SATURDAY 31 MAY 2025

SAT 00:00 Soul Music (b09ydkd5)
Series 26
A Whiter Shade of Pale by Procol Harum
Why has Procol Harum's surreal track ‘A Whiter Shade of Pale’ remained enduringly popular for over 50 years?
Soul Music hears the stories and memories of those who love it.
Released in May 1967, it was the group's first single. It went to No. 1 in the UK, and stayed there for six weeks.
Musicologist, Allan Moore, deconstructs the track and dismisses the almost universally accepted idea that it mimics Bach's ‘Air on a G String’.
Film-maker, Chris Rodley, remembers the impact it had on him when he heard it for the first time, in the dead of the night, on pirate Radio Caroline.
Musician, James Pollard, explains how he created a wedding march for a friend using this track as inspiration.
Thriller writer, Nelson DeMille, describes his year in Vietnam as 'the year without music', but ‘A Whiter Shade of Pale’ is the one song that reminds him of his time there.
Singer, Sarah Collins, suffered a brain tumour shortly after the birth of her second child. Making the decision to sing again was fundamental to her healing process. As her Dad, Phil, explains 'Whiter Shade' is his favourite song. He was very moved when she decided to record it for her YouTube channel.
Produced at BBC Bristol by Karen Gregor.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2018.
SAT 00:30 Doonesburyland (b008md8z)
An insight into the world of Garry Trudeau and his cartoon creations, BD, Zonker and Duke.
The Guardian's Steve Bell and Martin Rowson give their interpretations of the Doonesbury world.
US satirist Joe Queenan, takes a stroll around the venue where the characters were drawn - Garry's studio....
Producer: Miles Warde
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2008.
SAT 01:00 The Rivals (b04ykbjw)
Series 3
4. Dr James Thorndike: The Moabite Cipher
Inspector Lestrade was made to look a fool in the Sherlock Holmes stories.
Now he is writing his memoirs, he has a chance to get his own back, with more tales of Holmes' rivals.
This time, Lestrade collaborates with Dr James Thorndike, as they try to protect Pastor Wayne Kaplan after he receives death threats.
Starring James Fleet and Tim McInnerny.
Written by R Austin Freeman.
Dramatised by Chris Harrald.
Lestrade …. James Fleet
Thorndike …. Tim McInnerny
Kaplan …. Ian Conningham
Professor Waggoner …. Michael Bertenshaw
Miss Dunbar …. Roslyn Hill
The Flunky …. Monty d’Inverno
The Duchess …. Jane Slavin
Producer: Liz Webb
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2015.
SAT 01:30 VI Warshawski (b007jl6q)
Bitter Medicine
5. A Matter of Records
Private eye VI Warshawski suspects a case of hospital malpractice, as she probes a suspicious death.
Starring Sharon Gless.
VI Warshawski is Sara Paretsky’s tough, smart and likeable female private investigator.
Dramatised by Michelene Wandor.
V.I. Warshawski …. Sharon Gless
Lottie Herschel …. Eleanor Bron
Bobby Mallory …. Bill Hootkins
Peter Burgoyne …. William Dufris
Sal/Nurse …. Alice Arnold
Woman …. Ann Beach
Dick …. John Sharian
Max …. Jonathan Adams
Mr Contreras/Murray Ryerson …. Kerry Shale
Producer: Janet Whitaker
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1997.
SAT 02:00 A Very Private Man (b09gxsml)
Episode 2
David and Helen Parkinson arrive in their new secluded home in the Yorkshire countryside.
But David's dream of isolation is even more remote...
Starring Rodney Bewes and Ann Bell.
Terry Gregson's north v south sitcom.
David Parkinson …. Rodney Bewes
Helen Parkinson …. Ann Bell
Mrs Henderson …. Daphne Oxenford
Mrs Arthur …. Paula Tildrook
Mr Sands …. Peter Wheeler
Produced at BBC Manchester by Ron McDonnell.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in January 1981.
SAT 02:30 Lines From My Grandfather's Forehead (b00yhx5s)
Series 2
Episode 5
Angry antique dealers, a word from the Minister for population - and it's not the end of the world
A sequential entertainment for radio starring Ronnie Barker.
With:
Terence Brady
Pauline Yates
Pianist: Gordon Langford.
Banjo: Dick Abell
Written by Terence Brady, Peter N Christie, Donald Churchill, Bert Fisher, John Graham, Christopher Langham, Roy Lomax, Chris Miller, Katie Moss, Myles Rudge and Gordon Langford, Allan Scott and Chris Bryant, and Gerald Wiley.
Producer John Fawcett-Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1972.
SAT 03:00 Showstopper (b00yb41f)
1. Organised Crime
The Showstopper team are here to create a hilarious improvised comic musical on the spot!
Featuring songs, plot and characters based entirely on suggestions from the live studio audience.
So it's curtain up on the musical world of organised crime!
The cast includes:
Pippa Evans
Ruth Bratt
Dylan Emery
Lucy Trodd
Sean McCann
Oliver Senton
Producer: Sam Bryant
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2011.
SAT 03:30 Poldark: The Miller's Dance by Winston Graham (m000ltfk)
5. The War With Napoleon
The English Navy is preventing ships from landing in France in order to cut off supplies to Napoleon.
The war with Napoleon’s Europe has reached a crucial phase.
Winston Graham’s novel set in Cornwall continues the story of the passions of the Poldark family and their friends, neighbours, rivals and enemies.
All this takes place in 1812 against a backdrop of England’s continuing military campaign against Napoleon’s army in Spain and Portugal
A world which seems so far away from the pressing concerns of Cornish life and which nevertheless beckons Ross Poldark to attend to his duties in parliament as an MP.
Abridged by Jill Waters and Isobel Creed.
Read by Richard Goulding.
Producer: Jill Waters
A Waters Company production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2020.
SAT 03:45 Rose Tremain (m002cr16)
Music and Silence
10. Awaiting a Reply
Kirsten has a new scheme - and a new child.
Life around the Danish court in the 17th century, is revealed in all its tempestuousness, passion and frustration.
Novel by Rose Tremain
Adapted by Penny Leicester
Narrated by Nicholas Farrell and Sian Thomas.
Kirsten Munk .... Frances Barber
Francesca .... Stella Gonet
Emilia .... Eleanor Tremain
King .... David Timson
Peter .... Robert Harper
Queen .... Elizabeth Bell
Producer Di Speirs
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2000.
SAT 04:00 Whispers (b007k3br)
Series 1
Episode 5
The ins and outs of the abdication crisis in the quiz show that loves scandals.
Hosted by the least discreet man in Britain, Gyles Brandreth.
Regular team captains Anthony Holden and Stella Duffy are joined by:
Lynne Truss
Rowan Pelling
Producer: Elizabeth Freestone
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2003.
SAT 04:30 More Mr Mulliner by PG Wodehouse (m002cr1d)
The Truth About George
The pub raconteur's tale of a man in love who must overcome a speech impediment.
Storyteller Mr Mulliner enlists the regular tipplers of the Angler's Rest to tell his tales.
Starring Richard Griffiths.
From a collection of stories written by PG Wodehouse, first published in 1927.
Dramatised by Roger Davenport.
Mr Mulliner .... Richard Griffiths
Miss Postlethwaite / Susan / Wilfred .... Matilda Ziegler
A Dry Sherry / George …. Peter Darney
A Pint of Stout / The Specialist / The Guard .... David Timson
A Light Ale / The Lunatic .... Martin Hyder
A Port / Traveller / Farmer Appleby .... Peter Acre
Stranger / Reporter .... Damian Lynch
Mother on the Train …. Lydia Leonard
Director: Ned Chaillet
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2004.
SAT 05:00 Orley Farm by Anthony Trollope (b00ghrhb)
3. Secrets
Lady Mason has confessed to her terrible secret and her chance of marriage with Sir Peregrine has been shattered.
Will her secret be exposed at the trial and will her beloved son lose Orley Farm?
Starring Tim Pigott-Smith, Samantha Bond and Ronald Pickup.
Conclusion of Anthony Trollope’s compelling, emotional novel from 1861.
Dramatised by Martyn Wade.
Anthony Trollope ...... Tim Pigott-Smith
Lady Mason ...... Samantha Bond
Sir Peregrine ...... Ronald Pickup
Peregrine Orme ...... Dan Stevens
Mrs Edith Orme ...... Amanda Root
Lucius Mason ...... Jonathan Christie
Sophia Furnival ...... Lydia Leonard
Mr Furnival ...... Robert Maskell
Mrs Furnival ...... Joanna Monro
Lady Staveley ...... Pamela Miles
Judge Staveley ...... Chris Pavlo
Madeline Staveley ...... Manjeet Mann
Augustus Staveley ...... Robert Lonsdale
Felix Graham ...... Gunnar Cauthery
Mr Dockwrath ...... Sam Dale
Joseph Mason ...... Jonathan Tafler
Mr Moulder ...... Stephen Critchlow
Mrs Moulder ...... Jane Whittenshaw
John Kenneby ...... Inam Mirza
Chaffanbrass ...... Malcolm Tierney
Miss Biggs ...... Jill Cardo
Judge ...... Dan Starkey
Director: Tracey Neale
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2009.
SAT 06:00 Our Family by Victor Pemberton (m002cxtk)
1. The Trains Don't Stop Here Any More
The first of what became a trilogy of dramas telling the story of the Edginton family across the 20th century.
1916 - 1930: Letty Edginton is a determined young girl and marries Oliver against the wishes of her family.
She's convinced that her love can help him overcome the disabilities of his war-wounds and restore faith in himself and the world about him.
Starring Nerys Hughes and Nigel Anthony.
Written by Victor Pemberton. Inspired by real people and actual events.
Letty Edginton .... Nerys Hughes
Beatrice, her mother .... Sheila Grant
William, her father .... Malcolm Hayes
Oliver Hobbs .... Nigel Anthony
Violet .... Wendy Richard
Tom .... Derek Seaton
Frank O'Malley .... Bill Monks
Nicky/Bugle Boy .... Adam Godley
Bill Brooks .... Kenneth Shanley
Amy Lyall ....Eve Karpf
Mr Cotton ....Eric Allan
Mr Pearson/Gateman .... Robert Trotter
Pianist: Mary Nash
Director: John Tydeman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1978.
SAT 07:30 Mistresses by Linda Porter (Omnibus) (m002cxtn)
Charles II was addicted to women.
After his restoration to the throne in 1660, despite being married to Catherine of Braganza, he kept a series of mistresses - many of them at the same time.
The most famous of them all was Nell Gwyn. She was loved by the British public who sympathised with her working class vulgarity and sense of humour.
They didn’t take too kindly to the King’s French mistress Louise de Kéroualle, a powerful networker at the court with more influence than the Queen.
At a time when religious and political tensions ran high, with Catholics and Protestants fighting over the succession to the throne, these women exerted profound influences on him.
For all of these women, the rewards were grand houses, titles with land and increasingly lavish pensions.
Between them, Charles II fathered 13 illegitimate children while his neglected and unloved wife remained childless.
Vivid historical tale written by Linda Porter.
Omnibus of five episodes abridged by Libby Spurrier.
Read by Rachael Stirling
Producer: Marina Caldarone
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in July 2021.
SAT 08:45 Someone Like Me by Miles Kington (b00dpg1d)
3. Gossip
Gossip, siestas and his brother's attempt to play a corpse.
Broadcaster, writer and musician, Miles Kington continues his account of an endearingly eccentric childhood.
Abridged by Richard Hamilton.
Producer: Emma Harding
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2005.
SAT 09:00 The Men from the Ministry (b007jq45)
Mission Inedible
The bungling civil servants botch a promotion for British food delicacies in New York.
A weekly tribute to all those who work in government departments.
Written by Edward Taylor and John Graham.
Lennox-Brown …. Deryck Guyler
Lamb …. Richard Murdoch
Mildred…. Norma Ronald / Mrs Warboys
Sir Gregory …. Ronald Baddiley
The Pigeons / Stack …. John Graham
'The Men from the Ministry' ran for 14 series between 1962 and 1977. Deryck Guyler replaced Wilfrid Hyde-White from 1966.
Producer: Edward Taylor
First broadcast on the BBC Radio 4 in July 1977.
SAT 09:30 J Kingston Platt (b01s2y7s)
Platt vs Rooney and Day
The long untold calamitous tale of a double-act gone wrong on a visit to Australia.
The doyen of British showbiz, the insider's insider, J Kingston Platt returns to the wireless with more startlingly persuasive recollections.
Written and read by Peter Jones
Producer: Pete Atkin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1993.
SAT 10:00 Hardware, Software, Anywhere (m000s9hy)
1. Hardware
Nick Baker’s collection of programmes and interviews reflects on how the impact of technology has changed, from the dawn of language to the age of virtual reality.
In the first of three programmes, Hardware, features Stephen Fry along with an edition of FRY'S ENGLISH DELIGHT about the physicality of written language, from its earliest scrawlings to the digital age.
