SATURDAY 21 FEBRUARY 2026

SAT 00:00 Soul Music (b0076bst)
Series 3
The Pathétique
Biographer Anthony Holden and conductor Vassily Sinaisky explore the cultural impact of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s final symphony.
Series about music that makes the hairs stand up on the back of our necks.
Taking part:
Anthony Holden
Gianandrea Noseda
Vassily Sinaisky
David Gregory
Producer: Lucy Lunt
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2002.
SAT 00:30 Printing a Nation (b08md6w7)
Series 1
2. Nationhood
Dr Anindita Ghosh is exploring the impact of the printing press on India and argues that print, much more than railways as is commonly understood, gave birth to the Indian nation that was born in 1947.
In this concluding programme, Anindita explores how the printing press played a fundamental role in the rise of nationalism in India.
Starting with the nationalist newspapers, she explains how English language papers as well as local language newspapers were crucial in forging anti-colonial sentiments among the reading public.
In response, the colonial government passed draconian acts which empowered district magistrates to seize presses of papers they deemed to be seditious. These measures applied to all publications, books and pamphlets as well as newspapers. But clamping down was not easy.
Indian publishers found ingenious ways to avoid the censors. And alongside books, pamphlets and papers, there was the vast circulation of printed images that proved far more difficult to police by the colonial government than written texts.
Anindita argues that print was key to the shaping of a modern public sphere in India because print was the vehicle of critical ideas of community, history, society, culture and identity that emerged in modern India.
Print was in that sense, modern India.
Contributors:
* Professor Tanika Sarkar (JNU, New Delhi)
* Professor Christopher Pinney (UCL, London)
* Professor Sunil Khilnani (KCL, London)
* Sandeep Hazareesingh (Open University)
* Professor Francesca Orsini (SOAS)
Producer: Melissa FitzGerald
A Blakeway production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in April 2017.
SAT 01:00 Whodunnits (b007k213)
Hercule Poirot - Three Act Tragedy
5. J'accuse!
Just as the Belgian sleuth looks set to solve the murder mystery, there's news of another death.
Starring John Moffatt as Hercule Poirot.
Conclusion of Agatha Christie’s whodunnit dramatised by Michael Bakewell.
Hercule Poirot …. John Moffatt
Mr Satterthwaite …. George Cole
Sir Charles Cartwright …. Michael Cochrane
Hermione 'Egg' Lytton Gore …. Beth Chalmers
Angela Sutcliffe …. Jemma Churchill
Oliver Manders …. Carl Prekopp
Matron …. Natasha Pyne
Director: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2002.
SAT 01:30 Daphne Du Maurier (b007k4hp)
Frenchman's Creek
5. A Midsummer Raid
Jean asks Dona to accompany him when his ship sails.
As Harry and his friends hatch a plan to deal with the French pirate once and for all, the threat posed to Dona by Lord Rockingham reaches crisis point.
Daphne du Maurier's classic novel dramatised by Micheline Wandor.
Dona St Columb .... Lorna Heilbron
Jean .... Struan Rodger
Harry .... Michael Cochrane
Rockingham .... Christopher Godwin
Lord Godolphin .... Norman Bird
Lord Penrose ... Christopher Good
Pru .... Elizabeth Mansfield
Director: Cherry Cookson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1989.
SAT 02:00 My Mammy and Me (m002rdx4)
Series 1
3. Undercover Cops
When Elsie makes an alarming discovery, Isobel and her Mammy are called into action.
Cathy McPhail's sitcom about Isobel's attempt to untie her mother's ever-tightening apron strings.
Mammy …. Eileen McCallum
Isobel .... Kate Donnelly
Willie .... Jake D'Arcy
Ida .... Barbara Rafferty
Sgt Blood .... Sean Scanlan
Con .... Forbes Masson
Elsie / WPC .... Carolyn Boneyman
Susie …. Clare Hemphill
Mr Patel/Joey the Budgie …. Lewis Macleod
Written by Cathy McPhail.
Producer: Kathy Smith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in February 1995.
SAT 02:30 Steptoe and Son (b007k01b)
Series 3
Robbery With Violence
Terrified Albert lies to son Harold after accidentally breaking his treasured porcelain collection.
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
Inspector ...... Dudley Foster
With:
Garrard Green
Edward Kelsey
Trevor Martin
Producer: Bobby Jaye
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in May 1971.
SAT 03:00 Cooking in a Bedsitter (b09hr1g3)
Series 2
Veiled Country Lass
Trisha makes a special pudding for her first visit to Robert's parents' house.
Extracts from Cooking in a Bedsitter are read by Eleanor Bron.
Beattie Edmondson and Nikesh Patel star in Sue Teddern's romantic comedy, inspired by Katharine Whitehorn's cookery classic.
Trisha ...... Beattie Edmondson
Deepak ...... Nikesh Patel
Moira ...... Isabella Inchbald
June ...... Ellie Darvill
Robert ...... Clive Hayward
Clare ...... Abbie Andrews
Director: Emma Harding
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2017.
SAT 03:30 My Judy Garland Life by Susie Boyt (b00g2565)
5. Get Happy
After an unexpected duet with Mickey Rooney over breakfast, Susie gingerly accepts an invitation to perform at a Garland tribute in Brooklyn.
Before she knows it, she's draped over a baby grand piano in a satin dress, singing her heart out.
Susie Boyt's tribute to her screen idol Judy Garland is a touching account of a life-long passion.
Abridged by Viv Beeby.
Concluded by Tamsin Greig
Producer: Justine Willett
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2008
SAT 03:45 Ladies of Letters (b007jwdc)
Ladies of Letters Spring Clean
5. Scandal
Vera takes refuge in a residential home, only to discover sinister goings on. Irene's attempts to help lead to chaos, confusion and court proceedings.
Starring Patricia Routledge and Prunella Scales.
The up and down relationship between two mature ladies shared via their barbed correspondence - it's springtime and Vera and Irene have recipes and tips for a long and healthy life. But competitive rivalry is never far away....
Written by Lou Wakefield and Carole Hayman.
Vera Small .... Patricia Routledge
Irene Spencer .... Prunella Scales
Matron Rosa Ratchett .... Ann Beach
Producer: Liz Webb
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2004.
SAT 04:00 One Person Found This Helpful (m001wxrg)
Series 1
3. Hot Lava Blomps
Find out the verdicts on Mrs. Tiggywinkle, the M1 and the difference between a blomp and a bloop.
The bizarre world of online reviews is hosted by Frank Skinner
With:
Sara Barron
Marcus Brigstocke
Pierre Novellie
Laura Smyth
Written by Frank Skinner, Catherine Brinkworth, Sarah Dempster, Jason Hazeley, Rajiv Karia, 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, first broadcast in March 2024.
SAT 04:30 A Short Gentleman (b0196rnd)
Episode 2
Robert woos Elizabeth, by means of a putty-coloured carpet.
Hugh Bonneville stars as Robert Purcell, QC.
He's a perfect specimen of the British Establishment, who applies faultless legal logic to his disastrous personal life.
Jon Canter's comic novel adapted by Robin Brooks.
Robert Purcell ..... Hugh Bonneville
Elizabeth ..... Lyndsey Marshal
Guy ..... Adam Billington
Sophie ..... Francine Chamberlain
Anthony ..... Carl Prekopp
Isabel ..... Lauren Mote
Alan ..... Gerard McDermott
Director: Jonquil Painting.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2012.
SAT 05:00 The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri (b03xtx55)
3. Paradiso
Concluding the story of one man's incredible journey through Hell, Purgatory and Paradise.
Blake Ritson, Hattie Morahan and John Hurt star in Dante's epic poem - dramatised by Stephen Wyatt.
Dante's spiritual journey comes to a glorious conclusion as he is led by Beatrice through the spheres of Paradise and into the presence of God himself.
As they ascend, they encounter a number of souls who have also achieved blessedness.
Many years later, the older Dante still in enforced exile from his beloved Florence, reflects on the episodes from his life that have inspired his great poem.
Dante the Poet .... Blake Ritson
Older Dante .... John Hurt
Beatrice .... Hattie Morahan
Piccarda .... Priyanga Burford
Cacciaguida/ St Peter .... Sam Dale
Emperor Justinian/ St Benedict/ St James .... Michael Bertenshaw
Spirit 1 .... Clive Hayward
Spirit 2 .... Steve Touissaint
Cunizza .... Carolyn Pickles
Eagle .... Cassie Layton
St John .... David Cann
All other parts are played by members of the company
Sound design is by Cal Knightley
Directed by Emma Harding and Marc Beeby
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2014.
SAT 06:00 Rope by Patrick Hamilton (b071c7rb)
Two young undergraduates think they've committed the perfect murder.
To add piquancy to their crime, they invite the victim's father and other guests to a macabre dinner party.
Starring stage, screen and radio actor and director Alan Rickman who died ten years ago last month, aged 69.
Thriller designed to make your flesh creep - originally written for the stage by Patrick Hamilton.
Rupert Cadell …. Alan Rickman
Wyndham Brandon …. Adam Bareham
Charles Granillo …. Andrew Branch
Sir Johnstone Kentley …. Cyril Luckham
Leila Arden …. Moir Leslie
Kenneth Raglan …. Christopher Good
Sabot …. Olivier Pierre
Producer: John Tydeman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in Saturday Night Theatre: Murder for Pleasure in December 1983.
SAT 07:15 Short Works (m001ptmv)
Madwoman's Milk by Louise Kennedy
A gardener is faced with hostility and scorn from a new client, until a moment of shattering vulnerability brings understanding...
An original short story commissioned for BBC Radio 4 from Louise Kennedy.
Set on the northwest coast of Ireland. Read by Liam O'Brien
Louise Kennedy is the award-winning author of Trespasses, her debut novel, as well as a collection of short stories, The End of the World Is a Cul de Sac.
She grew up near Belfast but now lives in Sligo, Ireland, and worked as a chef for almost 30 years before becoming a writer.
Producer: Justine Willett
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2023.
SAT 07:30 The Premonitions Bureau by Sam Knight (Omnibus) (m002rq3j)
The true reported premonitions of disasters in 1960s Britain.
Richard Goulding reads the Sunday Times bestselling book by The New Yorker journalist and author Sam Knight.
The story follows the real life establishment of a Premonitions Bureau by Dr John Barker in the 1960s to scientifically record and investigate the claims of those who believed they had the power of foresight and could predict an impending disaster.
From coal mining disasters, to the largest train and plane accidents ever recorded (and also to the prediction of Barker’s own death), this is an enthralling and eerie true story of psychology, science and the supernatural – a journey to the most powerful and unsettling reaches of the human mind.
It begins with the moments leading up to one of Britain's most tragic disasters, of those individuals who claim to have predicted it, and meet the psychologist who believed he was on the edge of something momentous.
Omnibus of five parts abridged by Katrin Williams.
Producers: Anne Isger and Rick Woska
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2022.
SAT 08:45 Tales From the Backbench by Peter Tinniswood (b00764zv)
Series 2
Dalliances
The useless and forgetful MP, Sir Plympton Makepeace, warms to the memory of his many happy carnal and amorous associations in Westminster.
Starring Leslie Phillips.
More unreliable parliamentary ramblings written by Peter Tinniswood..
Producer: Enyd Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2001.
SAT 09:00 At Home With Hinge and Bracket (b008lyzf)
2. Anthony Newley
Dame Hilda Bracket and her lifelong companion, Dr Evadne Hinge, invite you to eavesdrop on some informal music and conversation.
Joining them in the music room is actor, singer and composer Anthony Newley.
Dame Hilda Bracket ...... Patrick Fyffe
Dr Evadne Hinge ...... George Logan
Producer: John Fawcett Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in November 1990.
SAT 09:30 Beyond Our Ken (m000m5r3)
Series 4
Episode 1
Kenneth Horne searches for a new house and Hornerama looks at the Rome Olympics.
A madcap mix of sketches and songs written by Eric Merriman.
Starring:
Kenneth Horne
Kenneth Williams
Hugh Paddick
Betty Marsden
Bill Pertwee
Music from Janet Waters, The Hornets and the BBC Variety Orchestra conducted by Paul Fenoulhet.
Incidental music by Edwin Braden.
Announcer: Douglas Smith
Beyond Our Ken hit the airwaves in 1958 and ran to 1964 – featuring regulars like Arthur Fallowfield, Cecil Snaith and Rodney and Charles.
The precursor to ‘Round The Horne’ – sadly only 15 shows survive from the original run of 21 episodes in Series 2. Audio restored using both home and overseas (BBC Transcription Service) recordings.
Producer: Jacques Brown
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in October 1960.
SAT 10:00 Conversation Extra (m002rq3l)
I Remember - Dame Gladys Cooper
Actress Dame Gladys Cooper talks to James Vowden about her life in the theatre, in a long career encompassing performing and management.
After conning her way into an audition, this led to 'on the job' training at The Gaiety Theatre in the early 20th century. She became a darling of the West End – and decades later won a Hollywood contract.
Her reminiscences are peppered with some big names of the time - Noel Coward, JM Barrie, Ellen Terry, Robert Morley and Peter Ustinov.
Away from the theatre, the actress explains how her life is very down to earth.
Dame Gladys Cooper died aged 82 - two years after this interview – in 1971
Producer: James Vowden
First broadcast on the BBC World Service in August 1969.
SAT 10:30 The Story Behind Kismet (b07nss0z)
Sheridan Morley talks to the creators of the 1953 classic Broadway musical, Kismet - Robert Wright and George Forrest.
They are the writers of hit songs from the show including Night of My Nights, Baubles, Bangles, and Beads and Stranger in Paradise.
