SATURDAY 18 JULY 2026

SAT 00:00 Soul Music (b00763t6)
Series 2
Zadok the Priest
Simon Halsey, Mary Davis and the Duke of Devonshire reflect on the impact of Handel's Zadok the Priest.
This anthem written for the coronation of George II has become a favourite for choral societies and church choirs throughout the world.
Series about music that makes the hairs stand up on the back of our necks.
Producer: Rosie Boulton
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2001.
SAT 00:30 Australian Wanted in Woodhall Spa (b00wsqv9)
How did the tradition of overseas cricketers playing for amateur clubs in England begin?
Chris Ledgard tells the story of one small-scale international cricket exchange and explores its rich history.
'Australian wanted for Woodhall Spa Cricket Club'.
Such adverts can be found on any number of English cricket club websites. All over England, small cricket clubs welcome foreign players for the summer season, committing themselves to supporting the players - with work or accommodation on the understanding that they'll bring a sparkle to the score sheet.
Chris follows one such exchange at Potterne cricket club in Wiltshire and weaves in its rich and fascinating history - which has seen some noble names playing in obscure places.
Chris meets Zimbabwean cricketer Dylan Higgins, who's come to this quintessentially English village club direct from Harare. The team captain is Graham Gaiger, who runs the construction company that provides Dylan with a job.
Will the incoming sporting hero meet the expectation of the club? And how do overseas players go down with the locals?
A fascinating, light-hearted observational documentary with a backbone of social history, on what happens when a new face is brought into the bosom of a tight band of sporting fanatics.
Producer: Mary Ward-Lowery
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2010.
SAT 01:00 Young PC (m002ywb6)
Series 1
3. Beginning To See The Light
A threatening phone call tests the integrity of PC Paula Young - and her commitment to the police force...
A newly qualified PC has been posted to her home town much to the discomfort of her boyfriend and other petty criminals.
Written by Mark Davies Markham
Paula Young .... Julia Ford
Rene Young .... Natasha Pyne
Arthur Young .... Paul Copley
Jan Taylor .... Becky Hindley
Dean O'Rourke .... Vincent Davies
Sergeant Thompson .... Geoffrey Whitehead
Tony Charles .... Tim Dantay
Lizzie .... . Jo-Anne Knowles
Martin Whelan .... Roger May
Eric Woods .... Richard Tate
Sandra .... Caroline Strong
Director Michelle Matherson Frederick
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1996.
SAT 01:45 Human Voices by Penelope Fitzgerald (b007zjw5)
10. Aerial Torpedoes
The story draws to an end with a cautious romance - and an unexpected bang...
Life at the BBC's Broadcasting House during the dark days of 1940 when London was under nightly attack from the Luftwaffe.
Penelope Fitzgerald's bitter-sweet comedy about the battles of employees in newsgathering.
Abridged by David Dorward
Concluded by Penelope Wilton.
Producer: Patrick Rayner
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1992.
SAT 02:00 Little Blighty on the Down (b00v8lr2)
Series 5
Episode 2
With the village bankrupt - council leader John cracks down on expenses. Political satire with John Baddeley.
Early '90s political satirical soap opera set in the strangely familiar village of Little Blighty.
Life here is pretty uneventful, though the humdrum happenings include social turmoil, economic upheaval and vicious political squabbles.
Written by Mark Burton, John O'Farrell and Mike Coleman.
Starring:
Jo Kendall
Michael Troughton
John Baddeley
Bernadine Corrigan
Jonathan Kydd
Daniel Strauss
Alistair McGowan
Producer: Lissa Evans
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1992.
SAT 02:30 Steptoe and Son (b007jp6x)
Series 6
Seance in a Wet Rag and Bone Yard
Sceptical Harold slams Albert's claims about speaking to the dead...
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
Madame Fontana ...... Patricia Routledge
Dorothy ...... Gwen Nelson
Mr Weldon ...... Edward Kelsey
Producer: Bobby Jaye
First broadcast on the BBC Radio 2 in March 1976.