Plus in THE PERSISTENCE OF ANALOGUE, tech-writer Leigh Alexander says despite all the boundless conveniences of the digital world, it can sometimes feel as if something has been lost in the transition to an always-on virtual society.
Producer: Stephen Garner
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in November 2019.
SAT 11:00 Our Family by Victor Pemberton (m002cxtk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 12:30 Mistresses by Linda Porter (Omnibus) (m002cxtn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 13:45 Someone Like Me by Miles Kington (b00dpg1d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
SAT 14:00 The Men from the Ministry (b007jq45)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 14:30 J Kingston Platt (b01s2y7s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SAT 15:00 Hardware, Software, Anywhere (m000s9hy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SAT 16:00 Hunger Again by Dermot Bolger (b0b1q0kp)
The aftermath of an explosion at a British nuclear plant creates a lawless Ireland raising the spectre of famine.
Against this backdrop, Helen Curtayne is searching for her young daughter Millie across a dangerous and altered country.
Starring Cathy Belton.
Futuristic drama written by Dermot Bolger
Helen Curtayne …. Cathy Belton
Thomas …. Owen Roe
Millie …. Hannah Gordon
Susan …. Susannah Doyle
Stephen …. Sean Campion
Theresa …. Tina Kellegher
Miko …. Gerry O'Brien
Old Traveller …. John Hewitt
Solider …. Vincent Higgins
Child …. Sarah Gordon
Child …. Martha Gordon
Directed at BBC Belfast by Gemma McMullan.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2005.
SAT 17:00 Our Family by Victor Pemberton (m002cxtk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 18:30 Mistresses by Linda Porter (Omnibus) (m002cxtn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 19:45 Someone Like Me by Miles Kington (b00dpg1d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
SAT 20:00 The Men from the Ministry (b007jq45)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 20:30 J Kingston Platt (b01s2y7s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SAT 21:00 Hardware, Software, Anywhere (m000s9hy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SAT 22:00 Andy Hamilton Sort of Remembers (b09bz16d)
Series 1
The Human Body
Andy Hamilton presents more observations and reminiscences about his personal life and his long career in comedy.
A self-confessed hypochondriac, Andy looks at the topic of The Human Body.
Memories include: a GP at University with a penchant for boxing, the unfortunate trick Andy's brain used to play on him every Thursday morning - and the only time he ever wished he had been taller.
Producer: Claire Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2017.
SAT 22:30 Start/Stop (b04stvxw)
Series 2
4. David's Villa
Jack Docherty’s sitcom about three marriages in various states of disrepair.
The three couples are invited to David's villa in Italy.
Barney and Evan go out early to help David with some renovations. Meanwhile Fiona tries to help Cathy to get bikini-ready. Alice, of course, is already bikini-ready, which Barney is looking forward to confirming...
Starring:
Couple 1:
Barney ...... Jack Docherty
Cathy ...... Kerry Godliman
Couple 2:
Evan ...... John Thomson
Fiona ...... Fiona Allen
Couple 3:
David ...... Charlie Higson
Alice ...... Sally Bretton
Producer: Claire Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2014.
SAT 23:00 Radio 9 (b04gnvtq)
Series 2
Episode 4
It's back to groovy 1960s London - and a doctor obsessed with songs by the Wombles.
In a world where presentation is at the wheel, and content is firmly bound and gagged in the back, Radio 9 finds itself with so much to say - but no idea how to say it.
Written and performed by Johnny Daukes and Hils Barker.
With:
Max Digby
Katherine Jakeways
Sarah Daukes
Matt Wilkinson
Robert Johnston
Jon Stevenson
Carine Harris
Jonathan Kydd
Esther Phillips
Megan Phillips
Producers: Claire Jones and Johnny Daukes
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2005.
SAT 23:30 Micky Flanagan: What Chance Change? (b00sg13d)
1970s
Cockney geezer Micky Flanagan regales us with the story of his journey from tabloid to broadsheet; from the street party to the dinner party; from apples and pears to stocks and shares...
Well you've got the idea.
Each episode focuses on a different decade of Micky's life. Micky regales us with stories from his life told through stand up comedy.
In between, the programmes goes 'behind the scenes' with short interviews that give an insight into the stand up.
For starters, Micky talks about growing up in the East End in the 1970's.
He chats to his school-friends about their shared experiences of leaving with no qualifications to work at Billingsgate Fish Market. He also interviews Sociology Professor Paul Willis about his research on working class boys in a 1970's school.
Micky's transition from the mean streets of the East End, working as a Billingsgate Fish Porter to an entertainer living in the leafy lanes of Dulwich is a fascinating story, all the better for being told through jokes.
The issue of class is a crucial theme in Micky's stand up. However it is framed less as "Do we now have a classless society?" and more as "Is it ok to ask for Tomato sauce in a fancy French restaurant?"
Written and performed by Micky Flanagan.
Producer: Tilusha Ghelani
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2010.

SUNDAY 01 JUNE 2025

SUN 00:00 Hunger Again by Dermot Bolger (b0b1q0kp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Saturday]
SUN 01:00 Our Family by Victor Pemberton (m002cxtk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]
SUN 02:30 Mistresses by Linda Porter (Omnibus) (m002cxtn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Saturday]
SUN 03:45 Someone Like Me by Miles Kington (b00dpg1d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Saturday]
SUN 04:00 The Men from the Ministry (b007jq45)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Saturday]
SUN 04:30 J Kingston Platt (b01s2y7s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Saturday]
SUN 05:00 Hardware, Software, Anywhere (m000s9hy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Saturday]
SUN 06:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b01nbw56)
King Lear
Sir Ian McKellen
Sir Ian McKellen shares his castaway choices with Sue Lawley.
The actor grew up in Lancashire attending Wigan Grammar school and then Bolton School where he was Head Boy. His first trip to the theatre was as a three year old when he went to see Peter Pan at Manchester Opera House. At seven, a treasured Christmas present was a fold-away Victorian theatre from Pollocks Toy Theatres.
Ian's older sister Jean introduced him to Shakespeare - taking him to see Twelfth Night at Wigan's Little Theatre. His first Shakespeare performance was playing Malvolio from the same play at the amateur Hopefield Miniature theatre when he was 13 years old.
Ian won a scholarship to read English at St Catharine's College, Cambridge and was soon appearing in regular productions, including appearing alongside now famous alumni such as Derek Jacobi, David Frost, Trevor Nunn and Margaret Drabble.
By the time Ian graduated in 1961 he had decided to become an actor, and got his first job in a production of A Man for All Seasons at the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry. He has not been out of work since, appearing at the National Theatre and the RSC, and he has also forged a successful film career.
He's played an acclaimed Richard III for which he also wrote the screenplay, and had parts in X-Men, Gods and Monsters, for which his performance was Oscar-nominated, and playing Gandalf in Lord of the Rings.
Ian was made a Knight of the British Empire for services to the performing arts in the Queen's New Year Honours of 1990.
DISC ONE: Vladimir Horowitz - Stars and Stripes Forever
DISC TWO: Samuel Barber’s Adagio For Strings - Philharmonia Orchestra, conductor: Geoffrey Simon
DISC THREE: Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 13 in B flat major, Op. 130 (2nd movement) - Lindsay String Quartet
DISC FOUR: Rose's turn - Ethel Merman
DISC FIVE: Stormy Weather - Lena Horne
DISC SIX: Mississippi Goddam - Nina Simone
DISC SEVEN: Harrison's Clocks - Joanna MacGregor
DISC EIGHT: Dancing Queen - ABBA
BOOK CHOICE: A dictionary of flora and fauna
LUXURY CHOICE: Grand piano
CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Stormy Weather - Lena Horne
Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2003.
SUN 06:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00m45d2)
Series 1
Faking Fossils
Sir David recalls a key moment in his life, when he broke open a piece of Leicestershire limestone and there in his hand was an ammonite.
Over the intervening years, fossils have fascinated him and he has become a great collector, even of the odd fake.
Series of talks by Sir David Attenborough on the natural histories of creatures and plants from around the world.
Producer: Julian Hector
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2009
SUN 07:00 Poetry Extra (m002cxsr)
Poetry Please - June Miscellany
Poet Daljit Nagra revisits the BBC's poetry archive and, to celebrate summer he selects Poetry Please - June Miscellany with Roger McGough.
The range of poems cover sun, sleep, love and loss.
Including poetry by:
Margaret Atwood
Fleur Adcock
Wislawa Symborska
John Keats
WH Auden
Producer Sally Heaven.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2015.
** And Daljit reads from his Poetry Extra Book of the Month - Richard Scott's second collection: That Broke into Shining Crystals.
SUN 07:30 Poldark: The Miller's Dance by Winston Graham (Omnibus) (m002cxst)
Episode 1
Winston Graham’s series of novels set in Cornwall follows the lives of the Poldark family and their friends, neighbours, rivals and enemies.
This story (Book 9 in the famous series of novels) rejoins the characters in 1812 – about ten years after the point where BBC TV’s hugely popular series concluded.
Omnibus of the first five of ten episodes abridged by Jill Waters and Isobel Creed.
Read by Richard Goulding.
Ross Poldark is now 52 and still happily married to Demelza, who is ten years younger than him. Their eldest son Jeremy is approaching 21 and their eldest daughter Clowance is 17, both of them navigating the changeable weather of first love.
The Poldark family is completed by young Isabella-Rose although neither Ross nor Demelza will ever forget the grief of losing their first born, Julia, before her third birthday.
A series of courtships begins their complicated dance, some fuelled by lust and others by love, money or ambition.
All this takes place against a backdrop of England’s continuing military campaign against Napoleon’s army in Spain and Portugal. The damage that war has done to the nation’s commerce and those who rely on it gives rise to political tensions which are played out in complex schemes of power and influence amongst the governing classes in London.
A world which seems so far away from the pressing concerns of Cornish life and which nevertheless beckons Ross to attend to his duties in parliament as an MP.
Take the chance to return to Cornwall and the passions of the Poldarks, reflecting on what marriage and courtship are really about and whether love can ever hope to conquer all.
Producer: Jill Waters
A Waters Company production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2020.
SUN 08:40 Inheritance Tracks (m002cxsx)
Rachel Burden
Broadcaster Rachel Burden chooses the 'Overture' to Mozart’s opera The Marriage of Figaro, and ‘Days’ by Kirsty MacColl.
SUN 08:50 Rose Tremain (m002cxsz)
Music and Silence (Omnibus)
Episode 2
Denmark 1629. A young English lutenist - Peter Claire - who looks like an angel, arrives to play for King Christian at the Palace of Rosenborg.
Peter and the other musicians practice in a field , where he Peter falls for Emilia Tilsen, who works for the King's greedy and unfaithful consort Kirsten.
Novel by Dame Rose Tremain.
Omnibus of the next five of fifteen parts adapted by Penny Leicester.
Narrated by Nicholas Farrell and Sian Thomas.
Kirsten Munk .... Frances Barber
Francesca .... Stella Gonet
Emilia .... Eleanor Tremain
King .... David Timson
Peter .... Robert Harper
Queen .... Elizabeth Bell
Producer: Di Speirs
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2000.
SUN 10:00 Life With The Lyons (m002cxt1)
The Other Generation
Barbara is unlucky in love again but promises it will make her a new woman of her.
Comedy with a real-life American family.
Starring Bebe Daniels and Ben Lyon
Written by Bebe Daniels, Bob Block and Ronnie Hanbury.
Ben …. Ben Lyon
Bebe …. Bebe Daniels
Barbara …. Barbara Lyon
Richard …. Richard Lyon
Aggie MacDonald …. Molly Weir
Florrie Wainwright …. Doris Rogers
Mr Wimple …. Horace Percival
With:
Hugh Morton
Patricia Hayes
Shelia Ward
Patricia Field
Richard Bellaers
Life With the Lyons was one of the BBC's most popular radio sitcoms between1950 and 1961. It was also adapted for BBC TV.
Incidental music by Arthur Wilkinson.
Paul Fenoulhet conducts the BBC Variety Orchestra.
Producer: Tom Ronald
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in March 1955.
SUN 10:30 Huddwinks (b00fsmz6)
Series 2
The Idiots Have Landed!
A Second World War tale of derring-do, to dispose of Adolf Hitler at his Bavarian lodge.
Starring Roy Hudd.
Series of comedic parodies written by Laurie Rowley.
With
Denise Coffey
Chris Emmett
David Gooderson
Fred Harris
Producer: Jonathan James-Moore
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in June 1988.
SUN 11:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b01nbw56)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 11:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00m45d2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]
SUN 12:00 Poetry Extra (m002cxsr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
SUN 12:30 Poldark: The Miller's Dance by Winston Graham (Omnibus) (m002cxst)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 13:40 Inheritance Tracks (m002cxsx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 today]
SUN 13:50 Rose Tremain (m002cxsz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]
SUN 15:00 Life With The Lyons (m002cxt1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 15:30 Huddwinks (b00fsmz6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
SUN 16:00 Mythos by Julian Simpson (b08kvnfg)
1. Mythos
Incidents of death from heart failure have spiked at seven times the national average in a small Essex village.
