SATURDAY 26 JULY 2025

SAT 00:00 Soul Music (m001fvgj)
Into My Arms by Nick Cave
"I don't believe in an interventionist God" must be one of the most original opening lines to a song.
It's one that resonates with the people in this programme who take comfort from Nick Cave's love song.
Els from Belgium was introduced to Cave's music through her partner Guido and Into My Arms became their song.
After Guido died in a road accident Els carried on going to concerts and took great comfort from hearing that song. When she later wrote to Nick Cave's blog The Red Hand Files to tell him her story about Into My Arms she was overwhelmed when Nick Cave responded.
The Reverend John Walker feels a strong connection to the song as it's one his musician son Jonny performed just for him one evening on a rainy street in Leeds City Centre as Jonny was about to pack up and leave his busking spot.
That special father-son moment has become even more cherished since Jonny's untimely death in 2018.
Many different artists have recorded their versions of Into My Arms including the Norwegian singer Ane Brun who performed it as a way of dealing with the heartache of a lost relationship.
Series about pieces of music with a powerful emotional impact
Producer: Maggie Ayre
First broadcast on Radio 4 in December 2022.
SAT 00:30 Custodians of the Word (b0076g3d)
How should the work and reputations of writers be protected after their death?
Martin Wainwright seeks enlightenment from:
* Amanda Conquy
* Andrew Motion
* Michael Holroyd
Plus contributions from Humphrey Carpenter.
Producer: Sarah Johnson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2003.
SAT 01:00 Daunt and Dervish (b007jwvb)
Series 1
The Singer Not the Song
When a newspaper magnate is murdered, the obvious suspect is his much younger wife.
But when the police discover that Daunt and Dervish were actually in the grounds of the house that evening - they're not only under suspicion, but their licence is suspended.
The only way to get it back will be for them to beat the police to the discovery of the real murderer...
Another case for the post-war detective agency.
Starring Anna Massey and Imelda Staunton.
Guy Meredith's comedy thriller.
Josephine Daunt ……. Anna Massey
Susan Dervish ……. Imelda Staunton
Bill Mackie ……. Bill Patterson
Daniel Slater ……. Nicky Henson
Mel Rankin ……. Gerard McDermott
Inspector Bartholomew ……. Andrew Harrison
Ellen McQuaid ……. Alison Pettitt
Ben Greenway ……. Harry Myers
Martha ……. Marlene Sidaway
Pianist ……. Harry Myers
Format by Imelda Staunton and Anna Massey.
Director: Cherry Cookson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2003.
SAT 01:45 Heartstones by Ruth Rendell (m002g1hx)
5. The Brink
Elvira has been recovering after being hospitalised.
She is now ready to try and make sense of all the traumatic family events of late....
Novella written by Ruth Rendell.
16 year old anorexic Elvira has been battling to cope with rivals for her father Luke's attention.
Concluded by Oona Beeson.
Producer: Matthew Walters
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1991.
SAT 02:00 Any Other Business (b013cnyp)
Episode 4
Chesbury FC is in dire straits, but Lady Mayoress Graham is determined to save the day.
Lucy Flannery's local government sitcom.
Starring:
Nelson David
John Duttine
James Grout
Rosy Fordham
Nick Hardy
Howard Lew Lewis
Toby Longworth
Jan Ravens
Vivienne Rochester
June Whitfield.
Producer: Liz Anstee
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1995.
SAT 02:30 The Jason Explanation of... (b007jq6z)
Travel & Leisure
David Jason and company elect to poke fun at the Houses of Parliament.
Following in the footsteps of Lord Clark, Dr Bronowski and Professor Galbraith, David unravels the mysteries of the universe and the meaning of life.
With:
Sheila Steafel
Royce Mills
Chris Emmett
Written by Colin Bostock Smith, Andy Hamilton, Barry Pilton and Alastair Beaton.
Music by John Owen Edwards.
Producer: Geoffrey Perkins
First broadcast on the BBC Radio 4 in September 1977.
SAT 03:00 Believe It! (m000n6qn)
Series 5
Grumpy Old Menopause
Richard Wilson shares more not quite true revelations about his life.
Jon Canter’s comedic writing is as sharp as ever.
As usual Richard has many friends from whom he seeks advice. This time, he enlists the help of Alexei Sayle.
It’s a mockumentary and spoof autobiography rolled into one.
Richard Wilson
David Tennant
Peter Capaldi
Alexei Sayle
Jasmine Hyde - Tina and Announcer
Eliot Levey - Jonathan
Kate - Janine and Linda
Sarah Lambie Claire
Director: Clive Brill
A Brill production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in October 2020.
SAT 03:30 Feel Free by Zadie Smith (b0b490rv)
5. Alte Frau by Balthasar Denner
Some thoughts on the Alte Frau, an enigmatic painting of a woman by the German painter Balthasar Denner.
Zadie Smith reads the final essay from her collection offering sharp, and sometimes funny, insights and observations on high culture, pop culture, social change, political debate and the personal.
Abridged and produced by Elizabeth Allard.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2018.
SAT 03:45 Hardy's Women (m000vz84)
The Woodlanders
10. Another Chance
A contrite Fitzpiers begs Grace to give him another chance.
Conclusion of Thomas Hardy's novel of love, money and social ambition.
The story is told from the perspective of Marty South.
Dramatised by Ayeesha Menon.
Marty South.....Katy Sobey
Giles Winterbourne.....Oliver Hembrough
Grace Melbury.....Holli Dempsey
Edred Fitzpiers.....Sacha Dhawan
George Melbury.....Nicholas Murchie
Lucy Melbury.....Jane Slavin
Barber Percomb.....Joshua Riley
Felice Charmond.....Marilyn Nnadebe
Grammer Oliver.....Jessica Turner
Suke Damson.....Elinor Coleman
Timothy Tangs.....Stewart Campbell
John South.....Tony Turner
Director: Emma Harding
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2021.
SAT 04:00 Whispers (b007k2kr)
Series 2
Episode 1
Revelations about Rasputin and accordion playing from Idi Amin.
Gyles Brandreth hosts the quiz show with scandal on its mind and slander at its heart.
Joining team captains Lucy Moore and Anthony Holden to run the gauntlet of gossip:
* Geoffrey Durham
* Valerie Grove
Producer: Elizabeth Freestone
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2004.
SAT 04:30 Double Income, No Kids Yet (b007yrh0)
Series 2
Episode 3
When Daniel's brother suggests a night in the pub and Lucy's best friend meets a new man, their plans for a week away from other people's problems come seriously unstuck.
Starring David Tennant and Elizabeth Carling.
David Spicer's comedy drama about modern life and parenthood, as seen through the eyes of two 30-something non-parents.
Daniel ....... David Tennant
Lucy ....... Elizabeth Carling
Amanda ....... Nasreen Hussain
Alison ....... Joanna Brookes
Peter ....... Robert Harley
Caroline ....... Polly Frame.
Producer: Liz Anstee
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2002.
SAT 05:00 Savannah Bay by Marguerite Duras (m002g1j5)
Two women re-enact a familiar ritual connected with a crucial event in their past lives.
One of them actually experienced it, the other did not...
One of them is too young to remember, the other too old to distinguish between the past itself and representations of it.
Starring Irene Worth and Helen Mirren.
Marguerite Duras's elegy, first published in 1982
Translated and adapted by Barbara Bray.
Madeleine .... Irene Worth
The Young Woman .... Helen Mirren
Pianist: Mary Nash
Director: John Tydeman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1985.
SAT 05:45 Short Works (b09ppxbw)
Clearing the Bones by Celeste Ng
A woman questions her younger sister's romantic choices.
But has she really given up art for love?
Commissioned story for Radio 4 written by the award-winning Celeste Ng,
Read by Laurel Lefkow.
**** Celeste Ng is an acclaimed Asian-American writer.
Her debut novel, Everything I Never Told You, won multiple awards and was a New York Times bestseller, and Amazon's Number 1 Best Book of 2014. Her second novel is Little Fires Everywhere.
Producer: Justine Willett
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2018.
SAT 06:00 Whodunnits (m002gcm4)
Coleman and Astor - Death of a Mean Cornet
The London police don't take kindly to interlopers from Scotland muscling in on their patch.
But Sergeant Astor can't accept the explanation given for the sudden death of an old friend.
He's determined to find out what really happened...
Starring Stephen Thorne and Joe Dunlop.
Inspector Coleman and Sergeant Astor return in another crime drama written by Michael McStay.
Sergeant Astor .... Joe Dunlop
Inspector Coleman .... Stephen Thorne
Buddy Brown .... James Grant
Pauline Brown .... Kate Binchy
Amy Brown .... Maria Miles
PC Young .... Peter Gunn
Inspector Harrison .... John Forgeham
Superintendent Bennett .... Terence Edmond
Dr Benskin .... John Webb
Dr Hodges .... Matthew Sim
Cass Green .... Paul Barber
Jack Reid .... Tony Armatrading
Henry Flood .... Michael McStay
Jason Ffloyd .... Sidney Cole
Doctor .... David Learner
Cabbie .... Jonathan Tafler
CID .... Mark Straker/Nicholas Murchie
Music by Alan Elsden, Randy Colville, Stan Greig and Peter Ind
Director Jane Morgan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1992
SAT 07:30 On Consolation by Michael Ignatieff (Omnibus) (m002gcm6)
Michael Ignatieff's book is a profound and inspiring exploration of the language of consolation.
It's told through a series of portraits of historical, literary and artistic figures.
Omnibus of five essays abridged by Penny Leicester.
Read by William Hope.
1. THE VOICE IN THE WHIRLWIND
Job and the Psalms offer the earliest lessons in consolation.
2. CICERO’S TEARS
What is Cicero to do when personal tragedy strikes and his philosophy of stoicism fails to console?
3. THE PAINTING OF TIME
A glorious depiction of Paradise painted by El Greco in 16th century Spain.
4. THE BODY’S WISDOM: Michel de Montaigne's Last Essays In 16th century France.
The writer finds solace in the human body.
5. THE GOOD DEATH
The hospice movement pioneer, Cicely Saunders, puts compassion at the heart of her life's work.
‘On Consolation: Finding Solace in Dark Times’, first published in 2021.
Michael Ignatieff is a writer, historian and former politician.
He taught at some of the world's most prestigious universities and in 2022 became the President and Rector at Central European University in Vienna.
Producer: Elizabeth Allard
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2022.
SAT 08:45 Come Back With The Wind by Les Dawson (b03b34k6)
1. North v South
Much-loved comedian Les Dawson reads from his own bodice-ripping novel.
It’s a humorous tale of Britain’s North/South divide.
First of his five-part spoof epic novel.
As civil war looms, Carla O'Mara meets Red Butler.
Piano "played" by Les Dawson.
Producer Richard Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in February 1993.
SAT 09:00 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b007jv6w)
Series 1
Episode 1
Shady lawyer Waldorf T Flywheel and his assistant Ravelli get themselves hired to guard a Rembrandt painting.
Recreation of the Marx Brothers' lost shows charting the adventures of shady lawyer Waldorf T Flywheel and his assistant, Emmanuel Ravelli.
Originally broadcast with sponsors on America's NBC radio network in the 1930s, the scripts were rediscovered in 1988.
Groucho Marx as Waldorf T Flywheel ...... Michael Roberts
Chico Marx as Emmanuel Ravellias ...... Frank Lazarus
With:
Lorelei King
Graham Hoadly
Written by Nat Perrin and Athur Sheekman. Adapted by Mark Brisenden.
Music arranged and conducted by David Firman.
Producer: Dirk Maggs
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1990.
SAT 09:30 All Gas and Gaiters (b007jp5l)
Series 1
Only Three Can Play
The Bishop, Archdeacon and Bishop's Chaplain regularly enjoy their own board game of imaginary railway journeys.
That is until Noote gets distracted by an attractive neighbour...
Ecclesiastical sitcom which started life on BBC TV.
Written and adapted by husband-and-wife team, Pauline Devaney and Edwin Apps.
The Archdeacon …. Robertson Hare
The Bishop …. William Mervyn
The Bishop's Chaplain - Noote …. Derek Nimmo
The Dean …. John Barron
Christine …. Elizabeth Proud
Mrs Buckley …. Sonia Fraser
Granny …. Eva Stuart
'All Gas And Gaiters' started life as a TV pilot in Comedy Playhouse, ahead of a run on BBC1 from 1966 to 1971.
Selected scripts were revised and re-recorded for radio
Producer: David Hatch.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1971.
SAT 10:00 Steve Penk's Radio Nightmares (m000hfzq)
1. Can I Take That Again?
Broadcaster Steve Penk digs out some of the funniest clips of live radio mistakes.
Plus, exclusive access to his own collection of audio material from around the world.
Radio bloopers have been around for as long as radio itself. They’re mainly endearing and add a humanising element to the radio and to the presenters on it.
A blooper is defined as an embarrassing public blunder, but as long as it's someone else's mistake, most of us are quite capable of getting past the embarrassment to enjoy the humour. The immediacy of live-to-air radio is part of its strength, but also very exposing. If there's a slip of the tongue, it's broadcast into the ether moments later, especially in the early days of broadcast radio when almost everything was done live on the air.
There have been some celebrated 'bloopers' over the years - from 'colourful' language, to laughing fits, technical glitches to amusing mispronunciations.
