SATURDAY 13 DECEMBER 2025

SAT 00:00 Soul Music (b08rr9g9)
Series 24
Siegfried Idyll
Wagner's peaceful Siegfried Idyll was written to thank his wife after the birth of his son Siegfried.
On her birthday in 1870, she awoke to find an orchestra on her staircase performing the music for the first time.
It's music which celebrates family relationships, and we hear from people whose lives and relationships have been touched and changed by this remarkable piece.
Cellist Nick Trygstad explains how the music conjures up scenes of domestic life and helped him cope with his homesickness when he arrived in the UK.
Karen West recalls a 50th birthday treat - a trip across lake Lucerne with her father, to visit Wagner's villa.
For Tim Reynish, the music has a special connection with his son - when William was born he recreated the first performance on the staircase of his Birmingham home; many years later he conducted the music at his son's memorial concert.
And Roberto Paternostro recalls a historic performance in Germany when he took a group of Israeli musicians to perform Wagner's music for the first time at Bayreuth - the opera house built by Wagner, and later frequented by Adolf Hitler.
Producer: Melvin Rickarby
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2017.
SAT 00:30 Juvenile Jane (b00w1yqk)
Considering how frequently Jane Austen's six great novels are adapted for film, radio and TV, it is perhaps surprising that the three small exercise books containing 22 little stories and plays written during her teen years have not received more notice.
Some of these stories - with titles such as "The Adventures of Mr Harley", "The Generous Curate" and "The Beautiful Cassandra" - are only a few lines long but others run to many pages and provide both entertainment and surprising insights into the development of the mature writer.
Austen expert Janet Todd leafs through two of the precious volumes which are held at the British Library in London and discusses their wonderfully uninhibited style and content.
She also chats with the writer and illustrator Posy Simmonds who has long been a fan of Austen and fascinated by juvenilia in general.
It is well documented that, during her lifetime, the adult Jane Austen used to read from these books to her close family.
Here, actor Anna Maxwell Martin reads extensive extracts from three stories - "Frederick and Elfrida", "Henry and Eliza" and "love and Freindship" (sic) to reanimate them for a contemporary radio audience.
Producer: Beaty Rubens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2010.
SAT 01:00 Burnt (b09sqkf5)
4. Trouble Runs Deep
In seeking the killers, Milkie is drawn deeper into trouble - with the Establishment.
Starring Dennis Waterman.
Nigel Baldwin's taut political thriller serial.
Milkie ... Dennis Waterman
The Teller.... Ray Smith
Beth... Bethan Jones
Special Branch Man ... Michael Povey
Special Branch Man ... Chris Durnall
Special Branch Man.... Terry Dauncey
Pauline .... Eluned Jones
Angela... Tara Dominick
Huw ... Richard Elfyn
Music by Laurie Scott Baker.
Producer: Jane Dauncey
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1990.
SAT 01:30 Gentleman and Ladies by Susan Hill (b00t5jml)
5. A New Chapter
Friendship and family ties are tested as the villagers of Haverstock hear the sound of wedding bells...
Susan Hill's wryly-observed study of friendship and family ties in the small Midland village of Haverstock
Dramatised by Bill Matthews.
Eleanor Thorne..............Patricia Hayes
Dorothea Shottery........Gwen Watford
Florence Ames...........Anna Cropper
Alida Thorne......Stephanie Cole
Isabel Lavender............Sian Phillips
Kathleen Lavender.....Jill Graham
Hubert Gaily...........John Baddeley
Miss Cress...........Jillie Meers
Ma Gaily................Pauline Letts
Dr Sparrow.........James Telfer
Mrs Clemency........Irene Sutcliffe
Reverend...............Peter Penry-Jones
Ward sister............Linda Polan
Music by Peter Salem
Producer: Lissa Evans
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1993.
SAT 02:00 Kalangadog Junction (b09g8kzt)
Episode 6
Will Jane be able to refuse a new proposal?
Will Gaelene's gold medal dreams come true?
Starring Caroline Quentin and John Duttine.
Conclusion of the comedy drama series written by Moya O'Shea.
Jane .... Caroline Quentin
Thomas .... John Duttine
Jimmy .... Niall Ashdown
Pete .... Toby Longworth
Len .... Brian Bowles
Madge .... Joanna Monro
Milly .... Julie Gibbs
Phoebe .... June Whitfield
Gaeline .... Moya O'Shea
Producer: Liz Anstee
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1996.
SAT 02:30 The Likely Lads (m002n6qf)
Series 2
Goodbye To All That
When a friend returns to the North East with exciting tales of travel with the Army, Bob mulls over his future.
Starring James Bolam and Rodney Bewes.
Created and written for BBC TV by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais.
Adapted for BBC Radio by James Bolam.
Bob Ferris .... Rodney Bewes
Terry Collier .... James Bolam
Mrs Collier .... Olive Milbourne
Mrs Ferris .... Irene Richmond
Audrey .... Sheila Fearn
Jack .... Donald McKillop
Cloughy .... Bartlett Mullins
George .... Melvyn Hayes
Producer: John Browell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in July 1968.
SAT 03:00 Cooking in a Bedsitter (b084wmzb)
Series 1
Coffee Chiffon
Beattie Edmondson and Nikesh Patel star in Sue Teddern's comedy, set in a 1960s bedsitter - inspired by Katharine Whitehorn's cookery classic.
Trisha is persuaded to cater for a double date.
Trisha ...... Beattie Edmondson
Deepak ...... Nikesh Patel
Jill ...... Natasha Cowley
Mike ...... Finlay Robertson
Stuart ...... Luke MacGregor
June ...... Alison Belbin
Len ...... John Bowler
Tony ...... John Dougall
Katharine Whitehorn ...... Karen Bartke
Director: Emma Harding.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2016.
SAT 03:30 Jane Austen (m002n6qh)
Lady Susan
5. Sir James
Frederica, Lady Susan’s teenage daughter, is resentful of the marriage plans she has in mind for her.
Lady Susan's key aims in life are to find a suitably wealthy husband for her teenage daughter, Frederica, and also one for herself…
Lady Susan’s dear friend, Alicia, narrates her story.
Written in 1794 in the form of a series of letters, Jane Austen's magnificent first novella is as subversive as it is charming.
It was published in 1871, 44 years after the author’s death.
Dramatised by Lavinia Murray.
Lady Susan …. Harriet Walter
Mrs Alicia Johnson …. Maggie Steed
Mrs Catherine Vernon …. Imelda Staunton
Lady de Courcy …. Jill Balcon
Reginald de Courcy .... Robert Hands
Sir Reginald de Courcy .... Geoffrey Whitehead
Frederica Vernon …. Michelle Wesson
Piano music composed and played by Julie Cooper.
Director: Jocelyn Boxall
Producer: Jeremy Mortimer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1999.
SAT 03:45 Jane Austen: No Ice in Weymouth (m002n6qk)
5. Sickness and Health
In the months leading up to the publication of 'Emma', Jane nurses her ailing brother Henry and is enchanted by the apothecary.
She also resolves a dispute with her publisher, and receives an unexpected visit from the Royal household.
A portrait of the family, social and professional world of Jane Austen, as seen through her letters and novels.
Devised by Vanessa Rosenthal
Jane Austen .... Susannah Harker
Cassandra .... Oona Beeson
Frank .... David Holt
Henry .... Ian Brooker
Anna .... Annabelle Dowler
Fanny .... Jasmine Hyde
Martha Lloyd .... Marian Kemmer
Edward .... Richard da Costa
John Murray .... Robert Lister
Director Peter Leslie Wild
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2000.
SAT 04:00 The Motion Show (m0007kr4)
Series 5
Episode 3
From life beginning at 50 to banning windows.
Graeme Garden hosts the comedy debating show.
With:
Bernard Ingham
Hugh Dennis
Victoria Coren
Arthur Smith
Producer: Jane Berthoud
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2002.
SAT 04:30 King Street Junior Revisited (m0001d28)
Series 2
The Spirit of Christmas
“The child is the father of the man".
The school show sparks some robust religious debate - and a demonstration of true human kindness...
School comedy created and written by Jim Eldridge. Ten series of this King Street Junior ran between 1985 and 1998. King Street Junior Revisited ran from 2002 to 2005.
Mrs Devon …. Carolyn Pickles
Miss Lewis …. Marlene Sidaway
Mr Maxwell …. Michael Cochrane
Mr Long …. Paul Copley
Miss Featherstone …. Teresa Gallagher
Miss Reid …. Jacqueline Beatty
Mrs Khan …. Janice Acquah
Iqbal …. Jimmy Chamberlaine
Ghazala …. Melissa Wood
Producer: John Fawcett Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2003.
SAT 05:00 Jane Austen (b007jtdp)
Persuasion
3. Friendly Persuasion
Louisa Musgrove has become engaged to Captain Benwick.
Anne Elliot dares to hope that Captain Wentworth's affections might, once again, be hers...
Starring Juliet Stevenson and Tim Brierley.
Conclusion of Jane Austen's classic novel, first published in 1817.
Dramatised by Michelene Wandor.
Anne Elliot …. Juliet Stevenson
Captain Wentworth …. Tim Brierley
Jane Austen …. Sorcha Cusack
Sir Walter Elliot …. Roger Hume
Elizabeth Elliot …. Claire Faulconbridge
Mr Elliot …. Peter Harlowe
Mary Musgrove …. Kathryn Hurlbutt
Charles Musgrove …. Alister Cameron
Henrietta Musgrove …. Alison Dowling
Mrs Musgrove …. Sheila Grant
Lady Russell …. Patricia Gallimore
Sophia Croft …. Tina Gray
Mrs Clay …. Hedli Niklaus
Mrs Smith …. Carole Boyd
Captain Harville …. Paul Alexander
Square piano (William Rolfe and Sons c 1810) played by Kenneth Mobbs
Directed at BBC Pebble Mill by Vanessa Whitburn.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1986.
SAT 06:00 Jane Austen (b043whw2)
Mansfield Park (Omnibus)
Episode 1
Young Fanny Price goes to live with her rich aunt and uncle in her bid to find a position in society.
Jane Austen's classic novel, first published in 1814.
Starring Felicity Jones, Benedict Cumberbatch, David Tennant, Julia McKenzie and Tim Pigott-Smith.
Omnibus of the first five of ten parts dramatised by Lin Coghlan.
Jane Austen (narrator) .... Amanda Root
Fanny .... Felicity Jones
Edmund Bertram .... Benedict Cumberbatch
Sir Thomas .... Tim Pigott Smith
Lady Bertram .... Uza Sadovy
Mrs Norris .... Julia McKenzie
Tom Bertram .... David Tennant
Mrs Price .... Anastasia Hille Young
Mary Crawford …. Susan Lynch
Henry Crawford …. James Callis
Maria Bertram …. Kate Fleetwood
Julia Bertram …. Jemima Rooper
Mr Rushworth …. Toby Jones
Yates …. Gareth Corke
Young Fanny …. Clarista Houtt
Young Edmund .... Jack Blumeneau
Young Maria (Mah-rye-ah) .... Lauren Bird
Young Julia .... Alex Bird
Director: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2003.
SAT 07:10 Inheritance Tracks (m0029z5f)
Felicity Jones
Multi-Oscar nominated Felicity Jones with Joan Armatrading’s ‘Love And Affection’ and ‘Pressure Drop’ by Toots and The Maytals.
SAT 07:15 Short Works (m0014gtz)
The Fern Case by Alys Conran
The mission of 19th century botanist, Wil Boots, and the list of present-day teenager Rhun.
Alys Conran's short story set in Snowdonia with hidden depths and hidden desires.
Read by Dewi Wykes.
Sound: Catherine Robinson
Producer: Emma Harding
A BBC Cymru Wales production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in February 2022.
SAT 07:30 A Visible Man by Edward Enninful (Omnibus) (m002nkmr)
From refugee through model, fashion editor and activist to pioneering editor-in-chief of British Vogue.
Edward Enninful traces his route to the top of one of the most-exclusive and glamorous industries in the world.
Despite being steeped in fashion from a young age, it will take hard graft, sacrifice and a willingness to speak out before Edward becomes the agent of change that the world of fashion so badly needs.
Edward Enninful's inspiring and surprising story takes us behind-the-scenes. First published in 2022.
Written and read by Edward Enninful.
Omnibus of five-parts abridged by Eileen Horne.
Producer: Eilidh McCreadie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2022.
SAT 08:45 Tales From the Backbench by Peter Tinniswood (b007614r)
Series 1
The 1929 Committee
Sir Plympton Makepeace muses on his committee membership
More of his unreliable memories of keeping Honourable Members out of trouble.
Starring Leslie Phillips.
Written by Peter Tinniswood.
Producer: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2001.
SAT 09:00 The Enchanting World of Hinge and Bracket (m002nkmt)
Series 3
The Cheese And Wine Party
Will the dear ladies be ready in time to welcome their party guests?
Starring Dr Evadne Hinge and her lifelong companion Dame Hilda Bracket.
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
Maude … Daphne Heard
Miss Primley …..Rosalie Williams
Donald Smolett …. David Mahlowe
Hilda’s Violin …. Baz Barker
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 September 1979.
SAT 09:30 Beyond Our Ken (m0009srp)
Series 3
Episode 12
Kenneth Horne meets the BBC's chief programme planner - and 'Hornerama' takes a look at Russia.
A madcap mix of sketches and songs written by Eric Merriman.
Starring:
Kenneth Horne
Kenneth Williams
Hugh Paddick
Betty Marsden
Bill Pertwee
Music from Pat Lancaster, the Fraser Hayes Four and the BBC Variety Orchestra conducted by Paul Fenoulhet.
Incidental music by Edwin Braden.
Announcer: Douglas Smith
Beyond Our Ken hit the airwaves in 1958 and ran to 1964 – featuring regulars like Arthur Fallowfield, Cecil Snaith and Rodney and Charles
Producer: Jacques Brown
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in July 1960.
SAT 10:00 Sue Perkins' Christmas Comedy Stocking (m000cc9y)
Series 1
1. Radio Active/The Masterson Inheritance
Sue Perkins gets the sherry and chocolates out to accompany some vintage BBC Christmas comedy.
