SATURDAY 02 AUGUST 2025

SAT 00:00 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.
SAT 00:30 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).
SAT 01:00 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.
SAT 01:30 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.
SAT 02:00 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.
SAT 02:30 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.
SAT 03:00 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
SAT 03:30 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.
SAT 03:45 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.
SAT 04:00 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.
SAT 04:30 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.
SAT 05:00 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'.
SAT 06:00 Drama on 4 (m000m4dc)
Agatha Christie's The Lie
Trapped in an unhappy marriage and provoked by her husband's obsession with her younger sister, Nan disappears from the family home for a night – with devastating consequences. A series of dramatic revelations will lead either to divorce or reconciliation - but the outcome depends on whether Nan's sister will lie to protect her.
Agatha Christie's extraordinary early play, which predates her famous stage thrillers, lay unread in her family's archives until it was discovered by theatre producer Julius Green. Seemingly written in the mid-1920s, during the breakdown of Christie's first marriage, The Lie is an intensely personal piece of writing - a hard-hitting domestic drama which bears many of the hallmarks of her later work for the theatre, and which offers a unique insight into her complex emotional response to events in her own life at the time.
"In every life there comes a moment, one supreme and all-powerful moment, when we hold our fate in our hands, to decide our entire life for good or evil."
Nan Gregg (the wife) - SARAH MOWAT
Nell Reeves (her sister) - CHLOE NEWSOME
John Gregg (the husband) - BEN NEALON
Hannah Reeves (the mother) - ALISON SKILBECK
Mrs Endicott (the grandmother) - TINA GRAY
Jim Hayward (The suitor) - MIKE EVANS
The drama was adapted for radio from Agatha Christie's stage play by Martin Lewton and Julius Green.
Director: Julius Green
Assistant Director: Martin Lewton
Producer: Iain Mackness
Executive Producer: Ashley Byrne
The music was composed by Rebecca Applin
A Made in Manchester production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in 2020, by arrangement with The Agatha Christie Archive Trust.
SAT 07:30 Metaphysical Animals by Clare MacCumhaill & Rachael Wiseman (Omnibus) (m002gm40)
Out of the despair of the Second World War, four brilliant women friends brought philosophy back to life and laid the foundation of today's ethical thinking.
Iris Murdoch, Mary Midgley, Philippa Foot and Elizabeth Anscombe studied philosophy together at Oxford University during the Second World War when many male students and tutors were conscripted.
Taught by refugee scholars, conscientious objectors and a number of women tutors the four friends were profoundly affected by the unprecedented horrors of war, especially the Holocaust, Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
In response they set out to make sense of the disorder and despair that followed, and developed a philosophy relevant to everyday life, which went on to shape contemporary ethical thinking.
‘Metaphysical Animals’ is vividly and expertly written by philosophy lecturers, Clare Mac Cumhaill and Rachael Wiseman.
They took inspiration from their own friendship with one of the key players in this remarkable and little known story, Mary Midgley.
Omnibus of five parts abridged by Katrin Williams.
Read by Fenella Woolgar.
Producer: Liz Allard
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2022.
SAT 08:45 Come Back With The Wind by Les Dawson (b03b394d)
2. Silky Rump
Les Dawson reads the second of five instalments from his own gusset-ripping novel about the civil war between the North and South of Britain.
Producer Richard Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in 1993.
SAT 09:00 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b007ww6z)
Series 1
Episode 2
Shady lawyer Flywheel goes into showbiz, taking over running of the theatre company.
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 and 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 (m000p0dl)
Series 1
The Dean Goes Primitive
The Bishop’s comfy throne is in peril when the Dean redesigns the interior of the cathedral.
The ecclesiastical sitcom started life as a TV pilot in Comedy Playhouse, ahead of a run on BBC1 from 1966 to 1971.
Adapted from their TV script by husband-and-wife team, Pauline Devaney and Edwin Apps.
The Archdeacon …. Robertson Hare
The Bishop …. William Mervyn
The Bishop's Chaplain …. Derek Nimmo
The Dean …. John Barron
The Nurse …. Betty Baskcomb
Producer: David Hatch.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1971.
SAT 10:00 Steve Penk's Radio Nightmares (m000hn28)
2. One More Time
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 second of a three-part compilation.
Producer: Stephen Garner
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in November 2018.
SAT 11:00 Drama on 4 (m000m4dc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 12:30 Metaphysical Animals by Clare MacCumhaill & Rachael Wiseman (Omnibus) (m002gm40)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 13:45 Come Back With The Wind by Les Dawson (b03b394d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
SAT 14:00 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b007ww6z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 14:30 All Gas and Gaiters (m000p0dl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SAT 15:00 Steve Penk's Radio Nightmares (m000hn28)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SAT 16:00 Doctor Who (m001k78p)
The War Doctor
12. The Enigma Dimension - Part 1/2
Reunited with Leela, The War Doctor, steers his TARDIS to Gallifrey to confront the Daleks who are massing to attack his home planet. However, something undefinable is in the way. Is it some form of ultimate Dalek weapon?
John Hurt stars as The War Doctor.
Written by Nicholas Briggs.
The War Doctor .... John Hurt
Cardinal Ollistra .... Jacqueline Pearce
Leela …. Louise Jameson
Castellan Kanteer …. Alan David
Panopticon Guard Lintok …. Jane Slavin
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 productions.
SAT 16:35 HG Wells (m0003cl0)
In The Abyss
A deep-sea expedition encounters some strange creatures that inhabit the unknown depths.
Elstead designs a sphere capable of exploring the seabed for the first time. What he finds amazes him.
HG Wells’ story was first published in 1896.
Read by Timothy Kightley.
Producer: Pamela Howe
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1978.
SAT 17:00 Drama on 4 (m000m4dc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 18:30 Metaphysical Animals by Clare MacCumhaill & Rachael Wiseman (Omnibus) (m002gm40)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 19:45 Come Back With The Wind by Les Dawson (b03b394d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
SAT 20:00 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b007ww6z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 20:30 All Gas and Gaiters (m000p0dl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SAT 21:00 Steve Penk's Radio Nightmares (m000hn28)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SAT 22:00 Mark Thomas Presents (b0076w9l)
Shelley Berman
Famed for his pioneering one-sided phone calls, American icon Shelley Berman brings his unique observational wit to the UK.
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 (b00k4g55)
Series 3
Episode 6
Chris Addison hosts the stand-up comedy series.
Featuring some of the top names on the circuit.
With:
Matt Kirshen
Tim Vine
Pippa Evans
Producer: Sam Michell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2009.
SAT 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m002h2wb)
Zainab Johnson 1/3
Athena Kugblenu interviews stand-up comedian Zainab Johnson. They talk about whether or not the LA stand-up comedy scene really is that frightening, the unexpected links between law and comedy, and the tests that New York comedians go through on their way to stand-up success.
SAT 23:00 Terry Alderton's Whole Half Hour (m0006lb4)
Terry Alderton has been thrilling audiences with his jokes, energy, characters and general chaos for over 20 years. Expect some songs, some stand up and some general silliness.
Written and performed by Terry Alderton
Additional material: Richard Melvin, Julia Sutherland, Bobby Davro, Bob Tap, Paul Tonkinson, Steven Dick
Sound Design: Sean Kerwin
Produced by Richard Melvin
A Dabster production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in July 2019.
SAT 23:30 Chain Reaction (b00mpnkr)
Series 3
John Hegley and Jack Dee
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.
Producer: Tilusha Ghelani
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2007.

SUNDAY 03 AUGUST 2025

SUN 00:00 Doctor Who (m001k78p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Saturday]
SUN 00:35 HG Wells (m0003cl0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:35 on Saturday]
SUN 01:00 Drama on 4 (m000m4dc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]
SUN 02:30 Metaphysical Animals by Clare MacCumhaill & Rachael Wiseman (Omnibus) (m002gm40)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Saturday]
SUN 03:45 Come Back With The Wind by Les Dawson (b03b394d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Saturday]
SUN 04:00 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b007ww6z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Saturday]
SUN 04:30 All Gas and Gaiters (m000p0dl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Saturday]
SUN 05:00 Steve Penk's Radio Nightmares (m000hn28)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Saturday]
SUN 06:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m002gm4c)
From Fringe to Fame
Greg Davies
From Madness to The Smiths. Comedian, writer and actor Greg Davies makes his music choices.
Greg Davies is a familiar face on television as the host of Taskmaster, the BAFTA-winning game show, and he has achieved sell out national arena tours as a stand-up. His on-screen breakthrough came in 2008 when he played the head of the sixth form, Mr Gilbert, in the highly successful teenage comedy series the Inbetweeners. He wrote and starred in the black comedy the Cleaner and co-wrote the sitcom Man Down in which he played a man in the grip of a midlife crisis.
Greg was born in St Asaph in north Wales and grew up in Shropshire. At school he gravitated towards what he calls the silly boys who created characters and devised comedy sketches in the playground. When he was 18 he discovered Eddie Murphy whose stand-up routines about his relatives spurred Greg to look to his own family as comedic source material.
Greg spent 13 years as an English and Drama teacher – a time he looks back on with mixed emotions and which he has mined for his stage act. When he was 33 he left teaching and started performing stand-up gigs and performed his first solo stand-up show at the Edinburgh Festival in 2010.
Greg lives in south London.
DISC ONE: Baggy Trousers - Madness
DISC TWO: Wichita Lineman - Glen Campbell
DISC THREE: 100% Endurance - Yard Act
DISC FOUR: Circlesquare - The Wonder Stuff
DISC FIVE: Cemetry Gates - The Smiths
DISC SIX: Consider Yourself - Jack Wild (The Artful Dodger) and The Orchestra, conducted by John Green. From Oliver! [An Original Soundtrack Recording]
DISC SEVEN: She Sells Sanctuary - The Cult
DISC EIGHT: The Next Episode - Dr. Dre featuring Snoop Dogg

BOOK CHOICE: Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
LUXURY ITEM: Sausages
CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: 100% Endurance - Yard Act
Presenter Lauren Laverne
Producer: Paula McGinley
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2024.
SUN 07:00 Poetry Extra (m002gm4g)
In The Studio - Nikita Gill: Imagining Hekate
Daljit Nagra selects In the Studio - Nikita Gill: Imagining Hekate - with the social media success discussing witchcraft. And Daljit reads from his Poetry Extra Book of the Month for August: Unstill Landscapes by Becca Drake.
The poet Nikita Gill has written several volumes of poetry, and enjoys engaging poetically with her audience using social media. Her work often explores Greek Myths, and her latest project continues with that theme as she embarks on a series of four books, each one focusing on a single goddess.
