SATURDAY 20 SEPTEMBER 2025

SAT 00:00 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.
SAT 00:30 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.
SAT 01:00 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.
SAT 01:30 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.
SAT 02:00 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.
SAT 02:30 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.
SAT 03:00 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.
SAT 03:30 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.
SAT 03:45 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.
SAT 04:00 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.
SAT 04:30 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.
SAT 05:00 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.
SAT 06:00 The Flight of Eric Strapp by Ronnie Smith (b00753x0)
Eric Strapp is on the run, but he's innocent of any crime.
George Cole stars in Ronnie Smith's poignant comedy with music.
Eric Strapp …. George Cole
‘Bottles’ Doone …. Stratford Johns
‘Bosher’ DooneIwan …. Iwan Thomas
Lavenderia Frumpton …. Rachel Atkins
Doris Plank …. Tracy-Ann Oberman
‘Ace High’ Patel …. David Bannerman
‘Moocha’ Maguire …. Anthony Ofoegbu
Widow Brown …. Carolyn Jones
Albert Frumpton …. Hugh Dickson
Winifred Frumpton …. Jenny Lee
‘Slippery’ Eels …. Brian Parr
Shirl …. Sarah Rice
Detective Inspector Crodge …. David Brooks
Superintendent Beak …. John Rowe
Prison Officer …. Alastair Danson
Other parts played by the cast.
Director: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1997
SAT 07:30 Ghost Train to the Eastern Star (Omnibus) (m002js99)
Paul Theroux retraces the railway journey East he first undertook in his 1973 travel book The Great Railway Bazaar: By Train Through Asia.
At London St Pancras, he sets off by Eurostar on the first leg of his overland journey.
Over four-months, Paul journeys via Europe, the Middle East and India, ending in Southeast Asia.
Omnibus of five-parts abridged by Doreen Estall.
Read by Stuart Milligan.
Producer: Emma Harding
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2008.
SAT 08:45 Peter Tinniswood (b007jqw2)
Tales From the Brigadier
3. The Holy Father
Can the Brigadier manage expectations when the Pope opens the new cricket pavilion?
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 1992.
SAT 09:00 The Enchanting World of Hinge and Bracket (m002js9f)
Series 3
Saga Of The Snow 1/2
Will the dear ladies' charity whist card game be disrupted by snowfall?
Starring Dame Hilda Bracket and her lifelong companion Dr Evadne Hinge.
Brought to you from the genteel setting of the Suffolk village of Stackton Tressel, where the musical duo reside.
Written by Mike Craig, Lawrie Kinsley and Ron McDonnell.
Dame Hilda Bracket ...... Patrick Fyffe
Dr Evadne Hinge ...... George Logan
Maud .... Daphne Heard
Constable Bolsover .... Herbert Smith
Three series ran on BBC Radio 4 between 1977 and 1979, with further spin-off seasons on BBC Radio 2 until 1990.
In the early 1980s, they expanded over to BBC TV with the series Dear Ladies.
Producer: James Casey
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1979.
SAT 09:30 All Gas and Gaiters (m000qcff)
Series 1
The Bishop Pays a Visit
The Bishop’s plan to embarrass the Dean backfires.
The ecclesiastical sitcom started life as a TV pilot in Comedy Playhouse, ahead of a run on BBC1 from 1966 to 1971.
Adapted from their TV script by husband-and-wife team, Pauline Devaney and Edwin Apps.
The Archdeacon …. Robertson Hare
The Bishop …. William Mervyn
The Bishop's Chaplain …. Derek Nimmo
The Dean …. John Barron
Producer: David Hatch.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1971.
SAT 10:00 Parody Please (m000l1g4)
3. People Like Us & Dead Ringers
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.
Co-presented by a truly exceptional range of favourite radio voices, including Charlotte Green and Kirsty Young 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 last of three programmes, Jan Ravens joins this roster of celebrities to talk with the distinguished radio critic Gilllian Reynolds CBE.
‘People Like Us: The Pilot’ [02/08/1997 BBC Radio 4]
‘Dead Ringers’ [24/06/2016 BBC Radio 4]
Producer: Beaty Rubens.
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in March 2017.
SAT 11:00 The Flight of Eric Strapp by Ronnie Smith (b00753x0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 12:30 Ghost Train to the Eastern Star (Omnibus) (m002js99)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 13:45 Peter Tinniswood (b007jqw2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
SAT 14:00 The Enchanting World of Hinge and Bracket (m002js9f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 14:30 All Gas and Gaiters (m000qcff)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SAT 15:00 Parody Please (m000l1g4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SAT 16:00 Doctor Who (m001cg90)
Tenth Doctor Adventures
Cold Vengeance
When Rose suggests a ski break, the TARDIS materialises on Coldstar, a vast freezer satellite that supplies food to a colony world. But there are cracks in the ice, and something scuttles under the floors. Soon, Rose and the Doctor encounter robots, space pirates… and a couple of recycling operatives.
As Coldstar's tunnels begin to melt, an even greater threat stirs within. An old enemy, the Ice Warriors, have a plan for retribution. Nobody's vengeance is colder than an Ice Warrior's.
The last of six adventures featuring tenth incarnation of The Doctor.
CAST:
The Doctor .... David Tennant
Rose Tyler .... Billie Piper
Brona Volta …. Maureen Beattie
Callum Volta …. Sean Biggerstaff
Lord Hasskor/Commander Slaan …. Nicholas Briggs
Lorna …. Keziah Joseph
Management/Bert …. Anthony Stuart-Hicks
other parts were played by members of the cast.
Written by Matt Fitton.
Original music by Howard Carter.
Director: Nicholas Briggs
A Big Finish production from 2016.
SAT 17:00 The Flight of Eric Strapp by Ronnie Smith (b00753x0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 18:30 Ghost Train to the Eastern Star (Omnibus) (m002js99)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 19:45 Peter Tinniswood (b007jqw2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
SAT 20:00 The Enchanting World of Hinge and Bracket (m002js9f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 20:30 All Gas and Gaiters (m000qcff)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SAT 21:00 Parody Please (m000l1g4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SAT 22:00 The Boosh (b007jmf4)
Stolen
Zookeepers Howard Moon and Vince Noir try to catch an animal thief at Bob Fossil's Zoo - with the help of a deer costume.
Written by and starring Noel Fielding and Julian Barratt.
The Boosh is a surreal adventure based on the Perrier Award-winning comedy show, featuring Howard and Vince's battles with zoo manager Bob Fossil.
Vince is a regular 'Mowgli in flares' due to his affinity with animals and adoration for all things Seventies, whereas Howard likes to think he's more the brains of the duo, destined for better things.
Howard Moon ...... Julian Barrattt
Vince Noir ...... Noel Fielding
Bob Fossil ...... Rich Fulcher
Graham ...... Lee Mack
Bloke ...... Simon Evans
After BBC radio gave them their big break with this series, they transferred to BBC TV where The Mighty Boosh ran for three series.
Producer: Danny Wallace.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2001.
SAT 22:30 Start/Stop (b07pjkhr)
Series 3
5. BnB
Barney decides to become an Uber driver to boost his income - and to 'bump into' Alice more often - and Cathy decides to rent their spare bedroom out on AirBnB.
Meanwhile Evan and Fiona are arguing, and David writes a raunchy bestseller based - to her horror - around Alice.
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
Producer: Claire Jones
A BBC Studio Production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2016.
SAT 23:00 John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme (b015brnj)
Series 1
Episode 3
John's show visits some documentary-makers, has a big debate, and then treats itself to a little trophy.
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
A BBC Radio Comedy production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in October 2011.
SAT 23:30 Richard Herring's Objective (b017cfkv)
Series 2
Page 3
'Page 3' has been the cause of controversy, so Richard debates whether it's something that we should celebrate, or consign to the dustbin of history.
Series in which Richard Herring pokes and prods a variety controversial objects and see if the controversy falls out. Through vox pops, interviews and stand up comedy Richard examines the objects' history, meaning and significance and challenges our assumed logic and stereotypes.
Can we reclaim these objects away from their unfortunate associations?
Written by and starring Richard Herring.
With Emma Kennedy.
Special guest: glamour model, Lucy Pinder.
Producer: Tilusha Ghelani
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2011.

SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2025

SUN 00:00 Doctor Who (m001cg90)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Saturday]
SUN 01:00 The Flight of Eric Strapp by Ronnie Smith (b00753x0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]
SUN 02:30 Ghost Train to the Eastern Star (Omnibus) (m002js99)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Saturday]
SUN 03:45 Peter Tinniswood (b007jqw2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Saturday]
SUN 04:00 The Enchanting World of Hinge and Bracket (m002js9f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Saturday]
SUN 04:30 All Gas and Gaiters (m000qcff)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Saturday]
SUN 05:00 Parody Please (m000l1g4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Saturday]
SUN 06:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m002jslx)
Just A Minute
Gyles Brandreth
Gyles Brandreth makes talks about his music choices with Kirsty Young.
A former Conservative MP, he is also a some-time actor, broadcaster and prolific writer who has authored biographies, diaries, stage plays and mysteries.
Pursuing a political career has been, he says, the over-riding ambition of his life. However the happiest moment came not from politics, but when he was performing in a West End show that he had written himself. These days, his ambitions are to return to the stage and the role he wants to take on is Chekhov's Uncle Vanya.
"I have no complaints" he says; "my life has been one long series of tomato and marmite sandwiches. I've always had what I wanted."
DISC ONE: Noël Coward - There are Bad Times Just Around the Corner
DISC TWO: Charles Trenet - Boum
DISC THREE: Simon Cadell - I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face
DISC FOUR: Choir of St Paul’s Cathedral - John Greenleaf Whittier and Hubert Parry’s Dear Lord and Father of Mankind
DISC FIVE: The Godolphin and Latymer School - Carl Davis’s Warning: Man in Uniform
DISC SIX: Laurence Olivier - The Speech to the Senate from William Shakespeare’s Othello
DISC SEVEN: Andrew C. Wadsworth and Shona White - Stephen Sondheim’s With so Little To be Sure of
DISC EIGHT: John Reed and the D'Oyly Carte Company - Opera Gilbert and Sullivan’s The High Aesthetic Line
CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Simon Cadell - I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face
BOOK CHOICE: The Complete plays of Anton Chekhov
LUXURY CHOICE: Michelangelo's Pieta
Producer: Leanne Buckle
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2011.
SUN 06:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b0124r4k)
Series 2
Elsa
David Attenborough recalls how, whilst en route to Madagascar, his BBC bosses asked him to break his journey in Kenya to visit the Adamsons.
Joy and George Adamson were famous for hand rearing a Lioness whom they named Elsa. She was the central character in the book written by the couple "Born Free".
Sir David cleverly takes us from the romanticism of Born Free and being close to habituated lions, to the harsh reality of befriending a big cat.
Producer: Julian Hector
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2011.
SUN 07:00 Poetry Extra (m002jslz)
Terminates Here and Tell Me the Truth About Love
Daljit Nagra revisits the BBC's poetry archive and chooses Terminates here and Tell Me the Truth About Love - two programmes about very different journeys.
To mark 200 years since the birth of the modern railway, 4 Extra broadcasts Terminates Here.
Terminates Here: 1/5 Beginnings
Poet Lemn Sissay retraces the route taken by the mail train in WH Auden's famous poem Night Mail.
Lemn boards the Caledonian Sleeper, leaving London at the same time as Auden's Down Special mail train would have departed.
Producer - Philip Sellars
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2007.
Tell Me the Truth About Love: 5/5
Carol Ann Duffy, explores the heady world of love poetry from first flush to final parting. She argues that love poems are the poems that continue to have the most profound and lasting impact on the general reader, and examines enduring images and themes across ages and cultures.
This episode explores poems of loss and separation.