The first of three festive fun-packed stockings:
* RADIO ACTIVE'S CHRISTMAS TURKEY:
The National Local Radio Station links up with Bethlehem and visits some poorly hospital patients.
Stars Helen Atkinson-Wood, Geoffrey Perkins and Angus Deayton.
From 1983.
* THE MASTERSON INHERITANCE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL:
The Masterson family's ancient culture reveals some curious customs.
Improvised historical saga with Paul Merton, Josie Lawrence, Caroline Quentin and Jim Sweeney.
From 1995.
Producer: Sarah Wade
Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in December 2010.
SAT 11:00 Jane Austen (b043whw2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 12:10 Inheritance Tracks (m0029z5f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:10 today]
SAT 12:15 Short Works (m0014gtz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
SAT 12:30 A Visible Man by Edward Enninful (Omnibus) (m002nkmr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 13:45 Tales From the Backbench by Peter Tinniswood (b007614r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
SAT 14:00 The Enchanting World of Hinge and Bracket (m002nkmt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 14:30 Beyond Our Ken (m0009srp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SAT 15:00 Sue Perkins' Christmas Comedy Stocking (m000cc9y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SAT 16:00 The White Carnation by RC Sherriff (m002nkmw)
Christmas Eve, 1951: stockbroker John Greenwood is locked out of his house.
But is everything as it seems?
Starring Phillip Voss and Danny Schiller.
Written for the stage by RC Sherriff and first performed by Ralph Richardson in 1953.
Adapted for radio by Penny Leicester.
John Greenwood ... Philip Voss
PC Thompson .... Danny Schiller
Mr Gurney .... Roger Hammond
Lydia Truscott ... Karen Archer
The Vicar .... John Moffatt
Other parts played by:
Vincent Brimble
Mary Allen
Michael Kilgarriff
James Greene
Melinda Walker
Simon Treves
Danielle Allen
Director: David Hitchinson
A BBC World Service production first broadcast in December 1990.
SAT 17:00 Jane Austen (b043whw2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 18:10 Inheritance Tracks (m0029z5f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:10 today]
SAT 18:15 Short Works (m0014gtz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
SAT 18:30 A Visible Man by Edward Enninful (Omnibus) (m002nkmr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 19:45 Tales From the Backbench by Peter Tinniswood (b007614r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
SAT 20:00 The Enchanting World of Hinge and Bracket (m002nkmt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 20:30 Beyond Our Ken (m0009srp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SAT 21:00 Sue Perkins' Christmas Comedy Stocking (m000cc9y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SAT 22:00 Bearded Ladies (b00bb9rt)
Series 2
Episode 2
An arctic proposal, a strategy meeting with biscuits and airbrushing your holiday photos.
More quick-fire sketches in which everyday situations are taken to new heights - and then a bit further....
Written and performed by:
Susie Donkin
Charlotte McDougall
Oriane Messina
Fay Rusling
With:
Dave Lamb
Judith Faultless
Alys Torrance
Colin Birch
Richard Ward
Robin Kelly
Rhodri Crooks
Robert Mills
Nick Swift
Music by Steve Burton.
Producer: Carol Smith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2005.
SAT 22:30 Thanks a Lot, Milton Jones! (b06wd7dt)
Series 2
The Employment Agency
When Milton launches a job agency, it turns out that getting people into work actually is rocket science.
Which is why his best client suddenly goes ballistic.
Mention Milton Jones to most people and the first thing they think is 'Help!'. Because each episode, Milton, and his trusty assistant Anton set out to help people and soon find they're embroiled in a new adventure.
If you're close to the edge, then Milton can give you a push.
Written by Milton 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 January 2016.
SAT 23:00 Andrew Maxwell's Public Enemies (b03dv5n2)
The Internet
Andrew tackles the internet.
Whether it's online pornography twisting our children's minds or GCHQ reading our emails, it seems only right to have a healthy distrust of the internet.
But surely, to paraphrase a former Prime Minister, there's no such thing as the Internet - there are men, and women, and lolcats.
What is it about the internet that makes people on it so scary?
Andrew Maxwell is one of the UK's most informed and fearless stand ups.
In this series of one-off stand up shows, he uses his trademark intelligence and political incisiveness to dig behind the clichés and assumptions about four possible threats to British society.
A series showcasing a comedian at the top of his abilities tackling difficult and important 'slow news' topics with a depth and perceptiveness that remains outside the remit of mainstream 'topical' comedy.
Written and performed by Andrew Maxwell.
Script edited by Paul Byrne.
Producer: Ed Morrish
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2013.
SAT 23:30 Chain Reaction (b00mgd83)
Series 5
Dave Gorman interviews Frank Skinner
Dave Gorman chats to fellow comedian, Frank Skinner
Chain Reaction is the tag talk show, where the guest becomes the interviewer in the next episode.
Dave asks Frank about his return to stand-up, censorship in comedy and the merits of outdoor toilets.
Producer: Sam Bryant
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2009.

SUNDAY 14 DECEMBER 2025

SUN 00:00 The White Carnation by RC Sherriff (m002nkmw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Saturday]
SUN 01:00 Jane Austen (b043whw2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]
SUN 02:10 Inheritance Tracks (m0029z5f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:10 on Saturday]
SUN 02:15 Short Works (m0014gtz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 on Saturday]
SUN 02:30 A Visible Man by Edward Enninful (Omnibus) (m002nkmr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Saturday]
SUN 03:45 Tales From the Backbench by Peter Tinniswood (b007614r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Saturday]
SUN 04:00 The Enchanting World of Hinge and Bracket (m002nkmt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Saturday]
SUN 04:30 Beyond Our Ken (m0009srp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Saturday]
SUN 05:00 Sue Perkins' Christmas Comedy Stocking (m000cc9y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Saturday]
SUN 06:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m0017l36)
Absent Friends 2025
HRH The Duchess Of Kent
BBC Radio 4 Extra remembers some of the desert island castaways who we lost in 2025.
Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent - cousin to the Queen Elizabeth the Second - is castaway by Sue Lawley.
After a lifelong devotion to music, she will be whittling down her choice of eight tracks with great difficulty.
Now Patron of the Leeds Piano Competition and the Yehudi Menuhin School, as well as President of the Royal Northern College of Music, the Duchess of Kent studied music herself until she was 25.
Her Royal Highness talks about her love of music, her Yorkshire childhood and her prolific work for charity.
Katherine, Duchess of Kent, died on 4th September 2025 aged 92.
DISC ONE: Mitsuko Uchida - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Keyboard Sonata No. 6 in D major, K284
DISC TWO: Philharmonia Orchestra - Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 in B minor “Pathétique”, 2nd movement
DISC THREE: Francis Jackson - The Tuba Tune
DISC FOUR: Yehudi Menuhin and George Enseco with the Paris Symphony Orchestra - Johann Sebastian Bach’s Concerto for Two Violins in D minor
DISC FIVE: Placido Domingo and the London Symphony Orchestra - Giacomo Puccini’s Che gelida manina (Your tiny hand is frozen) from La Bohème
DISC SIX: Jacqueline du Pre and the London Symphony Orchestra - Edward Elgar’s Cello Concerto in E minor, 3rd movement
DISC SEVEN: The Beatles - Maxwell's Silver Hammer
DISC EIGHT: The Swedish Radio Chorus, the Stockholm Chamber Choir and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Ave verum corpus
CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: The Swedish Radio Chorus, the Stockholm Chamber Choir and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Ave verum corpus
BOOK CHOICE: A do-it-yourself manual
LUXURY CHOICE: Lamp with solar batteries
Producer Olivia Seligman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on Christmas Eve 1989.
SUN 06:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b010t6c0)
Series 2
Butterflies
When massing for their winter torpor in Mexico, the pine trees laden with Monarch Butterflies are one of the most mystical and magical places to be.
David Attenborough is one of many naturalists, writers and broadcasters to marvel at this species migration feat and the spectacle of their over wintering - one of the natural wonders of the world.
David guides us through the butterfly's migration to Canada from Mexico - and back again - gently unpacking their natural history and wonder.
He also immerses us in other butterfly congregations during filming trips over the years - but in a clever twist brings us back to his garden with an intriguing thought about the evolution of butterfly behaviour.
Written and presented by David Attenborough.
Producer: Julian Hector
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2011.
SUN 07:00 Poetry Extra (b08607jm)
Paul Durcan - Christmas Day 2/3
To mark the death last May of Paul Durcan, Daljit Nagra is revisiting the BBC's poetry archive to revisit the Irish poet reading his witty and moving poem.
'Christmas Day' sets out a funny, sweetly sad and often irreverent vision of the festivities.
In the second of three parts, Paul and his friend Frank continue their melancholic and often subversive Christmas afternoon conversation.
Written and read by Paul Durcan
Producer: David Hunter
First broadcast on Radio 3 in December 1997.
**** And Daljit reads another poem from his Poetry Extra Book of the Month - an anthology called: Nature Matters.
SUN 07:30 Lady Susan by Jane Austen (Omnibus) (m002njpy)
Episode 1
Recently widowed, the unscrupulous and beautiful Lady Susan Vernon is determined to scheme her way through high society in the hope of a profitable new match.
She’s also after marrying off her unfortunate teenage daughter, Frederica.
What sort of welcome can she expect when she pays a visit to her brother and his wife..?
Lady Susan’s dear friend, Alicia, narrates her story.
Written in 1794 in the form of a series of letters, Jane Austen's magnificent first novella is as subversive as it is charming.
It was published in 1871, 44 years after the author’s death.
Omnibus of the first five of ten parts dramatised by Lavinia Murray.
Lady Susan …. Harriet Walter
Mrs Alicia Johnson …. Maggie Steed
Mrs Catherine Vernon …. Imelda Staunton
Lady de Courcy …. Jill Balcon
Reginald de Courcy .... Robert Hands
Sir Reginald de Courcy .... Geoffrey Whitehead
Frederica Vernon …. Michelle Wesson
Piano music composed and played by Julie Cooper.
Director: Jocelyn Boxall
Producer: Jeremy Mortimer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1999.
SUN 08:40 Inheritance Tracks (m002njq1)
Philippa Gregory
Author Philippa Gregory chooses the Mazurka from the ballet Coppélia, and Swing Low Sweet Chariot by Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
SUN 08:50 Jane Austen: No Ice in Weymouth (Omnibus) (m002njq3)
A portrait of the private and professional world of early 19th century novelist Jane Austen, as seen through her letters and novels.
Jane discusses the art of buying gloves and speculates on the quality of food markets in Sweden.
She also writes to her sister Cassandra, with some exciting news - her best-known work is to be published.
Omnibus of five parts devised by Vanessa Rosenthal.
Jane Austen .... Susannah Harker
Cassandra .... Oona Beeson
Frank .... David Holt
Henry .... Ian Brooker
Anna .... Annabelle Dowler
Fanny .... Jasmine Hyde
Martha Lloyd .... Marian Kemmer
Edward .... Richard da Costa
John Murray .... Robert Lister
Director: Peter Leslie Wild
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2000.
SUN 10:00 Ray's a Laugh (m002njq5)
From 21/10/1960
Will Ted be able to cope with a house guest – his mother-in-law?
Starring Ted Ray.
Ray's a Laugh follows the comedy exploits of Ted's life at home with his 'radio' wife Kitty, as well as in a variety of jobs. It ran from 1949-1961.
Written by Bernard Botting and Charles Hart.
With:
Kitty Bluett
Kenneth Connor
Laidman Browne
Jimmy Lavall
Pat Coombs
Elsa Palmer
Percy Edwards
BBC Variety Orchestra conducted by Paul Fenoulhet.
Producer: Leslie Bridgmont
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in October 1960.
SUN 10:30 Take It From Here (b014qxmk)
From 17/02/1955
June Whitfield and Jimmy Edward have a disastrous date and poor Ma's got a broken leg in 'The Glums'.
Starring:
Professor Jimmy Edwards
Dick Bentley
Wallas Eaton
Alma Cogan
June Whitfield
Herbert Mostyn [combined alias for Frank Muir and Denis Norden]
Music from Alma Cogan, The Keynotes and the Augmented BBC Revue Orchestra conducted by Harry Rabinowitz.
Written by Frank Muir and Denis Norden.
Producer: Charles Maxwell
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in February 1955.
SUN 11:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m0017l36)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 11:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b010t6c0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]
SUN 12:00 Poetry Extra (b08607jm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
SUN 12:30 Lady Susan by Jane Austen (Omnibus) (m002njpy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 13:40 Inheritance Tracks (m002njq1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 today]
SUN 13:50 Jane Austen: No Ice in Weymouth (Omnibus) (m002njq3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]
SUN 15:00 Ray's a Laugh (m002njq5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 15:30 Take It From Here (b014qxmk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
SUN 16:00 Pilgrim by Sebastian Baczkiewicz (m0001hjy)
The Winter Queen
1. Revenge Served Cold
The immortal wanderer, William Palmer, faces a new challenge when he discovers a mystery and a plan for revenge served very cold.
Starring Paul Hilton and Fenella Woolgar.
Sebastian Baczkiewicz's two-part adventure for the Winter Solstice.
Pilgrim ….. Paul Hilton
Mrs Bronson ….. Fenella Woolgar
Roxanna ….. Carolyn Pickles
Sam Notice ….. Tony Turner
Matt ….. Cameron Percival
Donny ….. Tayla Kovacevic Ebong
Jack Sweet ….. Don Gilet
Klara ….. Jeanette Percival
Lloyd ..... Lewis Bray
The Girl ..... Agnes Bateman
Directors: Marc Beeby and Jessica Dromgoole
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2018.
*** THE LEGEND:
In 1195, while on a pilgrimage to Canterbury, William Palmer (Pilgrim) was cursed with immortality by the King of the Greyfolk for denying the presence of ‘the other world’ - a world of strange, unpredictable faeries, of magic and ancient ritual - which co-exists with our everyday reality.
Ever since then it has been Pilgrim's fate to walk the line between the worlds of magic and of men, doing what he can to maintain the balance between the two.
SUN 16:45 The Smile by Ray Bradbury (b05r71hf)
What would induce a small boy to queue in the cold at five in the morning?
