SATURDAY 29 APRIL 2023

SAT 00:00 All the Dark Corners (b015zrrz)
The Dying Wish by Rosemary Kay
Fran and her partner Abe are befriended by a lonely old woman, Joy, who lives in the flat above.
Joy persuades them to perform an ancient ritual after she's died. They unwittingly agree without realising the terrifying consequences of their action.
A quest for eternal life and the living dead permeate this chilling tale of horror.
Starring Sarah Smart.
Series of three chilling plays.
Written by Rosemary Kay.
Fran ..... Sarah Smart
Abe ..... Jonathan Keeble
David ..... Robert Pickavance
Joy ..... Janice McKenzie
Jack ..... James Quin
Director: Pauline Harris
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2011.
SAT 00:45 Algernon Blackwood's Ghost Stories (m001lcdx)
5. The Glamour Of The Snow
A tourist at a mountain ski resort becomes captivated by a mysterious young woman.
Selection of supernatural tales by English short-story writer Algernon Blackwood.
Abridged by Fiona McAlpine
Read by Hugh Ross.
Director: Clive Brill
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2006.
SAT 01:00 Emily Bronte - Wuthering Heights (b007jlm7)
5. Catherine's Plight
Catherine has been forced by Heathcliff to marry his ailing son Linton, so that he will be master of Thrushcross Grange and Wuthering Heights.
Starring John Duttine and Emma Fielding.
Conclusion of Emily Bronte's tale of passion, jealousy and revenge.
Dramatised by Bryony Lavery.
Heathcliff ...... John Duttine
Catherine Linton ...... Emma Fielding
Nellie Dean ...... Sharon Duce
Mr Lockwood ...... David Collings
Hareton ...... Gary Cady
Joseph ..... Steve Hodson
Dr Kenneth ...... John Hartley
Zillah ...... Becky Hindley
Ghost of Cathy ...... Amanda Root
Producer: Janet Whitaker.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1995.
SAT 02:00 The Quarry (m0010y1j)
5. Truth Revealed
Why did Reinke shout "let it burn?"
The chilling secret behind Douglas and Penelope's painting is finally revealed...
Stars Barry Foster, Penelope Lee and Frederick Schrecker.
Conclusion of the thriller serial by Jon Rollason and Keith Williams.
Douglas Shemley .... Barry Foster
Penelope Shemley …. Penelope Lee
Simon Shaft .... Roddy Maude-Roxby
Reinke .... Frederick Schrecker
Paul .... Andrew Sachs
Ruth .... Isabel Rennie
American .... Peter Marinker
Hotel Receptionist .... Glyn Dearman
Producer: John Tydeman
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in February 1965.
SAT 02:30 Raffles (m0001p3l)
Series 2
5. A Trap To Catch A Cracksman
When an American pugilist boasts of inventing a trap to catch the cleverest cracksman alive, it’s a challenge Raffles is quite unable to resist - with disastrous consequences...
Starring Jeremy Clyde.
EW Hornung's Raffles stories about the 'gentleman thief'.
Dramatised by David Buck.
AJ Raffles ...... Jeremy Clyde
Bunny Manders ...... Michael Cochrane
Inspector Mackenzie ...... Henry Stamper
Maguire ...... Alan Tilvern
Hambone ...... Peter Banks
Cruncher ...... Michael Deacon
Ruby ...... Frances Jeater
Cabbie ...... Alan Dudley.
Signature tune composed by Jim Parker.
Director: Gordon House
A BBC Radio 4/ BBC World Service production first broadcast in June 1988.
SAT 03:00 Red Thread: On Mazes and Labyrinths by Charlotte Higgins (b0bclw3j)
5. Nature
Charlotte Higgins turns her attention from man-made mazes and discusses the magical properties of some mazes made by nature (but featured in art)
From the dark, impenetrable forests of the Grimms' fairy tales, to the snow-bowed pines of CS Lewis's Narnia, to the haunting and mysterious moonlit woods of Paolo Uccello's 15th-century painting The Hunt in the Forest at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, "the first picture I dared to try to write about."
There are also some powerfully evocative childhood memories of a farm near her family home in Staffordshire, and the woods beside it which stretched down to the motorway that cut through the valley:
"I loved those woods, but they frightened me. Whenever I went into them I could feel them closing in. The freedom of the fields and the low, rolling hills would be lost. The sky would disappear..."
Series exploring more of our ancient fascination with mazes and labyrinths, and reflects on their significance - in art and in mythology, in literature and in life.
Written and concluded by Charlotte Higgins.
Abridged and produced by David Jackson Young.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2018.
SAT 03:15 Edna O'Brien - The Country Girls Trilogy (m0007yls)
The Country Girls
10. Shattered Dreams
Kate'and Baba's Dublin dreams fall prey to sex and sickness.
Conclusion of Edna O’Brien’s frank, funny and subversive story of friendship and growing up in rural Ireland in the 1950s - seen through the eyes of two friends.
Dramatised by Lin Coghlan.
Kate ...... Charlie Murphy
Baba ...... Aoibhinn McGinnity
Mr Gentlemen ...... Paul Chahidi
Reg ...... Ciarán McMenamim
Joanna ...... Susan Jameson
Minnie ...... Ell Potter
Directors: Sally Avens & Jessica Dromgoole
First broadcast on Radio 4 in August 2019.
SAT 03:30 Bridget Christie's Utopia (b09qfv98)
Series 1
Disengage
As Bridget Christie struggles to come to terms with current world events - Kim Jong-un, the melting polar ice caps, the Brexit negotiations and Nick Knowles singing a cover of The Beatles "Here Comes The Sun", she embarks on a comic quest for her Utopia.
She's seeking a way of living that will make her less anxious and enable her to have her first happy week since the Brexit vote in 2016.
In this opening episode, Bridget explores politically disengaging for a week - to see if that will make her happier.
Will not reading the papers, abstaining from all social media and not watching rolling news reports bring a smile to Bridget's face and be the answer to all her problems?
Or will life still be completely rubbish? In her quest to disengage from the turmoil that is world news, Bridget goes to see Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats, has an aqua massage and stands in her garden.
Will she switch off?
Stand-up show recorded in front of a studio audience at the BBC Radio Theatre.
With special guests
Mike Christie
Leyla Hussein
Producers: Simon Nicholls & Alison Vernon-Smith
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in February 2018.
SAT 04:00 Steptoe and Son (b00rzkyb)
Series 1
Wallah, Wallah, Catsmeat
The rag and bone business falters when Hercules the horse needs a vet.
Starring Wilfrid Brambell and Harry H Corbett.
Classic sitcom about the lives of rag and bone men Albert Steptoe and his son Harold.
Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.
Albert ...... Wilfrid Brambell
Harold ...... Harry H Corbett
The Vet ...... Eric Woodburn
Lionel ...... Leslie Dwyer
Charlie ...... Peter Hawkins.
The 1962 BBC TV comedy pilot 'The Offer' sparked a run of 8 series.
Adapted for BBC radio from the TV script by Gale Pedrick.
Producer: Bobby Jaye
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in August 1966.
SAT 04:30 Flying the Flag (b00dhkzf)
Series 4
In Custody
‘We are representatives of Democracy in this benighted place, William. We enshrine the values of liberty, tolerance and free speech. By the way, why is that woman chained to the embassy railings..?'
Ambassador Mackenzie must tackle the delicate issue of a Briton being held hostage.
Starring Dinsdale Landen.
Eastern Bloc embassy sitcom written by Alex Shearer.
HM Ambassador Mackenzie …. Dinsdale Landen
William Frost …. Peter Acre
Helen Waterson …. Moir Leslie
Colonel Surikov …. Christopher Benjamin
Spiro …. Stephen Greif
Producer: Neil Cargill
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1992.
SAT 05:00 The Museum of Curiosity (m0011ch7)
Series 16
Episode 4
Professor of Ignorance John Lloyd and his curator Holly Walsh welcome:
* Comedian, actor and presenter Griff Rhys Jones
* Bestselling author Mary Roach
* Award-winning poet Lemn Sissay
Mary Roach talks about her latest book Animal, Vegetable, Criminal which is about animals who break the law.
Lemn Sissay explores the role of a poet and his Christmas Day Project to provide Christmas dinners for care leavers.
Griff Rhys Jones discusses his time on Not The Nine O’Clock News and his love for the River Lea.
This series was recorded remotely.
Researchers: Mike Shepherd, Mike Turner and Jack Chambers of QI.
Producer: Anne Miller
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in November 2021.
SAT 05:30 Trevor's World of Sport (b00nsnhv)
Series 3
Episode 6
Trevor wakes up next to a beautiful young woman.
And Ralph wakes up with a new face.
Starring Neil Pearson.
Andy Hamilton's comedy about a sports agent's brave attempts to swim safely through the shark tank of life.
Trevor ...... Neil Pearson
Sammy ...... Paul Reynolds
Ralph ...... Michael Fenton Stevens
Theresa ...... Rosalind Ayres
Heidrun ...... Cosima Shaw
Barry ...... Abdul Salis
Meryl ...... Claire Skinner
Gerry ...... Kevin R McNally
Written and produced by Andy Hamilton.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2007.
SAT 06:00 Henrik Ibsen - A Doll's House (b01n6r1w)
Tanika Gupta transposes the setting of Henrik Ibsen's classic play to India in1879.
'Nora', now Niru, is an Indian woman married to 'Torvald', now Tom, an English man working for the British Colonial Administration in Calcutta.
Niru risks her own reputation in order to save her husband's and in the process discovers herself.
Starring Indira Varma and Toby Stephens.
This fresh version of A Doll's House takes a fresh look at the play shining a light on British colonial history and race relations as well as gender politics and class.
Niru ..... Indira Varma
Tom ..... Toby Stephens
Mrs Lahiri ..... Shaheen Khan
Kaushik Das ..... Shiv Grewal
Uma ..... Rani Moorthy
Dr Rank ..... Conrad Nelson
Bob ..... James Allen
Peter ..... Matthew Allen
Tabla Maestro ..... Shahbaz Hussain
Dancer ..... Anjum Malik
Director: Nadia Molinari
First broadcast on BBC Radio 3 in October 2012.
SAT 08:00 The Hartlepool Spy (m0001qvl)
1804. Britain is, just for a change, at war with France.
Napoleon’s spies are everywhere. Towns and villages along the east coast are on high alert. Ships from Bonaparte’s navy have been spotted just beyond the range of English artillery, looking for weaknesses in defence. Invasion is expected any day.
When times are tough, people look for strong leadership.
Alas, the people of the North Eastern fishing town of Hartlepool have a corrupt mayor, Tucker Palmer and a narcissistic vicar, Rev William Ferrier. The two men can’t stand one another, each (correctly) suspecting the other of lining his pocket at the expense of the parish, and each in competition for the favour of local land-owner aristo Lady Embleton.
One Sunday morning, Lady Embleton, Mayor Palmer and his formidable wife Mrs Palmer are in the front pew as Ferrier delivers an impassioned sermon about the vain delusions of those with earthly power, when news comes from the harbour. A French ship has been spotted and it’s heading their way.
Emmy-winning writer Ian Martin’s dark comedy on the timeless themes of xenophobia, groupthink and fake news, about the perilous mental landscape of suspended disbelief.
And, through the petty bickering of a town in fear, it explores just how greedy and stupid people can really be.
Starring Michael Palin.
All-star comedy-drama written by Ian Martin.
Cavendish …. Michael Palin
Reverend Ferrier …. Jim Moir
Mayor Palmer …. Toby Jones
Lady Embleton …. Gina McKee
Mrs Palmer …. Monica Dolan
Garvey …. Jason Forbes
The Monkey …. Robin Berry
Other parts played by:
Robin Berry
Laura Elphinstone
Producer: Sam Ward
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2018.
SAT 08:45 Uncle Mort's North Country (b007jrcs)
Series 2
2084
Carter Brandon takes his uncle off to ponder growing old over a pint.
Peter Tinniswood’s continuing tales of Carter Brandon and his curmudgeonly uncle.
Uncle Mort and his Yorkshire based family first appeared in Tinniswood’s novel ‘A Touch Of Daniel’.
In addition to radio adaptations, this earned them a run of four BBC TV series of ‘I Didn't Know You Cared’ from 1975 to 1979.
Uncle Mort …. Stephen Thorne
Carter Brandon …. Peter Skellern
The Barmaid …. Liz Goulding
Narrator …. Christian Rodska
Producer: Pete Atkin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1989.
SAT 09:00 We're in Business (b07qfwm0)
The Newspaper Business
Can Dudley and Harry make a go of it in the newspaper business?
Stars Peter Jones and Harry Worth.
Peter Jones is small-time businessman, Dudley Grosvenor who's always out to make a fast buck - usually at the expense of his side-kick, Harry Worth.
Written by Marty Feldman, Barry Took and Peter Jones.
Dudley ....... Peter Jones
Harry ....... Harry Worth
Miss Boot ....... Irene Handl
Lady Crabbe ....... Beryl Reid
Mr Trumpet ....... Dick Emery
A selection of surviving episodes from two series broadcast between 1959-1960.
Producer: Charles Maxwell.
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in May 1960.
SAT 09:30 Whack-O! (b065y6qz)
Exposure!
A sneaky Sunday tabloid is after a school expose.
Will Professor Jimmy Edwards be able to fight back?
Starting life on BBC TV before transferring to radio, Chiselbury School is run "for the sons of gentlefolk".
Headmaster, Professor James Edwards, MA never misses a trick when it comes to exploiting the students and their parents. Sports pitches are given over to growing vegetables, which the boys nurture for their head to sell. Classes never exceed 95 pupils - 50 if private tuition is paid for at five guineas extra.
It's only thanks to the efforts of the devoted deputy head, Mr Pettigrew, that the school exists at all.
Written by Frank Muir and Denis Norden.
Adapted by David Climie.
Headmaster…. Jimmy Edwards
Matron …. June Whitfield
Aubrey Potter …. Roddy Maude-Roxby
Alfred Tennyson …. Frederick Treves
Lumley …. Roger Shepherd
Figgins …. Graham Aza
Marvin …. Malcolm Ranson
With:
Richard McCarthy
Michael Hammond
Producer: Edward Taylor
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in August 1961.
SAT 10:00 The Mastertapes Guide to Writing the Perfect Song (m000zky4)
3. Who's It For?
Randy Newman, Laura Marling, Lily Allen, Noel Gallagher, David Albarn [The Good, The Bad and The Queen], Elvis Costello, David Gray, Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook [Squeeze], David Crosby, Graham Nash, Emeli Sande and Sir Paul McCartney give a masterclass in the art of songwriting.
In the last of three programmes, John Wilson looks back over more of his conversations with 45 acclaimed songwriters for BBC Radio 4's series ‘Mastertapes’.
Recorded with an audience of fans at the BBC Maida Vale studios in London, each guest focuses on a key album from their career, describing in detail how dozens of much loved hit songs were written.
Now, the ‘Mastertapes’ guests are brought together to offer a unique how-to guide to writing the perfect song.
In this episode, Randy Newman reflects on writing for films and Graham Nash recalls Neil Young’s unique playback system.
Presented and produced by John Wilson.
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in May 2021.
SAT 11:00 Henrik Ibsen - A Doll's House (b01n6r1w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 13:00 The Hartlepool Spy (m0001qvl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
SAT 13:45 Uncle Mort's North Country (b007jrcs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
SAT 14:00 We're in Business (b07qfwm0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 14:30 Whack-O! (b065y6qz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SAT 15:00 The Mastertapes Guide to Writing the Perfect Song (m000zky4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SAT 16:00 All the Dark Corners (b015zrrz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 00:00 today]
SAT 16:45 Algernon Blackwood's Ghost Stories (m001lcdx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 00:45 today]
SAT 17:00 Henrik Ibsen - A Doll's House (b01n6r1w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 19:00 The Hartlepool Spy (m0001qvl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
SAT 19:45 Uncle Mort's North Country (b007jrcs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
SAT 20:00 We're in Business (b07qfwm0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 20:30 Whack-O! (b065y6qz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SAT 21:00 The Mastertapes Guide to Writing the Perfect Song (m000zky4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SAT 22:00 Nick Mohammed in Bits (b00tjdnz)
Witness Statement
There's been a robbery!!
So Nick dons a police helmet to take statements.
An unhappy couple are called on to testify.
Written by and starring Nick Mohammed.
With:
Colin Hoult
Anna Crilly
Series of one-off comic plays showcasing the best of Nick Mohammed's idiosyncratic comic character creations.
Producer: Victoria Lloyd
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2010.
SAT 22:30 Mark Watson Makes the World Substantially Better (b00d0sjl)
Series 2
Patience
Mark Watson examines the importance of holding your horses.
Part of the comedian's continuing quest to to delve into six virtues.
Biding their time in order to provide poetry and music:
Tim Key
Tim Minchin
Producer: Katie Marsden
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2008.
SAT 23:00 Comedy Club at Machynlleth (m001lhtn)
2023
29/04/2023
Stephen Bailey, Isy Suttie, Esyllt Sears and Rob Deering meet performers from a weekend of comedy, poetry and music in Wales.
SAT 23:15 Rosie Jones: Box Ticker Too (m0011lxg)
Gender, with Bethany Black
Stand-up comedy and chat from triple-threat Rosie Jones. She’s disabled, gay and northern.
But she’s not a great example of any of these communities and she’s tired of being asked to speak on their behalf.
Rosie looks at gender with help from comedian Bethany Black.
Society has moved on since the 1990s, and Bethany has had a unique perspective on the change in attitudes to men, women and everything between.
Recorded in a live comedy club, prepare to be shocked and disappointed by Rosie’s lack of respect for your expectations.
Producer: Richard Melvin
A Dabster production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in November 2021.
SAT 23:30 4 Stands Up (b00fhr36)
Series 2
Episode 4
Welsh comic Rhod Gilbert invites old hands and fresh faces on the comedy circuit to perform.
With:
Miles Jupp
Ginger and Black
Justin Moorhouse
Producer: Tilusha Ghelani
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2008.