They were inspired by the classic Arabian Nights stories and the composer Alexander Borodin.
First produced on Broadway, Kismet won a Tony Award for Best Musical in 1954, with a film version released in 1955.
Producer: Stella Hanson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in October 1995.
SAT 11:00 Rope by Patrick Hamilton (b071c7rb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 12:15 Short Works (m001ptmv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
SAT 12:30 The Premonitions Bureau by Sam Knight (Omnibus) (m002rq3j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 13:45 Tales From the Backbench by Peter Tinniswood (b00764zv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
SAT 14:00 At Home With Hinge and Bracket (b008lyzf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 14:30 Beyond Our Ken (m000m5r3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SAT 15:00 Conversation Extra (m002rq3l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SAT 15:30 The Story Behind Kismet (b07nss0z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
SAT 16:00 Haunted Hospital by Trevor Hoyle (b0076sr6)
A hospital in Rochdale is the setting for this ghost story.
Featuring two parallel storylines, one contemporary and the other set in the late 1800s - drawing on real historical events.
Written by Trevor Hoyle.
Julia/Lizzie ...... Jo-Anne Knowles
Steve/Daniel ...... Michael Begley
Sam ...... Elianne Byrne
Josiah Ogden ...... David Fleeshman
Jacob Pinch ...... Mark Chatterton
Mrs Cragge ...... Barbara Marten
Mr Cragge ...... James Quinn
Irish Woman ...... Martine Harry-Davis
Director: Liz Leonard
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2005.
SAT 17:00 Rope by Patrick Hamilton (b071c7rb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 18:15 Short Works (m001ptmv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 today]
SAT 18:30 The Premonitions Bureau by Sam Knight (Omnibus) (m002rq3j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 19:45 Tales From the Backbench by Peter Tinniswood (b00764zv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
SAT 20:00 At Home With Hinge and Bracket (b008lyzf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 20:30 Beyond Our Ken (m000m5r3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SAT 21:00 Conversation Extra (m002rq3l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SAT 21:30 The Story Behind Kismet (b07nss0z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
SAT 22:00 4 at the Store (b007jqn6)
Series 1
Episode 4
Simon Bligh hosts more stand-up comedy.
Direct from the Comedy Store in London.
Featuring:
Matt Wellcome
Veronica McKenzie
Sean Meo.
Producer: Helen Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1998.
SAT 22:30 Fred at The Stand (b09byv6r)
Series 1
Lyons, Mazadza, Jones and Nelson
Fred MacAulay is at The Stand Comedy Club in Edinburgh doing what he does best - making people laugh.
The series brings another selection of some of the best of stand-up comedians working in the UK right now. Some you’ll know and some you won’t - yet.
In this episode:
* Zoe Lyons shares her insights into Buddhism
* Newcomer Wayne Mazadza integrates into British life
* Rosie Jones doesn't let being northern hold her back
* Mark Nelson lovingly overcomes the worst for his favourite child
Fred At The Stand is the closest thing your ears are going to get to an actual night in a comedy club.
A Dabster production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in October 2017.
SAT 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m002rw5b)
Mark Simmons 1/3
From 10pm until midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Ria Lina speaks to stand-up comedian Mark Simmons.
SAT 23:00 Tom Wrigglesworth's Hang-Ups (b03hwbrr)
Series 1
Out of Our Tree
Tom's father is engrossed in putting together the Wrigglesworth Family Tree which is leaving Tom's mother at a loose end.
Tom suggests she gets in a lodger for company.
It's time for Tom to ring his parents for a weekly check-in.
As the conversation unfolds, Tom takes time out to explain the situation, his parents' reactions plus anecdotes from the past illustrating his family's views.
So get underneath the skin of Tom and the Wrigglesworth family in a 30 minute totally legal bit of phone hacking.
Written by Tom Wrigglesworth and James Kettle.
Tom Wrigglesworth ...... Tom
Judy Parfitt ...... Granny
Paul Copley ...... Dad
Kate Anthony ...... Mum
David Reed ...... Henry
Additional material by Miles Jupp
Producer: Katie Tyrrell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2013.
SAT 23:30 Radio Active (b007k1hf)
Series 4
Gigantaquiz
Which lucky contestant is going to win the £10,000 jackpot in Radio Active's massive quiz?!
Radio Active is the one and only local national radio station.
Starring:
Helen Atkinson-Wood
Angus Deayton
Geoffrey Perkins
Philip Pope
Michael Fenton-Stevens
Music by Philip Pope and Steve Brown. With Helen Murry, Nick Wilton and Jamie Rix.
Written by Angus Deayton, Geoffrey Perkins with John Buchan.
Producer: Jamie Rix
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1984.

SUNDAY 22 FEBRUARY 2026

SUN 00:00 Haunted Hospital by Trevor Hoyle (b0076sr6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Saturday]
SUN 01:00 Rope by Patrick Hamilton (b071c7rb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]
SUN 02:15 Short Works (m001ptmv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:15 on Saturday]
SUN 02:30 The Premonitions Bureau by Sam Knight (Omnibus) (m002rq3j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Saturday]
SUN 03:45 Tales From the Backbench by Peter Tinniswood (b00764zv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Saturday]
SUN 04:00 At Home With Hinge and Bracket (b008lyzf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Saturday]
SUN 04:30 Beyond Our Ken (m000m5r3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Saturday]
SUN 05:00 Conversation Extra (m002rq3l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Saturday]
SUN 05:30 The Story Behind Kismet (b07nss0z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Saturday]
SUN 06:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m002rvtm)
Kenneth Williams
Actor Kenneth Williams is castaway by Michael Parkinson.
For 40 years he has occupied a unique place on stage, screen and radio.
Kenneth recalls his long career which has ranged from working on radio classics like Hancock's Half Hour and Round the Horne to being a regular member of the cast in the Carry On films.
DISC ONE: Gabriel Fauré’s Barcarolle No.1 in A minor, Op.26 - Paul Crossley
DISC TWO: Alfred Tennyson/Roger Quilter’s Now Sleeps The Crimson Petal - Kathleen Ferrier
DISC THREE: Ludwig van Beethoven’s Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major, Op. 24 'Spring' - 1st movement - Itzhak Perlman, conducted by Vladimir Ashkenazy
DISC FOUR: Jaime Ovalle’s The Bluebird - Gérard Souzay
DISC FIVE: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings in C major - Academy of St Martin in the Fields, conducted by Neville Marriner
DISC SIX: Francisco Tárrega’s Adelita (from Three Mazurkas) - Julian Bream
DISC SEVEN: Franz Schubert’s Piano Trio No. 1 in B flat major – 2nd movement - Oistrakh Trio
DISC EIGHT: Johannes Brahms’s Wenn ich mit Menschen (from Four Serious Songs, Op.121) - Hermann Prey
CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Ludwig van Beethoven’s Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major, Op. 24 'Spring' - 1st movement - Itzhak Perlman, conducted by Vladimir Ashkenazy
BOOK CHOICE: The Golden Treasury - Francis Palgrave
LUXURY CHOICE: Crate of Cologne
Producer: Ray Abbott
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1987.
**********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
This programme is part of BBC Radio 4 Extra’s THE VERSATILE VOICE OF KENNETH WILLIAMS
This is our celebration marking what would have been the actor's 100th birthday on 22 February 2026.
SUN 06:40 The Versatile Voice of Kenneth Williams: A Centenary Celebration (m002rw9v)
Michael Sheen reflects on playing Kenneth Williams
As part of Radio 4 Extra's marking of the Hundredth brithday of Kenneth Williams, Michael Sheen reflects on his award-winning performance as Kenneth in Kenneth Williams: Fantabulosa!
Michael reveals how he researched the role, Kenneth's status and influence when Michael was growing up, and what has stuck with him from making Fantabulosa! two decades ago.
SUN 06:45 The Versatile Voice of Kenneth Williams: A Centenary Celebration (m002rq2q)
Ray Galton & Alan Simpson
100 years since his birth, Radio 4 Extra celebrates the legendary Kenneth Williams.
In this clip from the archives, Hancock's Half Hour writers Ray Galton and Alan Simpson speak to comic Tim Key about Kenneth's involvement in the world of Hancock.
Originally broadcast as part of 'Sunday Afternoon At Home With Tim Key' on Radio 4 Extra in 2014.
SUN 06:50 Hancock's Half Hour (b007tdvy)
Series 4
The Wild Man of the Woods
The Lad announces that he's rejecting society to go and live a truly rural life.
Ray Galton and Alan Simpson's classic comedy about the life and times of Anthony Aloysius St John Hancock.
Starring Tony Hancock.
With:
Sidney James
Bill Kerr
Kenneth Williams
Hattie Jacques
Theme and incidental music written by Wally Stott.
Music recorded by the BBC Augmented Revue Orchestra conducted by Harry Rabinowitz.
Producer: Dennis Main Wilson
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in January 1957.
SUN 07:20 The Versatile Voice of Kenneth Williams: A Centenary Celebration (m002rq2t)
Wes Butters talks to Thelma Ruby
100 years since his birth, Radio 4 Extra celebrates the legendary Kenneth Williams.
Wes Butters speaks to the actress Thelma Ruby about acting on stage with Kenneth in 'The Buccaneer'. We'll hear how Thelma and Kenneth played mother and son, Kenneth's acting ambitions, and what he was like off-stage.
SUN 07:25 Home This Afternoon (m002rq2w)
Kenneth Williams
Kenneth Williams is interviewed by Peter Davalle.
The comic actor talks about his early life in London’s Caledonian Road, his time in the army and his performing career up to BBC Radio's Round the Horne.
Home This Afternoon was a general interest magazine show which ran on BBC Radio 4 from 1964 to 1970.
Peter Davalle was a much respected journalist who covered the arts and media for The Times newspaper. He died in 2013.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1968.
SUN 07:35 The Versatile Voice of Kenneth Williams: A Centenary Celebration (m002rtt3)
Wes Butters talks to Bishop James 1/2
100 years since his birth, Radio 4 Extra celebrates the legendary writer and actor Kenneth Williams.
Wes Butters speaks to the Bishop James Jones about Kenneth's relationship with faith, and reveals what it was like working with Kenneth on a series of short Bible story recordings in the 1970s.
SUN 07:40 The Versatile Voice of Kenneth Williams: A Centenary Celebration (m002rv5k)
Strength in a Parched Place
When Jesus goes into the wilderness, he is tempted three times by the devil.
Based on an extract from the bible.
Read by Kenneth Williams.
Written by Jenny Robertson.
Producer: Bishop James Jones
**********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
This programme is part of BBC Radio 4 Extra’s THE VERSATILE VOICE OF KENNETH WILLIAMS
This is our celebration marking what would have been the actor's 100th birthday on 22 February 2026.
SUN 07:45 The Versatile Voice of Kenneth Williams: A Centenary Celebration (m002rtt5)
Wes Butters talks to Bishop James 2/2
100 years since his birth, Radio 4 Extra celebrates the legendary writer and actor Kenneth Williams.
Wes Butters speaks to the Bishop James Jones about Kenneth's relationship with faith, and asks him to reflect on the short story 'Strength in a Parched Place', in which Kenneth gives a particularly memorable performance as the devil.
SUN 07:50 The Versatile Voice of Kenneth Williams: A Centenary Celebration (m002rtt7)
Wes Butters talks to Steve Arnold (Radio Circle)
Radio 4 Extra marks the 100th birthday of Kenneth Williams.
Wes Butters interviews the broadcasting historian and founder of 'The Radio Circle' Steve Arnold.
Steve communicated with 'The Secret Life of Kenneth Williams' writer R.D. Wingfield, and reveals Kenneth and R.D.'s difficult working relationship on the programme.
SUN 07:55 The Secret Life of Kenneth Williams (m002rq2z)
Black Widow
Kenneth Williams recalls another rather fantastical tale from his life as a very secret agent.
“I expect the question on everybody’s lips at the moment is why hasn’t Kenneth Williams ever gotten married?.....I can reveal for the very first time that I have been married. Yes, it only lasted for 24 hours but what a night to remember!"
RD Wingfield wrote two series especially for Kenneth Williams – with the star playing a secret agent version of himself.
RD is best remembered as the creator of Inspector Jack Frost – later adapted for TV as A Touch of Frost.
Kenneth Williams … as himself
Sir Charles Prattle .... Richard Caldicot
Maisie .... Josephine Tewson
Miss Gibb .... Caroline Blakiston
Tomkins .... Leslie Heritage
Titania .... Elizabeth Morgan
Otto .... John Hollis
Scripts edited by Gerry Jones.
Producer: Keith Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1971.
**********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
This programme is part of BBC Radio 4 Extra’s THE VERSATILE VOICE OF KENNETH WILLIAMS
This is our celebration marking what would have been the actor's 100th birthday on 22 February 2026.
SUN 08:25 The Versatile Voice of Kenneth Williams: A Centenary Celebration (m002rtt9)
Wes Butters talks to John Lahr
Radio 4 Extra marks the 100th birthday of Kenneth Williams. The writer and theatre critic John Lahr discusses meeting Kenneth when writing his book 'Prick Up Your Ears: The Biography of Joe Orton'.
Wes Butters speaks to John about how the two met, and we'll hear an extract from John's taped research conversations with Kenneth. Plus John tells us what the inside of Kenneth's flat was like.
SUN 08:30 The Streets of London (m002rq32)
Christmas 1979, Percy Edwards and Johnny Morris forcibly introduced Kenneth Williams to the 'wonders of country life' during a walk in the Savernake Forest.