The first of a three-part compilation - including an episode of Jonathan Hewat’s ‘Can I Take That Again’.
Producer: Stephen Garner
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in November 2018.
SAT 11:00 Whodunnits (m002gcm4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 12:30 On Consolation by Michael Ignatieff (Omnibus) (m002gcm6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 13:45 Come Back With The Wind by Les Dawson (b03b34k6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
SAT 14:00 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b007jv6w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 14:30 All Gas and Gaiters (b007jp5l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SAT 15:00 Steve Penk's Radio Nightmares (m000hfzq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SAT 16:00 Doctor Who (m001k07d)
The War Doctor
11. The Lady of Obsidian - Part 1/2
The Time Lord enlists the help of a fearless former companion to help fight the Daleks.
The War Doctor finds himself on a smugglers’ spacecraft in his search for The Lady of Obsidian - a fearsome leader of a band of rebels renowned for taking on the Daleks.
He soon realises that they have met before…
John Hurt stars as the War Doctor.
Two-part episode written by Andrew Smith.
The War Doctor .... John Hurt
Cardinal Ollistra .... Jacqueline Pearce
The Lady of Obsidian/Leela …. Louise Jameson
Rosata Laxter/Grend High Minister …. Lizzie Roper
Skaul/Freel …. Chris Porter
Dalek Time Strategist/The Daleks .... Nicholas Briggs
Other parts played by members of the cast.
Original music written by Howard Carter.
Director: Nicholas Briggs
A Big Finish production.
SAT 16:35 There Will Come Soft Rains by Ray Bradbury (b007k2w1)
First transmitted in 1962.
It's the year 2026.
In an area of destruction, devoid of human life, mechanical activity of a kind still persists ... for a time.
Dramatisation of Ray Bradbury’s short story
The Woman ...... Joan Miller
Commentator ...... David King-Wood
Music composed and conducted by Antony Hopkins
Singers:
Ann Dowdall
John Carol Case
Adapted and produced by Nesta Pain.
First broadcast on the BBC Third Programme in September 1962.
SAT 17:00 Whodunnits (m002gcm4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 18:30 On Consolation by Michael Ignatieff (Omnibus) (m002gcm6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 19:45 Come Back With The Wind by Les Dawson (b03b34k6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
SAT 20:00 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b007jv6w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 20:30 All Gas and Gaiters (b007jp5l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SAT 21:00 Steve Penk's Radio Nightmares (m000hfzq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SAT 22:00 Mark Thomas Presents (b0076w5y)
Mort Sahl
A one-off performance by the great American comic and social satirist, Mort Sahl.
This pioneering political comic of the 1950s and 60s proves his grip on events is as sharp and biting as ever.
Series in which Mark Thomas introduces iconic American comedy performers.
Producer: Paul Bajoria
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2005.
SAT 22:30 4 Stands Up (b00jv9mw)
Series 3
Episode 4
Chris Addison hosts the stand-up comedy series.
Featuring some of the top names on the circuit.
With:
Gareth Richards
Dan Antopolski
Zoe Lyons
Producer: Sam Michell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2009.
SAT 23:00 The Celebrity Voicemail Show (b08dnws2)
Series 2
Nigel Farage
Kayvan Novak imagines what it might be like to hear the answerphone messages of the rich and famous.
This time, listen in to Nigel Farage's voicemail as he flies off to the United States of America.
Entirely fictitious comedy show written and improvised by Kayvan Novak.
Producer: Matt Stronge
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in February 2017.
SAT 23:15 Ivor Cutler - A Stuggy Pren (b00cmjv9)
Episode 2
Alison O'Kill wants to read Ivor Cutler a poem, while Craig Murray-Orr can't think with the sun in his eyes.
A tale-toddling kittle of poems, songs and stories from the lodgings of humorist Ivor Cutler.
Passers-through include:
* Sculptor Craig Murray-Orr
* Apprentice wordsmith Alison O'Kill.
Producer: Neil Cargill
First broadcast on BBC Radio 3 in May 1994.
SAT 23:30 Chain Reaction (b00mj5rt)
Series 3
Phill Jupitus and John Hegley
Comedian and actor Phill Jupitus interviews poet and comedian John Hegley.
This is the tag talk show series where the guest turns interviewer in the next show.
Phill asks John about his early days and career - including his techniques for comedy.
Producer: Tilusha Ghelani
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2007.

SUNDAY 27 JULY 2025

SUN 00:00 Doctor Who (m001k07d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Saturday]
SUN 00:35 There Will Come Soft Rains by Ray Bradbury (b007k2w1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:35 on Saturday]
SUN 01:00 Whodunnits (m002gcm4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]
SUN 02:30 On Consolation by Michael Ignatieff (Omnibus) (m002gcm6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Saturday]
SUN 03:45 Come Back With The Wind by Les Dawson (b03b34k6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Saturday]
SUN 04:00 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b007jv6w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Saturday]
SUN 04:30 All Gas and Gaiters (b007jp5l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Saturday]
SUN 05:00 Steve Penk's Radio Nightmares (m000hfzq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Saturday]
SUN 06:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m002gcmm)
Women's Summer Of Sport
Dame Kelly Holmes
Athlete Dame Kelly Holmes is castaway by Sue Lawley.
Kelly was the heroine of the 2004 Athens Olympics. She achieved her lifetime's ambition when, at the age of 34, she won gold medals in the 800 and 1500 metres.
As a teenager, she witnessed Sebastian Coe's Olympic success in 1984 and that was the inspiration behind her own career in athletics. Early on her trainers recognised she had the natural talent - and determination - to succeed.
But her career has been blighted by injury - she bowed out of the 1996 Olympics due to injury; won a bronze medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics despite considerable physical pain; and several times had appeared close to the end of her career as a result of a series of health problems.
Now retired from athletics, she says she wants to inspire other schoolchildren to take up sport - and make sure that the whole of Britain feels the Olympic spirit by the time it comes to host the games in 2012.
DISC ONE: Alicia Keys - If I Ain't Got You
DISC TWO: Boney M - Brown Girl in the Ring
DISC THREE: Destiny’s Child - Independent Women, Part I
DISC FOUR: Heather Headley - Always Been Your Girl
DISC FIVE: Sounds of Blackness - I'm Going All the Way
DISC SIX: Linda Clifford - Red Light
DISC SEVEN: Yolanda Adams - I Believe
DISC EIGHT: Sarah McLachlan - Angel
CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Alicia Keys - If I Ain't Got You
BOOK CHOICE: A Set of encyclopaedias
LUXURY CHOICE: Large supply of chocolate
Producer: Leanne Buckle
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2006.
SUN 06:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00n3jxh)
Series 1
Large Blue
The Large Blue butterfly died out in Britain in 1979, but why?
Investigations pointed to a complex life cycle linked to a single species of ant.
With this knowledge the Large Blue was re-introduced into the British countryside, but there is a sinister twist in the tale, in the form of a parasitic wasp.
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 October 2009.
SUN 07:00 Poetry Extra (m002gcmp)
Letters to a Young Poet and Tell Me the Truth About Love
Daljit Nagra selects two editions of The Essay:
* Letters to a Young Poet
* Tell Me the Truth About Love.
LETTERS TO A YOUNG POET with Michael Longley
The original Letters to a Young Poet is a compilation of letters by Rainer Maria Rilke, written between 1902 and 1908 to a 19-year-old officer cadet called Franz Kappus.
Kappus was trying to choose between a literary career and entering the Austro-Hungarian army. Rilke's letters touch on poetry and criticism, but they range widely in subject matter from atheism and loneliness, to friendship and sexuality:
In new letters, Michael Longley imagines a young poet protégé to whom he wants to pass on life experience and thoughts about the poetic art.
Michael Longley was born in Belfast in 1939 and 4 Extra marks his passing in January 2025 with this programme.
His Collected Poems was published in 2006 and in 2007, he was appointed Professor of Poetry for Ireland. A Hundred Doors, was shortlisted for the 2011 Forward Poetry Prize.
Produced by Emma Harding and first broadcast on BBC Radio 3 in 2014
TELL ME THE TRUTH ABOUT LOVE with Carol Ann Duffy: Episode 3
Former Poet Laureate, Carol Ann Duffy, explores the heady world of love poetry.
In conversation with other love poets, Carol Ann celebrates the great poems of love and explores poets' responses to love's mysteries.
In this episode, she explores poems commemorating the making of vows, and includes the world's oldest love poem.
Produced by Emma Harding and first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2013.
SUN 07:30 Feel Free by Zadie Smith (Omnibus) (b0b4zwk0)
Zadie Smith reads from her electrifying essay collection offering sharp, and often funny, insights and observations on high culture, pop culture, social change, political debate and the personal.
First published between 2010 and 2018 - she begins with her reflections on growing up in multicultural London in the 1980s.
One of the best regarded writers of her generation, Zadie Smith is the award winning author of the novels, White Teeth, The Autograph Man, On Beauty, NW and Swing Time. Feel Free is her second essay collection.
Wide ranging, timely and witty, each essay is a perceptive view of the contemporary world – offering sharp, and often funny, insights and observations on high culture, pop culture, social change, political debate and the personal.
Zadie was listed as one of Granta's 20 Best Young Novelists in 2003 and again in 2013. Her 2000 debut White Teeth, won numerous literary awards, including the James Tait Black Memorial Prize, the Whitbread First Novel Award and the Guardian First Book Award.
Zadie Smith is a professor of fiction at New York University.
Omnibus of five episodes read by the author.
Abridged and produced by Elizabeth Allard.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2018.
SUN 08:40 Inheritance Tracks (m0007y2t)
The late Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne, one of the most recognisable and influential musicians in rock, sadly died last Tuesday aged 76.
The ex-Black Sabbath frontman and Prince of Darkness chooses:
* Swanee by Al Jolson
* Paranoid by Black Sabbath
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2009.
SUN 08:50 Hardy's Women (Omnibus) (m002gcmr)
The Woodlanders
Episode 2
Grace returns to Little Hintock after her honeymoon, but her new husband's attention soon wanders.
Reclusive Marty South tells no one of her love for Giles Winterbourne.
Thomas Hardy's tale of ambition, money and passion.
Omnibus of the last five of ten episodes dramatised by Ayeesha Menon.
Marty South …. Katy Sobey
Giles Winterbourne …. Oliver Hembrough
Grace Melbury …. Holli Dempsey
Edred Fitzpiers …. Sacha Dhawan
George Melbury …. Nicholas Murchie
Lucy Melbury …. Jane Slavin
Barber Percomb …. Joshua Riley
Felice Charmond …. Marilyn Nnadebe
Grammer Oliver …. Jessica Turner
Suke Damson …. Elinor Coleman
Timothy Tangs …. Stewart Campbell
John South …. Tony Turner
Director: Emma Harding
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2021.
SUN 10:00 Frankie Howerd (m001947d)
Series 3
Episode 7
The King of Titters reminisces about becoming foreman of a jury.
Frankie takes a comic look back through his eventful life and illustrious career.
Written by David McKellar and David Nobbs.
With:
June Whitfield
Ray Fell
Chris Emmett
Michael Segal
Producer: David Hatch.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in December 1974.
SUN 10:30 Jim the Great (b02qcsw6)
Series 1
Emperor Jim
To boost his coffers, the moustachioed monarch has a go at empire-building on-the-cheap.
Historical regal romp starring Jimmy Edwards.
King Jim …. Jimmy Edwards
The Chancellor …. Julian Orchard
Queen Esmerelda …. Joan Sanderson
King Cedric …. Ronald Baddiley
With:
John Baddiley
David Ryall
Written by Andrew Palmer.
After a successful pilot, Jim The Great ran for two series on BBC Radio 2 between 1976 - 1979.
Producer: Edward Taylor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in April 1977.
SUN 11:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m002gcmm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 11:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00n3jxh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]
SUN 12:00 Poetry Extra (m002gcmp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
SUN 12:30 Feel Free by Zadie Smith (Omnibus) (b0b4zwk0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 13:40 Inheritance Tracks (m0007y2t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 today]
SUN 13:50 Hardy's Women (Omnibus) (m002gcmr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]
SUN 15:00 Frankie Howerd (m001947d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 15:30 Jim the Great (b02qcsw6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
SUN 16:00 Doctor Who (m001k6vf)
The War Doctor
11. The Lady of Obsidian - Part 2/2
Though reunited with Leela, the War Doctor has a struggle convincing her of who both he and SHE are.
Leela somehow survived being hit by a Dalek time weapon designed to eradicate victims from all potential timelines.
She warns the Time Lord of another force of evil in the current conflict – the unlived.
John Hurt stars as the War Doctor.
Conclusion written by Andrew Smith.
The War Doctor .... John Hurt
Cardinal Ollistra .... Jacqueline Pearce
The Lady of Obsidian/Leela …. Louise Jameson
Rosata Laxter/Grend High Minister …. Lizzie Roper
Skaul/Freel …. Chris Porter
Veklin …. Beth Chalmers
Dalek Time Strategist/The Daleks .... Nicholas Briggs
Other parts played by members of the cast.
Original music written by Howard Carter.
Director: Nicholas Briggs
A Big Finish production.
SUN 16:30 Orbit One Zero by Peter Elliott Hayes (b08fy3gj)
5. The Frozen World
"If I had known, that night, the terrible risk Elizabeth had taken!" But Clifford knew...
