired the 1995 film Brassed Off, starring Ewan McGregor and Tara Fitzgerald.
Through thick and thin, Grimethorpe Colliery Band have toughed it out and remained one of the world's best known brass bands. The band manager Nigel Dixon and trustees have committed to staying involved as long as they can and have turned attention to trying everything they can to save Grimethorpe.
To hear them strike up, there is no other sound like it and this programme is filled with their wonderful, rich, colourful, emotional sounds.
Ian McMillan meets members of the band, sits in on rehearsals, and finds out how they fight to survive financial catastrophe. He talks to the community as the band push on with their work of funding music education in the local school so that children can learn instruments for free and, for one or two, offer the potential to change their lives too, in the same way most of the current Grimethorpe band first started out.
Produced by Bob Dickinson
A Sparklab production
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2014.
TUE 15:00 1. Bertie Takes Action (b09z1dr6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
TUE 16:00 Dilemma (b03wpjg8)
Series 3
Episode 5
Sue Perkins puts Al Murray, Cerrie Burnell, Ben Goldacre and Danielle Ward through the moral and ethical wringer.
Dilemmas for the panellists include deciding between two distinct forms of environmentalism; being taken back to school and having a taxing time.
Devised by Danielle Ward.
Produced by Ed Morrish.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2014.
TUE 16:30 Married (b00804fg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
TUE 17:00 Showstopper (b00xw15c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 17:30 Help! My Head's in Wookey Hole (m000gc4l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 18:00 Susan Hill - The Woman in Black (b007jlps)
2. A Causeway and a Pony Trap
Solicitor Arthur Kipps feels rattled spending the night in the eerie isolated house of the reclusive Mrs Drablow...
Susan Hill's chilling ghost story dramatised in four parts by Jon Strickland.
Young Kipps ...... Robert Glenister
Old Kipps ...... John Woodvine
Esme ...... Paula Tilbrook
Bentley ...... Stuart Richman
Keckwick ...... James Quinn
Music composed by Derek Pearce.
Directed at BBC Manchester by Chris Wallis
First broadcast on BBC Radio 5 in 1993.
TUE 18:30 Soul Music (b03m79cq)
Series 17
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Soul Music tells the story of the song, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, and talks to people for whom it has special meaning.
'Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas', was first performed by Judy Garland in the 1944 MGM musical Meet Me In St Louis', for the now famous scene in which Garland and her seven year old sister, played by Margaret O'Brien are downcast about the prospect of moving away from their beloved home.
Garland asked the composer, Hugh Martin to modify his original lyric, explaining it to be too depressing for her to sing, or the audience to hear.
Martin's collaborator and friend, John Fricke, explains the importance this song had for the composer and the joy he experienced in hearing it covered by every major artist since, from Frank Sinatra to Chrissie Hynde, Punk band Fear to Cold Play, Rod Stewart to James Taylor.
It's clear that the song's enduring power lies in a beautiful melody with a melancholic feel that sums up our emotional ambivalence to the Christmas season. We hear from those who have a special connection to the song.
Producer Lucy Lunt.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2013.
TUE 19:00 The Goon Show (m0001p37)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 19:30 Legal, Decent, Honest and Truthful (b007jw0s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 20:00 A Charles Paris Mystery (b083r275)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 20:30 Agatha Christie (b007jlqg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 21:00 Telling Tales (m000cmb2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
TUE 22:00 Help! My Head's in Wookey Hole (m000gc4l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 22:30 The Secret World (b03m7zb9)
Series 4
Episode 5
Bishop Rowan Williams gets in deep water after deciding to celebrate Boxing Day with a game of knock down ginger, William Hague finds himself stranded in a snow drift with only some Belgian truffles for food, and John Lydon ends up killing sir Anthony Hopkins. It can only be the weird goings on in the show that imagines the private lives of public people: A Boxing Day edition of The Secret World.
With Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Jon Culshaw, Julian Dutton, Lewis Macleod, Jess Robinson and Duncan Wisbey.
Produced by Bill Dare.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 2013.
TUE 23:00 Alex Edelman's Peer Group (b08rq7jv)
Series 1
Episode 2
The so-called Millennial generation - those born between 1982 and 1994 - has been much maligned in the press for being lazy, entitled, vain, venal, self-involved, easily offended little emperors. But Alex Edelman thinks these criticisms are baseless. So in "Alex Edelman's Peer Group" he seeks to redress the balance. In this episode he discusses Millennials' attitude to politics and being offended.
Written and presented by Alex Edelman
Produced by Sam Michell
A BBC Studios Production.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2017.
TUE 23:30 Chain Reaction (b00mwrhk)
Series 5
Alastair Campbell interviews Alistair McGowan
Chat show in which the one week's interviewee becomes the following week's interviewer.
Alastair Campbell interviews impressionist, comedian and actor Alistair McGowan.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2009.


WEDNESDAY 23 DECEMBER 2020

WED 00:00 Susan Hill - The Woman in Black (b007jlps)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Tuesday]
WED 00:30 Soul Music (b03m79cq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Tuesday]
WED 01:00 A Charles Paris Mystery (b083r275)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:30 Agatha Christie (b007jlqg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Tuesday]
WED 02:00 Maigret (m0001qvb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Tuesday]
WED 02:15 Louisa May Alcott - Little Women (b088fch5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Tuesday]
WED 02:30 Music to Save Grimethorpe (b04vjh7w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:00 1. Bertie Takes Action (b09z1dr6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:00 Dilemma (b03wpjg8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:30 Married (b00804fg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Tuesday]
WED 05:00 Showstopper (b00xw15c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Tuesday]
WED 05:30 Help! My Head's in Wookey Hole (m000gc4l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Tuesday]
WED 06:00 A Charles Paris Mystery (b084dnqp)
The Cinderella Killer
2. Suspicion
When the star of Cinderella is shot Charles finds himself filling Baron Hardup's shoes. But who wanted him dead? Charles comes under suspicion now he's been promoted up the billing.
Charles ..... Bill Nighy
Frances ..... Suzanne Burden
Maurice ..... Jon Glover
Danny ..... Sean Baker
Electra ..... Lorelei King
Tad ..... Sam Rix
Kitty ..... Kirsty Oswald
Barman ..... Tom Forrister
by Jeremy Front
Based on Simon Brett's novel
Directed by Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2016.
WED 06:30 Agatha Christie (b007k07y)
The Sittaford Mystery
3. Emily Goes to Work
James Pearson has been arrested for the murder of his uncle, but his fiancee Emily is determined to prove his innocence.
Agatha Christie's whodunit, first published in 1931.