For this episode, we join Nikita as she starts with Hekate, often known as the Goddess of Witchcraft, and about whom little is known, other than that she was brought up in the underworld by Styx. Nikita describes Hekate as a dark anti-feminine goddess and a protest against what is expected of women which is what appealed to her.
But how do you go about creating a life for someone who is so mysterious?
And, as Nikita will also be illustrating her work, how will she decide to visually portray her?
Follow Nikita across several months as she works towards completing her first draft of this exciting work.
Presenter and producer - Rebecca Armstrong
First broadcast on the BBC World Service in 2023.
SUN 07:30 My Name Escapes Me by Sir Alec Guinness (Omnibus) (m002gm4j)
Sir Alec Guinness reads his own "diary of a retiring actor".
His recollections cover 1995 to 1996.
Beginning in January 1995, Sir Alec shares his new year resolutions
Following news of the deaths of Peter Cook and Fanny Cradock, the actor has some blunt observations.
Sir Alec goes on to share his thoughts on everything from retirement and termites, to Shakespeare’s Globe, to tales of Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, and memories of film-maker David Lean.
Omnibus of five parts abridged by Neville Teller.
Producer Martin Jenkins
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1996.
SUN 08:40 Inheritance Tracks (p0ld7wjb)
Ivo Graham
Comedian and writer Ivo Graham chooses ‘Glastonbury Song’ by The Waterboys and ‘Funky Town’ by Lipps Inc.
SUN 08:50 Lucy Loves Desi: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom (Omnibus) (m002gm4m)
In this omnibus, 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.
SUN 10:00 Ray's a Laugh (b007jxbb)
From 11/10/49
Ted is 'gonged' and argues with Kitty, and reporter George blunders again.
Starring Ted Ray.
With Kitty Bluett, Peter Sellers, Patricia Hayes, Fred Yule, Leslie Perrins and Wallace Greenslade.
Ray's a Laugh - the successor to ITMA - follows the comedy exploits of Ted's life at home with his 'radio' wife Kitty, as well as in a variety of jobs. It ran from 1949-1961.
Scripted by Eddie Maguire and Ted Ray.
Music from Bob & Alf Pearson and The Beaux and The Belles.
BBC Dance Orchestra conducted by Stanley Black.
Producer: George Inns
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in October 1949.
SUN 10:30 Home to Roost (m002gm4p)
Series 2
The Lads in Lemon
She shoots and scores!
It’s more than a game of two halves for William, when he gets tackled by wife Olive!
Starring Deryck Guyler and Mollie Sugden.
Sitcom written by Anne Jones.
After 40 years working for the same company, William has retired and is trying hard to adapt to his new life of leisure.
His wife, Olive, on the other hand, is trying to adapt to having her husband under her feet all day, for the first time in their marriage.
Mr Wheeler .... Deryck Guyler
Mrs Wheeler ....Mollie Sugden
Jack Bailey ....Norman Rossington
Nev ....John Baddeley
Timmy Hill .... Peter Hawkins
Theme music composed and played by Alex Walsh and his Band.
Producer: Trafford Whitelock.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1975.
SUN 11:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m002gm4c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 12:00 Poetry Extra (m002gm4g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
SUN 12:30 My Name Escapes Me by Sir Alec Guinness (Omnibus) (m002gm4j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 13:40 Inheritance Tracks (p0ld7wjb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 today]
SUN 13:50 Lucy Loves Desi: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom (Omnibus) (m002gm4m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]
SUN 15:00 Ray's a Laugh (b007jxbb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 15:30 Home to Roost (m002gm4p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
SUN 16:00 Doctor Who (m001kggn)
The War Doctor
12. The Enigma Dimension - Part 2/2
Leela is within the Enigma.
The Time Lord ponders whether it’s a force for good or evil.
Has it helped to eradicate the Time Lords from history, replacing them with a Dalek timeline on Gallifrey?
John Hurt stars as The War Doctor.
Written by Nicholas Briggs.:
The War Doctor .... John Hurt
Cardinal Ollistra .... Jacqueline Pearce
Leela …. Louise Jameson
Castellan Kanteer …. Alan David
Dalek Time Strategist/The Daleks .... Nicholas Briggs
Other parts played by members of the cast.
Original music written by Howard Carter.
Directed by Nicholas Briggs.
A Big Finish production.
SUN 16:30 Orbit One Zero by Peter Elliott Hayes (b08gk51z)
6. The Unseen
Grave warnings emanate from deep space. Do the seemingly indestructible cylinders have a weakness?
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...
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
Sir Edward Bancroft …. William Fox
Lord Hatherton …. Charles West
Police Superintendent …. Eric Lugg
Written by Peter Elliott Hayes
Producer: David Davis
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in May 1961.
SUN 17:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m002gm4c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 18:00 Ed Reardon's Week (b01nsw4v)
Ed Reardon's Weekend
The author and pipe-smoker's journey through his life literary.
What can be said about Ed Reardon that the man himself could not write with greater style and elan? The man who once ghost-wrote for Sooty is never lost for words. Even his recent theft of Edam from a BBC redundancy party can't keep him off-air for long.
A warning to 12-year-old media charlatans though: it's time to tremble. Lynne Truss's fiercest critic is here to grace us in person. The scourge of the railway fare tariff and author of 'Who Would Fardels Bear' is set to receive his due - if we can keep him out of the betting shop long enough.
Ed's recent output includes the Stig's Xmas Book of Speed Camera Locations, but there's no denying his sheer artistic power, as he applies his singular talent to children's TV, misery memoirs, Original British Drama and even breaking a window.
Enjoy 6 hand-picked chapters of Ed's life:
* Ed Reardon's Week: series 1 (1/6) The Swim
The life of an author, pipe smoker, fare-dodger and master of the abusive e-mail. From 2005
* Series 3 (2/6) Dad
His father's visit sparks ideas of inheritance in the misanthropic writer's mind. From 2006
* Series 5 (3/6) Anger Management
Can grumpy Ed convince the local council that his temper is under control? From 2008
* Series 7 (4/6) Parsnip Junction
Ed is caught up in sibling rivalry as Ping's sister, Py, undertakes work experience at the agency. From 2011
* Series 7 (6/6) Summer of '76
Ed is befriended online by old flame Fiona, but should they get reacquainted? From 2011
* Series 8 (2/6) Original British Drama
Ed ends up working with his son, Jake, on a piece of 'genuine' factutainment. From 2012
Producer: Martin Dempsey
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Extra in 2012
SUN 21:00 Ray's a Laugh (b007jxbb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 21:30 Home to Roost (m002gm4p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
SUN 22:00 My Teenage Diary (b0b7fj3b)
Series 8
Anneka Rice
Anneka Rice recalls how she spent more time on cooking, cleaning and childcare than she did on her school work.
Best known for TV's Treasure Hunt and Challenge Anneka, the broadcaster and painter shares tales of her teenage past with Rufus Hound.
Producer: Harriet Jaine
A Talkback production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in June 2018.
SUN 22:30 Henry Normal's Encyclopaedia Poetica (m00016h2)
Volume 2
Henry Normal opens volume two with poems about courtship and the language of love.
He covers early Greek poets, and British greats like Donne and Shakespeare, with a nod to French language and Italian art.
From the Contact Theatre, Manchester.
With poets:
Belinda Burton
John Hegley
Producer: Diane Messias
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1994.
SUN 23:00 Women Talking About Cars (m0001fdq)
Series 3
2. Jennifer Saunders
Jennifer Saunders talks to Victoria Coren Mitchell about her life and some of the cars she has driven along the way.
From the much-polished Ford Zephyr of her childhood that her father let her steer as a special treat - to the day her husband-to-be Adrian Edmondson reversed into her much-loved Alfa Spider, nearly ending their romance before it began.
Car descriptions read by Sarah Hadland.
Producer: Gareth Edwards
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2018
SUN 23:30 Cowards (b00fbkz5)
Series 2
Episode 1
Step inside the strange and happy world of the Cowards.
The return of the sketch comedy with a comic slant on human frailties
Written by and starring:
Tom Basden
Stefan Golaszewski
Tim Key
Lloyd Woolf
Producer: Victoria Lloyd
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2008.

MONDAY 04 AUGUST 2025

MON 00:00 Doctor Who (m001kggn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Sunday]
MON 00:30 Orbit One Zero by Peter Elliott Hayes (b08gk51z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:30 on Sunday]
MON 01:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m002gm4c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Sunday]
MON 02:00 Poetry Extra (m002gm4g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Sunday]
MON 02:30 My Name Escapes Me by Sir Alec Guinness (Omnibus) (m002gm4j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Sunday]
MON 03:40 Inheritance Tracks (p0ld7wjb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 on Sunday]
MON 03:50 Lucy Loves Desi: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom (Omnibus) (m002gm4m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 on Sunday]
MON 05:00 Ray's a Laugh (b007jxbb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Sunday]
MON 05:30 Home to Roost (m002gm4p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Sunday]
MON 06:00 Whodunnits (m002gm43)
John Le Carre - A Murder of Quality
1. The Letter
A visit to an old friend from 'The Circus' days - and the consequences of a letter from a frightened woman - lead George Smiley to one of England's most famous public schools.
John Le Carre's second novel, first published in 1962.
Smiley is a career intelligence officer with 'The Circus', the British overseas intelligence agency.
Starring George Cole and Norman Bowler.
Murder mystery dramatised in five parts by Rene Basilico.
George Smiley .... George Cole
Inspector Rigby .... Norman Bowler
Terence Fielding .... Peter Jeffrey
Miss Brimley / Mad Janie .... Sheila Grant
Felix D'Arcy .... Richard Pearson
Other parts played by:
Leonard Fenton
Stephen Garlick
Producer: John Fawcett Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1981.
MON 06:30 Earwig (m002gm46)
6. Fraser and Son
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.
Mr Emmanuel is at a table next to a well-known journalist and his son. The two parties seem to have little in common.
Mr Emmanuel .... Hugh Burden
James Fraser .... Fulton MacKay
Robin Fraser .... John Graham
Jake .... Jim McManus
Directed by John Tydeman.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1984.
MON 07:00 In the Red (b007jzr4)
Episode 2
Can anarchic BBC reporter George Cragge keep his job and get nearer to the murderer?
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
Controller Radio 2 ...... Stephen Fry
Controller Radio 4 ...... John Bird
Dominic De'ath ...... Benjamin Whitrow
Hercules Fortescue ...... Nicholas Le Prevost
Caroline ...... Susie Brann
Andrew James ...... Peter Serafinowcz
With Alice Arnold, Annabel Mullion, Jonathan Keeble and Gavin Muir.
Music by Tony McAnaney.
Producer: Paul Schlesinger
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1995.
MON 07:30 Steptoe and Son (b007jlg5)
Series 2
Crossed Swords
After a major find out on his rag and bone round, excited Harold lets greed get the better of him.