And what does it have to do with Leonardo da Vinci?
Ray Bradbury's enigmatic tale set in a post-apocalyptic city.
Read by Peter Whitman.
Produced at BBC Bristol by Susan Roberts.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1991.
SUN 17:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m0017l36)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 17:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b010t6c0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]
SUN 18:00 Poetry Extra (b08607jm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
SUN 18:30 Lady Susan by Jane Austen (Omnibus) (m002njpy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 19:40 Inheritance Tracks (m002njq1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 today]
SUN 19:50 Jane Austen: No Ice in Weymouth (Omnibus) (m002njq3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]
SUN 21:00 Ray's a Laugh (m002njq5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 21:30 Take It From Here (b014qxmk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
SUN 22:00 Clare in the Community (b00g9mgx)
Series 2
Mean Streets
The meddling social worker takes a homeless survey, and Brian arranges a stag night.
Sally Phillips is 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
Ray ..... Richard Lumsden
Helen ..... Gemma Craven
Rene ..... Ellen Thomas
Megan ..... Nina Conti
Simon ..... Andrew Wincott
Tracy ..... Alex Tregear
Chugger ..... Nick Sayce
Producer: Katie Tyrell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2005.
SUN 22:30 The Nick Revell Show (b007k2dc)
Series 1
Cash
Writer Nick struggles for cash, while his geraniums moan about Christmas decorations.
A sitcom for the 1990s, written by and starring comedian Nick Revell.
With:
Alistair McGowan
Caroline Gruber
Brian Bowles
Doon Mackichan
Alison Sterling
Producer: Jon Magnusson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1992.
SUN 23:00 Life: An Idiot's Guide (b01pw39f)
Series 2
Role Models
Who are our role models?
What does it mean to be a role model?
And whose parents make someone impersonate Trevor McDonald around the house?
Stephen K Amos returns to investigate a series of themes with guest stand-ups and the hilarious audience interaction that he's become famous for.
With:
Gráinne Maguire
James Acaster
Sarah Kendall
Additional material written by Christine Rose, Tom Neenan and Hugh Sington.
Producer: Colin Anderson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2013.
SUN 23:30 Ectoplasm (b007wp38)
The Affair of the Baddie's Niece
Lord Zimbabwe and Dr Lilac travel back through the seas of time to the Wild West.
With the help of the good folk of the town of Tombstone, they must thwart the evil Waffle Baron, Ike Clanton.
Comedy series about the swashbuckling exploits of Lord Zimbabwe, occultist and adventurer.
Written by and starring Dan Freedman and Nick Romero.
Lord Zimbabwe …. Nick Romero
Dr Lilac …. Dan Freedman
Ike Clanton …. Owen Oakeshott
Miss Clanton …. Sophie Aldred
Priest …. Colin Guthrie
Ringo …. Peter Donaldson
Other parts played by the cast.
Producer: Helen Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2000.

MONDAY 15 DECEMBER 2025

MON 00:00 Pilgrim by Sebastian Baczkiewicz (m0001hjy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Sunday]
MON 00:45 The Smile by Ray Bradbury (b05r71hf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:45 on Sunday]
MON 01:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m0017l36)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Sunday]
MON 01:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b010t6c0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 on Sunday]
MON 02:00 Poetry Extra (b08607jm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Sunday]
MON 02:30 Lady Susan by Jane Austen (Omnibus) (m002njpy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Sunday]
MON 03:40 Inheritance Tracks (m002njq1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 on Sunday]
MON 03:50 Jane Austen: No Ice in Weymouth (Omnibus) (m002njq3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 on Sunday]
MON 05:00 Ray's a Laugh (m002njq5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Sunday]
MON 05:30 Take It From Here (b014qxmk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Sunday]
MON 06:00 Burnt (b09tbs3h)
5. Much Knowledge
As Milkie tries to find out how far the political corruption goes - can he deal with consequences?
Starring Dennis Waterman.
Nigel Baldwin's taut political thriller serial.
Milkie ... Dennis Waterman
The Teller ... Ray Smith
Beth ... Bethan Jones
Angela ... Tara Dominick
Huw ... Richard Elfyn
Sharon ... Emma Gregory
Pauline ... Eluned Jones
Laura ... Richards
Music by Laurie Scott Baker.
Producer: Jane Dauncey
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1990.
MON 06:30 Whodunnits (b0081rx2)
Agatha Christie - The Sittaford Mystery
1. The Message
A blizzard has hit England.
In the tiny village of Sittaford, on the fringes of Dartmoor, a party of six is gathered in Sittaford House, home of Captain Trevelyan. He's rented the house out for the winter and is staying in a nearby village. As evening draws in, a séance is proposed.
But it reveals something far more sinister than they'd all anticipated...
Starring Geoffrey Whitehead and Barbara Atkinson,
First published in 1931, Agatha Christie's whodunnit.
Dramatised in five parts by Michael Bakewell.
Inspector Narracott …. Geoffrey Whitehead
Mrs. Curtis …. Barbara Atkinson
Major Burnaby …. Norman Bird
Mrs. Willett …. Susan Westerby
Violet Willett …. Victoria Carling
Mr. Rycroft …. John Moffat
Mr. Duke …. Michael Graham Cox
Ronnie Garfield …. Nigel Greaves
Sergeant Pollock …. Vincent Brimble
Doctor Warren …. Michael Kilgarriff
Evans …. Donald Gee
Jim Pearson …. Stephen Garlick
Director: Michael Bakewell.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1990.
MON 07:00 Visiting Julia (m0018hj8)
I Should Have Had The Sausages
Roger’s writing career is in jeopardy.
Will his wife Julia ever come home from the hospital?
Starring Keith Barron and Liz Goulding.
Peter Tinniswood's gentle comedy-drama.
Roger ....Keith Barron
Julia....Uz Goulding
Ma-in-'ell ....Shirley Dixon
Taxi Driver ....Stephen Thorne
Matron ....Kate Binchy
Otto ....Nigel Anthony
Receptionist ....Frances Jeater
Producer: John Tydeman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1998.
MON 07:30 Dad's Army (b007q93v)
Series 1
No Spring for Frazer
When Private Frazer loses a butterfly spring from a Lewis gun, he must track down a coffin!
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 Michael Knowles and Harold Snoad.
Captain Mainwaring …. Arthur Lowe
Sergeant Wilson …. John Le Mesurier
Corporal Jones …. Clive Dunn
Private Godfrey …. Arnold Ridley
Private Frazer …. John Laurie
ARP Warden Hodges …. Bill Pertwee
Miss Barker …. Joan Cooper
Mr Blewitt …. Timothy Bateson
Announcer …. John Snagge
Producer: John Dyas
First broadcast on the BBC Radio 4 in June 1974.
MON 08:00 Welcome to Our Village, Please Invade Carefully (b04l0zq7)
Series 2
Counter Plot
A sitcom about aliens invading the small Buckinghamshire village of Cresdon Green.
Richard Lyons is alarmed to discover Uljabaan has commandeered six allotments for some sort of experiment, while his daughter Katrina is more concerned that he's arrested Lucy.
But what kind of plants is he planting inside the building he's built?
Written by Eddie Robson.
Starring Hattie Morahan and Peter Davison.
Noticing all-at-once invasions of Earth never work out too well, these aliens have locked the village behind an impenetrable force-field in order to study human behaviour and to decide if Earth is worth invading.
The only inhabitant who seems to be bothered by their new alien overlord is Katrina Lyons, who was only home for a weekend to borrow the deposit for a flat.
So along with Lucy Alexander (the only teenager in the village, willing to rebel against whatever you've got) she formed The Resistance - slightly to the annoyance of her parents Margaret and Richard.
This is also much to the annoyance of Field Commander Uljabaan who, alongside his unintelligible minions and The Computer (his hyper-intelligent supercomputer), is trying to actually run the alien invasion.
Katrina Lyons ...... Hattie Morahan
Richard Lyons ...... Peter Davison
Margaret Lyons ...... Jan Francis
Field Commander Uljabaan ...... Charles Edwards
Lucy Alexander ...... Hannah Murray
The Computer ...... John-Luke Roberts
Ron ...... Dave Lamb
Lawrence ...... Michael Bertenshaw
Producer: Ed Morrish.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2014.
MON 08:30 Jane Austen (m002nhjk)
Lady Susan
6. Respite for Frederica
Frederica asks for Mrs Vernon's help in resisting Lady Susan’s marriage plans for her.
Lady Susan's key aims in life are to find a suitably wealthy husband for her teenage daughter, Frederica, and also one for herself…
Lady Susan’s dear friend, Alicia, narrates her story.
Written in 1794 in the form of a series of letters, Jane Austen's magnificent first novella is as subversive as it is charming.
It was published in 1871, 44 years after the author’s death.
Dramatised in ten parts by Lavinia Murray.
Lady Susan …. Harriet Walter
Mrs Alicia Johnson …. Maggie Steed
Mrs Catherine Vernon …. Imelda Staunton
Lady de Courcy …. Jill Balcon
Reginald de Courcy .... Robert Hands
Frederica Vernon …. Michelle Wesson
Piano music composed and played by Julie Cooper.
Director: Jocelyn Boxall
Producer: Jeremy Mortimer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1999.
MON 08:45 Legacy: High Green Walls by Cath Staincliffe (b0183rsx)
1. The Recluse
When the weekly list of unclaimed estates is published, probate researchers brother and sister team Dan and Rachel begin work.
They search backwards through the family line to try to locate the true heir and get a slice of the fortune.
Susan Pellier, a 73 year-old recluse, has died intestate with no known next of kin.
Dan and Rachel's quest to find an heir leads them to a heartbreaking discovery.
Written in five parts by Cath Staincliffe.
Dan ..... William Ash
Rachel ..... Claire Keelan
Morelli ..... Russell Dixon
Barbara .... Kellie Shirley
Susan ..... Ellie Meigan Rose
Director: Nadia Molinari
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2011.
MON 09:00 I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue (m002n7mr)
Series 84
5. Joe Lycett makes his debut
The godfather of all panel shows comes to us from London's Royal Festival Hall. On the panel are Joe Lycett, Pippa Evans, Richard Coles and Tony Hawks with Jack Dee in the umpire’s chair.
Regular listeners will know to expect inspired nonsense, pointless revelry and Colin Sell at the piano.
Producer: Jon Naismith
A Random production for BBC Radio 4
MON 09:30 Carols for Choirs (m002nhjm)
1. Canterbury Cathedral
Former King's Singer Alastair Hume uncovers the history of four carols and visits four choirs.
He begins in Kent at Canterbury Cathedral - with the focus on the choir's rendition of the Wexford Carol.
Tom discovers how it was written centuries ago in Ireland.
Producer: Tom Alban
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1998.
MON 09:45 Daily Service (m002nhjq)
Advent People - Jesse
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Recorded in the BBC Philharmonic studio with the Daily Service Singers, led by Andrew Earis and accompanied by Elin Rees
Theme: Advent People - Jesse
Presenter: Richard Littledale
Reading: Isaiah 11 1-5
Music:
Lo, how a rose e’er blooming (Es ist ein Ros entsprungen) - Daily Service Singers
A Tender Shoot (Kerensa Briggs) - Daily Service Singers
The Holy and the Ivy (Walford Davies) - Daily Service Singers
MON 10:00 The Tingle Factor (b07gbsn8)
David Puttnam
Film producer and educator David Puttnam talks to Robin Ray about the sounds which stir his emotions.
Recalling his upbringing and looking back over his career, David's selection includes speeches by Robert de Niro and Teddy Kennedy.
Producer: Andrew Mussett
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1990.
MON 10:30 Biggles: Adventures Through Time (b00mcvgg)
Alexander Armstrong explores the lasting appeal of action hero Biggles and examines the life of his creator, Captain WE Johns.
Captain James Bigglesworth could easily have been found in any Royal Flying Corps mess during the grand days of 1917 and 1918.
Back then, air combat had become the order of the day and air duelling was a fine art.
The 'spirit' of Biggles still exists today, and his influence and impact can be seen on screen, music and in numerous comic parodies. Biggles memorabilia is much sought after by collectors, who bid thousands of pounds on internet auction sites.
His adventures through time total almost 100 books, which have seen him journey through two world wars, finally ending with the Special Air Police. He first took to the skies in 1916 in his FE2 'pusher' and made his final descent, 50 years later, in a Hawker Hunter.
Alexander examines Biggles' origins and how the character contrasts with that of his creator.
He reveals why the Biggles books were also surprisingly enjoyed by women, considering their negative portrayal in them.
He also considers whether some of Biggles' stories, with their perceived imperialist and alleged racist content, are still acceptable reading in public libraries and schools today.
Contributors:
Trevor Hill
Jeffrey Richards
Peter Beresford-Ellis
Jenny Schofield
Michael Fish
Corinna Downes
Bob Dixon
Nicholas Tucker
Written and produced by Stephen Garner.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2009.
MON 11:00 Burnt (b09tbs3h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 11:30 Whodunnits (b0081rx2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 12:00 Visiting Julia (m0018hj8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 12:30 Dad's Army (b007q93v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 13:00 Welcome to Our Village, Please Invade Carefully (b04l0zq7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 13:30 Jane Austen (m002nhjk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 13:45 Legacy: High Green Walls by Cath Staincliffe (b0183rsx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
MON 14:00 Just a Minute (b00zf9tf)
Series 59
Episode 6
Nicholas Parsons presides over the devious game where panellists are challenged to speak for one minute without hesitation, deviation or repetition.
With:
Paul Merton
Marcus Brigstocke
Sheila Hancock
Sue Perkins
Subjects include: How I Describe Myself To An Alien, Hobnobbing, The Avant Garde, My Love of the Absurd, The Aztecs, Winter Sports, How to Cope with a Bore, My Garden Shed and Anything and Everything
Created by Ian Messiter.
Producer: Tilusha Ghelani
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2011.
MON 14:30 Rudy's Rare Records (b01ntfw9)
Series 4
Sound of da Police
When Doreen is mugged, Adam and Rudy react very differently.
Father and son comedy set in the finest old-school record shop in Birmingham.