CAST:
Inspector Narracott …. Geoffrey Whitehead
Emily Trefusis …. Melinda Walker
Charles Enderby …. Stephen Tompkinson
Mrs. Belling …. Jo Kendall
Mrs. Willett …. Susan Westerby
Violet Willett …. Victoria Carling
Mrs. Curtis …. Barbara Atkinson
Major Burnaby …. Norman Bird
Maid …. Jane Slavin
Cab Driver …. Vincent Brimble
Dramatised and directed by Michael Bakewell.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1990.
WED 07:00 Start/Stop (b03b2zb3)
Series 1
Fundraiser
Jack Docherty's sitcom about three couples sailing off in to the sunset. And sinking. This week a school fundraiser proves unusually challenging.
Producer ..... Steven Canny
Jack Docherty
Jack has an exceptional record of making stand-out comedy. He first performed at the 1980 Edinburgh Festival Fringe with the comedy sketch group The Bodgers and went on to write for radio and television including: Spitting Image, Alas Smith and Jones, Vic Reeves Big Night Out, Absolutely, The Lenny Henry Show, Max Headroom, Weekending, The News Huddlines and a ton of other things.
He has also performed in a huge variety of comedy shows including in The Comic Strip Presents, The Morwenna Banks Show, Monarch of the Glen, Red Dwarf V, The Old Guys and Badults. He has also featured in the Radio 4 comedies Baggage and Mordrin MacDonald - 21st Century Wizard and has appeared on various comedy panel shows including Have I Got News For You and It's Only TV But I Like It. Jack presented his own show The Jack Docherty Show which ran for 2 years on Channel 5.
Frist broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2013.
WED 07:30 Sandi Toksvig's Hygge (m000q8zk)
Episode 3
‘Hygge’ (pronounced hoo-ga) along with ‘tak’ (the word for ‘thank you’ that we learnt from watching Borgen and other Scandi dramas) is one of the few Danish words to have become known to us in the UK.
It’s a word that means comfort, contentment and cherishing the simple pleasures in life. In lifestyle magazines it’s faux fur throws, cups of hot cocoa and scented candles; but to the Danish it has simpler and less commercial roots. As these cold Winter nights draw in after a difficult year of scant comfort, it feels like we all need some hygge and legendary Dane, Sandi Toksvig, will do her best to bring it to you.
Broadcasting from her wooden cabin near a lake deep in the Danish countryside Sandi will explore the concept of "hygge" with BBC Stargazing's Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock who helps point out the constellations we can see when there is no light pollution and Youtubers Rose and Rosie who try to embrace digital detoxing and the joys of glamping.
Guests for the series are Grayson Perry, Alan Davies, Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, Bridget Christie, Clive Myrie, Sindhu Vee, Professor Brian Cox, Zoe Lyons and presenters and podcasters Rose and Rosie . We look forward to you joining Sandi in her cabin (there will be mulled wine).
Host...Sandi Toksvig
Producer...Julia McKenzie
Material for Sandi's script opening script... Simon Alcock and Charlie Dinkin
Production Coordinator...Carina Andrews
Sound Recordist and Editor...Rich Evans
A BBC Studios Production
WED 08:00 The Missing Hancocks (b06s87ls)
Series 2
The Trial of Father Christmas
Between 1954 and 1959, BBC Radio recorded 102 episodes of Ray Galton and Alan Simpson's comedy classic Hancock's Half Hour. The first modern sitcom, it made stars of Tony Hancock, Sid James and Kenneth Williams, and launched Galton and Simpson on one of the most successful comedy-writing partnerships in history.
Sadly, 20 episodes of the show went missing from the BBC archives, and had not been heard since their original transmission, until this series of faithful re-imaginings. These episodes have been lovingly re-recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC Radio Theatre, featuring a stellar cast.
This episode: The Trial Of Father Christmas. For the show's contribution to the festive season, The Anthony Hancock Strolling Players present a cautionary tale of Christmas as it might be. First broadcast on the 21st December 1955.
CAST:
Tony Hancock …. Kevin McNally
Bill Kerr …. Kevin Eldon
Sid James …. Simon Greenall
Kenneth Williams …. Robin Sebastian
Andre Melly …. Susy Kane
with Simon Greenall and John Finnemore
Produced by Ed Morrish and Neil Pearson.
A BBC Radio Comedy Production
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2015.
WED 08:30 After Henry (b007tcmk)
Series 4
Positive Thinking
"I've never seen Clare so sure of herself. Or so sure of anything."
With Julian back on the scene, Clare is ecstatic. But her mother Sarah has concerns.
Simon Brett's comedy about three generations of women - struggling to cope after the death of Sarah's GP husband - who never quite manage to see eye to eye.
Stars Prunella Scales as Sarah, Joan Sanderson as Eleanor, Benjamin Whitrow as Russell, Gerry Cowper as Clare and Jasper Jacob as Julian.
Producer: Pete Atkin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1989.
WED 09:00 All the Way from Memphis (b00mb1r1)
Series 2
Episode 3
James Walton tests and tickles the knowledge of industry pundits and people passionate about pop music.
Team captains Tracey MacLeod and Andrew Collins are joined by Danny Kelly and Clare Grogan to be put through their musical paces.
Reader: Beth Chalmers
Written and researched by James Walton.
Producer: Dawn Ellis
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2006.
WED 09:30 Life in London (b0121lz3)
An End to Life in London
With Bob "on the Fleet" for debts, Tom betrayed by Kate and Jerry so fatigued that rustication is recommended, is this an end to the trio's adventures?
Some years on, an older, more reflective Egan ruminates on the heyday of Life in London.
Conclusion of Pierce Egan’s 19th-century comic novel adapted in six-parts by Dan Tetsell.
Pierce Egan ... Geoffrey McGivern
Theodore Holt ... Giles Taylor
Corinthian Tom ... Greg Wise
George Sala ... Ben Graves
Jerry Hawthorn Mark Gatiss
Fanny Margaret ... Cabourn Smith
Bob Logic ... James Bachman
Corinthian Kate ... Amanda Abbington
Original music by Ben Walker
Producer: Tilusha Ghelani
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2006.
WED 10:00 2. Jeeves Intervenes (b09ztzl5)
Martin Jarvis reprises his award-winning Broadway characterisation as Jeeves. Masterly comic plotting down at Totleigh, directed by Rosalind Ayres and also starring Joanna Lumley, Ian Ogilvy and Michael York.
Local curate Rev 'Stinker' Pinker (Julian Sands) is in love with Sir Watkyn Bassett's niece, Stiffy Byng (Moira Quirk.) They can't get married until Pinker gets a vicarage of his own. Sir Watkyn (Ian Ogilvy) holds one in his gift, but he's not keen on Stinker. Control-freak Stiffy orders Bertie (James Callis) to help.
