SATURDAY 13 SEPTEMBER 2025

SAT 00:00 Soul Music (b07z43fm)
Jerusalem
"Jerusalem" has become a quintessentially middle-class and very English song, but it's also held in the hearts and memories of people from different backgrounds and cultures.
There is a bit of cricket - commentator Jonathan Agnew (Aggers) discusses England's stunning and unexpected victory in the 2005 Ashes. Jerusalem reminds him of that extraordinary summer.
Pamela Davenport is the daughter of a man who felt that the words of Jerusalem highlighted inequality in society; lack of money prevented him fulfilling his academic potential and he died in a care home that didn't care well enough for him.
For American poet, Ann Lauterbach, the unusual and little-known Paul Robeson version was the theme-tune to her escape from the difficult years of Nixon and Vietnam to 1960s London.
Singer, Janet Shell, recalls the burial of her Great Uncle who was killed during World War One, but whose body was only discovered in 2009.
Susanne Sklar - a scholar of William Blake - discusses the inspiration behind the words of the poem. Probably, she says, he wrote them while awaiting his trial for sedition; he was in trouble for fighting with a soldier who had urinated in his garden.
Composer and writer, Paul Spicer, plays, sings and talks through the tune which was composed by Sir Hubert Parry.
Series about pieces of music with a powerful emotional impact.
Producer: Karen Gregor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2016.
SAT 00:30 The Concrete and the Divine (b01rqnf3)
Under the umbrella of Glasgow architects Gillespie Kidd & Coia, Isi Metzstein and Andrew MacMillan seized on the momentary experimentalism of the Catholic Church after the Second World War to revolutionise church design.
This was a brave new world and the Catholic Church wanted their places of worship to meet the needs of a new era.
In a culture never quite comfortable with the high modern influences of Europe and America, Metzstein and MacMillan drew on the ideas of Le Corbusier and Frank Lloyd Wright with unparalleled freedom.
Their masterpiece was St Peter's Seminary at Cardross, which stood out like a spaceship in the modest construction yards of British architecture. It's a ghost space now, abandoned in 1980 just 14 years after completion.
While most of their churches are still in use, their Modernist design and location means they stand like monuments to a very different time; a time when Catholicism in Scotland was expected to spread its wings.
Jonathan Glancey explores Scotland's physical and spiritual landscape to discover more about the extraordinary lives of two of Britain's most talented architects.
Producer: Caitlin Smith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2013.
SAT 01:00 A Severe Chill by Jack Gerson (m002j77y)
'Kauffman came across some computer tapes... he was doing some auditing of this particular firm's accounts. He ran the tapes through by accident. He got detailed political and private information on every important person in this city. Now Kauffman is dead and I'm scared.'
Mark fulfils a promise to a dead friend. But has he picked the right man to confide in?
Starring Martin Cochrane and Bryden Murdoch.
Mystery thriller written by Jack Gerson.
Mark Barron .... Martin Cochrane
Louise Martins .... Clare Richards
Peter Martins .... Bryden Murdoch
Produced at BBC Scotland by Gordon Emslie.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1976.
SAT 01:30 BBC National Short Story Award (m002309d)
BBC National Short Story Award 2024
Ghost Kitchen by Ross Raisin
A journey into the the gig economy's dark underbelly in an unnamed city.
Ross Raisin's story won the 19th BBC National Short Story Award in 2024.
Read by Ashley Margolis.
The BBC National Short Story Award with Cambridge University is one of the most prestigious for a single short story. The stories are broadcast on Radio 4 and published in an anthology.
Ross Raisin is the author of four novels: A Hunger, A Natural, Waterline and God’s Own Country (2008).
He won the Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year award in 2009, and in 2013 was named on Granta’s once a decade Best of Young British Novelists list. He has written short stories for various publications, including Granta, Prospect, the Sunday Times, Esquire, BBC Radio 3 and 4.
Abridged by Rowan Routh.
Producer: Elizabeth Allard
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2024.
SAT 02:00 The Newly Discovered Casebook of Sherlock Holmes (b00bf0l6)
Holmes Strikes a Happy Medium
Baker Street’s Great Detective Sherlock Holmes tries to unravel murderous goings-on at a séance.
Roy Hudd spoofs the famous sleuth in Tony Hare’s comedy series.
Sherlock Holmes …. Roy Hudd
Dr Watson …. Chris Emmett
Mrs Hudson …. June Whitfield
Moriarty …. Geoffrey Whitehead
Inspector Lestrade …. Moriarty
Musical accompaniment: Ian Smith
Producer: Chris Neill
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in February 1999.
SAT 02:30 The Inimitable Jeeves (b007tdnm)
The Metropolitan Touch
Bingo Little is in love again, so Bertie Wooster and his valet Jeeves are summoned to help.
PG Wodehouse's romp starring Michael Hordern and Richard Briers.
Adapted by Chris Miller.
Jeeves ...... Michael Hordern
Bertie Wooster ..... Richard Briers
Bingo Little ..... Jonathan Cecil
Steggles ...... Edwin Apps
Kid ...... Denise Bryer
Producer: David Hatch
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1973.
SAT 03:00 Teatime (m000fq41)
Episode 2
Sensing he might be in with a chance to win her back, Joe decides to ambush his ex-wife Donna with an impromptu date night.
Donna isn’t sure what to think, and neither are Vicky and Rav – Joe’s decided to stage this ambush in their kitchen.
Meanwhile, Vicky’s sister Lisa is #livingherbestlife as a single lady about town.
Now that she’s got nothing to look forward to except a lifetime of married routine, is Vicky just a little jealous?
And Uncle Bob has some excellent advice for Rav.
Comedy by Katherine Jakeways about a chaotic but loving family.
Joe …… Philip Glenister
Donna …… Samantha Spiro
Vicky …… Aimee-Ffion Edwards
Rav …… Prasanna Puwanarajah
Lisa …… Katie Redford
Uncle Bob …… Steven Brandon
Producer: Sam Ward
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in February 2020.
SAT 03:30 The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux (m002j7x2)
5. Blazing Eyes
Raoul is determined to save Christine, but will he be able to overcome Erik’s hold on her.
The half-crazed Phantom lurks in the labyrinth of the Paris Opera House.
He is obsessed with Christine, a beautiful young opera singer...
Gaston Leroux's novel, first published in 1909.
Translated by Peter Haining.
Abridged by Andrew Simpson.
Producer: Harriet Lang
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1995.
SAT 03:45 The Way We Live Right Now by Anthony Trollope (b00ccd29)
15. Mended Hearts
In the glare of scandal, some hearts are mended.
Conclusion of Anthony Trollope's satirical novel about money, greed and dishonesty - updated by Jonathan Myerson.
Ghassan Mehmoud ...... Henry Goodman
Felix 'Flex' Carbury ...... Dexter Fletcher
Anthony Trollope ...... John Rowe
Paul Montague ...... Nyasha Hatendi
Rt Hon Jeremy Longstaff ...... David Bamber
Georgiana Longstaff ...... Lucy Montgomery
Ruby Ruggles ...... Sheridan Smith
Marie Mehmoud ...... Chipo Chung
Roger Lloyd-Montague ...... Ben Crowe
Hetta Carbury ...... Emily Wachter
Tilly Carbury ...... Annette Badland
Helen Croll ...... Liz Sutherland
Nick Broune ...... Stephen Critchlow
Other parts played by:
Chris Pavlo
Beth Chalmers
Dan Starkey
Joan Walker
Director: Jonquil Panting
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2008.
SAT 04:00 The Motion Show (b00762gh)
Series 4
Episode 2
Debates galore, from banning email and mobiles to who's the winner in the battle of the sexes?
Graeme Garden chairs the quirky battle of words and wit.
With:
Gyles Brandreth
Sue Perkins
Steve Punt
Marcus Brigstocke
Producer: Helen Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2001.
SAT 04:30 Thanks a Lot, Milton Jones! (b0b2jg2y)
Series 3
Milton Prime
Special offer! Sign on with Milton Prime, the pioneering audio comedy delivery service and listen to this week's programme completely free.
Mention Milton Jones to most people and the first thing they think is "Help!". Each week, Milton and his trusty assistant Anton set out to help people and soon find they're embroiled in a new adventure.
Written by Milton with James Cary and Dan Evans
With:
Tom Goodman-Hill
Josie Lawrence
Ben Willbond
Music by Guy Jackson.
Directed by David Tyler
A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in 2018.
SAT 05:00 Goodbye, Mr Chips by James Hilton (m002j784)
2. The Surprise
Although considered a confirmed bachelor by his colleagues and pupils, Mr Chipping has surprised them all by marrying Kathie, a girl 20 years younger than himself.
He's looking forward to a long and happy union.
Starring John Church.
Written by James Hilton.
Conclusion dramatised by Margaret Simpson.
Mr. Chipping .... John Church
Mrs. Wickett .... Katherine Parr
Kathie .... Lolly Cockerell
Dr. Merivale .... Lewis Stringer
Sutton .... Gordon Reid
Ralston .... Nigel Anthony
Chatteris .... Walter Hall
Staefel .... Graham Faulkner
Wetherby .... Godfrey Kenton
Williams .... Christopher Scott
Wadham .... Harold Reese
Barker .... John Bott
Deakin .... John Gray
Midwife .... Sonia Fraser
Linford .... Arthur Haycraft
Brookfield boys .... Adam Bass, Matthew Emerson, Ian Land, and Adam Landor
Director: Graham Gauld
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1980.
SAT 06:00 A House by the Sea by Stuart Fortey (m002jdw2)
Russian playwright Anton Chekhov suffers a disaster during his first production of 'The Seagull' in St Petersburg.
Backstage, his life often runs in parallel with the characters in his plays.
And his relationships with two very different women dominate both Chekov's life and creative spirit.....
Starring Ciaran Hinds, Helena Bonham-Carter and Kate Buffery.
Biographical drama written by Stuart Fortey
Anton Chekhov .... Ciaran Hinds
Olga .... Helena Bonham-Carter
Sonya .... Kate Buffery
Belikov .... John Carlisle
Garshin .... Julian Rhind-Tutt
Kokoshkin .... Hugh Dickson
Semyon .... Ioan Meredith
Man .... Chris Pavlo
Director Cherry Cookson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1997.
SAT 07:15 The Seagull by Anton Chekhov (b07mcn2s)
1896: Life for people living on the Sorin’s country estate in Russia.
Anton Chekhov described his classic play as "a comedy, four acts, rural scenery (a view over a lake): much talk of literature, little action, five bushels of love."
Starring Diana Quick, Alex Jennings, Robert Glenister and Helena Bonham Carter.
Dramatised by Martyn Wade
Recorded on location.
Madame Arkadina .... Diana Quick
Trigorin .... Alex Jennings
Constantin .... Robert Glenister
Nina ... Helena Bonham Carter
Masha .... Kate Buffery
Dorn.... Edward Petherbridge
Sorin..... Richard Pearson
Medvedenko..... Nicholas Boulton
Paulina..... Frances Jeater
Shamrayev..... Colin Pinney
Producer: Cherry Cookson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1993.
SAT 09:15 Peter Tinniswood (b007jqvq)
Tales From the Brigadier
2. Carry On Goering
The Commodore's gardener is arousing suspicion. Can the Brigadier uncover his murky past?
All the way from Witney Scrotum, more reminiscences from the crusty old brigadier.
Starring Richard Wilson.
Written by Peter Tinniswood.
Producer: Pete Atkin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1992.
SAT 09:30 All Gas and Gaiters (m000q4sy)
Series 1
The Bishop Gives a Shove
The Bishop sees a way to rid himself of the Dean.
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 Dean …. John Barron
Dobson …. Richard Caldicot
Butler …. David Jason
Workman …. Richard Griffiths
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 March 1971.
SAT 10:00 Parody Please (m000knvd)
1. On the Hour and Delve Special
The history of radio's ability to parody itself goes back almost to the birth of radio. The range of this parody is so wide - news, current affairs, drama, the arts, phone-ins, investigative journalism - that the production team on this programme decided that a single presenter simply wouldn't do it justice.
‘Parody Please’ is co-presented by a truly exceptional range of favourite radio voices, including Charlotte Green, Sue McGregor, Winifred Robinson and Ruth from the Archers, who collectively explore why radio is the best medium for parody, and its important role in our society, perhaps today more than ever.
In the first of three programmes,, Jan Ravens joins this roster of celebrities in order to talk with the distinguished radio critic Gilllian Reynolds CBE.
Featuring
‘On the Hour’ [23/08/1991 R4]
‘Delve Special’ [04/09/1987 R4]
Producer: Beaty Rubens
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in March 2017.
