SATURDAY 20 DECEMBER 2025

SAT 00:00 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.
SAT 00:30 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.
Part nativity play/part mummer’s play - Holly from the Bongs was written especially for them by famous children’s writer Alan Garner (The Weirdstone of Brisingamen, The Moon of Gomrath, The Owl Service). He lives locally and worked with them to help create the play.
It’s a stylistic lesson in English writing from the middle-ages to the 1960’s with a very special place in the hearts of the original cast and the village of Goostrey.
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.
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.
Producer: Andy Cartwright
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra by Soundscape Productions, first broadcast in December 2015.
SAT 01:00 The Killing Season (m002nj4h)
3. The Melford Mugger
The 'Melford Mugger' is still missing - and something else is in store for mugging victim, George Driscoll.
It's looking like a far from 'merry and bright' Christmas afternoon.at the Police Station.
The season of peace and goodwill In the small town of seems a million miles away after a series of deaths began on Christmas Eve.
Written by Arthur Jefferson (‘Inspector Frost’ creator RD Wingfield’)
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.
SAT 01:30 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...
Starring Geoffrey Whitehead.
Conclusion of Agatha Christie's whodunnit.
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.
SAT 02:00 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.
SAT 02:30 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 lost shows re-recorded by the cast in 1980.
It had never been 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.
SAT 03:00 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.
SAT 03:30 Jane Austen (m002nj4l)
Lady Susan
10. The Best Laid Plans...
Lady Susan and her daughter Frederica both get married - but to whom?
Lady Susan's key aims in life have been to find a suitably wealthy husband for her teenage daughter, Frederica, and also one for herself…
Lady Susan’s dear friend, Alicia, concludes 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
Frederica …. 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 Legacy: High Green Walls by Cath Staincliffe (b0184vh4)
5. The Heir
Probate researchers Dan and Rachel have searched backwards through a family line to try and find the true heir and get a slice of the fortune.
Their 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 exactly where she's been since the 1950s...
Dan ..... William Ash
Rachel ..... Claire Keelan
Susan ..... Ellie Meigan Rose
Barbara ..... Kellie Shirley
Mr White ..... Malcolm Raeburn
Kelly ..... Fiona Clarke
Director: Nadia Molinari
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2011.
SAT 04:00 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.
SAT 04:30 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.
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
Ten series of this King Street Junior ran between 1985 and 1998.
King Street Junior Revisited ran from 2002 to 2005.
Producer: John Fawcett Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2003.
SAT 05:00 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 having to furtively plan their wedding.
Her parents refuse consent so 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, David Savile, Michael Maloney and Mary Wimbus.
Written by Alexandre Sergevitch Pushkin.
Dramatised 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.
SAT 06:00 Jane Austen (b044jsv6)
Mansfield Park (Omnibus)
Episode 2
Will Fanny Price's true feelings of love ever be known?
Conclusion of Jane Austen's classic story of Fanny Price's bid to find a position in society.
Starring Felicity Jones, Benedict Cumberbatch, David Tennant, Julia McKenzie and Tim Pigott-Smith.
Omnibus of the last five of ten parts dramatised by Lin Coghlan.
Jane Austen (narrator) Amanda Root
Fanny Price - Felicity Jones
Edmund Bertram - Benedict Cumberbatch
Mrs Norris - Julia McKenzie
Sir Thomas Betram - Tim Pigott-Smith
Mary Crawford - Susan Lynch
Henry Crawford - James Callis
Maria Bertram- Kate Fleetwood
Julia Bertram - Jemima Rooper
Lady Bertram - Uza Sadovy
Mr Rushworth - Toby Jones
Tom Bertram- David Tennant
John Yates - Gareth Corke
Mr Price - Stephen Critchlow
William Price - Richard Firth
Sam Price - Leagh Conwell
Susan Price - Clare Corbett
Director: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2003.
SAT 07:15 Mole Cooks His Goose by Sue Townsend (b007jty0)
Adrian Mole was first introduced as a hapless teenager providing an unabashed, pimples-and-all glimpse into his adolescent life.
Now the forever-angst-ridden diarist is tasked with having to prepare the family's festive lunch.
Sue Townsend's specially written short story for Christmas.
Read by Nicholas Barnes.
Producer: John Tydeman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1993.
SAT 07:30 Last Christmas (Omnibus) (m000cq53)
Greg Wise and Emma Thompson curate a collection of personal essays reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas.
The ten selected writers reading their reminiscences of Christmas past include:
* Meera Syal
* Lyse Doucet
* Emma Thompson
* Greg Wise
* Deborah Frances-White
Each writer draws on the themes of kindness, acceptance and tolerance and takes us from Queensland to Pennsylvania to the Black Country and beyond.
More sobering memories come from the Jungle in Calais, a small village in Rwanda and London's inhospitable streets.
Omnibus of five episodes abridged by Richard Hamilton
Producer: Elizabeth Allard
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2019.
SAT 08:45 Tales From the Backbench by Peter Tinniswood (b0076181)
Series 1
The Great Snitcher
Ineffectual and forgetful MP, Sir Plympton Makepeace recalls his one great hero - and his own dalliance with a Russian spy whose antecedents were definitely not Soviet...
Starring Leslie Phillips.
Written by Peter Tinniswood.
Producer: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2001.
SAT 09:00 The Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise Show (b0868hh6)
Series 3
Christmas Radio Show
Legendary comic duo, Eric and Ern are swapping festive gifts
Ann Hamilton has been invited over for Christmas dinner - with mistletoe!
Starring Ernie Wise and Eric Morecambe.
Written by Eddie Braben.
With:
Ann Hamilton
Singing guest: Vince Hill.
Music by The Maz Harris Group.
Producer: Bobby Jaye
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 on Christmas Day 1977.
SAT 09:30 Beyond Our Ken (m000b0f0)
Series 3
Episode 13
Kenneth Horne plays at Robin Hood - and 'Hornerama' takes a look at motoring.
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 (m000ckpy)
Series 1
2. Lines from My Grandfather Christmas's Forehead/Tony Hawks' 12 Days of Christmas
Sue Perkins pours the snowballs and opens her box of dates to accompany more vintage BBC Christmas comedy.
The second of three festive fun-packed stockings:
* LINES FROM MY GRANDFATHER CHRISTMAS'S FOREHEAD:

How even the best laid festive plans can go awry - and a message from your milkman.
A sequential entertainment for Christmas starring Ronnie Barker, Pauline Yates and Terence Brady.
From 1971.
* TONY HAWKS' 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS:
To make his girlfriend happy, comedian Tony Hawks tries collecting every item featured in the famous carol.
From 2001.
Producer: Sarah Wade
Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in December 2010.
SAT 11:00 Jane Austen (b044jsv6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 12:15 Mole Cooks His Goose by Sue Townsend (b007jty0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
SAT 12:30 Last Christmas (Omnibus) (m000cq53)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 13:45 Tales From the Backbench by Peter Tinniswood (b0076181)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
SAT 14:00 The Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise Show (b0868hh6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 14:30 Beyond Our Ken (m000b0f0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SAT 15:00 Sue Perkins' Christmas Comedy Stocking (m000ckpy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SAT 16:00 The Lintel by Albert Welling (m002nrs8)
Their tree is up (albeit the lights don't work), an open fire blazing in the inglenook fireplace, no TV and carols on the tape machine.
Howard and Vicky are looking forward to the perfect Christmas in their country cottage, when their idyll is interrupted…
"Timeslip drama" written by Albert Welling.
It's set on a cold, snowy Christmas Day, now and a century ago.
Howard .... Steve Hodson
Vicky....Marian Diamond
Joseph....Jeremy Spriggs
Mary....Federay Holmes
Director Jane Morgan.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1992.
*** Fondly remembered for his role in Yorkshire TV's Follyfoot for ITV - Steve Hodson sadly died aged 77 in February 2025.
SAT 17:00 Jane Austen (b044jsv6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 18:15 Mole Cooks His Goose by Sue Townsend (b007jty0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
SAT 18:30 Last Christmas (Omnibus) (m000cq53)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 19:45 Tales From the Backbench by Peter Tinniswood (b0076181)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
SAT 20:00 The Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise Show (b0868hh6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 20:30 Beyond Our Ken (m000b0f0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SAT 21:00 Sue Perkins' Christmas Comedy Stocking (m000ckpy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SAT 22:00 Bearded Ladies (b00bfpwn)
Series 2
Episode 3
Birthday presents, awkward visits to the chemists and arguments in shopping queues....
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:
Robin Kelly
Deborah Francis White
Nick Swift
Andrew McAldin
Dave Lamb
Ewan Bailey
Dan Hobson
Jonathan Bridle
Suk Pannu
Chris Bailey
Rufus Jones
Music by Steve Burton.
Producer: Carol Smith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2005.
SAT 22:30 Thanks a Lot, Milton Jones! (b06ycr4z)
Series 2
Milton's Motors
When Milton opens up a car repair shop, he finds he's on a collision course with a notorious local villain.
Meanwhile, a mysterious tin of travel sweets comes to a sticky end.
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 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m002pltl)
Rob Auton 1/2
From 10pm to midnight, seven nights a week, The Comedy Club brings you two hours of the funny stuff. Tonight, Jon Holmes chats with Rob Auton.
SAT 23:00 Andrew Maxwell's Public Enemies (b03f8g6l)
Drugs Trade
The drugs trade is one of our few booming industries.
Andrew looks at the facts behind both the illegal and legal drugs. What are the risks? What are the problems? And what can we do about either?
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.
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 (b00mkbyl)
Series 5
Frank Skinner interviews Eddie Izzard
Frank Skinner chats to fellow comedian, Eddie Izzard.
Chain Reaction is the tag talk show, where the guest becomes the interviewer in the next episode.
Frank asks Eddie about performing up lamp-posts, the secret to improvising and (literally) breaking into Hollywood.
Producer: Sam Bryant
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2009.