Bad idea.
Blackmail, petty larceny, elopement and knock-out blows ensue. Can Jeeves (Martin Jarvis), untangle these threads and keep the young master out of jail? Will bibulous Major Plank (Michael York) or cheery Aunt Dahlia (Joanna Lumley) hinder things?
Of course, it's Jeeves who engineers a surprising conclusion.
Cast:
Aunt Dahlia...Joanna Lumley
Bertie Wooster...James Callis
Jeeves...Martin Jarvis
Roderick Spode...Adam Godley
Major Plank...Michael York
Sir Watkyn Bassett...Ian Ogilvy
Rev Harold Pinker...Julian Sands
Stiffy Byng...Moira Quirk
Madeline Bassett...Elizabeth Knowelden
Gussie Fink-Nottle...Matthew Wolf
P.C. Oates...Darren Richardson
Emerald Stoker...Tara Lynne Barr
Cyril/Butterfield...Kenneth Danziger
Dramatised by Archie Scottney
Sound Design: Mark Holden
Director: Rosalind Ayres
A Jarvis and Ayres production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in April 2018.
WED 11:00 Sue Perkins' Christmas Comedy Stocking (m000ql14)
Hancock's Half Hour/Hamish & Dougal
Sue samples the BBC Production Egg-Nog as she chooses comedy crackers from Christmases past:
Hancock's Happy Christmas 23/12/1956
Hamish & Dougal's Hogmanay Special 13/12/2004.
Producer: Sarah Wade
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in December 2005.
WED 12:00 The Missing Hancocks (b06s87ls)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 12:30 After Henry (b007tcmk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 13:00 A Charles Paris Mystery (b084dnqp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 13:30 Agatha Christie (b007k07y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 14:00 Maigret (m0001r80)
A Maigret Christmas
Episode 3
Sir Derek Jacobi reads a classic Inspector Maigret mystery by Georges Simenon.
On Christmas Day, as the snow begins to fall in Paris, Inspector Maigret receives two unexpected visitors. A young girl claims to have seen Father Christmas in her room, behaving strangely and cutting a hole in the floor. He agrees to investigate.
Maigret and his colleagues trace his chief suspect's movements across Paris on Christmas morning.
Read by Sir Derek Jacobi.
Abridged by Lauris Morgan-Griffiths.
Written by Georges Simenon and translated by David Coward.
Produced by Mair Bosworth.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2018.
WED 14:15 Louisa May Alcott - Little Women (b088fkyj)
Fashionable Life
Meg, the eldest of the March sisters, is excited to be travelling away from home for the first time. It's Annie Moffat's coming out party and a fortnight of fun is planned. But when Laurie arrives he brings Meg down to earth with a bump. Louisa May Alcott's coming of age story dramatised by Rhiannon Tise.
Meg ..... Natasha J Barnes
Jo ..... Julianna Jennings
Beth ..... Bryony Hannah
Amy ..... Samantha Dakin
Mrs March .....Tara Ward
Mr March ..... John Bowler
Laurie ..... Alex Lanipekun
Mr John Brooke ..... Finlay Robertson
Aunt March ..... Joanna Monro
Hannah ..... Alison Belbin
Mrs Hummel/Mrs Moffat ..... Karen Bartke
Sallie Gardiner ..... Natasha Cowley
Annie Moffat ..... Keziah Joseph
Ned Moffat ..... Luke MacGregor
Produced and Directed by Tracey Neale
As the episodes progress we learn more about each of the sisters. They love and value each other but a couple of them are really feisty and there are lots of funny incidents. All the ups and downs of family life are realistically drawn. There are truly heartbreaking moments during the story too. This new dramatisation by Rhiannon Tise has a pacy, updated and energetic feel to it. Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy each take a turn in telling the story and this focus gives a much stronger voice to each of the sisters. And to give a male dynamic to the piece, Laurie, their neighbour and friend, also takes up the narration at particular moments too.
Louisa May Alcott's Little Women is highly autobiographical, and in Jo's character Alcott portrays a strong-minded and independent woman, determined to control her own destiny in a little town in New England at the height of the American Civil War.
The Dramatist, Rhiannon Tise, has written nine radio plays. Her first won the Richard Imison Award. Her most recent dramatisation work was Georgy Girl for the British New Wave Season. She is currently developing a 3 part drama for television. Rhiannon's East Prussian paternal ancestors arrived in America around the same time Little Women was written so she has a passion for both the novel and America of that time because of her own family history.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2017.
WED 14:30 Candlelight: The Living Flame (b00765mf)
One thing we'll probably do this Christmas is light a candle. But why? What does it mean to us and what does it symbolise. Pastors, Ministers and protestors describe the power and meaning of candlelight.
Through personal story and commentary, this programme explores the symbolism of candlelight and the natural affinity between candles and Christmas time; the turning point of the year at its darkest nadir and a celebration of the coming of the Light of the World.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2001.
WED 15:00 2. Jeeves Intervenes (b09ztzl5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
WED 16:00 All the Way from Memphis (b00mb1r1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
WED 16:30 Life in London (b0121lz3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
WED 17:00 Start/Stop (b03b2zb3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 17:30 Sandi Toksvig's Hygge (m000q8zk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 18:00 Susan Hill - The Woman in Black (b007jz83)
3. The Nursery and a Child
As thick fog descends, the ghostly encounters continue for solicitor Arthur Kipps when he returns to the eerie isolated house of the reclusive Mrs Drablow...
Susan Hill's chilling ghost story dramatised in four parts by Jon Strickland.
Young Kipps ...... Robert Glenister
Old Kipps ...... John Woodvine
Esme ...... Paula Tilbrook
Bentley ...... Stuart Richman
Mrs Daily ...... Diane Whitley
Samuel Daily ...... Rod Arthur
Music composed by Derek Pearce.
Directed at BBC Manchester by Chris Wallis
First broadcast on BBC Radio 5 in 1993.
WED 18:30 Short Cuts (b09jd67d)
Series 14
Christmas
A two-decade long commitment to writing a new Christmas standard, an Icelandic documentary fairytale and the comedian Mark Thomas feature in Josie Long's festive documentary special.
The Night Before the Night Before Christmas
Featuring Seymour Sarnoff
Song performed by Jennifer Sheehan, arranged by Peter Millrose and written by Seymour Sarnoff
Produced by Alex Lewis
Solla Decorates for Christmas
Produced by Rikke Houd
Dad's Christmas
Featuring Mark Thomas
Produced by Sarah Cuddon
Series Producer: Eleanor McDowall
A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2017.