It's Christmas 1980, and it's off with the wellies and on with the brogues as Kenneth retaliates by escorting the two countrymen through the streets of his London!
Produce at BBC Pebble Mill by Michael Ford
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on Christmas Day 1980.
***
The Streets of London is part of BBC Radio 4 Extra’s Kenneth Williams Day marking what would have been his 100th birthday on 22 February 2026.
SUN 09:15 The Versatile Voice of Kenneth Williams: A Centenary Celebration (m002rttc)
Wes Butters talks to Simon Brett
Radio 4 Extra marks the 100th birthday of Kenneth Williams.
Wes Butters speaks to Just A Minute producer Simon Brett about working with Kenneth on the early series of the programme.
We'll hear about how Kenneth behaved as he became more of a celebrity, and Simon reveals what surprising items Kenneth's mum Lou bought to the radio recordings.
SUN 09:20 Just a Minute (m002rq34)
From 04/11/1975
Nicholas Parsons presides over the devious game where panellists are challenged to speak for one minute without hesitation, deviation or repetition.
With:
Derek Nimmo
Peter Jones
Aimi MacDonald
Kenneth Williams
Subjects include: Hunting, Economy, Clerihews, Solomon Grundy, Mrs Grundy, Pulling on my Tights, Gorillas and Snap
Created by Ian Messiter.
Producer: John Lloyd
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1975.
**********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
This programme is part of BBC Radio 4 Extra’s THE VERSATILE VOICE OF KENNETH WILLIAMS
This is our celebration marking what would have been the actor's 100th birthday on 22 February 2026.
SUN 09:50 The Versatile Voice of Kenneth Williams: A Centenary Celebration (m002rttf)
Wes Butters talks to Jeremy Swan 1/2
100 years since his birth, Radio 4 Extra celebrates the legendary Kenneth Williams.
Wes Butters speaks to Jackanory and Galloping Galaxies! producer Jeremy Swan about his long running working relationship with Kenneth. We'll hear how Kenneth was first cast in Jackanory, and how their friendship continued outside of television.
SUN 09:55 Big and Little by Sue Limb (m002rq36)
The further adventures of Big and Little. It is a special day. It is Little’s birthday.
Sue Limb's stories written for very young children, starring Roy Kinnear as Big and Kenneth Williams as Little.
Narrated by Jo Manning Wilson.
Written by Sue Limb.
Big and Little broadcast as part of Listening Corner, which succeeded Listen with Mother in 1982.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1983.
**********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
This programme is part of BBC Radio 4 Extra’s THE VERSATILE VOICE OF KENNETH WILLIAMS
This is our celebration marking what would have been the actor's 100th birthday on 22 February 2026.
SUN 10:00 The Versatile Voice of Kenneth Williams: A Centenary Celebration (m002rtth)
Wes Butters talks to Jeremy Swan 2/2
100 years since his birth, Radio 4 Extra celebrates the writer and comic performer Kenneth Williams.
Wes Butters speaks to Jackanory and Galloping Galaxies! producer Jeremy Swan about working with Kenneth.
Jeremy discusses his friendship with Kenneth, and reveals a memorable moment where the two of them almost missed a recording of the legendary children's programme.
SUN 10:05 Round the Horne (b007tm45)
Series 3
Episode 19
Kenneth Horne welcomes 'The Palone Ranger' and it's Fiona and Charles with sound effects.
Plus Julian and Sandy take charge of the BBC wardrobe department.
Packed full of colourful characters, parodies, memorable catchphrases, and double-entendres.
Starring:
Kenneth Horne
Kenneth Williams
Hugh Paddick
Betty Marsden
Bill Pertwee
Announcer: Douglas Smith
Recorded at the BBC's Paris Studio in Lower Regent Street, London.
Music by Edwin Braden and the Hornblowers and The Fraser Hayes Four.
Round The Horne was born out of the demise of BBC radio comedy Beyond Our Ken. Using the same cast and producer, Barry Took and Marty Feldman wrote the brilliantly inventive - and sometimes outrageous - scripts for four series between 1965 and 1968.
Producer: John Simmonds
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in June 1967
**********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
This programme is part of BBC Radio 4 Extra’s THE VERSATILE VOICE OF KENNETH WILLIAMS
This is our celebration marking what would have been the actor's 100th birthday on 22 February 2026.
SUN 10:34 The Versatile Voice of Kenneth Williams: A Centenary Celebration (m002rttk)
Wes Butters talks to Ken Bruce
Radio 4 Extra celebrates the 100th birthday of Kenneth Williams.
What was it like to interview Kenneth?
Wes Butters finds out in conversation with radio legend Ken Bruce, who spoke to Kenneth in 1984. We'll hear how Kenneth had the potential to be a slightly disengaged interviewee, and discover his ability to tell stories and anecdotes.
Plus Ken reveals the first time he heard Kenneth's voice on the radio.
SUN 10:42 Diary of a Madman by Nikolai Gogol (m002rq38)
An insight into the mind of a man sliding into madness: Kenneth Williams brings Nikolai Gogol's demented masterpiece to life.
In 1963, Richard Williams directed Kenneth Williams in a recording of Nikolai Gogol's Diary of a Madman, for a planned animated film. The film was never completed.
Nikolai Gogol's Diary of a Madman was first published in 1835. Adapted by James Burke.
Re-mixed for radio by John Whitehall.
Music by Peter Shade.
Read by Kenneth Williams.
Producer: Ned Chaillet
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1991.
**********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
This programme is part of BBC Radio 4 Extra’s THE VERSATILE VOICE OF KENNETH WILLIAMS
This is our celebration marking what would have been the actor's 100th birthday on 22 February 2026.
SUN 11:20 The Versatile Voice of Kenneth Williams: A Centenary Celebration (m002rq3b)
Wes Butters talks to Brad Ashton
100 years since his birth, Radio 4 Extra celebrates the legendary Kenneth Williams.
Wes Butters speaks to the scriptwriter Brad Ashton about Kenneth's appearances on The Law Game.
Brad discusses how Kenneth could be difficult to work with, saying that he "loved the sound of his own voice". We hear how Kenneth liked to show off to the audience, and didn't like being told what to do!
SUN 11:25 The Law Game (m002rq3d)
From 05/01/1988
**Broadcast as part of BBC Radio 4 Extra’s Kenneth Williams Day marking what would have been his 100th birthday on 22 February 2026.
‘The Law Game’ ran for over 15 years on BBC Radio 2 starting in 1977.
Chairman Shaw Taylor asks a panel of guests to give their verdicts on some challenging law cases.
With:
Kenneth Williams
Nerys Hughes
Ian McCaskill
With the Radio Drama Company:
Caroline Gruber
John Baddeley
Stephen Rashbrook
Devised and written by: Brad Ashton.
Legal Adviser: Doug Cracknell.
Producer: Lissa Evans
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in January 1988.
**********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
This programme is part of BBC Radio 4 Extra’s THE VERSATILE VOICE OF KENNETH WILLIAMS
This is our celebration marking what would have been the actor's 100th birthday on 22 February 2026.
SUN 12:00 The Versatile Voice of Kenneth Williams: A Centenary Celebration (m002rq3g)
The Versatile Voice of Kenneth Williams: A Centenary Celebration
February 22nd 2026 marks 100 years since the birth of Kenneth Williams.
Wes Butters is on hand to guide us through an eclectic selection of programmes from the BBC Archives as he attempts to discover the many different sides of the beloved comic performer, actor and writer.
Michael Sheen shares how he got into the character of Kenneth for the BBC Four programme Fantabulosa!
Plus we'll hear from guests who worked with Kenneth including actress Thelma Ruby, presenter Ken Bruce and writer John Lahr.
Wes also speaks to Jackanory producer Jeremy Swan about his friendship with Kenneth, Bishop James Jones discusses Kenneth's faith, and producer Simon Brett talks about working with Kenneth on the early series of Just A Minute.
Programmes include:
Desert Island Discs (4 Extra Debut)
Kenneth is castaway by Michael Parkinson.
Hancock's Half Hour: The Wild Man of the Woods
The Lad announces that he's rejecting society to go and live a truly rural life.
Home This Afternoon (4 Extra Debut)
Kenneth talks to Peter Davalle about his life and career.
Strength In A Parched Place
A Bible story read by Kenneth Williams.
The Secret Life of Kenneth Williams (4 Extra Debut)
R.D. Wingfield’s fantastical tale in which Kenneth plays a secret agent version of himself.
The Streets of London (4 Extra Debut)
Kenneth invites Percy Edwards and Johnny Morris around the streets of his London.
Just A Minute (4 Extra Debut)
Nicholas Parsons challenges Derek Nimmo, Peter Jones, Ami MacDonald and Kenneth Williams
Big and Little (4 Extra Debut)
One of Sue Limb's stories written for very young children, starring Roy Kinnear as Big and Kenneth Williams as Little.
Round the Horne
Kenneth Horne welcomes the Palone Ranger, plus bona secrets of the BBC are revealed.
Diary of a Madman
Nikolai Gogol's insight into the mind of a man sliding into madness. Read by Kenneth Williams.
The Law Game (4 Extra Debut)
Kenneth Williams, Nerys Hughes and Ian McCaskill join Shaw Taylor to give verdicts on some challenging law cases. From 1988.
Presenter: Wes Butters
Producer: Chris Pearson
Archive Researcher: Andrew Jupp
SUN 18:00 The Versatile Voice of Kenneth Williams: A Centenary Celebration (m002rq3g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:00 today]

MONDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2026

MON 00:00 The Versatile Voice of Kenneth Williams: A Centenary Celebration (m002rq3g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:00 on Sunday]
MON 06:00 Dick Francis (m002rqbl)
Breaking Point
1. Death of a Jockey
When tragedy strikes horse racing, young steeplechase jockey Rob Finn uncovers a world of fear, rumour and bad intentions.
Stars Michael Kitchen as Rob Finn.
Dick Francis's blockbuster thriller ' Nerve' - set in the world of horse-racing - was first published in 1964.
Dramatised in six parts for the BBC as 'Breaking Point' by Roy Lom.
With:
Henry Stamper
Peter Hawkins
Rio Fanning
Kate Coleridge
Godfrey Kenton
Fraser Kerr
Rosemary Miller
Brian Haines
Producer: John Fawcett Wilson
First broadcast on the BBC World Service in June 1974.
MON 06:30 Daphne Du Maurier (b007k4hq)
Frenchman's Creek
6. The Seagull Flies
Rockingham is dead.
As the French pirate awaits execution, Dona risks everything for the man she loves and is faced with an agonising decision.
Conclusion of Daphne du Maurier's classic novel.
Dramatised by Micheline Wandor.
Dona St Columb .... Lorna Heilbron
Jean .... Struan Rodger
William .... Michael Tudor Barnes
Lord Godolphin .... Norman Bird
Jim .... Vincent Brimble
Smith .... Michael Kilgarriff
Physician .... Joe Dunlop
Director: Cherry Cookson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1989.
MON 07:00 Home Again (m000527p)
Old Habits
Fulton Jones resumes his old ways in the family home after a 20-year unexplained absence...
Starring Robin Bailey.
As suddenly as he disappeared, Fulton Jones returned to his family – wife Margaret, and children Rosie and Martin.
He went to the newsagent to buy matches 20 years before and, bold as brass, waltzed back assuming his role as father figure once more. Margaret is perplexed, whilst Rosie and Martin are furious with him.
Sitcom written by Peter Tinniswood.
Fulton …. Robin Bailey
Margaret …. Doreen Mantle
Rosie …. Liz Goulding
Martin …. David Troughton
Ernest Blackrock …. Christopher Benjamin
Producer: Griff Rhys Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1980.
MON 07:30 Dad's Army (b00qmbky)
Series 2
A Soldier's Farewell
A cinema trip and some illicit cheese sparks Captain Mainwaring's own Battle of Waterloo.
The comic exploits of a Second World War Home Guard platoon in Walmington-on-Sea.
Adapted for radio from Jimmy Perry and David Croft's TV scripts by Michael Knowles and Harold Snoad.
Captain Mainwaring …. Arthur Lowe
Sergeant Wilson …. John Le Mesurier
Corporal Jones …. Clive Dunn
Private Frazer …. John Laurie
Private Pike …. Ian Lavender
Private Godfrey …. Arnold Ridley
Chief Warden Hodges …. Bill Pertwee
Producer: John Dyas
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1975.
MON 08:00 For the Love of Leo (m000ss3f)
Series 3
The Clipper of Comely Bank
Edinburgh widower Leo Fabiani still talks to his beloved wife Tamsin when he’s alone - even though daughter Laura and housekeeper Sadie fill the house and his life.
Leo still mourns his wife and is surprised to meet a woman from his past, when all he expected was a haircut.
Starring Mark Bonnar and Beth Marshall.
The return of the wry, narrative comedy written by Michael Chaplin
Prepare to meet more of the women who come into Leo's life.
Leo Fabiani ..... Mark Bonnar
Tamsin ..... Beth Marshall
Claire ..... Blythe Duff
Sadie .....Tracy Wiles
Cristabel ..... Sylvestra Le Touzel
Laura ..... Samara MacLaren
Stephen ..... Alex Wingfield
Director: Marilyn Imrie
A Catherine Bailey production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in March 2021.
MON 08:30 Anybody Can Do Anything by Betty MacDonald (b00jm3l9)
1. Return to Seattle
Betty MacDonald’s hilarious account of survival during the USA's Great Depression, under the wing of her sister Mary.
Mary is quite certain that anybody can do anything, especially Betty.