SUNDAY 30 APRIL 2023

SUN 00:00 Terry Pratchett (b010tzfb)
Night Watch
3. Enemy
Thrown back in time, Commander Sam Vimes of the City Watch is training his young self in the art of policing - but then he runs into old enemy, Carcer.
Adapted from Terry Pratchett's Discworld novel
Sam Vimes........Philip Jackson
Young Sam.........Carl Prekopp
Carcer...................Paul Ritter
Rosie......................Clare Corbett
Colon.....................Sam Dale
Dr Lawn.................Ben Onwukwe
Tilden......................Peter Marinker
Lady Meserole......Rachel Atkins
Dramatised by Robin Brooks.
Director: Claire Grove
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2008.
SUN 00:30 Simon Bovey - Cold Blood (b007jv49)
5. The Antarctican
The struggle at the South Pole continues.
Having witnessed the destruction of the Ellsworth Research Centre and the death of several of their colleagues, the survivors prepare to flee...
Conclusion of Simon Bovey's 5-part sci-fi thriller set in 2015.
CAST:
Bowers …. Tim McMullan
Commander Taft …. Tom Mannion
Max Bellingfield …. Stuart McLoughlin
Anaya …. Ndidi Del Fatti
Deborah …. Helen Longworth
Director: Marc Beeby
Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in 2005.
SUN 01:00 Henrik Ibsen - A Doll's House (b01n6r1w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]
SUN 03:00 The Hartlepool Spy (m0001qvl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Saturday]
SUN 03:45 Uncle Mort's North Country (b007jrcs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Saturday]
SUN 04:00 We're in Business (b07qfwm0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Saturday]
SUN 04:30 Whack-O! (b065y6qz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Saturday]
SUN 05:00 The Mastertapes Guide to Writing the Perfect Song (m000zky4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Saturday]
SUN 06:00 Poetry Extra (m001lj2d)
Balloon with a View
Poet Daljit Nagra revisits the BBC's poetry archive and selects 'Balloon with a View'.
We're floating silently in the sky beneath a giant pink balloon.
The passengers peer at allotments in rows, over garden walls, spy a police car speeding through suburban streets, a train curving on rails into a tunnel, a sleepy teenager creeping home down an alley, , a woman in a pink dressing gown drinking a cup of tea as her dogs patrol the garden... and finally a magnificent crossing of the River Avon, bird song reaching up to the basket of the balloon drifting silently above.
Birds fly below, wispy clouds hit the bleary eyed faces of two poets a composer and an air pilot, passing over the city of Bristol in the early morning.
Combining the sounds heard from a balloon, with the words and poems of Miles Chambers, Poet Laureate for Bristol and Rebecca Tantony (both first time balloonists), join us on a journey over the city, hearing sound rising up unimpeded from the waking city.
Also in the basket, multi-award winning composer Dan Jones, who brings on board both his music and his previous experience as the sound designer for a fleet of balloons called Sky Orchestra.
And of course the pilot, Peter Dalby, who spends his life staring down at the world from above.
For the balloonist there is no friction; sound rises curiously unimpeded upwards with zero interference. We bring a rich mix of propane burner gushing, the dawn chorus, a choir of city sounds captured in a balloon, all mixed with the magical music of Dan Jones.
Producer: Sara Jane Hall.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2018.
SUN 06:30 Red Thread: On Mazes and Labyrinths by Charlotte Higgins (Omnibus) (b0bd7087)
Charlotte Higgins explores our ancient fascination with mazes and labyrinths, and reflects on their significance - in art and in mythology, in literature and in life.
Her own interest was inspired by a childhood visit to the palace of Knossos on the island of Crete - where, according to legend, King Minos ordered the construction of a labyrinth to house the half-bull, half-man Minotaur. The monstrous creature was slain by the hero Theseus, who famously managed to escape from the labyrinth with the help of a ball of red thread supplied by Minos's daughter, Ariadne.
"This is where it began," writes Higgins, "my longing for the labyrinth..."
It was also the beginning of her career as a classicist: "I tried to learn my way back there," she says, going on to study Greek and Latin at school and then at Oxford.
As for her own sense of direction: "I have never been able to find my way. Turn me loose in a city without a map and panic rises, as if I were a child who had lost the grip of a parent's hand in a crowd."
And in life? "What frightens me more than the wrong turns I have taken ... are the right turns, the ones I so nearly didn't take...."
Charlotte Higgins is chief culture writer of the Guardian and the author of three previous books on the ancient world, including Under Another Sky: Journeys in Roman Britain, short-listed for the Baillie Gifford prize for non-fiction. She is also the author of This New Noise: the Extraordinary Birth and Troubled Life of the BBC.
Written and read by Charlotte Higgins.
Produced and abridged in five parts by David Jackson Young.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2018.
SUN 07:40 Inheritance Tracks (m001lj2g)
Andrew Roachford
Singer-songwriter Andrew Roachford picks ‘Let's Stay Together’ by Al Green and ‘Move On Up’ by Curtis Mayfield.
SUN 07:50 Edna O'Brien - The Country Girls Trilogy (Omnibus) (m000838x)
The Country Girls
Episode 2
Best friends Kate and Baba hate their school life as boarders at a convent, but the Christmas holidays offer welcome respite.
Plus, it's a chance for Kate to rekindle her relationship with the much older, Mr Gentleman.
Edna O'Brien's classic tale of coming of age in rural Ireland in the Fifties was banned on publication; it is a frank, funny and subversive portrayal of women's lives within a patriarchal and religious society.
Conclusion of Edna O’Brien’s frank, funny and subversive story of womanhood in Ireland in the 1950s.
The trilogy was banned in the 1960s by the Irish Censorship Board, but it's now recognised as an iconic work of 20th century Irish fiction.
Omnibus of the last five of ten parts dramatised by Lin Coghlan.
Kate ...... Charlie Murphy
Baba ...... Aoibhinn McGinnity
Mr Gentleman ...... Paul Chahidi
Dada ...... David Ganly
Martha ...... Deirdre Mullins
Mr Brennan ...... Paul Hickey
Jack Holland ...... Jonjo O'Neill
Mrs Holland ...... Susan Jameson
Directors: Sally Avens & Jessica Dromgoole
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2019.
SUN 09:00 A Date With Nurse Dugdale (b04v986f)
The ever-efficient Nurse Dugdale battles to arrange the hospital pageant.
Arthur Marshall's comic creation, Nurse Dugdale was a popular addition to the BBC Home Service schedule in the latter years of the Second World War.
Written by Arthur Marshall.
With:

Marjorie Westbury
John Slater
Jack Jackson
Special guest: Emile Littler.
Music from:
The Mayfair Hotel Dance Orchestra
Josephine Driver
Dorothe Morrow's Aristocrats
The Singing Sailor, Ivor Pye.
Musical arrangements by Peter Akister and Phil Cardew.
Producer: David Yates Mason.
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in May 1944.
SUN 09:30 The Navy Lark (m001lj2j)
Series 9
Fishing off the Faroes
Can the crew of HMS Troutbridge prevent a diplomatic fishing incident?
Stars Leslie Phillips, Jon Pertwee and Stephen Murray.
Laughs afloat aboard British Royal Navy frigate HMS Troutbridge.
Written by Lawrie Wyman
The Sub-Lieutenant ...... Leslie Phillips
The Chief Petty Officer ...... Jon Pertwee
The Number One ...... Stephen Murray
Captain Povey ...... Richard Caldicot
Mrs Povey / Wren Heather Chasen ….. Heather Chasen
Able Seaman Johnson ….. Ronnie Barker
NAAFI Manager …. Michael Bates
Taffy Goldstein ….. Tenniel Evans
The Navy Lark ran for an impressive 13 series between 1959 and 1976.
Producer: Alastair Scott Johnston.
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in July 1967.
SUN 10:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b08dxdyn)
Michael Palin
Sheffield-born comedian, actor, writer and TV presenter Michael Palin shares his castaway choices with Roy Plomley.
Palin’s theatrical career began at Oxford University where he wrote and performed with friends. David Frost saw Palin and Terry Jones perform at the Edinburgh Festival and brought all future members of Monty Python together, first as writers for satirical TV show The Frost Report.
After finishing at Oxford, Palin compered a TV comedy show in Bristol, much to his parents’ disappointment, but eventually convinced the BBC to commission Monty Python’s Flying Circus.
This surreal TV sketch show series starred Palin, along with John Cleese, Terry Jones, Graham Chapman, Eric Idle and Terry Gilliam.
After a bumpy start, Python became a huge influence on British comedy.
DISC ONE: Things Ain't What They Used To Be - Duke Ellington and His Orchestra
DISC TWO: Tales of Men's Shirts - The Goons
DISC THREE: Londonderry Air (Danny Boy) - Black Dyke Band
DISC FOUR: You're A Heartbreaker - Elvis Presley
DISC FIVE: And When They Ask Us - The Rita Williams Singers
DISC SIX: Lullaby of Broadway - Dick Powell & Wini Shaw
DISC SEVEN: Things We Said Today - The Beatles
DISC EIGHT: Edward Elgar’s Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36: Variation IX "Nimrod" - London Symphony Orchestra
BOOK CHOICE: Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray
LUXURY CHOICE: Bed
CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Edward Elgar’s Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36: Variation IX "Nimrod" - London Symphony Orchestra
Producer: Derek Drescher
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1979.
SUN 10:45 Short Works (m0005mjs)
Magpie by Julia Armfield
"Compact, the listing read, well-situated. A rare and lovely find."
An original short story for radio by Julia Armfield about open houses, onward chains and lingering presences.
Read by Caroline Lennon
Julia Armfield lives and works in London. She is a fiction writer and occasional playwright with a Master’s in Victorian Art and Literature from Royal Holloway University. Her work has been published in Lighthouse, Analog Magazine, Neon Magazine and Best British Short Stories 2019.
She was commended in the Moth Short Story Prize 2017, long-listed for the Deborah Rogers Prize 2018 and was the winner of The White Review Short Story Prize 2018. Her debut collection, salt slow, was published by Picador in 2019.
Producer: Mair Bosworth
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2019.
SUN 11:00 Poetry Extra (m001lj2d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 11:30 Red Thread: On Mazes and Labyrinths by Charlotte Higgins (Omnibus) (b0bd7087)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
SUN 12:40 Inheritance Tracks (m001lj2g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:40 today]
SUN 12:50 Edna O'Brien - The Country Girls Trilogy (Omnibus) (m000838x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:50 today]
SUN 14:00 A Date With Nurse Dugdale (b04v986f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SUN 14:30 The Navy Lark (m001lj2j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SUN 15:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b08dxdyn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 15:45 Short Works (m0005mjs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:45 today]
SUN 16:00 Terry Pratchett (b010tzfb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 00:00 today]
SUN 16:30 Simon Bovey - Cold Blood (b007jv49)
[Repeat of broadcast at 00:30 today]
SUN 17:00 Poetry Extra (m001lj2d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 17:30 Red Thread: On Mazes and Labyrinths by Charlotte Higgins (Omnibus) (b0bd7087)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
SUN 18:40 Inheritance Tracks (m001lj2g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:40 today]
SUN 18:50 Edna O'Brien - The Country Girls Trilogy (Omnibus) (m000838x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:50 today]
SUN 20:00 A Date With Nurse Dugdale (b04v986f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SUN 20:30 The Navy Lark (m001lj2j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SUN 21:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b08dxdyn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 21:45 Short Works (m0005mjs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:45 today]
SUN 22:00 Start/Stop (b03b2zb3)
Series 1
Fundraiser
Jack Docherty’s sitcom about love, marriage and despair.
With their marriages in various states of disrepair - a school fundraiser proves unusually challenging for all three couples.
Starring:
Couple 1:
Barney ...... Jack Docherty
Cathy ...... Kerry Godliman
Couple 2:
Evan ...... John Thomson
Fiona ...... Fiona Allen
Couple 3:
David ...... Charlie Higson
Alice ...... Katherine Parkinson
Producer: Steven Canny
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2013.
SUN 22:30 Chain Reaction (b01390bf)
Series 7
John Cooper Clarke talks to Kevin Eldon
The punk poet laureate and the comic actor in the talk tag show, where the guest becomes the interviewer in the next show.
Salford's punk poet laureate John Cooper Clarke grills writer an actor, Kevin Eldon.
For Kevin, it would probably be quicker to list the brilliant programmes he's not been in than those he has - which include Brass Eye, 15 Storeys High, Spaced, Look Around You, Black Books, Big Train, World of Pub, Jam, I'm Alan Partridge and Attention Scum!
He also wrote and starred in BBC Radio 4's Poets' Tree.
Producer: Lianne Coop.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2011.
SUN 23:00 Comedy Club at Machynlleth (m001lj2l)
2023
30/04/2023
Stephen Bailey, Isy Suttie, Esyllt Sears and Rob Deering meet performers from a weekend of comedy, poetry and music in Wales.
SUN 23:15 James Acaster's Findings (b04n611k)
Series 1
1. Wood
James Acaster presents the results of his research into a variety of subjects.
First off, he’s been investigating 'Wood'.
With:
Nathaniel Metcalfe
Bryony Hannah
Producer: Lyndsay Fenner
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2014.
SUN 23:30 Safety Catch (b0184tdb)
Series 2
There Will Be Paint
Simon decides it's about time he and his colleagues prove they understand the true horrors of war by getting out there and actually fighting.
So it is that team Heathcote Sanders go paintballing.
Okay, so it's not quite the same as fighting in an actual war, but you can't expect Simon to take part in one of those - I mean, people actually die in those things.
Will he manage to find the hero inside himself?
Starring Darren Boyd.
Laurence Howarth’s black comedy of modern morality.
Simon is essentially a nice man who also happens to be an arms dealer.
Simon McGrath ....... Darren Boyd
Anna Grieg ....... Joanna Page
Boris Kemal ....... Lewis Macleod
Judith McGrath ....... Sarah Smart
Angela McGrath ....... Brigit Forsyth
Madeleine Turnbull ....... Rachel Atkins
Roger/Dave ....... Philip Fox
Guide ....... Gus Brown
Producer: Dawn Ellis.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2009.