Agent Lairre investigates.
Julian Simpson's three-part paranormal drama starring Nicola Walker.
Mythos is a series that looks at British folklore through a quasi-scientific prism.
It's laced with sardonic humour, ridiculous situations and insane leaps of logic - but its foundations lie in the stories that have become part of the British cultural DNA over the last 2000 years.
Lairre .... Nicola Walker
Johnson .... Tim McInnerny
Hicks .... Jonathan Bailey
Neboad .... Steven Mackintosh
Seth .... David Calder
Kate .... Emma Fielding
Aubrey .... Hugh Ross
Written and directed by Julian Simpson.
Producer: Karen Rose
A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in April 2017.
SUN 16:45 The Cobweb Kiss by Peter J Hammond (m0005tnl)
In an old abandoned house, covered in dust apart from a shiny toy merry-go-round, young parents Jonathan and Lydia wait patiently for their six-year-old son to return home.
They've been waiting a long time…
Written by Peter J Hammond
Lydia.................Gemma Craven
Jonathan............Richard O'Callaghan
James................Manning Wilson
Mary.................Eva Stuart
Director: Glyn Dearman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1978.
SUN 17:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b01nbw56)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 17:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00m45d2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]
SUN 18:00 Poetry Extra (m002cxsr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
SUN 18:30 Poldark: The Miller's Dance by Winston Graham (Omnibus) (m002cxst)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 19:40 Inheritance Tracks (m002cxsx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 today]
SUN 19:50 Rose Tremain (m002cxsz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]
SUN 21:00 Life With The Lyons (m002cxt1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 21:30 Huddwinks (b00fsmz6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
SUN 22:00 Elvenquest (b0170c13)
Series 3
Episode 5
The Questers continue their search for the Sword of Asnagar and are happy to be welcomed into the palace of the White Wizard.
He is a man who is nothing but sweetness and light and, consequently, the very opposite to Lord Darkness.
But extremism of any kind, whether for good or evil, is a dangerous thing - and Penthiselea soon begins to smell that there's something not altogether unfishy about the White Wizard.
Meanwhile, Kreech and Lord Darkness are off to the Land of Dunes for their annual holiday...
Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto.
Vidar ...... Darren Boyd
Dean/Kreech ...... Kevin Eldon
Amis, aka The Chosen One ...... Dave Lamb
Sam ...... Stephen Mangan
Lord Darkness ...... Alistair McGowan
The White Wizard ...... John Sessions
Penthiselea ...... Sophie Winkleman
Producer: Sam Michell.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2011.
SUN 22:30 Darren Harriott - Red Label (m000ysvk)
Episode 1
Darren Harriott says that although he is now in his 30s and gone on dates, he's never been in love.
How can that be?
Is it him - or something else?
The comedian looks for answers from his youth, and the relationships he grew up around.
Be it his family, the characters on TV, or the early 90s RnB in his record collection; all these portrayals of love have shaped the relationships he's had...
Written and performed by Darren Harriott
Therapist ........ Mali Ann Rees
Producer: Gwyn Rhys Davies
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2021.
SUN 23:00 Daphne Sounds Expensive (b07m7vzj)
Series 1
Murder
The gang must solve a mysterious murder on the Yorkshire Moors, for the conclusion of series 1.
Join critically-acclaimed sketch trio, Daphne, as they pull out all the stops in a dazzling array of peculiar characters, whacky scenarios, dodgy remarks, curious observations, minor altercations and major peacemaking - served on a bed of catchy little numbers with a live nine-piece band.
Written by and starring: Jason Forbes, Phil Wang & George Fouracres
Featuring Sir Willard White & David Elms
Original music composed by Jeff Carpenter
Orchestrator: Simon Nathan
Musical Director: Freddie Tapner
Piano: Jeff Carpenter
Drums: Ben Hartley
Bass: Rob Grist
Percussion: Ben Burton
Trumpet: Michael Maddocks
Tenor Sax: Greg Sterland
Trombone: Elliot Pooley
Violin: Hannah Bell
Cello: Nick Squires
Production Coordinator: Hayley Sterling
Producer: Matt Stronge
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2016.
SUN 23:30 The Sofa of Time (b00hxqnm)
And the Hackett March on...
Milford, Parker and Marmite venture to Moran's ruins to try and locate the "ancient finding device", while Raamen Bod summons general Geezer to finish them off once and for all.
Continuing the epic and timeless tale of two men and their quest to find "The Sofa of Time", the most magical and powerful item of furniture in the entire universe.
It is said that those who sit on the sofa can be transported to anywhere and anytime.
Fantasy sitcom written by Nick Frost and Matt King.
Milford ...... Matt King.
Parker ...... Nick Frost
Marmite ...... Mark Heap
Raamen Bod ...... Peter Serafinowcz
With:
Kevin Eldon
Julia Deakin
Janei Anderson
Daisy Jones
Simon Pegg
Producer: Mario Stylianides
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2002.

MONDAY 02 JUNE 2025

MON 00:00 Mythos by Julian Simpson (b08kvnfg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Sunday]
MON 00:45 The Cobweb Kiss by Peter J Hammond (m0005tnl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:45 on Sunday]
MON 01:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b01nbw56)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Sunday]
MON 01:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00m45d2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 on Sunday]
MON 02:00 Poetry Extra (m002cxsr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Sunday]
MON 02:30 Poldark: The Miller's Dance by Winston Graham (Omnibus) (m002cxst)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Sunday]
MON 03:40 Inheritance Tracks (m002cxsx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 on Sunday]
MON 03:50 Rose Tremain (m002cxsz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 on Sunday]
MON 05:00 Life With The Lyons (m002cxt1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Sunday]
MON 05:30 Huddwinks (b00fsmz6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Sunday]
MON 06:00 Whodunnits (b007jwb9)
Hercule Poirot - Taken at the Flood
1. The Wealthy Widow
In the London Blitz of 1944, Hercule Poirot hears an intriguing story about a man's disappearance.
He little realises that two years later, he'll become involved with the event itself...
Starring John Moffatt as the Belgian sleuth.
Agatha Christie's whodunit was first published in 1948.
Dramatised in five parts by Michael Bakewell.
Hercule Poirot ...... John Moffatt
Major Porter ...... Derek Waring
Adela Marchmont ...... Virginia McKenna
Lynn Marchmont ...... Susannah Corbett
Frances Cloade ...... Caroline Wildi
Jeremy Cloade ...... Andrew Sachs
Rowley CloadeIfan ...... Ifan Meredith
Kathie Cloade ...... Elizabeth Proud
Rosaleen Cloade ...... Fritha Goodey
David Hunter ...... Tom George
Producer: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2003.
MON 06:30 VI Warshawski (b007jl7g)
Bitter Medicine
6. Public Health
With her murder probe expanding, private detective VI Warshawski opts to employ some unusual methods in an attempt to trap the perpetrators.
Starring Sharon Gless.
Conclusion of Sara Paretsky's thriller about the tough, smart and likeable female private investigator.
Dramatised in six parts by Michelene Wandor
VI Warshawski …. Sharon Gless
Lottie Herschel …. Eleanor Bron
Bobby Mallory …. Bill Hootkins
Peter Burgoyne …. William Dufris
Murray Ryerson …. Kerry Shale
Sal/Nurse …. Alice Arnold
Mrs Rodriguez/Nurse/Woman …. Ann Beach
Alan Humphries …. Christopher Scott
Dick …. John Sharian
Max …. Jonathan Adams
Producer: Janet Whitaker
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1997.
MON 07:00 North East of Eden (b01h0kpm)
Cinema Paradiso
Marcia decides to inject a little culture into Paradise and starts a film club.
But will French art triumph over Mad Max III? Probably not.
Starring Rebecca Front and Joan Sims.
Peter Kerry's sitcom about a GP living on Paradise Island off the coast of Northumbria.
Dr Marcia Hulme …. Rebecca Front
Auntie Annie …. Joan Sims
Hjorst …. Niall Ashdown
Joseph …. James Garbutt
Mrs Peevis …. Jean Southern
Ralph …. Stephen Thirkeld
William …. Sammy Johnson
Producer: Kathy Smith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1997.
MON 07:30 Steptoe and Son (b00sf1tm)
Series 1
The Musical Evening
War erupts in the rag and bone yard, when Albert takes action over music-loving Harold's gramophone.
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 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 September 1966.
MON 08:00 On the Rocks (b05tkllr)
Series 2
Sirens
It's 1938 with talk of looming war.
General Post Office man Frank Gunwallow is back to see if all is still in order at St Martin's Post Office.
The return of Christopher William Hill's comedy set on a remote island of the Isles of Scilly.
War seems inevitable, but the islanders have their own battles to contend with, stuck on a rock flung 27 miles out into the Atlantic with only their natural grit and gallows humour to see them through.
Frank Gunwallow ...... Joseph Kloska
Morwenna-May ...... Alex Tregear
Tommy Trenear ...... Stuart Fox
Ben ...... Alex Palmer
Mary ...... Bec Applebee
Len ...... Ed Gaughan
Director: Mary Peate
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2015.
MON 08:30 Poldark: The Miller's Dance by Winston Graham (m000m0pb)
6. Violet's Invitation
Ross's parliamentary support is needed in London.
Back in Cornwall, there is bad news.
Winston Graham’s novel set in Cornwall continues the story of the passions of the Poldark family and their friends, neighbours, rivals and enemies.
All this takes place in 1812 against a backdrop of England’s continuing military campaign against Napoleon’s army in Spain and Portugal
A world which seems so far away from the pressing concerns of Cornish life and which nevertheless beckons Ross Poldark to attend to his duties in parliament as an MP.
Abridged by Jill Waters and Isobel Creed.
Read by Richard Goulding.
Producer: Jill Waters
A Waters Company production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in August 2020.
MON 08:45 Rose Tremain (m002cy2j)
Music and Silence
11. A Brother Returns
Evil and good swirl around the watery kingdom of Denmark as Kirsten continues to plot after her banishment.
Emilia is reunited with her lost brother Marcus.
Love, longing, loss and redemption in 17th century Denmark.
Novel by Rose Tremain
Abridged in fifteen parts by Penny Leicester
Narrated by Nicholas Farrell and Sian Thomas
Kirsten Munk .... Frances Barber
Francesca .... Stella Gonet
Emilia .... Eleanor Tremain
King .... David Timson
Peter .... Robert Harper
Queen .... Elizabeth Bell
Producer Di Speirs
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2000.
MON 09:00 It's a Fair Cop (m002cprh)
Series 9
1. Bus Stop Assault
In this week’s case Alfie investigates an assault on an elderly man at a bus stop. But what could have provoked such a cowardly crime?
Join former-cop turned stand-up comedian, Alfie Moore and his audience of sworn-in deputies as they ask if compassion is a thing of the past.
It's a Fair Cop is the show where you, the audience, help deal with the cases Alfie's unearthed from 20 years of policing experience, to take a comic look at the law.
Written and presented by Alfie Moore
Script Editor: Will Ing
Production Co-ordinator: Caroline Barlow
Producer: Sam Holmes
A BBC Studios Audio Production for Radio 4
MON 09:30 Extra Senses (b007744r)
1. Pain
Graham Easton explores those extra senses, such as the sense of balance and time, that humans take for granted.
He begins with a visit to a pain research laboratory to discover why some things hurt more than others.
Graham asks a circus performer how he controls the pain, when he sticks skewers through his bicep..?
Producer: Michelle Martin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2007.
MON 09:45 Daily Service (m002cy2l)
World Ocean: The Oceans - Creatures of the sea
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: World Ocean: The Oceans - Creatures of the sea
Presenter: David Waters
Reading: Genesis 1:20-23
Music:
Lord of beauty, thine the splendour - Daily Service Singers
All things Bright and Beautiful - Philip Stopford - Daily Service Singers
Prayer chant - Laudate omnes gentes (Taize) - Daily Service Singers
All creatures Of Our God and King - Daily Service Singers
MON 10:00 How Tickled Am I? (b007jp3v)
Series 1
Sandy Powell
"Can You Hear Me Mother?"
Famed for his catchphrase and comic ventriloquism, Mark Radcliffe profiles the career of Rotherham entertainer, Sandy Powell.
Featuring:
Norman Meadow
Mike Craig
Oliver Double
Series exploring the tradition of the northern comedian.
Producer: Bernadette McConnell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1999.
MON 10:30 The Doll's House (b00sxkv0)
A peek inside the world of the doll's house, by those who had one as a child.
Discover the influence the classic little girl's favourite toy has had on the imagination of now grown-up women and the occasional man, as well as the hobby of doll's houses for adults.
For children's writer and illustrator, Lauren Child, the first doll's house she saw was made by her friend's mother from a cupboard.
It inspired her to make her own which she still is still working on today. Many of the textiles which form the back-drop of her successful Charlie and Lola series originated as either wallpapers or fabrics from the doll's house she made in her youth.
