SATURDAY 03 DECEMBER 2022

SAT 00:00 Psycho by Robert Bloch (m001fntd)
8. Norman Checks Out
"They'd be something else in this house. There had to be ..."
At last, the horrific events at the Bates Motel start to be revealed.
Robert Bloch’s 1959 classic horror story - made into the iconic 1960 film directed by Alfred Hitchcock.
Abridged by James Robertson.
Concluded by William Hope.
Producer: David Jackson Young
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1998.
SAT 00:15 The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson (m001fntg)
8. The Way Home...
The experiment ends and it’s time to leave the house.
But Eleanor has no home to go to and wants to stay...
Shirley Jackson’s spine-chilling Gothic Horror concluded by Emma Fielding.
Abridged by Alison Joseph.
Producer: Gemma Jenkins
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1997.
SAT 00:30 Musical Genes (b00hlddk)
Series 2
Woody Guthrie
Woody Guthrie wrote hundreds of songs charting life in America including 'This Land is Our land'.
Tom Morton hears about the man and his music from his eldest son Arlo Guthrie, an acclaimed singer-songwriter in his own right who wrote 'Alice's Restaurant' and has recently performed at Celtic Connection.
Series searching for the true story behind some of our best-loved musicians.
Producer: Mike Walker
First broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland in February 2009.
SAT 01:00 P Division (b00rgnxh)
Two Way Cut
Episode 4
Donoghue has enough evidence to arrest Stein - but where is he?
Louise wants to make a statement about the murder and Elka Willems is going to tell Mrs Salisbury about her daughter's illness...
Conclusion of Peter Turnbull's 'P' Division crime thriller set in Glasgow.
Dramatised by Stephen Mulrine.
DC Malcolm Montgomery …. Frank Gallagher
DC King …. Robert Carlyle
WPC Elka Willems …. Eliza Langland
Mrs Salisbury …. Ginni Barlow
Mrs Stein …. Mary Ann Reid
DS Ray Sussock …. Jake D'Arcy
DI Donoghue …. Crawford Logan
Louise …. Anne Marie Timoney
Spike …. Cathal Quinn
Barman …. Alec Monteath
Michelle …. Daniela Nardini
Dr Munro/PC Waness …. Paul Morrow
Chi Chiu Lorinksi …. Sedhar Chozam
Mrs MacIntyre …. Edith Ruddick
PC Hamilton …. Martin McCardie
Producer: Hamish Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1993.
SAT 01:30 The Mind of Mr JG Reeder (b0082hw0)
4. The Strange Case
A wealthy government minister is defrauded of a large sum of money and suspects his wastrel nephew.
Then he's murdered, so Mr JG Reeder sets out uncover the truth.
Read by David Horovitch
Mr JG Reeder's novel methods bring the criminals of 1920s London to justice.
Created by Edgar Wallace, he is a uniquely English detective. An apparent fuddy-duddy working in some obscure capacity in the Public Prosecutor's office, he actually has a razor-sharp intellect and is a super-sleuth.
Mr JG Reeder solves his mysteries because he fully understands the "criminal mind".
Abridged by Neville Teller.
Producer: Gemma Jenkins
Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in November 2007.
SAT 02:00 Packing My Library by Alberto Manguel (b09zmdjl)
Episode 5
Alberto Manguel has had consistent 5-star ratings for his books on reading, books and libraries.
With regret, he packs up his library of 35,000 volumes and prepares to move from a vast property in rural France to a small apartment on Manhattan's West Side.
Choosing which books to keep, store, or cast out, Manguel finds himself in deep reverie on the nature of relationships between books and readers, books and collectors, order and disorder, memory and reading.
In this poignant re-evaluation of his life as a reader, he illuminates the highly personal art of reading and affirms the vital role of public libraries. Manguel's musings range widely - from delightful reflections on the idiosyncrasies of book lovers to deeper analyses of historic and catastrophic book events, including the burning of ancient Alexandria's library and contemporary library lootings at the hands of ISIS.
With insight and passion, the author underscores the universal centrality of books and their unique importance to a democratic, civilised, and engaged society.
Read by Oliver Cotton
Abridged by Barry Johnston
Producer: David Roper
A Heavy Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in April 2018.
SAT 02:15 Ordinary Heroes (m0004f5q)
5. Realisation
PC Nisha Hussain realises that would-be killer Zeenat is a mother.
Can she use this information to persuade her to lay her weapons down..?
Conclusion of the contemporary drama serial starring Nisha Nayar and Joel Phillimore.
Follow two uniformed police officers, Nisha and Scott, as they patrol the streets of London on foot during a single nightshift.
This is policing at the sharp end. Anything can happen. And, of course, it does.
Written by Paul Marquess and Sally Tatchell.
PC Nisha Hussain ...... Nisha Nayar
PC Scott Knight ...... Joel Phillimore
Haneefa Khan ...... Susannah Fielding
Zeenat Khan ...... Gurkiran Kaur
John Baker ...... Lloyd Warbey
Tariq Dewan ...... Devesh Kishore
Producer: Claire Fryer
Executive Producers: Paul Marquess and Eoin O’Callaghan
Director: Marina Caldarone
A PGM TV production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in April 2019.
SAT 02:30 The Etymology of Entomology (b01r4xw5)
Zoologist Dr George McGavin delves into the strange and often bizarre names given to the planet's insects.
There are an estimated 10 million living insect species, with new specimens being discovered almost daily. Entomologists are turning to ever more imaginative names, referencing everything from literary figures, celebrities and politicians to playground puns.
George takes us into the complex and intriguing world of the taxonomist. From the 18th century father of modern taxonomy Carl Linnaeus to the present day, he explains why naming the things that surround us is the foundation of all science.
There are flies named Pieza kake and S. beyonceae (after the singer); beetles with political connections - A. hitleri, A. bushi, A. cheneyi and A. rumsfeldi; and some entomologists have even named discoveries after romantic conquests. Unsurprisingly, names can prove controversial but, once set, are difficult to change.
George pieces together his story at Linnaeus' original collection at The Linnean Society, and at the capital's Natural History Museum and London Zoo. He also reveals some insects named after him at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.
Produced by Andrea Rangecroft.
A Folded Wing production for BBC Radio 4.
SAT 03:00 William Makepeace Thackeray - Barry Lyndon (b00t1bsd)
2. The Squire
Redmond Barry pursues and wins the widowed Lady Lyndon to take the title of Barry Lyndon and play the role of country squire.
However, once arrived at the summit of his good fortune, his luck begins to change for the worse.
Conclusion of William Makepeace Thackeray's classic novel about the rise and fall of an Irish adventurer in the 18th century.
Dramatised by Don McCamphill.
Barry ...... Gerard McSorley
Lady Lyndon ...... Tina Kellegher
Chevalier de Balibari ...... David Kelly
Bell Barry ...... Sheila Hancock
Earl of Crabs ...... Kenneth Cranham
Wiggins ...... Jamie Foreman
Redmond ...... Andrew Scott
Furniture Dealer ...... Mark Lambert
Poynings ...... Don Wycherley
Ulick ...... Darragh Kelly
Brendan ...... Eanna MacLiam
Maggie-Rose ...... Alice Barry
Directed at BBC Belfast by Lawrence Jackson.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2003.
SAT 04:00 Act Your Age (b00fn0vg)
Series 1
Episode 1
Simon Mayo hosts a three-way play-off to establish which generation of comedians is the funniest.
Captains Jon Richardson, Lucy Porter and Roy Walker are joined by guests Josh Howie, Stephen K Amos and Barry Cryer.
Producers: Ashley Blaker and Bill Matthews
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2008.
SAT 04:30 Bleak Expectations (b00d0yhx)
Series 2
A Recovery All Made Miserable
The thrilling Victorian comic epic sees young Pip nursed to health by the Reverend Fecund and his daughter Ripely, but why must her face remain hidden? Witness the horrors the rural poor in the stricken parish of Poverty Saint Mary.
But will Pip choose to fight against the injustice of it all in Parliament, where the walls are soaked in brandy, and so are the MPs, or will he follow his heart, just as soon as he can work out what it is saying to him. Meanwhile Harry has developed the steam powered Pippa detector. But will it work?
Mark Evans's epic comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.
Volume Two, Chapter the Third: A Recovery All Made Miserable
Sir Philip...........................Richard Johnson
Mr Benevolent/Sourquil............Anthony Head
Young Pip..................................Tom Allen
Reverend Godly Fecund..........David Mitchell
Sternbeater...................Geoffrey Whitehead
Harry Biscuit......................James Bachman
Ripely Fecund......................Sarah Hadland
Pippa........................................Susy Kane
Sundry MPs..............................Mark Evans
Producer: Gareth Edwards
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2008.
SAT 05:00 Josie Long: Romance and Adventure (b074zw4l)
Series 1
Episode 1
A sitcom from award-winning comedian Josie Long about a young woman trying to build a new, more fulfilling life for herself in Glasgow.
Glasgow is the indie band theme park, where Josie will finally be happy and accepted. But almost as soon as she de-trains at Queen Street Station she begins to think she's made a big mistake.
Josie sets about finding friends, a place to live and a new job.
Based on characters from the short films "Romance and Adventure" and "Let's Go Swimming" by Josie Long and Douglas King.
Josie ...... Josie Long
Darren ...... Darren Osborne
Roddy ...... Sanjeev Kohli
Kerry ...... Hatty Ashdown
Eleanor ...... Clare Grogan
Chris ...... Michael Bertenshaw
Mona ...... Rebecca Hamilton
Fraser ...... Chris Pavlo
Written by Josie Long.
Producer: Colin Anderson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2016.
SAT 05:30 Now You're Asking with Marian Keyes and Tara Flynn (m001fm0z)
The Workplace Crush Problem
So - you fancy your boss but he wants to keep it casual? You've had second thoughts about joining a book club? You're convinced your dog seems to hate you? Life is addressed from every angle, with their trademark wisdom and good humour, by Marian Keyes and Tara Flynn.
From dilemmas about life, love and grief, to the perils of laundry or knowing what to say at a boring dinner, we’ll find out what Marian and Tara would recommend - which might not solve the problem exactly, but will make us all feel a bit better.
Recorded in Dublin with emails received from listeners around the world, the hosts invite you to pull up a chair at their virtual kitchen table as they read and digest their inbox.
Got a problem you want Marian and Tara to solve? Email: marianandtara@bbc.co.uk.
Producer: Steve Doherty.
A Giddy Goat production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds
SAT 06:00 Dodie Smith - Dear Octopus (b06qjp4l)
1938: Charles and Dora Randolph are celebrating their Golden Wedding.
A chance for four generations of the same family to be together – sparking all the problems and surprises that such a gathering inevitably causes...
Starring Michael Denison and Dulcie Gray.
Dodie Smith's play enjoyed a hugely successful run in the theatre before and during the early years of the Second World War.
Charles Randolph ...... Michael Denison
Dora Randolph ...... Dulcie Gray
Belle ...... Mary Wimbush
Margery ...... Annette Badland
Edna ...... Frances Jeater
Nanny ...... Dora Bryan
Cynthia ...... Penny Downie
Laurel ...... Trevyn McDowell
Hilda ...... Joanna David
Nicholas ...... Nicholas Gecks
Fenny ...... Charlotte Attenborough
Hugh ...... Joshua Towb
Kenneth ...... Michael Tudor Barnes
Bill ...... Mark Burrows
Scrap ...... Sara-Jane Derrick
Flouncy ...... Bernadette Windsor
Gertrude ...... Becky Hindley
Producer: Glyn Dearman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1995
SAT 07:30 Great Lives (m000bx24)
Series 50
Just William / Richmal Crompton proposed by Peter Oborne with Martin Jarvis
"It's absolutely joyous, one of the highlights of my career!" Peter Oborne on being joined by Martin Jarvis, the man who brings Just William to life.
Journalist Oborne is nominating both William Brown and his creator, Richmal Crompton. She wrote 39 multi-million selling books, and her delight in William is clear to hear in the archive. Other contributors include her biographer, Mary Cadogan, and her niece, Richmal Ashbee. But it's the brilliance of Martin Jarvis's impersonations of William, Ginger and the gang that brings this programme to life. Plus the interplay between Peter Oborne and Matthew Parris.
"Do you think William would have been Brexit?"
"I don't think there's any evidence."
Producer: Miles Warde
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2019.
SAT 08:00 Booked (b0075t3c)
Series 4
Episode 5
Ian McMillan chairs the irreverent writing game.
Regular panellists Mark Thomas and Dillie Keane are joined by Mark Radcliffe and Miles Kington.
Producer: Marc Jobst
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1998.
SAT 08:30 Tickets Please (b00p5xc2)
Episode 4
After delays caused by lightning, a 20-piece orchestra in coach G practices. This offers Robin a plangent background for his declaration of love.
But can he seize his chance before the train arrives at Exeter St David's?
Sitcom on rails by Mark Maier.
Robin........Jeremy Swift
Nadine.......Alex Kelly
Peter......Malcolm Tierney
Carol......Tessa Nicholson
Carl........Nicholas Boulton
Diana.......Melissa Advani
Linda.........Kate Layden
Keith.....Stephen Hogan
Other parts played by Philip Fox, Piers Wehner and Joseph Cohen-Cole
Producer: Peter Kavanagh
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2009.
SAT 09:00 Unsung Heroines (m0003tbm)
History is full of incredible women who did amazing things. And yet, even though their legacy is still felt today, their names aren't on the tip our tongues. We've all heard of Florence Nightingale and Amelia Earhart - but what about Annie Russell Maunder, Jayaben Desai or Josephine Butler? They're much less well known, yet they all made significant and enduring contributions to our world.
The writer and comedian Viv Groskop has been trawling the BBC radio archives to find out about a kickass sisterhood that refused to stay at home when that's what was expected of them.
We meet the pioneering physician, Sophia Jex Blake; the Nobel laureate environmentalist, Wangari Maathai, the social reformer, Caroline Norton; the champion cyclist, Beryl Burton; we take a trip to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home to learn about its founder, Mary Tealby. And many more.
Viv also invites contemporary women to nominate their favourite unsung heroines - so we hear from Clare Balding, Cathy Newman, Samira Ahmed, Natalie Haynes, Gemma Cairney, Angela Barnes and Jessica Fostekew about the females they call phenomenal.
From ancient Rome to the 21st Century, Viv Groskop brings inspiring women out of the shadows and into the spotlight.
Producer - Moy McGowan
SAT 12:00 Act Your Age (b00fn0vg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:00 today]
SAT 12:30 Parsley Sidings (b01nrmxq)
Series 1
The Market Special
The station staff at Parsley Sidings go all out to boost falling passenger numbers.
The eponymous series is set in a sleepy railway station. The Hepplewhites have run Parsley Sidings Station for generations and the current station master, Horace, hopes that his son Bert will continue the line. Mild-mannered ticket clerk, Bert, wants to work anywhere but on the railways. His colleague, station announcer, Gloria, Simpkins, secretly loves him. Porter, Percy Valentine, is an archetypal wheeler-dealer and the ancient signalman, Bradshaw, causes havoc and dispenses home-made remedies in equal measure. The Parsley Sidings' nemesis is Phineas Perkins, the station master of Potwhistle Halt, one stop down the line.
Horace …. Arthur Lowe
Bert …. Ian Lavender
Percy …. Kenneth Connor
Gloria …. Liz Fraser
Ethel …. Elizabeth Morgan
Original announcements re-created by Keith Skues.
Producer: Edward Taylor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in December 1971.
SAT 13:00 Archive on 4 (m0009z3h)
Desert Island Myths: Three Centuries of Robinson Crusoe
Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe was first published on 25 April 1719. By the end of the 19th century it had become the most reissued, adapted and translated novel in the world. 
Over the years, this island adventure story has been interpreted in a huge variety of ways: by critics as the first ever novel in English; by political theorists as an allegory of colonialism; by economists as a story of primitive accumulation; by anthropologists as a classic statement of nature and civilisation; and by educationalists as a story of learning by doing. 
The book has also inspired countless creative works, from Gulliver’s Travels, Swiss Family Robinson and Treasure Island to Lost In Space, Cast Away and The Martian. Not forgetting several reality TV shows and the ever popular Desert Island Discs. 
Over 300 years on from Robinson Crusoe's publication, cultural historian Christopher Frayling sets sail through the BBC archive to explore the creation and legacy of this controversial text.
Interviewees:

Charles Boyle, author of Good Morning, Mr Crusoe
Judith Hawley, Professor of 18th-Century Literature at Royal Holloway, University of London
Andrew Lambert, Professor of Naval History at King’s College London
Olivette Otele, Professor of History at Bath Spa University
Andrew Pollard, writer, director and pantomime dame

Brian Sibley, author and broadcaster
Producer: Jane Long

A Hidden Flack production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in November 2019.
SAT 14:00 Dave Podmore (b007rkg1)
Dave Podmore's World of Cricket
Episode 1
Eat the Dream. Pod makes a bid to run the opening ceremony of the 2003 Cricket World Cup - on the cheap, of course.
Sitcom about the exploits of talentless, amateurish, smug, inept and self-deluding English cricketer Dave Podmore.
Starring Chris Douglas and Andrew Nickolds.
With:
Chris Pavlo
Nicola Sanderson
Written by Chris Douglas, Andrew Nickolds and Nick Newman.
Producer: Richard Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2002.
SAT 14:30 Laura Solon - Talking and Not Talking (b00pcllf)
Series 3
Episode 6
Domestic goddess Sue Morgan offers her own take on the perfect Christmas, while call centre demon Gwyneth finally faces judgement.
Plus we gain access to the Institute for Useless Scientific Research.
Award-winning comedian Laura Solon with more sketches, monologues and one-liners.
With:
Ben Moor
Rosie Cavaliero
Ben Willbond
Producer: Colin Anderson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2009.
SAT 15:00 Old Harry's Game (b007jmdn)
Series 3
The Final Reckoning
When God discovers that rules are being broken in Hell, he sends some archangels to investigate.
Andy Hamilton’s devilishly funny sitcom set in Hell.
Satan …. Andy Hamilton
The Professor …. James Grout
Thomas …. Jimmy Mulville
Scumspawn …. Robert Duncan
Other characters played by:
Felicity Montagu
Philip Pope
Nick Revel
Michael Fenton Stevens
Producer Paul Mayhew-Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1999
SAT 15:30 Tina C (b06r885k)
Tina C: Herstory
Episode 2
1999 sees Tina C established as a global icon, and exploring her feminist side.
Jenni Murray quizzes Tina about the highs and lows of finding your feet as a woman in Nashville.
Written & performed by Christopher Green.
Additional voices: Susan Jameson & Leo Wan.
The Band: Duncan Walsh-Atkins, Mark Hardisty & Phil Wraith.
Produced by Victoria Lloyd.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2015.
SAT 16:00 Dodie Smith - Dear Octopus (b06qjp4l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 17:30 Great Lives (m000bx24)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 18:00 RL Stevenson - The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (b01hxn39)
Edward Hyde was so much smaller and younger than Henry Jekyll. Even as good shone upon the countenance of one, evil was written plainly on the face of the other. What inexplicable link bound these two men so closely together?
Robert Louis Stevenson's classic tale of one man's evil alter ego.
Stars Michael Aldridge, James Bryce and Bernard Hepton.
Dramatised by Jill Brooke.
Michael Aldridge … Dr Henry Jekyll
James Bryce … Edward Hyde
Bernard Hepton … James Utterson
Ronald Herdman … Whitemore
Pauline Letts … Landlady
David Garth … Poole
Graham Blockey … Enfield
Garard Green … Dr Lanyon
John Rye … Inspector Newcomen
Verity Anne Meldrum … Girl
Producer: Glyn Dearman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1985.
SAT 19:00 Unsung Heroines (m0003tbm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 22:00 Bridget Christie Minds the Gap (b050bhnq)
Series 2
Episode 4
Bridget Christie talks about why she's not grateful Russell Brand has stopped being a sexist.
She reveals what happens when you wear an end FGM badge on a popular TV show?
And discover why politics has a women problem.
Multi-award winning series about modern feminism.
Bridget thought that she'd be able to put her feet up after her last series, she expected it to bomb. Sadly it was a huge success. But it's OK, because actually she's solved the feminist struggle all by herself.
She's assisted by token man, Fred MacAulay.
Written by Bridget Christie.
Producers: Alison Vernon-Smith and Alexandra Smith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2015.
SAT 22:30 Bussmann and Quantick Kingsize (b007587z)
Episode 2
Sketches, monologues and weird soup, featuring the Ike Turner and Melvyn Bragg Story.
Originally broadcast live from London's exclusive Imperial Rooms, Mayfair.
Written and performed by Jane Bussmann and David Quantick.
Featuring:
Peter Serafinowicz
Emma Clarke
Steve Brody.
Producer: Phil Bowker.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1998.
SAT 23:00 Danny Robins Music Therapy (b00fgts9)
Episode 1
Danny Robins harnesses the power of music to improve the world to help humanity - and a dormouse.
With Isy Suttie, beatboxer Beardyman and the Finchley Children's Music Group.
Written by Danny Robins with Isy Suttie and Danielle Ward.
Producer: Ben Walker
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2008.
SAT 23:30 Radio Shuttleworth (b007jq8z)
Series 2
Barbara Dickson
Sheffield's aspiring singer-songwriter John Shuttleworth takes to the airwaves once more from his very own his front room.
Aided by his producer (and sole agent) Ken Worthington, and his hard-to-please wife Mary, the inimitable John Shuttleworth presents a mixture of celebrity guests, domestic chores and music.
.
Bill Bailey drops in for "Impress an Impresario" while Hattie Hayridge telephones to "Make Mary Merry"
Special guest Barbara Dickson pops in for a chat, but her timing couldn't have been worse as John is expecting a rush of callers responding to his advert for the sale of son Darren's cabin bed.
Written and performed by Graham Fellows.
Additional material by Martin Willis.
Producer: Dawn Ellis.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2000.