WED 19:00 The Missing Hancocks (b06s87ls)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 19:30 After Henry (b007tcmk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 20:00 A Charles Paris Mystery (b084dnqp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 20:30 Agatha Christie (b007k07y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 21:00 Sue Perkins' Christmas Comedy Stocking (m000ql14)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
WED 22:00 Sandi Toksvig's Hygge (m000q8zk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 22:30 Arthur Smith's Balham Bash (b00lp32n)
Series 1
Episode 3
The Londoner invites Micky Flanagan and Nat Luurtsema round to his place, and there's music from Alabama 3. From July 2009.
WED 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m000ql17)
Sarah Millican 1/2
From 10.00pm until midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Angela Barnes is your host and chats to the comedian Sarah Millican.
WED 23:00 Great Unanswered Questions (b00vcnfr)
Series 2
Episode 5
Is it only the bone idle that have time to ponder ridiculous questions? Maybe it is an early sign of madness! Colin Murphy's excuse is that it informs, educates and entertains?
Judge for yourself when comedians Craig Hill, Colin Murphy and resident nerds Dr David Booth and Matthew Collins attempt to answer questions such as why can some people sing and others can't?
Produced by Jackie Hamilton.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2010.
WED 23:30 The Tim Vine Chat Show (b085tn6j)
The Tim Vine Christmas Chat Show
Fresh from a critically acclaimed Radio 4 debut in 2016 ("A delightful show full of laugh-out-loud moments in which Vine's razor sharp wit and warmth shine through" Radio Times) The Tim Vine Chat Show returns for a one-off Christmas Special. Polish off your Boxing Day leftovers and tune in for an early evening treat as Tim talks to the Great British Public about their favourite Christmas memories.
Expect a brand new house band taking over from The Conkers ("they had a string of hits") and some more preposterous games to play along with at home. The guests (who are plucked from the audience on the night of recording) include a former air hostess from the land of Santa Claus, a budding Widow Twanky and a man with a nail-biting story about brussels sprouts.
Join internationally acclaimed stand-up Tim for the one sure-fire way of topping up your quota of cracker jokes this Christmas.
Produced by Richard Morris
A BBC Studios Production.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2016.


THURSDAY 24 DECEMBER 2020

THU 00:00 Susan Hill - The Woman in Black (b007jz83)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Wednesday]
THU 00:30 Short Cuts (b09jd67d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 A Charles Paris Mystery (b084dnqp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:30 Agatha Christie (b007k07y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 Maigret (m0001r80)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:15 Louisa May Alcott - Little Women (b088fkyj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Wednesday]
THU 02:30 Candlelight: The Living Flame (b00765mf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 2. Jeeves Intervenes (b09ztzl5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 All the Way from Memphis (b00mb1r1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:30 Life in London (b0121lz3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 Start/Stop (b03b2zb3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 05:30 Sandi Toksvig's Hygge (m000q8zk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Wednesday]
THU 06:00 A Charles Paris Mystery (b08503d4)
The Cinderella Killer
3. Suspects
Just who could have shot the star of Cinderella dead? And are they the same person who is sending Charles threatening texts? There are certainly lots of suspects, a vengeful ex-wife, a stalker and a missing dancer.
Charles ..... Bill Nighy
Frances ..... Suzanne Burden
Maurice ..... Jon Glover
Danny ..... Sean Baker
Tad ..... Sam Rix
Kitty ..... Kirsty Oswald
Larry ..... Nick Underwood
Waiter ..... Tom Forrister
Gloria ..... Elizabeth Bennett
by Jeremy Front
Based on Simon Brett's novel
Directed by Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2016.
THU 06:30 Agatha Christie (b007k097)
The Sittaford Mystery
4. A Recipe for Ginger Cake
Emily suspects that the Willetts, who've rented Sittaford House, are somehow involved in the murder of Captain Trevelyan. But how can she get into the house?
Agatha Christie's whodunit, first published in 1931.
CAST:
Inspector Narracott …. Geoffrey Whitehead
Emily Trefusis …. Melinda Walker
Charles Enderby …. Stephen Tompkinson
Mrs. Curtis …. Barbara Atkinson
Mr. Rycroft …. John Moffat
Ronnie Garfield …. Nigel Greaves
Caroline Percehouse …. Margaret Courtenay
Dora …. Jane
Violet Willett …. Victoria Carling
Mr. Dacres …. David King
Beatrice …. Alice Arnold
Jennifer Gardner …. Anna Cropper
Brian Pearson …. Charles Simpson
Dramatised and directed by Michael Bakewell.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1990.
THU 07:00 Safety Catch (b00w236m)
Series 3
Unforgiveable, That's What You Are
A new series of Laurence Howarth's black comedy of modern morality set in the world of arms dealing.
Simon McGrath is a generally nice chap who just happens to be an arms dealer. It's not something he planned, he just fell into it, and despite all his best intentions he just doesn't seem to be able to leave because he has to pay his mortgage like everyone else. Of course his real love is electronic music and this is just a stop gap until he finds the perfect outlet for his music - okay so the gap has lasted five years but that's not the point. Once he can get himself motivated he'll be out of there and, as his ever supportive mum says, people will always want to kill each other. So that's alright then...
This week Heathcote Sanders are under the microscope when some of the weapons they sold to a hostile government are turned against the British. This prompts Simon to wonder if he should be seeking some kind of forgiveness, although of course, he has absolutely nothing to seek forgiveness for...does he? Meanwhile his personal life is going fantastically well, until he and Anna realise that they don't know why they love each other.
Cast List:
Simon McGrath.........Darren Boyd
Anna Grieg.............Joanna Page
Boris Kemal............Lewis Macleod
Judith McGrath..........Sarah Smart
Angela McGrath........Brigit Forsyth
Madeleine Turnbull........Rachel Atkins
Sarah......Di Botcher
Vicar.....Mike Hayward
Written by Laurence Howarth
Produced By Dawn Ellis.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2010.
THU 07:30 Sarah Kendall: Australian Trilogy (b0bgrsr7)
Series 2
Seventy-Five Years
Part 3: Seventy-Five Years
"Maybe there is neither good nor bad luck; maybe we're all just component part of an endless story"
Multi-award winning storyteller Sarah Kendal returns with more hilarious, gripping and moving stories.
This second volume of Sarah Kendall's Australian Trilogy, is one show in three parts. A collection of seemingly unconnected stories and memories, which, together, form a meditation on luck, survival and hindsight.
Scrolling backwards and forwards in time to different moments in her life, over the three parts Sarah creates an intricate montage, demonstrating the interconnectedness of life.
In this final part, Sarah tells of he grandparents lives, past and present. Stabbings, alien abductions and dementia wards. We find out why Halley's Comet meant so much to Sarah's dad and we conclude with a story about an astronaut's final trip.