SUNDAY 21 DECEMBER 2025

SUN 00:00 The Lintel by Albert Welling (m002nrs8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Saturday]
SUN 01:00 Jane Austen (b044jsv6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]
SUN 02:15 Mole Cooks His Goose by Sue Townsend (b007jty0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 on Saturday]
SUN 02:30 Last Christmas (Omnibus) (m000cq53)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Saturday]
SUN 03:45 Tales From the Backbench by Peter Tinniswood (b0076181)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Saturday]
SUN 04:00 The Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise Show (b0868hh6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Saturday]
SUN 04:30 Beyond Our Ken (m000b0f0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Saturday]
SUN 05:00 Sue Perkins' Christmas Comedy Stocking (m000ckpy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Saturday]
SUN 06:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m002nrsc)
Absent Friends 2025
Dame Patricia Routledge
Actress Dame Patricia Routledge is castaway by Sue Lawley.
Once voted the nation's favourite actress for her BBC TV roles as Hyacinth Bucket and Hetty Wainthrop, Patricia has also been successful in the theatre, in musicals, and of course as Victoria's Wood's Kitty and in Alan Bennett's monologues Talking Heads.
She grew up in Birkenhead and went to the Argyll Theatre before it was destroyed in the war.
With a deep love of English literature, Patricia wanted to be a glamorous headmistress.
She tells Sue about her life and work and chooses eight records to take to the mythical island.
Patricia was made a Dame of the British Empire in 2017 and died on 3rd October 2025 aged 96.
DISC ONE: New York Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Leonard Bernstein - Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 in F minor, 3rd movement
DISC TWO: Boston Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Seiji Ozawa - Gustav Holst’s Jupiter (from The Planets)
DISC THREE: Robb Wilton - Back Answers
DISC FOUR: St Paul’s Cathedral Choristers and The London Sinfonia, conducted by John Scott - John Rutter and F S Pierpoint’s For the Beauty of the Earth
DISC FIVE: Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Kirill Kondrashin - Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 in D minor
DISC SIX: Dame Janet Baker, Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus & the Halle Choir & Orchestra, conducted by Sir John Barbirolli - Edward Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius: Softly and gently (Angel's farewell)
DISC SEVEN: Amadeus Quartet, conducted by Robert Cohen - Franz Schubert’s String Quintet in C major, 2nd movement
DISC EIGHT: Alfred Brendel and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra conducted by James Levine - Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 in E flat major: “Emperor” 2nd movement.
CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Amadeus Quartet, conducted by Robert Cohen - Franz Schubert’s String Quintet in C major, 2nd movement
BOOK CHOICE: The collected works - John Donne
LUXURY CHOICE: Tea service with tea
Producer Angie Nehring
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1999.
SUN 06:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b011ppq4)
Series 2
Nectar
The beautiful thick, sweet and luscious tasting delicacy of honey is one of the world's natural goodies.
Indigenous peoples from all over the world will go to great lengths to get the honey from wild bees - and for most of us less connected to the natural world, we love this product of bees bought from the shop.
Honey is nectar and David Attenborough poignantly points out this "was the first bribe in nature..." - it evolved 100,000,000 years ago with the flowering plants and drove the evolutionary relationship between animals and plants.
Written and presented by Sir David Attenborough.
Producer: Julian Hector
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2011.
SUN 07:00 Poetry Extra (b087bfks)
Paul Durcan - Christmas Day 3/3
Poet Daljit Nagra revisits the BBC's poetry archive and to mark the death of the poet earlier in the year, he selects Paul Durcan's reading of his poem 'Christmas Day'. And Daljit reads a poem from his Poetry Extra Book of the Month - an anthology called: Nature Matters.
Paul concludes his reading from the book-length poem that sets out a funny, sweetly sad and often irreverent vision of Christmas.
After Christmas lunch, Paul returns to his empty home, and his thoughts range across his life.
Written and read by Paul Durcan
Produced by David Hunter
First broadcast on Radio 3 in December 1997.
SUN 07:30 Lady Susan by Jane Austen (Omnibus) (m002nrsg)
Episode 2
Beautiful society widow Lady Susan Vernon continues to use her guile to maintain her privileged lifestyle.
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.
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 last 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 (b0b90cgq)
Bruce Dickinson
Iron Maiden's singer Bruce Dickinson chooses 'Child in Time' by Deep Purple and the Crazy World of Arthur Brown's 'Fire'.
SUN 08:50 Legacy: High Green Walls by Cath Staincliffe (Omnibus) (b079s2f7)
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.
Susan Pellier-White, a 73 year-old recluse, died intestate with no known next of kin.
Dan and Rachel discover that she was a significant artist in the US in the1960's, known as Susie P.
Their quest to find a living heir leads them to a heartbreaking discovery.
Omnibus of five parts written by Cath Staincliffe.
Dan ..... William Ash
Rachel ..... Claire Keelan
Susan ..... Ellie Meigan Rose
Barbara ..... Kellie Shirley
Mr White ..... Malcolm Raeburn
Cotteslow/Carlson ..... Jonathan Keeble
Kelly ..... Fiona Clarke
Morelli ..... Russell Dixon
Director: Nadia Molinari
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2011.
SUN 10:00 Ray's a Laugh (m002nrsj)
From 25/12/1959
'Urs' has waited 364 days but she finally gets Ted under the mistletoe and Sidney Mincing comes round to swap turkeys.
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
Pat Coombs
BBC Variety Orchestra conducted by Paul Fenoulhet.
Producer: Leslie Bridgmont
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme on Christmas Day 1959.
SUN 10:30 Take It From Here (b018j5fl)
From 23/12/1954 (Christmas Edition)
Something comes between Ron and Eth in The Glums - and Christmas goes with a bang for Professor Jimmy Edwards.
Long-running classic comedy written by Frank Muir and Denis Norden.
Starring:
Professor Jimmy Edwards
Dick Bentley
June Whitfield
Alma Cogan
Wallas Eaton
Herbert Mostyn – a bit-part persona adopted, when necessary, by both Frank and Denis.
Music from The Keynotes and the Augmented BBC Revue Orchestra conducted by Harry Rabinowitz.
Producer: Charles Maxwell
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in December 1954.
SUN 11:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m002nrsc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 11:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b011ppq4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]
SUN 12:00 Poetry Extra (b087bfks)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
SUN 12:30 Lady Susan by Jane Austen (Omnibus) (m002nrsg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 13:40 Inheritance Tracks (b0b90cgq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 today]
SUN 13:50 Legacy: High Green Walls by Cath Staincliffe (Omnibus) (b079s2f7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]
SUN 15:00 Ray's a Laugh (m002nrsj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 15:30 Take It From Here (b018j5fl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
SUN 16:00 Pilgrim by Sebastian Baczkiewicz (m0001hwk)
The Winter Queen
2. Blizzard
Pilgrim searches for the mysterious Mrs Bronson as a blizzard and a malevolent enchantment threaten to overcome the inhabitants of the town of Melcombe.
Starring Paul Hilton and Fenella Woolgar.
Conclusion of Sebastian Baczkiewicz's adventure for the Winter Solstice.
Pilgrim ….. Paul Hilton
Mrs Bronson ….. Fenella Woolgar
Roxanna ….. Carolyn Pickles
Sam Notice ….. Tony Turner
Donny ….. Tayla Kovacevic Ebong
Jack Sweet ….. Don Gilet
Matt ….. Cameron Percival
Klara ….. Jeanette Percival
Lloyd ..... Lewis Bray
Jonas ..... Michael Bertenshaw
Taylor ..... Alexandra Constantinidi
The Girl ..... Agnes Bateman
Directors: Jessica Dromgoole and Marc Beeby
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2018.
SUN 16:45 A Dreadful Night by Anton Chekhov (b0868d54)
Returning Home from a seance one Chistmas Eve, Ivan Spektroff is horrified by what he finds waiting for him in his room.
Alec McCowen reads Anton Chekhov's atmospheric short story.
Producer: Matthew Walters
First broadcast on BBC Radio 3 in January 1990.
SUN 17:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m002nrsc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 17:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b011ppq4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]
SUN 18:00 Poetry Extra (b087bfks)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
SUN 18:30 Lady Susan by Jane Austen (Omnibus) (m002nrsg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 19:40 Inheritance Tracks (b0b90cgq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 today]
SUN 19:50 Legacy: High Green Walls by Cath Staincliffe (Omnibus) (b079s2f7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]
SUN 21:00 Ray's a Laugh (m002nrsj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 21:30 Take It From Here (b018j5fl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
SUN 22:00 Clare in the Community (m0001q0b)
Series 3
Merry Christmas Mrs Lawrence
Clare is determined to survive Christmas Day with her laid-back parents. The staff meanwhile look forward to an emergency phone call from work to relieve them from a dreadful family Christmas.
Sally Phillips stars as Clare Barker a social worker with all the politically correct jargon but none of the practical solutions.
Written by Harry Venning and David Ramsden.
Clare ...... Sally Phillips
Brian ..... Alex Lowe
Simon...Andrew Wincott
Ray ..... Richard Lumsden
Helen ..... Gemma Craven
Irene ..... Ellen Thomas
Megan ..... Nina Conti
Mrs Barker....Brigit Forsyth
Mr Barker.....Philip Davis
Grandad.......Gerard McDermott
Emma........Christine Kavanagh
Producer: Katie Tyrrell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2006.
SUN 22:30 The Nick Revell Show (b007jp6w)
Series 1
Moving
Struggling writer Nick ponders moving in with his girlfriend
And which of his geraniums is sexiest?
A sitcom for the 1990s, written by and starring 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 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m002pltn)
Rob Auton 2/2
The Comedy Club keeps the laughs coming from 10pm to midnight, every night of the week. Tonight, Jon Holmes picks up his chat with Rob Auton.
SUN 23:00 Life: An Idiot's Guide (b01q03l3)
Series 2
Facing Your Fears
Stephen K Amos is joined by three stand-up comedians - and a particularly nervous audience member - to compile an Idiot's Guide to Facing Your Fears.
With:
Michael Redmond
Holly Walsh
Boothby Graffoe
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 (b007wwd6)
The Adventure of the Stupid Ignorant Americans
Lord Zimbabwe faces his greatest challenge yet - a voyage to the moon to rescue an American who has been subject to a cruel alien snatch.
This could only mean one thing...
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
Cletus ...... Owen Oakeshott
Marylou Coyotecock ...... Sophie Aldred
Vicar ...... Colin Guthrie
Theremin ...... Peter Donaldson
Other parts played by the cast.
Producer: Helen Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2000.