SAT 11:00 A House by the Sea by Stuart Fortey (m002jdw2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 12:15 The Seagull by Anton Chekhov (b07mcn2s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
SAT 14:15 Peter Tinniswood (b007jqvq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:15 today]
SAT 14:30 All Gas and Gaiters (m000q4sy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SAT 15:00 Parody Please (m000knvd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SAT 16:00 Doctor Who (m001c63k)
Tenth Doctor Adventures
The Sword of the Chevalier
London 1791. The Doctor and Rose get to meet one of the most enigmatic characters in history - The Chevalier d’Eon.
Born male, but living as a female, she became a spy and many other things.
If there’s one thing the Doctor knows it’s that identity is what you make it. Choose a life for yourself and be proud.
Mind you, if the alien Consortium of the Obsidian Asp get their way, all life may soon be over...
One of six adventures featuring the tenth incarnation of The Doctor.
Starring David Tennant and Billie Piper.
Written by Guy Adams.
The Doctor .... David Tennant
Rose Tyler .... Billie Piper
Chevalier d'Eon .... Nickolas Grace
Hempel .... Lucy Briggs-Owen
Joxer .... Mark Elstob
Darcy .... James Joyce
Christopher Dallard .... Tam Williams
Other parts played by members of the cast.
Original music by Howard Carter.
Director: Nicholas Briggs
A Big Finish production.
SAT 16:50 Inheritance Tracks (m002bzmp)
Jared Harris
Actor Jared Harris chooses ‘Fly Me To The Moon’ by Tony Bennett and ‘The Galaxy Song’ by Monty Python.
SAT 17:00 A House by the Sea by Stuart Fortey (m002jdw2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 18:15 The Seagull by Anton Chekhov (b07mcn2s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
SAT 20:15 Peter Tinniswood (b007jqvq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:15 today]
SAT 20:30 All Gas and Gaiters (m000q4sy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SAT 21:00 Parody Please (m000knvd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SAT 22:00 The Bearded Ladies (m002jn8m)
Series 1
Episode 4
Meet an explorer with a determined girlfriend - and a netball player who finally gets the ball.
The sketch show in which everyday situations are taken to new heights - and then a bit further....
Written and performed by:
Susie Donkin
Charlotte McDougall
Oriane Messina
Fay Rusling
Ewan Bailey
Additional material by :
Lucy Clarke, Rufus Jones, Robin Kelly and Terry Newman.
Music by Steve Burton
Script Editor: Marcus Powell
Producer: Carol Smith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2004.
SAT 22:30 Start/Stop (b07nrzjd)
Series 3
4. Cathy's Dad
Cathy's Dad is in a nursing home but Cathy wants him to come and live with them, especially since he's just developed a condition where the wrong words come out all the time.
Barney is not keen but then realises he can use looking after Cathy's Dad to make him seem more caring and, as it turns out, more attractive to Alice.
Meanwhile David gives his daughter a big role in the school play. And Evan finds there are some plusses to Fiona losing her voice after a throat operation.
But will Cathy's Dad ever be able to tell Barney what he thinks of him?
Jack Docherty's sitcom about three marriages in various states of disrepair.
Starring:
Couple 1:
Barney ...... Jack Docherty
Cathy ...... Kerry Godliman
Couple 2:
Evan ...... John Thomson
Fiona ...... Fiona Allen
Couple 3:
David ...... Charlie Higson
Alice ...... Laura Aikman
Cathy's Dad ...... John Sparkes
Producer: Claire Jones
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2016.
SAT 23:00 John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme (b0150grq)
Series 1
Episode 2
Discover the truth behind the war effort, sty construction, and evolution.
John Finnemore presents another half hour of his very own sketches.
Written by and starring John Finnemore.
With:
Carrie Quinlan
Lawry Lewin
Simon Kane
Producer: Ed Morrish
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2011.
SAT 23:30 Richard Herring's Objective (b0174gl1)
Series 2
The Wheelchair
'The Wheelchair' is the representative symbol of disability on access signs.
In his series on objects, Richard asks whether there is equal access?
He wonders if it is still the case that we see the disability rather than the person?
With Emma Kennedy.
Special guest: Francesca Martinez.
Producer: Tilusha Ghelani
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2011.

SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2025

SUN 00:00 Doctor Who (m001c63k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Saturday]
SUN 00:50 Inheritance Tracks (m002bzmp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:50 on Saturday]
SUN 01:00 A House by the Sea by Stuart Fortey (m002jdw2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]
SUN 02:15 The Seagull by Anton Chekhov (b07mcn2s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 on Saturday]
SUN 04:15 Peter Tinniswood (b007jqvq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:15 on Saturday]
SUN 04:30 All Gas and Gaiters (m000q4sy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Saturday]
SUN 05:00 Parody Please (m000knvd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Saturday]
SUN 06:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m002jgqx)
Just A Minute
Julian Clary
Comedian Julian Clary is castaway by Sue Lawley.
Julian brought camp out of the closet and into the TV mainstream.
In the late 1980s, he burst onto our screens as The Joan Collins Fan Club, attracting a surprisingly broad audience with his extreme make-up and innuendo.
The son of a policeman and a probation officer, Julian was born and brought up in Teddington and Surbiton, and as a child was deeply religious.
He discovered his comic talent at Goldsmith's University in the late 1970s where, as well as taking part in rather serious drama productions, he and a friend created the duo Glad and May - two over-made-up cleaning ladies with a passion for 'rummaging' through the handbags of their hapless audience.
In recent years, Julian has toned down the make-up and innuendo in order to take on a new role - Julian Clary, family favourite, star of prime time.
Where once he had cult status, he now has serious mainstream appeal, recently presenting the new National Lottery show on BBC1 and reaching the final of Strictly Come Dancing.
DISC ONE: Dana Gillespie - Big Fat Mammas are back in Style Again
DISC TWO: Aretha Franklin - So Damm Happy
DISC THREE: T. Rex - 20th Century Boy
DISC FOUR: Mary Schneider Gioachino Rossini’s William Tell Overture
DISC FIVE: Barb Jungr - Peace in the Valley
DISC SIX: Divaria - Giacomo Puccini’s Nessun dorma
DISC SEVEN: Gail Mackinnon - Il Adore
DISC EIGHT: Dana Gillespie - Garu Nanaka Ji Ki Jai Kar
CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Dana Gillespie - Garu Nanaka Ji Ki Jai Kar
BOOK CHOICE: Stop Thinking, Start Living - Richard Carlson
LUXURY CHOICE: All-purpose prosthetic arm
Producer: Leanne Buckle
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2005.
SUN 06:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00lmdh4)
Series 1
Dragons
What did Sir David do when he was confronted by a 10-foot-long grey-scaled reptile -with a long yellow forked tongue whipping in and out of its mouth?
He didn't run!
In fact, he was one of the first to film the Komodo dragon.
Series of talks by Sir David Attenborough on the natural histories of creatures and plants from around the world.
Producer: Julian Hector
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2009.
SUN 07:00 Poetry Extra (m002jgr1)
Poetry Please - RS Thomas at 100
Poet Daljit Nagra revisits the BBC's poetry archive and selects Poetry Please - RS Thomas at 100.
It's been specially chosen to mark 25 years since the death of the Welsh poet at the age of 87 in September 2000.
Roger McGough presents a selection of listeners' requests for the poems of RS Thomas.
Originally produced in 2013 to mark 100 years since the poet was born in March 1913.
Reader: Owen Teale
Producer: Tim Dee
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2013.
SUN 07:30 The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux (Omnibus) (m002jgr3)
Episode 1
A half-crazed Phantom lurks in the labyrinth beneath the Paris Opera House.
He is obsessed with Christine Daaé, a beautiful young opera singer.
Gaston Leroux's novel, first published in 1909.
Classic horror entwined with a passionate love story translated by Peter Haining.
Omnibus of the first five of ten parts abridged by Andrew Simpson.
Read by Jack Klaff.
Producer: Harriet Lang
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1995.
SUN 08:40 Inheritance Tracks (p0llzgxj)
Nick Grimshaw
BBC 6's presenter Nick Grimshaw chooses 'She's Lost Control’ by Joy Division and 'Subterraneans’ by David Bowie.
SUN 08:50 The Way We Live Right Now by Anthony Trollope (Omnibus) (m002jgr7)
Episode 3
Now that Ghassan Mehmoud's a peer, can he save his business empire and his name?
Anthony Trollope's satirical novel about money, greed and dishonesty, first published in 1875.
Omnibus of the last five of 15 episodes - updated for the 21st century by Jonathan Myerson.
Ghassan Mehmoud .... Henry Goodman
Felix 'Flex' Carbury .... Dexter Fletcher
Anthony Trollope .... John Rowe
Paul Montague .... Nyasha Hatendi
Rt Hon Jeremy Longstaff .... David Bamber
Georgiana Longstaff .... Lucy Montgomery
Ruby Ruggles .... Sheridan Smith
Marie Mehmoud .... Chipo Chung
Roger Lloyd-Montague .... Ben Crowe
Hetta Carbury .... Emily Wachter
Wynford Hurtle .... Corey Johnson
Sheikh Izdihar Behrooz .... Nadim Sawalha
Helen Croll .... Liz Sutherland
Other parts played by:
Chris Pavlo
Beth Chalmers
Stephen Critchlow
Dan Starkey
Joan Walker
Director: Jonquil Panting
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June/July 2008.
SUN 10:00 Ray's a Laugh (b007js0d)
From 22/11/1949
Ted puts money on Kitty's dream - and reporter George chases down a forger.
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 Sellers
Patricia Hayes
Fred Yule
Leslie Perrins.
Music from Bob & Alf Pearson and The Beaux and The Belles.
BBC Dance Orchestra conducted by Stanley Black.
Producer: George Inns
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in November 1949.
SUN 10:30 Jim the Great (b02x95ky)
Series 2
Fit for a Queen
The moustachioed monarch discovers that Boadicea is his sister-in-law.
Back in the days of yore, one particular chieftain was very hard up....King Jim.
A historical regal romp starring Jimmy Edwards.
With:
King Jim …. Jimmy Edwards
Queen Esmerelda …. Joan Sanderson
Boadicea …. June Whitfield
The Chancellor …. Julian Orchard
Page …. Jon Glover
Gertrude …. Norma Ronald
Written by Andrew Palmer.
Following a successful pilot, ‘Jim The Great’ ran for three series on BBC Radio 2 between 1976 and 1979.
Producer: Edward Taylor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in August 1979.
SUN 11:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m002jgqx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 11:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00lmdh4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]
SUN 12:00 Poetry Extra (m002jgr1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
SUN 12:30 The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux (Omnibus) (m002jgr3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 13:40 Inheritance Tracks (p0llzgxj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 today]
SUN 13:50 The Way We Live Right Now by Anthony Trollope (Omnibus) (m002jgr7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]
SUN 15:00 Ray's a Laugh (b007js0d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 15:30 Jim the Great (b02x95ky)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
SUN 16:00 Hothouse by Brian Aldiss (b00mpnkm)
4. Sea Voyage
Gren and Poyly survive the volcano, but the Morel is becoming increasingly frustrated.
Millions of years in the future, a colossal banyan tree covers much of the Earth. In its boughs, the last remnants of humanity are fighting for survival, terrorized by carnivorous plants and grotesque insect life.
The Earth has stopped rotating and the Sun's output has increased. Plants are engaged in a constant tropical forest-style frenzy of growth driving other life forms to extinction...
Brian Aldiss's 1962 sci-fi fantasy read by Gareth Thomas.
Abridged by Lu Kemp.
Producer: Eilidh McCreadie
Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in 2009.
SUN 16:30 The Man in Black (b0186hf0)
Series 4
4. Reunion by Janice Okoh
Joy loses more than her heart in her desperate quest for love.
The Man in Black introduces Janice Okoh's cautionary tale.
Mark Gatiss stars as the sinister raconteur.
Joy ..... Nikki Amuka-Bird
Grace ..... Adjoa Andoh
Fiona ..... Karlina Grace
Dr Alex ..... Richard Pepple
Tom ..... Adam Billington
Steve ..... Alex Lanipekun
More horrifying tales from The Man in Black. You might meet him at a luggage carousel in an airport, or behind the desk at an employment agency or he might approach you in the corridor of a care home.
Wherever you encounter him, he's eager to pass on his stories.
Stories to unsettle and horrify. Stories to haunt you.
Director: Gemma Jenkins
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in December 2011.
SUN 17:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m002jgqx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 17:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00lmdh4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]
SUN 18:00 Poetry Extra (m002jgr1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
SUN 18:30 The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux (Omnibus) (m002jgr3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 19:40 Inheritance Tracks (p0llzgxj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 today]
SUN 19:50 The Way We Live Right Now by Anthony Trollope (Omnibus) (m002jgr7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]
SUN 21:00 Ray's a Laugh (b007js0d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 21:30 Jim the Great (b02x95ky)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
SUN 22:00 Clare in the Community (b008fxxz)
Series 1
Glad to be Ray
The social worker gets a shock when she drops in on her secretive colleague, Ray.
