SATURDAY 09 AUGUST 2025

SAT 00:00 Soul Music (b0076blv)
Series 3
Kol Nidrei
Bruch's piece for cello is based on Jewish prayer sung at Yom Kippur.
Cellists Steven Isserlis and Liam Abramson discuss the impact of playing this music.
Poet Tessa Ransford remembers how she chose the piece for her friend's funeral.
And Rabbi Albert Friedlander describes listening to this music with Jacqueline du Pre on the last day of her life.
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.
SAT 00:30 The Butterfly Effect (b01rg1gw)
Soprano Amanda Roocroft explores the impact of Madame Butterfly in performance and popular culture.
Amanda explores the story of Japanese girl Cio Cio San, which evolving from a short novel was brought to the stage by Italian composer Giacomo Puccini in his opera Madama Butterfly.
Sopranos 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.
This includes 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 March 2013.
SAT 01:00 Whodunnits (m002gm4y)
John le Carré - 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 Carré'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.
SAT 01:30 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?
Richard Barton ...... Robert Bathurst
Old Dick Barton ...... Moray Watson
Jock ...... Iain Cuthbertson
Young Dick Barton ...... Julian Dutton
Sally Phillips ...... Matilda Ziegler
Joss Ackland guest stars as Dr Willoughby
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 this affectionate homage to one of BBC Radio's most enduring heroes.
Producer: Jo Clegg
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1998.
SAT 02:00 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.
SAT 02:30 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.
SAT 03:00 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.
SAT 03:30 I Didn't Get Where I Am Today by David Nobbs (b00cl496)
5. Going Gently
Perrin, Pratt and 'Going Gently'.
Comic novelist and scriptwriter - David Nobbs concludes reading his autobiography.
Adapted by Patricia Hannah.
Producer: David Jackson Young
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2003.
SAT 03:45 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.
SAT 04:00 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.
SAT 04:30 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.
SAT 05:00 Three Large Beers by David Nobbs (b00776h6)
Three men don't know each other.
Yet every third Thursday of the month, they can be found sitting in the Delhi Tandoori.
Each of them separately nurses a large bottle of Indian beer.
One day, conversation breaks out between them.
Why are they all such regulars ..?
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.
SAT 05:45 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.
SAT 06:00 Master Class by David Pownall (b00h3wsb)
After the Second World War, music played a vital part in the regeneration of the Soviet Union.
In 1948, composers Sergei Prokofiev and Dmitri Shostakovich are summoned to an extraordinary private meeting at the Kremlin.
Callous, bullying, charming and sometimes violent, Joseph Stalin is the monstrous leader of the one-party state.
And he’s very keen to discuss the kind of music he wants...
Starring Kenneth Cranham.
Menacing comedy written by David Pownall.
Stalin .... Kenneth Cranham
Zhdanov .... Trevor Cooper
Prokofiev .... Bruce Alexander
Shostakovich .... .John Light
Music arranged by John White.
Director: Jessica Dromgoole
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2009.
SAT 07:30 The Man Who Invented Motion Pictures by Paul Fischer (Omnibus) (m002gznb)
The story of the invention of the motion picture and the mysterious man behind it.
In 1888, the French artist and inventor Louis Le Prince recorded the first ever moving image on film using a single lens camera of his own design.
It featured members of his family moving about the garden of their home and can still be seen online.
In September 1890 he paid a visit to his brother in Dijon, France, intending after that to join his wife and family in New York where they lived.
On 16th September he caught a train to Paris. He never arrived in Paris, and was never seen again.
One month later, Thomas Edison announced his own invention of a camera which could take moving pictures. At a time of fierce competition among inventors to obtain patents for their own products, the mystery of the disappearance of Louis le Prince has never been solved.
Omnibus of five parts, abridged in by Libby Spurrier.
Read by Paterson Joseph.
Producer: Celia de Wolff
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in April 2022.
SAT 08:45 Come Back With The Wind by Les Dawson (b03b4lrn)
3. Red Butler's Plan
As civil war rages in Britain, Red Butler comes up with a plan to try and boss the Scottish economy.
Much-loved comedian Les Dawson reads more from his own bodice-ripping novel.
It’s a humorous tale of Britain’s North/South divide.
Five-part spoof epic novel.
Piano "played" by Les Daws
Producer Richard Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in February 1993.
SAT 09:00 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b007xvlm)
Series 1
Episode 3
Flywheel's assistant Ravelli gets kidnapped, but will the shady lawyer pay the ransom?
Recreation of the Marx Brothers' lost shows charting the adventures of shady lawyer Waldorf T Flywheel and his assistant, Emmanuel Ravelli.
Originally broadcast with sponsors on America's NBC radio network in the 1930s. The scripts were rediscovered in 1988.
Groucho Marx as Waldorf T Flywheel ...... Michael Roberts
Chico Marx as Emmanuel Ravellias ...... Frank Lazarus
With:
Lorelei King
Graham Hoadly
Written by Nat Perrin and Athur Sheekman. Adapted by Mark Brisenden.
Music arranged and conducted by David Firman.
Producer: Dirk Maggs
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1990.
SAT 09:30 All Gas and Gaiters (m000p7c2)
Series 1
The Bishop Gets A Letter
The Bishop is stung into taking action over poverty in a parish.
Ecclesiastical sitcom which started life on BBC TV.
Written and adapted by husband-and-wife team, Pauline Devaney and Edwin Apps.
The Archdeacon …. Robertson Hare
The Bishop …. William Mervyn
The Bishop's Chaplain …. Derek Nimmo
The Perpetual Curate of Stagmarsh …. James Hayter
Butler …. John Gabriel
The Farmer …. Peter Tuddenham
'All Gas And Gaiters' started life as a TV pilot in Comedy Playhouse, ahead of a run on BBC1 from 1966 to 1971.
Selected scripts were revised and re-recorded for radio
Producer: David Hatch.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1971.
SAT 10:00 Steve Penk's Radio Nightmares (m000hwfc)
3. Third Time's A Charm
Broadcaster Steve Penk digs out a final batch of some of the funniest clips of live radio mistakes - with 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 last of a three-part compilation - including:
Emily Buchanan introducing a blooper reel from ‘A World In Your Ear’.
Producer: Stephen Garner
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in November 2018.
SAT 11:00 Master Class by David Pownall (b00h3wsb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 12:30 The Man Who Invented Motion Pictures by Paul Fischer (Omnibus) (m002gznb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 13:45 Come Back With The Wind by Les Dawson (b03b4lrn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
SAT 14:00 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b007xvlm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 14:30 All Gas and Gaiters (m000p7c2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SAT 15:00 Steve Penk's Radio Nightmares (m000hwfc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SAT 16:00 Doctor Who (m001bb8z)
Tenth Doctor Adventures
Technophobia
When The Doctor and Donna visit London’s Technology Museum for a glimpse into the future, things don’t go to plan.
The most brilliant IT brain in the country can’t use her computer. More worryingly, the exhibits are attacking the visitors, while outside, people seem to be losing control of the technology that runs their lives.
Is it all down to human stupidity, or is something more sinister going on?
Beneath the streets, the Koggnossenti are waiting for all of London to fall prey to technophobia...
The first of six adventures featuring the tenth incarnation of The Doctor.
Starring David Tennant and Catherine Tate.
Written by Matt Fitton.
The Doctor …. David Tennant
Donna Noble …. Catherine Tate
Jill Meadow …. Rachael Stirling
Bex …. Niky Wardley
Brian …. Chook Sibtain
Lukas …. Jot Davies
Kevin …. Rory Keenan
Original music by Howard Carter.
Producer: David Richardson
A Big Finish production.
* Cover artwork by Tom Webster *
SAT 17:00 Master Class by David Pownall (b00h3wsb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 18:30 The Man Who Invented Motion Pictures by Paul Fischer (Omnibus) (m002gznb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 19:45 Come Back With The Wind by Les Dawson (b03b4lrn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
SAT 20:00 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b007xvlm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 20:30 All Gas and Gaiters (m000p7c2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SAT 21:00 Steve Penk's Radio Nightmares (m000hwfc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SAT 22:00 Tim Minchin and Friends (b007knth)
Adventurous lyrics and musical virtuosity.
A marvellous collision of mirth and piano from the award-winning comic and pianist in his first-ever BBC concert.
Written by and starring Tim Minchin.
With:
Justin Edwards.
Producer: Will Saunders
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in January 2007.
SAT 23:00 Ross Noble Goes Global (b01c6txd)
Series 2
Belgium
Ross Noble sets about proving Belgium is not dull, thanks to chocolate, some odd statues and the legacy of Jean-Claude Van Damme.
Globe-trotting Ross sets out on another series of comedy travelogues.
Producer: Danny Wallace
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2003.
SAT 23:30 Chain Reaction (b00mtpl4)
Series 3
Jack Dee and Jeremy Hardy
Deadpan comedian Jack Dee interviews comedian and passionate polemicist Jeremy Hardy.
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 10 AUGUST 2025

SUN 00:00 Doctor Who (m001bb8z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Saturday]
SUN 01:00 Master Class by David Pownall (b00h3wsb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]
SUN 02:30 The Man Who Invented Motion Pictures by Paul Fischer (Omnibus) (m002gznb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Saturday]
SUN 03:45 Come Back With The Wind by Les Dawson (b03b4lrn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Saturday]
SUN 04:00 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b007xvlm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Saturday]
SUN 04:30 All Gas and Gaiters (m000p7c2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Saturday]
SUN 05:00 Steve Penk's Radio Nightmares (m000hwfc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Saturday]
SUN 06:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m001bk5c)
From Fringe to Fame
Sarah Millican
From Paul McCartney to Wham!
Comedian Sarah Millican shares her castaway choices with Kirsty Young.
Her every woman yet no-holds-barred style of comedy has brought her sell-out tours and several of her own highly successful TV series. Revelling in normality and drawing on the difficult, intimate and ofter extruciating moments of being human, she dares to say what most of us are thinking, only she's much funnier.
A Geordie, born in South Shields, her dad was an engineer down the mines and her mum was a hairdresser. They encouraged their daughter in her storytelling and performing even though her childhood shyness meant she'd recite her poetry from behind the living room curtains.
Later it was pain that first propelled her onto the stage when a broken early marriage provided the catalyst she needed to find the courage to confront the glaring judgement of the audience's gaze. Her rise was then rapid. Within four years she was awarded the Best Newcomer prize at the Edinburgh Fringe.
She says, "People come along and think, 'oh she's being too rude'. They don't realise I'm just like this at home. People think I'm prim and proper at home but I'm not - I'm just me transplanted onto the stage".
DISC ONE: Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go - Wham!
DISC TWO: (There's No Place Like) Home for the Holidays - Perry Como
DISC THREE: Happy - Pharrell Williams
DISC FOUR: Thunderbird - Hans Zimmer featuring Pete Haycock
DISC FIVE: Chocolate - Snow Patrol
DISC SIX: We All Stand Together - Paul McCartney
DISC SEVEN: The Theme from the film, Superman - London Symphony Orchestra & John Williams
DISC EIGHT: Homeward Bound - Simon & Garfunkel
BOOK CHOICE - A survival book
LUXURY ITEM - Notebooks and pens
CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE - The Theme from the film, Superman - London Symphony Orchestra & John Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 December 2014.