MONDAY 22 DECEMBER 2025

MON 00:00 Pilgrim by Sebastian Baczkiewicz (m0001hwk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Sunday]
MON 00:45 A Dreadful Night by Anton Chekhov (b0868d54)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:45 on Sunday]
MON 01:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m002nrsc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Sunday]
MON 01:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b011ppq4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 on Sunday]
MON 02:00 Poetry Extra (b087bfks)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Sunday]
MON 02:30 Lady Susan by Jane Austen (Omnibus) (m002nrsg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Sunday]
MON 03:40 Inheritance Tracks (b0b90cgq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 on Sunday]
MON 03:50 Legacy: High Green Walls by Cath Staincliffe (Omnibus) (b079s2f7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 on Sunday]
MON 05:00 Ray's a Laugh (m002nrsj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Sunday]
MON 05:30 Take It From Here (b018j5fl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Sunday]
MON 06:00 The Killing Season (m002nrt5)
4. Jane
DI Carter is running into question after question. Now there's another.
Is there a connection between a computer centre and a wildlife sanctuary?
What started out as a murder case seems to be becoming something else altogether.
The season of peace and goodwill in the small town of Melford seems a million miles away after a series of deaths began on Christmas Eve.
Written by Arthur Jefferson (‘Inspector Frost’ creator RD Wingfield’)
Detective Constable Nuttall .... Michael Jenner
Detective Inspector Carter .... Sean Barrett
Farnham .... Allan Cuthbertson
Police Constable Jordan .... Mark Straker
Jane Driscoll .... Dione Inman
Sergeant Plummer .... John Hollis
Debby Garwood .... Rosalind Thomas
Arthur Ferris .... Manning Wilson
Vicar .... Anthony Hall
Detective Sergeant Bishop .... William Eedle
Doctor .... Mark Jones
Director: Gerry Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1984.
*** With warm thanks to the Radio Circle for returning the lost audio to the BBC ***
MON 06:30 Ice by Martin Jameson (b007jlns)
1. The Vortex
Swept across the Galaxy, two children must battle the evil Ice Queen, Novod Scaa.
1998 retelling of 'The Snow Queen' by Martin Jameson in three parts.
Michelle ...... Tara Prendergast
Travis ...... Alan Halsall
Novod Scaa ...... Ishia Bennison
Gary ...... Gerard McDermott
Bandit ...... Miles Anderson
Stash ...... Vincent Davies
Roth ...... Bradley Lavelle
Keith ...... Christopher Wright
Headmaster ...... Iwan Thomas
Thug ...... Andrew Whyment
Chaperoning Child ...... Margaret Jervis
Director: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1998.
MON 07:00 Visiting Julia (m0018q7p)
Complications
The complications in Julia's life are not just medical ones.
Starring Keith Barron and Liz Goulding.
Peter Tinniswood's gentle comedy-drama.
Roger ....Keith Barron
Julia....Liz Goulding
Ma-in-'ell ....Shirley Dixon
Taxi Driver ....Stephen Thome
Matron ....Kate Binchy
Otto .....Nigel Anthony
Producer: John Tydeman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1998.
MON 07:30 Dad's Army (b007qrzs)
Series 1
Sons of the Sea
Out on river patrol, Captain Mainwaring's Home Guard platoon gets lost in fog in the English Channel...
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 Frazer …. John Laurie
Private Godfrey …. Arnold Ridley
Private Pike …. Ian Lavender
Various …. 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 (b04lsl25)
Series 2
Tempting Fete
Lucy borrows Kat's guitar and finds that this machine irritates aliens.
Meanwhile tempers are fraught as preparations are made for the annual village fete, and Richard receives some surprising news from The Computer.
Eddie Robson's sitcom about aliens invading the village of Cresdon Green.
Starring Hattie Morahan and Peter Davison.
Noticing all-at-once invasions of Earth never work out too well, these aliens have locked villagers 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
Lucy Alexander ...... Hannah Murray
Field Commander Uljabaan ...... Julian Rhind-Tutt
Computer ...... John-Luke Roberts
Madeleine ...... Jane Slavin
Penny ...... Elaine Claxton
Script-edited by Arthur Mathews.
Original music written and performed by Grace Petrie.
Producer: Ed Morrish
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2014.
MON 08:30 Village Christmas by Laurie Lee (b09jc69h)
1. Childhood
**** This programme was suggested by Maxine Horton as part of BBC Radio 4 Extra’s All Request Christmas ****
Derek Jacobi reads from a collection of Laurie Lee's writings, including freshly discovered pieces by his daughter Jessy Lee, which return to the landscape and traditions of his rural home in Slad as well as a changing London in the last century.
Laurie Lee's classic memoir Cider With Rosie, his lyrical evocation of an early life in Gloucestershire, launched his writing career in the late 1950s and continues to be one of England's most popular books.
Abridged in five parts and produced by Karen Rose.
A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2017.
**** To nominate a programme from the archives that you would like to hear again, please email radio4extra@bbc.co.uk ****
MON 08:45 Ladies of Letters (b007jzxm)
Ladies of Letters Make Mincemeat
1. Survival Tips
**** This programme was suggested by Brian D and Mary Delglyn as part of BBC Radio 4 Extra’s All Request Christmas ****
Patricia Routledge and Prunella Scales are back as Vera Small and Irene Spencer, offering recipes and Christmas survival tips.
But somehow, whenever the duo get involved, disaster is never far away.
Written by Lou Wakefield and Carole Hayman.
Vera Small ...... Patricia Routledge
Irene Spencer ...... Prunella Scales
Director: Claire Grove
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2001.
**** To nominate a programme from the archives that you would like to hear again, please email radio4extra@bbc.co.uk ****
MON 09:00 I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue (m002nk3t)
Series 84
6. London's Royal Festival Hall
The godfather of all panel shows returns to 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 The Santa Tapes (b00pfm8n)
2. White Beard
From shops to parades, in hospitals and on high streets, Santa is a busy man, much in demand. A man, it turns out, with as many pasts as presents.
And now Santa unwraps his multiple life stories from across the decades.
Playing Santa is often the last job in a lifetime of work. Donning the red and white costume is often a way to reconnect with a new generation in the age of want, as Alan Dein discovers.
Producers: Mark Burman and Paula McGinley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2009.
MON 09:45 Daily Service (m002nrtc)
Christmas - Mary
This week's services were recorded at the Daily Service Carol Concert at Manchester Cathedral, with the Daily Service Singers, and 75 people from local parish church choirs around Greater Manchester. They were accompanied by the Metropolitan Brass Quintet and percussionist John Melbourne and organist Ben Collyer, and directed by Andrew Earis.
Theme: Christmas - Mary
Presenter: Swarzy Shire
Reader: David Waters
Reading: Luke 1 26-38
Music:
Once in Royal David's City - BBC Young Chorister Leo and all at the Daily Service Carol Concert
Immanuel - Warehouse Worship
Producer: Miriam Williamson
MON 10:00 The Tingle Factor (b04vjkfv)
Joan Bakewell
From Benjamin Britten to Joseph Haydn.
Joan Bakewell shares the musical moments that stir her emotions with Jeremy Nicholas.
The broadcaster also looks back over her life and career.
Producer: Ray Abbott
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1993.
MON 10:30 Once in Royal David's City (m0001r53)
Every Christmas Eve at two minutes past three, a choirboy steps up to a microphone and sings the first verse of Once in Royal David’s City.
For many people, this iconic moment signals the start of their Christmas while listening to the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols from King's College Cambridge.
The tradition of opening the service with a lone treble voice is well known.
What is not so well known is the fact that the Musical Director chooses this soloist just before the transmission begins, giving a 12 or 13-year-old boy just minutes to compose himself before singing the solo live to an audience of millions across the globe.
This programme takes a look at the singing of this iconic solo as a number of former soloists talk about their experience:
* Rupert Peacock - who is studying for his A levels
* Rodney Williams - who sang the solo in 1954 and went on to sing in the Westminster Abbey choir for the funerals of Mountbatten and Princess Diana
* Jon Wimpeney - now studying Computer Science
* Composer Bob Chilcott - who sang the solo three times in the mid-1960s
In addition, we hear from 100-year-old David Briggs, who sang in the first broadcast Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols in 1928 and later became headmaster of the choir school.
Other contributors:
* The three Johnston brothers - only one of whom actually sang the Once in Royal David's City solo
* Jill Etheridge - House Master for the choristers at King’s College School and the mother of a former soloist
* Former King's Musical Director - Stephen Cleobury.
Producer: Helen Lee
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2018.
MON 11:00 The Killing Season (m002nrt5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 11:30 Ice by Martin Jameson (b007jlns)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 12:00 Visiting Julia (m0018q7p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 12:30 Dad's Army (b007qrzs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 13:00 Welcome to Our Village, Please Invade Carefully (b04lsl25)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 13:30 Village Christmas by Laurie Lee (b09jc69h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 13:45 Ladies of Letters (b007jzxm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
MON 14:00 Just a Christmas Minute (b03m43g1)
Nicholas Parsons presides over a festive edition of the devious game where panellists are challenged to speak for one minute without hesitation, deviation or repetition.
With:
Paul Merton
Pam Ayres
Stephen Mangan
Gyles Brandreth
Subjects include: Building A Snowman, Brussels Sprouts, Choosing Christmas Presents, Christmas Crackers, A Round Robin, My Tips On How To Avoid Arguments, Saint Nicholas, My Favourite Festive Film, How To Fill A Stocking and Pantomimes
Created by Ian Messiter.
Producer: Katie Tyrrell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2013.
MON 14:30 Smelling of Roses (b00dwnch)
Series 4
Episode 1
A theatre awards ceremony sparks no end of subterfuge for event organiser Rosie and her team.
Its all thanks to some hypersensitive theatrical characters...
Prunella Scales stars in Simon Brett's sitcom.
The trials and tribulations of Rosie Burns and her event management company, where the clients are only part of the problem...
Rosie ..... Prunella Scales
Jo ..... Rebecca Callard
Bob ..... Duncan Preston
Tess ..... Annette Badland
Crosby Grantham ..... Timothy West
Stella Steele ..... Richenda Carey
Producer: Simon Brett.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2003.
MON 15:00 The Last Christmas by Christopher Russell (m002nrtj)
Sinning is winning and evil's increasing!
So Grum, the Prince of Evil, should be content. But he is not.
Once a year, his attempts to make the world completely nasty are knocked for six by an old geezer in a red cloak driving a team of reindeer.
If Grum wants to keep his job then he must do something about Santa...
Starring George Baker and Maurice Denham.
Written by Christopher Russell.
Grum ... George Baker
Santa ... Maurice Denham
Irk ... Colin Jeavons
Albert ... Haydn Wood
The Narrator ... Peter Woodthorpe
Uncle Pincher ... John Church
Mary ... Jane Knowles
Vapus ... Roger Hammond
Castigon ... David McAlister
Announcer: Peter Jefferson
Music played by Gary Yershon
Director: Michael Bartlett
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1980.
MON 16:00 The Tingle Factor (b04vjkfv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
MON 16:30 Once in Royal David's City (m0001r53)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
MON 17:00 The Killing Season (m002nrt5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 17:30 Ice by Martin Jameson (b007jlns)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 18:00 Visiting Julia (m0018q7p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 18:30 Dad's Army (b007qrzs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 19:00 Welcome to Our Village, Please Invade Carefully (b04lsl25)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 19:30 Village Christmas by Laurie Lee (b09jc69h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 19:45 Ladies of Letters (b007jzxm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
MON 20:00 Just a Christmas Minute (b03m43g1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
MON 20:30 Smelling of Roses (b00dwnch)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
MON 21:00 The Last Christmas by Christopher Russell (m002nrtj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
MON 22:00 I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue (m002nk3t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
MON 22:30 The Right Time (b0076mj9)
Series 4
Episode 4
Getting mad at the milkman, a rocking DJ – and a very intuitive answerphone.
Sketch show about growing older disgracefully.
Starring:
Eleanor Bron
Dudley Sutton
Roger Blake
Paula Wilcox
Music by Ronnie & The Rex and Pierre Hollins.
Written by Nicholas Barber & Glenn Dakin, Jill Brodie & John Pidgeon, Dave Dixon, Mike Haskins, George Poles, Alan Stafford, Dudley Sutton and Chris Thompson & Pete Reynolds.
Script editor: George Poles
Producer: Katie Marsden
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2004.
MON 23:00 Dead Ringers (m002nl2m)
Christmas Specials 2025
Dead Ringers Christmas: Ep 2. A Very Kemi Christmas and a Lammy New Year
The Dead Ringers team are back to train their festive firepower on the week’s news with an armoury of impressive impressions.
This week: Scrooge is visited by the ghost of a Money Saving Expert, and The Grinch more than meets his match.
This week's impressionists are Jon Culshaw, Jan Ravens, Duncan Wisbey and Jess Robinson
The episode was written by: Nev Fountain and Tom Jamieson, Laurence Howarth, Tom Coles, Sarah Campbell, Sophie Dickson, Peter Tellouche, Jon Holmes, Rachel E Thorn, JoJo Maberly and Cooper, Mawhinny & Sweryt
Created by Bill Dare
Producer: Jon Holmes
Executive Producer: James Robinson
Production Co-ordinator: Caroline Barlow
A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4
MON 23:30 Listen Against (b008crj0)
Series 1
Episode 3
The show that prises the back off your radio, fiddles around with the programmes inside and then puts it all back together the wrong way round.
Alice Arnold and Jon Holmes take liberties with:
Laurie Taylor
BBC Radio 1Xtra
Melvyn Bragg
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 23 DECEMBER 2025