Clare Barker the social worker who has all the right jargon but never a practical solution.
A control freak, Clare likes nothing better than interfering in other people's lives on both a professional and personal basis. Clare is in her 30s, white, middle class and heterosexual, all of which are occasional causes of discomfort to her.
Clare continually struggles to control both her professional and private life
In today's Big Society there are plenty of challenges out there for an involved, caring social worker. Or even Clare.
Written by Harry Venning and David Ramsden.
Starring Sally Phillips and Alex Lowe.
Clare ...... Sally Phillips
Brian ...... Alex Lowe
Megan ...... Nina Conti
Ray ...... Richard Lumsden
Irene ...... Ellen Thomas
Helen ...... Gemma Craven
Simon ...... Andrew Wincott
With Nicholas Boulton and Stephen Hogan.
Producer Katie Tyrrell.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2004.
SUN 22:30 King Cutler (b008x3qy)
King Cutler IV
Phyllis King and Ivor Cutler continue to have words. Plus poems, songs and stories....
With:
Dylan Edwards
David Lloyd
Ted Harrison
Craig Murray-Orr
Producer: Neil Cargill
First broadcast on BBC Radio 3 in February 1990.
SUN 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m002jwf7)
Mark Steel 1/3
From 10pm to midnight, seven nights a week, The Comedy Club brings you two hours of the funny stuff. Tonight, Jon Holmes chats with Mark Steel about his latest show
SUN 23:00 Daphne Sounds Expensive (b08zdh20)
Series 2
Horror
Thwarting Jason's plans to make a horror episode, Phil and George hope to appease the Twitter trolls by keeping the show nice and family friendly - all with the help of Sir Paul McCartney.
Written by and starring: Jason Forbes, Phil Wang & George Fouracres with Celeste Dring, Will Seaward and Sir Willard White.
Original music composed by Jeff Carpenter
Orchestrator: Simon Nathan
The London Musical Theatre Orchestra:
Musical Director - Freddie Tapner
Violin - Debs White
Cello - Nick Squires
Trumpet - Michael Maddocks
Trombone - Elliot Pooley
Tenor Sax - Joe Atkin Reeves
Drum Kit - Ben Hartley
Percussion - Ben Burton
Piano - Jon Ranger
Bass - Jack Cherry
Produced by Matt Stronge.
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in July 2017.
SUN 23:30 The Mark Steel Solution (b007k1j1)
Series 3
Immigration
A proposal to deport everyone born in England.
Comedian Mark Steel provides alternative solutions to our everyday problems.
Written by Mark Steel and Pete Sinclair.
With
Pete Sinclair
Kim Wall
Maria McErlane
Producer: Phil Clarke
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1995.

MONDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2025

MON 00:00 Hothouse by Brian Aldiss (b00mpnkm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Sunday]
MON 00:30 The Man in Black (b0186hf0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:30 on Sunday]
MON 01:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m002jgqx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Sunday]
MON 01:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00lmdh4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 on Sunday]
MON 02:00 Poetry Extra (m002jgr1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Sunday]
MON 02:30 The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux (Omnibus) (m002jgr3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Sunday]
MON 03:40 Inheritance Tracks (p0llzgxj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 on Sunday]
MON 03:50 The Way We Live Right Now by Anthony Trollope (Omnibus) (m002jgr7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 on Sunday]
MON 05:00 Ray's a Laugh (b007js0d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Sunday]
MON 05:30 Jim the Great (b02x95ky)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Sunday]
MON 06:00 Doctor Finlay (b008fld5)
The Further Adventures of a Black Bag - Series 1
1. The Catch
Doctor Cameron gets two arch enemies to look after each other, while Doctor Finlay pines over Nurse Angus.
Ready with his trusty black bag, Finlay sets out to remedy all manner of ailments suffered by his patients in the Scottish Highland town of Levenford.
Starring John Gordon Sinclair.
AJ Cronin's stories about Scotland's most celebrated doctor
Dramatised by Sue Rodwell.
Doctor Finlay …. John Gordon Sinclair
Doctor Cameron …. Brian Pettifer
Janet …. Celia Imrie
Nurse Angus …. Stella Gonet
The Widow Robb …. Phyllis Logan
Tam …. David Ashton
Produced and directed at BBC Bristol by Jeremy Howe and Viv Beeby.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2002.
MON 06:30 Whodunnits (b00t9tmp)
A Charles Paris Mystery - Sicken and So Die
1. Foul Play
Charles Paris lands himself a cracking role in Twelfth Night.
Plus his wife Francis lets him back into her apartment!
Life is looking good - but then it appears a poisoner is on the loose...
Bill Nighy stars as the actor-cum-amateur detective.
Written by Simon Brett.
Dramatised in four parts by Jeremy Front.
Charles Paris……Bill Nighy
Frances……Suzanne Burden
Maurice……Jon Glover
Ken Carter……Peter Wight
Alex Radelescu……Julian Rhind-Tutt
Vivienne Marlin……Elizabeth Bell
Gavin Scholes……Thomas Wheatley
Jack Bradley……John Cummins
Sally Luther……Tracy Wiles
Ben Ritson……Tom Lawrence
Vasile Bogdan/Scott……Ryan McCluskey
Directed by Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2006.
MON 07:00 Pankhiraj (b07lp4lr)
The Wedding
Dida is a storyteller with an unpredictable brand of magic.
Starring Charubala Chokshi, Souad Faress and Meera Syal.
In Tanika Gupta's four-part comedy, three generations of women collide at a family wedding.
Dida ...... Charubala Chokshi
Sripurna ...... Souad Faress
Malati ...... Meera Syal
Rehana ...... Vinny Dhillon
Geoffrey ...... Geoffrey Beevers
Fish Seller ...... Shiv Grewal
Motorist ...... Dominic Letts
Director: Claire Grove
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1994.
MON 07:30 Dad's Army (b007jlhv)
Series 1
The Armoured Might of Lance-Corporal Jones
Private Walker dreams up a plan to get petrol coupons so Corporal Jones's delivery van can be commandeered for the war effort...
The comic exploits of a Second World War Home Guard platoon in Walmington-on-Sea.
Adapted for radio from Jimmy Perry and David Croft's TV scripts by Harold Snoad and Michael Knowles.
Captain Mainwaring …. Arthur Lowe
Sergeant Wilson …. John Le Mesurier
Corporal Jones …. Clive Dunn
Private Walker …. James Beck
Private Godfrey …. Arnold Ridley
Private Pike …. Ian Lavender
Private Frazer …. John Laurie
Cissie Godfrey …. Nan Brawnton
Percy the Parrot …. Percy Edwards
Announcer …. John Snagge
Producer: John Dyas
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1974.
MON 08:00 Michael Frayn's Pocket Playhouse (b0b53b02)
Episode 2
Martin Jarvis directs Michael Frayn’s masterly comic series with an outstanding cast led by Ian McKellen, Joanna Lumley, Stephen Fry, Alfred Molina, Alex Jennings and Jarvis himself.
Michael Frayn - author of Noises Off - is the most comic philosophical writer of our time.
Each episode reveals his infectious delight in writing between the lines of theatre, fiction, TV and the media, the church, relationships - life in general.
* Darren Richardson conducts a misguided sight-seeing tour
* Ian McKellen has Helpline difficulties
* Nigel Anthony and Joanna Lumley revisit Listen With Mother
* Martin Jarvis attempts to broadcast from The Royal Opera House
* Alex Jennings and Janie Dee are a confused married couple
* George Blagden is an unusually literate weatherman
* Ian McKellen, as Richard III, is interrupted by footnote scholars
Director: Martin Jarvis
A Jarvis and Ayres production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in June 2018.
MON 08:30 The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux (m002jgly)
6. Courage
Christine has vanished, perhaps carried off by the Phantom.
Distraught, Raoul and the mysterious Persian go in search of her.
The half-crazed Phantom lurks in the labyrinth of the Paris Opera House.
He is obsessed with Christine, a beautiful young opera singer...
Gaston Leroux's novel, first published in 1909.
Translated by Peter Haining.
Abridged in ten parts by Andrew Simpson.
Producer: Harriet Lang
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1995.
MON 08:45 The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (b017lt57)
1. The Tenant
Helen Graham is the mysterious and striking new tenant of the dilapidated Wildfell Hall.
As gentleman farmer Gilbert Markham becomes more and more powerfully drawn to this enigmatic "widow", he finds that her unconventionally independent life disguises a turbulent and painful past.
Anne Bronte’s second and final novel, first published under a pseudonym 1848.
Dramatised in ten parts by Rachel Joyce
Gilbert Markham......Robert Lonsdale
Helen Graham......Hattie Morahan
Mrs. Markham......Carolyn Pickles
Rose......Leah Brotherhead
Mr. Lawrence......Carl Prekopp
Eliza......Victoria Inez Hardy
Rev. Millward......Gerard McDermott
Arthur......Samuel Bridger
Director: David Hunter
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2011.
MON 09:00 Just a Minute (m002j5r5)
Series 95
4. What's that wonderful smell?
Sue Perkins challenges Gyles Brandreth, Tony Hawks, Emma Sidi and Desiree Burch to speak for 60 seconds without repetition, deviation or hesitation. Subjects include Dame Maggie Smith, my favourite pizza topping and Wimbledon.
Production Coordinator: Sarah Nicholls
Sound Editor: Marc Willcox
Producer: Georgia Keating
Executive Producer: James Robinson
Additional material by Eve Delaney
An EcoAudio certified production.
A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.
MON 09:30 Shakespeare: Love Across the Racial Divide (b078xpf2)
1. Othello
Yasmin Alibhai-Brown explores the first of five Shakespeare plays which cross the racial divide.
No one has ever captured the joy and lunacy and power of love better than William Shakespeare. His transgressive depictions of love remain unsurpassed.
Othello, Titus Andronicus, The Merchant of Venice, Antony and Cleopatra and A Midsummer Night's Dream - in these five plays there's so much more to love than love. These are not tidy tragedies.
Shakespeare apparently never left England except through his plays, yet he embraced interracial relationships and supernatural relationships and turned them into thrilling, dangerous drama.
We bring together scholars, directors and actors to explore how the compulsions and fears, joys and sorrows, very much part of everyday life for many in Britain today, were so brilliantly showcased by Shakespeare more than 400 years ago.
Othello is first under the spotlight.
Shakespeare creates a powerful drama of a marriage between the Moor Othello and the Venetian lady Desdemona.
Shakespeare builds so many differences into his hero and heroine - differences of race, of age, of cultural background - the tragic end is almost inevitable.
Yet most people who see or read the play come away feeling, but for Iago's cruel hand, the couple would have won the day.
Producer: Mohini Patel
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2016.
MON 09:45 Daily Service (m002jgm1)
Letter to Corinth - Many parts but one body
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Letter to Corinth - Many parts but one body
Presenter: Rev Kirsty Thorpe, recorded in the Philharmonic studio with the Daily Service Singers, directed by Andrew Earis with Elin Reese on the organ.
Reading: 1 Corinthians 12: 12, 15-17,27-28,31
Music:
Like the murmur of the dove’s song - Daily Service Singers
Christ has no body now but yours (David Ogden) - Daily Service Singers
Living God, your word has called us (Abbot’s Leigh) - Daily Service Singers
MON 10:00 Frankly Speaking (b07bkwq3)
Edith Sitwell
British avant garde poet and critic Dame Edith Sitwell answers questions posed by a panel of three:
* Margaret Lane - writer
* Lionel Hale - critic
* Paul Dehn - Oscar-winning screenplay writer
Aged 68 when interviewed, she recalls her childhood influences and shares her belief in the popularity of poetry.
Dame Edith died aged 77 in 1964.
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 September 1955.
MON 10:30 The Keskidee (b00k4fv9)
Oral Historian Alan Dein pieces together the remarkable and pioneering story of the Keskidee, Britain's first arts centre for the black community.
Founded in the early 1970's and tucked away in a church hall in the backstreets of Islington, London, it forged new ground for a generation of black British poets, actors, artists and directors.
Dub poet Linton Kwesi Johnson was the educational officer at the Keskidee and Bob Marley shot the music video for 'Is This Love?' there.
It had its own drama company, artists in residence and was a hub for African and Afro-Caribbean politics and arts, as well as a creative nursery for home-grown talent.
The Keskidee also catered for the needs of local youth and gave a generation of black teenagers a space of their own.
But this massively influential cultural centre also has a fascinating earlier history, when it served as a progressive mission hall with a musical pastor and a legendary silver band.
Today the building has reverted to being a religious base, housing an African church and a devout and joyous congregation.
Dein joins up the hidden history of Gifford Hall which has played host to three different communities, but which, curiously, have much in common.