Starring Lenny Henry, Larrington Walker and Claire Benedict.
Written by Danny Robins.
Adam............Lenny Henry
Rudy.......... Larrington Walker
Tasha...........Natasha Godfrey
Doreen..........Claire Benedict
SGT Popper........ Andrew Brooke
Hoodie.........Adam Nagaitis
Hoodie 2.......Joe Sims
Producer: Katie Tyrrell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2012.
Tracks in this episode:
MISS JAMAICA - JIMMY CLIFF
007 SHANTY TOWN- DESMOND DEKKER
SOUND OF DA POLICE - KRS ONE
POLICE OFFICER - SMILEY CULTURE
INFORMER - SNOW
WELCOME TO JAMROCK - DAMIAN MARLEY
TROUBLE IN THE TOWN - DANDY
POLICE AND THIEVES - JUNIOR MURVIN
GUNS OF BRIXTON - JIMMY CLIFF
RING THE ALARM - FU SCHNICKENS
MON 15:00 Jane Austen (m002nhjv)
Love and Freindship
Jane Austen’s unconstrained comedy of youthful rebellion, love at first sight, door-slamming, theft, elopement and death, was written when the novelist was only 14.
Two young heroines substitute the quivering emotions of sensibility for common sense in this exuberant parody of the sentimental and romantic novels of the day.
It's truly Jane Austen as you've never heard her before.
Starring Victoria Hamilton and David Tennant.
Dramatised by Robin Brooks.
Laura ... Victoria Hamilton
Edward ... David Tennant
Augustus ... Jasper Britton
Sophia ... Ruth Platt
Sir Edward/Grandfather ... David Horovitch
Aunt Philippa ... Janet Jefferies
Augusta ... Sarah Eedle
Dorothea/Janetta ... Lara Haworth
Bridget ... Daisy Smith
Producer: Fiona McAlpine.
A Pacificus Production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in 2002.
MON 15:45 Short Works (m001g38r)
Angels on Regent Street by Christine Dwyer Hickey
As London bustles with Christmas shoppers, a mother and daughter's holiday is endangered by a lost toy.
An original short work for BBC Radio 4 by the Irish author Christine Dwyer Hickey.
Read by Stuart Graham.
Producer: Michael Shannon
A BBC Northern Ireland production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2022.
MON 16:00 The Tingle Factor (b07gbsn8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
MON 16:30 Biggles: Adventures Through Time (b00mcvgg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
MON 17:00 Burnt (b09tbs3h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 17:30 Whodunnits (b0081rx2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 18:00 Visiting Julia (m0018hj8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 18:30 Dad's Army (b007q93v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 19:00 Welcome to Our Village, Please Invade Carefully (b04l0zq7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 19:30 Jane Austen (m002nhjk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 19:45 Legacy: High Green Walls by Cath Staincliffe (b0183rsx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
MON 20:00 Just a Minute (b00zf9tf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
MON 20:30 Rudy's Rare Records (b01ntfw9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
MON 21:00 Jane Austen (m002nhjv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
MON 21:45 Short Works (m001g38r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 today]
MON 22:00 I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue (m002n7mr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
MON 22:30 The Right Time (b0076mf5)
Series 4
Episode 3
Older bikers head to Margate – and trying out Roman orgies.
Sketch show about growing older disgracefully.
Starring:
Eleanor Bron
Barry Cryer
Dudley Sutton
Roger Blake
Clive Swift
Paula Wilcox
Music by Ronnie & The Rex.
Written by Jill Brodie, John Pidgeon, Dave Dixon, Jan Etherington, Barry Cryer, Mike Haskins, Simon Littlefield, Alex Lowe, George Poles, Richard Preddy, Dudley Sutton, Alan Stafford, Chris Thompson and Pete Reynolds.
Script editor: George Poles.
Producer: Katie Marsden
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2004.
MON 23:00 Dead Ringers (m002n7pm)
Christmas Specials 2025
Dead Ringers Christmas: Ep 1. Farage Goes to School, The Snowman v Keir, and Alan Carr: Special Negotiator
The Dead Ringers team are back to train their vocal firepower on the week’s news with an armoury of impressive impressions.
This week: Farage goes to a new school, The Snowman takes Keir Starmer on a Christmas journey, and Alan Carr: Special Negotiator.
This week's impressionists are Jan Ravens, Jess Robinson, Kieran Hodgson and Josh Berry.
The episode was written by: Nev Fountain and Tom Jamieson, Laurence Howarth, Tom Coles, Sarah Campbell, Sophie Dickson, Jon Holmes, Alice Bright, Rachel E Thorn, Jennifer Walker, Joe Topping, Alex Buchanan and G Watson.
Created by Bill Dare
Producer: Jon Holmes
Executive Producer: Richard Morris
Production Co-ordinator: Caroline Barlow
A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4
MON 23:30 Listen Against (b0089j50)
Series 1
Episode 2
This is the show that prises the back off your radio and fiddles around with the BBC programmes inside.
Then it puts it all back together - the wrong way round.
Alice Arnold and Jon Holmes get meddling with:
The Proms
JK and Joel
Any Answers
The Archers.
The brain-child of writer, comic and broadcaster Jon Holmes.
Producer: Bill Dare and Jon Holmes
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2007.

TUESDAY 16 DECEMBER 2025

TUE 00:00 The Tingle Factor (b07gbsn8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Monday]
TUE 00:30 Biggles: Adventures Through Time (b00mcvgg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Monday]
TUE 01:00 Burnt (b09tbs3h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]
TUE 01:30 Whodunnits (b0081rx2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Monday]
TUE 02:00 Visiting Julia (m0018hj8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Monday]
TUE 02:30 Dad's Army (b007q93v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:00 Welcome to Our Village, Please Invade Carefully (b04l0zq7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Monday]
TUE 03:30 Jane Austen (m002nhjk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:45 Legacy: High Green Walls by Cath Staincliffe (b0183rsx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Monday]
TUE 04:00 Just a Minute (b00zf9tf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:30 Rudy's Rare Records (b01ntfw9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Monday]
TUE 05:00 Jane Austen (m002nhjv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Monday]
TUE 05:45 Short Works (m001g38r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 on Monday]
TUE 06:00 Burnt (b09tc6hp)
6. The Danger of Exposure
Milkie discovers exposing guilt is dangerous - when the powerful are rotten and the idealists are liars.
Starring Dennis Waterman.
Conclusion of Nigel Baldwin's taut political thriller.
Milkie ... Dennis Waterman
The Teller ... Ray Smith
Beth ... Bethan Jones
Huw ... Richard Elfyn
Pauline ... Eluned Jones
Gordon ... Michael Povey
Rhys ... Terry Victor
Sian ... Sian Summers
Dewi ... Robert David
Producer: Jane Dauncey
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1990.
TUE 06:30 Whodunnits (b007jlqg)
Agatha Christie - The Sittaford Mystery
2. An Arrest for Murder
A seance at the remote Sittaford House has revealed the murder of Captain Trevelyan.
But who could have killed a man who didn't have an enemy in the world...?
Geoffrey Whitehead stars in Agatha Christie's whodunnit.
Inspector Narracott …. Geoffrey Whitehead
Evans …. Donald Gee
Mrs. Belling …. Jo Kendall
Major Burnaby …. Norman Bird
Williamson …. David Goudge
Kirkwood …. John Gabriel
Charles Enderby …. Stephen Tompkinson
Beatrice …. Alice Arnold
Mrs. Gardner …. Anna Cropper
Sylvia Dering …. Susan Sheridan
Jim Pearson …. Stephen Garlick
Emily Trefusis …. Melinda Walker
Dramatised and directed by Michael Bakewell.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1990.
TUE 07:00 Flying the Flag (b007jy0c)
Series 1
Weather Problems
To a background of chronic shortages in the shops, Eastern Bloc dissidents seeking refuge descend on the British Embassy.
Starring Dinsdale Landen.
Eastern Bloc embassy sitcom written by Alex Shearer.
Ambassador Mackenzie …. Dinsdale Landen
William Frost …. Peter Acre
Helen Waterson …. Moir Leslie
Yakov Korovin …. Michael Bilton
Mikael Korovin …. Jonathan Kidd
Col Surikov …. Christopher Benjamin
Producer: Pete Atkin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1987.
TUE 07:30 The Goon Show (b007jqbn)
Series 9
The Mountain Eaters
Eccles and Neddie Seagoon set out to scoff Everest, with Grytpype-Thynne and Moriarty in pursuit...
Groundbreaking, surreal BBC radio comedy written by Spike Milligan.
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: John Browell
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in December 1958.
TUE 08:00 ReincarNathan (m0002mlh)
Series 1
Mayfly
Nathan didn't really nail life the first time round, so he's been reincarnated.
Now he's given a chance to get back to being human again - if he can live a good life in 24 hours as a mayfly.
Daniel Rigby and Diane Morgan star in a comedy about the afterlife.
Jenny ...... Diane Morgan
Nathan ...... Daniel Rigby
Librarian ...... Tom Craine
Basher and Mr Grimble ...... Henry Paker
Electronic Voice, Queen Bee, Susan, Dean ...... Freya Parker
Amy ...... Isy Suttie
And featuring Jon Culshaw as the voice of David Attenborough
Writers: Tom Craine and Henry Paker
Music Composed by Phil Lepherd.
Producers: Harriet Jaine & Jonno Richards
A Talkback production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in February 2019.
TUE 08:30 Jane Austen (m002nkn3)
Lady Susan
7. Catherine Intercedes
Unabated, Lady Susan vows to continue with her marriage plans for Frederica and herself.
Beautiful Lady Susan Vernon is in her mid-thirties, recently widowed and in a financially precarious state. She now uses her looks, flirtation and seduction to maintain her opulent lifestyle. Her key aims in life are to find a suitably wealthy husband for her teenage daughter, Frederica, and also one for herself…
Lady Susan’s dear friend, Alicia, narrates her story.
Lady Susan …. Harriet Walter
Mrs Alicia Johnson …. Maggie Steed
Mrs Catherine Vernon …. Imelda Staunton
Written in 1794 in the form of a series of letters, Jane Austen’s ‘Lady Susan’ wasn’t published until 1871, some 54 years after the author’s death in 1817. Austen was in her late teens/early twenties when she wrote the novella, and it wasn’t submitted for publication during her lifetime.
Adapted by Lavinia Murray.
Piano music composed and played by Julie Cooper.
Director: Jocelyn Boxall
Producer: Jeremy Mortimer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1999.
TUE 08:45 Legacy: High Green Walls by Cath Staincliffe (b0184rg4)
2. The Twin Sister
When the weekly list of unclaimed estates is published, probate researchers, brother and sister team Dan and Rachel, search backwards through the family line to find the true heir and get a slice of the fortune.
Dan and Rachel have discovered that Susan had a twin sister Barbara who may be the rightful heir if she is still alive. Susan was a significant artist in the US in the 1960's, her most famous paintings known as High Green Walls were destroyed but Dan and Rachel guess her estate might still be worth a substantial amount.
They take a chance by visiting her studio in a remote area of upstate New York where they make a surprising discovery.
Dan ..... William Ash
Rachel ..... Claire Keelan
Mr White ..... Malcolm Raeburn
Susan ..... Ellie Meigan Rose
Mr Carlson ..... Jonathan Keeble
Directed by Nadia Molinari
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2011.
TUE 09:00 One Person Found This Helpful (m002n7wl)
Series 3
4. Bacon Drink or Cheesy Boat?
Frank Skinner and guests Ahir Shah, Louise Young, Freya Parker and Pierre Novellie find out the right way to get frightened by lions, the wrong way to clean a delicious crevice, and what to do if your arms don’t reach the kitchen.
This is the panel game based on what we all sit down and do at least once a day – shop online and leave a review, as an all-star panel celebrate the good, the bad and the baffling.
Everyone has an online life, and when the great British public put pen to keyboard to leave a review, they almost always write something hilarious. And our all-star panel have to work out just what they were reviewing – and maybe contribute a few reviews of their own. So if you’re the person who went on Trip Advisor to review Ben Nevis as “Very steep and too high”, this show salutes you!
Written by Frank Skinner, Catherine Brinkworth, Sarah Dempster, Jason Hazeley, Karl Minns, Katie Sayer & Peter Tellouche
Devised by Jason Hazeley and Simon Evans with the producer David Tyler
A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4
TUE 09:30 Carols for Choirs (m002nkn5)
2. Hereford Cathedral
Alastair Hume continues his carolling investigations with a visit to Hereford Cathedral.
Here he discovers a recent English adaptation of a carol that has its origins in the folk music of the Ukrainian steppe.
Producer: Tom Alban
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1998.
TUE 09:45 Daily Service (m002nkn7)
Advent People - John the Baptist
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Advent People - John the Baptist
Presenter: Holly Adams
Reading: Luke 3: 15-20
Music:
On Jordan's Banks the Baptist Cry - St Edmundsbury Cathedral
Love came down at Christmas (Rutter) - Cambridge Singers
Come holy spirit come - Daily Service Singers
TUE 10:00 A Good Read (m000dy64)
Syima Aslam & Stig Abell
Syima Aslam is co-founder of the Bradford Literature Festival.
Journalist Stig Abell is former editor of the Times Literary Supplement
Both are part of the expert panel that chose the BBC’s 100 Novels That Shaped Our World.
They join presenter Harriett Gilbert to pluck their own favourites from the list.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by JK Rowling
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Publisher: Penguin
Orlando by Virginia Woolf
Publisher: Vintage
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2020.
TUE 10:30 Monkman and Seagull's Polymathic Adventure (b091szlz)
In the 2017 series of University Challenge, Eric Monkman and Bobby Seagull became social media celebrities as entertaining captains of rival teams.
They’re also close friends. Both are curious about many subjects, but feel intense pressure to specialise.
In this programme they ask whether it’s possible to be a useful polymath.
Along the way, they meet fellow polymath, Stephen Fry, and find out who was The Last Man Who Knew Everything.
Producer: David Edmonds
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2017.
