SATURDAY 13 NOVEMBER 2021

SAT 00:00 Thou Shalt Not Suffer a Witch by Dorothy K Haynes (b0076pkb)
5. Windfall
A woman sells her trinkets to a passing salesman.
Read by Mark McDonnell.
Series of supernatural and unsettling short stories from Dorothy K Haynes’ award-winning collection.
Producer: David Jackson Young
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2004
SAT 00:15 Fresh Blood (b007k2sk)
The Cupboard Beneath the Stairs by Mark Breckon
Four space fans decide to re-stage a 1960s moon-shot in a Farnborough semi.
Mark Breckon's sci-fi fantasy.
Daisy …. Emily Wachter
Phil …. Anthony Glennon
Barney …. Kim Wall
Claire …. Tracy Wiles
Producer: Paul Arnold
Part of a BBC Writersroom initiative to showcase dramas from writers across the country who had not yet had work broadcast on network radio.
Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in April 2006.
SAT 00:30 Off the Page (b017mszw)
Imaginary Friends
Did you have any imaginary friends as a child?
Or do you in fact have some now?
Poet Matt Harvey, biographer Sarah Churchwell and writer Paul B Davies tell all about the imaginary relationships we have both as children and adults.
Presented by Dominic Arkwright.
Producer: Beth O'Dea
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2011.
SAT 01:00 Galbraith and the Midas Touch (b061fdq3)
1. Watch the Birdie
A photograph circling the heads of three people at a party on a lawn sparks a fresh mystery for veteran detective Bill Galbraith.
After spending days looking for him, Tommy Evans has finally tracked down Galbraith.
Starring Bernard Hepton
Robert Barr's six-part thriller serial.
Bill Galbraith …. Bernard Hepton
Tommy Evans …. Richard Davies
Finch …. Garard Green
Sailor …. Kevork Malikyan
Tully …. Clive Merrison
Bavister …. Eric Richard
Mrs Palmer …. Margery Withers
TV producer Robert Barr, also wrote TV scripts for the BBC's ‘Z Cars’ and ‘Softly Softly’.
Producer: John Browell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1977.
SAT 01:30 A Charles Paris Mystery (b01djrp9)
A Reconstructed Corpse
4. Attack
Charles locates the final piece in the macabre jigsaw puzzle of murder, but not before his own life comes under attack.
Bill Nighy stars as actor-cum-sleuth, Charles Paris.
Written by Jeremy Front - based on Simon Brett's novel.
Charles Paris .... Bill Nighy
Frances .... Suzanne Burden
Maurice .... Jon Glover
Chloe Earnshaw .... Francine Chamberlain
Superintendent Sorsby .... Gerard McDermott
Sam Noakes .... Adjoa Andoh
Martin Earnshaw .... James Lailey
Director: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2012.
SAT 02:00 Rudolf Nureyev: The Life by Julie Kavanagh (b007ypld)
5. Preparation for My Solitude
Despite his failing health, Rudolf Nureyev continues to perform and choreograph ballet.
Julie Kavanagh's biography of Russian ballet star, Rudolf Nureyev
Concluded by Jamie Glover.
Abridged by Miranda Davies.
Producer: Amber Barnfather
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2007.
SAT 02:15 Emily Bronte - Wuthering Heights (b0b2mrc1)
5. Isabella
Nelly's fears have been confirmed. Isabella has gone. She dare not tell Edgar while Cathy is so ill.
Emily Bronte's iconic love story stars Ben Batt and Chloe Pirrie.
Her only novel is unforgettable, full of passion and darkness. Thrilling but haunting until the very end, uniquely bound to its setting on the bleak Yorkshire moors.
Dramatised by Rachel Joyce.
Heathcliff ...... Ben Batt
Cathy ...... Chloe Pirrie
Nelly ...... Emma Fielding
Director: Tracey Neale
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2018.
SAT 02:30 Sable Island - A Dune Adrift (b00p8c15)
100 miles east of Nova Scotia lies a 30 mile-long sand dune: Sable Island, population, two, who work in the weather and research station - and 300 wild horses.
Sean Street reveals how this remote place, this dune adrift in the Atlantic, is providing information vital to us all, and has gained a powerful presence in the imagination.
In the middle of the world's worst weather systems, held tentatively in place by ocean currents, it’s the perfect place to monitor climate change, and air and sea pollution.
More than 500 ships have been wrecked here. There have been several attempts at colonisation, by the Portuguese, the French (Sable is the French word for Sand) and even a group of prominent Bostonians, and all have failed.