Producer: Neil McCarthy
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2009.
MON 11:00 Doctor Finlay (b008fld5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 11:30 Whodunnits (b00t9tmp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 12:00 Pankhiraj (b07lp4lr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 12:30 Dad's Army (b007jlhv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 13:00 Michael Frayn's Pocket Playhouse (b0b53b02)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 13:30 The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux (m002jgly)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 13:45 The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (b017lt57)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
MON 14:00 Booked (b0075m3b)
Series 5
Episode 5
Ian McMillian asks his contestants to put their thumbs into the rich and sticky pudding of literature.
Then they must pull out the plums and play the tastiest writing game of the party season.
Poised ready for battle are:
Dillie Keane
Mark Radcliffe
Sophie Hannah
Simon Armitage
Producer: Viv Beeby
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1998.
MON 14:30 Married (b007tm4g)
Series 2
The Truth Is Out There
Robin uses a scam from his old universe to make himself rich in his new universe.
But in the process, he attracts the attention of the security services and discovers the horrible truth about Operation War of the Worlds.
Hugh Bonneville stars in Tony Bagley's comedy.
Robin .... Hugh Bonneville
Lesley .... Josie Lawrence
Dirk .... Steve Frost
Murdo …. Lewis MacLeod
Elaine …. Janet Ellis
Vernon …. Simon Greenall
Ned …. Sam Bradley
Producer: Claire Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2000.
MON 15:00 A Flame in Your Heart by Andrew Greig & Kathleen Jamie (m002jgm3)
1940. France has fallen and the war between England and Germany takes to the skies.
Len is a young Geordie fighter pilot attempting to survive the endless sorties. Katie is a nurse striving to cope with the monotony and the heartbreak.
They meet at a local dance and their love deepens as the war intensifies...
Broadcast to mark the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
Powerfully poetic drama written by Andrew Greig and Kathleen Jamie.
Katie .... Emma Fielding
Len .... Tom Goodman-Hill
Narrator .... Crawford Logan
Potent music score played by 17-pieces of The Big Bang Big Band.
Director: Gaynor Macfarlane
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2000.
MON 16:00 Frankly Speaking (b07bkwq3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
MON 16:30 The Keskidee (b00k4fv9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
MON 17:00 Doctor Finlay (b008fld5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 17:30 Whodunnits (b00t9tmp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 18:00 Pankhiraj (b07lp4lr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 18:30 Dad's Army (b007jlhv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 19:00 Michael Frayn's Pocket Playhouse (b0b53b02)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 19:30 The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux (m002jgly)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 19:45 The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (b017lt57)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
MON 20:00 Booked (b0075m3b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
MON 20:30 Married (b007tm4g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
MON 21:00 A Flame in Your Heart by Andrew Greig & Kathleen Jamie (m002jgm3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
MON 22:00 Just a Minute (m002j5r5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
MON 22:30 Can't Tell Nathan Caton Nothing (b04kf9mg)
Series 3
About Maturity
Nathan decides to prove how mature he is in order to win back the girl that rejected him.
A mix of stand-up and re-enacted family life written by Nathan Caton and James Kettle
After becoming the first in his family to graduate from University, Nathan opted not to use his architecture degree but instead to try his hand at being a full-time stand-up comedian, much to his family's horror and disgust. They all desperately want him to get a 'proper job.
Will Nathan persevere and follow his dreams?
Or will he give in to his family's interference?
Or will he finally leave home..?!
Nathan ...... Nathan Caton
Grandma ...... Mona Hammond
Mum ...... Adjoa Andoh
Dad ...... Curtis Walker
Tyree ...... Alhaji Fofano
Nisha ...... Chizzy Akudolu
Reverend Williams ...... Don Gilet
Ambrose (Boss) ...... Damian Lynch
Producer: Katie Tyrrell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2014.
MON 23:00 The News Quiz (m002j63s)
Series 118
2. Cards revealed and Reshuffle
Andy Zaltzman is joined by Daliso Chaponda, Susie McCabe, Geoff Norcott and Ash Sarkar to break down the week in news. Expect discussion on the Labour Deputy Leader Election, the return of the Mandelson, strikes on Qatar, Russian drones in Poland and telepathic Google searches.
Written by Andy Zaltzman.
With additional material by: Simon Alcock, Carwyn Blayney, Ruth Husko and Alex Kealy.
Producer: Rajiv Karia
Executive Producer: James Robinson
Production Coordinator: Caroline Barlow
Sound Editor: Marc Willcox
A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.
MON 23:30 Old Harry's Game (b00cgsrw)
Series 5
Power Politics
Satan infiltrates the White House and the United Nations.
Meanwhile, a dangerous subversive infiltrates Hell.
Andy Hamilton’s devilishly funny sitcom set in Hell.
Satan …. Andy Hamilton
Thomas …. Jimmy Mulville
Scumspawn …. Robert Duncan
Other characters played by:
Geoffrey Whitehead
Hugh Dennis
Tony Maudsley
Felicity Montagu
Philip Pope
Producer: Paul Mayhew-Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2005.

TUESDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2025

TUE 00:00 Frankly Speaking (b07bkwq3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Monday]
TUE 00:30 The Keskidee (b00k4fv9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Monday]
TUE 01:00 Doctor Finlay (b008fld5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]
TUE 01:30 Whodunnits (b00t9tmp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Monday]
TUE 02:00 Pankhiraj (b07lp4lr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Monday]
TUE 02:30 Dad's Army (b007jlhv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:00 Michael Frayn's Pocket Playhouse (b0b53b02)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Monday]
TUE 03:30 The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux (m002jgly)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:45 The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (b017lt57)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Monday]
TUE 04:00 Booked (b0075m3b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:30 Married (b007tm4g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Monday]
TUE 05:00 A Flame in Your Heart by Andrew Greig & Kathleen Jamie (m002jgm3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Monday]
TUE 06:00 Doctor Finlay (b008gd1y)
The Further Adventures of a Black Bag - Series 1
2. The Fever
When scarlet fever hits Levenford, Finlay tries his hand at being a private detective - with disastrous results...
Ready with his trusty black bag, Doctor Finlay sets out to remedy all manner of ailments suffered by his patients in the Scottish Highland town of Levenford.
Starring John Gordon Sinclair.
AJ Cronin's stories about Scotland's most celebrated doctor.
Dramatised by Sue Rodwell.
Doctor Finlay …. John Gordon Sinclair
Doctor Cameron …. Brian Pettifer
Janet …. Celia Imrie
Mrs Prentice …. Sharon Maharaj
Hendry …. John McGlynn
Jeanie …. Tracy Wiles
Dr Snoddie …. David McKail
Produced and directed at BBC Bristol by Jeremy Howe and Viv Beeby.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2002.
TUE 06:30 Whodunnits (b00t9yf6)
A Charles Paris Mystery - Sicken and So Die
2. Seduction
Charles Paris is playing Sir Toby Belch in William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.
But fellow cast members and crew are falling sick.
No wonder he’s convinced a poisoner is on the loose!
Can Charles unmask the murderer before someone dies?
Bill Nighy stars as the actor-cum-amateur detective.
Written by Simon Brett.
Dramatised by Jeremy Front.
Charles Paris……Bill Nighy
Frances……Suzanne Burden
Alex Radelescu……Julian Rhind-Tutt
Gavin Scholes……Thomas Wheatley
Jack Bradley……John Cummins
Sally Luther……Tracy Wiles
Vasile Bogdan/Scott……Ryan McCluskey
Director: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2006.
TUE 07:00 Little Blighty on the Down (b007jxwl)
Series 2
Episode 5
Parish Council leader Mrs Roberts finds it difficult to relax on her holiday.
The continuing everyday story of a country folk.
80s political satirical soap opera set in the strangely familiar village of Little Blighty.
Life here is pretty uneventful, though the humdrum happenings include social turmoil, economic upheaval and vicious political squabbles.
Written by Mark Burton, John O'Farrell and Mike Coleman.
Starring:
Jo Kendall
Michael Troughton
John Baddeley
Bernadine Corrigan
Daniel Strauss
Brian Bowles
Producer: Lissa Evans
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1989.
TUE 07:30 The Goon Show (b00dp3qn)
Series 8
The Curse of Frankenstein
The million-pound race is on to be the first to play the bagpipes at the South Pole.
Groundbreaking, surreal BBC radio comedy written by Spike Milligan.
Starring:
Peter Sellers
Harry Secombe
Spike Milligan
George Chisholm
First billed as Crazy People, ten series of The Goon Show were recorded between 1951 and 1960, but sadly many of the earliest shows weren’t kept in the archive.
With the Ray Ellington Quartet and Max Geldray.
Orchestra conducted by Wally Stott.
Announcer: Wallace Greenslade
Producer: Charles Chilton
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in January 1958.
TUE 08:00 Mrs Sidhu Investigates (m000672j)
Mrs Sidhu's Deadly Highland Game
3. Secret Of The Unmade Bed
After a double personal disaster, Mrs Sidhu is undaunted and determined to put things right at Castle Tannoch.
Meera Syal stars as the catering sleuth from Slough hunting down a Highland killer.
Her apologies soon turn to worry when another of the Castle guests pays the price for being indiscreet.
What’s left of the hunting party must accept the grim realisation they have become the quarry. Will they be picked off one by one? With another body on her hands, Mrs Sidhu realises she’s made a series of errors. The question is, will they be her last?
While Mrs Sidhu plunges ever deeper into the darkness of Castle Tannoch, Constable Williamson declares a truce with Inspector Burton and the two enjoy some time out in a steamy situation.
Suk Pannu's four-part comedy-drama murder mystery.
Mrs Sidhu …. Meera Syal
Inspector Burton …. Justin Edwards
Tez …. Hamza Jeetooa
Sir Alex / Zukhov …. John Sessions
Jane / Kirsty …. Hilary Maclean
Robert / PC Williamson …. Okorie Chukwu
Callum …. Gordon Kennedy
Recorded at Soundhouse Studios.
Edited by Leon Chambers.
Studio Managers: Wilfredo Acosta and Leon Chambers
Production Manager: Sarah Tombling
Director: Marilyn Imrie.
Producer: Gordon Kennedy
An Absolutely production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in June 2019.
TUE 08:30 The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux (m002jgtz)
7. The Chamber
Searching for Christine, Raoul and the Persian have entered the Phantom’s lair – the torture chamber.
The half-crazed Phantom lurks in the labyrinth of the Paris Opera House.
He is obsessed with Christine, a beautiful young opera singer...
Gaston Leroux's novel, first published in 1909.
Translated by Peter Haining.
Abridged in ten parts by Andrew Simpson.
Producer: Harriet Lang
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1995.
TUE 08:45 The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (b017mtf9)
2. A Snake in the Grass
Helen Graham is the mysterious and striking new tenant of the dilapidated Wildfell Hall.
As gentleman farmer Gilbert Markham becomes more and more powerfully drawn to this enigmatic "widow" he finds that her unconventionally independent life disguises a turbulent and painful past.
Anne Bronte’s second and final novel, first published under a pseudonym 1848.
Dramatised by Rachel Joyce.
Gilbert Markham......Robert Lonsdale
Helen Graham......Hattie Morahan
Mrs. Markham......Carolyn Pickles
Rose......Leah Brotherhead
Mr. Lawrence......Carl Prekopp
Eliza......Victoria Inez Hardy
Arthur......Samuel Bridger
Director: David Hunter
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2011.
TUE 09:00 Room 101 with Paul Merton (m002j6zk)
Series 3
Jack Dee
Paul Merton asks Jack Dee what he would put into Room 101.
TUE 09:30 Shakespeare: Love Across the Racial Divide (b07bc1tt)
2. Titus Andronicus
Titus Andronicus is a brutal revenge tragedy focussing on the relationship between Tamora the Goth Queen and Aaron the Moor.
Yasmin Alibhai-Brown explores another of five Shakespeare plays which cross the racial divide.
No one has ever captured the joy and lunacy and power of love better than William Shakespeare. His transgressive depictions of love remain unsurpassed.
Othello, Titus Andronicus, The Merchant of Venice, Antony and Cleopatra and A Midsummer Night's Dream - in these five plays there's so much more to love than love. These are not tidy tragedies.
Shakespeare apparently never left England except through his plays, yet he embraced interracial relationships and supernatural relationships and turned them into thrilling, dangerous drama.
We bring together scholars, directors and actors to explore how the compulsions and fears, joys and sorrows, very much part of everyday life for many in Britain today, were so brilliantly showcased by Shakespeare more than 400 years ago.
Producer: Mohini Patel
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2016.