TUE 11:00 Burnt (b09tc6hp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 11:30 Whodunnits (b007jlqg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 12:00 Flying the Flag (b007jy0c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 12:30 The Goon Show (b007jqbn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 13:00 ReincarNathan (m0002mlh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 13:30 Jane Austen (m002nkn3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 13:45 Legacy: High Green Walls by Cath Staincliffe (b0184rg4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
TUE 14:00 Genius (b008h570)
Series 1
Richard Madeley
From mini-elephants to food on tap.
Dave Gorman asks TV host Richard Madeley to select the public's best loopy idea.
Award-winning comedian Dave Gorman and a celebrity guest chew over the ridiculous, unworkable but sometimes genius inventions, schemes and policies of the public.
Producer: Simon Nicholls
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2005.
TUE 14:30 Bleak Expectations (b00db5bt)
Series 2
A Happy Life Broken and Then Mended a Bit
You're cordially invited to cower before the terrifying spectacle of the Martian invasion, where only Pip and some geese stand between Mr Benevolent's army of long-eared purple space villains and all that is good and true....
The final chapter of the Victorian comic epic, and the whole planet is in terrible danger when Pip's evil ex-guardian Mr Gently Benevolent summons a massive Martian invasion. Is this the end for Pip, Harry and the rest of the human race? And will Pippa's goose sanctuary be all right?
Listeners are cordially invited to cower before the terrifying spectacle of the army of long-eared purple space villains...
Mark Evans's epic comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.
Chapter the Last: A Happy Life Broken and then Mended a Bit
Sir Philip...........................Richard Johnson
Mr Benevolent........................Anthony Head
Harry Biscuit......................James Bachman
Young Pip..................................Tom Allen
Sternbeater...................Geoffrey Whitehead
Ripely Fecund......................Sarah Hadland
Mr Parsimonious...............Laurence Howarth
Pippa........................................Susy Kane
Sundry learned gentlemen...........Mark Evans
Producer: Gareth Edwards
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2008.
TUE 15:00 Drama on 4 (m0018nk0)
Someone at a Distance (1/2)
Someone at a Distance is about how we are all connected, how our actions radiate out and touch others.
It focuses on the North family, who live a life of post-war domestic bliss. Avery commutes from their village to his London office at a small publishing house, while Ellen devotes every moment of her life to making a happy home. But it's not long before a stranger disrupts the happy scene.
Louise Lanier, a dangerous and determined young lady from a small town in France, moves in to be Old Mrs North's companion. Recovering from heartbreak, she is bored with her provincial life in France and can't bring herself to accept her fate to marry the local chemist. She has come to England to put this off for a little while, and - one suspects - to wreak havoc.
Dramatised by Shelagh Stephenson from the novel by Dorothy Whipple.
Cast:
Ellen North ...... Nancy Carroll
Avery North ...... Julian Wadham
Louise Lanier ...... Olivia Ross
John Bennett/Monsieur Lanier ...... Ron Cook
Mrs Daley/Madame Lanier ...... Kate Duchêne
Anne North/Germaine Devoisey ...... Macy Nyman
Hugh North/Paul Devoisey ...... Tom Glenister
Mrs North/Mrs Beard ...... Pamela Miles
Director: Eoin O’Callaghan
A Big Fish Radio production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in June 2022.
TUE 16:00 A Good Read (m000dy64)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
TUE 16:30 Monkman and Seagull's Polymathic Adventure (b091szlz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
TUE 17:00 Burnt (b09tc6hp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 17:30 Whodunnits (b007jlqg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 18:00 Flying the Flag (b007jy0c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 18:30 The Goon Show (b007jqbn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 19:00 ReincarNathan (m0002mlh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 19:30 Jane Austen (m002nkn3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 19:45 Legacy: High Green Walls by Cath Staincliffe (b0184rg4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
TUE 20:00 Genius (b008h570)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
TUE 20:30 Bleak Expectations (b00db5bt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
TUE 21:00 Drama on 4 (m0018nk0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
TUE 22:00 One Person Found This Helpful (m002n7wl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
TUE 22:30 The Maltby Collection (b00wwj28)
Series 2
Episode 1
The museum is stuck in the past, so deputy curator Rod decides it's time to modernise.
Starring Julian Rhind-Tutt and Geoffrey Palmer.
David Nobbs’ sitcom about a small art museum staffed by eccentrics and obsessives.
Rod Millet ...... Julian Rhind-Tutt
Walter Brindle ...... Geoffrey Palmer
Prunella Edgecumbe ...... Rachel Atkins
Julian Crumb-Loosely ...... Ben Willbond
Susie Maltby ...... Margaret Cabourn-Smith
Wilf Arbuthnot ...... Geoff McGivern
Eva Tattle ...... Julia Deakin
Des Wainwright ...... Michael Smiley
Stelios Constantinopoulis/Vicar ...... Chris Pavlo
Peter Warrender/Old Man ...... John Rowe
Producer: Colin Anderson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2008.
TUE 23:00 Bridget Christie Minds the Gap (b050bhnq)
Series 2
Episode 4
Bridget Christie talks about why she's not grateful Russell Brand has stopped being a sexist.
She reveals what happens when you wear an end FGM badge on a popular TV show?
And discover why politics has a women problem.
Multi-award winning series about modern feminism.
Bridget thought that she'd be able to put her feet up after her last series, she expected it to bomb. Sadly it was a huge success. But it's OK, because actually she's solved the feminist struggle all by herself.
She's assisted by token man, Fred MacAulay.
Written by Bridget Christie.
Producers: Alison Vernon-Smith and Alexandra Smith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2015.
TUE 23:25 The Comedy Club Interviews (m002p5yb)
John Lloyd 1/3
From 10pm until midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Laura Lexx chats to the legendary comedy producer John Lloyd.
TUE 23:30 Paul Sinha's History Revision (b07fl6sk)
Series 2
Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Paul asks "How did we get here?", quite literally, getting the studio audience to tell him how they got to the BBC Radio Theatre, and then regaling them with stories from the history of transport.
From the area of London that became a Russian train station, to the man who revolutionised both the motor industry and the music charts, to the names of airports around the world.
Paul is telling all about the world of planes, trains and automobiles revealing fascinating facts and surprising stories (unless you listen on a weekend, when a bus replacement service is in operation).
This is the series that uncovers the fascinating stories that we've forgotten in our onward march of progress.
Written and performed by Paul Sinha.
Producer: Ed Morrish
A BBC Radio Comedy production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in June 2016.

WEDNESDAY 17 DECEMBER 2025

WED 00:00 A Good Read (m000dy64)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Tuesday]
WED 00:30 Monkman and Seagull's Polymathic Adventure (b091szlz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Tuesday]
WED 01:00 Burnt (b09tc6hp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:30 Whodunnits (b007jlqg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Tuesday]
WED 02:00 Flying the Flag (b007jy0c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Tuesday]
WED 02:30 The Goon Show (b007jqbn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:00 ReincarNathan (m0002mlh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Tuesday]
WED 03:30 Jane Austen (m002nkn3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:45 Legacy: High Green Walls by Cath Staincliffe (b0184rg4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Tuesday]
WED 04:00 Genius (b008h570)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:30 Bleak Expectations (b00db5bt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Tuesday]
WED 05:00 Drama on 4 (m0018nk0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Tuesday]
WED 06:00 The Killing Season (m002nktx)
1. The Photograph
The Christmas spirit evaporates in Melford following a high-level break-in and the a fire at the local church hall, supposedly started by vandals.
In the small town of Melford, the season of peace and goodwill seems a million miles away when a series of deaths begins on Christmas Eve. Could they be linked? The overworked local police are joined by a sinister agency.
Written for radio by the creator of ‘Inspector Frost’, RD Wingfield, under the pseudonym ‘Arthur Jefferson’. In addition to many radio thrillers, Wingfield also penned the comedy series ‘The Secret Life of Kenneth Williams’.
Detective Constable Nuttall .... Michael Jenner
Detective Inspector Carter .... Sean Barrett
Police Sergeant Plummer .... John Hollis
Arthur Ferris .... Manning Wilson
Farnham .... Allan Cuthbertson
Debby Garwood .... Rosalind Thomas
Armstrong .... Jon Strickland
Doctor .... Mark Jones
Vicar .... Anthony Hall
Nurse .... Monica Grey
Director: Gerry Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1984.
*** Our grateful thanks to the Radio Circle for returning the audio to the BBC ***
WED 06:30 Whodunnits (b007k07y)
Agatha Christie - The Sittaford Mystery
3. Emily Goes to Work
James Pearson has been arrested for the murder of his uncle.
But his fiancee Emily is determined to prove his innocence.
Geoffrey Whitehead stars in Agatha Christie's whodunnit.
Inspector Narracott …. Geoffrey Whitehead
Emily Trefusis …. Melinda Walker
Charles Enderby …. Stephen Tompkinson
Mrs. Belling …. Jo Kendall
Mrs. Willett …. Susan Westerby
Violet Willett …. Victoria Carling
Mrs. Curtis …. Barbara Atkinson
Major Burnaby …. Norman Bird
Maid …. Jane Slavin
Cab Driver …. Vincent Brimble
Dramatised and directed by Michael Bakewell.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1990.
WED 07:00 Little Blighty on the Down (b00805nv)
Series 3
Episode 3
Mrs Roberts faces fallout from an outspoken member of the parish council.
The continuing everyday story of a country folk.
‘80s political satirical soap opera set in the strangely familiar village of Little Blighty.
Life here is pretty uneventful, though the humdrum happenings include social turmoil, economic upheaval and vicious political squabbles.
Jo Kendall
Michael Troughton
John Baddeley
Bernadine Corrigan
Daniel Strauss
Jasper Jacob
Written by Mark Burton, John O'Farrell and Mike Coleman.
Producer: Lissa Evans
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1990.
WED 07:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jph6)
Series 6
The Gourmet
The Lad thinks he's a connoisseur of food, so Sid decides to enter him in an eating competition.
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
Warren Mitchell
Hugh Morton
Special guest star: BBC sports commentator, Ray Glendenning.
Theme and incidental music composed and conducted by Wally Stott.
Producer: Tom Ronald
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in October 1959.
WED 08:00 Stand-Up Specials (m000sq6m)
Anna Morris: Kid-Life Crisis
Anna Morris hit forty, was single, childless and living back with her parents. Success! She hit a kid-life crisis – like a mid-life crisis but with the added pressure of diminishing fertility.
In this half-hour stand-up show, recorded in front of a remote audience, she looks at all the different ways in which women deal with ageing, dating and being childless – or child free. There's a difference in approach evident in just those two ways of describing women who don't have kids.
From an 'incompetent cervix' diagnosis to proud but patronising new mothers, Anna recounts her journey through the travails of a woman without children.
Written and performed by Anna Morris.
With Jess Robinson and Sam Underwood
Producer: Alison Vernon-Smith
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in February 2021.
WED 08:30 Jane Austen (m002nktz)
Lady Susan
8. Scandal
Lady Susan’s behaviour in London causes consternation for Alicia and Reginald.
Beautiful Lady Susan Vernon is in her mid-thirties, recently widowed and in a financially precarious state. She now uses her looks, flirtation and seduction to maintain her opulent lifestyle. Her key aims in life are to find a suitably wealthy husband for her teenage daughter, Frederica, and also one for herself…
Lady Susan’s dear friend, Alicia, narrates her story.
Lady Susan …. Harriet Walter
Mrs Alicia Johnson …. Maggie Steed
Mrs Catherine Vernon …. Imelda Staunton
Reginald de Courcy .... Robert Hands
Written in 1794 in the form of a series of letters, Jane Austen’s ‘Lady Susan’ wasn’t published until 1871, some 54 years after the author’s death in 1817. Austen was in her late teens/early twenties when she wrote the novella, and it wasn’t submitted for publication during her lifetime.
Adapted by Lavinia Murray.
Piano music composed and played by Julie Cooper.
Director: Jocelyn Boxall
Producer: Jeremy Mortimer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1999.
WED 08:45 Legacy: High Green Walls by Cath Staincliffe (b0184s2j)
3. The Paintings
When the weekly list of unclaimed estates is published, probate researchers, brother and sister team Dan and Rachel, search backwards through the family line to find the true heir.
Spurred on by their discovery of Susan Pellier's most famous paintings, Dan and Rachel are desperate to discover what happened to her twin sister Barbara. If they find an heir they are guaranteed a slice of a substantial fortune.
Dan ..... William Ash
Rachel ..... Claire Keelan
Susan ..... Ellie Meigan Rose
Mr White ..... Malcolm Raeburn
Barbara ..... Kellie Shirley
Directed by Nadia Molinari
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2011.
WED 09:00 Unite (m001n1zg)
Series 2
The Ukrainian
Imogen finds neighbour Tamsin banging on about her volunteering at the local school so irritating that she rashly announces that they have decided to take in a Ukrainian refugee.
While Ashley is splashing on the cologne to welcome Georgiy into the house, Gideon is doing his best to win over Rebecca's judgemental brother Daniel.
Tony gives Georgiy a tour of the house which results in some uncomfortable questioning of his choice of Russian literature. Georgiy has rather more luck when he meets neighbour Tamsin, taking an instant shine to her - and her drinks cabinet. Nigel's decision to take Georgiy to the local organ museum merely cements his wife's burgeoning infatuation with the dashing Ukrainian.
Daniel's attempt to humiliate Gideon by challenging him to a rap battle spectacularly backfires as Gideon unleashes his latent lyricism.
Back at the house a knock at the door exposes Georgiy's troubled past.
It's a welcome return for the critically-acclaimed sitcom. When Tony (Mark Steel), a working class, left wing South Londoner, falls in love and marries Imogen (Claire Skinner), an upper middle class property developer, their sons - Croydon chancer Ashley (Elliot Steel) and supercilious Eton and Oxford-educated Gideon (Ivo Graham) - are forced to live under the same roof and behave like the brothers neither of them ever wanted.
