SATURDAY 03 JANUARY 2026

SAT 00:00 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.
SAT 00:30 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.
SAT 01:00 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.
SAT 01:30 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.
SAT 02:00 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.
SAT 02:30 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.
SAT 03:00 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.
SAT 03:30 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.
SAT 03:45 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.
SAT 04:00 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.
SAT 04:30 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.
SAT 05:00 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.
SAT 05:45 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.
SAT 06:00 The Barchester Chronicles (b03s6jtx)
Anthony Trollope's The Warden
The gentle Mr Harding finds his peaceful life disrupted when his would be son-in-law John Bold calls into question the large income he receives as warden of Barchester Alms House.
Mr Harding's daughter Eleanor is equally shocked and upset by her suitor's actions.
So she sets out to discover why the man she loves wants to injure someone as well respected and loved as her mild mannered father?
Another of Anthony Trollope's much-loved satirical stories of provincial life.
Set in the fictional town of Barchester and surrounding county of Barsetshire.
Mrs Baxter .... Maggie Steed
Mr Harding .... Tim Pigott-Smith
Bishop Grantly .... Andrew Sachs
Eleanor .... Claire Price
John Bold .... Bryan Dick
Archdeacon Grantly .... Malcolm Sinclair
Susan Grantly .... Charlotte Emmerson
Mary Bold .... Georgie Fuller
Bunce .... Sean Murray
Abel Handy .... Nick Brimble
Tom Towers .... David Seddon
Director: Susan Roberts
Producer: Charlotte Riches
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2014.
SAT 07:30 The White Road by Edmund de Waal (Omnibus) (b06dl9pt)
Edmund de Waal tells the story of porcelain.
On a personal pilgrimage to the countries and people who make the strong, fine ceramic, the author's first stop is China and Jingdezhen, the city of porcelain.
Omnibus of five-parts abridged by Jules Wilkinson.
Read by Julian Rhind-Tutt.
Producer: Gemma Jenkins.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2015.
SAT 08:45 Ladies of Letters (m002pcy4)
Series 1
6. Adventures
Will Vera accept an exciting, life changing, offer to travel from Irene?
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 in six parts by Kati Nicholl.
Producer: David Roper
A Heavy Entertainment production, first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1997.
SAT 09:00 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b0081b4j)
Series 2
Episode 2
Shady lawyer, Waldorf T Flywheel turns farmer for a wealthy Uncle.
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 The Navy Lark (b0178zz9)
The Put-a-Horse-Out-to-Graze Fund
Chief Petty Officer Pertwee starts fundraising for a very special cause - his own financial black hole...
Stars Leslie Phillips, Jon Pertwee and Stephen Murray.
Laughs afloat aboard British Royal Navy frigate HMS Troutbridge. The Navy Lark ran for an impressive 13 series between 1959 and 1976.
The Sub-Lieutenant ...... Leslie Phillips
The Chief Petty Officer ...... Jon Pertwee
The Number One ...... Stephen Murray
Captain Povey ...... Richard Caldicot
Rita ...... Heather Chasen
The Admiral ...... Tenniel Evans
The Padre ...... Michael Bates
Written by Lawrie Wyman
Producer: Alastair Scott Johnston.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in May 1971.
SAT 10:00 Down by the River (m00114rp)
1. Source
From the squelchy trickle at the source of the Tyne, to the vast expanse of the Severn estuary.
Writer Laura Barton explores the rivers of Britain to discover how they've shaped our stories and lives.
Flowing through the BBC Radio archives, with brand new interviews, Laura follows these rivers closely to hear the tales they have to share.
Featuring:
* THE RIVER
Episode 5: Flow - with Chris Watson
From 2016.
* People talking about working on the River Thames and the River Clyde. First broadcast in the 1960s
* THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS by Kenneth Grahame
Part 1: Read by Bernard Cribbins.
Mole first encounters a river.
From 1983
Producer: Luke Doran
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in June 2020.
SAT 11:00 The Barchester Chronicles (b03s6jtx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 12:30 The White Road by Edmund de Waal (Omnibus) (b06dl9pt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 13:45 Ladies of Letters (m002pcy4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
SAT 14:00 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b0081b4j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 14:30 The Navy Lark (b0178zz9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SAT 15:00 Down by the River (m00114rp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SAT 16:00 Metropolis (m001p7vh)
**** This programme was suggested by Walter Shultz as part of BBC Radio 4 Extra’s All Request Weekend in 2023 ****
Freder is an underworked "captain" in a high level position in the futuristic consumer society of the mega-city named Metropolis.
Feeling suicidal, but unable to understand why, Freder switches identities with a low level "product insertion" - a kind of telemarketing.
Failing at that, Freder soon finds himself working for Maria, an imperfect beauty with all the answers. Maria plunges Freder into the depths of her underground conspiracy to disrupt the workings of society.
Thea von Harbou's 1925 novel became husband Fritz Lang's 1927 silent movie classic.
Its terrifying vision of the future was born in an age of booming heavy industry.
Peter Straughan's new version finds its hero, caught up in a nightmarish world all too recognisably drawn from the one we find ourselves in today.
Freddy ....... Edward Hogg
Maria ....... Tracy Wiles
Josaphat ....... Damian Lynch
Schmale ....... Peter Marinker
With:
Kim Wall
Elizabeth Bell
Anthony Glennon
Liz Sutherland
Jacqueline Cloake
Thomas Wheatley
Director: Toby Swift
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2006.
**** To nominate a programme from the archives that you would like to hear again, please email radio4extra@bbc.co.uk ****
SAT 17:00 The Barchester Chronicles (b03s6jtx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 18:30 The White Road by Edmund de Waal (Omnibus) (b06dl9pt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 19:45 Ladies of Letters (m002pcy4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
SAT 20:00 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b0081b4j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 20:30 The Navy Lark (b0178zz9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SAT 21:00 Down by the River (m00114rp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SAT 22:00 Bearded Ladies (b00bx8br)
Series 2
Episode 5
Women behaving oddly.
This is the sketch show in which everyday situations are taken to new heights - and then a bit further....
From dating an actual frog, to the downside of waking from a coma.
Written and performed by
Susie Donkin
Charlotte McDougall
Oriane Messina
Fay Rusling
Featuring Dave Lamb
Additional material from Andrew Jones, Ciaran Murtagh, Colin Birch, Richard Ward, Robin Kelly and Rufus Jones
Music by Steve Burton
Script Editors: Rhodri Crooks and Paul Kerensa
Producer: Carol Smith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2005.
SAT 22:30 Sarah Millican's Support Group (b00qps89)
Series 1
1. 'I love a plumber but I'm no boiler'.
'I love a plumber but I'm no boiler'.
Dating outside of your class: would you, should you, could you?'
'Help! I love two women at the same time - my mam not included'.
Sarah Millican plays a life counsellor and modern-day agony aunt tackling the nation's problems head on, dishing out real advice for real people.
Assisted by her very own team of experts.
Sarah ...... Sarah Millican
Marion ...... Ruth Bratt
Terry ...... Simon Daye
Chris ...... Steve Edge
Jamie ...... Nick Mohammed
Carol ...... Helen Atkinson Wood.
Written by Sarah Millican.
Producer: Lianne Coop
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2010.
SAT 23:00 Domestic Science (b09rzjpq)
Series 2
Kitchen
Science you can play along with at home in a look at the domestic phenomena we relate to on a day-to-day basis.
Hosted by Festival of The Spoken Nerd trio:
* Physicist Steve Mould
* Stand up Mathematician Matt Parker
* Physicist and musician Helen Arney.
A heady combination of maths, science and comedy.
For starters, they're in the kitchen to find out some more about musical mugs, powerful dairy cows, butter.
Plus the team tackle audience questions.
Producer: Lyndsay Fenner
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in February 2018.
SAT 23:15 Late (b0076dgy)
1. From Tangoing to Keeping Watch
Tango dancers, DJs and a neighbourhood watch.
Bleak, funny, sultry, bitter, poignant - the first of a four-part series of brief visits to a city, late at night.
Starring:
Paul Merton
Richard Wilson
Liz Smith
Julian Clary
Meera Syal
Tilly Vosburgh
Holly Johnson.
Writen by Mandy Wheeler, Joss Bennathan, Tilly Vosburgh, Rob Colley and Paul Merton.
Sound engineer Richard Brough provides a variety of tones and emissions reflecting late-night city life, from crying babies to midnight shoppers, cabbies to sex workers.
Music by Robert Katz
Producer: Sarah Parkinson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2001.
SAT 23:25 The Comedy Club Interviews (m002pv4v)
Jimmy Carr 2/4
From 10pm until midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Paul Garner chats again to Jimmy Carr.
SAT 23:30 Chain Reaction (b00mwrhk)
Series 5
Alastair Campbell interviews Alistair McGowan
Former Labour spin doctor Alastair Campbell chats to impressionist, comedian and actor Alistair McGowan.
Chain Reaction is the tag talk show, where the guest becomes the interviewer in the next episode.
Producer: Sam Bryant
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2009.

SUNDAY 04 JANUARY 2026

SUN 00:00 Metropolis (m001p7vh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Saturday]
SUN 01:00 The Barchester Chronicles (b03s6jtx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]
SUN 02:30 The White Road by Edmund de Waal (Omnibus) (b06dl9pt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Saturday]
SUN 03:45 Ladies of Letters (m002pcy4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Saturday]
SUN 04:00 The Marx Brothers' Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel (b0081b4j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Saturday]
SUN 04:30 The Navy Lark (b0178zz9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Saturday]
SUN 05:00 Down by the River (m00114rp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Saturday]
SUN 06:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b06sfh14)
Soap Stars
Patricia Greene
Archers actress Patricia Greene is castaway by Kirsty Young.
For nearly 60 years she's played the role of Jill in BBC Radio 4’s The Archers which celebrates its 65th anniversary on January 1st 2016. Over the decades the storylines have followed her character through one marriage, four children and since 2010, widowhood.
Born in Derby in 1931, Paddy’s love of acting began early on inspired by her father who was a keen amateur actor. As an only and independent child she was surrounded by the adult world and would often eavesdrop as she hid under the kitchen table. Her parents loved entertainment and would take her to the cinema every week to see Hollywood romances or comedies.
After attending a grammar school she went to the Central School of Speech and Drama in London in 1951. She wanted to be a classical actress, but then a phone call from the Archers production office changed her career path and she joined the cast initially on a six week contract in 1957. Her character Jill went onto marry the farmer Phil Archer, and is still there with a recent storyline seeing her return to Brookfield, the family farm.
Patricia has been married twice and was widowed in 1986. She was awarded an MBE in 2007.
DISC ONE: Brush Up Your Shakespeare - Emil Wolk & John Bardon
DISC TWO: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 in F Major, Op. 68 - London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Bernard Haitink
DISC THREE: En Aranjuez Con Tu Amor - Grimethorpe Colliery Band
DISC FOUR: Nat King Cole - Unforgettable
DISC FIVE: Test Match Special – “Leg Over” Commentary, 9/8/1991
DISC SIX: Charles Trenet - Boum!
DISC SEVEN: Puccini - La Boheme- “Yes, they call me Mimì” - Kiri Te Kanawa & the London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Kent Nagano
DISC EIGHT: Sibelius’s Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 43 (4th Movement) - Vienna Philharmonic, conducted by Herbert von Karajan
CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Vienna Philharmonic, conducted by Herbert von Karajan - Sibelius’s Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 43 (4th Movement)
BOOK CHOICE: Equal Rites by Terry Pratchett
LUXURY CHOICE: A sack of bird food
Producer: Cathy Drysdale
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2015.
SUN 06:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b010fd8x)
Series 2
Rats
It might be surprising to hear, but Sir David Attenborough has made it known over the years that rats are not his favourite animal.
In this piece, dedicated to his nemesis, with great wit and skill, the naturalist tells us of the living nightmare he endured whilst on location in a place infested with them.
If that wasn't enough, whilst making Life of Mammals, he devoted a whole programme to them - and to balance his own personal view went to an Indian temple where the rat is revered and even encouraged to swarm in vast numbers.
But in a clever twist of the story, as is the hallmark of David Attenborough, in no uncertain way he tells us why they should be respected.
Written and presented by David Attenborough.
Producer: Julian Hector
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2011.
SUN 07:00 Poetry Extra (m002pcz6)
Between the Ears - Capturing Light
Marking the new year, poet Daljit Nagra revisits the BBC's poetry archive and selects Between the Ears - Capturing Light with Britain’s most celebrated printmaker Norman Ackroyd and the award-winning poet Nancy Campbell. They come together to explore what it takes to capture light on the page in poetry or in print. And Daljit reads from his Poetry Extra Book of the Month: Woman: Plant: Language by Agata Maslowska.
Norman Ackroyd has spent his life travelling to some of the most remote places in the British Isles and his etchings rely on the interplay between light and dark, but there is a mysterious alchemy to his process. This is a rare opportunity to be privy to this and accompany Norman, now in his 83rd year, as he takes a boat from Southwold harbour at dawn, to paint the Suffolk coast from the North Sea for the first time, hoping to watch the sun rise on its crumbling cliffs.
A new commission by Nancy Campbell responds to Norman’s journey, forming a counterpoint to his practical concerns as he sketches and balances precariously at the stern of the boat. Nancy embodies different forms of light, describing how it travels through space, and outlines the visible world, making Norman’s creation of a likeness possible.