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
Shop Assistant ...... Derek Nimmo
Auctioneer ...... Michael MacLean
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 (m000ltrs)
Series 3
Episode 6
Holly and Jane are both back at home, as Pete and Jane try to work things out.
Ian and Chloe have made it up, Ken and Margaret are relieved to have their house back. So celebrations for Holly’s 18th birthday look set to go swimmingly- until the vegan cake debacle.
Even a brief appearance by Richard Osman can’t lighten the mood.
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
Chloe …… Emily Berrington
Pete …… Gordon Kennedy
Holly …… Tia Bannon
Mark …… Fred Haig
Nick …… Harrison Knights
George …… Danny Kirrane
Richard Osman ...... Richard Osman
Producer: Polly Thomas
Executive Producers: Jon Thoday and Richard Allen Turner
An Avalon Television production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2020.
MON 08:30 I Didn't Get Where I Am Today by David Nobbs (b00ckd1g)
1. Schooling
Comic novelist, script writer and creator of the immortal Reginald Perrin, David Nobbs reads from his 2001 autobiography, ‘I Didn’t Get Where I Am Today’.
In this episode, David recalls his early years, from Orpington to Cambridge via Marlborough – twice.
In addition to writing ‘The Rise and Fall of Reginald Perrin’, Nobbs also created ‘A Bit of a Do’ and ‘Shine a Light’, as well as penning twenty novels. He died in 2015, aged 80.
Adapted for radio by Patricia Hannah.
Producer: David Jackson Young
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2003.
MON 08:45 Dance Till You Bleed: The World According to Hans Christian Andersen (m000bmby)
1. The Most Incredible Thing
Toby Jones stars as Hans Christian Andersen in five fairy tale adaptations by Lucy Catherine that shine a light into the dark regions of the author’s mind. Each of the dramas is introduced by bestselling author and fairy tale aficionado, Joanne Harris.
A foolish King barters with his daughter’s happiness when he issues a proclamation.
Hans Christian Andersen jettisons the conventions of fairy tale logic, giving his characters realistic motivations for why they do what they do. He directly links the fantastical with the psychological. He subverts fairy tale logic whereby the good are beautiful and the bad, ugly. Without him, every fairy tale would end happily ever after and the true power of the genre might never have been realised.
Andersen acts as a tour guide, embarking on a journey through his imagination as he attempts to identify the source of his creativity.
The series delves into the darker tales including the later stories that anticipate Surrealism and Freud.
Cast:
Hans Christian Anderson......Toby Jones
King ….. Clive Hayward
Princess ….. Scarlett Courtney
Nicholas ….. Greg Jones
Vandal ….. Ian Conningham
Lord Chamberlain ….. Adam Courting
Nightwatchman and Moses ….. Neil McCaul
Introduced by Joanne Harris
Directed by Gemma Jenkins
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2019.
MON 09:00 I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue (m002gfzs)
Series 83
4. Cricketers' Songbook
The godfather of all panel shows returns 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 Stuntz (b007jzb5)
Series 1
1. Sky-writing
Apparently Advertising only took off once most people had learned to read. In the first episode of Stuntz, Steve Punt learns about the origins of sky calligraphy, its effectiveness, and why it was banned in the UK. Plus, he hears about an intriguing attempt by a national newspaper to increase its sales by launching a non-existent missing person.
Stuntz was produced by Sue Foster and Simon Elmes.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1999.
MON 09:45 Daily Service (m002gm48)
Encounters with God - Moses meets God
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Encounters with God - Moses meets God
Presenter: David Waters
Reading: Exodus 3: 1-6
Music:
Be Still for the Presence of the Lord - Young Chorister of the Year 2022, Naomi Simon
Go down Moses - Nat King Cole
Guide me, O thou Great Redeemer - Lucy Grimble
MON 10:00 Frankly Speaking (b07d2z3f)
Allen Lane
Publisher and founder of Penguin books, Allen Lane answers the questions posed by George Scott, Margaret Lane and Walter Allen.
Aged 58 when interviewed, Allen talks of his life as a pioneering paperback publisher and his discovery of DH Lawrence.
Sir Allen Lane was born in 1902 and died in 1970.
Launched in 1952 on the BBC Home Service, Frankly Speaking was a novel, ground breaking series. Unrehearsed and unscripted, the traditional interviewee/interviewer pairing was initially jettisoned for three interviewers firing direct questions. Early critics described it as 'unkempt', 'an inquisition' and described the guest as prey being cornered, quarry being pursued - with calls to axe the unscripted interview. But the format won out and eventually won over its detractors.
Only 40 or so of the original 100 programmes survive.
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in 1961.
MON 10:30 The Wales Window of Alabama (b00z5zxv)
This is the story of what links the people of Wales, with one of the worst atrocities of the American Civil Rights movement. In 1963, racist bombers, blew up the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham Alabama, killing four girls in the blast. The murder of children marked another low in the violent resistance to civil rights.
News of the bombing was broadcast worldwide. The Welsh sculptor John Petts heard about it on the radio as he worked in his studio. He was so upset he wanted to do something to help. He contacted a local newspaper and a campaign was launched to raise money to help rebuild the devastated Church. No one was allowed to give more than half a crown - to ensure that no rich benefactor could take credit for the money raised. There were reports of children, black and white, queuing up in Cardiff to donate their pocket money.
Tens of thousands of people contributed to the fund. With the money that was raised, Petts was commissioned to make a new stained glass window for the Church. Grand in scale, it depicted a black man, arms out stretched, reminiscent of the crucifixion. Petts drew on his experiences as a medic in the second world war to create his image of the 'damaged male body'. He was also inspired by the Sharpeville Massacre in South Africa, which had happened only a few years before.
The window is now a focus of worship and has become one of the most famous pieces of art to come out of the darkness of the civil rights period. At its foot a simple message; 'Given by The People of Wales'.
Presenter: Gary Younge
Produced in Manchester by Nicola Swords.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2011.
MON 11:00 Whodunnits (m002gm43)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 11:30 Earwig (m002gm46)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 12:00 In the Red (b007jzr4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 12:30 Steptoe and Son (b007jlg5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 13:00 Relativity (m000ltrs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 13:30 I Didn't Get Where I Am Today by David Nobbs (b00ckd1g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 13:45 Dance Till You Bleed: The World According to Hans Christian Andersen (m000bmby)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
MON 14:00 Just a Minute (b00tt56z)
Series 57
Episode 8
Nicholas Parsons presides over the devious game where panellists are challenged to speak for one minute without hesitation, deviation or repetition.
With:
Paul Merton
Tony Hawks
Ross Noble
Sheila Hancock
Subjects include: A Great Adventure, Memoirs, The Joke Book, Learning to Play Golf, The Green Room, My Burning Desire and If I Were A Robot
Created by Ian Messiter.
Producer: Tilusha Ghelani
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2010.
MON 14:30 The Party Line (b00sp1tv)
Series 1
Episode 2
MP Duncan welcomes a French delegation - will he end up with 'oeuf' on his face?
A sitcom 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.
Duncan Stonebridge …. James Fleet
Arthur …. Simon Greenall
With:
Geoffrey McGivern
Rachel Atkins
Jennie Cox
Dominic Coleman
Lucy Montgomery
Written by Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis.
Producer: Adam Bromley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2005.
MON 15:00 Stone (b00j1fdm)
Series 1
1. The Ties That Bind
When a body dredged up from a lake leads to an ex-police officer and respected headteacher, Stone has a difficult decision to make as he discovers the real truth that lies behind the murder.
Hugo Speer plays DCI John Stone in this contemporary, intelligent detective series exploring morally ambiguous and challenging subjects.
Created by Danny Brocklehurst and written by Damian Wayling.
Stone …. Hugo Speer
Catriona …. Zoë Henry
Thomas …. Rob Pickavance
Sally …. Danielle Henry
Tanner …. Craig Cheetham
Chloe/DS Addison …. Maxine Burth
Tyler …. Reece Noi
Wise …. James Nickerson
Piotr/Lawler …. Greg Wood
Director: Nadia Molinari
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2009.
MON 16:00 Frankly Speaking (b07d2z3f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
MON 16:30 The Wales Window of Alabama (b00z5zxv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
MON 17:00 Whodunnits (m002gm43)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 17:30 Earwig (m002gm46)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 18:00 In the Red (b007jzr4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 18:30 Steptoe and Son (b007jlg5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 19:00 Relativity (m000ltrs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 19:30 I Didn't Get Where I Am Today by David Nobbs (b00ckd1g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 19:45 Dance Till You Bleed: The World According to Hans Christian Andersen (m000bmby)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
MON 20:00 Just a Minute (b00tt56z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
MON 20:30 The Party Line (b00sp1tv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
MON 21:00 Stone (b00j1fdm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
MON 22:00 I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue (m002gfzs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
MON 22:30 The Right Time (b00fvbgz)
Series 2
Episode 5
Seeking treasure with metal detectors - and B&B holidays - with a twist!
Sketch show for people growing older disgracefully.
Written and performed by people who've lived a bit.
Starring:
Graeme Garden
Eleanor Bron
Neil Innes
Clive Swift
Paula Wilcox
Roger Blake
Written by Graeme Garden, Neil Innes, Julie Balloo, Colin Bostock-Smith, John Pidgeon, Jan Etherington, Peter Spence and Andrew Nickolds.
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 (m002gd8w)
Series 2
Episode 2
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 our regular roving correspondent Sunil Patel.
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 (m000xcyb)
From 23/3/1981
From spray-on celeb faces to Village Idiot of the Year.
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 05 AUGUST 2025

TUE 00:00 Frankly Speaking (b07d2z3f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Monday]
TUE 00:30 The Wales Window of Alabama (b00z5zxv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Monday]
TUE 01:00 Whodunnits (m002gm43)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]
TUE 01:30 Earwig (m002gm46)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Monday]
TUE 02:00 In the Red (b007jzr4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Monday]
TUE 02:30 Steptoe and Son (b007jlg5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:00 Relativity (m000ltrs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Monday]
TUE 03:30 I Didn't Get Where I Am Today by David Nobbs (b00ckd1g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:45 Dance Till You Bleed: The World According to Hans Christian Andersen (m000bmby)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Monday]
TUE 04:00 Just a Minute (b00tt56z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:30 The Party Line (b00sp1tv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Monday]
TUE 05:00 Stone (b00j1fdm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Monday]
TUE 06:00 Whodunnits (m002gm4r)
John Le Carre - A Murder of Quality
2. Unnerved
The wife of one of the masters at Carne School has been murdered.
George Smiley is helping the police - unofficially.
Though unnerved by an encounter with the strange Mad Janie, Smiley is not inclined to dismiss her wild babbling as total nonsense...