SUNDAY 04 DECEMBER 2022

SUN 00:00 RL Stevenson - The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (b01hxn39)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Saturday]
SUN 01:00 Archive on 4 (m0009z3h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 13:00 on Saturday]
SUN 02:00 Dave Podmore (b007rkg1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Saturday]
SUN 02:30 Laura Solon - Talking and Not Talking (b00pcllf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Saturday]
SUN 03:00 Old Harry's Game (b007jmdn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Saturday]
SUN 03:30 Tina C (b06r885k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:30 on Saturday]
SUN 04:00 Dodie Smith - Dear Octopus (b06qjp4l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]
SUN 05:30 Great Lives (m000bx24)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Saturday]
SUN 06:00 Packing My Library by Alberto Manguel (Omnibus) (b09xjb68)
Alberto Manguel has had consistent 5-star ratings for his books on reading, books and libraries.
With regret, he packs up his library of 35,000 volumes and prepares to move from a vast property in rural France to a small apartment on Manhattan’s West Side.
Choosing which books to keep, store, or cast out, Manguel finds himself in deep reverie on the nature of relationships between books and readers, books and collectors, order and disorder, memory and reading.
In this poignant re-evaluation of his life as a reader, he illuminates the highly personal art of reading and affirms the vital role of public libraries. Manguel's musings range widely - from delightful reflections on the idiosyncrasies of book lovers to deeper analyses of historic and catastrophic book events, including the burning of ancient Alexandria's library and contemporary library lootings at the hands of ISIS.
With insight and passion, the author underscores the universal centrality of books and their unique importance to a democratic, civilised, and engaged society.
Omnibus of five parts abridged by Barry Johnston.
Read by Oliver Cotton
Producer: David Roper
A Heavy Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in 2018.
SUN 07:10 Inheritance Tracks (b064fmx0)
Beverley Knight
Singer and actress Beverley Knight chooses 'Touch the Hem of His Garment' and 'A Change Gonna Come' by Sam Cooke.
SUN 07:20 Ordinary Heroes (Omnibus) (m0004n7m)
Two uniformed police officers, Nisha and Scott are patrolling London streets on foot on nightshift.
It's policing at the sharp end. Anything can happen. And, of course, it does.
New recruit Scott can't wait to lock up bad guys. He's a bit frustrated to be puppy-walked by a female officer. Not that he's sexist or a misogynist, it's just he craves the company and approval of other guys. He's also got White Knight syndrome tending to see women as damsels in distress. You see, when Scott was 12, his dad died saving a family in a horrific motorway crash. It's a legend Scott's desperate to live up to.
An experienced beat cop, Nisha is no damsel in distress - with a commendation for bravery. She's charmed by Scott's boyish enthusiasm and good heart - so decides not to burst his balloon - he can find out the hard way that the job is much more about dealing with the sick and vulnerable.
Nisha thought the job would suit her – with her enquiring mind and liking dealing with people – and also after Stephen Lawrence, she felt that the force needed people like her. She’s faced hostility from friends and family but stuck to her guns.
What Nisha doesn't know is that tonight is a night she won’t forget. A gang in a London suburb are planning mass murder...
PC Nisha Hussain ...... Nisha Nayar
PC Scott Knight ...... Joel Phillimore
Haneefa Khan ...... Susannah Fielding
Zeenat Khan ...... Gurkiran Kaur
John Baker ...... Lloyd Warbey
Tariq Dewan ...... Devesh Kishore
Jez Randall ...... Tayla Kovacevic-Ebong
Minar Sarkar ...... Tripti Tripuraneni
Omnibus of five parts.
Written by Paul Marquess and Sally Tatchell.
Series Creator: Paul Marquess
Sound Designer: Simon Morecroft
Composer: Adam Welsh
Police Adviser: Steve Ainscough
Cultural Adviser: Rashad Ali, ISD Fellow
Producer: Claire Fryer
Executive Producers: Paul Marquess and Eoin O’Callaghan
Director: Marina Caldarone
A PGM TV production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in 2019.
SUN 08:30 Stilgoe's Around (b00v3yq9)
Manchester Grammar School
Manchester Grammar School welcomes Richard for his 'Stilgoe Style' look at the world of education.
With:
Peter Wheeler
Sandi Toksvig
The Cambridge Buskers
Producer: Mike Craig
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1984.
SUN 09:00 Something to Shout About (m0001flv)
Series 2
Episode 3
Out to promote new bubbling bath salts, the ad agency hits some jumbo-sized snags.
"A light-hearted exposé of the advertising world!". Set in a London ad agency called 'Apsley, Addis, Cohen, Barbican, Blythe, Giddy & Partners'.
Written by Myles Rudge and Ronnie Wolfe.
CAST:
Michael …. Michael Medwin
Janet …. Fenella Fielding
Mavis …. Joan Sims
Maggie …. Eleanor Summerfield
Adrian …. Nicholas Phipps
Elephant Trainer …. Warren Mitchell
Producer: Eric Miller
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in January 1961.
SUN 09:30 Clare in the Community (b008pzyz)
Series 4
A Game Of Two Slavs
At couples counselling, Clare and Brian are encouraged to share their interests, But sadly Clare realises she doesn't have any.
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 30s, 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
Ray ..... Richard Lumsden
Helen ..... Gemma Craven
Irene ..... Ellen Thomas
Megan ..... Nina Conti
Simon ..... Andrew Wincott
Milos..........Shaban Arifi
Dragan.......Rad Lazar
Yob.....Paul Chequer
Counsellor.....Anna Bengo
Producer: Katie Tyrrell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2008.
SUN 10:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m001fwww)
Lost Gems
Anita Roddick
When Anita Roddick opened the Brighton Body Shop in 1976, she struck gold with a formula to knock the mystique out of the beauty business.
She talks to Sue Lawley about the effects of success on her family life and comes to terms with her island exile.
DISC ONE: Aria from Heitor Villa‐Lobos’s Bachianas Brasileiras, No. 5 – Salli Terri and Laurindo Almeida
DISC TWO: La Bamba - Los Lobos
DISC THREE: Concierto De Aranjuez - Siegfried Behrend and Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
DISC FOUR: If I Could - Pat Metheny Group
DISC FIVE: Dancing In The Dark - Bruce Springsteen
DISC SIX: Holding Back The Years - Simply Red
DISC SEVEN: I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For - U2
DISC EIGHT: Seduced - Mary Coughlan
BOOK CHOICE - Prince of Tides - Pat Conroy
LUXURY CHOICE - Comfortable bed with pillows and sheets
CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE - If I Could - Pat Metheny Group
Desert Island Discs was created by Roy Plomley.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1988.
SUN 10:40 Doddcast (m001fwwy)
The wit and wisdom of Sir Ken Dodd, compiled and introduced by Tony Staveacre.
This is from an informal performance at a social club in Ormskirk from 2002, where Sir Ken outlines his philosophy of comedy.
He also traces the history of the 'one-liner' back to Oscar Wilde and Mark Twain.
Producer: Tony Staveacre
Debut broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Extra.
SUN 11:00 The Moth Radio Hour (m000zd25)
Phone Call, Flamenco, Surprise Party
True stories told live in the USA: Jenifer Hixson introduces tales of responding to unusual situations.
The Moth is an acclaimed not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the art and craft of storytelling based in the USA. Since 1997, it has celebrated both the raconteur and the storytelling novice, who has lived through something extraordinary and yearns to share it. Originally formed by the writer George Dawes Green as an intimate gathering of friends on a porch in Georgia (where moths would flutter in through a hole in the screen), and then recreated in a New York City living room, The Moth quickly grew to produce immensely popular events at theatres and clubs around New York City and later around the USA, the UK and other parts of the world.
The Moth has presented more than 15,000 stories, told live and without notes, to standing-room-only crowds worldwide. The Moth podcast is downloaded over 27 million times a year.
Featuring true stories told live on stage without scripts, from the humorous to the heart-breaking.
The Moth Radio Hour is produced by Jay Allison and Atlantic Public Media in Woods Hole, Massachusetts and is distributed by the Public Radio Exchange.
First heard on PRX in 2019.
SUN 11:50 Inheritance Tracks (b064fmx0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:10 today]
SUN 12:00 Poetry Extra (m001g6rr)
Wild Geese
Daljit Nagra revisits the BBC's poetry archive and chooses Wild Geese - the story of what happened next when Mary Oliver's poem was sent to a man in prison.
A few years ago, a man committed a crime and spent time in prison. In this programme, a group of his friends explore the role a poem played in their collective story.
The poem is Wild Geese by the recently deceased American poet Mary Oliver.
Thanks to the On Being Project, the programme includes archive audio of Mary Oliver talking about her poem.
Contributors: Mike Chase, Marie-Claire, Angie Wootten, Chris Oates and Rosie Boulton.
Producer: Rosie Boulton
A Must Try Softer production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in 2019.
SUN 12:30 Little Monster (b02q78pq)
Little Monster follows the fortunes of new mother Karen (Sarah Hadland) as she struggles to get to grips with her little monster. No really, he is literally a monster. Or should that be she is..? Or even it is..? To be honest it's all a bit of a jumble, but they're opted for the name Benjy for now.
Like all babies, Benjy (Cariad Lloyd) keeps growing. Horns mainly. Scales. Fangs. Tail. Karen never quite knows what's going to greet her when she unbolts the reinforced door of his nursery and turns the padlock on his cot.
Not that he's dangerous, of course. Just very excitable. And strong. And surprisingly advanced for his tender age. While most babies lie in their cots looking sweet, Benjy is soon galumphing around the house and bringing in the remains of next door's chickens. And though he may be a monster, he's still Karen's monster. She loves him and she always will, no matter what he puts her through. And he's sometimes very well-behaved, especially when his dad, Nick (Rufus Jones) or grandma (Geraldine James) are around.
While Karen has to cope with one very real monster, she also has to deal with her own 'monsters' - the monsters of guilt, envy and low self-esteem that gnaw away at her from the inside. She wants to be the best mother in the world and just ends up behaving like the worst.
Written by Gerard Foster (At Home With The Snails, Horrible Histories) this is a darkly comic look at modern parenthood, set in our child-obsessed world of big buggies and Little Einsteins.
In this pilot episode, Nick and Karen have planned their first night away since Benjy was born. But is it worth the trouble - and will they actually have the courage to leave him?
CREDITS
Karen - Sarah Hadland
Nick - Rufus Jones
Benjy - Cariad Lloyd
Val - Geraldine James
Sammy - Bridget Christie
Nina / Receptionist - Hannah Wood
Security Guard - Gerard Foster
Written by Gerard Foster.
Produced by Ed Morrish
SUN 13:00 A Far Cry from Kensington by Muriel Spark (Omnibus) (b09mwfjj)
Episode 2
Muriel Spark's playful and autobiographical novel set amid London's postwar publishing scene.
Mrs Hawkins is thriving in her new job and continues to lose weight. But a figure from her past is about to make an unwelcome appearance.
Read by Maggie Service.
Abridged by Rosemary Goring.
Producer: Eilidh McCreadie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2018.
SUN 14:10 Inheritance Tracks (b05ysyt9)
Stewart Lee
Comedian Stewart Lee chooses 'Solitary Man' by Neil Diamond and 'Chicken Nuggets For Me' by The Fish Police.
SUN 14:20 Life Lines (Omnibus) (m0002mnm)
Carrie faces a series of heart-stopping emergencies at work as bad weather sets in and the increased pressure begins to affect her personal life.
Al Smith's award-winning drama series set in an ambulance control room returns.
Omnibus of five parts.
Carrie ..... Sarah Ridgeway
Ian ..... Michael Jibson
Danny ..... Joe Simms
Will ..... Don Gilet
Brenda ..... Emma Handy
James ..... Lewis Bray
Director: Sally Avens
The first series of Life Lines won Best Series at the Audio Drama Awards, Best Drama at the Radio Awards and Best Fictional Storytelling at The Audio Radio Industry Awards in 2017.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2019.
SUN 15:30 Gareth Gwynn's Little Book of Welsh Rock (m001gdwp)
All the things you thought you knew about "Welsh music" are wrong.
Forget Tom Jones, Bread of Heaven, male voice choirs, Shirley Bassey: one of the most vibrant and confident place that "Welshness" is articulated in music...is in Welsh-language rock.
There is a whole world of musical activity happening that almost no-one across Offa's Dyke has any idea about. This isn't some niche pursuit - the Welsh-language music scene is young, contemporary and thriving, and has fired off in hugely inventive and original paths that the English language rock scene hasn't; few realise that the internationally-renowned bands Catatonia and Super Furry Animals released songs in their first language of Welsh as well as English. For English music lovers in the know (like the late Radio 1 DJ John Peel) - "roc cymraeg" is fascinating in being completely British yet completely 'other' - in a way few parts of British culture can match. Most crucially, for teenage Welsh-language speakers, it's the medium through which express their cultural and political nationalism - their 'otherness' - most freely.
But Welsh-language rock is a political hot potato, mired in the same cultural and linguistic controversies that dog the idea of "Welshness" across the nation's culture. As the Scottish debated their independence referendum last year, no-one argued that not speaking Gaelic made anyone 'less Scottish'. But in Wales - where around a tenth of the population speak Welsh as a first language - there remains amongst some the idea that you're not truly Welsh unless you speak the national tongue. With the roots of contemporary Welsh rock lying in the protest movements of the 1960s, there remains a highly political - some say Anglophobic - strain to the music scene. If rock music in Welsh is a medium for the Welsh national psyche to truly express itself - who is it leaving out?
Satirist Gareth Gwynn has an identity crisis. He's a proper, paid-up music geek and a proud Welshman. But his iPod's full of English bands...and he doesn't speak Welsh. Can Gareth embrace his inner 'cymro' and immerse himself in a world through the looking-glass? Does he even need to? Gareth embarks on a twisted, often faintly surreal journey through the heart of Welsh-language rock.
Producer: Steven Rajam
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 2015.
SUN 16:00 Happiness! (m000ckvp)
David Threlfall stars as the madcap entertainer, Ken Dodd, in Ian Billings' comedy drama about winning hearts and minds.
It’s 1988 and the comedian faces charges of tax evasion.
The drama imagines what it must have felt like for someone confronted with the prospect of being cut off from doing what they love most in the world. The story tracks the year-long battle with the tax-man including the 1989 trial where the entertainer is finally acquitted on all charges.
Ken Dodd/Dicky Mint ….. David Threlfall
George Carman QC ….. Clive Hayward
Bennett ….. Will Kirk
Mr Justice Waterhouse ….. Neil McCaul
Brian Leveson QC ….. Ian Conningham
Albert ….. Greg Jones
Eileen ….. Laura Christy
Croupier ….. Adam Courting
Mother ….. Heather Craney
Usher ….. Ikky Elyas
Music arranged and performed by Neil Brand.
Director: Gemma Jenkins
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2019.
SUN 16:45 Mr Reginald Peacock's Day by Katherine Mansfield (b0671h1q)
"The truth was that once you married a woman she became insatiable.... nothing was more fatal for an artist than marriage...."
A singing teacher ponders the mundane nature of married life, compared to the passion of his profession.
Katherine Mansfield’s short story read by Brian Gear.
Producer: Viv Beeby
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1992.
SUN 17:00 Poetry Extra (m001g6rr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:00 today]
SUN 17:30 Little Monster (b02q78pq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:30 today]
SUN 18:00 The Female Ghost (b00njx8j)
Afterward by Edith Wharton
After an unexpected windfall on their American mine, Ned and Mary move to a dream home in England, but their past is catching up with them...
A series of ghostly stories by women, dramatised by Christopher Hawes.
Edith Wharton..............Buffy Davis
Alida................................Carolyn Jones
Ned.................................John Guerrasio
Mary..............................Barbara Barnes
Parvis............................Sean Baker
Trimmle......................Rachel Atkins
Peters..........................Christopher Scott
Robert Elwell.............Alex Lowe
Producer: Marion Nancarrow
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1997.
SUN 18:30 The Female Ghost (b007517g)
The Demon Lover by Elizabeth Bowen
Mrs Drover nervously returns to her old London house in the Blitz to discover a letter on the hall table - a reminder of a special rendezvous she can't fully recollect.
A series of ghostly stories by women dramatised by Christopher Hawes.
An eerie tale by Elizabeth Bowen.
Elizabeth Bowen................Maggie Steed
Mrs Drover...........................Jenny Howe
The Soldier...........................Jonathan Keeble
Father.....................................Stephen Thorne
Mother..................................Shirley Dixon
Mr Drover.............................Christopher Scott
Producer: Marion Nancarrow
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1997.
SUN 19:00 The Moth Radio Hour (m000zd25)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:00 today]
SUN 19:50 Inheritance Tracks (b064fmx0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:10 today]
SUN 20:00 Happiness! (m000ckvp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 today]
SUN 20:45 Mr Reginald Peacock's Day by Katherine Mansfield (b0671h1q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:45 today]
SUN 21:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m001fwww)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 21:40 Doddcast (m001fwwy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:40 today]
SUN 22:00 Little Monster (b02q78pq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:30 today]
SUN 22:30 Son of Cliche (b00p1jb9)
The Weird Dimension
Something weird is happening. Nothing is outside of the comedy team’s power!
Winner of 1984 Sony Gold Award for Best Light Entertainment Programme.
Sketch comedy with Chris Barrie, Nick Maloney and Nick Wilton.
Written by Rob Grant and Doug Naylor.
Producer: Alan Nixon
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1983.
SUN 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m001g9sf)
Nathan Foad 1/2
From 10.00pm until midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Sarah Campbell chats to Nathan Foad.
SUN 23:00 Detective Sergeant Nick Mohammed (b03b0yz2)
Series 2
Fugitive
Detective Sergeant Nick Mohammed is on the trail of a dangerous fugitive.
Series two of the critically acclaimed sitcom written and performed by Nick Mohammed.
As ever, he is assisted by long suffering constables Anna Crilly and Colin Hoult.
With Margaret Cabourn-Smith and Will Andrews.
Script Editor: Johnny Sweet
Producers: Tilusha Ghelani and Victoria Lloyd.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2013.
SUN 23:30 At Home With The Snails (b00c8rbm)
Series 2
Episode 3
Snail-obsessed Alex’s plan to rescue snails by bringing them home hits a snag.
George and Beverly continue faking their deaths in order to bring their family closer.
Second series of Gerard Foster's comedy drama
George ..... Geoffrey Palmer
Beverley ..... Angela Thorne
Alex ..... Gerard Foster
Rose ..... Miranda Hart
Hosana ..... Debra Stephenson
Roger ..... Richie Webb
Producer: Jane Berthoud
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2002.