MONDAY 01 MAY 2023

MON 00:00 Poetry Extra (m001lj2d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Sunday]
MON 00:30 Red Thread: On Mazes and Labyrinths by Charlotte Higgins (Omnibus) (b0bd7087)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Sunday]
MON 01:40 Inheritance Tracks (m001lj2g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:40 on Sunday]
MON 01:50 Edna O'Brien - The Country Girls Trilogy (Omnibus) (m000838x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:50 on Sunday]
MON 03:00 A Date With Nurse Dugdale (b04v986f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Sunday]
MON 03:30 The Navy Lark (m001lj2j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Sunday]
MON 04:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b08dxdyn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Sunday]
MON 04:45 Short Works (m0005mjs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:45 on Sunday]
MON 05:00 Joseph Roth - The Radetzky March (b02117x0)
1. The Trottas
This is the story of the Trottas, a family of Slovenian peasants ennobled when Lieutenant Joseph Trotta saves Emperor Franz Joseph's life at the Battle of Solferino in 1859.
Most of the action, however, is set in the early years of the 20th century and concerns the next two generations of Trottas, a bureaucrat and a soldier: the Baron - stiff, guarded, but secretly loving - and his son, the feckless, disaster-prone Carl Joseph.
Joseph Roth's most celebrated novel is all about the ending of things: love affairs, friendships, individual lives, dynasties, an empire, a world.
Starring Henry Goodman and Paul Ready.
Dramatised in two-parts by Gregory Evans.
Literary critic Harold Blom described Joseph Roth's The Radetzky March as "One of the most readable, poignant and superb novels in 20th century German".
Joseph Roth ...... Henry Goodman
Carl Joseph ...... Paul Ready
Franz Von Trotta ...... Sam Dale
Demant ...... Scott Handy
Barenstein ...... Gunnar Cauthery
Moser ...... Chris Pavlo
Eva ...... Joannah Tincey
Jacques ...... John Rowe
Josef Von Trotta ...... Paul Stonehouse
Onufrij ...... Ben Crowe
Kovacs ...... Robert Blythe
Kindermann ...... Matthew Watson
Sternberg ...... David Seddon
Frau Slama ...... Hannah Wood
Aunt Resi ...... Joanna Brookes
Piano and Trumpet played by Peter Ringrose
Director: Marc Beeby
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2013.
MON 06:00 Crown Papers (m001lj51)
1. Easter Monday, 1933
It’s 1933 and we return to Crown House, the home of Lord and Lady Minster.
As the family gathers for the Easter holiday, they have no idea of the trials and tribulations ahead.
Starring Dinah Sheridan and Geoffrey Whitehead.
A six-part serial written by Peter Ling (Crossroads) and Juliet Ace (The Archers).
Follow up to the eight-part series 'Crown House'.
Alice, Lady Minster .... Dinah Sheridan
William, Lord Minster .... Geoffrey Whitehead
Beatrice, Dowager Countess .... Margaret Rawlings
Richard, Viscount Ebony .... Michael Cochrane
Polly, Viscountess Ebony .... Melinda Walker
The Hon Nicholas Gaunt .... Mark Straker
The Hon Mrs Jenny Gaunt .... Helena Breck
Lady Caroline Gaunt .... Deborah Makepeace
The Hon. Martin Gaunt .... Richard Pearce
Scott Hanson .... Colin McFarlane
Speaker in meeting .... Alan Barker
Female Trespasser .... Susan Sheridan
Director: Tracey Neale
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1991.
MON 06:30 Raffles (m0001qm0)
Series 2
6. The Gift of the Emperor
Raffles plans the most daring enterprise of his career - the theft of a jewel worth £100,000.
But Inspector Mackenzie is hot on his trail.
Could the intrepid cracksman's luck finally run out..?
Starring Jeremy Clyde.
EW Hornung's Raffles stories about the 'gentleman thief'.
Dramatised by David Buck.
AJ Raffles ...... Jeremy Clyde
Bunny Manders ...... Michael Cochrane
Inspector Mackenzie ...... Henry Stamper
Von Heumann ...... Frederick Jaeger
Miss Werner ...... Zelah Clarke
Captain ...... Alan Dudley
Steward ...... Stephen Rashbrook
Signature tune composed by Jim Parker.
Director: Gordon House
A BBC Radio 4/ BBC World Service production first broadcast in July 1988.
MON 07:00 Catch 22 by Joseph Heller (b0150mx1)
1. The Censor
Captain Yossarian is in hospital with a pain in his liver and is given the task of censoring letters.
Keen to be grounded after a disastrous mission to Avignon, Yossarian has the unassailable circular logic of Catch 22 explained to him.
"There was only one catch and that was Catch 22."
Joseph Heller’s iconoclastic 1961 novel satirising the insanity of war.
Abridged in ten parts by Robin Brooks.
Read by Stuart Milligan.
Producer: Gaynor Macfarlane
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2011.
MON 07:15 Why Mummy Drinks (m00066xs)
1. The Gulf
Ellen is a stressed-out working-mum who would love her children to eat nutritious snacks and do piano practice whilst adoring their chic mother.
She’s got high hopes of having a perfect life, but the gulf between aspiration and reality is an ever-widening chasm of chaos.
But this is the year that everything will change…for sure.
Gill Sims’ funny, frank and feisty novel, first published in 2017.
Dramatised in five parts by Christine Entwisle
Ellen … Gabriel Quigley
Simon … Stuart McQuarrie
Kathy … Sally Reid
Director: Kirsty Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2019.
MON 07:30 55 and Over (b01p09pb)
3. Offspring?
With new partners on the scene the possibility of progeny suddenly seems more likely. But not everyone is so keen on later-in-life breeding.
Starring Juliet Stevenson and Philip Jackson.
Peter Souter's comedy about love, sex and other foolhardy mistakes made by the modern 50-pluser.
Jane ..... Juliet Stevenson
Ray ..... Philip Jackson
Tony ..... Patrick Brennan
Heather ..... Liza Sadovy
Honey ..... Stephanie Racine
Sam ..... Adam Nagaitis
Dr Miller ..... Robert Blythe
Portia ..... Sarah Thom
Director: Helen Perry.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2012.
MON 08:00 Round the Horne (b00t29v7)
Series 4
Episode 9
Kenneth Horne blasts off boldly in 'Journey to Uranus', a ditty from Rambling Sid Rumpo and 'Bona Books' with Julian and Sandy.
One of BBC Radio’s most influential and groundbreaking series packed full of colourful characters, parodies, memorable catchphrases, and double-entendres.
Starring:
Kenneth Horne
Kenneth Williams
Hugh Paddick
Betty Marsden
Announcer: Douglas Smith
Recorded at the BBC's Paris Studio in Lower Regent Street, London.
Music by Edwin Braden and the Hornblowers and The Fraser Hayes Four.
Round The Horne was born out of the demise of BBC radio comedy Beyond Our Ken. Using the same cast and producer, Barry Took and Marty Feldman wrote the brilliantly inventive - and sometimes outrageous - scripts for the first three series.
Series 4 is written by Barry Took with Brian Cooke & Johnnie Mortimer and Donald Webster.
Music by the Max Harris Group.
Producer: John Simmonds
First broadcast on the BBC Radio 2 in April 1968.
MON 08:30 Dry Slopes (b0075178)
Series 2
Emma
Does the fact that Emma is married, has a son and is moving to Mauritius mean that she's no longer interested in Angus?
Or is she just playing hard to get?
It would be a lot easier to dine out if he could talk to her instead of her answer machine, even though it is a good Listener.
Written by and starring Nick Ball.
Angus ...... Nick Ball
Mum ...... Louisa Rix
With:
Robert Hartley
Wayne Forester
Julie Gibbs
Producer: Gareth Edwards
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1997.
MON 09:00 Barry Humphries: Gladdies All Over (b05xwsnj)
4 Extra presents another chance to hear Kathy Lette's celebration of Barry Humphries.
An interesting, inspiring, true creative, treasured for his outrageous characters, acerbic wit and sharp tongue. Humphries collaborated with some of the most revered creative minds of the last century.
The man himself is a considered intellectual with a life immersed in music, literature and arts. For his delivery of Dadaist and absurdist humour to millions, biographer Anne Pender described Humphries as not only "the most significant theatrical figure of our time ... [but] the most significant comedian to emerge since Charlie Chaplin"
In this three hour compilation, self-styled 'deranged author' Kathy Lette chats to Barry Humphries about his relationship with Sir Les Patterson, Sandy Stone and Dame Edna Everage.
Kathy also introduces rare performances, interviews and programmes from the BBC archive including:
* Barry and Dame Edna's appearances on Front Row, In Tune, Profile, and Nightwave
* Early performances alongside Spike Milligan
* A discussion of working with Emily Perry, who played Dame Edna's bridesmaid Madge.
* Interviews with Dame Edna shortly after her escape from Mooney Ponds.
There's also a look at the people and things that have influenced Humphries' work and life:
* His passion for literature is discussed in Open Book
* His passion for the decadent world of art, music and satire is delved into in Barry Humphries In Weimar.
Producer: Laura Baron
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in June 2015.
MON 12:00 Catch 22 by Joseph Heller (b0150mx1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 12:15 Why Mummy Drinks (m00066xs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
MON 12:30 55 and Over (b01p09pb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 13:00 Round the Horne (b00t29v7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 13:30 Dry Slopes (b0075178)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 14:00 We've Been Here Before (b00g1rsp)
Series 2
Episode 4
The topical historical satirical panel show setting out to prove that there's nothing new under, or in, The Sun.
Hosted by Clive Anderson.
Nick Revell and Gyles Brandreth
battle it out against
Helen Atkinson-Wood and John O'Farrell.
Producer: Ed Morrish
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2004.
MON 14:30 Double Income, No Kids Yet (b008yszx)
Series 3
Episode 2
Golf, holidays with friends and having a baby are the three things that Daniel and Lucy have always sworn they'll never do in life.
But when they end up on a golfing holiday with their unbearable friends, they start to realise life doesn't always turn out how you plan it...
Starring David Tennant and Elizabeth Carling.
David Spicer's comedy drama about modern life and parenthood, as seen through the eyes of two 30-something non-parents.
Daniel …. David Tennant
Lucy …. Liz Carling
Katie …. Tracy-Ann Oberman
Andy …. Tony Gardner
Alison …. Joanna Brookes
Peter …. Robert Harley
Linda …. Carla Mendonca
Steve …. Jonathan Aris
Waiter …. Martin Marquez
Producer: Liz Anstee
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2003.
MON 15:00 Joseph Roth - The Radetzky March (b02117x0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
MON 16:00 Crown Papers (m001lj51)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 16:30 Raffles (m0001qm0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 17:00 Barry Humphries: Gladdies All Over (b05xwsnj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
MON 20:00 Radiolab (m000zm40)
Series 8
Breath
Radiolab explores life’s rhythmic dance partner, breath, with the help of scientists, musicians and activists.
With Annie McEwen and Matt Kielty.
The boundaries blur between science, philosophy, and the human experience as Jad Abumrad and the Radiolab team investigate a strange world.
From WNYC. First broadcast on public radio in the USA in 2021.
MON 21:00 Mastertapes (b01sv8yf)
Series 1
The Zombies (the A-Side)
Rod Argent, Chris White and Colin Blunstone, embers of The Zombies, talk about their 1968 album 'Odessey and Oracle'.
Series in which leading performers and songwriters talk about the album that made them or changed them.
Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes - the A-side and B-side.
Both editions feature exclusive live performances of songs from the album.
In this one (The A side), John Wilson asks Rod, Chris and Colin to recall how they made the album.
When it was released in 1968, after the band had split up, it was indifferently received. But since it has been described as: "one of the great undiscovered works of the psychedelic era" - Pitchfork; "an album that should grace any record collection... essential" - BBC; and "combining the adventure of Sgt. Pepper with the concision of British Invasion Pop" - Rolling Stone.
Those who have cited the Zombies as influences include everyone from Courtney Love to the Magic Numbers and from the Arctic Monkeys to Paul Weller. 'Odessey And Oracle' (the title was mis-spelt by the designer of the cover) contained only one stereotypically summer-of-love hit ('Time Of The Season') - the darker tones and dramatic third-person feel of much of the album (including the likes of 'Care of Cell 44', 'The Butcher's Tale' and 'A Rose For Emily') makes it sound ahead of its time.
In the B-side of the programme, it's the turn of the audience to ask the questions.
Producer: Paul Kobrak.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2012.
MON 21:30 Dark Corners by Ruth Rendell (b06qhzp0)
1. Pills
Ruth Rendell's final novel is a dark and atmospheric tale of psychological suspense.
Budding crime-writer Carl could do with some extra cash.
Renting out the top part of his house in Maida Vale - newly inherited from his father - will help his cash flow immensely.
And what harm could it do to sell some slimming pills from his late father's stash of 'alternative medicines' to his actress friend Stacey, who's been putting on weight in the wake of a relationship break up..?
Abridged in ten parts by Robin Brooks.
Read by Patricia Hodge.
Producer: Kirsteen Cameron.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2015.
MON 21:45 It's Always Summer Somewhere (m0013pq5)
Episode 1
Felix White's funny and moving memoir about cricket, grief and life in The Maccabees.
In this opening part of his abridged story, Felix recalls falling in love with the sport for the first time - a love that was not immediately reciprocated.
His recollections look at growing up, his mother's multiple sclerosis and slowly replacing an ambition to be a left arm spinner in his school cricket team with the dazzling realities of life in a world renowned band.
Abridged in five parts for radio by Julian Wilkinson
Felix White is a musician, writer and broadcaster best known as a guitarist in The Maccabees. He subsequently co-founded independent record label Yala! and co-presents the BBC’s Tailenders podcast with Greg James.
Producer: Ciaran Bermingham
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2022.
MON 22:00 Just a Minute (m001l951)
Series 91
4. Whodunnit?, Revolving Restaurants and Tog Ratings
Sue Perkins challenges Paul Merton, Felicity Ward, Ivo Graham and Josie Lawrence to speak for 60 seconds without repetition, deviation or hesitation.
The long-running Radio 4 national treasure of a parlour game is back for a new series with subjects this week ranging from Whodunnit? to Revolving Restaurants.
Production co-ordinator: Caroline Barlow
Sound editor: Marc Willcox
Producer: Rajiv Karia
A BBC Studios Production
MON 22:30 The News Quiz (m001l9j1)
Series 111
Episode 1
Andy Zaltzman is back with a brand-new series of The News Quiz.
This week Andy is joined by Ria Lina, Scott Bennett, Isabel Hardman and Simon Evans. They discuss a unicorn infestation, a Labour investigation, and a quick hello to the rest of the world’s nations.
And if you like what you hear, the series will be available to listen to from the 26th May, wherever you listen to podcasts. Or you can hear it right now in the UK – before anywhere else – first on BBC Sounds.
Hosted and written by Andy Zaltzman with additional material from Catherine Brinkworth, Kate Dehnert, and Jade Gebbie.
Producer: Sam Holmes
Executive Producer: James Robinson
Production Co-ordinator: Dan Marchini
Sound Editor: Giles Aspen
A BBC Studios Production
MON 23:00 Comedy Club at Machynlleth (m001lj57)
2023
01/05/2023
Stephen Bailey, Isy Suttie, Esyllt Sears and Rob Deering meet performers from a weekend of comedy, poetry and music in Wales.
MON 23:15 Ken Cheng: Chinese Comedian (m000fq8s)
Series 2
2. Money
Stand-up series exploring British Chinese culture from the BBC New Comedy Award finalist Ken Cheng.
Dave's Joke of the Fringe Winner, Cambridge mathematics dropout and professional poker player, Ken Cheng explores the subject of money.
Ken reveals how he got hooked on poker.
Perhaps he should have been an actuary?
Producer: Adnan Ahmed
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2020.
MON 23:30 Mark Thomas Presents (b0076w5y)
Mort Sahl
A one-off performance by the great American comic and social satirist, Mort Sahl.
This pioneering political comic of the 1950s and 60s proves his grip on events is as sharp and biting as ever.
Series in which Mark Thomas introduces iconic American comedy performers.
Producer: Paul Bajoria
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2005.


TUESDAY 02 MAY 2023

TUE 00:00 Joseph Roth - The Radetzky March (b02117x0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 on Monday]
TUE 01:00 Crown Papers (m001lj51)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]
TUE 01:30 Raffles (m0001qm0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Monday]
TUE 02:00 Catch 22 by Joseph Heller (b0150mx1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Monday]
TUE 02:15 Why Mummy Drinks (m00066xs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 on Monday]
TUE 02:30 55 and Over (b01p09pb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:00 Round the Horne (b00t29v7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Monday]
TUE 03:30 Dry Slopes (b0075178)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Monday]
TUE 04:00 We've Been Here Before (b00g1rsp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:30 Double Income, No Kids Yet (b008yszx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Monday]
TUE 05:00 Joseph Roth - The Radetzky March (b02lwc5t)
2. The Outpost
Carl Joseph has been posted to a remote outpost of the Austro-Hungarian Empire near the Russian border.
Here, his life, and the life of the Empire, are about to take a turn for the worse.
Conclusion of Joseph Roth's most celebrated novel about the ending of things: love affairs, friendships, individual lives, dynasties, an empire, a world.
Starring Henry Goodman and Paul Ready.
Dramatised by Gregory Evans.
Joseph Roth ...... Henry Goodman
Carl Joseph ...... Paul Ready
Franz Von Trotta ...... Sam Dale
Chojnicki ...... David Schofield
Zoglauer ...... Gunnar Cauthery
Emperor Franz ...... Joseph John Rowe
Valli ...... Joannah Tincey
Onufrij ...... Ben Crowe
Brodnitzer ...... Chris Pavlo
Wagner ...... David Seddon
Hirschwitz ...... Philippa Stanton
Skowronneck ...... Robert Blythe
Sgt Slama ...... Paul Stonehouse
Piano and Trumpet played by Peter Ringrose
Director: Marc Beeby
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2013.
TUE 06:00 Crown Papers (m001lj60)
2. Spring, 1933
Scandal follows close on the heels of tragedy for the Minster family at Crown House.
There's shock over the murder in the stables - and Caroline’s new relationship sparks concern.
Starring Dinah Sheridan and Geoffrey Whitehead.
Serial written by Peter Ling and Juliet Ace.
Alice, Lady Minster .... Dinah Sheridan
William, Lord Minster .... Geoffrey Whitehead
The Hon. Nicholas Gaunt .... Mark Straker
Mrs Jenny Gaunt .... Helena Breck
Polly, Viscountess Ebony .... Melinda Walker
Lady Caroline Gaunt .... Deborah Makepeace
Paul Weyman .... Philip Sully
Sir Charles Bowyer .... Brett Usher
Lady Gina Bowyer .... Shelley Thompson
Scott Hanson .... Colin McFarlane
Director: Tracey Neale
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1991.
TUE 06:30 Wimsey (b007jw7f)
Five Red Herrings
1. The Body in the Burn
Aristocratic sleuth, Lord Peter Wimsey, goes on a Scottish fishing holiday in Kircudbright, but ends up catching more than trout - when he's called upon to investigate the death of a local artist.
Ian Carmichael stars as Lord Peter Wimsey.
The British gentleman detective features in a number of detective novels and short stories by English crime writer, Dorothy L Sayers.
‘The Five Red Herrings’ was first published in 1931. Adapted for radio in eight episodes by Chris Miller.
Lord Peter Wimsey …. Ian Carmichael
Bunter …. Peter Jones
Murdoch …. Bruce Bennett
Waters …. Bill Wallace
Campbell/Dr Cameron …. Trevor Martin
McAdam …. Alaric Cotter
Sgt Dalziel …. John Graham
Mrs Strachan …. Hazel McBride
Strachan …. Gordon Clyde
Classy and sharp-witted, aristocratic amateur sleuth Lord Peter Bredon Wimsey was born in 1890 and educated at Eton and Oxford, before serving in the military during the First World War.
Ian Carmichael appeared as Lord Peter Wimsey for BBC Radio from 1973 to 1983, in addition to the BBC TV adaptations that were broadcast between 1972 and 1975.
Producer: Simon Brett.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1978.
TUE 07:00 Catch 22 by Joseph Heller (b0150pj5)
2. Yossarian's Mission
Captain Yossarian is in hospital, keen to be grounded after a disastrous mission.
Colonel Cathcart keeps raising the number of missions to be flown by the men.
Yossarian is determined not to fly any more missions, but keeps coming up against the unassailable logic of Catch 22.
Joseph Heller’s iconoclastic 1961 novel satirising the insanity of war.
Abridged by Robin Brooks.
Read by Stuart Milligan.
Producer: Gaynor Macfarlane
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2011.
TUE 07:15 Why Mummy Drinks (m0006764)
2. Sugar Rush
As tensions build in the house, Ellen starts spending time with the hot new dad at the school gates.
Gill Sims’ funny, frank and feisty novel about a stressed-out working-mum.
Ellen is a white wine loving frantically busy woman who's got high hopes of having a perfect life, but the gulf between aspiration and reality is an ever-widening chasm of chaos. But this is the year that everything will change…for sure.
Dramatised by Christine Entwisle