Thomas Raddell, Nova Scotia's finest writer, was a radio operator on Sable for a year, and this inspired his novel The Nymph and the Lamp. Poet Elizabeth Bishop visited and wrote about the island.
Sean examines wreckage from some of over 500 ships that came to grief here. There is a poignant baby's crib made from wreck wood. He meets artist Roger Savage who battled to capture the landscape. And he meets a man who dedicated years to studying the rare Ipswich Sparrow, which nests only here.
What emerges is that Sable Island is for the Canadians what the Galapagos are for the people of Ecuador, or Easter Island for Chileans. It is important scientifically and historically, but more than this it is important culturally, as part of their identity.
Producer: Julian May.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2009.
SAT 03:00 CP Snow - Strangers and Brothers (b017sv17)
Corridors of Power - The Choice
As Roger Quaife's political destiny hangs on an extraordinary Commons debate, what future for Lewis Eliot?
Conclusion of CP Snow's epic novel sequence about the English Establishment and Power.
Stars David Haig and Iain Glen.
Dramatised by Jonathan Holloway.
Lewis Eliot …. David Haig
Roger Quaife …. Iain Glen
Margaret Eliot .... Juliet Aubrey
Lord Collingwood .... Ronald Pickup
Ellen Smith .... Emma Bown
Lord Collingwood .... Ronald Pickup
Sir Hector Rose .... John Carlisle
Osbaldiston .... David Leonard
Francis Getliffe .... Geoffrey Whitehead
David Rubin .... Rolf Saxon
Monteith .... Paul Venables
Trafford .... Stephen Critchlow
Directors: Jeremy Howe & Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2003.
SAT 04:00 It's Not What You Know (b0639w41)
Series 3
Episode 5
Which particular football match is Elis James obsessed with?
What's Penny Smith's worst habit?
What was the worst thing Russell Grant did as a child?
All these burning questions, and more, will be answered in the show hosted by Miles Jupp, where panellists are tested on how well they know their nearest and dearest.
In this case, comedian Elis James picks his radio show co-host, presenter Penny Smith picks her brother-in-law and astrologer Russell Grant picks his mum.
Producer: Matt Stronge.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2015.
SAT 04:30 Ballylenon (b007w3j8)
Series 4
Episode 3
Tongues are wagging. Certain weddings are due and some folk aren't happy...
Series set in the sleepy town of Ballylenon, Co Donegal, in 1955.
Written by Christopher Fitz-Simon.
Phonsie Doherty …. TP McKenna
Muriel McConkey …. Margaret D'Arcy
Vera McConkey …. Stella McCusker
Vivienne Boal …. Aine McCartney
Rev Samuel Hawthorne …. Gerard Murphy
Josie Doherty …. Cathy White
Packy McGoldrick …. Tim Loane
Music arranged and performed by Stephanie Hughes.
Director: Eoin O'Callaghan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1997.
SAT 05:00 All Those Women (b06d2fxv)
Series 1
Episode 3
Hetty's old diaries turn up some uncomfortable home truths for Maggie, who sets out to challenge herself and prove things have changed.
All Those Women explores familial relationships, ageing, marriages - it's about life and love and things not turning out quite the way that you'd expected them to. Every week we join Hetty, Maggie, Jen and Emily as they struggle to resolve their own problems, and support one another.
Comedy series by Katherine Jakeways about four generations of women living under one roof.
Hetty ...... Sheila Hancock
Maggie ...... Lesley Manville
Jen ...... Sinead Matthews
Emily ...... Lucy Hutchinson
Stu ...... Chris Pavlo
Pat ...... Katherine Jakeways
Layla ...... Katie Redford
Announcement ...... George Watkins
Delivery Man ...... George Watkins
Instructor ...... George Watkins
Script editor: Richard Turner
Producer: Alexandra Smith
A BBC Radio Comedy production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in September 2015.
SAT 05:30 The Confessional (m0011by4)
Series 2
The Confession of Konnie Huq
Stephen Mangan takes another confession in the comedy chat show about shame, embarrassment and a guilty conscience.
Each week, Stephen invites a different eminent guest into his virtual confessional box to make three confessions to him. This is a cue for some rich and varied storytelling, and surprising insights. Settle back for more revelations of guilt and mortification.
This week, Stephen talks to Konnie Huq, broadcaster, writer, children’s author and the longest serving female Blue Peter presenter. This ambassador for The Prince’s Trust and the British Asian Trust describes herself as a ‘goody two shoes’. So what, if anything, is troubling her conscience? They discuss cheating, indiscretions involving ice cream and a misdemeanour in 10 Downing Street.