SUN 06:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b01130qm)
Series 2
Cuckoo
The Cuckoo is one of the iconic brood parasites of the world - the bird that cons another species into taking its egg as its own and rears the chick to fledging.
In the single frame of the Cuckoo you have a long distance migrant, travelling from Africa to breeding grounds in the temperate north, and back again.
The Cuckoo does not raise its own chick and across a range of Cuckoo individuals, they parasitise several species of bird - all much smaller than they are.
Sir David Attenborough explores the world of the Cuckoo and not only marvels at their natural history but tells the story of how a wildlife cameraman resolved a scientific mystery - and how the Cuckoo itself harbours yet more secrets to science and natural history.
Producer: Julian Hector.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2011
SUN 07:00 Poetry Extra (m002gznf)
Belief in Poetry - John Donne
Poet Daljit Nagra revisits the BBC's poetry archive and selects Belief in Poetry featuring the work of John Donne.
Poet and theologian Pádraig Ó Tuama considers the metaphysical poet and preacher’s complex faith life through his poetry, more than 450 years on from his birth.
Pádraig talks about Donne's belief with:
* Julie Sanders, Professor of English Literature and Drama at Newcastle University
* Mark Oakley, writer and Dean of St John’s College, Cambridge
* Michael Symmons Roberts, poet and Professor of Poetry at Manchester Metropolitan University.
John Donne was born in London in 1572 into the very precarious world of English recusant Catholicism. His mother was the grand-niece of Catholic martyr Thomas More. Religion would go on play a hugely significant but complex role throughout Donne’s life.
After Oxbridge (where he never received degrees, due to his Catholicism) he studied law at Lincoln’s Inn and looked destined for a legal or diplomatic career.
In his early 20s, much of his time and money was spent on women, books and travel as well as writing most of his famous love lyrics and erotic poems.
In 1601, he secretly married Sir Egerton’s niece, the 16-year-old Anne More. Disapproval of this clandestine marriage led to Donne being fired and there followed eight years in a wilderness of relative poverty.
In 1617, Donne’s wife died shortly after giving birth to their 12th child. Donne devoted his energy to more religious poetry and writings. Four years later, he became Dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral. He died at the age of 59.
Reader: Sir Simon Russell Beale
Producer: Rosie Boulton
A Must Try Softer production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in 2022.
SUN 07:30 I Didn't Get Where I Am Today by David Nobbs (Omnibus) (m002gznh)
"On 13th March, 1935, Hitler achieved air parity with Britain, Golden Miller won the Cheltenham Gold Cup for the fourth time, the Duke of Norfolk shot a rhino, and I reluctantly exchanged the comfort of my mother's womb for the uncertainty of life in Orpington."
Comic novelist, scriptwriter and creator of the immortal Reginald Perrin - David Nobbs reads from his autobiography, first published in 2001.
In addition to creating ‘The Rise and Fall of Reginald Perrin’, David also wrote ‘A Bit of a Do’ and ‘Shine a Light’, as well as writing 20 novels.
Omnibus of five parts adapted by Patricia Hannah.
Producer: David Jackson Young
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2003.
SUN 08:40 Inheritance Tracks (p0lfmqbv)
Georgia Mann
Broadcaster Georgia Mann chooses Gabriel Fauré’s ‘Pie Jesu’ and ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ by Bonnie Tyler.
SUN 08:50 Drama on 3 (m000btx0)
Dance Til You Bleed: The World According to Hans Christian Andersen (Omnibus)
Selection of fairy tales shining a light into the dark regions of the mind of author Hans Christian Andersen.
Starring Toby Jones.
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.
As Andersen, Toby Jones is the guide, embarking on a journey through the author’s imagination as he attempts to identify the source of his creativity, delving into the darker tales including the later stories that anticipate Surrealism and Freud.
Omnibus of five tales adapted by Lucy Catherine
With introductions by bestselling author and fairy tale aficionado, Joanne Harris.
THE MOST INCREDIBLE THING:
A foolish King barters with his daughter’s happiness when he issues a proclamation.
King …. Clive Hayward
Princess .... Scarlett Courtney
Nicholas .... Greg Jones
Vandal …. Ian Conningham
Lord Chamberlain …. Adam Courting
Nightwatchman/Moses …. Neil McCaul
THE RED SHOES:
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.
Karen …. Shannon Tarbet
Lady …. Jessica Turner
Mirror …. Sinead MacInnes
Soldier …. Ian Conningham
Shoemaker’s Wife …. Lucy Reynolds
Reverend …. Clive Hayward
Executioner …. Neil McCaul
ANNE LISBETH:
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.
Anne …. Amanda Hale
Mrs E …. Heather Craney
Son …. Will Kirk
Skipper …. Adam Courting
THE ICE MAIDEN
Rudy hovers on the brink of romantic happiness but first he must face the Ice Maiden. One of the inspirations for the film ‘Frozen’ but here, in Andersen’s original, Elsa is a far more terrifying creation.
Rudy …. Joseph Ayre
Babette …. Sinead MacInnes
Ice Maiden …. Laura Christy
Miller …. Ian Conningham
Cat …. Clive Hayward
THE WICKED PRINCE
A power-hungry prince ignores the voices of reason as he embarks on a campaign of dominion over all things.
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
Director: Gemma Jenkins
First broadcast on BBC Radio 3 in November 2019.
SUN 10:00 Ray's a Laugh (b01hl2g5)
From 25/10/1949
Ted's horoscope is astoundingly accurate and George tries to solve a mystery.
Starring Ted Ray.
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.
Written by Eddie Maguire and Ted Ray.
With:
Kitty Bluett
Peter Seller
Patricia Hayes
Fred Yule
Leslie Perrins.
Music from Bob & Alf Pearson and Beaux & 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 (m0019rgp)
Series 2
Trixymixy Party
'Mother' has ordered some fancy party food to tempt other housewives to buy kitchen utensils.
'Father' must stay out of the way.
Stars Molly Sugden and Deryck Guyler.
Olive and William Wheeler are a crusty old married couple, who call each other ‘Mother’ and ‘Father’.
He's still adapting to his retirement after 40 years in the same office, while she's trying to cope with him being under her feet all day.
Sitcom written by Anne Jones.
William Wheeler ...... Deryck Guyler
Olive Wheeler ...... Molly Sugden
Jack Bailey ...... Norman Rossington
Nev ...... John Baddeley
Bob ...... Graham Weston
Theme music by Alex Welsh, played by Alex Welsh and his band
Producer: Trafford Whitelock
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1975.
SUN 11:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m001bk5c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 11:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b01130qm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]
SUN 12:00 Poetry Extra (m002gznf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
SUN 12:30 I Didn't Get Where I Am Today by David Nobbs (Omnibus) (m002gznh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 13:40 Inheritance Tracks (p0lfmqbv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 today]
SUN 13:50 Drama on 3 (m000btx0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]
SUN 15:00 Ray's a Laugh (b01hl2g5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 15:30 Home to Roost (m0019rgp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
SUN 16:00 Weird Tales (b01nt0s0)
Series 3
Night Terrors by Lizzie Nunnery
The pressure's getting too much for clever clogs Victoria. She can't sleep at night. She has nightmares.
But it's okay because they're just bad dreams.
Until one day the dreams become terrifyingly real...
Series of chilling plays for winter nights.
Written by Lizzie Nunnery.
Dad ... Eddie Marsan
Victoria ... Katie Angelou
Laura ... Georgia Groome
Mum ... Sally Orrock
Jane ... Francine Chamberlain
Producer: Helen Perry
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2011.
SUN 16:30 Touch and Go by Kingsley Amis (m002gznl)
On the distant planet of Prosion III, an advanced party uses autonomous machines to prepare a landing strip for an incoming spacecraft.
All goes according to plan until one of the machines gets stuck.
Then something else makes its presence felt…
A short story by Kingsley Amis.
John Smith …. Denis Goacher
Katsumata …. Frank Duncan
Jacob Isaacs …. William Sylvester
Dobyinski …. Alexis Chesnakov
’Doc’ Prosser-Thomas …. Norman Wynne
Bill Onukwe …. Errol John
Producer: David Thomas
First broadcast on the BBC Third Programme in November 1957.
SUN 17:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m001bk5c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 17:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b01130qm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]
SUN 18:00 Poetry Extra (m002gznf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
SUN 18:30 I Didn't Get Where I Am Today by David Nobbs (Omnibus) (m002gznh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 19:40 Inheritance Tracks (p0lfmqbv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 today]
SUN 19:50 Drama on 3 (m000btx0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]
SUN 21:00 Ray's a Laugh (b01hl2g5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 21:30 Home to Roost (m0019rgp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
SUN 22:00 My Teenage Diary (b0b88pl5)
Series 8
Pippa Evans
Pippa Evans recalls her crushes, life at Christian camp, and her days as a Michael Palin superfan.
The comedian, best known for her characters and improv, shares tales of her teenage past with Rufus Hound.
Producer: Harriet Jaine
A Talkback production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in July 2018.
SUN 22:30 Henry Normal's Encyclopaedia Poetica (m00018d7)
Volume 3
Henry Normal opens volume three of his Encyclopaedia Poetica, celebrating the rich tradition of the poet as a revolutionary, in a cardigan.
His poems cover politics, class, bouncy castles, and the buses, trams and trains of Manchester.
From the Contact Theatre, Manchester.
With poets:
Belinda Burton
John Hegley
Producer: Diane Messias
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1994.
SUN 23:00 Women Talking About Cars (m0001jq7)
Series 3
3. Lynda La Plante
Lynda La Plante is the award-winning writer behind Prime Suspect and Widows.
She talks to Victoria Coren Mitchell about her life and the cars she has driven along the way.
From her origins in Liverpool to the stage to the USA and becoming a writer, via a Mini Cooper that turned out to be two Mini Coopers stuck together, a magnificent Mercedes and love at first sight with a Rolls Royce Corniche.
Lynda tells her hilarious, uplifting and thought-provoking life story.
Readings by Sarah Hadland
Producer: Gareth Edwards
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2018.
SUN 23:30 Cowards (b00fhtm0)
Series 2
Episode 2
Meet a greedy darts player and an irritating rower. Plus a visit to a video rental shop....
More from inside the strange and happy world of the Cowards.
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 11 AUGUST 2025

MON 00:00 Weird Tales (b01nt0s0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Sunday]
MON 00:30 Touch and Go by Kingsley Amis (m002gznl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:30 on Sunday]
MON 01:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m001bk5c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Sunday]
MON 01:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b01130qm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 on Sunday]
MON 02:00 Poetry Extra (m002gznf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Sunday]
MON 02:30 I Didn't Get Where I Am Today by David Nobbs (Omnibus) (m002gznh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Sunday]
MON 03:40 Inheritance Tracks (p0lfmqbv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 on Sunday]
MON 03:50 Drama on 3 (m000btx0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 on Sunday]
MON 05:00 Ray's a Laugh (b01hl2g5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Sunday]
MON 05:30 Home to Roost (m0019rgp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Sunday]
MON 06:00 Dick Francis (b011pp7t)
Whip Hand
1. Swindler
Disabled ex-champion jumping jockey turned investigator Sid Halley faces a daunting treble:
* Guard the Guineas favourite
* Investigate a dubious racing syndicate
* Find the man who's swindled his ex-wife.
