SATURDAY 20 JUNE 2026

SAT 00:00 Soul Music (b04sv2gz)
Series 19
There Is a Light That Never Goes Out
'There Is A Light That Never Goes Out' by The Smiths is explored through personal stories.
Released in 1986 on 'The Queen Is Dead' album, it's become an anthem of hope, loss and love.
As a teenager, Andy listened to it with his father, as he drove him to work. They had a moment of connection, and when his father died suddenly a few weeks later, the song took on huge significance.
When her young son was ill, Sharon Woolley drew strength from this music as she sat by his bedside in the small hours of the morning.
For comic artist Lucy Knisley, the song got her through a bad break-up with her long-term boyfriend - and it's meaning changed for her when unexpected events unfolded.
Also featuring:
Mike Garry
Teddy Jameison
Mark Gatiss
Simon Goddard
Producer: Sara Conkey
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2014.
SAT 00:30 The Wheels of Power (b010y0sf)
Ben Wright speaks to the best-informed people in politics: ministerial car drivers.
He also hears some extraordinary behind-the-wheel tales from these previously discreet public servants.
Ministerial car drivers have become almost legendary, appearing as wise Whitehall sages in everything from ministers' memoirs to Yes, Minister! They have never spoken for themselves: until now.
Ben speaks to former drivers and reveals what the official history of the Government Car Service - long hidden within Whitehall and only released after a Freedom of Information request - contains.
The drivers discuss the dramatic changes to the service over the years, and take us behind closed (car) doors at some of the most memorable moments in modern political history.
Producer: Giles Edwards
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2011.
SAT 01:00 Jim Nicholson: Four Days to Kill (m002xsfc)
5. The Search
Jim Nicholson wants to complete the rescue mission - as well as trying to save the life of a wounded team member...
Starring Edward de Souza.
Robert Barr's thriller about the battles of British Intelligence Officer Jim Nicholson in the world of Cold War espionage.
Jim Nicholson .... Edward de Souza
Paul O'Donnell .... Geoffrey Frederick
Lieutenant Farrell .... Geoffrey Collins
Sgt Kelly .... Derek Seaton
Josef .... Andrew Sachs
Alex Mathieson .... Alex Scott
Producer: Charles Maxwell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1973.
***Recovered lost audio recording. With warm thanks to our friends at the Radio Circle***.
SAT 01:45 Daunt and Dervish (b0999lcb)
Series 3
5. Desperation
London 1953: As Coronation day for Queen Elizabeth II finally dawns, Daunt and Dervish engage in a desperate search.
Stars Anna Massey and Sylvestra Le Touzel
Conclusion of Guy Meredith's comedy thriller about a female detective agency.
Josephine Daunt .......... Anna Massey
Susan Dervish .......... Sylvestra Le Touzel
Bill Mackie .......... Sean Scanlan
Beryl .......... Rachel Atkins
Belinda Lane .......... Joannah Tincey
Sally Hastings .......... Jane Whittenshaw
Viktor Chernov .......... Lloyd Thomas
Oliver Lane .......... Piers Stubbs
Harold Ross .......... Peter Marinker
Maudsley-Brown .......... Sam Pamphilon
Gordon Teague .......... Ben Onwukwe
Policeman .......... Simon Treves
Clarinet played by Julian Stringle.
Director: Colin Guthrie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2008.
SAT 02:00 Flying the Flag (b00c39mw)
Series 3
The Comrade Connection
"Drugs, Mr Ambassador?"
"We didn't need drugs in my day, William. We had something else to sustain us - we called them standards."
Fortified by caffeine, nicotine and alcohol, the diplomats take on the drug barons.
Starring Dinsdale Landen.
Eastern Bloc embassy sitcom written by Alex Shearer.
HM Ambassador Mackenzie …. Dinsdale Landen
William Frost …. Peter Acre
Helen Watson …. Moir Leslie
US Ambassador Spiro Weinberg …. Stephen Greif
Colonel Surikov …. Christopher Benjamin
Producer: Neil Cargill
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1990.
SAT 02:30 Steptoe and Son (b007jnv2)
Series 6
Upstairs Downstairs, Upstairs Downstairs
Albert's laid up with a bad back leaving poor Harold overworked - and fretting....
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
Doctor .... Michael McClain
With:
Michael Burlington
David Graham
Anne Jameson
Norma Ronald
Marianne Stone
Producer: Bobby Jaye
First broadcast on the BBC Radio 2 in February 1976.
SAT 03:00 Mark Steel's in Town (m0020xd1)
Series 13
East Grinstead
The award-winning show where Mark Steel travels around the UK visiting towns with nothing in common but their uniqueness.
After thoroughly researching each town, Mark writes and performs a bespoke evening of comedy for a local audience.
Next stop, Mark visits East Grinstead and chats to locals about their town, and discovers its places of interest, including the historic high street.
Plus its connection to Winnie the Pooh.
Written and performed by Mark Steel.
Additional material by Pete Sinclair.
Producer: Carl Cooper
A BBC Studios Audio production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in July 2024.
SAT 03:30 Absolute Beginners by Colin MacInnes (b03q08zt)
5. Violence
September, 1958: Racial tension is rising in parts of London.
Colin MacInnes' teenage narrator gets caught up along with his friends in the violence that erupts on the streets of his home patch in Notting Hill.
As the fighting spreads, Suzette turns up at the Santa Lucia club, but then his brother Vernon arrives with bad news.
Cult classic concluded by Joel MacCormack.
Abridged and produced by Sara Davies.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2014.
SAT 03:45 Under One Roof (m002xqyv)
I Never Promised You a Rose Garden
5. Party Time!
Gillian lives with her 19-year-old daughter and elderly mother, plus her beloved boxer dog.
Life is a constant balancing act, lived in the eye of the storm.
Tensions arise over the menu and cooking for the party in the garden. New friends are made.
Starring Paola Dionisotti.
Series based on the original stories by Michele Hanson.
Written by Michele Hanson and Sally Warboyes.
Gillian ... Paola Dionisotti
Bernice ... Edna Doré
Chloe ... Luisa Bradshaw-White
Boyfriend ... John Rowe
Olga ... Frances Jeater
Fielding ... Bruce Alexander
Director: Marilyn Imrie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1998.
SAT 04:00 The Personality Test (b007s27h)
Series 3
Lorraine Kelly
Breakfast TV queen Lorraine Kelly is in the hot seat posing questions all about her.
With:
Sue Perkins
Will Smith
Robin Ince
Lucy Porter
Series with changing hosts who quiz the panel.
Script by Simon Littlefield and Kieron Quirke.
Devised and produced by Aled Evans.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2007.
SAT 04:30 Ballylenon (b00fnbtb)
Series 1
Episode 4
The battle commences to bring the opera festival to Killycromper Hall.
Series set in the sleepy town of Ballylenon, Co Donegal, in 1953, before the days of mass tourism and proper plumbing in every home.
Written by Christopher Fitz-Simon.
Phonsie Doherty ...... TP McKenna
Muriel Maconchy ...... Margaret D'Arcy
Vera Maconchy ...... Stella McCusker
Vivienne Hawthorne ...... Aine McCartney
Guard Gallagher ...... John Hewitt
Stumpy Bonnar ...... Gerard McSorley
Music arranged and performed by Stephanie Hughes.
Director: Eoin O'Callaghan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1994.
SAT 05:00 The Pallisers by Anthony Trollope (b007jwhj)
9. The Prime Minister
Plantagenet Palliser wrestles with the difficulties of government - and problems created by his wife.
Lopez stands for election in Silverbridge on the advice of Glencora. His marriage to Emily is soon in difficulties.
Anthony Trollope's political intrigues of a Victorian aristocratic family.
Starring Sophie Thompson and Ben Miles.
Dramatised from the novels in 12 parts by Martyn Wade.
Plantagenet Palliser ... Ben Miles
Lady Glencora ... Sophie Thompson
Lopez ... Greg Wise
Frank Gresham ... Michael Higgs
Mr Wharton ... James Laurenson
Emily ... Emily Bruni
Arthur Fletcher ... Jonathan Keeble
Duke of St Bungay ... Geoffrey Whitehead
Parker ... Gerard McDermott
Mrs Parker ... Lynne Verrall
Sir Orlando Drought ... Peter Marinker
Sprugeon ... Declan Wilson
Policeman ... Damian Lynch
With David Troughton as the narrator - Anthony Trollope
Music specially composed by Elizabeth Parker.
Director: Marc Beeby
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2004.
SAT 06:00 A Fatal Inversion by Barbara Vine (m000r32v)
It's the year of the long, hot summer: 1976.
Adam and some friends spend it in idyllic circumstances.
But when the weather at last breaks, their lives are wrecked...
A thriller written by Barbara Vine - alias Ruth Rendell – and winner of the Crime Writers’ Association ‘Golden Dagger’ for 1987.
Starring Andrew Wincott.
Dramatised by Michael Bakewell.
Adam Verne Smith …. Andrew Wincott
Rufus Fletcher …. Matthew Morgan
Zosie …. Siriol Jenkins
Shiva …. Tariq Alibai
Vivien …. Mia Soteriou
Mary Gage …. Alison Reid
Anne …. Mary Chater
Lili …. Rita Wolf
Marigold …. Theresa Streatfield
Alec Chipstead …. Terence Edmond
Meg Chipstead/Mrs Beecham …. Joanna Wake
WPC/Supermarket PA/Nurse/Radio Announcer …. Emma Fielding
Inspector Winder …. Jonathan Adams
Sgt Fuller …. Neil Roberts
Lewis …. Tim Seely
Beryl …. Ann Windsor
Gardner/Porter/Antique Dealer …. Ronald Herdman
Tatian/Pearson …. Steve Hodson
Director: Jane Morgan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1991.
SAT 07:30 Hands of Time by Rebecca Struthers (Omnibus) (m002xznb)
Rebecca Struthers explores the ancient human urge to mark the passage of time and the devices that were invented to do so.
"A watchmaker’s world is not much bigger than a thumbnail.
I spend whole days working on mechanisms which can contain hundreds of tiny components. Each of them has a specific task to perform. Every morning when I sit at my bench, it is an adventure into a new timepiece with its own history to lose myself in. And in their history, we can find the history of time itself."
Timepieces are one of humanity’s most ingenious innovations. Their invention was more significant for human culture than the printing press, or even the wheel.
They have travelled the world with us, from the depths of the oceans to the summit of Everest, and even to the Moon. They regulate our daily lives and have sculpted the social and economic development of society in surprising and dramatic ways.
Watchmaker and historian Rebecca Struthers welcomes us into the hidden world of watchmaking, offering a personal history of watches that spans centuries and continents.
From her workshop bench, she explores the ways in which timekeeping has indelibly shaped our attitudes to work, leisure, trade, politics, exploration and mortality.
Omnibus of five episodes abridged by Jill Waters and Isobel Creed.
Read by Phoebe Pryce.
Producer: Jill Waters
A Waters Company production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2023.
SAT 08:45 I, An Actor (m002xznd)
2. Importance
Nicholas Craig is the greatest actor in the world.
He reflects on critics, and recalls the 1970s, the time between the 60s and 80s.
Starring Nigel Planer.
With
Christopher Ryan
Chrissy Roberts
Christopher Douglas
Researched by Nigel Planer and Christopher Douglas.
Producer: Bill Dare
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1989.
SAT 09:00 The Random Jottings Of Hinge And Bracket (b007jrb0)
The Stackton Faggot
The dear ladies try to save the Mayor's cricket pavilion.
Starring Dame Hilda Bracket and her lifelong companion Dr Evadne Hinge.
Another extract of life from the genteel setting of the Stackton Tressel - the Suffolk village where the musical duo reside.
Written by Gerald Frow.
Dame Hilda Bracket ...... Patrick Fyffe
Dr Evadne Hinge ...... George Logan
Maud .... Daphne Heard
With:
David Griffin
Anthony Sharp
The ladies made three series for BBC Radio 4 between 1977 and 1979, with further spin-off seasons on BBC Radio 2 until 1990.
In the early 1980s, they expanded over to BBC TV with the series Dear Ladies.
Producer: John Dyas
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in April 1982.
SAT 09:30 Beyond Our Ken (m000qmth)
Series 4
Episode 19
Dressing gown trouble for Kenneth Horne – and Hornerama looks at New Towns.
A madcap mix of sketches and songs written by Eric Merriman.
Starring:
Kenneth Horne
Kenneth Williams
Betty Marsden
Hugh Paddick
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
The precursor to ‘Round The Horne’, ‘Beyond Our Ken’ hit the airwaves in 1958 and ran to 1964
Producer: Jacques Brown
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in February 1961.
SAT 10:00 Michael Palin's Radio Adventures (m000r5hy)
2. Travelling Man
Actor-adventurer, Michael Palin continues talking to John McCarthy about his remarkable life and career as broadcast on BBC radio.
Michael has been a Python, a world traveller, author, actor and screenwriter, and often described as “Britain’s Nicest Man”.
However one area which is often overlooked from his long and impressive career are his fascinating radio contributions.
The second of three programmes featuring extracts from his mighty canon of radio work including his famous diaries, interviews about his comedy and travel work, documentaries and dramas.
From London’s BBC Radio Theatre.
Producer: Stephen Garner
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in December 2017.
SAT 11:00 A Fatal Inversion by Barbara Vine (m000r32v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 12:30 Hands of Time by Rebecca Struthers (Omnibus) (m002xznb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 13:45 I, An Actor (m002xznd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
SAT 14:00 The Random Jottings Of Hinge And Bracket (b007jrb0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 14:30 Beyond Our Ken (m000qmth)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SAT 15:00 Michael Palin's Radio Adventures (m000r5hy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SAT 16:00 Spine Chillers (b08dc0tf)
Witch Water Green by Don Webb
Barbara Tate and her baby girl are on their own in a new home - a converted mill deep in the country.
The move has been a strain.
Barbara feels lonely and the baby is unsettled.
But there's another reason for the disquiet she feels... somewhere?