Starring George Cole and Norman Bowler.
John le Carre's murder mystery dramatised by Rene Basilico.
George Smiley .... George Cole
Inspector Rigby .... Norman Bowler
Miss Brimley / Mad Janie .... Sheila Grant
Sergent Mundy .... Robert Brown
Miss D'Arcy .... Diana Ning
Miss Dawnay .... Jenny Lee
Other parts played by members of the cast.
Producer: John Fawcett Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1981.
TUE 06:30 Richard Barton: General Practitioner! (b00753kj)
1. Parallels
In 1946, Edward J Mason wrote the first episode of Dick Barton - Special Agent. The BBC Light Programme's hugely popular serial followed the adventures of the ex-Commando and his mates Jock Anderson and Snowy White.
Despite facing a series of never-ending cliff-hangers at the hands of dastardly villains, our hero always triumphed.
"With one bound Dick was free!"
Half a century later, Edward J's son Lol created Richard Barton, son of Dick.
This is an affectionate six-part homage to one of BBC Radio's most enduring heroes.
When Richard's dad arrives to convalesce after an operation and to start work on his memoirs, strange parallels begin to emerge between past and present, between Dick's old adventures and events in his son's village.
Richard Barton ...... Robert Bathurst
Old Dick Barton ...... Moray Watson
Jock ...... Iain Cuthbertson
Young Dick Barton ...... Julian Dutton
Sally Barton ...... Sally Phillips
Mrs Cadwalladder ...... Ann Beach
Fassbinder ...... Kim Wall
Colin Meadows ...... Wayne Forester
Producer: Jo Clegg
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1997.
TUE 07:00 Little Blighty on the Down (b007jx7n)
Series 1
Episode 2
Despite everything collapsing around their ears - Mrs Roberts and the Rotarians are more popular than ever.
Her arch-enemies at the Working Men's Club battle on, but still can't stop her...
The continuing everyday story of a country folk.
80s political satirical soap opera set in the strangely familiar village of Little Blighty.
Life here 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 Hilda Roberts.
Written by Mark Burton, John O'Farrell and Mike Coleman.
Starring:
Jo Kendall
John Bluthal
Andrew Sachs
Nick Hancock
Bernadine Corrigan
Daniel Strauss
Producer: David Tyler
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1988.
TUE 07:30 The Goon Show (b00d4182)
Series 8
The Great British Revolution
Angry revolutionary leader Neddie Seagoon is duped into buying worthless weapons.
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: Roy Speer
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in December 1957.
TUE 08:00 To Hull and Back (b06j57f9)
Series 1
Crying in the Chapel
Songs of Praise are paying a visit to Hull.
Sophie sees this as an opportunity to start a successful singing career.
But neglected plumbing and a painting of Elvis at The Last Supper make an impossible task even more difficult...
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.
Starring Lucy Beaumont and Maureen Lipman.
Sitcom written by Lucy Beaumont.
Sophie ..... Lucy Beaumont
Sheila ..... Maureen Lipman
Jean ..... Kerrie Marsh
Ernie ..... Norman Lovett
DJ Richie ...... Jon Richardson
Heather ...... Sue McCormick
Gwen ...... Annie Sawle
Roy ...... Mike Bubbins
Imogen ...... Rebecca Hamilton
Producer: Carl Cooper
A BBC Radio Comedy Production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in 2015.
TUE 08:30 I Didn't Get Where I Am Today by David Nobbs (b00ckz8d)
2. TW3
Comic novelist, script writer and creator of the immortal Reginald Perrin, David Nobbs reads from his 2001 autobiography, ‘I Didn’t Get Where I Am Today’.
In this episode, David recalls the period from his first job at the Sheffield Evening Star to writing for BBC TV's 'That Was The Week That Was'.
In addition to writing ‘The Rise and Fall of Reginald Perrin’, Nobbs also created ‘A Bit of a Do’ and ‘Shine a Light’, as well as penning twenty novels. He died in 2015, aged 80.
Adapted for radio by Patricia Hannah.
Producer: David Jackson Young
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2003.
TUE 08:45 Dance Till You Bleed: The World According to Hans Christian Andersen (m000bmv0)
2. The Red Shoes
Toby Jones stars as Hans Christian Andersen in five fairy tale adaptations by Lucy Catherine that shine a light into the dark regions of the author’s mind. Each of the dramas is introduced by bestselling author and fairy tale aficionado, Joanne Harris.
A young girl’s escape from poverty comes at a terrible price. The anti-heroine in this vicious tale was based on Andersen’s loathed half-sister.
Cast:
Hans Christian Andersen....Toby Jones
Karen ….. Shannon Tarbet
Lady ….. Jessica Turner
Mirror ….. Sinead MacInnes
Soldier ….. Ian Conningham
Shoemaker’s Wife ….. Lucy Reynolds
Reverend ….. Clive Hayward
Executioner ….. Neil McCaul
Introduced by Joanne Harris
Directed by Gemma Jenkins
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2019.
TUE 09:00 Room 101 with Paul Merton (m001yqs1)
Series 2
Victoria Coren Mitchell
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.
Victoria Coren Mitchell attempts to banish shops that don't take cash, as well as cows. The one thing she could not live without however is something she wouldn't recommend to everyone.
Additional material John Irwin and Suki Webster
Produced by Richard Wilson
A Hat Trick production for BBC Radio 4
TUE 09:30 Stuntz (b007jzdw)
Series 1
2. Flexi-disc
Steve Punt explores the advent of the flexi-disc and how it was used in marketing all manner of products.
Robert Opie, of the Museum of Advertising and Packaging in Gloucester, explains how publishers were at the vanguard of give-away gimmicks, as far back as the Crimean War. And Norman Burtt describes Lever Brothers marketing ploys.
Stuntz was produced by Sue Foster and Simon Elmes.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1999.
TUE 09:45 Daily Service (m002gm4t)
Encounters with God - Jacob meets God
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Encounters with God - Jacob meets God
Presenter: Swarzy
Reading: Genesis 32: 22-30
Music:
Keep on Fighting - Volney Morgan and New Ye
Soar - Elle Limebear
Praise him in advance - Marvin Sapp
TUE 10:00 A Good Read (m00060xj)
Cathy Newman and Jeffery Deaver
Channel 4 News host Cathy Newman and bestselling crime writer Jeffery Deaver join Harriett Gilbert to discuss favourite books by Annie Proulx, Min Kym and Amy Bloom.
The Shipping News by Annie Proulx
Publisher: Fourth Estate
Gone: A Girl, a Violin, a Life Unstrung by Min Kym
Publisher: Penguin
White Houses by Amy Bloom
Publisher: Granta
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2019.
TUE 10:30 Going To Pieces In The Box (b00p61zg)
More art - typically sentimental, traditional art - has made its way into more homes via the jigsaw puzzle than virtually any other medium.
While it has since become the purveyor of comforting landscapes to the masses, it started life as an educational tool championed by the likes of philosopher John Locke.
In 1760 London mapmaker John Spilsbury mounted one of his maps on hardboard and cut into pieces to help children learn geography. "Going to Pieces in the Box" will tell the story of how, since then, it has become such a core feature of childhoods across the world.
Janet Ellis hears how jigsaws hit their first major peak in the Great Depression, when 10,000,000 a week sold to families looking for cheap pastimes and how they were used by immigration officers on Ellis Island to determine who should be allowed in to the land of the free.
Plus an exploration of how popular culture has flirted with the jigsaw, in novels and films as diverse as "Mansfield Park", "Citizen Kane" and most powerfully Perek's novel "Life: A User's Manual"
Academics and enthusiasts such as Margaret Drabble help to explain the jigsaw's great allure.
This colourful and lively feature will show how jigsaws continue to be incredibly popular, having evolved into 3D puzzles and of course made their way onto the internet, where no young children's games site is without one.
Presenter: Janet Ellis
Producer: Geoff Bird
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2009.
TUE 11:00 Whodunnits (m002gm4r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 11:30 Richard Barton: General Practitioner! (b00753kj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 12:00 Little Blighty on the Down (b007jx7n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 12:30 The Goon Show (b00d4182)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 13:00 To Hull and Back (b06j57f9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 13:30 I Didn't Get Where I Am Today by David Nobbs (b00ckz8d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 13:45 Dance Till You Bleed: The World According to Hans Christian Andersen (m000bmv0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
TUE 14:00 The Food Quiz (b0076tgx)
Series 3
Episode 4
Journalist and food critic, Jay Rayner puts four gastronomes through their culinary paces.
All set for a good grilling:
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall
Marguerite Patten
Henrietta Green
Matthew Thorpe
Can they establish: the components of a classic Bouquet Garni?
Do they know who the pizza Margherita is named after?
And which 1980s diet featured an awful lot of pineapple?
Producer: Dixi Stewart
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2005.
TUE 14:30 Barbara Nice (m000nd71)
Series 1
The Scare
Barbara is convinced that Ken needs a health check up and is horrified to discover she is the one the doctors are interested in.
She suspects the worst and is determined to fulfill some lifetime ambitions recruiting Mary and Ken into her misguided plans.
Janice Connolly from 'Peter Kay's Phoenix Nights' stars in this warm-hearted sitcom about married couple, Barbara and Ken.
Series follows on from the successful pilot written by Janice Connolly and Steve Turner.
Barbara Nice ...... Janice Connolly
Ken Nice ...... John Henshaw
Mary ...... Angela Curran
Doctor ...... Ameet Chana
Consultant ...... Josephine Enright
Receptionist ...... Toby Tilling
Producer: Rebecca Papworth
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 2, first broadcast in March 2017.
TUE 15:00 Stone (b00j58sp)
Series 1
2. Dead Fishes
A young man with Downs Syndrome admits to killing his mother. Then a woman turns up claiming that he was with her on the day of the murder. Stone must discover who is lying and why…
Hugo Speer plays DCI John Stone in this contemporary, intelligent detective series exploring morally ambiguous and challenging subjects.
Created by Danny Brocklehurst and written by Chloe Moss.
Stone …. Hugo Speer
Eammon …. Tommy Jessop
Jacqueline …. Christine Brennan
Tanner …. Craig Cheetham
Catriona …. Zoë Henry
David …. Andrew Grose
Jay …. Andrew Whitehead
Weeks …. Luke Broughton
Director: Stefan Escreet
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2009.