MONDAY 05 DECEMBER 2022

MON 00:00 The Female Ghost (b00njx8j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:00 on Sunday]
MON 00:30 The Female Ghost (b007517g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:30 on Sunday]
MON 01:00 A Far Cry from Kensington by Muriel Spark (Omnibus) (b09mwfjj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 13:00 on Sunday]
MON 02:10 Inheritance Tracks (b05ysyt9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:10 on Sunday]
MON 02:20 Life Lines (Omnibus) (m0002mnm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:20 on Sunday]
MON 03:30 Gareth Gwynn's Little Book of Welsh Rock (m001gdwp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:30 on Sunday]
MON 04:00 Happiness! (m000ckvp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Sunday]
MON 04:45 Mr Reginald Peacock's Day by Katherine Mansfield (b0671h1q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:45 on Sunday]
MON 05:00 Evelyn Waugh - Put Out More Flags (m001fwx1)
1. Autumn
As the Second World War looms, upper-class loafer Basil Seal considers his role in the unfolding events.
Evelyn Waugh’s sixth novel, first published in 1942. The satire reprises characters found in previous novels such as ‘Decline and Fall’ and ‘Vile Bodies’.
Dramatised in three parts by Denys Hawthorne.
CAST:
Basil Seal .... Simon Cadell
Freddy .... Brian Miller
Barbara .... Jenny Howe
Lady Seal .... Elizabeth Kelly
Sir Joshua Mainwaring .... Jack May
Angela Lyne .... Marian Diamond
Poppet .... Joanna Myers
Margot Metroland .... Mary Wimbush
Peter Pastmaster .... Michael Cochrane
Sonia Trumpington .... Jane Whittenshaw
Alastair Trumpington .... Simon Treves
Ambrose Silk .... Steve Hodson
Bentley .... Hugh Dickson
Bomber .... Alan Thompson
Narrator .... Tony Britton
with Danielle Allan, Timothy Bateson, Nicholas Gilbrook, David Bannerman, Fraser Kerr and Danny Schiller
Pianist: David King
Director: Jane Morgan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1990.
MON 06:00 Hercule Poirot (b01073s1)
Peril at End House
Episode 1
Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot is on holiday in Cornwall when a bullet lands at his feet at the Majestic Hotel...
Agatha Christie's whodunit starring John Moffatt.
From the book first published in 1932 and dramatised in five parts by Michael Bakewell
Hercule Poirot …. John Moffatt
Captain Hastings …. Simon Williams
Nick Buckley …. Gemma Saunders
Frederica Rice …. Suzanna Hamilton
George Challenger …. Andrew Wincott
Director: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2000.
MON 06:30 Patrick O'Brian - Master and Commander (b04t6q17)
1. The Question of Preferment
September 1800, Rosia Bay, Gibraltar. Newly commissioned, Jack Aubrey nervously awaits the verdict in his Court Martial for the loss of his ship, the Sophie.
Dramatisation of Patrick O'Brian's popular Napoleonic seafaring adventure.
Starring Michael Troughton and Nigel Anthony.
Dramatised in six parts by Roger Danes.
Jack Aubrey ...... Michael Troughton
Stephen Maturin ...... Nigel Anthony
Molly Harte ...... Frances Jeater
Harte ...... Lloyd Johnson
Queeney ...... Margaret John
Lord Keith ...... Gavin Muir
Young Jack / David Richards ...... Richard Pearce
Makepeace ...... Derek Waring
Mercedes ...... Kristin Howard
Watt ...... Russell Floyd
Young Ricketts ...... Tom Bevan
Williams ...... Derek Waring
Babbington ...... Danny Kanaber
Director: Adrian Bean.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1995.
MON 07:00 Dearest Squirrel - the John Osborne Letters (b09z3drq)
Episode 1
John Osborne meets Pamela Lane in 1951 and within three months the couple are married. So begins an extraordinary love affair that lasts over thirty years.
A completely fresh insight into the mind of one of the UK's greatest playwrights, the letters between John Osborne and his first wife, actress Pamela Lane, are also a love letter to a now defunct system of repertory theatre and life in post-war Britain.
As these letters reveal, soon after their divorce, Osborne and Lane began a mutually supportive, loyal, frequently stormy and sometimes sexually intimate alliance lasting thirty years until Osborne's death. By the mid-1980s, they had become closer and more trusting than they had been since their earliest years together.
"You are for me what you always were," Pamela told him, "I am in love with you still."
It is, he declared, "my fortune to have loved someone for a lifetime."
Acerbic, witty, candid and heartbreaking, the letters reveal a unique relationship - troubled, tender and enduring.
The author, Peter Whitebrook, was born in London and has written and broadcast extensively on the theatre and literature. His co-adaptation of John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath won a Fringe First Award. His biography of John Osborne was nominated for both the Sheridan Morley Prize for biography and the Theatre Book Prize.
Read by Simon Shepherd and Amanda Root
Abridged by Polly Coles
Produced by Clive Brill
A Brill production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in April 2018.
MON 07:15 EM Forster - A Passage to India (m0003571)
Episode 1
Tanika Gupta's imaginative and bold adaptation of E.M. Forster's masterful novel.
When Mrs Moore and Adela arrive in the Indian town of Chandrapore, they are excited about seeing the 'real India'. Dr Aziz, a charming young doctor, puts out the hand of friendship but a mysterious incident occurs while they are exploring the Marabar Caves. This sets off a train of events that have serious repercussions for everyone including the friendship between Dr Aziz and Mr Fielding, the School Master at Government College.
Muddle and mystery disturb the British Raj sense of order. Is it possible for an Englishman and an Indian to be friends while the British still rule India?
Mrs Moore ...... Penelope Wilton
Adela ...... Ellie Kendrick
Dr Aziz ...... Shubham Saraf
Fielding ...... Jonathan Firth
Ronny Heaslop ...... Christopher Harper
Professor Godbole ...... Thusitha Jayasundera
Hamidullah ...... Nicholas Khan
Mahmoud Ali ...... Ashley Kumar
Mr Turton ...... Tony Turner
Mrs Turton ...... Joanna Monro
Major Callendar ...... Michael Bertenshaw
Mrs Callendar ...... Susan Jameson
Dr Panna Lal ...... Ronny Jhutti
With Don Gilet, Franchi Webb and Sarah Ovens
Produced and directed by Tracey Neale
E.M Forster's A Passage to India is clever and thought provoking. There is an extraordinary richness of emotion and the philosophy is cleverly wrapped within the startling event at the Cave and its haunting echo that plagues both Mrs Moore and Adela. There is mastery, muddle and mystery and this is captured in this imaginative adaptation by Tanika Gupta with its multi-layered soundscape and Indian music. Tanika brings an insight that combines all the elements together beautifully. In addition to her original writing, Tanika has shown, both on radio and stage, that she can take an existing text and give it a rich an exciting feel. From her Midsummer Night's Dream for the Globe to Jane Austen's Emma for Radio 4 (Memsahib Emma) to Ibsen's A Doll's House.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2019.
MON 07:30 Dot (b0714033)
Series 1
The Astonishing Adventures of Agent Whiff-Whaff
Comic adventures with Dot and the gals from personnel who are getting squiffy over Agent Bertie Whiff-Whaff.
Bertie wants Dot promoted, but can Dot handle life on the other side of the hallway?
Rollicking wartime comedy by Ed Harris - set in the personnel department of the Cabinet War Rooms.
Dot ..... Fenella Woolgar
Myrtle ..... Kate O'Flynn
Peg ..... Freya Parker
Millicent ..... Jane Slavin
Peabody ..... David Acton
Agent Bertie Whiff-Whaff ..... Adie Allen
Director: Jessica Mitic
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2015.
MON 08:00 Brothers in Law (b007k0z0)
Series 1
The First Brief
Rookie barrister Roger Thursby unwittingly aids a habitual fraudster.
Published in 1955, Henry Cecil's comic legal novel Brothers in Law was adapted first for TV in 1962 by Frank Muir and Denis Norden. It provided the first regular starring role for Richard Briers, who later reprised his role of the idealistic young lawyer Roger Thursby for BBC Radio between 1970 and 1972.
CAST:
Roger Thursby …. Richard Briers
Henry Blagrove …. Richard Waring
Sally Mannering …. Ann Davies
Grimes …. John Glyn-Jones
Green …. Kenneth Connor
The Judge …. John Le Mesurier
Other parts by Malcolm Hayes and Fredrick Treves.
Adapted for radio by Richard Waring from the BBC TV scripts.
Restored from BBC Transcription Service tapes - originally edited for sale abroad.
Producer: David Hatch.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1970.
MON 08:30 Legal, Decent, Honest and Truthful (b007jvq2)
Series 1
Episode 1
Ken Handley's got a problem. A big problem. Ken Handley's in advertising.
How will his pitch go to a motorway services chain?
Starring Martin Jarvis.
Guy Jenkin and Jon Canter’s satire set in the competitive world of advertising.
Ken Handley ...... Martin Jarvis
John 'Sandy' Beach ...... Christopher Godwin
Freddie ...... Lockwood West
Sheila ...... Sheila Steafel
June ...... Wendy Richard
Hitch Hiker ...... Vincent Brimble
Portly ...... Richard Bebb
Runcie ...... Simon Jones
With:
John Baddeley
Norma Ronald
David Tate
Michael Jayston
Bill Tatchell
Producer: Pete Atkin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1982.
MON 09:00 Dilemma (b01rgj1n)
Series 2
Episode 6
Sue Perkins puts Miles Jupp, Isa Guha, Annie Nightingale and Sarah Kendall through the moral and ethical wringer.
Amongst the dilemmas facing the panel, Sue asks BBC Radio 1 DJ Annie whether she'd sell embarrassing recordings of media mogul, Rupert Murdoch.
There are no "right" answers - but there are some deeply damning ones.
Devised by Danielle Ward.
Producer: Ed Morrish
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2013.
MON 09:30 Romantic Friction (b00764dy)
Love Hurts
As love blossoms for romance writer Anna, her characters become increasingly annoyed by the lack of authorial presence in their plot lines.
Not only does Anna keep having Lady Chatterley fantasies, but she's worried Brian only wants her as a friend...
Samantha Bond and Hugh Bonneville star in Michelle Read's 4-part comedy-drama
Anna ...... Samantha Bond
Brian ...... Hugh Bonneville
Deirdre ...... Beth Chambers
Fertility Doll ...... Adjoa Andoh
Brenda ...... Michelle Read
Buddah ...... Kammy Darweish
Bob ...... Andrew Wincott
Minnie ...... Sue Elliott-Nicholls
Book ...... Michael Fenton Stevens
Producer: Dawn Ellis
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2001.
MON 10:00 Evelyn Waugh - Put Out More Flags (m001fwx1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
MON 11:00 Hercule Poirot (b01073s1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 11:30 Patrick O'Brian - Master and Commander (b04t6q17)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 12:00 Dearest Squirrel - the John Osborne Letters (b09z3drq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 12:15 EM Forster - A Passage to India (m0003571)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
MON 12:30 Dot (b0714033)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 13:00 Brothers in Law (b007k0z0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 13:30 Legal, Decent, Honest and Truthful (b007jvq2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 14:00 Dilemma (b01rgj1n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
MON 14:30 Romantic Friction (b00764dy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
MON 15:00 Evelyn Waugh - Put Out More Flags (m001fwx1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
MON 16:00 Hercule Poirot (b01073s1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 16:30 Patrick O'Brian - Master and Commander (b04t6q17)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 17:00 Dearest Squirrel - the John Osborne Letters (b09z3drq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 17:15 EM Forster - A Passage to India (m0003571)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
MON 17:30 Dot (b0714033)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 18:00 Brothers in Law (b007k0z0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 18:30 Legal, Decent, Honest and Truthful (b007jvq2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 19:00 Dilemma (b01rgj1n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
MON 19:30 Romantic Friction (b00764dy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
MON 20:00 Radiolab (m000t57f)
Series 7
Dispatches From 1918
Radiolab is a Peabody-award winning show about curiosity. Where sound illuminates ideas, and the boundaries blur between science, philosophy, and the human experience.
It's hard to imagine what the world will look like when COVID-19 has passed. So in this episode, we look back to the years after 1918, at the political, artistic, and viral aftermath of the flu pandemic that killed between 50 and 100 million people and left our world permanently transformed.
With Jad Abumrad. This episode was reported and produced by Rachael Cusick, Tad Davis, Tracie Hunte, Matt Kielty, Latif Nasser, Sarah Qari, Pat Walters, Molly Webster, with production assistance from Tad Davis and Bethel Habte.
From WNYC. First broadcast on public radio in the USA in 2020.
MON 20:55 Inheritance Tracks (b05nxm75)
Adam Ant
Singer and musician Adam Ant chooses I Survived by Adam Faith and Get It On by Marc Bolan and T. Rex.
MON 21:00 Unreal: A Critical History of Reality TV (p0c70l4j)
1. The Social Experiment: Big Brother Is Watching You
Pandora Sykes and Sirin Kale wind back to Britain's first ‘official’ reality show, to look at how it became a global phenomenon, the importance of authenticity, and how Jade Goody created a new type of celebrity - famous for simply being herself. Featuring interviews with housemates Nick Bateman aka 'Nasty Nick' and Brian Dowling, and Big Brother's Creative Director Philip Edgar Jones, plus many more.
Producer: Hannah Hufford
Executive Producer: Pandora Sykes
Executive Editor: James Cook
Content Producer: Hannah Robins
Technical Producer: Giles Aspen
Archive credits:
Big Brother, Endemol UK
Candid Microphone, Colombia Pictures
Candid Camera, ABC Television
The Family, BBC
The Late Review, BBC
The Reunion, Whistledown
Jade: The Reality Star Who Changed Britain, Blast! Films
Stars in Their Eyes, Granada Television
Celebrity Big Brother, Endemol UK
Prime Ministers Questions, Parliamentary Recording Unit
Bigg Boss, Endemol Shine India
MON 22:00 I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue (m001fm9s)
Series 78
Episode 3
The nation's favourite wireless entertainment pays a visit to Croydon’s Fairfield Halls. Tony Hawks and Jo Brand compete against Marcus Brigstocke and Graeme Garden with Jack Dee in the chair. Colin Sell provides piano accompaniment.
Producer - Jon Naismith
It is a BBC Studios production
MON 22:30 Dave Podmore (b007s7x4)
Dave Podmore's World of Cricket
Episode 2
The player battles a case of libel based on an alleged encounter in a portable loo.
Sitcom about the exploits of talentless, amateurish, smug, inept and self-deluding English cricketer Dave Podmore.
Starring Chris Douglas and Andrew Nickolds with Chris Pavlo and Nicola Sanderson.
Written by Chris Douglas, Andrew Nickolds and Nick Newman.
Producer: Richard Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2002.
MON 23:00 The Now Show (m001fn6n)
Series 61
Episode 6
Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches. They're joined by Jamie MacDonald, Lucy Porter and Ed MacArthur.
Jamie MacDonald shares his experience of Disability History Month, Lucy Porter examines our increasingly secular population and Ed MacArthur is a PR consultant, rebranding famous faces.
The show was written by the cast with additional material from Aidan Fitzmaurice, Zoe Tomalin, Rachel E. Thorn and Cameron Loxdale.
Voice actors: George Fouracres and Lola Rose Maxwell
Sound: David Thomas
Sound assistant: Guy Marley
Executive Producer: Richard Morris
Producer: Sasha Bobak
Production Coordinator: Sarah Nicholls
A BBC Studios Production
MON 23:30 As Told To Craig Brown (b00b7qs7)
Episode 1
Craig Brown introduces a mixture of satire, social observation and nonsense.
Narrated by Juliet Stevenson and Steve Wright.
With John Humphrys, Ronni Ancona, Jon Culshaw, Lewis MacLeod, Ewan Bailey and Margaret Cabourn-Smith.
Producer: Victoria Lloyd
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2008.