Ellen … Gabriel Quigley
Simon … Stuart McQuarrie
Louisa … Maryam Hamidi
Director: Kirsty Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2019.
TUE 07:30 North by Northamptonshire (b03mflth)
Series 3
Episode 2
Against her better judgement, Jan has dinner with her ex-husband, and Mary and Jonathan have crossed wires.
Sheila Hancock narrates the bittersweet adventures of the residents of a small town in Northamptonshire.
Written by Katherine Jakeways.
As is well-known: Yorkshiremen wear flat caps and Essex girls wear short skirts; Liverpudlians are scallies and Cockneys are wideboys.
Northamptonians gaze wistfully at these stereotypes and wish for an identity of any kind and a label less ridiculous than Northamptonians. Northamptonshire, let us be clear, is neither north, nor south nor in the Midlands. It floats somewhere between the three eyeing up the distinctiveness of each enviously.
Katherine Jakeways gives Northamptonshire an identity. And she waits, eagerly, for her home-county to thank her. And possibly make her some kind of Mayor.
Narrator ...... Sheila Hancock
Rod ...... Tim Key
Frank ...... Rufus Wright
Mary ...... Penelope Wilton
Jonathan ...... Kevin Eldon
Esther ...... Katherine Jakeways
Keith ...... John Biggins
Norman ...... Geoffrey Palmer
Orson ...... Nathaniel Parker
Jan ...... Felicity Montagu
Producer: Steven Canny
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2013.
TUE 08:00 The Goon Show (b007jpkr)
Series 8
The String Robberies
Ace investigator Neddie Seagoon must solve a crime, and the link to Moriarty's sock.
Groundbreaking, surreal BBC radio comedy written by Spike Milligan.
Starring:
Peter Sellers
Harry Secombe
Spike Milligan
George Chisholm
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 January 1958.
TUE 08:30 For Better or for Worse (b00hk2dx)
Series 1
Episode 8
Iris is proper poorly, but not quite as poorly as Wilf thinks she is.
Starring Gorden Kaye and Su Pollard.
Vince Powell’s sitcom about the turbulent relationship of an odd couple.
Iris …. Su Pollard
Bernard …. Gorden Kaye
Wilf …. David Ross
Daisy …. Paula Tilbrook
Doctor …. Julie Higginson
Mr Foley/Mr Brocklebank …. Peter Wheeler
Produced at BBC Manchester by Mike Craig.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in April 1993.
TUE 09:00 The Motion Show (b0075wz8)
Series 2
Episode 4
This House believes the book is dead, and it would like to live in the 60s.
Dr Phil Hammond watches over proceedings in the quirky debating game.
With:
Gyles Brandreth
Hugh Dennis
Jeremy Hardy
Arthur Smith
Producer: Adam Bromley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2000.
TUE 09:30 Big Town All Stars (m001lj63)
Series 1
If You Scratch My Back
You can join a band for a lot of reasons - fame, sex, money. Yet Kenny sees it as his only chance of giving up teaching geography.
But when an unscrupulous record executive offers him a contract. it turns out it's not really his music she's interested in.
Which leaves Kenny wondering just how much he wants to give up the day job...
Starring Stephen Tompkinson.
With:
Clive Rowe
Meera Syal
Nicola Walker
Adrian Scarborough
Musical Director: David Firman
Producer: Gareth Edwards
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2000.
TUE 10:00 Joseph Roth - The Radetzky March (b02lwc5t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
TUE 11:00 Crown Papers (m001lj60)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 11:30 Wimsey (b007jw7f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 12:00 Catch 22 by Joseph Heller (b0150pj5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 12:15 Why Mummy Drinks (m0006764)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
TUE 12:30 North by Northamptonshire (b03mflth)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 13:00 The Goon Show (b007jpkr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 13:30 For Better or for Worse (b00hk2dx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 14:00 The Motion Show (b0075wz8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
TUE 14:30 Big Town All Stars (m001lj63)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
TUE 15:00 Joseph Roth - The Radetzky March (b02lwc5t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
TUE 16:00 Crown Papers (m001lj60)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 16:30 Wimsey (b007jw7f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 17:00 Catch 22 by Joseph Heller (b0150pj5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 17:15 Why Mummy Drinks (m0006764)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
TUE 17:30 North by Northamptonshire (b03mflth)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 18:00 The Goon Show (b007jpkr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 18:30 For Better or for Worse (b00hk2dx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 19:00 The Motion Show (b0075wz8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
TUE 19:30 Big Town All Stars (m001lj63)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
TUE 20:00 TED Radio Hour (m0010860)
Series 8
Designing Our Lives
A journey through fascinating ideas based on talks by riveting speakers on the TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) stage.
Manoush Zomorodi explores how we design our lives, from prehistoric cave art to today's social media feeds.
With Debbie Millman.
First broadcast in the USA on National Public Radio in 2020.
TUE 20:50 Inheritance Tracks (m000fqy8)
Emeli Sandé
Singer-songwriter Emeli Sandé chooses Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds and Elgar's Cello Concerto performed by Jacqueline Du Pre.
TUE 21:00 Mastertapes (b01pbq46)
Series 1
The Zombies (the B-Side)
Following on from the A-side of this two-part programme, Rod Argent, Chris White and Colin Blunstone answer questions from an audience about their album, 'Odessey and Oracle'.
With John Wilson at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios in London.
Rod, Chris and Colin perform live versions of some of the songs from the Zombies' album, still held in such high regard.
Producer: Paul Kobrak.
First broadcast on Radio 4 in December 2012.
TUE 21:30 Dark Corners by Ruth Rendell (b06s2j93)
2. Lodger
In Maida Vale, London, Carl struggles to accept his part in the untimely death of his actress friend Stacey.
The slimming pills he sold her are perfectly legal, after all.
Carl also doesn't like the way his new lodger, Dermot, is taking an interest in the case, even going so far as to attend the coroner's inquest.
Ruth Rendell's final novel is a dark and atmospheric tale of psychological suspense.

Abridged by Robin Brooks.
Read by Patricia Hodge.
Producer: Kirsteen Cameron.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2015.
TUE 21:45 It's Always Summer Somewhere (m0013pw3)
Episode 2
A young Felix tries to reconcile passions for cricket and Oasis against a backdrop of his mum's illness.
Felix White's memoir abridged for radio is read by the author.
Felix is a musician, writer and broadcaster best known as guitarist in The Maccabees. He subsequently co-founded independent record label Yala! and co-presents the BBC’s Tailenders podcast with Greg James.
In It's Always Summer Somewhere he recalls growing up, coping with grief and slowly replacing an ambition to be a left arm spinner in his school cricket team with the dazzling realities of life in a world renowned band.
Abridged by Julian Wilkinson.
Producer: Ciaran Bermingham.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2022.
TUE 22:00 Wosson Cornwall (m001l980)
Series 1
It's Rick Stein's Cornwall. Not yours.
Dawn French and Edward Rowe star in a new sketch show with a Cornish flavour. Park the clichés and open your eyes to the reality of this wondrous funny and feral land.
Visit Rick Stein's Cornwall (he's got planning permission for it), meet LJ and Jess, the low energy Gen-Z receptionists at the Royal Hotel, and find out just how important shanty singers are to the Cornish economy.
Recorded in front of an audience at the Acorn Theatre in Penzance, Wosson Cornwall is a sketch show celebrating everything that makes real contemporary Cornwall a culturally rich and funny place - its people, its history and its modern way of life.
This is the first episode in a four part series with an entirely Cornish cast and writing team.
The cast includes Dawn French (Vicar of Dibley / French and Saunders), Edward Rowe (star of Bafta-winning film BAIT and HBO’s Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon), Tamsyn Kelly (ITV2’s Stand Up Sketch Show, BBC New Comedian of the Year Award finalist 2021), Joanna Neary (Channel 4 sitcom Man Down and Gary Oldman film The Darkest Hour), Anna Keirle (award-winning Cornish stand-up, actress and writer) and award-winning actor Ciaran Clarke.
Written by James Henry, Morwenna Banks, Catherine Beazley, Max Davis, Jane Harvey, Tamsyn Kelly, Jo Neary, and Alex Smith.
Script Editor: James Henry
Music: The Jolly Strumpets
Production Co-ordinator: Tamara Shilham
Sound Design: David Thomas
Produced by Simon Nicholls
A Mighty Bunny production for BBC Radio 4
TUE 22:30 The Jason Byrne Show (b01p6pxc)
Series 3
I Won't Eat Bread From a Puddle
Award-winning comedian Jason Byrne focuses on our worst fears.
Members of his audience reveal an eccentric range of phobias include feet; boats in dry docks and being forced to eat white bread out of puddles.
Fast-paced stand-up comedy and sketch show.
With:
Laurence Howarth
Daisy Haggard
Producer: Julia McKenzie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in November 2010.
TUE 23:00 Comedy Club at Machynlleth (m001lj65)
2023
02/05/2023
Stephen Bailey, Isy Suttie, Esyllt Sears and Rob Deering meet performers from a weekend of comedy, poetry and music in Wales.
TUE 23:15 Tarot: Soundbleed (m00108c3)
Episode 1
The brainchild of multi-award winning sketch supergroup Tarot, uniting Gein's Family Giftshop and Goose, alongside stand-up and writer Kiri Pritchard-McLean.
In August 2019, Tarot were the 5th best-reviewed act in Edinburgh, the fourth best show of the year according to The List, and the best show of the year according to Chortle. The Guardian called it 'bark-out-loud funny', and The Telegraph called it 'hilarious'.
Throughout their richly soundscaped first series, Soundbleed harnesses the group's inventive writing, rapid gag rate and fine ear for character.
In this first episode, we hear an unrelaxing meditation session, a disaster at a joust and, worst of all, someone gets a guitar out at a party.
Written and performed by:
Adam Drake
Edward Easton
Kath Hughes
Ben Rowse
Kiri Pritchard-McLean.
Producer: Hayley Sterling
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in October 2021.
TUE 23:30 Elvenquest (b00w7f23)
Series 2
Episode 3
The Quest for the Sword of Asnagar continues.
Vidar and his team are outside the Citadel of Gondola which is being laid siege to by the amassed hordes of the evil Lord Darkness. But when they get searched on their way into the Citadel - there's been a lot of trouble with 'suicide fairies' - Sam comes across a love potion in Vidar's belongings.
Unsurprisingly his mind turns from defending the citadel to making his move on Penthiselea.
But the path of true love is never a steady one and Sam's plans for marital bliss soon fall apart when he discovers time with an amorous Penthiselea isn't all it's cracked up to be, and Vidar drinks the love potion by mistake.
Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto.
Sam …. Stephen Mangan
Lord Darkness …. Alistair McGowan
The High Priestess of Gondola …. Christine Kavanagh
Dean/Kreech …. Kevin Eldon
Vidar …. Darren Boyd
Amis – The Chosen One …. Dave Lamb
Penthiselea …. Sophie Winkleman
Producer: Sam Michell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2010.


WEDNESDAY 03 MAY 2023

WED 00:00 Joseph Roth - The Radetzky March (b02lwc5t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:00 Crown Papers (m001lj60)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:30 Wimsey (b007jw7f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Tuesday]
WED 02:00 Catch 22 by Joseph Heller (b0150pj5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Tuesday]
WED 02:15 Why Mummy Drinks (m0006764)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 on Tuesday]
WED 02:30 North by Northamptonshire (b03mflth)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:00 The Goon Show (b007jpkr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Tuesday]
WED 03:30 For Better or for Worse (b00hk2dx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Tuesday]
WED 04:00 The Motion Show (b0075wz8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:30 Big Town All Stars (m001lj63)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Tuesday]
WED 05:00 Drama (m0006zl8)
Black Water: An American Story
When Kelly, a young political writer, meets a famous US Senator at a party something goes terribly wrong.
A gripping drama with its origins in American political history adapted from the Pulitzer-nominated novel by Joyce Carol Oates.
Young political writer, Kelly, is staying with friends on an island off the coast of Maine for a Fourth of July party. She is surprised and delighted when a famous US Senator arrives and, over the course of an afternoon of drinking, talking and tennis, she captivates him. The two leave in the evening to catch the last ferry, to have dinner and spend the night together. But something goes terribly wrong.
July 18th 2019 marked 50 years since the Chappaquiddick incident.
Kelly ..... Lydia Wilson
The Senator ..... Elliot Cowan
Narrator/Mother ..... Laurel Lefkow
Buffy ..... Kelly Burke
Ray ..... Chris Pavlo
Felicia/Operator ..... Emma Lau
Stacey/Woman at Party ..... Hannah Wood
Adapted by Sarah Wooley
Director: Gaynor Macfarlane
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2019
WED 06:00 Crown Papers (m001ljb2)
3. May, 1935
As the nation celebrates the Silver Jubilee of George V , will Caroline's secret be revealed?
Richard’s murder continues to cause concern.
A six-part serial written by Peter Ling and Juliet Ace.
Alice, Lady Minster .... Dinah Sheridan
William, Lord Minster .... Geoffrey Whitehead
Lady Caroline Gaunt .... Deborah Makepeace
Polly, Viscountess Ebony .... Melinda Walker
The Hon. Mrs Jenny Gaunt .... Helena Breck
Beatrice, Dowager Countess .... Margaret Rawlings
Alexander, Viscount Ebony .... William Wortley
Sir Charles Bowyer .... Brett Usher
Lady Gina Bowyer .... Shelley Thompson
Muriel Beasley .... Joanna Myers
Lady Cloudesley .... Susan Sheridan
Director: Tracey Neale
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1991.
WED 06:30 Wimsey (b00s6492)
Five Red Herrings
2. Disappearances
As Lord Peter Wimsey investigates the mysterious death of unpopular artist, Sandy Campbell - key suspects keep vanishing.
Ian Carmichael stars as Lord Peter Wimsey – the aristocratic amateur sleuth created by Dorothy L Sayers.
Dramatised by Chris Miller.
Lord Peter Wimsey …. Ian Carmichael
Bunter …. Peter Jones
Sir Maxwell Jameson …. Garard Green
Sgt Dalziel …. John Graham
Mrs Faron …. Frances Jeater
Miss Selby …. Nell Brennan
Miss Cochran …. Audrey Muir
Inspector MacPherson …. Don McKillopp
Allcock …. Peter Wickham
Hammond/PC Duncan …. David Strong
Betty …. Heather Bell
Jock Graham …. Christopher Scoular
Producer: Simon Brett.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1978.
WED 07:00 Catch 22 by Joseph Heller (b0151pyz)
3. Direct Action
Captain Yossarian is in hospital, following a disastrous mission. Colonel Cathcart keeps raising the number of missions to be flown by the men, but Yossarian takes direct action to avoid the next bombing raid.
Joseph Heller’s iconoclastic 1961 novel satirising the insanity of war.
Abridged by Robin Brooks.
Read by Stuart Milligan.
Producer: Gaynor Macfarlane
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2011.
WED 07:15 Why Mummy Drinks (m0006756)
3. Happy Families
Funny, frank and feisty adaptation of Gill Sims’ best-selling novel.
Ellen is a stressed-out working- mum. She’s got high hopes of having a perfect life, but the gulf between her aspiration and her reality is an ever-widening chasm of chaos. But this is the year that everything will change…for sure.
Christmas is coming, and with it, Ellen’s challenging family-in-law.

