SATURDAY 27 DECEMBER 2025

SAT 00:00 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.
SAT 00:30 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
* Palaeolithic Archaeologists Dr. Felix Riede
* Dr. George Nash
A BBC Audio Bristol revised and shortened repeat.
Archive producer: Andrew Dawes
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2017.
SAT 01:00 Whodunnits (m002nrsm)
AA Milne - The Red House Mystery
A house party in the quaint English countryside turns into a murder-trail for an amateur sleuth.
Antony Gillingham and his willing Watson, Bill Beverley set out to investigate the mysterious disappearance of their host, Mark Ablett
Plus, can they solve the murder of his long-lost brother?
Will the secret passage, resident ghost or the underwater evidence help them to reveal the murderer?
The story is set in the quaint, English countryside at the house party of Mark Ablett, where a murder quickly takes plac
Starring Alex Jennings and Jonathan Firth
AA Milne's final detective mystery novel, first published in 1922.
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.
SAT 02:00 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.
SAT 02:30 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.
SAT 03:10 ... And Yet Another Partridge in a Pear Tree (b007jqsy)
"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."
Miss Cynthia Bracegirdle is the recipient of a series of gifts from an extravagant admirer.
As the days pass, he interprets the carol "Twelve Days of Christmas" too literally for comfort.
Brian Sibley's Cautionary Tale for Christmas.
Starring Penelope Keith
With:
Timothy Bateson.
Director: John Theocharis
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1977.
SAT 03:30 Village Christmas by Laurie Lee (b09jgnf6)
5. The Cold Christmas Walk in the Country
**** This series 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 ****
SAT 03:45 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.
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 ****
SAT 04:00 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.
SAT 04:30 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.
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
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 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.
Starring Thelma Barlow.
Mike Yeaman's comedy to chase away the Christmas blues.
Amy..................Thelma Barlow
Gavin................Jeremy Swift
Finn..................Edward Hogg
Veronica...........Helen Longworth
Paul..................Paul McCrink
Director: Toby Swift
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2004.
SAT 05:45 The Special Sale by Maeve Binchy (m000clsd)
A good deed by Yvonne leads to a romantic encounter in Dublin, the day after Christmas.
Maeve Binchy’s seasonal short story.
Read by Dervla Kirwan.
Originally one of a series of specially commissioned stories on the theme of Resolution by popular women writers.
Producer: Sarah Johnson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2000.
SAT 06:00 Embroideries by Juliet Ace (m002nrwd)
The Goods are a model family who have just moved to a new neighbourhood.
Alison is so pretty, so pert, so industrious, so witty and caring and loving.
Andrew is so successful, so fit, so gregarious, so witty and caring and loving.
David and Jonathan are cleverer, more sporting and more interested and interesting than anybody else's children.
But have the Goods become a little smug?
What do the neighbours think?
Starring Stephen Thorne and Elizabeth Proud.
Juliet Ace's fairy tale for-our-time.
Andrew Good ... Stephen Thorne
Alison Good ... Elizabeth Proud
David Good ... Graham Blockey
Jonathan Good ... Julian Firth
The Whisperers ... June Barrie / Juliet Ace / Trevor Nichols / Paul Nicholson
Director: Shaun MacLoughlin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1986.
***** 4 Extra remembers Juliet Ace who died aged 87 on 6th August 2025.
SAT 07:00 Speak No Evil by Juliet Ace (m002nrwg)
A mother tries to keep the isolation of her deafness a secret from her sons.
But she thinks she has an even greater secret from which to protect them.
Juliet Ace's three-voice drama set in a rugby-mad home in mid 1970s Wales.
This was the first play written by the Llanelli-born author.
It came about after she won a Gulbekian Foundation/Arts Council Award in 1979. It was first produced as a stage play in Bristol. Among her TV writing credits are 'The District Nurse', 'EastEnders' and 'Eldorado'.
Mam .... Elizabeth Morgan
Gareth .... John Griffiths
Geraint .... Rhys Powys
Directed at BBC Wales by Enyd Williams.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1980.
***** 4 Extra remembers Juliet Ace who died aged 87 on 8th August 2025.
SAT 07:30 The Crowning of Everest (Omnibus) (m002nrwj)
It’s 1953 and Britain is preparing to crown its young Queen, Elizabeth II.
The nation also waits with bated breath to hear news from Mount Everest.
Has the British team made it to the top?
The story of Mount Everest spans the life of the new Queen and beyond, from the height of the British Empire to the rebirth of Britain as a nation.
Presenter Wade Davis - Canadian explorer and anthropologist - looks at events taking place in Britain in 1953 and how the nation was poised for the coincidence of two monumental events.
Omnibus of five parts.
Sound design: Richard Hannaford
Editor: Tara McDermott
Producer: Louise Clarke-Rowbotham
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2023.
SAT 08:45 Tom Mennard's Local Tales (m002nrwl)
Series 1
Friends
Welcome to Tom's world. The scene is the 'Goat and Compasses'.
The cast: Tom, Harry, Charlie and Fred. Well, they're just 'local tales'.
Order yourself a pint, sit yourself down and listen ...
Written by and starring Tom Mennard.
Tom Mennard's Local Tales comedy series ran on BBC Radio 2 between 1981 and 1987.
Tom was later cast in ITV's Coronation Street.
Producer: Mike Craig
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in March 1981.
SAT 09:00 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b0080jsp)
Series 2
Episode 1
Shady lawyer, Waldorf T Flywheel needs patients - in his latest scam as a doctor.
Recreation of the Marx Brothers' lost shows charting the adventures of shady lawyer Waldorf T Flywheel and his assistant, Emmanuel Ravelli.
Originally broadcast with sponsors on America's NBC radio network in the 1930s. The scripts were rediscovered in 1988.
Groucho Marx as Waldorf T Flywheel ...... Michael Roberts
Chico Marx as Emmanuel Ravellias ...... Frank Lazarus
With:
Lorelei King
Graham Hoadly
Vincent Marzello
Written by Nat Perrin and Athur Sheekman.
Adapted by Mark Brisenden.
Music arranged and conducted by David Firman.
Producer: Dirk Maggs
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1991.
SAT 09:30 Beyond Our Ken (m000b7jp)
Series 3
Episode 14
Revelations galore in 'The Kenneth Horne Story' and Hornerama looks at France.
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 (m000cqdb)
Series 1
3. I'm Sorry I Haven't a Christmas Carol
Sue Perkins finishes off the leftovers as she rounds off her seasonal selection of vintage BBC Christmas comedy:
The last of three festive fun-packed stockings:
* I'M SORRY I HAVEN'T A CHRISTMAS CAROL: From December 2003.
Humphrey Lyttelton makes for a convincing Scrooge in the all-star Clue cast's unique interpretation of the Charles Dickens classic.
Stephen Fry narrates.
With:
Tim Brooke-Taylor
Barry Cryer
Linda Smith
Jeremy Hardy
Andy Hamilton
Sandi Toksvig
Tony Hawks
Graeme Garden.
Producer: Sarah Wade
Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in December 2010.
SAT 11:00 Embroideries by Juliet Ace (m002nrwd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 12:00 Speak No Evil by Juliet Ace (m002nrwg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
SAT 12:30 The Crowning of Everest (Omnibus) (m002nrwj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 13:45 Tom Mennard's Local Tales (m002nrwl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
SAT 14:00 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b0080jsp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 14:30 Beyond Our Ken (m000b7jp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SAT 15:00 Sue Perkins' Christmas Comedy Stocking (m000cqdb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SAT 16:00 MR James (b01pg64z)
Echoes from the Abbey
One of MR James's few great passions in life was a fascination for our great English Abbeys.
So when he received an invitation to spend Christmas at Medborough Abbey, he accepted without a second thought.
But had he known of the strange, supernatural and eventually tragic series of events that were to take place, he might have thought again - or perhaps not...?
Starring David March.
Inspired by a fragment of his writing, Sheila Hodgson provides MR James with a ghostly encounter at Christmas.
James …… David March
Mary …… Helena Breck
Gladys …… Tessa Worsley
Nora …… Ysanne Churchman
Arthur Layton …… Arnold Diamond
Cook …… Anne Jameson
1st Carol Singer …… Peter Acre
2nd Carol Singer …… Brian Smith
1st Fireman …… Christopher Douglas
2nd Fireman …… Colin Starkey
Harley …… Timothy Stark
Director: David Johnston
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1984.
SAT 16:45 Absent Friends 2025 - The 7th Dimension (m002nrwq)
Episode 1
Toby Hadoke pays tribute to some of those who made indelible contributions to UK horror, science-fiction and fantasy who sadly died in 2025:
Among them are three stars of the acclaimed BBC TV drams - Edge of Darkness:
* Joe Don Bake
* Charles Kay
* John Woodvine
We also lost:
* Actress, Judy Loe,
* Writer, Barbara Clegg
* Actor, John Baddeley
* Actor, Tony Caunter
* Actor, Christopher Benjamin
Producer: Mark Lee
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra.
SAT 17:00 Embroideries by Juliet Ace (m002nrwd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 18:00 Speak No Evil by Juliet Ace (m002nrwg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
SAT 18:30 The Crowning of Everest (Omnibus) (m002nrwj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 19:45 Tom Mennard's Local Tales (m002nrwl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
SAT 20:00 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b0080jsp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 20:30 Beyond Our Ken (m000b7jp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SAT 21:00 Sue Perkins' Christmas Comedy Stocking (m000cqdb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SAT 22:00 Bearded Ladies (b00bv482)
Series 2
Episode 4
Fantastical fiction, promotional lunches and very awkward dinner parties….
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:
Rufus Jones
Chris Head
Barry Fearns
Dave Lamb
Suk Pannu
Judith Faultless
Alys Torrance
Colin Birch
Richard Ward
Pete Gold
Music by Steve Burton.
Producer: Carol Smith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2005.
SAT 22:30 Thanks a Lot, Milton Jones! (b06z2pmy)
Series 2
The Bodyguard
Milton offers his services as a bodyguard and discovers that a South American diva and a tent full of home-made jam don't mix quite as well as he'd imagined.
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
Dan Tetsell
Music by Guy Jackson.
Director: David Tyler
A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in February 2016.
SAT 23:00 Andrew Maxwell's Public Enemies (b03gg7rd)
Nationalism
Andrew looks at Nationalists, from a variety of movements, who are easy to demonise. So very, very easy.
But rather than do that - and it really is very easy - Andrew will explore the reasons for joining such organisations and the logical outcomes of their policies.
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 November 2013.
SAT 23:30 Chain Reaction (b00mrc8n)
Series 5
Eddie Izzard interviews Alastair Campbell
Comedian, Eddie Izzard chats to former Labour spin doctor Alastair Campbell.
Chain Reaction is the tag talk show, where the guest becomes the interviewer in the next episode.
Eddie Izzard asks him about his breakdown, working for Tony Blair and his beginnings as a soft porn writer.
Producer: Sam Bryant
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2009.

SUNDAY 28 DECEMBER 2025

SUN 00:00 MR James (b01pg64z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Saturday]
SUN 00:45 Absent Friends 2025 - The 7th Dimension (m002nrwq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:45 on Saturday]
SUN 01:00 Embroideries by Juliet Ace (m002nrwd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]
SUN 02:00 Speak No Evil by Juliet Ace (m002nrwg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Saturday]
SUN 02:30 The Crowning of Everest (Omnibus) (m002nrwj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Saturday]
SUN 03:45 Tom Mennard's Local Tales (m002nrwl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Saturday]
SUN 04:00 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b0080jsp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Saturday]
SUN 04:30 Beyond Our Ken (m000b7jp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Saturday]
SUN 05:00 Sue Perkins' Christmas Comedy Stocking (m000cqdb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Saturday]
SUN 06:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b08s2wjh)
Absent Friends 2025
Jane Goodall
Dr Jane Goodall is castaway by Sue Lawley.
She had no formal scientific qualifications when she first went to Africa to study the Gombe chimpanzees. But it was this lack of preconceptions which made her so successful as a naturalist.