TUE 00:00 The Tingle Factor (b04vjkfv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Monday]
TUE 00:30 Once in Royal David's City (m0001r53)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Monday]
TUE 01:00 The Killing Season (m002nrt5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]
TUE 01:30 Ice by Martin Jameson (b007jlns)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Monday]
TUE 02:00 Visiting Julia (m0018q7p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Monday]
TUE 02:30 Dad's Army (b007qrzs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:00 Welcome to Our Village, Please Invade Carefully (b04lsl25)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Monday]
TUE 03:30 Village Christmas by Laurie Lee (b09jc69h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:45 Ladies of Letters (b007jzxm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Monday]
TUE 04:00 Just a Christmas Minute (b03m43g1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:30 Smelling of Roses (b00dwnch)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Monday]
TUE 05:00 The Last Christmas by Christopher Russell (m002nrtj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Monday]
TUE 06:00 The Killing Season (m002nrrg)
5. The Complete Picture
George’s daughter fills in the gaps in the mysterious photograph. But does she know more?
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 Inspector Carter .... Sean Barrett
Detective Constable Nuttall .... Michael Jenner
Fernham .... Allan Cuthbertson
Police Constable Jordan .... Mark Straker
Sergeant Plummer .... John Hollis
Arthur Ferris .... Manning Wilson
Jane Driscoll .... Dione Inman
Kendrick .... Jon Strickland
Doctor .... Mark Jones
Mrs Digby .... Margot Boyd
Nurse .... Monica Grey
Director: Gerry Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1984.
*** With grateful thanks to the Radio Circle for sharing the audio ***
TUE 06:30 Ice by Martin Jameson (b007jlp2)
2. The Bandit
Michelle is convinced her brother has been abducted by aliens. But what would they be doing in Manchester?
Retelling of 'The Snow Queen' by Martin Jameson.
Michelle ...... Tara Prendergast
Novod Scaa ...... Ishia Bennison
Gary ...... Gerard McDermott
Stash ...... Vincent Davies
Roth ...... Bradley Lavelle
Keith ...... Christopher Wright
Bandit ...... Miles Anderson
Sergeant ...... Christopher Wright
Chaperoning Child ...... Margaret Jervis
Director: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1998.
TUE 07:00 Flying the Flag (b007jx74)
Series 1
Notes from the Underground
In which mushrooms are picked, the right questions are not asked, and a sign of civilisation is revealed.
Confusion reigns as the British Embassy prepares a report on the local political outlook.
Starring Dinsdale Landen.
Eastern Bloc embassy sitcom written by Alex Shearer.
Ambassador Mackenzie …. Dinsdale Landen
William Frost …. Peter Acre
Helen Waterson …. Moir Leslie
Spiro …. Stephen Greif
Yakov Korovin …. Michael Bilton
Eugenia …. Sue Broomfield
Producer: Pete Atkin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1987.
TUE 07:30 The Goon Show (b007jtp6)
Series 7 Special
Robin Hood
It's panto time in ye olde worlde of Robin Hood and Sherwood Forest.
Ground-breaking, surreal BBC radio comedy.
Written by Spike Milligan and Larry Stephens.
Starring:
Peter Sellers
Harry Secombe
Spike Milligan
And guests
Dennis Price
Valentine Dyall
With the Ray Ellington Quartet and Max Geldray.
Orchestra conducted by Wally Stott.
Announcer: Wallace Greenslade
Producer: Pat Dixon
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in December 1956.
TUE 08:00 The Tim Vine Chat Show (b085tn6j)
The Tim Vine Christmas Chat Show
Tim Vine returns to talk to the Great British Public about their favourite Christmas memories.
Expect a brand new house band taking over from The Conkers ("they had a string of hits") and some more preposterous games to play along with at home.
Guests are plucked from Tim’s audience on the day of recording.
They include:
* A former air hostess from the land of Santa Claus
* A budding Widow Twanky
* A man with a nail-biting story about Brussels sprouts.
Join internationally acclaimed stand-up Tim for the one sure-fire way of topping up your quota of cracker jokes this Christmas.
Producer: Richard Morris
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2016.
TUE 08:30 Village Christmas by Laurie Lee (b09jd32g)
2. The Street Where I Grew Up
**** This programme was suggested by Maxine Horton as part of BBC Radio 4 Extra’s All Request Christmas ****
Derek Jacobi reads from a collection of Laurie Lee's writings.
These include newly discovered pieces by his daughter Jessy Lee, which return to the landscape and traditions of his rural home in Slad as well as a changing London in the last century.
Laurie Lee's ever-popular classic memoir Cider With Rosie launched his writing career in the late 1950s.
Abridged and produced by Karen Rose
A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2017.
**** To nominate a programme from the archives that you would like to hear again, please email radio4extra@bbc.co.uk ****
TUE 08:45 Ladies of Letters (b007jzyz)
Ladies of Letters Make Mincemeat
2. Don't Mince Your Words
**** This programme was suggested by Brian D and Mary Delglyn as part of BBC Radio 4 Extra’s All Request Christmas Day ****
Vera judges a mince pie contest, the au pair arrives with a live carp and Irene poisons the "Christingle".
Vera Small ...... Patricia Routledge
Irene Spencer ...... Prunella Scales
Howard ...... Christopher Kelham
Karen ...... Mia Soteriou
Written by Lou Wakefield and Carole Hayman
Director: Claire Grove
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2001.
**** To nominate a programme from the archives that you would like to hear again, please email radio4extra@bbc.co.uk ****
TUE 09:00 One Person Found This Helpful (m002njx4)
Series 3
5. Jurassic Tea
Frank Skinner and guests Simon Evans, Jo Caulfield, Kerry Godliman and Ed Byrne check out a hospital in Prague, a cheesesteak in New Jersey, and whether a naked ghost is a good or a bad thing
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, Gareth Gwynn, 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 The Santa Tapes (b00pfm8d)
3. Shop Store Santa
From shops to parades, in hospitals and on high streets Santa is a busy man, much in demand. A man, it turns out, with as many pasts as presents.
And now Santa unwraps his multiple life stories from across the decades.
In Liverpool, in one of Britain's oldest grottos, Santa finds Christmas present very different to his Christmas past.
Producers: Mark Burman and Paula McGinley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2009.
TUE 09:45 Daily Service (m002nrrl)
Christmas - Joseph
This week's services were recorded at the Daily Service Carol Concert at Manchester Cathedral, with the Daily Service Singers, and 75 people from local parish church choirs around Greater Manchester. They were accompanied by the Metropolitan Brass Quintet and percussionist John Melbourne and organist Ben Collyer, and directed by Andrew Earis.
Theme: Christmas - Joseph
Presenter: Canon Ann Easter
Reading: Luke 2 1-7
Music:
Of the Father’s heart begotten - All at the Daily Service Carol Concert 2025
The Cherry Tree Carol - Daily Service Singers with BBC Young Chorister Alastair.
Little Donkey - Bolton Parish Church Junior Choir
TUE 10:00 A Good Read (m000fp5r)
Richard Harrington & Njambi McGrath
Actor Richard Harrington and comedian Njambi McGrath join Harriett Gilbert to discuss books by Clive James, Chigozie Obioma and Hannelore Cayre.
Unreliable Memoirs by the late Clive James
Publisher: Picador
The Fisherman by Chigozie Obioma
Publisher: One
The Godmother by Hannelore Cayre
Publisher: Old Street Publishing
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2020.
TUE 10:30 Oh Yes I Am (b00765dx)
Does pantomime still attract the crowds at Christmas?
Oh yes it does!
The history of the panto presented by author and playwright, Mark Ravenhill.
Featuring:
* Windsor Davies
* Jim Davidson
Producer: Rebecca Stratford
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2001.
TUE 11:00 The Killing Season (m002nrrg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 11:30 Ice by Martin Jameson (b007jlp2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 12:00 Flying the Flag (b007jx74)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 12:30 The Goon Show (b007jtp6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 13:00 The Tim Vine Chat Show (b085tn6j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 13:30 Village Christmas by Laurie Lee (b09jd32g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 13:45 Ladies of Letters (b007jzyz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
TUE 14:00 Genius (m002nrrp)
Christmas Special
From abolishing it to all-terrain ice skates.....
Dave Gorman asks comedian Lee Mack to select the public's best loopy Christmas 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.
Devised by David Scott and Ali Crockatt.
Producer: Simon Nicholls
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2008.
TUE 14:30 Conversations from a Long Marriage (m0001qhh)
Conversations from a Long Marriage at Christmas
Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam play a couple who have been married ‘for ever’.
Children of the 60s, they’re still free spirits, drawn together by their passion for music and each other.
A two-hander, we follow their dangling conversations, as they prepare for Christmas 'à deux', open their Christmas cards, dissect their neighbours' relationships – and Joanna reveals she’s planned some rather surprising activities for Christmas Day because ‘All I want for Christmas is you’
A late-night phone call means that her Christmas wish may not be granted
Written for Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam by award-winning comedy writer and journalist Jan Etherington.
Jan has been married for 34 years to Gavin Petrie, with whom she has created many hit radio and TV series (Second Thoughts, Next of Kin, Faith in the Future, The Change),
Producer: Claire Jones
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2018.
TUE 15:00 A Christmas Card by Paul Theroux (m002nrrr)
A snowbound family is given a Christmas card by a mysterious old man.
As they struggle with being lost in the country at Christmas - the card proves to be both a map and a talisman.
It comes to illuminate the meaning of Christmas for the children and their parents, and brings a new warmth to their family life.
Paul Theroux's festive tale, first published in 1978.
Starring Michael Maloney and Timothy Bateson.
Dramatised by Nick Warburton
Storyteller .... Michael Maloney
Pop .... Timothy Bateson
Father .... Christopher Wright
Mother .... Rachel Atkins
Marcel .... James Bell
Louis .... Tom Fletcher
Mrs Pymore .... Carolyn Jones
Director: Marilyn Imrie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1997.
TUE 16:00 A Good Read (m000fp5r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
TUE 16:30 Oh Yes I Am (b00765dx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
TUE 17:00 The Killing Season (m002nrrg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 17:30 Ice by Martin Jameson (b007jlp2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 18:00 Flying the Flag (b007jx74)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 18:30 The Goon Show (b007jtp6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 19:00 The Tim Vine Chat Show (b085tn6j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 19:30 Village Christmas by Laurie Lee (b09jd32g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 19:45 Ladies of Letters (b007jzyz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
TUE 20:00 Genius (m002nrrp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
TUE 20:30 Conversations from a Long Marriage (m0001qhh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
TUE 21:00 A Christmas Card by Paul Theroux (m002nrrr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
TUE 22:00 One Person Found This Helpful (m002njx4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
TUE 22:30 The Maltby Collection (b00x7glw)
Series 2
Episode 2
Deputy curator Rod Miller holds a museum press conference.
Walter Brindle hits on Susie Maltby...
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 ...... Chris Pavlo
Wayne ...... John Rowe
Third Mrs Wainwright ...... Liz Sutherland
Other parts played by the cast.
Producer: Colin Anderson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2008.
TUE 23:00 Start/Stop (b04vdlp8)
Series 2
7. Christmas
The three couples are inevitably preparing for Christmas, with all the bitterness and twistedness this time of year brings.
Offensive presents. Boastful Christmas cards. And sledging accidents.
What more could you possibly ask for?
Jack Docherty's sitcom about three marriages in various states of disrepair.
Barney.... Jack Docherty
Cathy ..... Kerry Godliman
Fiona ..... Fiona Allen
Evan ..... John Thomson
David ..... Charlie Higson
Alice ..... Sally Bretton
Producer: Claire Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2014.
TUE 23:30 And Now in Colour (b007jqrx)
Christmas Special
It's party time for the sketch show team - with dried fish, advocaat and the local constabulary.
Precision comedy written and performed by:
Tim Firth
Tim de Jongh
Michael Rutger
William Vandyck
Producer: Lissa Evans
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1990.