Cast:
Tony - Mark Steel
Imogen - Claire Skinner
Ashley - Elliot Steel
Gideon - Ivo Graham
Rebecca - Ayesha Antoine
Nigel - Simon Greenall
Tamsin - Susannah Fielding
Georgiy - Dan March
Daniel - Kaine Lawrence
Policeman - Ian Pearce
Written by Barry Castagnola and Ian Pearce
(additional material from the cast)
Executive Producer- Mario Stylianides
Producer/Director- Barry Castagnola
Sound Recordist and Editor- Jerry Peal
Broadcast Assistant - Sarah Tombling
Assistant Producer - George O'Regan
Production Assistant - David Litchfield
A Golden Path and Rustle Up production for BBC Radio 4
WED 09:30 Carols for Choirs (m002nkv1)
3. Paisley Abbey
Former King's singer Alistair Hume uncovers the history of Paisley Abbey and a Scottish version of Balulalow.
Producer Tom Alban
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1998.
WED 09:45 Daily Service (m002nkv3)
Advent People - Gabriel
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Advent People - Gabriel
Presenter: Haydon Spenceley
Reading: Luke 1: 13-19
Music:
Angels from the realms of glory - Philippa Hanna DS Carol Concert 2024
Angel’s Carol - Rutter (duet) BBC Young Choristers Belinda and Natalie with BBC Philharmonic
Shout for Joy - Soul Sanctuary and London Symphony Orchestra (Shout for Joy album)
WED 10:00 Archive on 4 (b085hbz9)
The Many Faces Of Ebenezer Scrooge
Christopher Frayling explores how Charles Dickens’s classic A Christmas Carol has endured in popular culture for over 170 years.
Victorian families sat around the fire to read Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, published in 1843, over the festive season. It became an annual ritual. Now we might sit around the TV and watch It's A Wonderful Life - an Americanised version of the story.
In between, there have been countless takes on the book - adapted for public readings, radio, TV, film and stage. Cultural historian and writer Christopher Frayling considers how this short novel has shaped Christmas as we know it today, and discusses the circumstances in which it was written.
Hearing from Dickens performers Simon Callow and Miriam Margolyes, as well as historians and fans, Christopher examines how the book’s potent mixture of nostalgia, social concern and celebration has become part of the cultural bloodstream.
He assesses versions starring everyone from Alastair Sim to the Muppets, via Blackadder and the Goons, getting to the very heart of Ebenezer Scrooge.
Dickens wrote of his novel, “may it haunt your house pleasantly”. It has done so - in ways he could not have imagined - for over 170 years.
Producer: Jane Long
A Hidden Flack production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2016.
WED 11:00 The Killing Season (m002nktx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 11:30 Whodunnits (b007k07y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 12:00 Little Blighty on the Down (b00805nv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 12:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jph6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 13:00 Stand-Up Specials (m000sq6m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 13:30 Jane Austen (m002nktz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 13:45 Legacy: High Green Walls by Cath Staincliffe (b0184s2j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
WED 14:00 The Museum of Curiosity (m0009r6d)
Series 14
Episode 5
Professor of Ignorance John Lloyd and his curator Bridget Christie welcome:
* Comedian Andrew Maxwell
* Medical historian Dr Lindsey Fitzharris
* Actor Celia Imrie
The Museum's Guest Committee donate a half-burned candle, an example of prisoner art and a piece of kit to ward off would-be body snatchers.
Researchers: Mike Turner, Mike Shepherd and Emily Jupitus of QI.
Producers: Victoria Lloyd and Anne Miller.
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in October 2019.
WED 14:30 Three Ivans, Two Aunts and an Overcoat by Nikolai Gogol (b00nw3x9)
The Mysterious Portrait
Chertkoff is a high-minded, pleasure-denying, young artist in St Petersburg - until a pact with the devil offers him untold riches.
Written by Nikolai Gogol
Dramatised by Jim Poyser
Dragon..............Stephen Moore
Chertkoff...........Mark Chatterton
Leonid.................Russell Dixon
Marya..................Jo-Anne Knowles
Yuri.......................David Crellin
Shopkeeper.......Robert Pickavance
Producer Susan Roberts
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2002.
WED 15:00 Drama on 4 (m0018wxy)
Someone at a Distance (2/2)
Someone at a Distance is about how we are all connected, how our actions radiate out and touch others, strangers.
It focuses on the North family, who live a life of post-war domestic bliss. Avery commutes from their village to his London office at a small publishing house, while Ellen devotes every moment of her life to making a happy home. But it's not long before a stranger disrupts the happy scene.
Louise Lanier, a dangerous and determined young lady from a small town in France, moves in to be Old Mrs North's companion. Recovering from heartbreak, she is bored with her provincial life in France and can't bring herself to accept her fate to marry the local chemist. She has come to England to put this off for a little while, and - one suspects - to wreak havoc.
Louise's seductive and destructive path weaves ever closer to the North men, exciting particular tensions between father and son.
Dramatised by Shelagh Stephenson from the novel by Dorothy Whipple.
Cast:
Ellen North ...... Nancy Carroll
Avery North ...... Julian Wadham
Louise Lanier ...... Olivia Ross
John Bennett/Monsieur Lanier ...... Ron Cook
Mrs Daley/Madame Lanier ...... Kate Duchêne
Anne North/Germaine Devoisey ...... Macy Nyman
Hugh North/Paul Devoisey ...... Tom Glenister
Mrs North/Mrs Beard ...... Pamela Miles
Director: Eoin O’Callaghan
A Big Fish Radio production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in June 2022.
WED 16:00 Archive on 4 (b085hbz9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
WED 17:00 The Killing Season (m002nktx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 17:30 Whodunnits (b007k07y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 18:00 Little Blighty on the Down (b00805nv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 18:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jph6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 19:00 Stand-Up Specials (m000sq6m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 19:30 Jane Austen (m002nktz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 19:45 Legacy: High Green Walls by Cath Staincliffe (b0184s2j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
WED 20:00 The Museum of Curiosity (m0009r6d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
WED 20:30 Three Ivans, Two Aunts and an Overcoat by Nikolai Gogol (b00nw3x9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
WED 21:00 Drama on 4 (m0018wxy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
WED 22:00 Unite (m001n1zg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
WED 22:30 Resist Phony Encores! (m000g3gz)
Beatlemania
Gruff Rhys attempts to understand crowd behaviour in order to free the audience from the tyranny of the artist, and free all people from all leaders.
Gruff begins his quest with a pilgrimage to a phonebox in Bangor, where The Beatles heard of Brian Epstein's death, and in which he used to sleep.
Once he finds the phonebox, Gruff will call his guests: Professor of Social Psychology Stephen Reicher; and Dr Jenny Boyd, psychologist and author, who was there on that legendary trip to Bangor in 1967 with The Beatles, Marianne Faithfull, The Rolling Stones and the Maharishi.
Through the lens of Beatlemania and pop culture, Gruff and his guests will attempt to answer important questions such as: Do we really get a sense of well being when we share time and space with others, when we are part of a group, or an audience? What happens when the crowd turns? Why does it take 5 trains to go from Cardiff to Bangor?
Producer: John Norton
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2020.
WED 23:00 John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme (m0006115)
Series 8
Episode 5
Some helpful guidance on the etiquette of "Thank Yous", and a look into the devastating consequences of World Peace.
Written by and starring John Finnemore
With:
Margaret Cabourn-Smith
Simon Kane
Lawry Lewin
Carrie Quinlan
Producer: Ed Morrish
A BBC Studios production, first broadcast on Radio 4 in June 2019.
WED 23:25 The Comedy Club Interviews (m002p5xw)
John Lloyd 2/3
From 10pm until midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Laura Lexx chats again to the legendary comedy producer John Lloyd.
WED 23:30 Concrete Cow (b04wjtm3)
Series 2
War
A war poet is told that the troops prefer limericks.
Sketch show in which anything is possible.
Written by James Cary.
Starring:
Robert Webb
Beth Chalmers
Catherine Shepherd
Steven Kynman
Abigail Burdess
Chris Pavlo
Producer: Adam Bromley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2004.

THURSDAY 18 DECEMBER 2025

THU 00:00 Archive on 4 (b085hbz9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 The Killing Season (m002nktx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:30 Whodunnits (b007k07y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 Little Blighty on the Down (b00805nv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jph6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 Stand-Up Specials (m000sq6m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Wednesday]
THU 03:30 Jane Austen (m002nktz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:45 Legacy: High Green Walls by Cath Staincliffe (b0184s2j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 The Museum of Curiosity (m0009r6d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:30 Three Ivans, Two Aunts and an Overcoat by Nikolai Gogol (b00nw3x9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 Drama on 4 (m0018wxy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Wednesday]
THU 06:00 The Killing Season (m002nk6b)
2. Emily
An elderly woman is found close to death. But is it suicide as it appears to be?
In the small town of Melford, the season of peace and goodwill seems a million miles away when a series of deaths begins on Christmas Eve. Could they be linked? The overworked local police are joined by a sinister agency.
Written for radio by the creator of ‘Inspector Frost’, RD Wingfield, under the pseudonym ‘Arthur Jefferson’. In addition to many radio thrillers, Wingfield also penned the comedy series ‘The Secret Life of Kenneth Williams’.
Detective Constable Nuttall .... Michael Jenner
Detective Inspector Carter .... Sean Barrett
Police Sergeant Plummer .... John Hollis
Farnham .... Allan Cuthbertson
Debby Garwood .... Rosalind Thomas
Vicar .... Anthony Hall
Henry Thomas .... Timothy Bateson
Doctor .... Mark Jones
Director: Gerry Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1984.
*** With grateful thanks to the Radio Circle for sharing the audio ***
THU 06:30 Whodunnits (b007k097)
Agatha Christie - The Sittaford Mystery
4. A Recipe for Ginger Cake
Emily suspects that the Willetts, who've rented Sittaford House, are somehow involved in the murder of Captain Trevelyan.
But how can she get into the house?
Geoffrey Whitehead stars in Agatha Christie's whodunnit.
Inspector Narracott …. Geoffrey Whitehead
Emily Trefusis …. Melinda Walker
Charles Enderby …. Stephen Tompkinson
Mrs. Curtis …. Barbara Atkinson
Mr. Rycroft …. John Moffat
Ronnie Garfield …. Nigel Greaves
Caroline Percehouse …. Margaret Courtenay
Dora …. Jane
Violet Willett …. Victoria Carling
Mr. Dacres …. David King
Beatrice …. Alice Arnold
Jennifer Gardner …. Anna Cropper
Brian Pearson …. Charles Simpson
Dramatised and directed by Michael Bakewell.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1990.
THU 07:00 Yes Minister (b007jlbc)
Series 1
The Economy Drive
MP Jim Hacker plans to slim down the Civil Service. His own economy drive will set a personal example - won't it?
Starring Paul Eddington, Nigel Hawthorne and Derek Fowlds.
Antony Jay and Jonathan Lynn satirical sitcom ran on BBC TV between 1980 and 1984.
Yes Minister is centred around the hapless Jim Hacker and a collection of civil service underlings headed by the Machiavellian Sir Humphrey Appleby and obsequious Bernard.
Jim Hacker .... Paul Eddington
Sir Humphrey Appleby .... Nigel Hawthorne
Bernard .... Derek Fowlds
Annie Hacker .... Diana Hoddinot
Frank Weisel .... Bill Nighy
Sir Frederick .... Peter Cellier
Nellie .... Valerie Murray
Ron Watson .... Milton Johns
Jane .... Carol Boyd
Produced and adapted for radio by Pete Atkin.
First broadcast on Radio 4 in November 1983.
THU 07:30 The Burkiss Way (b007jmcm)
Series 1
Keep Unfit the Burkiss Way
Stay the way you are with unexpected adjustments.
The easy correspondence course. Just fill in your name cut out the coupon and give it to your grocer to receive strange looks.
With easy instruction from Denise Coffey, Nigel Rees, Chris Emmett and Fred Harris.
With easy-to-follow instruction from:
Denise Coffey
Chris Emmett
Fred Harris
Nigel Rees
Easy scripts by Andrew Marshall, John Mason and David Renwick.
Easy production by Simon Brett.
Cult sketch show first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1976.
THU 08:00 Ability (b0b1srpp)
Series 1
The Assessment
Matt's rubbish carer, Bob is due for his first assessment. But he really shouldn't have let Matt talk him into going down the pub the night before.
Matt is 25. He has cerebral palsy and can only speak via an app on his iPad. Everyone who cares about Matt knows that this isn't the defining thing about him. He is funny and clever and "up for stuff" - partly because he is keen to show that there's nothing he can't do, but also because, if he's honest, he's aware that he's less likely than other people to get the blame.
Now Matt's left home for the first time and moved in to share a flat with his best mate, Jess. But when Bob (Allan Mustafa) shows up as the new carer, the fun really starts. Bob is new to the job and, although willing, domestic duties are not really his forte. He's better at selling weed and dealing in knocked off iPads.
But he likes Matt and treats him like a real person. So, as far as Matt is concerned, Bob is here to stay.
Matt ...... Lee Ridley
Bob ...... Allan Mustafa
Writer ...... Lee Ridley
Writer ...... Katherine Jakeways
Ability is the semi-autobiographical co-creation of Lee Ridley, otherwise known as Lost Voice Guy. Like his sitcom creation, Lee has cerebral palsy and can only speak via an app. Lost Voice Guy is - probably - the first stand up comedian to use a communication aid.
Katherine Jakeways is the co-creator and co-writer of Ability
A Funny Bones production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2018.
THU 08:30 Jane Austen (m002nk6d)
Lady Susan
9. Disavowed
The relationship between Lady Susan and Alicia becomes strained.
Beautiful Lady Susan Vernon is in her mid-thirties, recently widowed and in a financially precarious state. She now uses her looks, flirtation and seduction to maintain her opulent lifestyle. Her key aims in life are to find a suitably wealthy husband for her teenage daughter, Frederica, and also one for herself…
Lady Susan’s dear friend, Alicia, narrates her story.
Lady Susan …. Harriet Walter
Mrs Alicia Johnson …. Maggie Steed
Mrs Catherine Vernon …. Imelda Staunton
Lady de Courcy …. Jill Balcon
Written in 1794 in the form of a series of letters, Jane Austen’s ‘Lady Susan’ wasn’t published until 1871, some 54 years after the author’s death in 1817. Austen was in her late teens/early twenties when she wrote the novella, and it wasn’t submitted for publication during her lifetime.