SAT 03:00 The Confessional (m001g1nn)
Series 3
The Confession of Jessie Cave
Stephen Mangan returns with his comedy chat show about shame, guilt and occasional repentance.
Each episode, Stephen invites a distinguished guest into his virtual confessional box to make three 'confessions' to him.
An antidote to conventional talk shows, their stories don't reflect their proudest moments. Stephen could not be less interested in those. He wants them to open up about their darker side. Settle back for stimulating journeys through shame, regret and toe curling embarrassment.
The series begins with Harry Potter actor, writer, podcaster, cartoonist and illustrator, Jessie Cave in the hot seat.
Written and presented by Stephen Mangan.
With additional material by Nick Doody.
Producer: Frank Stirling
A 7digital production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2022.
SAT 03:30 Batting on the Bosphorus: A Skoda-powered Cricket Tour Through Eastern Europe by Angus Bell (b00ct9rn)
5. The Elusive First Century
Scottish sports writer Angus Bell's account of a cricket tour to unusual places in Eastern Europe.
With his trip drawing to a close, all Angus’s hopes of making that elusive first century remain pinned to his final match in Poland.
Abridged by Laurence Wareing.
Concluded by Robert Laing.
Producer: Kirsty Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2008.
SAT 03:45 Promenade Rock by Christopher Denys (b0076d9g)
5. The Longshoremen
Deck-chair attendant and fisherman, Cox'n Hughes is victimised by the local fishing community.
Matthew decides to try and discover why.
Starring Nerys Hughes.
Christopher Denys' series set in the booming 1950s seaside resort of Llantwit-on-Sea.
Eirlys Richards …… Nerys Hughes
Matthew Dolan …… Russell Boulter
Cox'n Hughes …… Andy Hockley
Round-the-Bay Baynon …… Owen Garmon
Griff Gadabout …… Keith Drinkel
Director: Sue Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2003.
SAT 04:00 The Personality Test (b007vt9q)
Series 3
Eve Pollard
All about Eve.
Writer and ex-newspaper editor Eve Pollard is in the hot seat posing questions all about her.
Tackling the ultra-personal quiz are:
Sue Perkins
Carrie Quinlan
Will Smith
Robin Ince
Comedy quiz presented by a new guest host every show. All the questions are about them.
Script by Simon Littlefield and Kieron Quirke.
Devised and produced by Aled Evans.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2007.
SAT 04:30 Ballylenon (b007mf83)
Series 1
Episode 6
Will the "1000 Years" Festival mark the end of the old courthouse battle?
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
Canon Friel ...... Kevin Flood
Aubrey Frawley ...... Dominic Letts
Music arranged and performed by Stephanie Hughes.
Director: Eoin O'Callaghan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1994.
SAT 05:00 Peter Tinniswood (b007rfd0)
I Always Take Long Walks
Dame Judi Dench stars as Enid, the wife of a man addicted to cricket.
She shares with us her private thoughts - many of which she has while taking walks - on cricket, kitchen units and life with her husband.
Written by Peter Tinniswood.
Director: John Tydeman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1991.
SAT 05:30 Some Tame Gazelle by Barbara Pym (m002ywbg)
1. Passions
Belinda loves Henry, Harriet loves Mr Donne, and Agatha loves no one but herself.
Passions are roused amongst the cassocks and behind the garden produce stall.
But at least the toilet arrangements are satisfactory and everyone is guaranteed a good tea.
Based on Barbara Pym's first novel, first published in 1950.
Dramatised in six parts by Elizabeth Proud
Harriet Bede ... Miriam Margolyes
Belinda Bede ... Hannah Gordon
Mr Donne ... David Holt
Henry Hoccleve ... Peter Jeffrey
Agatha Hoccleve ... Elizabeth Proud
Edith Liversidge ... Josephine Tewson
Ricardo Bianco ... Geoffrey Matthews
Singers:
Harvey Brough
Phyllida Hancock
Mary Lincoln
Musical direction by Malcolm McKee
Producer: Sioned Wiliam
First broadcast in BBC Radio 4 in July 1995.