For her, the doll's house is an environment which you can control. In fact, it's one of the first occasions you get in your childhood to manipulate an environment and make up your own stories.
It's also an area of craftsmanship where Britain leads the world. Whilst it may seem curious, some of the best examples of miniature building and carving are present in the cottage industries of doll's house furniture makers.
We hear from some of the best UK miniature artisans who are as well known in the doll's house world of the States, Japan and the rest of Europe as they are in Britain.
Looking at doll's houses from the 18th and 19th centuries in the Museum of Childhood, we hear that when they were built they were rarely intended as children's toys, but as hobbies for the ladies of the house.
Queen Mary's dolls house is discussed complete with miniature family portraits of her family and her arrangement of what she thought the domestic home might look like.
And discover how an increasing number of women are keeping the miniaturists in business as the vogue for dolls houses for adults grows.
Producer and Presenter: Sarah Taylor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2010.
MON 11:00 Whodunnits (b007jwb9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 11:30 VI Warshawski (b007jl7g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 12:00 North East of Eden (b01h0kpm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 12:30 Steptoe and Son (b00sf1tm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 13:00 On the Rocks (b05tkllr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 13:30 Poldark: The Miller's Dance by Winston Graham (m000m0pb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 13:45 Rose Tremain (m002cy2j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
MON 14:00 Booked (b0075t3c)
Series 4
Episode 5
Dear Diary - and guess the book from the sound effects.
Barnsley poet Ian McMillan chairs the irreverent literary game.
Outrageous parody, biting wit and bizarre couplings from:
Mark Thomas
Dillie Keane
Mark Radcliffe
Miles Kington
Producer: Marc Jobst
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1998.
MON 14:30 Double Income, No Kids Yet (b00cd4qp)
Series 1
Episode 6
Lucy is thrilled to be a godparent but the same can’t be said for Dan.
David Tennant and Liz Carling star in David Spicer's sitcom.
Modern life and parenthood, as seen through the eyes of a 30-something couple with no kids.
Daniel ...... David Tennant
Lucy ...... Liz Carling
Katie ...... Meera Syal
Charlotte ...... Polly Frame
Andy ...... Tony Gardner
Producer: Liz Anstee
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2001.
MON 15:00 The Cat by Colette (m002cy2n)
1932. A hot summer in Paris and Camille marries Alain - but he is in love with his cat.
Starring Adam Godley and Victoria Finney.
A novel written by Colette (Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette), first published in France in 1993.
Dramatised by Ayshe Raif.
Alain .... Adam Godley
Camille .... Victoria Finney
Madame Amparat .... Jenny Lee
Emile .... John Hartley
Juliette/Madame Buque .... Margaret John
Director: Claire Grove
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1998.
MON 16:00 How Tickled Am I? (b007jp3v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
MON 16:30 The Doll's House (b00sxkv0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
MON 17:00 Whodunnits (b007jwb9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 17:30 VI Warshawski (b007jl7g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 18:00 North East of Eden (b01h0kpm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 18:30 Steptoe and Son (b00sf1tm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 19:00 On the Rocks (b05tkllr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 19:30 Poldark: The Miller's Dance by Winston Graham (m000m0pb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 19:45 Rose Tremain (m002cy2j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
MON 20:00 Booked (b0075t3c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
MON 20:30 Double Income, No Kids Yet (b00cd4qp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
MON 21:00 The Cat by Colette (m002cy2n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
MON 22:00 It's a Fair Cop (m002cprh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
MON 22:30 A Look Back at the Future (b01s5d66)
2099
The year that time ran backwards.
Recorded in 1994, the futuristic show recalls the main events of 2099.
Starring:
Brian Perkins
Kate Robbins
Hugh Dennis
Everything you wanted to know then, about the 21st century.
Written by Mark Burton, John O'Farrell and Pete Sinclair.
Producer: Caroline Leddy
First broadcast (with the aid of a crystal ball) on Radio 4 in August 1994.
MON 23:00 The News Quiz (m002cq5r)
Series 117
7. Tariff Turmoil
Andy Zaltzman is joined by Armando Iannucci, Ria Lina, Ian Smith and Cindy Yu for more topical comedy quizzing. This week they explore Trump’s tariff turmoil, the King’s Canadian holiday, mixed messages in the Middle East and how the Department of Justice is having trouble finishing its sentences.
Written by Andy Zaltzman.
With additional material by: Mike Shephard, Peter Tellouche, Sascha LO and Eve Delaney.
Producer: James Robinson
Executive Producer: Pete Strauss
Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman
Sound Editor: Marc Willcox
A BBC Studios Audio Production for Radio 4
MON 23:30 Ross Noble Goes Global (b007jvt7)
Series 1
Ireland
Ross Noble continues his comedy travelogues.
Travelling from rainy Sligo to busy Dublin, the comedian performs for the locals.
He also learns to play the penny whistle - badly.
Producer: Danny Wallace
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2002.

TUESDAY 03 JUNE 2025

TUE 00:00 How Tickled Am I? (b007jp3v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Monday]
TUE 00:30 The Doll's House (b00sxkv0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Monday]
TUE 01:00 Whodunnits (b007jwb9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]
TUE 01:30 VI Warshawski (b007jl7g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Monday]
TUE 02:00 North East of Eden (b01h0kpm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Monday]
TUE 02:30 Steptoe and Son (b00sf1tm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:00 On the Rocks (b05tkllr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Monday]
TUE 03:30 Poldark: The Miller's Dance by Winston Graham (m000m0pb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:45 Rose Tremain (m002cy2j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Monday]
TUE 04:00 Booked (b0075t3c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:30 Double Income, No Kids Yet (b00cd4qp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Monday]
TUE 05:00 The Cat by Colette (m002cy2n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Monday]
TUE 06:00 Whodunnits (b007jwbk)
Hercule Poirot - Taken at the Flood
2. Blackmail
The Cloade family are trying to get money from Gordon's young widow.
It also looks like they would like her out of the way - permanently...
Agatha Christie's whodunit stars John Moffatt as Hercule Poirot.
Dramatised by Michael Bakewell.
Hercule Poirot ...... John Moffatt
Major Porter ...... Derek Waring
Adela Marchmont ...... Virginia McKenna
Lynn Marchmont ...... Susannah Corbett
Frances Cloade ...... Caroline Wildi
Jeremy Cloade ...... Andrew Sachs
Rowley CloadeIfan ...... Ifan Meredith
Kathie Cloade ...... Elizabeth Proud
Rosaleen Cloade ...... Fritha Goodey
David Hunter ...... Tom George
Producer: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2003.
TUE 06:30 King Solomon's Carpet by Barbara Vine (Ruth Rendell) (m000wjkj)
1. You Left Your Baby, But Took The Violin
For Jarvis and Busker Tom, the attraction of the old school house is that it's near the London Underground.
For Alice, it's an escape from a painful past...
Ruth Rendell's crime mystery written under the pen name of Barbara Vine. ,
Dramatised in four parts by Nick Fisher.
Tom .... Jonathan Cullen
Alice .... Kate Fenwick
Axel .... Mark Strong
Jarvis .... Kim Wall
Cecilia .... Ann Beach
Jasper .... Stuart Morris
Bienvida .... Verity Watte
Tina .... Alice Arnold
Peter .... Christopher Scott
Woman on Tube .... Colleen Prendergast
Alice's Mother .... Shirley Dixon
Ivan .... Chris Pavlo
Woman with Baby .... Elaine Pyke
Tannoy .... Alex Lowe
Musicians:
Polly Hewett
Roland Robert
Christine Messiter
Director: Marion Nancarrow
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1996.
TUE 07:00 To the Manor Born (b007jm4q)
The Honours List
News leaks out that someone in the community is to appear in the New Year's Honours list. Will it be Devere?
Audrey finds herself having to be nice to him, just in case...
Starring Penelope Keith and Keith Barron.
Lady of the manor Audrey Fforbes-Hamilton, forced to sell her beloved Grantleigh Estate, has decamped to the tiny Old Lodge cottage with her butler in tow.
From this vantage point, Audrey keeps a close and disapproving eye on new owner, the nouveau-riche Richard DeVere.
Adapted for radio by Peter Spence from his BBC TV script
Keith Barron ..... Richard DeVere
Angela Thorne ..... Marjory Frobisher
Nicholas McArdle ..... Brabinger
Margery Withers ..... Mrs Polouvicka
Frank Middlemass ..... Ned
Brigadier ...... Jonathan Adams
First piloted on radio and then whisked off to TV before it ever appeared, before finally arriving home in 1997.
Producer: Jane Berthoud
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in March 1997.
TUE 07:30 The Goon Show (b007jnxg)
Series 7
Ill Met by Goonlight
Neddie Seagoon is sent to capture the German general who commands the island of Crete.
Groundbreaking, surreal BBC radio comedy written by Spike Milligan and Larry Stephens.
Starring:
Peter Sellers
Harry Secombe
Spike Milligan
First billed as Crazy People, ten series of The Goon Show were recorded between 1951 and 1960, but sadly many of the earliest shows weren’t kept in the archive.
With the Ray Ellington Quartet and Max Geldray.
Orchestra conducted by Wally Stott.
Announcer: Wallace Greenslade
Producer: Pat Dixon
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in March 1957.
TUE 08:00 A Trespasser's Guide to the Classics (b06grwnt)
Series 1
Mr Gray's Decorators
In 19th-century London, a butler struggles to keep pace with the destructive lifestyle of his employer, a hauntingly good-looking and impressionable young man of means.
The butler hires painter-decorators to carry out repairs.
But when they accidentally damage a portrait hidden in the attic, they find that it has alarming effects on the young man.
The comedy troupe Peepolykus assume the roles of minor characters in great works of fiction and derail the plot of the book through their hapless buffoonery.
Written by John Nicholson, Richard Katz and Javier Marzan.
Richard . . . . . Richard Katz
Javier . . . . . Javier Marzan
John . . . . . John Nicholson
Dorian Gray . . . . . Blake Ritson
Sybil . . . . . Rebecca Hamilton
Lord Henry . . . . . Stephen Critchlow
Basil . . . . . Sam Dale
Young Dorian . . . . . Evie Killip
Director: Sasha Yevtushenko
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2015.
TUE 08:30 Poldark: The Miller's Dance by Winston Graham (m000m10n)
7. A Day at the Races
Ross Poldark returns from London to join his family at the Truro races
There's also an awkward meeting....
Winston Graham’s novel set in Cornwall continues the story of the passions of the Poldark family and their friends, neighbours, rivals and enemies.
All this takes place in 1812 against a backdrop of England’s continuing military campaign against Napoleon’s army in Spain and Portugal
A world which seems so far away from the pressing concerns of Cornish life and which nevertheless beckons Ross Poldark to attend to his duties in parliament as an MP.
Abridged by Jill Waters and Isobel Creed.
Read by Richard Goulding.
Producer: Jill Waters
A Waters Company production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in
TUE 08:45 Rose Tremain (m002cwzg)
Music and Silence
12. Behind Closed Doors
Magdalena's wickedness knows no bounds, and the king is beginning to escape from darkness.
Love, longing, loss and redemption in 17th century Denmark.
Novel by Rose Tremain
Adapted by Penny Leicester.
Narrated by Nicholas Farrell and Sian Thomas
Kirsten Munk .... Frances Barber
Francesca ...... Stella Gonet
Emilia ...... Eleanor Tremain
King ...... David Timson
Peter ...... Robert Harper
Queen ...... Elizabeth Bell
Producer Di Speirs
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2000.
TUE 09:00 Unspeakable (m002cpnn)
Series 2
3. F is for fig leaf
This episode we hear Russell Kane's cunning code for swearing, Sophie Duker's ingenious word for being in two places at once, and Glenn Moore's invention for offering condolences to somebody you've never heard of.
Ever struggled to find the right word for a feeling or sensation? Unspeakable sees comedian Phil Wang and lexicographer Susie Dent invite celebrity guests to invent new linguistic creations, to solve those all too relatable moments when we're lost for words.
Hosts: Phil Wang and Susie Dent
Guests: Sophie Duker, Russell Kane and Glenn Moore.
Created by Joe Varley
Writers: Matthew Crosby and Katie Storey
Recorded by Jerry Peal
Producer: Jon Harvey
Executive Producers: Joe Varley and Akash Lockmun
A Brown Bred production for BBC Radio 4
TUE 09:30 Extra Senses (b00774fl)
2. Balance
In the series that looks at those senses humans possess over and above the usual five, Graham Easton asks what happens if balance systems go permanently astray.
Graham investigates Steve Geary's rare condition which affects his sense of balance and means that he can hear his eyes squeak.
Producer: Michelle Martin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2007.
TUE 09:45 Daily Service (m002cwzj)
World Ocean Day: The Oceans - Cast out sin
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: World Ocean Day: The Oceans - Cast out sin
Presenter: Claire Campbell Smith
Reading: Micah 7: 16-20
Music:
Jesus calls us, o'er the tumult - St Michael's Singers
There is a Wideness in God Mercy - Daily Service Singers
Great is Thy Faithfulness - Philippa Hanna
TUE 10:00 A Good Read (m0002gr3)
Frank Cottrell-Boyce and Lucy Porter
Writer Frank Cottrell-Boyce and comic Lucy Porter join Harriett Gilbert to discuss favourite books by Mervyn Peake, Terry Pratchett and Dashiell Hammett.