Producer - Emma Harding
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2013.
SUN 07:30 The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux (Omnibus) (m002jsm1)
Episode 2
In the Paris Opera House, beautiful young opera singer Christine Daaé has vanished, perhaps carried off by The Phantom. Distraught, Raoul and the mysterious Persian go in search of her.
Gaston Leroux's novel, first published in English in 1911.
Omnibus of the last five of ten episodes 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 (p0lnccqq)
Rick Edwards
Presenter Rick Edwards chooses 'Sweet Child O' Mine' by Guns N' Roses and 'Witness (1 Hope)' by Roots Manuva.
SUN 08:50 The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (Omnibus) (b017pnpv)
Episode 1
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.
Under the pseudonym Acton Hall, Ann Brontë’s ‘The Tenant of Wildfell Hall’ was first published in 1884.
Dramatised by Rachel Joyce
Gilbert …. Robert Lonsdale
Helen …. Hattie Morahan
Huntingdon .... Leo Bill
Arthur .... Samuel Bridger
Mrs. Markham .... Carolyn Pickles
Rose …. Leah Brotherhead
Annabella .... Emerald O'Hanrahan
Lawrence .... Carl Prekopp
Eliza .... Victoria Inez Hardy
Rev. Millward .... Gerard McDermott
Mrs. Maxwell …. Tracy Wiles
Boarham …. James Lailey
Director: David Hunter
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Extra in November 2011.
SUN 10:00 Frankie Howerd (m001v314)
Series 4
Episode 1
The King of Titters visits the doctor, and recalls his time on a desert island.
Frankie takes a comic look back through his eventful life and illustrious career.
Written by David McKellar and David Nobbs.
With:
Ray Fell
Barbara Mitchell
Christopher Scoular
April Walker
Producer: John Browell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in September 1975.
SUN 10:30 Jim the Great (b02zbzxb)
Series 2
Joust in Time
To settle a debt, the moustachioed monarch challenges a bloodthirsty Viking to a duel.
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
Spendthrift …. John Baddiley
Eric Blood Axe …. Gordon Clyde
Ethelred the Unready …. Deryck Guyler
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 September 1979.
SUN 11:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m002jslx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 11:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b0124r4k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]
SUN 12:00 Poetry Extra (m002jslz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
SUN 12:30 The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux (Omnibus) (m002jsm1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 13:40 Inheritance Tracks (p0lnccqq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 today]
SUN 13:50 The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (Omnibus) (b017pnpv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]
SUN 15:00 Frankie Howerd (m001v314)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 15:30 Jim the Great (b02zbzxb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
SUN 16:00 Hothouse by Brian Aldiss (b00mtpl0)
5. The Prophet
A parting of the ways for the Morel and Gren, but the search for a home goes on.
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...
Conclusion of 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 (b018j7ww)
Series 4
5. The New Boy by Matthew Wilkie
Craig has a new job, but how far will he go to impress his boss?
Mark Gatiss as the sinister raconteur, The Man in Black, introduces Matthew Wilkie's tale.
Craig ...... Simon Bubb
Mr Rubenstein ...... Stephen Greif
Beth ...... Victoria Inez Hardy
Nelson ...... Adam Billington
William ...... Christopher Webster
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: Lucy Collingwood
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in December 2011.
SUN 17:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m002jslx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 17:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b0124r4k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]
SUN 18:00 Poetry Extra (m002jslz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
SUN 18:30 The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux (Omnibus) (m002jsm1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 19:40 Inheritance Tracks (p0lnccqq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 today]
SUN 19:50 The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (Omnibus) (b017pnpv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]
SUN 21:00 Frankie Howerd (m001v314)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 21:30 Jim the Great (b02zbzxb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
SUN 22:00 Clare in the Community (b008h5z7)
Series 1
Last Words
The social worker is wracked with relief when her most detested client passes away.
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
With Richenda Carey and Andrew Wincott.
Producer: Katie Tyrrell.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2004.
SUN 22:30 King Cutler (b008yt5q)
King Cutler V
A message to the nation from Phyllis King and Ivor Cutler.
Visitors bear gifts of words to add to their collection of 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 (m002k5d7)
Dom Joly 1/3
From 10pm until midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Paul Garner chats again to Dom Joly.
SUN 23:00 The Penny Dreadfuls (b06kb0g6)
The Odyssey
Incredible monsters plus an encounter with an enchantress!
Comedy trio The Penny Dreadfuls take on Homer's tale of Odysseus's epic journey home from the Trojan Wars.
Starring Robert Webb as Odysseus.
With Humphrey Ker, David Reed and Thom Tuck
Plus guests:
Lolly Adefope
Margaret Cabourn-Smith
Written by David Reed with additional material by Humphrey Ker.
Producer: Julia McKenzie
A BBC Radio Comedy production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in October 2015.

MONDAY 22 SEPTEMBER 2025

MON 00:00 Hothouse by Brian Aldiss (b00mtpl0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Sunday]
MON 00:30 The Man in Black (b018j7ww)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:30 on Sunday]
MON 01:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m002jslx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Sunday]
MON 01:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b0124r4k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 on Sunday]
MON 02:00 Poetry Extra (m002jslz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Sunday]
MON 02:30 The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux (Omnibus) (m002jsm1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Sunday]
MON 03:40 Inheritance Tracks (p0lnccqq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 on Sunday]
MON 03:50 The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (Omnibus) (b017pnpv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 on Sunday]
MON 05:00 Frankie Howerd (m001v314)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Sunday]
MON 05:30 Jim the Great (b02zbzxb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Sunday]
MON 06:00 Doctor Finlay (b008m7by)
The Further Adventures of a Black Bag - Series 1
6. The Match
Finlay is serving for a love match, but tensions rise over who will be his doubles partner...
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
Georgina McNab …. Siobhan Redmond
Nurse Angus …. Stella Gonet
John Angus …. Gordon Reid
Dre Freddie Lawrence …. Jamie Glover
Produced and directed at BBC Bristol by Jeremy Howe and Viv Beeby.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2002.
MON 06:30 Red For Danger by Edward J Mason (m000rn46)
2. Gold Elephant
Red Farley is still missing and so is Pat's birthday bracelet.
In spite of being warned off by his friend the inspector, David Conway and his fiancé Pat decide to do a little investigating themselves.
Suspense-packed thriller serial.
Written by Edward J Mason.
Starring:
Chris Gittins
Ysanne Churchman
Anne Cullen
Arnold Peters
Bernard Rebel
Dudley Rolph
Gerik Schelderup
Harry Stubbs
Peter Wilde
Producer: Philip Garston-Jones
First broadcast on the BBC Midland Home Service in November 1954.
MON 07:00 Pankhiraj (b07m5jzc)
The Honeymoon Is Over
Nishith, Sripurna's ex-husband, has been having secret meetings with Malati - and Dida turns up unexpectedly in Manchester.
Three generations of women collide in Tanika Gupta's four-part comedy.
Starring Charubala Chokshi, Souad Faress and Meera Syal.
Malati ...... Meera Syal
Dida ...... Charubala Chokshi
Sripurna ...... Souad Faress
Rehana ...... Vinny Dhillon
Geoffrey ...... Geoffrey Beevers
Nishith ...... Bhasker Patel
Director: Michelle Matherson Frederick
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1996.
MON 07:30 Dad's Army (b007jll5)
Series 1
Sergeant Wilson's Little Secret
Confusion reigns for Sergeant Wilson when Mrs Pike reveals news of a "new arrival".
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
Warden Hodges …. Bill Pertwee
Mrs Pike …. Pearl Hackney
Announcer …. John Snagge
Producer: John Dyas
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1974.
MON 08:00 Michael Frayn's Pocket Playhouse (b0b5xh1w)
Episode 3
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.
* Stephen Fry gives smug thanks to God
* Matthew Wolf and Martin Jarvis become mute mime-artists (yes on the radio)
* Nigel Anthony invites sponsorship for doing precisely nothing
* Sir Ian McKellen as God conducts his own prayer-answering service
* Rosalind Ayres provides a tetchy update to your Pocket Playhouse.
Director: Martin Jarvis
A Jarvis and Ayres production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in June 2018.
MON 08:30 Thrilling Stories of the Railway (b00fwcpc)
The Affair of the German Dispatch-Box
Can daring amateur sleuth, Thorpe Hazell help to intercept a German dispatch-box containing a highly confidential document stolen from the British Government?
Benedict Cumberbatch reads Victor Lorenzo Whitechurch's tales about the speciality detective who uses his locomotive expertise to solve the audacious and ingenious crimes plaguing the Edwardian railways.
Eccentric Thorpe Hazell is in many ways a man before his time: a vegetarian and health fanatic using his encyclopaedic railway knowledge to tackle Britain's most ingenious smugglings, thefts, kidnaps and murders. A man of independent means, he thrives on working to his own whims - and operating outside the law when it suits him.
English reverend, railway enthusiast and popular mystery writer (1868-1933) - Victor Lorenzo Whitechurch's immaculate plots were much admired by Dorothy L Sayers and Ellery Queen. He was one of the first authors to submit his stories to Scotland Yard so they could vet his police procedures.
Adapted and produced by Fiona Kelcher.
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in 2008.
MON 08:45 The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (b017vmfq)
6. Domestic Scenes
Gilbert has read in Helen's journal of how her marriage has been severely tested by her husband's prolonged absences, his drinking and his infidelity. And now she has a son to care for too.
Gilbert......Robert Lonsdale
Helen......Hattie Morahan
Huntingdon......Leo Bill
Hargave......Stephen Critchlow
Annabella......Emerald O'Hanrahan
Lowborough......Chris Webster
Director: David Hunter
Dramatised by: Rachel Joyce
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2011.
MON 09:00 Just a Minute (m002jgpk)
Series 95
5. Whoopsie-daisy
Sue Perkins challenges Lucy Porter, Paul Merton, Zoe Lyons and Stephen Mangan to speak for 60 seconds without repetition, deviation or hesitation. Subjects include give it 110%, Oasis tickets and I wish I didn’t know that about you.
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 The Railways: Nation, Network and People by Simon Bradley (b06qhlhx)
1. Train Time
A magnificent account of Britain's railways and how track and carriage united a nation.
This series of readings includes an exploration of many aspects of the railway revolution, such as the challenges of 'railway time', the nuances of first, second and third class, the difficulties of lighting and heating, passenger comfort, what to eat when travelling and the history of refreshment stops and the commercial opportunities they brought - including the establishment of W.H. Smith and Son, who became the nation’s first high street bookstore. Architecture and engineering are also covered, alongside the impact on social classes and gender.
Passengers may have a love-hate relationship with our railways, but few of us know much about the journey taken to get to where we are now.
Written by: Simon Bradley
Reader: Stephen Tompkinson
Abridged and produced by: Jill Waters
A Waters Company production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in November 2015.
MON 09:45 Daily Service (m002jsqb)
Harvest - Autumn Rains
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Harvest - Autumn Rains
Presenter: Rev Grace Thomas, recorded in the BBC Philharmonic with the Daily Service Singers, directed by Andrew Earis with Elin Reese on the organ
Reading: Joel 2 21-24
Music: You made a universe (Ally Barratt) - Daily Service Singers
Anthem: Touch the earth lightly (Tony Alonso) - Daily Service Singers
Prayer chant: The kingdom of God (Taize) - Daily Service Singers
We plough the fields - Daily Service Singers
MON 10:00 Salute to Steam (m002jsqg)
A light-hearted look at the pleasures and hazards of railway travel in Britain in the age of steam, from the first journey of George Stephenson's Locomotion', from Stockton to Darlington on 27 September 1825, to the last scheduled train to be pulled by a steam locomotive on 8 August 1968.
The steam is up; the engine bright and gold.
The fire-king echoes back the guard's shrill cry.