SAT 06:00 The Best of Friends by JCW Brook (m002z5sj)
Bill and John were schoolfriends.
Bill was always domineering, extrovert and aggressive, John the reverse.
Their lives, were intertwined as children, as teenagers leaving school, and as young married adults.
Their ongoing involvement sparks shocking consequences...
Starring Christopher Scoulard and Michael Cochrane.
Dark mystery written by JCW Brook.
John ... Christopher Scoulard
Bill ... Michael Cochrane
Sarah ... Angela Down
Christine ... Frances Jeater
Bill as a Boy ... Rosalind Adams
John as a Boy ... Patience Tomlinson
Inspector Anders ... Gordon Reid
Sergeant Pait ... Andrew Secombe
Director: Ian Cotterell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1981.
SAT 07:30 The West: A New History of an Old Idea by Naoíse Mac Sweeney (Omnibus) (m002z5sl)
Historian Naoise Mac Sweeney delves into the lives of historical figures to explore and interrogate the received narrative and origins of 'the West'.
Is 'Plato to Nato' actually true? How has the myth of the West and its exclusively European origins been built and maintained?
A brilliant and rigorous interpretation of history that reflects the diversity of ideas and figures in the West.
Using the lives of historical figures from ancient Greece to present day, Naoise interrogates the idea of the West and its claims to Greco-Roman lineage.
Omnibus of five episodes abridged by Patricia Cumper.
Read by Nina Sosanya.
Producer: Naomi Walmsley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2023.
SAT 08:45 I, An Actor (m002z5sn)
6. Filming with Meryl
Nicholas Craig is the greatest actor in the world...
Although his publisher has upset him by cutting out a favourite passage from I, An Actor.
His working life has been nothing if not varied - from performing in a day centre in Wellingborough, to a film location in India with Meryl Streep - although really she would be better off playing Mistress Quickly in Leatherhead.
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 June 1989.
SAT 09:00 The Random Jottings of Hinge and Bracket (b007jrnd)
Series 2
3. Putting It On The Map
To try and encourage local tourism, the dear ladies revive an old custom.
Starring Dame Hilda Bracket and her lifelong companion Dr Evadne Hinge.
Another extract of life from the genteel setting of Stackton Tressel - the Suffolk village where the musical duo reside.
Written by Gerald Frow.
Dame Hilda Bracket ...... George Logan
Dr Evadne Hinge ...... Patrick Fyffe
Maud ...... Daphne Heard
Major ...... Anthony Sharp
Music played by Frank Williams.
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 1983.
SAT 09:30 Brothers in Law (b0524gr2)
Series 1
Breach of Contract
Rookie barrister Roger Thursby must defend a women being sued by a pop star over a pup.
Henry Cecil's comic legal novel Brothers in Law was first published in 1955.
Adapted for radio from Frank Muir & Denis Norden's BBC TV scripts by Richard Waring.
Roger Thursby ...... Richard Briers
Henry Blagrove ...... Richard Waring
Grimes .... John-Glyn Jones
Sally Mannering ...... Ann Davies
Mandy McCloud .... Aimi Macdonald
The Judge ...... Richard Wattis
Mrs Thursby .... Jean Anderson
Kitty Doyle .... Ann Wain
Other parts…. John Bentley
Producer: David Hatch
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1970.
SAT 10:00 The Changing Sound of Radio (m000gl70)
3: The Ditch and Six House Parties
Since he was first given a tape recorder in 1967, musician and wildlife sound recordist, Chris Watson, has been fascinated by the possibilities of sound.
In the last of three programmes, he concludes the story of the technological advances in radio and the arrival of podcasts.
More of Chris's favourite radio moments include:
* THE DITCH
- BBC Radio, 2010
* SIX HOUSE PARTIES'
- from Ross Sutherland’s 'Imaginary Advice' podcast
Producer: Jessica Treen
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Extra in 2018.