Ellen … Gabriel Quigley
Simon … Stuart McQuarrie
Louisa … Maryam Hamidi
Director: Kirsty Williams
First broadcast in June 2019.
WED 07:30 Women Talking About Cars (m0001b9c)
Series 3
1. Floella Benjamin
Victoria Coren Mitchell talks to actress, singer, writer, business woman, and politician Baroness Benjamin of Beckenham, known to millions of BBC TV's Play School viewers as Floella Benjamin.
Return of the interview series that uses a famous woman's cars as a vehicle to talk about her life.
Floella tells how her supremely happy childhood in Trinidad turned sour when her parents left her with a cruel foster family – and the joy of being reunited with them when she came to England.
She explains how she learnt to overcome racism with a smile. Plus the freedom that came with passing her driving test - driving around looking for parties in the 1960s – and why when she became a peer, she chose Baroness of Beckenham as her title.
Car descriptions read by Sarah Hadland.
Producer: Gareth Edwards.
A BBC Studios Production, first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2018.
WED 08:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jm2y)
Series 3
The Conjurer
The lad takes up conjuring and is booked for Dartmoor Prison - unaware of Sid's plan.
Starring Tony Hancock.
With Bill Kerr, Sidney James, Andree Melly and Kenneth Williams.
Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.
Theme and incidental music composed 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 February 1956.
WED 08:30 21st Century Blues (m001ljbj)
The Sleepless Chaffinch
It’s 2099. Donald Pleasence plays ‘Chaff’ Chaffinch. He was born at 23.55 on December 31st 1999 and is now approaching his 100th birthday. Chaff is a stylite – a religious zealot who lives on top of a column overlooking the Ethiopian desert – where he reflects his family history, and on the horrors and absurdities of the new millennium.
'Chaff' Chaffinch’ recalls a nephew who underwent a sleep vaporising operation.
Futuristic comedy written by Steve Walker.
Cast:
Chaff Chaffinch …. Donald Pleasance
Ramon …. Lyndam Gregory
Fettis …. Tom Bevan
Bibby …. Malcolm Ward
Sep …. Tim Woodward
July …. Vivienne Rochester
Chairman Hindmarsh …. Barry Gordon
Charlotte's Third Husband …. Gareth Armstrong
Scampi …. Rachel Atkins
Cole / Announcer …. Peter Whitman
Music arranged and performed by Neil Brand.
The theme sung by Peter Kenny and Nicholas Boulton.
Director: Eoin O'Callaghan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1994.
WED 09:00 It's Not What You Know (b036kbm5)
Series 2
Episode 6
What is Frankie Boyle's worst habit? What is the best piece of advice Diane Morgan's dad ever gave her? Which government department did Alan Johnson most like being in charge of?
All these questions, and more, will be answered in the show hosted by Miles Jupp, where panellists are tested on how well they know their nearest and dearest.
In this case, Alan Johnson picks his son Jamie, Diane Morgan her father Peter and Frankie Boyle his mate Stuart to answer questions about each other.
Producer: Sam Michell.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2013.
WED 09:30 Hobby Bobbies (b04svjxv)
Series 2
Vice
The tiny Haling police force is thrown into confusion when The Guv orders a crackdown on vice in their patch.
Can social media help unveil the mysterious Big Brenda?
Britain's longest serving PCSO (police community support officer) is paired with Britain's laziest.
Starring Richie Webb and Nick Walker.
Written by Dave Lamb.
Geoff...............Richie Webb
Nigel...............Nick Walker
The Guv..........Sinead Keenan
Nina................Pooja Shah
Bernie.............Chris Emmett
Geoff's Dad.....Noddy Holder
Producer: Steve Doherty
A Top Dog production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2014.
WED 10:00 Drama (m0006zl8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
WED 11:00 Crown Papers (m001ljb2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 11:30 Wimsey (b00s6492)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 12:00 Catch 22 by Joseph Heller (b0151pyz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 12:15 Why Mummy Drinks (m0006756)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
WED 12:30 Women Talking About Cars (m0001b9c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 13:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jm2y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 13:30 21st Century Blues (m001ljbj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 14:00 It's Not What You Know (b036kbm5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
WED 14:30 Hobby Bobbies (b04svjxv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
WED 15:00 Drama (m0006zl8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
WED 16:00 Crown Papers (m001ljb2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 16:30 Wimsey (b00s6492)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 17:00 Catch 22 by Joseph Heller (b0151pyz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 17:15 Why Mummy Drinks (m0006756)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
WED 17:30 Women Talking About Cars (m0001b9c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 18:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jm2y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 18:30 21st Century Blues (m001ljbj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 19:00 It's Not What You Know (b036kbm5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
WED 19:30 Hobby Bobbies (b04svjxv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
WED 20:00 Archive on 4 (b0076css)
The Liverpool Poets
In 1967, three young poets found fame and popularity with the publication of the anthology, The Mersey Sound. Pete McCarthy looks at the work of Roger McGough, Adrian Henri and Brian Patten.
Contributors include artist and critic George Melly, musician Andy Roberts and writer Phil Bowen.
Produced by Bob Dickinson.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2003.
WED 21:00 Short Cuts (b04kbjj1)
Series 6
Rabbit Holes
Josie Long dives down a rabbit hole in this sequence of short documentaries, true stories and radio adventures.
We hear tales of a spam email that alters the course of two people's lives and a mysterious monument made out of shoes at a deserted intersection in rural Indiana - and Miranda July leads listeners into another world with her story of swim coaching an elderly team in a town near no large bodies of water.
Series Producer: Eleanor McDowall
A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in October 2014.
WED 21:30 Dark Corners by Ruth Rendell (b06s2jhq)
3. Pressure
Ruth Rendell's final novel is a dark and atmospheric tale of psychological suspense.
Debut crime novelist, Carl, struggling to make ends meet, bitterly regrets accepting the first person to apply to rent the top part of his house. Dermot has proven to be a slippery and manipulative tenant, making much of his knowledge that Carl sold slimming pills to a friend who subsequently died.
Indeed, Dermot has now stopped paying rent altogether. Almost broke, Carl reluctantly faces the prospect of having to confess all to Nicola, his girlfriend.

Read by Patricia Hodge.
Abridged by Robin Brooks.
Produced by Kirsteen Cameron.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2015.
WED 21:45 It's Always Summer Somewhere (m0013pvv)
Episode 3 - The Storm
In this third part of Felix White's abridged memoir read by the author, he remembers his tempestuous teenage years and attempts to find escape through cricket as a storm brews for his family.
Felix White is a musician, writer and broadcaster best known as a guitarist in The Maccabees. He subsequently co-founded independent record label Yala! and co-presents the BBC’s Tailenders podcast with Greg James. In It's Always Summer Somewhere he recalls growing up, his mother's illness and slowly replacing an ambition to be a left arm spinner in his school cricket team with the dazzling realities of life in a world renowned band.
Abridger: Julian Wilkinson
Producer: Ciaran Bermingham
WED 22:00 Lemn Sissay's Social Enterprise (m000bnbf)
Episode 1
Every year since 2013, the poet, broadcaster and author Lemn Sissay has arranged a Christmas dinner for people aged 18-25 who have left the care system and have no one with whom to have Christmas dinner. No one to give presents or receive them. No-one on the other end of the cracker.
This is not a charity. It isn't even an organisation. It's a project Lemn undertook because he understands how it feels - at 18 he was released from a children's home and given an empty flat in Wigan, with no one in the world who had known him for longer than a year.
Lemn Sissay’s Social Enterprise is a four-part series for BBC Radio 4, considering what these dinners have taught him about charity, social enterprise, and people, through stand-up, interview and poetry.
This week, he explores the idea of shelter in all its forms - with the help of Polly Neate, the Chief Executive of the charity Shelter, and comedy writer Sarah Morgan.
Written and performed by Lemn Sissay
Guest: Polly Neate
Guest: Sarah Morgan
Producer: Ed Morrish
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
WED 22:30 Pick Ups (b008p50r)
Series 1
Episode 2
A crucial darts match in the Manchester cab office, while Rebel offers marital advice.
Comedy set in in a run down taxi office in Manchester.
Written by Ian Kershaw.
Lind ... Sally Lindsay
Mike ... John Thomson
Dave ... Philip Rowson
Alan /Rebel ... Ash Tandon
Drunk ... Mark Smith
With Claire Coleman
Producer: Paul Hardy
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2008.
WED 23:00 Comedy Club at Machynlleth (m001ljbx)
2023
03/05/2023
Stephen Bailey, Isy Suttie, Esyllt Sears and Rob Deering meet performers from a weekend of comedy, poetry and music in Wales.
WED 23:15 Heidi Regan: No Worries (m000xdqz)
Episode 1
As someone who tends to worry in 'normal' times, the pandemic has of course offered some exciting new areas of exploration for the anxious mind. Having a partner who is a GP has both helped and not helped Heidi with that: worrying about her being safe, but also, yay, on tap medical advice! That said, examining rashes of a loved one over dinner isn’t really the romance her partner signed up for.
As Heidi and her partner ponder some of the big questions in life, Heidi's brain resorts, as it always does, to distracting them (and the audience) with increasingly silly jokes as she makes an argument for the pros and cons of joking your way through life.
In this episode she ponders whether repressing her worries is better than sharing them.
Written and performed by Heidi Regan.
With thanks to Nick Elleray
Produced by Julia McKenzie
A BBC Studios Production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in June 2021.
WED 23:30 Kieran Hodgson's Earworms (b091w6kw)
Series 1
Schnittke
Can self-described 'music educator and inspiration' Ralph Lewis (the man behind ''Tchaikovsky Abs Blast' or 'Holst for the Homeless') persuade self-confessed 'enemy of culture' Paul, that Schnittke's worth a listen?
Critically-acclaimed comedian Kieran Hodgson -as Ralph Lewis - presents comedy intros to the great composers.
Written and starring Kieran Hodgson.
With Colin Hoult and Georgie Glen.
Producer: Sam Ward
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2017.
WED 23:45 Jelly Mountain (b00ftk74)
Episode 5
Musings on a footkerchief and a forest full of girls
Songs and stories with Craig Murray-Orr, Dylan Edwards, Beverley Crew and Alison O'Kill.
Producer: Neil Cargill
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1996.