TUESDAY 06 DECEMBER 2022

TUE 00:00 Evelyn Waugh - Put Out More Flags (m001fwx1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 on Monday]
TUE 01:00 Hercule Poirot (b01073s1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]
TUE 01:30 Patrick O'Brian - Master and Commander (b04t6q17)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Monday]
TUE 02:00 Dearest Squirrel - the John Osborne Letters (b09z3drq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Monday]
TUE 02:15 EM Forster - A Passage to India (m0003571)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 on Monday]
TUE 02:30 Dot (b0714033)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:00 Brothers in Law (b007k0z0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Monday]
TUE 03:30 Legal, Decent, Honest and Truthful (b007jvq2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Monday]
TUE 04:00 Dilemma (b01rgj1n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:30 Romantic Friction (b00764dy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Monday]
TUE 05:00 Evelyn Waugh - Put Out More Flags (m001fwwc)
2. Winter
Winter 1939. As war rages in Europe, upper-class loafer Basil Seal finds a way of exploiting evacuees.
Evelyn Waugh’s sixth novel, first published in 1942. The satire reprises characters found in previous novels such as ‘Decline and Fall’ and ‘Vile Bodies’
Dramatised in three parts by Denys Hawthorne.
Basil Seal .... Simon Cadell
Barbara .... Jenny Howe
Doris .... Lesley Sharp
Harkness .... Timothy Bateson
Mrs Harkness .... Auriol Smith
Alastair .... Simon Treves
Sonia .... Jane Whittenshaw
Ambrose Silk .... Steve Hodson
Bentley .... Hugh Dickson
Lady Seal .... Elizabeth Kelly
Sir Joshua Mainwaring .... Jack May
Poppet .... Joanna Myers
Sally .... Tara Dominick
Peter Pastmaster .... Michael Cochrane
Margot Metroland .... Mary Wimbush
Todhunter .... David King
Freddy .... Brian Miller
Narrator .... Tony Britton
with Michael Kilgarriff and Danny Schiller
Pianist: David King
Director: Jane Morgan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1990.
TUE 06:00 Hercule Poirot (b0107wtp)
Peril at End House
Episode 2
The Belgian sleuth and Captain Hastings attend Maggie Buckley's dinner party and make a startling discovery.
Agatha Christie's whodunit stars John Moffatt as Hercule Poirot.
Hercule Poirot …. John Moffatt
Captain Hastings …. Simon Williams
Nick Buckley …. Gemma Saunders
Frederica Rice …. Suzanna Hamilton
Mr Croft …. Terence Edmond
Mrs Croft …. Richenda Carey
Charles Vyse …. Stephen Critchlow
Maggie Buckley …. Elizabeth Conboy
Jimmy Lazarus …. Sean Arnold
Dramatist: Michael Bakewell
Director: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2000.
TUE 06:30 Patrick O'Brian - Master and Commander (b04t6q19)
2. The Question of Seamanship
1800, Rosia Bay, Gibraltar. Newly commissioned, Jack Aubrey tests the Sophie under sail, and Stephen's romantic notions of naval life are distinctly tarnished.
Dramatisation of Patrick O'Brian's popular Napoleonic seafaring adventure.
Starring Michael Troughton and Nigel Anthony.
Dramatised in six parts by Roger Danes.
Jack Aubrey ...... Michael Troughton
Stephen Maturin ...... Nigel Anthony
Molly Harte ...... Frances Jeater
Harte ...... Lloyd Johnson
Watt ...... Russell Floyd
Dorothea .... Nina Wadia
Mowett ..... Dominic Letts
Young Ricketts ...... Tom Bevan
Don McCorkindale ..... Wilkinson/Killick
Charlie Simpson ..... Charlie Simpson
David/Richards ..... Richard Pearce
Director: Adrian Bean
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1995.
TUE 07:00 Dearest Squirrel - the John Osborne Letters (b0b05vyz)
Episode 2
John Osborne denies that Look Back in Anger is at least in part autobiographical, despite significant resemblances to his early relationship with Pamela Lane.
A completely fresh insight into the mind of one of the UK's greatest playwrights, the letters between John Osborne and his first wife, actress Pamela Lane, are also a love letter to a now defunct system of repertory theatre and life in post-war Britain.
As these letters reveal, soon after their divorce, Osborne and Lane began a mutually supportive, loyal, frequently stormy and sometimes sexually intimate alliance lasting thirty years until Osborne's death. By the mid-1980s, they had become closer and more trusting than they had been since their earliest years together.
"You are for me what you always were," Pamela told him, "I am in love with you still."
It is, he declared, "my fortune to have loved someone for a lifetime."
Acerbic, witty, candid and heartbreaking, the letters reveal a unique relationship - troubled, tender and enduring.
The author, Peter Whitebrook, was born in London and has written and broadcast extensively on the theatre and literature. His co-adaptation of John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath won a Fringe First Award. His biography of John Osborne was nominated for both the Sheridan Morley Prize for biography and the Theatre Book Prize.
Read by Simon Shepherd and Amanda Root
Abridged by Polly Coles
Produced by Clive Brill
A Brill production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in April 2018.
TUE 07:15 EM Forster - A Passage to India (m00035tm)
Episode 2
Tanika Gupta's imaginative and bold adaptation of EM Forster's masterful novel.
Mrs Moore and Adela meet the members of the Chandrapore Club for the first time and Adela declares a wish to see the real India.
Mrs Moore ..…. Penelope Wilton
Adela …... Ellie Kendrick
Ronny ..…. Christopher Harper
Fielding …... Jonathan Firth
Mrs Callendar …... Susan Jameson
Mrs Turton ..…. Joanna Monro
Turton ..…. Tony Turner
English Club Member ..…. Michael Bertenshaw
English Club Member …... Joseph Ayre
English Club Member …... Don Gilet
English Club Member ..…. Franchi Webb
English Club Member ..…. Sarah Ovens
English Club Member …... Sam Dale
Director: Tracey Neale
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2019.
TUE 07:30 Ed Reardon's Week (b01f5mmk)
Series 8
Have a Great Weekend
He still hasn't any work, but Ed is finally able to able Ping's exhortations to "have a great weekend".
So he's enjoying weekendish things, like having a bath, and whistling.
The comical world of an author, pipe smoker, consummate fare-dodger and master of the abusive e-mail.
Starring Christopher Douglas.
Written by Christopher Douglas and Andrew Nickolds.
Ed Reardon ...... Christopher Douglas
Fiona ...... Jenny Agutter
Olive ...... Stephanie Cole
Jaz Milvain ...... Philip Jackson
Pearl ...... Rita May
Ping ...... Barunka O'Shaughnessy
Post Office Clerk ...... Nicola Sanderson
Kourier (stet) ...... Dan Tetsell
Stan ...... Geoffrey Whitehead
Producer: Dawn Ellis
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2012.
TUE 08:00 The Goon Show (b007jtj9)
Series 7
The Sleeping Prince
When Neddie Seagoon is made president of Yakabakoo, he tries to quell a revolution.
Groundbreaking, surreal BBC radio comedy written by Spike Milligan and Larry Stephens.
Starring:
Peter Sellers
Harry Secombe
Spike Milligan
First billed as Crazy People, ten series of The Goon Show were recorded between 1951 and 1960, but sadly many of the earliest shows weren’t kept in the archive.
With the Ray Ellington Quartet and Max Geldray.
Orchestra conducted by Wally Stott.
Announcer: Wallace Greenslade
Producer: Pat Dixon
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in February 1957.
TUE 08:30 In the Balance (b007k1yh)
Episode 4
Maverick BBC reporter George Cragge probes a deliberate poisoning.
Mark Tavener's sequel to his comedy thriller 'In the Red' set in the world of football, the BBC and party politics.
George Cragge …… Michael Williams
Superintendent Jefferson …… Barry Foster
Prime Minister …… Jeremy Clyde
John Matthews …… Jim Carter
Crispin Trent …… Robert Bathurst
With:
Tracy Ann Oberman
Peter Woodthorpe
Susie Brann
Christian Rodska
Geoffrey Whitehead
Keith Wickham
Ioan Meredith
Chris Pavlo
Shirley Dixon.
Music by Paul Mottram
Producer: Paul Schlesinger
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1997.
TUE 09:00 Who Goes There? (b00kfwbs)
Series 2
Episode 1
Martin Young chairs the quiz looking at lives of those who made it into the history books - and those who only enjoyed 15 minutes of fame...
Tackling the biographical teasers are team captains Francis Wheen and Fred Housego with guests Polly Toynbee and Miles Kington.
Producer: Aled Evans
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1998.
TUE 09:30 No Commitments (b007jnyh)
Series 7
A Family Lunch
Victoria's hopes for a happy birthday celebration are soon dashed.
Simon Brett’s sitcom about the lives and squabbles of three very different sisters.
Anna …. Rosemary Leach
Charlotte …. Celia Imrie
Victoria …. Angela Thorne
Roger …. Bill Nighy
Emily …. Lisa Coleman
Music by Elizabeth Parker of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop.
Producer: Maria Esposito
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2001.
TUE 10:00 Evelyn Waugh - Put Out More Flags (m001fwwc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
TUE 11:00 Hercule Poirot (b0107wtp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 11:30 Patrick O'Brian - Master and Commander (b04t6q19)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 12:00 Dearest Squirrel - the John Osborne Letters (b0b05vyz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 12:15 EM Forster - A Passage to India (m00035tm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
TUE 12:30 Ed Reardon's Week (b01f5mmk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 13:00 The Goon Show (b007jtj9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 13:30 In the Balance (b007k1yh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 14:00 Who Goes There? (b00kfwbs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
TUE 14:30 No Commitments (b007jnyh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
TUE 15:00 Evelyn Waugh - Put Out More Flags (m001fwwc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
TUE 16:00 Hercule Poirot (b0107wtp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 16:30 Patrick O'Brian - Master and Commander (b04t6q19)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 17:00 Dearest Squirrel - the John Osborne Letters (b0b05vyz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 17:15 EM Forster - A Passage to India (m00035tm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
TUE 17:30 Ed Reardon's Week (b01f5mmk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 18:00 The Goon Show (b007jtj9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 18:30 In the Balance (b007k1yh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 19:00 Who Goes There? (b00kfwbs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
TUE 19:30 No Commitments (b007jnyh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
TUE 20:00 TED Radio Hour (m001fwwg)
Series 9
Leave A Mark
A journey through fascinating ideas based on talks by riveting speakers on the TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) stage.
For millennia, humans have created artifacts of their lives — from art, to books, to music. Manoush Zomorodi explores ideas about capturing the ephemeral human experience for future generations to find.
First broadcast in the USA on National Public Radio in 2022.
TUE 20:50 Inheritance Tracks (m001fwwj)
Gabby Logan
BBC TV presenter Gabby Logan chooses Reach Out I'll Be There by the Four Tops and One Day Like This by Elbow.
TUE 21:00 Unreal: A Critical History of Reality TV (p0c71j2w)
2. The Talent Show Boom: Pop Idol and The X Factor
Sirin Kale and Pandora Sykes look at how three men called Simon are responsible for the gold rush of talent shows in the early noughties and why the format no longer feels fit for purpose.
Producer: Hannah Hufford
Executive Producer: Pandora Sykes
Executive Editor: James Cook
Content Producer: Hannah Robins
Technical Producer: Giles Aspen
Archive credits:
The X Factor, Fremantle Media
Britain’s Got Talent, Talkback Thames
Star Search, 2929 Productions
Popstars, Warner Bros. Television
Pop Idol, 19 Television
A Better Me: The Official Autobiography, Bolinda Publishing
Misha B video discussing her experiences on and after The X Factor
Cher Lloyd’s video on her X Factor experience
Walk The Line, Syco Entertainment
TUE 21:50 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b011ppq4)
Series 2
Nectar
The beautiful thick, sweet and luscious tasting delicacy of honey is one of the world's natural goodies.
Indigenous peoples from all over the world will go to great lengths to get the honey from wild bees - and for most of us less connected to the natural world, we love this product of bees bought from the shop.
Honey is nectar and David Attenborough poignantly points out this "was the first bribe in nature..." - it evolved 100,000,000 years ago with the flowering plants and drove the evolutionary relationship between animals and plants.
Written and presented by Sir David Attenborough.
Producer: Julian Hector.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2011.
TUE 22:00 Hennikay (m001fmj2)
Series 1
Grown-Up Stuff
Bill Bailey stars as Guy Starling, a middle aged man who, after 45 years, and for reasons quite unknown to him, is suddenly revisited by his imaginary childhood friend, Hennikay.
Time has passed and Hennikay is still inexplicably and maddeningly in Guy’s life. Every morning when he wakes up, his 11-year-old friend from 1976 is there, making a noisy mess, asking endless questions and generally being as annoying as all 11-year-boys were back in 1976.
And there is nothing Guy can do about it.
So, one Saturday morning, after a particularly typical Friday night out in Maidstone, a very hung-over Guy tries to lay down some adult ground rules to his unwanted housemate and educate him about life in the modern grown-up world.
But Guy’s grown-up modern world gets particularly complicated that morning when he discovers a strange woman in his spare bedroom and has no idea who she is or how she got there. Is she his imaginary girlfriend? Who keeps ordering mysterious boxes from Amazon? And when his boss’s suspicious wife turns up demanding to know where he was last night and what he was doing, why doesn’t he have a clue what to tell her?
If this is what modern life as a grown-up is really like, then young Hennikay is very unimpressed with how his old friend has turned out.
Cast:
Guy – Bill Bailey
Tony – Dave Lamb
Nikita - Polly Frame
Lyrissa - Tracy-Ann Oberman
Harry - Paul Panting
Hennikay – Max Pattison
Written by David Spicer
Producer: Liz Anstee
A CPL production for BBC Radio 4
TUE 22:30 Tina C (b06s0njv)
Tina C: Herstory
Episode 3
It's 2003 and Tina has geo-political aspirations, and a role promoting US values overseas.
Ritula Shah asks about Tina's role as a special advisor to US President George W Bush.
Written and performed by Christopher Green.
Additional voices:
Debra Baker
Leo Wan
The band: Duncan Walsh-Atkins, Mark Hardisty & Phil Wraith.
Producer: Victoria Lloyd.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2015.
TUE 23:00 My Teenage Diary (m000hvlp)
Series 9
Shazia Mirza
Rufus Hound returns for another series of honest, intimate and hilarious interviews, with famous guests reading from their genuine teenage diaries.
In the first episode of this series, Rufus talks to the comedian Shazia Mirza about her experiences growing up in a strict Muslim family in the UK. In her teenage diaries, the young Shazia Mirza describes arguing with her parents, getting a Saturday job in McDonalds, bumping into a Rick Astley lookalike in a pub and dreaming about becoming a grand slam tennis ace.
Producer: Harriet Jaine
A Talkback production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2020.
TUE 23:30 Children's Hour with Armstrong and Miller (b007jpyk)
Episode 2
Martin Bain-Jones and Craig Children do battle at a special music awards ceremony.
Ben Miller and Alexander Armstrong write and star in their first full-length radio comedy series.
With:
Charlie Condou
Melissa Lloyd
Tony Gardner
Written by Ben Miller, Alexander Armstrong, David Mitchell and Robert Webb.
Producer: Jon Rolph
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1998.