Written by Sarah Kendall & Carl Cooper
Performed by Sarah Kendall
Producer - Carl Cooper
Production Co-ordinator - Beverly Tagg
This is a BBC Studios production
Photo Credit - Rosalind Furlong
Series One of Sarah Kendall's Australian Trilogy-
Winner - Writers' Guild Award - Best Radio Comedy
Winner - BBC Audio Drama Award - Best Scripted Comedy (Longform)
Winner -Silver ARIA Award - Best Fictional Storytelling
Nominee - Chortle Comedy Awards - Best Radio Show
Nominee - Music and Radio Awards - Best Storytelling.
THU 08:00 Beyond Our Ken (m000qlmm)
Series 4
Episode 10
Kenneth Horne prepares for Christmas – and Hornerama looks at The Festive Season.
With Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick, Betty Marsden, Bill Pertwee and Announcer, Douglas Smith.
The precursor to ‘Round The Horne’, ‘Beyond Our Ken’ hit the airwaves in 1958 and ran to 1964 – featuring regulars like Cecil Snaith, Stanley Burkinshaw and Rodney and Charles.
Music from Janet Waters, The Hornets and the BBC Variety Orchestra conducted by Paul Fenoulhet.
Written by Eric Merriman
Producer: Jacques Brown
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in December 1960.
THU 08:30 Anything Legal (b008fxrd)
Episode 8
With their business struggling, Charles and George turn to nanny.
A Tale of Two City Gents by Wally K Daly
Starring Donald Hewlett as Charles, Michael Knowles as George and Marjorie Withers as Nanny.
Theme music by Jim Parker
Producer: John Fawcett Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1985.
THU 09:00 Genius (b008m9jv)
Series 2
Brian Sewell
A cure for jet lag and a horse bike?
Dave Gorman asks art critic Brian Sewell to choose the public's best loopy idea.
Award-winning comedian Dave Gorman and a celebrity guest chew over the ridiculous, unworkable but sometimes genius inventions, schemes and policies of the public.
Producer: Simon Nicholls
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2006.
THU 09:30 Ed Reardon's Week (b007k44m)
Series 2
Our Man In Berkhamsted
The embittered writer's got a dental dilemma and rants over a literary festival. Stars Christopher Douglas. From January 2006.
THU 10:00 Wynyard Browne - The Holly and the Ivy (b00wnlb0)
Norfolk, 1947: A parson tries to find the true meaning of Christmas.
In Wynyard Browne's classic stage play - dramatised by Jonathan Hall - the Magic of Christmas works in mysterious ways – in this feel good, festive treat.
Starring Kenneth Alan Taylor as Gregory, Susannah Harker as Margaret, Eve Best as Jenny, Matthew Pidgeon as David, Maureen Toal as Bridget, Ann Rye as Lydia and Philip Voss as Richard.
Director: Polly Thomas
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on Christmas Day in 2005.
THU 11:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m000qk23)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Sunday]
THU 11:45 Antonia Barber - The Mousehole Cat (b018j6s3)
With Cornish villages starving one Christmas, old Tom sails out to fish with his old cat, Mowzer. Read by Jon Angove.
THU 12:00 Beyond Our Ken (m000qlmm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 12:30 Anything Legal (b008fxrd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 13:00 A Charles Paris Mystery (b08503d4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 13:30 Agatha Christie (b007k097)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 14:00 Maigret (m0001rmh)
A Maigret Christmas
Episode 4
Sir Derek Jacobi reads a classic Inspector Maigret mystery by Georges Simenon.
On Christmas Day, as the snow begins to fall in Paris, Inspector Maigret receives two unexpected visitors. A young girl claims to have seen Father Christmas in her room, behaving strangely and cutting a hole in the floor. He agrees to investigate.
Some key witnesses are tracked down to help unravel the mystery of the Christmas Eve intruder.
Read by Sir Derek Jacobi.
Abridged by Lauris Morgan-Griffiths.
Written by Georges Simenon and translated by David Coward.
Produced by Mair Bosworth.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2018.
THU 14:15 Louisa May Alcott - Little Women (b088fs81)
Dark Days
Jo has a secret but so has Laurie too. And there are troubling days ahead for the March family. Louisa May Alcott's coming of age story dramatised by Rhiannon Tise.
Meg ..... Natasha J Barnes
Jo ..... Julianna Jennings
Beth ..... Bryony Hannah
Amy ..... Samantha Dakin
Mrs March .....Tara Ward
Mr March ..... John Bowler
Laurie ..... Alex Lanipekun
Mr John Brooke ..... Finlay Robertson
Aunt March ..... Joanna Monro
Hannah ..... Alison Belbin
Mrs Hummel/Mrs Moffat ..... Karen Bartke
Sallie Gardiner ..... Natasha Cowley
Annie Moffat ..... Keziah Joseph
Ned Moffat ..... Luke MacGregor
Produced and Directed by Tracey Neale
As the episodes progress we learn more about each of the sisters. They love and value each other but a couple of them are really feisty and there are lots of funny incidents. All the ups and downs of family life are realistically drawn. There are truly heartbreaking moments during the story too. This new dramatisation by Rhiannon Tise has a pacy, updated and energetic feel to it. Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy each take a turn in telling the story and this focus gives a much stronger voice to each of the sisters. And to give a male dynamic to the piece, Laurie, their neighbour and friend, also takes up the narration at particular moments too.
Louisa May Alcott's Little Women is highly autobiographical, and in Jo's character Alcott portrays a strong-minded and independent woman, determined to control her own destiny in a little town in New England at the height of the American Civil War.
The Dramatist, Rhiannon Tise, has written nine radio plays. Her first won the Richard Imison Award. Her most recent dramatisation work was Georgy Girl for the British New Wave Season. She is currently developing a 3 part drama for television. Rhiannon's East Prussian paternal ancestors arrived in America around the same time Little Women was written so she has a passion for both the novel and America of that time because of her own family history.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2017.
THU 14:30 The Night The Animals Talked (b0077268)
Chatter at the stroke of midnight! Ian McMillan's magical exploration of Christmas Eve legends from around the world
With contributions from Luke Carver Goss, Taffy Thomas, Christine Kenyon-Jones (Kings College London), Maddy Pryor and Ben Haggerty.
Produced by Viv Beeby.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2006.
THU 15:00 Wynyard Browne - The Holly and the Ivy (b00wnlb0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
THU 16:00 Genius (b008m9jv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
THU 16:30 Ed Reardon's Week (b007k44m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
THU 17:00 Safety Catch (b00w236m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 17:30 Sarah Kendall: Australian Trilogy (b0bgrsr7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 18:00 Susan Hill - The Woman in Black (b007jls5)
4. Letters and Death Certificates
Can solicitor Arthur Kipps finally unravel the eerie mystery of the isolated house of the reclusive Mrs Drablow?