Dick Francis's thriller set in the world of horse-racing.
Starring Mick Ford.
Dramatised in five parts by Alan England.
Sid Halley ...... Mick Ford
George Caspar ...... Alan Devereux
Unwin ...... David Vann
Chico Barnes ...... Kim Durham
Rosemary Caspar ...... Patricia Gallimore
Jenny ...... Petra Markha
Charles ...... Simon Carter
Trevor Deansgate ...... Terry Molloy
Other parts played by:
Susan Sheridan
David Neal
Producer: Philip Martin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1991.
MON 06:30 Richard Barton: General Practitioner! (b0075887)
5. Trouble
Unretirable special agent Dick Barton and his son Richard are having no trouble speaking their minds. Which inevitably gets them both into trouble.
Richard Barton ...... Robert Bathurst
Old Dick Barton ...... Moray Watson
Jock ...... Iain Cuthbertson
Young Dick Barton ...... Julian Dutton
Sally Phillips ...... Matilda Ziegler
Other parts played by Fiona Allen and Roger Blake.
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 this affectionate homage to one of BBC Radio's most enduring heroes.
Producer: Jo Clegg
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1998.
MON 07:00 In the Red (b007k003)
Episode 3
Anarchic BBC reporter George Cragge probes the murder of another London bank manager.
Meanwhile in Broadcasting House, BBC Controllers are counting on divine intervention to topple the Director General.
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 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
Andrew James ...... Peter Serafinowcz
Agony Aunt ...... Eva Stuart
Oswald ...... Simon Greenall
Chairman ...... Peter Yapp
Other parts by Oliver Sentona and Alice Arnold.
Music by Paul Mottram
Producer: Paul Schlesinger
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1995.
MON 07:30 Dad's Army (b007k1s5)
Series 1
The Man and the Hour
14th May 1940: George Mainwaring, manager of Swallow's Bank in Walmington-on-Sea, answers his country's wartime call.
He decides to form a platoon of Local Defence Volunteers - with the help of a misfit bunch of tradesmen and bankers.
Six years after legendary sitcom Dad's Army started on BBC TV, these specially adapted radio versions began recording with the original cast.
Adapted from Jimmy Perry and David Croft's original scripts by Michael Knowles and Harold Snoad.
Captain Mainwaring …. Arthur Lowe
Sergeant Wilson …. John Le Mesurier
Corporal Jones …. Clive Dunn
Private Frazer …. John Laurie
Private Godfrey …. Arnold Ridley
Private Walker …. James Beck
Private Pike …. Ian Lavender
Announcer …. John Snagge
Producer: John Dyas
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1974.
MON 08:00 Alexei Sayle's The Absence of Normal (m0002rjl)
Series 1
The Only Man Stalin Was Afraid Of
One of the world’s most murderous dictators is in desperate need of help from an old friend.
Alexei Sayle narrates his series of dark comic plays adapted from his original short stories.
Starring:
Peter Capaldi
Freya Parker
Peter Serafinowicz
Producer: Joe Nunnery.
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in February 2019.
MON 08:30 The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante (m000m56n)
1. Turning Ugly
"Two years before leaving home my father said to my mother that I was very ugly."
A teenage girl uncovers family secrets and lies in 1990s Naples.
Novel written by Elena Ferrante, first published in 2019
Abridged in five parts by Sara Davies
As Giovanna moves from childhood into adolescence, she becomes fascinated with her father's sister Vittoria, from whom he is estranged.
She goes down from the affluent heights of Naples where she has grown up in a wealthy left-wing family, into the depths of the rough neighbourhoods of her father's youth.
As she begins to excavate her family history, everything of which she was certain unravels.
Read by Juliet Aubrey
Produced by Mary Ward-Lowery and Mair Bosworth
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2020.
***** Elena Ferrante is author of the Neapolitan quartet of novels:
* My Brilliant Friend
* The Story of a New Name
* Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay
* The Story of the Lost Child
MON 08:45 Voices from Vindolanda by Catherine Czerkawska (m002gzy4)
1. Lepidina
Roman Northern Frontier 110AD. The Prefect's wife receives a birthday invitation from a neighbouring fort.
Series about everyday life in a Roman fort on the Northern Frontier.
Written in five parts by Catherine Czerkawska.
Inspired by the wooden writing tablets recently found at the site of Vindolanda in Northumberland.
Coventina .... Heledd Baskerville
Lepidina .... Shuna Snow
Cerialis .... Robert Bathurst
Privatus .... David Bradley
Marcus .... Ben Moor
Original music by Sian Burns.
Director: Lawrence Jackson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2002.
MON 09:00 I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue (m002gqgq)
Series 83
5. On the Buzzer
The godfather of all panel shows pays a visit to the Bristol Beacon. On the panel are Adrian Edmondson, Rachel Parris, Miles Jupp and Henning Wehn, 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 The History of Secrecy (b08575yn)
1. The Age of Secrecy
Secrets have never been more suspect.
Post-Snowden, post-Savile, institutions which keep secrets are automatically seen as having something to hide, and openness and transparency are seen as the new imperatives.
Any deviation from the new orthodoxy of honesty is punished - by exposure.
But the story of secrecy is not as black and white as our contemporary prejudices would have it.
For centuries secrecy has been seen to serve a useful purpose. It has protected citizens from the prying eyes of governments, it has protected the feelings of individuals and kept couples together.
It has safeguarded professional integrity, and protected the vulnerable from abuse. Have we lost more than we have gained by abandoning our respect for the power and sanctity of secrecy?
Back in the Middle Ages it was thought alchemy could unravel the secrets of nature...
Producer: Kate Bissell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2016.
MON 09:45 Daily Service (m002gzy6)
Joy in His Presence
Christian Worship with a Bible reading, prayer and Christian music.
Theme: Joy in the Lord- Joy in His presence
Led by Father Martin Magill
Reading: Psalm 16: 5-11
All creatures of our God and King
Psalm 122
Come Christians join to sing
MON 10:00 Frankly Speaking (b079rbns)
Hermione Gingold
The sharp-tongued, eccentric star of stage and film, Hermione Gingold discusses her career with a panel of two:
* John Freeman - renowned journalist
* Philip Hope-Wallace - theatre critic
Aged 63 when interviewed, the English-born actress was by then based in the USA and had been living in New York for five years.
Hermione Gingold died aged 89 in 1987.
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.
Unknown or very inexperienced broadcasters were employed as interviewers, notably John Betjeman, Malcolm Muggeridge and Penelope Mortimer.
Only 40 or so of the original 100 programmes survive.
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in 1960.
MON 10:30 Finding Harpo's Voice (b074zdcx)
The internationally acclaimed cellist Steven Isserlis first encountered the Marx Brothers as a teenager when he saw their film "The Cocoanuts".
It was the character of Harpo Marx, the silent clown of the brothers, who spoke to him the most directly.
The young Steven became a huge fan, to the extent that, instead of practising, he would go to the library to read everything he could find about his screen hero.
The sound of the car horn became substitute for Harpo's voice, and on many occasions he played the instrument that gave him his stage name.
Steven explores how, despite being able to talk perfectly well, Harpo came to be the silent Marx brother following a bad review. What was it about Harpo’s screen persona that created such a lasting legacy?
Steven travels to the home of Bill Marx, Harpo's eldest son, gets a chance to don Harpo's signature raincoat and wig, and the sounds of the famous horns.
With contributions from:
* Actor Simon Callow
* Film critic Jonathan Romney
* Harpists Charlotte Seale & Imogen Barford
Producer: Emma Kingsley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2016.
MON 11:00 Dick Francis (b011pp7t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 11:30 Richard Barton: General Practitioner! (b0075887)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 12:00 In the Red (b007k003)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 12:30 Dad's Army (b007k1s5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 13:00 Alexei Sayle's The Absence of Normal (m0002rjl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 13:30 The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante (m000m56n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 13:45 Voices from Vindolanda by Catherine Czerkawska (m002gzy4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
MON 14:00 Just a Minute (b00w1bf9)
Series 58
Episode 1
Nicholas Parsons presides over the devious game where panellists are challenged to speak for one minute without hesitation, deviation or repetition.
With:
Paul Merton
lun Cochrane
Kit Hesketh-Harvey
Tony Hawks
Subjects include: My Favourite Character In Coronation Street, What Nicholas Keeps In His Wallet, Bobbins, Seeing The Dentist, The Age Of The Dinosaur, What Makes Me Furious
Created by Ian Messiter.
Producer: Claire Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2010.
MON 14:30 The Party Line (b00srkfv)
Series 1
Episode 3
Backbench MP Duncan Stonebridge gets all wound up about a wind farm.
A topical sitcom originally recorded just prior to transmission, focused on the life of Duncan Stonebridge, frustrated backbench Labour MP for Rothershurst.
Since falling off the stage during a live edition of Question Time, he fears his career is going nowhere. He’s a man trapped in limbo, struggling to deal on a local level with the edicts handed down from Westminster.
Written by Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis.
Duncan Stonebridge …. James Fleet
Arthur …. Simon Greenall
With:
Geoffrey McGivern
Rachel Atkins,
Jennie Cox
Sue Elliot-Nicholls
Neil Edmond
Producer: Adam Bromley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2005.
MON 15:00 Drama on 3 (m0017dq7)
The Hummingbird by Sandro Veronesi
Marco Carrera is 'the hummingbird', who stands still as he navigates the challenges of life – confronting the death of his sister; taking care of his elderly parents; raising his granddaughter when her mother can no longer be there for her; and coming to terms with his love for Luisa.
It is a romance of a different kind, and the story portrays a hero who can give more easily than he can take it. A sportsman and gambler, Marco is above all a truly gentle man - right up to the last hour of his life when he brings together those he loves to bid farewell.
An impressionistic, dreamlike telescoping of a life into 60 minutes, this adaptation by John Retallack weaves together voices, soundscape, music, and the authentic sounds and textures of Italy.
Sandro Veronesi's The Hummingbird won the Premio Strega, Italy’s major literary award, and is a No.1 international bestseller.
The Author ..... Paul Ansdell
Marco ..... Simon Lenagan
Luisa ..... Caroline Faber
Dr Carradori ..... Dan Krikler
Adele ..... Katie Friedli Walton
Miraijin ..... Darcy Dixon
The Hummingbird was translated from Italian by Elena Pala.
The 'Hummingbird' poem is by Raymond Carver.
Sound design by Jon Nicholls.
Adapted and directed by John Retallack.
Produced by Emma Balch
The Story of Books production for BBC Radio 3, first broadcast in 2022.