Newspaper reporter, Tom Lambert has decided to reinvestigate the strange events of ten years before, concerning the "cosmic noise".
Believing the inside story was never told, he's tracked down the only man who knows, Dr Hayward Petrie.
Told in flashbacks, the story unfolds from Dr Petrie's own recordings of the time when the detection of a strange pattern of signals sparks a mysterious discovery...
Written by Peter Elliott Hayes.
Dr Petrie …. Felix Felton
Tom Lambert …. David Spenser
Clifford Brown …. Graydon Gould
Elizabeth Ryder …. Elaine MacNamara
Professor Campbell McLaren …. Ian Sadler
Peter Garrick …. Harold Reese
Lord Hetherton …. Charles West
Producer: David Davis
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in May 1961.
SUN 17:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m002gcmm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 17:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00n3jxh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]
SUN 18:00 Poetry Extra (m002gcmp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
SUN 18:30 Feel Free by Zadie Smith (Omnibus) (b0b4zwk0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 19:40 Inheritance Tracks (m0007y2t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 today]
SUN 19:50 Hardy's Women (Omnibus) (m002gcmr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]
SUN 21:00 Frankie Howerd (m001947d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 21:30 Jim the Great (b02qcsw6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
SUN 22:00 My Teenage Diary (b0b6m9k2)
Series 8
John Finnemore
Comedy writer and actor John Finnemore reminisces about his six months teaching English to school children in Poland.
John shares extracts from his hilarious teenage diary with Rufus Hound.
He's best known as the star of Cabin Pressure plus numerous series for BBC Radio 4.
Producer: Harriet Jaine
A Talkback production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in June 2018.
SUN 22:30 Henry Normal's Encyclopaedia Poetica (b0bqw7f5)
Volume 1
Henry Normal presents a mixed salad of satirical poetry.
First of four excursions through Henry’s alphabet of stand-up poetry from A to C, to Zzz to Zzz.
With guests:
Su Andi
Attila the Stockbroker
Producer: Diane Messias
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1994.
SUN 23:00 Women Talking About Cars (m0001b9c)
Series 3
1. Floella Benjamin
Victoria Coren Mitchell talks to actress, singer, writer, business woman, and politician, Baroness Benjamin of Beckenham.
She's better known to millions of BBC TV's Play School viewers as Floella Benjamin.
Return of the interview series that uses a famous woman's cars as a vehicle to talk about her life.
Floella tells how her supremely happy childhood in Trinidad turned sour when her parents left her with a cruel foster family – and the joy of being reunited with them when she came to England.
She explains how she learnt to overcome racism with a smile. Plus the freedom that came with passing her driving test - driving around looking for parties in the 1960s – and why when she became a peer, she chose Baroness of Beckenham as her title.
Car descriptions read by Sarah Hadland.
Producer: Gareth Edwards.
A BBC Studios Production, first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2018.
SUN 23:30 Safety Catch (b00w236m)
Series 3
Unforgiveable, That's What You Are
Heathcote Sanders are under the microscope when some of the weapons they sold to a hostile government are turned against the British.
This prompts Simon to wonder if he should be seeking some kind of forgiveness, although of course, he has absolutely nothing to seek forgiveness for...does he?
Meanwhile his personal life is going fantastically well, until he and Anna realise that they don't know why they love each other.
Starring Darren Boyd.
Laurence Howarth's black comedy of modern morality set in the world of arms dealing.
Simon McGrath.........Darren Boyd
Anna Grieg.............Joanna Page
Boris Kemal............Lewis Macleod
Judith McGrath..........Sarah Smart
Angela McGrath........Brigit Forsyth
Madeleine Turnbull........Rachel Atkins
Sarah......Di Botcher
Vicar.....Mike Hayward
Producer: Dawn Ellis
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2010.

MONDAY 28 JULY 2025

MON 00:00 Doctor Who (m001k6vf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Sunday]
MON 00:30 Orbit One Zero by Peter Elliott Hayes (b08fy3gj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:30 on Sunday]
MON 01:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m002gcmm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Sunday]
MON 01:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00n3jxh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 on Sunday]
MON 02:00 Poetry Extra (m002gcmp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Sunday]
MON 02:30 Feel Free by Zadie Smith (Omnibus) (b0b4zwk0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Sunday]
MON 03:40 Inheritance Tracks (m0007y2t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 on Sunday]
MON 03:50 Hardy's Women (Omnibus) (m002gcmr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 on Sunday]
MON 05:00 Frankie Howerd (m001947d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Sunday]
MON 05:30 Jim the Great (b02qcsw6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Sunday]
MON 06:00 Whodunnits (m000bvp2)
Wimsey - Whose Body?
1. The Body in the Bath
British gentleman detective Lord Peter Wimsey is called to Battersea following the alarming discovery in an architect's bathroom...
Dorothy L Sayer's mystery novel, first published in 1923.
Ian Carmichael stars as the aristocratic sleuth.
Dramatised in five episodes by Chris Miller.
Lord Peter Wimsey ...... Ian Carmichael
Bunter ...... Peter Jones
Dowager Duchess ...... Patricia Routledge
Mr Phipp ...... Norman Bird
Inspector Parker ...... Gabriel Woolf
Mrs Phipps ...... Betty Huntley-Wright
Inspector Sugg ...... Stephen Thorne
Classy and sharp-witted, aristocratic amateur sleuth Lord Peter Bredon Wimsey was born in 1890 and educated at Eton and Oxford, before serving in the military during the First World War
He features in a number of detective novels and short stories by English crime writer, Dorothy L Sayers.
Ian Carmichael appeared as Lord Peter Wimsey for BBC Radio from 1973 to 1983, in addition to the BBC TV adaptations that were broadcast between 1972 and 1975
Producer: Simon Brett
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1973.
MON 06:30 Earwig (m002gcm9)
1. Angie
Mr Emmanuel is an earwigger.
He likes to eavesdrop on other peoples' conversations.
He always lunches at the same restaurant, and selects the table nearest the diners who will provide him with the best entertainment.
Today, Mr Emmanuel is at a table next to an American couple.
It's a middle-aged man and his attractive, but jealous, young wife.
First of a series of six overheard conversation pieces written by Alun Owen.
Mr Emmanuel .... Hugh Burden
Fred .... Ed Bishop
Angie .... Susannah Fellows
Jake .... Jim McManus
Emma .... Moir Leslie
Director: John Tydeman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1984.
MON 07:00 In the Red (b007jzh9)
Episode 1
London is plagued by a series of bizarre murders of bank managers.
Hot on the trail of the killer are old-style Chief Police Inspector Frank Jefferson and BBC Radio's anarchic crime correspondent, George Cragge.
Starring Michael Williams and Barry Foster.
Mark Tavener's blackly humorous murder mystery set in the world of City finance, the BBC and political parties.
Dramatised in seven-parts from his novel by Mark Tavener and Peter Baynham.
George Cragge ...... Michael Williams
Frank Jefferson ...... Barry Foster
Geoffrey Crichton-Potter ...... Stephen Moore
Henry ...... Julian Rhind-Tutt
Max ...... Peter Woodthorpe
Dominic De'ath ...... Benjamin Whitrow
With:
Nicholas Le Prevost
Peter Serafinowicz
Eva Stuart
Susie Brann
Alice Arnold
David Antrobus
Annabel Mullion
Music by Tony McAnaney.
Producer: Paul Schlesinger
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1995.
MON 07:30 Steptoe and Son (b007jld2)
Series 2
Homes Fit for Heroes
Harold quarrels with his Dad Albert over his plan to pack him off to travel the world.
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
Miss Lottersby ...... Marie Makino
Matron ...... Olwen Brookes.
Adapted for radio from Galton and Simpson's TV script by Gale Pedrick.
Producer: Bobby Jaye
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in July 1967.
MON 08:00 Relativity (m000lnlq)
Series 3
Episode 5
Ian has now taken refuge at Ken and Margaret’s, as well as sister Jane.
Unexpectedly reunited, without partners or offspring, the family of four go down memory lane – good and bad. Then Pete appears on the doorstep with urgent news about Holly.
The third series of Richard Herring’s comedy drama builds on the warm, lively characters and sharply observed family dynamics of previous series.
His affectionate observation of inter-generational misunderstanding, sibling sparring and the ties that bind will resonate with anyone who has ever gone back to live at home, after the age of 40.
Richard Herring is a comedian, writer, blogger and podcaster.
Margaret …… Alison Steadman
Ken …… Phil Davis
Jane …… Fenella Woolgar
Ian …… Richard Herring
Pete …… Gordon Kennedy
Producer: Polly Thomas
Executive Producers: Jon Thoday and Richard Allen Turner
An Avalon Television production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in 2020.
MON 08:30 My Name Escapes Me by Sir Alec Guinness (b007jpkk)
1: January - June 1995
Sir Alec Guinness reads his own bestselling "diary of a retiring actor".
The diaries cover a period of 18 months combining acerbic wit with numerous anecdotes sprinkled with finely observed observations.
He begins on 1st January 1995: and is not too impressed by legendary TV cook and bon viveur, Fanny Cradock.
Abridged in five parts by Neville Teller.
Producer Martin Jenkins
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1996.
MON 08:45 Lucy Loves Desi: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom (m000ltky)
1. Negotiations
Martin Jarvis directs a stellar cast in Gregg Oppenheimer's inside look at his writer- producer father's famous TV series, I Love Lucy.
Anne Heche channels Lucille Ball in an outstanding performance. With Wilmer Valderrama, Jared Harris, Alfred Molina, Stacy Keach, Mike McShane.
The onscreen pairing of Lucille and Desi is brilliant, but the American Network is doubtful.
"Who’d believe she was married to him?"
Lucille: ‘But I am married to him!’
The serial dramatises more than just the creation of an iconic TV series.
It charts the need to challenge existing ideas that balked at diversity, the comic dynamic of the Arnaz’s partnership, and their commitment and integrity shared by writer Jess Oppenheimer - resisting network and sponsor demands and outdated censorship rules, bringing creative bonuses to US audiences and worldwide.
This roller-coasting five-part serial shows how TV, at a crucial time, learned from the established craft of radio.
Cuban bandleader Desi's inventive genius engendered studio techniques now taken for granted. Lucille and Desi's uplifting relationship flouted conventional thinking and defied accepted entertainment practice in one of the most influential sitcoms in TV history.
Lucille Ball…Anne Heche
Desi Arnaz…Wilmer Valderrama
Jess…Jared Harris
Harry…Alfred Molina
Hubbell…Mike McShane
Don…Matthew Floyd Miller
Betty…Janine Barris
Richard…Mark Sullivan
Mr Paley…André Sogliuzzo
Frawley…Stacy Keach
Marc…Matthew Wolf
Vivian Vance…Anna Mathias
Other parts:
Anna Lyse Erikson
Allegra Riggio
Director: Martin Jarvis
Producer: Rosalind Ayres
A Jarvis & Ayres production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2020.
MON 09:00 I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue (m002g37d)
Series 83
3. Is It A Bird?
The godfather of all panel shows pays a visit to the Butterworth Hall in Warwick. On the panel are Harry Enfield, Lucy Porter, Miles Jupp and Marcus Brigstocke, with Jack Dee in the umpire’s chair. Regular listeners will know to expect inspired nonsense, pointless revelry and Colin Sell at the piano.
Producer: Jon Naismith
A Random production for BBC Radio 4
MON 09:30 A Guide to Garden Birds (b007j7t5)
Thrushes
Here’s a helpful, practical guide to help you sort your Blue Tits from your Great Tits and your Hedge Sparrows from your Tree Sparrows.
Recorded on location in the Somerset Levels, Brett Westwood and wildlife sound recordist Chris Watson are in the garden of keen birdwatcher, writer and broadcaster, Stephen Moss.
For starters, they’re setting out to sort out the members of the Thrush family, including Blackbird, Mistle-Thrush, Song Thrush and Robin.
Packed with useful information and helpful tips, the series will appeal to both the complete novice, and the experienced birdwatcher who simply wants to know more about the birds in their garden.
Producer: Sarah Blunt
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2007.
MON 09:45 Daily Service (m002gcmg)
The Relatives of Jesus - Mary
Theme: The Relatives of Jesus - Mary
Presenter: Rev Dr Rosa Hunt
Reading: Luke 1:26-38
Music:
No Wind at Window
I The Lord of Sea and Sky
Wele Cawsom y Mesia
MON 10:00 That Reminds Me (b007jn3t)
Series 1
Ned Sherrin
Producer, broadcaster, writer, satirist and raconteur Ned Sherrin recalls some moments from his career, as he entertains an audience.
Featuring memories of Noel Coward and the Oliviers.
Producer: Claire Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1999.
MON 10:30 Blue Notes, Cold Nights (b0184rg8)
Thanks to films like "Round Midnight" we all know about black American musicians escaping racism and putting down roots in Paris.
But the story of the African-American and African presence in Scandinavia has been one of Europe's best-kept secrets.
Country blues singer-guitarist Eric Bibb learned his craft in the coffee houses of Greenwich Village but has spent much of his career in Sweden and Finland.
He explains how jazz and blues players such as trumpeter Don Cherry - step-father of R&B star Neneh Cherry - built new lives in exile.
Dexter Gordon - the star of '"Round Midnight" was one of the pioneers, settling in Copenhagen in the early 1960s.