SAT 11:00 The Best of Friends by JCW Brook (m002z5sj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 12:30 The West: A New History of an Old Idea by Naoíse Mac Sweeney (Omnibus) (m002z5sl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 13:45 I, An Actor (m002z5sn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
SAT 14:00 The Random Jottings of Hinge and Bracket (b007jrnd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 14:30 Brothers in Law (b0524gr2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SAT 15:00 The Changing Sound of Radio (m000gl70)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SAT 16:00 The Double by Fyodor Dostoyevsky (m0010nn9)
Jonathan Holloway reimagines Fyodor Dostoyevsky's nightmare vision.
A lonely civil servant is driven to madness when his life is stolen by a doppelganger.
It's relocated it to a steampunk version of 19th Century St Petersburg, substituting the labyrinthine Tsarist bureaucracy of the original with the advanced computer systems office of the Russian Federation's Intelligence Services.
To win his superiors' admiration the story's hero, Golyadkin, starts working on perfecting a new cyber-weapon only to find that a new arrival in the office who looks remarkably like him is taking all the credit for his work.
In this fresh adaptation, the 21st century begins to intrude - samovars bubble, dances mix trance with live string quartets, electric taxis whine on the highways while horses clatter by and computers are gas-fuelled.
In Golyadkin's fractured mind he's lost all sense of where he exists in time and what we're experiencing is his dream of the future.
Dostoyevsky's themes of grinding bureaucracy, societal pressures inducing feelings of inadequacy and hopelessness are given a bleakly modern twist.
Golyadkin ...... Joseph Millson
The Double ...... Joseph Millson
Andrei Filippovich Olsufy ...... Sean Murray
Dr Rutenspitz ...... Elizabeth Counsell
Klara Olsufyevna ...... Kerry Gooderson
Needles ...... Kerry Gooderson
Marmeladov ...... Lauren Cornelius
Raskolnikov ...... Joseph Ayre
Fatboy ...... Ryan Whittle
Maitre D' ...... Ryan Early
Director: Gemma Jenkins
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2018.
SAT 17:00 The Best of Friends by JCW Brook (m002z5sj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SAT 18:30 The West: A New History of an Old Idea by Naoíse Mac Sweeney (Omnibus) (m002z5sl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SAT 19:45 I, An Actor (m002z5sn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
SAT 20:00 The Random Jottings of Hinge and Bracket (b007jrnd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
SAT 20:30 Brothers in Law (b0524gr2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 today]
SAT 21:00 The Changing Sound of Radio (m000gl70)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SAT 22:00 The Million Pound Radio Show (m002z5sq)
World Cup Special
In Italia 90 world cup year, what’s this obsession with football all about?
Sharp-edged topical humour in the most expensive show on radio.
Written by and starring Andy Hamilton and Nick Revell
With:
Felicity Montagu
Nigel Pegram
Producer: Paul Mayhew-Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June1990.
SAT 22:30 Tim Key's Poetry Programme (m000gmgt)
Series 5
Rome
Tim Key broadcasts live from his trailer in Rome, where he’s shooting a film directed by the legendary Sir Hayden Higgins.
Written and presented by Tim Key.
Key …... Tim Key
Lord …... Tom Basden
Megan …... Katy Wix
Sir Hayden …... Miles Jupp
Pamela …... Carlotta Morelli
Producer: James Robinson
A BBC Cymru Wales production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in March 2020.
SAT 23:00 Tom Wrigglesworth's Hang-Ups (b06pxm45)
Series 3
The Madman in the Attic
With Tom's Dad advocating some rather drastic "rationalising", Tom realises that it might be time to have a clear-out himself.
Sitcom where Tom Wrigglesworth phones home for his weekly check-in with his Mum, Dad and Gran - - giving us a glimpse into his background and influences shaping his temperament, opinions and hang-ups.
Tom ...... Tom Wrigglesworth
Dad ...... Paul Copley
Mum ...... Kate Anthony
Granny ...... Elizabeth Bennett
Written by Tom Wrigglesworth and James Kettle. With Miles Jupp.