The roaring vapour shrieks out fierce and bold
A moment - and like lightning on we fly. (ANON)
Narrator: David Mahlowe
Written by Norman Longmate.
Producer: Stanley Williamson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1975.
MON 10:30 Off-Peak Performance (m0022khb)
Johnny I'Anson explores what's causing cancellations and delays on the important London to Manchester railway line?
Being a rail user in Britain can be stressful, and that stress is summed up by the so called “Euston Dash”. The dash is a Darwinian rush to get your seat on the first off-peak service heading north to Manchester and beyond.
It’s a race which tests nerve, skill and speed, as passengers dodge kids and suitcases, jump queues, forget niceties, and knock over anyone in their path to win.
Presenter Johnny I’Anson is among the runners. He’s travelling on the 18:53, run by Avanti West Coast service, a company which has been criticised for its poor performance. Avanti says its service is improving.
Will Johnny get a seat, and what are his fellow passengers’ experiences?
It’s just one snapshot of a single trip, but through the journey, Johnny meets those who travel regularly on this important route.
He finds out what might lie behind some cancellations and delays, and what can be done to improve the experience for the millions who use this route each year.
Producer: Vicky Farncombe
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2024.
MON 11:00 Doctor Finlay (b008m7by)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 11:30 Red For Danger by Edward J Mason (m000rn46)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 12:00 Pankhiraj (b07m5jzc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 12:30 Dad's Army (b007jll5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 13:00 Michael Frayn's Pocket Playhouse (b0b5xh1w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 13:30 Thrilling Stories of the Railway (b00fwcpc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 13:45 The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (b017vmfq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
MON 14:00 Booked (b08pvn1j)
Series 5
Episode 6
Ian McMillan invites four contestants to pick over the bones of literature.
With:
Dillie Keane
Mark Radcliffe
Sophie Hannah
Simon Armitage
Producer: Viv Beeby
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1998.
MON 14:30 Married (b007ys7j)
Series 2
Betrayal
Divorced and penniless he may be, but Robin is about to discover that life can be sweet in his new universe - even if it is at someone else's expense.
Hugh Bonneville stars in Tony Bagley's comedy.
Robin .... Hugh Bonneville
Lesley .... Josie Lawrence
Dirk .... Stephen Frost
Murdo …. Lewis MacLeod
Ned …. Sam Bradley
Maxine …. Ann Gosling :
DS Cotton …. Simon Roberts
Producer: Claire Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2000.
MON 15:00 Victoria Station by Steve Chambers (b06qc290)
Series 1
1. Wednesday 04/01/1895: Signal Failure
It's Wednesday January 4th, 1895. A derailed goods train and the arrival of a VIP, General Booth, expose enmities at Victoria Station in Bridgford.
Nottingham-born author Steve Chambers' five-part series of self-contained dramas set in Victoria Station, Bridgford on consecutive Wednesdays in January/February 1895.
Joe Braddock .... Sean Baker
Tidmarsh .... Philip Jackson
Josie .... Julia Ford
Ada .... Pauline Letts
Fred Roberts .... John Hartley
Mr Cripps ....Gavin Muir
Phoebe .... Becky Hindley
Syd ....Tom Bevan
Jackson .... Joshua Towb
Wheeler .... Tom Knight
Robson .... Lloyd Notice
Mrs Brook-Hammond ... Frances Jeater
General Booth .... Michael Tudor Barnes
Girl Thief .... Deborah Berlin
Director: Celia de Wolff
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1995.
MON 15:45 Miss Bessemer Saves The Train by Roy Apps (m00101lh)
1. 'Friday. My Stewed Cabbage and Cold Gravy Day...'
Penelope Keith is Madge Bessemer in this five-part serial inspired by the true story of one woman’s fight to halt the closure of her local railway.
Village Guide Captain Madge Bessemer is not a particular fan of railways. Who needs trains when you’ve got a 1948 Austin Princess to tootle around in? However, when she discovers that, as part of their closure plans, British Rail are going to auction off the line side footpath, which holds precious memories for her, she determines to put a stop to proceedings.
Supported by The Lewes and East Grinstead Railway Fighting Committee - two Girl Guides, two train spotters, one pigswill man and a dog - Madge takes her battle right to the heart of government.
But the Prime Minster has just been humiliated by Colonel Nasser and has no intention of suffering a further humiliation at the hands of a village Girl Guide leader. John Profumo, Under Secretary of State to the Minister of Transport and a rising star in the government, is tasked with seeing that Miss Bessemer’s plans are consigned to the dustbin of history.
All seems lost but, as Madge gains strength from the ghosts of her past, an unlikely idea for a railway of the future takes shape.
Everyone loves a fighter and Madge becomes a national hero, finding herself midwife not just to the birth of the world’s first preserved standard gauge passenger railway – the Bluebell Line – but also to the UK’s multi-million pound heritage railway industry.
Writer: Roy Apps
Reader: Penelope Keith
Director: Celia de Wolff
Sound Design: Matt Bainbridge
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2021.
MON 16:00 Salute to Steam (m002jsqg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
MON 16:30 Off-Peak Performance (m0022khb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
MON 17:00 Doctor Finlay (b008m7by)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 17:30 Red For Danger by Edward J Mason (m000rn46)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 18:00 Pankhiraj (b07m5jzc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 18:30 Dad's Army (b007jll5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 19:00 Michael Frayn's Pocket Playhouse (b0b5xh1w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 19:30 Thrilling Stories of the Railway (b00fwcpc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 19:45 The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (b017vmfq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
MON 20:00 Booked (b08pvn1j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
MON 20:30 Married (b007ys7j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
MON 21:00 Victoria Station by Steve Chambers (b06qc290)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
MON 21:45 Miss Bessemer Saves The Train by Roy Apps (m00101lh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 today]
MON 22:00 Just a Minute (m002jgpk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
MON 22:30 The Right Time (b00c90g4)
Series 3
Episode 1
Gym shenanigans, finding a fox - and can you feel sexy at 60?
The sketch comedy for people growing older disgracefully.
Starring:
Eleanor Bron
Graeme Garden
Neil Innes
Clive Swift
Roger Blake
Pam Ayres
Written by Pam Ayres, Mike Coleman, Jan Etherington, Graeme Garden, Neil Innes, Colin Bostock-Smith, Bob Sinfield, Chris Thompson, Pete Reynolds, Tony Bagley, Richard Turner and Phil Nice,
Script Editor: Geoff Parsons
Music by Ronnie & The Rex and Neil Innes.
Producer: Claire Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2003.
MON 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m002k5d9)
Dom Joly 2/3 
From 10pm until midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Paul Garner chats again to Dom Joly.
MON 23:00 The News Quiz (m002jhmx)
Series 118
Episode 3
Topical panel quiz show, taking its questions from the week's news stories.
MON 23:30 Old Harry's Game (b00cl63c)
Series 5
I Blame the Media
Whilst Satan's away morally cleansing the media and internet, revolt is brewing in Hell.
Andy Hamilton’s devilishly funny sitcom set in Hell.
Satan …. Andy Hamilton
Thomas …. Jimmy Mulville
Scumspawn …. Robert Duncan
Other characters played by:
Felicity Montagu
Hugh Dennis
Tony Maudsley
Philip Pope
Producer: Paul Mayhew-Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2005.

TUESDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2025

TUE 00:00 Salute to Steam (m002jsqg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Monday]
TUE 00:30 Off-Peak Performance (m0022khb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Monday]
TUE 01:00 Doctor Finlay (b008m7by)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]
TUE 01:30 Red For Danger by Edward J Mason (m000rn46)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Monday]
TUE 02:00 Pankhiraj (b07m5jzc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Monday]
TUE 02:30 Dad's Army (b007jll5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:00 Michael Frayn's Pocket Playhouse (b0b5xh1w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Monday]
TUE 03:30 Thrilling Stories of the Railway (b00fwcpc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:45 The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (b017vmfq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Monday]
TUE 04:00 Booked (b08pvn1j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:30 Married (b007ys7j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Monday]
TUE 05:00 Victoria Station by Steve Chambers (b06qc290)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Monday]
TUE 05:45 Miss Bessemer Saves The Train by Roy Apps (m00101lh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 on Monday]
TUE 06:00 Whodunnits (m0002cd6)
Hercule Poirot - The Mystery of the Blue Train
1. Heart of Fire
The 'Heart of Fire' is one of the world's legendary jewels which once adorned the crown of the Tsars.
But legend proclaims the stunning ruby brings death in its wake. So the American millionaire Rufus Van Aldin may live to regret his purchase...
As the glamorous Blue Train carries the rich and the famous to their beloved Riviera - the future looks far from bright for one passenger...
It's another case for Agatha Christie's Belgian sleuth, Hercule Poirot.
First published in 1928, The Mystery of the Blue Train is based on a short story from 1923, The Plymouth Express.
Dramatised in six parts by Michael Bakewell.
Rufus Van Aldin …. Robert Beatty
Katherine Grey …. Janet Maw
Ruth Kettering …. Avril Clarke
Derek Kettering …. Anthony Smee
Major Knighton …. Michael Deacon
Lady Tamplin …. Gwen Cherrell
Lenox …. Moir Leslie
Mirelle …. Judy Buxton
Dr Harrison …. Peter Woodthorpe
Krassnine …. John Harrison
Olga …. Tessa Worsley
Zia …. Jane Leonard
Scattergood …. Garard Green
Papopolous …. Ronald Herdman
Director: David Johnston.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1985.
TUE 06:30 Red For Danger by Edward J Mason (m000rmzx)
3. Seeing Red
David Conway and Pat Manners try to catch up with the mysterious and elusive Red Farley.
Finally they track her down at the circus - but why is she fearing for her life..?
Suspense-packed thriller serial.
Written by Edward J Mason.
Starring:
Anne Cullen
Arnold Peters
Bernard Rebel
Chris Gittins
Dudley Rolph
Gerik Schelderup
Harry Stubbs
Ysanne Churchman
June Spencer
Peter Wilde.
Producer: Philip Garston-Jones
First broadcast on the BBC Midland Home Service in November 1954.
TUE 07:00 Wally Who? (b08qmdc2)
Just The Way You Are
Wally Thornton reckons it's time to ditch his old mates for more cultural pursuits.
Starring Tony Brandon as Wally.
Written by Rob Grant and Doug Naylor.
With
Chris Ellison
John Jardine
Nick Maloney
Rosalind Knight
Theme and incidental music by Debbie Katz.
Produced in BBC Manchester by Mike Craig.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in November 1982.
**** Tony Brandon's BBC career was mainly as a disc-jockey for Radio 1 and 2 from 1967-1982.
But as an actor, he also recorded two radio comedy series 'The Family Brandon' and 'Wally Who?'.
TUE 07:30 The Goon Show (b007jv86)
Series 8
The White Neddie Trade
Fearless Neddie Seagoon launches a career as a nude piano dancer with a difference
Groundbreaking, surreal BBC radio comedy written by Larry Stephens and Maurice Wiltshire.
Starring:
Peter Sellers
Harry Secombe
Spike Milligan
First billed as Crazy People, ten series of The Goon Show were recorded between 1951 and 1960, but sadly many of the earliest shows weren’t kept in the archive.
With the Ray Ellington Quartet and Max Geldray.
Orchestra conducted by Wally Stott.
Announcer: Wallace Greenslade
Producer: Charles Chilton
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in February 1958.
TUE 08:00 Mrs Sidhu Investigates (m0006dw3)
Mrs Sidhu's Deadly Highland Game
4. A Kick In The Grallochs
At Castle Tannoch one final startling realisation threatens to turn all Mrs Sidhu's suspicions on their heads.
Meera Syal stars as the catering sleuth from Slough hunting down a Highland killer.