Rich in immersive binaural recordings, Norman's lyrical observations and Nancy’s poem are woven with the wild soundscape of the Suffolk coast; the sea, the birds, the insights of the accompanying fishermen and music specially composed by Jane Watkins.
Produced by Sue Fleming
First broadcast on BBC Radio 3 in 2021.
SUN 07:30 Sorry, Boys, You Failed the Audition by Ray Connolly (b03h6yrv)
In the summer of 1962 the Beatles auditioned for producer George Martin at Parlophone Records.
Having been rejected by every other record company, it was their last chance to get a recording contract.
As the world soon found out, they passed the audition.
But what if they'd been turned down?
Seen through the eyes of Freda, their teenage Liverpool fan club secretary, this is Ray Connolly's affectionate comedy drama about what might have happened to the Beatles if George Martin had said, 'No'.
Freda ...... Sara Bahadori
John ...... Andrew Knott
Paul ...... Stephen Fletcher
George ...... Luke Broughton
Ringo ..... Daniel Crossley
Brian Epstein/George Martin ...... Jonathan Keeble
Stepmother/Mrs Harrison ...... Ruth Alexander-Rubin
Cynthia ...... Hope Brownhill
Director: Gary Brown
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2013.
***** Broadcast to mark Sir George Martin's entry to BBC Radio 4 Extra’s 100 Club. The Beatles’ record producer and composer was born on 3rd January 1926.
SUN 08:15 Beardyman and the Mimics (b00d61q9)
Champion beatboxer "Beardyman", aka Darren Foreman, is a master of vocal artistry.
He's able to make all manner of noises, including entire percussive music tracks, using only his mouth, throat and tongue.
Darren's been inspired by the Lyrebird, king of the animal mimics and able to replicate sounds ranging from a kookaburra's laughing call to a tourist's camera shutter to a chainsaw.
In fact, he's been so mesmerised by this bird's Oscar-worthy performance, that he's venturing on a personal journey to unveil the secrets of animal vocal mimicry.
Along the way, he'll encounter ornithologist and musician Bill Oddie, birdsong scientific experts and a whole new world of sounds.
Producer: Kirsty Henderson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2008.
SUN 08:40 Inheritance Tracks (m002pczb)
Clare Balding
Broadcast journalist and author Clare Balding inherits 'Sweet Caroline' by Neil Diamond and passes on 'Vienna' by Billy Joel.
SUN 08:50 Ladies of Letters (m002pczj)
Ladies of Letters (Omnibus)
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.
Based on their book, first published in 1991.
Omnibus of six parts abridged by Kati Nicholl.
Producer: David Roper
A Heavy Entertainment production, first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1997.
SUN 10:00 Stilgoe's Around (b007k3xj)
City of London
Richard Stilgoe goes into Britain's financial heartland to dispel the myths of money-making.
Written by Richard Stilgoe.
With:
Belinda Lang
Tim Piggott Smith
Charles Collingwood
Kathryn Tickell
Producer: Neil Cargill
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1989
SUN 10:30 Take It From Here (b0153nbh)
From 03/03/1955
Ron Glum is emigrating, but will he get any further than the end of the road?
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 March 1955.
SUN 11:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b06sfh14)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 11:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b010fd8x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]
SUN 12:00 Poetry Extra (m002pcz6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
SUN 12:30 Sorry, Boys, You Failed the Audition by Ray Connolly (b03h6yrv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 13:15 Beardyman and the Mimics (b00d61q9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:15 today]
SUN 13:40 Inheritance Tracks (m002pczb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 today]
SUN 13:50 Ladies of Letters (m002pczj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]
SUN 15:00 Stilgoe's Around (b007k3xj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 15:30 Take It From Here (b0153nbh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
SUN 16:00 Terry Pratchett (b00b1p28)
Small Gods
1. Voices
Great God Om appears before a novice monk - and is soon coming out of his shell...
There are gods everywhere on Discworld - you can't swing a simian librarian without hitting one - except, of course, only a few people can see them. Each small god lies in wait, desperately seeking to make someone believe in him. On Discworld, gods need people more than people need gods, for belief is the food of the gods.
Starring Carl Prekopp, Patrick Barlow, Alex Jennings and Anton Lesser.
Terry Pratchett's four-part comic Discworld fantasy - set in a complex state of beliefs.
Dramatised in four parts by Robin Brooks.
Narrator ...... Anton Lesser
Om ...... Patrick Barlow
Brutha ...... Carl Prekopp
Vorbis ...... Alex Jennings
Nhumrod ...... Geoffrey Beevers
Sasho ...... Philip Fox
General Fri'it ...... Sean Barrett
Quisitor ...... Gerard McDermott
Other parts played by the cast.
Producer: Claire Grove
Director: Gordon House
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2006.
SUN 16:30 The Heart of Hark'un (b007jq83)
1. Sword and Sorcery
The Great Wizard sends student sorcerer Arcos on a mission, little realising how perilous and menacing it will prove to be...
Starring Francis Thomson.
A six-part fantasy-adventure written by Peter Thomson and Jamie Thomson.
Arcos ..... Francis Thomson
Kaddah ..... Trevor Peacock
Vanna ..... Elizabeth Whiting
Shazir ..... Crawford Logan
Bereneth ..... Edward Kelsey
Va ..... Melanie Hudson
Alviza ..... Emma Fielding
Zander ..... Robert Portal
Kishah ..... John Church
Rashiq ..... Theresa Streatfeild
Producer: Peter Hutchings
First broadcast on BBC Radio 5 in September 1991.
SUN 17:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b06sfh14)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 17:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b010fd8x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]
SUN 18:00 Poetry Extra (m002pcz6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
SUN 18:30 Sorry, Boys, You Failed the Audition by Ray Connolly (b03h6yrv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 19:15 Beardyman and the Mimics (b00d61q9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:15 today]
SUN 19:40 Inheritance Tracks (m002pczb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 today]
SUN 19:50 Ladies of Letters (m002pczj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]
SUN 21:00 Stilgoe's Around (b007k3xj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 21:30 Take It From Here (b0153nbh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
SUN 22:00 Sarah Kendall: Australian Trilogy (b08g5h2g)
Series 1
A Day in October
Multi-award winning storyteller Sarah Kendall, brings her critically acclaimed trilogy of funny and moving, live shows to BBC Radio.
"This show is a story about a day in October in 1990, when I saw a miracle happen to a boy, and his name was George Peach..."
The story of Sarah's secret relationship with bullied classmate, George Peach. Following an accident at the beach, George Peach died for exactly 11 seconds.
Sarah's story examines the remarkable effect those 11 seconds had on Sarah and her schoolmates. The show plays with the relationship between fiction and real-life and explores the redemptive power of storytelling.
A Day in October won the 2018 Writers' Guild Award and the Audio Drama Award for best comedy production.
Taking her audience on a trip, Sarah gives a unique snapshot of small-town life in Australia in the early 1990s . At a time when most people were seeing Australians through the filter of 'Home and Away' and 'Neighbours', Sarah's shows present a darker underbelly to the stereotype of the sun-loving, happy-go-lucky Aussie teenager.
Written and performed by Sarah Kendall.
Producer: Carl Cooper
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in February 2017.
SUN 22:30 Listen Against (b00fgt0r)
Series 2
Episode 1
An Archers convention, a live pitbull on BBC Radio 4's Today programme and a Popmaster crisis for Radio 2.
This is the show that prises the back off your radio, fiddles with the programmes inside and then puts it all back together the wrong way round.
Starring:
Jon Holmes
Alice Arnold
Written by Jon Holmes, Carl Carter, Sam Bryant, Bill Dare, Luke Roberts, Jason Hazeley and Joel Morris.
Producer: Sam Bryant
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2008.
SUN 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m002pv4y)
Jimmy Carr 3/4
From 10pm until midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Paul Garner chats again to Jimmy Carr.
SUN 23:00 Life: An Idiot's Guide (b01qfjdg)
Series 2
Crime and Punishment
Stephen K Amos is joined by three stand-up comedians to compile an Idiot's Guide to Crime and Punishment.
With:
Richard Herring
Ava Vidal
Alfie Moore
Additional material written by Christine Rose, Tom Neenan, Jack Bernardt and Hugh Sington.
Producer: Colin Anderson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2013.
SUN 23:30 Hearing with Hegley (b007jr05)
Series 2
Episode 2
The poet laureate of alternative comedy, John Hegley entertains an audience in Edinburgh with tales of the Tate, a jumble sale and an armadillo.
With contributions from:
Susan Norton
Nigel Piper
Producer: Phil Clarke
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1998.
SUN 23:45 Bunk Bed (m0013jfc)
Series 9
Episode 2
Lying in the darkness, you can conjure memories in the space between waking and sleeping.
The Simpsons' Harry Shearer is the voice of Mr Burns, Ned Flanders, Principal Skinner and many more!
He's here to relive working in show business at seven years old with Mel Blanc, who was the voice of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and scores of other American cartoon characters.
Producer: Peter Curran
A Foghorn Company production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in January 2022.