So Betty leaves her husband and his chicken ranch and returns to the bosom of her warm and noisy family in Seattle.
Abridged in ten parts by Jennifer Howarth.
Read by Debora Weston.
Producer: Mary Ward-Lowery
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2009.
MON 08:45 Ladies of Letters (b007k3rs)
Ladies of Letters Go Global
1. Ibiza
Irene and Vera are back and this time they're going global.
Determined to escape the aftermath of their respective Christmases from Hell, first Vera nabs a package to Ibiza, then Irene sets out to rescue her friend when she falls prey to the charms of Gaston the seductive Gascon.
Starring Patricia Routledge and Prunella Scales.
The up and down relationship of two mature ladies shared via their barbed correspondence.
Written by Lou Wakefield and Carole Havman.
Irene ...... Prunella Scales
Vera ...... Patricia Routledge
Producer: Claudine Toutoungi
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2006.
MON 09:00 Just a Minute (m002rd1t)
Series 96
3. Do I need to repeat myself?
Players take on subjects including: the last time I received a compliment, if I were on Dragons' Den and Anne Boleyn. Finally a member of the royal family that Gyles doesn't know personally. Plus Josie starts a sing song with the audience.
Host: Sue Perkins
Players: Josie Lawrence, Gyles Brandreth, Emma Sidi, Desiree Burch
Producer: Georgia Keating
Executive Producer: James Robinson
Production Coordinator: Sarah Nicholls
Sound Editor: Marc Willcox
Additional material by Ruth Husko
An EcoAudio certified production.
A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.
MON 09:30 The Ancient Ark (m002rvnv)
Series 1
1. The Raven
Series examining the importance of five groups of animals and birds to the ancient cultures of Britain.
Presented by Joanna Pinnock.
Flying in first, the raven is a wise profit in Celtic culture, but also a sinister, threatening bird of the underworld.
Its intelligence and ability to mimic the human voice gave it supernatural powers.
In Norse mythology, Odin was advised by two ravens who sat on his shoulders and reported what was happening around the world.
In Ireland, ravens were associated with hideous crones who picked over the corpses after battle.
And no mention of ravens would be complete without a visit to the Tower of London whose connections with the bird go back farther than you may think.
First in a five-part series featuring:
* Chris Harvard
* Amanda Green
* Kevin Crossley-Holland
* Andy Orchard
* David Copes
Producer: Brett Westwood
First broadcast in May 1999.
MON 09:45 Daily Service (m002rqbx)
Seek and ye shall find - Ask and it will be given
A space for spiritual reflection led by David Waters, recorded in the BBC Philharmonic studio with the Daily Service Singers, directed by Andrew Earis accompanied by Ben Collyer on the organ and Claire Fillhart on the flute.
Theme: Seek and ye shall find - Ask and it will be given
Presenter: David Waters
Reading: Matthew 7:7-11
Music:
Seek ye first - Daily Service Singers
All good gifts (from ‘Godspell’) - Stephen Schwarz- Daily Service Singers
Father hear the prayer we offer (Cypress Court)- Daily Service Singers
MON 10:00 And the Academy Award Goes To... (b00h3wlv)
Series 2
The Godfather and The Godfather Part II
Paul Gambaccini explores the potboiler novel that spawned not only one of the most violent 'family' movies ever, but also led to an even more successful sequel.
An offer that can't be refused...
Directed by Francis Ford Coppola - the stars of The Godfather and The Godfather Part II included Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan and Robert De Niro.
Series about how some of the greatest Oscar-winning films were made, and what they tell us about the history of the time.
Producer: Jane Lewis
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2009.
MON 10:30 Thoroughly Modest Mollie (b00dgjn4)
Bernard Cribbins pays tribute to Mollie Millest, who wrote scripts for many of Kenneth Horne's radio appearances.
She eventually became a ghostwriter for BBC Radio series 'Beyond Our Ken'.
Bernard is joined by actor Jonathan Rigby, who plays Kenneth Horne in the popular stage production 'Round the Horne Revisited', and Bill Pertwee, an original BOK cast member.
They recreate some of Mollie's sketches and poems, along with readings from the unique correspondence she shared with Mr Horne over several years.
Producer Stephen Garner
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2008.
MON 11:00 Dick Francis (m002rqbl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 11:30 Daphne Du Maurier (b007k4hq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 12:00 Home Again (m000527p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 12:30 Dad's Army (b00qmbky)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 13:00 For the Love of Leo (m000ss3f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 13:30 Anybody Can Do Anything by Betty MacDonald (b00jm3l9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 13:45 Ladies of Letters (b007k3rs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
MON 14:00 Many a Slip (b007jv0k)
From 08/08/1978
Quizmaster Roy Plomley challenges his contestants to spot the mistakes.
Eleanor Summerfield and Gillian Reynolds
battle
David Nixon and Tim Rice
With some tune-twisters from Steve Race
Devised and written by Ian Messiter.
Producer: Martin Fisher
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1978.
MON 14:30 Married (b008cbyc)
Series 3
Episode 4
Going for a drive through a time anomaly, Robin, Leslie and Dirk end up in Texas.
Starring Hugh Bonneville.
Confirmed bachelor Robin Lightfoot is dealing with life in a parallel universe where he has kids and an ex-wife who hates him.
Tony Bagley's comedy drama.
Robin .... Hugh Bonneville
Lesley .... Josie Lawrence
Dirk .... Stephen Frost
Maxine .... Ann Gosling
Doctor/Newsreader//Glop .... Kate Robbins
Alan .... Christopher Kelham
Arthur Smith .... Himself
Producer: Claire Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2001.
MON 15:00 Drama on 4 (b01h7cdt)
Mrs Lowry and Son by Martyn Hesford
Artist L.S Lowry lived all his life with his over-bearing mother Elizabeth.
Bed-ridden and bitter, Elizabeth actively tried to dissuade her bachelor son from pursuing his artistic ambitions, whilst never failing to voice her opinion at what a disappointment he is to her.
Starring Lynda Baron and Reece Dinsdale.
Martyn Hesford's powerful drama imagines the impact this obsessive mother and son relationship had on the great artist.
LS Lowry ..... Reece Dinsdale
Elizabeth Lowry ..... Lynda Baron
Director: Gary Brown
Producer: Charlotte Riches
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2012.
MON 15:45 Short Works (m0023yg6)
The Archaic Smile by Chris Kohler
A holiday in the sun isn't the relaxing break one couple were counting on.
Haunting new short work written by Chris Kohler.
Read by Chris Reilly
Chris Kohler is from Glasgow, Scotland.
His short stories have been published in 3am, Egress, The Stinging Fly, The Moth, Gutter, Dark Mountain and Minor Literatures. He was shortlisted for the VS Pritchett Short Story Prize 2023. His debut novel Phantom Limb is published by Atlantic Books.
Producer: Eilidh McCreadie
An EcoAudio certified production from BBC Audio Scotland.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2024.
MON 16:00 And the Academy Award Goes To... (b00h3wlv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
MON 16:30 Thoroughly Modest Mollie (b00dgjn4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
MON 17:00 Dick Francis (m002rqbl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 17:30 Daphne Du Maurier (b007k4hq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 18:00 Home Again (m000527p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 18:30 Dad's Army (b00qmbky)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 19:00 For the Love of Leo (m000ss3f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 19:30 Anybody Can Do Anything by Betty MacDonald (b00jm3l9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 19:45 Ladies of Letters (b007k3rs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
MON 20:00 Many a Slip (b007jv0k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
MON 20:30 Married (b008cbyc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
MON 21:00 Drama on 4 (b01h7cdt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
MON 21:45 Short Works (m0023yg6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 today]
MON 22:00 Just a Minute (m002rd1t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
MON 22:30 The Routemasters (b007jnry)
3. On the Buses
Bernie is kidnapped by Hildegard and then escapes to the 24th century.
Raymond discovers his true identity...
Andrew McGibbon's sci-fi saga about a time-travelling double-decker bus.
Hildegard ...... Amanda Donohoe
Raymond ...... Andrew McGibbon
Conductor ...... Karl Minns
Bernie ...... Owen Evans
Driver ...... Nick Romero
Herr Grubberman ...... Andy Mulligan
Kunitrol ...... Dan Freedman
Interpolator ...... Alex Lowe
Spikea ...... Sophie Aldred
Additional material by Rob Colley and Kevin Greening.
Theme by Ozzy Temple and other music by Nick Romero.
Producer: Julian Mayers
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1999.
MON 23:00 The News Quiz (m002rf0k)
Series 119
7. The worst birthday ever
Top of the agenda this week is some royal breaking news - who got a special birthday visit from the police? We’ll be analysing yet another government U-turn and see who’s emerged from the shadows for Nigel Farage’s proposed ‘shadow cabinet'. Plus a couple of stories on robots and aliens - something for everyone.
Joining Andy this week is Mark Steel, Daliso Chaponda, Coco Khan and Bella Hull.
Written by Andy Zaltzman.
With additional material by: Jade Gebbie, Ruth Husko and Peter Tellouche.
Producer: Georgia Keating
Executive Producer: Pete Strauss
Production Coordinator: Giulia Lopes Mazzu
Sound Editor: Marc Willcox
A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.
MON 23:30 The Museum of Everything (b007k0zt)
Series 1
School Parties Welcome
The museum enjoys a visit from some schoolchildren as they learn the origin of scampi in the new Undersea Adventure display.
Written and performed by:
Marcus Brigstocke
Danny Robins
Dan Tetsell.
With Lucy Montgomery.
Music by Dominic Haslam and Ben Walker.
Producer: Alex Walsh-Taylor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2004.

TUESDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2026

TUE 00:00 And the Academy Award Goes To... (b00h3wlv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Monday]
TUE 00:30 Thoroughly Modest Mollie (b00dgjn4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Monday]
TUE 01:00 Dick Francis (m002rqbl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]
TUE 01:30 Daphne Du Maurier (b007k4hq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Monday]
TUE 02:00 Home Again (m000527p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Monday]
TUE 02:30 Dad's Army (b00qmbky)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:00 For the Love of Leo (m000ss3f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Monday]
TUE 03:30 Anybody Can Do Anything by Betty MacDonald (b00jm3l9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:45 Ladies of Letters (b007k3rs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Monday]
TUE 04:00 Many a Slip (b007jv0k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:30 Married (b008cbyc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Monday]
TUE 05:00 Drama on 4 (b01h7cdt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Monday]
TUE 05:45 Short Works (m0023yg6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 on Monday]
TUE 06:00 Dick Francis (m002rqrx)
Breaking Point
2. A Matter of Confidence
Can jockey Rob Finn recover from his attack and discover who is behind the theft of racing information?
Stars Michael Kitchen as Rob Finn.
Tragedy has struck horse racing, and young jockey Rob Finn finds himself in a world of fear, rumour and bad intentions.
Dick Francis's 1964 racing thriller, Nerve, abridged by Roy Lom as Breaking Point.
With:
Rio Fanning
Brian Haines
Fraser Kerr
Henry Stamper
Lewis Fiander
Jonathan Lynn
Producer: John Fawcett Wilson
First broadcast on the BBC World Service in June 1974.
TUE 06:30 Personal Column (m0016xcz)
Findings Keepings by Philip Levene
A rookie blackmailer is taught the ropes, but soon learns the pitfalls of the business.
Series of dramas telling the stories when reading between-the-lines of newspaper personal advertisements.
Originated and written by Philip Levene.
David Penrose .... Gerald Flood
Smith .... Cyril Shaps
Marian Haynes .... Margaret Robertson
Clerk .... Carole Boyd
Producer: Betty Davies
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in March 1967.
TUE 07:00 Flying the Flag (b009r202)
Series 2
The Bread and Butter
The era of glasnost has arrived in the small, poor, cold People's Republic of...wherever it is?
That means Her Majesty's Embassy must deal with many more British tourists than found their way there in the past...
Starring Dinsdale Landen.
Eastern Bloc embassy sitcom written by Alex Shearer.
HM Ambassador Mackenzie …. Dinsdale Landen
William Frost …. Peter Acre
Helen Waterson …. Moir Leslie
US Ambassador …. Stephen Greif
Colonel Surikov …. Christopher Benjamin
Harris …. Stephen Rashbrook
Producer: Pete Atkin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1988.
TUE 07:30 The Goon Show (b007jyxq)
Series 9
The Scarlet Capsule
Professor Ned Quatermass unravels a mystery around some enigmatic blue serge suits.
Groundbreaking, surreal BBC radio comedy written by Spike Milligan.
Starring:
Harry Secombe
Spike Milligan
Peter Sellers
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 February 1959.
TUE 08:00 Jack & Millie (b0bd911s)
Series 1
The Kids Are Alright
All grandkids make mistakes, but only Jack and Millie's do it quite so loudly - and on video.
The annual Summer show at London's Royal Academy and a record-breaking sauna set the scene for a philosophical disquisition on the perils of parenting and the lure of lycra.
Jeremy Front's comedy is about an older couple who are fully engaged with contemporary life while being at war with the absurdities of the modern world.
Starring Jeremy Front and Rebecca Front.
So Millie's son Melvin has given her a new tablet with a voice recorder?
So suddenly Jack and Millie have decided to record everything that happens to them.
Jack ...... Jeremy Front
Millie ...... Rebecca Front
Shirley ...... Tracy-Ann Oberman
Harry ...... Nigel Lindsay
Melvin ...... Harry Peacock
Delphine ...... Jenny Bede
Flight Attendant ...... Lauren O'Rourke
Producer: David Tyler
A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in August 2018.