Adapted by Lavinia Murray.
Piano music composed and played by Julie Cooper.
Director: Jocelyn Boxall
Producer: Jeremy Mortimer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1999.
THU 08:45 Legacy: High Green Walls by Cath Staincliffe (b0184v2n)
4. The Discovery
When the weekly list of unclaimed estates is published, probate researchers, brother and sister team Dan and Rachel, search backwards through the family line to find the true heir and get a slice of the fortune.
Their quest to find out what happened to deceased artist Susie P's twin sister Barbara leads them to a heartbreaking discovery.
Dan .... William Ash
Rachel ..... Claire Keelan
Susan ..... Ellie Meigan Rose
Mr White ..... Malcolm Raeburn
Mr Cottesloe ..... Jonathan Keeble
Clerk/Kelly ..... Fiona Clarke
Directed by Nadia Molinari
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2011.
THU 09:00 Rum Punch (m002n7xp)
Series 1
3. Unfriendly Competition
Marley hears Lydia’s boyfriend is running a marathon, so inevitably he signs up for the same race. Meanwhile, Delroy gets inventive in the kitchen after a new restaurant opens in the area.
Created by Travis Jay, Rum Punch is an award-winning sitcom that follows a multigenerational family as they juggle pursuit of their individual ambitions with their responsibilities to the family business - a Caribbean restaurant in the heart of Lewisham.
Rum Punch cast:
Charlie - Ninia Benjamin
Nicholas - Aaron Fontaine
Des - Kevin Garry (KG Tha Comedian)
Taylor - Kyrah Gray
Lydia - Letitia Hector
Marley - Travis Jay
Angie - Angie Le Mar
Delroy - Eddie Nestor
Writer – Travis Jay
Additional Material – Danielle Vitalis
Script Editor – Atlanta Green
Sound Engineer – David Thomas
Editor – David Thomas
Production Assistant – Sahar Malaika Rajabali, Eunice Oshiguwa, Jessica Fatoye
Producers – Daisy Knight and Jules Lom
Executive Producers – Richard Allen-Turner and Jon Thoday
An Avalon Television Production for BBC Radio 4.
THU 09:30 Carols for Choirs (m002nk6g)
4. King's College, Cambridge
Alastair Hume rejoins the choir of King's College, Cambridge as they prepare for the service of "Nine Lessons and Carols".
His particular focus is the carol "Adam lay ybounden" and the life and legacy of its composer, the late director of music at King's, Boris Ord.
Producer Tom Alban
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1998.
THU 09:45 Daily Service (m002nk6j)
Advent People - Zechariah
Lambeth Palace opens its gardens to Wintershall, welcoming thousands of schoolchildren for a journey into the Advent theme of ‘waiting’. Actors bring the nativity to life - complete with real animals - guiding visitors through scenes of anticipation and hope. In this service, we reflect on Zechariah's story as the Advent narrative unfolds in the heart of London.
Presenter: Laura Darrall
Reading: Luke 1: 68-79
Music
O Come, O come Emmanuel
St Martin's Voices
CD: A Babe is Born (Resonus)
The Little Road to Bethlehem - Michael Head
St Martin-in-the-Fields Junior Choir
BBC recording
Ding-dong ding! from 'Little Jazz Carols' - Bob Cholcott
St Martin's Voices
CD: Little Jazz Carols (St Martin's Voices)
THU 10:00 Great Lives (b09xjx30)
Jim Moir on Captain Beefheart
Comedian, actor and artist Jim Moir aka Vic Reeves chooses the life of Don van Vliet - the Dadesque musician and painter Captain Beefheart who has influenced many musicians since the 1960s.
Jim joins Matthew Parris to discuss the bizarre and complex persona developed by the Californian eccentric who died from MS in 2010.
With Beefheart's biographer, Mike Barnes.
Producer: Maggie Ayre
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2018.
THU 10:30 The Forgotten Black Cowboys (b01r9wcg)
Hollywood shows us a wild west populated only by white cowboys. But it's only part of the story, as Sarfraz Manzoor discovers as he goes in search of America's black cowboys. 
On his journey through Texas, he finds that the west was populated by both African Americans and Hispanic cowboys, and that their legacy lives on today. He joins a trail ride with black cowboys as they make their way across the dusty plains following the routes of their ancestors. Complete with 12 covered wagons and up to 200 riders on horseback, Sarfraz finds a great pride in this black heritage.
In Wichita, Kansas, he meets one remarkable performer, the very first actor to appear as a black cowboy in the movies of the 1930s. At a time of racial segregation in the United States, few white cinema goers would ever have heard of Herb Jeffries, but he was the hero in films such as 'Harlem on the Prairie'. Today Herb is about to turn 100.
So how did this part of America get airbrushed out of the movies and the history books? He talks to experts and archivists, as well as those who have lived the life of the range, to find a true life story hidden from sight for many years.
Contributors:
Debbie Lauth
Douglas Harman
Mollie Stephenson
Wayne Ludwick
Jim Austin
Vincent Jacob
Cleveland Walter
Alan Govenar
Michael Searle
Herb Jeffries
Teresa Burleson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2013.
THU 11:00 The Killing Season (m002nk6b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 11:30 Whodunnits (b007k097)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 12:00 Yes Minister (b007jlbc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 12:30 The Burkiss Way (b007jmcm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 13:00 Ability (b0b1srpp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 13:30 Jane Austen (m002nk6d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 13:45 Legacy: High Green Walls by Cath Staincliffe (b0184v2n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
THU 14:00 Counterpoint (b04v30zv)
Series 28
The Final 2014
Paul Gambaccini 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.
Category round includes operatic aristocrats, African connections and Morecambe and Wise.
The competitors are in the BBC Maida Vale Studios, London, for the exciting final of the 2014 series.
*Richard Ely from Derbyshire
*Stephen Murray from London
*Stephen Whitaker from Cheshire
Producer: Paul Bajoria
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2014.
THU 14:30 Ballylenon (b00p8hjy)
Series 7
Episode 4
Monsignor McFadden has declared that Miss Maconchy's alleged 'vision' at Lourdes needs careful investigation - jeopardising Phonsie Doherty's plans for a festival of light.
Series set in the sleepy town of Ballylenon, Co Donegal in 1959.
Written by Christopher Fitz-Simon.
Muriel Maconchy ...... Margaret D'Arcy
Vera Maconchy ...... Stella McCusker
Phonsie Doherty ...... Gerard Murphy
Vivienne Hawthorne ...... Annie McCartney
Stumpy Bonner ...... Gerard McSorley
Rev Samuel Hawthorne ...... Miche Doherty
Aubrey Frawley ...... Matthew Addis
Daniel O’Searcaigh ...... James Greene
Pianist: Michael Harrison
Director: Eoin O'Callaghan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2009.
THU 15:00 Drama on 4 (m000cmrv)
The Christmas Present by Ben Crompton
Everyone is excited about Christmas, except Stephen. When Stephen tells a man dressed in a Santa suit that he wishes his life could be simpler, he doesn’t expect to have to time travel to discover how.
Ben Crompton's feel-good, warm hearted drama full of Christmas spirit.
STEPHEN.....Ben Crompton
YOUNG STEPHEN.....Albie Crompton
HOLLY.....Christine Bottomley
IVY.....Poppy O’Brien
FATHER CHRISTMAS/ FRANK.....Stephen Marzella
PHIL/ GAVIN.....Graeme Hawley
RUDY/ MAX.....Chris Jack
All other parts played by the cast.
Directed by Nadia Molinari
THU 15:45 Short Works (m0012rty)
Daddy Christmas by Paul McVeigh
An original short story specially commissioned by BBC Radio 4 from the Northern Irish author Paul McVeigh. As read by Tony Flynn.
Born in Belfast, Paul McVeigh has written comedy, essays, flash fiction, a novel, plays and short stories. His work has been performed on radio, stage and television, and published in seven languages. Paul co-founded the London Short Story Festival and is an associate director at Word Factory. His debut novel 'The Good Son' won The Polari First Novel Prize and The McCrea Literary Award. He is also the editor of The 32: Irish Working Class Voices, Queer Love: An Anthology of Irish Fiction and Belfast Stories.
Writer: Paul McVeigh
Reader: Tony Flynn
Producer: Michael Shannon
A BBC Northern Ireland production.
THU 16:00 Great Lives (b09xjx30)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
THU 16:30 The Forgotten Black Cowboys (b01r9wcg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
THU 17:00 The Killing Season (m002nk6b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 17:30 Whodunnits (b007k097)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 18:00 Yes Minister (b007jlbc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 18:30 The Burkiss Way (b007jmcm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 19:00 Ability (b0b1srpp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 19:30 Jane Austen (m002nk6d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 19:45 Legacy: High Green Walls by Cath Staincliffe (b0184v2n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
THU 20:00 Counterpoint (b04v30zv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
THU 20:30 Ballylenon (b00p8hjy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
THU 21:00 Drama on 4 (m000cmrv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
THU 21:45 Short Works (m0012rty)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 today]
THU 22:00 Rum Punch (m002n7xp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
THU 22:30 Brian Gulliver's Travels (b00z58bb)
Series 1
Osminia
Brian Gulliver, a seasoned presenter of travel documentaries, finds himself in a hospital's secure unit after claiming to have had a number of bizarre adventures.
This time he travels to Osminia, a land where marriage is outlawed.
Starring Neil Pearson and Mariah Gale.
A satirical adventure story from Bill Dare.
Brian Gulliver ..... Neil Pearson
Rachel Gulliver ..... Mariah Gale
Dr Malik ..... Paul Bhattacharjee
Tandia ..... Joanna Bobin
Gigia ..... Jane Whittenshaw
Seldon ..... Brian Bowles
Mayor ..... Sam Dale
Sancti ..... Sally Orrock
Producer: Steven Canny
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2011.
THU 23:00 Alex Horne Presents The Horne Section (b01rfy5w)
Series 2
With Doc Brown
Comedy show hosted by Alex Horne and his five piece band and specially written, original music.
This episode explores the theme of children - including songs on George Formby, the alphabet and Rastafarians.
Guest starring Doc Brown who raps with the band and talks to whales.
Alex's Horne Section are:
Trumpet/banjo .... Joe Auckland
Saxophone/clarinet ....Mark Brown
Double Bass/Bass .... Will Collier
Drums and Percussion .... Ben Reynolds
Piano/keyboard .... Ed Sheldrake
Producer: Julia McKenzie.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2013.
THU 23:25 The Comedy Club Interviews (m002p5yd)
John Lloyd 3/3
From 10pm until midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Laura Lexx chats again to the legendary comedy producer John Lloyd.
THU 23:30 Old Harry's Game (b007jzzh)
Christmas Special 2002
1/2. The Roll of the Dice
Satan embarks on an epic quest - and encounters Queen Victoria, Harpo Marx and a highly intelligent bluebottle.
Meanwhile, the saintly Hope Fraser's arrival in Hell sparks confusion...
Andy Hamilton's two-part devilishly funny, festive special set in Hell.
Satan ...... Andy Hamilton
The Professor ...... James Grout
Thomas ...... Jimmy Mulville
Scumspawn ...... Robert Duncan
Hope ...... Claire Skinner
With:
Philip Pope
Felicity Montagu
Michael Fenton Stevens
Producer: Paul Mayhew-Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2002.

FRIDAY 19 DECEMBER 2025

FRI 00:00 Great Lives (b09xjx30)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Thursday]
FRI 00:30 The Forgotten Black Cowboys (b01r9wcg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 The Killing Season (m002nk6b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:30 Whodunnits (b007k097)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 Yes Minister (b007jlbc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:30 The Burkiss Way (b007jmcm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 Ability (b0b1srpp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Thursday]
FRI 03:30 Jane Austen (m002nk6d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:45 Legacy: High Green Walls by Cath Staincliffe (b0184v2n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 Counterpoint (b04v30zv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:30 Ballylenon (b00p8hjy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 Drama on 4 (m000cmrv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Thursday]
FRI 05:45 Short Works (m0012rty)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 on Thursday]
FRI 06:00 The Killing Season (m002nj4h)
3. The Melford Mugger
A badly injured mugging victim goes missing from the hospital.
In the small town of Melford, the season of peace and goodwill seems a million miles away when a series of deaths begins on Christmas Eve. Could they be linked? The overworked local police are joined by a sinister agency.
Written for radio by the creator of ‘Inspector Frost’, RD Wingfield, under the pseudonym ‘Arthur Jefferson’. In addition to many radio thrillers, Wingfield also penned the comedy series ‘The Secret Life of Kenneth Williams’.
Detective Constable Nuttall .... Michael Jenner
Detective Inspector Carter .... Sean Barrett
Farnham .... Allan Cuthbertson
Police Constable Jordan .... Mark Straker
Police Sergeant Plummer ...John Hollis
Jane Driscoll .... Dione Inman
Arthur Ferris .... Manning Wilson
Doctor .... Mark Jones
Nurse .... Monica Grey
Director: Gerry Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1984.
*** With grateful thanks to the Radio Circle for sharing the audio ***
FRI 06:30 Whodunnits (b007k0bk)
Agatha Christie - The Sittaford Mystery
5. The Second Seance
Mr Rycroft decides that only by re-enacting the séance which announced the murder of Captain Trevelyan, will the identity of his killer finally be revealed.
The conclusion of Agatha Christie's whodunnit starring Geoffrey Whitehead as Inspector Narracott.
Inspector Narracott …. Geoffrey Whitehead
Emily Trefusis …. Melinda Walker
Charles Enderby …. Stephen Tompkinson
Major Burnaby …. Norman Bird
Ellwood …. Jack May
Martin Dering …. David Goudge
Mr. Rycroft …. John Moffat
Ronnie Garfield …. Nigel Greaves
Mrs. Willett …. Susan Westerby
Violet Willett …. Victoria Carling
Brian Pearson …. Charles Simpson
Caroline Percehouse …. Margaret Courtenay
Mrs. Curtis …. Barbara Atkinson
Sergeant Pollock …. Vincent Brimble
Mr. Dacres …. David King
Beatrice …. Alice Arnold
Jennifer Gardner …. Anna Cropper
Brian Pearson …. Charles Simpson
Dramatised and directed by Michael Bakewell.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1990.