WEDNESDAY 24 DECEMBER 2025

WED 00:00 A Good Read (m000fp5r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Tuesday]
WED 00:30 Oh Yes I Am (b00765dx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Tuesday]
WED 01:00 The Killing Season (m002nrrg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:30 Ice by Martin Jameson (b007jlp2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Tuesday]
WED 02:00 Flying the Flag (b007jx74)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Tuesday]
WED 02:30 The Goon Show (b007jtp6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:00 The Tim Vine Chat Show (b085tn6j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Tuesday]
WED 03:30 Village Christmas by Laurie Lee (b09jd32g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:45 Ladies of Letters (b007jzyz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Tuesday]
WED 04:00 Genius (m002nrrp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:30 Conversations from a Long Marriage (m0001qhh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Tuesday]
WED 05:00 A Christmas Card by Paul Theroux (m002nrrr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Tuesday]
WED 06:00 The Killing Season (m002nrrt)
6. Christmas is Over
The motive for the killing spree runs deeper than anyone imagined. And it’s not over.
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 Inspector Carter .... Sean Barrett
Detective Constable Nuttall .... Michael Jenner
Police Sergeant Plummer .... John Hollis
Farnham .... Allan Cuthbertson
Mrs Norton .... Hilda Schroder
Sandy Harris .... Jon Strickland
Jane Driscoll .... Dione Inman
Director: Gerry Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1984.
*** With grateful thanks to the Radio Circle for sharing the audio ***
WED 06:30 Ice by Martin Jameson (b007jlpb)
3. Queen Novod Scaa
Michelle comes face to face with the evil Ice Queen, Novod Scaa. Is she too late to save Travis?
Conclusion of the retelling of 'The Snow Queen' by Martin Jameson.
Michelle ...... Tara Prendergast
Novod Scaa ...... Ishia Bennison
Gary ...... Gerard McDermott
Stash ...... Vincent Davies
Roth ...... Bradley Lavelle
Bandit ...... Miles Anderson
Travis ...... Alan Halsall
Thug ...... Christopher Pavlo
Chaperoning Child ...... Margaret Jervis
Director: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1998.
WED 07:00 Little Blighty on the Down (b00wrctm)
Traditional Christmas Pageant
The Little Blighty Traditional Christmas Pageant is an opportunity to unfold the rich and exciting tapestry of village history to an eager audience.
It's also a chance for Rotarians and the Working Men's Club to end the Season of Goodwill with a vicious slanging match.
Political satire written by Mark Burton, John O'Farrell and Mike Coleman
Mrs Roberts .... Jo Kendall
Mr Blandish .... Michael Troughton
With
Bernadine Corrigan
John Baddeley
Dan Strauss
Jonathan Kydd
Producer Lissa Evans
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1989.
WED 07:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jzys)
Bill and Father Christmas
It's a far from festive season as Bill gets a shock from overhearing the blabbermouth Lad.
Starring Tony Hancock.
With Sidney James, Bill Kerr, Hattie Jacques and Warren Mitchell.
Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.
Theme and incidental music written by Wally Stott. Recorded by the BBC Revue Orchestra conducted by Harry Rabinowitz.
Producer: Tom Ronald
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in December 1958.
WED 08:00 The Shuttleworths (m000clq0)
Your Very Good Elf
John Shuttleworth’s wife, Mary, has cancelled Christmas.
This is because their children, Karen and Darren, have decided to spend Christmas Day elsewhere. So, instead of preparing for the big day, John finds himself taking down the Christmas tree and putting away the chocolate brazils.
But will a rendezvous with Joan Chitty and a trip to the garden centre turn the day around?
Written and performed by Graham Fellows
Producer: Dawn Ellis
A Chic Ken production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2019.
WED 08:30 Village Christmas by Laurie Lee (b09jdz9m)
3. Chelsea Bun
**** This programme was suggested by Maxine Horton as part of BBC Radio 4 Extra’s All Request Christmas ****
Derek Jacobi reads from a collection of Laurie Lee's writings.
These include newly discovered pieces by his daughter Jessy Lee, which return to the landscape and traditions of his rural home in Slad as well as a changing London in the last century.
Laurie Lee's ever-popular classic memoir Cider with Rosie launched his writing career in the late 1950s.
Abridged and produced by Karen Rose
A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2017.
**** To nominate a programme from the archives that you would like to hear again, please email radio4extra@bbc.co.uk ****
WED 08:45 Ladies of Letters (b007k008)
Ladies of Letters Make Mincemeat
3. Blessed Refuge
**** This programme was suggested by Brian D and Mary Delglyn as part of BBC Radio 4 Extra’s All Request Christmas Day ****
Vera has her hands full entertaining Ninouska's parents from Norway while her children take refuge at Irene's.
Vera Small ...... Patricia Routledge
Irene Spencer ...... Prunella Scales
Howard ...... Christopher Kelham
Written by Lou Wakefield and Carole Hayman
Director: Claire Grove
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2001.
**** To nominate a programme from the archives that you would like to hear again, please email radio4extra@bbc.co.uk ****
WED 09:00 Unite (m001n8qz)
Series 2
The Welsh Fugitive
Tony bemoans the fact the family are spending too much time on their phones and organises a digital detox weekend at a remote farmhouse in Wales. But his romanticised views of the ex-mining village where he spent many happy summers as a child, are at odds with the harsh reality.
Ashley, obsessed with true crime podcasts, is excited to learn that a dangerous criminal has escaped from prison, Imogen reconnects with an university friend and Gideon can't relax, having left his pregnant girlfriend at home.
This is the second series of Unite. 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
Gethin - Steve Speirs
Mike - Julian Lewis Jones
Bethan/Operator - Maxine Evans
Gareth - Anthony O'Donnell
Newsreader - Ian Pearce
Police Operator - Simon Greenall
Written by Barry Castagnola, Elliot Steel and Ian Pearce
(additional material from the cast)
Executive Producer- Mario Stylianides
Producer/Director- Barry Castagnola
Sound Recordist and Editor- Jerry Peal
Broadcast Assistant - Alex Lynch
Assistant Producer - George O'Regan
Production Assistants - David Litchfield & Martyne Green
A Golden Path and Rustle Up production for BBC Radio 4
WED 09:30 The Santa Tapes (b00pfm97)
4. Santa's Everywhere
From shops to parades, in hospitals and on high streets Santa is a busy man, much in demand. A man, it turns out, with as many pasts as presents.
And now Santa unwraps his multiple life stories from across the decades.
Alan Dein catches up with Santa as he crosses the globe.
Producers: Mark Burman and Paula McGinley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2009.
WED 09:45 Daily Service (m002nrry)
Christmas - Shepherds
This week's services were recorded at the Daily Service Carol Concert at Manchester Cathedral, with the Daily Service Singers, and 75 people from local parish church choirs around Greater Manchester. They were accompanied by the Metropolitan Brass Quintet and percussionist John Melbourne and organist Ben Collyer, and directed by Andrew Earis.
Theme: Christmas - Shepherds
Presenter: Archdeacon Rachel Mann
Reading: Luke 2 8-14
Music:
On Christmas Night (Dan Forrest) Greater Manchester Choirs, Daily Service Carol Concert 2025
If ye hear would hear the angels sing ( composed for the Daily Service by Sasha Johnson Manning) - Daily Service Singers
Producer: Miriam Williamson
WED 10:00 An Hour with Dickie Bird (m002nrs0)
Legendary cricket umpire Dickie Bird shares some of his favourite stories with a theatre audience.
He talks about his funniest moments and the greatest characters in Test cricket, including:
Ian Botham
Geoffrey Boycott
Allan Lamb
Fred Trueman
Merv Hughes
He also describes the memorable day when he was invited to lunch with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace.
A Barn Productions programme from 1997.
*** Dickie Bird died aged 92 on 22nd September 2025.
WED 11:00 The Killing Season (m002nrrt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 11:30 Ice by Martin Jameson (b007jlpb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 12:00 Little Blighty on the Down (b00wrctm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 12:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jzys)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 13:00 The Shuttleworths (m000clq0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 13:30 Village Christmas by Laurie Lee (b09jdz9m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 13:45 Ladies of Letters (b007k008)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
WED 14:00 The Museum of Curiosity (m000ckw7)
Christmas Special
Professor of Ignorance John Lloyd and his curator Bridget Christie welcome:
* Music producer Glyn Johns
* Comedian Shazia Mirza
* Novelist JK Rowling
The Museum's Guest Committee donate a 3M M23 8 Track tape machine, real eyebrows and inspiration.
Researchers: Mike Shephard, Mike Turner and Emily Jupitus of QI.
Producers: Anne Miller and Victoria Lloyd.
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2019.
WED 14:30 Three Ivans, Two Aunts and an Overcoat by Nikolai Gogol (b00p2hb2)
The Diary of a Madman
A low-ranking civil servant yearns to be noticed by Sophie, the daughter of a senior official, with whom he has fallen in love. His diary shows his gradual slide into insanity..........
Based on a short story by Nikolai Gogol
Dramatised by Jim Poyser
The Madman........Griff Rhys Jones
Yapkin............Rob Pickavance
Boris...............David Fleeshman
Isabetta...........................Ann Rye
Medgin...............Mark Chatterton
Mavra...........................Emma Clarke
Producer Susan Roberts
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2002.
WED 15:00 All the Bells of Paradise by Fay Weldon (m002nrs2)
Cynthia and Colin are not together.
Life for her is a struggle - particularly when it comes to their daughter Miranda and the school nativity play.
But Colin decides to wade in...
Cynthia ... Rosalind Adams
Mrs. Ruddy ... Pauline Letts
Colin ... Nigel Anthony
Miranda ... Bernadette Windsor
Mrs Taylor ... Sally Lahee
Jack ... Roger Snowdon
Mr Watson ... Rex Holdsworth
Nurse ... Eva Stuart
Baritone and Musical Director: Christopher Walker
With the choir of St. Nicholas Junior School, Bristol
Director: Shaun MacLoughlin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1979.
WED 15:45 Bertie's Christmas Eve by Saki (m002nrs4)
4 Extra Debut. During a festive house party at his uncle's, a wayward nephew decides to celebrate in his own fashion.