Don Webb's chilling tale stars Pam Ferris.
Barbara Tate …. Pam Ferris
Dr Jane Rayner …. Jenny Lee
The Rev Roy Brown …. Nigel Anthony
Johnny Goad …. Brian Southwood
Wendy Williams …. Kate Lee
Directed at BBC Manchester by Tony Cliff.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1984.
SAT 17:00 A Fatal Inversion by Barbara Vine (m000r32v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 18:30 Hands of Time by Rebecca Struthers (Omnibus) (m002xznb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 19:45 I, An Actor (m002xznd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
SAT 20:00 The Random Jottings Of Hinge And Bracket (b007jrb0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 20:30 Beyond Our Ken (m000qmth)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SAT 21:00 Michael Palin's Radio Adventures (m000r5hy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SAT 22:00 The Secret World (b011kqsj)
Series 1
Episode 3
From Jools Holland to Ross Kemp - Jon Culshaw explores the bizarre private lives of famous folk.
The comedy impressions series examining the bizarre and private lives of public people.
Starring:
Jon Culshaw
Margaret Cabourn Smith
Julian Dutton
Lewis Macleod
Jess Robinson
Duncan Wisbey
Written by Bill Dare, Julian Dutton, Tom Jameson & Nev Fountain, Rufus Jones and Dan Skinner.
Producer: Bill Dare
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2009.
SAT 22:30 Tim Key's Poetry Programme (b09v3ff8)
Series 4
Cars
Comic poet Tim Key is broadcasting from a car, as he drives his friend and musician, Tom Basden, to meet his wife for a romantic getaway.
But when they pick up a mysterious hitchhiker, the plans begin to unravel.
Written and presented by Tim Key.
With musical support from Tom Basden.
Producer: James Robinson
A BBC Cymru Wales production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in March 2018.
SAT 23:00 Arthur Smith's Balham Bash (b00lk09w)
Series 1
Episode 2
Arthur Smith invites an audience into his home in Balham, south London, for music and comedy.
With guest comedians:
Benjamin Zephaniah
Stephen K Amos
Matt Holness
Singer-songwriter Loretta Maine (Pippa Evans) lends a hand.
Producer: Alison Vernon-Smith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2009.
SAT 23:30 Everyone Quite Likes Justin (b01292g0)
Series 1
Episode 2
Justin is a Manchester DJ who tries to balance love, work and everything else without much success.
Now his job seems to be on the line.
Starring Justin Moorhouse, Anne Reid and Paul Copley.
Sitcom written by Justin Moorhouse and Jim Poyser.
Despite his messy life, Justin always remains positive. Every new day is a new opportunity, "When life throws you lemons, make lemonade".
Recorded in front of an audience in Manchester.
Anne Reid ..... Gran
Christine Bottomley ..... Lisa
Justin Moorhouse ..... Justin
Lloyd Langford ..... Bryn
Paul Copley ..... Ray
Susan Cookson ..... Tanya
Producer: Steven Canny
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2011.

SUNDAY 21 JUNE 2026

SUN 00:00 Spine Chillers (b08dc0tf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Saturday]
SUN 01:00 A Fatal Inversion by Barbara Vine (m000r32v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]
SUN 02:30 Hands of Time by Rebecca Struthers (Omnibus) (m002xznb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Saturday]
SUN 03:45 I, An Actor (m002xznd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Saturday]
SUN 04:00 The Random Jottings Of Hinge And Bracket (b007jrb0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Saturday]
SUN 04:30 Beyond Our Ken (m000qmth)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Saturday]
SUN 05:00 Michael Palin's Radio Adventures (m000r5hy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Saturday]
SUN 06:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m001y9pw)
Racing Castaways
Lucinda Russell
Scottish racehorse trainer Lucinda Russell is castaway by Lauren Laverne.
Lucinda's stables in Kinross have sent out almost 900 winners, including two Grand National champions.
She is one of only two Scottish trainers and four women to have celebrated a Grand National win since the event began in 1839, and her yard is the most successful in the history of Scottish jump racing.
She was born in Edinburgh in 1966. Although she didn’t come from a racing background – her father ran the family’s whisky business – she was obsessed with horses from a very young age. After many years of pleading, Lucinda finally got her first pony at the age of 10. A few years later the family moved from Edinburgh to Arlay Farm near Milnathort in Kinross-shire, where she still trains her horses today.
After studying psychology at the University of St Andrews, Lucinda began riding competitively, which she funded by buying and training horses before selling them on. She took out her professional trainer’s licence in 1995 and built up her stables on the family farm.
Lucinda’s first success at the Grand National was in 2017 with One for Arthur, ridden by Derek Fox. She had helped buy the horse for the owners, two self-described ‘golf widows’.
She was awarded an OBE for services to horseracing in the Queen’s Birthday Honours the following year. Then in 2023 she won again with Corach Rambler.
Lucinda runs her stables with her partner the former National Hunt jockey Peter Scudamore.
DISC ONE: Some Nights - Fun
DISC TWO: Forever Young - Alphaville
DISC THREE: Wand'rin' Star - Lee Marvin
DISC FOUR: Piano Man - Billy Joel
DISC FIVE: This Is The Day - The The
DISC SIX: To Win Just Once -The Saw Doctors
DISC SEVEN: Can't Take My Eyes Off You - Andy Williams
DISC EIGHT: Andante, Andante - ABBA
BOOK CHOICE: Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery by Andris J. Kaneps, Kenneth W. Hinchcliff and Raymond J. Geor
LUXURY ITEM: A camper van
CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Can't Take My Eyes Off You - Andy Williams
Producer Katy Hickman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2023.
SUN 06:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00mlxpv)
Series 1
Bird's Nest Soup
Filming birds that make their nests from saliva proved a challenge in the total darkness of a Borneo cave....
.....until a conical mound of bat guano provided a natural platform.
Series of talks by Sir David Attenborough on the natural histories of creatures and plants from around the world.
Producer: Julian Hector
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2009.
SUN 07:00 Poetry Extra (m002xzv4)
Poetry Please - “I love to see the summer beaming forth”
Daljit Nagra revisits the BBC's poetry archive and to celebrate the longest day chooses Poetry Please: 'I Love to See the Summer Beaming Forth'.
**And Daljit reads from his Poetry Extra Book of the Month: Startlement - New and Selected Poems by Ada Limon.
Roger McGough makes another foray into listeners' poetry requests, and comes up with a selection which largely reflects the season. With guest appearances by contemporary poets Kate Clanchy and Helen Dunmore.
Producer Christine Hall
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2011.
SUN 07:30 Absolute Beginners by Colin MacInnes (Omnibus) (m001n016)
London, 1958. 'I swore by Elvis and all the saints that this last teenage year of mine was going to be a real rave.'
The 18-year-old narrator of Colin MacInnes's cult classic is determined to declare his independence from earlier generations as he roams London with his camera and a sharp eye for the stylish and the subversive.
In the smoky jazz clubs of Soho, the coffee bars of Notting Hill and the cheap rooms of Pimlico, the young and the restless - the absolute beginners - are revolutionising youth culture and forging a new carefree lifestyle of sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll.
Meanwhile the Teddy Boy gangs are staging internecine battles and a generation of Black immigrants is struggling to make a life in a hostile city.
The definitive account of London life in the 1950s and what it means to be a teenager, this account of a young man's coming of age captures the spirit of a generation and the changing face of the city in the era of the first race riots and the lead-up to the Swinging Sixties.
Omnibus of the five parts read by Joel MacCormack.
Abridged and produced by Sara Davies.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2014.
SUN 08:40 Inheritance Tracks (m002xzv6)
Adam Fleming
BBC News presenter Adam Fleming with Girls Aloud’s ‘Jump’ and Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, ‘Spring 1’, recomposed by Max Richter.
SUN 08:50 Under One Roof (Omnibus) (m002xzv8)
I Never Promised You a Rose Garden
Gillian lives with her 19-year-old daughter and elderly mother, plus her beloved boxer dog.
Life is a constant balancing act, lived in the eye of the storm.
Everything in the garden is not quite as lovely as Gillian and her boyfriend would like it to be, as he sets to work to create an Eden in the suburbs and battles with major resistance from Bernice and Chloe.
Starring Paola Dionisotti.
Omnibus of five parts based on the original stories by Michele Hanson.
Written by Michele Hanson and Sally Warboyes.
Gillian ... Paola Dionisotti
Bernice ... Edna Doré
Chloe ... Luisa Bradshaw-White
Boyfriend / Man on Heath ... John Rowe
Rosemary ... Angela Down
Ben ... Andrew Falvey
Olga ... Frances Jeater
Sylvia ... Irene Sutcliffe
Tanya ... Alison Pettitt
Melanie... Ann Beach
Kathy ... Tilly Vosburgh
Esther ... Ann Beach
Garden Centre Assistant ... Brian Parr
Herbie ... Geoffrey Whitehead
Aggressive Man ... David Antrobus
Fielding ... Bruce Alexander
Director: Marilyn Imrie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1998.
SUN 10:00 Know Your Place (b01852w0)
Lift Off
Ramsay's love of rules sparks catastrophe for an MP in a lift...
Ramsay Potts is the jobsworth caretaker at a crumbling Edwardian block of flats, pursued by the over-amorous cleaner Elsie.
Starring Roy Dotrice and Patricia Hayes.
Sitcom written by Andrew Palmer and Nell Brennan.
Ramsay Potts ...... Roy Dotrice
Elspeth Spurgeon ...... Patricia Hayes
With:
Frank Thornton
John Graham
April Walker
John Glover
Producer: Edward Taylor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in January 1982.
SUN 10:30 Frankie Howerd (m002xzvb)
From 18/09/1966
The King of Titters puts on his dancing shoes but then has an unsettling brush with the law.
Written by Charles Hart and Peter Bishop.
Starring Frankie Howerd.
With:
June Whitfield
Wallas Eaton
Robertson Hare
Producer: Bill Worsley
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in September 1966.
***Recovered audio from an off-air recording. With warm thanks to our friends at the Radio Circle***
SUN 11:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m001y9pw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 11:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00mlxpv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]
SUN 12:00 Poetry Extra (m002xzv4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
SUN 12:30 Absolute Beginners by Colin MacInnes (Omnibus) (m001n016)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 13:40 Inheritance Tracks (m002xzv6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 today]
SUN 13:50 Under One Roof (Omnibus) (m002xzv8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]
SUN 15:00 Know Your Place (b01852w0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 15:30 Frankie Howerd (m002xzvb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
SUN 16:00 Limelight (m0019b49)
English Rose: Series 1
2. Hunted
18-year-old Rose has travelled from Whitby to New York to work as a nanny to a wealthy and secretive family.
Manhattan is a culture shock and she has to stay alert to the dangers all around her.
But it turns out she is quite capable of looking after herself: bloody revenge is her speciality.
She's not like the other girls. And Gulliver is no ordinary baby. This is a world not just of champagne, but shadows, where all is definitely not as it seems.
Stylish and surprising fantasy horror with a comic twist, starring Alexandra Mardell (Coronation Street) and Demetri Goritsas (Ten Percent).
Writer Helen Cross wrote ‘My Summer of Love’ which won a Betty Trask award and was made into a Bafta-winning film with Emily Blunt (recently rated her best film in The Guardian top ten Emily Blunt films).
Rose ... Alexandra Mardell
Maya ... Miranda Braun
Austin ... Demetri Goritsas
Siobhan ... Deirdre Mullins
Delphine ... Yasemin Özdemir
Randy ... Michael Begley
Art Guy ... Mathew Durkan
Beatrice ... Alexandra Hannant
Newsreader ... Tayla Kovacevic-Ebong
Jason ... Joseph Tweedale
Mam ... Jane Thornton
Including the voices of Jo Makel, Paul Murphy, James Hoggarth, Freya Pollaidh, Augusta Chapman, Becky Ripley and Ben Casswell.
Original music written and performed by Dana Margolin and Sam Yardley of Porridge Radio, and produced, mixed and engineered by Sam Yardley.
Sound design by Ilse Lademann
Director: Mary Ward-Lowery
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2022.
SUN 16:30 Fear on 4 (b007jnpz)
Series 2
Survival
A group of people in outer space find things become a matter of life or death, each dependant on the other in a horrifying way.
The Man in Black sets the horrifying scene...
Fear on 4 brings you more in a series of nerve-tinglers.
Written by John Wyndham and dramatised by Pat Hooker.
The Man in Black …. Edward de Souza
Alice …. Karen Ascoe
Marshall …. David March
Carter …. Martin Dew
Mrs Feltham …. Eva Stuart
Mr. Feltham/Al …. Michael Graham Cox
David/ TV Newsreader …. Simon Cuff
Hank/Bowman …. Joe Dunlop
Temple …. Nicholas Courtney
Rogers …. Richard Tate
Capt. Winters …. Michael Deacon
Prentiss …. John Moffat
Producer: Gerry Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1989.
SUN 17:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m001y9pw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 17:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00mlxpv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]
SUN 18:00 Poetry Extra (m002xzv4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
SUN 18:30 Absolute Beginners by Colin MacInnes (Omnibus) (m001n016)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 19:40 Inheritance Tracks (m002xzv6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 today]
SUN 19:50 Under One Roof (Omnibus) (m002xzv8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]
SUN 21:00 Know Your Place (b01852w0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 21:30 Frankie Howerd (m002xzvb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
SUN 22:00 Clare in the Community (b008xg02)
Series 4
My Funny Valentine
Brian is amazed that Clare’s remembered Valentine's Day and booked a restaurant.
The only trouble is... she hasn't.
Sally Phillips is Clare Barker the social worker who has all the right jargon but never a practical solution.
A control freak, Clare likes nothing better than interfering in other people's lives on both a professional and personal basis. Clare is in her 30s, white, middle class and heterosexual, all of which are occasional causes of discomfort to her.
Clare continually struggles to control both her professional and private life.
In today's Big Society there are plenty of challenges out there for an involved, caring social worker. Or even Clare.
Written by Harry Venning and David Ramsden.