MONDAY 05 JANUARY 2026

MON 00:00 Terry Pratchett (b00b1p28)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Sunday]
MON 00:30 The Heart of Hark'un (b007jq83)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:30 on Sunday]
MON 01:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (b06sfh14)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Sunday]
MON 01:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b010fd8x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 on Sunday]
MON 02:00 Poetry Extra (m002pcz6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Sunday]
MON 02:30 Sorry, Boys, You Failed the Audition by Ray Connolly (b03h6yrv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Sunday]
MON 03:15 Beardyman and the Mimics (b00d61q9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:15 on Sunday]
MON 03:40 Inheritance Tracks (m002pczb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 on Sunday]
MON 03:50 Ladies of Letters (m002pczj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 on Sunday]
MON 05:00 Stilgoe's Around (b007k3xj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Sunday]
MON 05:30 Take It From Here (b0153nbh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Sunday]
MON 06:00 Sherlock Holmes (b007jm6p)
The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes Series 2
The Crooked Man
With the honour of the Royal Mallows Regiment at stake, the Baker Street sleuth must investigate the death of an officer.
Starring Clive Merrison and Michael Williams.
Arthur Conan Doyle’s ‘The Adventure of the Crooked Man’ was first published in The Strand Magazine in July 1893.
Dramatised by Bert Coules.
Sherlock Holmes …. Clive Merrison
Dr Watson …. Michael Williams
Henry Wood …. Brian Blessed
Major Murphy …. James Greene
Colonel Barclay …. Terence Edmond
Nancy Barclay …. Ann Windsor
Anne Morrison …. Christabelle Dilks
Jane Stewart …. Joanne Myers
Peter Johnson/Second Officer …. Nigel Carrington
The Barman/First Officer …. Andrew Wincott
Indian Rebel …. Amerjit Deu
Violinist: Leonard Friedman
Director: Patrick Rayner
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1992.
MON 06:45 The Pillow Book (b00cxkrk)
Series 1
1. The Palace
Within the Palace walls, a series of disturbing crimes throws the court into confusion and unrest.
Shonagon's brilliance and wit is called upon for more than her Empress's amusement.
Robert Forrest's thriller and love story, inspired by the diary of Sei Shonagon, a court lady to the Empress Sadako in 10th century Japan.
Shonagon...........................Ruth Gemmell
Narimasa..................................John Rowe
Empress...................................Laura Rees
Tadanobu.........Benedict Cumberbatch
Saisho................................Caroline Martin
Emperor.........................Richard Madden
Yukinari.................................Mark Bazeley
Producer: Lu Kemp
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2008.
MON 07:00 In the Chair (b007jpw1)
Episode 1
At last maverick crime reporter, George Cragge is retiring from the BBC to the delight of executives attending his retirement party.
But his retirement is cut short by an urgent phone call - a serial killer is murdering dentists in London...
Starring Michael Williams and Barry Foster.
Mark Tavener's blackly humorous six-part murder mystery.
George Cragge ...... Michael Williams
DCI Frank Jefferson ...... Barry Foster
Prime Minister ...... Hugh Laurie
Crichton-Potter ...... Richard Griffiths
Martin McCabe ...... John Bird
Charles Prentiss ...... Stephen Fry
Marcia Mallon ...... Rebecca Front
Jim Hardie ...... Kenneth Cranham
Director of Personnel ...... Geoffrey Whitehead
Chancellor ...... Simon Greenall
John ...... Jonathan Keeble
Caroline ...... Susie Brann
Max ...... Peter Woodthorpe
With:
Brian Parr
Henrietta Garden
Rachel Atkins
Darren Boyd
Harriet Cass
Music by Paul Mottram.
Producer: Paul Schlesinger
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1998.
MON 07:30 Dad's Army (b007jmrm)
Series 2
If the Cap Fits
When Captain Mainwaring decides to promote fractious Private Frazer, there are some unexpected results...
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
Sgt Wilson …. John Le Mesurier
Cpl Jones …. Clive Dunn
Pt Pike …. Ian Lavender
Pt Frazer …. John Laurie
Pt Godfrey …. Arnold Ridley
Warden Hodges …. Bill Pertwee
Col Square …. Geoffrey Lumsden
The Verger …. Edward Sinclair
Gen Menzies/Sgt McKenzie …. Fraser Kerr
Announcer/Newsreader …. John Snagge
Producer: John Dyas
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1975.
MON 08:00 Welcome to Our Village, Please Invade Carefully (b04n6010)
Series 2
Ctrl-Alt-Del
The Computer catches a virus - in fact, it's probably the most common virus on Earth.
With Uljabaan's sole method of control, analysis and communication now compromised, the invasion is doomed in more ways than one...
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 ...... Charles Edwards
The Computer ...... John-Luke Roberts
The Virus ...... Cerrie Burnell
Script-edited by Arthur Mathews.
Original music written and performed by Grace Petrie.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2014.
MON 08:30 Beatrix Potter: A Life in Nature by Linda Lear (b007726w)
1. Beginnings
It's November 1918. A woman is looking for something in a cornfield.
This is Mrs William Heelis, née Beatrix Potter. She is 52, happily married and a successful farmer.
Potter was "emotionally rooted" in the Lake District and farm life appealed to her. She had worked hard to shed the outward vestiges of her Kensington upbringing and her roots were in the "North Country".
These were the landscapes which nurtured her creative imagination.
Linda Lear’s biography of the 20th century's most-beloved children's writer and creator of Peter Rabbit, Beatrix Potter.
Abridged in five parts by Alison Joseph
Read by Lindsay Duncan.
Producer: Kirsteen Cameron
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2006.
MON 08:45 Ladies of Letters (m002pd3k)
Ladies of More Letters
1. Funeral
Friends Vera Small and Irene Spencer are reunited at the funeral of an old flame.
Starring Prunella Scales as Irene and Patricia Routledge as Vera.
Continuing the up and down relationship between two mature ladies shared via their barbed correspondence.
Written by Lou Wakefield and Carole Hayman.
Vera Small ... Patricia Routledge
Irene Spencer ... Prunella Scales
Howard Small ... Christopher Kelham
Lesley Crabtree ... Fiona Clarke
Stu Jackson ... Christopher Kelham
Producer: Claire Grove
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1999.
MON 09:00 The Unbelievable Truth (m002nv9p)
Series 32
Jane Austen, Berries, The Netherlands and School
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.
Holly Walsh, Henning Wehn, Tony Hawks and Zoe Lyons are the panellists obliged to talk with deliberate inaccuracy on subjects as varied as Jane Austen, berries, the Netherlands and school.
The show is devised by Graeme Garden and Jon Naismith
Producer: Jon Naismith
A Random Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4
MON 09:30 Naturebang (m000612w)
Starlings and Social Networks
Starling murmurations, those swirling, shifting sky-patterns made by hundreds of birds moving in synchrony, are one of nature’s greatest spectacles.
How do they avoid crashing into each other?
Becky Ripley and Emily Knight delve into the maths behind the movement with some computer modelling to help them chart the flight patterns, and discover the secret.
As for us humans, sadly we don’t fly together through the sky in swirling clouds. But there ARE patterns to how we interact with one another.
Like a ripple of movement, travelling through a cloud of starlings, ideas can spread through social media with blistering speed. Here too, computer modelling can help us chart how opinions morph as we react to those around us.
Do we have more in common with the birds than we think?
Featuring:
* Jamie Wood from the University of York
* Dr Jennifer Golbeck from the University of Maryland.
Produced and presented by Becky Ripley and Emily Knight.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2019.
MON 09:45 Daily Service (m002pd3n)
Epiphany – Desiring Wisdom
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and hymns, led by Rev. Dr. Stephen Wigley.
Theme of the week: Epiphany – ancient wisdom
Theme of the day: Desiring wisdom
Presenter: Rev. Dr. Stephen Wigley
Passage: 2 Chronicles 1:7-12
Music:
I sing the almighty power of God (Isaac Watts)
Give to me Lord a thankful heart (Caryl Micklem)
Happy the man/are they who find the grace (Charles Wesley)
MON 10:00 The Tingle Factor (b07cmbyg)
George Martin
Beatles record producer and composer Sir George Martin, talks to Jeremy Nicholas about the music which stirs his emotions.
In between his music choices, he looks back over his wide-ranging career.
From early classical music record making, through comedy records to signing The Beatles in 1962 - Sir George reveals what it was like to work with John Lennon and Paul McCartney.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1992.
***** Broadcast to mark Sir George Martin's entry to BBC Radio 4 Extra’s 100 Club. The Beatles’ record producer and composer was born on 3rd January 1926.
MON 10:30 Shakespeare: Lord of Misrule (b086s64x)
As we move towards the celebration of Twelfth Night, historian Jerry Brotton looks back at the meaning and power of Shakespearian mischief.
For Shakespeare and his contempories, festivals such as Twelfth Night were not just dates on a calendar, but often opportunities for boundaries to be tested and for a whole society to implicitly re-examine the structures by which they lived.
Shakespeare's plays are a clue to this pattern, and Jerry Brotton hears from:
* Actor, Dame Harriet Walter
* Actor, Simon Russell Beale
* Director, Simon Godwin
* Shakespeare scholar, Emma Smith.
Featuring unwelcome commentary from Malvolio, written and performed by Tim Crouch.
Producer: Martin Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2017.
MON 11:00 Sherlock Holmes (b007jm6p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 11:45 The Pillow Book (b00cxkrk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]
MON 12:00 In the Chair (b007jpw1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 12:30 Dad's Army (b007jmrm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 13:00 Welcome to Our Village, Please Invade Carefully (b04n6010)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 13:30 Beatrix Potter: A Life in Nature by Linda Lear (b007726w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 13:45 Ladies of Letters (m002pd3k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
MON 14:00 Just a Minute (b00zsd0w)
Series 59
Episode 8
Nicholas Parsons presides over the devious game where panellists are challenged to speak for one minute without hesitation, deviation or repetition.
With:
Paul Merton
Julian Clary
Graham Norton
Terry Wogan
Subjects include: National Treasures, Going on Tour, A Figure of Speech, My Disastrous Trip To The Zoo, Being Framed, Innuendo, Skeletons In My Cupboard, Close Relations, The Worst Book I Ever Read and Dough
Created by Ian Messiter.
Producer: Tilusha Ghelani
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2011.
MON 14:30 Smelling of Roses (b00f405t)
Series 4
Episode 3
An environmental conference sounds just the sort of job for Rosie Burns, but are her own company's green credentials good enough?
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
Patrick ..... James Ellis
Frankie ..... Alison Skilbeck
Kelly ..... Victoria Donavan
Written and produced by Simon Brett.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2003.
MON 15:00 Mademoiselle Pearl by Guy de Maupassant (m002pd3r)
'It's the most intriguing story I ever heard. Imagine coming into the world like that! Imagine such a boring family having such a wonderful secret!'
Paris, 1860: A baby abandoned on a doorstep on Twelfth Night generates untold love.
Stars Claire Nielson and Frank Middlemass.
Guy de Maupassant's short story, first published in 1886.
Translated and adapted for radio by Sue Glover.
Mademoiselle Pearl .... Claire Nielson
Henri Chantal .... Frank Middlemass
Gaston .... David Rintoul
Gaston's father .... Timothy Bateson
Charlotte Chantal .... Hilda Schroder
Pauline Chantal .... Moir Leslie
Louise Chantal .... Jill Lidstone
Director: Marilyn Ireland [Imrie]
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1983.
MON 15:45 Short Works (m002flm4)
Snowbirds and Coyotes by KM Elkes
"The coyote finds his next prey at a flea market on Tucson Avenue. One of the snowbirds who escape the bone chill of northern winters, driving down in the caravan of bright white RVs that powder the Arizona desert like snow."
After the death of her husband, Betty takes to the road in an RV.
She's always dreamed of spending time in the vast desert landscapes of Arizona. She'd hoped to come here with Ron, but it was not to be.
When a young local offers to be her guide, she doubts his motives but allows him to circle closer.
As he tries to reel her in, he realises that Betty may be playing a game of her own.
Written by KM Elkes.
The Bristol-based author wrote the short fiction collection 'All That Is Between Us'.
His short stories and flash fiction have appeared in more than 50 literary anthologies and journals. His stories have won, or been placed, in international writing competitions including the BBC National Short Story Award, the Manchester Fiction Prize, the Royal Society of Literature VS Pritchett Prize and the Bridport Prize.
Read by Debora Weston.
Producer: Mair Bosworth
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2025.
MON 16:00 The Tingle Factor (b07cmbyg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
MON 16:30 Shakespeare: Lord of Misrule (b086s64x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
MON 17:00 Sherlock Holmes (b007jm6p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 17:45 The Pillow Book (b00cxkrk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]
MON 18:00 In the Chair (b007jpw1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 18:30 Dad's Army (b007jmrm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 19:00 Welcome to Our Village, Please Invade Carefully (b04n6010)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 19:30 Beatrix Potter: A Life in Nature by Linda Lear (b007726w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 19:45 Ladies of Letters (m002pd3k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
MON 20:00 Just a Minute (b00zsd0w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
MON 20:30 Smelling of Roses (b00f405t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
MON 21:00 Mademoiselle Pearl by Guy de Maupassant (m002pd3r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
MON 21:45 Short Works (m002flm4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 today]
MON 22:00 The Unbelievable Truth (m002nv9p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
MON 22:30 The Right Time (b0076mqw)
Series 4
Episode 6
The wine police are called - and a couple take up Satanism.
Sketch show about growing older disgracefully.
Starring:
Eleanor Bron
Dudley Sutton
Roger Blake
Paula Wilcox
Clive Swift
Barry Cryer
Written by Nicholas Barber & Glenn Dakin, Jill Brodie & John Pidgeon, Barry Cryer, Jan Etherington, Ronnie Golden, Mike Haskins, Simon Littlefield, George Poles and Chris Thompson & Pete Reynolds.
Script editor: George Poles.
Music by Ronnie & The Rex.
Producer: Katie Marsden
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2004.
MON 23:00 The News Quiz (m002nvct)
Best of The News Quiz 2025
A satirical smorgasbord of The News Quiz's best bits of the year, covering local elections, flag fever, Starmer's struggles, Trump's travails, and a very special meeting between King Charles and Pope Leo XIV.
Written and presented by Andy Zaltzman.
Producer: Rajiv Karia
Executive Producer: Pete Strauss
Production Coordinator: Giulia Lopes Mazzu
A BBC Studios Audio Production for Radio 4
An Eco-Audio certified Production
MON 23:30 Nigel and Earl Sort Out the World (b007jx1h)
Episode 1
A mix of surrealist character humour and topical comedy starring Andrew Livingston and Fine Time Fontayne.
With boy-scout ingenuity and a smattering of half-completed evening classes behind them - Nigel and Earl can go anywhere and do anything, tackling the world's problems from the quirky end. This is the DIY, instant fix-it approach to world politics. The titular pair attempt to put the world to rights, meeting up with an assortment of people from the week's news (in 1992).
In this opening episode, Nigel and Earle head to Buckingham Palace to find Prince Charles but find only a frog.
Written by Martin Jameson and Joe Turner
Andrew Livingston
Fine Time Fontayne
Robert Harley
Joanna Brookes
Producer: Liz Anstee
First broadcast on BBC Radio 5 in July 1992.