Saki's short story read by Ian Carmichael

Producer: Pat McLoughlin

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1976.
WED 16:00 An Hour with Dickie Bird (m002nrs0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
WED 17:00 The Killing Season (m002nrrt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 17:30 Ice by Martin Jameson (b007jlpb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 18:00 Little Blighty on the Down (b00wrctm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 18:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jzys)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 19:00 The Shuttleworths (m000clq0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 19:30 Village Christmas by Laurie Lee (b09jdz9m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 19:45 Ladies of Letters (b007k008)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
WED 20:00 The Museum of Curiosity (m000ckw7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
WED 20:30 Three Ivans, Two Aunts and an Overcoat by Nikolai Gogol (b00p2hb2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
WED 21:00 All the Bells of Paradise by Fay Weldon (m002nrs2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
WED 21:45 Bertie's Christmas Eve by Saki (m002nrs4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 today]
WED 22:00 Unite (m001n8qz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
WED 22:30 The Harpoon (b09kcwcy)
Winter Special
Stoke up the fire and decant the brandy for a bumper 'winter' issue of the Empire's favourite magazine.
Written by Julian Dutton and Peter Baynham.
Performed by:
Alistair McGowan
Peter Baynham
Susie Brann
Mary Elliot-Nelson
Julian Dutton
Producer: Sarah Smith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1991.
WED 23:00 John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme (b085wj14)
Series 6
Episode 1
John Finnemore - writer and star of Cabin Pressure and John Finnemore's Double Acts - in the sixth series of his multi-award-winning sketch show.
A seasonal special, taking in TV adverts, woodland talent contests, a song about the best day of the Christmas season and what is almost certainly the greatest story a Finnemore has ever told.
Written by and starring John Finnemore.
With:
Margaret Cabourn-Smith
Simon Kane
Lawry Lewin
Carrie Quinlan
Lawry Lewin
Original music composed and performed by Susannah Pearse.
Production Coordinator: Sophie Richardson
Producer: Ed Morrish
A BBC Radio Comedy production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2016.
WED 23:30 Bridget Christie's Christmas List (b06s9s00)
Father Christmas helps Bridget bring about a feminist Christmas for 2015, whether he wants to or not.
Written by and starring Bridget Christie.
Featuring (much to their surprise):
Miles Jupp
Robin Ince
Jon Culshaw
Leo Wan
A Christmas show for everyone. Even men.
Producer: Alexandra Smith
A BBC Radio Comedy production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2015.
WED 23:45 The Shuttleworths (b008hzry)
Christmas Eve With the Shuttleworths
Retired Sheffield security guard John Shuttleworth is a "versatile singer-songwriter".
He lives in a semi-detached world with wife Mary, and teenage kids Karen and Darren.
Unfortunately, his plans for a festive family gathering go awry.
Written and performed by Graham Fellows.
Producer: Paul Schlesinger
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1993.