Watching chimps use sticks to extract termites from their mounds she realised that she was about to smash the assumption that only humans used tools.
Now, 40 years after she first stepped into the bush, Dr Jane describes how she has halted her patient study of the chimpanzees to fight for their survival.
DISC ONE: Jacqueline De Pre and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Daniel Barenboim - Antonín Dvořák’s Cello Concerto in B minor
DISC TWO: Daniel Barenboim - Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor, Op.27/2 “Moonlight”
DISC THREE: Yehudi Menuhin and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Wilhelm Furtwängler - Felix Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor
DISC FOUR: Richard Burton - Dylan Thomas’s Under Milk Wood
DISC FIVE: Helmut Walcha and the Philadelphia Orchestra, conducted by Leopold Stokowski - Johann Sebastian Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, BWV 565
DISC SIX: Elaine Paige - Memory (from Cats)
DISC SEVEN: Howard Blake - Walking in the Air
DISC EIGHT: Luciano Pavarotti and the Orchestra del Maggio, conducted by Zubin Mehta - Giacomo Puccini’s Recondita armonia (from Tosca)
CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Richard Burton - Dylan Thomas’s Under Milk Wood
BOOK CHOICE: The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien
LUXURY CHOICE: Pencil and paper
Producer: Angie Nehring
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2000.
SUN 06:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00pf12c)
Series 1
Monstrous Flowers
Deep in the steamy forests of Sumatra, the largest flowers in the world bloom, albeit for under a week.
Sir David asks - why are they so big?
Series of talks by Sir David Attenborough on the natural histories of creatures and plants from around the world.
Producer: Julian Hector
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2009.
SUN 07:00 Poetry Extra (m002nrvn)
Adventures In Poetry - Matilda
Daljit Nagra revisits the BBC's poetry archive and selects Adventures in Poetry - Matilda.
Peggy Reynolds explores the background, effect and lasting appeal of another well-loved poem.
Hilaire Belloc's Matilda has been enjoyed by generations of children and parents.
With:
Michael Morpurgo
Michael Rosen
Kim Reynolds
Debbie Isitt
Producer: Sara Davies
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2007.
SUN 07:30 Village Christmas by Laurie Lee (Omnibus) (b09jxgdv)
**** This programme was suggested by Maxine Horton as part of BBC Radio 4 Extra’s All Request Christmas ****
From childhood to a cold Christmas walk in the country.
Derek Jacobi reads from a collection of Laurie Lee's writings, including 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.
Omnibus edition of five readings.
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 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 ****
SUN 08:40 Inheritance Tracks (m002nrvq)
Miranda Hart
Comedian and author Miranda Hart chooses ‘Never Tear Us Apart’ by INXS and ‘That I Would Be Good’ by Alanis Morissette.
SUN 08:50 Ladies of Letters (b00wr8st)
Ladies of Letters Make Mincemeat (Omnibus)
**** This series was suggested by Brian D and Mary Delglyn as part of BBC Radio 4 Extra’s All Request Christmas ****
The worst of pen friends, Vera and Irene, send each other tips on how to survive Christmas.
Plus, Vera judges a mince pie competition, Irene poisons some children and family drama abounds after poetry is misused.
Omnibus of five parts written by Carole Hayman and Lou Wakefield.
Vera Small ...... Patricia Routledge
Irene Spencer ...... Prunella Scales
Producer: 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 ****
SUN 10:00 Ray's a Laugh (m002nrvt)
From 28/10/1960
Will Ted be able to wheedle his way into a work trip to Paris?
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
Jimmy Lavall
Percy Edwards
BBC Variety Orchestra conducted by Paul Fenoulhet.
Producer: Leslie Bridgmont
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in October 1960.
SUN 10:30 Take It From Here (b013m01w)
From 30/12/1954
The Glums decide to throw an old fashioned New Year’s Eve party!
Bentley announces he is leaving all his worldly goods to Jim and there's marital trouble on safari...
Starring:
Professor Jimmy Edwards
Dick Bentley
June Whitfield
Wallas Eaton
Music from Alma Cogan, The Keynotes and the BBC Revue Orchestra conducted by Harry Rabinowitz.
Written by Frank Muir and Denis Norden.
Producer: Charles Maxwell
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in December 1954.
SUN 11:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b08s2wjh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 11:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00pf12c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]
SUN 12:00 Poetry Extra (m002nrvn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
SUN 12:30 Village Christmas by Laurie Lee (Omnibus) (b09jxgdv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 13:40 Inheritance Tracks (m002nrvq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 today]
SUN 13:50 Ladies of Letters (b00wr8st)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]
SUN 15:00 Ray's a Laugh (m002nrvt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 15:30 Take It From Here (b013m01w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
SUN 16:00 The Road by Nigel Kneale (m0000y1d)
Mark Gatiss and Adrian Scarborough star as a philosopher and scientist investigating ghostly outbreaks in a country wood in 1768.
Neither is quite prepared for the shocking truth that they uncover.
Nigel Kneale’s legendary lost 1963 TV play is famed for its haunting climax.
Adapted by Toby Hadoke.
Gideon Cobb ...... Mark Gatiss
Sir Timothy Hassall ...... Adrian Scarborough
Lady Lavinia Hassall ...... Hattie Morahan
Jethro ...... Colin McFarlane
Tetsy ...... Susan Wokoma
Lukey Platt ...... Francis Magee
Big Jeff ...... Ralph Ineson
Director: Charlotte Riches
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2018.
SUN 16:45 Absent Friends 2025 - The 7th Dimension (m002nxlx)
Episode 2
Toby Hadoke concludes his roll call of those from the worlds of science-fiction, horror and fantasy who died in 2025.
He's paying tribute to, among others:
* Actress, Jean Marsh
* Actress, Pik Sen Lim
* Script Editor, Christopher H Bidmead
* Actor, Kenneth Colley
* Actor, Nabil Shaban
* Actor, Simon Fisher Becker
* Actor, Gerald Harper
* Actor, Prentis Hancock
Producer: Mark Lee
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra.
SUN 17:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b08s2wjh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 17:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00pf12c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]
SUN 18:00 Poetry Extra (m002nrvn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
SUN 18:30 Village Christmas by Laurie Lee (Omnibus) (b09jxgdv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 19:40 Inheritance Tracks (m002nrvq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 today]
SUN 19:50 Ladies of Letters (b00wr8st)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]
SUN 21:00 Ray's a Laugh (m002nrvt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 21:30 Take It From Here (b013m01w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
SUN 22:00 Clare in the Community (b00gkktk)
Series 2
Doolah's Choice
The bossy social worker sticks her oar in Helen's wedding and Megan's home birth.
Sally Phillips is Clare Barker the social worker who has all the right jargon but never a practical solution.
A control freak, Clare likes nothing better than interfering in other people's lives on both a professional and personal basis. Clare is in her 30s, white, middle class and heterosexual, all of which are occasional causes of discomfort to her.
Clare continually struggles to control both her professional and private life
In today's Big Society there are plenty of challenges out there for an involved, caring social worker. Or even Clare.
Starring Sally Phillips and Alex Lowe.
Written by Harry Venning and David Ramsden.
Clare Barker …. Sally Phillips
Brian Harris …. Alex Lowe
Ray …. Richard Lumsden
Helen Golightly …. Gemma Craven
Irene …. Ellen Thomas
Megan Whardby …. Nina Conti
Simon Burrows …. Andrew Wincott
Rosie …. Vicki Pepperdine
Ben …. Delroy Brown
Producer: Katie Tyrrell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2005.
SUN 22:30 Stand-Up Specials (m00180y0)
Jen Brister: Waves
Why has such a large swathe of the population started plunging into freezing-cold water, in a country whose climate is pretty obviously ill-suited to wild swimming, or arguably any sort of swimming away from a spa resort?
Jen Brister might seem, at face value, an unlikely candidate to ask.
In her critically-acclaimed stand-up she has never been noted for suffering fools – or fads – gladly. Yet amid the bedlam of the past two years, as the mother of young twin boys suddenly finding herself a full-time nurse, teacher and a lot of other jobs she never signed up for, Jen has found refuge in the unlikely setting of the sea off Brighton, where she lives.
Armed with the unusual combination of wetsuit and microphone, she takes us on a personal odyssey in this unique comedy special, which sees her shuttle between the stage and the less familiar performance space of the deep ocean.
In a counterweighted series of stand-up segments and waterbound philosophical passages, Jen tries to piece together what it is about (sometimes dangerously) cold water that has helped reunite her with her sanity. Swimming in the elements promotes mindfulness, enhances our sense of self, and allows us to think our thoughts with a clarity that is often elusive. But what does a comedian do with this enhanced self-awareness?
With her customary sharpness of tongue – admittedly, a little mellowed by all the wholesome exercise – and precision of thought, one of the most exciting comedians in the country finds waves of inspiration both on dry land and in the milieu she has started to regard as a second home.
Actually, maybe a first home if the kids get any noisier.
Written and performed by Jen Brister.
Producer: Lianne Coop
An Impatient production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in June 2022.
SUN 23:00 Life: An Idiot's Guide (b01q9771)
Series 2
Technology
Stephen K Amos is joined by three stand-up comedians to consider the pros and cons of living with technology.
With:
Jarlath Reagan
Marlon Davis
Lloyd Langford
Additional material written by Christine Rose, Tom Neenan, Hugh Sington and Jack Bernardt.
Producer: Colin Anderson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2013.
SUN 23:30 Hearing with Hegley (b018sgz6)
Series 2
Episode 1
John Hegley entertains an audience in Luton with poems about his father and more.
John is the poet laureate of alternative comedy,
With contributions from:
Keith Moore
Susan Norton
Andrew Bailey
Nigel Piper
Producer: Phil Clarke
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1998.
SUN 23:45 Bunk Bed (m00139l6)
Series 9
Episode 1
Under cover of darkness: the perfect place for letting thoughts drift into the air without rhyme or reason.
This time, after a top bunk malfunction, they are forced to snuggle up together in the same bed.
Socks with 12 hours of wear on them, uncut toenails and grinding all bring conflict.
Eventually, we hear the strange voice of science-fiction pioneer HG Wells from a 1934 BBC broadcast that spookily sums up society today.
This leads naturally to a discussion of national pride, Seamus Heaney, and the male orgasm.
Producer: Peter Curran
A Foghorn production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in January 2022.

MONDAY 29 DECEMBER 2025

MON 00:00 The Road by Nigel Kneale (m0000y1d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Sunday]
MON 00:45 Absent Friends 2025 - The 7th Dimension (m002nxlx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:45 on Sunday]
MON 01:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b08s2wjh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Sunday]
MON 01:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00pf12c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 on Sunday]
MON 02:00 Poetry Extra (m002nrvn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Sunday]
MON 02:30 Village Christmas by Laurie Lee (Omnibus) (b09jxgdv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Sunday]
MON 03:40 Inheritance Tracks (m002nrvq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 on Sunday]
MON 03:50 Ladies of Letters (b00wr8st)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 on Sunday]
MON 05:00 Ray's a Laugh (m002nrvt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Sunday]
MON 05:30 Take It From Here (b013m01w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Sunday]
MON 06:00 Whodunnits (m000k7lh)
Hercule Poirot - Sad Cypress
Episode 1
A poisoned pen letter prompts the hasty departure of two young people to visit their elderly, invalid aunt, starting a trail of murder and deceit...
Agatha Christie's whodunnit stars Emma Fielding and David McAlister.
From the book first published in 1940 and dramatised in five parts by Michael Bakewell.
John Moffatt as Belgian sleuth, Hercule Poirot awaits in the wings....
Elinor Carlisle......Emma Fielding
Dr Lord.......David McAlister
Mr Seddon......John Evitts
Nurse Hopkins.....Pauline Letts
Ted Bigland.....Eamonn Fleming
Mrs Bishop.....Margot Boyd
Wardress......Gudrun Ure
Policeman.....Keith Drinkel
Director: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1992.