Over the decades, generous state support for musicians has helped the music scene in the region to flourish.
But now that the host nations are facing their own immigration crisis, will musicians continue to find a welcome? And how easy is it to sustain creativity thousands of miles from your roots?
Producer: Mohini Patel
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 December 2011.
MON 11:00 Whodunnits (m000bvp2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 11:30 Earwig (m002gcm9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 12:00 In the Red (b007jzh9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 12:30 Steptoe and Son (b007jld2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 13:00 Relativity (m000lnlq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 13:30 My Name Escapes Me by Sir Alec Guinness (b007jpkk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 13:45 Lucy Loves Desi: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom (m000ltky)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
MON 14:00 Just a Minute (b00tppv4)
Series 57
Episode 7
Nicholas Parsons presides over the devious game where panellists are challenged to speak for one minute without hesitation, deviation or repetition.
With:
Paul Merton
Graham Norton
Gyles Brandreth
Jenny Eclair
Subjects include: Our American Cousins, A Dark Secret, My Inner Monologue, The Person To My Left, A Gut Feeling and Plan B
Created by Ian Messiter.
Producer: Tilusha Ghelani
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2010.
MON 14:30 The Party Line (b010p0pf)
Series 1
Episode 1
A slap in the face for MP Duncan Stonebridge as his glamorous rival is handed the advantage.
A topical sitcom recorded just prior to transmission, focused on the life of Duncan Stonebridge, frustrated backbench Labour MP for Rothershurst.
Since falling off the stage during a live edition of Question Time, he fears his career is going nowhere. He’s a man trapped in limbo, struggling to deal on a local level with the edicts handed down from Westminster.
Written by Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis.
Duncan Stonebridge …. James Fleet
Arthur …. Simon Greenall
With:
Geoffrey McGivern
Rachel Atkins,
Jennie Cox
Dominic Coleman
Sue Elliott-Nichols
Producer: Adam Bromley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2005.
MON 15:00 Whodunnits (m002gcmj)
Coleman and Astor
1. Death of a Hooligan
Crime-busting duo Inspector Coleman and Sergeant Astor have moved from Kirkcaldy in Scotland to Southampton in England.
They're finding it to be very different territory.
But football fans tend to be the same the world over, as they set out to probe a death....
Starring Stephen Thorne and Joe Dunlop.
Four-part crime drama series written by Michael McStay.
Despite their differing backgrounds and approach, the duo make a formidable team.
Inspector Ronald Coleman .... Stephen Thorne
Sergeant Fred Astor .... Joe Dunlop
Margaret Coleman …. Diana Bishop
Superintendent Beauchamp …. Frances Jeater
PC Trench …. Nicholas Boulton
Dr Kendrick …. James Kerry
‘Benny’ Benjamin …. Dominic Curtis
Adam …. Tom Bevan
Jackson …. Peter Kenny
Craddock …. Paul Panting
Train Guard … Hakeem Kae-Kazim
Train Barman …. Gareth Armstrong
Pub Landlord …. James Taylor
Theme music written by Stephen Walbeck.
Director: Jane Morgan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1994.
MON 16:00 That Reminds Me (b007jn3t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
MON 16:30 Blue Notes, Cold Nights (b0184rg8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
MON 17:00 Whodunnits (m000bvp2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 17:30 Earwig (m002gcm9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 18:00 In the Red (b007jzh9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 18:30 Steptoe and Son (b007jld2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 19:00 Relativity (m000lnlq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 19:30 My Name Escapes Me by Sir Alec Guinness (b007jpkk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 19:45 Lucy Loves Desi: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom (m000ltky)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
MON 20:00 Just a Minute (b00tppv4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
MON 20:30 The Party Line (b010p0pf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
MON 21:00 Whodunnits (m002gcmj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
MON 22:00 I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue (m002g37d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
MON 22:30 The Right Time (b00fv9t1)
Series 2
Episode 4
How to get home from the pub - and a ruined holiday in Barbados.
Sketch show with a mature edge.
Written and performed by people who've lived a bit.
Starring:
Graeme Garden
Eleanor Bron
Clive Swift
Paula Wilcox
Neil Innes
Roger Blake
Written by Graeme Garden, Neil Innes, Julie Balloo, Ramone Towers, Trevor Walker, John Dowie, Colin Bostock-Smith and John Pidgeon.
Music by Ronnie & The Rex.
Producer: Helen Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2002.
MON 23:00 Too Long; Didn't Read (m002g53d)
Series 2
1. There's something in the water
Columns. Analysis. The Guardian's Long Read. Who has time? Catherine Bohart, that's who - and she's going beyond the headlines to give you the lowdown on one of the biggest stories this week, with the help of Phil Wang and our regular roving correspondent Sunil Patel.
This week, there's something in the water as Catherine & co investigate the regulation of the water industry, with the help of Helena Horton, environment reporter at The Guardian.
Written by Catherine Bohart, with Madeleine Brettingham, Tom Neenan and Pravanya Pillay.
Producer: Alison Vernon Smith
Executive Producers: Lyndsay Fenner & Victoria Lloyd
Sound Design: David Thomas
Production Co-ordinator: Katie Sayer
A Mighty Bunny production for BBC Radio 4
MON 23:30 Cliche (m000x684)
From 16/3/1981
From mirthful menus to Batman minus Robin.
Series of sketch shows.
Starring:
Carole Hayman
Nick Maloney
Simon Molloy
Brian Southwood
Script and songs written by Rob Grant and Doug Naylor.
Musical accompaniment by Pete Lingwood.
Produced at BBC Manchester by Ron McDonnell.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1981

TUESDAY 29 JULY 2025

TUE 00:00 That Reminds Me (b007jn3t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Monday]
TUE 00:30 Blue Notes, Cold Nights (b0184rg8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Monday]
TUE 01:00 Whodunnits (m000bvp2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]
TUE 01:30 Earwig (m002gcm9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Monday]
TUE 02:00 In the Red (b007jzh9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Monday]
TUE 02:30 Steptoe and Son (b007jld2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:00 Relativity (m000lnlq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Monday]
TUE 03:30 My Name Escapes Me by Sir Alec Guinness (b007jpkk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:45 Lucy Loves Desi: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom (m000ltky)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Monday]
TUE 04:00 Just a Minute (b00tppv4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:30 The Party Line (b010p0pf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Monday]
TUE 05:00 Whodunnits (m002gcmj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Monday]
TUE 06:00 Whodunnits (m000bwxk)
Wimsey - Whose Body?
2. Disappearance of a Financier
Lord Peter Wimsey follows the trail of missing financier Sir Reuben Levy.
Is there a link to the body found in the Battersea bathroom?
Ian Carmichael stars as the aristocratic sleuth.
Dorothy L Sayers' detective mystery dramatised by Chris Miller.
Lord Peter Wimsey ...... Ian Carmichael
Bunter ...... Peter Jones
Inspector Parker ...... Gabriel Woolf
Freddie Arbuthnot ...... Nigel Lambert
John P Milligan ...... Blain Fairman
Graves/Waiter/Scoot ...... Peter Williams
Mabel Price ...... Betty Huntley-Wright
Producer: Simon Brett
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1974.
TUE 06:30 Earwig (m002gcmt)
2. Peter and Paula
Mr Emmanuel is an earwigger.
He likes to eavesdrop on other peoples' conversations.
He always lunches at the same restaurant, and selects the table nearest the diners who will provide him with the best entertainment.
Today, Mr Emmanuel is at a table next to a brother and sister. The casual observer would not think that Peter and Paula were related.
But Mr Emmanuel is more than a casual observer. By the end of the meal, he knows a great deal more about them.
Series of overheard conversation pieces written by Alun Owen.
Peter .... Clive Swift
Paula .... Phyllida Law
Jake .... Jim McManus
Emma .... Moir Leslie
Mr Emmanuel .... Hugh Burden
Director: John Tydeman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1984.
TUE 07:00 Little Blighty on the Down (b007jx6l)
Series 1
Episode 1
The everyday story of a country folk.
80s political satirical soap opera set in the strangely familiar village of Little Blighty.
In this idyllic part of the world, there's a village church, a market, a small school and a pub, The Cock and Bull.
Village life is pretty uneventful, though the humdrum happenings include social turmoil, economic upheaval and vicious political squabbles.
It's all presided over by the redoubtable head of the Parish Council and secretary of the Rotarians, Mrs Roberts.
Written by Mark Burton, John O'Farrell and Mike Coleman.
Starring:
John Bluthal
Andrew Sachs
Jo Kendall
Nick Hancock
Bernadine Corrigan
Daniel Strauss
Producer: David Tyler
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1988.
TUE 07:30 The Goon Show (b007jpgm)
Series 8
King Solomon's Mines
Neddie Seagoon loses at roulette, so heads off in search of legendary African riches.
Ground breaking, surreal BBC radio comedy written by Spike Milligan and Larry Stephens.
With:
Peter Sellers
Spike Milligan
Harry Secombe
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: Charles Chilton
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in December 1957.
TUE 08:00 To Hull and Back (b06hjkv6)
Series 1
The French Connection
Sophie still lives at home with her mum in Hull. They make a living doing car boot sales at the weekend.
Except they don't really make a living because her mum can't bear to get rid of any of their junk. Plus, they don't have a car.
As their house gets more cluttered, Sophie feels more trapped. Sophie dreams of moving to London to meet her dad and to become a famous actress.
Will this dream come true?
Sitcom written by former BBC New Comedy Award winner, Lucy Beaumont.
Pilot starring Lucy Beaumont and Maureen Lipman.
Sophie ...... Lucy Beaumont
Sheila ...... Maureen Lipman
Jean ...... Kerrie Marsh
Ernie ...... Norman Lovett
Michelle ...... Jemma Walker
Sadie ...... Jaimi Barbakoff
Producer: Carl Cooper
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in June 2014.
TUE 08:30 My Name Escapes Me by Sir Alec Guinness (b007jpl3)
2: July - October 1995
Musings on fame and fans, Shakespeare's Globe and early theatre-going in Eastbourne.
Double Oscar-winner Sir Alec Guinness continues reading his own "diary of a retiring actor".
Covering a period of 18 months, it's now the summer of 1995.
Abridged by Neville Teller.
Producer: Martin Jenkins
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1996.
TUE 08:45 Lucy Loves Desi: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom (m000lv44)
2. Six Weeks
CBS have finally given Lucy and Desi a TV pilot deal, but they have only six weeks to make and deliver it.
Martin Jarvis directs a stellar cast in Gregg Oppenheimer's inside look at his writer- producer father's famous TV series, I Love Lucy.
The onscreen pairing of Lucille and Desi is brilliant, but the American Network is doubtful.
The serial also charts the need to challenge existing ideas that balked at diversity, the comic dynamic of the Arnaz’s partnership, and their commitment and integrity shared by writer Jess Oppenheimer - resisting network and sponsor demands and outdated censorship rules, bringing creative bonuses to US audiences and worldwide.
This roller-coasting serial shows how TV, at a crucial time, learned from the established craft of radio.
Cuban bandleader Desi's inventive genius engendered studio techniques now taken for granted. Lucille and Desi's uplifting relationship flouted conventional thinking and defied accepted entertainment practice in one of the most influential sitcoms in TV history.
Lucille Ball…Anne Heche
Desi Arnaz…Wilmer Valderrama
Jess…Jared Harris
Harry…Alfred Molina
Hubbell…Mike McShane
Don…Matthew Floyd Miller
Betty…Janine Barris
Richard…Mark Sullivan
Mr Paley…André Sogliuzzo
Frawley…Stacy Keach
Marc…Matthew Wolf
Vivian Vance…Anna Mathias
Other parts:
Anna Lyse Erikson
Allegra Riggio
Director: Martin Jarvis
Producer: Rosalind Ayres
A Jarvis & Ayres production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2020.
TUE 09:00 Room 101 with Paul Merton (m001yhzg)
Series 2
Naga Munchetty
Paul Merton interviews a variety of guests from the world of comedy and entertainment to find out what they would send to Room 101 as well as the one item they cannot live without.
Naga Munchetty attempts to banish people who salt their food without tasting it first, as well as unsolicited advice. The one thing she could not live without however is a spicy condiment loved by millions.
Additional material John Irwin and Suki Webster
Produced by Richard Wilson
A Hat Trick production for BBC Radio 4
TUE 09:30 A Guide to Garden Birds (b007llfx)
Titmice
It's time to observe and sort out the members of the Titmice family, including Blue Tits, Great tits and Long-tailed Tits.
Recorded on location in the Somerset Levels, Brett Westwood and wildlife sound recordist Chris Watson are in the garden of keen birdwatcher, writer and broadcaster, Stephen Moss.
Producer: Sarah Blunt
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2007.
TUE 09:45 Daily Service (m002gcmy)
The Relatives of Jesus - John the Baptist
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: The Relatives of Jesus - John the Baptist
Presenter: Ann Easter
Reading: John 1: 19-28
Music:
Prepare ye the way of the Lord - Ed Wiley Jr and Ascension
Wayfaring Stranger - Eva Cassidy
On Jordan's bank the Baptist Cry - St Edmundsbury Cathedral
TUE 10:00 A Good Read (m0005t98)
Kiri Pritchard-McLean and Hannah Peel
Comedian Kiri Pritchard-McLean and singer/composer Hannah Peel join Harriett Gilbert to discuss favourite books by Tsitsi Dangarembga, Italo Calvino, Curtis Sittenfeld.