TUE 09:45 Daily Service (m002jgv2)
Letter to Corinth - Rigorous training
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Letter to Corinth - Rigorous training
Presenter: Greg Finn
Reading: 1 Corinthians 9: 24-27
Music:
Running back to you - Seph Schlueter
Crown him with many crowns - Lucy Grimble
You will never run - Rend Collective
TUE 10:00 A Good Read (m0009376)
Edith Bowman & Harry Baker
Broadcaster Edith Bowman and poet Harry Baker join Harriett Gilbert to discuss their favourite books by Taylor Jenkins Reid, Fredrik Backman and Deborah Levy.
Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Publisher: Hutchinson
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman [Translated by Henning Koch]
Publisher: Sceptre
The Cost of Living by Deborah Levy
Publisher: Penguin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2019.
TUE 10:30 For One Night Only (b00zq9m8)
Series 6
BB King Live At The Regal
Blues singer BB King talks to Paul Gambaccini about recording his classic live blues album in Chicago in 1964, Live At The Regal.
An episode of the award-winning series re-visiting the occasions on which a classic live album was recorded. Paul hears from those who were there, on-stage, backstage and in the audience, to re-create the event for all of us who, each time we play the album, think: 'If only I could have been there'.
On 21st November 1964 what's been hailed as one of the greatest blues albums of all time was recorded at Chicago's premier black theatre. It's claimed that musicians from Eric Clapton to John Mayer still play it for inspiration before they go on stage.
If BB's studio sessions were electric, it was on stage that he really came into his own. Yet, at a time when live albums were becoming the thing, BB had yet to record one. Enter Johnny Pate, A&R man for ABC Paramount, the label that had recently signed Riley B King.
On the night, Chicago DJs Pervis Spann and E Rodney Jones introduced the sets and the enthusiastic audience erupted as BB and his band treated them to a classic performance.
Paul Gambaccini listens to memories of that never-to-be-forgotten night from BB King himself and from the sole surviving member of his band, Duke Jethro.
Jethro's usual instrument, the Hammond B3 Organ, was in the repair shop so he had to play, for the first time in his life, a piano. Yet his tinkling riffs are one of the album's major charms.
Paul also hears from:
* Album producer - Johnny Pate
* WVON DJ - Pervis Spann
* Arthur Gathings - who was in the audience.
Producer: Marya Burgess
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2011.
TUE 11:00 Doctor Finlay (b008gd1y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 11:30 Whodunnits (b00t9yf6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 12:00 Little Blighty on the Down (b007jxwl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 12:30 The Goon Show (b00dp3qn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 13:00 Mrs Sidhu Investigates (m000672j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 13:30 The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux (m002jgtz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 13:45 The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (b017mtf9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
TUE 14:00 Guess What? (b063r9k0)
Episode 5
Animal, vegetable or mineral?
Barry Took hosts a revised version of popular radio parlour game of 20 questions.
On the panel:
Geoffrey Durham
Dick Vosburgh
Hattie Hayridge.
Written by Michael Dines.
Producer: Andy Aliffe
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1998.
TUE 14:30 Trapped (m001p12f)
Series 2
3. Smarting Up
Frustrated intellectual, Jenny Green, is going nowhere as a staff-writer on the popular, but struggling, TV soap ‘Jesmond Road’.
Then one day, she is presented with the opportunity to take out her frustrations on the soap's script.
In the process, she unwittingly starts a cultural revolution...
More one-off comedy dramas written by, and sometimes featuring, Daniel and Mark Maier
Jenny …. Alice Lowe
Callum/Director …. Matthew Horne
Sam/Reporter …. Steve Furst
Angela/Old Lady…. Jenny Eclair
Dr Berringer/Chunky/Cabbie …. Jim Barclay
Naomi …. Angela Lonsdale
Tyler/Mike/Newsreader/Karl …. Daniel Maier
Nick/Quizmaster/Trey …. Mark Maier
Producer: Claire Bartlett
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2006.
TUE 15:00 A Shilling for Candles by Josephine Tey (m002jgv6)
Erica is the independent-minded daughter of a Chief Police Constable.
What will happen when she meets a suspected killer on the run?
Josephine Tey's comedy thriller, first published in 1936.
Starring TIlly Gaunt and Giles Fagan.
Dramatised by John Fletcher.
Erica …. Tilly Gaunt
Tisdall …. Giles Fagan
Grant …. Ben Crowe
Burgoyne …. Stephen Thorne
Pottinger …. Steve Hodson
Albert Clay …. Harry Myers
Hopgood …. Geoffrey Whitehead
Martha …. Frances Jeater
Director: Tabitha Potts
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1998.
TUE 16:00 A Good Read (m0009376)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
TUE 16:30 For One Night Only (b00zq9m8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
TUE 17:00 Doctor Finlay (b008gd1y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 17:30 Whodunnits (b00t9yf6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 18:00 Little Blighty on the Down (b007jxwl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 18:30 The Goon Show (b00dp3qn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 19:00 Mrs Sidhu Investigates (m000672j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 19:30 The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux (m002jgtz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 19:45 The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (b017mtf9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
TUE 20:00 Guess What? (b063r9k0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
TUE 20:30 Trapped (m001p12f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
TUE 21:00 A Shilling for Candles by Josephine Tey (m002jgv6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
TUE 22:00 Room 101 with Paul Merton (m002j6zk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
TUE 22:30 Mark Watson Makes the World Substantially Better (b00d75nw)
Series 2
Honesty
Mark discovers whether telling the truth pays off.
The comedian continues his quest to delve into six virtues.
With poetry and music presented without lies or deception by:
Tim Key
Tom Basden
Producer: Katie Marsden
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2008.
TUE 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m002jwf9)
Mark Steel 2/3
The Comedy Club keeps the laughs coming from 10pm to midnight, every night of the week. Tonight, Jon Holmes continues his conversation with Mark Steel.
TUE 23:00 Nick Revell: BrokenDreamCatcher (b0bk1srr)
Series 1
Vladimir Putin’s Bottom Is Missing
A series of contemporary comic tales that could almost be true. Anything can happen when this master storyteller combines comedy with magical realism – and it probably will.
This week - what Valdimir Putin and Angela Merkel have in common turns out to be more than a shared interest in The Archers.
Written and performed by Nick Revell
Producer: Steve Doherty
A Giddy Goat production for BBC Radio 4
TUE 23:30 And Now in Colour (b007jqfb)
Series 2
The Great Outdoors
The sketch show team take their audience on an activity holiday.
Precision comedy written and performed by:
Tim Firth
Tim de Jongh
Michael Rutger
William Vandyck
Producer: Lissa Evans
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1991.

WEDNESDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2025

WED 00:00 A Good Read (m0009376)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Tuesday]
WED 00:30 For One Night Only (b00zq9m8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Tuesday]
WED 01:00 Doctor Finlay (b008gd1y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:30 Whodunnits (b00t9yf6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Tuesday]
WED 02:00 Little Blighty on the Down (b007jxwl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Tuesday]
WED 02:30 The Goon Show (b00dp3qn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:00 Mrs Sidhu Investigates (m000672j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Tuesday]
WED 03:30 The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux (m002jgtz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:45 The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (b017mtf9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Tuesday]
WED 04:00 Guess What? (b063r9k0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:30 Trapped (m001p12f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Tuesday]
WED 05:00 A Shilling for Candles by Josephine Tey (m002jgv6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Tuesday]
WED 06:00 Doctor Finlay (b008h45m)
The Further Adventures of a Black Bag - Series 1
3. The Miracle of Lestrange
When new-fangled Alternative Medicine hits Levenford, Finlay and Cameron find they're losing all their patients, even Janet.
Ready with his trusty black bag, Doctor Finlay sets out to remedy all manner of ailments suffered by his patients in the Scottish Highland town of Levenford.
Starring John Gordon Sinclair.
AJ Cronin's stories about Scotland's most celebrated doctor
Dramatised by Sue Rodwell.
Doctor Finlay …. John Gordon Sinclair
Doctor Cameron …. Brian Pettifer
Janet …. Celia Imrie
Lestrange …. David Bamber
Annie Grant …. Claire Neilson
Produced and directed at BBC Bristol by Jeremy Howe and Viv Beeby.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2002.
WED 06:30 Whodunnits (b00t9zq7)
A Charles Paris Mystery - Sicken and So Die
3. Poison
Gavin and Ken have gone down with gastric flu and Sally recently died on stage. Charles thinks he is next. Even Frances, his ex-wife, is worried for him.
Charles Paris……Bill Nighy
Frances……Suzanne Burden
Alex Radelescu……Julian Rhind-Tutt
Vivienne Marlin……Elizabeth Bell
Jack Bradley……John Cummins
Ben Ritson……Tom Lawrence
Vasile Bogdan/Scott……Ryan McCluskey
Talya Northcott……Alex Tregear
Inspector Dewar……Kim Wall
Written by Simon Brett
Dramatised by Jeremy Front
Directed by Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2006.
WED 07:00 Star Terk II (m002jfdp)
Series 1
In a Lift with John Inman
The show featuring everybody from Barry Norman, Charles Dickens and Ted Roger’s 3-2-1 interpretation of Wordsworth’s ‘I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud’ – you’ll be shocked at what it really means…
No. ‘Star Terk II’ is not a misprint and Captain Krik and Mr Pocks are just part of a quickfire sketch show that brazenly goes where no sketch show has gone before - including the planet Kroll, where every word containing the letter ‘k’ is mispronounced…
Written by Terry Ravenscroft.
Producer: Martin Fisher
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1987.
WED 07:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b00898pr)
Series 5
East Cheam Drama Festival
Rivalling Edinburgh and Salzburg - three short plays as the Lad welcomes us to East Cheam Repertory Company.
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 April 1958.
WED 08:00 Simon Evans Goes to Market (b045c0j2)
Series 1
Oil
Simon looks at commodities markets in oil or petrolium.
How is it produced? Why is this trade different to others? Is our over-reliance on it dangerous?
Simon Evans has the answers in this series which asks us to get involved in the funny side of investment.
Rather than being cowed by an apparently complicated and overwhelming system, Simon jumps right in. He takes as his focus four commodities which are so intrinsic to our lives they have an almost elemental significance - land, gold, oil and grain. Yet, despite the fact we encounter them everywhere we look, very few people have been able to build a fortune on them.
All that's about to change as, Simon enlists help from the experts to help brings us closer to understanding of how global economic forces have a far-reaching and often surprising impact on our lives.
Performed by Simon Evans, with regular guests Tim Harford and Merryn Somerset-Webb, and to talk about Oil markets, Paul Horsnell.
Written by Simon Evans with Benjamin Partridge, Guy Venables and Andy Wolton.
Producer: Tilusha Ghelani.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2014.
WED 08:30 The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux (m002jfdr)
8. Thirst
Raoul and the Persian have found Christine, but she has been given a terrible ultimatum by Erik, the Phantom.
The half-crazed Phantom lurks in the labyrinth of the Paris Opera House, obsessed with Christine, a beautiful young opera singer...
Gaston Leroux's novel read by Jack Klaff.
Episode eight of ten parts abridged by Andrew Simpson, from a translation by Peter Haining.
Producer: Harriet Lang
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1995.
WED 08:45 The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (b017mv1p)
3. Assault
Helen Graham is the mysterious and striking new tenant of the dilapidated Wildfell Hall. As gentleman farmer Gilbert Markham becomes more and more powerfully drawn to this enigmatic "widow" he finds that her unconventionally independent life disguises a turbulent and painful past.
Gilbert Markham......Robert Lonsdale
Helen Graham......Hattie Morahan
Mrs. Markham......Carolyn Pickles
Rose......Leah Brotherhead
Mr. Lawrence......Carl Prekopp
Rev. Millward......Gerard McDermott
Arthur......Samuel Bridger
Director: David Hunter
Dramatised by: Rachel Joyce
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2011.
WED 09:00 Do Gooders (m002j5w0)
Series 2
2. The School
Gladys reveals she’s going to church, which takes the whole office by surprise and incenses Lauren. Ken uses the revelation to teach a few lessons of his own. Meanwhile, Clive struggles to comes to terms with the fact he’s aging. Inevitably, things turn out to be not quite as they'd seemed.
Garrett Millerick’s ensemble sitcom Do Gooders returns for another series. The show takes us back behind the curtain of fictional mid-level charity, The Alzheimers Alliance, as the fundraising events team continue their daily struggle for survival. Cue more office feuds, more workplace romances and more catastrophic fundraising blunders – all par for the course when trying to ‘do good’ on an industrial scale.
Cast
Gladys – Kathryn Drysdale
Lauren – Ania Magliano
Clive – Garrett Millerick
Harriett – Fay Ripley
Achi – Ahir Shah
Ken – Frank Skinner
Guest Star
Niamh – Katie Norris
Writer – Garrett Millerick
Additional Material – Katie Storey
Sound Engineer – David Thomas
Editor – David Thomas
Production Assistant – Jenny Recaldin
Producer – Jules Lom
Executive Producers – Richard Allen-Turner, Daisy Knight, Julien Matthews, Jon Thoday
An Avalon Television production for BBC Radio 4
WED 09:30 Shakespeare: Love Across the Racial Divide (b07bgs4z)
3. The Merchant of Venice
Yasmin Alibhai-Brown explores five Shakespeare plays which cross the racial divide.