MON 16:00 Frankly Speaking (b079rbns)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
MON 16:30 Finding Harpo's Voice (b074zdcx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
MON 17:00 Dick Francis (b011pp7t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 17:30 Richard Barton: General Practitioner! (b0075887)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 18:00 In the Red (b007k003)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 18:30 Dad's Army (b007k1s5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 19:00 Alexei Sayle's The Absence of Normal (m0002rjl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 19:30 The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante (m000m56n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 19:45 Voices from Vindolanda by Catherine Czerkawska (m002gzy4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
MON 20:00 Just a Minute (b00w1bf9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
MON 20:30 The Party Line (b00srkfv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
MON 21:00 Drama on 3 (m0017dq7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
MON 22:00 I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue (m002gqgq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
MON 22:30 Alex Horne Presents The Horne Section (b01m9qkz)
Edinburgh 2012
A one-off special of music and comedy from Alex Horne and his 5 piece band.
From the 2012 Edinburgh Fringe Festival at Potterrow.
With special guests:
Comedian, Al Murray
Poet, Tim Key
Alex's band are:
Joe Auckland .... Trumpet and Banjo
Mark Brown .... Saxophone and guitar
Will Collier .... Bass
Ben Reynolds .... Drums
Joe Stilgoe .... Keyboards
Bagpipes played by Johnnie Gould.
Producer: Julia McKenzie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2012.
MON 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m002hcbq)
Steve Oram 1/3
From 10pm until midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Paul Garner chats to actor, writer and director Steve Oram
MON 23:00 Too Long; Didn't Read (m002gqys)
Series 2
Let's get this party started
Why does Britain have so many new parties? And why are none of them the fun kind? Catherine Bohart investigates the rising challengers to the two-party system, with the help of Zoe Lyons, Ian Dunt and roving correspondent Sunil Patel.
Written by Catherine Bohart, with Madeleine Brettingham, Gareth Gwynn and John Tothill.
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 (m000xqlq)
From 30/3/1981
From the laughing bank to perfume and poodles.
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 12 AUGUST 2025

TUE 00:00 Frankly Speaking (b079rbns)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Monday]
TUE 00:30 Finding Harpo's Voice (b074zdcx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Monday]
TUE 01:00 Dick Francis (b011pp7t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]
TUE 01:30 Richard Barton: General Practitioner! (b0075887)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Monday]
TUE 02:00 In the Red (b007k003)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Monday]
TUE 02:30 Dad's Army (b007k1s5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:00 Alexei Sayle's The Absence of Normal (m0002rjl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Monday]
TUE 03:30 The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante (m000m56n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:45 Voices from Vindolanda by Catherine Czerkawska (m002gzy4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Monday]
TUE 04:00 Just a Minute (b00w1bf9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:30 The Party Line (b00srkfv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Monday]
TUE 05:00 Drama on 3 (m0017dq7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Monday]
TUE 06:00 Dick Francis (b011psk5)
Whip Hand
2. Hide Out
When the favourite for the Newmarket 2000 Guineas was nobbled, why was Sid Halley hiding out in Paris?
Dick Francis's thriller set in the world of horse-racing.
Starring Mick Ford.
Dramatised by Alan England.
Sid Halley ...... Mick Ford
George Caspar ...... Alan Devereux
Unwin ...... David Vann
Chico Barnes ...... Kim Durham
Rosemary Caspar ...... Patricia Gallimore
Jenny ...... Petra Markha
Charles ...... Simon Carter
Trevor Deansgate ...... Terry Molloy
Martin England ...... Christopher England
Other parts played by:
Susan Sheridan
David Neal
Producer: Philip Martin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1991.
TUE 06:30 Richard Barton: General Practitioner! (b00758fv)
6. Cheers!
Dick running up a tab in the pub? Strange behaviour from the unimpeachable special agent.
Richard Barton ...... Robert Bathurst
Old Dick Barton ...... Moray Watson
Young Dick Barton ...... Julian Dutton
Sally Phillips ...... Matilda Ziegler
Jock ...... Iain Cuthbertson
Marge ...... Carolyn Jones
Other parts played by Roger Blake.
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 this affectionate homage to one of BBC Radio's most enduring heroes.
Producer: Jo Clegg
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1998.
TUE 07:00 Little Blighty on the Down (b007jx8h)
Series 1
Episode 3
As a sporting event looms, friendly rivalry sparks sinister espionage.
Political satire-based soap opera about the everyday story of a country folk.
Starring:
John Bluthal
Jo Kendall
John Baddeley
Nick Hancock
Bernadine Corrigan
Daniel Strauss
Written by Mark Burton, John O'Farrell and Mike Coleman.
Producer: David Tyler
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1988.
TUE 07:30 The Goon Show (b00d7jxr)
Series 8
The Plasticine Man
Neddie Seagoon poses as a 6,000-year-old man to resurrect his rock 'n' roll career.
Ground breaking, surreal BBC radio comedy written by Spike Milligan and Larry Stephens.
With:
Peter Sellers
Spike Milligan
Harry Secombe
First billed as Crazy People, ten series of The Goon Show were recorded between 1951 and 1960, but sadly many of the earliest shows weren’t kept in the archive.
With the Ray Ellington Quartet and Max Geldray.
Orchestra conducted by Wally Stott.
Announcer: Wallace Greenslade
Producer: Charles Chilton
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in December 1957.
TUE 08:00 To Hull and Back (b06kdz3q)
Series 1
An Affair to Forget
Sophie is on a quest for love whilst her mother is trying to get accepted into a posh ladies golf club.
Door-to-door sellers peddling thick bleach and an accident with a milk float all conspire to thwart their efforts.
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
DeeDee ...... Sue McCormick
Ann ...... Annie Sawle
Ben ..... Christopher Simpson
Producer: Carl Cooper
A BBC Radio Comedy Production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in October 2015.
TUE 08:30 The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante (m000m5ly)
2. Aunt Vittoria
Giovanna meets the infamous Aunt Vittoria.
A teenage girl uncovers family secrets and lies in 1990s Naples.
Elena Ferrante's novel abridged by Sara Davies
As Giovanna moves from childhood into adolescence, she becomes fascinated with her father's sister Vittoria, from whom he is estranged.
She goes down from the affluent heights of Naples where she has grown up in a wealthy left-wing family, into the depths of the rough neighbourhoods of her father's youth.
As she begins to excavate her family history, everything of which she was certain unravels.
Read by Juliet Aubrey
Producers: Mary Ward-Lowery & Mair Bosworth
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2020.
TUE 08:45 Voices from Vindolanda by Catherine Czerkawska (m002gzwv)
2. Fish Sauce and British Beer
Roman Northern Frontier 110AD. Spiro the Quartermaster orders in provisions for the coming feast while keeping abreast of fort gossip.
Series about everyday life in a Roman fort on the Northern Frontier.
Written by Catherine Czerkawska.
Inspired by the wooden writing tablets recently found at the site of Vindolanda in Northumberland.
Coventina .... Heledd Baskerville
Spiro .... Freddie Jones
Privatus .... David Bradley
Paulina .... Amanda Root
Original music by Sian Burns.
Director: Lawrence Jackson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2002.
TUE 09:00 Room 101 with Paul Merton (m002grrq)
Series 3
Maisie Adam
Paul Merton interviews a variety of guests from the world of comedy and entertainment to find out what they would send to Room 101.
Maisie Adam attempts to banish speedy boarding on airlines, sequels, and mobile phones at live events.
Additional material John Irwin and Suki Webster
Produced by Richard Wilson
A Hat Trick production for BBC Radio 4
TUE 09:30 The History of Secrecy (b0864788)
2. God's Secrets
Tiffany Jenkins travels to Rome to The Vatican's Secret Archive to discover how open they are at allowing access to a vast historical archive connected to the Catholic Church.
She also explores the importance of secrecy in creating a space and a connection to the divine.
Does accepting secrecy and mystery lead to wisdom? - as knowing what you don't know is wisdom itself.
Tiffany Jenkins series exploring the idea of secret knowledge.
Secrets have never been more suspect. Post Snowden, post Savile, institutions which keep secrets are automatically seen as having something to hide, and openness and transparency are seen as the new imperatives. Any deviation from the new orthodoxy of honesty is punished - by exposure.
But the story of secrecy is not as black and white as our contemporary prejudices would have it. For centuries secrecy has been seen to serve a useful purpose. It has protected citizens from the prying eyes of governments, it has protected the feelings of individuals and kept couples together.
It has safeguarded professional integrity, and protected the vulnerable from abuse. Have we lost more than we have gained by abandoning our respect for the power and sanctity of secrecy?
Producer: Kate Bissell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2016.
TUE 09:45 Daily Service (m002gzwy)
Joy in the Lord - Rejoice in the Lord
Theme: Joy in the Lord - Rejoice in the Lord
Presenter: Bishop David Walker recorded in the BBC Philharmonic studio with the Daily Service Singers, with Andrew Earis directing and Elin Rees on the organ.
Reading: Philippians 4: 4-9
Music:
Put peace into each other’s hands – Daily Service Singers
Rejoice in the Lord always - Daily Service Singers
Hymn: Love of the Father, love of God the Son - Daily Service Singers
Blessing: The peace of the earth be with you - Daily Service Singers
TUE 10:00 A Good Read (m0006dkr)
Mathew Baynton and Aasmah Mir
Horrible Histories actor Mathew Baynton and presenter Aasmah Mir join Harriett Gilbert. to discuss their favourite books by George Saunders, Iain Banks and Alison Jean Lester.
Tenth of December: Stories by George Saunders
Publisher: Bloomsbury
The Crow Road by Iain Banks
Publisher: Abacus
Lilian on Life by Alison Jean Lester
Publisher: John Murray
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2019.
TUE 10:30 Welcome to Wakaliwood (b0901bw0)
In the slums of Wakaliga, Uganda, a group of self-taught filmmakers run one of the world’s most unlikely movie studios.
Known as Wakaliwood, they’ve released 52 feature films in ten years, with kit built from scrap metal and old car jacks.
Despite this, their distinctive brand of kung fu action has found a global audience far beyond Kampala, with trailers going viral on YouTube and festivals around the world putting on sold-out screenings.
Filmmaker Isis Thompson travels to Uganda to experience life on the set of the latest Wakaliwood production, and find out how the tiny studio’s unexpected success is changing the fortunes of its cast and crew.
Photo of Wakaliwood action scene by Tess Williams
Producer: Olivia Humphreys
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2017.
TUE 11:00 Dick Francis (b011psk5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 11:30 Richard Barton: General Practitioner! (b00758fv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 12:00 Little Blighty on the Down (b007jx8h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 12:30 The Goon Show (b00d7jxr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 13:00 To Hull and Back (b06kdz3q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 13:30 The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante (m000m5ly)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 13:45 Voices from Vindolanda by Catherine Czerkawska (m002gzwv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
TUE 14:00 The Food Quiz (b083j269)
Series 3
Episode 6
Journalist and food critic Jay Rayner puts four gastronomes through their culinary paces.
All set for a good grilling:
Stephen Fry
Clarissa Dickson Wright
Henry Harris
Kimiko Barber
One of many questions to chew over:
Where in the world do they hold a Saffron, a Mackerel and a Pawpaw festival?
Producer: Rebecca Wells
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2004.
TUE 14:30 Barbara Nice (m000nlrd)
Series 1
Drawdown
Barbara discovers Ken could drawdown on his pension meaning they could start living the life of their fantasies.