TUESDAY 06 JANUARY 2026

TUE 00:00 The Tingle Factor (b07cmbyg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Monday]
TUE 00:30 Shakespeare: Lord of Misrule (b086s64x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Monday]
TUE 01:00 Sherlock Holmes (b007jm6p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]
TUE 01:45 The Pillow Book (b00cxkrk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 on Monday]
TUE 02:00 In the Chair (b007jpw1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Monday]
TUE 02:30 Dad's Army (b007jmrm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:00 Welcome to Our Village, Please Invade Carefully (b04n6010)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Monday]
TUE 03:30 Beatrix Potter: A Life in Nature by Linda Lear (b007726w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:45 Ladies of Letters (m002pd3k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Monday]
TUE 04:00 Just a Minute (b00zsd0w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:30 Smelling of Roses (b00f405t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Monday]
TUE 05:00 Mademoiselle Pearl by Guy de Maupassant (m002pd3r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Monday]
TUE 05:45 Short Works (m002flm4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 on Monday]
TUE 06:00 Sherlock Holmes (b007jm75)
The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes Series 2
The Resident Patient
Following the death of his landlord and the arrival of some Russians, a doctor calls on the Baker Street detective.
Starring Clive Merrison and Michael Williams.
Arthur Conan Doyle’s ‘The Adventure of the Resident Patient’ was first published in The Strand Magazine in August 1893.
Dramatised by Peter Ling.
Sherlock Holmes …. Clive Merrison
Dr Watson …. Michael Williams
Dr Percy J Trevelyan …. Clarence Smith
Alfred Blessington …. Robert Lang
Maria the Maid …. Adioa Andoh
Stefan Orlowski …. George Winter
Count Orlowski …. David Kossoff
Inspector Lanner …. Eric Allan
The Lady of the Night …. Siriol Jenkins
Violinist: Leonard Friedman
Director: Patrick Rayner
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1992.
TUE 06:45 The Pillow Book (b00cxjqc)
Series 1
2. Thefts
In the snow-covered Palace the thefts are moving in a slow spiral towards the inner chambers of the Emperor, the Sun God, himself.
Robert Forrest's thriller and love story, inspired by the diary of Sei Shonagon, a court lady to the Empress Sadako in 10th century Japan.
Shonagon........................Ruth Gemmell
Yukinari..............................Mark Bazeley
Saisho..............................Caroline Martin
Emperor.........................Richard Madden
Empress.................................Laura Rees
Tozammi...........................Colette O'Neil
Tadanobu..........Benedict Cumberbatch
Producer: Lu Kemp
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2008.
TUE 07:00 Flying the Flag (b007jx8y)
Series 1
Here in the Western World
Why is the Ambassador's whiskey like an American submarine? And is the noble art of moaning really under threat?
Arms limitation negotiations at the Embassy call for some verbal gymnastics...
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
Mikhail Korovin …. Jonathan Kydd
Yakov Korovin …. Michael Bilton
US Ambassador …. Stephen Greif
Producer: Pete Atkin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1987.
TUE 07:30 The Goon Show (b007jxxg)
Series 9
The Seagoon Memoirs
Driving a piano on the Great North Road, Neddie Seagoon must seek the assistance of Bloodnok.
Groundbreaking, surreal BBC radio comedy written by Larry Stephens and Maurice Wiltshire.
Starring:
Peter Sellers
Harry Secombe
Spike Milligan
First billed as Crazy People, ten series of The Goon Show were recorded between 1951 and 1960, but sadly many of the earliest shows weren’t kept in the archive.
With the Ray Ellington Quartet and Max Geldray.
Orchestra conducted by Wally Stott.
Announcer: Wallace Greenslade
Producer: John Browell
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in December 1958.
TUE 08:00 Simon Evans Goes to Market (b07m7rmh)
Series 3
Marriage
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 and financial guru and editor of Money Week, Merryn Somerset Webb.
In this episode, Simon looks at marriage. Is it all romance and flowers and living in harmony? Or is it in fact the most commercial of transactions, riddled with economic calculations from beginning to end. And talking of the end, what are the economic effects of divorce on the ex-happy couple?
Also on stage are Andy and Sophie who are preparing for their wedding. Simon mercilessly picks apart their every decision - from an economics point of view of course.
Special guest Dr Maria Sironi talks about her research paper Happiness, Housework and Gender Inequality in Europe.
Written by Simon Evans, Benjamin Partridge and Andy Wolton.
Producer: Claire Jones
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2016.
TUE 08:30 Beatrix Potter: A Life in Nature by Linda Lear (b0077287)
2. Peter and Jeremy
In the Summer of 1893, the Potters are ensconced in Dunkeld on the River Tay.
Beatrix completes sixty paintings of fungi, including studies of a rare specimen.
Noel, the son of her former governess, Annie Moore, is sick and Beatrix wishes to write to him to cheer him up. She decides to make up a story about her pet rabbit, Peter Piper. This becomes a picture-letter, featuring Flopsy, Mopsy, Cottontail and Peter - and the villain of the piece, Mr MacGregor.
She then writes another, this time to Noel's brother Eric. It's about a frog, Mr Jeremy Fisher.
In two days, Beatrix has created what will turn out to be two of the most famous children's characters ever - and recorded a rare fungus.
Reader: Lindsay Duncan
Abridged by Alison Joseph
Producer: Kirsteen Cameron
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2006.
TUE 08:45 Ladies of Letters (m002pd70)
Ladies of More Letters
2. Secrets
Vera's antics at Bill's funeral have tested her friends' patience to the limit, but Irene is determined their correspondence will continue.
Starring Prunella Scales as Irene and Patricia Routledge as Vera.
Series 2 in the up and down relationship between two mature ladies shared via their barbed correspondence.
Written by Lou Wakefield and Carole Hayman.
Vera Small ... Patricia Routledge
Irene Spencer ... Prunella Scales
Howard Small ... Christopher Kelham
Lesley Crabtree ... Fiona Clarke
Producer: Claire Grove
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1999.
TUE 09:00 One Person Found This Helpful (m002nv5r)
Series 3
7. The Most Dangerous Top Hat in the World
Frank Skinner and guests Lucy Porter, Anna Thomas, Finlay Christie and Daliso Chaponda discuss giant frogs, redundant tingles and being unexpectedly Danish.
This is the panel game based on what we all sit down and do at least once a day – shop online and leave a review. An all-star panel celebrate the good, the bad and the baffling.
Everyone has an online life, and when the great British public put pen to keyboard to leave a review, they almost always write something hilarious. And our all-star panel have to work out just what they were reviewing – and maybe contribute a few reviews of their own. So if you’re the person who went on Trip Advisor to review Ben Nevis as “Very steep and too high”, this show salutes you!
Written by Frank Skinner, Catherine Brinkworth, Sarah Dempster, Jason Hazeley, Karl Minns, Katie Sayer & Peter Tellouche
Devised by Jason Hazeley and Simon Evans with the producer David Tyler
A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4
TUE 09:30 Naturebang (m00060wy)
Sea-Sponges and the Illusion of Self
The humble sea sponge has been around for over 500 million years.
We may think of them as ‘simple’ animals, with no brain, no nerves and no organs. But they have a pretty good party trick up their fleshy sleeves. Push a sponge through a mesh, until all that remains is a cloud of cells. Pour those cells into a tank, and watch as the cells reform themselves, like the terminator, back into a sponge.
Becky Ripley and Emily Knight ask: is it the same sponge it was before?
In the human world, nobody is queueing up to be forced through a discombobulating mesh. But enter the world of science fiction and there’s something that’s not far off… the teleportation machine.
Would you allow yourself to be dissolved into a molecular cloud and flung through space and time? And would the ‘you’ at the other end really be the same ‘you’ that left?
Featuring Professor Sally Leys from the University of Alberta, and Philosopher Charlie Huenemann from Utah State University.
Produced and presented by Becky Ripley and Emily Knight.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2019.
TUE 09:45 Daily Service (m002pd72)
Epiphany - Ancient Wisdom: Epiphany
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Epiphany - Ancient Wisdom: Epiphany
Leader: Revd Adam Robertson
Preacher: Revd Grace Thomas
Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6
Choir of St Ann's Manchester
Director of Music Robin Shakespeare
Organist James Hume
Music:
As with gladness men of old - St Ann's Choir
The Three Kings - Cornelius (soloist: William Kyle)
O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness
TUE 10:00 A Good Read (b00763lt)
Sir George Martin & Jeremy Clarke
Louise Doughty and her guests - the late, legendary record producer, Sir George Martin and freelance journalist Jeremy Clarke - discuss books with a travel theme by John Lightfoot, Christopher Lee and Vitaly Vitaliv.
The Spanish Connection by John Lightfoot
Publisher: Blake's True Crime Library
Borders Up by Vitaly Vitaliv
Publisher: Scribner
Eight Bells and Topmasts by Christopher Lee
Publisher: Headline
Producer: Peter Everett
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2001.
TUE 10:30 Martin Morales' Peruvian Roadtrip (b098h9dl)
Peruvian-born chef and record producer Martin Morales heads back to his homeland to explore the inherent link between food and music in Andean culture.
For the first part of his trip, Martin is accompanied by his 10 year old son and budding radio producer Felix, 8 year old daughter Tilly and his wife Lucy.
He shows them round his family's favourite haunts – from the famous La Chomba restaurant in Cusco where musicians queue up to serenade the diners, to the tiny village of Lamay where they dine on the local delicacy of guinea pig on a stick.
At the Centre for Native Arts in Cusco, food and music come together with a dance about the Oca potato. Providing the soundtrack to the dance is a musician Martin once worked with in his early career, the legendary violinist Reynaldo Pillco.
Along the way, Martin meets up with a recent musical discovery of his, singer Sylvia Falcon, who enchants him with a song highlighting the importance of the Coca leaf in Peruvian cuisine and culture.
Leaving the family holiday behind, Martin continues his journey with his chef's hat on, exploring the food and culture of the Andes - including local delicacies such as the freshest trout roe he's ever tasted.
Martin describes his joy at exploring the traditional picanterias (family-run restaurants) of the Andes as being akin to his joy at discovering a new band.
For this former music executive, the roots of Andean culture run deep, where music and food are firmly intertwined. On every step of the journey, Martin is drenched in the music of the Andes – twanging guitars, wood flutes, and even the odd harp provide the soundtrack to mealtimes.
Producer: Heather Davies
A BlokMedia production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in October 2017.
TUE 11:00 Sherlock Holmes (b007jm75)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 11:45 The Pillow Book (b00cxjqc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]
TUE 12:00 Flying the Flag (b007jx8y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 12:30 The Goon Show (b007jxxg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 13:00 Simon Evans Goes to Market (b07m7rmh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 13:30 Beatrix Potter: A Life in Nature by Linda Lear (b0077287)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 13:45 Ladies of Letters (m002pd70)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
TUE 14:00 Genius (b00brvcm)
Series 1
Neil Innes
From bunk chairs to helium-filled bubble wrap.
Dave Gorman asks musical comedian Neil Innes 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 (b00nsnhg)
Series 1
Rick's Quarrel
Stella is a middle aged woman having a crisis - her grown up children refuse to leave home.
And worse, her husband doesn't mind!
Forgetful drummer son Rick has a quarrel, Xanthe becomes house proud and Alison has man trouble.
Lucy Clare and Ian Davidson's sitcom about a rather topsy turvy household.
Starring Duncan Preston and Penny Downie.
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 Giving Up by JCW Brook (m002pd74)
A man gets up and goes to work and decides to give up smoking.
A simple story, but this time we hear it from the point of view of the various organs in his body.
It's the inside story as it were...
A comedy drama written by JCW Brook.
Brain ... John Pullen
Conscience ... Anthony Newlands
Private Parts and Harry ... Henry Knowles
Will ... Nigel Lambert
Lungs ... Brian Haines
Stomach ... Fred Bryant
Co-ordination ... Eric Allan
Memory ... Michael Spice
Right Ear and Leg ... Peter Wickham
Left Ear and Leg ... Philip Voss
Right Arm and Little Toe ... Danny Schiller
Little Finger and Kidney ... Philip Sully
Eye, Organ and Big Toe ... Manning Wilson
Foot and Mouth ... John Gabriel
Taste Buds ... Andrew Branch
Nose and Hips ... Tim Bentinck
Director: Gerry Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1978.
TUE 15:40 The Ormolu Clock by Muriel Spark (m002pd76)
A tale of the rivalries of two hotel owners located on the Austrian-Yugoslavian border.
Written by Muriel Spark.
Read by Stella Gonet.
Producer: Duncan Minshull
First broadcast on BBC Radio 3 in July 2006.
TUE 16:00 A Good Read (b00763lt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
TUE 16:30 Martin Morales' Peruvian Roadtrip (b098h9dl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
TUE 17:00 Sherlock Holmes (b007jm75)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 17:45 The Pillow Book (b00cxjqc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]
TUE 18:00 Flying the Flag (b007jx8y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 18:30 The Goon Show (b007jxxg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 19:00 Simon Evans Goes to Market (b07m7rmh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 19:30 Beatrix Potter: A Life in Nature by Linda Lear (b0077287)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 19:45 Ladies of Letters (m002pd70)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
TUE 20:00 Genius (b00brvcm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
TUE 20:30 Ring Around the Bath (b00nsnhg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
TUE 21:00 Giving Up by JCW Brook (m002pd74)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
TUE 21:40 The Ormolu Clock by Muriel Spark (m002pd76)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:40 today]
TUE 22:00 One Person Found This Helpful (m002nv5r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
TUE 22:30 The Maltby Collection (b00xj161)
Series 2
Episode 4
The museum tries to appeal to children by staging a dog counting competition.
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 (b0738kr6)
Episode 2
* The failed novelist unable to hide her bitterness when confronted with an old friend’s success.
* Maths teacher Miss Trent falls hopelessly and publicly in love with a new member of staff.
* Plus an IT manager baffled at the technical ineptitude of his colleague.
More sketches from award-winning duo Croft and Pearce, rising stars of the UK comedy scene.
Written and performed by Hannah Croft and Fiona Pearce.
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.
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 (b00zf34s)
Series 1
Episode 2
Funny, off-beat but true account of the history of space flight.
* How Wernher Von Braun went from SS officer to American space supremo to Disney children's presenter
* America's home-grown rocket genius Jack Parsons and his unhealthy interest in Satanism
* The surprising story of Fix the French Space Cat
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 (b0bcgw3b)
Speech Radio
Jake Yapp applies his sharp satirical eye to the modern media, exploring its strengths, weaknesses and idiosyncrasies through stand-up, sketch and music.
This time, Jake uses the medium of speech radio to satirise... Speech Radio. Exploring its most exhausting iterations and tropes.
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 07 JANUARY 2026