THURSDAY 25 DECEMBER 2025

THU 00:00 An Hour with Dickie Bird (m002nrs0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 The Killing Season (m002nrrt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:30 Ice by Martin Jameson (b007jlpb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 Little Blighty on the Down (b00wrctm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jzys)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 The Shuttleworths (m000clq0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Wednesday]
THU 03:30 Village Christmas by Laurie Lee (b09jdz9m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:45 Ladies of Letters (b007k008)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 The Museum of Curiosity (m000ckw7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:30 Three Ivans, Two Aunts and an Overcoat by Nikolai Gogol (b00p2hb2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 All the Bells of Paradise by Fay Weldon (m002nrs2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Wednesday]
THU 05:45 Bertie's Christmas Eve by Saki (m002nrs4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 on Wednesday]
THU 06:00 Christmas at Dingley Dell by Charles Dickens (m002nrt0)
**** This programme was suggested by Sean Herring as part of BBC Radio 4 Extra’s All Request Christmas ****
On 23 December 1827 Mr Pickwick and his manservant Sam Weller set out with his friends, Mr Tupman, Mr Snodgrass and Mr Winkle upon a journey to Dingley Dell.
There, as guests of Mr Wardle, they were to enjoy the festivities of a good old-fashioned Christmas.
Starring David March as Mr Pickwick and Nigel Graham as Dickens, the narrator.
Adapted from "The Pickwick Papers" and "Christmas Stories" of Charles Dickens by Constance Cox.
Characters in the stories are impersonated by certain of our revellers:
Somebody's Luggage -
Christopher .... Bob Sawyer
Mrs Pratchett .... Emma
Miss Martin .... Miss Isabella
Mistress of the George .... Miss Rachel
A Young Man .... Benjamin Allen
A Gentleman .... Mr Winkle
The Bagman's Story -
Tom Smart .... Sam Weller
The Widow .... Mrs Wardle
The Chair .... Mr Wardle
Cast:
Mr Pickwick .... David March
Charles Dickens, the narrator .... Nigel Graham
Sam Weller / Tom Smart .... James Bryce
Mr Tupman .... John Bott
Mr Snodgrass .... Geoffrey Edwards
Mr Winkle .... Nicholas Courtney
Mr Wardle .... Michael Bilton
Old Mrs Wardle .... Sheila Grant
Miss Rachel .... Ellen McIntosh
Miss Emily ..... Eileen Tully
Miss Isabella .... Helen Atkinson-Wood
Miss Arabella Allen .... Maggie McCarthy
Mr G. Trundle .... Mark Rolston
Joe (the fat boy) .... Stuart Organ
Benjamin Allen .... Peter Wickham
Bob Sawyer .... Steve Hodson
Emma / Mrs Pratchett .... Carole Boyd
Violinist: Ruth Ehrlich
Violinist: Peter Manning
Harpist: Skaila Kanca
Director: David Johnston
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1983.
**** To nominate a programme from the archives that you would like to hear again, please email radio4extra@bbc.co.uk ****
THU 07:30 Dad's Army (b007jqrv)
Present Arms
Military medal rivalry sparks a shooting contest between the Walmington-on-Sea and Eastgate platoons.
The winner will provide the guard of honour for a forthcoming visit by Winston Churchill.
The comic exploits of a Second World War Home Guard platoon.
Extended episode adapted for radio from Jimmy Perry and David Croft's TV scripts by Harold Snoad and Michael Knowles.
Captain Mainwaring …. Arthur Lowe
Sergeant Wilson …. John Le Mesurier
Corporal Jones …. Clive Dunn
Private Frazer …. John Laurie
Private Pike …. Ian Lavender
Private Godfrey …. Arnold Ridley
Private Walker ...... Larry Martyn
Chief Warden Hodges …. Bill Pertwee
Capt. Square …. Geoffrey Lumsden
Brigadier Bell …. Jack Watson
The Great Alberto …. Norman Bird
Mrs. Pike …. Pearl Hackney
Announcer …. John Snagge
Producer: John Dyas
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1974.
THU 08:30 Village Christmas by Laurie Lee (b09jf4qd)
4. Things I Wish I'd Known at 18
**** This programme was suggested by Maxine Horton as part of BBC Radio 4 Extra’s All Request Christmas ****
Derek Jacobi reads from a collection of Laurie Lee's writings.
These include newly discovered pieces by his daughter Jessy Lee, which return to the landscape and traditions of his rural home in Slad as well as a changing London in the last century.
Laurie Lee's ever-popular classic memoir Cider with Rosie launched his writing career in the late 1950s.
Abridged and produced by Karen Rose.
A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2017.
**** To nominate a programme from the archives that you would like to hear again, please email radio4extra@bbc.co.uk ****
THU 08:45 Ladies of Letters (b007k01j)
Ladies of Letters Make Mincemeat
4. Crisis Poetry
**** This programme was suggested by Brian D and Mary Delglyn as part of BBC Radio 4 Extra’s All Request Christmas Day ****
Irene encourages Vera's Children to vent their feelings in verse, and drama turns to crisis.
Vera Small ...... Patricia Routledge
Irene Spencer ...... Prunella Scales
Howard ...... Christopher Kelham
Karen ...... Mia Soteriou
Sabrina ...... Candice Davies
Written by Lou Wakefield and Carole Hayman
Director: Claire Grove
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2001.
**** To nominate a programme from the archives that you would like to hear again, please email radio4extra@bbc.co.uk ****
THU 09:00 A Child's Christmas In Wales by Dylan Thomas (m002nrt4)
**** This programme was suggested by Barbara Johnston and Christopher Warren as part of BBC Radio 4 Extra’s All Request Christmas Day ****
Friends Will and Jim look back to boyhood escapades in a time when "the snow was shaken from whitewash buckets in the sky and grew overnight on the roofs of houses". They recall a noisy Christmas Eve of smoke, cinders and snowballs. Wind cherried noses, iced cake and a small, dry eggshell voice joining them in a carol.
Written by Dylan Thomas
Dramatised by Herbert Williams
Old Wil...................................................Philip Madoc
Old Jim...................................................Freddie Jones
Young Wil.............................................Alun Horan
Young Jim.............................................Owen Pillai
Mother/Cousin/Miss Prothero......Lyn Hunter
Mrs Prothero/Auntie Bessie..........Victoria Plucknett
Mr Prothero/Uncle George...........Chris Griffiths
Uncle Ben/Fireman...........................Dillwyn Owen
Auntie Hannah...................................Helen Griffin
Fireman 2.............................................Philip Rowlands
Small dry voice..................................Richard Elfyn
Dan........................................................Owen Bodycombe
Jack........................................................Chris Bodycombe
Music by Andy Price
Director Foz Allan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on Christmas Day 1994.
**** To nominate a programme from the archives that you would like to hear again, please email radio4extra@bbc.co.uk ****
THU 09:30 Albert and the Liner by Keith Waterhouse (b0186y9l)
**** This programme was suggested by Victoria Percy as part of BBC Radio 4 Extra’s All Request Christmas ****
A young lad is convinced a model of the Queen Mary is coming his way, but does Father Christmas have other ideas?
Reader: Malcolm Hebden
Producer: Gillian Hush
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1990.
**** To nominate a programme from the archives that you would like to hear again, please email radio4extra@bbc.co.uk ****
THU 09:45 Daily Service (m002nrt8)
Christmas - Jesus
This week's services were recorded at the Daily Service Carol Concert at Manchester Cathedral, with the Daily Service Singers, and 75 people from local parish church choirs around Greater Manchester. They were accompanied by the Metropolitan Brass Quintet and percussionist John Melbourne and organist Ben Collyer, and directed by Andrew Earis.
Theme: Christmas - Jesus
Presenter: Bishop David Walker
Reader: Simone Riley
Reading: Luke 2 15-21
Music:
O come all ye faithful - all at the Daily Service Carol Concert 2025
Joy to the World (Dan Forrest)  - Daily Service Singers and Greater Manchester Parish Choirs
Hark the herald angels sing - all at the Daily Service Carol Concert 2025
THU 10:00 With Great Pleasure (m0012r7x)
Barry Humphries
**** This programme was suggested by Joyce Joy and Bill Withers as part of BBC Radio 4 Extra’s All Request Christmas ****
It's not often a library is filled with laughter, but this is no ordinary library as we discover when we visit Barry Humphries in his favourite room at home.
He’s joined by two very good friends, Miriam Margolyes and Rob Brydon, who also share Barry’s love of poetry and prose.
From childhood favourites to more recent discoveries, the threesome reminisce. They recall encounters with writers and poets and read extracts from, amongst others, Charles Dickens, Edith Nesbit and Stephen Spender.
A surprise guest joins them on the telephone adding their very own splash of Christmas magic.
There’s also a tale about a dahlia, a word or two from Jeeves and Wooster and a festive burst of carol singing.
Producer: Sarah Blunt
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2021.
**** To nominate a programme from the archives that you would like to hear again, please email radio4extra@bbc.co.uk ****
THU 11:00 Christmas at Dingley Dell by Charles Dickens (m002nrt0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 12:30 Dad's Army (b007jqrv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 13:30 Village Christmas by Laurie Lee (b09jf4qd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 13:45 Ladies of Letters (b007k01j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
THU 14:00 Crisp and Even Brightly (b007jqsz)
Was the poor man gathering fuel really poor, and was he really a man - or was she a Slavnik spy in disguise?
Was Wenceslas's tramp into the forest with his 10-year-old page carrying flesh and wine and logs just a public relations exercise?
What is the 'truth' behind the story of Good King Wenceslas?
Alick Rowe's comedy stars Timothy West, James Holland, June Barrie, Bill Wallis and Polly James.
Good King Wenceslas .... Timothy West
The Page .... James Holland
Ludmilla, The Queen Grandmother .... June Barrie
Sigmund .... Christian Rodska
Otto .... William Eedle
Marta .... Maureen O'Brien
Crone .... June Tobin
Harry the Spy .... Michael Tudor Barnes
Vlad .... David March
Tunna .... Bill Wallis
Gomon .... John Baddeley
Woman Inside .... Polly James
Man Inside .... Andrew Hilton
Ragman: ...Anthony Jackson
Kermit .... Michael Deacon
Nice Man .... Paul Nicholson
Music by Andrew Christie.
Directed at BBC Bristol by Shaun McLaughlin.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1987.
THU 15:15 The Tailor of Gloucester (b00g15xz)
The poor Tailor of Gloucester must make a coat of cherry-coloured corded silk.
It's for the Mayor of Gloucester who is getting married in on Christmas morning!
Beatrix Potter's festive tale.
A magical radio dramatisation for all the family by Sarah Woods.
Narrated by Miriam Margolyes.
The Tailor ........ David Hargreaves
Simpkin ........ David Holt
The Mayor ........ David Timson/Mouse
Mouse ........ Helen Longworth
Mouse ........ Poppy Ellen
Original music by Anders Sodergren.
Singers:
Steve Bridgewater
Alex Kelly
Naomi Ludlam
Anders Sodergren
Director: Jonquil Panting
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2001.
THU 15:40 Papa Panov's Special Day (m002nrtg)
**** This programme was suggested by Peter J Fishenden as part of BBC Radio 4 Extra’s All Request Christmas ****
Papa Panov, a shoemaker, is lonely on Christmas Eve. His wife died many years ago and his children have all grown up and left.
But in a dream he is visited by Jesus, who promises to visit Papa Panov on Christmas Day.
Panov meets different characters throughout the day, but will Jesus be among them?
The original story is by the French 19th-century author Ruben Saillens and was translated into English by Leo Tolstoy.
Story adapted by Mig Holder
Reader: Johnny Morris
Producer: Geoff Marshall-Taylor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1988.
**** To nominate a programme from the archives that you would like to hear again, please email radio4extra@bbc.co.uk ****
THU 16:00 With Great Pleasure (m0012r7x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
THU 17:00 Christmas at Dingley Dell by Charles Dickens (m002nrt0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 18:30 Dad's Army (b007jqrv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 19:30 Village Christmas by Laurie Lee (b09jf4qd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 19:45 Ladies of Letters (b007k01j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
THU 20:00 Crisp and Even Brightly (b007jqsz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
THU 21:15 The Tailor of Gloucester (b00g15xz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:15 today]
THU 21:40 Papa Panov's Special Day (m002nrtg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:40 today]
THU 22:00 Rum Punch (m002nhz3)
Series 1
4. Celebrating to the Max
Delroy overcompensates for forgetting Angie's birthday by trying to throw a party last minute. Foolishly, he puts Marley and Des in charge of the guest list, much to Taylor's frustration. There COULD be one way to save the day with a special guest, but it's high risk with a high chance of failure!
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:
Des - Kevin Garry (KG Tha Comedian)
Taylor - Kyrah Gray
Lydia - Letitia Hector
Marley - Travis Jay
Angie - Angie Le Mar
Delroy - Eddie Nestor
Maxi Priest - Maxi Priest
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 22:30 Back from the Dead - The Return of Spinal Tap (m002nrtl)
Peter Curran meets the remaining members of Spinal Tap as they make their comeback.
With:
Harry Shearer
Christopher Guest
Michael McKean
Tony Hendra
Jarvis Cocker
Suggs
Mike Barson
Glenn Tilbrook
In 1984 ‘This is Spinal Tap’, exposed the shocking world of the self-proclaimed 'loudest band in the world'. It revealed the highs and lows of life on the road, and pitfalls of celebrity. The rockumentary also added a phrase to the lexicon that sums up humiliation, incompetence and ineptitude – ‘a Spinal Tap moment’.
Who can forget their Stonehenge debacle? Or when Nigel turned his amp up to 11 or the 45cm Stonehenge trilithon?
These legends of the rock world brought us anthems like ‘Big Bottoms’, ‘Jazz Odyssey’ and that unforgettable love ballad ‘Lick My Love Pump’.
Spinal Tap reformed in 2009 resulting in a new album and tour, including Wembley. To mark the occasion, Peter Curran fronted this hour-long special for Radio 2. He spoke with the remaining band members and played tracks from their comeback album.
He traced what they'd been doing for the previous twenty-five years, the fights, the rehab, Jeanine Pettibone... Peter also asked musical contemporaries to assess the band's contribution to popular music - Jarvis Cocker on their lyrics, Glenn Tilbrook on how Squeeze was influenced by Spinal Tap, and Suggs and Mike Barson of Madness confess to how they’ve stolen wholesale from the Spinal Tap back catalogue.
Producer: Alison Vernon Smith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in June 2009.
THU 23:30 Old Harry's Game (b007k078)
Christmas Special 2002
2/2. Knocking on Heaven's Door
Satan's epic quest ends as he meets Death, St Peter and his rottweilers - and Davina McCall.
Conclusion of 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 26 DECEMBER 2025