TUE 08:30 Anybody Can Do Anything by Betty MacDonald (b00jqp6n)
2. The Job Market
Mary gets Betty a job as a shorthand typist.
The trouble is she doesn't know shorthand and can't type!
Betty MacDonald’s hilarious account of survival during the USA's Great Depression back in Seattle, under the wing of her sister Mary.
Abridged by Jennifer Howarth.
Read by Debora Weston.
Producer: Mary Ward-Lowery
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2009.
TUE 08:45 Ladies of Letters (b007k3sq)
Ladies of Letters Go Global
2. Debts
Irene is forced into casual labour when she arrives in Ibiza to find she’s inherited her absent friend's debts.
Meanwhile Vera’s escaped Gaston's clutches in a beetroot truck heading for Trieste, when she falls in with Roman, a charismatic Transylvanian with a hatred of garlic.
Starring Patricia Routledge and Prunella Scales.
The up and down relationship of two mature ladies shared via their barbed correspondence.
Written by Lou Wakefield and Carole Havman.
Irene ...... Prunella Scales
Vera ...... Patricia Routledge
Producer: Claudine Toutoungi
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2006.
TUE 09:00 You Heard It Here First (m002rdr0)
Series 3
6. Blindfolds On, Pants Off
Chris McCausland asks Rhys James and Roisin Conaty to take on Zoe Lyons and Nabil Abdulrashid. The teams put on blindfolds and must guess the age of audience members based on voice alone, as well as work out what famous or iconic images children are trying to describe.
Producer: Sasha Bobak
Assistant Producer: Eve Delaney
Executive Producer: Pete Strauss
Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman
A BBC Studios Production.
TUE 09:30 The Ancient Ark (m002rvnx)
Series 1
2. The Wolf
In past culture, the wolf had many roles. To the Romans, it was a benevolent beast because a she-wolf is said to have saved Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome.
But in Medieval bestiaries, wolves represented Satan and it was written that if a wolf saw a man before the man saw it, the wolf would become invisible.
Joanna Pinnock explores the dual role of the enigmatic wolf, as protector and predator of our ancestors.
Another in the series examining the importance of five groups of animals and birds to the ancient cultures of Britain.
Producer Brett Westwood
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1999.
TUE 09:45 Daily Service (m002rqs0)
Seek and ye shall find - Seek his face
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Seek and ye shall find - Seek his face
Presenter: Angela Tilby
Reading: Psalm 27 7-12
Music:
From the deep places, hear my cry - St Martin's Voices
The Lord is My Light - St Martin's Voices
The Lord's Prayer -The Daily Service Singers
Father, Hear the Prayer We Offer - Trinity College, Cambridge
TUE 10:00 A Good Read (m000kgtb)
Laurie Anderson & Stuart Maconie
American avant-garde artist Laurie Anderson and BBC 6 Music DJ Stuart Maconie join Harriett Gilbert to chat about their favourite books by Hunter S Thompson, LTC Rolt and James Lever.
Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas by Hunter S Thompson
Publisher: Harper Perennial
Sleep No More by LTC Rolt
Publisher: The History Press
Me Cheetah: The Autobiography by James Lever
Publisher: Fourth Estate
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2020.
TUE 10:30 Doing It In The Street (b011cffl)
Martin Reeve occasionally takes to the streets under the performance name of Mr Lucky, the Man with the Raining Umbrella.
It's an act the actor and academic has been doing for the last 25 years or so, since he first teamed up with street theatre company Avanti Display.
Martin is fascinated by the way street theatre, or outdoor performance which is free and accessible to anyone passing by, affects our perceptions of the spaces around us: shopping centres, streets and squares, buildings, parks and public places.
For him, it's a more radical and dangerous art form than might be imagined, with its roots in the political turbulence of the 1960s when companies like Welfare State International decided to take art and performance out of theatres and galleries onto the streets as a deliberate counter-cultural tactic.
Although it may now feel less radical, often confined to festivals, civic celebrations and corporate entertainment, he believes street theatre can still make us see the world differently, and stop traffic momentarily to make the familiar seem, just for a moment, unfamiliar and extraordinary.
Producer: Sarah Davies
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2011.
TUE 11:00 Dick Francis (m002rqrx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 11:30 Personal Column (m0016xcz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 12:00 Flying the Flag (b009r202)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 12:30 The Goon Show (b007jyxq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 13:00 Jack & Millie (b0bd911s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 13:30 Anybody Can Do Anything by Betty MacDonald (b00jqp6n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 13:45 Ladies of Letters (b007k3sq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
TUE 14:00 Hidden Treasures (b05p6jmr)
Syon House
From dining habits to the wonders of metamorphic furniture.
Lars Tharp chairs the light-hearted Antiques Quiz.
From the London home of the Duke of Northumberland, Syon House.
With:
John Bly
Christine Lalumia
Clive Stewart-Lockhart
Max Rutherston
Producers: Elizabeth Abrahams and Annie Bristow
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1998.
TUE 14:30 Says on the Tin (b00gl50p)
Schokolade
Eliott finds nothing to laugh about while promoting a German chocolate called Laughing.
Starring Michael Brandon.
Christopher William Hill's sitcom about an American advertising man, forced to relocate to London.
Eliott Thurber ...... Michael Brandon
Esther Finn ...... Samantha Bond
Hannah Walker ...... Pippa Haywood
Zadie ...... Joannah Tincey
Baz ...... Inam Mirza
Mandelbrot ...... Malcolm Tierney
Interpreter ...... Gunnar Cauthery
Other parts played by Dan Starkey, Janice Acquah and Jonathan Tafler.
Producer: Liz Webb
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2009.
TUE 15:00 The Browning Version by Terence Rattigan (b092ks2g)
Teacher Andrew Crocker-Harris is on the verge of retirement - and a divorce.
But he has a shot at trying to redeem his dignity when a young schoolboy gives him an unexpected parting gift...
Starring Sir John Gielgud and Angela Baddeley, CBE.
Terence Rattigan’s play was first performed on the London stage in 1948.
Adapted by Cynthia Pughe.
Andrew Crocker-Harris ...... John Gielgud
Millie Crocker-Harris ...... Angela Baddeley
Frank Hunter ...... Brewster Mason
Taplow ...... Anthony Adams
Dr Frobisher ...... Clive Morton
Peter Gilbert ...... Denis Goacher
Mrs Gilbert ...... Anne Cullen
Schoolboy ...... Warren Hearnden
Sir Terence Mervyn Rattigan, CBE (1911–1977) is remembered as a theatre heavyweight for dramas about the middle and upper-classes, including The Winslow Boy, The Deep Blue Sea and Separate Tables.
Angela Baddeley is best remembered as the cook Mrs Bridges in ITV's period drama Upstairs, Downstairs.
Director: Norman Wright
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in September 1957.
TUE 16:00 A Good Read (m000kgtb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
TUE 16:30 Doing It In The Street (b011cffl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
TUE 17:00 Dick Francis (m002rqrx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 17:30 Personal Column (m0016xcz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 18:00 Flying the Flag (b009r202)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 18:30 The Goon Show (b007jyxq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 19:00 Jack & Millie (b0bd911s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 19:30 Anybody Can Do Anything by Betty MacDonald (b00jqp6n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 19:45 Ladies of Letters (b007k3sq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
TUE 20:00 Hidden Treasures (b05p6jmr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
TUE 20:30 Says on the Tin (b00gl50p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
TUE 21:00 The Browning Version by Terence Rattigan (b092ks2g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
TUE 22:00 You Heard It Here First (m002rdr0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
TUE 22:30 John Shuttleworth's Lounge Music (b082wwlw)
Series 2
Chris Difford
John Shuttleworth invites celebrated pop stars to his Sheffield home to perform one of their own songs and also, more importantly, one of his.
For starters, John welcomes Chris Difford from Squeeze - but not before he's ejected his agent Ken from the front door with his unwanted request to show John and Chris his new windows.
Chris is soon invited to "show us what you can do" and plays his classic song Up the Junction.
John is duly impressed - but the admiration starts to fade when he discovers Chris once took 50p from his mum's purse to place an advert in a shop window. Can John condone theft and forgive Chris, or will Chris have to redeem himself with his rendition of John's song Fish and Chips?
Also, Tom Robinson gives advice on how to become a radio DJ following pop success in Top Tips on the Telephone.
Written by and starring Graham Fellows.
John special guests:
Chris Difford
Tom Robinson
A Chic Ken production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in November 2016.
TUE 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m002rw5d)
Mark Simmons 2/3
From 10pm until midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Ria Lina chats again to stand-up comedian Mark Simmons.
TUE 23:00 Paul Sinha's History Revision (b08tfyqj)
Series 3
Episode 1
Comedian and quizzer Paul Sinha returns to shine a light on the important historical moments that you never got taught at school.
He also explains why so much of what you did learn is wrong.
There will also, as ever, be puns.
He begins with a look at the sheer volume of history created since series two, including Brexit, every celebrity in the world seeming to pass away, and the election of Donald Trump.
He also assesses the contributions to American culture of immigrants, including iconic clothing, iconic entertainment, and iconic icons.
Written and performed by Paul Sinha.
In previous series, Paul revealed how Portugal's invasion of Morocco in 1415 lead directly to the 2014 World Cup; how the 1909 launch of an Austro-Hungarian submarine prevented Dr Zhivago winning an Oscar; and the story of the black woman who refused to give up a seat on an Alabama bus ended up changing the law - no, it wasn't Rosa Parks.
Paul Sinha's History Revision won the 2016 Rose d'Or for 'Best Radio Comedy'.
Producer: Ed Morrish
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in June 2017.
TUE 23:30 Chain Reaction (b01l1g68)
Series 8
Jeremy Front interviews Rebecca Front
Rebecca Front is interviewed by the man who knows her best, her big brother Jeremy Front.
The Chain starts with star of The Thick Of It, Grandma's House, The Day Today and most other comedies of note over the past twenty years, Rebecca Front, speaking to the man who knows her best, her writing partner and big brother Jeremy Front.
They cover childhood teasing and being a woman in comedy, reveal how a cough scuppered Rebecca's chances of working with Mike Leigh and end with Jeremy attempting to maker her re-live an amusing childhood trauma.
"I've heard all the anecdotes so I'll probably just read a book."
Producer: Carl Cooper
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2012.

WEDNESDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2026

WED 00:00 A Good Read (m000kgtb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Tuesday]
WED 00:30 Doing It In The Street (b011cffl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Tuesday]
WED 01:00 Dick Francis (m002rqrx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:30 Personal Column (m0016xcz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Tuesday]
WED 02:00 Flying the Flag (b009r202)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Tuesday]
WED 02:30 The Goon Show (b007jyxq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:00 Jack & Millie (b0bd911s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Tuesday]
WED 03:30 Anybody Can Do Anything by Betty MacDonald (b00jqp6n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:45 Ladies of Letters (b007k3sq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Tuesday]
WED 04:00 Hidden Treasures (b05p6jmr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:30 Says on the Tin (b00gl50p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Tuesday]
WED 05:00 The Browning Version by Terence Rattigan (b092ks2g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Tuesday]
WED 06:00 Dick Francis (m002rqrr)
Breaking Point
3. The Nerve to Win
Young jockey Rob Finn’s career is going from strength-to-strength but at what cost to those around him?
Stars Michael Kitchen as Rob Finn.
Tragedy has struck horse racing, and young jockey Rob Finn finds himself in a world of fear, rumour and bad intentions.
Dick Francis's 1964 horse racing thriller, Nerve, abridged in six parts by Roy Lom as Breaking Point.
Cast:
Michael Kitchen
Lewis Fiander
Brian Haines
Michael Kitchen
Henry Stamper
Rio Fanning
Rosemary Miller
Producer: John Fawcett Wilson
First broadcast on the BBC World Service in June 1974.
WED 06:30 Personal Column (m0016xhw)
Evening Out by Jill Hyem
Trevor must call on his acting skills when Miss Pike hires him as her escort to a works outing.
Dramas which tell the stories reading between-the-lines of newspaper personal advertisements.
Written by Jill Hyem.
Lorna Pike .... Brenda Bruce
Trevor Mostram .... Bernard Horsfall
Mr Jenkins .... Wilfrid Carter
Mrs Jenkins .... Sheelah Wilcocks
Mr Bowles .... Michael Tudor-Barnes
Mrs Bowles .... Betty Huntley-Wright
Originated by Philip Levene.
Producer: Keith Williams
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in March 1967.
WED 07:00 Little Blighty on the Down (b00tp807)
Series 4
Episode 2
The Parish council needs its money, but will the bank be able to pay out?
‘80s political satirical soap opera set in the strangely familiar village of Little Blighty.
Life here is pretty uneventful, though the humdrum happenings include social turmoil, economic upheaval and vicious political squabbles.
Written by Mark Burton, John O'Farrell and Mike Coleman.
Starring:
Jo Kendall
Michael Troughton
John Baddeley
Bernadine Corrigan
Jonathan Kydd
Daniel Strauss
Producer: Lissa Evans
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1991.
WED 07:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jxpn)
Series 6
The Impersonator
When he hears his sound-alike in a TV commercial, the lad heads straight to court.
Starring Tony Hancock, Sid James and Bill Kerr.
With Peter Goodwright, Ann Lancaster, Jerry Stovin, Jack Watson, Ronald Wilson and Wilfrid Babbage.
Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.
Theme and incidental music written by Wally Stott.
Producer: Tom Ronald
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in December 1959.
WED 08:00 Reluctant Persuaders (m000sz2w)
Series 4
2. Because Change Happenz
Rupert Hardacre returns to his advertising agency a changed man, after six weeks in the wilderness. He has a new beard, a new outlook and a new soulmate - visionary artist Lake.