WED 00:00 A Good Read (b00763lt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Tuesday]
WED 00:30 Martin Morales' Peruvian Roadtrip (b098h9dl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Tuesday]
WED 01:00 Sherlock Holmes (b007jm75)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:45 The Pillow Book (b00cxjqc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 on Tuesday]
WED 02:00 Flying the Flag (b007jx8y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Tuesday]
WED 02:30 The Goon Show (b007jxxg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:00 Simon Evans Goes to Market (b07m7rmh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Tuesday]
WED 03:30 Beatrix Potter: A Life in Nature by Linda Lear (b0077287)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:45 Ladies of Letters (m002pd70)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Tuesday]
WED 04:00 Genius (b00brvcm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:30 Ring Around the Bath (b00nsnhg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Tuesday]
WED 05:00 Giving Up by JCW Brook (m002pd74)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Tuesday]
WED 05:40 The Ormolu Clock by Muriel Spark (m002pd76)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:40 on Tuesday]
WED 06:00 Sherlock Holmes (b007jm7p)
The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes Series 2
The Greek Interpreter
Watson is introduced to the detective's brother, Mycroft, and all three tackle the case of a Greek captive.
Arthur Conan Doyle’s ‘The Adventure of the Greek Interpreter’ was first published in The Strand Magazine in September 1893.
Dramatised by Gerry Jones.
Sherlock Holmes …. Clive Merrison
Dr Watson …. Michael Williams
Mr Melas …. Peter Polycarpou
Mycroft Holmes .... John Hartley
Harold Latimer …. Peter Wickham
The Laughing Man …. Gordon Reid
Sophie Kratides …. Joanna Myers
Paul Kratides …. Neil Roberts
Inspector Gregson …. Ronald Herdman
Violinist …. Leonard Friedman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1992.
WED 06:45 The Pillow Book (b00cxjqf)
Series 1
3. Unease
Shonagon has been appointed guide and assistant to Lieutenant Yukinari as he investigates a series of thefts within the palace walls.
Her lover Tadanobu is uncomfortable about the nature of the contract between the pair.
Robert Forrest's thriller and love story, inspired by the diary of Sei Shonagon, a court lady to the Empress Sadako in 10th century Japan.
Shonagon...........................Ruth Gemmell
Tadanobu............Benedict Cumberbatch
Yukinari.................................Mark Bazeley
Tozammi.............................Colette O'Neil
Narimasa..................................John Rowe
Producer: Lu Kemp
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2008.
WED 07:00 Little Blighty on the Down (b0081l6c)
Series 3
Episode 5
The Parish Council leader - Mrs Roberts - has a brush with reality when she tries local public transport.
An everyday story of country folk.
1980s political satirical soap opera set in the strangely familiar village of Little Blighty.
Life here is pretty uneventful, though the humdrum happenings include social turmoil, economic upheaval and vicious political squabbles.
Jo Kendall
Michael Troughton
John Baddeley
Bernadine Corrigan
Daniel Strauss
Jonathan Kydd
Written by Mark Burton, John O'Farrell and Mike Coleman.
Producer Lissa Evans
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1990.
WED 07:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jpl8)
Series 6
The Elopement
With Bill suffering heartache, can Sid and The Lad Himself smooth the path to true love?
Ray Galton and Alan Simpson's classic comedy about the life and times of Anthony Aloysius St John Hancock.
Starring Tony Hancock.
With:
Sidney James
Bill Kerr
Lillian Grasson
Wilfred Babbage
Fraser Kerr
Lee Crutchley
Special guest star: BBC sports commentator, Ray Glendenning.
Theme and incidental music composed and conducted by Wally Stott.
Producer: Tom Ronald
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in November 1959.
WED 08:00 Plum House (b07fg2q7)
Series 1
Why Why WI?
Sitcom about the inept staff at an historic house, picking up from the successful pilot.
Starring Simon Callow and Jane Horrocks.
Every year, thousands of tourists flock to the Lake District. But one place they never go to is Plum House - the former country home of terrible poet George Pudding (1779-1848).
Now a crumbling museum, losing money hand over fist, it struggles to stay open under its eccentric curator Peter Knight (Simon Callow).
Can anyone save Plum House from irreversible decline?
Tom Collyer, sent from the Trust to do just that, seems to be the most likely candidate but the challenge is huge as he confronts the reality of winning round Peter Knight's handpicked team - the hopelessly out of touch deputy Julian, the corner-cutting gift shop manager Maureen intent on making profit from extremely cheap plum-themed merchandise, and maintenance man Alan who has heard the words "health" and "safety" but never in the same sentence.
In this series opener, the museum's preparations for the annual WI visit include hiding away valuable artefacts as, according to Peter, some members are prone to stealing them.
And Julian gives a disastrous lecture on the life and work of George Pudding.
Written by Ben Cottam and Paul McKenna
Peter ...... Simon Callow
Maureen ...... Jane Horrocks
Julian ...... Miles Jupp
Tom ...... Tom Bell
Alan ...... Pearce Quigley
Emma ...... Louise Ford
Mary ...... Kate Anthony
Jean ...... Sandra Maitland
Director: Paul Schlesinger
A Hat Trick production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in June 2016.
WED 08:30 Beatrix Potter: A Life in Nature by Linda Lear (b007729b)
3. The Lakes
Beatrix's initial success as a writer is paralleled by an increasingly close relationship with her publisher Norman Warne.
Norman proposes and Beatrix is delighted - but her family does not like the idea of her marrying into 'trade'. And soon, Norman is not well.
Beatrix spends time in the Lake District where she feels at home and creates new characters, such as Tom Kitten.
Reader: Lindsay Duncan
Abridged by Alison Joseph
Producer: Kirsteen Cameron
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2006.
WED 08:45 Ladies of Letters (m002pdh5)
Ladies of More Letters
3. Trailer Park
Vera starts a new life in a caravan, but Irene's version of their past is a continuing irritation.
Starring Prunella Scales as Irene and Patricia Routledge as Vera.
Series 2 in the up and down relationship between two mature ladies shared via their barbed correspondence.
Written by Lou Wakefield and Carole Hayman.
Vera Small ... Patricia Routledge
Irene Spencer ... Prunella Scales
Producer: Claire Grove
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1999.
WED 09:00 Unite (m001ngpy)
Series 2
Life and Death
Tony is upset that his family seem to have forgotten his 60th birthday but is then even more aggrieved when he finds out Imogen's planned a surprise party.
Ashley attends his Nan’s funeral and is reunited with his Mum for the first time in years and Imogen’s mother arrives to offer Gideon and Rebecca unwanted advice on childbirth.
Last in the series of the critically-acclaimed sitcom. When Tony (Mark Steel), a working class, left wing South Londoner, falls in love and marries Imogen (Claire Skinner), an upper middle class property developer, their sons - Croydon chancer Ashley (Elliot Steel) and supercilious Eton and Oxford-educated Gideon (Ivo Graham) - are forced to live under the same roof and behave like the brothers neither of them ever wanted.
Cast:
Tony - Mark Steel