Other guests in the series include Olivia Williams, Anthony Horowitz, Ed Byrne, Shaparak Khorsandi and David Quantick.
Written and presented by Stephen Mangan
With extra material by Nick Doody
Produced by Frank Stirling
A 7digital production for BBC Radio 4
SAT 06:00 Stephen MacDonald - Not About Heroes (m0011jw9)
First World War Poets, Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfred Owen meet for the first time in this dramatised account.
"This war is not about heroes... It's really about boys of 19 being shot in the throat and dying before they've had time to live - and to learn why. The people who throw away those lives for their own glory - or profit - or both. I think it's about the annihilation, the wanton destruction of everything we love."
Adapted from Siegfried Sassoon's work by Stephen MacDonald.
Starring Stephen MacDonald as Siegfried Sassoon and James Telfer as Wilfred Owen.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1983.
SAT 07:30 Great Lives (b09111hc)
Series 43
Don McCullin on Norman Lewis
In 1968 Norman Lewis wrote an article called Genocide in Brazil. The photographs that accompanied it were by Don McCullin.
Lewis later said that this one piece of journalism was the great achievement of his life. It led directly to the creation of Survival International and a change in the law relating to the treatment of indigenous people in Brazil.
Lewis is known as a brilliant writer - one of our best, said Graham Greene, 'not of any particular decade of our century'. He's best remembered for A Dragon Apparent and Naples '44.
Don McCullin didn't travel with Norman Lewis to Brazil, but they struck up an unexpected friendship. He was like my father, the great photographer says.
And in Norman Lewis's later years they worked together in Venezuela, Papua New Guinea and elsewhere. But McCullin didn't read many of his books. "I struggled through Naples '44" he admits. Yet his admiration for the way Lewis opened his eyes to the world remains undimmed.
Recorded on location at McCullin's Somerset farmhouse with Norman Lewis's biographer Julian Evans.
Presented by Matthew Parris.
Produced at BBC Bristol by Miles Warde.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2017.
SAT 08:00 Listomania (b09xk5rb)
Series 1
Episode 1
From the magnificent to the mundane.
From the humble 'to do' list to the bucket list and many more...
Susan Calman hosts the series exploring the world of the lists.
With:
Katherine Ryan
Dane Baptiste
Elis James
Aisling Bea
Written by James Kettle and Gráinne Maguire with Max Davis and Gabby Hutchinson-Crouch.
Producer: Sam Bryant
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in February 2015
SAT 08:30 Smelling of Roses (b00dpspn)
Series 3
The Queen of Song
Rosie is asked to arrange a showcase concert for a new potential rival to Celine Dion.
The girl has plenty of money, but what about talent?
Prunella Scales stars in Simon Brett's sitcom.
The trials and tribulations of Rosie Burns and her event management company, based in Brighton.
Rosie ..... Prunella Scales
Jo ..... Rebecca Callard
Bob ..... Duncan Preston
Tess ..... Annette Badland
Robert ..... Simon Trinder
Cath Unger ..... Felicity Goodson
Terry ..... Colin Sell
Producer: Maria Esposito
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2002.
SAT 09:00 The Big Steptoe Radio Show: Ray Galton and Alan Simpson (b007jwm9)
The duo behind the BBC's legendary rag and bone men comedy - writers Ray Galton and Alan Simpson present their favourite episodes of Steptoe and Son.
This includes the very first episode, 'The Offer' – originally made for BBC TV's 'Comedy Playhouse' - one of ten one-off comedies penned by Ray and Alan. BBC bosses viewed it as a sweetener for the duo, who'd recently parted company with Tony Hancock. Despite several strong concepts, only 'The Offer' progressed from pilot to series development.
The TV pilot aired in January 1962, followed by the first Steptoe series in June starring Wilfrid Brambell and Harry H Corbett as father and son duo, Albert and Harold Steptoe.
Revealing how the series was created, the writers also explain why it prompted concerns in Parliament.
The duo's selected episodes were all adapted from the TV scripts and recorded for broadcast on BBC Radio by Gale Pedrick.
* The Offer
As the rag and bone father and son argue, Harold is set to leave. Stars Wilfrid Brambell and Harry H Corbett. From July 1966.
* Pilgrim's Progress
Old soldier Albert Steptoe is eager to revisit Flanders. Stars Wilfrid Brambell and Harry H Corbett. From June 1967.