The ragged remains of the hunting party are looking down the barrel of a gun held by the shaky hand of Sir Alex Kendrick. Held hostage by a mad man, Robert divulges the real reason he came to Castle Tannoch and Jane finally reveals her true feelings for him.
Meanwhile, Burton’s plan to end the hostage situation leaves a life hanging in the balance. With one final startling realisation, all Mrs Sidhu’s suspicions will be turned on their heads. A final reckoning awaits in the murderer’s deadly highland game.
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
Written by Suk Pannu.
Recorded at Soundhouse Studios.
Edited by Leon Chambers.
Studio Managers: Wilfredo Acosta and Leon Chambers
Production Manager: Sarah Tombling
Directed by Marilyn Imrie.
Producer: Gordon Kennedy
An Absolutely production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in July 2019.
TUE 08:30 Thrilling Stories of the Railway (b00fy0tm)
Sir Gilbert Murrell's Picture
When a goods train carrying valuable paintings arrives at its destination with one missing carriage, the owners turn to amateur sleuth, Thorpe Hazell. How did the thieves remove it from a non-stopping service?
Benedict Cumberbatch reads Victor Lorenzo Whitechurch's tales about the speciality detective who uses his locomotive expertise to solve the audacious and ingenious crimes plaguing the Edwardian railways.
Eccentric Thorpe Hazell is in many ways a man before his time: a vegetarian and health fanatic using his encyclopaedic railway knowledge to tackle Britain's most ingenious smugglings, thefts, kidnaps and murders. A man of independent means, he thrives on working to his own whims - and operating outside the law when it suits him.
English reverend, railway enthusiast and popular mystery writer (1868-1933) - Victor Lorenzo Whitechurch's immaculate plots were much admired by Dorothy L Sayers and Ellery Queen. He was one of the first authors to submit his stories to Scotland Yard so they could vet his police procedures.
Adapted and produced by Fiona Kelcher.
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in 2008.
TUE 08:45 The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (b017wy6x)
7. Solitude
The account of her husband's behaviour in Helen's journal has continued to be one of wild debauchery but now she is convinced he is changing his ways. Reading the journal Gilbert is not so confident.
Gilbert......Robert Lonsdale
Helen......Hattie Morahan
Huntingdon......Leo Bill
Annabella......Emerald O'Hanrahan
Hargrave......Stephen Critchlow
Arthur......Samuel Bridger
Director: David Hunter
Dramatised by: Rachel Joyce
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2011.
TUE 09:00 Mark Steel's in Town (m001217m)
Series 11
Blyth, Northumberland
The famous Blyth Staithes (created for off-loading coal into ships) were the backdrop for one of the grimmest scenes in the Michael Caine classic Get Carter - the smoggy industrial view at the time described by the director as an "absolute vision of hell". Undaunted, comedian Mark Steel travels to this part of Northumberland and finds a fascinating industrial legacy, a posh pub, a very nice beach and prominent indications of its role in the first and second World Wars. Does a town blighted by so many closures show any evidence of green shoots? Mark presents his findings to a local audience at The Phoenix Theatre and as ever gets away with just the right amount of affection rudeness and we learn more about a very distinctive coastal town in the UK.
The full box set of all episodes (with well over 50 towns visited) is available now wherever you get your podcasts.
Written by and starring...Mark Steel
With additional material from Pete Sinclair
Production Coordinator...Beverly Tagg
Producer...Julia McKenzie
A BBC Studios Production.
TUE 09:30 The Railways: Nation, Network and People by Simon Bradley (b06qjqcn)
2. First Class
A magnificent account of Britain's railways and how track and carriage united a nation.
This series of readings includes an exploration of many aspects of the railway revolution, such as the challenges of 'railway time', the nuances of first, second and third class, the difficulties of lighting and heating, passenger comfort, what to eat when travelling and the history of refreshment stops and the commercial opportunities they brought - including the establishment of W.H. Smith and Son, who became the nation’s first high street bookstore. Architecture and engineering are also covered, alongside the impact on social classes and gender.
Passengers may have a love-hate relationship with our railways, but few of us know much about the journey taken to get to where we are now.
Written by: Simon Bradley
Read by Stephen Tompkinson
Abridged and produced by: Jill Waters
A Waters Company production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2015.
TUE 09:45 Daily Service (m002jts3)
Harvest - Creation Begins
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Harvest - Creation Begins.
Presenter: Georgia Clarke
Reading: Psalm 65 - 9-13
Music: Creation sings the Father's song - Stuart Townend. For the fruits of his creation - Sasha Johnson Manning & Holly Marland (BBC Recording). Chorus of creation - Seth Pinnock & A New Thing.
TUE 10:00 Train Tracks (b00m69ws)
They may be a shadow of their former infrastructural selves but railways still hold a curiously affectionate place in our national life.
That's nowhere more true than in the world of music where chuffing, whistling, steaming and clackety-clacking have been the inspiration for hundreds of songs.
Pianist and broadcaster Simon Townley has never described himself as a railway enthusiast, but he's always had an ear for the things that inspire composers and songwriters.
Country and Western star Laura Cantrell, music professor Allan Moore and composer Sir Richard Rodney Bennett contribute their thoughts on this mass transit system which has provided such a rich seam of inspiration over the last 200 years.
Producer: Tom Alban
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2009.
TUE 10:30 The Trainspotter's Guide to Dracula (b09byr3c)
“3 May. Bistritz. Left Munich at 8:35 P. M, on 1st May, arriving at Vienna early next morning; should have arrived at 6:46, but train was an hour late.”
The first line of Bram Stoker’s Dracula makes it clear what the novel will be about: trains. As the book begins, the English solicitor Jonathan Harker is travelling across Europe by train, en route to meet his mysterious new Transylvanian client, complaining all the way about the late running of the service. “It seems to me that the further East you go the more unpunctual are the trains. What ought they to be in China?”
In the Trainspotter’s Guide to Dracula, Miles Jupp uses Bram Stoker's novel as it has never been used before, as a train timetable, following its references to plot a route across Europe by rail to Dracula’s castle in Transylvania.
Will Miles be able to reach Dracula’s castle more quickly than Harker did, or will his journey be dogged by discontinued services, closed lines and delays?
Produced by David Stenhouse
Readings by David Jackson Young
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2017.
TUE 11:00 Whodunnits (m0002cd6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 11:30 Red For Danger by Edward J Mason (m000rmzx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 12:00 Wally Who? (b08qmdc2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 12:30 The Goon Show (b007jv86)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 13:00 Mrs Sidhu Investigates (m0006dw3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 13:30 Thrilling Stories of the Railway (b00fy0tm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 13:45 The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (b017wy6x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
TUE 14:00 Guess What? (b064dw48)
Episode 6
Animal, vegetable or mineral?
Barry Took hosts a revised version of popular radio parlour game of 20 questions.
On the panel:
Geoffrey Durham
Neil Innes
Jan Ravens
Written by Michael Dines.
Producer: Andy Aliffe
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1998.
TUE 14:30 Trapped (m001p7h0)
Series 2
4. Break Out
Marty, Willis, Frank and Jack are locked up in a high security prison, but with no idea why.
They have to escape - or suffer unspeakable consequences.
But breaking out would be a whole lot easier if Marty wasn't so old, Willis, quite so fat and Jack so much of a trouble maker...
More one-off comedy dramas written by, and sometimes featuring, Daniel and Mark Maier
Willis ....... Robert Wilfort
Marty ....... Philip Jackson
Harwood ....... Daniel Maier
Danny ....... Mark Maier
Frank ....... Colin McFarlane
Jack ....... Simon Evans
Harris ....... Jim Barclay
Terry ....... Alan Davies
Producer Claire Bartlett
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2006.
TUE 15:00 Victoria Station by Steve Chambers (b06qzsq2)
Series 1
2. Wednesday 11/01/1895: Tunnel Vision
It’s Wednesday 11th January, 1895. Something sinister lurks in the tunnel damaged by the recent derailment.
Nottingham-born author Steve Chambers' five-part series of self-contained dramas set in Victoria Station, Bridgford on consecutive Wednesdays in January/February 1895.
Joe Braddock .... Sean Baker
Tidmarsh .... Philip Jackson
Josie .... Julia Ford
Ada .... Pauline Letts
Professor Gaidar .... David Collings
Fred Roberts .... John Hartley
Phoebe .... Becky Hindley
Moran .... Gavin Muir
McCarthy .... Ian Masters
Syd .... Tom Bevan
Robson .... Lloyd Notice
Lydia .... Geraldine Fitzgerald
Wheeler .... Tom Knight
Hancock .... Nicholas Collett
Ellen Davison .... Annabel Mullion
Jackson .... Joshua Towb
Director: Celia de Wolff
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1995.
TUE 15:45 Miss Bessemer Saves The Train by Roy Apps (m00107cg)
2. 'Four Teenagers, One Pigeon Fancier and a Dog...'
Penelope Keith is Madge Bessemer in this 5-part serial inspired by the true story of one woman’s fight to halt the closure of her local railway.
Village Guide Captain Madge Bessemer is not a particular fan of railways. Who needs trains when you’ve got a 1948 Austin Princess to tootle around in? However, when she discovers that, as part of their closure plans, British Rail are going to auction off the line side footpath, which holds precious memories for her, she determines to put a stop to proceedings.
Supported by The Lewes and East Grinstead Railway Fighting Committee - two Girl Guides, two train spotters, one pigswill man and a dog - Madge takes her battle right to the heart of government.
But the Prime Minster has just been humiliated by Colonel Nasser and has no intention of suffering a further humiliation at the hands of a village Girl Guide leader. John Profumo, Under Secretary of State to the Minister of Transport and a rising star in the government, is tasked with seeing that Miss Bessemer’s plans are consigned to the dustbin of history.
All seems lost but, as Madge gains strength from the ghosts of her past, an unlikely idea for a railway of the future takes shape.
Everyone loves a fighter and Madge becomes a national hero, finding herself midwife not just to the birth of the world’s first preserved standard gauge passenger railway – the Bluebell Line – but also to the UK’s multi-million pound heritage railway industry.
Writer: Roy Apps
Reader: Penelope Keith
Director: Celia de Wolff
Sound Design: Matt Bainbridge
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2021.
TUE 16:00 Train Tracks (b00m69ws)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
TUE 16:30 The Trainspotter's Guide to Dracula (b09byr3c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
TUE 17:00 Whodunnits (m0002cd6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 17:30 Red For Danger by Edward J Mason (m000rmzx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 18:00 Wally Who? (b08qmdc2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 18:30 The Goon Show (b007jv86)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 19:00 Mrs Sidhu Investigates (m0006dw3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 19:30 Thrilling Stories of the Railway (b00fy0tm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 19:45 The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (b017wy6x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
TUE 20:00 Guess What? (b064dw48)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
TUE 20:30 Trapped (m001p7h0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
TUE 21:00 Victoria Station by Steve Chambers (b06qzsq2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
TUE 21:45 Miss Bessemer Saves The Train by Roy Apps (m00107cg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 today]
TUE 22:00 Mark Steel's in Town (m001217m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
TUE 22:30 Mark Watson Makes the World Substantially Better (b00db05r)
Series 2
Diligence
Mark examines hard work and diligence.
The comedian continues his quest to delve into six virtues.
Carefully persisting with more poetry and music:
Tim Key
Tim Minchin
Producer: Katie Marsden
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2008.
TUE 23:00 Nick Revell: BrokenDreamCatcher (b0bkv1vr)
Series 1
Nick Revell v Lily, Evil Cat Queen of Earth Planet and the Laughing Fridge
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 we learn that cats injected with nanobots which consequently form a neural lace, will almost certainly get up to no good.
Written and performed by Nick Revell
Producer: Steve Doherty
A Giddy Goat production for BBC Radio 4.