Clare .... Sally Phillips
Brian .... Alex Lowe
Ray .... Richard Lumsden
Helen .... Gemma Craven
Irene .... Ellen Thomas
Megan .... Nina Conti
Simon .... Andrew Wincott
With:
Ben Onwukwe
Sam Pamphilon
Producer: Katie Tyrrell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2008.
SUN 22:30 Hamish and Dougal: You'll Have Had Your Tea (b007k1wk)
Series 2
The Monster in the Loch
The elderly Scotsmen have a monstrous encounter in the great outdoors.
Barry Cryer and Graeme Garden star as the two Scotsmen famed for their appearances on BBC Radio’s I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue.
With Alison Steadman as their cleaning-lady-cum-housekeeper, Mrs Naughtie, and Jeremy Hardy as the local Laird.
Hamish ...... Barry Cryer
Dougal ...... Graeme Garden
Mrs Naughtie ...... Alison Steadman
The Laird ...... Jeremy Hardy
With:
John Garden
Ros Stephen
Kylie Davies
Scott Hammond
Andrew Davis
Brian Berkins
Producer: Jon Naismith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2004.
SUN 22:45 Steven Appleby's Normal Life (b00st0z2)
Series 2
Normal Oceanography
Cartoonist Steven wades into the world under the sea, and gets intimate with a haddock.
Paul McCrink stars as Steven Appleby with what he laughably describes as "insights into normal, everyday life".
With:
Rosalind Paul
Ewan Bailey
Nigel Betts
Rachel Atkins
Written by Steven Appleby
Producer: Toby Swift
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2003
SUN 23:00 Ed Reardon's Week (m00050rg)
Series 13
Bezzies
Ed Reardon, author, pipe smoker, consummate fare-dodger and master of the abusive email, attempts to survive in a world where the media seems to be run by idiots and lying charlatans.
Ed collides with the world of reality TV.
Could his expert carpentry skills lead to him being the next reality star?
Comedy written by Christopher Douglas and Andrew Nickolds.
Ed Reardon …. Christopher Douglas
Olive …. Stephanie Cole
Eli …. Lisa Coleman
Pearl …. Brigit Forsyth
Jaz …. Philip Jackson
Ping …. Barunka O'Shaughnessy
Stan …. Geoffrey Whitehead
With:
Meera Syal
Sarah Ovens
Producer: Simon Nicholls
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2019.
SUN 23:30 I've Never Seen Star Wars (b00rt9rk)
Series 3
John Lloyd
Marcus Brigstocke invites comedy producer John Lloyd to try doing a few things he's never done before.
Watching The Wire, performing stand up comedy and milking a goat are just some of the experiences he'll be having for the first time.
The series title comes from the fact that the show's producer and creator Bill Dare had never seen Star Wars.
Producer: Bill Dare
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2010.

MONDAY 22 JUNE 2026

MON 00:00 Limelight (m0019b49)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Sunday]
MON 00:30 Fear on 4 (b007jnpz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:30 on Sunday]
MON 01:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m001y9pw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Sunday]
MON 01:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00mlxpv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 on Sunday]
MON 02:00 Poetry Extra (m002xzv4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Sunday]
MON 02:30 Absolute Beginners by Colin MacInnes (Omnibus) (m001n016)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Sunday]
MON 03:40 Inheritance Tracks (m002xzv6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 on Sunday]
MON 03:50 Under One Roof (Omnibus) (m002xzv8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 on Sunday]
MON 05:00 Know Your Place (b01852w0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Sunday]
MON 05:30 Frankie Howerd (m002xzvb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Sunday]
MON 06:00 Jim Nicholson: Four Days to Kill (m002xzt6)
6. The Last Day
Having suffered a grievous loss, can Jim Nicholson lead what's left of his rescue team to safety?
Starring Edward de Souza.
Robert Barr's thriller about the battles of British Intelligence Officer Jim Nicholson in the world of Cold War espionage.
Jim Nicholson .... Edward de Souza
Paul O'Donnell .... Geoffrey Frederick
Sgt Kelly .... Derek Seaton
Alex Mathieson .... Alex Scott
Anton .... David Nettheim
Control .... Nigel Graham
Producer: Charles Maxwell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1973.
MON 06:45 Roald Dahl (b06wdqb5)
The Umbrella Man
It's raining.
A seemingly kind old gentleman offers a mother and her daughter an umbrella - for a price...
Roald Dahl's short story is read by Oona Beeson.
Producer: Matthew Walters
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1990.
MON 07:00 For Better or for Worse (b00gszmp)
Series 1
Episode 5
When Bernard is called into work on a Sunday, his fiancee Iris is not impressed
Starring Gorden Kaye and Su Pollard.
Vince Powell’s sitcom about the turbulent relationship of an odd couple.
Iris ...... Su Pollard
Bernard ...... Gorden Kaye
Wilf ...... David Ross
Daisy ...... Paula Tilbrook
Crystabelle ...... Julie Higginson
Mr Foley ...... Peter Wheeler
Mr Cameron ...... Roger John Lee
Produced at BBC Manchester by Mike Craig.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in March 1993.
MON 07:30 Dad's Army (b007jq0r)
Series 3
Round and Round Went the Big Wheel
Captain Mainwaring's Home Guard platoon take action when a new High Explosive Attack Device goes haywire.
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 Harold Snoad and Michael Knowles.
Captain Mainwaring …. Arthur Lowe
Sergeant Wilson …. John Le Mesurier
Corporal Jones …. Clive Dunn
Private Frazer …. John Laurie
Private Pike …. Ian Lavender
Private Godfrey …. Arnold Ridley
Private Walker …. Larry Martyn
Colonel Pearce …. John Barron
Captain Stewart …. Michael Knowles
Producer: John Dyas
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1976.
MON 08:00 The Break (b0b6htgg)
Series 2
The Last Farewell
The death of Frank's rival, Frank, causes Frank mixed emotions - glee and joy.
Seaside sitcom by James Hendrie and Ian Brown
Jeff ...... Philip Jackson
Andy ...... Tom Palmer
Frank/Brian ...... Mark Benton
Corinne/Joyce ...... Alison Steadman
Frank O ...... Rasmus Hardiker
Liz ...... Shobna Gulati
Producer: Gordon Kennedy
An Absolutely production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in June 2018.
MON 08:30 The Diaries of Adrian Mole (m000111t)
Adrian Mole: The Wilderness Years
1. The Hangover
On New Year’s Day 1991, a hangover is the least of Adrian’s problems. Pandora decides Adrian needs some professional help.
The third book in the exquisitely funny Adrian Mole series by Sue Townsend, one of our most celebrated comic writers. Following on from The Secret Diary and The Growing Pains, it is now 1991 and our diarist is 23.
Adrian is still infatuated with his childhood sweetheart Pandora and is living in her box room in Oxford. Already in possession of a husband and a boyfriend, and sick of his attentions, Pandora recommends a therapist to help Adrian move on.
Unfulfilled by his job at the Department of the Environment, Adrian’s aspirations to become a poet and author are undimmed. Whilst working on his first novel, ‘Lo! The Flat Hills of my Homeland’, he is plagued by the literary success of his old nemesis, Barry Kent.
Adrian struggles to understand why he is so unsuccessful with women but his perseverance eventually pays off. How the female brain works remains a mystery to him, however.
As he continues to battle valiantly with the slings and arrows that life throws at him, Adrian starts to feel less of an outsider and more at ease with himself.
Abridged in ten parts by Sara Davies.
Read by Harry McEntire.
Producer: Alexa Moore
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in November 2018.
MON 08:45 Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann (b00mb1qz)
1. New York, New York
September, 1945: Anne Welles arrives in New York from sedate Lawrenceville to discover every woman she meets is looking for a husband.
Three beautiful young women become best friends as they carve out careers in the entertainment industry.
Jacqueline Susann's best-selling novel, first published in 1966.
Dramatised in fifteen parts by Yvonne Antrobus.
Anne Welles .... Madeleine Potter
Neely O'Hara .... Barbara Barnes
Henry Bellamy .... Stuart Milligan
Allen Cooper .... Walter Lewis
Mrs Welles .... Liza Ross
Producer: Claire Grove
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2005.
MON 09:00 I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue (m002xnpw)
Series 85
2. Job Interview or Bedroom
The godfather of all panel shows returns to the Brighton Dome. On the panel are Richard Coles, Tony Hawks, Rachel Parris and Marcus Brigstocke, with Jack Dee in the umpire’s chair. Regular listeners will know to expect inspired nonsense, pointless revelry and Colin Sell at the piano.
Producer: Jon Naismith
A Random production for BBC Radio 4
MON 09:30 Metamorphosis - How Insects Transformed Our World (m0017k7c)
Dazzling Disguise
Dr Erica McAlister examines the huge butterfly collection of the intrepid Victorian lepidopterist Margaret Fountaine who was seduced by the iridescent nature of the morpho butterfly wing.
Its dazzling electric blues are caused not by pigments, but by interference effects within the wing structure.
In the early 20th century the “father of camouflage” Abbot Thayer controversially cited iridescence as a means of disguise within the animal world as well as attracting a mate.
Scientists are revisiting the idea that the best disguises are dazzling and now engineers are attempting to recreate iridescence from the insect world to generate high impact hues with multiple effects for a host of different commercial products.
Series looking at some of the entomological pioneers, whose groundbreaking observations and experiments have led to some truly innovative developments.
Dr Erica McAlister is from London's Natural History Museum.
With contributions from:
* Dr David Waterhouse, (Senior Curator of Natural History & Geology at Norfolk Museums)
* Biologist Dr Karin Kjernsmo (Bristol University)
* Andrea Hart (Library Special Collections Manager Natural History Museum)
* Physiologist Prof Andrew Parker, (University of Oxford)
Producer: Adrian Washbourne
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2022.
MON 09:45 Daily Service (m002xzt8)
Because he lives - Feast of SS John Fisher & Thomas More
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music recorded at Leeds Cathedral.
Theme: Because he lives - Feast of SS John Fisher & Thomas More
Presenter: Bishop Marcus Nigel Stock
Reading: Matthew 24 4-13
Music:
Faith of our Father - Leeds Cathedral Choir
Holy God we Praise thy name - Leeds Cathedral Choir
Viadana: Exulate Justi - Leeds Cathedral Choir
MON 10:00 I Was... (b08r1x9d)
Series 4
I Was Billie Holliday's Replacement
Andrew McGibbon analyses great artists at a significant time in their careers, but from the perspective of someone who worked for them, inspired them, employed them - or did their job for them while no one was looking.
Annie Ross was a young singer from Scotland who found herself in a bigger spotlight when she was asked by Duke Ellington to stand-in for Billie Holliday at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem, New York City.
She was petrified, but was well received by the audience. From there, Annie developed an intriguing relationship with Billie and as Billie's career nosedived with substance abuse and bad love, Annie's career as a singer took off as she created a new style of singing with her hit record Twisted.
This is a moving story of japes and heartbreak from a witness and friend of one of the most significant jazz singers of the 20th Century.
Written and presented by Andrew McGibbon
Producer: Nick Romero
A Curtains for Radio production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2017.
MON 10:30 Let's Go To Misterland (b00qm467)
Created in 1971 by Roger Hargreaves, the Mr Men books have been an inherent part of so many childhoods.
Inspired by the author's son Adam, who one day inquired, "what does a tickle look like?" - the first character was born.
The Little Miss books followed ten years later, worldwide sales have exceeded 100 million, and today the brand is flourishing under its new owners.
Stephanie Flanders takes a look at the Mr Men business and its growth over the years. She speaks to Adam Hargreaves who tells us the story behind the books and what inspired his father to create such a simplistic, yet hugely influential brand.
Created in the humble surroundings of a small home office, the characters have reached a global audience, and they appeal to today's children as much as their 1970s counterparts. Despite his death in 1988, Roger Hargreaves was the third best-selling author of the past decade, outstripping such feted writers as Jacqueline Wilson, Terry Pratchett and John Grisham.
Stephanie Flanders, daughter of the actor and singer Michael Flanders, examines the appeal of the Mr Men and how these bold, colourful drawings and simple stories continue to capture children's hearts.
Producer: Lizzie Foster
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2010.
MON 11:00 Jim Nicholson: Four Days to Kill (m002xzt6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 11:45 Roald Dahl (b06wdqb5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]
MON 12:00 For Better or for Worse (b00gszmp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 12:30 Dad's Army (b007jq0r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 13:00 The Break (b0b6htgg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 13:30 The Diaries of Adrian Mole (m000111t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 13:45 Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann (b00mb1qz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
MON 14:00 Just a Minute (b01c7ncx)
Series 62
Episode 3
Nicholas Parsons presides over the devious game where panellists are challenged to speak for one minute without hesitation, deviation or repetition.
With:
Paul Merton
Julian Clary
Sue Perkins
Charles Collingwood.
Subjects include: What I've Got In My Attic, Clowns, Americanisms, Amusement Parks, Rewriting History, Singing In The Shower, Sydney, Dadaism, My Olympic Dreams, Putting Your Foot In It and My 6th Sense
Created by Ian Messiter.
Producer: Claire Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2012.
MON 14:30 King Street Junior Revisited (b00l2jgz)
Series 4
To the Barricades
Miss Featherstone gets arrested. Is she the right sort of person to teach children?
School comedy created and written by Jim Eldridge.
Mrs Eastwood …. Brigit Forsyth
Miss Lewis …. Marlene Sidaway
Mr Maxwell …. Michael Cochrane
Miss Featherstone …. Teresa Gallagher
Miss Reid …. Jacqueline Beatty
Mrs Khan …. Janice Acquah
Mr Long …. Paul Copley
The Chairman …. Hugh Dickson
Mrs Smithers …. Helen Longworth
Mr Allen …. Ben Crowe
Ten series of this King Street Junior ran between 1985 and 1998.
King Street Junior Revisited ran from 2002 to 2005.
Producer: John Fawcett Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2005.