Invisible Cities by Italo Calvino
Publisher: Vintage (translator: William Weaver)
Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembga
Publisher: Ayebia
You Think It, I'll Say It by Curtis Sittenfeld
Publisher: Black Swan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2019.
TUE 10:30 Mr Murgatroyd and Mr Winterbottom (b010hncl)
Tommy Handley and Ronald Frankau shared a comedy partnership which had its heyday in the 1930s world of radio.
There was no straight man, so the partnership was a rare one.
Tommy was a fast talking Liverpudlian, while Ronald in contrast was upper-class and Eton-educated.
Presented by Nicholas Frankau, actor and the grandson of Eton-educated Ronald Frankau.
Producer: Angela Sherwin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2006.
TUE 11:00 Whodunnits (m000bwxk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 11:30 Earwig (m002gcmt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 12:00 Little Blighty on the Down (b007jx6l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 12:30 The Goon Show (b007jpgm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 13:00 To Hull and Back (b06hjkv6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 13:30 My Name Escapes Me by Sir Alec Guinness (b007jpl3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 13:45 Lucy Loves Desi: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom (m000lv44)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
TUE 14:00 The Food Quiz (b0076tc6)
Series 3
Episode 1
Journalist and food critic, Jay Rayner puts four gastronomes through their culinary paces.
All set for a good grilling:
Stephen Fry
Elisabeth Luard
Clarissa Dickson Wright
Cyrus Todiwala
Can they fathom the principal ingredient of mock turtle soup?
Can they name the first TV chef?
Do they know how a dried fish came to be known as Bombay duck?
Producer: Dixi Stewart
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2005.
TUE 14:30 Barbara Nice (m000n5d9)
Pilot
Stockport housewife extraordinaire Barbara Nice is the creation of 'Peter Kay's Phoenix Nights' star Janice Connolly.
In this warm-hearted sitcom pilot, Janice and John Henshaw play husband and wife Barbara and Ken.
Barbara is worried she and Ken are at risk of adding to the numbers of silver splitters - they have nothing in common; Ken's idea of retirement involves a marathon session of 'Pointless' and that doesn't fit with Barbara's idea of a well spent golden age.
When a homeless Spanish busker needs some help, Barbara sees it as the perfect opportunity to do some good and stir things up home ... A little more than she expected.
The pilot proved successful with a following series.
Written by Janice Connolly and Steve Turner.
Barbara Nice ... Janice Connolly
Ken Nice ... John Henshaw
Mary ... Angela Curran
Tonio ... David Sant
Hostel Manager ... Debra Baker
Guitarist: Kester Owen
Producer: Carl Cooper
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 2, first broadcast in November 2015.
TUE 15:00 Whodunnits (m002gcn2)
Coleman and Astor
2. A Day at the Races
Sergeant Fred Astor falls among thieves in his new South Hampshire posting.
Inspector Ronald Coleman has one of his infamous hunches at the last day of a race meeting.
Starring Stephen Thorne and Joe Dunlop.
Crime drama series written by Michael McStay.
Despite their differing backgrounds and approach, the duo make a formidable team.
Inspector Coleman .... Stephen Thorne
Sergeant Astor .... Joe Dunlop
Margaret Coleman .... Diana Bishop
Superintendent Beauchamp .... Frances Jeater
PC Trench .... Nicholas Boulton
Jamie Bell .... Larry Dann
'One Lung' Peacock .... John Hartley
Mike Graham .... McCartney Brown
Ted Durbridge .... Breffni McKenna
Superintendent Henshaw .... Gareth Armstrong
Steward .... David Jarvis
Bembridge-Jones .... David Sinclair
Slater .... James Taylor
Customer .... Don McCorkindale
Theme music by Stephen Warbeck.
Series Producer: Jane Morgan
Director: Ned Chaillet
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1994.
TUE 16:00 A Good Read (m0005t98)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
TUE 16:30 Mr Murgatroyd and Mr Winterbottom (b010hncl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
TUE 17:00 Whodunnits (m000bwxk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 17:30 Earwig (m002gcmt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 18:00 Little Blighty on the Down (b007jx6l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 18:30 The Goon Show (b007jpgm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 19:00 To Hull and Back (b06hjkv6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 19:30 My Name Escapes Me by Sir Alec Guinness (b007jpl3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 19:45 Lucy Loves Desi: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom (m000lv44)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
TUE 20:00 The Food Quiz (b0076tc6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
TUE 20:30 Barbara Nice (m000n5d9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
TUE 21:00 Whodunnits (m002gcn2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
TUE 22:00 Room 101 with Paul Merton (m001yhzg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
TUE 22:30 Buy Me Up TV (b0094k0g)
Series 1
Episode 1
Every shopping channel you've ever seen and every product you've never wanted.
Special host Eamonn Holmes runs the animal charity telethon
Starring:
Justin Edwards
Colin Hoult
Katherine Jakeways
Ewen Macintosh
Alex MacQueen
Greg Proops
Series sparked by a successful pilot episode - written by Justin Edwards and James Eldred.
Producer: Lucy Armitage
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2008.
TUE 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m002gsw5)
Tom Rosenthal 1/3
From 10pm until midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Esyllt Sears chats to comic and actor Tom Rosenthal
TUE 23:00 The Mark Steel Solution (b007jmrl)
Series 2
The Royal Family Should Be Chosen By a Weekly Lottery
Mark Steel crowns his series by proposing that the royal family be chosen by a lottery.
Written and performed by Mark Steel and Pete Sinclair.
With:
Kim Wall
Maria McErlan
Producer Phil Clarke
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1994.
TUE 23:30 It's Jocelyn (b08hpf79)
Series 2
Family
Jocelyn talks about family, a spiritual medium goes over to the other side and the doctors receptionist shows her true feelings for 'big bad Don'.
More sketches and stand-up from the wonderful mind of Jocelyn Jee Esien.
With Paul Whitehouse as a cockney funeral director.
Plus the vocal talents of:
Ninia Benjamin
Curtis Walker
Dee Kaate
Gavi Chera
Karen Bartke
Producer: Suzy Grant
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in March 2017.

WEDNESDAY 30 JULY 2025

WED 00:00 A Good Read (m0005t98)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Tuesday]
WED 00:30 Mr Murgatroyd and Mr Winterbottom (b010hncl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Tuesday]
WED 01:00 Whodunnits (m000bwxk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:30 Earwig (m002gcmt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Tuesday]
WED 02:00 Little Blighty on the Down (b007jx6l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Tuesday]
WED 02:30 The Goon Show (b007jpgm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:00 To Hull and Back (b06hjkv6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Tuesday]
WED 03:30 My Name Escapes Me by Sir Alec Guinness (b007jpl3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:45 Lucy Loves Desi: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom (m000lv44)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Tuesday]
WED 04:00 The Food Quiz (b0076tc6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:30 Barbara Nice (m000n5d9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Tuesday]
WED 05:00 Whodunnits (m002gcn2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Tuesday]
WED 06:00 Whodunnits (m000bxls)
Wimsey - Whose Body?
3. Lunch at Lady Swaffham's
Lord Peter Wimsey visits Salisbury in his quest for more clues in the mystery of a murder and a missing financier.
Ian Carmichael stars as the aristocratic sleuth.
Dorothy L Sayers' detective mystery dramatised by Chris Miller.
Lord Peter Wimsey ...... Ian Carmichael
Bunter ...... Peter Jones
Dowager Duchess ...... Patricia Routledge
Inspector Charles Parker ...... Gabriel Woolf
Mr Crimplesham ...... Richard Goolden
Mr Thipps ...... Norman Bird
John P Milligan ...... Blain Fairman
Lady Swaffham ...... Elizabeth Revill
Coroner ...... David Sinclair
Producer Simon Brett
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1974.
WED 06:30 Earwig (m002gcn5)
3. Johnny and The Duchess
A series of six overheard conversation pieces by Alun Owen's earwigger, a man who likes to listen to other people's conversations.
He always lunches at the same restaurant, and selects the table nearest the diners who will provide him with the best entertainment.
The lady sitting at the table next to Mr Emmanuel comes from Dublin and she is certainly larger than life.
Mr Emmanuel .... Hugh Burden
The Duchess .... Marie Kean
Jake .... Jim McManus
Emma .... Moir Leslie
The Solicitor .... David Gooderson
Directed by John Tydeman.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1984.
WED 07:00 Smelling of Roses (b00d4qky)
Series 3
Private Views
Events organiser Rosie plans a private view for an odious art dealer.
Prunella Scales stars in the return of Simon Brett's sitcom.
The trials and tribulations of Rosie Burns and her event management company, based in Brighton, where the clients are only part of the problem...
Rosie ..... Prunella Scales
Jo ..... Rebecca Callard
Bob ..... Duncan Preston
Tess ..... Annette Badland
Lindley Gore ..... Jeremy Clyde
Charlie McGunn ..... Kenny Blyth
Producer: Maria Esposito
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2002.
WED 07:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b00802l8)
Series 5
The Publicity Photograph
A new image leads to a major makeover away from the camera for The Lad Himself.
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 composed and conducted by Wally Stott.
Producer: Tom Ronald
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in February 1958.
WED 08:00 Making the Best of It (b03w38q5)
The Last Minutes
Daisy Haggard stars as Debra, a Crisis Branding Consultant brought in during a major boardroom crisis, with only minutes to manage how the truth comes out.
And what that truth is, exactly...
Series of comedies developed with the Comedians Theatre Company.
Written by Stephen Keyworth.
Debra ...... Daisy Haggard
Cassie ...... Tiffany Stevenson
Thomas ...... Matt Green
Jonah ...... Stephen Harvey
Phillip ...... Ben Norris
Director: Jonquil Panting
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2014.
WED 08:30 My Name Escapes Me by Sir Alec Guinness (b007jplm)
3: October 1995 - January 1996
Sir Alec Guinness reads his own "diary of a retiring actor", abridged for radio in five parts by Neville Teller.
The acclaimed actor recalls dark days of misfortune for his wife and son, plus tales of Burton and Taylor - and the Old Vic.
Producer Martin Jenkins
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1996.
WED 08:45 Lucy Loves Desi: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom (m000ls8t)
3. New York
Martin Jarvis directs a stellar cast in Gregg Oppenheimer's inside look at his writer- producer father's famous TV series, I Love Lucy. In this episode, Lucy and Desi face an ultimatum: move production of the show to New York, or the sponsors will pull out.
Anne Heche channels Lucille Ball in an outstanding performance. With Wilmer Valderrama, Jared Harris, Alfred Molina, Stacy Keach, Mike McShane. The onscreen pairing of Lucille and Desi is brilliant, but the American Network is doubtful.
The serial dramatises more than just the creation of an iconic TV series - it charts the need to challenge existing ideas that balked at diversity, the comic dynamic of the Arnaz’s partnership, and their commitment and integrity shared by writer Jess Oppenheimer - resisting network and sponsor demands and outdated censorship rules, bringing creative bonuses to US audiences and worldwide.
This roller-coasting five-part serial shows how television, at a crucial time, learned from the established craft of radio. Cuban bandleader Desi's inventive genius engendered studio techniques now taken for granted. Lucille and Desi's uplifting relationship flouted conventional thinking and defied accepted entertainment practice in one of the most influential sitcoms in TV history.
Cast:
Lucille Ball…Anne Heche
Desi Arnaz…Wilmer Valderrama
Jess…Jared Harris
Harry…Alfred Molina
Hubbell…Mike McShane
Don…Matthew Floyd Miller
Betty…Janine Barris
Richard…Mark Sullivan
Mr Paley…André Sogliuzzo
Frawley…Stacy Keach
Marc…Matthew Wolf
Vivian Vance…Anna Mathias
Other parts: Anna Lyse Erikson, Allegra Riggio
Written by Gregg Oppenheimer
Director: Martin Jarvis
Producer: Rosalind Ayres
A Jarvis & Ayres production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2020.
WED 09:00 Your Mum (m002fbf2)
5. Iain Stirling and Arlene Phillips
Iain confesses that he is a total mummy’s boy, shares some of her passions (breaststroke and boxed wine) and thanks his selfless mum for getting him to where he is today. Arlene tells us about the long line of witches that came before her, reminisces on her mum’s angelic disposition and shares how losing her mum at such a young age drives and inspires her incredible career.
In this series, Laura Smyth sits down with some incredible guests to find out about their mums and explore the many faces of ‘motherhood’. Join her for a nostalgic, shameless, cathartic ride that asks what (if anything) our folks have taught us.
Producer: Sasha Bobak
Production Coordinator: Katie Baum
Executive Producer: Pete Strauss
A BBC Studios Audio Production for Radio 4.
WED 09:30 A Guide to Garden Birds (b007mhvy)
Finches
Recorded on location in the Somerset Levels, in the garden of keen birdwatcher, writer and broadcaster Stephen Moss, A Guide to Garden Birds is a helpful, practical guide to help you sort out your Blue tits from your Great Tits and your hedge sparrows from your tree sparrows.
Brett Westwood is joined by Stephen Moss and wildlife sound recordist Chris Watson and their attention is on members of the finch family, including the goldfinch, chaffinch and greenfinch.
Produced by Sarah Blunt
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2007.