Producer: Richard Morris
A BBC Radio Comedy production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in November 2015.
SAT 23:30 Radio Active (b007jvv0)
Series 6
The Fit and Fat Show
Anna Daptor presents her very personal radio guide to staying fit and healthy.
Radio Active is the one and only local national radio station
Starring:
Helen Atkinson-Wood
Geoffrey Perkins
Angus Deayton
Philip Pope
Michael Fenton-Stevens
Music by Philip Pope, Steve Brown and Michael Fenton-Stevens.
Written by Angus Deayton and Geoffrey Perkins with John Canter.
Producer: Paul Mayhew-Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1986.

SUNDAY 19 JULY 2026

SUN 00:00 The Double by Fyodor Dostoyevsky (m0010nn9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Saturday]
SUN 01:00 The Best of Friends by JCW Brook (m002z5sj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]
SUN 02:30 The West: A New History of an Old Idea by Naoíse Mac Sweeney (Omnibus) (m002z5sl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Saturday]
SUN 03:45 I, An Actor (m002z5sn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Saturday]
SUN 04:00 The Random Jottings of Hinge and Bracket (b007jrnd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 on Saturday]
SUN 04:30 Brothers in Law (b0524gr2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:30 on Saturday]
SUN 05:00 The Changing Sound of Radio (m000gl70)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Saturday]
SUN 06:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m002z5rr)
Nautical Castaways
Matthew Pinsent
Olympic Gold rower Matthew Pinsent is castaway by Sue Lawley.
Matthew won his fourth Olympic gold medal at the 2004 summer games in Athens.
His first three were all won rowing with Sir Steve Redgrave - as a pair in 1992 in Barcelona and 1996 in Atlanta and as part of the coxless four in 2000's Sydney games.
His summer 2004 success saw him lead the four to victory - in a photo-finish that saw them beat the Canadian team by less than a tenth of a second.
He won his first Gold at the Junior World Championships aged just 17.
Between 1991 and 2002, Matthew won a gold medal every year at the World Championships and his life was given over to rowing - he took a year out from his studies to compete in the 1992 Olympics, fitted his wedding around the rowing calendar and followed a rigorous training regime to maintain his 6'5'', 17-stone frame at the peak of its strength and fitness.
DISC ONE: Alan Green and Martin Cross - BBC Radio Five Live Rowing Commentary
DISC TWO: Léo Delibes's Coppélia - Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
DISC THREE: Hubert Parry's I Was Glad - Choir of St Pauls Cathedral, soloist Andrew Lucas
DISC FOUR: Queen - We Are The Champions
DISC FIVE: Green Day - Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)
DISC SIX: Eagles - Hotel California
DISC SEVEN: Sting - Fields of Gold
DISC EIGHT: Red Hot Chili Peppers - Californication
Castaway's Favourite: Sting - Fields of Gold
Book Choice: World Atlas, extended
Luxury Choice: Shaving kit
Producer: Olivia Seligman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2004.
SUN 06:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b01130qm)
Series 2
Cuckoo
The Cuckoo is one of the iconic brood parasites of the world - the bird that cons another species into taking its egg as its own and rears the chick to fledging.
In the single frame of the Cuckoo you have a long distance migrant, travelling from Africa to breeding grounds in the temperate north, and back again.
The Cuckoo does not raise its own chick and across a range of Cuckoo individuals, they parasitise several species of bird - all much smaller than they are.
Sir David Attenborough explores the world of the Cuckoo and not only marvels at their natural history but tells the story of how a wildlife cameraman resolved a scientific mystery - and how the Cuckoo itself harbours yet more secrets to science and natural history.
Producer: Julian Hector.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2011
SUN 07:00 Poetry Extra (m002z5rt)
Elizabeth Jennings, John Donne, Jenny Joseph and Edwin Muir
Poet Daljit Nagra revisits the BBC's poetry archive and selects three programmes: The Progress of the Soule by John Donne plus poetry readings by Elizabeth Jennings, Jenny Joseph, Edwin Muir.