MON 06:30 Whodunnits (b083r275)
A Charles Paris Mystery - The Cinderella Killer
1. Oh Yes It Is...
A job in Panto seems the perfect way to spend the Christmas season for actor Charles Paris.
But the cast of Cinderella are a motley crew from reality TV and Charles finds himself having to explain the traditions of Panto to their baffled American star whose career is on a downward trajectory.
It's not long before the slapstick makes way for a murder investigation.
As always, Charles can't help doing some sleuthing of his own...
Bill Nighy stars as actor-cum-sleuth, Charles Paris.
Dramatised in four parts by Jeremy Front - based on Simon Brett's novel.
Charles ...... Bill Nighy
Frances ...... Suzanne Burden
Maurice ...... Jon Glover
Ken ...... Brian Protheroe
Danny ...... Sean Baker
Electra ...... Lorelei King
Larry ...... Nick Underwood
Tad ...... Sam Rix
Josie ...... Norah Lopez Holden
Sparkle ...... Tom Forrister
Director: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2016.
MON 07:00 Visiting Julia (m0018xbz)
Ouch!
Julia is coming home, but only just in time.
Starring Keith Barron and Liz Goulding.
Conclusion of Peter Tinniswood 's gentle comedy-drama.
Roger ....Keith Barron
Julia ....Liz Goulding
Ma-in 'ell ....Shirley Dixon
Taxi Driver ....Stephen Thorne
Matron ....Kate Binchy
Otto ....Nigel Anthony
Helena ....Frances Jeater
Producer: John Tydeman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1998.
MON 07:30 Dad's Army (b007jmp0)
Series 2
Don't Forget the Diver
Captain Mainwaring's men attempt an exercise to mount a river attack to capture a windmill held by Captain Square.
So they enlist the services of a bird warbler, a scarecrow and a flock of sheep...
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
The Verger …. Edward Sinclair
Captain Square …. Geoffrey Lumsden
The Sergeant …. Norman Ettlinger
Announcer …. John Snagge
Producer: John Dyas
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1975.
MON 08:00 Welcome to Our Village, Please Invade Carefully (b04md4nr)
Series 2
Questioning Loyalties
Field Commander Uljabaan's loyalty cards, rewarding villagers for their collaboration, are not only ruining Katrina's plans but also Richard's chances in the weekly pub quiz.
They turn to Ron, the landlord of the Rose & Crown for help in scuppering the scheme.
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
Ron ...... Dave Lamb
Lawrence ...... Michael Bertenshaw
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 Short Works (m0017kfz)
Wrecking Ball Swing by Trezza Azzopardi
Booker nominated novelist Trezza Azzopardi returns to the Cardiff of her youth for this bittersweet story about childhood, demolition, resistance, change, and what remains of the lost landscapes of our past.
Short story written by Trezza Azzopardi.
Read by Lisa Palfrey.
Producer: John Norton
A BBC Audio Wales production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2022.
MON 08:45 Ladies of Letters (m002nrtn)
Series 1
1. A Lovely Day
After meeting at a wedding, Irene and Vera begin a loving, if testy, friendship by letter.
Starring Prunella Scales as Irene and Patricia Routledge as Vera.
The very first series of the up-and-down relationship between two mature ladies shared via their barbed correspondence.
Written by Lou Wakefield and Carole Hayman.
Abridged in six parts by Kati Nicholl.
Producer: David Roper
A Heavy Entertainment production, first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1997.
MON 09:00 The Unbelievable Truth (m002nrtr)
Series 32
1. Pigeons, Smoking, Football and Night
David Mitchell hosts the panel game in which four comedians are encouraged to tell lies and compete against one another to see how many items of truth they’re able to smuggle past their opponents.
Ed Byrne, Ian Smith, Maisie Adam and Lucy Porters are the panellists obliged to talk with deliberate inaccuracy on subjects as varied as pigeons, smoking, football and night.
The show is devised by Graeme Garden and Jon Naismith.
Producer: Jon Naismith
A Random Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4
MON 09:30 Prime Ministers' Props (b0bch41t)
Series 2
The Duke of Wellington's Boots
David Cannadine examines the careers of British Prime Ministers through their props of power.
From the Duke of Wellington's boots to Mrs Thatcher's handbag, he explores political fame and image through the way in which an object or prop can come to define a political leader.
When the Duke of Wellington died, his horse carried a pair of his boots the reverse way around in the stirrups at the end of his funeral procession. The sight of these boots brought tears to the eyes of the thousands of mourners at his state funeral.
The Duke became associated with his boots after he wrote to his boot maker from the Iberian Peninsula to request he made shorter boots without a tassel, which fitted under trousers, because the Duke tended to wear civilian dress while on campaign.
David Cannadine meets the present Duke of Wellington to explore how his ancestor's utilitarian boots quickly caught on with patriotic British gentlemen, eager to emulate their war hero.
But Wellington's boots were turned against him during his premiership by his enemies, who characterised him as a military despot, complete with jackboots and spurs.
The Duke's eponymous footwear were revived again in the aftermath of the First World War, when Wellingtons reappeared in a new guise as our more familiar and much loved 'wellies' - no longer made of leather, but of rubber.
Readers: Ewan Bailey and Will Huggins
Producer: Melissa FitzGerald
Researcher: Martin Spychal
A Blakeway production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2018.
MON 09:45 Daily Service (m002nrty)
Light in the Darkness - Light in darkness
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Light in the Darkness - Light in darkness
Presenter: Gemma Simmonds
Reading: John 1: 1-5
Music:
In the bleak mid-winter (Sasha Johnson Manning) - Leo and Alastair BBC Young Choristers, Daily Service Carol Concert
Silent Night - Yvonne Lyon
Carol of the Bells - Daily Service Singers - Carol Concert 2025
MON 10:00 The Tingle Factor (b04mhkrv)
Michael Bentine
Comic, actor and original Goon, Michael Bentine, tells Robin Ray why certain tracks send tingles down his spine.
Bentine’s choices range from ‘Also Sprach Zarathustra' to 'Fascinating Rhythm'.
Producer: Andrew Mussett
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1989.
MON 10:30 The Secret History of Bagpipes (b007jzbj)
We all know about bagpipes: deafeningly loud, dangling from the arm of a kilted Scotsman, and the quintessential symbol of Celtic aggression and pride.
Or do we?
Tom Morton wrestles with the truth about this most peculiar of instruments.
With contributions from former BBC war correspondent Kate Adie, numerous pipers and pipe-makers, and one man who was prepared to go to court to protect the right to play his pipes.
Producer: Michael Surcombe
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2004.
MON 11:00 Whodunnits (m000k7lh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 11:30 Whodunnits (b083r275)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 12:00 Visiting Julia (m0018xbz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 12:30 Dad's Army (b007jmp0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 13:00 Welcome to Our Village, Please Invade Carefully (b04md4nr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 13:30 Short Works (m0017kfz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 13:45 Ladies of Letters (m002nrtn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
MON 14:00 Just a Minute (b00zlfkp)
Series 59
Episode 7
Nicholas Parsons presides over the devious game where panellists are challenged to speak for one minute without hesitation, deviation or repetition.
With:
Paul Merton
Tony Hawks
Ross Noble
Liza Tarbuck
Subjects include: Regent's Park, If I Were Rich, Great Strides, Faux Pas, Moby Dick, Histrionics, Man Flu and The Theory of Relativity
Created by Ian Messiter.
Producer: Tilusha Ghelani
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2011.
MON 14:30 Smelling of Roses (b00dz7yc)
Series 4
Episode 2
A poetry competition sounds like an easy event to organise...until you take into account the egos of the poets involved...
When Rosie sets out to organise a poetry competition, it's hard to tell fact from fiction.
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
Morgan Dean ..... Lorelei King
Geoff Stabb ..... Bill Wallis
Amateur Poets ..... Bruce Alexander
Written and produced by Simon Brett.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2003.
MON 15:00 Mattie: The New Look by Juliet Ace (b0075kfg)
1. Tailor's Tacks
1946: Young Mattie loves spending time next-door in the tailor's workroom.
It's here that the adults often forget that she's there and say things they shouldn't.
First of Juliet Ace's trilogy of plays about the South Wales childhood of Mattie Jones.
Young Mattie ... Vanessa Mullaley
Older Mattie .... Jennifer Hill
Hannah .... Margaret John
Lizzie ...Viv Moore
Ceridwen ...Siriol Jenkins
Mr Matthias .... William Thomas
Mrs Matthias .... Viv Goodfield
Beeny .... Shelley Miranda Barrett
Directed at BBC Wales by Tanya Nash.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1999.
***** 4 Extra remembers Juliet Ace who died aged 87 on 8th August 2025.
MON 15:45 Her Infinite Variety by Juliet Ace (m002nrv5)
1. Writing to Veronica
Faced with parental disapproval of the boy of her choice by her media mum, a young Juliet of today at least has the internet, and the agony aunt Veronica.
Starring Eleanor Moriarty as Juliet.
One of five modern plays for Shakespeare’s women – written by Juliet Ace.
Director: Ned Chaillet
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1999.
***** 4 Extra remembers Juliet Ace who died aged 87 on 8th August 2025.
MON 16:00 The Tingle Factor (b04mhkrv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
MON 16:30 The Secret History of Bagpipes (b007jzbj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
MON 17:00 Whodunnits (m000k7lh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 17:30 Whodunnits (b083r275)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 18:00 Visiting Julia (m0018xbz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 18:30 Dad's Army (b007jmp0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 19:00 Welcome to Our Village, Please Invade Carefully (b04md4nr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 19:30 Short Works (m0017kfz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 19:45 Ladies of Letters (m002nrtn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
MON 20:00 Just a Minute (b00zlfkp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
MON 20:30 Smelling of Roses (b00dz7yc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
MON 21:00 Mattie: The New Look by Juliet Ace (b0075kfg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
MON 21:45 Her Infinite Variety by Juliet Ace (m002nrv5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 today]
MON 22:00 The Unbelievable Truth (m002nrtr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
MON 22:30 The Right Time (b0076mmf)
Series 4
Episode 5
Musing on middle-age and a near-death experience turns out mundane.
Sketch show about growing older disgracefully.
Starring:
Eleanor Bron
Dudley Sutton
Roger Blake
Paula Wilcox
Clive Swift
Barry Cryer
Music by Ronnie & The Rex and Pierre Hollins.
Written by Colin Bostock-Smith, Jill Brodie & John Pidgeon, Barry Cryer, Dave Dixon, Jan Etherington, Alan Stafford and Chris Thompson & Pete Reynolds.
Script editor: George Poles.
Producer: Katie Marsden
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2004.
MON 23:00 The Matt Forde Focus Group (m002nrvb)
Boxing Day Special
Top political comedian Matt Forde reconvenes his Focus Group for a Boxing Day special with a Dickensian twist.
Recorded in front of a live audience, Matt is joined by journalist Miranda Green, comedian Pierre Novellie and former Cabinet Minister Michael Gove – to review the political state we're in through the lens of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Expect sharp analysis, unexpected confessions, and the year's biggest stories getting visited by the Ghosts of Politics Past, Present and Yet to Come.
It's topical comedy that's both genuinely funny and surprisingly insightful – perfect for digesting with the leftover turkey.
Written and performed by Matt Forde
Additional writing from Karl Minns, Laura Claxton and Richard Garvin
Producer: Richard Garvin
Executive Producers Jon Thoday and Richard Allen Turner
Co-Producers: Daisy Knight and Jules Lom
Broadcast Assistant: Sahar Rajabali
Sound Design and Editing: David Thomas
An Avalon production for BBC Radio 4
MON 23:30 Listen Against (b008drpb)
Series 1
Episode 4
A cheeky round-up of a week's worth of BBC radio that never happened.
Rewinding and mangling real programmes from across the networks.
Alice Arnold and Jon Holmes take liberties with:
Steve Wright
Woman's Hour
Eddie Mair
The brain-child of writer, comic and broadcaster Jon Holmes.
Producer: Bill Dare and Jon Holmes
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2007.