WED 09:45 Daily Service (m002gcn9)
The Relatives of Jesus - John (The Evangelist)
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: The Relatives of Jesus - John (The Evangelist)
Presenter: Jay Hulme
Reading: John 19: 23-27
Music:
Thou whose almighty Word - Cambrensis
God So Loved the World - St Martin's Voices
The Lion and the Lamb - Rivers and Robots
WED 10:00 Archive on 4 (b00s1n54)
The Split Up (and the almost inevitable reunion)
Ex-Communard, Rev Richard Coles examines how the Beatles and other bands in history have decided to call it a day.
To mark the 40th anniversary of the Beatles disbanding, the Reverend Richard Coles, whose own band The Communards split up, examines how rock groups through the decades have decided to call it a day. From the Beatles through to the Verve who've disbanded several times, Richard trawls the archives to find examples of rock split-ups and to ask whether there ever can be a dignified parting of the ways. He examines the many reasons that bands split and reveals a myriad of circumstances underlying these, from artistic differences to personal animosity, the wish of one singer to go solo or simply the end of a particular zeitgeist which characterised the band. He also asks whether the energy and drive which comes from the music and early days of a band means that tensions and a sundering is often inevitable.
The programme features a wealth of archive material from bands through the decades, of all kinds of musical styles. There are also new interviews with the record executive Tony Wadsworth and the artist manager Jazz Summers, which give the viewpoints of those working behind the scenes who have to manage and deal with the fallout when a band splits up. Extra comment is provided by the rock specialists Stuart Maconie and Laura Lee Davies.
But the story doesn't just stop when the bands split. The members may go off and pursue other careers, but often the creativity which fuelled them at the beginning still drives them 10 years down the line. In addition, touring is now where the big money is to be made. So, for many different reasons, many of the bands we thought we'd never see again are being coaxed out of their separate career paths to reunite and go on the road once more. The Police regrouped, Take That have had a new lease of life and the Spice Girls took their children touring the second time around.
Of course, the reunion doesn't always go well. Perhaps the band is without the lead singer who gave such a distinctive sound. Sometimes the artistic differences which sundered the artists in the first place rear their heads again 10 years later.
Maybe the fans have grown up and moved on. And that means that a reunited band can do the split-up all over again.
Producer: Emma Kingsley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2010.
WED 11:00 Whodunnits (m000bxls)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 11:30 Earwig (m002gcn5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 12:00 Smelling of Roses (b00d4qky)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 12:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b00802l8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 13:00 Making the Best of It (b03w38q5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 13:30 My Name Escapes Me by Sir Alec Guinness (b007jplm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 13:45 Lucy Loves Desi: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom (m000ls8t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
WED 14:00 You Heard It Here First (m001kh6w)
Series 1
Episode 1
Chris McCausland asks a panel of comedians to live in an audio only world, deciphering brainteaser sound cues for points and pride whilst trying not to muck about too much along the way.
In this episode, contestants try to figure out what on earth is being advertised on the TV, guess what famous objects or locations children are trying to describe, and work out the age of women based solely on the sound of their voice.
The competing comedians are Rhys James and Donna Preston, taking on Alasdair Beckett-King and Ria Lina.
Theme music ‘Colour me Groovy’ by The Rich Morton Sound
Recorded at the Backyard Comedy Club, Bethnal Green
Executive Producer: Pete Strauss
Sound editor: Jerry Peal
Producer: Sasha Bobak
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in April 2023.
WED 14:30 Acropolis Now (b007jwv0)
Series 2
Food
The Spartan siege of Athens is now into its eleventh month. The Acropolis Fish Restaurant has completely run out of food.
The restaurant regulars decide to have a "last supper".
No food, just fine words, songs and - hemlock.
Ancient Greek comedy by Lynne Truss.
Heraclitus …….. Stephen Moore
Aristophanes …….. Alan Cox
Socrates …….. Robert Hardy
Xanthippe …….. Imelda Staunton
Plato …….. Tom George
Directed at BBC Pebble Mill by Brian King.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2002.
WED 15:00 Whodunnits (m002gcnf)
Coleman and Astor
3. No Harm Done
No one in Southampton has any reason to be proud of the Gantry Estate, least of all the people who live there. And to Inspector Coleman, it's an alien land.
Social and racial tensions run high in a climate of despair....
Just like his 1930s matinee idol namesake, Ronald Coleman is erudite and well-spoken, and would far prefer to be a film director than a Detective Inspector.
His down-to-earth colleague, Detective Sergeant Fred Astor, is a career copper. Despite their differing backgrounds and approach, they make a formidable crime-solving team.
Stephen Thorne stars as Inspector Coleman and Joe Dunlop as Sergeant Astor.
Written by Michael McStay.
Inspector Coleman .... Stephen Thorne
Sergeant Astor .... Joe Dunlop
Field .... Dexter Fletcher
Girl .... Deborah Berlin
Welch .... Simon Schatzberger
Ma Baker .... Pauline Letts
Blackman .... Sidney Cole
Boy .... Toby Jones
Tommo .... Tony Osoba
Marje .... Elaine Claxton
PC Henning .... Peter Acre
PC Cork .... Matthew Morgan
PC Trench .... Nicholas Boulton
Superintendent Beauchamp .... Frances Jeater
Barman .... David Jarvis
Margaret Coleman .... Diana Bishop
Station PC .... Gavin Muir
Ms Hilary-Smith .... Susannah Corbett
Salmonella Sam .... Danny Schiller
Theme music by Stephen Warbeck.
Director: Jane Morgan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1994.
WED 16:00 Archive on 4 (b00s1n54)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
WED 17:00 Whodunnits (m000bxls)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 17:30 Earwig (m002gcn5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 18:00 Smelling of Roses (b00d4qky)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 18:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b00802l8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 19:00 Making the Best of It (b03w38q5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 19:30 My Name Escapes Me by Sir Alec Guinness (b007jplm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 19:45 Lucy Loves Desi: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom (m000ls8t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
WED 20:00 You Heard It Here First (m001kh6w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
WED 20:30 Acropolis Now (b007jwv0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
WED 21:00 Whodunnits (m002gcnf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
WED 22:00 Your Mum (m002fbf2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
WED 22:30 The Lawrence Sweeney Mix (b008vzdy)
Series 2
Episode 2
From a room full of kittens to something you might find behind the sofa...
Josie Lawrence and Jim Sweeney make it up as they go along!
Faced with a live studio audience and a couple of microphones - the masters of improve create sketches from shouted out suggestions.
Producer: Dawn Ellis
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2008.
WED 23:00 Sandi Toksvig's Hygge (m0012s8c)
Series 2
Gina Miller
Joining Sandi Toksvig in her cosy log cabin today is campaigner and wealth consultant Gina Miller.
Over a mug of berry tea they explore the concept of Hygge and chat about family, country walks and free climbing, comic-book superheroes, 3am scrabble and watching classic movies.
Starring Sandi Toksvig.
With guest Gina Miller
Additional material... Tasha Dhanraj and Rajiv Karia
Producer: Julia McKenzie
Production coordinator: Katie Baum
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2021.
WED 23:15 Armando Iannucci - Facts And Fancies (b007jrlb)
A Life at the Opera
Tackling operas and some thoughts on ears.
Producer, writer and performer Armando Iannucci presents his own collection of humorous essays.
Compiled by Jenny Baynes.
Producer: Jonathan James-Moore
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1997.
WED 23:30 Concrete Cow (b0076jz1)
Series 1
Episode 5
Dr Watson battles Sherlock Holmes at Cluedo, Chambers, Collins and Roget play scrabble - and a 2,000 year old mummy goes to the wrong address.
Sketch show relying on a mixture of words, actors, jokes and noises all done in the right order.
Starring:
Olivia Colman
Robert Webb
Sally Hawkins
Steven Kynman
Chris Pavlo
Written by James Cary, Sally Hawkins, Catherine Shepherd, Jon Holmes and Adam Bromley.
Producer: Adam Bromley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2002.

THURSDAY 31 JULY 2025

THU 00:00 Archive on 4 (b00s1n54)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 Whodunnits (m000bxls)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:30 Earwig (m002gcn5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 Smelling of Roses (b00d4qky)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b00802l8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 Making the Best of It (b03w38q5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Wednesday]
THU 03:30 My Name Escapes Me by Sir Alec Guinness (b007jplm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:45 Lucy Loves Desi: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom (m000ls8t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 You Heard It Here First (m001kh6w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:30 Acropolis Now (b007jwv0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 Whodunnits (m002gcnf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Wednesday]
THU 06:00 Whodunnits (m000c0lp)
Wimsey - Whose Body?
4. Shellshock
When his traumatic past returns to haunt Lord Peter Wimsey, it prompts him to probe a little deeper into an important witness...
Ian Carmichael stars as the aristocratic sleuth.
Dorothy L Sayers' detective mystery dramatised by Chris Miller.
Lord Peter Wimsey ...... Ian Carmichael
Bunter ...... Peter Jones
Dowager Duchess ...... Patricia Routledge
Sir Julian Freke ...... Bernard Archard
Inspector Parker ...... Gabriel Woolf
Cummings ...... Peter Tuddenham
Producer: Simon Brett
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1974.
THU 06:30 Earwig (m002gcnh)
4. Anna and the Dame
A series of six overheard conversation pieces by Alun Owen's earwigger, a man who likes to listen to other people's conversations.
He always lunches at the same restaurant, and selects the table nearest the diners who will provide him with the best entertainment.
Dame Laura is a well-known actress and she is lunching with her agent and a rising young actress. Mr Emmanuel, at the table next to them, overhears all they have to say but then, such is the force of Dame Laura's personality, it would be hard not to overhear her anywhere.
Mr Emmanuel .... Hugh Burden
Dame Laura .... Margaret Courtenay
Anna .... Angela Pleasence
Jake .... Jim McManus
Emma .... Moir Leslie
Peter .... Brett Usher
Directed by John Tydeman.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1984.
THU 07:00 Bristow (b00cq588)
Series 1
Stranger on a Train
Bristow helps his colleague, Jones, to plan an escape from Chester Perry.
Michael Williams stars as Bristow, the Chester-Perry buying clerk.
He is but a small cog in a gigantic wheel... and he knows it.
Adapted from by Frank Dickens from his famous newspaper cartoon strip. Syndicated internationally, it ran for 51 years from 1961.
Bristow …. Michael Williams
Jones …. Rodney Bewes
Fudge, Mr Frost, Station Master and the Stranger on the Train …. Jon Glover
Miss Sunman …. Katie Odie
Post Boy and Godfrey …. Simon Schatsberger
Tea Lady …. Sarah Huntley
Music: John Whitehall
Producer: Neil Cargill
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1999.
THU 07:30 I'm Ken, He's Bill (m002gcnk)
Flat Broke
Flatmates Ken and Bill have a money problem. They have none. What can they do?
'I'm Ken, He's Bill' follows the exploits of flatmates Ken and Bill, played by Peter Cleall and Derek Seaton.
Their neighbours upstairs are flatmates Angela and Caroline played by Suzanne Kerchiss and Clare Sutcliffe.
And they all live under the watchful gaze of their landlady, Mrs Platt, played by Patricia Hayes.
Two series ran on BBC Radio 2 between 1972 and 1975.
Written by Richard Matthews and John Davis.
Ken …. Peter Cleall
Bill …. Derek Seaton
Angela …. Suzanne Kerchiss
Caroline ….. Clare Sutcliffe
Moira …. Janet Brown
Mrs Platt …. Patricia Hayes
Producer: Edward Taylor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in March 1972.
THU 08:00 Rudy's Rare Records (b00y2cvn)
Series 3
Redemption Song
Father and son comedy set in the finest old-school record shop in Birmingham.
Thanks to some dodgy paperwork, Adam and Rudy are faced with the prospect of losing the lease on their shop in less than a year. Inspired by Rudy's claim that Bob Marley once cited Rudy's Rare Records as having the best toilet facilities in Birmingham, they take extreme action.
Written by Danny Robins
Produced by Lucy Armitage
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2011.
THU 08:30 My Name Escapes Me by Sir Alec Guinness (b007jpm4)
4: January - March 1996
Sir Alec Guinness reads his own "diary of a retiring actor", abridged for radio in five parts by Neville Teller.
The acting knight's 1990s memoirs. A forgotten favour turns up on screen - and there are memories of film-maker David Lean.
Producer Martin Jenkins
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1996.
THU 08:45 Lucy Loves Desi: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom (m000lvc4)
4. Ethel
Martin Jarvis directs a stellar cast in Gregg Oppenheimer's inside look at his writer- producer father's famous TV series, I Love Lucy. In this episode, Lucy and Desi have found an excellent Fred Mertz, but are struggling to cast the character of Ethel.
Anne Heche channels Lucille Ball in an outstanding performance. With Wilmer Valderrama, Jared Harris, Alfred Molina, Stacy Keach, Mike McShane. The onscreen pairing of Lucille and Desi is brilliant, but the American Network is doubtful.
The serial dramatises more than just the creation of an iconic TV series - it charts the need to challenge existing ideas that balked at diversity, the comic dynamic of the Arnaz’s partnership, and their commitment and integrity shared by writer Jess Oppenheimer - resisting network and sponsor demands and outdated censorship rules, bringing creative bonuses to US audiences and worldwide.