THURSDAY 04 MAY 2023

THU 00:00 Drama (m0006zl8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 Crown Papers (m001ljb2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:30 Wimsey (b00s6492)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 Catch 22 by Joseph Heller (b0151pyz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:15 Why Mummy Drinks (m0006756)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 on Wednesday]
THU 02:30 Women Talking About Cars (m0001b9c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jm2y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Wednesday]
THU 03:30 21st Century Blues (m001ljbj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 It's Not What You Know (b036kbm5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:30 Hobby Bobbies (b04svjxv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 Stella Gibbons - Nightingale Wood (b01pjzbx)
Episode 1
On either side of Nightingale Wood through one idyllic year in the late 1930s, hearts beat and minds scheme, as the dowdy Wither family tries to compete with the glittering Springs.
Bookish Tina Wither is in love with Saxon, her father's handsome and aloof chauffeur.
Her shop girl sister-in-law, Viola, has fallen for Victor Spring, the lord of the manor. And Madge is in love with a dog...
Stella Gibbons’ sparkling comedy of manners.
Dramatised in two-parts by Christopher William Hill.
Tina ...... Victoria Hamilton
Mother/Nellie ...... Dinah Stabb
Viola ...... Francine Chamberlain
Victor ...... Simon Bubb
Father/Falger ...... Paul Moriarty
Edna/Fawcuss ...... Adjoh Andoh
Saxon/Bill ...... Adam Billington
Madge ...... Victoria Inez Hardy
Hetty ...... Alex Rivers
Phyllis/Lint ...... Joan Walker
Spurrey/Phillips ...... Ian Masters
Cattyman/Mrs Phillips ...... Judith Coke
Director: Marion Nancarrow
First broadcast in the ‘Neglected Classics’ season on BBC Radio 4 in 2011.
THU 06:00 Crown Papers (m001ljlp)
4. Autumn, 1936
A time of revelation and soul-searching for more than one member of the Minster family.
A six-part serial written by Peter Ling and Juliet Ace.
Alice, Lady Minster .... Dinah Sheridan
William, Lord Minster .... Geoffrey Whitehead
The Hon. Nicholas Gaunt .... Mark Straker
The Hon. Mrs Jenny Gaunt .... Helena Breck
Polly, Viscountess Ebony .... Melinda Walker
Sir Charles Bowyer .... Brett Usher
Lady Caroline Gaunt .... Deborah Makepeace
The Hon. Martin Gaunt .... Richard Pearce
Paul Weyman .... Philip Sully
Director: Tracey Neale
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1991.
THU 06:30 Wimsey (b00s6brb)
Five Red Herrings
3. Bicycles
One of six suspects over the death of Sandy Campbell, Jock Graham has let slip that he knows rather more than he pretends. Lord Peter Wimsey investigates.
Ian Carmichael stars as Lord Peter Wimsey – the aristocratic amateur sleuth created by Dorothy L Sayers.
Dramatised by Chris Miller.
Lord Peter Wimsey …. Ian Carmichael
Hammond/PC Duncan …. David Strong
Jock Graham …. Christopher Scoular
Inspector MacPherson …. Don McKillopp
Jaime Mair/The Constable …. Jonathan Scott
Ferguson …. Iain Blair
Mrs McGregor …. Miriam Margoyles
Helen McGregor …. Yvonne Gillan
PC Ross …. Gordon Kane
Producer: Simon Brett.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1978.
THU 07:00 Catch 22 by Joseph Heller (b0151t4g)
4. Bologna
Yossarian is obliged to lead the Bologna bombing mission. Orr is forced into another crash landing.
Joseph Heller’s iconoclastic 1961 novel satirising the insanity of war.
Abridged by Robin Brooks.
Read by Stuart Milligan.
Producer: Gaynor Macfarlane
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2011.
THU 07:15 Why Mummy Drinks (m000670f)
4. Credit Crunch
Funny, frank and feisty adaptation of Gill Sims’ best-selling novel.
Ellen is a stressed-out working-mum. She’s got high hopes of having a perfect life, but the gulf between aspiration and reality is an ever-widening chasm of chaos. But this is the year that everything will change…for sure.
Simon and Ellen have fallen out over the credit card bill. Weeks later, the frostiness has still not thawed and Ellen’s reserves of optimism have run out.
Adapted by Christine Entwisle
Ellen … Gabriel Quigley
Simon … Stuart McQuarrie
Sylvia … Joanna Tope
Michael … Crawford Logan
Director: Kirsty Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2019.
THU 07:30 All Those Women (b06bhvsr)
Series 1
Episode 2
Jen is driven to compete with Stuart in the parenting stakes. Cue the most fun (and educational) sleepover an 11 year old could wish for. In theory.
In the meantime, Maggie would really prefer it if her houseguests would put things back in the correct drawer, and stop leaving teabags in the sink.
Comedy series by Katherine Jakeways about four generations of women trying to live under one roof.
Hetty ...... Sheila Hancock
Maggie ...... Lesley Manville
Jen ...... Sinead Matthews
Emily ...... Lucy Hutchinson
David ...... Denis Lill
Stu ...... Chris Pavlo
Pat ...... Katherine Jakeways
Mrs Bell ...... Amelia Lowdell
Freya ...... Zoe Castle
Lucy ...... Hollie Burgess
Announcement ...... George Watkins
Script editor: Richard Turner
Producer: Alexandra Smith
A BBC Radio Comedy production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2015.
THU 08:00 Eric Sykes: The Radio Years (b0088z58)
One of broadcasting's greats - the veteran comic actor Eric Sykes, reflects on his radio work in conversation with Paul Jackson.
Eric recalls the highlights of his wartime career and his early days as a scriptwriter for the incomparable Frankie Howerd, the wooden Archie Andrews and the over-demanding Goon Show.
The interview includes a Goon Show episode The Tales of Montmartre' which Eric co- scripted and which was first heard on the BBC Home Service in 1956.
It features passion and duplicity in Paris through the tangled lives of two talented painters. It starred regular goons - Peter Sellers, Harry Secombe and Spike Milligan. Their producer was Peter Eton.
Producer: Paul Kobrak
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Extra in November 2007.
THU 09:00 Booked (b00759t1)
Series 6
Episode 3
More original writing and outrageous parody gleefully corrupting the world's revered literary works.
Ian McMillan chairs the irreverent literary game with Mark Thomas, David Stafford, Stuart Maconie and Linda Smith.
Producer: Marc Jobst
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1999.
THU 09:30 The Right Time (b007zhn2)
Series 1
Episode 5
The sketch show about modern life with people who have lived a bit of it. Stars Eleanor Bron and Clive Swift. From September 2001.
THU 10:00 Stella Gibbons - Nightingale Wood (b01pjzbx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
THU 11:00 Crown Papers (m001ljlp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 11:30 Wimsey (b00s6brb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 12:00 Catch 22 by Joseph Heller (b0151t4g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 12:15 Why Mummy Drinks (m000670f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
THU 12:30 All Those Women (b06bhvsr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 13:00 Eric Sykes: The Radio Years (b0088z58)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 14:00 Booked (b00759t1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
THU 14:30 The Right Time (b007zhn2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
THU 15:00 Stella Gibbons - Nightingale Wood (b01pjzbx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
THU 16:00 Crown Papers (m001ljlp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 16:30 Wimsey (b00s6brb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 17:00 Catch 22 by Joseph Heller (b0151t4g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 17:15 Why Mummy Drinks (m000670f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
THU 17:30 All Those Women (b06bhvsr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 18:00 Eric Sykes: The Radio Years (b0088z58)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 19:00 Booked (b00759t1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
THU 19:30 The Right Time (b007zhn2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
THU 20:00 The Mastertapes Guide to Writing the Perfect Song (m000zky4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Saturday]
THU 21:00 Great Lives (m000fwym)
Ernest Hemingway
Monty Python's Michael Palin chooses the American writer, Ernest Hemingway.
Michael Palin first came across his Great Life when he was studying for school exams, his love of Ernest Hemingway has never gone away. He, along with expert Naomi Wood tell Matthew Parris why this twentieth century legend is a Great Life.
Producer: Perminder Khatkar.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2014.
THU 21:30 Dark Corners by Ruth Rendell (b06s2kq3)
4. Confrontation
Ruth Rendell's final novel is a dark and atmospheric tale of psychological suspense.
Dermot's threatening presence in the house in Maida Vale has become all-pervasive. After Carl reveals the hold Dermot has over him, Nicola decides to confront him herself. But Dermot refuses to be cowed and instead turns the focus upon her, describing how abhorrent he finds it that she and Carl are living in sin. A dark and atmospheric tale of suspense by a doyenne of the form.
Read by Patricia Hodge.
Abridged by Robin Brooks.
Produced by Kirsteen Cameron.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2015.
THU 21:45 It's Always Summer Somewhere (m0013prl)
Episode 4 - The Name of a Good Band
Felix learns guitar and joins his first band. But it's not - yet - The Maccabees. Meanwhile a fresher England team find a rockstar-like figure in Freddie Flintoff.
The fourth part of White's moving and funny memoir about cricket, music and grief, read by the author.
Felix White is a musician, writer and broadcaster best known as a guitarist in The Maccabees. He subsequently co-founded independent record label Yala! and co-presents the BBC’s Tailenders podcast with Greg James. In It's Always Summer Somewhere he recalls growing up, his mother's illness and slowly replacing an ambition to be a left arm spinner in his school cricket team with the dazzling realities of life in a world renowned band.
Abridger: Julian Wilkinson
Producer: Ciaran Bermingham
THU 22:00 Susan Calman Makes Me Happy (m000c4x4)
Episode 4
Taking part in Strictly Come Dancing made Susan Calman happy. Completely, totally happy. And having lived with anxiety for so long, it was something of a surprise to discover something new that gave her feelings of joy. So, in Susan Calman Makes Me Happy, she explores and explains the other things in life that bring her happiness.
This week, aided and abetted by her studio audience and her wife Lee, Susan waxes lyrical about her love for animals. She may have previously mentioned (once or twice) that she’s quite partial to cats, but her affections aren’t limited to the feline world. From the dogs in her local park, via the birds that visit her garden, to grumpy Icelandic Ponies (well, sort of), Susan adores them all.
Produced by Lyndsay Fenner
Written by Susan Calman and Jon Hunter
Production Co-ordinator: Tamara Shilham
A Somethin’ Else production for BBC Radio 4
THU 22:30 Paul Sinha's History Revision (b07dntk7)
Series 2
Sex and Sexuality
Paul Sinha looks at the role lust has played in driving history.
Stories range from the loving marriage that prevented Dr Zhivago winning an Oscar, to the most depraved Roman Emperor of them all (it's not who you think), to the British monarch whose gay affairs changed the world. Phwoar, eh?
Paul's second series of his History Revision, the show that uncovers the fascinating stories that we've forgotten in our onward march of progress.
Written and performed by Paul Sinha
Produced by Ed Morrish
A BBC Radio Comedy Production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in June 2016.
THU 23:00 Comedy Club at Machynlleth (m001ljmv)
2023
04/05/2023
Stephen Bailey, Isy Suttie, Esyllt Sears and Rob Deering meet performers from a weekend of comedy, poetry and music in Wales.
THU 23:15 Felicity Ward - Appisodes (b0bfz6r0)
Series 1
Depression
Australian stand up Felicity Ward stars in her first BBC Radio 4 series where she tries to solve her mental health issues, one app at a time.
In this episode, Felicity tries to alleviate her depression with the help of patented swimming app 'You Can Swim to Save Yourself' (as voiced by Nick Helm).
Throughout the series, Felicity downloads a new app each week to help her destress, refocus and find practical solutions to her various trouble areas - anxiety, depression, IBS and insomnia.
Written and performed by Felicity Ward.
Script Editor: Gareth Gwynn
Producer: Adnan Ahmed
A BBC Studios Production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2018.
THU 23:30 A Look Back at the Nineties (b007jqxy)
1999
Confusion in the House of Commons, discovering a new star - and what to wear for the Millennium.
Recorded in 1993 - Brian Perkins, Kate Robbins and Rory Bremner 'look back' at 1999 - a year that was yet to happen.
A satirical review set on New Year's Eve 1999 - the Sony Gold award-winning comedy recalls the events from 1995 to 1999.
Predicted by 'Spitting Image' writers Mark Burton, John O'Farrell and Pete Sinclair.
Producer: Caroline Leddy
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1993.


FRIDAY 05 MAY 2023

FRI 00:00 Stella Gibbons - Nightingale Wood (b01pjzbx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 Crown Papers (m001ljlp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:30 Wimsey (b00s6brb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 Catch 22 by Joseph Heller (b0151t4g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:15 Why Mummy Drinks (m000670f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 on Thursday]
FRI 02:30 All Those Women (b06bhvsr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 Eric Sykes: The Radio Years (b0088z58)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 Booked (b00759t1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:30 The Right Time (b007zhn2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 Stella Gibbons - Nightingale Wood (b01pkjwp)
Episode 2
The young, widowed and pretty Viola Wither finally has the chance to escape her stifling in-laws in Essex.
Whilst they are spending a month in the Lakes, she and her sister-in-law Tina escape to Stanton on Sea.
Viola is still pining for the dashing Victor Spring - who has kissed her - and Tina for the beautiful chauffeur, Saxon - likewise.
But is it all hopeless?
Conclusion of Stella Gibbons’ sparkling pre-war comedy of manners.
Dramatised by Christopher William Hill.
Tina ...... Victoria Hamilton
Mother ...... Dinah Stabb
Viola ...... Francine Chamberlain
Victor ...... Simon Bubb
Father ...... Paul Moriarty
Edna ...... Adjoh Andoh
Saxon ...... Adam Billington
Hetty ...... Alex Rivers
Phyllis ...... Joan Walker
Spurrey ...... Ian Masters
Uncle Frank ...... James Lailey
Mr Brodhurst ...... Gerald McDermott
Director: Marion Nancarrow
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2011.
FRI 06:00 Crown Papers (m001ljpk)
5. Spring, 1937
What will happen when Caroline comes face-to-face with a figure from the past?
Jenny also meets with someone from the past. But who is she?
Serial written by Peter Ling and Juliet Ace.
Alice, Lady Minster .... Dinah Sheridan
William, Lord Minster .... Geoffrey Whitehead
The Hon. Nicholas Gaunt .... Mark Straker
The Hon. Mrs Jenny Gaunt .... Helena Breck
Beatrice, Dowager Countess .... Margaret Rawlings
Lady Caroline Gaunt .... Deborah Makepeace
Scott Hanson .... Colin McFarlane
Lady Cloudesley .... Susan Sheridan
Paul Weyman .... Philip Sully
Mr Darrell .... Nigel Carrington
American Matron .... Jane Whittenshaw
American Nurse .... Adjoa Andoh
Director: Tracey Neale
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1991.
FRI 06:30 Wimsey (b007jw80)
Five Red Herrings
4. Bunter Investigates
As Lord Peter Wimsey continues his hunt for the murderer of Scottish artist Sandy Campbell, his manservant Bunter takes the initiative.
Ian Carmichael stars as Lord Peter Wimsey – the aristocratic amateur sleuth created by Dorothy L Sayers.
Dramatised by Chris Miller.
Lord Peter Wimsey …. Ian Carmichael
Bunter …. Peter Jones
Parker …. Stephen Thorne
Inspector MacPherson …. Don McKillopp
Miss Selby …. Nell Brennan
Miss Cochran …. Audrey Muir
Bob Anderson …. Henry Knowles
Ferguson …. Iain Blair
Strachan …. Gordon Clyde
Producer: Simon Brett.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1978.
FRI 07:00 Catch 22 by Joseph Heller (b0151xtg)
5. A Plague of Yossarians
Colonel Cathcart faces a plague of Yossarians and there is an outbreak of moaning during the briefing.
Joseph Heller’s iconoclastic 1961 novel satirising the insanity of war.
Abridged by Robin Brooks.
Read by Stuart Milligan.
Producer: Gaynor Macfarlane
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2011.
FRI 07:15 Why Mummy Drinks (m0006729)
5. Appy Ever After?
Funny, frank and feisty adaptation of Gill Sims’ best-selling novel.
Ellen is a wine-loving, stressed-out working- mum. She’s got high hopes of having a perfect life, but the gulf between her aspiration and the reality is an ever-widening chasm of chaos.
But Ellen’s just discovered the app she created has made some serious money. She’s moving closer towards her dream life by the second. Surely nothing can go wrong now?