FRI 07:00 Second Thoughts (b007jzst)
The Fight Before Christmas
Faith's children and Bill's ex-wife threaten her dream of a perfect festive lunch.
Starring Lynda Bellingham and James Bolam.
A festive edition of the sitcom about the lives of two middle-aged divorcees.
Faith …. Lynda Bellingham
Bill …. James Bolam
Liza …. Belinda Lang
Hannah …. Julia Sawalha
Joe …. Mark Denham
Richard …. Geoffrey Whitehead
Hilary …. Geraldine Fitzgerald
Inspired by the real lives of its writers, husband and wife Jan Etherington and Gavin Petrie.
A TV version made by LWT for ITV ran from 1991.
Producer: Paul Schlesinger
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1992.
FRI 07:30 The Men from the Ministry (b007jw7r)
Christmas Spirit
The bungling bureaucrats are acting like Scrooge!
A weekly tribute to all those who work in government departments.
Lennox-Brown …. Deryck Guyler
Lamb …. Richard Murdoch
Mildred Murfin …. Norma Ronald
Sir Gregory Pitkin …. Ronald Baddeley
Crawley …. John Graham
This is one of 14 shows lost to the archive and re-recorded in 1980 – previously never broadcast in the UK, until the arrival of BBC Radio 4 Extra.
'The Men from the Ministry' ran for 14 series between 1962 and 1977.
Written and Produced by Edward Taylor.
BBC re-recording of ‘The Magic Carpet’ made in April 1980.
FRI 08:00 Cooking in a Bedsitter (b08575wj)
Series 1
Potato Salad
Beattie Edmondson and Nikesh Patel star in Sue Teddern's comedy, set in a 1960s bedsitter - inspired by Katharine Whitehorn's cookery classic.
Trisha introduces Deepak to the delights of the British seaside.
Trisha ...... Beattie Edmondson
Deepak ...... Nikesh Patel
June ...... Alison Belbin
Len ...... John Bowler
Sal ...... Catriona McFarlane
Nev ...... Gavi Singh Chera
Katharine Whitehorn ...... Karen Bartke
Director: Emma Harding
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2016.
FRI 08:30 Jane Austen (m002nj4l)
Lady Susan
10. The Best Laid Plans...
Lady Susan and daughter Frederica both marry, but to whom?
Beautiful Lady Susan Vernon is in her mid-thirties, recently widowed and in a financially precarious state. She now uses her looks, flirtation and seduction to maintain her opulent lifestyle. Her key aims in life are to find a suitably wealthy husband for her teenage daughter, Frederica, and also one for herself…
Lady Susan’s dear friend, Alicia, narrates her story.
Lady Susan …. Harriet Walter
Mrs Alicia Johnson …. Maggie Steed
Mrs Catherine Vernon …. Imelda Staunton
Frederica …. Michelle Wesson
Written in 1794 in the form of a series of letters, Jane Austen’s ‘Lady Susan’ wasn’t published until 1871, some 54 years after the author’s death in 1817. Austen was in her late teens/early twenties when she wrote the novella, and it wasn’t submitted for publication during her lifetime.
Adapted by Lavinia Murray.
Piano music composed and played by Julie Cooper.
Director: Jocelyn Boxall
Producer: Jeremy Mortimer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1999.
FRI 08:45 Legacy: High Green Walls by Cath Staincliffe (b0184vh4)
5. The Heir
When the weekly list of unclaimed estates is published, probate researchers, brother and sister team Dan and Rachel, search backwards through the family line to find the true heir and get a slice of the fortune.
The search for deceased reclusive artist Susie P's heir is finally over. Twin sister Barbara is still alive but Dan and Rachel are disturbed to discover that she has been living in an institution since the 1950's following a leucotomy that left her severely disabled.
Dan ..... William Ash
Rachel ..... Claire Keelan
Susan ..... Ellie Meigan Rose
Barbara ..... Kellie Shirley
Mr White ..... Malcolm Raeburn
Kelly ..... Fiona Clarke
Directed by Nadia Molinari
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2011.
FRI 09:00 Time of the Week (m002194c)
Series 1
4. Plastic Surgery, Inducing Childbirth, Sabotage
Can a song induce labour? Chloe Slack finds out. Also: women in art, plastic surgery, and industrial sabotage.
Sian Clifford stars as self-important journalist Chloe Slack in this comedy series parodying women’s current affairs and talk shows, surrounded by an ensemble cast of character comedians.
Chloe Slack - Sian Clifford
Ensemble cast:
Ada Player
Alice Cockayne
Aruhan Galieva
Em Prendergast
Jodie Mitchell
Jonathan Oldfield
Lorna Rose Treen
Mofé Akàndé
Sara Segovia
Created by Lorna Rose Treen and Jonathan Oldfield
Writing team:
Alice Cockayne
Catherine Brinkworth
Jodie Mitchell
Jonathan Oldfield
Lorna Rose Treen
Priya Hall
Will Hughes
Script Editor - Catherine Brinkworth
Photographer - Will Hearle
Production Coordinator - Katie Sayer
Producer - Ben Walker
A DLT Entertainment Production for BBC Radio 4
FRI 09:30 The Santa Tapes (b00pbrs8)
1. Being Santa
Alan Dein unwraps the oral history of Santa Claus, hearing the true stories of those who have donned the red and white costume, from war-torn Hungary to the icy wastes of Alaska.
Alan finds out why some men see it as a "calling" to don the red suit and white beard and hears how they became Santa.
Producers: Mark Burman and Paula McGinley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2009.
FRI 09:45 Daily Service (m002nj4p)
Advent People - Micah
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Advent People - Micah
Presenter: Augustine Tanner Ilhm
Reading: Song of Solomon 4.12-16
Music:
Silent Night - Rachel John

O little town of Bethlehem - Philippa Hanna DS Carol Concert 2024
FRI 10:00 Soul Music (m00180hq)
I Believe In Father Christmas
Some people say it's a protest song about the commercialisation of Christmas, others that it's anti religious.
I Believe In Father Christmas is neither, although lyricist Peter Sinfield concedes it does include a touch of cynicism. But ultimately it's a song of joy and hope.
When Greg Lake co-wrote it in 1975 he had embarked on a solo career away from Emmerson, Lake & Palmer. Those around him at the time, including songwriter Peter Sinfield and broadcaster Bob Harris, recall how repeating a simple acoustic guitar exercise led to this giant of a song. It includes a full choir, orchestra, and an extract from Prokofiev to create an enduring Christmas anthem.
For many people it's a comforting song, conjuring images of nostalgic picture postcard Christmases of childhood spent in the ambience of Christmas tree lights and candles with "eyes full of tinsel and fire". For others, it's a cautionary reminder of the need to look beyond the materialism and commercialism to a more spiritual, quiet time.
Producer: Maggie Ayre
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2022.
FRI 10:30 Bringing Holly from the Bongs (b06sqkhl)
Christmas 1965: The children of Goostrey Primary School in Cheshire are preparing to perform a special nativity play in the stable of the Crown Inn.
Holly from the Bongs has been written especially for them by the famous children’s writer Alan Garner (The Weirdstone of Brisingamen, The Moon of Gomrath, The Owl Service) who lives locally and worked with them to help create the play.
Christmas 2015: The grown-ups who originally performed in the play return to the Crown Inn, 50 years on, to reflect on this unique theatrical experience with Alan Garner – who still regards Holly from the Bongs as his most technically perfect piece of writing.
Leslie Pimlott who played the Doctor in the original production, recalls with other cast members the story of how this customised nativity play was created by Alan Garner. The author spent many afternoons walking the children round the village’s boundaries, fields and The Bongs, the wooded area behind the school to explore the history and living heritage of Goostrey. Leslie celebrates the excitement of taking part in the original production and its memorable first performance half a century ago.
Part nativity play/part mummer’s play Holly from the Bongs is a customised piece of theatre written for the voices of the individual children of Goostrey School in 1965.
A stylistic lesson in English writing from the middle ages to the 1960’s that has a very special place in the hearts of the original cast and the village of Goostrey.
Producer: Andy Cartwright
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra by Soundscape Productions, first broadcast in December 2015.
FRI 11:00 The Killing Season (m002nj4h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 11:30 Whodunnits (b007k0bk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 12:00 Second Thoughts (b007jzst)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 12:30 The Men from the Ministry (b007jw7r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 13:00 Cooking in a Bedsitter (b08575wj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 13:30 Jane Austen (m002nj4l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 13:45 Legacy: High Green Walls by Cath Staincliffe (b0184vh4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
FRI 14:00 The Motion Show (m0007rns)
Series 5
Episode 4
From the wonder of umbrellas to banning children in pubs.
Graeme Garden hosts the comedy debating show.
With:
Gyles Brandreth
Boothby Graffoe
Hugh Dennis
Lauren Laverne
Producer: Jane Berthoud
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2002.
FRI 14:30 King Street Junior Revisited (m0001hgj)
Series 2
Time
A defender of difficult causes - that is surely one of Miss Featherstone's roles in life - but, it's not an easy one......
School comedy created and written by Jim Eldridge.
Ten series of this King Street Junior ran between 1985 and 1998. King Street Junior Revisited ran from 2002 to 2005.
Mrs Devon ...... Carolyn Pickles
Miss Lewis ...... Marlene Sidaway
Mr Maxwell ...... Michael Cochrane
Mr Long ...... Paul Copley
Miss Featherstone ...... Teresa Gallagher
Miss Reid ...... Jacqueline Beatty
Mrs Khan ...... Janice Acquah
Mandy.............Rianna Calvert
Marcus..........Matthew Protheroe
Jerry................Tony Bignell
Musicians Sarah Harrison, Sara Bispham and Jasmin Walia
Producer: John Fawcett Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2003.
FRI 15:00 The Snowstorm by Alexander Pushkin (m002nj4w)
Russia. Midwinter's Eve, 1811. Napoleon's army threatens war....
A young Russian soldier and the daughter of a wealthy landowner are furtively planning their marriage - her parents will not give their consent and the secret ceremony is to take place at midnight in a tiny chapel miles from anywhere.
But a severe blizzard plays havoc with their arrangements....
Starring Janet Maw as Marya, David Savile as Burmin, Michael Maloney as Vladimir and Mary Wimbush as Marya's mother, Praskovya.
Written by Alexandre Sergevitch Pushkin.
Dramatised for radio by Jane Beeson.
Marya .... Janet Maw
Burmin .... David Savile
Vladimir .... Michael Maloney
Praskovya .... Mary Wimbush
Tanya .... Rosalind Adams
Teryoshka .... John Bull
Gavrila .... Anthony Newlands
Priest .... Brian Haines
Dravin .... Philip Voss
Postmaster .... Peter Baldwin
Schmidt .... Gordon Reid
Uhlan/Ivan .... David Timson
Old Peasant/2nd Peasant .... Danny Schiller
Sonya/2nd Girl .... Josie Kidd
Girl/2nd Woman .... Eve Karpf
Director: Cherry Cookson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1980.
FRI 16:00 Soul Music (m00180hq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
FRI 16:30 Bringing Holly from the Bongs (b06sqkhl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
FRI 17:00 The Killing Season (m002nj4h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 17:30 Whodunnits (b007k0bk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 18:00 Second Thoughts (b007jzst)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 18:30 The Men from the Ministry (b007jw7r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 19:00 Cooking in a Bedsitter (b08575wj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 19:30 Jane Austen (m002nj4l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 19:45 Legacy: High Green Walls by Cath Staincliffe (b0184vh4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
FRI 20:00 The Motion Show (m0007rns)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
FRI 20:30 King Street Junior Revisited (m0001hgj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
FRI 21:00 The Snowstorm by Alexander Pushkin (m002nj4w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
FRI 22:00 Time of the Week (m002194c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
FRI 22:30 Elvenquest (b01qm4pp)
Series 4
The Magnificent Five
Whilst waiting for news on the whereabouts of the Sword of Asnagar, the Questers stop a pub brawl.
But in doing so, they attract the attention of some villagers from the small village of Mexigaroth who are being terrorised by an evil bandit, who goes by the name of "El Maldado".
Never ones to stand by when a wrong can be righted, the Questers promise to help the villagers defeat El Maldado and his hordes.
Meanwhile, Lord Darkness has to make a presentation for an assembly of the Dark Lords. Pretty routine stuff, surely...?
Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto.
Vidar ...... Darren Boyd
Dean/Kreech ...... Kevin Eldon
Amis ...... Dave Lamb
Sam ...... Stephen Mangan
Lord Darkness ...... Alistair McGowan
Penthiselea ...... Ingrid Oliver
Hilario ...... Chris Pavlo
Producer: Sam Michell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2013.
FRI 23:00 The Masterson Inheritance (b007jqs7)
Christmas Special 1993
The wicked Masterson Family attempt to celebrate Christmas in the traditional manner - with plenty of Plum Duff, Roly-Poly and Rumpy Pumpy Puddings!
But they face repercussions from a child's innocent gift.
Based entirely on audience suggestions - this is the unfolding saga of the Mastersons - a family at war with itself.
Starring:
Paul Merton
Josie Lawrence
Lee Simpson
Jim Sweeney
Phelim McDermott
Caroline Quentin
Producer: Phil Clarke
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1993.
FRI 23:30 I Think I've Got a Problem (b00cm91h)
Series 2
Episode 4
After falling over and knocking himself out, Tom - and the band in his head - awakes to find himself in a strange world where castrati singers are all the rage...
Starring Suggs and Bob Monkhouse.
Andrew McGibbon and Nick Romero's everyday story about a man who can't stop himself from breaking into song.
Tom Caine …. Suggs
Dr Boone …. Bob Monkhouse
Bouche …. Phil Cornwell
Jake …. Andrew McGibbon
Monty DeVere …. Nick Romero
Malc …. Bill Nighy
Phelia …. Julia Deakin
Clammy …. Toby Longworth
Pi …. Debra Stephenson
Songs: Andrew McGibbon. Nick Romero and Suggs
Producers: Andrew McGibbon and Dawn Ellis.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2003.