In this edition, she focuses on The Merchant of Venice and how Shylock, arguably one of the most renowned outsiders in British theatre, navigates being a Jew in a Christian world, especially when his daughter Jessica elopes with the Christian Lorenzo and converts.
No one has ever captured the joy and lunacy and power of love better than William Shakespeare. And his transgressive depictions of love in particular, remain unsurpassed. Othello, Titus Andronicus, The Merchant of Venice, Antony and Cleopatra and A Midsummer Night's Dream - in these five plays there's so much more to love than love. These are not tidy tragedies.
Shakespeare apparently never left England except through his plays yet he embraced interracial relationships and supernatural relationships and turned them into thrilling, dangerous drama. We bring together scholars, directors and actors to explore how the compulsions and fears, joys and sorrows, very much part of everyday life for many in Britain today, were so brilliantly showcased by Shakespeare more than four hundred years ago.
Producer: Mohini Patel
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2016.
WED 09:45 Daily Service (m002jfdv)
Letter to Corinth - Growing pains
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Letter to Corinth - Growing pains
Presenter: Sandra Godley
Reading: Song of Solomon 4.12-16
Music:
Imagine me (Kirk Franklin) - Melodees from Heaven (BBC Recording)
Alpha & Omega (Israel Houghton) - Rumbi (BBC Recording)
Jesus shall lead me - Rachel John (BBC Recording)
WED 10:00 Sound of Cinema (b067x53g)
Hammer!
Matthew Sweet explores the music of Hammer Horrors and other films made by the eponymous British production company.
Founded in 1934 the company acquired the film rights to BBC radio series such as Dick Barton: Special Agent before going on to launch its iconic Horror series in the mid-fifties with hits including The Curse of Frankenstein, Dracula and The Mummy.
Featuring horror scores by composers James Bernard, Tristram Cary and Benjamin Frankel, as well as music from Hammer's highly successful comedy films and only space western...
Producer: Ruth Thomson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 3 in 2015.
WED 11:00 Doctor Finlay (b008h45m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 11:30 Whodunnits (b00t9zq7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 12:00 Star Terk II (m002jfdp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 12:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b00898pr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 13:00 Simon Evans Goes to Market (b045c0j2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 13:30 The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux (m002jfdr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 13:45 The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (b017mv1p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
WED 14:00 The Museum of Curiosity (b0bpr5mn)
Series 13
Episode 4
Professor of Ignorance John Lloyd and his curator Lee Mack welcome:
* Journalist and author Lucy Mangan
* Scientist and writer Steve Mould
* Former England footballer Graeme Le Saux
The Museum's Guest Committee indulge in past pleasures with a mechanical talking robot, an amusement arcade penny pusher machine and the soothing sounds of a 1980s Sony Walkman.
Researched by QI and Mike Turner.
Producers: Richard Turner and Anne Miller.
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in October 2018.
WED 14:30 Millport (b00761w5)
Series 2
Happy Returns
It's Irene's 33rd birthday - so the island inhabitants have a few surprises in store...
Bittersweet comedy written by and starring Lynn Ferguson.
Barmaid Irene Bruce is 30-something and hankering after a better life on the mainland.
Irene ...... Lynn Ferguson
Moira/Agnes ...... Janet Brown
Alberto/Robert/Bob ...... Lewis McLeod
Ena/Bunty ...... Gabriel Quigley
Dougie ...... Matt Costello
Music arranged by Olly Fox.
Producer: Lucy Bacon
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2001.
WED 15:00 The Water Babies by Charles Kingsley (b007jxr5)
1. Cruelty
Tom is forced by his cruel master, Grimes, up the chimneys of Hartover Hall.
In the chase that follows, Tom is rescued by the Fairies and taken to be a Water Baby under the waves.
Published in 1863, Charles Kingsley’s novel dramatised in three parts by Berlie Doherty.
Starring Julia McKenzie and Timothy West.
Mrs Doasyouwouldbedoneby ...... Julia McKenzie
Charles Kingsley ................................Timothy West
Tom .........................................................Oliver Peace
Grimes ................................................ Philip Jackson
Sir John ............................................ Geoffrey Whitehead
The Dame ......................................... Maggie McCarthy
Miss Ellie ......................................... Ciara Janson
The Otter ........................................ Frances Jeater
The Dragonfly ...................................Charles Simpson
The Fly ..........................................David Antrobus
The Caddisfly ................................. Sarah-Jane Holm
Other parts played by Rosie Wiggins, Victoria Hickson, Alex Bird, Mark Guildea, Fiona Taylor, Samantha Morris, Nicola Cannon, Leigh Harris and Patrick Clibbens.
Director: Janet Whitaker
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1998.
WED 16:00 Sound of Cinema (b067x53g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
WED 17:00 Doctor Finlay (b008h45m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 17:30 Whodunnits (b00t9zq7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 18:00 Star Terk II (m002jfdp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 18:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b00898pr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 19:00 Simon Evans Goes to Market (b045c0j2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 19:30 The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux (m002jfdr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 19:45 The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (b017mv1p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
WED 20:00 The Museum of Curiosity (b0bpr5mn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
WED 20:30 Millport (b00761w5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
WED 21:00 The Water Babies by Charles Kingsley (b007jxr5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
WED 22:00 Do Gooders (m002j5w0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
WED 22:30 Where Did It All Go Wrong? (b0076qtg)
Series 2
The History of the BVG
The history of the BVG. The BVG were a terrorist cell more feared than the UDA and the IRA put together - but what was the BVG?
Their leader is interrogated by one woman who is determined to find out.
Satirical comedy written and performed by Simon Munnery,
With:
Kevin Eldon
Sally Phillips
Producer: Ed Morrish
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2005.
WED 22:45 Athena's Cancel Culture (m000vh6n)
Episode 4
In time honoured tabloid tradition, Athena Kugblenu selflessly scrolls through her social media posts from 10 years ago to see if she needs to be cancelled.
Over the last few years, if a celebrity has ever said or done anything remotely controversial, then they've probably been cancelled.
Largely performed through social media, some describe it as necessary evil to help democratise the internet and reflect the expectancy of an artist’s audience, for others it’s just a chance to shut up gobby celebs!
Whatever your view, it certainly helps empower fans by diminishing celebrity cultural capital and helping keep their egos and opinions in check. It's a growing phenomenon that's left almost no one unscathed, from comedians and actors to musicians and TV hosts.
It’s also happening to the not so famous - remember the bin cat lady?
With stand up and sketch comedy, Athena explores cancel culture and the world of offence in modern times.
Athena helps to explain the phenomenon of cancel culture among celebrities, look at the history of offence, and offer up some cancel rules for guidance. Athena then puts all that cancel knowledge to the test on her own social media activity from 10 years ago.
There’s just no escape from cancel culture justice, even for Athena!
Written and performed by Athena Kugblenu.
With:
James McNicholas
Jamie-Rose Monk
William Frazer
Producer: Gus Beattie
A Gusman production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in April 2021.
WED 23:00 The Million Pound Radio Show (m001gjh0)
Series 5
Episode 4
The World Bigotry Championship and jingoistic famine relief.
Sharp-edged topical humour in the most expensive show on radio.
Written by and starring Andy Hamilton and Nick Revell
With:
Jasper Jacob
Felicity Montagu
Producer: Paul Mayhew-Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1991.
WED 23:30 The Skewer (m002j5wk)
Series 14
Ep 1 - Jet 2 Migrant Holidays, The Magic Patriotic Roundabout, and a Putin Loop.
The four-time Gold Comedy winner at the Radio Academy Awards returns as Jon Holmes remixes the news into the current affairs comedy concept album where world events meet popular culture in a satirical mash-up.
This week - Jet 2 Migrant Holidays, The Magic Patriotic Roundabout, Mandelson's 'Special Friend', and a Putin Loop.
Producer: Jon Holmes
An unusual production for BBC Radio 4
WED 23:45 Rosie Jones: Box Ticker Too (m0011lxg)
Gender, with Bethany Black
Stand-up comedy and chat from triple-threat Rosie Jones. She’s disabled, gay and northern.
But she’s not a great example of any of these communities and she’s tired of being asked to speak on their behalf.
Rosie looks at gender with help from comedian Bethany Black.
Society has moved on since the 1990s, and Bethany has had a unique perspective on the change in attitudes to men, women and everything between.
Recorded in a live comedy club, prepare to be shocked and disappointed by Rosie’s lack of respect for your expectations.
Producer: Richard Melvin
A Dabster production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in November 2021.

THURSDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2025

THU 00:00 Sound of Cinema (b067x53g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 Doctor Finlay (b008h45m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:30 Whodunnits (b00t9zq7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 Star Terk II (m002jfdp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b00898pr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 Simon Evans Goes to Market (b045c0j2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Wednesday]
THU 03:30 The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux (m002jfdr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:45 The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (b017mv1p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 The Museum of Curiosity (b0bpr5mn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:30 Millport (b00761w5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 The Water Babies by Charles Kingsley (b007jxr5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Wednesday]
THU 06:00 Doctor Finlay (b008j8lc)
The Further Adventures of a Black Bag - Series 1
4. Birth and Death
As the squabble over who is the most up-to-date doctor gets more heated, it takes a baby to teach Cameron and Finlay a lesson in humility.
Ready with his black bag, Doctor Finlay sets out to remedy all manner of ailments suffered by his patients in the Scottish Highland town of Levenford.
Starring John Gordon Sinclair.
AJ Cronin's stories about Scotland's most celebrated doctor
Dramatised by Sue Rodwell.
Doctor Finlay …. John Gordon Sinclair
Doctor Cameron …. Brian Pettifer
MacFinnon …. Stuart McQuarrie
Jessie Todd …. Pauline Lockhart
Dougal Todd …. Andrew Mackintosh
Mrs Todd …. Tina Gray
Produced and directed at BBC Bristol by Jeremy Howe and Viv Beeby.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2002.
THU 06:30 Whodunnits (b00tb9qk)
A Charles Paris Mystery - Sicken and So Die
4. Killer instinct
Two of the cast of 'Twelfth Night' have come down with gastric flu and Sally is dead. Charles' hip flask has been found with traces of mercuric chloride inside. Can he unmask the killer before it's too late?
Charles Paris……Bill Nighy
Frances……Suzanne Burden
Maurice……Jon Glover
Vivienne Marlin……Elizabeth Bell
Jack Bradley……John Cummins
Ben Ritson……Tom Lawrence
Vasile Bogdan/Scott……Ryan McCluskey
Written by Simon Brett
Dramatised by Jeremy Front
Directed by Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2006.
THU 07:00 Mr Finchley Goes to Paris (b007k0j8)
Episode 6
Back in London after his first trip to Paris, Mr Finchley upstages a ham and demands a decision - and Robert goes home.
Starring Richard Griffiths as shy solicitor's clerk, Edgar Finchley.
Robert Gillespie ...... James Cohen
Mrs Crantell ...... Anna Cropper
Marie Peters ...... Serena Evans
Mr Barker ...... John Bird
Mr Sprake ...... James Grout
Mr Hammerton ...... Nicky Henson
Esmond Lockwood ...... Edward de Souza
Perkins ...... Richard Ridings
Lanky ...... Harris Alex Arkell
Narrated by James Villiers.
Written by Victor Canning and adapted for radio by Andy and Eric Merriman.
Producer: Gareth Edwards
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in July 1994.
THU 07:30 The Small, Intricate Life of Gerald C Potter (b007jykd)
Series 3
The Leak
Author Gerald becomes obsessed with his wife Diana's sense of smell.
The return of the convoluted chronicle of an optimistic author who's married to a more successful writer.
Starring Ian Carmichael and Charlotte Mitchell.
Written by Basil Boothroyd.
Gerald C Potter ...... Ian Carmichael
Diana Potter ...... Charlotte Mitchell
With Edward Kelsey.
Producer: Bobby Jaye
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1979.
THU 08:00 Guilt Trip (b07nrlqx)
4. Final Steps
On the last day of the walk, Ros and Laura still have 10 miles to go. But when they oversleep at the hotel they weren't supposed to be staying in in the first place, it's not looking good.
They're hung over and Ruth is organising a big reception for them at Tower Bridge - but will they get there in time?
Comedy drama written by Katherine Jakeways with Felicity Montagu and Olivia Nixon.
A mother and daughter are undertaking a two week sponsored walk along The Thames Path to raise money for the dead and divorced father's charity. Will they complete it?