TUE 23:30 And Now in Colour (b00804kc)
Series 2
Astronaut Training
The sketch show team take the audience to Nevada for astronaut selection by NASA.
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 February 1991.

WEDNESDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2025

WED 00:00 Train Tracks (b00m69ws)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Tuesday]
WED 00:30 The Trainspotter's Guide to Dracula (b09byr3c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Tuesday]
WED 01:00 Whodunnits (m0002cd6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:30 Red For Danger by Edward J Mason (m000rmzx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Tuesday]
WED 02:00 Wally Who? (b08qmdc2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Tuesday]
WED 02:30 The Goon Show (b007jv86)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:00 Mrs Sidhu Investigates (m0006dw3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Tuesday]
WED 03:30 Thrilling Stories of the Railway (b00fy0tm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:45 The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (b017wy6x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Tuesday]
WED 04:00 Guess What? (b064dw48)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:30 Trapped (m001p7h0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Tuesday]
WED 05:00 Victoria Station by Steve Chambers (b06qzsq2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Tuesday]
WED 05:45 Miss Bessemer Saves The Train by Roy Apps (m00107cg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 on Tuesday]
WED 06:00 Whodunnits (m0002cct)
Hercule Poirot - The Mystery of the Blue Train
2. The Blue Train
Katherine Grey heads to Nice by train, but when she arrives, a new acquaintance is found brutally murdered.
Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot is drawn into a tale of murder and deceit, focussed on one of the world’s legendary jewels...
Agatha Christie's whodunit stars Maurice Denham.
Dramatised by Michael Bakewell.
Hercule Poirot …. Maurice Denham
Katherine Grey …. Janet Maw
Rufus Van Aldin …. Robert Beatty
Ruth Kettering …. Avril Clarke
Derek Kettering …. Anthony Smee
Major Knighton …. Michael Deacon
Mason …. Pauline Letts
Chubby …. Jonathan Owen
Caux …. Adrian Egan
Pavett …. David Learner
Train Conductor …. Richard Durden
Gendarme …. Ronald Herdman
Director: David Johnston.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1986.
WED 06:30 Red For Danger by Edward J Mason (m000rng8)
4. Cards on the Table
Following a murder at the circus, the race is still on for David and Pat to get to the bottom of the mystery about the secret new super metal.
Suspense-packed thriller serial.
Written by Edward J Mason.
Starring:
Ysanne Churchman
Anne Cullen
Arnold Peters
Bernard Rebel
Dudley Rolph
Gerik Schelderup
June Spencer
Willkiam Avenall
Peter Wilde
Producer: Philip Garston-Jones
First broadcast on the BBC Midland Home Service in November 1954.
WED 07:00 Star Terk II (m002jsm7)
Series 1
Ken Dodd's Wallet
The show featuring everything from Sue Pollard to John Cleese to That's Life with Esther Ranzen.
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…
Starring:
Jeffrey Holland
Susie Blake
Fred Harris
Christopher Godwin
Written by Terry Ravenscroft.
Producer: Martin Fisher
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1987.
WED 07:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b0089k50)
Series 5
The Foreign Legion
The Lad is set to entertain troops in Malta.
But he gets duped into making an appearance on the frontline.
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 Dot (b08pdxl5)
Series 2
Teeth
The fellas are going squiffy over Myrtle's new gnashers.
As Hollywood beckons, how will Dot take the news she is no longer the star of her own show?
Rollicking war time comedy by Ed Harris about the staff from the personnel department of the Cabinet Rooms.
Dot ..... Fenella Woolgar
Myrtle ..... Kate O'Flynn
Peg ..... Freya Parker
Millicent ..... Jane Slavin
Peabody ..... David Acton
Lord Basil Cornley-Awks ..... David Sterne
Director: Jessica Mitic
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2017.
WED 08:30 Thrilling Stories of the Railway (b00fy2qk)
The Affair of the Corridor Express
The son of multi-millionaire is snatched from a moving train, can Thorpe Hazell foil the kidnappers' dastardly plan?
Benedict Cumberbatch reads Victor Lorenzo Whitechurch's tales about the speciality detective who uses his locomotive expertise to solve the audacious and ingenious crimes plaguing the Edwardian railways.
Eccentric Thorpe Hazell is in many ways a man before his time: a vegetarian and health fanatic using his encyclopaedic railway knowledge to tackle Britain's most ingenious smugglings, thefts, kidnaps and murders. A man of independent means, he thrives on working to his own whims - and operating outside the law when it suits him.
English reverend, railway enthusiast and popular mystery writer (1868-1933) - Victor Lorenzo Whitechurch's immaculate plots were much admired by Dorothy L Sayers and Ellery Queen. He was one of the first authors to submit his stories to Scotland Yard so they could vet his police procedures.
Adapted and produced by Fiona Kelcher.
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in 2008.
WED 08:45 The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (b017x069)
8. Escape
Helen Graham has now been married for five years and Huntingdon has refused to let her leave with her son. And just as she is planning a secret flight he discovers her journal.
Gilbert......Robert Lonsdale
Helen.......Hattie Morahan
Huntingdon......Leo Bill
Lawrence......Carl Prekopp
Arthur......Samuel Bridger
Miss Myers......Alex Rivers
Director: David Hunter
Dramatised by: Rachel Joyce
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2011.
WED 09:00 Do Gooders (m002jf50)
Series 2
3. The Force
Clive initiates a DOGE-inspired efficiency drive at The Alzheimer’s Alliance, with a key policy of outsourcing events ideas to supporters. Unfortunately this backfires when the idea of a Star Wars film marathon is suggested - Clive’s idea of hell. Lauren picks up the ball and runs with it. Meanwhile Harriett reels after finding out her industry nemesis has received an OBE.
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
Writer – Garrett Millerick
Additional Material – Andrea Hubert
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 The Railways: Nation, Network and People by Simon Bradley (b06qkglh)
3. Brake
A magnificent account of Britain's railways and how track and carriage united a nation.
This series of readings includes an exploration of many aspects of the railway revolution, such as the challenges of 'railway time', the nuances of first, second and third class, the difficulties of lighting and heating, passenger comfort, what to eat when travelling and the history of refreshment stops and the commercial opportunities they brought - including the establishment of W.H. Smith and Son, who became the nation’s first high street bookstore. Architecture and engineering are also covered, alongside the impact on social classes and gender.
Passengers may have a love-hate relationship with our railways, but few of us know much about the journey taken to get to where we are now.
Written by: Simon Bradley
Reader: Stephen Tompkinson
Abridged and produced by: Jill Waters
A Waters Company production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2015.
WED 09:45 Daily Service (m002jsmb)
Harvest - Ripe For the Harvest
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Harvest - Ripe For Harvest.
Presenter: Haydon Spencley.
Reading: John 4:31-38
Music: Come ye thankful people come - Daily Service Singers. Praise God For The Harvest - Sasha Johnson Manning & Holly Marland. This is the way God loves the world - Lou Fellingham (Never Stop Loving)
WED 10:00 Archive on 4 (b00vkmt0)
El Tren Fantasma
Ride the Ghost Train from Los Mochis to Veracruz, and travel across country, coast to coast, from the Pacific to Atlantic.
It's an acoustic journey through the heart of Mexico, on board one of the most exciting, beautiful and dynamic engineering projects the country has ever known, but which has now passed into history.
It's more than a decade since the Mexican State Railway System operated its last continuous passenger service across the country. Sound recordist Chris Watson spent a month on board the train with some of the last passengers to travel this route. In this sound portrait, based on his original recordings, we recreate the journey of the 'ghost train'; evoking memories of a recent past, capturing the atmosphere, rhythms and sounds of human life and wildlife along the tracks of one of Mexico's greatest engineering projects.
The recordings used in this programme were originally made by Chris Watson whilst in Mexico with a film crew for the BBC Television programme, Great Railways Journeys: Mexico.
Narrator Chris Watson
Producer Sarah Blunt
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2010.
WED 11:00 Whodunnits (m0002cct)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 11:30 Red For Danger by Edward J Mason (m000rng8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 12:00 Star Terk II (m002jsm7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 12:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b0089k50)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 13:00 Dot (b08pdxl5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 13:30 Thrilling Stories of the Railway (b00fy2qk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 13:45 The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (b017x069)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
WED 14:00 The Museum of Curiosity (m0000xxt)
Series 13
Episode 5
Professor of Ignorance John Lloyd and his curator Lee Mack welcome:
* Comedian and ventriloquist Nina Conti
* Writer of the hit TV period drama series Victoria, Daisy Goodwin
* Former Cabinet Secretary Lord Butler of Brockwell
The Museum's Guest Committee discuss the magical properties of false teeth, the prominent contribution made by Queen Victoria’s consort Prince Albert, and the mysterious case of 30 Russian jet fighters found buried in the sand.
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 (b00761z4)
Series 2
Dark Secrets
Irene enlists Bob's help when strange events send the tiny Scottish island into disarray.
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/Doctor ...... Lewis McLeod
Ena/Bunty ...... Gabriel Quigley
Dougie ...... Matt Costello
Bob/Minister ...... Robert Patterson
Music arranged by Olly Fox.
Producer: Lucy Bacon
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2001.
WED 15:00 Victoria Station by Steve Chambers (b06rpx04)
Series 1
3. Wednesday 18/01/1895: First Class Distinction
It’s Wednesday 18th January, 1895. A Russian circus and vicar pass through. Which causes the most confusion?
Nottingham-born author Steve Chambers' five-part series of self-contained dramas set in Victoria Station, Bridgford on consecutive Wednesdays in January/February 1895.
Joe Braddock …. Sean Baker
Tidmarsh …. Philip Jackson
Fred Roberts …. John Hartley
Ged Moran/Mr Davison …. Gavin Muir
Ellen Davison …. Annabel Mullion
Hancock …. Nicholas Collett
Syd …. Tom Bevan
Tommy McCarthy/Fox …. Ian Masters
Lydia …. Geraldine Fitzgerald
Wheeler …. Tom Knight
Professor Gaidar …. David Collings
Ada …. Pauline Letts
Phoebe …. Becky Hindley
Josie …. Julia Ford
Jackson …. Joshua Towb
Robson …. Lloyd Notice
Director: Celia de Wolff
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1995.
WED 15:45 Miss Bessemer Saves The Train by Roy Apps (m0010g06)
3. 'Can I Tempt You With a Fondant Fancy, Miss Bessemer...?'
Penelope Keith is Madge Bessemer in this 5-part serial inspired by the true story of one woman’s fight to halt the closure of her local railway.
Village Guide Captain Madge Bessemer is not a particular fan of railways. Who needs trains when you’ve got a 1948 Austin Princess to tootle around in? However, when she discovers that, as part of their closure plans, British Rail are going to auction off the line side footpath, which holds precious memories for her, she determines to put a stop to proceedings.
Supported by The Lewes and East Grinstead Railway Fighting Committee - two Girl Guides, two train spotters, one pigswill man and a dog - Madge takes her battle right to the heart of government.
But the Prime Minster has just been humiliated by Colonel Nasser and has no intention of suffering a further humiliation at the hands of a village Girl Guide leader. John Profumo, Under Secretary of State to the Minister of Transport and a rising star in the government, is tasked with seeing that Miss Bessemer’s plans are consigned to the dustbin of history.
All seems lost but, as Madge gains strength from the ghosts of her past, an unlikely idea for a railway of the future takes shape.
Everyone loves a fighter and Madge becomes a national hero, finding herself midwife not just to the birth of the world’s first preserved standard gauge passenger railway – the Bluebell Line – but also to the UK’s multi-million pound heritage railway industry.
Writer: Roy Apps
Reader: Penelope Keith
Director: Celia de Wolff
Sound Design: Matt Bainbridge
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2021.