The programmes:
**Three Score and Ten - Elizabeth Jennings
Presented by Ian McMillan
Produced by Sharon Sephton
First broadcast on BBC Radio 3 in 2016 (with original readings from 1983)
**The Progresse of the Soule
Alex McCowen reads from John Donne's unfinished epic poem Metempsychosis or The Progresse of the Soule
Produced by Peter Fozzard
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1990.
**Three Score and Ten - Jenny Joseph, Edwin Muir
Presented by Ian McMillan
Produced by Sharon Sephton
First broadcast on BBC Radio 3 in 2016 (with original readings from 1983)
**And Daljit reads from his Poetry Extra Book of the Month: Alcatraz - Poems from the Contemporary Welsh edited by Robert Minhinnick.
Poetry Extra is presented by Daljit Nagra and produced for BBC Radio 4 Extra by Sarah Wade.
SUN 07:30 Batting on the Bosphorus: A Skoda-powered Cricket Tour Through Eastern Europe by Angus Bell (Omnibus) (m002z5rw)
Scottish sports writer Angus Bell's account of a cricket tour to unusual places.
It's a gloriously batty adventure involving fingerless fielders in the Czech Republic, Serbian MI6 agents and the realisation that England's most eccentric game is being played with passion in the strangest corners of the continent.
Taking his inspiration from an encounter with a psychic, Angus begins his tour with a cricket match on ice.
Omnibus of five episodes abridged by Laurence Wareing.
Read by Robert Laing.
Producer: Kirsty Williams
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2008.
SUN 08:40 Witness History (p0085dxt)
Pickles and the Stolen World Cup
In 1966 host nation England won the football World Cup.
But the national team very nearly had no trophy to hold aloft after triumphing over Germany in a memorable final. In the run-up to the tournament, the cup was on display in central London when it was stolen from right under the noses of a round-the-clock police guard.
The investigation into the theft quickly turned to farce with a flat-footed Scotland Yard failing to find the cup. A dog called Pickles put the police to shame when he found the missing trophy while on his daily walk.
Simon Watts finds out more, meeting owner Dave Corbett who recalls how he and Pickles became national heroes for returning the trophy.
Producer/Presenter: Simon Watts
First broadcast on the BBC World Service in 2016.
SUN 08:50 Promenade Rock by Christopher Denys (Omnibus) (b0bgpfvz)
Episode 1
Recently widowed, Eirlys Richards, welcomes a new guest at her lively boarding house in Llantwit-on-Sea.
Starring Nerys Hughes.
Christopher Denys' series set in the 1950s heyday of the Great British seaside holiday.
Omnibus of the first five of ten episodes.
Eirlys Richards …… Nerys Hughes
Matthew Dolan …… Russell Boulter
Iorweth Jenkins …… Iwan Thomas
Arnold Pilton …… Christopher Scott
Cox'n Hughes …… Andy Hockley
Newsreader …… Ian Brooker
Mother …… Tina Gray
Owain Owen …… Terry Molloy
Gwenny Jenkins …… Siriol Jenkins
PC Ianto Evans …… David Holt
Round-the-Bay Baynon …… Owen Garmon
Griff Gadabout …… Keith Drinkel
Director: Sue Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2003.
SUN 10:00 Know Your Place (b018ttwj)
Marriage of Convenience
Is it wedding bells for caretaker Ramsay in a quest to keep his job?
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:
Pat Coombs
John Graham
Benny Lee
Producer: Edward Taylor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in March 1982.
SUN 10:30 Take It From Here (b09z66f6)
From 18/10/1955
Trouble at Prufrock's matrimonial agency, and Ethel wants to open a sweet shop in 'The Glums'.
Starring:
Professor Jimmy Edwards
Dick Bentley
June Whitfield
Alma Cogan
Wallace Eton
Music from The Keynotes and the BBC Revue Orchestra conducted by Harry Rabinowitz.