MON 15:00 The Pallisers by Anthony Trollope (b007jwht)
10. The Prime Minister
Political machinations continue and Sir Orlando continues in his quest to bring the coalition government to its knees.
Lopez is plagued by debts but gets a job offer in Guatemala.
Anthony Trollope's political intrigues of a Victorian aristocratic family.
Starring Sophie Thompson and Ben Miles.
Dramatised from the novels in 12 parts by Martyn Wade.
Plantagenet Palliser ... Ben Miles
Lady Glencora ... Sophie Thompson
Lopez ... Greg Wise
Phineas ... Conleth Hill
Mme Goesler ... Stella Gonet
Mr Wharton ... James Laurenson
Emily ... Emily Bruni
Arthur Fletcher ... Jonathan Keeble
Duke of St Bungay ...Geoffrey Whitehead
Mrs Parker ... Lynne Verrall
Policeman ... Damian Lynch
Guard ... Chris Moran
With David Troughton as the narrator - Anthony Trollope
Music specially composed by Elizabeth Parker.
Director: Marc Beeby
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2004.
MON 16:00 I Was... (b08r1x9d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
MON 16:30 Let's Go To Misterland (b00qm467)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
MON 17:00 Jim Nicholson: Four Days to Kill (m002xzt6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 17:45 Roald Dahl (b06wdqb5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]
MON 18:00 For Better or for Worse (b00gszmp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 18:30 Dad's Army (b007jq0r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 19:00 The Break (b0b6htgg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 19:30 The Diaries of Adrian Mole (m000111t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 19:45 Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann (b00mb1qz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
MON 20:00 Just a Minute (b01c7ncx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
MON 20:30 King Street Junior Revisited (b00l2jgz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
MON 21:00 The Pallisers by Anthony Trollope (b007jwht)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
MON 22:00 I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue (m002xnpw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
MON 22:30 Truly, Madly, Bletchley (b008022q)
Series 1
Episode 4
Switch on for Britain's first public access cable radio show!
This week escapades in bushes on the public access cable radio show - with the district councillors.
Written by Julian Dutton.
Starring;
Liz Fraser
David Battley
Simon Godley
Toby Longworth
Julian Dutton
Dominic King
Special guest: Enrico Valdez and his Orchestra
Producer: Dirk Maggs
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1997.
MON 22:45 Six Degrees of John Sessions (b0b1syd9)
Series 1
Episode 4
From My Night with Reg to Oliver Reed via Pacino and Gandhi.
Actor, writer, raconteur and impressionist John Sessions mixes showbiz stories, intriguing history, extraordinary impressions and fabulous one-liners - all linked to and from him.
John’s dazzling array of skills – storytelling, erudition, vocal re-creations and comedy – are all brought into play as he starts each episode with a story or fact related to himself, takes us all over the place by linking people, and ending up back with himself.
Written and performed by John Sessions
Producer: Liz Anstee
A CPL production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in May 2018.
MON 23:00 Dead Ringers (m002xpcj)
Series 27
Makerfield Maketh Man
The Dead Ringers team are back to train their vocal firepower on the week’s news with an armoury of impressive impressions.
This week: Andy Andy Burnham Bright, Thomas Tuchel talks tactics, and Curious Cases considers a conundrum.
Starring Jon Culshaw, Jan Ravens, Lewis Macleod, Duncan Wisbey and Jess Robinson.
Executive Producer: Pete Strauss
Produced by Jon Holmes
Production Co-ordinator: Giulia Lopes Mazzu
A BBC Studios Production
MON 23:30 The Museum of Everything (b00gknj8)
Series 3
The Museum Reopens
A temp with a scary clown face aids the tour guide.
Welcome back to the galleries of the only museum where you can experience the history of everything.
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 July 2006.

TUESDAY 23 JUNE 2026

TUE 00:00 I Was... (b08r1x9d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Monday]
TUE 00:30 Let's Go To Misterland (b00qm467)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Monday]
TUE 01:00 Jim Nicholson: Four Days to Kill (m002xzt6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]
TUE 01:45 Roald Dahl (b06wdqb5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 on Monday]
TUE 02:00 For Better or for Worse (b00gszmp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Monday]
TUE 02:30 Dad's Army (b007jq0r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:00 The Break (b0b6htgg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Monday]
TUE 03:30 The Diaries of Adrian Mole (m000111t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:45 Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann (b00mb1qz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Monday]
TUE 04:00 Just a Minute (b01c7ncx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:30 King Street Junior Revisited (b00l2jgz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Monday]
TUE 05:00 The Pallisers by Anthony Trollope (b007jwht)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Monday]
TUE 06:00 The Blackburn Files (b007jpvg)
Series 2
1. A Case of Frinks and Moores
An open-air sculpture exhibition is raided.
This throws private eye Steven J Blackburn into the jungle of international dealing.
Starring Fine Time Fontayne and Judy Flynn.
The return of Yorkshire's ex-pitman turned private investigator, Stephen J Blackburn.
Written by Ian McMillan, Martyn Wiley and Dave Sheasby.
Stephen J Blackburn …. Finetime Fontayne
Tracey Duggan …. Judy Flynn
Rollo …. Christopher Wilkinson
Kerenski …. John Graham Davies
Dempsey …. Kieran Cunningham
Directed in Sheffield by Dave Sheasby.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1991.
TUE 06:30 The Rivals (b080r360)
Series 4
1. The Clairvoyants
Inspector Lestrade was made to look a fool in the Sherlock Holmes stories.
Now he gets his own back, with tales of Holmes' rivals.
James Fleet stars as Inspector Lestrade.
After his protégé Constance Dunlap saves a woman from drowning, the woman mumbles "this was meant to happen".
Lestrade helps Constance investigate her suspicions that this was no accident - and that the woman is in mortal danger...
Written by Arthur B Reeve and dramatised by Chris Harrald.
Lestrade ...... James Fleet
Constance ...... Susannah Fielding
Mildred ...... Olivia Poulet
Mr Forest / Tom Knowles ...... Chris Pavlo
Madame D'Urfe ...... Claire Perkins
Jim Dainty ...... Brian Protheroe
Penman ...... Sean Baker
Secretary ...... Kirsty Oswald
Producer: Liz Webb.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2016.
TUE 07:00 Beaumarchais (m00108q9)
4. Hors de Combat
Frantic after the death of Louis XV, Beaumarchais finds himself distracted by a milkmaid.
Starring Henry Goodman.
Craig Warner's comedy set in 18th-century France. The battles of Beaumarchais who is anxious to climb the ladder of French nobility...
Beaumarchais ...Henry Goodman
Marie Antoinette ....Siobhan Redmond
Le Comte d'Artois ....Sean Baker
Louis XIV ....Alex Lowe
Jacques ....Kim Wall
Jules ....Christopher Scott
Silas Deane ....Jason O'Mara
Lord Stormont ....Denys Hawthorne.
Director: Marion Nancarrow
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1996.
TUE 07:30 The Goon Show (m001vtjj)
Vintage Goons
The Internal Mountain
In a dream, Neddie is urged to climb Mount Everest – from the inside.
Ground-breaking, surreal BBC radio comedy written by Spike Milligan.
Starring:
Peter Sellers
Harry Secombe
Spike Milligan
Vintage Goons is a series of re-recorded episodes made by the original cast for sale abroad.
With The Ray Ellington Quartet and Max Geldray.
Orchestra conducted by Wally Stott.
Announcer: Wallace Greenslade
Producer: Charles Chilton
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in 1954.
Re-recording from February 1958 by the BBC Transcription Service made for broadcast overseas.
First broadcast in the UK on BBC Radio 4 in 1986.
TUE 08:00 It's a Fair Cop (m001cpkb)
Series 7
Workplace Theft
Policeman turned comic Alfie Moore returns with another series taking an audience through real-life crime scenarios.
Alfie looks at dishonesty in the workplace. Highlighter pens, loo roll, tea bags? What about high end phones?
Alfie tackles a case of theft in the workplace in a Scunthorpe distribution centre, where multiple high-end phones are going missing every month. All evidence points to an inside job... but who?
Join Alfie and his audience of sworn-in deputies as they decide how to approach the situation, whittle down the subjects, find the missing phones and ID which employee is taking more than a highlighter from work.
Written and presented by Alfie Moore.
Script Editor: Will Ing
Producer: Sam Holmes
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in October 2022.
TUE 08:30 The Diaries of Adrian Mole (m000113t)
Adrian Mole: The Wilderness Years
2. An Appointment and a Poem
Adrian has his first appointment with a psychotherapist, and makes a last-ditch attempt to woo Pandora with his poetry.
The third book in the exquisitely funny Adrian Mole series by Sue Townsend, one of our most celebrated comic writers. Following on from The Secret Diary and The Growing Pains, it is now 1991 and our diarist is 23.
Adrian is still infatuated with his childhood sweetheart Pandora and is living in her box room in Oxford. Already in possession of a husband and a boyfriend, and sick of his attentions, Pandora recommends a therapist to help Adrian move on.
Unfulfilled by his job at the Department of the Environment, Adrian’s aspirations to become a poet and author are undimmed. Whilst working on his first novel, ‘Lo! The Flat Hills of my Homeland’, he is plagued by the literary success of his old nemesis, Barry Kent.
Adrian struggles to understand why he is so unsuccessful with women but his perseverance eventually pays off. How the female brain works remains a mystery to him, however.
As he continues to battle valiantly with the slings and arrows that life throws at him, Adrian starts to feel less of an outsider and more at ease with himself.
Abridged by Sara Davies.
Read by Harry McEntire.
Producer: Alexa Moore
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in November 2018.
TUE 08:45 Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann (b00mbbff)
2. Meeting Lyon
Anne Welles has received a marriage proposal from one of the richest men in New York but is she in love with 'fiancé' Allen?
Then, she has to find the firm's new partner Lyon Burke an apartment.
He asks her to take him on a guided tour of the flat and then, by way of saying thank you, buys her lunch....
Three beautiful young women become best friends as they carve out careers in the entertainment industry.
Jacqueline Susann's best selling novel, first published in 1966.
Dramatised by Yvonne Antrobus.
Anne Welles .... Madeleine Potter
Neely O'Hara .... Barbara Barnes
Henry Bellamy .... Stuart Milligan
Lyon Burke .... Jamie Glover
Allen Cooper .... Walter Lewis
Gino Cooper .... Nathan Osgood
Miss Steinberg .... Liza Ross
Producer: Claire Grove
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2005.
TUE 09:00 One Person Found This Helpful (m002xrpn)
Series 4
Mr Solid & The Whore of Babylon
Frank and guests Simon Evans, Ed Byrne, Jenny Eclair and the Reverend Kate Bottley look in depth at ear-nibbling, in shallow at Dan Brown and discover what’s taken the Spanish 144 years to finish
Everyone has an online life, and when the great British public put pen to keyboard to leave a review, they almost always write something hilarious. And our all-star panel have to work out just what they were reviewing – and maybe contribute a few reviews of their own... and more... So if you’re the person who went on Trip Advisor to review Ben Nevis as “Very steep and too high”, this show salutes you!
Written by Frank Skinner, Catherine Brinkworth, Sarah Dempster, Jason Hazeley, Karl Minns, Katie Sayer and Peter Tellouche, with additional material by Kevin Smith
Devised by Jason Hazeley and Simon Evans with the producer David Tyler
A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4
TUE 09:30 Metamorphosis - How Insects Transformed Our World (m0017kj2)
The Ultimate Upcycler
Dr Erica McAlister examines the innocuous wasp-like Black Soldier fly which for centuries was regarded as a serious agricultural pest in North America’s southern states.
Its reputation underwent a complete rewrite thanks to the close observations of artist and entomologist Charles Valentine Riley.
Its larvae have a remarkable ability to shred, devour and transform nearly any kind of organic waste into high-quality edible protein.
They are now the ‘crown jewels’ of a fast-growing insect-farming industry – addressing a growing need to find cheap, clean reliable protein.
Series looking at some of the entomological pioneers, whose groundbreaking observations and experiments have led to some truly innovative developments.
With contributions from:
* Donald Weber biographer of CV Riley
* Entomologist Prof Jeff Tomberlin (Texas A&M University)
* Keiran Whittaker (CEO Entocycle)
* Katharina Unger (CEO LIVIN Farms)
Producer: Adrian Washbourne
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2022.
TUE 09:45 Daily Service (m002y1d7)
Because he lives - We can rejoice
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Because he lives - We can rejoice
Presenter: Swarzy
Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-9
Music:
Shackles - Melodees from Heaven (BBC Recording)
Because he lives - Becca Folkes & Psalms x Saints (BBC Recording)
Lord of All - Psalms x Saints (BBC Recording)
TUE 10:00 A Good Read (m000s199)
Tuppence Middleton & Matthew Shribman
Actress Tuppence Middleton and environmentalist Matthew Shribman join Harriett Gilbert to discuss their favourite books by Thomas Bernhard, Italo Calvino, Deborah Levy.
The Baron in the Trees by Italo Calvino
Publisher: Vintage [Translator: Ann Goldstein]
The Loser by Thomas Bernhard
Publisher: Faber [Translator: Jack Dawson]
Hot Milk by Deborah Levy
Publisher: Penguin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2021.
TUE 10:30 I'm Stuck in Here (b09jx8mk)
Ian Sansom is trapped.
He has no idea where he is, who he's talking to and where that annoying music is coming from.
If the voice in his head is to be believed, he's somehow managed to turn up in an edition of niche American podcast, Whiskey Cats, and he better have something to say about the matter.
But this could be the least of Ian's worries. It appears he may have been swallowed up into some kind of bigger, stranger, far more disconcerting audio rabbit-hole.
Just as he’s beginning to adjust to a lively discussion about single malts and feline friends, he's off again - to the Australian outback, a meditation session with Harvey Keitel, the wrong side of a mirror and a sewer deep beneath the streets of London with someone called Gary.
Turns out that voice inside Ian's head belongs to an unreliable narrator who feels it's her duty to explain he's trapped inside a radio documentary.
A radio documentary about radio documentaries, podcasts and audio story-telling from around the world, as it happens.