WED 16:00 Archive on 4 (b00vkmt0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
WED 17:00 Whodunnits (m0002cct)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 17:30 Red For Danger by Edward J Mason (m000rng8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 18:00 Star Terk II (m002jsm7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 18:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b0089k50)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 19:00 Dot (b08pdxl5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 19:30 Thrilling Stories of the Railway (b00fy2qk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 19:45 The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (b017x069)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
WED 20:00 The Museum of Curiosity (m0000xxt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
WED 20:30 Millport (b00761z4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
WED 21:00 Victoria Station by Steve Chambers (b06rpx04)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
WED 21:45 Miss Bessemer Saves The Train by Roy Apps (m0010g06)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 today]
WED 22:00 Do Gooders (m002jf50)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
WED 22:30 Flight of the Conchords (b00dn8br)
Tower of London
The Kiwi band tries to make it big in London.
Improvised comedy from the satirical pop pair, as they align with established comics to poke fun at all aspects of pop music.
Rob Brydon narrates the six-part musical odyssey about a novelty band.
Starring New Zealand musical comedy duo, Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement.
With:
Rhys Darby
Mike Sengelow
Neil Finn
Andy Parsons
Additional material by Joel Morris.
Musicians: David Catlin-Birch and Mark Allis.
Producer: Will Saunders
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in September 2005.
WED 23:00 The Million Pound Radio Show (m001gjjr)
Series 5
Episode 5
Thomas the Tank Engine goes rogue and quitting smoking is easy.
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 (m002jf60)
Series 14
Episode 2
Jon Holmes brings you the week's biggest stories like you've never heard them before.
WED 23:45 Rosie Jones: Box Ticker Too (m0011ryn)
Sexuality, with Joe Sutherland
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.
This week, Rosie looks at sexuality with help from stand-up Joe Sutherland. Both coming from small and conservative towns, they compare growing up perceiving themselves as outliers, the effect and affections of labels in sexuality, and the liberation they found from coming out and freely expressing themselves.
Recorded in a live comedy club, prepare to be shocked and disappointed by Rosie’s lack of respect for your expectations.
Produced by Richard Melvin
A Dabster production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in November 2021.

THURSDAY 25 SEPTEMBER 2025

THU 00:00 Archive on 4 (b00vkmt0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 Whodunnits (m0002cct)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:30 Red For Danger by Edward J Mason (m000rng8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 Star Terk II (m002jsm7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b0089k50)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 Dot (b08pdxl5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Wednesday]
THU 03:30 Thrilling Stories of the Railway (b00fy2qk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:45 The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (b017x069)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 The Museum of Curiosity (m0000xxt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:30 Millport (b00761z4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 Victoria Station by Steve Chambers (b06rpx04)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Wednesday]
THU 05:45 Miss Bessemer Saves The Train by Roy Apps (m0010g06)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 on Wednesday]
THU 06:00 Whodunnits (m0002c9k)
Hercule Poirot - The Mystery of the Blue Train
3. A Meeting at the Villa Marguerite
With a victim brutally murdered and a fabulous gem stolen, Belgian detective Hercule Poirot starts to “arrange the facts”.
Agatha Christie's whodunit stars Maurice Denham.
Dramatised by Michael Bakewell.
Hercule Poirot …. Maurice Denham
Katherine Grey …. Janet Maw
Rufus Van Aldin …. Robert Beatty
Derek Kettering …. Anthony Smee
Major Knighton …. Michael Deacon
Lady Tamplin …. Gwen Cherrell
Lenox …. Moir Leslie
Mason …. Pauline Letts
Chubby …. Jonathan Owen
Mr Goby …. Brian Smith
Monsieur Carrege …. Gordon Reid
Servant …. David Learner
Director: David Johnston.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1986.
THU 06:30 Red For Danger by Edward J Mason (m000rnjd)
5. Target Practice
Red Farley is still missing. David Conway and Kratz battle to uncover who is working for whom.
Paul Farley and Hugo Norsten will stop at nothing to get their hands on the secret formula for Kratz alloy metal
But does it actually work..?
Suspense-packed thriller serial.
Written by Edward J Mason.
Starring:
Ysanne Churchman
Anne Cullen
Arnold Peters
Bernard Rebel
Chris Gittins
Dudley Rolph
Gerik Schelderup
Harry Stubbs
June Spencer
Michael Ford
Peter Wilde
Producer: Philip Garston-Jones
First broadcast on the BBC Midland Home Service in November 1954.
THU 07:00 Bristow (b007r031)
Series 2
When Melancholy Autumn Comes to Chester-Perry
The promise of a Christmas bonus lifts Bristow's spirits - for once, his generosity knows no bounds.
But then he takes matters into his own hands when it becomes clear that the Chester Perry staff bonus isn't forthcoming.
Michael Williams stars as Bristow
Frank Dickens' sitcom is based on his famous long-running newspaper cartoon strip about the Chester-Perry buying clerk.
Syndicated internationally, it ran for 41 years in London's Evening Standard.
Bristow ...... Michael Williams
Jones ...... Rodney Bewes
Jonathan Quartly ...... Bernard Cribbins
Mrs Purdy ...... Dora Bryan
Hewitt ...... Owen Brenman
Molly ...... Sheila Reid
Rupert Clement ...... Royce Mills
Miss Sunman ...... Katy Odey
Richard Blobb ...... Norman Bird
Miss Golightly ...... Lucy Akhurst
Postboy ...... Simon Schatzberger
Receptionist ...... Zeena Eate
Music composed and performed by John Whitehall.
Producer: Neil Cargill
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1999.
THU 07:30 The Small, Intricate Life of Gerald C Potter (b007jyt4)
Series 3
The Champagne
Diana wants to visit her friend Nelly who's been unwell, but when she and Gerald set off in the car with a gift, things get out of control.
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
Producer: Bobby Jaye
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1979.
THU 08:00 A Month of Maureen (b09cy90x)
Three Journeys
Mother Molly and her son Paul have always had a special relationship.
Now she needs to persuade him it's time to strike out on his own.
She has three journeys to do it in.
First in a series of comedy dramas written especially for actress, writer, director and author, Dame Maureen Lipman.
Written Gary Brown
Molly ........ Maureen Lipman
Paul ........ Jasper Britton
Director: Marion Nancarrow
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2017.
THU 08:30 Thrilling Stories of the Railway (b00fwq9b)
The Stolen Necklace
A passenger begs for Thorpe Hazell's help after her aunt's valuable diamonds are stolen from her luggage.
Benedict Cumberbatch reads Victor Lorenzo Whitechurch's tales about the speciality detective who uses his locomotive expertise to solve the audacious and ingenious crimes plaguing the Edwardian railways.
Eccentric Thorpe Hazell is in many ways a man before his time: a vegetarian and health fanatic using his encyclopaedic railway knowledge to tackle Britain's most ingenious smugglings, thefts, kidnaps and murders. A man of independent means, he thrives on working to his own whims - and operating outside the law when it suits him.
English reverend, railway enthusiast and popular mystery writer (1868-1933) - Victor Lorenzo Whitechurch's immaculate plots were much admired by Dorothy L Sayers and Ellery Queen. He was one of the first authors to submit his stories to Scotland Yard so they could vet his police procedures.
Adapted and produced by Fiona Kelcher.
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in 2008.
THU 08:45 The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (b017x3p8)
9. Reconciliation
Gilbert has reached the end of Helen's journal and now knows all the painful secrets of her past and her reasons for seeking seclusion at Wildfell Hall.
Gilbert......Robert Lonsdale
Helen......Hattie Morahan
Huntingdon......Leo Bill
Lawrence......Carl Prekopp
Arthur......Samuel Bridger
Eliza......Victoria Inez Hardy
Rose......Leah Brotherhead
Director: David Hunter
Dramatised by: Rachel Joyce
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2011.
THU 09:00 Stand-Up Specials (m002jfcr)
Glenn Moore's Almanac Series 2
Three Glenn & A Baby
Comedian Glenn Moore looks in his almanac at world events and what he was doing at the time. Lockdown March 2020: can father-to-be Glenn learn how to use a mask and change a nappy - and crucially, tell which is which?
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 The Railways: Nation, Network and People by Simon Bradley (b06qkrkv)
4. Engineering
A magnificent account of Britain's railways and how track and carriage united a nation.
This series of readings includes an exploration of many aspects of the railway revolution, such as the challenges of 'railway time', the nuances of first, second and third class, the difficulties of lighting and heating, passenger comfort, what to eat when travelling and the history of refreshment stops and the commercial opportunities they brought - including the establishment of W.H. Smith and Son, who became the nation’s first high street bookstore. Architecture and engineering are also covered, alongside the impact on social classes and gender.
Passengers may have a love-hate relationship with our railways, but few of us know much about the journey taken to get to where we are now.
Written by: Simon Bradley
Reader: Stephen Tompkinson
Abridged and produced by: Jill Waters
A Waters Company production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2015.
THU 09:45 Daily Service (m002jv1d)
Harvest - Joy in creation
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Harvest - Joy in Creation
Presenter: Rachel Mann
Reading: Psalm 96:11-13
THU 10:00 Train Hopping in the USA (b01p71wl)
High risk adventure or desperate necessity? Peter Bowes explores why some people jump freight trains in the USA.
"The last red blooded American adventure out there" - the words of a man who doesn't need to ride the rails, but does it for excitement.
Train hopping has a long tradition in America - from Jack London to the 1930s, when the unemployed took to the rails to find work. Despite increased security since 9/11, train hopping is far from a forgotten way of travelling in the USA - but the demographics are new.
Today the vast majority are illegal workers, mainly Hispanic, who seek to cross the border in to the States, and join legal migrants following the seasonal work - from lumber cutting in the north, to the melon fields of California. They risk entanglement with border guards and heavy machinery, even hanging in wire baskets under the units to avoid detection. Others take that risk voluntarily - seeking fun and adventure - getting their information from handbooks, conventions and websites giving safety tips and eulogising the thrill to be had taking to the rails. Finally, there are the hobos - people who choose to spend their lives on the road, and rails - welcomed annually as romantic heroes in Britt, Iowa, at the Hobo Festival.
Peter Bowes hears from the train hoppers of the 21st century - hair-raising tales from illegal migrants from Honduras and El Salvador; the engine drivers who takes two mile long freight trains across the remotest wildernesses in America, spotting 'jumpers' alongside the desert tracks; and those who prefer the excitement of an open box car to the safety of the wheel - preferring to lie on top of a lumber car and watch a starry sky as the wheels thunder below. Romance and danger - desperation and fear - the real world of "Train Hopping In The USA" today.
Producer: Sara Jane Hall
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2012.
THU 10:30 The Ghost Trains Of Old England (b00vhhcf)
Ian Marchant travels to Britain's least-used stations, on semi-secret trains that don't appear on timetables.
Just one train a week runs between Stockport and Stalybridge. Yet it never returns.
"There is no service from Stalybridge to Stockport", says a platform sign, cryptically.
This service is what's known as a "parliamentary train" and exists only so that the rail company can avoid going through formal closure proceedings. Running the single weekly service costs only £50, but to close it down would cost far more. Of the intermediate stops on the line, Network Rail notes:
"Data collection including observation has been unable to record any use of these stations".
There is Teesside Airport station, the least-used stop in Britain, with just 44 passengers a year. It has only one train a week, is a 20 minutes walk from the airport (a journey which involves negotiating a locked gate), and the airport has a different name anyway.
Plus the train that goes from Manchester to Brighton - except that since the Manchester to Brighton direct service has been abolished, a semi-secret replacement bus travels once a week from Ealing Broadway to Wandsworth Road, two stations that were never on the Manchester-Brighton route anyway.