WEDNESDAY 07 DECEMBER 2022

WED 00:00 Evelyn Waugh - Put Out More Flags (m001fwwc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:00 Hercule Poirot (b0107wtp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:30 Patrick O'Brian - Master and Commander (b04t6q19)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Tuesday]
WED 02:00 Dearest Squirrel - the John Osborne Letters (b0b05vyz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Tuesday]
WED 02:15 EM Forster - A Passage to India (m00035tm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 on Tuesday]
WED 02:30 Ed Reardon's Week (b01f5mmk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:00 The Goon Show (b007jtj9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Tuesday]
WED 03:30 In the Balance (b007k1yh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Tuesday]
WED 04:00 Who Goes There? (b00kfwbs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:30 No Commitments (b007jnyh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Tuesday]
WED 05:00 Evelyn Waugh - Put Out More Flags (m001fwwm)
3. Spring
The war isn't turning out to be the opportunity that privileged loafer Basil expected it to be.
Evelyn Waugh’s sixth novel, first published in 1942. The satire reprises characters found in previous novels such as ‘Decline and Fall’ and ‘Vile Bodies’
Dramatised by Denys Hawthorne.
Basil Seal .... Simon Cadell
Lady Seal .... Elizabeth Kelly
Bomber .... Alan Thompson
Susie .... Zelah Clarke
Colonel Plum .... Nicholas Le Prevost
Molly .... Emma Gregory
Peter Pastmaster .... Michael Cochrane
Angela Lyne .... Marian Diamond
Margot Metroland .... Mary Wimbush
Poppet .... Joanna Myers
Ambrose Silk .... Steve Hodson
Bentley .... Hugh Dickson
Sir Joshua Mainwaring .... Jack May
Alastair .... Simon Treves
Sonia .... Jane Whittenshaw
Narrator .... Tony Britton
with Timothy Bateson, David King, Timothy Carlton and Danielle Allan
Pianist: David King
Director: Jane Morgan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1990.
WED 06:00 Hercule Poirot (b01084hc)
Peril at End House
Episode 3
Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot discovers the identity of the body - and then turns his attention to some old letters.
Agatha Christie's whodunit stars John Moffatt as Hercule Poirot.
Hercule Poirot …. John Moffatt
Captain Hasting …. Simon Williams
Nick Buckley …. Gemma Saunders
Frederica Rice …. Suzanna Hamilton
Ellen …. Hilda Schroder
George Challenger …. Andrew Wincott
Police Inspector …. David Thorpe
Dramatist: Michael Bakewell
Director: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2000.
WED 06:30 Patrick O'Brian - Master and Commander (b04t6q1c)
3. The Question of Loyalty
1800: The discipline of HMS Sophie's crew is tested and found to be wanting.
Dramatisation of Patrick O'Brian's popular Napoleonic seafaring adventure.
Starring Michael Troughton and Nigel Anthony.
Dramatised in six parts by Roger Danes.
Jack Aubrey ...... Michael Troughton
Stephen Maturin ...... Nigel Anthony
Marshall/Sir Harry Neale .... Neville Jason
Watt/Roche …..Russell Floyd
David Richards/Mdme Lemercier ..... Richard Pearce
Ricketts/Lemercier …..Peter Whitman
Day/Mangan/Judge Advocate …. Lloyd Johnston
Mowett/Musgrave/Cheslin ..…. Dominic Letts
James Dillon ….. Charlie Simpson
Wilkinson/Fitzgerald/Amrican Cptn .…. David Jarvis
Babbington ….. Danny Kanaber (Child)
Director: Adrian Bean
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1995.
WED 07:00 Dearest Squirrel - the John Osborne Letters (b0b05x96)
Episode 3
After separating from John Osborne, Pamela Lane experiences financial difficulties, brought on partly by a sudden lack of acting parts. But Osborne comes to the rescue.
A completely fresh insight into the mind of one of the UK's greatest playwrights, the letters between John Osborne and his first wife, actress Pamela Lane, are also a love letter to a now defunct system of repertory theatre and life in post-war Britain.
As these letters reveal, soon after their divorce, Osborne and Lane began a mutually supportive, loyal, frequently stormy and sometimes sexually intimate alliance lasting thirty years until Osborne's death. By the mid-1980s, they had become closer and more trusting than they had been since their earliest years together.
"You are for me what you always were," Pamela told him, "I am in love with you still."
It is, he declared, "my fortune to have loved someone for a lifetime."
Acerbic, witty, candid and heartbreaking, the letters reveal a unique relationship - troubled, tender and enduring.
The author, Peter Whitebrook, was born in London and has written and broadcast extensively on the theatre and literature. His co-adaptation of John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath won a Fringe First Award. His biography of John Osborne was nominated for both the Sheridan Morley Prize for biography and the Theatre Book Prize.
Read by Simon Shepherd and Amanda Root
Abridged by Polly Coles
Produced by Clive Brill
A Brill production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in April 2018.
WED 07:15 EM Forster - A Passage to India (m00035nb)
Episode 3
Tanika Gupta's imaginative and bold adaptation of EM Forster's masterful novel.
Adela and Mrs Moore look forward to the visit to Mr Fielding's. He seems so refreshingly different from the rest of their fellow patriots.
Mrs Moore …... Penelope Wilton
Dr Aziz ...... Shubham Saraf
Major Callendar …... Michael Bertenshaw
Ronny …... Christopher Harper
Fielding …... Jonathan Firth
Director: Tracey Neale
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2019.
WED 07:30 Relativity (m0001w39)
Series 2
Episode 1
The funeral of beloved grandmother Doris brings the family together in sorrow.
Chloe thinks this is the perfect time to share her and Ina’s forthcoming baby news - until she is unexpectedly pipped at the post.
Drawing on his own family, series two of Richard Herring’s comedy drama, builds on the warm, lively characters and family dynamics of the first series.
His affectionate observation of inter-generational misunderstanding, sibling sparring and the ties that bind will resonate with anyone who has ever argued with their dad about who the current Pope is.
Amid the comedy, Richard broaches some more serious highs and lows of family life.
Margaret …… Alison Steadman
Ken …… Phil Davis
Jane …… Fenella Woolgar
Ian …… Richard Herring
Chloe …… Emily Berrington
Pete …… Gordon Kennedy
Holly …… Tia Bannon
Mark …… Fred Haig
Nick …… Harrison Knights
Billy …… Danny Kirrane
Writer Richard Herring is a comedian, writer, blogger and podcaster and the world's premier semi-professional self-playing snooker player.
Sound Design by Eloise Whitmore
Produced by Polly Thomas
Executive Producers: Jon Thoday and Richard Allen Turner
An Avalon Television production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in January 2019.
WED 08:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jygy)
The Boxing Champion
When the lad hits the gym, he knocks down a prize boxer completely by chance - which gives Sid an idea...
Starring Tony Hancock.
With Moira Lister, Bill Kerr, Sidney James, Kenneth Williams and Paul Carpenter.
Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.
Theme and incidental music written by Wally Stott. Recorded by the BBC Revue Orchestra conducted by Harry Rabinowitz.
Producer: Dennis Main Wilson
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in November 1954.
WED 08:30 Life, Death and Sex with Mike and Sue (b007jq77)
Series 1
Families and Relationships
Radio's sofa-bound daytime presenter duo share some surprising items about smoking, underpants and old age.
Bill Dare's sitcom starring Robert Duncan as Mike and Julia Hills as Sue.
With Roger Blake, Mark Kilmurry, Sally Phillips and Dan Strauss.
Music by Mark Burton.
Producer: Pete Sinclair
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1996.
WED 09:00 Booked (b07llch7)
Series 4
Episode 6
Ian McMillan chairs the irreverent writing game.
Regular panellists Mark Thomas and Dillie Keane are joined by Roger McGough and Miles Kington.
Producer: Marc Jobst
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1998.
WED 09:30 Trevor's World of Sport (b00mjq8k)
Series 2
Episode 3
The sports agent's vain deluded client Ralph acquires every celeb's must have - a stalker. Stars Neil Pearson. From December 2005.
Stars Neil Pearson.
Andy Hamilton's comedy about an honourable sports agent in a dishonourable world.
Trevor …. Neil Pearson
Meryl.........Claire Skinner
Toby.........Matthew Thomas
Sammy …. Paul Reynolds
Ralph …. Michael Fenton Stevens
Theresa …. Rosalind Ayres
Heidrun …. Cosima Shaw
Barry …. Abdul Salis
Written and produced by Andy Hamilton
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2005.
WED 10:00 Evelyn Waugh - Put Out More Flags (m001fwwm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
WED 11:00 Hercule Poirot (b01084hc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 11:30 Patrick O'Brian - Master and Commander (b04t6q1c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 12:00 Dearest Squirrel - the John Osborne Letters (b0b05x96)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 12:15 EM Forster - A Passage to India (m00035nb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
WED 12:30 Relativity (m0001w39)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 13:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jygy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 13:30 Life, Death and Sex with Mike and Sue (b007jq77)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 14:00 Booked (b07llch7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
WED 14:30 Trevor's World of Sport (b00mjq8k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
WED 15:00 Evelyn Waugh - Put Out More Flags (m001fwwm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
WED 16:00 Hercule Poirot (b01084hc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 16:30 Patrick O'Brian - Master and Commander (b04t6q1c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 17:00 Dearest Squirrel - the John Osborne Letters (b0b05x96)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 17:15 EM Forster - A Passage to India (m00035nb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
WED 17:30 Relativity (m0001w39)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 18:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jygy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 18:30 Life, Death and Sex with Mike and Sue (b007jq77)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 19:00 Booked (b07llch7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
WED 19:30 Trevor's World of Sport (b00mjq8k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
WED 20:00 I Write the Gags - Barry Cryer (b06rfd7n)
1. Six Times A Day
The doyen of British comedy writers, Barry Cryer is in conversation with Steve Wright as he recalls the early part of his career including his very first job as a stand-up comedian at Soho's legendary Windmill Theatre - motto: 'we never clothed' - before moving into writing.
Since then his writing credits read like a history of British comedy since the 1960's. After a lengthy spell working with Danny La Rue, Barry moved into television with The Frost Report. This opened all sorts of doors as he went on to write for Tommy Cooper, Morecambe & Wise, The Two Ronnies, Stanley Baxter, Mike Yarwood, Jasper Carrott, Kenny Everett and many more.
He also collaborated with a number of American comedy greats in the glory days of Lew Grade's ATV. These included Bob Hope, Jack, Benny Phil Silvers and Phyllis Diller.
In his 80th year, Barry is still very much in demand as a writer, performer in his regular farewell tours, and as a long-serving panelist on BBC Radio 4's I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue.
Expect plenty of anecdotes on the many larger than life characters he has shared his professional life with over six decades in the entertainment world and a rare insight into the art and craft of the tough business of comedy writing.
Producer: Bob McDowall
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in 2015.
WED 21:00 Unreal: A Critical History of Reality TV (p0c71jkv)
3. The Wild West Years: There’s Something About Miriam and Who’s Your Daddy
Pandora Sykes and Sirin Kale deep-dive into some of reality TV’s most controversial shows in the early 2000s, exploring how the explosion in the genre caused ethics to fly out of the window. Featuring interviews with There's Something About Miriam's show creator and winning contestant, and many more.
Producer: Hannah Hufford
Executive Producer: Pandora Sykes
Executive Editor: James Cook
Content Producer: Hannah Robins
Technical Producer: Giles Aspen
Archive credits:
There’s Something About Miriam, Brighter Pictures
The Farm, Endemol UK
Shattered, Endemol UK
Who’s Your Daddy, 10 by 10 Entertainment
Harsh Reality: The Story of Miriam Rivera, Wondery
Big Brother, Endemol UK
Have I Got News For You, Hat Trick Productions
WED 21:50 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b010y0r7)
Series 2
Chimps
They say - David Attenborough reports - that we share more of our genes with chimpanzees than any other species alive today. And this proximity of Homo Sapiens to the chimpanzee motivated him even more to film behaviour never before seen.
It had been known for some time that chimps hunt monkeys for meat, but it would be a first to film it for TV audiences. To film such a hunt required days of waiting and tracking a troop through the Equatorial African forest - and when the hunt came and was over, it changed Sir David Attenborough's view of chimps and their importance to us, forever.
Written and presented by David Attenborough.
Producer: Julian Hector
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2011.
WED 22:00 Gossip and Goddesses with Granny Kumar (m001fn0n)
Series 2
Episode 2
Granny Kumar is back. After a very successful first series Meera Syal’s glorious comedy creation returns, with her great granddaughter Maya (Ambreen Razia) and arch nemesis “frenemy” Geeta (Harvey Virdi), to chat with the sisters.
"This entertaining anecdote-packed show... creating a party vibe that brings out the best in her female guests." The Observer
"It treads a fine line between the earnest and the rip-roaringly funny... It's the intimacy that makes it" Radio Times
Ummi Kumar gathers together her favourite extraordinary women at Wembley Community Centre, aided by her millennial great granddaughter Maya and her arch nemesis “frenemy” Geeta, leader of the local Asian Ladies Silver Bats community group.
The show is a women only party, where they share stories, laugh loads and chew the fat/dish the dirt/eat the laddoos… A blend of sitcom, silliness and improvised chat, led by the best kind of interviewers who know how to make anyone talk - two really nosey old Indian women.
This series, we’ll be inspired and entertained by
Episode 1: Casualty and Ackley Brisge star Sunetra Sarker, and BBC Breakfast presenter and journalist Naga Munchetty
Episode 2: Multi Olivier award winning actress Sharon D Clark, and stand-up comedian Shazia Mirza
Episode 3: Playwright and novelist Bonnie Greer, and We Are Lady Parts breakout star Anjana Vasan
Episode 4: Vigil and Sarah Jane Adventures star Anjli Mohindra, and musician and presenter Myleene Klass
Cast:
Ummi Kumar – Meera Syal
Geeta Bhandari – Harvey Virdi
Maya Kumar – Ambreen Razia
Written by Meera Syal
Music by Sanjeev Bhaskar
Producer: Liz Anstee
A CPL production, licensed by Hat Trick Productions, for BBC Radio 4
WED 22:30 Arthur Smith's Balham Bash (b00lp32n)
Series 1
Episode 3
Arthur Smith invites an audience into his home in Balham, south London, for music and comedy.
With comedians Nat Luurtsema, Seann Walsh and Micky Flanagan.
In the kitchen, Arthur learns a thing or two about rock 'n' roll from guest band Alabama 3 (responsible for the theme tune to The Sopranos).
Pippa Evans - as singer-songwriter Loretta Maine - lends a hand.
Producers: Sam Michell and Alison Vernon-Smith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2009.
WED 23:00 The Million Pound Radio Show (m001fwws)
Series 5
Episode 1
Making sense of sexual attraction and when is it right to distort the truth?
Sharp-edged topical humour in the most expensive show on radio.
Written by and starring Andy Hamilton and Nick Revell
With:
Jasper Jacob
Felicity Montagu
Producer: Paul Mayhew-Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1991.
WED 23:30 Radio 9 (b0401g9p)
Series 1
Episode 1
Welcome to Radio 9 - where Dark approaches Silly, shakes hands, then realises its trousers are round its ankles.
All set in a parallel universe just like ours, but different.
The first in a four-part series, written and performed by Johnny Daukes and Hils Barker.
With:
Sarah Walton
John Stevenson
Stefan Frank
Janice Vee
Matt Wilkinson
Michelle Gomez
Producers: Johnny Daukes and Katie Marsden
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2003.