For Amanda, Joe and Teddy, relief at his return soon turns to anxiety as Hardacre and Lake begin to remake the agency in their own image, adopting a more holistic approach to creativity.
As the rest of the team gradually warms to Lake, Joe finds himself increasingly isolated, and resolves to discover exactly what has happened to the Rupert Hardacre he thought he knew.
Edward Rowett's award-winning sitcom.
Hardacre .... Nigel Havers
Joe .... Mathew Baynton
Amanda .... Josie Lawrence
Teddy .... Rasmus Hardiker
Lake .... Rebekah Staton
Producer: Gordon Kennedy
An Absolutely production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in March 2021.
WED 08:30 Anybody Can Do Anything by Betty MacDonald (b00jqp75)
3. The Dating Scene
Betty MacDonald’s hilarious account of survival in the Great Depression, under the wing of her sister Mary, abridged by Jennifer Howarth.
Mary sets up a string of disastrous dates for Betty.
Read by Debora Weston.
Producer: Mary Ward-Lowery
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2009.
WED 08:45 Ladies of Letters (b007k3tn)
Ladies of Letters Go Global
3. Abducted
Howard is no help in rescuing Vera, so Irene, after breaking out of her Ibizan jail, implores Brian to help.
But when Brian catches up with Vera in Moscow, Vera's enraging remarks about her new-found intimacy with Irene's son-in-law urge Irene to write an anonymous letter she may regret...
Irene ...... Prunella Scales
Vera ...... Patricia Routledge
Howard ...... Christopher Kelham
The up and down relationship of two mature ladies shared via their barbed correspondence.
Written by Lou Wakefield and Carole Havman.
Producer: Claudine Toutoungi
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2006.
WED 09:00 Thanks a Lot, Milton Jones! (m0017v79)
Series 5
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Dai
Milton gets recruited by the kindliest Secret Service in the world to oversee a tense spy swap on the Severn Bridge.
Mention Milton Jones to most people and the first thing they think is ‘Help!’. Because each week Milton and his trusty assistant Anton (played by Milton regular, Tom Goodman-Hill) set out to help people and soon find they’re embroiled in a new adventure. When you’re close to the edge, Milton can give you a push...
“Milton Jones is one of Britain’s best gagsmiths with a flair for creating daft yet perfect one-liners” – The Guardian.
“King of the surreal one-liners” - The Times
“If you haven’t caught up with Jones yet – do so!” – The Daily Mail
Written by Milton with James Cary (Bluestone 42, Miranda), and Dan Evans (who co-wrote Milton’s Channel 4 show House Of Rooms), the man they call “Britain’s funniest Milton" returns to the radio with a fully-working cast and a shipload of new jokes.
The cast includes regulars Tom Goodman-Hill (Spamalot, Mr. Selfridge) as the ever-faithful Anton, Josie Lawrence and Dan Tetsell (Peep Show, Upstart Crow)
With music by Guy Jackson.
Produced and Directed by David Tyler
A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4
WED 09:30 The Ancient Ark (m002rvp0)
Series 1
3. The Hare
To our ancestors, the hare was a mysterious creature with many sides to its character.
It was a beast associated with the moon and a companion to the Norse Goddess, Freya.
In Christian legend, its familiarity was seen as a mark of lustfulness, but medieval bestiaries perceived its cowering nature as a sign of trust in Christ.
Even Julius Caesar noted that Britons were loath to eat hares because they were sacred.
Joanna Pinnock and expert contributors, explore the fascinating myth and reality surrounding this timid creature.
Producer Brett Westwood
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1999.
WED 09:45 Daily Service (m002rqrv)
Seek and ye shall find - Wisdom worth searching for
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Seek and ye shall find - Wisdom worth searching for
Presenter: Holly Adams
Reading: Proverbs 2:1-6
Music:
Immortal invisible - Daily Service Singers
Thy word - Amy Grant
The Call of Wisdom - Daily Service Singers
WED 10:00 Archive on 4 (m000vwtl)
What’s Going On Now?
In 1971, Motown legend Marvin Gaye released What's Going On - a landmark album that forever changed the sound and subject matter of popular music.
Emeli Sande explains why the album still has relevance and resonance in the 21st century, both musically and politically - an enduring art form that continues to make a statement on behalf of a disenfranchised generation.
The programme combines archive interviews with Motown legends who worked with Marvin Gaye, including Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Lamont Dozier and Mary Wilson, with contributions from artists inspired by his masterpiece, such as Bruce Springsteen, John Legend, Lionel Richie, Nitin Sawhney, Seal and Corinne Bailey Rae.
There's no contemporary piece of music or art which does more to reflect the emotions and situation of a generation with as much clarity and power as What's Going On and, five decades after its release, Marvin Gaye's opus remains one of the most acclaimed and influential albums recorded.
A Zinc Media production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2021.
WED 11:00 Dick Francis (m002rqrr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 11:30 Personal Column (m0016xhw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 12:00 Little Blighty on the Down (b00tp807)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 12:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jxpn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 13:00 Reluctant Persuaders (m000sz2w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 13:30 Anybody Can Do Anything by Betty MacDonald (b00jqp75)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 13:45 Ladies of Letters (b007k3tn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
WED 14:00 The Museum of Curiosity (m000mkj7)
Series 15
Episode 2
Professor of Ignorance John Lloyd and his curator Alice Levine welcome:
* Comedian and podcaster Suzi Ruffell
* Chef and presenter Ainsley Harriott
* Writer and creator of Bridget Jones, Helen Fielding
The Museum's Guest Committee donate a Dutch upright bicycle, the welwitschia mirabilis plant and the Victoria Falls.
Researchers: Mike Turner and Anne Miller of QI.
Producers: Victoria Lloyd and Anne Miller.
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2020.
WED 14:30 Alison and Maud (b007k2vm)
Series 1
The Unmentionable
A nasty moment for Bernard in the granny flat or is the landladies' daddy only joking?
Sue Limb's sitcom about events at the Abbeyfield Guest House in Norwich.
Denise Coffey and Miriam Margolyes star as sisters Alison and Maud.
Alison …. Denise Coffey
Maud …. Miriam Margolyes
Father …. Joss Ackland
Mr Mullett …. Chris Emmett
Bernard …. Geoffrey Whitehead
Leslie …. Nickolas Grace
Producer: Jonathan James-Moore.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2003.
WED 15:00 Lost Horizon by James Hilton (b00tnrv2)
1. The Kidnapping
During May 1931, the revolutionary situation in Baskul worsened and Air Force machines arrived from Peshawar to evacuate the residents.
A few miscellaneous aircraft were also employed - among them one lent by the Maharajah of Chandapore.
Four passengers took off in this plane: Miss Roberta Brinklow, of the Eastern Mission; Henry D Barnard, a US citizen; Hugh Conway, HM Consul; and Captain Charles Mallinson, HM Vice-Consul.
Mysteriously none of them reached their destination...
Stars Derek Jacobi.
First published in 1933, James Hilton's novel is about Shangri-La, the mystical lamasery hidden in the mountains of Tibet.
Dramatised in three parts by Barry Campbell.
Hugh Conway ...... Derek Jacobi
Mallinson ...... Andrew Branch
Barnard ...... Alan Tilvern
Miss Brinklow ...... Carol Marsh
Rutherford ...... John Livesey
Wyland ...... Sion Probert
Hilton ...... Alaric Cotter
Sanders ...... Gary Cady
Doctor ...... John Bull
Chang ...... Garard Green
Pianist: Antony Miall
Producer: Graham Gauld
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1981.
WED 16:00 Archive on 4 (m000vwtl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
WED 17:00 Dick Francis (m002rqrr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 17:30 Personal Column (m0016xhw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 18:00 Little Blighty on the Down (b00tp807)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 18:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jxpn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 19:00 Reluctant Persuaders (m000sz2w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 19:30 Anybody Can Do Anything by Betty MacDonald (b00jqp75)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 19:45 Ladies of Letters (b007k3tn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
WED 20:00 The Museum of Curiosity (m000mkj7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
WED 20:30 Alison and Maud (b007k2vm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
WED 21:00 Lost Horizon by James Hilton (b00tnrv2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
WED 22:00 Thanks a Lot, Milton Jones! (m0017v79)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
WED 22:30 The Maltby Collection (b00m67w1)
Series 3
Episode 1
Massive budget cuts are needed – so who will museum director Walter put forward for the chop?
Starring Geoffrey Palmer and Julian Rhind-Tutt.
The return of David Nobbs’ sitcom about a small art museum staffed by eccentrics and obsessives.
Rod Millet ...... Julian Rhind-Tutt
Walter Brindle ...... Geoffrey Palmer
Prunella Edgecumbe ...... Rachel Atkins
Susie Maltby ...... Margaret Cabourn-Smith
Julian Crumb-Loosely ...... Ben Willbond
Wilf Arbuthnot ...... Geoff McGivern
Eva Tattle ...... Julia Deakin
Des Wainwright ...... Michael Smiley
Stelios Constantinopoulis ...... Chris Pavlo
Gloria Brindle ...... Helen Atkinson Wood.
Producer: Colin Anderson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2009.
WED 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m002rw5g)
Mark Simmons 3/3
From 10pm until midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Ria Lina chats again to stand-up comedian Mark Simmons.
WED 23:00 John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme (m000wcyr)
Series 9
Episode 4
With no live studio audience, John Finnemore took the opportunity to try something completely new.
Every episode in this series of Souvenir Programme is made up of scenes from one person's life, played in reverse order.
There's no narrative to the episode; it's still a sketch show, not a sitcom... but the sketches in each episode all happened to one person, played by one member of the cast, over the course of their lifetime.
This episode is all about Vanessa, and starts with a television quiz show in 1990, and ends with a fairytale walk in 1921.
Written and performed by ... John Finnemore
Vanessa ... Carrie Quinlan
Ensemble ... Lawry Lewin
Ensemble ... Margaret Cabourn-Smith
Ensemble ... Simon Kane
Original music composed by .... Susannah Pearse
Original music arranged by ... Susannah Pearse and Tim Sutton
Producer: Ed Morrish
A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2021.
WED 23:30 Liam Williams: Ladhood (b096jb2f)
Series 2
Episode 1
Comedian Liam Williams recounts his youthful misadventures in this autobiographical sitcom.
In this opening episode, Liam anxiously awaiting A-Level results before trying to find his feet in a most alien of new environments, Cambridge University.
Written and performed by Liam Williams.
With:
Al Roberts
Emma Sidi
Freya Parker
Kieran Hodgson
Paul Copley
Paul G Raymond
Sally Grace
Music:
* When I Was A Lad - Tom O'Connor
* Reptilia - The Strokes
* I Bet That You Look Good On The Dancefloor - Arctic Monkeys
* Is This It - The Strokes
* I Planted A Thought - Arthur Russell
* Wounder - Burial
* Glorious (Town) - Captain
* Mozart's Piano Concerto No.2 in B Flat Major - K.39 - Murray Perahia
* Infinitum/Auntie's Lock - Flying Lotus
* Prelude to a Kiss - Alicia Keys
* My Love - Justin Timberlake
* Rat Cage - Beastie Boys
* Chelsea Dagger - The Fratellis
* Don't Feel Like Dancing - Scissor Sisters
* Paris (Aeroplane remix) - Friendly Fires
* Kennedy- The Wedding Present
* Oh My God - The Kaiser Chiefs
* Jynweyhek Ylow - Aphex Twin
* Shoot The Poets - The Cribs
* Come To The Bar - Pete and the Pirates
Producer: Joe Nunnery
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in October 2017.

THURSDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2026

THU 00:00 Archive on 4 (m000vwtl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 Dick Francis (m002rqrr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:30 Personal Column (m0016xhw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 Little Blighty on the Down (b00tp807)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007jxpn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 Reluctant Persuaders (m000sz2w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Wednesday]
THU 03:30 Anybody Can Do Anything by Betty MacDonald (b00jqp75)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:45 Ladies of Letters (b007k3tn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 The Museum of Curiosity (m000mkj7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:30 Alison and Maud (b007k2vm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 Lost Horizon by James Hilton (b00tnrv2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Wednesday]
THU 06:00 Dick Francis (m002rrv8)
Breaking Point
4. Nobody Loves a Loser
Can young jockey Rob Finn recover when his winning streak comes to crashing end? Are other factors at play?
Stars Michael Kitchen as Rob Finn.
Tragedy has struck horse racing, and young jockey Rob Finn finds himself in a world of fear, rumour and bad intentions.
Dick Francis's 1964 horse racing thriller, Nerve, abridged in six parts by Roy Lom as Breaking Point.
Cast:
Michael Kitchen
Brian Haines
Henry Stamper
Lewis Fiander
Rosemary Miller
Manning Wilson
Kate Coleridge
Producer: John Fawcett Wilson
First broadcast on the BBC World Service in June 1974.
THU 06:30 Personal Column (m0016xkd)
No Square Deal by Eddie Maguire
John and Helen get more than they bargained for when they try to sell some old jewellery.
Dramas which tell the stories reading between-the-lines of newspaper personal ads.
Written by Eddie Maguire.
John Groves .... Jon Rollason
Helen Groves .... Pauline Yates
First Constable .... Christopher Bidmead
Second Constable .... Eric Allan
A Man .... Michael Tudor-Barnes
The Inspector .... Clifford Rose
The Sergeant .... Duncan McIntyre
Originated by Philip Levene.
Producer: Martin Jenkins
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in April 1967.