This roller-coasting five-part serial shows how television, at a crucial time, learned from the established craft of radio. Cuban bandleader Desi's inventive genius engendered studio techniques now taken for granted. Lucille and Desi's uplifting relationship flouted conventional thinking and defied accepted entertainment practice in one of the most influential sitcoms in TV history.
Cast:
Lucille Ball…Anne Heche
Desi Arnaz…Wilmer Valderrama
Jess…Jared Harris
Harry…Alfred Molina
Hubbell…Mike McShane
Don…Matthew Floyd Miller
Betty…Janine Barris
Richard…Mark Sullivan
Mr Paley…André Sogliuzzo
Frawley…Stacy Keach
Marc…Matthew Wolf
Vivian Vance…Anna Mathias
Other parts: Anna Lyse Erikson, Allegra Riggio
Written by Gregg Oppenheimer
Director: Martin Jarvis
Producer: Rosalind Ayres
A Jarvis & Ayres production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2020.
THU 09:00 Ashley Blaker's Hyperfixations (m002g4qc)
4. Tattoos
"I went from being a rule-following ultra-Orthodox Jew to getting completely covered in strictly forbidden body art, making me even less kosher than a ham and cheese sandwich, presented on a plate made of crackling, and served by George Galloway."
Ashley's current - and most permanent - hyperfixation is tattooed body art. In another major life change he's now covered, head to toe, in ink; having crossed continents to get the best work by some of the most highly-regarded tattoo artists in the world.
When Ashley Blaker was diagnosed with autism and ADHD, one of the most significant aspects of his diagnosis is his propensity for hyperfixation in special interests, which he now realises has entirely shaped his past and which he uses to mine comedy for this new series.
It’s no exaggeration to say Ashley’s life has been driven by obsessions. He has variously been a schoolboy with a love of Star Wars and Doctor Who, a wannabe comedian who performed on the London comedy circuit at 16, a trivia nerd who appeared on University Challenge, a history PhD candidate at Cambridge, a BBC producer of hit comedy shows including Little Britain, a fanatical football fan who saw Liverpool play across England and Europe, a strictly Orthodox Jew who went to synagogue three times a day for over ten years, a father of six, and latterly, a heavily tattooed renegade in hiding from his former community.
In this series, Ashley takes a comedic look at each of his obsessions in turn, merging personal memoir with a delve into subjects which have yet to be covered in stand-up comedy shows. The result is a series which, while based on the broader topic of neurodiversity, covers it with the lightest of touches and is focused more on Ashley’s individual hyperfixations, lifting the lid on many of the different worlds he’s inhabited.
Written and performed by Ashley Blaker
co-starring Rosie Holt and Kieran Hodgson
Script Editor: Steve Hall
Recording engineers: Jerry Peal and Jon Calver
Producer: Steve Doherty
A Giddy Goat production for BBC Radio 4
THU 09:30 A Guide to Garden Birds (b007ng49)
Woodland Visitors
Recorded on location in the Somerset Levels, in the garden of keen birdwatcher, writer and broadcaster Stephen Moss, A Guide to Garden Birds is a helpful, practical guide to help you sort out your Blue tits from your Great Tits and your hedge sparrows from your tree sparrows.
From a Somerset garden, Brett Westwood is joined by Stephen Moss and wildlife sound recordist Chris Watson to identify some of the woodland visitors, including the great spotted woodpecker and skulking dunnock.
Produced by Sarah Blunt
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2007.
THU 09:45 Daily Service (m002gcnp)
The Relatives of Jesus - James
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: The Relatives of Jesus - James
Presenter: Molly Boot
Reading: James 5: 7-11
Music
Kyrie from 'Missa Aeterna Christi Munera' - Palestrina
Oxford Camerata
CD: Palestrina: Missa Papae Marcelli (Naxos)
Wait for the Lord - Taize
St Martin's Voices
BBC recording
Ecce quam bonum - Campra
Philippa Hyde, Canzona
CD: Andre Campra - Motets (Etcetera)
Agnus Dei from 'Missa Aeterna Christi Munera' - Palestrina
Oxford Camerata
CD: Palestrina: Missa Papae Marcelli (Naxos)
THU 10:00 Great Lives (b00k3zns)
Frank Sinatra
Broadcaster Colin Murray chooses Francis Albert Sinatra in the biographical series in which Matthew Parris asks his guests to choose someone who's inspired their lives.
"Fiercely competitive", "aggressive", "utterly masculine" and "supremely talented". Just some of the words - Matthew Parris says - that might be used to describe one of the greatest entertainers of the 20th century.
Colin calls Frank omnipresent. Enchanted by his songs he says: "It's not about the notes you hit for me, it's about the simplicity and the honesty. And for me he had it in bucket loads"
New York author and music critic Will Friedwald vividly describes the singer's life history, from his early years to the marriages and through his recording and screen career.
Featuring excerpts of many of Sinatra's greatest recordings.
Produced by Beth O'Dea
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2009.
THU 10:30 Americanize!: Why the Americanisation of English is a Good Thing (b08qxd02)
Do words like movie, elevator or cookie raise your linguistic hackles? Do you hate hearing someone ask if they can ‘get’ a coffee?
Lexicographer Susie Dent – more usually found in the Dictionary Corner of Channel 4’s Countdown – explores the history of how Americanisms have entered British English and argues that perhaps we should learn to love these transatlantic imports.
We hear from the Queen’s English Society about why they believe British English should be protected and John Humphrys tells us about the Americanisms he particularly dislikes. Linguist Dr Lynne Murphy reveals that dislike of Americanisms goes back to Dr Johnson and Michael Proffitt, the Chief Editor of the Oxford English Dictionary, tells Susie about some of the unexpected words which started life in America.
There’s another surprise when Susie travels to Stratford upon Avon, where Dr Nick Walton from the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust shows that some of the most disliked Americanisms first appear in Shakespeare’s plays. There’s an actor’s perspective from Tamsin Greig, who’s recently appeared in Twelfth Night at the National Theatre, and the singer Marty Wilde remembers teenagers’ enthusiasm for all things American in the 1950s and their elders’ despair at this assault on the English language.
Susie concludes with an exhortation to all of us to throw off our British linguistic reserve and to Americanize – even if only a little bit. She encourages us to embrace the verve of American vocabulary and to recognize that many of our American bugbears actually came from Britain in the first place.
Presenter: Susie Dent
Producer: Louise Adamson
Executive Producer: Samir Shah
A Juniper production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2017.
THU 11:00 Whodunnits (m000c0lp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 11:30 Earwig (m002gcnh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 12:00 Bristow (b00cq588)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 12:30 I'm Ken, He's Bill (m002gcnk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 13:00 Rudy's Rare Records (b00y2cvn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 13:30 My Name Escapes Me by Sir Alec Guinness (b007jpm4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 13:45 Lucy Loves Desi: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom (m000lvc4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
THU 14:00 The Write Stuff (m00028st)
Series 1
DH Lawrence
James Walton chairs the knockabout book quiz testing John Walsh, Sebastian Faulks, Victoria Coren and Louise Doughty.
Author of the week: DH Lawrence
Reader: Rachel Atkins.
Producer: Jon Rolph
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1998.
THU 14:30 Cabin Pressure (b00lyvz7)
Series 2
Kuala Lumpur
A week on stand-by at the airfield gives Arthur an opportunity to brush up on his stewarding skills, while Douglas seems to have disappeared.
And why is everyone terrified of Dirk the groundsman?
Starring Stephanie Cole, Benedict Cumberbatch and Roger Allam.
John Finnemore's sitcom about the pilots of a tiny charter airline for whom no job is too small, but many, many jobs are too difficult.
Carolyn Knapp-Shappey ...... Stephanie Cole
1st Officer Douglas Richardson ...... Roger Allam
Capt. Martin Crieff ...... Benedict Cumberbatch
Arthur Shappey ...... John Finnemore
Dave ...... Paul Putner
George ...... Roger Morlidge
Director: David Tyler
A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2009.
THU 15:00 Whodunnits (m002gcnr)
Coleman and Astor
4. Fools Rush In
Sergeant Astor's unexpected disappearance to Scotland leaves Inspector Coleman with no option but to assign the ambitious PC Trench to the delicate surveillance job, which has terrorist overtones.
Stephen Thorne and Joe Dunlop star as an incongruous crime-busting team, who have transferred from Kirkcaldy to Hampshire. Just like his matinee idol namesake, Englishman DI Ronald Coleman [Thorne] is erudite, well-spoken, and would far prefer to be a film director than a Detective Inspector. His down-to-earth colleague, Scotsman Detective Sergeant Fred Astor [Dunlop], is a career copper. Despite their differing backgrounds and approach, they make a formidable crime-solving team.
In this series of four, the pair have moved from Kirkcaldy, where they first teamed-up, to be reunited in Southampton.
Inspector Coleman .... Stephen Thorne
Sergeant Astor .... Joe Dunlop
Margaret Coleman .... Diana Bishop
Superintendent Beauchamp .... Frances Jeater
PC Trench .... Nicholas Boulton
Terence Duggan .... Anthony Jackson
Mrs Head .... Marianne Morley
Carrie .... Sally Kinghorn
DC Peters .... Michael Onslow
Kathy .... Rachel Atkins
Quinn .... Tom Bevan
Waiter .... Paul Panting
Naval Officer .... Lyndam Gregory
Written by Michael McStay.
Theme music written by Stephen Walbeck.
Series Producer: Jane Morgan
Director: Ned Chaillet
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1994.
THU 16:00 Great Lives (b00k3zns)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
THU 16:30 Americanize!: Why the Americanisation of English is a Good Thing (b08qxd02)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
THU 17:00 Whodunnits (m000c0lp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 17:30 Earwig (m002gcnh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 18:00 Bristow (b00cq588)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 18:30 I'm Ken, He's Bill (m002gcnk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 19:00 Rudy's Rare Records (b00y2cvn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 19:30 My Name Escapes Me by Sir Alec Guinness (b007jpm4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 19:45 Lucy Loves Desi: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom (m000lvc4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
THU 20:00 The Write Stuff (m00028st)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
THU 20:30 Cabin Pressure (b00lyvz7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
THU 21:00 Whodunnits (m002gcnr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
THU 22:00 Ashley Blaker's Hyperfixations (m002g4qc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
THU 22:30 Delve Special (b00t3xrt)
Series 1
The Shifton Scandal
Why did a Government Minister support the plan to build London's Third Airport 20 miles north east of Birmingham?
David Lander now attempts to answer that question by examining in detail the sex scandal which rocked the government and caused a sensation in 1982.
Studio production by Stephen Fry, Moray Watson, Jan Ravens and Jack Klaff.
With:
Brenda Bleythn
Mark Arden
Tony Robinson
Stephen Frost
Felicity Montagu
Dramatic reconstruction by:
Peter Wear
Phil Nice
Hilda Schroder
Brett Usher
Colin Starkey
Researched and compiled by Tony Sarchet.
Editor: Paul Mayhew-Archer.
Delve Special ran for four series from 1984 to 1987 and later transferred to TV as: This is David Lander.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1984.
THU 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m002gsm1)
Tom Rosenthal 2/3
From 10pm until midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Esyllt Sears chats again to comic and actor Tom Rosenthal
THU 23:00 Daliso Chaponda: Citizen of Nowhere (m0009jkv)
Series 2
Cultural Relativism
Malawi's most famous comedian Daliso Chaponda returns for a second series.
The UK and Africa have had a long a complicated past. This series looks at the history of this relationship as well as current issues, with Daliso as our relationship guidance counsellor, helping us navigate the rocky historical waters between the two places.
In this episode Daliso talks about cultural differences, exploring the complicated topic of cultural relativism and how it is more than just 'agreeing to disagree'.
Writer and performed by Daliso Chaponda
Sebastian... James Quinn
Additional Material... Scott Bennett
Voice of... Dylan Morris
Theme music by Lawi
Image by Steve Ullathorne
Production Coordinator... Beverly Tagg
Producer: Carl Cooper
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4 ,first broadcast in 2019.
THU 23:30 The Mel and Sue Thing (b0076b0y)
Episode 4
A clip from a new posh British blockbuster and plus the continuing saga of Sweet Fanny Adams, Jane Austen's seminal work.
More mayhem from Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins.
With Paul Chahidi
Written by Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins.
Producer: Elizabeth Freestone.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2002.

FRIDAY 01 AUGUST 2025

FRI 00:00 Great Lives (b00k3zns)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Thursday]
FRI 00:30 Americanize!: Why the Americanisation of English is a Good Thing (b08qxd02)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 Whodunnits (m000c0lp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:30 Earwig (m002gcnh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 Bristow (b00cq588)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:30 I'm Ken, He's Bill (m002gcnk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 Rudy's Rare Records (b00y2cvn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Thursday]
FRI 03:30 My Name Escapes Me by Sir Alec Guinness (b007jpm4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:45 Lucy Loves Desi: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom (m000lvc4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 The Write Stuff (m00028st)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:30 Cabin Pressure (b00lyvz7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 Whodunnits (m002gcnr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Thursday]
FRI 06:00 Whodunnits (m000c2bx)
Wimsey - Whose Body?
5. Bunter Brings a Letter
In his quest to finally solve the mystery of missing financier Sir Reuben Levy, Lord Peter Wimsey makes a crucial appointment...
Ian Carmichael stars as the aristocratic sleuth.
The conclusion of Dorothy L Sayers' detective mystery.