So she puts the pressure on him to stop being a tight-fisted curmudgeon and release the cash.
He resists and Barbara goes on strike until he relents.
When she finally persuades Ken to take financial advice and he's pleasantly surprised at the outcome, she unleashes a Ken she hadn't expected and the consequences prove disruptive for them both.
Janice Connolly from 'Peter Kay's Phoenix Nights' stars in this warm-hearted sitcom about married couple, Barbara and Ken.
Written by Janice Connolly and Steve Turner.
Barbara Nice ...... Janice Connolly
Ken Nice ...... John Henshaw
Mary ...... Angela Curran
Financial Advisor ...... Josephine Enright
Producer: Rebecca Papworth
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 2, first broadcast in March 2017.
TUE 15:00 Sara by Melissa Murray (m002gzx1)
In 1826, the daughter of Samuel Taylor Coleridge stopped off on a coach journey to London.
On the spur of the moment, she opted to stay on in her inn room indefinitely, leaving her husband and children to fend for themselves.
She had very good reasons for this extraordinary decision.
One being a desperate hope that she could cure herself of the opium addiction that had so blighted her father's life.
Written by Melissa Murray
Sara Coleridge .... Sophie Thompson
Coleridge .... Clive Morrison
Henry .... Scott Handy
Judith Wren .... Carolyn Pickles
Doctor .... David Timson
Tom .... David Holt
Mary .... Sarah Paul
Director: Cherry Cookson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2002
TUE 15:45 Florie by Colette (m002gzx3)
A seasoned revue performer is mesmerised by a beautiful Russian juggler with an astonishing act.
But then he takes his eye off the ball.....
Jane Lapotaire reads Colette's short story, first published in 1946
Producer: Pauline Harris
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1997.
TUE 16:00 A Good Read (m0006dkr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
TUE 16:30 Welcome to Wakaliwood (b0901bw0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
TUE 17:00 Dick Francis (b011psk5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 17:30 Richard Barton: General Practitioner! (b00758fv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 18:00 Little Blighty on the Down (b007jx8h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 18:30 The Goon Show (b00d7jxr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 19:00 To Hull and Back (b06kdz3q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 19:30 The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante (m000m5ly)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 19:45 Voices from Vindolanda by Catherine Czerkawska (m002gzwv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
TUE 20:00 The Food Quiz (b083j269)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
TUE 20:30 Barbara Nice (m000nlrd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
TUE 21:00 Sara by Melissa Murray (m002gzx1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
TUE 21:45 Florie by Colette (m002gzx3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 today]
TUE 22:00 Room 101 with Paul Merton (m002grrq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
TUE 22:30 Buy Me Up TV (b009jcxh)
Series 1
Episode 3
Every shopping channel you've ever seen and every product you've never wanted to buy.
Special guest host: Rich Hall
Starring:
Justin Edwards
Colin Hoult
Katherine Jakeways
Ewen Macintosh
Alex MacQueen
Greg Proops
Written by Justin Edwards and James Eldred.
Producer: Lucy Armitaqe
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in March 2008.
TUE 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m002hcbn)
Steve Oram 2/3
From 10pm until midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Paul Garner chats again to actor, writer and director Steve Oram
TUE 23:00 Hannah Gadsby: Arts Clown (b054tfhw)
2. Jan van Eyck's The Arnolfini Portrait
Aussie comedian and art historian Hannah Gadsby continues her comedy lectures about four masterpieces of art.
This time she's exploring Jan Van Eyck's masterpiece 'The Arnolfini Portrait'.
Hannah reveals how she first came to study the portrait, the mystery behind it and why people have remained so fascinated by it down the years.
Plus she puts an image of Vladimir Putin in your head that you will find hard to shake.
Born in Tasmania, Hannah's first encounters with art were solely through books. When she worked in a bookshop after graduating, she realised the craze for Dan Brown's 'The Da Vinci Code' had parallels with critics' sleuth-like 'readings' of 'The Arnolfini Portrait'.
Written and performed by Hannah Gadsby.
With her Quotebot aka John Lloyd.
Script Editor: Jon Hunter
Producer: Claire Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2015.
TUE 23:15 Kieran Hodgson's Earworms (b090293j)
Series 1
Mahler
Can self-described 'music educator and inspiration' Ralph Lewis (the man behind 'In the Bedroom with Brahms' and 'Eating 5 A Day The Elgar Way') persuade self-confessed 'enemy of culture' Paul, that Mahler's worth a listen, and not just a load of old cowbells.
Critically-acclaimed comedian Kieran Hodgson - as Ralph Lewis - presents comedy intros to the great composers.
Written by and starring Kieran Hodgson.
With:
Colin Hoult
John Sessions
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 (b09hw51h)
Series 2
Festivals
Susan Calman is the least relaxed person she knows. Unless she finds a way to switch off, and soon, her wife says 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.
So now she’s taking a trip to the Latitude Festival with Robin Ince, to try and understand why all her friends think a weekend of noisy camping is a relaxing way to spend their time.
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 13 AUGUST 2025

WED 00:00 A Good Read (m0006dkr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Tuesday]
WED 00:30 Welcome to Wakaliwood (b0901bw0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Tuesday]
WED 01:00 Dick Francis (b011psk5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:30 Richard Barton: General Practitioner! (b00758fv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Tuesday]
WED 02:00 Little Blighty on the Down (b007jx8h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Tuesday]
WED 02:30 The Goon Show (b00d7jxr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:00 To Hull and Back (b06kdz3q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Tuesday]
WED 03:30 The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante (m000m5ly)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:45 Voices from Vindolanda by Catherine Czerkawska (m002gzwv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Tuesday]
WED 04:00 The Food Quiz (b083j269)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:30 Barbara Nice (m000nlrd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Tuesday]
WED 05:00 Sara by Melissa Murray (m002gzx1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Tuesday]
WED 05:45 Florie by Colette (m002gzx3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 on Tuesday]
WED 06:00 Dick Francis (b011q9fm)
Whip Hand
3. Threats
Determined Sid Halley returns to England determined to overcome threats made against him by a gang of racecourse dopers.
Dick Francis's thriller set in the world of horse-racing.
Starring Mick Ford.
Dramatised by Alan England.
Sid Halley ...... Mick Ford
Unwin ...... David Vann
Chico Barnes ...... Kim Durham
Rosemary Caspar ...... Patricia Gallimore
Jenny ...... Petra Markha
Charles ...... Simon Carter
Trevor Deansgate ...... Terry Molloy
Rammileese ...... Andy Hockley
Mark Rammileese ...... Philip Molloy
John Viking ...... James Simmonds
Ullaston ...... Geoff Serle
Other parts played by David Neal.
Producer: Philip Martin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1991.
WED 06:30 Rope Burn by Bruce Bedford (m002h051)
Terry, Sarah and Alan run an outdoor activity centre in South Wales.
It's an ideal setting for an ‘accident’ to occur.
But who’s on the receiving end ..?
Written by Bruce Bedford.
Alan .... Robert Glenister
Sarah .... Marilyn Le Conte
Glenda .... Jane Whittenshaw
Terry .... Alan Moore
Original music by Stuart Gordon.
Directed at BBC Bristol by Andy Jordan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1993.
WED 07:00 Smelling of Roses (b00dbwtv)
Series 3
A Closed Book
Rosie is contracted to organise a literary prize, but finds that not everything goes by the book...
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
Pomme Grantley ..... Joanna Monro
Lancelot Crotty ..... Timothy Alcock
Sioned Pugh-Craven ..... Sheila Mitchell
Producer: Maria Esposito
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2002.
WED 07:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jnmp)
Series 5
Hancock's School
Inspired by Bill and supplied by Sid, the Lad turns his home into a centre of learning.
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 March 1958.
WED 08:00 Lemn Sissay's Homecoming (b05stkr9)
1. Addis Ababa
We all leave. We all migrate from childhood to adulthood, from village to town to city, from single to married.
We all hate and love where we are from. We are all immigrants of time.
There are problems with home and a need to leave. There is a love of home and a need to leave.
Goodbye is who we are.
Lemn Sissay explores what "home" means through stand-up, poetry and conversation. It's surely not just a physical location - it's the people, the memories, the feeling. It's not home if you don't belong there, it's just where you live.
The first of two shows was recorded at the Ghion Hotel, in Addis Ababa.
Addis is a place that Lemn feels at home in - but why? He wasn't born there, doesn't live there, and can't even speak the language. Helping Lemn understand this are two Ethiopians who were brought up in Europe but who, unlike Lemn, moved back to Addis in adulthood; a social anthropologist who is an Ethiopian with a famous English name; and his own sister, who is Addis born and bred.
Written and performed by Lemn Sissay
Producer: Ed Morrish
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2015.
WED 08:30 The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante (m000m5jq)
3. Enzo's Grave
Vittoria takes Giovanna to Enzo's grave.
A teenage girl uncovers family secrets and lies in 1990s Naples.
Elena Ferrante's novel abridged by Sara Davies
As Giovanna moves from childhood into adolescence, she becomes fascinated with her father's sister Vittoria, from whom he is estranged.
She goes down from the affluent heights of Naples where she has grown up in a wealthy left-wing family, into the depths of the rough neighbourhoods of her father's youth.
As she begins to excavate her family history, everything of which she was certain unravels.
Read by Juliet Aubrey
Producers: Mary Ward-Lowery & Mair Bosworth
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2020.
WED 08:45 Voices from Vindolanda by Catherine Czerkawska (m002h053)
3. Messmate of the Standard Bearer
Roman Northern Frontier 110AD. Julius the Standard Bearer is torn between his old lover, the ex-slave Paulina, and the outsider Coventina.
Series about everyday life in a Roman fort on the Northern Frontier.
Written by Catherine Czerkawska.
Inspired by the wooden writing tablets recently found at the site of Vindolanda in Northumberland.
Coventina .... Heledd Baskerville
Julius .... Luke Griffin
Paulina .... Amanda Root
Original music by Sian Burns.
Director: Lawrence Jackson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2002.
WED 09:00 Oliver Callan Bins the Border (m002gszf)
Part 1: Dublin
Oliver Callan hosts a panel show in which comedians from both sides of the Irish border and Britain imagine what a united Ireland would look like if it ever happened.
This week, Oliver Callan is joined by Neil Delamere, Alison Spittle, John Meagher and Ashley Storrie to debate a new national flag, who the head of state might be and the official, national breakfast.
Producer: Marc McElroy
A BBC Northern Ireland Production for Radio 4.
WED 09:30 The History of Secrecy (b0864zjm)
3. State Secrets
Tiffany Jenkins traces the development of the “state secret”.
In the 20th century, secrecy became known as the British disease. We even kept secret the fact we were keeping secrets.
Tiffany looks at the growth of the Official Secrets Act which sought to control access to information which the state judged to need withholding.
She also visits the National Archives as new MI5 files are disclosed for the first time as Tiffany finds out why a certain amount of state secrecy is essential.
Series exploring the idea of secret knowledge.
Secrets have never been more suspect. Post Snowden, post Savile, institutions which keep secrets are automatically seen as having something to hide, and openness and transparency are seen as the new imperatives. Any deviation from the new orthodoxy of honesty is punished - by exposure.