Letters from a Lost Uncle by Mervyn Peake
Publisher: Methuen
Truckers by Terry Pratchett
Publisher: Corgi
Red Harvest by Dashiell Hammett
Publisher: Orion
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2019.
TUE 10:30 The Agony and the Ecstasy (b08k1sv9)
Coronation Street actress Cherylee Houston is a chronic pain sufferer who uses creativity as a distraction from her condition.
As pain is a topic rarely discussed publically, Cherylee sets off on a journey to meet other pain sufferers in order to find out how pain impacts on their creative work.
Does pain always have to be a bad thing or can it actually enable creative thought?
Featuring;
* Singer-songwriter, Emily Maguire
* Writer, Jack Thorne
* Artistic director, Elizabeth Newman
* Performance artist, Martin O Brien
* Pain specialist, Professor Anthony Jones.
Producer: Charlotte Riches
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2017
TUE 11:00 Whodunnits (b007jwbk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 11:30 King Solomon's Carpet by Barbara Vine (Ruth Rendell) (m000wjkj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 12:00 To the Manor Born (b007jm4q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 12:30 The Goon Show (b007jnxg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 13:00 A Trespasser's Guide to the Classics (b06grwnt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 13:30 Poldark: The Miller's Dance by Winston Graham (m000m10n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 13:45 Rose Tremain (m002cwzg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
TUE 14:00 It's Your Round (b019f6kd)
Series 2
Episode 4
Another panel of comedians endeavour to beat each other at their own games, watched over by Angus Deayton.
Trying to beat each other at their own games:
Will Smith
Celia Pacquola
Jason Solomons
Andrew Maxwell
Featured rounds:
Will Smith's "Jersey Quiz", all about the weird and wonderful world of his Channel Island birthplace.
Celia Pacquola's "Now That's Charity!" in which panellists must pitch a charity which they'd use to acquire enough funds to eradicate their personal bêtes noires, like men in flip-flops, Jennifer Aniston films, or people always checking their phones.
Jason Solomon's "Tagline Tease" in which panellists have to guess the tagline to a particular film.
Andrew Maxwell's "Boarder, boarder, boarder or boarder"... in which panellists are given a slang term and must guess whether it's from the world of snowboarding, surfboarding, clapper-boarding or boarding school.
Producer: Sam Michell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2012.
TUE 14:30 Tomorrow, Today! (b017srrs)
Series 2
Taffy Jones - Protector of the Universe
A BBC producer struggles to make a radio soap set in the unimaginably futuristic world of 2008.
With war imminent, the production relocates to Wales, but is it safer?
Starring Peter Bowles, John Fortune and Cheryl Campbell
Christopher William Hill's futuristic sitcom set in 1962.
Nigel Lavery ...... Peter Bowles
Sylvia Hann ...... Cheryl Campbell
Godfrey Winnard ..... John Fortune
Sir Angus McNairn ...... Gary Waldhorn
Hugo Kellerman ...... Joseph Kloska
Douglas Bennings ...... Jon Glover
Keith Wood ...... Sam Pamphilon
Mr Thomas ...... Ben Crowe
Tannoy ...... Laura Molyneux
Porter ...... Peter Marinker
Producer: Liz Webb
First broadcast on Radio 4 in February 2008.
TUE 15:00 Drama on 4 (m000r33t)
Marais and The Soul of the Termite by Mike Walker
Eugene Marais was a South African lawyer, naturalist and poet who virtually single-handedly created the scientific study of animal behaviour.
Ignored or traduced during his lifetime, he is now lauded - by Robert Ardrey and Richard Dawkins amongst many others.
He spent three years in the wild observing apes for a classic work, The Soul of the Ape.
His masterpiece is The Soul of the White Ant, a passionate and hugely accessible study of termites, an enthralling journey into an alien and yet ultimately familiar world which he evokes with startling vividness.
Originally a series of articles published in 1923, they were plagiarised by the Belgian Nobel Prize-winning writer Maurice Maeterlinck, who published Termites, an almost line for line transcription of Marais' work. Marais tried to get recompense or even acknowledgement but was unable to prevail against the world-famous writer.
In 1936, Marais was found dead of a self inflicted gunshot wound.
Shaun Evans stars as naturalist and poet Eugene Marais.
Mike Walker's mesmerising drama about bereavement and "the bigger picture".
Eugene Marais .... Shaun Evans
Dahon .... Lucy Doyle
Maeterlinck .... Philip Franks
Lettie .... Alexandra Guelff
Mabelel .... Bessie Ashley
Walter & Lalele .... Jude Owusu
Piet & Kruger .... Peter Noble
Sound design: Tom Maggs
Director: David Morley
Executive Producer: Dirk Maggs
Original Music by Chris O'Shaughnessy
Pianist: Paddy McDonald
Image of Shaun Evans by Faye Thomas
A Perfectly Normal production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in February 2021.
TUE 16:00 A Good Read (m0002gr3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
TUE 16:30 The Agony and the Ecstasy (b08k1sv9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
TUE 17:00 Whodunnits (b007jwbk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 17:30 King Solomon's Carpet by Barbara Vine (Ruth Rendell) (m000wjkj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 18:00 To the Manor Born (b007jm4q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 18:30 The Goon Show (b007jnxg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 19:00 A Trespasser's Guide to the Classics (b06grwnt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 19:30 Poldark: The Miller's Dance by Winston Graham (m000m10n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 19:45 Rose Tremain (m002cwzg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
TUE 20:00 It's Your Round (b019f6kd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
TUE 20:30 Tomorrow, Today! (b017srrs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
TUE 21:00 Drama on 4 (m000r33t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
TUE 22:00 Unspeakable (m002cpnn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
TUE 22:30 Tim Key's Poetry Programme (b054tfhy)
Series 3
Space
Comic poet Tim Key is broadcasting from a space simulator in St Albans, while grappling with the concept of space through the medium of his poetry.
Written and presented by Tim Key
He's attempting to recite poetry whilst tormenting his friend and musician, the equally brilliant Tom Basden.
With:
Yasmine Akram
Producer: James Robinson
A BBC Cymru Wales Production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in March 2015.
TUE 22:45 Sir Ralph Stanza's Letter from Salford (b0076f4x)
Series 2
A View From the Stanza
Greater Manchester’s Poet in Residence for Salford, Sir Ralph Stanza bases himself at a local football club.
Featuring a special guest appearance by veteran BBC radio star - Mr. Higginbottom in The Clitheroe Kid – Tony Melody.
Written by and starring James Quinn.
With:
Alison Darling
Neil Bell
Jemma Thompson
Mark Chatterton
Produced in Manchester by Graham Frost
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2003.
TUE 23:00 Arthur Smith's Balham Bash (b010mztl)
Series 3
Episode 4
Arthur Smith presents more comedy and music from his flat in Balham, south London.
With:
Billy Jenkins
Kevin Eldon
Imran Yusef
Plus poetry from Kate Fox.
Producer: Alison Vernon-Smith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2011.
TUE 23:30 And Now in Colour (b007v2t3)
Series 1
Mike's House
The sketch show team take the audience to Mike's house, but they get lost. Plus a phone-in on problems with phones...
Precision comedy written and performed by:
Tim Firth
Tim de Jongh
Michael Rutger
William Vandyck
Producer: Lissa Evans
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1990

WEDNESDAY 04 JUNE 2025

WED 00:00 A Good Read (m0002gr3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Tuesday]
WED 00:30 The Agony and the Ecstasy (b08k1sv9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Tuesday]
WED 01:00 Whodunnits (b007jwbk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:30 King Solomon's Carpet by Barbara Vine (Ruth Rendell) (m000wjkj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Tuesday]
WED 02:00 To the Manor Born (b007jm4q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Tuesday]
WED 02:30 The Goon Show (b007jnxg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:00 A Trespasser's Guide to the Classics (b06grwnt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Tuesday]
WED 03:30 Poldark: The Miller's Dance by Winston Graham (m000m10n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:45 Rose Tremain (m002cwzg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Tuesday]
WED 04:00 It's Your Round (b019f6kd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:30 Tomorrow, Today! (b017srrs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Tuesday]
WED 05:00 Drama on 4 (m000r33t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Tuesday]
WED 06:00 Whodunnits (b007jwbr)
Hercule Poirot - Taken at the Flood
3. Who's the Husband?
The mysterious visitor has been found dead in his hotel room.
But who had the motive to murder him - and why?
Agatha Christie's whodunit stars John Moffatt as Hercule Poirot.
Dramatised by Michael Bakewell.
Hercule Poirot ...... John Moffatt
Major Porter ...... Derek Waring
Adela Marchmont ...... Virginia McKenna
Lynn Marchmont ...... Susannah Corbett
Frances Cloade ...... Caroline Wildi
Jeremy Cloade ...... Andrew Sachs
Rowley CloadeIfan ...... Ifan Meredith
Kathie Cloade ...... Elizabeth Proud
Rosaleen Cloade ...... Fritha Goodey
David Hunter ...... Tom George
Producer: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2003
WED 06:30 King Solomon's Carpet by Barbara Vine (Ruth Rendell) (m000wl9g)
2. Sledging The District
"Yeah, sledging. Riding on the train roofs, Jas."
London's Underground looms large in the life of Jarvis, Tom and Alice - and poses danger for Jasper.
Crime mystery written by Ruth Rendell under the pen name of Barbara Vine.
Dramatised by Nick Fisher.
Alice .... Kate Fenwick
Axel .... Mark Strong
Tom .... Jonathan Cullen
Jarvis .... Kim Wall
Cecilia .... Ann Beach
Daphne .... Llnda Polan
Jasper .... Stuart Morris
Bienvida .... Verity Waite
Damon .... James Bell
Musicians: Polly Hewett, Roland Robert and Christine Messiter.
Director: Marion Nancarrow
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1996.
WED 07:00 If You're So Clever, Why Aren't You Rich? (b00s3j28)
Series 1
But Is It Art?
A chance meeting with modern artist Helen Frinkworth and an arty party promise to open up a kaleidoscopic world of social and professional opportunities for Judith.
In response, Giles engineers the 'Canova with Kickers' incident and in so doing plunges Judith into the world of media sleaze.
Stars Richard E Grant, Amanda Root and Peter Capaldi.
Comedy drama series about three promising graduates still underachieving in their 30s.
Written by Paul Shearer and Richard Turner.
Giles …… Richard E Grant
Judith …… Amanda Root
David …… Peter Capaldi
Barry …… Alexander Armstrong
Helen …… Abigail Cruttenden
Art Critic …… Jane Slavin
Simon …… Paul Shearer
Tim …… Richard Turner
Cornelia …… Alice Arnold
Producer: Paul Schlesinger
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1995.
WED 07:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007tdvy)
Series 4
The Wild Man of the Woods
The Lad announces that he's rejecting society to go and live a truly rural life.
Ray Galton and Alan Simpson's classic comedy about the life and times of Anthony Aloysius St John Hancock.
Starring Tony Hancock.
With:
Sidney James
Bill Kerr
Kenneth Williams
Hattie Jacques
Theme and incidental music written by Wally Stott.
Music recorded by the BBC Augmented Revue Orchestra conducted by Harry Rabinowitz.
Producer: Dennis Main Wilson
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in January 1957.
WED 08:00 Ankle Tag (m000kg43)
Series 3
Gruff's Mum
Gruff's mum visits - but how will she respond to the news that her ex-husband Bob is out of prison?
Former convict Bob is forced to live with his uptight son Gruff, sympathetic daughter-in-law Alice and granddaughter Carys whilst on parole.
Written by Benjamin Partridge & Gareth Gwynn
Bob ...... Steve Speirs
Gruff ...... Elis James
Alice ...... Katy Wix
Barbara ...... Ruth Madoc
Derek ...... Joseph Marcell
Producer: Adnan Ahmed
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4 , first broadcast in June 2020.
WED 08:30 Poldark: The Miller's Dance by Winston Graham (m000lzhq)
8. The Cavern
Demelza looks forward to the end of her pregnancy.
Ross must attend to issues at the mine before the baby arrives...
Winston Graham’s novel set in Cornwall continues the story of the passions of the Poldark family and their friends, neighbours, rivals and enemies.
All this takes place in 1812 against a backdrop of England’s continuing military campaign against Napoleon’s army in Spain and Portugal
A world which seems so far away from the pressing concerns of Cornish life and which nevertheless beckons Ross Poldark to attend to his duties in parliament as an MP.
Abridged by Jill Waters and Isobel Creed.
Read by Richard Goulding.
Producer: Jill Waters
A Waters Company production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in August 2020.
WED 08:45 Rose Tremain (m002cx3b)
Music and Silence
13. Vibeke Kruse
King Christian faces financial ruin, but help and solace are at hand.