TUE 16:00 A Good Read (m00060xj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
TUE 16:30 Going To Pieces In The Box (b00p61zg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
TUE 17:00 Whodunnits (m002gm4r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 17:30 Richard Barton: General Practitioner! (b00753kj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 18:00 Little Blighty on the Down (b007jx7n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 18:30 The Goon Show (b00d4182)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 19:00 To Hull and Back (b06j57f9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 19:30 I Didn't Get Where I Am Today by David Nobbs (b00ckz8d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 19:45 Dance Till You Bleed: The World According to Hans Christian Andersen (m000bmv0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
TUE 20:00 The Food Quiz (b0076tgx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
TUE 20:30 Barbara Nice (m000nd71)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
TUE 21:00 Stone (b00j58sp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
TUE 22:00 Room 101 with Paul Merton (m001yqs1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
TUE 22:30 Buy Me Up TV (b009fnlx)
Series 1
Episode 2
Every shopping channel you've ever seen and every product you've never wanted.
Special guest host: Ruth Madoc ruffles some feathers...
Starring:
Justin Edwards
Colin Hoult
Katherine Jakeways
Ewen Macintosh
Alex MacQueen
Greg Proops
Written by Justin Edwards and James Eldred.
Producer: Lucy Armitage
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2008.
TUE 23:00 Hannah Gadsby: Arts Clown (b05419l4)
1. Edouard Manet's Olympia
Art historian Hannah Gadsby kicks off her comedy lectures about four masterpieces, with Edouard Manet's masterpiece 'Olympia'.
She shares her first encounter with the art work as well as looking at what critics had to say about it at the time it was created.
Born in Tasmania, Hannah's first encounters with art was via books. These taught her the language of art appreciation, but also legitimised her desire to look at 'boobs'. This was just as well as Hannah realised in her teens that she was 'a little bit lesbian' but homosexuality was still illegal in Tasmania at that time.
The painting 'Olympia' was first shown in Paris in 1865. The reclining nude made a lot of people very angry at the time.
Hannah explains what makes 'Olympia' a cornerstone of modern art and what bring her personally back to this painting again and again.
She is assisted by her very own 'Quotebot' who has been inputted with every quote that's ever been written about art.
'Quotebot' sounds remarkably like comedy legend and all-round boffin, John Lloyd.
Written by Hannah Gadsby.
Script Editor: Jon Hunter
Producer: Claire Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2015.
TUE 23:15 Kieran Hodgson's Earworms (b08zd64p)
Series 1
Wagner
Can self-described 'music educator and inspiration' Ralph Lewis (the man behind 'Mozart's Mowing Masterclass' and 'How Clean is your Strauss') persuade self-confessed 'enemy of culture' Paul, that Wagner's worth a listen, and not just music for Nazis?
Critically-acclaimed comedian Kieran Hodgson - as Ralph Lewis - presents comedy intros to the great composers.
Written by and starring Kieran Hodgson
With:
Colin Hoult
Harry Enfield
Producer: Sam Ward
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2017.
TUE 23:30 Susan Calman - Keep Calman Carry On (b09h6k15)
Series 2
Gardening
Susan Calman is the least relaxed person she knows.
She has no down time, no hobbies (unless you count dressing up your cats in silly outfits) and her idea of relaxation is to sit on her sofa playing Assassin's Creed, an hour into which she is in a murderous rage with sky high blood pressure. Her wife had to threaten to divorce her to make her go on holiday, and she's been told by the same long-suffering wife that unless she finds a way to switch off, and soon, she's going to be unbearable.
Susan decided her best bet was to try to immerse herself in the pursuits that her friends find relaxing, to find her inner zen and outer tranquillity.
In her first series, she attempted to find the new Susan Calm, by watching Cricket; going Hillwalking; visiting an Art Gallery and being spontaneous. She enjoyed these pursuits, but all too soon found herself slipping back into her old ways. So she's trying again.
For starters, she’s taking a trip to the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh to learn about Gardening with Val McDermid, in the hope of one day being able to tell her Euphorbia from Euphoria.
In this audience stand up show, Susan reveals how successful she's been - both at relaxing and at the pursuit itself - as well as playing in and discussing a handful of illustrative clips from her efforts.
Written by Susan Calman and Jon Hunter.
Producer: Lyndsay Fenner
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2017.

WEDNESDAY 06 AUGUST 2025

WED 00:00 A Good Read (m00060xj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Tuesday]
WED 00:30 Going To Pieces In The Box (b00p61zg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Tuesday]
WED 01:00 Whodunnits (m002gm4r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:30 Richard Barton: General Practitioner! (b00753kj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Tuesday]
WED 02:00 Little Blighty on the Down (b007jx7n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Tuesday]
WED 02:30 The Goon Show (b00d4182)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:00 To Hull and Back (b06j57f9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Tuesday]
WED 03:30 I Didn't Get Where I Am Today by David Nobbs (b00ckz8d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:45 Dance Till You Bleed: The World According to Hans Christian Andersen (m000bmv0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Tuesday]
WED 04:00 The Food Quiz (b0076tgx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:30 Barbara Nice (m000nd71)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Tuesday]
WED 05:00 Stone (b00j58sp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Tuesday]
WED 06:00 Whodunnits (m002gm58)
John Le Carre - A Murder of Quality
3. Opinions
Piece by piece, George Smiley tries to build up a picture of a murder victim.
But opinions of Stella Rode are conflicting and occasionally rather uncomfortable...
Starring George Cole and Norman Bowler.
John le Carre's murder mystery dramatised by Rene Basilico.
George Smiley .... George Cole
Inspector Rigby .... Norman Bowler
Stanley Rode .... William Gaunt
Simon Snow .... Jon Glover
Anne Snow .... Jane Knowles
Major Harriman / Samuel Glaston .... David Ryall
Police Sergeant/other parts .... Peter Tuddenham
Producer: John Fawcett Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1981.
WED 06:30 Richard Barton: General Practitioner! (b00757q4)
2. Dastardly Designs
Slimey Kenwood-Gore makes Dick's hackles rise.
What kind of pressure is he putting on Amanda Cadwallader with Old Archie only just buried?
Richard finds out that Kenwood-Gore has designs on the village, Cadwallader Hall included.
But for what?
Dick realises there's a connection with a shady character in his past. Could Kenwood-Gore's intentions be as dastardly? Dick intends to find out.
In 1946, Edward J Mason wrote the first episode of Dick Barton - Special Agent. The BBC Light Programme's hugely popular serial followed the adventures of the ex-Commando and his mates Jock Anderson and Snowy White. Despite facing a series of never-ending cliff-hangers at the hands of dastardly villains, our hero always triumphed. "With one bound Dick was free!".
Half a century later, Edward J's son Lol created Richard Barton, son of Dick, in an affectionate homage to one of BBC Radio's most enduring heroes.
Richard Barton ...... Robert Bathurst
Old Dick Barton ...... Moray Watson
Jock ...... Iain Cuthbertson
Young Dick Barton ...... Julian Dutton
Sally Phillips ...... Matilda Ziegler
Mrs Cadwalladder ...... Doreen Mantle
Kenwood-Gore ...... David Daker
Producer: Jo Clegg
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1998.
WED 07:00 Smelling of Roses (b00d8yxr)
Series 3
Promises, Promises
Tasked with organising an auction of promises for a posh school, Rosie finds that it’s not the parents who are upper-crust so much as the pupils...
Prunella Scales stars in Simon Brett's sitcom.
The trials and tribulations of Rosie Burns and her event management company, based in Brighton.
Rosie ..... Prunella Scales
Jo ..... Rebecca Callard
Bob ..... Duncan Preston
Tess ..... Annette Badland
Greg ..... Leo Dolan
Trevor ..... Jim North
Producer: Maria Esposito
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2002.
WED 07:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jnjm)
Series 5
The Unexploded Bomb
The Lad Himself finds a surprise in the cellar, so Sid cashes in - naturally.
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 (b03ws7gp)
Ceredigion or Bust
Anouska and Michael crave the simple life, and are willing to pay for it. So Barry and Gwen do their best to oblige. And so do the Druids.
Last of a series of comedies developed with the Comedians Theatre Company.
Written by Matthew Osborn.
Anouska ...... Clare Corbett
Michael ...... Stephen Harvey
Barry ...... Robert Blythe
Gwen ...... Di Botcher
Wendy ...... Carys Eleri
Steve ...... Craige Els
Hugo ...... David Cann
Director: Jonquil Panting
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2014.
WED 08:30 I Didn't Get Where I Am Today by David Nobbs (b00cl7lz)
3. The Satire Boom
Comic novelist, script writer and creator of the immortal Reginald Perrin, David Nobbs reads from his 2001 autobiography, ‘I Didn’t Get Where I Am Today’.
In this episode, David recalls Peter Cook, David Frost and his part in the satire boom of the 1960s.
In addition to writing ‘The Rise and Fall of Reginald Perrin’, Nobbs also created ‘A Bit of a Do’ and ‘Shine a Light’, as well as penning twenty novels. He died in 2015, aged 80.
Adapted for radio by Patricia Hannah.
Producer: David Jackson Young
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2003.
WED 08:45 Dance Till You Bleed: The World According to Hans Christian Andersen (m000bnl9)
3. Anne Lisbeth
Toby Jones stars as Hans Christian Andersen in five fairy tale adaptations by Lucy Catherine that shine a light into the dark regions of the author’s mind. Each of the dramas is introduced by bestselling author and fairy tale aficionado, Joanne Harris.
A son rejected by his mother is given a way to exact retribution. Andersen’s own troubled relationship with his mother and his experience of childhood bullying infuse this tale of haunting strangeness.
Cast:
Hans Christian Andersen...Toby Jones
Anne ….. Amanda Hale
Mrs E ….. Heather Craney
Son ….. Will Kirk
Skipper ….. Adam Courting
Introduced by Joanne Harris
Directed by Gemma Jenkins
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2019.
WED 09:00 Your Mum (m002fbf4)
6. Jo Brand and Eshaan Akbar
Jo tells us how her mum sweet-talked her way into Libya, renounced Catholicism as a teenager and stopped at nothing to stand up for what she believed in. Eshaan explains how his mum invented UberEATS, used him as a human shield against the Bangladesh Army, and how he has coped with tragically losing such an incredible character.
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 Stuntz (b007jzg5)
Series 1
3. Celebrities
Did you know that Marilyn Monroe promoted an engine oil? In this episode, Steve Punt looks into the use of celebrities and characters for marketing.
Robert Opie discusses promotional characters, including the Oxo family, the Bisto Kids, the Ovalteenies and the Cherry B twins.
Stuntz was produced by Sue Foster and Simon Elmes.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1999.
WED 09:45 Daily Service (m002gm5c)
Encounters with God - Transfiguration
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Encounters with God - Transfiguration
Presenter: Gemma Simmonds
Reading: Matthew 17: 1-5
Music:
How shall I sing that majesty - Blackburn Cathedral Choir
Turn your eyes upon Jesus - Elle Limebear
Shine, Jesus, Shine - Tony Melendez, Jim Cowan
WED 10:00 Archive on 4 (b00sf0tg)
Priestley's Postscripts
Martin Wainwright marks the life of a broadcasting phenomenon - the story of how Yorkshire man JB Priestley became the voice of the nation during the darkest days of the Second World War.