If that's not enough, his only chance of escape is to come up with some sort of thesis based on all the things he's discovering. But he better hurry - this programme ends in less than half-an-hour..
Producer: Conor Garrett
First broadcast on Radio 4 in December 2017.
TUE 11:00 The Blackburn Files (b007jpvg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 11:30 The Rivals (b080r360)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 12:00 Beaumarchais (m00108q9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 12:30 The Goon Show (m001vtjj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 13:00 It's a Fair Cop (m001cpkb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 13:30 The Diaries of Adrian Mole (m000113t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 13:45 Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann (b00mbbff)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
TUE 14:00 Genius (b00850j1)
Series 3
Charlie Brooker
Speeding motorway services? Two year dogs?
Dave Gorman asks writer and humourist Charlie Brooker to select the public's best loopy idea.
Award-winning comedian Dave Gorman and a celebrity guest chew over the ridiculous, unworkable but sometimes genius inventions, schemes and policies of the public.
Producer: Simon Nicholls
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2007.
TUE 14:30 Robin and Wendy's Wet Weekends (b0076t23)
Series 4
Baby Love
Teething problems for all concerned as Robin and Wendy become a family of three.
Derek is extremely helpful - with disastrous consequences.
Sitcom about the mundane lives of Robin and Wendy and their friends and neighbours.
Written by Kay Stonham
Robin ...... Brian Capron
Wendy ...... Kay Stonham
Derek ...... Martin Trenaman
Maureen ...... Amelia Bullmore
With:
Sharon Horgan
Craig Kelly
David Mitchell
Adam R Lannon
Producer: Claire Bartlett
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2005.
TUE 15:00 The Pallisers by Anthony Trollope (b007jwj3)
11. The Duke's Children
Glencora's daughter Mary falls in love with a man who has neither fame nor fortune.
Lady Mabel Grex sets her sights on Lord Silverbridge - the Duke's son.
Anthony Trollope's political intrigues of a Victorian aristocratic family.
Starring Sophie Thompson and Ben Miles.
Dramatised from the novels in 12 parts by Martyn Wade.
Plantagenet Palliser ... Ben Miles
Lady Glencora ... Sophie Thompson
Mme Goesler ... Stella Gonet
Mary ... Rachael Stirling
Lord Silverbridge ... Nicholas Boulton
Frank Tregear ... Chris Moran
Isabel Boncassen ... Madeleine Potter
Major Tifto ... Philip Fox
Popplecourt ... Crispin Bonham-Carter
Lady Cantrip ... Frances Jeater
Lady Mabel ... Lydia Leonard
Mrs Montecute Jones ... Rachel Atkins
With David Troughton as the narrator - Anthony Trollope
Music specially composed by Elizabeth Parker.
Director: Marc Beeby
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2004.
TUE 16:00 A Good Read (m000s199)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
TUE 16:30 I'm Stuck in Here (b09jx8mk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
TUE 17:00 The Blackburn Files (b007jpvg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 17:30 The Rivals (b080r360)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 18:00 Beaumarchais (m00108q9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 18:30 The Goon Show (m001vtjj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 19:00 It's a Fair Cop (m001cpkb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 19:30 The Diaries of Adrian Mole (m000113t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 19:45 Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann (b00mbbff)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
TUE 20:00 Genius (b00850j1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
TUE 20:30 Robin and Wendy's Wet Weekends (b0076t23)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
TUE 21:00 The Pallisers by Anthony Trollope (b007jwj3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
TUE 22:00 One Person Found This Helpful (m002xrpn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
TUE 22:30 Sam Simmons Is Not a People Person (b087rm0d)
Whistling
Comedian. Writer. Ex-Zoo Keeper. Bird Watcher. Definitely NOT a people person.
Sam and Henry are making a documentary series about birds, each week - armed with Sam's 'Big Book of Birds' they seek out different species. Despite Henry's best efforts, Sam is continually aggravated by the people they run into. Each encounter sparks an investigation into Sam's past, because once they've sorted out his issues, they'll really be able to focus on the bird-watching.
Now they're in the Netherlands observing a chicken...
The unique talents of the multi-award winning comedian Sam Simmons have landed.
Written by and starring Sam Simmons
With:
Henry Paker
Sarah Kendall
Mike Wilmot
Freya Parker
Sound design by Craig Schuftan
Music by Craig Schuftan with Lani Bagley
Producers: Joseph Nunnery and Alexandra Smith
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in January 2017.
TUE 22:45 Tina C (b0076q9g)
Tina C's Tiny Island Tour
Ireland
Country singer and global activist Tina C continues her exploration of the special relationship between America and the UK.
Now she's searching for her forebears in Ireland.
"Four Bears? Gosh language is so complicated. Sometimes I think we should have invented our own instead of using an old one."
Written and performed by Christopher Green.
Pianist: Duncan Walsh Atkins
Producer: Claire Grove
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2005.
TUE 23:00 Bussmann and Quantick Kingsize (b044vhlq)
Episode 3
A fraudulently fat sack of sketches, monologues and weird soup, featuring a puritan vet who dishes out tough love to poorly pets.
Originally broadcast live from London's exclusive Imperial Rooms, Mayfair.
Written and performed by Jane Bussmann and David Quantick.
Featuring:
Peter Serafinowicz
Emma Clarke
Steve Brody.
Producer: Phil Bowker
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1998.
TUE 23:30 Chain Reaction (b03s71cz)
Series 9
Graham Linehan talks to Adam Buxton
The comedy writer and director and the comedian, actor - and one half of Adam and Joe - in the talk tag show where the guest becomes the next interviewer.
Graham Linehan chats to Adam Buxton.
Recorded with an audience, the interviews focus on the life, career and the passions of the interviewee, but often prove to be as revealing about the interviewer
Producer: Carl Cooper
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2014.

WEDNESDAY 24 JUNE 2026

WED 00:00 A Good Read (m000s199)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Tuesday]
WED 00:30 I'm Stuck in Here (b09jx8mk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Tuesday]
WED 01:00 The Blackburn Files (b007jpvg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:30 The Rivals (b080r360)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Tuesday]
WED 02:00 Beaumarchais (m00108q9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Tuesday]
WED 02:30 The Goon Show (m001vtjj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:00 It's a Fair Cop (m001cpkb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Tuesday]
WED 03:30 The Diaries of Adrian Mole (m000113t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:45 Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann (b00mbbff)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Tuesday]
WED 04:00 Genius (b00850j1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:30 Robin and Wendy's Wet Weekends (b0076t23)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Tuesday]
WED 05:00 The Pallisers by Anthony Trollope (b007jwj3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Tuesday]
WED 06:00 The Blackburn Files (b007jpvw)
Series 2
2. A Case of Hearts and Flowers
When his brother-in-law's Filofax is held to ransom, Steven J Blackburn investigates.
Starring Fine Time Fontayne and Judy Flynn.
Another case for Yorkshire's ex-pitman turned private investigator, Stephen J Blackburn.
Written by Ian McMillan, Martyn Wiley and Dave Sheasby.
Stephen J Blackburn …. Fine Time Fontayne
Tracey Duggan …. Judy Flynn
Mam …. Rita May
Shirley …. Christine Cox
Director: Dave Sheasby
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1991.
WED 06:30 The Rivals (b081ld30)
Series 4
2. The Stanway Cameo Mystery
Inspector Lestrade was made to look a fool in the Sherlock Holmes stories.
Now he gets his own back, with tales of Holmes' rivals.
James Fleet stars as Inspector Lestrade.
Lord and Lady Stanway win the auction for the priceless but cursed 'Stanway Cameo', but it is instantly stolen.
Inspector Lestrade is less than pleased to be investigating alongside society detective Martin Hewitt.
Written by Arthur Morrison and dramatised by Chris Harrald.
Lestrade ...... James Fleet
Martin Hewitt ...... Adam James
Mr Claridge ...... James Lailey
Verlaine / Mr Cutler ...... Nick Underwood
Woollett / Hahn / Auctioneer ...... Sean Baker
Lord Stanway ...... Brian Protheroe
Lady Stanway ...... Elizabeth Bennett
Producer: Liz Webb.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2016.
WED 07:00 Gush (b052tqx6)
Episode 6
Ian Hislop and Nick Newman's epic mini-saga.
Cravate and Pomeroy achieve freedom, but soon find themselves on a collision course.
Foxwell Cravate ...... Martin Jarvis
Max Pomeroy ...... Mac McDonald
Iolanthe Diamond ...... Caroline Quentin
Arabella Derbyshire ...... Felicity Montagu
Charles Ambrose Fortescue de Vere ...... Jonathan Coy
Prince Saudi ...... Julian Dutton
With Toby Longworth and Steve Steen
Producer: Colin Swash
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1994.
WED 07:30 The Missing Hancocks (b08jb9nq)
Series 3
The Crown Jewels
A re-creation of a missing classic episode of Hancock's Half Hour.
Also missing from the original 1955 episode was The Lad Himself, as Tony Hancock had absconded to Rome. He was replaced for the first three episodes of the series by The Goon Show's Harry Secombe. In this re-creation, Harry is replaced by his son Andy Secombe.
The Crown Jewels. As Hancock is absent, Bill is staying with Harry Secombe. Bill and Harry decide to show Andree, recently arrived from Paris, the sights of London but get caught up in Sid's plot to steal The Crown Jewels.
Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.
Harry Secombe …. Andy Secombe
Bill Kerr …. Kevin Eldon
Sid James …. Simon Greenall
Kenneth Williams …. Robin Sebastian
Andree Melly …. Suzy Kane
The first modern sitcom, Hancock's Half Hour made stars of Tony Hancock, Sid James and Kenneth Williams, and launched Galton & Simpson as one of the most successful comedy-writing partnerships in history.
Sadly, 20 original episodes are missing from the BBC Archives. After two highly successful series, another five of those episodes have been lovingly re-created in the BBC Radio Theatre.
The classic Hancock score newly recorded by the BBC Concert Orchestra, conducted by Levon Parikian.
Producers: Ed Morrish and Neil Pearson
The original version was broadcast on the 26th April, 1955.
A BBC Studios production for Radio 4 first broadcast in March 2017.
WED 08:00 Michael Spicer: Before Next Door (m000xmg7)
Series 1
Marketing Genius
What happens when a socially awkward and neurotic part-time comedian becomes a global internet sensation?
Should this married father of two quit as a copywriter for a kitchen worktop company to follow a calling that shows no sign of paying the mortgage, the bills or for a variety of bafflingly expensive anthropomorphic steam trains?
Or should he keep juggling the increasingly unmanageable balls of office work, family life and comedy?
As Michael’s Room Next Door videos amass tens of millions of views online, he finally wins plaudits for his comedy. But it also leads to awkward encounters with fans, stressful award ceremonies and an audition to play an upbeat cheese string.
Michael’s wife Roberta pushes him to take chances, wanting him to build on his success while also being desperate to leave her own disappointing job and manage him full-time.
After 20 years of making comedy under the radar, can an ordinary person like Michael successfully navigate the unpredictable road to fame?
Only you can decide.
By listening to the show.
Please.
Written and performed by Michael Spicer.
With:
Ellie Taylor
Joanna Neary
Peter Curran
Kiell Smith-Bynoe
Greig Johnson
Producer: Matt Tiller
A Starstruck and Tillervision production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in July 2021.
WED 08:30 The Diaries of Adrian Mole (m00010zn)
Adrian Mole: The Wilderness Years
3. Sharing a Joke
Adrian shares a joke with the girl in the newsagents and moves in with the Palmer family.
The third book in the exquisitely funny Adrian Mole series by Sue Townsend, one of our most celebrated comic writers. Following on from The Secret Diary and The Growing Pains, it is now 1991 and our diarist is 23.
Adrian is still infatuated with his childhood sweetheart Pandora and is living in her box room in Oxford. Already in possession of a husband and a boyfriend, and sick of his attentions, Pandora recommends a therapist to help Adrian move on.
Unfulfilled by his job at the Department of the Environment, Adrian’s aspirations to become a poet and author are undimmed. Whilst working on his first novel, ‘Lo! The Flat Hills of my Homeland’, he is plagued by the literary success of his old nemesis, Barry Kent.
Adrian struggles to understand why he is so unsuccessful with women but his perseverance eventually pays off. How the female brain works remains a mystery to him, however.
As he continues to battle valiantly with the slings and arrows that life throws at him, Adrian starts to feel less of an outsider and more at ease with himself.
The Wilderness Years is read by Harry McEntire.
Abridged in 10 parts by Sara Davies.
Producer: Alexa Moore
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in November 2018.
WED 08:45 Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann (b00mbc2m)
3. Another Opening
Anne's friend Neely is thrilled to be the understudy for one of the lead roles in Hit the Sky, a new musical.
Allen tries to get Anne to agree to a wedding date....
Three beautiful young women become best friends as they carve out careers in the entertainment industry.
Jacqueline Susann's best selling novel, first published in 1966.
Dramatised by Yvonne Antrobus.
Anne Welles .... Madeleine Potter
Neely O'Hara .... Barbara Barnes
Helen Lawson .... Sally Dexter
Henry Bellamy .... Stuart Milligan
Allen Cooper .... Walter Lewis
Gino Cooper .... Nathan Osgood
Amelia .... Susan Jameson
Producer: Claire Grove
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2005.
WED 09:00 Ivo Graham's Obsessions (m0023dt4)
Series 1
1. Phil Wang & Su Pollard
In a repeated series for Radio 4, comedian Ivo Graham chats to celebrity obsessives about the things they love.
This week, comedian Phil Wang and national treasure Su Pollard join Ivo. Phil shares his obsession with Crooners and the golden age of Jazz, while Su Pollard tells Ivo why Tomatoes are her fixation.
Ivo also delves into the audience to hear their obsessions, and he's joined on stage by Very Obsessed Person, or VOP, Adam "Tango" Holland, who lives for extreme endurance running.