But the story of secrecy is not as black and white as our contemporary prejudices would have it. For centuries secrecy has been seen to serve a useful purpose. It has protected citizens from the prying eyes of governments, it has protected the feelings of individuals and kept couples together.
It has safeguarded professional integrity, and protected the vulnerable from abuse. Have we lost more than we have gained by abandoning our respect for the power and sanctity of secrecy?
Producer: Kate Bissell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2016.
WED 09:45 Daily Service (m002h055)
Joy in the Lord - Joy, filled with the Holy Spirit
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Joy in the Lord - Joy, filled with the Holy Spirit
Presenter: Angel Morgan
Reading: Acts 13: 44-52
Music:
In my heart - Volney Morgan and New Ye
I've got joy - CeCe Winans
Joy - Chandler Moore & Israel Houghton
WED 10:00 Carry On Up The Archive (m000ql4j)
Jim Dale celebrates the legendary Carry On films with archive interviews of his co-stars rescued from the bottom of dusty vaults.
Featuring: ;
* Barbara Windsor
* Charles Hawtrey
* Hattie Jacques
* Joan Sims
* Jack Douglas
We reunite the children of Sid James with his last ever interview.
Plus the local radio presenter - once described by Kenneth Williams as "an idiot" in his published diaries - gets his chance to reappraise a rediscovered recording of their awkward conversation.
Producer: Richard Latto
First broadcast across BBC Local Radio in 2018.
WED 11:00 Dick Francis (b011q9fm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 11:30 Rope Burn by Bruce Bedford (m002h051)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 12:00 Smelling of Roses (b00dbwtv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 12:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jnmp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 13:00 Lemn Sissay's Homecoming (b05stkr9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 13:30 The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante (m000m5jq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 13:45 Voices from Vindolanda by Catherine Czerkawska (m002h053)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
WED 14:00 You Heard It Here First (m001kx9x)
Series 1
Episode 3
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 identify people based on the sound of their snoring alone.
Lee Mack and Sikisa, take on Andy Parsons and Sarah Keyworth.
Theme music ‘Colour me Groovy’ by The Rich Morton Sound
Recorded at the Backyard Comedy Club, Bethnal Green
Executive Producer: Pete Strauss
Sound editor: Jerry Peal
Producer: Sasha Bobak
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in April 2023.
WED 14:30 The Circle (m001bkk1)
Widening Circle
Snooker club owner Geoff babysits Dominic for the first time.
How will he get on?
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 circle...
Jenny Bryant .... Sherrie Hewson
Geoff Bryant .... John McArdle
Carla McInnan …. Maxine Burth
Doug Lewis …. Shaun Parkes
Trish Abbas .... Jane Hazelgrove
Emma …. Tara Pendergast
Hailey …. Jane Cawdron
Director: Andy Jordan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1999.
WED 15:00 Mr Lowry's Loves by Glyn Hughes (m0007d5m)
When Laurence Stephen Lowry died in 1976, he left nearly his entire fortune to a young woman with whom he happened to share a surname.
Her name was Carol Ann Lowry and she'd written to him in 1957 aged 13, hoping to gain some support in her quest to become an artist.
Lowry's response was beyond Carol’s wildest dreams. He paid for her convent education, helped her through art school and the pair remained friends until his death.
Starring Tom Courtenay.
Award-winning writer Glyn Hughes examines the artist's platonic friendships with a succession of young women and their influence on his art.
LS Lowry ... Tom Courtenay
Carol Ann Lowry .... Rachel Atkins
Pat Gerrard .... Annabelle Dowler
Young Carol ..... Becky Simpson
Young Pat .... Holly Grainger
Mrs Lowry .... Ann Rye
Bank Official .... Frank Moorey
Directed at BBC Birmingham by Peter Leslie Wild.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2001.
WED 15:45 Herr Bambinger by Mordecai Richler (b018sxnf)
November 1942. Canada.
A refugee proves to be an aggravating and judgemental man of mystery.
Mordecai Richler's short story read by William Roberts.
Producer: Duncan Minshull
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1990.
WED 16:00 Carry On Up The Archive (m000ql4j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
WED 17:00 Dick Francis (b011q9fm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 17:30 Rope Burn by Bruce Bedford (m002h051)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 18:00 Smelling of Roses (b00dbwtv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 18:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jnmp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 19:00 Lemn Sissay's Homecoming (b05stkr9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 19:30 The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante (m000m5jq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 19:45 Voices from Vindolanda by Catherine Czerkawska (m002h053)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
WED 20:00 You Heard It Here First (m001kx9x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
WED 20:30 The Circle (m001bkk1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
WED 21:00 Mr Lowry's Loves by Glyn Hughes (m0007d5m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
WED 21:45 Herr Bambinger by Mordecai Richler (b018sxnf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 today]
WED 22:00 Oliver Callan Bins the Border (m002gszf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
WED 22:30 The Lawrence Sweeney Mix (b008z5ld)
Series 2
Episode 4
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 (m0012sb7)
Series 2
Lyse Doucet
Joining Sandi Toksvig in her cosy log cabin today is the BBC's chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet.
Over a drink they talk about the right way to start the day, the gardens of Kabul, love of water and the soothing magic of fragrance.
Starring Sandi Toksvig
With guest Lyse Doucet
Additional material by Tasha Dhanraj and Rajiv Karia.
Producer: .Julia McKenzie
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2021.
WED 23:15 Armando Iannucci - Facts And Fancies (b007jrm4)
Episode 4
From writing books to environmental damage.
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 January 1998.
WED 23:30 Richard Herring's Objective (b00v730v)
Series 1
The Toothbrush Moustache
Richard Herring reclaims objects that we've grown to hate, starting with Hitler's toothbrush moustache.
In this opening episode, he's reclaiming the toothbrush moustache on behalf of comedy - taking it back from Hitler to give to it's rightful owner Charlie Chaplin.
Richard examines why a particular piece of facial hair can evoke revulsion in all who see it, when in fact the person first associated with it was one of the funniest people on the planet.
He grows his own toothbrush moustache and hears what passers by make of it.
Richard also talks to a German moustache expert about Hitler's vanity and describes how wearing it on the day after the BNP won seats in the last European election strengthened his resolve to continue his campaign.
Based on Richard's Edinburgh show.
Recorded in front of an audience.
Producer: Alison Vernon-Smith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2010.


THURSDAY 14 AUGUST 2025

THU 00:00 Carry On Up The Archive (m000ql4j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 Dick Francis (b011q9fm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:30 Rope Burn by Bruce Bedford (m002h051)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 Smelling of Roses (b00dbwtv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jnmp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 Lemn Sissay's Homecoming (b05stkr9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Wednesday]
THU 03:30 The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante (m000m5jq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:45 Voices from Vindolanda by Catherine Czerkawska (m002h053)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 You Heard It Here First (m001kx9x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:30 The Circle (m001bkk1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 Mr Lowry's Loves by Glyn Hughes (m0007d5m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Wednesday]
THU 05:45 Herr Bambinger by Mordecai Richler (b018sxnf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 on Wednesday]
THU 06:00 Dick Francis (b011qflj)
Whip Hand
4. Connections
Sid Halley must probe a link between cauliflowers and pig disease - and the loss of three champion racehorses.
Dick Francis's thriller set in the world of horse-racing.
Starring Mick Ford.
Dramatised by Alan England.
Sid Halley ...... Mick Ford
Chico Barnes ...... Kim Durham
Rosemary Caspar ...... Patricia Gallimore
Charles ...... Simon Carter
Rammileese ...... Andy Hockley
Ullaston ...... Geoff Serle
Arnadale ...... David Vann
Louise ...... Susan Sheridan
Martin England ...... Christopher England
Other parts played by David Neal.
Producer: Philip Martin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1991.
THU 06:30 Brady Says by Dave Sheasby (m002h0cj)
Mr Shane is one of Brady's very private investigators.
He observes.
He listens.
He notes every detail.
Brady says detail is so important to the client.
It fires them, angers them, tortures them....
Written by Dave Sheasby.
Shane .... Malcolm Hebden
Woman 'C' .... Ellie Haddington
Man 'K' .... David Fleeshman
Husband .... Nick Stringer
Directed at BBC Manchester by Robert Cooper.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1987.
THU 07:00 Mr Finchley Goes to Paris (b00g27dk)
Episode 1
Mr Finchley finds himself on his way to Paris to track down a rather irresponsible client.
But before he sets off, he has an important question to put to a certain widow of his acquaintance...
Richard Griffiths returns as shy solicitor's clerk, Edgar Finchley.
Series two of the adventures written by Victor Canning.
Mrs Crantel ...... Anna Cropper
Mr Sprake ...... James Grout
Lawrence Hume ...... Piers Gibbon
Mrs Patten ...... Jill Graham
David White ...... James Taylor
Mavis ...... Teresa Gallagher
The Frenchman ...... Barry Gordon
Narrated by James Villiers.
Adapted in six parts by Andy and Eric Merriman.
Producer: Gareth Edwards
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in May 1994.
THU 07:30 I'm Ken, He's Bill (m002h0cl)
Never on a Sunday
With a new rival in town, can Ken inspire Bill to fight for Caroline’s love?
More exploits of flatmates Ken and Bill and their upstairs neighbours Angela and Caroline.
They all live under the watchful gaze of their landlady, Mrs Platt.
Written by Richard Matthews and John Davis.
Two series ran on BBC Radio 2 between 1972 and 1975.
Ken …. Peter Cleall
Bill …. Derek Seaton
Angella …. Suzanne Kerchiss
Caroline …. Clare Sutcliffe
Mrs Platt …. Patricia Hayes
The Vicar …. Gordon Clyde
Wendy …. Norma Ronald
Two series ran on BBC Radio 2 between 1972 and 1975.
Producer: Edward Taylor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in March 1972.
THU 08:00 Rudy's Rare Records (b00yj2hq)
Series 3
Lights Out
Rudy is determined to prove to his girlfriend Doreen that she's finally met her match.
He's even persuaded Adam to keep out of the way while he cooks Doreen a romantic meal for her birthday.
The power supply across the West Midlands, however, has even more surprising treats in store.
Father and son comedy set in the finest old-school record shop in Birmingham.
Starring Lenny Henry, Larrington Walker and Joe Jacobs.
Sitcom written by Danny Robins
Adam ...... Lenny Henry
Rudy ...... Larrington Walker
Richie ...... Joe Jacobs
Tasha ...... Natasha Godfrey
Clifton ...... Jeffery Kissoon
Doreen ...... Claire Benedict
Producer: Lucy Armitage
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2011.
THU 08:30 The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante (m000m4py)
4. Spying
Vittoria encourages Giovanna to spy on her parents.
A teenage girl uncovers family secrets and lies in 1990s Naples.
Elena Ferrante's novel abridged by Sara Davies
As Giovanna moves from childhood into adolescence, she becomes fascinated with her father's sister Vittoria, from whom he is estranged.
She goes down from the affluent heights of Naples where she has grown up in a wealthy left-wing family, into the depths of the rough neighbourhoods of her father's youth.