Using original broadcasts, information stored in BBC files and interviews with his son Tom Priestley and step son Nicolas Hawkes, Martin revisits these extraordinary broadcasts and asks why, in spite of their astonishing popularity, Priestley was taken off air?
Producers: Catherine Plane and Phil Pegum
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2010.
WED 11:00 Whodunnits (m002gm58)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 11:30 Richard Barton: General Practitioner! (b00757q4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 12:00 Smelling of Roses (b00d8yxr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 12:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jnjm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 13:00 Making the Best of It (b03ws7gp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 13:30 I Didn't Get Where I Am Today by David Nobbs (b00cl7lz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 13:45 Dance Till You Bleed: The World According to Hans Christian Andersen (m000bnl9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
WED 14:00 You Heard It Here First (m001kpxz)
Series 1
Episode 2
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 even work out what chocolate bars are being eaten based on sound alone.
The competing comedians are Alan Davies and Jess Fostekew taking on Suzi Ruffell and Paul Chowdhry.
Theme music ‘Colour me Groovy’ by The Rich Morton Sound
Recorded at the Backyard Comedy Club, Bethnal Green
Executive Producer: Pete Strauss
Production Co-ordinator: Becky Carewe-Jeffries
Sound editor: Jerry Peal
Producer: Sasha Bobak
A BBC Studios Audio production, first broadcast in April 2023.
WED 14:30 The Circle (m001bcqw)
Squaring The Circle
When snooker club owner Geoff joins a babysitting circle, his wife Jenny knows he’s up to something.
Starring John McArdle and Sherrie Hewson.
Six-part sitcom by Elizabeth Baines.
Set on an estate – described as an ‘exclusive village development’ – in Whittleshulme, Cheshire. It's squarely aimed at yuppies, the nouveau-riche and high-fliers.
With no teenagers to babysit allowing locals to pursue busy careers and social lives, the neighbours set up their own babysitting circle...
Jenny Bryant .... Sherrie Hewson
Geoff Bryant .... John McArdle
Trish Abbas .... Jane Hazelgrove
Julian Percival .... Jonathon Morris
Doug Lewis …. Shaun Parkes
Vanessa Percival ... Melissa Sinden
Emma …. Tara Pendergast
Hailey …. Jane Cawdron
Crystal …. Holly Grainger
Benedict …. Oliver Hamilton
Jessica …. Gemma Salusbury
Director: Andy Jordan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1999.
WED 15:00 Stone (b00j9kbx)
Series 1
3. God's Witness
A woman witnesses the murder of a young lad by a notorious gang and chooses to speak up, but can she really risk her safety and that of her family?
Hugo Speer plays DCI John Stone in this contemporary, intelligent detective series exploring morally ambiguous and challenging subjects.
The final play in the series.
Created and written by Danny Brocklehurst.
Stone …. Hugo Speer
Liz/Sue …. Deborah McAndrew
Ray …. Tony Mooney
Anna//Shirley …. Fiona Clarke
Kyle/Michael …. Oliver Lee
Tanner …. Craig Cheetham
Catriona …. Zoë Henry
Ned …. James Quinn
Director: Nadia Molinari
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2009.
WED 16:00 Archive on 4 (b00sf0tg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
WED 17:00 Whodunnits (m002gm58)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 17:30 Richard Barton: General Practitioner! (b00757q4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 18:00 Smelling of Roses (b00d8yxr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 18:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jnjm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 19:00 Making the Best of It (b03ws7gp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 19:30 I Didn't Get Where I Am Today by David Nobbs (b00cl7lz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 19:45 Dance Till You Bleed: The World According to Hans Christian Andersen (m000bnl9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
WED 20:00 You Heard It Here First (m001kpxz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
WED 20:30 The Circle (m001bcqw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
WED 21:00 Stone (b00j9kbx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
WED 22:00 Your Mum (m002fbf4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
WED 22:30 The Lawrence Sweeney Mix (b008xf49)
Series 2
Episode 3
Fom something your Dad did to something you save up for...
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 January 2008.
WED 23:00 Sandi Toksvig's Hygge (m0012qgw)
Series 2
Andy Hamilton
Joining Sandi Toksvig in her cosy log cabin today is comedian and writer Andy Hamilton. Over a cup of Danish tea the old friends chat about Hygge and how to keep technology at bay, the sound of football supporters watching a match, hopeless DIY and eavesdropping.
Starring... Sandi Toksvig
Guest... Andy Hamilton
Additional material...Rajiv Karia and Tasha Dhanraj
Producer...Julia McKenzie
Production coordinator...Katie Baum
A BBC Studios Production
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2021.
WED 23:15 Armando Iannucci - Facts And Fancies (b007jrlr)
From the Man Who Mistook his Bike for Olives
Spotlighting dictators - the 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 (b0076k1x)
Series 1
Episode 6
Meet Thomas Hardy's agent, the theft of Hitler's family jewels, the world's first man and email problems in ancient Rome.
Sketch show made by actors reading out scripts in front of an audience, who laughed, and then keeping the good bits.
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 07 AUGUST 2025

THU 00:00 Archive on 4 (b00sf0tg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 Whodunnits (m002gm58)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:30 Richard Barton: General Practitioner! (b00757q4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 Smelling of Roses (b00d8yxr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jnjm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 Making the Best of It (b03ws7gp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Wednesday]
THU 03:30 I Didn't Get Where I Am Today by David Nobbs (b00cl7lz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:45 Dance Till You Bleed: The World According to Hans Christian Andersen (m000bnl9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 You Heard It Here First (m001kpxz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:30 The Circle (m001bcqw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 Stone (b00j9kbx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Wednesday]
THU 06:00 Whodunnits (m002gm5d)
John Le Carre - A Murder of Quality
4. Tragedy
A school pupil has died tragically in a cycling accident.
This is adding poignancy to an already complex murder investigation for George Smiley.
Starring George Cole and Norman Bowler.
John le Carre's murder mystery dramatised by Rene Basilico.
George Smiley .... George Cole
Inspector Rigby .... Norman Bowler
Stanley Rode .... William Gaunt
Terence Fielding .... Peter Jeffrey
Miss Truebody .... Sheelah Wilcocks
Mrs Harlow .... Harriet Reynolds
Police sergeant .... Peter Tuddenham
Producer: John Fawcett Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1981.
THU 06:30 Richard Barton: General Practitioner! (b00757wt)
3. Robbery
Richard and Sally take a well-earned break in Bratov, "the jewel behind the iron curtain", but it soon becomes apparent that they should've dissuaded Dick from joining them.
Before they can reach the hotel, he's raced off in a taxi chase, convinced someone's taken his bag. They have. But as Dick's bag contains three drip-dry shirts and a week's supply of tea-bags, and theirs contains something quite different, one can assume it's an accident. Things are looking rather dangerous...
Richard Barton ...... Robert Bathurst
Old Dick Barton ...... Moray Watson
Jock ...... Iain Cuthbertson
Young Dick Barton ...... Julian Dutton
Sally Phillips ...... Matilda Ziegler
With:
Carolyn Jones
Roger Blake
Tim Whitnall
In 1946, Edward J Mason wrote the first episode of Dick Barton - Special Agent. The BBC Light Programme's hugely popular serial followed the adventures of the ex-Commando and his mates Jock Anderson and Snowy White. Despite facing a series of never-ending cliff-hangers at the hands of dastardly villains, our hero always triumphed. "With one bound Dick was free!".
Half a century later, Edward J's son Lol created Richard Barton, son of Dick, in an affectionate homage to one of BBC Radio's most enduring heroes.
Producer: Jo Clegg
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1998.
THU 07:00 Bristow (b00ct8w3)
Series 1
The Great Escape
Bristow plots the summer holiday of a lifetime - in Mudsea.
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
Mrs Purdy …. Dora Bryan
Hewitt …. Owen Brenman
Miss Sunman …. Katy Odey
Fudge …. Jon Glover
BJ …. Christopher Benjamin
Post Boy …. Simon Schatzberger
Francine …. Carol Starks
Turner …. David Ryall
Other parts played by the cast.
Music: John Whitehall
Producer: Neil Cargill
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1999.
THU 07:30 I'm Ken, He's Bill (m0028347)
A Spot Of Bother
Can flatmates Ken and Bill make the best of it when Ken gets chicken pox?
'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 John Davis and Richard Mathews.
Ken …. Peter Cleall
Bill …. Derek Seaton
Angella …. Suzanne Kerchiss
Caroline …. Clare Sutcliffe
Mrs Platt …. Patricia Hayes
With guest star Kenneth Connor as Dr Campbell
Producer: Edward Taylor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in April 1972.
THU 08:00 Rudy's Rare Records (b00y8vkb)
Series 3
Rudy's Rare Record
Father and son comedy set in the finest old-school record shop in Birmingham.
With the discovery on one of the rarest records ever recorded on a dusty shelf at the back of the shop, Rudy, Adam and Richie each allow themselves to imagine what life would really be like if they were that rich. Turns out, their dreams are a bit premature...
Written by Paula Hines
Script Edited by Danny Robins
Produced by Lucy Armitage.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2011.
THU 08:30 I Didn't Get Where I Am Today by David Nobbs (b00cl6vg)
4. Clothes on a Beach
Comic novelist, script writer and creator of the immortal Reginald Perrin, David Nobbs reads from his 2001 autobiography, ‘I Didn’t Get Where I Am Today’.
In this episode, David recalls the birth of his most famous comedy creation, Reginald Iolanthe Perrin.
In addition to writing ‘The Rise and Fall of Reginald Perrin’, Nobbs also created ‘A Bit of a Do’ and ‘Shine a Light’, as well as penning twenty novels. He died in 2015, aged 80.
Adapted for radio by Patricia Hannah.
Producer: David Jackson Young
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2003.
THU 08:45 Dance Till You Bleed: The World According to Hans Christian Andersen (m000bp2f)
4. The Ice Maiden
Toby Jones stars as Hans Christian Andersen in five fairy tale adaptations by Lucy Catherine that shine a light into the dark regions of the author’s mind. Each of the dramas is introduced by bestselling author and fairy tale aficionado, Joanne Harris.
Rudy hovers on the brink of romantic happiness but first he must face the ice maiden. One of the inspirations for Frozen but here, in Andersen’s original, Elsa is a far more terrifying creation.
Cast:
Hans Christian Andersen...Toby Jones
Rudy ….. Joseph Ayre
Babette ….. Sinead MacInnes
Ice Maiden ….. Laura Christy
Miller ….. Ian Conningham
Cat ….. Clive Hayward
Introduced by Joanne Harris
Directed by Gemma Jenkins
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2019.