Hosted by Ivo Graham
Featuring Phil Wang, Su Pollard and Adam 'Tango' Holland
Written by Ivo Graham and Matthew Crosby
Additional Material by Sharon Wanjohi and Peter Tellouche
Recorded at RADA Studios by Chris MacLean
Sound editing by Charlie Brandon-King
Production Coordinators: Katie Baum and Jodie Charman
Executive Producer: Pete Strauss
Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies, a BBC Studios Audio production for Radio 4
An EcoAudio certified production
Show image: Matt Stronge
WED 09:30 Metamorphosis - How Insects Transformed Our World (m0017n26)
Namib Fog Harvesters
Dr Erica McAlister of London's Natural History Museum takes a look at some of the entomological pioneers, whose groundbreaking observations and experiments have led to some truly innovative developments.
Namib Desert beetles have evolved in a very special environment, where the only source of water exists in the air. For decades researchers tried to figure out what gave the beetles a unique superpower of drinking without water.
Dr Erica McAlister hears how desert ecologist Mary Seely unravelled the mystery by discovering an ingenious series of structures on their wing scales to trap night-time fogs as they emerged to bask on the tops of sand dunes during these nocturnal pea soupers. It’s now inspiring engineers to develop industrial sized fog harvesting systems for collecting water in some of the most arid areas of the planet
With contributions from Max Barclay (Curator of beetles Natural History Museum, London), physiologist Duncan Mitchell, (University of the Witwatersrand), ecologist Mary Seeley, physiologist Prof Andrew Parker (Oxford University)
Producer: Adrian Washbourne
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2022.
WED 09:45 Daily Service (m002y22w)
Because he lives - We will live
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Because he lives - We will live
Presenter: Anne Read
Reading: John 11: 17-27
Music:
Lord of all hopefullness - Daily Service Singers
I am the bread of life - Steve Angrisano /Tom Booth
O for a thousand songs to sing - St Martin's Voices
WED 10:00 Archive on 4 (m001psl0)
Scoop
A creamy, nutty, fruity sundae glass of deliciousness examining the relationship between ice cream and the British.
From the disputed origins in the 1920s of the name 99, via the turf wars between ice cream van men in the 1980s, to the persistent myth that Margaret Thatcher helped to invent Mr Whippy soft-serve ice cream, Scoop offers a creamy, nutty, fruity knickerbocker glory of history, personal testimony and unexpected twists,
With James Sinclair of Rossi in Southend, whose job is to "sell happiness" - he tours his ice cream factory and the Rossi seafront parlour; Leyla Dervish of Magic Foods, a third generation ice cream seller in south-east London, who shares the magical send-off her father received from his fellow ice cream van men; food historian Dr Annie Gray; the composer of the mobile sound creation Music for Seven Ice Cream Vans, Dan Jones; and ice cream vendor Akan driving the streets of south-east London.
With archive from Radio 4's The Food Programme, featuring Dan Saladino and his ice cream van Dad, Bobo; coverage of the 'Glasgow ice cream wars' of the 1980s; Jim Carey's documentary, The Ice Cream Van Cometh, that includes Francis Rossi and Banksy (courtesy of Jim Carey and Loftus Media); and a special recording from an ice cream van man's funeral.
Producer: Alan Hall
A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2023.
(Image of Leyla Dervish's Mum, Sheree, courtesy of the Dervish family.)
WED 11:00 The Blackburn Files (b007jpvw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 11:30 The Rivals (b081ld30)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 12:00 Gush (b052tqx6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 12:30 The Missing Hancocks (b08jb9nq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 13:00 Michael Spicer: Before Next Door (m000xmg7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 13:30 The Diaries of Adrian Mole (m00010zn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 13:45 Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann (b00mbc2m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
WED 14:00 The Write Stuff (b02x5l4q)
Series 16
Ian Fleming
James Walton’s literary quiz with Sebastian Faulks, John Walsh, Nigel Williams and Harry Ritchie. From April 2002.
Author of the week: Ian Fleming
Reader: Beth Chalmers
Producer: Dawn Ellis
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2002.
WED 14:30 Bristow (b007tdnn)
Series 3
Of Moles and Men
Office rebel Bristow returns with some inside information which must surely lead to promotion.
Starring Michael Williams.
Frank Dickens' sitcom is based on his famous long-running newspaper cartoon strip about the Chester-Perry buying clerk.
Bristow ...... Michael Williams
Jones ...... Rodney Bewes
Mrs Purdy ...... Dora Bryan
Hewitt ...... Owen Brenman
Gert ...... Liz Frazer
Daisy ...... Joan Sims
Fred Stokes ...... David Battley
Miss Glockling ...... Carol Starks
Teacher ...... Jane Booker
Miss Sunman ...... Katy Odey
Fudge ...... Jon Glover
Music: John Whitehall
Producer: Neil Cargill
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2000.
WED 15:00 The Pallisers by Anthony Trollope (b007jwj9)
12. The Duke's Children
Lady Glencora's children must choose between duty and love. Will the family be reconciled?
The conclusion of Anthony Trollope's series of novels, following the political intrigues of a Victorian aristocratic family.
Starring Ben Miles and Stella Gonet.
Dramatised from the novels in 12 parts by Martyn Wade.
Plantagenet Palliser ... Ben Miles
Mme Goesler ... Stella Gonet
Mary Palliser... Rachael Stirling
Isabel Boncassen ... Madeleine Potter
Lord Silverbridge ... Nicholas Boulton
Frank Tregear ... Chris Moran
Popplecourt ... Crispin Bonham-Carter
Lady Mabel ... Lydia Leonard
Major Tifto ... Philip Fox
Lady Cantrip ... Frances Jeater
With David Troughton as the narrator - Anthony Trollope
Music specially composed by Elizabeth Parker.
Director: Marc Beeby
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2004.
WED 16:00 Archive on 4 (m001psl0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
WED 17:00 The Blackburn Files (b007jpvw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 17:30 The Rivals (b081ld30)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 18:00 Gush (b052tqx6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 18:30 The Missing Hancocks (b08jb9nq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 19:00 Michael Spicer: Before Next Door (m000xmg7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 19:30 The Diaries of Adrian Mole (m00010zn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 19:45 Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann (b00mbc2m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
WED 20:00 The Write Stuff (b02x5l4q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
WED 20:30 Bristow (b007tdnn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
WED 21:00 The Pallisers by Anthony Trollope (b007jwj9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
WED 22:00 Ivo Graham's Obsessions (m0023dt4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
WED 22:30 Delve Special (b007jmm8)
Series 3
Food for Thought
There’s alarm over a new chemical additive for food.
Reporter David Lander investigates the worrying impact of N7Q.
Presented by David Lander with assistance from Stephen Fry.
Studio production by:
Mark Arden
Julia Hills
Harry Hill
Dramatic reconstructions by:
Jack Klaff
Robert Bathurst
Felicity Montagu
Researched by Tony Sarchet.
Editor: Paul Mayhew-Archer
Delve Special ran for four series from 1984 to 1987 and later transferred to TV as: This is David Lander.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1986.
WED 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m002yb63)
Jake Yapp 1/3
From 10.00pm until midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Laura Lexx chats again to the comedy writer and performer Jake Yapp.
WED 23:00 Mark Thomas: The Manifesto (b00x9zdj)
Series 3
Episode 2
Comedian-activist Mark Thomas creates a people's manifesto.
He's taking suggestions from his studio audience and then getting them to vote for the best.
The winner of each show will be enforceable by law, so pay attention!
In this episode, policies include:
* 50% Minimum Participation in Elections
* Converting Fast Food into Renewable Gas
* Imposing an Earning Cap of £30k on All Bank Employees.
Plus there are plenty of 'any other business?' suggestions from the studio audience.
Producer: Colin Anderson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2011.
WED 23:30 Clayton Grange (b01n11xj)
Series 1
Episode 2
The team of brilliantly stupid scientists attempt to solve the global fuel crisis. With a hamster.
This is Clayton Grange, top secret Scientific Institute with a government brief to solve the global fuel crisis, cheer people up and make war just a bit more gentle.
Meet the scientists who are a bit rubbish at life. And not much better at science.
Comedy by Neil Warhurst with extra material by Paul Barnhill.
Saunders ..... Anthony Head
Geoff ..... Neil Warhurst
Roger ..... Paul Barnhill
Jameson ..... Stephanie Racine
Helen/Lionel ..... Don Gilet
Alan Dobson ..... Paul Stonehouse
Director: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2012.

THURSDAY 25 JUNE 2026

THU 00:00 Archive on 4 (m001psl0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 The Blackburn Files (b007jpvw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:30 The Rivals (b081ld30)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 Gush (b052tqx6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:30 The Missing Hancocks (b08jb9nq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 Michael Spicer: Before Next Door (m000xmg7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Wednesday]
THU 03:30 The Diaries of Adrian Mole (m00010zn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:45 Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann (b00mbc2m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 The Write Stuff (b02x5l4q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:30 Bristow (b007tdnn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 The Pallisers by Anthony Trollope (b007jwj9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Wednesday]
THU 06:00 The Blackburn Files (b007w5d7)
Series 2
3. A Case of a Golden Smile
When Betty Ackroyd sees her husband Archie on a TV quiz show, it's for the first time since he walked out 30 years ago.
Private eye Stephen J Blackburn investigates.
Starring Fine Time Fontayne and Judy Flynn.
Another case for Yorkshire's ex-pitman turned private investigator, Stephen J Blackburn.
Written by Ian McMillan, Martyn Wiley and Dave Sheasby.
Stephen J Blackburn …. Fine Time Fontayne
Tracey Duggan …. Judy Flynn
Mam …. Rita May
Mrs Ackroyd …. Ann Rye
Ted of Mansfield …. Norman Mills
Nigel Phillips …. John Basham
Producer: Dave Sheasby
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1991.
THU 06:30 The Rivals (b082fgt8)
Series 4
3. The Secret of Dunstan's Tower
Inspector Lestrade was made to look a fool in the Sherlock Holmes stories.
Now he gets his own back, with tales of Holmes' rivals.
James Fleet stars as Inspector Lestrade.
Lestrade enlists the help of the brilliant blind detective Max Carrados when he is asked to help a woman who believes that an old prophecy is foretelling her death.
In 1662 a fierce quarrel lead to the fatal wounding of Sir Philip Belmont by Henry Ainsworth who owned Dunstan's Tower. Before Sir Philip died he prophesied that when blood appeared on the steps of the grand staircase of Dunstan's Tower, then one of the Ainsworth family had a week to live.
Blood has now appeared on the steps and the present Lady Ainsworth is awaiting her death.
Written by Ernest Bramah and dramatised by Chris Harrald.
Lestrade ...... James Fleet
Max Carrados ...... Pip Torrens
Tom Ainsworth ...... Tom Forrister
Edith Ainsworth ...... Kirsty Oswald
Lady Una Ainsworth ...... Joanna Munroe
Parkinson ...... James Lailey
Swarbrick ...... Sean Baker
Producer: Liz Webb.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2016.
THU 07:00 Boogie Up the River (b007jv7w)
See You Outside Boots in Oxford
Mark and his manic mutt look for the enigmatic Jennifer in the city of dreaming spires.
Starring Timothy Spall.
One man’s quest to discover the true source of the River Thames with his faithful hound, Boogie.
Adapted by Mark Wallington from his own novel.
Mark/Narrator …. Timothy Spall
Jennifer Conway …. Carla Mendonca
Boogie/Dorchester Man …. Ronald Herdman
Lock Keeper …. Terence Edmond
Dorchester Lady …. Jill Graham
Delia Smith/Betty …. Melinda Walker
Cox …. Jonathan Tafler
Boater/Farmer …. Mark Straker
Producer: Caroline Leddy
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1992.
THU 07:30 I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again (b00qpjy6)
Series 2
Episode 5
Singing dogs - and the tale of Martin Copperwick
More quick-fire sketches, terrible puns, humorous songs plus TV and cinema parodies.
Stars Tim Brooke-Taylor, Graeme Garden, David Hatch, Jo Kendall and Bill Oddie.
Written by Tim Brooke-Taylor Graeme Garden, Johnnie Mortimer & Brian Cooke and Bill Oddie.
Originating from the Cambridge University Footlights revue 'Cambridge Circus', ISIRTA ran for 8 years on BBC Radio and quickly developed a cult following.
Songs by Bill Oddie and Graeme Garden with music by Dave Lee.
Producer: Humphrey Barclay
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in November 1965.
THU 08:00 Angela Barnes: You Can't Take It With You (m0001ygt)
Series 2
Ageing
Award-winning comedian and super-sharp everywoman Angela Barnes, tackles life and love and, with the help of the audience, packs herself a fantasy coffin.
In part tribute to Angela's beloved late father - a larger than life gregarious character, he was a sex shop manager, naturist, and a big fan of caravans and pranks - Angela celebrates his carpe diem approach to life, and his motto "You Can't Take It With You".
When her father died suddenly in 2008, Angela and her family proved him wrong and stuffed his coffin with sentimental keepsakes for his final journey. Angela nominates objects that she would choose as mementoes of her life, and asks the audience to share their ideas.
Producer Lianne Coop
An Impatient production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in January 2019.
THU 08:30 The Diaries of Adrian Mole (m000119b)
Adrian Mole: The Wilderness Years
4. A Letter
Adrian is perplexed by Bianca’s behaviour and gets a letter from an old flame.
The third book in the exquisitely funny Adrian Mole series by Sue Townsend, one of our most celebrated comic writers. Following on from The Secret Diary and The Growing Pains, it is now 1991 and our diarist is 23.
Adrian is still infatuated with his childhood sweetheart Pandora and is living in her box room in Oxford. Already in possession of a husband and a boyfriend, and sick of his attentions, Pandora recommends a therapist to help Adrian move on.
Unfulfilled by his job at the Department of the Environment, Adrian’s aspirations to become a poet and author are undimmed. Whilst working on his first novel, ‘Lo! The Flat Hills of my Homeland’, he is plagued by the literary success of his old nemesis, Barry Kent.