TUESDAY 30 DECEMBER 2025

TUE 00:00 The Tingle Factor (b04mhkrv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Monday]
TUE 00:30 The Secret History of Bagpipes (b007jzbj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Monday]
TUE 01:00 Whodunnits (m000k7lh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]
TUE 01:30 Whodunnits (b083r275)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Monday]
TUE 02:00 Visiting Julia (m0018xbz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Monday]
TUE 02:30 Dad's Army (b007jmp0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:00 Welcome to Our Village, Please Invade Carefully (b04md4nr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Monday]
TUE 03:30 Short Works (m0017kfz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:45 Ladies of Letters (m002nrtn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Monday]
TUE 04:00 Just a Minute (b00zlfkp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:30 Smelling of Roses (b00dz7yc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Monday]
TUE 05:00 Mattie: The New Look by Juliet Ace (b0075kfg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Monday]
TUE 05:45 Her Infinite Variety by Juliet Ace (m002nrv5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 on Monday]
TUE 06:00 Whodunnits (b007k23s)
Hercule Poirot - Sad Cypress
2. Intestate
Elinor and Roddy's invalid aunt, Mrs Welman, has died in her sleep.
And a tube of morphine has gone missing....
Agatha Christie's whodunnit starring Emma Fielding and David McAlister.
Dramatised by Michael Bakewell.
Elinor Carlisle ...... Emma Fielding
Dr Lord ...... David McAlister
Roddy Welman ...... Charles Simpson
Nurse O'Brien ...... Joanna Myers
Nurse Hopkins ...... Pauline Letts
Mary Gerrard ...... Susannah Corbett
Mrs Welman ...... Barbara Atkinson
Mrs Bishop ...... Margot Boyd
Ted Bigland ...... Eamonn Fleming
Judge ...... Alan Cullen
Mr Gerrard ...... John Webb
Director: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1992.
TUE 06:30 Whodunnits (b084dnqp)
A Charles Paris Mystery - The Cinderella Killer
2. Suspicion
When the star of Cinderella is shot Charles finds himself filling Baron Hardup's shoes.
But who wanted him dead?
Charles comes under suspicion now he's been promoted up the billing.
Bill Nighy stars as actor-cum-sleuth, Charles Paris.
Dramatised by Jeremy Front - based on Simon Brett's novel.
Charles ...... Bill Nighy
Frances ..... Suzanne Burden
Maurice ...... Jon Glover
Danny ...... Sean Baker
Electra ...... Lorelei King
Tad ...... Sam Rix
Kitty ...... Kirsty Oswald
Barman ...... Tom Forrister
Director: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2016.
TUE 07:00 Flying the Flag (b007jx83)
Series 1
Compromising Positions
Why does William sleep with his windscreen wipers?
And will the tabloid press settle for a diplomatic answer?
The British Ambassador gets suspicious...
Starring Dinsdale Landen.
Eastern Bloc embassy sitcom written by Alex Shearer.
Ambassador Mackenzie …. Dinsdale Landen
William Frost …. Peter Acre
Helen Waterson …. Moir Leslie
Colonel Surikov …. Christopher Benjamin
Brown …. Milton Johns
Mrs Poonskey …. Margaret Ward
Producer: Pete Atkin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1987.
TUE 07:30 The Goon Show (b007jxnb)
Series 9
Childe Harolde Rewarde
Neddie Seagoon searches for Excalibur and ends up "in the drink".
Groundbreaking, surreal BBC radio comedy written by Spike Milligan.
Starring:
Peter Sellers
Harry Secombe
Spike Milligan
First billed as Crazy People, ten series of The Goon Show were recorded between 1951 and 1960, but sadly many of the earliest shows weren’t kept in the archive.
With the Ray Ellington Quartet and Max Geldray.
Orchestra conducted by Wally Stott.
Announcer: Wallace Greenslade
Producer: John Browell
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in December 1958.
TUE 08:00 Simon Evans Goes to Market (b07lhh79)
Series 3
Youth
Simon Evans' comedy lecture on four of the big life stages that mark our journey through life and how economics is part of every one of those stages, whether we like it or not.
As always, he is joined by:
* Financial Times columnist and presenter of Radio 4's 'More or Less', economist Tim Harford
* Financial guru and editor of Money Week, Merryn Somerset Webb.
In this episode, Simon looks at Youth - that period in life when the young suddenly disengage from the home unit and plummet from the safety of the family nest.
The team cover everything from pocket money and exam subject choice, to university and whether the property ladder still exists.
* Special guest expert: Professor Alison Wolf, Baroness Wolf of Dulwich shares her views on whether education matters and how that affects the labour markets.
Which subjects should you study at school if you want to be a millionaire?
Should you go to university?
Take a gap year?
What are the implications of all these decisions on your future economic standing?
Written by Simon Evans, Benjamin Partridge and Andy Wolton.
Producer: Claire Jones
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in July 2016.
TUE 08:30 Short Works (m000qnjy)
One by Merryn Glover
Nian Zhen, a maths professor originally from China and now living in Glasgow, welcomes a child with special needs into her home at Hogmanay.
She provides regular respite weekends for the boy, Clyde's, foster parents.
They run through the usual routine and navigate tantrums and anger - on either side - and Nian Zhen reflects on the unlikely circumstances that allowed her to escape famine in Communist China and make a new life abroad.
Written by Merryn Glover.
Read by Sarah Lam.
Producer: Eilidh McCreadie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2021.
TUE 08:45 Ladies of Letters (m002nrtv)
Series 1
2. Jamming
Vera’s been jamming and pickling, but Irene’s had other things on her mind.
Starring Prunella Scales as Irene and Patricia Routledge as Vera.
The up and down relationship between two mature ladies shared via their barbed correspondence.
Written by Lou Wakefield and Carole Hayman.
Abridged by Kati Nicholl.
Producer: David Roper
A Heavy Entertainment production, first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1997.
TUE 09:00 One Person Found This Helpful (m002nrtz)
Series 3
6. A Whiff Of Xmas
Frank Skinner and guests Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Sunil Patel, Simon Evans and Ania Magliano don green tights and angels’ wings and jiggle suspiciously to play a Christmas-flavoured episode of 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 reviewed some tinsel by saying “does what it says on the tin” - 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 Prime Ministers' Props (b0bd8hqx)
Series 2
Benjamin Disraeli's Novels
David Cannadine examines the careers of British Prime Ministers through their props of power.
In producing his seventeen novels, Benjamin Disraeli was unusual among British Prime Ministers in that he created his own props.
Indeed, his duel public persona as author and politician brought him public acclaim and prominence and transformed him into one of the first ever media celebrities.
But this turned out to be a very high-risk strategy.
Disraeli's novels prompted a great deal of distrust among both his political opponents and those within the Conservative party, and they were used to portray him as an opportunist who was not to be trusted.
David Cannadine visits Hughenden Manor in Buckinghamshire, Disraeli's former home and the place where he wrote his most famous novels, to explore how this Prime Minister merged fact and fiction in his life and in his work.
Readers: Ewan Bailey and Will Huggins
Producer: Melissa FitzGerald
Researcher: Martin Spychal
A Blakeway production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2018.
TUE 09:45 Daily Service (m002nrv2)
Light in the Darkness - Children of light
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Light in the Darkness - Children of light
Presenter: Andy Fishburne
Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:4-11
Music:
Lead kindly light - Libera
Be Thou My Vision, Lucy Grimble
Love Theory - Rumbi (BBC Recording)
TUE 10:00 A Good Read (m000fvvr)
Neil Oliver & Neil Forsyth
Author Neil Forsyth and historian Neil Oliver join Harriett Gilbert to discuss their favourite books by John Lewis-Stempel, Alexander Masters and Sara Paretsky.
The Glorious Life of the Oak by John Lewis-Stempel
Publisher Doubleday
Stuart a Life Backwards by Alexander Masters
Publisher Fourth Estate
Indemnity Only by Sara Paretsky
Publisher Hodder
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2020.
TUE 10:30 Classic Toys (b0075fz2)
What makes Lego more popular than ordinary building blocks?
Why was Sindy taken off the market?
Emma Freud delves into her toy cupboard to discover which playthings have stood the test of time and why.
Producer: Penelope Gibbs.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1998.
TUE 11:00 Whodunnits (b007k23s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 11:30 Whodunnits (b084dnqp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 12:00 Flying the Flag (b007jx83)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 12:30 The Goon Show (b007jxnb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 13:00 Simon Evans Goes to Market (b07lhh79)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 13:30 Short Works (m000qnjy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 13:45 Ladies of Letters (m002nrtv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
TUE 14:00 Genius (b00b9nzd)
Series 1
John Fortune
A fake brake pedal for nervous passengers to using laughing gas for riots?
Dave Gorman asks John Fortune to select the public's best loopy idea.
Award-winning comedian Dave Gorman and a celebrity guest chew over the ridiculous, unworkable but sometimes genius inventions, schemes and policies of the public.
Producer: Simon Nicholls
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2005.
TUE 14:30 Ring Around the Bath (b00nm9sj)
Series 1
Return of the Kidi
Stella is a middle aged woman having a crisis - her grown up children refuse to leave home.
And worse, her husband doesn't mind!
Lucy Clare and Ian Davidson's sitcom about a rather topsy turvy household.
Starring Duncan Preston and Penny Downie.
Stella's hopes are raised as Rick and girlfriend Xanthe decide to move out.
But with lots of jobs to be done in the garden, are there some benefits to having lots of people at home after all?
Patrick ...... Duncan Preston
Stella ...... Penny Downie
Alison ...... Claudie Blakely
Rick ...... Bruce McKinnon
Egg ...... Daniela Denby-Ashe
Xanthe ...... Catherine Shepherd
Producer: Elizabeth Freestone
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2003.
TUE 15:00 Mattie: The New Look by Juliet Ace (b0075klp)
2. Beeny's Camiknickers
Winter, 1947: Mattie spends most of her time with Beeny in the bakery.
Here she learns how to make faggots - as well as discovering the perils of flirting with boys...
Second of Juliet Ace's trilogy of plays about the South Wales childhood of Mattie Jones.
Young Mattie ... Stephanie Wookey
Older Mattie ... Jennifer Hill
Beeny ... Shelley Miranda Barrett
Mrs Jones ... Donna Edwards
Mair ... Catherine Tregenna
Mona ... Rhian Morgan
Frankie Sherlock .... Rhodri Hugh
Ieuan .... Christian Patterson
Directed at BBC Wales by Tanya Nash.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1999.
TUE 15:45 Her Infinite Variety by Juliet Ace (m002nrv8)
2. Talking to My Shrink
Confronted by the increasingly maddening (and mad) behaviour of her boyfriend, a 90s Ophelia discusses the nature of insanity with her psychotherapist.
Ophelia ... Gemma Saunders
Shrink ... Gavin Muir
One of five modern plays for Shakespeare’s women – written by Juliet Ace
Director: Sarah Brown
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1999.
TUE 16:00 A Good Read (m000fvvr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
TUE 16:30 Classic Toys (b0075fz2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
TUE 17:00 Whodunnits (b007k23s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 17:30 Whodunnits (b084dnqp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 18:00 Flying the Flag (b007jx83)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 18:30 The Goon Show (b007jxnb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 19:00 Simon Evans Goes to Market (b07lhh79)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 19:30 Short Works (m000qnjy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 19:45 Ladies of Letters (m002nrtv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
TUE 20:00 Genius (b00b9nzd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
TUE 20:30 Ring Around the Bath (b00nm9sj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
TUE 21:00 Mattie: The New Look by Juliet Ace (b0075klp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
TUE 21:45 Her Infinite Variety by Juliet Ace (m002nrv8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 today]
TUE 22:00 One Person Found This Helpful (m002nrtz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
TUE 22:30 The Maltby Collection (b00xn9fp)
Series 2
Episode 3
Will the museum's first-ever opening on a Sunday run like clockwork?