Imogen - Claire Skinner

Ashley - Elliot Steel

Gideon - Ivo Graham

Rebecca - Ayesha Antoine

Nigel - Simon Greenall
Geraldine - Isla Blaire
Heather - Ashley McGuire
Little Dicky - Barry Castagnola
Eileen - Ruth Bratt
Stefan/Barber - Naz Osmanoglu
Written by Barry Castagnola, Elliot Steel and Ian Pearce

(additional material from the cast)

Executive Producer- Mario Stylianides

Producer/Director- Barry Castagnola

Sound Recordist and Editor- Jerry Peal

Broadcast Assistant - Alex Lynch

Assistant Producer - George O'Regan

Production Assistant - David Litchfield
A Golden Path and Rustle Up production for BBC Radio 4
WED 09:30 Naturebang (m000610p)
The Portuguese Man O'War and the Individual
Strange things dwell out in the open ocean.
Bobbing atop the waves, Becky Ripley and Emily Knight meet one such creature, the Portuguese Man O’War.
With its bulbous air-sacs and trailing tentacles you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s a jellyfish, but you’d be wrong. It’s a colony, a society of tiny individual animals, who work together to eat, hunt and reproduce as one.
In the Age of the Individual, we humans like to think of ourselves as self-sufficient little nodes who don’t need nobody. But that perspective gets called into question when you consider where we live.
Thanks to some complex maths and some incredible data-crunching, we’re beginning to see the cities we inhabit in a different light. They grow, move, breathe, and die, just like a living organism, according to strict mathematical principles.
Just like polyps in a Man O’ War, are we really any more than cogs in a machine?
Featuring Marine Biologist Dr John Copley from the University of Southampton, and Geoffrey West, Theoretical Physicist from the Santa Fe Institute.
Produced and presented by Becky Ripley and Emily Knight.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2019.
WED 09:45 Daily Service (m002pdh7)
Epiphany - Ancient Wisdom: The beginning of wisdom
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Epiphany - Ancient Wisdom: The beginning of wisdom
Presenter: Major Anne Read
Reading: Proverbs 1:1-7
Music:
How Great Thou Art - Philippa Hanna
Every promise of your word - Keith and Kristyn Getty
The Perfect Wisdom of Our God - Stuart Townend
WED 10:00 Archive on 4 (b06z5pts)
David Bowie: Verbatim
With previously unheard interviews, studio out-takes and a collection of musings from throughout the years, the story of David Bowie's extraordinary life and career told in his own words.
By his own count, David Bowie inhabited seven different personas throughout his career and, while each one of those creations channelled wildly different musical influences that were often difficult to identify, Bowie was always able to articulate with great conviction which musical universe he was inhabiting at each turn – even if he often contradicted himself.
“I usually don’t agree with what I say very much. I’m an awful liar”, he claimed in 2002, while summarising his many changes in style.
Producer: Des Shaw
A Ten Alps production first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2016.
WED 11:00 Sherlock Holmes (b007jm7p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 11:45 The Pillow Book (b00cxjqf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]
WED 12:00 Little Blighty on the Down (b0081l6c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 12:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jpl8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 13:00 Plum House (b07fg2q7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 13:30 Beatrix Potter: A Life in Nature by Linda Lear (b007729b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 13:45 Ladies of Letters (m002pdh5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
WED 14:00 The Write Stuff (m0008qt8)
Series 3
1. Thomas Hardy
James Walton chairs the game of literary correctness testing Sebastian Faulks, John Walsh, Lynne Truss and Sue Limb.
Author of the week: Thomas Hardy
Reader: Beth Chalmers.
Producer: Jon Rolph
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2000.
WED 14:30 Getting Nowhere Fast (b00805vh)
Series 1
Episode 2
The return of Pam's absent husband, Dominic, means that Merv faces the double dilemma of finding a new job and a new place to live.
The regulars in the vodka and veggie bar offer him their advice, but Merv has his own ideas on how to woo his ex and attract some customers.
Sitcom written 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 Loving by Henry Green (b00775js)
1. Stepping Up
On Mr Sheldon's death, footman Raunce acts fast to acquire the vacancy of butler at Castle Tennent.
But how will the other servants in the household react to his sudden rise in status?
Set in 1941, 'Loving' is a fairy tale of the rarest enchantment which tells the story of life above and below stairs in an Irish country house during World War II.
Starring Martin Kemp, Leanne Rowe and Pauline Quirke.
Henry Green's novel, first published in 1945.
Dramatised in two parts by John Banville.
Charley Raunce ... Martin Kemp
Edith .... Leanne Rowe
Miss Welch .... Pauline Ouirke
Mrs Tennant .... Joanna David
Violet .... Claudia Harrison
Miss Burch .... Amanda Root
Kate .... Zoe Tapper
Capt Davenport .... Mark Straker
Bert .... Harry Eden
Albert .... Johnny Brennan
other parts played by members of the cast
Director: Gemma McMullan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2007.
WED 16:00 Archive on 4 (b06z5pts)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
WED 17:00 Sherlock Holmes (b007jm7p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 17:45 The Pillow Book (b00cxjqf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]
WED 18:00 Little Blighty on the Down (b0081l6c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 18:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jpl8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 19:00 Plum House (b07fg2q7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 19:30 Beatrix Potter: A Life in Nature by Linda Lear (b007729b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 19:45 Ladies of Letters (m002pdh5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
WED 20:00 The Write Stuff (m0008qt8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
WED 20:30 Getting Nowhere Fast (b00805vh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
WED 21:00 Loving by Henry Green (b00775js)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
WED 22:00 Unite (m001ngpy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
WED 22:30 The Harpoon (b007n0st)
Series 2
Episode 2
Broadcasting secrets are revealed in the nostalgic spoof of boys' adventure story papers.
Fun, frolics, and much, much, more. Subscribe now!
Written by Julian Dutton and Peter Baynham.
Performed by:
Susie Brann
Alistair McGowan
Julian Dutton
Peter Baynham
Mary Elliot-Nelson
Producer: Sarah Smith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1992.
WED 23:00 Jamie MacDonald: Life on the Blink (m000vq6b)
Series 1
The First Hurdle
Jamie MacDonald is a Glaswegian stand-up comedian who found himself rapidly going blind in his teens.
This series shows how Jamie used humour to turn denial into acceptance. He managed to find the spotlight as the darkness descended and has turned some pretty dark experiences into hilarious stories and anecdotes.
Producer: Julia Sutherland
A Dabster Production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2021.
WED 23:15 Damien Slash (b08tcx1g)
The Damien Slash Mixtape. Series 1
Episode 1
Multi-character YouTube star Damien Slash in this fast-paced, one-man sketch comedy show.
From the surreal to the satirical, from the zeitgeist to the absurd, Damien serves up a range of high octane characters, all from his own voice. Adverts, actors, hipsters, trolls - no aspect of modern life is left un-skewered.
Written by and starring Damien Slash (aka Daniel Barker)
Additional material by Robin Morgan
Producer: Sam Bryant
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in June 2017.
WED 23:30 Stand-Up Specials (m000r31x)
Kiri Pritchard-McLean: Egg-sistential Crisis
Spotlighting the life choices of millennials.
Why they have stopped procreating?
A special stand-up show from Kiri Pritchard Mclean.
Producer: Suzy Grant
A BBC Studios Production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in January 2021.