Adrian struggles to understand why he is so unsuccessful with women but his perseverance eventually pays off. How the female brain works remains a mystery to him, however.
As he continues to battle valiantly with the slings and arrows that life throws at him, Adrian starts to feel less of an outsider and more at ease with himself.
The Wilderness Years is read by Harry McEntire.
Abridged in 10 parts by Sara Davies.
Producer: Alexa Moore
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in November 2018.
THU 08:45 Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann (b00mbl3h)
4. Opportunity Knocks
Anne takes an irrevocable step in her friendship with Lyon Burke.
Understudy Neely gets her big chance in the new musical.
Three beautiful young women become best friends as they carve out careers in the entertainment industry.
Jacqueline Susann's best selling novel, first published in 1966.
Dramatised by Yvonne Antrobus.
Anne Welles .... Madeleine Potter
Neely O'Hara .... Barbara Barnes
Helen Lawson .... Sally Dexter
Henry Bellamy .... Stuart Milligan
Lyon Burke .... Jamie Glover
Gilbert .... Harry Myers
Terry King .... Coleen Prendergast
Producer: Claire Grove
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2005.
THU 09:00 P.O.V. (m002xp7g)
Series 2
As We Were Saying
P.O.V. returns for a second series of sketches from the internet's best comedians. This week we hear a sports commentary for the green-fingered, a policeman who is very determined to tell you something, and a trailer for every true crime podcast ever.
Written and performed by Davina Bentley, Jake Bhardwaj, Kylie Brakeman, Stephen Buchanan, Nathan Caton, The Exploding Heads, Rachel Fairburn, Daniel Foxx, Matt Green, Kelechi Okafor, Elaine Owusu and Ed Night and Paddy Young.
Recorded at The Soundhouse Studios and Guilt Free Post, London; Maximum Fun, Los Angeles; and Sonido Studios, Clydebank.
Sound design ... Rich Evans at Synbox Post.
Producer ... Ed Morrish
Executive producer ... Lyndsay Fenner
A Lead Mojo production for BBC Radio 4
THU 09:30 Metamorphosis - How Insects Transformed Our World (m0017k9j)
Bee Brain Intellect
Dr Erica McAlister of London's Natural History Museum takes a look at some of the entomological pioneers, whose groundbreaking observations and experiments have led to some truly innovative developments.
Bees may have tiny brains, but they are surprisingly clever. They can learn from their environment to gain a reward, and then teach other bees to do the same.
Dr Erica McAlister examines the pioneering work of African American biologist and civil rights activist Charles Henry Turner, who during the early 20th century conducted painstaking research into honeybee foraging, orientation and intelligence. His long overlooked work has led modern day researchers to question whether bigger brains are always better.
With contributions from Dr Jessica Ware, entomologist (American Museum of Natural History), Prof Martin Giurfa neurobiologist (Centre de Biologie Intégrative de Toulouse), Prof Lars Chittka, zoologist (Queen Mary, University of London), engineer Farrell Helbling (Cornell University)
Producer: Adrian Washbourne
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2022.
THU 09:45 Daily Service (m002y1p7)
Because he lives - We are blessed
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Because he lives - We are blessed
Presenter: Stefan Brown
Reading: Luke 7:18-23
Music:
How great is he - Stefan Brown
Blessed Assurance - Rachel John
Blessed to be a blessing - Noel Robinson
THU 10:00 Great Lives (m000lmfw)
Frida Kahlo nominated by author Jessie Burton
“We’re talking here about a woman who was Mexican, dark skinned, disabled and queer, who produced art and didn’t allow her disabilities to define her. She defined who she was on her own terms,"
So says Circe Henestrosa, fashion curator, Frida Kahlo scholar and co curator of Frida Kahlo: Making Herself Up.
Circe joins Jessie Burton, author of The Miniaturist in discussion about the Mexican artist known for her self-portraits and her distinctive look - the dresses and flowered hair, the monobrow, the piercing stare.
Born in 1907, Kahlo's life was a collage of strength, beauty and pain. She survived polio and a bus crash that should have killed her, as well as a complex, passionate marriage to fellow artist Diego Rivera.
Nominator Jessie Burton celebrates Frida Kahlo as a remarkable life who triumphed over adversity with true grit, glamour and great wit.
Presented by Matthew Parris.
Producer: Nicola Humphries
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2020.
THU 10:30 Out of the Blue - The Long Hot Summer of 1976 (m002y1p9)
How have writers been inspired by incidents of strange weather?
Wondering how the long, hot summer of 1976 affected their writing, Peggy Reynolds talks to:
* Ruth Rendell
* Antonia Fraser
* Ian McEwan
* Stephen Poliakoff
* Laura Wilson
* Alex Wheatle
Producer: Phil Tinline
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2005.
THU 11:00 The Blackburn Files (b007w5d7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 11:30 The Rivals (b082fgt8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 12:00 Boogie Up the River (b007jv7w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 12:30 I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again (b00qpjy6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 13:00 Angela Barnes: You Can't Take It With You (m0001ygt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 13:30 The Diaries of Adrian Mole (m000119b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 13:45 Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann (b00mbl3h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
THU 14:00 Dilemma (b017vkrp)
Series 1
Episode 4
Sue Perkins sets moral and ethical posers for:
Susan Calman
Greg Proops
Simon Evans
Louise Wener
The panel offer their own dilemmas - from Louise being offered a record deal if she sacked half the band - to Greg's choice between paying his rent or eating.
And what would they do if reporting a crime got them into trouble? - and is cheating on your partner ever acceptable?
There are no "right" answers - but there are some deeply damning ones.
Devised by Danielle Ward.
Producer: Ed Morrish
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2011.
THU 14:30 The Change (b00nd0tk)
Series 1
The Great Pretender
Life for George and Carol was just fine and now that their daughter is married they'll have time for themselves again.
Troubled, hormonal Carol is looking forward to it being just the two of them.
George, however, thinks the time is right to finally be honest with his wife and reveal that he's a transvestite..
Starring Lynda Bellingham and Chris Ellison.
Sitcom by Gavin Petrie and Jan Etherington.
Carol ...... Lynda Bellingham
George ...... Chris Ellison
Violet ...... Sylvia Syms
Maureen ...... Maureen Beattie
Dave ...... Mark Powley
Ken ...... James Vaughan
Jerry ...... Richard Standing
Producer: Maria Esposito
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2001.
THU 15:00 Goodbye Moses by Jennie Buckman (b0075gq8)
London is sweltering in a heatwave.
Trinidadian ghost turned detective, Moses Perkes embarks upon a quest to find his killers…
Starring Rudolph Walker.
A black comedy written by Jennie Buckman.
Moses Perkes .... Rudolph Walker
Affra .... Sandra James Young
Nick .... Dominic Carter
Sirajal .... Andrew Rajan
Hyacinth .... Angela Wynter
Carl .... Giles Fagan
Meryl/Police Officer .... Elizabeth Conboy
Director: Toby Swift
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1999.
THU 15:45 Short Works (m00290dz)
Currants in the Cake by Beth Morrey
When newly-divorced Lila arranges a trip to a wellness retreat, school teacher Teresa reluctantly agrees to accompany her - but it’s not just the holistic gong bath that takes her by surprise...
A comic short story written by Beth Morrey, the Sunday Times bestselling author of Saving Missy, Lucky Day, and Em & Me.
Read by Georgie Glen.
Producer: Katie Sayer
A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in March 2025.
THU 16:00 Great Lives (m000lmfw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
THU 16:30 Out of the Blue - The Long Hot Summer of 1976 (m002y1p9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
THU 17:00 The Blackburn Files (b007w5d7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 17:30 The Rivals (b082fgt8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 18:00 Boogie Up the River (b007jv7w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 18:30 I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again (b00qpjy6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 19:00 Angela Barnes: You Can't Take It With You (m0001ygt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 19:30 The Diaries of Adrian Mole (m000119b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 19:45 Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann (b00mbl3h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
THU 20:00 Dilemma (b017vkrp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
THU 20:30 The Change (b00nd0tk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
THU 21:00 Goodbye Moses by Jennie Buckman (b0075gq8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
THU 21:45 Short Works (m00290dz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 today]
THU 22:00 P.O.V. (m002xp7g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
THU 22:30 Alex Edelman's Peer Group (m000w9vg)
Series 4
The Impossibility of Escape
With lockdown changing all our perspectives on what's important, Alex Edelman reflects on how things have changed for him.
What does he now truly value?
He takes a personal look at what life's really about while comedy clubs are closed and he can't go anywhere.
He also investigates how much his existence has been improved by the arrival of a new flatmate - his girlfriend.
Written by Alex Edelman and Max Davis
With special thanks to:
Josh Weller
Simon Alcock
Charlie Dinkin
Adam Brace
Danny Jolles
Hannah Einbinder
Producer: Sam Michell
A BBC Studios Production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2021.
THU 23:00 Paul Sinha's General Knowledge (m000y0kp)
Series 3
Episode 1
Paul Sinha is an award-winning comedian, the reigning British Quiz Champion and also, according to the Radio Times, the UK's "funniest fund of forgotten facts".
He's recounting the amazing true stories that lie behind fascinating nuggets of information.
This episode catches up with the news since the last series of General Knowledge finished in 2020, from those we've lost to those we've 'liked', and commemorates the Vice President most worthy of being the next to get the 'Hamilton' treatment.
Written and performed by Paul Sinha.
Additional material by Oliver Levy.
Producer: Ed Morrish
A Lead Mojo/Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in July 2021.
THU 23:25 The Comedy Club Interviews (m002yb7v)
Jake Yapp 2/3
From 10.00pm until midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Laura Lexx chats again to the comedy writer and performer Jake Yapp.
THU 23:30 Sorry About Last Night (b00ndrql)
A Occurrence
Andy's dinner party sparks a rift with Julie.
Written by and starring Alexei Sayle.
Sitcom about life, love and not living together.
Andy ...... Alexei Sayle
Julie ...... Siobhan Redmond
Mr Hamad ...... Nadim Sawalha
D.I. Troon ..... Doon Mackichan
Mrs Abasanjo ...... Adjoa Andoh
Mr Lucik ...... Chris Pavlo
Dad ...... Harry Towb
Rory Bream ...... Simon Greenall
Michael ...... Gary Bleasdale
Sgt Pilcher ...... Tony Barclay
Produced and directed by Jo Clegg with Alexei Sayle.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1999.

FRIDAY 26 JUNE 2026

FRI 00:00 Great Lives (m000lmfw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Thursday]
FRI 00:30 Out of the Blue - The Long Hot Summer of 1976 (m002y1p9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 The Blackburn Files (b007w5d7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:30 The Rivals (b082fgt8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 Boogie Up the River (b007jv7w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:30 I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again (b00qpjy6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 Angela Barnes: You Can't Take It With You (m0001ygt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Thursday]
FRI 03:30 The Diaries of Adrian Mole (m000119b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:45 Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann (b00mbl3h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 Dilemma (b017vkrp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:30 The Change (b00nd0tk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 Goodbye Moses by Jennie Buckman (b0075gq8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Thursday]
FRI 05:45 Short Works (m00290dz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 on Thursday]
FRI 06:00 The Blackburn Files (b007w3zt)
Series 2
4. A Case of Whistle and Run
A routine case for private eye Stephen J Blackburn starts to look like his final investigation
Starring Fine Time Fontayne and Judy Flynn.
Another case for Yorkshire's ex-pitman turned private investigator, Stephen J Blackburn.
Written by Ian McMillan, Martyn Wiley and Dave Sheasby.
Stephen J Blackburn …. Fine Time Fontayne
Tracey Duggan …. Judy Flynn
Mam …. Rita May
Angela …. Daryl Fishwick
Rodney …. Christopher Kent
Producer: Dave Sheasby
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1991.
FRI 06:30 The Rivals (b082x79t)
Series 4
4. The Mystery of the Scarlet Thread
Inspector Lestrade was made to look a fool in the Sherlock Holmes stories. Now he gets his own back, with tales of Holmes' rivals.
James Fleet stars as Inspector Lestrade.
Lestrade enlists the help of 'the Thinking Machine' Professor SFX Van Dusen with what he suspects may be a series of attempted murders.
City dealer Nicholas Henley, has nearly been gassed three times in apparent accidents in the luxury flats of Malplaquet House.
All the residents have secrets, but which one of them is out to get Henley?
Written by Jacques Futrelle and dramatised by Chris Harrald.
Lestrade ...... James Fleet
Van Dusen ...... Tony Gardner
Nicolas Henley ...... Nick Underwood
Charlotte Lipscombe ...... Joannah Tincey
Reginald Cabell ...... James Lailey
Miss Regnier ...... Kirsty Oswald
Burlingame ...... Brian Protheroe
Pemberley ...... Sean Baker
Producer: Liz Webb.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2016.
FRI 07:00 Flying the Flag (b00c65k9)
Series 3
Cool Heads
The diplomats consider their action as a hijack hits their wives' fact-finding shopping trip.
“In my view, Colonel, the best course of action would be a swift and speedy implementation of time-honoured diplomatic principles.”
“Wait and see?”
“Precisely."
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 Spiro Weinberg …. Stephen Greif
Colonel Surikov …. Christopher Benjamin
Dr Hutchings …. Norman Bird
Producer: Neil Cargill
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1990.
FRI 07:30 Steptoe and Son (b007k4gh)
Series 6
And So to Bed
Harold Steptoe hopes that a brand new bed will impress his girlfriends.
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
Marissa Wrigley .... Norma Ronald
Salesman .... Michael Burlington
Producer: Bobby Jaye
First broadcast on the BBC Radio 2 in March 1976.
FRI 08:00 Mark Steel's in Town (m002130m)
Series 13
Stoke-on-Trent
Mark Steel’s award-winning show where he travels around the UK visiting towns with nothing in common but their uniqueness.
After thoroughly researching each town, Mark writes and performs a bespoke evening of comedy for a local audience.
This week, Mark visits the city of Stoke-on-Trent, part of the industrial area know as The Potteries. Mark chats to the locals about their town, hears about how friendly people are and some the famous people associated with Stoke.