As she begins to excavate her family history, everything of which she was certain unravels.
Read by Juliet Aubrey
Producers: Mary Ward-Lowery & Mair Bosworth
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2020.
THU 08:45 Voices from Vindolanda by Catherine Czerkawska (m002h0cn)
4. Pink Eye
Roman Northern Frontier 110AD. When an epidemic of conjunctivitis breaks out at the fort, the Prefect's freedman Privatus recommends an unusual cure to Lepidina.
Series about everyday life in a Roman fort on the Northern Frontier.
Written by Catherine Czerkawska.
Inspired by the wooden writing tablets recently found at the site of Vindolanda in Northumberland.
Coventina .... Heledd Baskerville
Lepidina .... Shuna Snow
Cerialis .... Robert Bathurst
Privatus .... David Bradley
Original music by Sian Burns
Director: Lawrence Jackson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2002
THU 09:00 Tim Key's Poetry Programme (m001xmc4)
Series 6
2. Customs
More comic chaos from Tim Key, Tom Basden, Katy Wix and guest star Mike Wozniak.
A poetry show 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 our regulars 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 The History of Secrecy (b0869tfs)
4. Family Secrets
For the Victorians, privacy meant keeping people out of your business.
Tiffany Jenkins hears from geneticist Sir Paul Nurse who has had several family secrets kept from him.
And discover the importance of secrecy within the family as he describes the revelation of these secrets.
Series exploring the idea of secret knowledge.
Secrets have never been more suspect. Post Snowden, post Savile, institutions which keep secrets are automatically seen as having something to hide, and openness and transparency are seen as the new imperatives. Any deviation from the new orthodoxy of honesty is punished - by exposure.
But the story of secrecy is not as black and white as our contemporary prejudices would have it. For centuries secrecy has been seen to serve a useful purpose. It has protected citizens from the prying eyes of governments, it has protected the feelings of individuals and kept couples together.
It has safeguarded professional integrity, and protected the vulnerable from abuse. Have we lost more than we have gained by abandoning our respect for the power and sanctity of secrecy?
Producer: Kate Bissell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2016.
THU 09:45 Daily Service (m002h0cq)
Joy in the Lord - Joy in the resurrection
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Joy in the Lord - Joy in the resurrection
Presenter: Richard Carter
Reading: Luke 24: 36-53
THU 10:00 Great Lives (p00glwsr)
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor
Howard Goodall chooses the pioneering 19th-century black composer, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor.
His oratorio Hiawatha's Wedding Feast outperformed Handel's Messiah at the turn of the 19th century.
As the first black musician to attend the Royal College of Music, he attracted attention on both sides of the Atlantic.
Presented by Francine Stock.
The expert witness is Professor Stephen Banfield who discusses Coleridge-Taylor's music and the essential role he played in inspiring other black artists.
Producer: Lucy Lunt
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2005.
THU 10:30 Is One Career Enough? (b08g4h8f)
When Sarfraz Manzoor was a child growing up in the 1980s, his father wanted him to be a doctor.
Medicine did not appeal at all and he ended up working in the media.
But since then he has read the work of writers such as Atul Gawande and Henry Marsh, who both work in medicine and have used their specialism to create profound and powerful narratives. If Sarfraz had known it might be possible to be both a doctor and a writer and have a portfolio career, he might have heeded his father’s advice.
So what is a portfolio career and in a fast-changing economy can any of us trust that one career is enough?
In conversation with portfolio career enthusiasts and sceptics, Sarfraz finds out how and why increasing numbers of us are preparing to branch out, gain new skills and either switch career or develop a portfolio of occupations. Sarfraz explores whether the trend is a response to our desire for more fulfilling careers or symptomatic of increasing insecurity and the end of the job for life.
He speaks to generalists like Emilie Wapnick, who has coined the term 'multipotentialite' to describe her diversity of skills, and to specialists such as watchmaker Roger Smith, who have immersed themselves in one thing and do it very well.
Sarfaz looks at the implications for our brains of juggling competing concerns and discovers whether his brain is still plastic enough to learn new skills.
Embracing the idea that he could possibly handle a portfolio career as a lawyer and a journalist, he challenges himself to give it a go, discovering in the process whether it is possible – and necessary – for us all to diversify our skills later in life.
Producer: Clare Walker
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2017.
THU 11:00 Dick Francis (b011qflj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 11:30 Brady Says by Dave Sheasby (m002h0cj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 12:00 Mr Finchley Goes to Paris (b00g27dk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 12:30 I'm Ken, He's Bill (m002h0cl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 13:00 Rudy's Rare Records (b00yj2hq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 13:30 The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante (m000m4py)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 13:45 Voices from Vindolanda by Catherine Czerkawska (m002h0cn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
THU 14:00 Whose Line Is It Anyway? (b007jrcc)
Episode 1
Ghastly guests at a party and Goldilocks and the Three Bears performed as never before.
Chairman Clive Anderson hosts the famed improvisation game.
Regular team captains:
Stephen Fry
John Sessions
With:
Lenny Henry
Dawn French
It ran for 10 series on Channel 4 and found success in America, but the hit TV improvisation game actually started life on BBC radio.
With Colin Sell at the piano.
Devised and compiled by Mark Leveson.
Additional material by Martin Booth.
Producer: Dan Patterson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1988.
THU 14:30 Ballylenon (b007jpmq)
Series 6
Episode 1
Phonsie's keen to send Guard Gallagher to sing in a New York competition. It's 1956 in the sleepy Irish town. Stars TP McKenna.
THU 15:00 Rosamond Lehmann (b007628p)
Invitation to the Waltz
Olivia wakes up on her 17th birthday knowing that something’s changed - but what exactly she doesn't yet understand.
Her very first dance, a week later, is her opportunity to try her wings in the wider world.
Rosamond Lehmann's tender classic about a young girl's adolescent rite of passage.
Dramatised by Tina Pepler.
Olivia Curtis .... Mary Nighy
Kate Curtis .... Rosie Giarratana
Mrs Curtis .... Diana Quick
Mr Curtis ...... Andrew Collins
Uncle Oswald ... David Lloyd
Monsieur Berton .... Mark Meadows
Miss Robinson .... Carol Brannan
Major Skinner ...... Mark Buffery
Marigold ... Nicole Arumugam
With:
Josh Boyden
Sophie Clarke
Jenny Coverack
Tom Espiner
Chris Garner
Ben Tinniswood
Chris Yapp
Oliver Zimmermann
(Olivia's story continues in 'The Weather in the Streets')
Director: Sara Davies
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2001.
THU 16:00 Great Lives (p00glwsr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
THU 16:30 Is One Career Enough? (b08g4h8f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
THU 17:00 Dick Francis (b011qflj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 17:30 Brady Says by Dave Sheasby (m002h0cj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 18:00 Mr Finchley Goes to Paris (b00g27dk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 18:30 I'm Ken, He's Bill (m002h0cl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 19:00 Rudy's Rare Records (b00yj2hq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 19:30 The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante (m000m4py)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 19:45 Voices from Vindolanda by Catherine Czerkawska (m002h0cn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
THU 20:00 Whose Line Is It Anyway? (b007jrcc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
THU 20:30 Ballylenon (b007jpmq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
THU 21:00 Rosamond Lehmann (b007628p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
THU 22:00 Tim Key's Poetry Programme (m001xmc4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
THU 22:30 Hearing with Hegley (b009y1s3)
Series 1
Episode 1
Poet laureate of alternative comedy, John Hegley entertains with a microphone and a book of verse.
With contributions from:
Keith Moore
Susan Norton
Andrew Bailey
Nigel Piper
Producer: Phil Clarke
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1996.
THU 22:45 Nick Mohammed in Quarters (b00grtmv)
Episode 1
Meet the awkward loan clerk and discover a theory behind the voice of Heather Small.
Fast-paced comedy sketches from award-winning Nick Mohammed and friends.
With:
Anna Crilly
Colin Hoult
Producer: Victoria Lloyd
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2009.
THU 23:00 Daliso Chaponda: Citizen of Nowhere (m000b0ck)
Series 2
Diplomacy
Daliso Chaponda is Malawi's most famous comedian.
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.
This time, Daliso talks about the difficulties of diplomacy in both international relations and in relationships between family and friends.
Daliso shares his experiences growing up with a father who was a politician and diplomat in Malawi and discusses different diplomatic strategies.
He notes the trend towards isolationism and argues that although maintaining relationships can often take a lot of work, ultimately it is worth it, as being single is not all it is cracked up to be.
Written and performed by Daliso Chaponda.
Sebastian... James Quinn
Additional Material... Scott Bennett
Theme music by Lawi
Image by Steve Ullathorne
Producer: Carl Cooper
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in 2019.
THU 23:30 The Mel and Sue Thing (b0076b72)
Episode 6
Jane Austen will be reeling from beyond the grave, as we learn the true meaning of Sweet Fanny Adams in the final instalment of the Mel and Sue's dramatisation of her last, and lost, novella.
Plus a big musical number to finish off the series. What will the Old Biddies have to say about that?
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 15 AUGUST 2025

FRI 00:00 Great Lives (p00glwsr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Thursday]
FRI 00:30 Is One Career Enough? (b08g4h8f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 Dick Francis (b011qflj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:30 Brady Says by Dave Sheasby (m002h0cj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 Mr Finchley Goes to Paris (b00g27dk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:30 I'm Ken, He's Bill (m002h0cl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 Rudy's Rare Records (b00yj2hq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Thursday]
FRI 03:30 The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante (m000m4py)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:45 Voices from Vindolanda by Catherine Czerkawska (m002h0cn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 Whose Line Is It Anyway? (b007jrcc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:30 Ballylenon (b007jpmq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 Rosamond Lehmann (b007628p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Thursday]
FRI 06:00 Dick Francis (b011qm8r)
Whip Hand
5. The Finish
Sid Halley believes he knows the truth behind the doping and phoney racing syndicates, but dare he reveal it?
Conclusion of Dick Francis's thriller set in the world of horse-racing.
Starring Mick Ford.
Dramatised by Alan England.
Sid Halley ...... Mick Ford
Chico Barnes ...... Kim Durham
Rosemary Caspar ...... Patricia Gallimore
Charles ...... Simon Carter
Trevor Deansgate ...... Terry Molloy
Rammileese ...... Andy Hockley
Ullaston ...... Geoff Serle
Jenny ...... Petra Markham
Mark Rammileese ...... Philip Molloy
George Casper ...... Alan Devereux
Producer: Philip Martin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1991.
FRI 06:30 Smile Please by John Graham (m002h06j)
A seaside resort chemist is leading a somewhat humdrum life.
Until one day, a street photographer comes in to have films developed, which results in even stranger developments…
A play for radio written by John Graham.
Mr Bannister .... John Graham
Miss Cradle .... Kathleen Helme
Felix Carver .... Charles Simon
Director: Audrey Cameron
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in January 1960.
FRI 07:00 The Newly Discovered Casebook of Sherlock Holmes (b00b01jz)
The Case of the Clockwork Fiend
Baker Street’s Great Detective Sherlock Holmes investigates mystery deaths from some new fangled inventions.