Ros ...... Felicity Montagu
Laura ...... Olivia Nixon
Stepmother ...... Katherine Jakeways
With Katie Redford, Jeff Rawle Velibor Topic, George Watkins, Nancy Crane and Chris Pavlo.
Producer: Jane Berthoud
A BBC Comedy production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in August 2016.
THU 08:30 The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux (m002jfmq)
9. Escape
Escaping the torture chamber, Raoul and the Persian arrive only to find Christine faced with an awful choice.
The half-crazed Phantom lurks in the labyrinth of the Paris Opera House, obsessed with Christine, a beautiful young opera singer...
Gaston Leroux's novel read by Jack Klaff.
Episode nine of ten parts abridged by Andrew Simpson, from a translation by Peter Haining.
Producer: Harriet Lang
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1995.
THU 08:45 The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (b017mvx4)
4. The Warnings of Experience
Rumours have been building about Helen Graham's relationship with her landlord Mr. Lawrence. After scurrilous rumours and an incident of violence Helen has revealed that he is her brother. Now she has given Gilbert her journal to explain the events of her past.
Gilbert Markham......Robert Lonsdale
Helen Graham......Hattie Morahan
Mrs. Maxwell......Tracy Wiles
Huntingdon......Leo Bill
Annabella......Emerald O'Hanrahan
Mr. Boarham......James Lailey
Director: David Hunter
Dramatised by: Rachel Joyce
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2011.
THU 09:00 Stand-Up Specials (m002j75f)
Glenn Moore's Almanac Series 2
Arrest!
Comedian Glenn Moore looks in his almanac at world events and what he was doing at the time. This episode is a case of wrongful arrest, mistaken identity and a heroic struggle to clear his name as Glenn Moore is mistaken for... Glenn Moore!
Perhaps best-known for his outrageously brilliant one-liners on Mock The Week, Glenn delivers a tale of comic mishaps and extraordinary scenes interwoven with a big event in history – and looks back through his almanac to find out other strange connections to the day as well.
Written by Glenn with additional material by Katie Storey (Have I Got News For You, Mock The Week, The Last Leg) and produced and directed by David Tyler (Cabin Pressure, Armando Iannucci’s Charm Offensive, etc.)
A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4
THU 09:30 Shakespeare: Love Across the Racial Divide (b07bgwst)
4. A Midsummer Night's Dream
Yasmin Alibhai-Brown explores five Shakespeare plays which cross the racial divide. In this edition, she focuses on love in the human and fairy worlds in A Midsummer Night's Dream.
No one has ever captured the joy and lunacy and power of love better than William Shakespeare. And his transgressive depictions of love in particular remain unsurpassed. Othello, Titus Andronicus, The Merchant of Venice, Anthony and Cleopatra and A Midsummer Night's Dream - in these five plays there's so much more to love than love. These are not tidy tragedies. Shakespeare apparently never left England except through his plays yet he embraced interracial relationships and supernatural relationships, turning them into thrilling, dangerous drama.
We bring together scholars, directors and actors to explore how the compulsions and fears, joys and sorrows, very much part of everyday life for many in Britain today, were so consummately showcased by Shakespeare more than four hundred years ago.
Producer: Mohini Patel
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2016.
THU 09:45 Daily Service (m002jfmt)
Letter to Corinth … of love
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Letter to Corinth … of love
Presenter: Isabelle Hamley
Reading: 1 Corinthians 13: 1-7
Canon (Pachelbel)- Gabriela Montero
Amazing Grace (Will Todd) - St Martin's Voices
Love Divine (Howard Goodall) - Choir of Christ Church Oxford
THU 10:00 Great Lives (b00776s9)
Anton Chekhov
Theatre director Richard Eyre tells Humphrey Carpenter why he's nominated the Russian writer Anton Chekhov as a "great life".
Rosamund Bartlett, Chekhov's latest biographer, helps to explain how he became "the nearest rival to Shakespeare".
Producer: Peter Everett
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2004.
THU 10:30 Dotun and Dean (b06c0cgx)
Hollywood actor James Dean died in a crash in 1955 aged only 24.
His early death immortalised him as the first American teenager - appealing to young people in the late 1950s.
Fast forward to the 1970s and a young black boy in North London hears the term 'Rebel without a Cause' and the love affair begins.
Broadcaster Dotun Adebayo was that boy. He tells of the lengths to which he went to adopt everything he could to become like James Dean both physically and in attitude. He reveals how this led him to become London’s first black Teddy Boy, one of the Southgate Teds, and how his determination to rebel got him into trouble.
Following his hero’s footsteps, Dotun joined the National Youth Theatre where he met the playwright Barrie Keeffe, famed for the Long Good Friday screenplay. They got talking and it turned out Barrie had shared the Dean obsession in his youth. This resulted in writing the play Killing Time about a young black boy’s obsession with James Dean - incorporating some of Dotun’s own feelings.
We also hear from James Dean’s family, still living in the small town where he grew up as a quiet farm boy and where he’s buried – Fairmount Indiana. To them he was likeable Jimmy Dean and not the moody, rebellious Hollywood actor.
Since his death, Dean has become big business – there’s the Gallery, the Museum, and the family farm's door is always open to fans. Visitors from all over the world make pilgrimages, so it seems Dotun wasn’t alone in his obsession. There is also a corporation that takes care of the Dean image for the family, and their involvement in various projects brings earnings estimated at $7 million a year. The brand continues to get stronger across the world.
Producer: Sue Clark
A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2015.
THU 11:00 Doctor Finlay (b008j8lc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 11:30 Whodunnits (b00tb9qk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 12:00 Mr Finchley Goes to Paris (b007k0j8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 12:30 The Small, Intricate Life of Gerald C Potter (b007jykd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 13:00 Guilt Trip (b07nrlqx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 13:30 The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux (m002jfmq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 13:45 The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (b017mvx4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
THU 14:00 Whose Line Is It Anyway? (b008vnz5)
Episode 6
From reading Nelly the Elephant in the style of favourite authors to debating blood sports in the style of psychopaths...
Clive Anderson hosts the famed improvisation game.
Regular team captains:
Stephen Fry
John Sessions
With:
Rory Bremner
Jon Glover
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 February 1988.
THU 14:30 Ballylenon (b00890fc)
Series 6
Episode 6
Do Muriel's visions bode prosperity and will the Hawthornes move on?
Series set in the sleepy town of Ballylenon, Co Donegal in 1956.
Written by Christopher Fitz-Simon.
Phonsie Doherty …. TP McKenna
Muriel McConkey …. Margaret D'Arcy
Vera McConkey …. Stella McCusker
Vivienne Hawthorne …. Aine McCartney
Reverend Hawthorne …. Gerard Murphy
Packie McGoldrick …. Charlie Bonnar
Josie Doherty …. Ali White
Guard Gallagher …. John Hewitt
Music arranged and performed by Stephanie Hughes.
Directed at BBC Belfast by Peter Kavanagh.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1998.
THU 15:00 The Water Babies by Charles Kingsley (b007wpl3)
New Friends
Now a Water Baby, Tom is warned to behave, as he befriends the sea creatures...
Charles Kingsley’s 1863 novel dramatised by Berlie Doherty.
Starring Julia McKenzie and Timothy West.
Mrs Doasyouwouldbedoneby ...... Julia McKenzie
Charles Kingsley ...... Timothy West
Tom ...... Oliver Peace
Grimes ...... Philip Jackson
The Lobster ...... Olivier Pierre
The Salmon ...... Sean Baker
Lady Salmon ...... Frances Jeater
The Turbot ...... Geoffrey Whitehead
The Professor ...... Christopher Good
Miss Ellie ...... Ciara Janson
The Porpoise ...... Sarah-Jane Holm
With Rosie Wiggins, Victoria Hickson, Alex Bird and Mark Guildea as the Water Babies.
Director: Janet Whitaker
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1998.
THU 16:00 Great Lives (b00776s9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
THU 16:30 Dotun and Dean (b06c0cgx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
THU 17:00 Doctor Finlay (b008j8lc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 17:30 Whodunnits (b00tb9qk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 18:00 Mr Finchley Goes to Paris (b007k0j8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 18:30 The Small, Intricate Life of Gerald C Potter (b007jykd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 19:00 Guilt Trip (b07nrlqx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 19:30 The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux (m002jfmq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 19:45 The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (b017mvx4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
THU 20:00 Whose Line Is It Anyway? (b008vnz5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
THU 20:30 Ballylenon (b00890fc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
THU 21:00 The Water Babies by Charles Kingsley (b007wpl3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
THU 22:00 Stand-Up Specials (m002j75f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
THU 22:30 Hearing with Hegley (b00bfq19)
Series 1
Episode 6
The poet laureate of alternative comedy entertains an audience with his book of verse.
With:
Keith Moore
Susan Norton
Andrew Bailey
Roy O’Shea
Tony Curtis
Producer: Phil Clarke
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1996.
THU 22:45 Steven Appleby's Normal Life (b00807sc)
Series 1
Normal Kids
Cartoonist Steven unearths an alien conspiracy to turn the world into a holiday camp for kids.
Starring Paul McCrink as Steven Appleby.
Featuring:
Rachel Atkins
Ewan Bailey
Nigel Betts
Rosalind Paul
Written by Steven Appleby
Producer: Toby Swift
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2001
THU 23:00 Kevin Eldon Will See You Now (b08pf09q)
Series 3
Where's David?
The Napoleonic Wars, boiler parts and a nice rollercoaster.
Comedy's best kept secret ingredient, Kevin Eldon hosts his very own sketch show.
Also starring:
Amelia Bullmore
Julia Davis
Paul Putner
Justin Edwards
David Reed
Rosie Cavaliero
Written by Kevin Eldon.
With additional material by Jason Hazeley and Joel Morris.
Original music by Martin Bird.
Director: David Tyler
A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2017.
THU 23:30 Beauty of Britain (b01mkzgh)
Series 3
Other People's Children
Beauty is getting broody after looking after Worship Leader Wayne's kids and Karen in the office wants her to apply her business acumen to flog a 'multimedia aid to living well with dementia'.
Beauty of Britain is about one woman's progress through a foreign country as she searches for personal fulfilment, a sense of belonging and a pair of Jimmy Choos she can walk to church in.
The outspoken African careworker works for the Featherdown Agency in Stoke.
Written by Christopher Douglas and Nicola Sanderson
Beauty ...... Jocelyn Jee Esien
Wayne ...... O.T. Fagbenle
Sally ...... Felicity Montagu
Karen ...... Nicola Sanderson
Janice ...... Lisa Coleman
Colette ...... Llewella Gideon
Father of the Bride ...... Christopher Douglas
Producer: Tilusha Ghelani
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2012.

FRIDAY 19 SEPTEMBER 2025

FRI 00:00 Great Lives (b00776s9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Thursday]
FRI 00:30 Dotun and Dean (b06c0cgx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 Doctor Finlay (b008j8lc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:30 Whodunnits (b00tb9qk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 Mr Finchley Goes to Paris (b007k0j8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:30 The Small, Intricate Life of Gerald C Potter (b007jykd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 Guilt Trip (b07nrlqx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Thursday]
FRI 03:30 The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux (m002jfmq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:45 The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (b017mvx4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 Whose Line Is It Anyway? (b008vnz5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:30 Ballylenon (b00890fc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 The Water Babies by Charles Kingsley (b007wpl3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Thursday]
FRI 06:00 Doctor Finlay (b008kxdq)
The Further Adventures of a Black Bag - Series 1
5. The Golden Fishbone
Finlay is distracted from medicine by a fishbone that brings the promise of a fast fortune!
Ready with his black bag, Doctor Finlay sets out to remedy all manner of ailments suffered by his patients in the Scottish Highland town of Levenford.
Starring John Gordon Sinclair.
AJ Cronin's stories about Scotland's most celebrated doctor
Dramatised by Sue Rodwell.
Dr Finlay …. John Gordon Sinclair
Dr Cameron …. Brian Pettifer
Janet …. Celia Imrie
Nurse Angus …. Stella Gonet
Maggie Dallas …. Maureen Beattie
McKellor …. David Tennant
Produced and directed at BBC Bristol by Jeremy Howe and Viv Beeby.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2002.
FRI 06:30 Red For Danger by Edward J Mason (m000rn07)
1. Lady's Invitation
A jeweller attends a party where he discovers his beautiful hostess is in danger...
Suspense-packed thriller serial in six-parts.
Written by the co-creator of Dick Barton and The Archers - Edward J Mason.
Starring:
Ysanne Churchman
Anne Cullen
Arnold Peters
Bernard Rebel
Dudley Rolph
Gerik Schelderup
June Spencer
Peter Wilde
Producer: Philip Garston-Jones
First broadcast on the BBC Midland Home Service in October 1954.
FRI 07:00 The Newly Discovered Casebook of Sherlock Holmes (b00brb8n)
The Demon Cobbler of Greek Street
Mrs Hudson takes her shoes to a Soho shop to be repaired and finds herself in grave danger.