Most bizarre is the case of Newhaven Marine, a station which is technically open, and is served by one train a day. But the station is behind a locked fence and passengers are forbidden to get on the train, which does not appear on any timetable. The company offers to provide a taxi service to any passenger "in possession of a valid ticket". But it is impossible to buy a ticket.
Who are the people who use these secret trains which are also buses and taxis?
Mostly rail enthusiasts and hobbyists who collect rail tickets. But occasionally a real passenger stumbles across a service and uses it almost by accident. And what does it say about the British attitude to rules that we stick within the letter of the law while entirely subverting their intention?
Producer: Jolyon Jenkin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2010.
THU 11:00 Whodunnits (m0002c9k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 11:30 Red For Danger by Edward J Mason (m000rnjd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 12:00 Bristow (b007r031)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 12:30 The Small, Intricate Life of Gerald C Potter (b007jyt4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 13:00 A Month of Maureen (b09cy90x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 13:30 Thrilling Stories of the Railway (b00fwq9b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 13:45 The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (b017x3p8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
THU 14:00 Counterpoint (b04hv9y0)
Series 28
Heat 1 2014
Russell Davies hosts the wide-ranging music quiz.
The questions cover every aspect of music - from the classical repertoire to world music, show tunes, film scores, jazz, rock and pop.
The first trio of competitors are in the BBC Radio Theatre in London for the first heat of the 2014 series.
* Robert Charlesworth from London
* Michael Paine from Guilford
* Gillian Tait from Edinburgh
Producer: Paul Bajoria
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2014.
THU 14:30 HR (b00hg6mz)
Series 1
An Appraisal
An angry senior manager has been caught verbally abusing a client. His HR officer must take him to task. Can he?
Nigel Williams’ comedy drama series charting the misfortunes of a middle-aged HR officer and his trouble-making colleague.
Peter ...... Jonathan Pryce
Sam ...... Nicholas Le Prevost
Director: Peter Cavanagh
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2009.
THU 15:00 Victoria Station by Steve Chambers (b06s2mpc)
Series 1
4. Wednesday 25/01/1895: Fog Warnings
It’s Wednesday 25th January, 1895. Eyes are being tested for the accident enquiry, but who is the mystery blind man?
Nottingham-born author Steve Chambers' five-part series of self-contained dramas set in Victoria Station, Bridgford on consecutive Wednesdays in January/February 1895.
Joe Braddock .... Sean Baker
Tidmarsh .... Philip Jackson
Josie .... Julia Ford
Ada .... Pauline Letts
Fred Roberts .... John Hartley
Mr Cripps .... Gavin Muir
Phoebe .... Becky Hindley
Syd .... Tom Bevan
Jackson .... Joshua Towb
Wheeler .... Tom Knight
Robson .... Lloyd Notice
Hancock... Nicholas Collett
Sheena .... Deborah Berlin
Mrs MacDonald .... Jilly Bond
Mr MacDonald .... Peter Yapp
Dr Pettigrew ....David Holt
Tuffnell .... Don McCorkindale
Blind Man .... Michael Tudor Barnes
Director: Celia de Wolff
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1995.
THU 15:45 Miss Bessemer Saves The Train by Roy Apps (m0010pp0)
4. 'Citizens of Sussex! You've Nothing to Lose But Your Trains...!'
Penelope Keith is Madge Bessemer in this 5-part serial inspired by the true story of one woman’s fight to halt the closure of her local railway.
Village Guide Captain Madge Bessemer is not a particular fan of railways. Who needs trains when you’ve got a 1948 Austin Princess to tootle around in? However, when she discovers that, as part of their closure plans, British Rail are going to auction off the line side footpath, which holds precious memories for her, she determines to put a stop to proceedings.
Supported by The Lewes and East Grinstead Railway Fighting Committee - two Girl Guides, two train spotters, one pigswill man and a dog - Madge takes her battle right to the heart of government.
But the Prime Minster has just been humiliated by Colonel Nasser and has no intention of suffering a further humiliation at the hands of a village Girl Guide leader. John Profumo, Under Secretary of State to the Minister of Transport and a rising star in the government, is tasked with seeing that Miss Bessemer’s plans are consigned to the dustbin of history.
All seems lost but, as Madge gains strength from the ghosts of her past, an unlikely idea for a railway of the future takes shape.
Everyone loves a fighter and Madge becomes a national hero, finding herself midwife not just to the birth of the world’s first preserved standard gauge passenger railway – the Bluebell Line – but also to the UK’s multi-million pound heritage railway industry.
Writer: Roy Apps
Reader: Penelope Keith
Director: Celia de Wolff
Sound Design: Matt Bainbridge
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2021.
THU 16:00 Train Hopping in the USA (b01p71wl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
THU 16:30 The Ghost Trains Of Old England (b00vhhcf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
THU 17:00 Whodunnits (m0002c9k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 17:30 Red For Danger by Edward J Mason (m000rnjd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 18:00 Bristow (b007r031)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 18:30 The Small, Intricate Life of Gerald C Potter (b007jyt4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 19:00 A Month of Maureen (b09cy90x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 19:30 Thrilling Stories of the Railway (b00fwq9b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 19:45 The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (b017x3p8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
THU 20:00 Counterpoint (b04hv9y0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
THU 20:30 HR (b00hg6mz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
THU 21:00 Victoria Station by Steve Chambers (b06s2mpc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
THU 21:45 Miss Bessemer Saves The Train by Roy Apps (m0010pp0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 today]
THU 22:00 Stand-Up Specials (m002jfcr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
THU 22:30 iGod (b00wr7v2)
Food
We all worry about the end of the world, as economists and environmentalists speak in apocalyptic terms everyday.
iGOD says that trying to predict the end of the world is as pointless as moisturising an elephant's elbow.
Late-night comedy starring Simon Day and David Soul.
Written by Sean Gray - one of the head writers of the BAFTA award-winning The Thick Of It.
In each episode, an unnamed, all-seeing narrator (David Soul) shows us that it is stupid to be worrying, as he looks back at some of the most entertaining apocalypses on parallel Earths.
Each week our case study is a normal bloke called Ian (Simon Day) who manages to accidentally initiate the apocalypse of a different parallel world through a seemingly harmless single act (telling a lie, being lazy, cooking some lambshanks).
A succession of comic vignettes ensue that escalate to the end of a parallel world.
Producer: Simon Nicholls
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2010.
THU 22:45 Steven Appleby's Normal Life (b007jmzw)
Series 1
Normal Death
Steven sells his soul to the Devil in the hope of securing eternal life.
The main side effect is that he becomes rather like a certain Hollywood icon
Starring Paul McCrink as Steven Appleby.
Cartoonist Steven Appleby takes an abnormal look at everyday life.
With:
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 Daliso Chaponda: Citizen of Nowhere (m0010gkc)
Series 3
Blame
Malawian comedian Daliso Chaponda is back with a third series of his Rose D’Or nominated show where he examines divisive global issues.
Over the course of the two previous series Daliso has covered colonialism, slavery, political corruption, charity, immigration, cultural relativism, dictators, and how different countries deal with the sins of their past.
In this first episode of the new series, through comedy routines and guest interviews, Daliso will be tackling the subject of ‘Blame’.
Performer… Daliso Chaponda
Writer… Daliso Chaponda
Guest… Tony Vino
Additional Material… Scott Bennett
Theme tune: 'Timalira' by Lawi
Production Coordinator: Mabel Wright
Producer: Carl Cooper
A BBC Studios Production, first broadcast in October 2021.
THU 23:30 Beauty of Britain (b01mqr4w)
Series 3
Ma Lockney's Pies
Beauty develops a romance with the son of a client, Ma Lockney, a local business hero.
Stephen appears to be a charming, English gentleman - just like the ones she has seen in the Hugh Grant films. But real life isn't always like the movies.
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
Ma Lockney ....... Maureen Lipman
Stephen ....... Robert Bathurst
Karen, Kirsty ....... Nicola Sanderson
Sally ....... Felicity Montagu
Mrs. Gupte ....... Indira Joshi
Anil ....... Phaldut Sharma
Jodie, Waitress ....... Margaret Cabourn-Smith
News Announcer ....... Christopher Douglas
Producer: Tilusha Ghjlani
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2012.

FRIDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2025

FRI 00:00 Train Hopping in the USA (b01p71wl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Thursday]
FRI 00:30 The Ghost Trains Of Old England (b00vhhcf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 Whodunnits (m0002c9k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:30 Red For Danger by Edward J Mason (m000rnjd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 Bristow (b007r031)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:30 The Small, Intricate Life of Gerald C Potter (b007jyt4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 A Month of Maureen (b09cy90x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Thursday]
FRI 03:30 Thrilling Stories of the Railway (b00fwq9b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:45 The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (b017x3p8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 Counterpoint (b04hv9y0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:30 HR (b00hg6mz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 Victoria Station by Steve Chambers (b06s2mpc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Thursday]
FRI 05:45 Miss Bessemer Saves The Train by Roy Apps (m0010pp0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 on Thursday]
FRI 06:00 Whodunnits (m0002chk)
Hercule Poirot - The Mystery of the Blue Train
4. Le Comte de la Roche
After the murder of Ruth Kettering and theft of her jewels, suspicion falls on her none-too-scrupulous former lover.
The Comte de la Roche has a weakness for ladies and expensive gems.
But to Hercule Poirot, nothing is as obvious as it seems...
Agatha Christie's whodunit stars Maurice Denham.
Dramatised by Michael Bakewell.
Hercule Poirot …. Maurice Denham
Katherine Grey …. Janet Maw
Rufus Van Aldin …. Robert Beatty
Derek Kettering …. Anthony Smee
Major Knighton …. Michael Deacon
Lady Tamplin …. Gwen Cherrell
Lenox …. Moir Leslie
Mirelle …. Judy Buxton
Mason …. Pauline Letts
Le Comte de la Roche …. Nigel Graham
Monsieur Caux …. Adrian Egan
Monsieur Carrege …. Gordon Reid
George …. Edward de Souza
Hipolyte …. Andrew Branch
Director: David Johnston.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January1986.
FRI 06:30 Red For Danger by Edward J Mason (m000rvwq)
6. Under Fire
Even Paul Farley is uneasy, as living targets are lined up to test the Krautz alloy metal.
Can David and Pat outwit the villains who become increasingly reckless under Johnny Johnson?
Suspense-packed thriller serial.
Written by Edward J Mason.
Starring:
Ysanne Churchman
Anne Cullen
Chris Gittins
Arnold Peters
Bernard Rebel
Eddie Robinson
Dudley Rolph
June Spencer
Peter Wilde
Harry Stubbs
Producer: Philip Garston-Jones
First broadcast on the BBC Midland Home Service in November 1954.
FRI 07:00 The Sit Crom (b00lvmwp)
The Secret Knocke
Mercy's disguise is revealed, Father Francis is perplexed in his hole, Tobias denigrates the vegetables, Arise Higgs and his platoon are billeted on Firebasket Hall and Gazebo has lethal orders.
Sue Limb's six-part comedy set during the English Civil War in the days of Oliver Cromwell.
Sir John Firebasket ...... Joss Ackland
Lady Anne Firebasket ...... Denise Coffey
Tobias Thynne ...... Clive Merrison
Mercy, alias Melissa ...... Miriam Margolyes
Father Francis ...... Nickolas Grace
Slow Ned ...... Chris Emmett
Gazebo Fogg ...... Jack Klaff
Captain Arise Higgs ...... Alun Armstrong
Posthumous ...... Nicky Henson
Counter Tenor ...... Peter Hayward
Lettice ...... Jane Whittenshaw
Music by Colin Sell.
Producer: Jonathan James-Moore
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1990.
FRI 07:30 The Inimitable Jeeves (b007vgg5)
Bingo and the Little Woman
Bertie Wooster turns into a romantic novelist (again) when Bingo Little falls in love (again).