THU 09:00 Tim Key's Poetry Programme (m001xdnb)
1. The Pilot
The poetry show (without the poetry) returns for more comic chaos, with guests Stephen Merchant and Lolly Adefope.
This is a poetry programme like no other – over the course of 6 series Key has performed magic, music, cookery and witchcraft; he’s delivered a baby, gone underground, up the Shard and into space.
And sometimes he finds time to read poems.
This series, regulars Tom Basden and Katy Wix are joined by guest stars Stephen Merchant, Lolly Adefope, Mike Wozniak, Sam Campbell, Simon Armstrong and Morgana Robinson.
Written and presented by Tim Key
Produced by James Robinson
A BBC Studios Audio Production for Radio 4
An EcoAudio certified production
THU 09:30 Stuntz (b007jzhf)
Series 1
4. Cash or Creativity?
The last episode in Steve Punt's series about advertising gimmicks people use to get press coverage.
Storm Thorgerson describes how the Pink Floyd inflatable pig escaped, Anna Carver explains how Gail Porter's naked image was projected onto St Stephen's tower (Big Ben), and Simon Laudon explains how the media has changed stunts and consumer cynicism.
Stuntz was produced by Sue Foster and Simon Elmes.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1999.
THU 09:45 Daily Service (m002gm5h)
Encounters with God - Thomas meets Jesus
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Encounters with God - Thomas meets Jesus
Presenter: Richard Littledale
Reading: John 20: 24-29
Music
Sometimes a light surprises
St Martin's Voices
BBC recording
God so loved the world - Stainer
Choir of Clare College Cambridge
CD: Stabat mater dolorosa - Music for Passiontide (Harmonia Mundi)
Be thou my vision - arr. John Rutter
Cambridge Singers
CD: Sing ye heavens - Hymns for all time (Collegium)
Christ be with me
St Martin's Voices
BBC recording
THU 10:00 Great Lives (p00glw5k)
Robin Day
Channel 4's news presenter Krishnan Guru-Murthy chooses the illustrious political interviewer, Robin Day.
During the height of his career, Day was regarded as Britain's finest political interviewer, the "great inquisitor".
Some salute him for breaking the mould of deferential interviewing but others think he bullied his subjects and stole the limelight himself with his mannered performances.
Krishnan and presenter Matthew Parris are joined by journalist, Sir Max Hastings, to discuss Robin Day's career.
Producer: Tim Dee
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2006.
THU 10:30 Mirrored (b08n404q)
A chronological journey through life - from childhood to old age - via a series of interviews recorded with people as they confront their reflection in the mirror.
What do they see?
How has their face changed?
What stories lie behind the wrinkles and scars?
We hear the initial wonder of the small child give way to the embarrassment of the teenager and the acceptance of later-life.
Presented and produced by award-winning documentary-maker, Cathy FitzGerald, this moving programme hops from home-to-home in contemporary Britain, catching its subjects in bedrooms and bathrooms and lounges, in order to hold up a mirror to the ageing process itself.
A White Stiletto production for the BBC World Service, first broadcast in April 2017.
THU 11:00 Whodunnits (m002gm5d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 11:30 Richard Barton: General Practitioner! (b00757wt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 12:00 Bristow (b00ct8w3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 12:30 I'm Ken, He's Bill (m0028347)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 13:00 Rudy's Rare Records (b00y8vkb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 13:30 I Didn't Get Where I Am Today by David Nobbs (b00cl6vg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 13:45 Dance Till You Bleed: The World According to Hans Christian Andersen (m000bp2f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
THU 14:00 The Write Stuff (m0002chp)
Series 1
Charles Dickens
James Walton chairs the knockabout book quiz testing Sebastian Faulks, John Walsh, Nigel Williams and Kate Saunders.
Author of the week: Charles Dickens
Reader: Rachel Atkins
Producer: John Rolph
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1998.
THU 14:30 Cabin Pressure (b00m4472)
Series 2
Limerick
An interminable flight with a very baffling cargo gives the charter airline crew the chance to pass the time by alternately opening their hearts up to each other - and persuading Arthur not to play charades...
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
Captain Martin Crieff …. Benedict Cumberbatch
Arthur Knapp-Shappey …. John Finnemore
Producer: David Tyler
A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2009.
THU 15:00 Drama on 4 (b0418p7f)
The Surprising Effect of Miss Scarlett Rosebud by David Nobbs
Two retired women teachers share a house, but little else. Then a former student, now turned rock-star, bursts into their lives and threatens to change everything.
Written by David Nobbs.
Stephanie .... Linda Marlowe
Marian .... Christine Absalom
Scarlett .... Deeivya Meir
Cuthbert .... Ashley Kumar
Melanie .... Elaine Claxton
Chairman .... David Cann
Music, song and lyrics composed and performed by Stephen Benham
Director: Peter Kavanagh
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2014.
THU 15:45 Short Works (b09xp16t)
Series 1
The Astonishing Good Fortune of Marigold Castor by Lionel Shriver
Two fame-hungry young film-makers try to make it in London.
But the road to fame is never simple...
Indira Varma reads the story commissioned by the BBC from acclaimed writer Lionel Shriver.
Lionel is an American author, best known for her novel We Need to Talk About Kevin, which won the Orange Prize for Fiction in 2005.
Producer: Justine Willett
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2018.
THU 16:00 Great Lives (p00glw5k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
THU 16:30 Mirrored (b08n404q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
THU 17:00 Whodunnits (m002gm5d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 17:30 Richard Barton: General Practitioner! (b00757wt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 18:00 Bristow (b00ct8w3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 18:30 I'm Ken, He's Bill (m0028347)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 19:00 Rudy's Rare Records (b00y8vkb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 19:30 I Didn't Get Where I Am Today by David Nobbs (b00cl6vg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 19:45 Dance Till You Bleed: The World According to Hans Christian Andersen (m000bp2f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
THU 20:00 The Write Stuff (m0002chp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
THU 20:30 Cabin Pressure (b00m4472)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
THU 21:00 Drama on 4 (b0418p7f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
THU 21:45 Short Works (b09xp16t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 today]
THU 22:00 Tim Key's Poetry Programme (m001xdnb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
THU 22:30 Delve Special (b00t5zzv)
Series 1
The Shifton Scandal
In 1982, four men mounted an illegal operation to build London's third airport at Shifton, 20 miles north east of Birmingham.
David Lander now concludes his investigation into the notorious demolition scandal with a look at the arrests, the trial and the disturbing aftermath.
Studio production by Stephen Fry, Jack Klaff, Tony Robinson and Moray Watson and Brenda Bleythn.
With:
Peter Wear
Mark Arden
Stephen Frost
Robert Bathurst
Dramatic reconstruction by:
Phil Nice
Arthur Smith
John Bond
Carol Boyd
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 (m002h2wd)
Zainab Johnson 2/3
Athena Kugblenu interviews stand-up comedian Zainab Johnson. They talk about how Zainab is preparing for her first trip to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, including what to pack, and the crucial piece of advice Zainab received from comedian Brett Goldstein.
THU 23:00 Daliso Chaponda: Citizen of Nowhere (m0009qw0)
Series 2
Apologies
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.
Episode 2: Apologies
In this episode, Daliso talks about the sins of the past and how we atone for them.
Writer and performed by Daliso Chaponda
Additional Material... Scott Bennett
Sebastian .... James Quinn
Theme music by Lawi
Image by Steve Ullathorne
Production Coordinator: Beverly Tagg
Producer: Carl Cooper
A BBC Studios Production, first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2019.
THU 23:30 The Mel and Sue Thing (b0076b3z)
Episode 5
Virginia Wade and Tim Henman talk politics, Sweet Fanny Adams talks, well, sweetly, and Lovejoy and Bergerac talk nonsense.
Plus the penultimate episode of Jane Austen's lost novella, Sweet Fanny Adams, still cruelly ignored by the critics as a work of minor importance.
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 08 AUGUST 2025

FRI 00:00 Great Lives (p00glw5k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Thursday]
FRI 00:30 Mirrored (b08n404q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 Whodunnits (m002gm5d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:30 Richard Barton: General Practitioner! (b00757wt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 Bristow (b00ct8w3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:30 I'm Ken, He's Bill (m0028347)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 Rudy's Rare Records (b00y8vkb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Thursday]
FRI 03:30 I Didn't Get Where I Am Today by David Nobbs (b00cl6vg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:45 Dance Till You Bleed: The World According to Hans Christian Andersen (m000bp2f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 The Write Stuff (m0002chp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:30 Cabin Pressure (b00m4472)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 Drama on 4 (b0418p7f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Thursday]
FRI 05:45 Short Works (b09xp16t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 on Thursday]
FRI 06:00 Whodunnits (m002gm4y)
John Le Carre - A Murder of Quality
5. Foreboding
Before she was murdered, Stella Rode wrote a letter accusing her husband of planning to kill her.
Now Stanley Rode has disappeared.
There are new and unexpected disclosures before the investigation is brought back to George Smiley's own London home in Chelsea.
Starring George Cole and Norman Bowler.
Gripping conclusion of John le Carre's murder mystery.
Dramatised by Rene Basilico.
George Smiley .... George Cole
Inspector Rigby .... Norman Bowler
Terence Fielding .... Peter Jeffrey
Stanley Rode .... William Gaunt
Miss Brimley .... Sheila Grant
Brigadier Havelock .... Anthony Sharp
Other parts played by:
Sonia Frase
Martyn Read
Producer: John Fawcett Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1981.
FRI 06:30 Richard Barton: General Practitioner! (b007582j)
4. Herbal Disorder
Richard's flu is not getting any better. Old Dr Willoughby is called in, and it seems his fondness for whisky hasn't abated in retirement. A herbal remedy made from tree bark that Sally finds in a perfectly reputable health food shop has dramatic if unexpected results - the kind of results that require an immediate antidote. Can his father Dick Barton find the antidote in time?
Joss Ackland guest stars as Dr Willoughby
Richard Barton ...... Robert Bathurst
Old Dick Barton ...... Moray Watson
Jock ...... Iain Cuthbertson
Young Dick Barton ...... Julian Dutton
Sally Phillips ...... Matilda Ziegler
In 1946, Edward J Mason wrote the first episode of Dick Barton - Special Agent. The BBC Light Programme's hugely popular serial followed the adventures of the ex-Commando and his mates Jock Anderson and Snowy White. Despite facing a series of never-ending cliff-hangers at the hands of dastardly villains, our hero always triumphed. "With one bound Dick was free!".
Half a century later, Edward J's son Lol created Richard Barton, son of Dick, in an affectionate homage to one of BBC Radio's most enduring heroes.
Producer: Jo Clegg
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1998.