Announcer: David Dunhill
Written by Frank Muir and Denis Norden.
Producer: Charles Maxwell
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in October 1955.
SUN 11:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m002z5rr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 11:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b01130qm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]
SUN 12:00 Poetry Extra (m002z5rt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
SUN 12:30 Batting on the Bosphorus: A Skoda-powered Cricket Tour Through Eastern Europe by Angus Bell (Omnibus) (m002z5rw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 13:40 Witness History (p0085dxt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 today]
SUN 13:50 Promenade Rock by Christopher Denys (Omnibus) (b0bgpfvz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]
SUN 15:00 Know Your Place (b018ttwj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 15:30 Take It From Here (b09z66f6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
SUN 16:00 The Bee Maker by Anita Sullivan (b092ky54)
It's 2020 and the bees are nearly all gone.
Human beings might be next.
Robotics expert, Deborah, builds artificial bees in order to help pollinate fruit trees across the world - real bees having been driven to the brink of extinction.
But then a strange phenomenon strikes mankind - people start getting lost. It happens slowly, people lose their way, forget where they are. But before long society starts to crumble.
Deborah must fight her way across an apocalyptic Britain and find her way back home. But first she must remember where that is.
Anita Sullivan's dark and cautionary tale about our busy technology-filled lives.
Deborah... Alice Lowe
May... Harriet Walter
Ant... Stuart McLoughlin
Hire Car Salesman... Alun Raglan
Customs Official... John Norton
Lost passenger... Claire Cage
Director: James Robinson
A BBC Cymru Wales production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in June 2014
SUN 16:45 Summer Ghosts (b0137xd4)
All the Dead Mothers of My Daughter's Friends by Sophie Hannah
"Yes, the ghosts you see at night, they're the souls - the auras, if you like - of good people who didn't deserve to die. That's why they're full of regret, and frightening. Ghosts we see in broad daylight are the ones whose deaths were right and fair - they've been redeemed by death. They were evil while alive..."
First in a series of commissioned stories presenting ghosts or ghostly happenings in the cold light of day.
Will something 'unexplained' be as scary in a light that is... well, reliable to the eye!
Sophie Hannah's story is read by Tracy-Ann Oberman.
Mel makes a friend at the school gates - and learns about the different types of ghosts in the world.
Then the theories are tested out...
Producer: Duncan Minshull
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2011.
SUN 17:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m002z5rr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
SUN 17:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b01130qm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 today]
SUN 18:00 Poetry Extra (m002z5rt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
SUN 18:30 Batting on the Bosphorus: A Skoda-powered Cricket Tour Through Eastern Europe by Angus Bell (Omnibus) (m002z5rw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
SUN 19:40 Witness History (p0085dxt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 today]
SUN 19:50 Promenade Rock by Christopher Denys (Omnibus) (b0bgpfvz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]
SUN 21:00 Know Your Place (b018ttwj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
SUN 21:30 Take It From Here (b09z66f6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
SUN 22:00 Revolting People (b00fkx2m)
Series 2
Some More Trying Times
Sergeant McGurk takes up spying, Samuel Oliphant enters showbiz and Ezekiel Spriggs gets stuck.
Comedy set just before the American Revolution.
Written by Andy Hamilton and Jay Tarses.
Samuel Oliphant …. Jay Tarses
Sergeant McGurk …. Andy Hamilton
Captain Brimshaw …. James Fleet
Mary Oliphant …. Jan Ravens
Ezekiel Spriggs …. Hugh Dennis
Cora Oliphant …. Penelope Nice
Joshua Oliphant …. Tony Maudsley
Elizabeth Oliphant …. Susie Blake
Producer: Paul Mayhew-Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2001.
SUN 22:30 Alexei Sayle's Strangers on a Train (m0019jw2)
Series 1
Bristol to Penzance
Alexei Sayle takes a train journey and breaks the golden rule of travelling by train in the UK - he actually talks to his fellow passengers.
He travels in this episode from Bristol to Penzance.