Lord Peter Wimsey ...... Ian Carmichael
Bunter ...... Peter Jones
Sir Julian Freke ...... Bernard Archard
Inspector Charles Parker ...... Gabriel Woolf
Piggott/Dr Colegrove ...... Geoffrey Beevers
Dr Grimbold/Sir Reuben Levy ...... Wilfred Carter
Lady Levy ...... Betty Cardno
Dramatised by Chris Miller
Producer Simon Brett
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1974.
FRI 06:30 Earwig (m002gcnt)
5. Nick
A series of six overheard conversation pieces by Alun Owen’s earwigger, a man who likes to listen to other people's conversations.
He always lunches at the same restaurant, and selects the table nearest the diners who will provide him with the best entertainment.
The owner of an art gallery is lunching with the friend of a well-known artist, now dead. He is trying to get some pictures from him, but what he gets is Nick's life story. Mr Emmanuel, carefully placed at the next table, gets it too.
Mr Emmanuel .... Hugh Burden
Nick .... Dudley Sutton
Jake .... Jim McManus
Emma .... Moir Leslie
Herbert Trevor .... Timothy Bateson
Directed by John Tydeman.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1984.
FRI 07:00 Any Other Business (b013n7gx)
Episode 5
Will Chesbury adopt the Chestnut as its new currency?
Will the resident parking permit scheme go ahead?
And will Florence's attempt to blackmail Erica succeed?
Lucy Flannery's local government sitcom
Starring:
Nelson David
John Duttine
James Grout
Rosy Fordham
Nick Hardy
Howard Lew Lewis
Toby Longworth
Jan Ravens
Vivienne Rochester
June Whitfield.
Producer: Liz Anstee
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1995.
FRI 07:30 The Jason Explanation of... (b007jq9g)
The Unknown
David Jason and company explore fork bending, time travel - and things that go bump in the night.
Following in the footsteps of Lord Clark, Dr Bronowski and Professor Galbraith, David unravels the mysteries of the universe and the meaning of life.
With:
Sheila Steafel
Royce Mills
John Owen Edwards
Written by Colin Bostock Smith, Andy Hamilton, Barry Pilton and Alastair Beaton.
Music by John Owen Edwards
Producer: Geoffrey Perkins
First broadcast on the BBC Radio 4 in October 1977.
FRI 08:00 Believe It! (m000nd0d)
Series 5
Goodbye
Richard Wilson returns with another series of not quite true revelations about his life. Jon Canter’s comedic writing is as sharp as ever as he delves into themes such as celebrity, brand awareness and death.
As usual Richard has many friends from whom he seeks advice. Starring Ian McKellen as Head of Gay, and Peter Capaldi and David Tennant as the Two Doctors, along with an excellent supporting cast.
It’s a mockumentary and spoof autobiography rolled into one.
CAST:
Richard Wilson
Sir Ian McKellen
Peter Capaldi
David Tennant
Jan Ravens
Irina - Rebekah Staton
Alexis - Elliot Levey
Written by Jon Canter
Produced and directed by Clive Brill
A Brill production for BBC Radio 4
FRI 08:30 My Name Escapes Me by Sir Alec Guinness (b007jpmp)
5: March - May 1996
Sir Alec Guinness reads his own "diary of a retiring actor", abridged for radio in five parts by Neville Teller.
The actor concludes his memoirs - musing on Leonard Cheshire, a stormy Easter in Rome, British beef and 100 Years of Cinema.
Producer Martin Jenkins
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1996.
FRI 08:45 Lucy Loves Desi: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom (m000ltf8)
5. Pregnancy
Martin Jarvis directs a stellar cast in Gregg Oppenheimer's inside look at his writer- producer father's famous TV series, I Love Lucy. In this final episode, Desi wants to write Lucy’s pregnancy into the show, but the network has other ideas.
Anne Heche channels Lucille Ball in an outstanding performance. With Wilmer Valderrama, Jared Harris, Alfred Molina, Stacy Keach, Mike McShane. The onscreen pairing of Lucille and Desi is brilliant, but the American Network is doubtful.
The serial dramatises more than just the creation of an iconic TV series - it charts the need to challenge existing ideas that balked at diversity, the comic dynamic of the Arnaz’s partnership, and their commitment and integrity shared by writer Jess Oppenheimer - resisting network and sponsor demands and outdated censorship rules, bringing creative bonuses to US audiences and worldwide.
This roller-coasting five-part serial shows how television, at a crucial time, learned from the established craft of radio. Cuban bandleader Desi's inventive genius engendered studio techniques now taken for granted. Lucille and Desi's uplifting relationship flouted conventional thinking and defied accepted entertainment practice in one of the most influential sitcoms in TV history.
Cast:
Lucille Ball…Anne Heche
Desi Arnaz…Wilmer Valderrama
Jess…Jared Harris
Harry…Alfred Molina
Hubbell…Mike McShane
Don…Matthew Floyd Miller
Betty…Janine Barris
Richard…Mark Sullivan
Mr Paley…André Sogliuzzo
Frawley…Stacy Keach
Marc…Matthew Wolf
Vivian Vance…Anna Mathias
Other parts: Anna Lyse Erikson, Allegra Riggio
Written by Gregg Oppenheimer
Director: Martin Jarvis
Producer: Rosalind Ayres
A Jarvis & Ayres production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2020.
FRI 09:00 Kat Sadler's Screen Time (m002gcnx)
Series 2
4. Sorry
Disgraced former industry heartthrob Kat Sadler is still reeling from her cancellation. After alienating old audience by drinking through a plastic straw, she leant in and enjoyed the new audience she gained along the cancellation highway. But they've turned on her now too, thanks to a deepfake of her denouncing her plastic-loving ways.
With no audience left, and only her sidekick Alex Macqueen for company, things are looking bleak for our hero - not least because Alex is in the throes of a midlife crisis. While Alex's new teeth bed in, Kat is on a quest to craft the perfect online apology. Looking at the history of apologies from the likes of Ariana Grande, the Dalai Lama and Brewdog owner James Watt, Kat cherrypicks the best bits, and is poised to deliver a killer apology. Short, sweet, and from the heart. Will it work?
Cast
Kat Sadler - Kat
Alex MacQueen - Alex
Abbie Weinstock - Abbie
Al Roberts - Toby
Lizzie Davidson - Various
Jason Forbes - Various
Written by Kat Sadler and Cameron Loxdale
Production Coordinator - Caroline Barlow
Executive Producer - Pete Strauss
Sound Design - Rich Evans
Recorded by Neil Goody at Premises Studios
Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios Audio Production for Radio 4.
FRI 09:30 A Guide to Garden Birds (b007nthw)
House Guests
Recorded on location in the Somerset Levels, in the garden of keen birdwatcher, writer and broadcaster Stephen Moss, A Guide to Garden Birds is a helpful, practical guide to help you sort out your Blue tits from your Great Tits and your hedge sparrows from your tree sparrows.
From a Somerset garden, Brett Westwood is joined by Stephen Moss and wildlife sound recordist Chris Watson. They identify some of the birds which like to nest on and around our homes, including house sparrows and house martins.
Produced by Sarah Blunt
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2007.
FRI 09:45 Daily Service (m002gcp0)
The Relatives of Jesus - Joseph
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: The Relatives of Jesus - Joseph
Presenter: Rev Kirsty Thorpe
Reading: Matthew 2: 13 - 15
Music:
Lord of all hopefulness - Daily Service Singers
A worker's prayer - Keith and Kristyn Getty
Trust - Philippa Hanna
FRI 10:00 Soul Music (b008nz60)
Series 6
Finlandia
Jean Sibelius's glorious orchestral work was adopted by the Finnish people as a symbol of its fight for independence from Russia, and well over 100 years later it is still regarded as Finland's second national anthem.
Its popularity is international, both in orchestral form and also in shorter form as the Finlandia Hymn.
Featuring Sibelius's great-grandson Jaakko Ilves and conductor John Storgards.
Series about music that makes the hairs stand up on the back of our necks.
Producer: Karen Gregor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2008.
FRI 10:30 Art of Living (b09hrkwg)
Listening without Ears
How do people with hearing loss engage with music? Performer Eloise Garland challenges assumptions.
Eloise began to lose her own hearing fifteen years ago. Now aged 23, she's a professional singer, violinist and teacher - and reveals her very personal engagement with sound.
She considers different ways of teaching and appreciating music - some of which might surprise people who aren't deaf - and shares her deep emotional connection to an art form and cultural activity that is so strongly associated with hearing.
Eloise also meets Tarek Atoui, a composer and sound artist who brings together deaf and hearing people to make music with special instruments designed to expand the experience of sound beyond the aural. If music cannot be heard, what are the other ways of listening?
Producer: Steve Urquhart
A Reduced Listening production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2017.
(Image credit: Caroline Lessire).
FRI 11:00 Whodunnits (m000c2bx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 11:30 Earwig (m002gcnt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 12:00 Any Other Business (b013n7gx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 12:30 The Jason Explanation of... (b007jq9g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 13:00 Believe It! (m000nd0d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 13:30 My Name Escapes Me by Sir Alec Guinness (b007jpmp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 13:45 Lucy Loves Desi: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom (m000ltf8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
FRI 14:00 Whispers (b00bzrmj)
Series 2
Episode 2
What is the real truth about Alexander Graham Bell, Walt Disney and Lord Lucan?
Gyles Brandreth hosts the quiz show with scandal on its mind and slander at its heart.
Joining team captains Lucy Moore and Anthony Holden to run the gauntlet of gossip:
Lynne Truss
Michele Brown
Producer: Elizabeth Freestone
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2004.
FRI 14:30 Double Income, No Kids Yet (b007zkzz)
Series 2
Episode 4
When their new and 'ever so slightly unbearable' friends invite them to dinner, Lucy wants to return the offer. But Daniel, who's expected to cook, is less than convinced...
Starring David Tennant and Elizabeth Carling.
David Spicer's comedy drama about modern life and parenthood, as seen through the eyes of two 30-something non-parents.
Daniel ....... David Tennant
Lucy ....... Elizabeth Carling
Katie ....... Samantha Spiro
Andy ....... Tony Gardner
Alison ....... Joanna Brookes
Steve ....... Jonathan Aris
Linda ....... Carla Mendonca
Producer: Liz Anstee
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2002.
FRI 15:00 Billy's Last Stand by Barry Hines (m002gcp2)
'Let's get this straight once and for all. I'm holding this shovel. They've employed me to do the job and they're paying me when it's done. I've got a job and you haven't. I'm working and you're watching - and now you're offering me a partnership in my own job?'
Billy is a casual labourer who becomes the target of the schemes of the parasitic Darkly.
Darkly comic tale written by Barry Hines.
Bill ……. Arthur Lowe
Darkly ……. Ronald Baddiley
Producer: Alfred Bradley
First broadcast on the BBC Third Programme in August 1963.
***** Barry Hines was to later write the novel 'A Kestrel For A Knave' - filmed for the cinema by Ken Loach as 'Kes'.
FRI 16:00 Soul Music (b008nz60)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
FRI 16:30 Art of Living (b09hrkwg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
FRI 17:00 Whodunnits (m000c2bx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 17:30 Earwig (m002gcnt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 18:00 Any Other Business (b013n7gx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 18:30 The Jason Explanation of... (b007jq9g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 19:00 Believe It! (m000nd0d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 19:30 My Name Escapes Me by Sir Alec Guinness (b007jpmp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 19:45 Lucy Loves Desi: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom (m000ltf8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
FRI 20:00 Whispers (b00bzrmj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
FRI 20:30 Double Income, No Kids Yet (b007zkzz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
FRI 21:00 Billy's Last Stand by Barry Hines (m002gcp2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
FRI 22:00 Kat Sadler's Screen Time (m002gcnx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
FRI 22:30 Tom Wrigglesworth's Open Letters (b00yrfwh)
Series 1
Estate Agents
Why do we still bother with estate agents?
In another of his series of open letters, Tom Wrigglesworth investigates the myriad examples of corporate lunacy and maddening jobsworths in modern Britain.
Featuring his own funny and ridiculous experiences as well as recounting the absurd encounters of others.
Producer: Simon Mayhew-Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2011.
FRI 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m002gsm3)
Tom Rosenthal 3/3
From 10pm until midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Esyllt Sears chats again to comic and actor Tom Rosenthal
FRI 23:00 On the Hour (b007jmnp)
Series 2
Episode 3
The Tube system goes berserk, an earthquake in Corinth and the anniversary of space.
All the news as it happens, if it happens from the BBC's urgent and incisive news overview.
Savagely satirical award-winning comedy starring Chris Morris.
With:
Steve Coogan
David Schneider
Rebecca Front
Patrick Marber
Doon Mackichan
Written by Chris Morris, Armando Iannucci, Richard Herring, Steven Wells, David Quantick, Andrew Glover, Stewart Lee and Patrick Marber.
Producer: Armando lannucci
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1992.
FRI 23:30 Radio Active (b0080r65)
Series 1
Radio Active Roadshow
Britain's first National Local Radio Station is on the road - to meet the great listening public.
Written by Angus Deayton, Philip Pope and Geoffrey Perkins.
Starring: :
Angus Deayton
Helen Atkinson-Wood
Geoffrey Perkins
Philip Pope
Michael Fenton Stevens
Producer: Jimmy Mulville
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1981.