Love, longing, loss and redemption in 17th century Denmark.
Novel by Rose Tremain
Adapted by Penny Leicester
Narrated by Nicholas Farrell and Sian Thomas
Kirsten Munk .... Frances Barber
Francesca .... Stella Gonet
Emilia .... Eleanor Tremain
King .... David Timson
Peter .... Robert Harper
Queen .... Elizabeth Bell
Producer Di Speirs
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2000
WED 09:00 Stand-Up Specials (m002cqm1)
Live from the UK
Josh Jones, Tal Davies, Stephen Buchanan and Lauren Pattison
Live from the UK brings you the best comedy talent from around the country, all from the comfort of your own headphones.
Comedy queen Angela Barnes talks to Manchester about their gym culture, Birmingham about how they inspired a major film franchise (but don't go on about it, unlike our friends in the Southern Hemisphere) gets to know some of the Glasgow locals.
She brings you top acts from all of these places and more. Expect to hear material on performing at a yoga festival, adopting a stick insect, the embarrassment of forgetting people's names and the feeling of finding out your partner is secretly posh.
This week you can hear;
Josh Jones at the Frog and Bucket, Manchester
Tal Davies at the Glee Club, Birmingham
Stephen Buchanan at The Stand, Glasgow
and headliner Lauren Pattison at The Stand, Newcastle
Additional Material by Eve Delaney
Recorded by Sean Kerwin and David Thomas
Sound design by David Thomas
Production Coordinator: Sarah Nicholls
Executive Producer: Pete Strauss
Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios Audio Production for Radio 4.
An EcoAudio Certified Production.
WED 09:30 Extra Senses (b00774qn)
3. Time
Graham Easton continues his exploration of extra, non-traditional senses with a look at the body's sense of time.
He talks to Dave Rooney, curator of timekeeping at Greenwich, who explains why humans are so obsessed with time.
Humans possess potentially super-accurate internal clocks, but these clocks can go haywire, as Easton finds Out under hypnosis.
Producer: Michelle Martin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2007.
WED 09:45 Daily Service (m002cx3d)
World Ocean Day: The Oceans - Restoration
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: World Ocean Day: The Oceans - Restoration
Presenter: Georgia Clarke
Reading: Isaiah 57:18-21
Music:
Nearer My God To Thee - Sarah Flower Adams
Cornerstone - Volney Morgan & New Ye
It is Well with my Soul - Stuart Townend
WED 10:00 Archive on 4 (m000nkkz)
Play for Today
Alison Steadman celebrates 50 years since Play for Today was launched on BBC TV.
The series ran from 1970 until 1984 and offered the audience hundreds of plays, many of which tackled the thorny issues of the day - industrial relations, the rise of the far right, poverty and consumerism.
Play for Today also included classics such as Abigail's Party and Nuts in May - which starred Alison Steadman and shone a perceptive light on suburban pretensions and preoccupations.
This archive-rich programme includes contributions from Mike Leigh and Ken Loach.
Margaret Matheson talks about producing Scum, the play about life in a borstal which was banned by the BBC;
We also hear from Paula Milne, one of the few women writers on the series; and Maureen Lipman, who was given an early acting role in Play for Today and whose late husband Jack Rosenthal was responsible for Bar Mitzvah Boy and Spend, Spend, Spend, the tragic story of pools winner Vivien Nicholson.
The landscape of drama on the small screen has now expanded enormously with vast choice and an imperative to run any drama over several episodes.
So is there still a place for the single-episode 'play'? Was there a beauty and a discipline in that which we have lost? We talk to today's very successful television dramatist Jack Thorne.
Presented by Alison Steadman
Producers: Michael Umney & Susan Marling
A Just Radio production in collaboration with the BFI for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in October 2020.
WED 11:00 Whodunnits (b007jwbr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 11:30 King Solomon's Carpet by Barbara Vine (Ruth Rendell) (m000wl9g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 12:00 If You're So Clever, Why Aren't You Rich? (b00s3j28)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 12:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007tdvy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 13:00 Ankle Tag (m000kg43)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 13:30 Poldark: The Miller's Dance by Winston Graham (m000lzhq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 13:45 Rose Tremain (m002cx3b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
WED 14:00 Who Goes There? (b0075z6w)
Series 4
Episode 5
Martin Young chairs the quiz which looks at the noteworthy and the notorious from history.
Tackling the biographical teasers are team captains Francis Wheen and Fred Housego.
With guests:
Gyles Brandreth
Sheridan Morley
Producer: Liz Anstee
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2000.
WED 14:30 Like They've Never Been Gone (b00cvjvf)
Series 4
Episode 5
Will singers Tommy and Sheila finally achieve the recognition they deserve – a Golden Goblet?
Ageing showbiz couple Tommy Franklin and Sheila Parr battle on with their second stab at fame.
Even though they can’t stand each other…
June Whitfield and Roy Hudd star in Mike Coleman's sitcom.
Tommy Franklin …. Roy Hudd
Sheila Parr …. June Whitfield
Hetty Stark …. Pat Coombes
Murray …. Julian Eardley
Louis Elstein …. Edward Halsted
Laura Chapel …. Nicola Blake
Music by Frido Ruth.
Producer: Steve Doherty
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2002.
WED 15:00 The Magic Mountain by Thomas Mann (m000v2mf)
1. Symptoms
Young Hugh Casthorpe goes on a short visit to a sanatorium in the mountains, and finds that he cannot leave.
Is it because he has a respiratory disease which the sanatorium is supposed to cure, or is it because he has fallen helplessly in love with another patient, a beautiful married woman?
Either way, Hugh becomes a long-term patient.
Trapped on this enchanted and sinister mountain, Hugh meets and learns from his fellow patients, gets acquainted with another constant companion, Death, and explores the dark and dangerous aspects of love.
Thomas Mann’s novel is a literary icon, a tragi-comedy, a masterpiece of deep thought, sly irony, sex, love and death.
Written from a translation by John E Woods
Dramatised by Robin Brooks
Narrator ..... Lucy Robinson
Hugh Casthorpe ..... Luke Thallon
James Simpson ..... Hugh Skinner
Doctor Crowmarsh ..... Sandy Grierson
Professor Jones ..... Richard Harrington
Clauda Civet ..... Genevieve Gaunt
Edie Robinson ..... Keziah Joseph
Marjorie ..... Georgina Strawson
Stour ..... Ed Jones
Sound Design by Alisdair McGregor
Produced by Fiona McAlpine
An Allegra production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in April 2021.
WED 16:00 Archive on 4 (m000nkkz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
WED 17:00 Whodunnits (b007jwbr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 17:30 King Solomon's Carpet by Barbara Vine (Ruth Rendell) (m000wl9g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 18:00 If You're So Clever, Why Aren't You Rich? (b00s3j28)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 18:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007tdvy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 19:00 Ankle Tag (m000kg43)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 19:30 Poldark: The Miller's Dance by Winston Graham (m000lzhq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 19:45 Rose Tremain (m002cx3b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
WED 20:00 Who Goes There? (b0075z6w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
WED 20:30 Like They've Never Been Gone (b00cvjvf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
WED 21:00 The Magic Mountain by Thomas Mann (m000v2mf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
WED 22:00 Stand-Up Specials (m002cqm1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
WED 22:30 Alice's Wunderland (b06flmgr)
Series 3
Episode 4
A genderwar has broken out in Wunderland, the Poundland of magical realms.
Can the narrator help genderwar poet Penny Beard to bring peace between men and women?
A sketch show written and performed by Alice Lowe.
With Marcia Warren as the narrator.
Also starring:
Richard Glover
Simon Greenall
Rachel Stubbing
Clare Thompson
Producer: Lyndsay Fenner
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2015.
WED 23:00 The Million Pound Radio Show (b00bv45p)
Series 4
Episode 4
Buckingham Palace revelations and government food advice.
Andy Hamilton and Nick Revell's sharp-edged banter and sketches with a topical flavour.
Written by and starring Andy Hamilton and Nick Revell
With:
Jasper Jacob
Felicity Montagu
Producer: Paul Mayhew-Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1989.
WED 23:30 Warhorses of Letters (b03pdhkq)
Series 3
Episode 1
Two of history's most important horses are back.
More recently-discovered, passionate letters between Napoleon Bonaparte's mount called Marengo and the Duke of Wellington's steed, Copenhagen.
Beginning at the height of the Battle of Waterloo and Marengo's close brush with death - our heroes deal with the aftermath of battle, as Marengo becomes part of the spoils of war.
Will defeat bring him exile to St Helena at his master's side, or will be be untied with his true love Copenhagen?
And if the latter, should they rebrand themselves as hot new power-couple Mopenhagen? Or Carengo?
Marengo ........ Stephen Fry
Copenhagen ...... Daniel Rigby
Narrator .......... Tamsin Greig
Written on their behalf by Marie Phillips and Robbie Hudson
Producer: Gareth Edwards.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2014.
WED 23:45 The News at Bedtime (b00pftgl)
Series 1
Episode 4
Twin presenters John Tweedledum and Jim Tweedledee present in-depth news analysis covering the latest stories happening this 'once upon a time'.
Jim reports live from the launch site of the Nurseryland space programme as preparations are finalised to put a cow over the moon.
Written by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman
Starring Jack Dee and Peter Capaldi.
With:
Peter Donaldson
Lewis MacLeod,
Alex Macqueen
Lucy Montgomery
Vicki Pepperdine
Dan Tetsell
Producer: Simon Nicholls
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2009.

THURSDAY 05 JUNE 2025

THU 00:00 Archive on 4 (m000nkkz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 Whodunnits (b007jwbr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:30 King Solomon's Carpet by Barbara Vine (Ruth Rendell) (m000wl9g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 If You're So Clever, Why Aren't You Rich? (b00s3j28)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007tdvy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 Ankle Tag (m000kg43)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Wednesday]
THU 03:30 Poldark: The Miller's Dance by Winston Graham (m000lzhq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:45 Rose Tremain (m002cx3b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 Who Goes There? (b0075z6w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:30 Like They've Never Been Gone (b00cvjvf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 The Magic Mountain by Thomas Mann (m000v2mf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Wednesday]
THU 06:00 Whodunnits (b007jwbx)
Hercule Poirot - Taken at the Flood
4. Death of a Witness
The inquest on the death of the stranger has taken place.
Meanwhile the Belgian sleuth is greatly disturbed by the shape the case is taking...
Agatha Christie's whodunit stars John Moffatt as Hercule Poirot..
Dramatised by Michael Bakewell.
Hercule Poirot ...... John Moffatt
Lynn Marchmont ...... Susannah Corbett
Rowley CloadeIfan ...... Ifan Meredith
Rosaleen Cloade ...... Fritha Goodey
Superintendent Spence ...... Robert Lang
Kathie Cloade ...... Elizabeth Proud
Lionel Cloade ...... Ioan Meredith
Mrs Leadbetter ...... Mary Wimbush
Frances Cloade ...... Caroline Wildi
Jeremy Cloade ...... Andrew Sachs
Producer: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2003.
THU 06:30 King Solomon's Carpet by Barbara Vine (Ruth Rendell) (m000wlkp)
3. Revengeful Love
The London Underground continues to exert its pull, but Cecilia faces challenges from an unexpected quarter.
Crime mystery written by Ruth Rendell under the pen name of Barbara Vine.
Dramatised by Nick Fisher.
Alice .... Kate Fenwick
Axel .... Mark Strong
Tom .... Jonathan Cullen
Jarvis .... Kim Wall
Cecilia .... Ann Beach
Daphne .... Linda Polan
Tina .... Alice Arnold
Jasper .... Stuart Morris
Bienvida .... Verity Waite
Dean .... Martin Kelly
Damon .... James Bell
Peter / Man .... Christopher Scott
Daniel / Pilot .... Alex Lowe
Alice's Mother .... Shirley Dixon
Journalist .... Elaine Pyke
Waitress .... Janet Maw
Musicians: Polly Hewett, Roland Robert and Christine Messiter.
Director: Marion Nancarrow
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1996.
THU 07:00 Never Too Late (m002cy5q)
Series 2
Hilda Stands Aside
Will Hilda regret stepping aside when one of her fund raising committee suggests a ‘good’ idea?
Starring Dame Thora Hird
Terry Gregson's sitcom about a group of highly-active pensioners.
Hilda Spriggett …. Thora Hird
Mildred Emmett …. Avis Bunnage
Emily Holroyd …. Megs Jenkins
Tommy Preston …. Joe Gladwin
With Barbara Miller and Michael Tudor Barnes.
Producer: Edward Taylor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1982.
**** This programme is an off-air recording, and so does have a few issues with its technical quality – but we hope you enjoy it anyway.
THU 07:30 Parsley Sidings (b007k1b0)
Series 2
The Secret Agent
Stationmaster Horace Hepplewhite is warned to expect a VIP at Parsley Sidings, but events take a surprising turn...
Starring Arthur Lowe and Ian Lavender.
Jim Eldridge's eponymous series is set in a sleepy railway station.