As well as Stoke-on-Trent, in this series, Mark be will also be popping to Margate, Malvern, East Grinstead, Coleraine in Northern Ireland and Nether Edge in Sheffield.
Written and performed by Mark Steel.
Additional material by Pete Sinclair.
Producer: Carl Cooper
A BBC Studios Audio production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in July 2024.
FRI 08:30 The Diaries of Adrian Mole (m000129m)
Adrian Mole: The Wilderness Years
5. A Confession
Adrian’s professional life takes a turn for the worse and he confesses his feelings for Leonora.
The third book in the exquisitely funny Adrian Mole series by Sue Townsend, one of our most celebrated comic writers. Following on from The Secret Diary and The Growing Pains, it is now 1991 and our diarist is 23.
Adrian is still infatuated with his childhood sweetheart Pandora and is living in her box room in Oxford. Already in possession of a husband and a boyfriend, and sick of his attentions, Pandora recommends a therapist to help Adrian move on.
Unfulfilled by his job at the Department of the Environment, Adrian’s aspirations to become a poet and author are undimmed. Whilst working on his first novel, ‘Lo! The Flat Hills of my Homeland’, he is plagued by the literary success of his old nemesis, Barry Kent.
Adrian struggles to understand why he is so unsuccessful with women but his perseverance eventually pays off. How the female brain works remains a mystery to him, however.
As he continues to battle valiantly with the slings and arrows that life throws at him, Adrian starts to feel less of an outsider and more at ease with himself.
The Wilderness Years is read by Harry McEntire.
Abridged by Sara Davies.
Producer: Alexa Moore
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in November 2018.
FRI 08:45 Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann (b00mbmd1)
5. A Falling Out
Anne confesses her love for Lyon to 'fiancé' Allen.
She decides against moving in with Lyon, but finds another option.
Three beautiful young women become best friends as they carve out careers in the entertainment industry.
Jacqueline Susann's best selling novel, first published in 1966.
Dramatised by Yvonne Antrobus
Anne Welles .... Madeleine Potter
Neely O'Hara .... Barbara Barnes
Helen Lawson .... Sally Dexter
Henry Bellamy .... Stuart Milligan
Lyon Burke .... Jamie Glover
Jennifer North .... Julia Ford
Miss Steinberg .... Liza Ross
Allen Cooper .... Walter Lewis
Producer: Claire Grove
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2005.
FRI 09:00 The Many Wrongs of Lord Christian Brighty (m002xzmv)
Series 2
4. The Fiancée I Didn’t Fancy
Brighty, Babs and Churley are looking forward to attending the celebrated final Ball of the Season at Mr Twouft’s country estate. However, party-time is put on ice when they run into Brighty’s ex-fiancée Lady Penelope.
Lord Christian Brighty used to be the most notorious rake of the Regency. But after a hazing ritual for a new chambermaid led to a self-inflicted cannonball injury, Brighty, compelled by the chambermaid in question - the uneducated but forthright Babigail – resolves to mend his ways. Accompanying him in his quest are Babs (elevated beyond her station to a chambermaid-cum-adviser role), and his butler, Mr Churlington (although Churley would actually prefer everything to stay exactly as it used to be).
Written by Amy Greaves & Christian Brighty
Cast:
Lord Christian Brighty ….. Christian Brighty
Babs ….. Jessica Knappett
Churlington ….. Colin McFarlane
Lady Penelope – Brighty’s former fiancée ….. Chiara Goldsmith
Christopher, her son ….. Jodie Mitchell
Mr Twouft’s butler – Jason Forbes
Mr Twouft – David Reed
Mr Twouft’s Cook – Jason Forbes
Mr Twouft senior (Mr Twouft’s father) – Joz Norris
Script Editor ….. David Reed
Sound & Recording ….. Sonica Studios
Photographer ….. Will Hearle
Producer ….. Ben Walker
A DLT Entertainment Production for BBC Radio 4
Christian Brighty and Amy Greaves’ viral sketches based on Bridgerton, Poldark and Jane Austen have catapulted them to viral stardom, securing Christian’s place as the internet’s answer to Mr Darcy and amassing 250 million views across TikTok and Instagram (@brightybuoy). Amy and Christian both have a deep love for the work of Jane Austen, traditional regency romance (not smut), and historical romance set in the regency (smut). The first series of The Many Wrongs of Lord Christian Brighty was nominated for Best Radio Show at the Chortle Awards 2025, and listed in The i's Best Radio Comedies Ever.
FRI 09:30 Metamorphosis - How Insects Transformed Our World (m0017kfs)
The Nerve of a Cockroach
Dr Erica McAlister of London's Natural History Museum takes a look at some of the entomological pioneers, whose groundbreaking observations and experiments have led to some truly innovative developments.
She unravels the mystery behind the nervous system of the cockroach.
It appears to be anatomically hard-wired, yet has an extraordinary flexibility that enables it to adopt new behaviour in matter of minutes or hours. It would lead to proof of the controversial idea that nerves and hormones form an intimate and influential relationship with each other, and the birth of the field of neuroendocrinology
With contributions from Historian and zoologist Prof Matthew Cobb (University of Manchester), Prof Stephen Simpson (Director, Charles Perkin Centre, Sydney), neurobiologist George Stefano.
Producer: Adrian Washbourne
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2022.
FRI 09:45 Daily Service (m002y1nv)
Because he lives - We have hope
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Because he lives - We have hope.
Presenter: Revd Dr Rob Beamish.
Reading: Romans 8:18-25
Music:
My Hope is Built on Nothing Less
Abide With Me
Christ, Our Hope in Life and Death
FRI 10:00 Soul Music (b00drrl5)
Series 7
Chopin's Ballade No 1 in G Minor
Chopin's Ballade clearly tells a story, and yet that story differs for each person who hears or plays it.
Pianist Peter Donohoe heads a cast of people whose lives have been shaped and changed by hearing and playing this technically demanding, emotionally turbulent piece of music.
Featuring:
Peter Donohoe
Pete Rosskamm
Edi Bilimoria
Richard Bielecki
Andrew Armstrong
Dr Jay B. Hess
Joshua Wright
Series exploring famous pieces of music and their emotional appeal.
Producer: Rosie Boulton
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2008.
FRI 10:30 Art in Miniature (b0952zlc)
Dr Lance Dann, lover of miniature worlds, crouches down on hands and knees to better observe the world of tiny art.
Prompted by advances in technology, and the enduring wonder of things created on a really, really tiny scale, Lance Dann follows his own obsession with the miracle of miniature art.
Knocking on the tiny doors of creators from street artist Slinkachu, whose mesmerising cityscapes are created, photographed and abandoned in the street, to the collection of antique miniature portraits in Sotheby’s where expert Mark Griffith Jones delicately reveals the hidden treasures that span from over 500 years of art history.
The 21st century has experienced a revival of the small in art - Desiree De Leon has attracted hundreds of thousands of followers for her Instagram account of small doodles, whilst the ‘the chewing gum man’ Ben Wilson, has gathered a loyal following for his hidden gems scattered about the London streets.
What is the enduring appeal of the miniature in art, and where has this revival come from?
To discover where it hides, why it appeals, and how the artists’ work on such delicate objects, Dann plays with scale, sound and voices to bring a closer, more microscopic focus on the art world.
Producer: Sara Jane Hall
Photo credit: Slinkachu
Music sourced by Danny Webb
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2017
FRI 11:00 The Blackburn Files (b007w3zt)
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FRI 11:30 The Rivals (b082x79t)
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FRI 12:00 Flying the Flag (b00c65k9)
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FRI 12:30 Steptoe and Son (b007k4gh)
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FRI 13:00 Mark Steel's in Town (m002130m)
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FRI 13:30 The Diaries of Adrian Mole (m000129m)
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FRI 13:45 Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann (b00mbmd1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
FRI 14:00 The Personality Test (b007sq67)
Series 3
Andrew Neil
Broadcaster and former Sunday Times Editor Andrew Neil is in the hot seat posing questions all about him.
With:
Sue Perkins
Carrie Quinlan
Will Smith
Robin Ince
Series with changing hosts who quiz the panel.
Script by Simon Littlefield and Kieron Quirke.
Devised and produced by Aled Evans.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2007.
FRI 14:30 Ballylenon (b00ft0t2)
Series 1
Episode 5
Phonsie calls in a few favours from his friend Joe MacMonagle.
Series set in the sleepy town of Ballylenon, Co Donegal, in 1953, before the days of mass tourism and proper plumbing in every home.
Written by Christopher Fitz-Simon.
Phonsie Doherty ...... TP McKenna
Muriel Maconchy ...... Margaret D'Arcy
Vera Maconchy ...... Stella McCusker
Vivienne Boal ...... Aine McCartney
Guard Gallagher ...... John Hewitt
Stumpy Bonnar ...... Gerard McSorley
Aubrey Frawley ...... Dominic Letts
Jonathan Ffrench O'Dowd ...... Wesley Murphy
Primrose Ffrench O'Dowd ...... Marcella Riordan
Music arranged and performed by Stephanie Hughes.
Director: Eoin O'Callaghan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1994.
FRI 15:00 Scorched by Nicola Jones (b00sfykg)
Nicola Jones's tense, fast-moving thriller follows a man trying to re-interpret his memories of the long hot summer of 1976. Who is to blame for his sister's disappearance, and what really happened to her?
In 1976, Mike's sixteen-year-old sister, Evie, walked out of the house and never came back. There didn't seem to be any explanation, but Mike was thirteen at the time and didn't want to upset his Mum by asking too many questions. Now Mike is in his forties, his Mum is dead and a rare visit to his hometown provides him with an opportunity to investigate the events of that scorching summer and reinterpret them from an adult perspective.
A meeting with an old school friend forces Mike to question his father more closely. Is he guarding a dark family secret? Is he telling the whole truth?
Written by Nicola Jones.
Mike …. Tom Roberts
Bern …. Kim Wall
Young Mike …. Gabriel Towell
Evie …. Chandeep Uppal
Sylvia …. Bharti Patel
Jason …. Robert Wilkinson
Taxi driver …. Sean Connolly
Director: Peter Leslie Wild
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2010.
FRI 15:45 Short Works (m001tsdh)
The Portal in Lisbon by Baret Magarian
After things go wrong for him in London, an academic goes on a restorative but unusual summer break in Lisbon.
Written by Baret Magarian.
Baret Magarian was born in London of Armenian origin. His novel, The Fabrications, was published in 2017. His collection of stories, Melting Point, was published in 2019.
Writer: Baret Magarian
Reader: Edmund Kingsley
Producer: Jeremy Osborne
A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in January 2024.
FRI 16:00 Soul Music (b00drrl5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
FRI 16:30 Art in Miniature (b0952zlc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
FRI 17:00 The Blackburn Files (b007w3zt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 17:30 The Rivals (b082x79t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 18:00 Flying the Flag (b00c65k9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 18:30 Steptoe and Son (b007k4gh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 19:00 Mark Steel's in Town (m002130m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 19:30 The Diaries of Adrian Mole (m000129m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 19:45 Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann (b00mbmd1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
FRI 20:00 The Personality Test (b007sq67)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
FRI 20:30 Ballylenon (b00ft0t2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
FRI 21:00 Scorched by Nicola Jones (b00sfykg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
FRI 21:45 Short Works (m001tsdh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:45 today]
FRI 22:00 The Many Wrongs of Lord Christian Brighty (m002xzmv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
FRI 22:30 Ashley Blaker: 6.5 Children (m000xmz6)
Series 1
1. Too Many Kids
Stand-up comedian Ashley Blaker highlights his unusual home life - starting with the downside to having a large family
Their morning routine is so challenging it would give Michael McIntyre a heart attack and an almost never ending need to replace phone chargers.
It's a mix of stand-up and observational documentary, all recorded in the Blakers’ unusual home with the voices of his real family, and tackling parenting, adoption and raising children with special needs.
The series brings a whole new perspective to the subject of parenting. That is because as parents of six children, Ashley and his wife Gemma are trying to raise a family in a world that is only really set up for having two.
What's more, the Blakers’ children are not just any kids. Three have special needs – two autistic boys and an adopted girl with Down Syndrome – and Ashley Blaker: 6.5 Children sensitively finds the funny in both raising children with disabilities and adoption.
Written and performed by Ashley Blaker - a comedian who's performed on five continents including tours of the UK, USA, Canada, South Africa, Israel and Australia. The New York Times called his 2018 Off-Broadway run ‘a slickly funny stand-up show’ and, in 2020, he returned with Goy Friendly at the prestigious SoHo Playhouse.
Ashley is joined by:
Shelley Blond
Kieran Hodgson
Rosie Holt
Judith Jacob
Also appearing as themselves are Ashley’s own children:
Ami (17)
Ophie (15)
Simi (13)
Soroh (12)
Sruly (11)
Bina (7)
Producer: Steve Doherty
A Giddy Goat production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in June 2021.
FRI 23:00 The Big Fun Show (b00lh0ty)
Episode 5
Sketch series with Paul Merton, Julian Clary, Tony Hawks and Josie Lawrence - before they hit the big time.
Written and presented by Paul Merton and John Irwin.
Also starring:
Neil Mullarkey
Josie Lawrence
Tony Hawkes
Julian Clary
Music by Tony Hawks.
Producer: David Tyler
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1988.
FRI 23:25 The Comedy Club Interviews (m002yb7s)
Jake Yapp 3/3
From 10.00pm until midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Laura Lexx chats once more to the comedy writer and performer Jake Yapp.
FRI 23:30 The Show What You Wrote (b04dqrtd)
Series 2
Geography
Second series of Radio 4's themed sketch show made entirely from contributions sent in by the public.
The best ideas have been chosen from thousands of submissions from new writers resulting in a show like no other.
Recorded in Manchester.
Geography is the subject.
Written by:
The Public
With:
Fiona Clarke
Gavin Webster
Helen Moon
Ben Crompton
Producers: Alexandra Smith and Carl Cooper
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2014.