THU 07:00 A Whole New Ball Game (b00g27cg)
Series 2
How Was It for You?
Robert Patterson's skill deserts him on the training ground while his morals lie writhing in the penalty area.....
Acclaimed comedy of faith, families and football written by Martin Davies
Father Benedict............Desmond Barrit
Mrs Patterson.............. Brenda Blethyn
Robert Patterson......... Richard Pearce
Barbara Patterson....... Melanie Hudson
Andy Hunt..................... Mark Straker
Janet................................ Nicola Buckingham
Guy................................... Henry Woolley
Producer Richard Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1994.
THU 07:30 The Burkiss Way (b00gs06p)
Series 2
Influence Friends and Win People...
Helpful hints from the Smarty Pants family and Knickertwist Copperby.
The Burkiss Way to Dynamic Living from radio's Advanced Correspondence Course.
With instruction from:
Jo Kendall
Nigel Rees
Chris Emmett
Fred Harris
Learn the Burkiss Way to write a script like Andrew Marshall and David Renwick and the Burkiss Way to produce a programme like Simon Brett (You'll be amazed at the results!)
Cult sketch show first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1976.
THU 08:00 Alexei Sayle's Strangers on a Train (m0021p9f)
Series 3
Edinburgh to Aberdeen
Alexei Sayle takes another train journey and breaks the golden rule of travelling by train in the UK - by actually talking to his fellow passengers.
In this episode he takes a trip from Scotland's capital, Edinburgh, northwards on the coastal route to Aberdeen.
Among his many fellow travellers, he meets
* Irene and Marie, two old friends who share a love of owning horses
*David, who is on his way to chair an adoption panel
*Lottie and Miriren, two girls on a shopping trip to Aberdeen with their parents
*Fathia, who is originally from Tunisia and loves Scotland but still has problems with the weather and is scared of snow
Producers: Peter Lowe and Lyndon Jones
A Ride production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2024.
THU 08:30 Anybody Can Do Anything by Betty MacDonald (b00jqpfl)
4. Gaining Experience
Betty MacDonald’s hilarious account of survival in the Great Depression, under the wing of her sister Mary, abridged by Jennifer Howarth.
February 1933 is a terrible time to be out of a job. Even Mary has a tough time lining up interviews for Betty.
Reader: Debora Weston
Producer: Mary Ward-Lowery
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2009.
THU 08:45 Ladies of Letters (b007k3vh)
Ladies of Letters Go Global
4. Mission
Irene’s kept on the move by her island-hopping employees so can’t prevent Lesley sending Christopher, Irene's treasured only son, out to Moscow to bring back Vera.
When Vera explains that she and Christopher are to go on a dangerous mission for MI6, Irene takes the desperate steps of appealing to Nellie Thoroughgood, Chris's adoptive mother, for help
Irene ...... Prunella Scales
Vera ...... Patricia Routledge
Nellie Thoroughgood ...... Susan Jameson
The up and down relationship of two mature ladies shared via their barbed correspondence.
Written by Lou Wakefield and Carole Havman.
Producer: Claudine Toutoungi
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2006.
THU 09:00 Kat Sadler's Screen Time (m001fd2v)
Part 2
Kat Sadler’s Screen Time is a fun guide/cautionary tale of how young people today live their lives through their phones and social media. Kat (daily screen time 8hrs 49 mins) was going out with Abbie (daily screen time 1 hr 26 mins) but their relationship ended because Kat spends too much time on her phone. She has to manage the breakup, so with the help of social media, and the PR team that live inside her head, she explains how she's going to emerge as the 'winner'.
Ensuring no listener is left behind by the indecipherable terminology and online etiquette of the under 30s, Kat is joined by extremely offline Alex MacQueen who will stop Kat and make her explain things like 'lovebombing' 'gaslighting' and the confusing TikTok algorithm
Cast
Kat Sadler - Kat
Alex MacQueen - Alex
Abbie Weinstock - Abbie
Emily Lloyd Saini - Various
Jason Forbes - Various
Written by Kat Sadler and Cameron Loxdale
Script edited by Jon Hunter
Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios Production
THU 09:30 The Ancient Ark (m002rrvd)
Series 1
4. The Boar
Joanna Pinnock examines the importance of five different groups of animals and birds to the ancient cultures of Britain.
Until its eventual demise in Britain, the wild boar played an important role in the lives of our ancestors.
It was admired by The Celts as a brave and worthy opponent.
The Romans decorated their shields and helmets with boar designs and boar tusks were used as talismans in battle.
Medieval bestiaries portrayed the boar as a stubborn creature that would always hold its ground and was, therefore, a committed and loyal Christian beast.
Producer Brett Westwood
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1999.
THU 09:45 Daily Service (m002rrvj)
Seek and ye shall find - The Lost Sheep
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Seek and ye shall find - The Lost Sheep
Presenter: Richard Carter
Reading: Luke 15:1-7
THU 10:00 Great Lives (m001mc0c)
Tony Benn
"It's the complicated ones I enjoy the most." Matthew Parris.
Ellie Gibson picks Labour politician Tony Benn, who was a rock star politician in older age, but a divisive figure in his own party.
Tony Benn, MP from 1950 to 2001, packed so much into a long career. He renounced the peerage inherited from his father, served in the Labour governments of both Harold Wilson and Jim Callaghan, led the Stop the War Coalition from 2001 and became pretty much the country’s pre-eminent rock star politician in older age.
Comedian Ellie Gibson says she was a Tony Benn groupie and saw him speak many times. A brilliant orator and prolific diarist, he was by the 1980s distrusted by many in his own party, and a bogey figure in the right wing press.
Contributors include ex Labour MP, Chris Mullin, and his biographer, Jad Adams; plus rare early archive of Tony Benn himself talking about his constitutional fight to give up his inherited peerage.
Ellie Gibson is one half of the Scummy Mummies podcast duo.
Produced at BBC Bristol by Miles Warde.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2023.
THU 10:30 The Strange Case of the Arab Whodunnit (b09f2cxy)
Journalist Jonathan Guyer examines the different forms of noir fiction addressing the failed revolutions, jihadism, and chaos in Egypt.
Away from caliphate building and sectarianism, a neo-noir revolution has been creeping across the Middle East, allowing artists and writers to act as ombudsmen in the current political climate. Jonathan meets the writers who are latching onto the adventure, despair and paranoia prevalent in genre fiction to tell stories that transcend the present.
He looks at Ahmed Mourad’s novel, Vertigo, and Magdy El-Shafee's graphic novel, Metro, which Egyptian authorities seized all copies of before release.
What's surprising, he finds, is not that detective fiction is showing a sudden popularity in Cairo and beyond but that the genre has been relatively dormant for the last several decades.
Sorting through the discarded vintage dime novels in creaky Cairo bookstalls, he discovers that detective fiction has had a long relationship with Arab readers.
Presented by Jonathan Guyer
Produced by Sean Glynn and David Waters
An SPG production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in 2017.
THU 11:00 Dick Francis (m002rrv8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 11:30 Personal Column (m0016xkd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 12:00 A Whole New Ball Game (b00g27cg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 12:30 The Burkiss Way (b00gs06p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 13:00 Alexei Sayle's Strangers on a Train (m0021p9f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 13:30 Anybody Can Do Anything by Betty MacDonald (b00jqpfl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 13:45 Ladies of Letters (b007k3vh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
THU 14:00 Foul Play (b00jz7jg)
Series 3
Murder Before Matins
Crime writers Liza Cody and Reginald Hill try to solve a deathly mystery in a monastery.
Simon Brett hosts the murder quiz.
With witness statements from:
Maria McErlane
Lee Simpson
Producer Liz Anstee
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1998.
THU 14:30 Ballylenon (b00xw14x)
Series 8
Return of the Native
The unexpected return of Guard Gallagher spells trouble for the McConkeys.
Series set in the sleepy town of Ballylenon, Co Donegal in the 1960s.
Ballylenon, County Donegal. Pop. 1,999 was founded by St Lenon of Padua, when he fell into the river at this spot in 953. Ballylenon is situated on the shores of Lough Swilly with entrancing views of Muckish Mountain, in the Diocese of Derry and Raphoe. (Note: Ballylenon is a fictional name, but the other landmarks are identifiable.)
Written by Christopher Fitz-Simon.
Muriel McConkey ...... Margaret D'Arcy
Vera McConkey ...... Stella McCusker
Phonsie Doherty ...... Gerard Murphy
Mrs Vivienne Hawthorne ...... Aine McCartney
Rev Samuel Hawthorne ...... Dermot Crowley
'Stumpy' Bonnar ...... Gerard McSorley
Guard Gallagher ...... Frankie McCafferty
Daniel O'Searcaigh ...... James Greene
Monsignor McFadden ...... Niall Cusack
Aubrey Frawley ...... Chris McHallem
Polly Acton ...... Joanna Munro
Eamonn Doyle ...... Patrick Fitzsymons
Mr Boylan ...... Derek Bailey
Pianist: Michael Harrison
Director: Eoin O'Callaghan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2011.
THU 15:00 Lost Horizon by James Hilton (b00tp809)
2. Shangri-La
The aeroplane carrying Conway, Mallinson, Barnard and Miss Brinklow crash-landed on a high pass in the Karakoram mountains.
Out of the Tibetan wilderness suddenly appeared the Chinese man Chang.
Stars Derek Jacobi.
James Hilton's novel about Shangri-La, the mystical lamasery hidden in the mountains of Tibet.
Dramatised by Barry Campbell.
Hugh Conway ...... Derek Jacobi
Mallinson ...... Andrew Branch
Barnard ...... Alan Tilvern
Miss Brinklow ...... Carol Marsh
Chang ...... Garard Green
Hilton ...... Alaric Cotter
High Lama ...... Alan Wheatley
Pianist: Antony Miall
Producer: Graham Gauld
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1981.
THU 16:00 Great Lives (m001mc0c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
THU 16:30 The Strange Case of the Arab Whodunnit (b09f2cxy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
THU 17:00 Dick Francis (m002rrv8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 17:30 Personal Column (m0016xkd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 18:00 A Whole New Ball Game (b00g27cg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 18:30 The Burkiss Way (b00gs06p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 19:00 Alexei Sayle's Strangers on a Train (m0021p9f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 19:30 Anybody Can Do Anything by Betty MacDonald (b00jqpfl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 19:45 Ladies of Letters (b007k3vh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
THU 20:00 Foul Play (b00jz7jg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
THU 20:30 Ballylenon (b00xw14x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
THU 21:00 Lost Horizon by James Hilton (b00tp809)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
THU 22:00 Stand-Up Specials (m0023fpt)
Randy Feltface
2. Fire
Randy Feltface is burning to tell you just how much we’re burning ourselves into oblivion. Coming from a hemisphere where deadly fires are an ever-present threat, it’s just so great to see us in the north take a leaf out of that book, roll it up and smoke it. Plus we hear from a Siberian Brown Bear discussing the effect of wildfires on habitat destruction and smoke particles on the Earth’s albedo through the medium of statistics, charts and growling.
This head-on charge into possibly the most important subject facing humanity comes to you via a show where you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll learn, you’ll laugh again between the learny bits and most of all, you’ll be able to say “I was there when Radio 4 decided to have show hosted by a puppet”.
Randy Feltface has been seen on Netflix, ABC, NBC, and has a huge and devoted following across the globe (1m+ social media followers, 1.6m TikTok followers, 833k subscribers, 79m YouTube views). His hour-long specials are YouTube cult classics, his world tours are sold out sensations, and he's the only Radio 4 presenter to be entirely made of felt.
With Margaret Cabourn-Smith & William Hartley
Produced & directed by David Tyler
A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4
THU 22:30 Brian Gulliver's Travels (b01m16pr)
Series 2
Lessington
Brian Gulliver, a seasoned presenter of travel documentaries, finds himself in a hospital's secure unit after claiming to have been on a succession of bizarre adventures.
More memories as Brian relives his experiences in Lessington, where ignorance reigns...
Starring Neil Pearson and Mariah Gale.
A satirical adventure story from Bill Dare.
Brian Gulliver ..... Neil Pearson
Rachel Gulliver ..... Mariah Gale
Sharol ..... Jo Bobin
Cop ..... Fergus Craig
Cop ..... Colin Hoult
Guide ..... Patrick Brennan
Wife ..... Christine Absalom
Barman ..... Harry Livingstone
Robber ..... Sam Alexander
Producer: Steven Canny
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2012.
THU 23:00 Alex Horne Presents The Horne Section (b044h6nv)
Series 3
Adam Buxton
Alex Horne and his band tackle the theme of money, shopping and consumerism - with an advert for milk, a sea shanty and a song about cheese dreams.
With guest comedian:
Adam Buxton.
Alex's Horne Section are:
Joe Auckland
Mark Brown
Will Collier
Ben Reynolds
Ed Sheldrake
With Saxophonist Pedro
Producer: Charlie Perkins
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2014.
THU 23:30 The Pin (b08yqb9k)
Series 3
Stocks
In a bid to diversify, Alex and Ben are attempting to enter the world of high finance...
More of double-act, The Pin's trademark offbeat nonsense.
Written and performed by Ben Ashenden and Alex Owen.
With:
Liam Williams
Producer: Sam Bryant.
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in July 2017.

FRIDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2026

FRI 00:00 Great Lives (m001mc0c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Thursday]
FRI 00:30 The Strange Case of the Arab Whodunnit (b09f2cxy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 Dick Francis (m002rrv8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:30 Personal Column (m0016xkd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 A Whole New Ball Game (b00g27cg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:30 The Burkiss Way (b00gs06p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 Alexei Sayle's Strangers on a Train (m0021p9f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Thursday]
FRI 03:30 Anybody Can Do Anything by Betty MacDonald (b00jqpfl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:45 Ladies of Letters (b007k3vh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 Foul Play (b00jz7jg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:30 Ballylenon (b00xw14x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 Lost Horizon by James Hilton (b00tp809)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Thursday]
FRI 06:00 Dick Francis (m002rsc4)
Breaking Point
5. Riding for a Fall
Can jockey Rob Finn discover if his poor form and loss of nerve are down to more than just bad luck?
Stars Michael Kitchen as Rob Finn.
Tragedy has struck horse racing, and young jockey Rob Finn finds himself in a world of fear, rumour and bad intentions.
Dick Francis's 1964 horse racing thriller, Nerve, abridged in six parts by Roy Lom as Breaking Point.
Cast:
Michael Kitchen
Rosemary Miller
Rio Fanning
Brian Haines
Lewis Fiander
Kate Coleridge
Alan Barry
John Hollis
Producer: John Fawcett Wilson
First broadcast on the BBC World Service in June 1974.
FRI 06:30 Personal Column (m0016xnb)
A Honeypot With Bees On by Alan Downer
An unusual request for a birthday present makes Derek start questioning his love for Adrienne.
Dramas which tell the stories reading between-the-lines of newspaper personal ads.
Written by Alan Downer.
Derek Hanson .... Glyn Houston
Adrienne Gray Bennett .... Wendy Gifford
Tim Walters .... John Nettleton
Mrs Neal .... Anna Burden
Originated by Philip Levene.
Producer: Keith Williams
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in May 1967.
FRI 07:00 My Mammy and Me (m002rsc6)
Series 1
4. Just Desserts
Isobel is on probation at her office job and then Mammy joins the workforce - what could go wrong?
Well for starters, the boss likes to keep the blinds up - Isobel was only obeying his orders!
Cathy MacPhail's six-part Scottish comedy series about a woman's search for Mr Right.
Mammy...................Eileen McCallum
Isobel........................Kate Donnelly
Jake D'Arcy.............Willie
Ida...............................Barbara Rafferty
Mr Mather................Sean Scanlan
Marion/Barbara......Clare Hemphill
Heather......................Carolyn Bonnyman
Other parts...............Lewis MacLeod
Producer Cathy Smith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in March 1995.
FRI 07:30 Steptoe and Son (b007k094)
Series 4
Full House
Card sharks fleece Harold Steptoe, so his father Albert steps in.
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
With:
Martin Friend
Douglas Blackwell
Michael Kilgarriff
Producer: Bobby Jaye
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in January 1972.
FRI 08:00 Cooking in a Bedsitter (b09jcd4g)
Series 2
Green Pea Sandwiches
Deepak takes Trisha on an outing to Oxford. But it's not quite the punting and picnic she expects.
Extracts from Cooking in a Bedsitter are read by Eleanor Bron.
Beattie Edmondson and Nikesh Patel star in Sue Teddern's romantic comedy, inspired by Katharine Whitehorn's cookery classic.
Katharine Whitehorn ...... Eleanor Bron
Trisha ...... Beattie Edmondson
Deepak ...... Nikesh Patel
Moira ...... Isabella Inchbald
June Ellie ...... Darvill
Policeman ...... Neil McCaul
Julie ...... Abbie Andrews
Director: Emma Harding.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2017.
FRI 08:30 Anybody Can Do Anything by Betty MacDonald (b00jqpj9)
5. Jobs, more Jobs
Betty MacDonald’s hilarious account of survival in the Great Depression, under the wing of her sister Mary, abridged by Jennifer Howarth.
Unlike Mary, Betty is hopeless at selling advertising. So she gets work as a photographic tinter, a fur coat model-cum-bookkeeper and secretary to a mobster.
Read by Debora Weston.
Producer: Mary Ward-Lowery
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2009.
FRI 08:45 Ladies of Letters (b007k3wb)
Ladies of Letters Go Global
5. Diamonds
Vera and Christopher undertake a life-threatening undercover operation for MI6.
With no-one else to turn to, Irene combines forces with the ex-pat couple employing her to get Vera and Christopher air-lifted out of the diamond mine in which they have been billeted.
Irene ...... Prunella Scales
Vera ...... Patricia Routledge
Brian ...... Ewan Bailey
The up and down relationship of two mature ladies shared via their barbed correspondence.
Written by Lou Wakefield and Carole Havman.
Producer: Claudine Toutoungi
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2006.
FRI 09:00 Sikisa's Border Control (m002rq77)
How does British immigration law actually work? A lot of people have strong opinions, but award-winning comedian Sikisa knows more about it than most, because for the last 15 years she's also been a working immigration lawyer.
In this one-off episode, she explores what happens when someone in Britain wants to marry someone who isn't from Britain - how easy is it to marry the person you love and have them move in with you?
Written and performed by Sikisa
Additional material by Sid Singh
Script edited by Katie Story
Guest interviewee: Abigoliah Shamaun
Recorded by Hamish Campbell at the Monkey Barrel, Edinburgh
Edited by David Thomas
Photo credit: Corinne Cumming
Produced by Ed Morrish
Executive producer: Lyndsay Fenner
A Lead Mojo production for BBC Radio 4
FRI 09:30 The Ancient Ark (m002rsc9)
Series 1
5. The Swan and The Crane
Joanna Pinnock concludes the series on the significance of different creatures to the ancient cultures of Britain.
To our ancestors, swans and cranes bridged the gap between two worlds - water and air.
This ability gave them a special meaning as divine companions but also as deceptive creatures.
To the Anglo-Saxons, the crane was a watchful sentinel and flights of cranes were said to have inspired the letters of the Greek alphabet.
But its harsh call reminded some of the scolding women.
Swans have always inspired myth because of their grace and while plumage, but this purity led to a reputation of deceit in the medieval bestiaries.
In the last of the Ancient Ark series, Joanna Pinnock explores the role of these two water birds in the lives of our ancestors.
Producer Brett Westwood
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1999.
FRI 09:45 Daily Service (m002rscc)
Seek and ye shall find – Earnestly Seek Him
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Seek and ye shall find – Earnestly Seek Him
Presenter: Reverend Delyth Liddell
Reading: Hebrews 11 1-6
Music:
Music: Love Divine (Charles Wesley)
Blessed Assurance (Fanny Crosby)
For All the Saints Who From Their Labours Rest (William Walsham How)
FRI 10:00 Soul Music (b0418kfw)
Myfanwy
The hauntingly beautiful Welsh song Myfanwy 'is in the air in Wales' according to singer Cerys Matthews.
She along with others discuss what the melodic tale of unrequited love means to them.
They include a Welsh woman living in Sicily for whom the song represents 'hiraeth', a longing or homesickness for Wales and another who believes it expresses the 'wounded soul of the Welsh'.
A man remembers how his late brother and he used to sing it in pubs in North Wales and how the song symbolises the unrequited love he felt for him.
Members of the Ynysowen choir, started after the mining disaster in Aberfan as a way of dealing with the emotion, talk about the song's power, and an ex soldier recalls digging for survivors with lines from it playing in his head "Give me your hand, my sweet Myfanwy".
Series about pieces of music with a powerful emotional impact.
Producer: Maggie Ayre
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2014.
FRI 10:30 Pepys the Musician (b08kv3y8)
Lucie Skeaping tells the story of post-diary Samuel Pepys through the music he commissioned, some of it played for the first time in 300 years.
The songs, written for the celebrated diarist by his continental music master Cesare Morelli, provide fresh insight into both the man and the religious struggles of the 17th century, which enshrined aspects of our modern political system and shaped our national identity.
Lucie explores the relationship between Pepys and Morelli, a friendship which survived throughout a supposed Popish Plot to assassinate Charles II and the public terror and hysteria it created, implicating hundreds of innocent people. Pepys was among them - and by hiding his Catholic music master he faced execution for high treason.
Until now, the Morelli manuscripts for Pepys's voice and guitar have remained obscure and impenetrable. Enter Dionysios Kyropoulos, researcher and stage director who, as a bass singer and amateur lutenist like Pepys, found himself uniquely placed to interpret the music Morelli wrote for his master.
At the heart of the programme is a concert of Morelli's works, made possible by Dionysios, and heard for the first time since the compositions were played and sung by Pepys himself.
Featuring Bass Baritone David Ireland, Baroque Guitarist Toby Carr, and Theorbo player James Bramley.
Producer: Anna Scott-Brown.
An Overtone production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in April 2017.
FRI 11:00 Dick Francis (m002rsc4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 11:30 Personal Column (m0016xnb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 12:00 My Mammy and Me (m002rsc6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 12:30 Steptoe and Son (b007k094)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 13:00 Cooking in a Bedsitter (b09jcd4g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 13:30 Anybody Can Do Anything by Betty MacDonald (b00jqpj9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 13:45 Ladies of Letters (b007k3wb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
FRI 14:00 One Person Found This Helpful (m001x4xg)
Series 1
4. Crouching Chicken Hidden Ladder
The weird and wonderful world of online reviews.
Frank Skinner and guests Catherine Bohart, Daliso Chaponda, Shaparak Khorsandi and Ian Smith, find out your verdicts on -
Lemons, killer sharks and a painful ladder!
Written by Frank Skinner, Catherine Brinkworth, Sarah Dempster, Jason Hazeley, Rajiv Karia, 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, first broadcast in March 2024.
FRI 14:30 A Short Gentleman (b019fxjh)
Episode 3
When dealing with his wife's lover, Robert employs his deadliest weapon: being a gentleman.
Hugh Bonneville stars as Robert Purcell, QC.
He's a perfect specimen of the British Establishment, who applies faultless legal logic to his disastrous personal life.
Jon Canter's comic novel adapted by Robin Brooks.
Robert Purcell ...... Hugh Bonneville
Elizabeth ...... Lyndsey Marshal
Max ...... Ted Allpress
Isobel ...... Lauren Mote
Mona/Ticky ...... Katherine Jakeways
Geoffrey ...... Paul Moriarty
Anthony ...... Carl Prekopp
Penelope ...... Tracy Wiles
With Adjoa Andoh, Ewan Bailey, Adam Billington and James Hayes.
Director: Jonquil Painting
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2012.
FRI 15:00 Lost Horizon by James Hilton (b00tp95x)
3. The Inheritance
That four people should be kidnapped in India and flown over a thousand miles to the lamasery of Shangri-La was incredible enough.
But then Hugh Conway discovered during an audience with the High Lama that he was conversing with a man who was 250 years old.
Stars Derek Jacobi.
Conclusion of James Hilton's novel about Shangri-La, the mystical lamasery hidden in the mountains of Tibet.
Dramatised by Barry Campbell.
Hugh Conway ...... Derek Jacobi
Mallinson ...... Andrew Branch
Barnard ...... Alan Tilvern
Miss Brinklow ...... Carol Marsh
Chang ...... Garard Green
Hilton ...... Alaric Cotter
High Lama ...... Alan Wheatley
Lo-Tsen ...... Pik-Sen Lim
Rutherford ...... John Livesey
American ...... Crawford Logan
Doctor ...... John Bull
Pianist: Antony Miall
Producer: Graham Gauld
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1981.
FRI 16:00 Soul Music (b0418kfw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
FRI 16:30 Pepys the Musician (b08kv3y8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
FRI 17:00 Dick Francis (m002rsc4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 17:30 Personal Column (m0016xnb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 18:00 My Mammy and Me (m002rsc6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 18:30 Steptoe and Son (b007k094)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 19:00 Cooking in a Bedsitter (b09jcd4g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 19:30 Anybody Can Do Anything by Betty MacDonald (b00jqpj9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 19:45 Ladies of Letters (b007k3wb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
FRI 20:00 One Person Found This Helpful (m001x4xg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
FRI 20:30 A Short Gentleman (b019fxjh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
FRI 21:00 Lost Horizon by James Hilton (b00tp95x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
FRI 22:00 Sikisa's Border Control (m002rq77)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
FRI 22:30 Unnatural Acts (m001vk5f)
Series 1
Clubland
An eccentric cabaret and raging cabbies await the Hardys on a night out.
Paul decides it's time for everyone to spend an evening in Guppies - the club where the Nouveau Fiche come to sea and be seen.
But soon, things start to go crazily wrong!
Sitcom about some people who live near each other and do lots of things.
Jeremy.....Jeremy Hardy
Kit.............. Kit Hollerbach
Paul............Paul B Davies
Caroline.... Caroline Leddy
Written by Jeremy Hardy, Kit Hollerbach, Paul B Davies, Caroline Leddy, Peter Sinclair, Steve Punt, Alison Renshaw and John Morrish.
Producer: David Tyler
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1987.
FRI 23:00 The Masterson Inheritance (b007jr0v)
Series 3
The Masterson Bunch
Suffragettes split the Masterson family, sparking drama at the races.
The award-winning improvised historical comedy.
Based entirely on audience suggestions - this is the unfolding saga of the Mastersons - a family at war with itself.
Starring:
Paul Merton
Josie Lawrence
Lee Simpson
Jim Sweeney
Phelim McDermott
Caroline Quentin
Producer: Phil Clarke
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1995.
FRI 23:30 The Mark Steel Lecture (b007k482)
Series 1
Charlie Chaplin
Radical comic Mark Steel profiles the fascinating life and character of the legendary silent film star, Charlie Chaplin.
Series of humorous lectures covering historical figures who shaped their era.
With:
Melanie Hudson
Martin Hyder
Producer: Phil Clarke
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1999.