Horace Hepplewhite …. Arthur Lowe
Bert Hepplewhite …. Ian Lavender
Valentine/ Bradshaw/Updike/Train Driver, …. Kenneth Connor
Gloria Simpkins …. Liz Fraser
Prince Abdul …. John Baddeley
Recorded off-air and returned to the BBC archive.
Producer: Edward Taylor.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in December 1973.
THU 08:00 The Break (m000jw0b)
Series 3
1. Never The Twin
It's September in Flamford, which can only mean one thing - the Flamford Christmas Market is in full flow.
Jeff persuades his recalcitrant London nephew Andy to join him in a gift-shopping expedition.
Along the way they encounter pokerwork sign-maker and fire hazard Pam, loud, lovelorn and now jobless Town Crier Peter Humfriss and The Ghost of Christmas-Who-Gives-A-Stuff - chiselling pensioner Mr Truepenny.
Christmas, even though it’s September, is also a time for mysteries - one of which sees Jeff and Andy pitted against the enigmatic Applegarth twins.
Created and written by Ian Brown and James Hendrie
Jeff ...... Philip Jackson
The Applegarth Twins ...... Alison Steadman
Peter Humfriss ...... Mark Benton
Pam ...... Shobna Gulati
Mr Truepenny ...... Rasmus Hardiker
Andy ...... James Northcote
Director: Gordon Kennedy
An Absolutely production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in June 2020.
THU 08:30 Poldark: The Miller's Dance by Winston Graham (m000lyyj)
9. A New Arrival
At Demelza’s request - and after the break up of her engagement to Stephen Carrington - Clowance goes to stay with her cousin Verity.
Ross must attend to issues at the mine before the baby arrives...
Winston Graham’s novel set in Cornwall continues the story of the passions of the Poldark family and their friends, neighbours, rivals and enemies.
All this takes place in 1812 against a backdrop of England’s continuing military campaign against Napoleon’s army in Spain and Portugal
A world which seems so far away from the pressing concerns of Cornish life and which nevertheless beckons Ross Poldark to attend to his duties in parliament as an MP.
Abridged by Jill Waters and Isobel Creed.
Read by Richard Goulding.
Producer: Jill Waters
A Waters Company production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in August 2020.
THU 08:45 Rose Tremain (m002cy5s)
Music and Silence
14. A Sorrow is Shared
The king's secret is finally brought to light.
A powerful and intense drama set in 17th century Denmark.
Novel by Rose Tremain
Adapted by Penny Leicester
Narrated by Nicholas Farrell and Sian Thomas
Kirsten Munk .... Frances Barber
Francesca .... Stella Gonet
Emilia .... Eleanor Tremain
King .... David Timson
Peter .... Robert Harper
Queen .... Elizabeth Bell
Producer Di Speirs
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2000.
THU 09:00 The Matt Forde Focus Group (m002cqrd)
Episode 2 - The Political Silver Bullet
Can politics be funny? Absolutely.
Top political comedian Matt Forde returns with his focus group in front of a live theatre audience - with guests comedian Ahir Shah, journalist Miranda Green and former Conservative special advisor, Salma Shah - to see if a few sparks fly as they examine different ways the 'Silver Bullet' has been deployed in politics.
Written and performed by Matt Forde
Additional writing from Karl Minns, Katie Storey and Richard Garvin
Producer: Richard Garvin
Co Producers: Daisy Knight and Jules Lom
Broadcast Assistant: Jenny Recaldin
Sound Design and Editing: David Thomas
An Avalon production for BBC Radio 4
THU 09:30 Extra Senses (b007750x)
4. Temperature
Graham Easton continues his exploration of extra, non-traditional senses with a look at the relevance of body temperature.
He talks to Dr Mike Stroud, who has accompanied Sir Ranulph Fiennes on marathons and expeditions across the globe, from Antarctica to Africa.
Stroud explains the system we use to keep our temperature stable.
Producer: Michelle Martin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2007
THU 09:45 Daily Service (m002cy5v)
World Ocean Day: The Oceans - Meaning in the water
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: World Ocean Day: The Oceans - Meaning in the water
Presenter: Richard Carter
Reading: Ecclesiastes 1:7-10
THU 10:00 Great Lives (m001p6sx)
Susie Dent on Thomas Mann
Thomas Mann was a German writer whose books explored themes around family, beauty and the creeping threat of fascism in Europe.
Mann's best-known 'Death in Venice' revealed the author's attraction to young boys and it was turned into a film in 1971 directed by Visconti and starring Dirk Bogarde.
He moved to Switzerland before the outbreak of the Second World War and lived in exile in Europe and the USA for the rest of his life.
From his home in California he rubbed shoulders with the likes of Einstein and Brecht, and he recorded broadcasts for the BBC urging the German people to rise up and overthrow Hitler. He was married and had six children, two of whom took their own lives.
Lexicographer and TV word expert on 'Countdown' Susie Dent says German was her first love and she loves the tension in Mann's work between the pull of one's senses and the desire to stay aloof and detached.
Presented by Matthew Parris.
With expert witness, Karolina Watroba, Research fellow in German and Comparative Literature at the University of Oxford. Karolina was born in Poland where Mann is a huge cultural icon.
Produced at BBC Bristol by Toby Field.
First broadcast on Radio 4 in August 2023.
THU 10:30 Less is Less: Why Scandinavian Design Leaves Me Cold (b08px3f6)
Have we reached peak Scandi furniture?
Laurence Llewelyn Bowen thinks so.
In a witty and acerbic polemic, Laurence laments the blonde and bland Scandinavian design that has dislodged pattern, antiquity and a tradition of elaborate decoration from British homes.
Laurence visits the Stockholm Furniture and Lighting Fair and issues a challenge to some of the stars of Nordic furniture to give an account of their worldview and design philosophy.
Sara Kristofferson, author of Design by Ikea, explains how the company, now celebrating its 30th year in the UK, encouraged the British to chuck out their chintz in favour of a cleaner, modernist aesthetic inspired by mid-century Scandinavia.

But could brown furniture finally be making a comeback? At Lots Road, auctioneer Nick Carter has noticed a slowing down in sales of Scandi style in favour of an increased interest in 18th and 19th century antiques.
And upstairs in Laurence’s 16th century Cotswolds home, we make a shocking discovery regarding his daughter Hermione’s taste in interior decoration.
Producer Paul Smith
A Just Radio production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2017.
THU 11:00 Whodunnits (b007jwbx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 11:30 King Solomon's Carpet by Barbara Vine (Ruth Rendell) (m000wlkp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 12:00 Never Too Late (m002cy5q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 12:30 Parsley Sidings (b007k1b0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 13:00 The Break (m000jw0b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 13:30 Poldark: The Miller's Dance by Winston Graham (m000lyyj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 13:45 Rose Tremain (m002cy5s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
THU 14:00 The Ultimate Choice (m001jsk1)
Series 1
3: Eel Girl v The Incredible Moth
Steph McGovern is in Newcastle to ask some seriously funny minds to offer definitive answers to the great questions of our age.
Or not.
Welcome to the world's most devious game of Would You Rather?
With guests:
Scott Bennett
Josie Long
Devised and written by Jon Harvey and Joseph Morpurgo
With additional material from Laura Major
Producer: Jon Harvey
A Naked production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in March 2023.
THU 14:30 King Street Junior Revisited (b007jxbn)
Series 1
Oh No It Isn't
Mr Maxwell's exercise in democracy leads to an outbreak of playground activism.
School comedy created and written by Jim Eldridge.
Mrs Devon .... Carolyn Pickles
Miss Lewis .... Marlene Sidaway
Mr Long .... Paul Copley
Miss Featherstone .... Teresa Gallagher.
Mr Maxell .... Michael Cochrane
Miss Reid .... Jacqueline Beatty
Mrs Khan .... Janice Acquah
Paul .... Christopher Ravenscroft
William .... Christopher Dunning
Janine:.... Aisling Jarrett-Gavin
Kelly .... Ruby Williams
Carlos .... Nikko Jacques
Ten series of this King Street Junior ran between 1985 and 1998.
King Street Junior Revisited ran from 2002 to 2005.
Producer: John Fawcett Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2002.
THU 15:00 The Magic Mountain by Thomas Mann (m000v83t)
2. Claudia
Visiting Hugh Casthorpe has now become a patient in the sanatorium.
His rise in temperature may have something to do with the fact that he is utterly, hopelessly besotted with the lovely Madame Claudia.
She is married, she is ill, he's scared to speak to her and Hugh’s companions on the Magic Mountain, are far from happy with the infatuation.
Despite the obstacles - will love find a way?
Thomas Mann’s novel is a literary icon, a tragi-comedy, a masterpiece of deep thought, sly irony, sex, love and death.
Written from a translation by John E Woods
Dramatised by Robin Brooks
Narrator ..... Lucy Robinson
Hugh Casthorpe ..... Luke Thallon
James Simpson ..... Hugh Skinner
Doctor Crowmarsh ..... Sandy Grierson
Professor Jones ..... Richard Harrington
Claudia Civet ..... Genevieve Gaunt
Edie Robinson ..... Keziah Joseph
Marjorie ..... Georgina Strawson
Stour ........... Ed Jones
Nurse ......... Kate Paul
Producer: Fiona McAlpine
An Allegra production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in April 2021.
THU 16:00 Great Lives (m001p6sx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
THU 16:30 Less is Less: Why Scandinavian Design Leaves Me Cold (b08px3f6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
THU 17:00 Whodunnits (b007jwbx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 17:30 King Solomon's Carpet by Barbara Vine (Ruth Rendell) (m000wlkp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 18:00 Never Too Late (m002cy5q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 18:30 Parsley Sidings (b007k1b0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 19:00 The Break (m000jw0b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 19:30 Poldark: The Miller's Dance by Winston Graham (m000lyyj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 19:45 Rose Tremain (m002cy5s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
THU 20:00 The Ultimate Choice (m001jsk1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
THU 20:30 King Street Junior Revisited (b007jxbn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
THU 21:00 The Magic Mountain by Thomas Mann (m000v83t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
THU 22:00 The Matt Forde Focus Group (m002cqrd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
THU 22:30 Paul Sinha's History Revision (b04v3cxr)
Series 1
Communication
Paul Sinha looks through all of human history and examines how we came to be where we are.
In this edition, he looks at the modern's youth's obsession with a device that can be used to email, text, surf the web, play games and, very occasionally, make telephone calls - the telephone.
The story of how it came, legally, into being obviously involves electro-shock therapy and an exploding boat.
Paul also looks at a more positive aspect of young people, and tells a story of how the introduction of gin to the United Kingdom inspired the 17th-century equivalent of the Ice Bucket Challenge.
Written and performed by Paul Sinha.
Producer: Ed Morrish
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2014.
THU 23:00 The Problem With Adam Bloom (b00gswf0)
Series 2
Comedy
Want to write comedy? Adam unveils the six steps to success.
Written by and starring Adam Bloom.
With:
Alistair McGowan
Rob Rouse
Producer: Victoria Lloyd
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2004.
THU 23:15 Fabulous (b00hy947)
Series 1
Episode 4
Faye has money troubles, so she's hoping her mum will lend her £10,000.
Lucy Clarke’s sitcom about a woman who wants to be fabulous but can't cope.
Starring Daisy Haggard as Faye.
With:
Adam Buxton
Matthew Holness
Laura Solon
Anne Reid
Joanna Scanlan
Joanna Neary
Geoffrey McGivern
Music by Osymyso.
Producer: Simon Nicholls
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2007.
THU 23:30 Mark Watson Makes the World Substantially Better (b00k9dc3)
Series 1
Lust
Mark Watson investigates lust as he continues his quest to free us from the seven deadly sins via stand-up comedy.
Sketches, songs and distractions from:
Tim Key
Tim Minchin
Producer: Katie Marsden
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2007.

FRIDAY 06 JUNE 2025

FRI 00:00 Great Lives (m001p6sx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Thursday]
FRI 00:30 Less is Less: Why Scandinavian Design Leaves Me Cold (b08px3f6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 Whodunnits (b007jwbx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:30 King Solomon's Carpet by Barbara Vine (Ruth Rendell) (m000wlkp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 Never Too Late (m002cy5q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:30 Parsley Sidings (b007k1b0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 The Break (m000jw0b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Thursday]
FRI 03:30 Poldark: The Miller's Dance by Winston Graham (m000lyyj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:45 Rose Tremain (m002cy5s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 The Ultimate Choice (m001jsk1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:30 King Street Junior Revisited (b007jxbn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 The Magic Mountain by Thomas Mann (m000v83t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Thursday]
FRI 06:00 Whodunnits (b007jwc3)
Hercule Poirot - Taken at the Flood
5. The Disguise
The Belgian sleuth is going to have to think very fast to unravel the enigma if he's going to prevent another murder in the village...
Conclusion of Agatha Christie's whodunit.
John Moffatt stars as Hercule Poirot.