THURSDAY 08 JANUARY 2026

THU 00:00 Archive on 4 (b06z5pts)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 Sherlock Holmes (b007jm7p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:45 The Pillow Book (b00cxjqf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 Little Blighty on the Down (b0081l6c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jpl8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 Plum House (b07fg2q7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Wednesday]
THU 03:30 Beatrix Potter: A Life in Nature by Linda Lear (b007729b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:45 Ladies of Letters (m002pdh5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 The Write Stuff (m0008qt8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:30 Getting Nowhere Fast (b00805vh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 Loving by Henry Green (b00775js)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Wednesday]
THU 06:00 Sherlock Holmes (b007jm8v)
The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes Series 2
The Naval Treaty
Watson's old school chum faces ruin if a secret government document can't be found.
Arthur Conan Doyle’s ‘The Adventure of the Naval Treaty’ was first published in The Strand Magazine in October and November 1893.
Dramatised by David Ashton.
Sherlock Holmes …. Clive Merrison
Dr Watson …. Michael Williams
Percy Phelps …. Patrick Malahide
Annie Harrison …. Joanna Myers
Joseph Harrison …. Stephen Tompkinson
Inspector Forbes …. David Bannerman
Lord Holdhurst …. Brett Usher
Tangey …. Norman Jones
Miss Tangey …. Petra Markham
Violinist …. Leonard Friedman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1992.
THU 06:45 The Pillow Book (b00cxjqh)
Series 1
4. Motive
The Demon Shiki is discovered sitting on the throne itself, suggesting that the supernatural is at work within the palace walls. Meanwhile, Shonagon and Yukinari continue to search for some human motive behind the escalating crimes.
Robert Forrest's thriller and love story, inspired by the diary of Sei Shonagon, a court lady to the Empress Sadako in 10th century Japan.
Shonagon ...... Ruth Gemmell
Yukinari ...... Mark Bazeley
Tadanobu ...... Benedict Cumberbatch
Emperor ...... Richard Madden
Narimasa ...... John Rowe
Producer: Lu Kemp
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2008.
THU 07:00 Yes Minister (b007jlgh)
Series 1
Jobs for the Boys
As Sir Humphrey warns on Public-Private Partnership, MP Jim Hacker learns it takes two to Quango.
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 Desmond …. Richard Vernon
Joe Morgan …. Richard Davies
George …. Arthur Cox
Conway …. Kerry Francis
Himself …. Gordon Clough
Adapted for radio by producer Pete Atkin.
First broadcast on Radio 4 in November 1983.
THU 07:30 Give Or Take (m000zky2)
Episode 2
Sam is in a celebratory mood as it looks like his wife Annabel is pregnant.
And has he finally achieved his goal of winning the football pools?
Wally K Daly's sitcom starring David Roper and Sharon Duce.
Sam …… David Roper
Annabel …… Sharon Duce
Fred …… Bill Owen
Rose …… Patsy Rowlands
Announcer: Peter Donaldson
Producer: John Fawcett Wilson.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1979.
THU 08:00 Ability (b0b3d42g)
Series 1
The Voice
Matt is 25. He has cerebral palsy and can only speak via an app on his iPad.
Everyone who cares about Matt knows that this isn't the defining thing about him. He is funny and clever and "up for stuff" - partly because he is keen to show that there's nothing he can't do, but also because, if he's honest, he's aware that he's less likely than other people to get the blame.
Now Matt's left home for the first time and moved in to share a flat with his best mate, Jess. But when Bob (Allan Mustafa) shows up as the new carer, the fun really starts. Bob is new to the job and, although willing, domestic duties are not really his forte. He's better at selling weed and dealing in knocked off iPads.
But he likes Matt and treats him like a real person. So, as far as Matt is concerned, Bob is here to stay.
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.
Written by Lee Ridley and Katherine Jakeways
Matt ...... Lee Ridley
Bob ...... Allan Mustafa
Jess ...... Sammy Dobson
Inner Voice ...... Andrew Hayden-Smith
Neville/Paramedic ...... David Reed
Maureen ...... Debbie Arnold
Peter ...... James Lailey
Doctor ...... Katherine Jakeways
Producer: Jane Berthoud
A Funny Bones production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2018.
THU 08:30 Beatrix Potter: A Life in Nature by Linda Lear (b00772bg)
4. The Wedding
It's October 1913 and Beatrix and William get married in London, with only four witnesses.
They honeymoon in the Lakes - and take delivery of a new bull on arrival!
Beatrix finally feels like her own person and begins to establish a life in the country.
But her father is ill and there is the threat of war.
Reader: Lindsay Duncan
Abridged by Alison Joseph
Producer: Kirsteen Cameron
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2006.
THU 08:45 Ladies of Letters (m002pdhd)
Ladies of More Letters
4. Oz
Irene visits her daughter in Australia, whilst Vera's daughter moves in.
Starring Prunella Scales as Irene and Patricia Routledge as Vera.
Series 2 in the up and down relationship between two mature ladies shared via their barbed correspondence.
Written by Lou Wakefield and Carole Hayman.
Producer: Claire Grove
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1999.
THU 09:00 Bill Dare: Comedy Alchemist (m002d8vq)
Featuring archive clips and contributions from Bill's friends and collaborators, Hugh Dennis presents a tribute to the man best known to Radio 4 audiences as the producer and creator of Dead Ringers.
Bill created, produced and influenced countless comedy shows across his celebrated career. Although perhaps best known for his radio work, he was also the creator of the Mary Whitehouse Experience which helped launched the TV careers of David Baddiel, Rob Newman, Steve Punt and the narrator of this tribute, Hugh Dennis. Bill also produced the TV series Spitting Image which gave rise to Dead Ringers.
In this programme we'll hear from many well-known names from the world of comedy who worked with Bill. There'll also be another chance to hear the most celebrated clips from his many and various radio shows like Dead Ringers, The Secret World, I've Never Seen Star Wars and most recently, The Island with Stephen Mangan.
ARCHIVE - BBC Radio 4 unless stated: Dead Ringers / I’ve Never Seen Star Wars / The Late Edition (BBC4) / Feedback / The Mary Whitehouse Experience (BBC Radio 1) / The Now Show / Spitting Image (ITV/Avalon) / Please Use Other Door / The Secret World / The Island
Producer: Jon Holmes
Production co-ordinator: Caroline Barlow
Exec producer: Richard Morris
A BBC Studios Audio Production for Radio 4
Photo credit: Emma Samms
THU 09:30 Naturebang (m0006166)
Parasites and Personality
If you think you’re in control, think again.
What invisible forces might be guiding your behaviour, your decisions, your most intimate emotions?
Becky Ripley and Emily Knight take a trip into the bizarre nightmare world of the undergrowth, and watch ‘zombie ants’ stumble forward, blindly following the orders of the deadly fungi controlling their brains.
Parasites often get the upper hand of their hosts, manipulating their behaviour in sometimes horrifying ways. But is that true of humans too? Could we be unknowingly subservient to creatures that live inside us?
Do they wish us well, or might they be plotting our downfall?
Featuring entomologist Dr David Hughes from Penn State University, and neuroscientist John Cryan from University College Cork.
Produced and presented by Becky Ripley and Emily Knight.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2019.
THU 09:45 Daily Service (m002pdhg)
Epiphany - Ancient Wisdom: Wisdom is a shelter
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Epiphany - Ancient Wisdom: Wisdom is a shelter
Presenter: Jay Hulme
Reading: Ecclesiastes 7:8-12
THU 10:00 Great Lives (b0bcgt9x)
Hanif Kureishi on David Bowie
"Suddenly this light comes into your life" - says Hanif Kureishi, referring to his hero, his great life, David Bowie.
Hanif, an author, screenwriter and film maker, went on to become friends with Bowie in the 1990's after they worked together when Bowie wrote the soundtrack to Kureishi's TV adaptation 'The Buddha of Suburbia'.
For Hanif it was also Bowie who inspired him to become an author and filmmaker - he says for a "mixed race Pakistani kid living in a crummy terrace bored out of my mind, I wanted to get out - I wanted to explore, I wanted to express myself, I wanted to be free".
Hanif gives his personal insight into the life of David Bowie.
The expert witness is Dylan Jones - author of 'David Bowie A Life' and 'When Ziggy Played Guitar'.
Presenter: Matthew Parris
Producer: Perminder Khatkar
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2018.
THU 10:30 Calvin and Hobbes (b00mr2fj)
Phill Jupitus celebrates Calvin and Hobbes, the comic strip about the little boy and his stuffed tiger, named after eminent philosophers.
Over the course of ten years, the strip became an international phenomenon, being syndicated in 2,500 newspapers worldwide. It tells the tale of a young boy whose stuffed tiger is as real to him as the people around him, and deals in the process with philosophical issues about free will and the meaning of life, via the perspective of a child with an extraordinary imagination. Its creator, the reclusive Bill Watterson, could have become a multi-millionaire through merchandising deals and film offers, but turned them all down without hesitation.
Phill sets out to discover more about the characters and the man behind them. In Watterson's absence, Jupitus heads to Oxford to speak with artists, merchandisers, booksellers and philosophers to find out what makes the strip so popular, years after Watterson drew the final frame.
Producer: Geoffrey Bird
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2009.
THU 11:00 Sherlock Holmes (b007jm8v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 11:45 The Pillow Book (b00cxjqh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]
THU 12:00 Yes Minister (b007jlgh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 12:30 Give Or Take (m000zky2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 13:00 Ability (b0b3d42g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 13:30 Beatrix Potter: A Life in Nature by Linda Lear (b00772bg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 13:45 Ladies of Letters (m002pdhd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
THU 14:00 Say the Word (b00764mj)
Episode 2
Frank Delaney's panel game revolving around the English language.
From the Cheltenham Festival of Literature, Gloucestershire.
With:
Sheridan Morley
Jan Dalley
Humphrey Carpenter
Katie Fforde
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 (b00pktqz)
Series 7
Episode 6
The question as to exactly how long Councillor Maconchy has been dead is silenced when the sisters claim to have observed Guard Gallagher wearing one of Muriel's dresses...
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
Matthew Addis ...... Aubrey Frawley
Mark Lambert ...... Terry Black
Pianist: Michael Harrison
Director: Eoin O'Callaghan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2009.
THU 15:00 Loving by Henry Green (b00775v2)
2. Lucky Charley
In the absence of Mrs Tennant, the servants have enjoyed a free-run of the castle.
But the peace of the household is about to be disrupted when an insurance man arrives enquiring about Mrs Tennant's missing diamond ring.
Conclusion of Henry Green's fairy tale novel set in an Irish country house in 1941.
Starring Martin Kemp, Leanne Rowe and Pauline Quirke.
Dramatised by John Banville.
Charley Raunce ... Martin Kemp
Edith .... Leanne Rowe
Mrs Welch .... Pauline Ouirke
Mrs Tennent .... Joanna David
Violet .... Claudia Harrison
Miss Burch .... Amanda Root
Kate .... Zoe Tapper
Capt Davenport .... Mark Straker
Bert .... Harry Eden
Albert .... Johnny Brennan
other parts played by members of the cast
Director: Gemma McMullan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2007.
THU 16:00 Great Lives (b0bcgt9x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
THU 16:30 Calvin and Hobbes (b00mr2fj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
THU 17:00 Sherlock Holmes (b007jm8v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 17:45 The Pillow Book (b00cxjqh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]
THU 18:00 Yes Minister (b007jlgh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 18:30 Give Or Take (m000zky2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 19:00 Ability (b0b3d42g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 19:30 Beatrix Potter: A Life in Nature by Linda Lear (b00772bg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 19:45 Ladies of Letters (m002pdhd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
THU 20:00 Say the Word (b00764mj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
THU 20:30 Ballylenon (b00pktqz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
THU 21:00 Loving by Henry Green (b00775v2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
THU 22:00 Bill Dare: Comedy Alchemist (m002d8vq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
THU 22:30 Brian Gulliver's Travels (b00zlfh9)
Series 1
Erosia
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 Erosia which has a very different view of sexual politics.
Starring Neil Pearson and Mariah Gale.
A satirical adventure story from Bill Dare.
Brian Gulliver ...... Neil Pearson
Rachel Gulliver ...... Mariah Gale
Guard ...... Phil Cornwell
Henchal ...... Jess Robinson
Mollsen ...... Vicki Pepperdine
Kilca ...... Pippa Evans
Sleazy Man ...... Brian Bowles
Donnica ...... Sally Orrock
Villa ...... Joanna Monro
Producer: Steven Canny
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2011.
THU 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m002pv6d)
Jimmy Carr 4/4
From 10pm until midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Paul Garner chats again to Jimmy Carr.
THU 23:00 Felicity Ward - Appisodes (b0bd9125)
Series 1
Insomnia
Australian stand-up Felicity Ward tries to solve her mental health issues - one app at a time.
In this opening episode, Felicity tries to cure her insomnia with the help of patented sleep app 'Do It In Your Sleep' (as voiced by Bobby Mair).
Throughout the series, Felicity downloads a new app each week to help her de-stress, refocus and find practical solutions to her various trouble areas - anxiety, depression, IBS and insomnia.
Written and performed by Felicity Ward.
Script Editor: Gareth Gwynn
Producer: Adnan Ahmed
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2018.
THU 23:15 Rosie Jones: Box Ticker (m000h7yg)
Disability
Stand-up comedy from triple-threat Rosie Jones.
She’s disabled, gay and northern - so, of course, she has her own BBC show.
However, she doesn't feel a great example of any of these communities and she’s tired of being asked to speak on their behalf.
This show checks what’s really inside the boxes and throws most of it out.
Rosie looks at disability with help from comedian Jamie MacDonald. Jamie ticks the 'blind box', most of the time, and shares some of the absurd situations he comes up against due to people's awkwardness around him.
Recorded in a live comedy club.
Prepare to be shocked and disappointed by Rosie’s lack of respect for your expectations.
A Dabster production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in April 2020.
THU 23:30 Old Harry's Game (b00hr4lp)
Series 7
Episode 2
Satan needs to sort some stuff out with God but he has gone off to have some "me-time".
Then Hell receives its strangest visitor yet...
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 09 JANUARY 2026