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 Edgcombe …. Rachel Atkins
Julian Crumb-Loosely …. Ben Willbond
Wilf Arbuthnot …. Geoff McGivern
Eva Tittle …. Julia Deakin
Des Wainwright …. Michael Smiley
Stelios Constantinopoulis …. Chris Pavlo
Susie Maltby …. Margaret Cabourn-Smith
Marina …. Marina Koem
Andros …. Stephen Critchlow
Gloria Brindle …. Helen Atkinson-Wood
Producer: Colin Anderson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2008.
TUE 23:00 The Croft & Pearce Show (b072mz5w)
Episode 1
A sketch show from award-winning duo Croft and Pearce, rising stars of the UK comedy scene.
These Edinburgh Fringe favourites were the break-out hit of BBC Radio 4’s Sketchorama and have performed sell-out shows in London, New York and around the UK.
Packed with sharply observed characters, this debut from writer-performers Hannah Croft and Fiona Pearce is not to be missed.
In this opening episode, meet:
* June and Jean, two middle-class ladies driven to the brink by the strain of village life in the Home Counties
* Rowdy Geordie Brown Owl
* An over-excited work experience girl.
Written and performed by Hannah Croft and Fiona Pearce.
Producer: Liz Anstee
A CPL production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in March 2016.
TUE 23:15 Helen Keen's It Is Rocket Science (b00z5hrv)
Series 1
Episode 1
Funny, off-beat but factually accurate account of the science of rockets and the brilliant but occasionally warped brains behind-it-all.
So who were the three fathers of modern rocket science?
* 19th Century self-taught Russian visionary Eduardovich Tsiolkovsky and his dreams of orbiting space stations and Martian colonies;
* American Robert H Goddard, derided in The New York Times in the 1920s for his prediction of a lunar landing (A retraction was printed after the Apollo 11 launch);
* Transylvanian-German Hermann Oberth with his brilliant theories about space travel and his horrifying theories about racial supremacy.
Plus Helen reveals the surprising connection between space travel and a coach tour of the Jewels of the Rhineland.
Starring:
Helen Keen
Peter Serafinowicz
Susy Kane
Written by Helen Keen and Miriam Underhill.
Producer: Gareth Edwards
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2011.
TUE 23:30 Jake Yapp's Media Circus (b0bbq1gm)
Daytime TV
Jake Yapp applies his sharp satirical eye to the modern media, exploring its strengths, weaknesses and idiosyncrasies through stand-up, sketch and music.
His first focus is the Daytime TV schedule.
Exploring its most common tropes and iterations while attempting to explain why he finds so much of it unwatchable.
Written, performed and composed by Jake Yapp.
With:
George Fouracres
Emily Lloyd-Saini
Additional material by Robin Morgan.
Producer: Joe Nunnery
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in July 2018.

WEDNESDAY 31 DECEMBER 2025

WED 00:00 A Good Read (m000fvvr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Tuesday]
WED 00:30 Classic Toys (b0075fz2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Tuesday]
WED 01:00 Whodunnits (b007k23s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:30 Whodunnits (b084dnqp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Tuesday]
WED 02:00 Flying the Flag (b007jx83)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Tuesday]
WED 02:30 The Goon Show (b007jxnb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:00 Simon Evans Goes to Market (b07lhh79)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Tuesday]
WED 03:30 Short Works (m000qnjy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:45 Ladies of Letters (m002nrtv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Tuesday]
WED 04:00 Genius (b00b9nzd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:30 Ring Around the Bath (b00nm9sj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Tuesday]
WED 05:00 Mattie: The New Look by Juliet Ace (b0075klp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Tuesday]
WED 05:45 Her Infinite Variety by Juliet Ace (m002nrv8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 on Tuesday]
WED 06:00 Whodunnits (b007k26d)
Hercule Poirot - Sad Cypress
3. A Poisoning and Investigations
Who poisoned Mary Gerrard?
Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot is called in to track down the killer.
Agatha Christie's whodunnit starring John Moffatt.
Dramatised by Michael Bakewell.
Hercule Poirot ...... John Moffatt
Elinor Carlisle ...... Emma Fielding
Nurse Hopkins ...... Pauline Letts
Mrs Bishop ...... Margot Boyd
Dr Lord ...... David McAlister
Mr Seddon ...... John Evitts
Ted Bigland ...... Eamonn Fleming
Wardress ...... Gudrun Ure
Policeman ...... Keith Drinkel
Director: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1992.
WED 06:30 Whodunnits (b08503d4)
A Charles Paris Mystery - The Cinderella Killer
3. Suspects
Just who could have shot the star of Cinderella dead? And are they the same person who is sending Charles threatening texts?
There are certainly lots of suspects, a vengeful ex-wife, a stalker and a missing dancer.
Bill Nighy stars as actor-cum-sleuth, Charles Paris.
Dramatised by Jeremy Front - based on Simon Brett's novel
Charles ...... Bill Nighy
Frances ...... Suzanne Burden
Maurice ...... Jon Glover
Danny ...... Sean Baker
Tad ..... Sam Rix
Kitty ...... Kirsty Oswald
Larry ...... Nick Underwood
Waiter ...... Tom Forrister
Gloria ...... Elizabeth Bennett
Director: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2016.
WED 07:00 Little Blighty on the Down (b0080qvk)
Series 3
Episode 4
The Council leader, Mrs Roberts insists an electrical substation should become a raffle prize and Granny's birthday is a source of consternation.
An everyday story of country folk.
‘80s political satirical soap opera set in the strangely familiar village of Little Blighty.
Life here is pretty uneventful, though the humdrum happenings include social turmoil, economic upheaval and vicious political squabbles.
Starring:
Jo Kendall
Michael Troughton
John Baddeley
Bernadine Corrigan
Daniel Strauss
Jonathan Kydd
Written by Mark Burton, John O'Farrell and Mike Coleman.
Producer: Lissa Evans
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1990.
WED 07:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007k0gt)
Series 4
The Diary
It's New Year's Eve and the Lad is pondering what could have been.
Featuring the famous 'test pilot' scene.
Ray Galton and Alan Simpson's classic comedy about the life and times of Anthony Aloysius St John Hancock.
Starring Tony Hancock.
With:
Bill Kerr
Sidney James
Hattie Jacques
Kenneth Williams
Theme and incidental music composed and conducted by Wally Stott.
Producer: Dennis Main Wilson
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in December 1956.
WED 08:00 North by Northamptonshire (b06sny99)
North by Northamptonshire: Full Stop
It's New Year's Eve!
The inhabitants of Wadenbrook have recently performed their own amateur-production of My Fair Lady.
So they're excited to be off to see a professional and starry production at Birmingham's Hippodrome.
Former school teacher Mary has, of course, organised the trip, with a rather uncharacteristic ulterior motive at the end of it.
The indefatigable Norman will come along too, spurred on at the thought of seeing Strictly dancer Flavia Cacace in the flesh.
Long suffering Jan's excited about the qualities Lionel Blair will bring to the role of Higgins, and gentle Jonathan follows wherever Jan goes. (As long as his ex-wife Esther and the cuckoo Orson don't object).
At least they will have Ken and Keith there - Wadenbrook's most enduring couple and the cement that binds them all together and a badly kept secret that everyone's bursting to tell.
Narrator ... Sheila Hancock
Esther and Radio DJ ... Katherine Jakeways
Jan ... Felicity Montagu
Keith ... John Biggins
Ken and Jonathan ... Kevin Eldon
Mary ... Penelope Wilton
Norman ... Geoffrey Palmer
Orson ... Simon Kane
Written by Katherine Jakeways
Script Editor: Richard Turner
Producer: Julia Mckenzie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2015.
WED 08:45 Ladies of Letters (m002nrvd)
Series 1
3. Mistake
Will Vera and Irene’s friendship survive an unfortunate hotel bedroom incident?
Starring Prunella Scales as Irene and Patricia Routledge as Vera.
The up and down relationship between two mature ladies shared via their barbed correspondence.
Written by Lou Wakefield and Carole Hayman.
Abridged by Kati Nicholl.
Producer: David Roper
A Heavy Entertainment production, first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1997.
WED 09:00 I Don’t Do… with Julian Clary (m002nrvg)
I Don’t Do…Christmas! is a brand new, gloriously mischievous panel show for people who’d, well, rather not.
Julian Clary hosts a yuletide celebration like no other, joined by comedians Jo Brand, Glenn Moore and Fatiha El-Ghorri, with special guest Gareth Malone.
Hosted and Created by Julian Clary
Featuring: Jo Brand, Fatiha El-Ghorri, Glenn Moore
Special Guest: Gareth Malone
Additional Material: Andrew White
Sound: David Thomas
Production Manager: Laura Shaw
Producer: Charlie Dinkin
Executive Producer: Benjamin Sutton
A Daddy’s Superyacht production for BBC Radio 4
WED 09:30 Prime Ministers' Props (b0bf630w)
Series 2
William Gladstone's Axe
David Cannadine examines the careers of British Prime Ministers through their props of power.
Standing in a fireplace in his Temple of Peace at Hawarden Castle in Wales, is a selection of axes used by William Gladstone to chop down trees.
David meets Charlie Gladstone, the current resident at Hawarden, to examine these axes and discuss the attraction of tree-felling for his ancestor, William. It was a vigorous physical activity that took his mind off everything else, especially public affairs.
Gladstone's axe was a Prime Minister's Prop which also became a powerful political metaphor.
Gladstone was often depicted by his supporters as swinging his axe to eliminate wrongdoing and error, literally root and branch. And the image of him retreating to Hawarden, working away with his axe, appealed to working people who, as one historian has commented, "found a great statesman and popular leader in the plain clothes of a labourer".
To his critics however, Gladstone's axe was an apt metaphor for his increasingly radical politics, which seemed to them to be violent and destructive.
For Tory opponents, and for Queen Victoria, the contrast with William Gladstone's great political rival Benjamin Disraeli was striking. For while Gladstone chopped down trees on his country estate at Hawarden, Disraeli planted them at Hughenden Manor, his rural retreat in Buckinghamshire.
Readers: Ewan Bailey and Will Huggins
Series Producer: Melissa FitzGerald
Series Researcher: Martin Spychal
A Blakeway production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2018.
WED 09:45 Daily Service (m002nrvj)
Light in the Darkness - Watchnight: waiting for the morning light
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Light in the Darkness - Watchnight: waiting for the morning light
Presenter: Angel Morgan
Reading: Psalm 30: 1-5
Music:
Amazing God - Volney Morgan & New Ye and the BBC Concert Orchestra
Great I am - Volney Morgan & New Ye and the BBC Concert Orchestra
Bless the Lord - Volney Morgan & New Ye and the BBC Concert Orchestra
WED 10:00 Archive on 4 (b0076jhd)
Old Year's Night
Towards the end of every year, thousands of people head north of the border at a time when the days are bewilderingly short and the weather, at best, unpredictable.
The reason?
Hogmanay.
James Naughtie investigates the history and traditions behind this peculiarly Scottish celebration.
Producer: Caroline Barbour
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2003.
WED 11:00 Whodunnits (b007k26d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 11:30 Whodunnits (b08503d4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 12:00 Little Blighty on the Down (b0080qvk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 12:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007k0gt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 13:00 North by Northamptonshire (b06sny99)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 13:45 Ladies of Letters (m002nrvd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
WED 14:00 The Museum of Curiosity (m0009z81)
Series 14
Episode 6
Professor of Ignorance John Lloyd and his curator Bridget Christie welcome:
* Psychotherapist, Philippa Perry
* Architect and inventer, Carlo Ratti
* Underwater cameraman, Doug Allan.
The Museum's Guest Committee donate a swarm of fruit flies, a bionic arm and the feeling you get when a wild animal trusts you.
Museum exhibits catalogued by Mike Shepherd, Mike Turner and Emily Jupitus of QI.
Producers: Victoria Lloyd and Anne Miller.
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in November 2019.
WED 14:30 Getting Nowhere Fast (b007zn0h)
Series 1
Episode 1
Pam and Merv are ex-lovers and middle-aged business partners.
Now they're trying to get with it by opening a Cyber section in their Vodka and Veggie cafe.
Chantal tells all about her latest bit of plastic surgery.