Susan Hill's chilling ghost story dramatised in four parts by Jon Strickland.
Young Kipps ...... Robert Glenister
Old Kipps ...... John Woodvine
Esme ...... Paula Tilbrook
Stella ...... Jane Cox
Samuel Daily ...... Rod Arthur
Music composed by Derek Pearce.
Directed at BBC Manchester by Chris Wallis
First broadcast on BBC Radio 5 in 1993.
THU 18:30 Great Lives (b0076xqm)
Series 9
Morecambe and Wise
Actress Penelope Keith nominates legendary comedy double-act Morecambe and Wise as masters of classless entertainment.
On Christmas day in 1977, almost 29 million people sat down to watch Morecambe And Wise on BBC One. With false noses galore, Penelope co-starred alongside them in Ernie's play Cyrano de Bergerac. After this show, the duo defected back to ITV.
So will Penelope's two heroes stand up to intensive scrutiny from Mathew Parris and merit the description of having led great lives?
With Eric Morecambe's son Gary, who offers some fascinating insights into his father's background and how he viewed his success.
Producer: Miles Warde
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2006.
THU 19:00 Beyond Our Ken (m000qlmm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 19:30 Anything Legal (b008fxrd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 20:00 A Charles Paris Mystery (b08503d4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 20:30 Agatha Christie (b007k097)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 21:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m000qk23)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Sunday]
THU 21:45 Antonia Barber - The Mousehole Cat (b018j6s3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:45 today]
THU 22:00 Sarah Kendall: Australian Trilogy (b0bgrsr7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 22:30 Old Harry's Game (b007jzzh)
Christmas Special 2002
The Roll of the Dice
The saintly Hope Fraser's arrival in Hell sparks confusion, as Satan embarks on an epic quest - and encounters Queen Victoria, Harpo Marx and a highly intelligent bluebottle.
Andy Hamilton's two-part festive special from Hell.
Starring Andy Hamilton as Satan, James Grout as The Professor, Jimmy Mulville as Thomas, Robert Duncan as Scumspawn and Claire Skinner as Hope. With Philip Pope, Felicity Montagu and Michael Fenton Stevens.
Producer: Paul Mayhew-Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2002.
THU 23:00 Pleased to Meet You (b018j463)
A Very Dora Christmas
Episode 1
Theatre veteran Dora Dale puts the 'X' into Xmas with saucy festive yarns. With Jake Yapp and Martin Kelner. From December 2011. Episode 1 of 2.
THU 23:30 Fags, Mags and Bags (b092lzbk)
Series 7
Wizardy Lizardy Gubbins
A seventh series of the hit comedy with more shop based shenanigans and over the counter philosophy, courtesy of Ramesh Mahju and his trusty sidekick Dave. Written by and starring Donald Mcleary and Sanjeev Kohli.
Set in a Scots-Asian corner shop, the award winning Fags, Mags & Bags sees a return of all the shop regular characters, and some guest appearances along the way, from the likes of Sean Biggerstaff, Mina Anwar, Greg McHugh and Simon Greenall.
In this episode, local psychic and futurologist Keith Futures (Greg McHugh) finds it hard to find a buyer for his Kimodo Dragon. Meanwhile, Mrs Birkett mourns the passing of her beloved cat, Biscuits.
Join the staff of Fags, Mags and Bags in their tireless quest to bring nice-price custard creams and cans of coke with Arabic writing on them to an ungrateful nation. Ramesh Mahju has built it up over the course of over 30 years and is a firmly entrenched, friendly presence in the local area. He is joined by his shop sidekick, Dave.
Then of course there are Ramesh's sons Sanjay and Alok, both surly and not particularly keen on the old school approach to shopkeeping, but natural successors to the business. Ramesh is keen to pass all his worldly wisdom onto them - whether they like it or not!
Producer: Gus Beattie for Gusman Productions
A Comedy Unit production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2017.


FRIDAY 25 DECEMBER 2020

FRI 00:00 Susan Hill - The Woman in Black (b007jls5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Thursday]
FRI 00:30 Great Lives (b0076xqm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 A Charles Paris Mystery (b08503d4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:30 Agatha Christie (b007k097)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 Maigret (m0001rmh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:15 Louisa May Alcott - Little Women (b088fs81)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:15 on Thursday]
FRI 02:30 The Night The Animals Talked (b0077268)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 Wynyard Browne - The Holly and the Ivy (b00wnlb0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 Genius (b008m9jv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:30 Ed Reardon's Week (b007k44m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 Safety Catch (b00w236m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Thursday]
FRI 05:30 Sarah Kendall: Australian Trilogy (b0bgrsr7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Thursday]
FRI 06:00 A Charles Paris Mystery (b085bf8l)
The Cinderella Killer
4. They're Behind You
With the body count rising amongst the cast of the Panto, the line 'they're behind you' is beginning to take on a sinister meaning. But Charles' skills amount to far more than shaking his booty as an Ugly Sister, he finds time to confront the killer too.
Charles ..... Bill Nighy
Frances ..... Suzanne Burden
Maurice ..... Jon Glover
Danny ..... Sean Baker
DCI Naylor ..... Lorelei King
Gloria ..... Elizabeth Bennett
Kitty ..... Kirsty Oswald
Larry ..... Nick Underwood
Terry ..... Jason Barnett
by Jeremy Front
Based on Simon Brett's novel
Directed by Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2016.
FRI 06:30 Agatha Christie (b007k0bk)
The Sittaford Mystery
5. The Second Seance
Mr Rycroft decides that only by re-enacting the séance which announced the murder of Captain Trevelyan, will the identity of his killer finally be revealed.
Agatha Christie's whodunit, first published in 1931.
CAST:
Inspector Narracott …. Geoffrey Whitehead
Emily Trefusis …. Melinda Walker
Charles Enderby …. Stephen Tompkinson
Major Burnaby …. Norman Bird
Ellwood …. Jack May
Martin Dering …. David Goudge
Mr. Rycroft …. John Moffat
Ronnie Garfield …. Nigel Greaves
Mrs. Willett …. Susan Westerby
Violet Willett …. Victoria Carling
Brian Pearson …. Charles Simpson
Caroline Percehouse …. Margaret Courtenay
Mrs. Curtis …. Barbara Atkinson
Sergeant Pollock …. Vincent Brimble
Mr. Dacres …. David King
Beatrice …. Alice Arnold
Jennifer Gardner …. Anna Cropper
Brian Pearson …. Charles Simpson
Dramatised and directed by Michael Bakewell.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1990.