FRI 00:00 Great Lives (b0bcgt9x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Thursday]
FRI 00:30 Calvin and Hobbes (b00mr2fj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 Sherlock Holmes (b007jm8v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:45 The Pillow Book (b00cxjqh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 Yes Minister (b007jlgh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:30 Give Or Take (m000zky2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 Ability (b0b3d42g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Thursday]
FRI 03:30 Beatrix Potter: A Life in Nature by Linda Lear (b00772bg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:45 Ladies of Letters (m002pdhd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 Say the Word (b00764mj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:30 Ballylenon (b00pktqz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 Loving by Henry Green (b00775v2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Thursday]
FRI 06:00 Sherlock Holmes (b007jm9d)
The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes Series 2
The Final Problem
With the culmination of his life's work, the detective prepares to meet his greatest adversary – The Napoleon of Crime – Professor Moriarty.
Arthur Conan Doyle’s ‘The Final Problem’ was first published in The Strand Magazine in December 1893.
Dramatised by Bert Coules.
Sherlock Holmes …. Clive Merrison
Dr Watson …. Michael Williams
Professor James Moriarty …. Michael Pennington
Colonel Moran …. Frederick Treves
Inspector Patterson …. Sean Arnold
Mrs Collier …. Ann Windsor
Jenny …. Jane Whittenshaw
Herr Peter Steiler …. Terence Edmond
Lockwood/Swiss Messenger …. Richard Pearce
Walmsley …. Alan Barker
Sir George …. Norman Jones
Violinist …. Leonard Friedman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1992.
FRI 06:45 The Pillow Book (b00cxjqk)
Series 1
5. Danger
The Palace criminal is discovered, but exposing him may cost Shonagon and Yukinari their lives.
Robert Forrest's thriller and love story, inspired by the diary of Sei Shonagon, a court lady to the Empress Sadako in 10th century Japan.
Shonagon........................Ruth Gemmell
Narimasa..............................John Rowe
Yukinari.............................Mark Bazeley
Tadanobu..............Benedict Cumberbatch
Emperor.........................Richard Madden
Empress................................Laura Rees
Producer: Lu Kemp
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2008.
FRI 07:00 Taking It Up the Octave (b0869g9z)
Episode 2
Blackmail and throat nodules plague the cast of Opera Sunderland's production of Carmen.
Comedy drama series written by Fintan Coyle and Tom Miles.
The mishaps and adventures of the performers at Opera Sunderland.
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
Benjamin Davies
Producer: Chris Neill
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1997.
FRI 07:30 Steptoe and Son (b007jlj8)
Series 3
Two's Company
Albert introduces his new fiancee to his very surprised son, Harold.
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
Daphne ...... June Whitfield
Producer: Bobby Jaye
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in March 1971.
FRI 08:00 The Break (b07dkk0k)
Series 1
Cold Mountain
Andy is beginning to settle in to the unusual seaside town of Flamford.
When he and his Uncle Jeff find an abandoned fridge in the street, Jeff seizes the opportunity to teach his nephew the value of entrepreneurship.
Unfortunately, his plans are complicated by a particularly diligent and zealous Police Officer, a hard-nosed private landlord and Fish Shop Frank's refusal to see a business opportunity when it's sat on the pavement outside his chip shop.
Along the way, they meet a pair of half-hearted pirates, an eccentric plutocrat, Jeff's on-off paramour, Corinne and the youngest-sounding pub landlord in Britain.
Written by Ian Brown and James Hendrie.
Andy ...... Tom Palmer
Jeff ...... Philip Jackson
Frank/PC Clark ...... Mark Benton
Corinne/Joyce/Morag ...... Alison Steadman
Max ...... Rasmus Hardiker
Julie ...... Shobna Gulati
Director: Gordon Kennedy
An Absolutely production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in June 2016.
FRI 08:30 Beatrix Potter: A Life in Nature by Linda Lear (b00772cn)
5. Old Age
"Old age has a way of forcing a person back on themselves".
It's 1942 and Beatrix is 75.
It's a hard winter, with Britain at war again. What will happen when the subsidies end?
She's not well and starts to organise her treasures, knowing she doesn't have long to live.
Reader: Lindsay Duncan
Abridged by Alison Joseph
Producer: Kirsteen Cameron
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2006.
FRI 08:45 Ladies of Letters (m002pfn9)
Ladies of More Letters
5. News
Irene delights in getting Vera's family news first, and sending it to her from the other side of the world.
Starring Prunella Scales as Irene and Patricia Routledge as Vera.
Series 2 in the up and down relationship between two mature ladies shared via their barbed correspondence.
Written by Lou Wakefield and Carole Hayman.
Producer: Claire Grove
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1999.
FRI 09:00 Time of the Week (m002pf1b)
Series 2
3. Feminist Poetry, Betrayal, Pool Parties
Chloe Slack is joined by a guest editor for items about clenching, men taking up space and nipples. Plus it’s time for the annual charity appeal.
Sian Clifford stars as self-important journalist Chloe Slack in this comedy series parodying women’s current affairs and talk shows, surrounded by an ensemble cast of character comedians.
Chloe Slack - Sian Clifford
Ensemble cast:
Ada Player
Alice Cockayne
Aruhan Galieva
Ayoade Bamgboye
Caroline Elms
Em Prendergast
Jodie Mitchell
Jonathan Oldfield
Lorna Rose Treen
Mofé Akàndé
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 Naturebang (m000615j)
Vole-love and Fidelity
Ah, true love. Who can quantify that heady rush, the joy of another’s company, the unshakable bonds between one lover and another? Well, vole experts can.
This tiny rodent is not just an anagram of love, it can also teach us a lot about why we fall. And why we sometimes stray.
Prairie Voles form life-long monogamous bonds, together until death they do part. Almost identical Meadow Voles don’t, living the single life, and mating at will.
It all comes down to brain chemistry. And it turns out, some of us are more Prairie Vole than others.
Featuring Dr Larry Young from the Emory University, and author of 'Sex at Dawn', Chris Ryan.
Produced and presented by Becky Ripley and Emily Knight.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2019.
FRI 09:45 Daily Service (m002pfnc)
Epiphany - Ancient Wisdom: Wisdom and power
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Epiphany - Ancient Wisdom: Wisdom and power
Presenter: Bishop John Inge
Reading: 1 Corinthians 1: 18-25
Music:
To God be the Glory - Daily Service Singers
Dear Lord and Father - Daily Service Singers wth Laura Wright
Teach me, My God and King - St Chad's Cathedral Birmingham
FRI 10:00 Soul Music (m000r33c)
David Bowie - Life on Mars?
Life on Mars was released on David Bowie's Hunky Dory album in 1971.
Two years later it came out as a single in its own right. Famous for its exploration of disillusionment and alienation, there is no one single definitive story behind it. But that is perhaps the song's beauty and the secret behind its appeal - that its cryptic lyrics are open to interpretation, and can mean different things to different people.
Musicians and fans talk about what Life on Mars? means to them, and its lasting emotional impact.
Special programme made to mark Bowie's birthday on January 8th 1947 and commemorating his death on January 10th 2016.
And what does the question mark in the song's title mean?
With contributions from:
* Musician Dana Gillespie whose autobiography is Weren't Born A Man
* Bowie author Chris O'Leary
* Scientist Abigail Fraeman of NASA's Mars Mission*
* Artist Bridget Griggs
* Reverend Steve Stockman
* Screenwriter Ashley Pharoah (Life on Mars)
Producer: Maggie Ayre for BBC Audio Bristol
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2021.
FRI 10:30 A Portrait Of... (b09d3r7x)
Juliet Stevenson
Follow artist Fiona Graham-Mackay as she paints a portrait of actor Juliet Stevenson.
What does it feel like to be painted, and then see yourself as someone else has drawn you? It can be an emotional, transformative process for both the sitter and the artist.
In many ways a portrait painter is like a detective - looking for clues below the surface to capture the sitter's true likeness. In the hush of the studio, conversations meander in unexpected ways as painter and sitter find out about each other. And as we eavesdrop on their sittings, the revelations go beyond any ordinary interview.
Juliet Stevenson gained fame through her television and film work, such as Truly Madly Deeply, although she is first and foremost one of the most celebrated stage actresses of her generation. While Fiona sketches, we hear about Juliet's itinerant childhood, and taking acting notes from her friend and fellow actor Alan Rickman.
Fiona Graham-Mackay has painted hundreds of portraits, including Prince Michael of Kent, Seamus Heaney and Lord Carrington. In all her sittings she has always been fascinated by her conversations with her subjects and continues to be amazed by how people open up in ways that surprise even themselves.
Producer: Eve Streeter
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in November 2017.
FRI 11:00 Sherlock Holmes (b007jm9d)
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FRI 11:45 The Pillow Book (b00cxjqk)
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FRI 12:00 Taking It Up the Octave (b0869g9z)
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FRI 12:30 Steptoe and Son (b007jlj8)
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FRI 13:00 The Break (b07dkk0k)
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FRI 13:30 Beatrix Potter: A Life in Nature by Linda Lear (b00772cn)
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FRI 13:45 Ladies of Letters (m002pfn9)
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FRI 14:00 The Personality Test (b00kmnfn)
Series 1
John Sergeant
Former BBC and ITN chief political correspondent John Sergeant quizzes a panel about himself.
Battling with queries based on John's life, whims and interests are:
Sue Perkins
Alan Carr
Lucy Porter
Series in which a fresh host every episode quizzes a comedy panel about themselves.
Script by Richard Turner.
Devised & produced by Aled Evans.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2006.
FRI 14:30 King Street Junior Revisited (m0001tc5)
Series 2
Play On
Sports Day fever is beginning to take over at King Street - though not everyone is infected.
School comedy created and written by Jim Eldridge. Ten series of this King Street Junior ran between 1985 and 1998. King Street Junior Revisited ran from 2002 to 2005.
Stars Carolyn Pickles as Mrs Devon, Marlene Sidaway as Miss Lewis, Michael Cochrane as Mr Maxwell, Paul Copley as Mr Long, Teresa Gallagher as Miss Featherstone, Jacqueline Beatty as Miss Reid and Janice Acquah as Mrs Khan.
With Pax Baldwin, Elisha Mansuroglu, Kimberley Fletcher, Christopher Dunning and Louis Constantine as the children.
Producer: John Fawcett Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2003.
FRI 15:00 Peter Tinniswood (b007rfcf)
Age Gap
So what is age? It is the individual's private horror, personal, merciless and relentless - and sublimely comic.
Stars Phyllida Law as Winifred and Imelda Staunton as Anita.
Written by Peter Tinniswood.
Director: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2000.
FRI 15:45 Short Works (b07vngz6)
Long Distance by David Szalay
The first of five tales originally commissioned to celebrate the BBC National Short Story Award shortlist in 2016.
In David Szalay's story, a man drives a lorry through Europe and sleeps in the cabin at service stations.
It's always the same, drive and sleep.
Then one night there's a knock on the cabin door.
Writer: David Szalay
Reader: Paul Hilton
Producer: Duncan Minshull
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2016.
FRI 16:00 Soul Music (m000r33c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
FRI 16:30 A Portrait Of... (b09d3r7x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
FRI 17:00 Sherlock Holmes (b007jm9d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 17:45 The Pillow Book (b00cxjqk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]
FRI 18:00 Taking It Up the Octave (b0869g9z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 18:30 Steptoe and Son (b007jlj8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 19:00 The Break (b07dkk0k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 19:30 Beatrix Potter: A Life in Nature by Linda Lear (b00772cn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 19:45 Ladies of Letters (m002pfn9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
FRI 20:00 The Personality Test (b00kmnfn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
FRI 20:30 King Street Junior Revisited (m0001tc5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
FRI 21:00 Peter Tinniswood (b007rfcf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
FRI 21:45 Short Works (b07vngz6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 today]
FRI 22:00 Time of the Week (m002pf1b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
FRI 22:30 Elvenquest (b01r5lnp)
Series 4
The Bard
The Questers find themselves in possession of the magical Dagger of Razzak-Dar, which kills anyone it touches, and realise this might be a golden opportunity to use it on Lord Darkness. The problem is, Lord Darkness' castle is impenetrable.
Luckily, Lord Darkness is looking for a new bard to soothe his nerves, so decides to hold a talent contest so throws open the doors of his castle to welcome applicants.
If only one of the Questers had any musical or acting experience.
Enter Penthiselea, stage left...
Fantasy-based sitcom set in Lower Earth written by James Cary.
Vidar ...... Darren Boyd
Dean/Kreech ...... Kevin Eldon
Amis/The Vet/Grunter ...... 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 (b007jpyh)
Series 2
Last Word to the Mastersons
Living off the land, will there be tears for the Masterson family before milking time?
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
Lee Simpson
Josie Lawrence
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 (b007731j)
Series 1
Episode 2
Meet the China Lion, and the singing friend, and introducing the Daniel Bedingfield-loving East European couple.
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.