Merv tries to persuade Pam that love is more important than the money of her new, yet forever husband Dominic.
Oh and the computers get stolen too...
Sitcom written in four parts by and starring Mervyn Stutter.
Merv ...... Mervyn Stutter
Pam ...... Lill Roughley
Dibden ...... John Challis
PC Dilkes ...... Christopher Etteridge
Chantal ...... Tracy-Ann Oberman
Nev ...... Geoffrey Joseph
Producer: Mario Stylianides
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2001.
WED 15:00 Mattie: The New Look by Juliet Ace (b0075krx)
3. Celluloid Lady
It's 1948 and Mattie is now fascinated by Mona Morgan and her daydreams about Hollywood film stars.
She's now pulling pints in her father's pub, the Malabar.
Last of Juliet Ace's trilogy of plays about the South Wales childhood of Mattie Jones.
Young Mattie .... Stephanie Wookey
Older Mattie .... Jennifer Hill
Mona .... Rhian Morgan
Garfield .... Ifan Huw Dafydd
Beeny .... Shelley Miranda Barrett
Doris .... Cler Stephens
Tom ...Jeremi Cockram
Bryn ... lestyn Jones
Directed at BBC Wales by Tanya Nash.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1999.
***** 4 Extra remembers Juliet Ace who died aged 87 on 8th August 2025.
WED 15:45 Her Infinite Variety by Juliet Ace (m002nrvl)
3. Diary of a Dutiful Daughter
Faced with a doddering dad and a nursing home she runs as a business, what can a modern Goneril do but offer him the box room?
Which is more than Sister Cordelia of the Salvation Army has to give...
Starring Anna Massey as Goneril.
One of five modern plays for Shakespeare’s women – written by Juliet Ace.
Director: Ned Chaillet
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1999.
WED 16:00 Archive on 4 (b0076jhd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
WED 17:00 Whodunnits (b007k26d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 17:30 Whodunnits (b08503d4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 18:00 Little Blighty on the Down (b0080qvk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 18:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007k0gt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 19:00 North by Northamptonshire (b06sny99)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 19:45 Ladies of Letters (m002nrvd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
WED 20:00 The Museum of Curiosity (m0009z81)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
WED 20:30 Getting Nowhere Fast (b007zn0h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
WED 21:00 Mattie: The New Look by Juliet Ace (b0075krx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
WED 21:45 Her Infinite Variety by Juliet Ace (m002nrvl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 today]
WED 22:00 I Don’t Do… with Julian Clary (m002nrvg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
WED 22:30 The Harpoon (b007m747)
Series 2
Episode 1
Yes, Madam! The Empire's favourite weekly is back on the shelves!
Nostalgia galore in the first of four lovingly hand-tooled issues of this acclaimed comedy series awaits your collection - this one a bumper summer edition.
Written by Julian Dutton and Peter Baynham.
Performed by:
Susie Brann
Alistair McGowan
Mary Elliot-Nelson
Julian Dutton
Peter Baynham
Producer: Sarah Smith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1992.
WED 23:00 John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme (m0006776)
Series 8
Episode 6
In this clinically efficient episode, John does the voice, and we also hear what sort of song he could have had on the show if he'd wanted.
And, well... since you ask him for a story of a breakneck race against time...
Written by and starring John Finnemore
With:
Margaret Cabourn-Smith
Simon Kane
Lawry Lewin
Carrie Quinlan
Original music and piano: Susannah Pearse
Cello: Sally Stares
Additional musical arrangement: Rich Evans
Producer: Ed Morrish
A BBC Studios production for Radio 4, first broadcast in June 2019.
WED 23:30 Joz Norris: A Small Talk on Small Talk (m000qxmj)
Joz Norris doesn’t do small talk, but he’s moving home.
So he's having to attend lots of flat-viewings and finding himself repeatedly having to chat with strangers.
Desperately, even by his own standards, he’s just answered the question, “What do you do in your spare time?” with “I went to a Van Morrison gig in 2016… but it wasn’t very good…”
He remains mortified by just how hard he finds forcing himself to deal with new people.
In this comedy special, he unpacks why small talk is so utterly, existentially, horrible and invites you to thirty minutes inside Joz’s head – it’s a bit of a squeeze, but an intelligent, creative and rather noisy place!
Like his live shows, this half-hour special anchors itself around autobiographical moments, and incorporates some of his funniest, stupidest and most imaginative routines constructed into a narrative about loss, recovery and how small talk has ruined his life.
No Van Morrisons were harmed in the making of this programme.
Joz .... Joz Norris
Lucy .... Lucy Pearman
Writer: Joz Norris
Producer: Steve Doherty
A Giddy Goat production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in January 2021.

THURSDAY 01 JANUARY 2026

THU 00:00 Archive on 4 (b0076jhd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 Whodunnits (b007k26d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:30 Whodunnits (b08503d4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 Little Blighty on the Down (b0080qvk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007k0gt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 North by Northamptonshire (b06sny99)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Wednesday]
THU 03:45 Ladies of Letters (m002nrvd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 The Museum of Curiosity (m0009z81)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:30 Getting Nowhere Fast (b007zn0h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 Mattie: The New Look by Juliet Ace (b0075krx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Wednesday]
THU 05:45 Her Infinite Variety by Juliet Ace (m002nrvl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 on Wednesday]
THU 06:00 Whodunnits (b007k27p)
Hercule Poirot - Sad Cypress
4. Murder!
As the Belgian sleuth unravels the threads of the murder, it seems like Mary Gerrard wasn't the first victim...
Agatha Christie's whodunnit stars John Moffatt as Hercule Poirot.
Dramatised by Michael Bakewell.
Hercule Poirot ...... John Moffatt
Elinor Carlisle ...... Emma Fielding
Nurse Hopkins ...... Pauline Letts
Dr Lord ...... David McAlister
Wardress ...... Gudrun Ure
Roddy Welman ...... Charles Simpson
Nurse O'Brien ...... Joanna Myers
Director: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1992.
THU 06:30 Whodunnits (b085bf8l)
A Charles Paris Mystery - The Cinderella Killer
4. They're Behind You
With the body count rising amongst the cast of the Panto, the line 'they're behind you' is beginning to take on a sinister meaning.
But Charles' skills amount to far more than shaking his booty as an Ugly Sister, he finds time to confront the killer too.
Concluding episode starring Bill Nighy as actor-cum-sleuth, Charles Paris.
Dramatised by Jeremy Front - based on Simon Brett's novel
Charles ...... Bill Nighy
Frances ...... Suzanne Burden
Maurice ...... Jon Glover
Danny ...... Sean Baker
DCI Naylor ...... Lorelei King
Gloria ...... Elizabeth Bennett
Kitty ...... Kirsty Oswald
Larry ..... Nick Underwood
Terry ...... Jason Barnett
Director: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2016.
THU 07:00 Yes Minister (b007jmj1)
Series 1
The Writing on the Wall
Finally losing patience with Sir Humphrey, MP Jim Hacker's big plans to slim down the Civil Service come home to roost.
Starring Paul Eddington, Nigel Hawthorne and Derek Fowlds.
Antony Jay and Jonathan Lynn satirical sitcom ran on BBC TV between 1980 and 1984.
Yes Minister is centred around the hapless Jim Hacker and a collection of civil service underlings headed by the Machiavellian Sir Humphrey Appleby and obsequious Bernard.
Jim Hacker …. Paul Eddington
Sir Humphrey Appleby …. Nigel Hawthorne
Bernard …. Derek Fowlds
Frank Weisel …. Bill Nighy
Sir Frederick …. Peter Cellier
Foreign Secretary …. Tenniel Evans
Dr Donald Hughes …. Edward Petherbridge
Butler …. Kerry Francis
Adapted for radio by producer Pete Atkin.
First broadcast on Radio 4 in November 1983.
THU 07:30 Give Or Take (m000zfbd)
Episode 1
Bank clerk Sam Baker is determined to win the football pools.
But he upsets his wife Annabel.
Can he win her round?
Wally K Daly's eight-part sitcom starring David Roper and Sharon Duce.
Sam …… David Roper
Annabel …… Sharon Duce
Rose …… Patsy Rowlands
Bank Manager …… John Horsley
Woman …… Petra Davies
Policeman …… Roland MacLeod
Cyril …… Jon Glover
Producer: John Fawcett Wilson.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1979.
THU 08:00 Ability (b0b2knmp)
Series 1
Taking Advantage
Matt and Bob decide to see how far they can take advantage of Matt's disability - and attempt shoplifting.
Matt is 25. He has cerebral palsy and can only speak via an app on his iPad. Everyone who cares about Matt knows that this isn't the defining thing about him. He's funny and clever and "up for stuff" - partly because he is keen to show that there's nothing he can't do, but also because, if he's honest, he's aware that he's less likely than other people to get the blame.
Now Matt's left home for the first time and moved in to share a flat with his best mate, Jess. But when Bob (Allan Mustafa) shows up as the new carer, the fun really starts. Bob is new to the job and, although willing, domestic duties are not really his forte. He's better at selling weed and dealing in knocked off iPads.
But he likes Matt and treats him like a real person. So, as far as Matt is concerned, Bob is here to stay.
Matt ...... Lee Ridley
Bob ...... Allan Mustafa
Writer ...... Lee Ridley
Writer ...... Katherine Jakeways
Ability is the semi-autobiographical co-creation of Lee Ridley, otherwise known as Lost Voice Guy. Like his sitcom creation, Lee has cerebral palsy and can only speak via an app. Lost Voice Guy is - probably - the first stand up comedian to use a communication aid.
Katherine Jakeways is the co-creator and co-writer of Ability
A Funny Bones production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2018.
THU 08:30 Short Works (m0026np0)
The Third Wave by Iain Finlay Macleod
Over 100 years after the Iolaire sank with the loss of hundreds of lives, Iain Finlay Macleod imagines the disaster through the eyes of a survivor.
An unnamed sailor is returning from the Great War and meets his brother on board the overcrowded yacht returning Naval Reservists home to Lewis.
He's on deck when they hit rocks at Holm and describes the confusion on board as the boat quickly sinks.
One man is able to secure a line to land and the narrator is the last man to make it ashore before the rope breaks.
He talks about the loss of his brother; how the fighting and subsequent disaster changed his feelings about war, God and loyalty to country.
Written by Iain Finlay Macleod.
Read by Daibhidh Walker.
Producer: Eilidh McCreadie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2025.
THU 08:45 Ladies of Letters (m002p636)
Series 1
4. Surprise
Irene’s unsettling personal news is surpassed by Vera’s family revelations.
Starring Prunella Scales as Irene and Patricia Routledge as Vera.
The up and down relationship between two mature ladies shared via their barbed correspondence.
Written by Lou Wakefield and Carole Hayman.
Abridged by Kati Nicholl.
Producer: David Roper
A Heavy Entertainment production, first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1997.
THU 09:00 Unspeakable (m002nrvx)
Christmas Special 2025
Phil Wang and Susie Dent challenge guests to invent new festive words to enter the dictionary. With special guests Matt Lucas, Nick Mohammed and Sara Pascoe.
In the 2025 Christmas special, we hear Matt Lucas' new word for a crucial moment during Christmas Dinner, Nick Mohammed - fresh from Celebrity Traitors - coins a new word for your neighbour who goes all out with the decorations, and Sara Pascoe creates a word for when you have to put on a brave face through the festive season.
Have you ever struggled to find the right word for a feeling or sensation? Unspeakable sees comedian Phil Wang and lexicographer Susie Dent invite celebrity guests to invent new linguistic creations, to solve those all too relatable moments when we're lost for words.
Hosts: Phil Wang and Susie Dent
Guests: Matt Lucas, Nick Mohammed and Sara Pascoe
Created by Joe Varley
Writers: Matt Crosby and Katie Storey
Recorded by Jerry Peal
Producer: Jon Harvey
Executive Producers: Joe Varley and Akash Lockmun
A Brown Bred production for BBC Radio 4
THU 09:30 Prime Ministers' Props (b0bfyv44)
Series 2
Winston Churchill's Cigar
David Cannadine examines the careers of British Prime Ministers through their props of power.