Ellen … Gabriel Quigley
Simon … Stuart McQuarrie
Louisa … Maryam Hamidi
Sylvia … Joanna Tope
Michael … Crawford Logan
Kathy … Sally Reid
Adapted by Christine Entwisle
Director: Kirsty Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2019.
FRI 07:30 Bridget Christie's Utopia (b09r6fvs)
Series 1
Spirituality
As Bridget Christie struggles to come to terms with current world events - Kim Jong-un, the melting polar ice caps and parakeets in her garden reminding her of Brexit, she embarks on a comic quest for her Utopia - a way of living that will make her less anxious and enable her to have her first happy wee since the Brexit vote in 2016.
In this second episode of the series, Bridget explores spirituality - to see if that will make her happier. Could Yoga, Hinduism or becoming a nun be the answer to all her problems? Or will life still be completely rubbish? In her tour of spirituality, Bridget meets an elderly nun - Sister Agatha - at Bar Convent, hides from an Easter egg hunt and witnesses the aftermath of her husband getting a wedgie from the ghost of Napoleon. Will any of this help her switch off?
Stand-up show recorded in front of a studio audience at the BBC Radio Theatre. With special guest Sister Agatha.
Produced by Simon Nicholls and Alison Vernon-Smith.
A BBC Studios Production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in February 2018.
FRI 08:00 Steptoe and Son (b00s3cgj)
Series 1
The Diploma
Harold Steptoe drops a bombshell by quitting the family rag and bone business for a new career as a TV repair man.
Starring Wilfrid Brambell and Harry H Corbett.
Following the conclusion of their hugely successful association with Tony Hancock, writers Ray Galton and Alan Simpson wrote 10 pilots for the BBC TV's Comedy Playhouse in 1962.
The Offer featured the lives of rag and bone men Albert Steptoe and son Harold - and was the spark for a run of 8 series on TV.
Albert …. Wilfrid Brambell
Harold …. Harry H. Corbett
Adapted for radio from Galton and Simpson's TV script by Gale Pedrick.
Producer: Bobby Jaye
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in August 1966.
FRI 08:30 Flying the Flag (b00dk3vl)
Series 4
As Unequal as Others
When equal rights for women appears on the agenda, closely followed by the emergence of militant feminists, the ambassador is stuck by the echo of men closing ranks.
Series 4 of Alex Shearer's Eastern bloc embassy sitcom.
CAST:
HM Ambassador Mackenzie …. Dinsdale Landen
Wiliam Frost …. Peter Acre
Helen Waterson …. Moir Leslie
Colonel Surikov …. Christopher Benjamin
US Ambassador Spiro Weinberg …. Stephen Greif
Producer: Neil Cargill
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1992.
FRI 09:00 The Museum of Curiosity (m0011l16)
Series 16
Episode 5
Professor of Ignorance John Lloyd and his curator Holly Walsh welcome:
* Comedian and podcaster Catherine Bohart
* Broadcaster and author Elizabeth Day
* Iron Maiden frontman and airline pilot Bruce Dickinson
Catherine Bohart talks about creating her comedy new material night Gigless and her appreciation for a perfectly soft boiled egg. Elizabeth Day explores what can be learned from failure and the success of her latest book Magpie. Bruce Dickinson discusses life as the lead singer of Iron Maiden and his other life as a pilot flying all over the world.
Researchers: Mike Shepherd, Mike Turner, Mandy Fenton and Lydia Mizon of QI.
Produced by Anne Miller
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in November 2021.
FRI 09:30 Bleak Expectations (b00vrxwt)
Series 4
A Tolerable Life De-Happified
Our hero Pip sees his former nemesis - the badly named Gently Benevolent - thwarted and locked up in a prison within a jail within a gaol spelled the other way, and apparently repentant of his crimes.
But late one foggy night when Pip is attacked with a bowl of sinister custard, he realises a new form of evil is stalking the streets of London. He is obliged to ask for help from his erstwhile foe. Can Benevolent now be trusted? And who is the sinister evil figure?
Meanwhile, Pip's wife Ripely, has become obsessed with cutlery, and the purchase of some diamond-handled dodo knives will probably force Pip into bankruptcy.
And his best friend Harry Biscuit claims to be having terrible problems with an angry badger.
Mark Evans's epic Victorian comedy - with apologies to Charles Dickens.
Sir Philip ..... Richard Johnson
Young Pip Bin ..... Tom Allen
Gently Benevolent ..... Anthony Head
Harry Biscuit ..... James Bachman
Grimpunch ..... Geoffrey Whitehead
Ripely ..... Sarah Hadland
Pippa ..... Susy Kane
Producer: Gareth Edwards
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2010.
FRI 10:00 Stella Gibbons - Nightingale Wood (b01pkjwp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
FRI 11:00 Crown Papers (m001ljpk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 11:30 Wimsey (b007jw80)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 12:00 Catch 22 by Joseph Heller (b0151xtg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 12:15 Why Mummy Drinks (m0006729)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
FRI 12:30 Bridget Christie's Utopia (b09r6fvs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 13:00 Steptoe and Son (b00s3cgj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 13:30 Flying the Flag (b00dk3vl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 14:00 The Museum of Curiosity (m0011l16)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
FRI 14:30 Bleak Expectations (b00vrxwt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
FRI 15:00 Stella Gibbons - Nightingale Wood (b01pkjwp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:00 today]
FRI 16:00 Crown Papers (m001ljpk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 16:30 Wimsey (b007jw80)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 17:00 Catch 22 by Joseph Heller (b0151xtg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 17:15 Why Mummy Drinks (m0006729)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
FRI 17:30 Bridget Christie's Utopia (b09r6fvs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 18:00 Steptoe and Son (b00s3cgj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 18:30 Flying the Flag (b00dk3vl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 19:00 The Museum of Curiosity (m0011l16)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
FRI 19:30 Bleak Expectations (b00vrxwt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
FRI 20:00 A Little Lateral Thinking (b08xcvq9)
Edward de Bono , was the man who coined the term “lateral thinking”.
From Tony Blair to Richard Branson, the Eurythmics to Mikhail Gorbachev, de Bono’s influence has been impressive.
Stephen Smith dons his lateral thinking cap to ask how this concept – berated by many for its intellectual scope – has become a by-word for creativity.
Producer: Adele Armstrong
Edward de Bono died in June 2021 aged 88.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2017.
FRI 20:30 A Good Read (b060zr3j)
Julian Clary & Janet Ellis
Comic Julian Clary, TV presenter Janet Ellis and Harriett Gilbert discuss their favourite books by Matthew Kneale, Fay Weldon and Anne Tyler.
'English Passengers' by Matthew Kneale published by Penguin
'Mischief' - a collection of short stories by Fay Weldon published by Head of Zeus
'The Accidental Tourist' by Anne Tyler published by Vintage
Producer: Sally Heaven
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2015.
FRI 21:00 The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry (m000q3pn)
Series 17
The Hamster Power Hypothesis
"How many hamsters on wheels would it take to power London?" asks Judah from Virginia in the USA. Rutherford & Fry return with engineering, ethics and economics to answer this electric query.
Smart grid engineer Lynne McDonald helps keep the lights on for 8.3 million homes and businesses across London at UK Power Networks. She explains how the kilowatt hours we see on our electricity bills relate to the thousands of gigawatt hours required when thinking about powering the whole of London. In theory, a hamster in a wheel might be able to produce about half a watt of power – enough to run a small LED light bulb.
Whilst the doctors argue the case on the resultant practicalities and ethics of even considering such a scenario – as, for example, the required cubic kilometre stack of hamster habitats would cover Canary Wharf – Royal Veterinary College researcher Zoe Davies points out some biological and anatomical home truths. As an expert in biomechanics currently investigating athletic performance in racehorses, she walks Adam through the impossibilities of using pretty much any animal, bird or insect as a source of power.
There may be one exception though: humans. Veteran lecturer of undergraduate chemistry for biologists and cycling enthusiast, Andrea Sella discusses whether human power might realistically work. We consider what this or other more realistic sources of renewable energy could mean for the future of our national grid.
Presenters: Hannah Fry & Adam Rutherford
Producer: Jen Whyntie
A BBC Audio Science Unit production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in December 2020.
FRI 21:30 Dark Corners by Ruth Rendell (b06s2l28)
5. Desperate
Patricia Hodge reads the final novel by Ruth Rendell, who died in May this year aged eighty-five.
Miserable and desperate, Carl is placed under further pressure by Dermot, his blackmailing tenant. A dark tale of suspense by a doyenne of the form.
Read by Patricia Hodge.
Abridged by Robin Brooks.
Produced by Kirsteen Cameron.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2015.
FRI 21:45 It's Always Summer Somewhere (m0013pwl)
Episode 5
Part five of White's memoir about cricket, music and loss, read by the author. In the wake of unprocessed grief, Felix's band takes off, as does the England team.
Felix White is a musician, writer and broadcaster best known as a guitarist in The Maccabees. He subsequently co-founded independent record label Yala! and co-presents the BBC’s Tailenders podcast with Greg James. In It's Always Summer Somewhere he recalls growing up, his mother's illness and slowly replacing an ambition to be a left arm spinner in his school cricket team with the dazzling realities of life in a world renowned band.
Abridger: Julian Wilkinson
Producer: Ciaran Bermingham
FRI 22:00 Mark Steel's in Town (m00021rb)
Series 9
Hastings
Mark Steel returns to Radio 4 with the ninth series of his award-winning show that travels around the country visiting towns that have nothing in common but their uniqueness. After thoroughly researching each town, Mark writes and performs a bespoke evening of comedy for the local residents.
In the first episode Mark visits Hastings.
Hastings is mainly known for its famous battle, but they don't like to go on about that. Apart from over seventy businesses with 1066 in the title, you hardly see it mentioned. A lot has happened there since 1066 though; they have an annual Pirates Day, for example, where everyone dresses as pirates and gets drunk. They have Jack in the Green day, where everyone paints themselves green and gets drunk. They also have a statue of a giant winkle, an alley under the prom with a spectacular light show and there are lots of lovely pubs too, where you can watch one of their thousands of bands... and get drunk. Oh, and there's a building supplier called William the Concreter.
Written and performed by Mark Steel
Additional material by Pete Sinclair
Production co-ordinator, Hayley Sterling / Beverly Tagg
Sound Manager, Jerry Peal
Producer, Carl Cooper
Picture Credit, Tom Stanier
FRI 22:30 It's Jocelyn (b08gy87v)
Series 2
Friends
Jocelyn talks about friendship, Princess Pay As You Go gets into podcasting and the traffic wardens have a meeting about a meeting.
Series two of sketches and stand-up from the wonderful mind of Jocelyn Jee Esien.
With Paul Whitehouse as a cockney funeral director, plus the vocal talents of Ninia Benjamin, Curtis Walker, Dee Kaate, Gavi Chera and Karen Bartke.
Producer: Suzy Grant
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in March 2017.
FRI 23:00 Comedy Club at Machynlleth (m001ljq0)
2023
05/05/2023
Stephen Bailey, Isy Suttie, Esyllt Sears and Rob Deering meet performers from a weekend of comedy, poetry and music in Wales.
FRI 23:15 Welcome to the Neighbourhood with Jayde Adams (m0018p56)
Ep 1: Helen Bauer.
Jayde Adams and guest Helen Bauer dive into the feisty world of community apps and messageboards, sifting through the angry neighbourhood bins to find disgruntled comedy gold.
From biggest beefs to weirdest news, Jayde discovers a hotbed of (largely unintentional) hilarity with graffiti-daubed wheelie bins, stray cats, e-scooters and more.
Jayde and the production team would like to hear about what's riling up the neighbours around Britain. Are your groups kicking off? Listeners can submit screenshots of the funniest and freakiest posts and threads to welcometotheneighbourhood@bbc.co.uk.
Produced by Cornelius Mendez
An Unusual Production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in June 2022.
FRI 23:30 The Machynlleth Comedy Festival (m001ljq6)
Kiri Pritchard-McLean hosts a comedy showcase featuring acts from this year's festival.