FRI 00:00 With Great Pleasure (m0012r7x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 Christmas at Dingley Dell by Charles Dickens (m002nrt0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:30 Dad's Army (b007jqrv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:30 Village Christmas by Laurie Lee (b09jf4qd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:45 Ladies of Letters (b007k01j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 Crisp and Even Brightly (b007jqsz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Thursday]
FRI 05:15 The Tailor of Gloucester (b00g15xz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:15 on Thursday]
FRI 05:40 Papa Panov's Special Day (m002nrtg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:40 on Thursday]
FRI 06:00 The Red House Mystery by A A Milne (m002nrsm)
A country house party turns into a murder trail for amateur sleuth Antony Gillingham and his willing Watson, Bill Beverley, as they investigate the mysterious disappearance of their host and the murder of his long lost brother.
Will the secret passage, resident ghost or the underwater evidence help to reveal the murderer?
Starring Alex Jennings as Anthony Gillingham and Jonathan Firth as Bill Beverley.
Written by AA Milne.
Dramatised by Sue Rodwell.
Antony Gillingham .... Alex Jennings
Bill Beverley .... Jonathan Firth
Philip Cayley .... John Telfer
Lady Sarah Redhead .... Sarah Lawson
Mark/Robert Ablett .... Christian Rodska
Ruth Norris .... Jenny Coverack
Inspector Birch .... David Lloyd
Elsie/Angela Norbury .... Nicole Arumugam
Mrs Stevens/Mrs Norbury .... Angela Newmarch
Director: Sara Davis
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2000.
FRI 07:00 Son of Santa (b007jqrz)
Freshly qualified as a management consultant, Santa's son has big plans for the North Pole.
Starring Ron Moody and James Fleet.
Nev Fountain’s festive comedy.
Santa.......Ron Moody
Santa's son...........James Fleet
Miss Berry......Lynda Bellingham
Kidwink........Dave Lamb
Spindle........Ronni Ancona
Producer: Maria Esposito
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1999.
FRI 07:30 Steptoe and Son (b018j26s)
Away For Christmas
Harold's aiming to fly off to Majorca, but he's not told his father Albert!
Starring Wilfrid Brambell and Harry H Corbett.
Christmas edition of the classic sitcom about the lives of rag and bone men Albert Steptoe and his son Harold.
Written for BBC TV and adapted for BBC Radio by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.
Albert ...... Wilfrid Brambell
Harold ...... Harry H Corbett
Beryl ...... Nicolette McKenzie
Customs Officer ...... Douglas Blackwell
Producer: Bobby Jaye
First broadcast on the BBC Radio 2 in December 1976.
FRI 08:10 ... And Yet Another Partridge in a Pear Tree (b007jqsy)
A Cautionary Tale for Christmas by Brian Sibley.
Miss Cynthia Bracegirdle is the recipient of a series of gifts from an extravagant admirer who interprets the carol "Twelve Days of Christmas" too literally for comfort.
"I have just succeeded in accommodating your seven swans a-swimming in my bath, which was no mean achievement when one considers the number of pear trees on the landing."
Starring Penelope Keith
With Timothy Bateson.
Director: John Theocharis
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1977.
FRI 08:30 Village Christmas by Laurie Lee (b09jgnf6)
5. The Cold Christmas Walk in the Country
**** This programme was suggested by Maxine Horton as part of BBC Radio 4 Extra’s All Request Christmas ****
Derek Jacobi concludes this collection of Laurie Lee's writings.
Laurie's ever-popular classic memoir Cider with Rosie launched his writing career in the late 1950s.
Abridged and produced by Karen Rose.
A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2017.
**** To nominate a programme from the archives that you would like to hear again, please email radio4extra@bbc.co.uk ****
FRI 08:45 Ladies of Letters (b007k02v)
Ladies of Letters Make Mincemeat
5. Cell-ebration
**** This programme was suggested by Brian D and Mary Delglyn as part of BBC Radio 4 Extra’s All Request Christmas ****
Vera's family are released from police cells and Irene attempts to make peace with her son Christopher.
Then Vera and Irene raise a glass to the New Year.
Vera Small ...... Patricia Routledge
Irene Spencer ...... Prunella Scales
Written by Lou Wakefield and Carole Hayman
Director: Claire Grove
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2001.
**** To nominate a programme from the archives that you would like to hear again, please email radio4extra@bbc.co.uk ****
FRI 09:00 Time of the Week (m002nrsr)
Series 2
1. Wives, Ankles, Underwear
Woman journalist Chloe Slack returns with a new series of the women’s current affairs show all about women. Including features on BritPop, Leap Days, a Wife Convention and Sauna and Cold Plunge Births. Plus, a trial of the new Wall Of Women.
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
Ayoade Bamgboye
Caroline Elms
Em Prendergast
Jodie Mitchell
Jonathan Oldfield
Lorna Rose Treen
Mofé Akàndé
Additional voices: Beatrice Walker
Created by Lorna Rose Treen and Jonathan Oldfield
Writing team:
Alice Cockayne
Jodie Mitchell
Jonathan Oldfield
Lorna Rose Treen
Priya Hall
Will Hughes
Script Editors - Lorna Rose Treen and Jonathan Oldfield
Photographer - Will Hearle
Producer - Ben Walker
A DLT Entertainment Production for BBC Radio 4
FRI 09:30 Just What I Always Wanted (b008jd1q)
Huw Williams presents a compendium of Christmas joy and misery as people relate the emotions which followed the unwrapping of the best, worst and most disappointing presents.
Producer: Martin Kurzik
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2007.
FRI 09:45 Daily Service (m002nrsw)
Christmas - Three Kings
This week's services were recorded at the Daily Service Carol Concert at Manchester Cathedral, with the Daily Service Singers, and 75 people from local parish church choirs around Greater Manchester. They were accompanied by the Metropolitan Brass Quintet and percussionist John Melbourne and organist Ben Collyer, and directed by Andrew Earis.
Theme: Christmas - Three Kings
Presenter: Seth Pinnock
Reader: Rev Grace Thomas
Reading: Matthew 2.1–12
Music:
O holy night - Warehouse Worship
The First Nowell (Dan Forrest) - Choirs and all at the Daily Service Carol Concert 2025.
FRI 10:00 Soul Music (m0001l70)
River
Soul Music with stories of the lasting impact of Joni Mitchell's song 'River', from her iconic 1971 album Blue.
A song about the breakdown of a relationship and of a longing to be elsewhere that has become a melancholy Christmas anthem.
It's coming on Christmas
They're cutting down trees
They're putting up reindeer
And singing songs of joy and peace
Oh I wish I had a river
I could skate away on....
Emotional true stories of what the song means to different people, including:
* Comedian Chris Forbes, who lost his father on Christmas Day
* Isobel, who fell sick far from home and understands the longing to be elsewhere captured in the song
* Laura, who heard the song while pregnant at Christmastime
* Writer Rob Crossan, who will forever associate the song with his first love
* Canadian poet Lorna Crozier who describes the frozen rivers of her and Joni's Saskatchewan childhood
Plus thoughts from Joni Mitchell's biographer, David Yaffe.
Includes a rare live recording of 'River' from a BBC Concert in 1970, hosted by John Peel.
The other versions of the song are by (in order of appearance):
Joni Mitchell (Blue, 1971)
Scott Matthews (Live Session for BBC 6 Music, 2011)
Béla Fleck and the Flecktones (Jingle All the Way, 2008)
The Belgian indie choir Scala & Kolacny Brothers (Live Session for BBC 6 Music, 2011).
Series about pieces of music with a powerful emotional impact.
Producer: Mair Bosworth
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2018.
FRI 10:30 Natural Histories (b09fy56f)
Reindeer
Reindeer have been entwined with the lives of people living in the most northerly parts of the world for thousands of years, following the herds north as the Arctic ice retreated.
Karen Anette Anti, from a long line of Sami herds-people, and Tilly Smith with her herd of reindeer in the Scottish Highlands, teach Brett Westwood that there's a lot more to reindeer than Rudolph.
Also featuring reindeer expert Dr. Nicholas Tyler and Palaeolithic archaeologists Dr. Felix Riede and Dr George Nash.
A BBC Audio Bristol revised and shortened repeat.
Archive producer: Andrew Dawes
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2017.
FRI 11:00 The Red House Mystery by A A Milne (m002nrsm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 12:00 Son of Santa (b007jqrz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 12:30 Steptoe and Son (b018j26s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 13:10 ... And Yet Another Partridge in a Pear Tree (b007jqsy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:10 today]
FRI 13:30 Village Christmas by Laurie Lee (b09jgnf6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 13:45 Ladies of Letters (b007k02v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
FRI 14:00 The Motion Show (m0007xb8)
Series 5
Episode 5
From the existence of the monarchy to whether it's a man’s world.
Graeme Garden hosts the comedy debating show.
With:
Gyles Brandreth
Steve Punt
Arthur Smith
Lauren Laverne
Producer: Jane Berthoud
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2002.
FRI 14:30 King Street Junior Revisited (m0001n5l)
Series 2
Love All
Road safety, a painful little problem for Mr Long – and is romance in the air?
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
Mrs Meadows …. Sally Grace
Mrs Watson …. Denica Fairman
Edward …. John Harwood
Monica …. Kachaan Ellis
Producer: John Fawcett Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2003.
FRI 15:00 Boxing Clever by Mike Yeaman (m002nrsy)
Wily pensioner Amy may be at the front of the queue for the Boxing Day sales but she's going to have to work hard to get the better of the rival bargain hunters camping overnight outside Marshall's department store. A comedy to chase away the Christmas blues.
Amy..................Thelma Barlow
Gavin................Jeremy Swift
Finn..................Edward Hogg
Veronica............Helen Longworth
Paul..................Paul McCrink
Written by by Mike Yeaman
Directed by Toby Swift
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2004.
FRI 15:45 The Special Sale by Maeve Binchy (m000clsd)
Yvonne's good deed leads to a romantic encounter - thanks to her mother - on the day after Christmas.
Dervla Kirwan reads Maeve Binchy’s seasonal short story.
Producer: Sarah Johnson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2000.
FRI 16:00 Soul Music (m0001l70)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
FRI 16:30 Natural Histories (b09fy56f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
FRI 17:00 The Red House Mystery by A A Milne (m002nrsm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 18:00 Son of Santa (b007jqrz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 18:30 Steptoe and Son (b018j26s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 19:10 ... And Yet Another Partridge in a Pear Tree (b007jqsy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:10 today]
FRI 19:30 Village Christmas by Laurie Lee (b09jgnf6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 19:45 Ladies of Letters (b007k02v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
FRI 20:00 The Motion Show (m0007xb8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
FRI 20:30 King Street Junior Revisited (m0001n5l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
FRI 21:00 Boxing Clever by Mike Yeaman (m002nrsy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
FRI 21:45 The Special Sale by Maeve Binchy (m000clsd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 today]
FRI 22:00 Time of the Week (m002nrsr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
FRI 22:30 Elvenquest (b01qwc8m)
Series 4
The Fat Hog
The Questers find themselves seeking succour at the Fat Hog, a hostelry famed for its excellent cuisine, and run by its quixotic headchef Nigressa.
Meanwhile, Lord Darkness is having trouble with his new Ball of Infinite Vision.
Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth written by James Cary.
Vidar ...... Darren Boyd
Dean/Kreech ...... Kevin Eldon
Amis ...... Dave Lamb
Sam ...... Stephen Mangan
Lord Darkness ...... Alistair McGowan
Penthiselea ...... Ingrid Oliver
Nigressa ...... Phoebe Waller-Bridge
Producer: Sam Michell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2013.
FRI 23:00 The Masterson Inheritance (b007jps7)
Series 2
Beware the Ides of Masterson
Intrigue, terror, tyrants and togas set in ancient Rome.
The return of the award-winning improvised historical comedy series.
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 June 1994.
FRI 23:30 Laura Solon - Talking and Not Talking (b00pcllf)
Series 3
Episode 6
Domestic goddess Sue Morgan offers her own take on the perfect Christmas, while call centre demon Gwyneth finally faces judgement.
Plus we gain access to the Institute for Useless Scientific Research.
Award-winning comedian Laura Solon with more sketches, monologues and one-liners.
With:
Ben Moor
Rosie Cavaliero
Ben Willbond
Producer: Colin Anderson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2009.