It was during the Second World War that Winston Churchill adopted the cigar as his most indispensable Prime Ministerial prop and he rarely appeared in public without it. Clenched tightly between his jaws, his cigar signified defiance and determination, resolve and resolution.
Glowing brightly and accompanied by expansive gestures, it radiated confidence and hope. But the fact that Churchill liked cigars was a sign for Hitler that he was a weak man and a poor leader, and Nazi propaganda depicted Churchill and his cigar as decadent and self-indulgent.
David visits Chartwell, Churchill's Kent country home, to view his famous cigar cabinet which now houses paints in his studio.
He discusses the way in which Churchill's cigar became synonymous with his political image - so much so that, towards the end of his life, he gave out cigars as a calling card and his global fame meant they went for thousands at auction.
Readers: Ewan Bailey and Will Huggins
Producer: Melissa FitzGerald
Researcher: Martin Spychal
A Blakeway production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2018.
THU 09:45 Daily Service (m002nrvz)
Light in the Darkness - Walking in the light
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Light in the Darkness - Walking in the light
Presenter: Archbishop Stephen Cottrell
Reading: 1 John 1:5-9
Music:
At the Name of Jesus - Daily Service Singers
O Radiant Dawn - The Sixteen
Immortal, Invisible - Daily Service Singers
THU 10:00 Great Lives (b03b0ydy)
Konnie Huq on Ada Lovelace
From Banking, to air traffic control systems and to controlling the United States defence department, there's a computer language called 'Ada'.
It's named after Ada Lovelace – a 19th century mathematician and daughter of Lord Byron and now championed as a Great Life.
She's been called many things.
But perhaps most poetically by Charles Babbage - whom she worked with on a steam-driven calculating machine called the Difference Engine - an 'enchantress of numbers'. Lord Byron called her similarly mathematical mother a "princess of parallelograms".
Augusta 'Ada' Byron was born in 1815 but her parents marriage was short and unhappy. They separated when Ada was one month old and she never saw her father, who died when was eight years old.
Her mother, Annabella concerned Ada might inherit Byron's "poetic tendencies" had her schooled her in maths and science to try to combat any madness inherited from her father.
She's championed by TV presenter and writer – Konnie Huq, most well known for presenting the BBC TV's children's programme - 'Blue Peter'.
Together with expert– Suw Charman- Anderson, a Social technologist, they lift the lid on the life of this mathematician, now regarded as the first computer programmer.
Presented by Matthew Parris.
Producer: Perminder Khatkar
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2013.
THU 10:30 Sleeve Notes (b00htmzr)
Once a cherished gateway into a musical world - the album sleeve note has been diminished by the digitalisation of music.
It's been reduced to eye-wateringly small print by the CD case and dispensed with entirely by many of those who download their music from the internet.
Music writer Laura Barton explains her love of the sleeve note.
Sleeve notes can be a fierce declaration of intent from the artist, as epitomized by Johnny Cash who in 1968 wrote them for his legendary album, 'Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison' which won a Grammy for Best Album Notes.
Some musicians feel that they've said all that they want to say in their music. For them the sleeve note is something to be avoided.
For others, including Jarvis Cocker, it's a chance to have a quiet word with their fans.
In America, sleeve notes - or liner notes as they call them - have their own award category at the Grammys. Dan Morgenstern has won more of these awards than anyone else and shares his experiences.
Poet Simon Armitage long felt the sleeve note is an underused space. He's always wanted more from them. But in 2008, he got a chance to create the kind of sleeve note he'd like to read when Paul Weller commissioned him to write them for an album. Armitage explains what it's like to set words to an album.
For musician Adrian John Moffat, the sleeve note can be an intrinsic part of the whole album.
The British music industry, not normally shy of giving awards, is strangely silent when it comes to recognising the work that goes into music CD's textual accompaniment. Laura Barton says the industry should be silent no longer.
The Americans have been celebrating the sleeve note since 1963. In fact it was two Brits who won the first Grammy award in this category - and it's now time that our industry showed that the words really can say something about the music.
Producer: Ekene Akalawu
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2009.
THU 11:00 Whodunnits (b007k27p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 11:30 Whodunnits (b085bf8l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 12:00 Yes Minister (b007jmj1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 12:30 Give Or Take (m000zfbd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 13:00 Ability (b0b2knmp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 13:30 Short Works (m0026np0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 13:45 Ladies of Letters (m002p636)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
THU 14:00 Say the Word (b00764j5)
Episode 1
Frank Delaney's panel game series revolving around the English language.
From the Ways with Words literary festival in Totnes, Devon.
With:
Sandi Toksvig
Tommy Pearson
Laura Wright
Christopher Matthew
On hand to offer a witty perspective on the world of words are the Nimmo Twins.
Producer: Simon Elmes
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2001.
THU 14:30 Ballylenon (b00pcl7j)
Series 7
Episode 5
Bernard Gallagher has resigned from the police force to take up a singing career.
Whilst lodging with the Maconchy sisters at the Post Office, he makes a devastating discovery...
Series set in the sleepy town of Ballylenon, Co Donegal in 1959.
Written by Christopher Fitz-Simon.
Muriel Maconchy ...... Margaret D'Arcy
Vera Maconchy ...... Stella McCusker
Phonsie Doherty ...... Gerard Murphy
Vivienne Hawthorne ...... Annie McCartney
Stumpy Bonner ...... Gerard McSorley
Guard Gallagher ...... Frankie McCafferty
Pianist: Michael Harrison
Director: Eoin O'Callaghan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2009.
THU 15:00 Mattie and Bluebottle by Juliet Ace (m002nrw2)
It's 1955. Mattie is dreaming of leaving home to become an actress.
Forced instead to apply for teacher training, she finds consolation with her friends - and from BBC Radio's legendary radio comedy The Goon Show.
Starring Malli Harries.
Written by Juliet Ace
Mattie ... Mali Harries
Older Mattie ... Jennifer Hill
Millie ... Mared Swain
Pen ... Lisa Zahra
Mother ... Donna Edwards
Father ... William Thomas
Willie Henry ... Matthew Gravelle
Director: Alison Hindell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2004.
***** 4 Extra remembers Juliet Ace who died aged 87 on 8th August 2025.
THU 15:45 Her Infinite Variety by Juliet Ace (m002nrw4)
4. And All That Jazz
Count Orso offers a modern Viola a spectacular Twelfth Night, with a wardrobe beyond most cross-dressers' dreams.
Starring Bette Bourne as Vi.
One of five modern plays for Shakespeare’s women – written by Juliet Ace.
Director: Ned Chaillet
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1999.
THU 16:00 Great Lives (b03b0ydy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
THU 16:30 Sleeve Notes (b00htmzr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
THU 17:00 Whodunnits (b007k27p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 17:30 Whodunnits (b085bf8l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 18:00 Yes Minister (b007jmj1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 18:30 Give Or Take (m000zfbd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 19:00 Ability (b0b2knmp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 19:30 Short Works (m0026np0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 19:45 Ladies of Letters (m002p636)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
THU 20:00 Say the Word (b00764j5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
THU 20:30 Ballylenon (b00pcl7j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
THU 21:00 Mattie and Bluebottle by Juliet Ace (m002nrw2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
THU 21:45 Her Infinite Variety by Juliet Ace (m002nrw4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 today]
THU 22:00 Unspeakable (m002nrvx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
THU 22:30 Brian Gulliver's Travels (b00zdh7k)
Series 1
Sham
Brian Gulliver, a seasoned presenter of travel documentaries, finds himself in a hospital's secure unit after claiming to have had a number of bizarre adventures.
This time he travels to Sham a country where alternative therapies abound.
Starring Neil Pearson and Mariah Gale.
A satirical adventure story from Bill Dare.
Brian Gulliver ...... Neil Pearson
Rachel Gulliver ...... Mariah Gale
Raindrop ...... Antonia Campbell-Hughes
Muesli ...... David Horovitch
Mumbo ...... Julian Dutton
Kaleem ...... Lewis Alsamari
Healer ...... Stuart McLoughlin
Tofu ...... Sally Orrock
Hunter ...... Bill Dare
Grand ...... Joanna Monro
Producer: Steven Canny
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2011.
THU 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m002pv4s)
Jimmy Carr 1/4
From 10pm until midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Paul Garner chats to Jimmy Carr.
THU 23:00 Alex Horne Presents The Horne Section (b01rl1y3)
Series 2
With Matt Lucas & Liane Carroll
Comedy show hosted by Alex Horne and his five piece band and specially written, original music.
This episode explores the theme of the Four Seasons.
With guest stars:
Matt Lucas - who performs some songs with the band
Jazz singer Liane Carroll - who Alex conducts with the aid of a ping pong ball.
Alex's Horne Section are:
Trumpet/banjo .... Joe Auckland
Saxophone/clarinet ....Mark Brown
Double Bass/Bass .... Will Collier
Drums and Percussion .... Ben Reynolds
Piano/keyboard .... Ed Sheldrake
Producer: Julia McKenzie.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2013.
THU 23:30 Old Harry's Game (b00hlcr4)
Series 7
Episode 1
Jean-Paul Sartre said "Hell is other people", but, as Satan will tell you, Hell is actually a fiery, unendingly cruel domain where Oliver Reed can never catch the barman's eye and Yves St Laurent is forced to wear a donkey jacket.
Hell is thrown into confusion when a dog turns up.
Animals aren't meant to be in Satan's care because they aren't inherently evil - except for dolphins!
Andy Hamilton’s devilishly funny sitcom set in Hell.
Satan…. Andy Hamilton
Edith …. Annette Crosbie
Scumspawn …. Robert Duncan
Thomas …. Jimmy Mulville
With:
Michael Fenton Stevens
Philip Pope.
Producer: Paul Mayhew-Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2009.

FRIDAY 02 JANUARY 2026

FRI 00:00 Great Lives (b03b0ydy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Thursday]
FRI 00:30 Sleeve Notes (b00htmzr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 Whodunnits (b007k27p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:30 Whodunnits (b085bf8l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 Yes Minister (b007jmj1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:30 Give Or Take (m000zfbd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 Ability (b0b2knmp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Thursday]
FRI 03:30 Short Works (m0026np0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:45 Ladies of Letters (m002p636)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 Say the Word (b00764j5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:30 Ballylenon (b00pcl7j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 Mattie and Bluebottle by Juliet Ace (m002nrw2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Thursday]
FRI 05:45 Her Infinite Variety by Juliet Ace (m002nrw4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 on Thursday]
FRI 06:00 Whodunnits (b007k28y)
Hercule Poirot - Sad Cypress
5. On Trial
As Elinor Carlisle stands accused of murder, the Belgian sleuth uncovers evidence of greed and deceit.
Conclusion of Agatha Christie's whodunnit.
Starring John Moffatt as Hercule Poirot.
Dramatised by Michael Bakewell.
Hercule Poirot ...... John Moffatt
Elinor Carlisle ...... Emma Fielding
Nurse Hopkins ...... Pauline Letts
Dr Lord ...... David McAlister
Roddy Welman ...... Charles Simpson
Sir Edwin Bulmer ...... David King
Sir Samuel Atterbury ...... Peter Penry-Jones
Dr Garcia/Clerk ...... John Church
Inspector Brill ...... Eric Allan
Judge ...... Alan Cullen
Mr Wargrave ...... Jonathan Adams
Mr Littledale ...... Gordon Reid
Amelia Sedley ...... Ann Windsor
Director: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1992.
FRI 06:30 Agatha Christie (b00jz7jj)
Philomel Cottage
When Alex meets Terry she's swept off her feet.
He persuades her to leave her job with a dot com company and set up a business with him - based in an out of the way cottage in the country...
A new spin on the Queen of the whodunnit, Agatha Christie's classic story.
Dramatised by Mike Walker.
Alex ...... Lizzie McInnerny
Terry ...... Tom Hollander
Richard ...... Adam Godley
Merlin ...... Struan Rodger
Producer: Jeremy Mortimer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2002.