FRI 07:00 Any Other Business (b0140tzv)
Episode 6
'Star Trek' fever erupts, as a German delegation tours the cultural delights of Chesbury.
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 July 1995.
FRI 07:30 The Inimitable Jeeves (b007jxf5)
Jeeves Exerts the Old Cerebellum
Young Bingo Little is in love for the umpteenth time.
Aunt Agatha is planning to marry Bertie off to the formidable Honoria Glossop.
And what with the troublesome twins, Claude and Eustace - there's just no peace for poor Bertie Wooster.
Only one man can save the day - the inimitable Jeeves.
PG Wodehouse's romp starring Michael Hordern and Richard Briers.
Adapted by Chris Miller.
Jeeves …. Michael Hordern
Bertie Wooster …. Richard Briers
Mortimer Little …. Ronald Fraser
Bingo Little …. Jonathan Cecil
Mabel …. Ann Davies
Producer: David Hatch
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1973.
FRI 08:00 Skeletons in the Cupboard (m000r5nl)
Series 2
A Midsummer Night's Scream
Life is sweet in rural France for sisters Maureen and Lesley.
After escaping the clutches of creepy David they have set up home in Tarn where Lesley has found love with local handyman, Pierre.
But their happiness is curtailed by guilt until, eventually, the stress becomes too much to bear.
Maureen insists that they return to England to deal with their mother's empty house and dispose of David's body.
Written by Sue Limb and Betsy Vriend.
Maureen ...... Alison Steadman
Lesley ...... Morwenna Banks
Pierre ...... Nigel Planer
Producer; Jamie Rix
A Little Brother production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in January 2021.
FRI 08:30 I Didn't Get Where I Am Today by David Nobbs (b00cl496)
5. Going Gently
Comic novelist, script writer and creator of the immortal Reginald Perrin, David Nobbs reads from his 2001 autobiography, ‘I Didn’t Get Where I Am Today’.
In this concluding episode, David recalls Perrin, Pratt and 'Going Gently'.
In addition to writing ‘The Rise and Fall of Reginald Perrin’, Nobbs also created ‘A Bit of a Do’ and ‘Shine a Light’, as well as penning twenty novels. He died in 2015, aged 80.
Adapted for radio by Patricia Hannah.
Producer: David Jackson Young
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2003.
FRI 08:45 Dance Till You Bleed: The World According to Hans Christian Andersen (m000bs1v)
5. The Wicked Prince
Toby Jones stars as Hans Christian Andersen in five fairy tale adaptations by Lucy Catherine that shine a light into the dark regions of the author’s mind. Each of the dramas is introduced by bestselling author and fairy tale aficionado, Joanne Harris.
A power-hungry prince ignores the voices of reason as he embarks on a campaign of dominion over all things.
Cast:
Hans Christian Andersen.....Toby Jones
The Prince ….. Craig Parkinson
Captain of the Guard ….. Ian Conningham
Enemy Emissary ….. Ikky Elyas
Keeper of the Coin ….. Greg Jones
Advisors ….. Clive Hayward and Jessica Turner
Introduced by Joanne Harris
Directed by Gemma Jenkins
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2019.
FRI 09:00 Crybabies Present... (m002gm50)
Series 1
Yours Fatally
Jeremy Moleskine is the biggest writer in bawdy greetings cards. So when his car veers off the road, his number one fan is on hand to nurse him back to health. But when R&R turns into B&B (belittling and bludgeoning), Jeremy’s agent must track him down with the help of incarcerated lunatic, Clinton Scards.
Brace yourself for a psychological thriller as Crybabies bring the big screen to your normal sized radio.
Written and performed by Michael Clarke, James Gault & Ed Jones.
Featuring Chiara Goldsmith
Production Co-ordinator - Laura Shaw
Sound Design by David Thomas and Victoria Freund
Producer - Benjamin Sutton
Executive Producer - Joe Nunnery
A Boffola Pictures production for BBC Radio 4
FRI 09:30 A View With a Room - Burgh Island Hotel (b0075fld)
Tony and Beatrix Porter's restoration of a Devon hotel - which inspired Agatha Christie - to its former glory. From 1998.
FRI 09:45 Daily Service (m002gm54)
Encounters with God: Disciples meet the Holy Spirit
Christian worship and music with Rev Diana Hall of St Margaret's Easter Road Scottish Episcopal Church and Mustard Seed, in the festival city of Edinburgh.
Reading: Acts 2: 1-8
FRI 10:00 Soul Music (b0076blv)
Series 3
Kol Nidrei
Max Bruch's piece for cello is based on Jewish prayer sung at Yom Kippur and played memorably by Jacqueline du Pre.
Series about music that makes the hairs stand up on the back of our necks.
Producer: Sara Conkey
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2002.
FRI 10:30 The Butterfly Effect (b01rg1gw)
Soprano Amanda Roocroft explores the impact of Madame Butterfly in performance and popular culture.
Leading British Soprano Amanda Roocroft explores the story of Japanese girl Cio Cio San, who evolving from a short novel was brought to the stage by Italian composer Giacomo Puccini in his opera Madama Butterfly. In this programme soprano's Angela Gheorghiu, Anne Sophie Duprels and Victoria De Los Angeles reveal why performing as Butterfly is one of the most exacting roles in the operatic repertory.
Author and Japanese expert Lesley Downer and opera enthusiast Rod Wood provide details of the origins of her tragic story and present fascinating insights into the life and work of Puccini.
Madame Butterfly's impact in performance is also discussed by members of Northern Ballet and Opera North and her incredible influence in the world of popular culture is revealed; including the time she caused a stir in the pop charts when music impresario Malcolm McLaren introduced her to a whole new audience.
Using archive and fresh interviews along with stand-out vocal performances, Roocroft takes a captivating journey through one of the world's best loved operas.
Producer: Stephen Garner
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2013.
FRI 11:00 Whodunnits (m002gm4y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 11:30 Richard Barton: General Practitioner! (b007582j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 12:00 Any Other Business (b0140tzv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 12:30 The Inimitable Jeeves (b007jxf5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 13:00 Skeletons in the Cupboard (m000r5nl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 13:30 I Didn't Get Where I Am Today by David Nobbs (b00cl496)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 13:45 Dance Till You Bleed: The World According to Hans Christian Andersen (m000bs1v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
FRI 14:00 Whispers (b007k2zk)
Series 2
Episode 3
Which scandal would the panelist like to be involved with..?
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:
Simon Fanshawe
Charles Collingwood
Producer: Elizabeth Freestone
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2004.
FRI 14:30 Double Income, No Kids Yet (b008043w)
Series 2
Episode 5
The news that their best friends are expecting a second baby sparks an unexpected reaction in Lucy.
In desperation, Daniel turns to his mother-in-law for help...
Starring David Tennant and Elizabeth Carling.
David Spicer's comedy drama about modern life and parenthood, as seen through the eyes of two 30-something non-parents.
Daniel .... David Tennant
Lucy .... Liz Carling
Katie .... Samantha Spiro
Andy .... Tony Gardner
Mary .... Sally Grace
Frank .... Bill Fellows
Producer: Liz Anstee
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2002.
FRI 15:00 Three Large Beers by David Nobbs (b00776h6)
Three men are curious to discover why they all separately visit the same Indian Takeaway on the third Thursday of every month.
Starring Tim McInnerny, James Fleet and Jeremy Swift.
Written by David Nobbs.
Clive .... Tim McInnerny
Bernard .... James Fleet
Owen .... Jeremy Swift
Ali .... Kulvinder Ghir
Helen .... Christine Kavanagh
Miss Buttered Chapati .... Rachel Bavidge
Young Woman .... Jasmine Callan
Producer: Liz Webb
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2007.
FRI 15:45 Tears, Idle Tears by Elizabeth Bowen (b08rzvx7)
"She was a gallant-looking woman, wearing white gloves and a dark blue toque put on exactly right - not the sort of woman you ought to see in the park with a great blubbering boy belonging to her."
Struggling with her seven-year-old son's crying, the widowed Mrs Dickinson gets unexpected help.
June Barrie reads Elizabeth Bowen’s short story.
Producer: Viv Beeby
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1992.
FRI 16:00 Soul Music (b0076blv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
FRI 16:30 The Butterfly Effect (b01rg1gw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
FRI 17:00 Whodunnits (m002gm4y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 17:30 Richard Barton: General Practitioner! (b007582j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 18:00 Any Other Business (b0140tzv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 18:30 The Inimitable Jeeves (b007jxf5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 19:00 Skeletons in the Cupboard (m000r5nl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 19:30 I Didn't Get Where I Am Today by David Nobbs (b00cl496)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 19:45 Dance Till You Bleed: The World According to Hans Christian Andersen (m000bs1v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
FRI 20:00 Whispers (b007k2zk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
FRI 20:30 Double Income, No Kids Yet (b008043w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
FRI 21:00 Three Large Beers by David Nobbs (b00776h6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
FRI 21:45 Tears, Idle Tears by Elizabeth Bowen (b08rzvx7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 today]
FRI 22:00 Crybabies Present... (m002gm50)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
FRI 22:30 John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme (b01m171v)
Edinburgh 2012
John Finnemore presents a special edition of his sketch show from the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
His first series was described as "sparklingly clever" by The Daily Telegraph and "one of the most consistently funny sketch shows for quite some time" by The Guardian.
It featured Winnie the Pooh coming to terms with his abusive relationship with honey; how The Archers sounds to people who don't listen to the Archers, and Jekyll and Hyde's tricky housekeeping arrangements.
This special won't feature any of those things, but that's ok, because it will feature other things, and they'll be funny too.
Written by and starring John Finnemore.
With:
Margaret Cabourn-Smith
Simon Kane
Lawry Lewin
Carrie Quinlan
Producer: Ed Morrish
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2012.
FRI 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m002h2wg)
Zainab Johnson 3/3
Athena Kugblenu interviews stand-up comedian Zainab Johnson. They talk about how Zainab prepared to film her stand-up special 'Hijabs Off' and how her family (with 12 siblings!) have reacted to be the inspiration for some of her comedy.
FRI 23:00 On the Hour (b007k4vr)
Series 2
Episode 4
Reports of a right royal shocker, plus Alan Partridge with all the sport.
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, Stewart Lee and Patrick Marber.
Producer: Armando lannucci
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1992.
FRI 23:30 Radio Active (b0081ldx)
Series 1
What's News?
Britain's first National Local Radio Station gets its teeth into current affairs.
Written by Angus Deayton, Philip Pope, Geoffrey Perkins and Richard Curtis.
Starring:
Angus Deayton
Helen Atkinson-Wood
Geoffrey Perkins
Philip Pope
Michael Fenton Stevens
Producer: Jimmy Mulville
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1981.