FRI 07:00 Clare in the Community (b0650619)
Series 10
Party On
Episode Six - Party On
The Sparrowhawk team hold a leaving do, and take the opportunity to reminisce.
Sally Phillips is Clare Barker the social worker who has all the right jargon but never a practical solution.
A control freak, Clare likes nothing better than interfering in other people's lives on both a professional and personal basis. Clare is in her thirties, white, middle class and heterosexual, all of which are occasional causes of discomfort to her.
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.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2015.
FRI 07:30 Knowing Knowing Me, Knowing You: Alan Partridge Documentary (b00800kh)
A documentary charting one hectic week in the life of Alan Partridge and his production team as they make the week's edition of Knowing Me, Knowing You.
With Steve Coogan, Patrick Marber, Doon MacKichan, Rebecca Front and David Schneider.
In addition to all the usual suspects, this one-off special benefits from a performance by Glaswegian-Italian series producer Armando Iannucci, bringing all his dramatic abilities to bear in the role of Glaswegian-Italian series producer Mario Santini.
Produced by Sioned Wiliam.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1993.
FRI 08:00 A Date With Nurse Dugdale – 12/05/1944 (b04v986f)
The ever-efficient Nurse Dugdale battles to arrange the hospital pageant.
Arthur Marshall's comic creation, Nurse Dugdale was a popular addition to the BBC Home Service schedule in the latter years of the Second World War.
With Marjorie Westbury, John Slater and Jack Jackson. Special guest: Emile Littler.
Music from the Mayfair Hotel Dance Orchestra, Josephine Driver, Dorothe Morrow's Aristocrats, and the singing sailor, Ivor Pye.
Musical arrangements by Peter Akister and Phil Cardew.
Script by Arthur Marshall.
Producer: David Yates Mason.
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in May 1944.
FRI 08:30 King Street Junior (b007szmh)
Series 2
Breaking Up Is Hard To Do
Mrs. Rudd wants a new piano, Mr Brown gets an offer - and reports must be written.
Jim Eldridge’s gentle drama about the staff and students of King Street Junior School.
CAST:
Eric Brown …. Peter Davison
Mr. Beeston …. James Grout
Mr. Holiday …. Tom Watson
Mrs. Stone …. Margaret John
Mrs. Rudd …. Vivienne Martin
Miss Lewis …. Marlene Sidaway
Mr. Long …. Paul Copley
Mrs. Patterson …. Deirdre Costello
Mr. Hedges …. Paul Brooke
Tommy …. Desmond Askew
Robert …. Mark Denham
Producer: John Fawcett Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1987.
FRI 09:00 The Personality Test (b007s27h)
Series 3
Lorraine Kelly
Breakfast TV queen Lorraine Kelly is in the hot seat posing questions all about her.
On the panel: comedians Sue Perkins, Lucy Porter, Robin Ince and Will Smith.
Comedy quiz presented by a new guest host every week. All the questions are about the host.
Script by Simon Littlefield and Kieron Quirke.
Devised and produced by Aled Evans.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2007.
FRI 09:30 Ballylenon (b007q9kc)
Series 2
Episode 2
Phonsie and his diminutive sidekick, columnist Stumpy Bonnar, battle to keep young Josie from the clutches of Packy McGoldrick, but have they met their match?
Series set in the sleepy town of Ballylenon, Co Donegal, in 1954, 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 and Gerard McSorley as Stumpy Bonnar, Charlie Bonnar as Packy McGoldrick and Ciara McKeown as Josie Doherty.
Music arranged and performed by Stephanie Hughes.
Director: Eoin O'Callaghan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1995.
FRI 10:00 Lucy Gannon - Angels at Partridge Cottage (b086098z)
Zoe and Magnus want to spend Christmas away from it all, but the ghosts in their cottage have more traditional ideas.
CAST:
Zoe …. Hedli Niklaus
Polly …. Ellie Haddington
Charlie …. Roger Hume
Magnus …. John Dixon
Gary …. Ken Cumberlidge
Sophie …. Bernadette Windsor
Producer: Philip Martin.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1995.
FRI 11:00 Podcast Radio Hour (m000qlnj)
Podcast Radi-ho ho ho Hour
Amanda Litherland and Chris Pearson host a festive Podcast Radio Hour jam-packed full of great listens.
We've invited some of our friends from BBC Sounds to suggest podcasts they'd give as a Christmas gift.
And we'll also be showcasing some seasonal listening from festive BBC Podcasts of years past.
In this episode:
James Acaster, host of James Acaster’s Perfect Sounds. recommends The Three Track Podcast, Hip Hop Saved My Life, Wheel of Misfortune, and The Guilty Feminist.
Sofie Hagen and Dr Julia Shaw, hosts of Bad People, recommend Maintenance Phase and I'm not a Monster
Greg Jenner, host of You're Dead to Me and Homeschool History, recommends Rule of Three
Elis James and John Robins, hosts of Elis James and John Robins on BBC Radio 5 Live, The Isolation Tapes and How Do You Cope?
John recommends Matt Forde's The Political Party, whilst Elis recommends Americast
Vanel and Sindy, hosts of Go Ask Your Mother, recommend Mogul and Scarlett Moffatt Wants to Believe
Plus we've festive selections from
Short Cuts
Profile
The Food Programme
The Why Factor
You're Dead to Me
Tweet of the Day
FRI 12:00 A Date With Nurse Dugdale – 12/05/1944 (b04v986f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 12:30 King Street Junior (b007szmh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 13:00 A Charles Paris Mystery (b085bf8l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 13:30 Agatha Christie (b007k0bk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 14:00 Maigret (m0001rzn)
A Maigret Christmas
Episode 5
Sir Derek Jacobi reads a classic Inspector Maigret mystery by Georges Simenon.
On Christmas Day, as the snow begins to fall in Paris, Inspector Maigret receives two unexpected visitors. A young girl claims to have seen Father Christmas in her room, behaving strangely and cutting a hole in the floor. He agrees to investigate.
What is Madame Martin hiding? And what will become of Colette? Can Maigret discover the truth
Read by Sir Derek Jacobi.
Abridged by Lauris Morgan-Griffiths.
Written by Georges Simenon and translated by David Coward.
Produced by Mair Bosworth.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2018.
FRI 14:15 Louisa May Alcott - Little Women (b088jj60)
Aunt March Settles the Question
Winter brings snow and the bitter cold to New England and deep and worrying times for the family. Jo turns to Laurie for support. Louisa May Alcott's coming of age story dramatised by Rhiannon Tise.