* Crossed Swords
Excited Harold Steptoe lets greed get the better of him. Stars Wilfrid Brambell and Harry H Corbett. From July 1967.
* The Desperate Hours
Some unwelcome visitors arrive at the rag and bone yard. Stars Wilfrid Brambell, Harry H Corbett and Leonard Rossiter. From May 1974.
* Oh What a Beautiful Mourning
The family clash at the funeral of Albert's brother. Stars Wilfrid Brambell and Harry H Corbett. From February 1976
* Seance in a Wet Rag and Bone Yard
Sceptical Harold slams Albert's claims about the power of spiritualism. Stars Wilfrid Brambell, Harry H Corbett and Patricia Routledge. From March 1976.
Producer: Sarah Wade.
Made for Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in February 2006.
SAT 12:00 The Unbelievable Truth (b096h777)
Series 19
Episode 1
David Mitchell hosts the panel game where four comedians are encouraged to tell lies.
They must compete against one another to see how many items of truth they're able to smuggle past their opponents.
Obliged to talk with deliberate inaccuracy on subjects as varied as dolphins, cows, Arnold Schwarzenegger and students are:
Richard Osman
Arthur Smith
Lou Sanders
Phil Wang
Producer: Naismith
A Random Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in October 2017.
SAT 12:30 Lines From My Grandfather's Forehead (b00glrvd)
From 22/03/1971
A struggling vicar, a Welsh birthday card poet and a perplexed psychoanalyst.
A sequential entertainment for radio starring Ronnie Barker.
With:
Terence Brady
Pauline Yates
Pianist: Gordon Langford
Written by Chris Allen, David Climie, Allan Scott and Chris Bryant, and Gerald Wiley.
Producer John Fawcett-Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1971.
SAT 13:00 Archive on 4 (b0075qwl)
Alistair Cooke's Century
A portrait of the 20th century as viewed through the eyes of one of the world's greatest broadcasters - Alistair Cooke.
Combining extracts from the 2,654 editions of BBC Radio 4’s Letter from America with reflections from Alistair, the programme follows the key elements of what is often referred to as the American century.
Biographer Nick Clarke joins Alistair Cooke to listen to some of the gems from his career, talking about the differences between UK and US English, Bobby Kennedy's assassination, golf and so much more.
Producer: Tony Grant
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1999.
SAT 14:00 The Penny Dreadfuls (b01pg3r6)
The Penny Dreadfuls Present: Hereward The Wake
Highly acclaimed comedy trio, The Penny Dreadfuls turn their comic eye towards Hereward The Wake.
Why has this Englishman responsible for leading the fight against the occupation of William The Conqueror, been so readily forgotten?
The story didn't end when they ran out of embroidery cotton on the Bayeux Tapestry. Our mission is to make sure that from now on, you will know his name.
The Penny Dreadfuls are David Reed, Humphrey Ker and Thom Tuck.
Written by David Reed and Humphrey Ker
Hereward ...... Thom Tuck
William The Conqueror / Leofwine, Thorkell / Guard, Haakan ...... Humphrey Ker
Frederick, Asketil / Thurstan / Odo ...... David Reed
Martin ...... Marek Larwood
Turfrida / Witch ...... Margaret Cabourn-Smith
Narrator ...... Justin Edwards
Producer: Julia McKenzie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2012.
SAT 14:45 Hamish and Dougal: You'll Have Had Your Tea (b0076zx3)
Series 3
There's Something About Mrs Naughtie
Mrs Naughtie comes into a large inheritance from her mysterious Uncle Nab and attracts the not altogether unwelcome advances of Hamish, Dougal and the Laird.
Barry Cryer and Graeme Garden star as the two Scotsmen famed for their appearances on BBC Radio’s I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue.
With Alison Steadman as their cleaning-lady-cum-housekeeper, and Jeremy Hardy as the local Laird.
Hamish ...... Barry Cryer
Dougal ...... Graeme Garden
Mrs Naughtie ...... Alison Steadman
The Laird ...... Jeremy Hardy
Producer: Jon Naismith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2006.
SAT 15:00 Life: An Idiot's Guide (b0436hkz)
Series 3
Multiculturalism
Stephen K Amos sets out to compile an idiot's guide to multiculturalism.
With:
Stephen Grant
Nish Kumar
Andrew Maxwell
Producer: Colin Anderson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Extra in May 2014.
SAT 15:30 Buy Me Up TV (b0094k0g)
Episode 1
Every shopping channel you've ever seen and every product you've never wanted.