Dramatised by Michael Bakewell
Lynn Marchmont ...... Susannah Corbett
Rowley CloadeIfan ...... Ifan Meredith
Superintendent Spence ...... Robert Lang
David Hunter ...... Tom George
The Maid ...... Debbie Hunt
Producer: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2003
FRI 06:30 King Solomon's Carpet by Barbara Vine (Ruth Rendell) (m000wlyg)
4. Out of This World
Axel's influence over the residents of the schoolhouse, near the London Underground, finally extends to Tom...
Conclusion of Ruth Rendell's crime mystery - written under the pen name of Barbara Vine.
Dramatised by Nick Fisher.
Alice .... Kate Fenwick
Axel .... Mark Strong
Tom .... Jonathan Cullen
Daphne .... Linda Polan
Cecilia .... Ann Beach
Jarvis .... Kim Wall
Tina .... Alice Arnold
Jasper .... Stuart Morris
Bienvida .... Verity Waite
Alice's mother .... Shirley Dixon
Newsreader .... Alex Lowe
First doctor .... Christopher Scott
Second doctor .... Colleen Prendergast
Musicians: Polly Hewett, Roland Robert and Christine Messiter.
Director: Marion Nancarrow
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1996.
FRI 07:00 A Very Private Man (b09hd8xy)
Episode 3
A romantic reconciliation meal does not go as planned for David and Helen Parkinson.
Starring Rodney Bewes and Ann Bell.
Terry Gregson's north v south sitcom.
David Parkinson ...... Rodney Bewes
Helen Parkinson ...... Ann Bell
Mrs Henderson ...... Daphne Oxenford
Mrs Arthur ...... Paula Tildrook
Mr Sands ...... Peter Wheeler
Produced at BBC Manchester by Ron McDonnell.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in February 1981.
FRI 07:30 Lines From My Grandfather's Forehead (b00hsff3)
Series 2
Episode 6
A musing pianist, a two-headed 'Great Eccentric' and is the Age of Chivalry dead?
A sequential entertainment for radio starring Ronnie Barker.
With:
Terence Brady
Pauline Yates
Pianist: Gordon Langford
Written by Chris Allen, David Climie and Gordon Langford, Jim Eldridge, John Graham, Alan Hutchison, Chris Miller, Richard Murdoch, Allan Scott & Chris Bryant, Gerald Wiley and Stan Wootton.
Producer: John Fawcett-Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1972.
FRI 08:00 Showstopper (b00xw15c)
2. Ancient Egypt
The Showstopper team are back to create a hilarious improvised comic musical on the spot!
Featuring songs, plot and characters based entirely on suggestions from the live studio audience.
So it's curtain up on the musical world of ancient Egypt…
The cast includes:
Pippa Evans
Ruth Bratt
Dylan Emery
Lucy Trodd
Sean McCann
Oliver Senton
Producer: Sam Bryant
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2011.
FRI 08:30 Poldark: The Miller's Dance by Winston Graham (m000m09l)
10. The Robbery
Valentine Warleggan starts university in Cambridge. Meanwhile, his father George Warleggan is making plans for his future - without telling him.
Winston Graham’s novel set in Cornwall continues the story of the passions of the Poldark family and their friends, neighbours, rivals and enemies.
All this takes place in 1812 against a backdrop of England’s continuing military campaign against Napoleon’s army in Spain and Portugal.
A world which seems so far away from the pressing concerns of Cornish life and which nevertheless beckons Ross Poldark to attend to his duties in parliament as an MP.
Abridged by Jill Waters and Isobel Creed.
Read by Richard Goulding.
Producer: Jill Waters
A Waters Company production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in August 2020.
FRI 08:45 Rose Tremain (m002d1gv)
Music and Silence
15. Marcus Knows
Peter Claire is Kirsten's prisoner. Will she relent and release him?
Concluding part of prize-winning Danish saga.
Novel by Dame Rose Tremain
Adapted by Penny Leicester
Narrated by Nicholas Farrell and Sian Thomas
Kirsten Munk .... Frances Barber
Francesca .... Stella Gonet
Emilia .... Eleanor Tremain
King .... David Timson
Peter .... Robert Harper
Queen .... Elizabeth Bell
Producer Di Speirs
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2000.
FRI 09:00 Conversations from a Long Marriage (m002cpr9)
Series 6
2. Don’t Go to Strangers
Joanna and Roger are faced with a mouse invasion – and, even worse, the prospect of therapy.
Joanna Lumley & Roger Allam return as the loving, long-married couple, in the series 6 of Jan Etherington’s award-winning comedy.
This week, there’s a mouse invasion. Joanna insists on ‘rehabilitating’ each one on the common but she’s becoming increasingly distressed and Roger observes: ‘This is not about the mice, is it?’ Joanna admits she’s still struggling with the news of Roger’s new family. He suggests she sees a therapist, in spite of her claim that: ‘All I need is swimming’. She eventually takes his advice and tells Roger she will go and see the therapist again: ‘…But she wants to see you first’
Conversations from a Long Marriage is written by Jan Etherington and produced by Claire Jones.
Wilfredo Acosta - Sound Engineer
Jon Calver - Sound Designer
Sarah Nicholls - Production Coordinator
An EcoAudio certified production.
A BBC Studios Audio production for Radio 4
FRI 09:30 Extra Senses (b00775b2)
5. Insides
Graham Easton looks inside himself to find out how he controls his bodily functions.
From eating to excreting, how do these inner senses tell us when we are full?
To find out, Graham visits Dr Slack at his bladder clinic to take part in some "urodynamics".
Producer: Michelle Martin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2007
FRI 09:45 Daily Service (m002d1gx)
World Ocean Day: The Oceans - Calming the Storm
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: World Ocean Day: The Oceans - Calming the Storm
Presenter: Reverend Alex Brown
Reading: Mark 4:35-41
Music:
FRI 10:00 Soul Music (b007602h)
Series 1
Summertime
Reflections on the impact of George Gershwin's classic lullaby - Summertime.
With:
Gershwin's biographer, Rodney Greenberg.
And opera singers:
Harolyn Blackwell
Lesley Garrett
Series about music that makes the hairs stand up on the back of our necks.
Producer: Sara Conkey
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2001.
FRI 10:30 Dreamers of the Black Metropolis (b01r113s)
Rita Coburn Whack reveals how a generation of artists forged a new identity amidst the Depression in Chicago's 'Black Metropolis'.
By the 1930s, Chicago was the promised land for the largest internal migration in American history. Waves of black American's left the South for a city that promised opportunity and deliverance from the murderous land of Jim Crow.
On the city's Southside black owned businesses, newspapers and clubs helped define a city within a city that resounded to the music of giants like Louis Armstrong and Bessie Smith.
This burgeoning 'Black Metropolis' sparked an artistic renaissance that outlasted Harlem, nurturing painters, sculptors, poets and printmakers.
Largely rejected by the White American art world, able to study only in a few places and barely able to exhibit in their own city these visual artists forged a new identity in the Black Metropolis.
The Depression also birthed new links between both white and black, the talk was revolutionary, the politics incendiary and the desire to represent the race, to redefine their place in this white world and to reclaim dignity, drove many.
In 1940, at the height of Roosevelt's New Deal 'Negro Art' was firmly on the map with both The American Negro Exposition and the triumphant opening of the South Side Community Art Center by the First Lady in the heart of Chicago's thriving Bronzeville.
Now, funded by the WPA, artists like Charles White, Elizabeth Catlett, Eldizor Cortor, Margaret Burroughs, fledgling photographer Gorden Parks and young poet Gwendolyn Brooks had a space to call their own.
Bold murals, social realist depictions of ordinary black life and meditations on what it meant to be black in America filled the walls whilst an entire community learnt art in a time of austerity.
Producer: Mark Burman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2013.
FRI 11:00 Whodunnits (b007jwc3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 11:30 King Solomon's Carpet by Barbara Vine (Ruth Rendell) (m000wlyg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 12:00 A Very Private Man (b09hd8xy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 12:30 Lines From My Grandfather's Forehead (b00hsff3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 13:00 Showstopper (b00xw15c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 13:30 Poldark: The Miller's Dance by Winston Graham (m000m09l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 13:45 Rose Tremain (m002d1gv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
FRI 14:00 Whispers (b007k3jf)
Series 1
Episode 6
Swearing, cocaine, wine throwing and flagellation!
Gyles Brandreth sets the questions in the quiz about scandal, gossip and slander.
Regular team captains Anthony Holden and Stella Duffy are joined by:
Jennie Bond
Geoffrey Durham
Producer: Elizabeth Freestone
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2003.
FRI 14:30 Odd Balls (b0076008)
Tussles in a Theme Village by Emma Harper
Ex-headmistress Emma Harper writes a column for a village newspaper.
But when she's poached by the local radio station, her gossip programme causes controversy, anger and revenge...
The first of four character based comedies written by Don Howarth
Emma ...... Marcia Warren
Vicar ...... Geoff Holman
Sid ...... David Holt
Mrs Cowley ...... Sara Coward
Mr Mole ...... Ian Brooker
Ms Spratt ...... Sharon Muircroft
Major Drum ...... Robert Uster
Director: Julie Beckett
Producer: Sue Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2001.
FRI 15:00 The Magic Mountain by Thomas Mann (m000vgfd)
3. A Way Out
Hugh’s cousin James and the beautiful Madame Claudia have both left the sanatorium, but both are soon to return, with fatal consequences.
Hugh is now deep in the enchantment of the Mountain. If he is ever to escape, he will have to undergo a dreadful vision and a terrifying supernatural experience.
Thomas Mann’s novel is a literary icon, a tragi-comedy, a masterpiece of deep thought, sly irony, sex, love and death.
Written from a translation by John E Woods
Dramatised by Robin Brooks
Narrator ..... Lucy Robinson
Hugh Casthorpe ..... Luke Thallon
James Simpson ..... Hugh Skinner
Doctor Crowmarsh ..... Sandy Grierson
Professor Jones ..... Richard Harrington
Claudia Civet ..... Genevieve Gaunt
Peter Piobar ..... Stephen Hogan
Angela Simpson ..... Kate Paul
Howe ..... Huw Brentnall
Ellen Cameron ..... Lilit Lesser
Kirsty / Nurse ..... Georgia Brown
Sound Design by Wilfredo Acosta and Alisdair McGregor
Director: Fiona McAlpine
An Allegra production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in April 2021.
FRI 16:00 Soul Music (b007602h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
FRI 16:30 Dreamers of the Black Metropolis (b01r113s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
FRI 17:00 Whodunnits (b007jwc3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 17:30 King Solomon's Carpet by Barbara Vine (Ruth Rendell) (m000wlyg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 18:00 A Very Private Man (b09hd8xy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 18:30 Lines From My Grandfather's Forehead (b00hsff3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 19:00 Showstopper (b00xw15c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 19:30 Poldark: The Miller's Dance by Winston Graham (m000m09l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 19:45 Rose Tremain (m002d1gv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
FRI 20:00 Whispers (b007k3jf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
FRI 20:30 Odd Balls (b0076008)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
FRI 21:00 The Magic Mountain by Thomas Mann (m000vgfd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
FRI 22:00 Conversations from a Long Marriage (m002cpr9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
FRI 22:30 Jeremy Hardy Feels It (b09k80tl)
Series 1
Jeremy Hardy Feels... Hopeful
Jeremy Hardy hosts the series that not only seconds that emotion, but explains it too.
This time Jeremy is feeling... hopeful
Radio 4's most passionate polemicist hosts a format which is both personal and profound, promising to present other sides of him never heard before.
Written by and starring Jeremy Hardy.
Jeremy appeared regularly on The News Quiz and I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue, in addition to writing ten series of Jeremy Hardy Speaks To The Nation, and winning numerous awards and almost certainly the Nobel Prize for Chemistry.
Producer: David Tyler
A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2017.
FRI 23:00 Vent (b00tp80h)
Series 2
Mary's Girl Child
Comatose Ben celebrates Christmas, as the nativity plays out in his unconscious mind.
Starring Neil Pearson.
Dark sitcom following the thoughts of a coma patient.
Written by Nigel Smith.
Ben …. Neil Pearson
Jean …. Josie Lawrence
Mary …. Fiona Allen
Blitzkrieg …. Leslie Ash
With:
Nicholas Hutchison
Jo Martin
Mark Perry
Scarlett Milburn-Smith
Jeremy Paxman
Producer: Gareth Edwards
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2007.
FRI 23:30 Will Smith's Midlife Crisis Management (b00g3dcp)
Episode 2
Peter invites fashion presenter Kathy to help Will dress better.
Even though he’s always felt middle-aged, Will is going through a mid-life crisis at the age of 35.
Luckily his godfather Peter is on hand to help him through this period of doubt.
Starring Will Smith
Comedy by Will Smith and Roger Drew.
Peter …… Roger Allam
With:
Morwenna Banks
Janice Acquah
Jill Cardo
Gunnar Cauthery
Lobo Chan
Donnla Hughes
Dan Starkey
Tom Wu
Producer: Tilusha Ghelani
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2008.