Roy Hudd stars as the famous spoofed sleuth in Tony Hare’s detective sitcom.
Dr Watson ...... Chris Emmett
Inspector Lestrade ...... Jeffrey Holland
Mrs Hudson ...... June Whitfield
Musical accompaniment: Ian Smith.
Producer: Chris Neill
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in January 1999.
FRI 07:30 The Inimitable Jeeves (b007jvz6)
Pearls Mean Tears
When Bertie Wooster's Aunt Agatha sparks uproar - can his valet Jeeves save the day?
PG Wodehouse's romp starring Michael Hordern and Richard Briers.
Adapted by Chris Miller.
Jeeves ...... Michael Hordern
Bertie Wooster ..... Richard Briers
Aunt Agatha ..... Joan Sanderson
Aileen Hemingway ..... Pat Coombs
Sidney Hemingway ..... Brian Oulton
Chamber Maid ..... Miriam Margolyes
Hotel Manager ..... Brian Haines.
Producer: David Hatch
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1973.
FRI 08:00 Skeletons in the Cupboard (m000rcb6)
Series 2
See Me Afterwards
Guilt drives sisters Maureen and Lesley to return from an idyllic life in rural France to dispose of the body left in the cellar of their mother's empty house.
But David's body has gone and there is no trace of it ever having been there.
Has David been found by the police?
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 The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante (m000m5zb)
5. The Bracelet
Costanza gives Giovanna a bracelet.
A teenage girl uncovers family secrets and lies in 1990s Naples.
Elena Ferrante's novel abridged by Sara Davies
As Giovanna moves from childhood into adolescence, she becomes fascinated with her father's sister Vittoria, from whom he is estranged.
She goes down from the affluent heights of Naples where she has grown up in a wealthy left-wing family, into the depths of the rough neighbourhoods of her father's youth.
As she begins to excavate her family history, everything of which she was certain unravels.
Read by Juliet Aubrey
Producers: Mary Ward-Lowery & Mair Bosworth
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2020.
FRI 08:45 Voices from Vindolanda by Catherine Czerkawska (m002h06l)
5. Coventina
Roman Northern Frontier 110AD. A near-fatal accident involving her daughter is the catalyst for a confrontation between Lepidina and Coventina.
Series about everyday life in a Roman fort on the Northern Frontier.
Written by Catherine Czerkawska.
Inspired by the wooden writing tablets recently found at the site of Vindolanda in Northumberland.
Coventina .... Heledd Baskerville
Lepidina .... Shuna Snow
Julius .... Luke Griffin
Original music by Sian Burns.
Director: Lawrence Jackson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2002.
FRI 09:00 Crybabies Present... (m002gzhz)
Series 1
Dances with Rats
Mark's got it all. All in this case being a failing marriage and a rat problem. So when a mysterious stranger gives him a chance to go behind enemy lines, he has no choice but to say cheese (rat for yes). But nothing can prepare him for the world that awaits.
Step into a sweeping fantasy epic as Crybabies bring the big screen to your normal sized radio.
Written and performed by Michael Clarke, James Gault & Ed Jones.
Featuring Susan Wokoma and Celeste Dring
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 The History of Secrecy (b0869qf9)
5. A Time of No Secrets
Transparency is a political and cultural ideal, entrusted with fostering accountability and strengthening democracy, a pan-political good: embraced by the Left as well as the Right.
Openness is advocated not just for governments, but for people too. The assumption, we must air our secrets for our own health and peace of mind.
"You are only as sick as your secrets," a saying that has been used by Alcoholics Anonymous for decades, sums it up.
Tiffany hears from a cross dresser who by keeping his desire to dress as a woman a secret gives himself the space to experiment. He believes that only those who need to know should know about his secret to protect his relationships.
Series exploring the idea of secret knowledge.
Secrets have never been more suspect. Post Snowden, post Savile, institutions which keep secrets are automatically seen as having something to hide, and openness and transparency are seen as the new imperatives. Any deviation from the new orthodoxy of honesty is punished - by exposure.
But the story of secrecy is not as black and white as our contemporary prejudices would have it. For centuries secrecy has been seen to serve a useful purpose. It has protected citizens from the prying eyes of governments, it has protected the feelings of individuals and kept couples together.
It has safeguarded professional integrity, and protected the vulnerable from abuse. Have we lost more than we have gained by abandoning our respect for the power and sanctity of secrecy?
Producer: Kate Bissell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2016.
FRI 09:45 Daily Service (m002h06n)
Joy in the Lord - Give thanks
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Joy in the Lord - Give thanks
Presenter: Becky Silver
Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Music:
Call on his name - Elle Limebear
Let all the world - St Martin's Voices
Shine all your light - Beth Nielson Chapman
FRI 10:00 Soul Music (b0076md4)
Series 4
Bach's Concerto in D minor for Two Violins
So little is known about the life of JS Bach, yet his music opens up a world of imagination.
His Concerto in D minor is often described as being like a conversation between two lovers.
David Gregory of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, rock guitarist Steve Hackett, and Terry Waite CBE, are among those moved by the music of the two violins as they imitate, interrupt and overlap each other in one of Bach's most sublime creations.
Taking part:
Mr and Mrs David Gregory
Terry Waite
Simon Heighes
Fionnaigh McKenzie
Steve Hackett
Lara St John
Gillian Teadley
Series about music that makes the hairs stand up on the back of our necks.
Producer: Kate McAll
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2004.
FRI 10:30 Ghost Music (b010dp0s)
In 1939 the BBC recorded the sound of two trumpets discovered in Tutankhamun's tomb.
It was a nail-biting session; one of them had previously shattered, but the British soldier, James Tappern, who played them allowed the haunting music that had been silent for 3000 years to be heard once more.
For three months this year the recording had added poignancy, as one of the trumpets was among the many artefacts stolen from the Cairo Museum during the recent revolution, though it's now been recovered.
Archaeologist Christine Finn, who travelled to Egypt upon news of the uprising and chronicled the looting of archaeological sites, tells the story of the trumpet with the help of Egyptologist, Margaret Maitland.
Christine hears an account of the 1939 recording from Peter Tappern, son of the original bandsman, himself a professional trumpeter. And from archive of Rex Keating, who recorded the event for the BBC in Cairo.
Christine also considers how archaeology has revealed other 'ghost music'. Richard Dumbrill talks about his reconstruction of the Silver Lyre of Ur, discovered by Leonard Woolley in modern-day Iraq around the same time that Howard Carter was excavating Tutenkhamun's tomb.
She hears from Domenico Vicinanza of the Lost Sounds Orchestra, an international group which re-creates the sound of ancient instruments using technology and synthesis. One of its first projects was the ancient Greek harp often seen on classical vases, the epigonion; this time the instrument is not a faithful re-creation, but a new model reflecting its 21st century incarnation.
And Christine reflects on the role of these musical, archaeological discoveries in modern composition.
Producer: Marya Burgess
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2011.
FRI 11:00 Dick Francis (b011qm8r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 11:30 Smile Please by John Graham (m002h06j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 12:00 The Newly Discovered Casebook of Sherlock Holmes (b00b01jz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 12:30 The Inimitable Jeeves (b007jvz6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 13:00 Skeletons in the Cupboard (m000rcb6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 13:30 The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante (m000m5zb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 13:45 Voices from Vindolanda by Catherine Czerkawska (m002h06l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
FRI 14:00 Whispers (b00c3nw7)
Series 2
Episode 4
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:
* Valerie Grove
* Geoffrey Durham
Producer: Elizabeth Freestone
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2004.
FRI 14:30 Double Income, No Kids Yet (b0080q77)
Series 2
Episode 6
Lucy's offer to help a first-time celebrity author write a book finds her stuck in a remote Cornish cottage with an ex-Page 3 model and a neurotic mother.
This leaves Daniel to have an unusual boys’ night out...
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
Suzie …. Paula Wilcox
Producer: Liz Anstee
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2002.
FRI 15:00 Rosamond Lehmann (b007669m)
The Weather in the Streets
Olivia - whose rite of passage into adulthood was just revealed in 4 Extra's ‘Invitation to the Waltz’ - is now living a faintly bohemian life in London in the early 1930s.
When she meets up again with Rollo, the handsome and unhappily married son of Lord and Lady Spencer, she falls prey once more to his charm and confidence.
They embark on a passionate and secret affair ...
Concluding Rosamond Lehmann's classic account of the joy and anguish of an illicit love affair.
Dramatised by Hattie Naylor.
Olivia ..... Eve Best
Rollo ..... Jonathan Firth
Lady Spencer .... Diana Quick
Kate .... Jenny Coverack
Anna ... Dee Sadler
Simon ... Ben Tinniswood
Mrs Curtis .... Jacqueline Tong
Marigold .... Rachel Lewis
With:
Paul Dodgson
Joshua Boyden
Olivia Crook
Director: Sara Davies
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2002.
FRI 16:00 Soul Music (b0076md4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
FRI 16:30 Ghost Music (b010dp0s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
FRI 17:00 Dick Francis (b011qm8r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 17:30 Smile Please by John Graham (m002h06j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 18:00 The Newly Discovered Casebook of Sherlock Holmes (b00b01jz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 18:30 The Inimitable Jeeves (b007jvz6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 19:00 Skeletons in the Cupboard (m000rcb6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 19:30 The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante (m000m5zb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 19:45 Voices from Vindolanda by Catherine Czerkawska (m002h06l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
FRI 20:00 Whispers (b00c3nw7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
FRI 20:30 Double Income, No Kids Yet (b0080q77)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
FRI 21:00 Rosamond Lehmann (b007669m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
FRI 22:00 Crybabies Present... (m002gzhz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
FRI 22:30 Wondermentalist Cabaret (b01lstsm)
Edinburgh Special
Comedy, bonhomie, poetry, music and audience creativity in the company of Matt Harvey and guests.
The slightly interactive, comedy-infused poetry cabaret.
From the 2012 Edinburgh Festival.
Showcasing Matt Harvey's peerless poetry.
With his nemesis, side-kick and one man house band, Jerri Hart,
Plus peerless guest poets:
Kate Fox
Elvis McGonagall
Like luxury muesli, Wondermentalism is a faith that contains sparkly, shiny multigrains of truth, wit, wisdom and laughter. Vitamin supplements for the soul.
Producer: Mark Smalley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2012.
FRI 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m002hcc0)
Steve Oram 3/3
From 10pm until midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Paul Garner chats once again to actor, writer and director Steve Oram
FRI 23:00 On the Hour (b007lzwz)
Series 2
Episode 5
Ireland hits the headlines as the programme ransacks the archives to celebrate its 33rd birthday.
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, Andrew Glover, David Quantick, Stewart Lee and Patrick Marber.
Producer: Armando lannucci
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1992.
FRI 23:30 Radio Active (b007jrb5)
Series 1
Radio Active Awards
The listeners' votes are in, so the UK's first National Local Radio Station announces the winners!
Written by Angus Deayton, Philip Pope and Geoffrey Perkins.
Starring:
Angus Deayton
Helen Atkinson-Wood
Geoffrey Perkins
Philip Pope
Michael Fenton Stevens
Producer: Jimmy Mulville
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1981.