Meg ..... Natasha J Barnes
Jo ..... Julianna Jennings
Beth ..... Bryony Hannah
Amy ..... Samantha Dakin
Mrs March .....Tara Ward
Mr March ..... John Bowler
Laurie ..... Alex Lanipekun
Mr John Brooke ..... Finlay Robertson
Aunt March ..... Joanna Monro
Hannah ..... Alison Belbin
Mrs Hummel/Mrs Moffat ..... Karen Bartke
Sallie Gardiner ..... Natasha Cowley
Annie Moffat ..... Keziah Joseph
Ned Moffat ..... Luke MacGregor
Produced and Directed by Tracey Neale
As the episodes progress we learn more about each of the sisters. They love and value each other but a couple of them are really feisty and there are lots of funny incidents. All the ups and downs of family life are realistically drawn. There are truly heartbreaking moments during the story too. This new dramatisation by Rhiannon Tise has a pacy, updated and energetic feel to it. Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy each take a turn in telling the story and this focus gives a much stronger voice to each of the sisters. And to give a male dynamic to the piece, Laurie, their neighbour and friend, also takes up the narration at particular moments too.
Louisa May Alcott's Little Women is highly autobiographical, and in Jo's character Alcott portrays a strong-minded and independent woman, determined to control her own destiny in a little town in New England at the height of the American Civil War.
The Dramatist, Rhiannon Tise, has written nine radio plays. Her first won the Richard Imison Award. Her most recent dramatisation work was Georgy Girl for the British New Wave Season. She is currently developing a 3 part drama for television. Rhiannon's East Prussian paternal ancestors arrived in America around the same time Little Women was written so she has a passion for both the novel and America of that time because of her own family history.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2017.
FRI 14:30 Beatles Christmas (b018g6ws)
Show business enjoys a cosy relationship with Christmas and as we hear The Fab Four responded with a wealth of festive fan club recordings, appeared in panto and (later) their Boxing Day TV film 'Magical Mystery Tour'. 'Beatle Christmas' hears the best of their rare Christmas message recordings revealing a refreshing sense of fun that helped set the Fab Four apart.
Presenter Alexei Sayle explores how their fan club messages were recorded with comments from the man who wrote the scripts Beatles publicist Tony Barrow. The fan club recordings are featured and reflect the changing stages of the Beatles career and creativity. The programme also reveals the Beatles played two seasons in panto and we hear what was going on back stage. Christmas 1963 saw The Beatles taking to the stage for 16 shows across the seasonal period and it's surprising they took to wearing pantomime costume so well.
The Beatles did a second spell in panto this time playing 21 shows in London Christmas 64 and the programme has comments from supporting acts, singer Elkie Brooks and Barron Knights guitarist Peter Langford. Time is also devoted to the group's Boxing Day broadcast on BBC 1 for their 'Magical Mystery Tour' film and we hear how the movie was made and scheduled for festive family viewing with comments from the film's editor Roy Benson.
Presenter Alexei Sayle takes us on a remarkable musical journey through the Christmas recordings of The Beatles.
Producer: John Sugar
A Sugar Production
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2011.
FRI 15:00 Lucy Gannon - Angels at Partridge Cottage (b086098z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
FRI 16:00 The Personality Test (b007s27h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
FRI 16:30 Ballylenon (b007q9kc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
FRI 17:00 Clare in the Community (b0650619)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 17:30 Knowing Knowing Me, Knowing You: Alan Partridge Documentary (b00800kh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 18:00 Robert Louis Stevenson - Markheim (m000qlnl)
When Markheim makes a fateful decision, a stranger offers his support. But who is he and why is he helping? Stars Tom Watson.
Based on the short story by Robert Louis Stevenson, written by Tom Wright and starring Tom Watson.
"Murder is no special category. All sins are murder as all life is war. I have no interest in evil acts - only in evil men."
Markheim .... Tom Watson
Stranger .... Malcolm Hayes
Deader .... Martin Heller
Producer: Gordon Emslie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1971.
FRI 18:30 Off the Page (b00chy5f)
Boasting
Dominic Arkwright chairs the lively discussion series.
He is joined by Toby Young, author of How to Lose Friends and Alienate People, and Camilla Wright, aka Popbitch, to consider whether it is possible to be successful in the modern era without a great deal of self-promotion.
FRI 19:00 A Date With Nurse Dugdale – 12/05/1944 (b04v986f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 19:30 King Street Junior (b007szmh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 20:00 A Charles Paris Mystery (b085bf8l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 20:30 Agatha Christie (b007k0bk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 21:00 Podcast Radio Hour (m000qlnj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
FRI 22:00 Knowing Knowing Me, Knowing You: Alan Partridge Documentary (b00800kh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 22:25 The Comedy Club Interviews (m000qlnn)
Sarah Millican 2/2
From 10.00pm until midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Angela Barnes is your host and chats to the comedian Sarah Millican.
FRI 22:30 Funny Friends - Sarah Millican (m000qlnq)
Comedienne Susan Calman interviews another fellow comic friend. In this episode from 2009, she chats with Sarah Millican in Edinburgh at the Pleasance Theatre.
Sarah reveals what she was like at school and her road to success – from performing a Christmas poem in front of her family to her first jobs and her much talked about divorce, which all led her to the award-winning comedienne status she holds today.
Produced by James Christie.
First broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland in July 2009.
FRI 23:00 Tim Key's Late Night Poetry Programme (b03tt58f)
Series 2
Stag
It's the night before the wedding of Tim Key's guitarist - Tom Basden. So Tim is presenting the show from an outside broadcast van in Cheam. He's determined to give 'Lord' a stag night he'll never forget. But Lord is not so sure.
Written and presented by Tim Key
With Tom Basden and Michael Bertenshaw
Produced by James Robinson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2014.
FRI 23:15 Steven Appleby's Normal Life (b00swl5g)
Series 2
Normal Truth
The cartoonist boldly tells the truth to end his series. A less-than-wise career move? Stars Paul McCrink. From March 2003.
FRI 23:30 Andrew Maxwell's Public Enemies (b03f8g6l)
Drugs Trade
The drugs trade is one of our few booming industries.
Andrew looks at the facts behind both the illegal and legal drugs. What are the risks? What are the problems? And what can we do about either?
Andrew Maxwell is one of the UK's most informed and fearless stand ups. In this series of one-off stand up shows, he uses his trademark intelligence and political incisiveness to dig behind the clichés and assumptions about four possible threats to British society: food, the internet, drugs and Nationalism.
This series showcases a comedian at the top of his abilities tackling difficult and important 'slow news' topics with a depth and perceptiveness that remains outside the remit of mainstream 'topical' comedy.
Written and performed by Andrew Maxwell.
Script edited by Paul Byrne.
Producer: Ed Morrish
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2013.