PG Wodehouse's romp starring Michael Hordern and Richard Briers.
Adapted by Chris Miller.
Jeeves ...... Michael Hordern
Bertie Wooster ..... Richard Briers
Lord Bittlesham ..... Ronald Fraser
Bingo Little ..... Jonathan Cecil
Producer: David Hatch
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1973.
FRI 08:00 Teatime (m000g4fy)
Episode 4
There’s an awkward atmosphere in Vicky and Rav’s house, as Joe and Donna sort through the boxes in the garage and divide up the last of their belongings, remnants left over from their failed marriage.
As they talk about old times, Vicky and Rav are upstairs redecorating their spare room, and talking about the future.
Meanwhile, Lisa and Uncle Bob are on tea-cooking duties. Bob can handle it, but for Lisa, it’s genuinely the challenge of a lifetime.
So: Joe and Donna have a chat in a garage, Vicky and Rav paint a bedroom wall, and Lisa and Uncle Bob cook some baked beans.
Needless to say, events quickly spiral out of control.
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 March 2020.
FRI 08:30 Thrilling Stories of the Railway (b00fwcsp)
The Affair of the Birmingham Bank
Can daring Edwardian sleuth, Thorpe Hazell manage to foil a gold bullion train robbery?
Benedict Cumberbatch reads Victor Lorenzo Whitechurch's tales about the speciality detective who uses his locomotive expertise to solve the audacious and ingenious crimes plaguing the Edwardian railways.
Eccentric Thorpe Hazell is in many ways a man before his time: a vegetarian and health fanatic using his encyclopaedic railway knowledge to tackle Britain's most ingenious smugglings, thefts, kidnaps and murders. A man of independent means, he thrives on working to his own whims - and operating outside the law when it suits him.
English reverend, railway enthusiast and popular mystery writer (1868-1933) - Victor Lorenzo Whitechurch's immaculate plots were much admired by Dorothy L Sayers and Ellery Queen. He was one of the first authors to submit his stories to Scotland Yard so they could vet his police procedures.
Adapted and produced by Fiona Kelcher.
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in 2008.
FRI 08:45 The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (b017x4fj)
10. Startling Intelligences
Gilbert is in despair. He hasn't seen Helen Graham for several months now and he has learnt that she has returned to nurse her sick husband.
Gilbert......Robert Lonsdale
Helen......Hattie Morahan
Huntingdon......Leo Bill
Arthur......Samuel Bridger
Lawrence......Carl Prekopp
Director: David Hunter
Dramatised by: Rachel Joyce
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2011.
FRI 09:00 Icklewick FM (m002j89f)
Series 2
4. Ye Revolt
The whole town turns up to celebrate the launch of a brand new attraction which promises to bring Icklewick’s colourful history to life using the power of immersive theatre. When Jicklevick fails to live up to the impossibly high expectations set by Sharon and Louis L’Beech, Chris and Amy find themselves at risk of being devoured by a horde of disgruntled MILFs. Meanwhile, Simon does a Gary Sparrow.
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
Henry Paker
Molly McGuinness
Darren J Coles
Shivani Thussu
Joe Kent Walters
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 The Railways: Nation, Network and People by Simon Bradley (b06qms9j)
5. Trainspotting
A magnificent account of Britain's railways and how track and carriage united a nation.
This series of readings includes an exploration of many aspects of the railway revolution, such as the challenges of 'railway time', the nuances of first, second and third class, the difficulties of lighting and heating, passenger comfort, what to eat when travelling and the history of refreshment stops and the commercial opportunities they brought - including the establishment of W.H. Smith and Son, who became the nation’s first high street bookstore. Architecture and engineering are also covered, alongside the impact on social classes and gender.
Passengers may have a love-hate relationship with our railways, but few of us know much about the journey taken to get to where we are now.
Written by: Simon Bradley
Reader: Stephen Tompkinson
Abridged and produced by: Jill Waters
A Waters Company production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2015.
FRI 09:45 Daily Service (m002jvhj)
Harvest - Bread of Life
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Harvest - Bread of Life.
Presenter: Paul Kerensa.
Reading: John 6 35-40
Music: Let us break bread together - St Martin's Voices. Bread for the World (Bernadette Farrel) - St Martins Voices. Guide me o thou great Jehovah - Rachel John.
FRI 10:00 Wireless Nights (m0001mfq)
Series 6
Night Train
Jarvis Cocker’s series exploring the human condition after dark boards the Wireless Nights Express to hear tales of night people on sleeper - or sleepless - trains.
He begins on the Caledonian Sleeper, leaving the noise and crowds of London Euston to make a night-time journey across the country to the Scottish Highlands. In the dining car and corridors he meets fellow passengers and stewards. And as he starts to drift off in his cabin, the train makes some unscheduled stops.
Geoff MacCormack recalls taking the Trans-Siberian express with his childhood friend David Bowie and a sobering stop at the East German border. Tessa Smit boards a twenty-four hour party train; and travel writer Colin Thubron on the time he got off his train, in the middle of Siberia.
Producer: Georgia Catt
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2018.
FRI 10:30 Anything You Can Do (b0b8b7qb)
On 3rd July 1938, Sir Nigel Gresley’s blue streamlined ‘Mallard’ broke the world speed record for railway steam engines.
It reached an incredible 126mph - a record which still stands today.
Piers Bishop tells of the record attempt and traces the rivalry between two great railway engineers back in the golden age of steam.
Producer: Ivan Howlett
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1988.
FRI 11:00 Whodunnits (m0002chk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 11:30 Red For Danger by Edward J Mason (m000rvwq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 12:00 The Sit Crom (b00lvmwp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 12:30 The Inimitable Jeeves (b007vgg5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 13:00 Teatime (m000g4fy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 13:30 Thrilling Stories of the Railway (b00fwcsp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 13:45 The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (b017x4fj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
FRI 14:00 The Motion Show (b00762pb)
Series 4
Episode 4
Debates galore from modern manners - to life in the fast lane.
Graeme Garden chairs the quirky battle of words and wit.
With:
Jenny Eclair
Hugh Dennis
Stuart Maconie
Greg Proops
Producer: Helen Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2001.
FRI 14:30 Thanks a Lot, Milton Jones! (b0b430zf)
Series 3
The Decluttererer
Why not sort out your life and sign on with the patent Milton Declutterering Method! (Including getting rid of that extra "er" in Declutterering.)
Written by Milton Jones with James Cary and Dan Evans
With:
Tom Goodman-Hill
Josie Lawrence
Ben Willbond
Music by Guy Jackson
Director: David Tyler
A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2018.
FRI 15:00 Victoria Station by Steve Chambers (b06spfst)
Series 1
5. Wednesday 01/02/1895: Over the Points
Wednesday 1st February, 1895. The crash inquiry begins and a second disaster looms. Can Roberts clear his name?
Nottingham-born author Steve Chambers' five-part series of self-contained dramas set in Victoria Station, Bridgford on consecutive Wednesdays in January/February 1895.
Joe Braddock .... Sean Baker
Tidmarsh .... Philip Jackson
Josie .... Julia Ford
Ada .... Pauline Letts
Mr Cripps .... Gavin Muir
Fred Roberts .... John Hartley
Syd .... Tom Bevan
Phoebe .... Becky Hindley
Robson .... Lloyd Notice
Jackson .... Joshua Towb
Sir James Chettle .... Stephen Thorne
Miss Walker .... Jilly Bond
Mrs Peabody .... Joyce Gibbs
Hickman .... Tim Seely
Jamie .... Ian Taylor
Dr Keeble .... George Parsons
Wheeler .... Tom Knight
Mr Newton... Peter Whitman
Mr Allcock .... Don McCorkindale
Director: Celia de Wolff
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1995.
FRI 15:45 Miss Bessemer Saves The Train by Roy Apps (m0010wm4)
5. 'Young Man, I Know Precisely What a 'V' Sign Means...!'
Penelope Keith is Madge Bessemer in this 5-part serial inspired by the true story of one woman’s fight to halt the closure of her local railway.
Village Guide Captain Madge Bessemer is not a particular fan of railways. Who needs trains when you’ve got a 1948 Austin Princess to tootle around in? However, when she discovers that, as part of their closure plans, British Rail are going to auction off the line side footpath, which holds precious memories for her, she determines to put a stop to proceedings.
Supported by The Lewes and East Grinstead Railway Fighting Committee - two Girl Guides, two train spotters, one pigswill man and a dog - Madge takes her battle right to the heart of government.
But the Prime Minster has just been humiliated by Colonel Nasser and has no intention of suffering a further humiliation at the hands of a village Girl Guide leader. John Profumo, Under Secretary of State to the Minister of Transport and a rising star in the government, is tasked with seeing that Miss Bessemer’s plans are consigned to the dustbin of history.
All seems lost but, as Madge gains strength from the ghosts of her past, an unlikely idea for a railway of the future takes shape.
Everyone loves a fighter and Madge becomes a national hero, finding herself midwife not just to the birth of the world’s first preserved standard gauge passenger railway – the Bluebell Line – but also to the UK’s multi-million pound heritage railway industry.
Writer: Roy Apps
Reader: Penelope Keith
Director: Celia de Wolff
Sound Design: Matt Bainbridge
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2021.
FRI 16:00 Wireless Nights (m0001mfq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
FRI 16:30 Anything You Can Do (b0b8b7qb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
FRI 17:00 Whodunnits (m0002chk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 17:30 Red For Danger by Edward J Mason (m000rvwq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 18:00 The Sit Crom (b00lvmwp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 18:30 The Inimitable Jeeves (b007vgg5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 19:00 Teatime (m000g4fy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 19:30 Thrilling Stories of the Railway (b00fwcsp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 19:45 The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (b017x4fj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
FRI 20:00 The Motion Show (b00762pb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
FRI 20:30 Thanks a Lot, Milton Jones! (b0b430zf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
FRI 21:00 Victoria Station by Steve Chambers (b06spfst)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
FRI 21:45 Miss Bessemer Saves The Train by Roy Apps (m0010wm4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 today]
FRI 22:00 Icklewick FM (m002j89f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
FRI 22:30 Dial M for Pizza (b007k21r)
Series 1
Episode 6
The sketch show team with Leonardo da Vinci facing questions, and a company chairman with an unusual boardroom guest.
Not to forgot a wine bar desperate for guests and a panto with a very legal twist....
Sketch comedy written by James Hendrie and Ian Brown.
Starring:
Robert Bathurst
Brenda Blethyn
Mike Grady
Jonathan Kydd
Janine Duvitski
Producer: David Tyler
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1987.
FRI 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m002k5k3)
Dom Joly 3/3 
From 10pm until midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Paul Garner chats again to Dom Joly.
FRI 23:00 28 Acts in 28 Minutes (b01nq3p1)
Series 1
Episode 1
John Humphrys gives 28 performers 60 seconds to entertain an audience:
Richie Webb & Vicki Pepperdine
Jason Manford
Steve Punt & Hugh Dennis
Josie Long
Ed Byrne
Matt Holt
Nick Mohammed
Phil Nichol
Matt Kirshen
Lemn Sissay
The Cowards
Jason John Whitehead
Howard Read
Janey Godley
Count Arthur Strong
Al Pitcher
Martin White
Edward Aczel
Marcus Birdman
Tom Price
John Bishop
The Consultants
Sue Vale
Miles Jupp
Stefano Paolini
Rhod Gilbert
Seymour Mace
Nicholas Parsons
Producers: Rohan Acharya and Ed Morrish
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2006.
FRI 23:30 The Mitch Benn Music Show (b007v1p5)
Series 1
4. Philip Pope
From Stan Freberg to Flanders & Swann.
Musical comedian Mitch Benn presents his selection of some of the finest comic songs by other performers.
With guest Philip Pope.
Producer: Ed Morrish
Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in August 2005.