FRI 07:00 Taking It Up the Octave (b0864cc2)
Episode 1
Opera Sunderland has a tradition of performing a new work every season - "its umbilical cord to civilisation".
However instead of staging innovative gay opera 'St Sebastien', managing director Dwight Gaggenheim opts for 'West Side Story' instead!
No wonder the tempers and egos of a plethora of opera-types come bubbling to the surface!
Comedy drama in five parts written by Fintan Coyle and Tom Miles
Derek ....... Andrew Branch
Keyboard Ken ....... Tom Miles
Cilla ....... Carolyn Bonnyman
Gareth ....... Godfrey James
James ....... Simon Butteriss
Natasha ....... Caz Weller
Dwight ....... Jonathan Kydd
Singers:
Alison Porter
Susan Jelley
Henrik Wager
Ian Bloomfield
Producer Chris Neill
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1997.
FRI 07:30 Steptoe and Son (b007jlws)
Series 3
Death in the Family
Distraught Harold Steptoe must break some sad news to his father, Albert.
Starring Wilfrid Brambell and Harry H Corbett.
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
Producer: Bobby Jaye
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in March 1971.
FRI 08:00 The Break (b07ctt0z)
Series 1
The Key
Welcome to Flamford, the setting for this sitcom starring Philip Jackson, Tom Palmer and Alison Steadman.
Andy Chambers - edgy, sharp-tongued City burn-out - has fled London for his Uncle Jeff's seaside home. When we meet him, all Andy wants to do is sleep, but Jeff is having none of it.
Jeff gets Andy out of bed and gives him breakfast with the promise of an interesting surprise which is safely stowed in the shed. He suddenly realises his keys are missing - his friend Fat Sid borrowed the keys three years ago and hasn't given them back. Jeff leads Andy on a quest around Flamford for Fat Sid and the missing keys.
On their Odyssey they encounter Fish Shop Frank and his outré selection of fish, Pest Control Officer Corinne with whom Jeff has an "understanding", and finally Fat Sid himself in an unexpected new role.
Written by Ian Brown and James Hendrie.
Andy Chambers ...... Tom Palmer
Jeff ...... Philip Jackson
Fish Shop Frank ...... Mark Benton
Pest Control Officer Corinne ...... Alison Steadman
Director: Gordon Kennedy
An Absolutely production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2016.
FRI 08:30 Short Works (m0015vlx)
Profound Earthly Suffering by Kritika Pandey
A young Indian woman is getting married to a wonderful man.
But after listening to a podcast, she can't help but feel like she's missed out on the experience of heartbreak.
Written by Kritika Pandey.
Read by Deeivya Meir.
Producer: Justine Willett
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2022.
FRI 08:45 Ladies of Letters (m002nrw6)
Series 1
5. Detention
After her protest heroics, Irene's memory is playing tricks.
Can Vera help her out?
Starring Prunella Scales as Irene and Patricia Routledge as Vera.
Series 1 of the up and down relationship between two mature ladies shared via their barbed correspondence.
Written by Lou Wakefield and Carole Hayman.
Abridged by Kati Nicholl.
Producer: David Roper
A Heavy Entertainment production, first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1997.
FRI 09:00 Time of the Week (m002nv7t)
Series 2
2. 81st Anniversary Special
Chloe Slack presents an Anniversary Special celebrating 81 years of Time Of The Week alongside former host Ruth Paul (special guest Ellie White). Plus: items on Tall Sons, viral dances and we answer the question ‘Do women feel storms more than men?’
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
Ruth Paul - Ellie White
Ensemble cast:
Ada Player
Alice Cockayne
Aruhan Galieva
Ayoade Bamgboye
Caroline Elms
Em Prendergast
Jodie Mitchell
Jonathan Oldfield
Lorna Rose Treen
Mofé Akàndé
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 Prime Ministers' Props (b0bgg1d0)
Series 2
Margaret Thatcher's Handbag
David Cannadine examines the careers of British Prime Ministers through their props of power.
In an inconspicuous-looking box, in a locked drawer, deep in the archives at Churchill College, Cambridge sits Margaret Thatcher's handbag.
David comes face-to-face with this artefact which came to represent the most visible symbol of our first female Prime Minister's power to command.
As Charles Moore put it in his official biography, "her handbag became the sceptre of her rule". It was a prop that Mrs Thatcher would produce at meetings to show she meant business.
Although Margaret Thatcher didn't like the connotation, by the time of the Falklands conflict, a new verb entered the English language - "to handbag", meaning to subject your opponent to a forthright verbal assault or strident criticism.
For the rest of her life, Mrs Thatcher's handbag was almost as newsworthy an item as she was herself and on the day she died, one of her handbag-makers saw a sharp rise in sales of her favourite black structured design.
Readers: Ewan Bailey, Will Huggins and Claire Vousden
Producer: Melissa FitzGerald
Researcher: Martin Spychal
A Blakeway production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2018.
FRI 09:45 Daily Service (m002nrw8)
Light in the Darkness - Let the light shine
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Light in the Darkness - Let the light shine
Presenter: David Waters
Reading: Matthew 5:13-16
Music:
This little light of mine - Gospel Dream
Light of the world - Geraldine Latty
Salt and Light - Lauren Daigle
FRI 10:00 Soul Music (b04ps556)
Series 19
Gracias a la Vida
Gracias A La Vida - thank you to life - is a song that means a lot to many people around the world.
Recorded by artists as diverse as Joan Baez and the magnificent Mercedes Sosa, it reflects the bittersweet nature of life's joys and sadnesses.
To the people of Chile where it was written in 1966 by Violetta Parra, it has become an anthem that brings people together in times of trouble.
One man tortured and imprisoned under the Pinochet regime in 1973 recalls how playing the song on guitar in prison for other inmates helped keep their spirits and hopes alive under the most brutal circumstances.
Australian writer and actor Ailsa Piper recalls being gifted the words to Gracias A La Vida by a fellow walker along one of the holy routes in Spain, and how the song has become a poignant reminder of the fragility of life.
Producer: Maggie Ayre
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2014.
FRI 10:30 Daughters of the Snow (m000tlvr)
Artist and poet Himali Singh Soin explores the North Pole as a mythologised space in literature.
Reading novels like Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and Arthur Conan Doyle’s Captain of the Pole Star at school in India, the North Pole was portrayed to her as a blank, white, mysterious and uninhabited place.
It was only later, travelling to Norway's Svalbard archipelago and reading stories that placed the Arctic outside of the colonial imagination, that Himali started to challenge these images.
In conversation with her father - the explorer and responsible tourism advocate Mandip Singh Soin - Himali discusses the consequences of mythologising this huge region of different lands and cultures at the top of the world. How has the North Pole of the literary imagination influenced how people behave in and towards the Arctic and its peoples?
Drawing a line from the Ancients, through Margaret Cavendish’s 17th century novel The Blazing World, to contemporary literature, she considers how the North Pole holds a multitude of powerful stories that affect everyone in our entangled world.
Featuring:
* Michael Bravo from the Scott Polar Research Institute and Department of Geography
* Cambridge; Professor Adriana Craciun, Boston University
* Authors Tanya Tagaq and Sam J. Miller.
* Reader: Deborah Shorinde
* Science historian: Alexis Rider
Excerpt(s) from Split Tooth by Tanya Tagaq, Copyright © 2018
Excerpts of music by David Soin Tappeser, Score for string quartet, ‘we are opposite like that’, a film by Himali Singh Soin, 2019
Photo credit: we are opposite like that, 2017-2022. Courtesy of Himali Singh Soin.
Producer: Andrea Rangecroft
A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in March 2021.
FRI 11:00 Whodunnits (b007k28y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 11:30 Agatha Christie (b00jz7jj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 12:00 Taking It Up the Octave (b0864cc2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 12:30 Steptoe and Son (b007jlws)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 13:00 The Break (b07ctt0z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 13:30 Short Works (m0015vlx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 13:45 Ladies of Letters (m002nrw6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
FRI 14:00 The Motion Show (m000833t)
Series 5
Episode 6
From banning political spin to believing in DIY.
Graeme Garden hosts the comedy debating show.
With:
Sir Bernard Ingham
Hattie Hayridge
Steve Punt
Arthur Smith
Producer: Jane Berthoud
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2002.
FRI 14:30 King Street Junior Revisited (m0001qm8)
Series 2
Priorities
Education and money - it seems you can't have one without the other, but sometimes you have to make a choice...
School comedy created and written by Jim Eldridge.
Ten series of this King Street Junior ran between 1985 and 1998
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
Mr Dobson …. Paul Brooke
Mr Adams …. Philip Philmar
Mrs Flynn …. Rachel Smith
Gary …. Sonny Muslim
Samantha …. Danielle Downey
King Street Junior Revisited ran from 2002 to 2005.
Producer: John Fawcett Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2003.
FRI 15:00 Drama on 4 (m000gbj4)
Moving the Goalposts by Juliet Ace
80 year old Mattie has Stage 4 cancer.
Words are becoming more and more difficult. Is this because of her illness, dementia or just old age?
Duty, Dignity, Fear, Pain and Humour are words she'll never forget.
You can add Bloody-mindedness to the list and the refusal to call cancer a battle to be won.
Her diagnosis allows Mattie the golden opportunity to plan her 'future' but then unbelievably she doesn't die.
Mattie is startling truthful but she has a wicked sense of humour too.
Written by Juliet Ace.
Pam Ferris stars as Mattie.
Director: Tracey Neale
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2020.
***** 4 Extra remembers Juliet Ace who died aged 87 on 8th August 2025.
FRI 15:45 Her Infinite Variety by Juliet Ace (m002nrwb)
5. Dirty Linen
Everyone thought Rooky would tame the shrewish Cat, but 25 years on their tempestuous marriage is played out in a national newspaper.
Cat ... Elizabeth Bell
Rooky ... Oliver Cotton
The last of five modern plays for Shakespeare’s women – written by Juliet Ace.
Director: Ned Chaillet
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1999.
FRI 16:00 Soul Music (b04ps556)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
FRI 16:30 Daughters of the Snow (m000tlvr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
FRI 17:00 Whodunnits (b007k28y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 17:30 Agatha Christie (b00jz7jj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 18:00 Taking It Up the Octave (b0864cc2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 18:30 Steptoe and Son (b007jlws)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 19:00 The Break (b07ctt0z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 19:30 Short Works (m0015vlx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 19:45 Ladies of Letters (m002nrw6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
FRI 20:00 The Motion Show (m000833t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
FRI 20:30 King Street Junior Revisited (m0001qm8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
FRI 21:00 Drama on 4 (m000gbj4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
FRI 21:45 Her Infinite Variety by Juliet Ace (m002nrwb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 today]
FRI 22:00 Time of the Week (m002nv7t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
FRI 22:30 Elvenquest (b01r0gjg)
Series 4
The Underworld
The Questers are forced into the Underworld where they must find Penthiselea's mum to ask her an all important question that could finally lead them to the Sword of Asnagar.
Meanwhile, Lord Darkness faces a testing time too, when he tries to raise an army of the dead.
Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto.
Vidar ...... Darren Boyd
Penthiselea's mother ...... Louise Delamere
Dean/Kreech ...... Kevin Eldon
Amis/The Gatekeeper ...... Dave Lamb
Sam ...... Stephen Mangan
Lord Darkness ...... Alistair McGowan
Penthiselea ...... Ingrid Oliver
Producer: Sam Michell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2013.
FRI 23:00 The Masterson Inheritance (b007jpvx)
Series 2
The Quest for the Other Rabbit's Foot
Myths and mucking out in the Masterson’s adventures at the court of King Arthur.
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 (b00bz9zn)
Series 1
Episode 1
Meet a reluctant beekeeper, two feuding librarians and a man determined to strike a deal with Santa.
Perrier award-winning comedian Laura Solon's sketch and character comedy series
With:
Ben Moor
Katherine Parkinson
Ben Willbond
Written by Laura Solon.
With additional material by the cast, Carl Cooper, Tony Roche and Andy Marlatt.
Producer: Colin Anderson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2007.