Special host Eamonn Holmes runs the animal charity telethon
Starring:
Justin Edwards
Colin Hoult
Katherine Jakeways
Ewen Macintosh
Alex MacQueen
Greg Proops
Written by Justin Edwards and James Eldred.
Producer: Lucy Armitage
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2008.
SAT 16:00 Stephen MacDonald - Not About Heroes (m0011jw9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 17:30 Great Lives (b09111hc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 18:00 Spine Chillers (b088stfn)
David Campton - Mrs M
Mrs Meadowsweet offers visitors to her country guesthouse a truly carefree holiday. Everybody is so happy. A little vague perhaps, but certainly happy…
Newcomers Madge and Arthur are suspicious, but can Mrs M win them over?
Written by David Campton.
Mrs Meadowsweet …. Rosemary Leach
Madge …. Anne Jameson
Arthur …. Roger Hume
Simon …. Terry Molloy
Miss Brazenose …. Joyce Gibbs
Inga …. Patricia Gallimore
Directed by Peter Windows at BBC Birmingham
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1984.
SAT 18:45 The Strange and The Sinister by William Croft Dickinson (b0b53dmg)
Let the Dead Bury Their Dead
Will an archaeologist heed the warnings of a local man, or continue to pursue a dangerous excavation?
Read by Moultrie Kelsall.
William Croft Dickinson introduces his stories of the supernatural set in Scotland.
Producer: John Gray
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in October 1961.
SAT 19:00 The Big Steptoe Radio Show: Ray Galton and Alan Simpson (b007jwm9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 22:00 Ross Noble Goes Global (b01dbgvs)
Series 2
Milan
The comedian discovers graffiti, beggars and lycra-clad couriers in the Italian style capital of Europe. From June 2003.
SAT 22:30 Chain Reaction (b074xvfq)
Series 11
6. Roy Hudd interviews Alison Steadman
Series 11 of the show where one week's interviewee becomes the next week's interviewer. The first episode of Chain Reaction was broadcast on BBC Radio Five in 1991 when John Cleese was the first comedian in the hot seat. Now, 25 years on, a new series sees another raft of the world's best-loved comedians talking to each other about their lives and work. This week, comedy legend and music hall expert Roy Hudd turns interviewer as he chats to the much loved actress, Alison Steadman.
Roy Hudd has clocked up more than 50 years in showbusiness, starting out as a Butlins redcoat in the 1950s and then developing a stellar career through numerous successes on stage, radio and screen. BBC Radio listeners know him best as the host of the much loved News Huddlines on Radio 2 for 26 years. More recently, Roy gained plaudits for his moving portrayal of Bud Flanagan in the BBC drama 'We're Doomed! The Dad's Army Story'.
Alison Steadman is an actress who has been popular with the British public and worldwide since making her name in the critically acclaimed works of Mike Leigh in the 1970s. She went on to deliver much-loved and memorable performances across both drama and comedy in Pride and Prejudice and Gavin and Stacey amongst many others.
In this programme Roy talks to Alison about her early days growing up in Liverpool, her trip to the palace to get the OBE and her critically acclaimed work with Mike Leigh.
Producer: Richard Morris
A BBC Radio Comedy Production.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2016.
SAT 23:00 The Skivers (b007xwy1)
Series 2
William Franklyn
Dolphins - and Sue Lawley's big secret is revealed.
The return of Nick Golson and Tim de Jongh's skilful sketch show with special guest – sssh! William Franklyn, who’s mixing the drinks.
Written and performed by Nick Golson and Tim de Jongh.
With Peter Bradshaw and Mel Giedroyc
Producer: Jon Naismith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1995.
SAT 23:30 Guy Browning's Small Talk (b0076n25)
Series 2
How to Pack
Start naked and pretend to get dressed - bad luck if the taxi comes early. The writer shares travel tips. From September 2004.
SAT 23:45 Helen Keen's It Is Rocket Science (b01j5nxt)
Series 2
Episode 3
Helen Keen, Peter Serafinowicz and Susy Kane star in the funny but true history of space exploration.
This week, given that on a rocket every ounce of saved weight is crucial, an astronaut who weighs 15% less and breathes less oxygen should have a tremendous advantage. So where were all of NASA's female astronauts? The story of Soviet pioneer Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman in space, who at one time logged more hours in orbit than all the male American astronauts put together makes a thought-provoking contrast to the marginalised female astronauts of the USA, the so called Mercury 13, none of whom ever got to go into space.
Written by Helen Keen and Miriam Underhill
Produced by Gareth Edwards.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2012.