THURSDAY 08 DECEMBER 2022

THU 00:00 Evelyn Waugh - Put Out More Flags (m001fwwm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 Hercule Poirot (b01084hc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:30 Patrick O'Brian - Master and Commander (b04t6q1c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 Dearest Squirrel - the John Osborne Letters (b0b05x96)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:15 EM Forster - A Passage to India (m00035nb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 on Wednesday]
THU 02:30 Relativity (m0001w39)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jygy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Wednesday]
THU 03:30 Life, Death and Sex with Mike and Sue (b007jq77)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 Booked (b07llch7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:30 Trevor's World of Sport (b00mjq8k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 Alexander (b007jx2h)
1. The King's Son
Baby Alexander is born and there's friction between King Philip of Macedon and Queen Olympias.
David Wade's six-part serial on the life of Alexander the Great.
Starring Barry Foster, Simon Ward and Geraldine James.
Translator: Richmond Lattimore
Spirit of Achilles ...... Barry Foster
Spirit of Patroclus ...... Simon Ward
King Philip of Macedon ...... Brian Cox
Queen Olympias ...... Geraldine James
Young Alexander ...... Sam Crane
Antipatros ...... David March
Demosthenes ...... Malcolm Sinclair
Lysimachos ...... Keith Drinkel
Young Hephaistion ...... Gary King
Aristander ...... Barry Gordon
Artabazus ...... Philip Anthony
Kleitos ...... John Evitts
Leonidas ...... John Webb
Pusanias ...... James Telfer
Menapis ...... David Thorpe
Hellanike ...... Patti Holloway
Barsine ...... Oona Beeson
Clotho ...... Rachel Atkins
Lachesis ...... Jill Graham
Atropos ...... Diana Payan
Music: Wilfredo Acosta
Director: Glyn Dearman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1993.
THU 06:00 Hercule Poirot (b010928t)
Peril at End House
Episode 4
Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot and Captain Hastings head to London to meet up with Chief Inspector Japp.
Agatha Christie's whodunit stars John Moffatt as Hercule Poirot.
Hercule Poirot …. John Moffatt
Captain Hastings …. Simon Williams
Frederica Rice …. Suzanna Hamilton
George Challenger …. Andrew Wincott
Nick Buckley …. Gemma Saunders
Mr Croft …. Terence Edmond
Mrs Croft …. Richenda Carey
Charles Vyse …. Stephen Critchlow
Doctor …. Mark Holloway
Chief Inspector Japp …. Bryan Pringle
Dramatist: Michael Bakewell
Director: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2000.
THU 06:30 Patrick O'Brian - Master and Commander (b04t6q1f)
4. The Question of Attraction
1800: Money is shown to be the root of all evil and Captain Jack Aubrey divides the men from the goats.
Dramatisation of Patrick O'Brian's popular Napoleonic seafaring adventure.
Starring Michael Troughton and Nigel Anthony.
Dramatised in six parts by Roger Danes.
Jack Aubrey ...... Michael Troughton
Stephen Maturin ...... Nigel Anthony
Marshall .... Neville Jason
Watt …..Russell Floyd
David Richards/Mdme Lemercier ..... Richard Pearce
Ricketts/Issac Wilson …..Peter Whitman
Ragusan Captain …. Lloyd Johnston
Musgrave ..…. Dominic Letts
James Dillon ….. Charlie Simpson
Wilkinson/Fitzgerald/Amrican Cptn .…. David Jarvis
Babbington ….. Danny Kanaber (Child)
Chastity Baird …..Margaret John
Molly Harte …. Francis Jeater
Mercedes ….. Kristin Milward
Wilkinson ….. Don McCorkingdale
Director: Adrian Bean
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1995.
THU 07:00 Dearest Squirrel - the John Osborne Letters (b0b05y2p)
Episode 4
Several wives in, John Osborne attempts a communication blackout with Pamela Lane, beset as they both are with personal and financial difficulties.
A completely fresh insight into the mind of one of the UK's greatest playwrights, the letters between John Osborne and his first wife, actress Pamela Lane, are also a love letter to a now defunct system of repertory theatre and life in post-war Britain.
As these letters reveal, soon after their divorce, Osborne and Lane began a mutually supportive, loyal, frequently stormy and sometimes sexually intimate alliance lasting thirty years until Osborne's death. By the mid-1980s, they had become closer and more trusting than they had been since their earliest years together.
"You are for me what you always were," Pamela told him, "I am in love with you still."
It is, he declared, "my fortune to have loved someone for a lifetime."
Acerbic, witty, candid and heartbreaking, the letters reveal a unique relationship - troubled, tender and enduring.
The author, Peter Whitebrook, was born in London and has written and broadcast extensively on the theatre and literature. His co-adaptation of John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath won a Fringe First Award. His biography of John Osborne was nominated for both the Sheridan Morley Prize for biography and the Theatre Book Prize.
Read by Simon Shepherd and Amanda Root
Abridged by Polly Coles
Produced by Clive Brill
A Brill production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in April 2018.
THU 07:15 EM Forster - A Passage to India (m000360l)
Episode 4
Tanika Gupta's imaginative and bold adaptation of EM Forster's masterful novel.
As Dr Aziz and his new friend, Fielding, wait for the arrival of Mrs Moore and Adela, Dr Aziz worries that no good will come of befriending English ladies.
Mrs Moore …... Penelope Wilton
Dr Aziz …... Shubham Saraf
Adela ..…. Ellie Kendrick
Fielding ..…. Jonathan Firth
Professor Godbole …... Thusitha Jayasundera
Ronny …... Christopher Harper
Director: Tracey Neale
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2019.
THU 07:30 Hazelbeach (b00ly7mv)
Series 2
Cleaner
Ronnie has a close encounter in Hull, while his hapless friend Nick invents a new sport.
Caroline and David Stafford's comedy about likeable conman Ronnie Hazelbeach starring Jamie Forman.
Ronnie Hazelbeach ...... Jamie Foreman
Nick ...... Paul Bazely
James ...... Neil Stuke
Chloe ...... Tracy Wiles
Doctor Helmut ...... Stephen Hogan
Director: Marc Beeby
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2009.
THU 08:00 The Burkiss Way (b00jr7g2)
Series 2
Become a Rock Star The Burkiss Way
Starting at the end, this show is brought to you in reverse order.
The Burkiss Way to Dynamic Living - radio's Funky Correspondence Course.
With heavy sounds from Jo Kendall, Nigel Rees, Chris Emmett and Fred Harris.
Meaningful words from Andrew Marshall and David Renwick.
With producer Simon Brett getting it all together.
Cult sketch show first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1977.
THU 08:30 The Older Woman (b039tqfd)
Series 2
Episode 4
Roy Hitchcock is a hack journalist on a provincial paper with big ideas and an attitude problem.
When he meets his former English teacher, his private fantasies get a new lease of life as he sets out to win her against all the odds - including staying in a caravan in her garden.
Starring Geraldine James and Martin Clunes.
Tony Bagley's romantic comedy drama serial with a twist.
Roy.................Martin Clunes
Jane..............Geraldine James
Chad.............Nicky Henson
Colin.............David Troughton
Marina..........Tilly Vosburgh
Win................Sue Roderick
Other parts were played by Melanie Hudson, Peter Serafinowcz and Alistair McGowan
Music composed by Julian Wostall
Theme sung by Toyah Willcox
Producer: Paul Schlesinger
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1994.
THU 09:00 The Unbelievable Truth (m0003td2)
Series 22
Episode 1
David Mitchell hosts the panel game in which four comedians are encouraged to tell lies and compete against one another to see how many items of truth they're able to smuggle past their opponents.
Richard Osman, Holly Walsh, Luisa Omielan and Jack Dee are the panellists obliged to talk with deliberate inaccuracy on subjects as varied as mice, Las Vegas, Beyonce and rubbish.
Produced by Jon Naismith
A Random Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in April 2019.
THU 09:30 Clare in the Community (b008tp1z)
Series 4
And the Winner Is...
Nominations are required for the Social Worker of the Year Award.
While Clare hates mutual back-slapping as much as the next person, she uses all her powers of manipulation to influence the matter....
Comedy by Harry Venning and David Ramsden. Clare Barker is a social worker with all the politically correct jargon but none of the practical solutions.
Clare ...... Sally Phillips
Brian ...... Alex Lowe
Ray ...... Richard Lumsden
Helen ...... Gemma Craven
Irene ...... Ellen Thomas
Megan ...... Nina Conti
Simon ...... Andrew Wincott
Stanley ...... Martin Hyder.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2008.
THU 10:00 Alexander (b007jx2h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
THU 11:00 Hercule Poirot (b010928t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 11:30 Patrick O'Brian - Master and Commander (b04t6q1f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 12:00 Dearest Squirrel - the John Osborne Letters (b0b05y2p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 12:15 EM Forster - A Passage to India (m000360l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
THU 12:30 Hazelbeach (b00ly7mv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 13:00 The Burkiss Way (b00jr7g2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 13:30 The Older Woman (b039tqfd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 14:00 The Unbelievable Truth (m0003td2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
THU 14:30 Clare in the Community (b008tp1z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
THU 15:00 Alexander (b007jx2h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
THU 16:00 Hercule Poirot (b010928t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 16:30 Patrick O'Brian - Master and Commander (b04t6q1f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 17:00 Dearest Squirrel - the John Osborne Letters (b0b05y2p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 17:15 EM Forster - A Passage to India (m000360l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
THU 17:30 Hazelbeach (b00ly7mv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 18:00 The Burkiss Way (b00jr7g2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 18:30 The Older Woman (b039tqfd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 19:00 The Unbelievable Truth (m0003td2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
THU 19:30 Clare in the Community (b008tp1z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
THU 20:00 I Write the Gags - Barry Cryer (b06s9sp9)
2. Under The Influence
The doyen of British comedy writers, Barry Cryer is in conversation with Steve Wright as he looks back on six decades of a career with a list of writing credits that reads like a who's who of comedy. These include Les Dawson, Bruce Forsyth, Tommy Cooper, Morecambe & Wise, The Two Ronnies, Russ Abbot, Bobby Davro, Kenny Everett and many more.
Recorded in his 80th year, when Barry was still very much in demand as a writer, performer in his frequent and regular farewell tours, and as a long-serving panellist on BBC Radio 4's I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue.
Expect plenty of anecdotes on the many larger than life characters he has shared his professional life, with over six decades in the entertainment world and a rare insight into the art and craft of the tough business of comedy writing.
Produced by Bob McDowell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in 2015.
THU 21:00 Unreal: A Critical History of Reality TV (p0c71k7k)
4. The Makeover Era: The Swan and What Not To Wear
Sirin Kale and Pandora Sykes explore how the rise in cosmetic surgery collided with reality TV, and laid the foundations for our current preoccupation with self-improvement. Featuring interviews with The Swan's show creator and contestant, and many more.
Producer: Hannah Hufford
Executive Producer: Pandora Sykes
Executive Editor: James Cook
Content Producer: Hannah Robins
Technical Producer: Giles Aspen
Archive credits:
The Swan, Galan Entertainment
What Not to Wear, BBC
Friday Night with Jonathan Ross, Hot Sauce
Parkinson, BBC
THU 22:00 ReincarNathan (m001fmwb)
Series 3
Bonobo
Nathan Blakely was a popstar. But he was useless, died, and was reincarnated. The comedy about Nathan’s adventures in the afterlife continues, starring Daniel Rigby, Ashley McGuire and guest-starring Amy-Beth Hayes and Mike Wozniak.
In episode 3, Nathan is brought back to life as a lovesick Bonobo Ape, who’s escaped from Whipsnood Zoo and made it to Paris on the Eurostar. There, his plan is to sabotage the wedding of his human girlfriend, Susan.
Cast:
Ashley McGuire - Carol
Daniel Rigby – Nathan
Tom Craine – Deliveroo Driver, Banana, Pigeon
Amy-Beth Hayes – Dr Germentrude
Henry Paker – Phil
Freya Parker – Susan
Mike Wozniak – Norman Borman
Writers: Tom Craine and Henry Paker
Producer: Harriet Jaine
Sound: Jerry Peal
Music Composed by: Phil Lepherd
A Talkback production for BBC Radio 4
THU 22:30 Wrinkles (m001fwxb)
Series 1
Episode 5
How do you stop your dog from being sarcastic? What is the world record for running three lengths of an empty swimming pool?
Is silent radio one of the new BBC cutbacks?
Wrinkles provides the answers to questions you never asked.
From the creators of Red Dwarf, comedy starring Tom Mennard and Anthea Askey.
Winston........Ballard Berkeley
Mr Pettigrew....David Ross
Written by Rob Grant and Doug Naylor
Produced by Mike Craig, BBC Manchester
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1980.
THU 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m001gb64)
Nathan Foad 2/2
From 10.00pm until midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Sarah Campbell chats to Nathan Foad.
THU 23:00 Steven Appleby's Normal Life (b00807sc)
Series 1
Normal Kids
Cartoonist Steven unearths an alien conspiracy to turn the world into a holiday camp for kids.
Starring Paul McCrink as Steven Appleby.
Featuring Rachel Atkins, Ewan Bailey, Nigel Betts and Rosalind Paul.
Written by Steven Appleby
Producer: Toby Swift
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2001.
THU 23:15 Hamish and Dougal: You'll Have Had Your Tea (b0080273)
Series 1
The Shooting Party
The elderly Scotsmen assist the Laird with armaments for shooting out on the moors.
Barry Cryer and Graeme Garden star as the two elderly 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, Mrs Naughtie - and Lady Caroline Fitzneatly.
And Jeremy Hardy as the local Laird.
Producer: Jon Naismith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2002.
THU 23:30 Tom Wrigglesworth's Hang-Ups (b04ps720)
Series 2
Running on Empty
Tom Wrigglesworth is worried for his health with his invite to an adventure-packed stag weekend of "coasteering" – where you hurl yourself off tall rocks into the sea!
But that's nothing compared with what his dad’s preparing himself for: the Sheffield marathon. An event he's decided to enter to get one over on the next door neighbour...
With Kate Anthony, Paul Copley and Judy Parfitt.
Written by Tom Wrigglesworth and James Kettle. With Miles Jupp.
Producer: Katie Tyrrell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2014.