Roy Hudd spoofs the famous sleuth in Tony Hare’s comedy series.
Sherlock Holmes …. Roy Hudd
Dr Watson …. Chris Emmett
Mrs Hudson …. June Whitfield
Professor Moriarty …. Geoffrey Whitehead
Musical accompaniment by Barry Bignold
Producer: Chris Neill
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in February 1999.
FRI 07:30 The Inimitable Jeeves (b007v1df)
The Delayed Exit of Claude and Eustace
Trouble looms for Bertie Wooster when his wild cousins arrive.
PG Wodehouse's romp starring Michael Hordern and Richard Briers.
Adapted by Chris Miller.
Jeeves ...... Michael Hordern
Bertie Wooster ..... Richard Briers
Eustace ..... David Jason
Claude ..... Jonathan Lynn
Aunt Agatha ..... Joan Sanderson
Marianne ...... Bridget Armstrong
Producer: David Hatch
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1973.
FRI 08:00 Teatime (m000fx1w)
Episode 3
In an attempt to prove to Donna (and to himself) that he’s got his life back on track, Joe starts a new business venture, working from home as a Wellness Coach.
He knows nothing about 'wellness' and the home he wants to work from belongs to Vicky and Rav.
Despite obvious misgivings, the family get sucked into Joe's new idea.
Comedy by Katherine Jakeways about a chaotic but loving family.
Joe …… Philip Glenister
Donna …… Samantha Spiro
Vicky …… Aimee-Ffion Edwards
Rav …… Prasanna Puwanarajah
Lisa …… Katie Redford
Uncle Bob …… Steven Brandon
Producer: Sam Ward
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2020.
FRI 08:30 The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux (m002jhvj)
10. Fate
Christine’s made the awful decision that Erik forced her to make. Will she, Raoul and the Persian survive?
The half-crazed Phantom lurks in the labyrinth of the Paris Opera House, obsessed with Christine, a beautiful young opera singer...
Gaston Leroux's novel read by Jack Klaff.
Abridged by Andrew Simpson, from a translation by Peter Haining.
Producer: Harriet Lang
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1995.
FRI 08:45 The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (b017mwz6)
5. Matrimony
Gilbert has been reading Helen's journal about her tempestuous courtship and marriage with the "wildish" Mr. Huntingdon. Now he is worried about how the story will proceed.
Gilbert......Robert Lonsdale
Helen......Hattie Morahan
Huntingdon......Leo Bill
Arthur......Samuel Bridger
Mrs. Markham......Carolyn Pickles
Rose......Leah Brotherhead
Annabella......Emerald O'Hanrahan
Hargrave......Stephen Critchlow
Lowborough......Chris Webster
Miss Myers......Alex Rivers
Lawrence......Carl Prekopp
Eliza......Victoria Inez Hardy
Rev. Millward......Gerard McDermott
Mrs. Maxwell......Tracy Wiles
Boarham......James Lailey
Director: David Hunter
Dramatised by: Rachel Joyce
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2011.
FRI 09:00 Icklewick FM (m002j89c)
Series 2
3. The Reunion
Icklewick FM are reporting live from Hogan High where the students are anxiously awaiting their A level results. Amy meets a newly qualified teacher on the edge and Chris is shaken when he runs into someone from his past. Meanwhile, Simon gets sent to the Head Master’s office and Mr Patel suffers from stage fright.
Icklewick FM is created and written by Chris Cantrill and Amy Gledhill, with additional material from the cast.
Starring:
Amy Gledhill
Chris Cantrill
Mark Silcox
Colin Hoult
Janice Connolly
Phil Ellis
Lucy Beaumont
Rachel Fairburn
Paddy Young
Molly McGuinness
Sharon Wanjohi
Jin Hao Li
Tom Burgess
Nicola Redman
Tai Campbell
Em Humble
James Carbutt
Series Artwork by Sam O'Leary
Music, sound design and additional material by Jack Lewis Evans.
Line Produced by Laura Shaw
Produced by Benjamin Sutton.
A Daddy’s Superyacht production for BBC Radio 4
FRI 09:30 Shakespeare: Love Across the Racial Divide (b07bkcxm)
5. Antony and Cleopatra
Yasmin Alibhai-Brown explores five Shakespeare plays which cross the racial divide. In this edition, she focuses on the relationship between Antony and Cleopatra. Power is one of Cleopatra's most dominant character traits and the main theme of the play. She represents the lure of the East. In the Queen of Egypt, who oscillates between being a astute political leader and a manipulative seductress, Shakespeare has penned perhaps his most complex and most dazzling of female characters.
No one has ever captured the joy and lunacy and power of love better than William Shakespeare. And his transgressive depictions of love in particular, remain unsurpassed. Othello, Titus Andronicus, The Merchant of Venice, Antony and Cleopatra and A Midsummer Night's Dream - in these five plays there's so much more to love than love. These are not tidy tragedies. Shakespeare apparently never left England except through his plays yet he embraced interracial relationships and supernatural relationships, turning them into thrilling, dangerous drama. We bring together scholars, directors and actors to explore how the compulsions and fears, joys and sorrows, very much part of everyday life for many in Britain today, were so consummately showcased by Shakespeare more than four hundred years ago.
Producer: Mohini Patel
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2016.
FRI 09:45 Daily Service (m002jhvm)
Letter to Corinth - Victory
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Letter to Corinth - Victory
Presenter: Leslie Griffiths
Reading: 1 Corinthians 15: 51-57
Music:
The Strife is O'er - Sasha Johnson Manning & Holly Marland
O death where is thy sting - The Sixteen
Christ The Lord, Us Risen Today sang by St Michaels Singers
FRI 10:00 Soul Music (m0001r7h)
Shine On You Crazy Diamond
Shine On You Crazy Diamond discussed by voices including David Gilmour of Pink Floyd.
Understood to have been written about Syd Barrett, their former band member, it’s both a tribute, and a call for him to ‘shine on’ despite suffering serious mental health issues.
David Gilmour of Pink Floyd recalls the legendary day that Syd Barrett unexpectedly appeared in the studio where they were recording Wish You Were Here, the album bookended by Shine On. Nobody recognised Syd at first; once handsome and slender, he'd gained weight and shaved his head and eyebrows.
Another contributor to the programme, Anna Gascoigne, talks about the pain of losing her son, Jay. He was a gentle boy, a talented musician, who eventually succumbed to the multiple mental health problems he had battled for years. Shine On You Crazy Diamond, for Anna, speaks directly to her of Jay; he loved Pink Floyd and Shine On was played at his memorial service. Anna, herself, was driven to the brink of suicide by her son’s death. It was the support of her family – including her brother, Paul Gascoigne - that helped her to carry on.
Ed Steelefox, a DJ based in Worcester, describes a New Year’s Eve house-party of a few years ago: as the guests gradually fell asleep he chose to slip out the door leaving a non-stop playlist of different, live, versions of Shine On You Crazy Diamond to penetrate their dreams.
And Professor Allan Moore, a regular Soul Music contributor, takes to the grand piano to play and talk about what it is in the track that is so directly reminiscent of Syd Barrett.
Series about pieces of music with a powerful emotional impact.'
NB: Details of organisations offering information and support are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.
Or you can call for free, at any time to hear recorded information on 08000 566 065.
Producer: Karen Gregor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2018.
FRI 10:30 Crackerjack! (m002jhvp)
On 12th September 1955, BBC TV's children's programme Crackerjack! was born.
It started with, amongst other things, an idea for a game by Eamonn Andrews, and ended nearly 30 years later having entertained generations of children along the way.
Janet Ellis presents this affectionate look back with the help of former presenters and performers and lots and lots of children shouting "Crackerjack!".
Produced at BBC Manchester by Angela Sherwin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2005.
FRI 11:00 Doctor Finlay (b008kxdq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 11:30 Red For Danger by Edward J Mason (m000rn07)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 12:00 The Newly Discovered Casebook of Sherlock Holmes (b00brb8n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 12:30 The Inimitable Jeeves (b007v1df)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 13:00 Teatime (m000fx1w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 13:30 The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux (m002jhvj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 13:45 The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (b017mwz6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
FRI 14:00 The Motion Show (b00762kw)
Series 4
Episode 3
Debates galore from returning to nature - to joining Big Brother.
Graeme Garden chairs the quirky battle of words and wit.
With:
Marcus Brigstocke
Steve Punt
Stuart Maconie
Jenny Eclair
Producer: Helen Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2001.
FRI 14:30 Thanks a Lot, Milton Jones! (b0b0pwgn)
Series 3
The University of Milton
Trigger warning! This week Milton gets to the bottom of things by founding a seat of learning.
Written by Milton Jones with James Cary and Dan Evans
With:
Tom Goodman-Hill
Josie Lawrence
Dan Tetsell
Music by Guy Jackson
Director: David Tyler
A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2018.
FRI 15:00 The Water Babies by Charles Kingsley (b007wqd5)
The Other End of Nowhere
Tom sets off for the Other-End-of-Nowhere.
Conclusion of Charles Kingsley’s novel dramatised by Berlie Doherty.
Starring Julia McKenzie and Timothy West.
Mrs Doasyouwouldbedoneby ...... Julia McKenzie
Charles Kingsley ...... Timothy West
Tom ...... Oliver Peace
Grimes ...... Philip Jackson
The Lobster ...... Olivier Pierre
The Salmon ...... Sean Baker
Lady Salmon ...... Frances Jeater
The Turbot ...... Geoffrey Whitehead
The Professor ...... Christopher Good
Miss Ellie ...... Ciara Janson
The Porpoise ...... Sarah-Jane Holm
Giant ...... Peter Woodthorpe
Herring ...... Gerard McDermott
Gairfowl ...... Frances Jeater
Older Tom ...... David Antrobus
Truncheon ...... Geoffrey Whitehead
Miss Ellie ...... Ciara Janson
Older Ellie ...... Sarah-Jane Holm
With Rosie Wiggins, Victoria Hickson, Alex Bird and Mark Guildea as the Water Babies.
Director: Janet Whitaker
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1998.
FRI 16:00 Soul Music (m0001r7h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
FRI 16:30 Crackerjack! (m002jhvp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
FRI 17:00 Doctor Finlay (b008kxdq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 17:30 Red For Danger by Edward J Mason (m000rn07)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 18:00 The Newly Discovered Casebook of Sherlock Holmes (b00brb8n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 18:30 The Inimitable Jeeves (b007v1df)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 19:00 Teatime (m000fx1w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 19:30 The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux (m002jhvj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 19:45 The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (b017mwz6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
FRI 20:00 The Motion Show (b00762kw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
FRI 20:30 Thanks a Lot, Milton Jones! (b0b0pwgn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
FRI 21:00 The Water Babies by Charles Kingsley (b007wqd5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
FRI 22:00 Icklewick FM (m002j89c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
FRI 22:30 Dial M for Pizza (b00b41j9)
Series 1
Episode 5
The sketch show team with a time travelling cabbie and cowboy builders with PhDs.
A man who comes round after a party celebrating his promotion finds himself hurled back into the 17th Century and an Alan Bennett film, 'The Violent Streets of Death'
Ever since that first primordial fireball exploded in the void countless aeons ago, scattering energy and matter to the furthest reaches of the space-time continuum, people have been doing funny sketches on the radio. And this is no exception.
Sketch comedy written by James Hendrie and Ian Brown.
Starring:
Robert Bathurst
Brenda Blethyn
Mike Grady
Jonathan Kydd
Producer: David Tyler
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1987.
FRI 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m002jwfc)
Mark Steel 3/3
Two hours of comedy, every night from 10pm. Tonight, Jon Holmes wraps up his three-part chat with Mark Steel.
FRI 23:00 Desolation Jests (b086s7jt)
Episode 4
David Jason stars in the final episode of David Renwick's post-apocalyptic comedy alongside John Bird, Jan Ravens and Rory Bremner.
Each week JP Doom interviews an iconic cultural behemoth about the comic moments they would most like by their side as they face their own mortality.
Sydney Pynchlink, the innovative director behind some of the country's most admired weather forecasts chooses the laughs that would comfort them most during the extinction of all life on the planet; including a joke too dangerous for parliament, a horse with three legs, and a lobster with a rather crucial piece of evidence.
With:
David Jason
John Bird
Jan Ravens
Rory Bremner
Adie Allen
James Lailey
Nick Underwood
Producer: Gareth Edwards
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in January 2017.
FRI 23:30 The Mitch Benn Music Show (b007tdvz)
Series 1
3. Hils Baker
From Eric Idle to Peter Sellers.
Musical comedian Mitch Benn presents his selection of some of the finest comic songs by other performers.
With guest Hils Baker.
Producer: Ed Morrish
Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in July 2005.