FRIDAY 09 DECEMBER 2022

FRI 00:00 Alexander (b007jx2h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 Hercule Poirot (b010928t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:30 Patrick O'Brian - Master and Commander (b04t6q1f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 Dearest Squirrel - the John Osborne Letters (b0b05y2p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:15 EM Forster - A Passage to India (m000360l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 on Thursday]
FRI 02:30 Hazelbeach (b00ly7mv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 The Burkiss Way (b00jr7g2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Thursday]
FRI 03:30 The Older Woman (b039tqfd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 The Unbelievable Truth (m0003td2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:30 Clare in the Community (b008tp1z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 Alexander (b007jx2n)
2. I am Also Alexander
Alexander is used as a pawn in the war between his parents, and is educated by Aristotle.
Starring Michael Maloney, Barry Foster and Simon Ward.
David Wade's serial on the life of Alexander the Great.
Alexander ...... Michael Maloney
Spirit of Achilles ...... Barry Foster
Spirit of Patroclus ...... Simon Ward
King Philip of Macedon ...... Brian Cox
Young Alexander ...... Sam Crane
Hephaistion ...... Alex Jennings
Young Hephaistion ...... Gary King
Queen Olympias ...... Geraldine James
Aristotle ...... John Moffat
Demosthenes ...... Malcolm Sinclair
Lysimachos ...... Keith Drinkel
Leonidas ...... John Webb
Ptolemy ...... Julian Rhind-Tutt
Philotas ...... Michael Onslow
Pusanias ...... James Telfer
Menapis ...... David Thorpe
Aristander ...... Barry Gordon
Demaratos ...... John Evitts
Music: Wilfredo Acosta
Director: Glyn Dearman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1993.
FRI 06:00 Hercule Poirot (b0109byt)
Peril at End House
Episode 5
Hercule Poirot summons everyone to End House. Can the Belgian sleuth finally unmask the murderer?
Agatha Christie's whodunit stars John Moffatt as Hercule Poirot.
Hercule Poirot …. John Moffatt
Captain Hastings …. Simon Williams
Frederica Rice …. Suzanna Hamilton
George Challenger …. Andrew Wincott
Nick Buckley …. Gemma Saunders
Mr Croft …. Terence Edmond
Mrs Croft …. Richenda Carey
Charles Vyse …. Stephen Critchlow
Chief Inspector Japp …. Bryan Pringle
Jimmy Lazarus …. Sean Arnold
Dramatist: Michael Bakewell
Director: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2000.
FRI 06:30 Patrick O'Brian - Master and Commander (b04t6q1h)
5. The Question of Principle
1800: difficult decision for Jack Aubrey, as the life of a member of the crew is weighed against prize money.
Dramatisation of Patrick O'Brian's popular Napoleonic seafaring adventure.
Starring Michael Troughton and Nigel Anthony.
Dramatised in six parts by Roger Danes.
Jack Aubrey ...... Michael Troughton
Stephen Maturin ...... Nigel Anthony
Master Henry Ellis ….Nic Knight
Molly Harte …. Frances Jeater
James Dillon….Charlie Simpson
Judge Advocate ….Lloyd Johnston
Watt….Russell Floyd
Marshall….Neville Jason
Babbington….Danny Kanaber (Child)
Lord Keith…. Gavin Muir
Mowett…. Dominic Letts
George Ricketts….Peter Whitman
Charles Ricketts….Tom Bevan
Director: Adrian Bean
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1995.
FRI 07:00 Dearest Squirrel - the John Osborne Letters (b0b05ywf)
Episode 5
Despite many periods of separation, John Osborne and Pamela Lane managed to remain in love, although Pamela's increasing requests for money took their toll on the relationship.
A completely fresh insight into the mind of one of the UK's greatest playwrights, the letters between John Osborne and his first wife, actress Pamela Lane, are also a love letter to a now defunct system of repertory theatre and life in post-war Britain.
As these letters reveal, soon after their divorce, Osborne and Lane began a mutually supportive, loyal, frequently stormy and sometimes sexually intimate alliance lasting thirty years until Osborne's death. By the mid-1980s, they had become closer and more trusting than they had been since their earliest years together.
"You are for me what you always were," Pamela told him, "I am in love with you still."
It is, he declared, "my fortune to have loved someone for a lifetime."
Acerbic, witty, candid and heartbreaking, the letters reveal a unique relationship - troubled, tender and enduring.
The author, Peter Whitebrook, was born in London and has written and broadcast extensively on the theatre and literature. His co-adaptation of John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath won a Fringe First Award. His biography of John Osborne was nominated for both the Sheridan Morley Prize for biography and the Theatre Book Prize.
Read by Simon Shepherd and Amanda Root
Abridged by Polly Coles
Produced by Clive Brill
A Brill production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in April 2018.
FRI 07:15 EM Forster - A Passage to India (m00036km)
Episode 5
Tanika Gupta's imaginative and bold adaptation of EM Forster's masterful novel.
Ronny's rude behaviour towards Fielding and Dr Aziz has dismayed both Mrs Moore and Adela. But Ronny is relieved when Adela decides she still wants to marry him. And Aziz has a dilemma.
Mrs Moore …... Penelope Wilton
Dr Aziz …... Shubham Saraf
Hamidullah ...... Nicholas Khan
Servant ...... Ronny Jhutti
Fielding ..…. Jonathan Firth
Director: Tracey Neale
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2019.
FRI 07:30 Josie Long: Romance and Adventure (b075tddy)
Series 1
Episode 2
Josie swears off romance and almost immediately finds herself in a budding relationship with Darren's former flatmate, Roddy.
Comedy drama from award-winning comedian Josie Long about a young woman trying to build a new, more fulfilling life for herself in Glasgow.
Based on characters from the short films "Romance and Adventure" and "Let's Go Swimming" by Josie Long and Douglas King.
Josie ...... Josie Long
Darren ...... Darren Osborne
Roddy ...... Sanjeev Kohli
Kerry ...... Hatty Ashdown
Eleanor ...... Clare Grogan
Chris ...... Michael Bertenshaw
Janie ...... Georgie Glen
Mona ...... Rebecca Hamilton
Fraser ...... Chris Pavlo
Written by Josie Long.

Producer: Colin Anderson
A BBC Radio Comedy production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in April 2016.
FRI 08:00 Parsley Sidings (b01ntnsd)
Series 1
The Postal Express
Parsley Sidings' Station Master Horace Hepplewhite hopes a new automated mail system will save the sleepy halt in a trial with his deadly rival.
CAST:
Horace Hepplewhite …. Arthur Lowe
Bert Heplewhite …. Ian Lavender
Percy Valentine/Bradshaw/The Vicar …. Kenneth Connor
Gloria Simpkins …. Liz Fraser
Re-created Announcements …. Keith Skues
Jim Eldridge's eponymous series is set in a sleepy railway station. The Hepplewhites have run Parsley Sidings station for generations and the current Station Master, Horace, hopes that his son Bert will continue the line. Mild-mannered Ticket Clerk Bert wants to work anywhere but on the railways. His colleague, Station Announcer Gloria Simpkins, secretly loves him. Porter Percy Valentine is an archetypal wheeler-dealer and the ancient Signalman, Bradshaw, causes havoc and dispenses home-made remedies in equal measure. The Parsley Sidings nemesis is Phineas Perkins, the station master of Potwhistle Halt, one stop down the line.
Re-created Announcements by Keith Skues.
Producer: Edward Taylor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in December 1971.
FRI 08:30 Married (b0084rct)
Series 3
Episode 5
Robin has encountered many strange phenomena since the universes collided. Now he's got to contend with two Arthur Smiths for the price of one.
Hugh Bonneville stars in Tony Bagley's comedy about a confirmed bachelor Robin Lightfoot dealing with life in a parallel universe.
Robin .... Hugh Bonneville
Lesley .... Josie Lawrence
Dirk .... Stephen Frost
Maxine .... Ann Gosling
Alan .... Christopher Kelham
Ned .... Sam Bradley
Arthur Smith .... Himself
Producer: Claire Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2001.
FRI 09:00 Act Your Age (b00fr1tp)
Series 1
Episode 2
Simon Mayo hosts a three-way play-off to establish which generation of comedians is the funniest.
Captains Jon Richardson, Lucy Porter and Roy Walker are joined by guests Milton Jones, Sarah Millican and Adrian Walsh.
Producers: Ashley Blaker and Bill Matthews
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2008.
FRI 09:30 Bleak Expectations (b00d45vn)
Series 2
A Restoration Re-Ruined Only Even Worse
As the Victorian comic epic continues, Pip finds himself heavily in debt when he has to bribe the whole of the House of Commons not to hang him. But has he found true love at last in the form of wealthy Southern belle Talullah Not-A-Man?
Or is it some sort of fiendishly subtle plot hatched by an evil villain in a frock.
Mark Evans's epic comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.
Volume Two, Chapter the Fourth: a Restoration Re-Ruined Only Even Worse.
Sir Philip...........................Richard Johnson
Mr Benevolent........................Anthony Head
Young Pip..................................Tom Allen
Sternbeater...................Geoffrey Whitehead
Harry Biscuit......................James Bachman
Ripely Fecund......................Sarah Hadland
Pippa/Woman............................Susy Kane
The Bailiff................................Mark Evans
Producer: Gareth Edwards.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2008.
FRI 10:00 Alexander (b007jx2n)
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FRI 11:00 Hercule Poirot (b0109byt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 11:30 Patrick O'Brian - Master and Commander (b04t6q1h)
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FRI 12:00 Dearest Squirrel - the John Osborne Letters (b0b05ywf)
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FRI 12:15 EM Forster - A Passage to India (m00036km)
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FRI 12:30 Josie Long: Romance and Adventure (b075tddy)
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FRI 13:00 Parsley Sidings (b01ntnsd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 13:30 Married (b0084rct)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 14:00 Act Your Age (b00fr1tp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
FRI 14:30 Bleak Expectations (b00d45vn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
FRI 15:00 Alexander (b007jx2n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
FRI 16:00 Hercule Poirot (b0109byt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 16:30 Patrick O'Brian - Master and Commander (b04t6q1h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 17:00 Dearest Squirrel - the John Osborne Letters (b0b05ywf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 17:15 EM Forster - A Passage to India (m00036km)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
FRI 17:30 Josie Long: Romance and Adventure (b075tddy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 18:00 Parsley Sidings (b01ntnsd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 18:30 Married (b0084rct)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 19:00 Act Your Age (b00fr1tp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
FRI 19:30 Bleak Expectations (b00d45vn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
FRI 20:00 The Secretaries of Juliet (b04xnczn)
Every year, 10,000 lovelorn people write to Juliet, Shakespeare's great romantic heroine. Some leave their letters in a postbox at the "House of Juliet", a museum in Verona. Others simply address them to "Juliet, Verona, Italy". Someone has to answer those letters, and the task falls to a committee of a dozen local women who style themselves "The Secretaries of Juliet".
Some of the letters celebrate love, but most of them are sad. The Secretaries, all of them volunteers, try to answer all letters, even those that are not written in Italian or English. Sometimes there is a backlog while they hunt for a local speaker of, say Russian. Despite the unremitting sadness of the letters (and in some cases their own personal experiences), all the Secretaries are incurable romantics by disposition.
Jolyon Jenkins travels to Verona to meet the Secretaries, and finds himself unexpectedly co-opted as a temporary secretary. How to answer the American woman facing marriage and asking how to be a submissive wife? What about the 15-year-old girl needing to choose between her dull but safe boyfriend and the "bad boy who offers rampant lust"? Are the correspondents really looking for advice or do they just want empathy and reassurance?
Producer/presenter: Jolyon Jenkins
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2015.
FRI 20:30 Soul Music (m00070b2)
Series 28
Wind of Change
“I follow the Moskva, down to Gorky Park… listening to the wind of change.”
The German rock band Scorpions’ lead singer Klaus Meine was inspired to write Wind of Change at a rock festival in Moscow in the summer of 1989. Politics were rapidly shifting in the Soviet Union at the time as a result of Mikhail Gorbachev’s reforms. Recalling the peaceful yet revolutionary atmosphere at the concerts, Klaus said “there was a whole new generation of Russian kids that said the Cold War would be over soon - we could literally feel the world changing in front of our eyes”.
No one had any idea that the Berlin wall would come down only a few months later. Wind of Change was released in 1990, and has since become an unofficial anthem for the end of the Cold War and the reunification of Germany in 1991. The power ballad is one the best-selling singles in history, and popular all over the world.
Featuring interviews with lead singer of the Scorpions Klaus Meine, Russian rock musician Stas Namin, and true stories of what the song means to people who lived in the former USSR.
Producer: Sophie Anton
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2019.
FRI 21:00 Unreal: A Critical History of Reality TV (p0c71kz2)
5. The Birth of Scripted Reality: Laguna Beach & The Hills
Pandora Sykes and Sirin Kale tread a nostalgic path back to their teenage years and The Hills, which birthed reality’s first wave of lifestyle influencers. Featuring interviews with Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag, and many more.
Producer: Hannah Hufford
Executive Producer: Pandora Sykes
Executive Editor: James Cook
Content Producer: Hannah Robins
Technical Producer: Giles Aspen
Archive credits:
The OC, Wonderland Sound and Vision
Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County, Go Go Luckey Productions
The Hills, Done and Done Productions
Nightline, ABC News Productions
Velvet’s Edge with Kelly Henderson, Nashville Podcast Network
FRI 21:50 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b0106x58)
Series 2
Identities
You get a very different insight into the natural world when you have the opportunity to study the behaviour of individual animals.
Sir David Attenborough recalls with sumptuous delight spotting a blackbird in his garden with a white feather - "whitey" - giving him a window into the life of blackbirds and what's more, that individual. And, he says, he saw what blackbirds get up to!
David remembers filming spiders and filming chimpanzees, both of which benefited from someone knowing about the individuals - and whether you're a spider or a chimpanzee, you have a personality all of your own.
Written and presented by David Attenborough
Producer: Julian Hector
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2011.
FRI 22:00 Now You're Asking with Marian Keyes and Tara Flynn (m001fvsb)
The Bully Father-in-Law Problem
A woman bullied by her father-in-Law, a grieving widow and an anxious midwifery student get help from Marian Keyes and Tara Flynn in the popular advice series. As ever, life is addressed from every angle, with trademark wisdom and good humour, by our hosts.
From dilemmas about life, love and grief, to the perils of laundry or knowing what to say at a boring dinner, we’ll find out what Marian and Tara would recommend - which might not solve the problem exactly, but will make us all feel a bit better.
Recorded in Dublin with emails received from listeners around the world, the hosts invite you to pull up a chair at their virtual kitchen table as they read and digest their inbox.
Got a problem you want Marian and Tara to solve? Email: marianandtara@bbc.co.uk.
Producer: Steve Doherty.
A Giddy Goat production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.
FRI 22:30 Mitch Benn's Crimes Against Music (b0076yxj)
Series 3
Episode 4
Mitch Benn and his band are stranded on a mysterious desert island after an unfortunate in-flight alpaca barbecue incident.
This gives Mitch an opportunity to sing a touching love song to his own guitar, for Kirsty Newton sings about bright new worlds and some of the other survivors have a very dark secret.
It's music, comedy and a harsh fight for existence on a mysterious island.
Stars Mitch Benn, with Robin Ince,
With Brendon Burns, Tasha Baylis, Kirsty Newton and Steven Kynman.
Producer: Adam Bromley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2006.
FRI 23:00 The Penny Dreadfuls (b00gpbcj)
The Brothers Faversham
Horatius Faversham
The tale of Victorian Britain's most decorated soldier - Horatius Faversham.
The comedy sketch trio present swashbuckling tales of four brothers born into the same privileged aristocratic family - Horatius, Theseus, Leonidas and Augustus.
Written by and starring Humphrey Ker, David Reed and Thom Tuck.
Alexandra Faversham ... Ingrid Oliver
Narrator... Miles Jupp.
Producer: Julia McKenzie
Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in January 2008.
FRI 23:30 James Acaster's Perfect Sounds (p0bx6p2r)
Series 2
Thanyia Moore, Illusion & Destruction
Mahoroboshiya by Japanese folk singer Ichiko Aoba is an album with such a delicate and intimate feel that James can't help but relax to it.
However, is it enough to chill '90s R'n'B-loving Thanyia Moore?