Among his many fellow travellers, he meets:
* Bert, a Cornish Bard, Marissa and Leanne who have travelled the world working on cruise liners
* Angela who for many years ran one of Cornwall's most famous and historic pubs
* Astra who is learning the ropes at circus school
Producers: Peter Lowe & Nick Symons
A Ride production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in July 2022.
SUN 23:00 In and Out of the Kitchen (b06418ms)
Series 4
The Supplement
Damien is offered the chance to present his own TV series all about "street food".
It's something which doesn't initially appeal, particularly as he is busy editing the food supplement for a Sunday newspaper - territory which is far more familiar.
But when he is forced to become more populist to placate the paper's editor, perhaps this is the time to finally take the plunge into the murky world of "TV".
And Damien's boundaries are further tested when his kitchen is commandeered by Anthony and Mr Mullaney, who are in the midst of planning a property renovation company together.
Sitcom charting the life of cookery writer Damien Trench, who lives in London's Queen's Park with his partner Anthony.
Created by and starring Miles Jupp.
Written by Justin Edward.
Damien Trench ...... Miles Jupp
Anthony ...... Justin Edwards
Ian Frobisher ...... Philip Fox
Mr Mullaney ...... Brendan Dempsey
Livi Hollinshead ...... Alex Tregear
Paula, the Editor ...... Jessica Turner
Arlo Chance ...... Stephen Critchlow
Producer: Sam Michell.
A BBC Radio Comedy production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2015.
SUN 23:30 Electric Ink (b011kvmn)
Series 1
Episode 3
Editor Oliver wants Terry from Tottenham, as 'street boy' Freddy inadvertently breaks a top story in the Treasury.
Starring Robert Lindsay and Alex Jennings.
Old hacks meet new media in Alistair Beaton’s satire set in the changing world of the newspaper industry.
Maddox ...... Robert Lindsay
Oliver ...... Alex Jennings
Amelia ...... Elizabeth Berrington
Tasneem ...... Zita Sattar
Masha ...... Debbie Chazen
Freddy ...... Ben Willbond
Announcer ...... Matt Addis
With additional material by Tom Mitchelson.
Director: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2009.

MONDAY 20 JULY 2026

MON 00:00 The Bee Maker by Anita Sullivan (b092ky54)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:00 on Sunday]
MON 00:45 Summer Ghosts (b0137xd4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 16:45 on Sunday]
MON 01:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m002z5rr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Sunday]
MON 01:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b01130qm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:45 on Sunday]
MON 02:00 Poetry Extra (m002z5rt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Sunday]
MON 02:30 Batting on the Bosphorus: A Skoda-powered Cricket Tour Through Eastern Europe by Angus Bell (Omnibus) (m002z5rw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Sunday]
MON 03:40 Witness History (p0085dxt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:40 on Sunday]
MON 03:50 Promenade Rock by Christopher Denys (Omnibus) (b0bgpfvz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 on Sunday]
MON 05:00 Know Your Place (b018ttwj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Sunday]
MON 05:30 Take It From Here (b09z66f6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Sunday]
MON 06:00 Dick Francis (b007jpxx)
Bolt
1. Threats and Menaces
Champion jockey Kit Fielding is engaged to Danielle de Brescou the niece of his employer Princess Casilia.
The Princess recruits Kit to fend off Henri de Brescou, a dangerous cousin trying to involve her in the armaments business.
But Kit also has problems of his own...
Dick Francis's 1986 racing thriller.
Starring Eric Allan and Sian Phillips.
Dramatised in five-parts by John Ashe.
Kit Fielding ...... Eric Allan
Princess Casilia ...... Sian Phillips
Danielle ...... Elizabeth MacGovern
Henri ...... John Bull
Greening ...... Jack May
Dusty ...... Christian Rodska
Thomas ...... Steve Hodson
Allardeck ...... Bill Wallis
Roland ...... Simon Carter
Directed by Shaun MacLoughlin at BBC Pebble Mill.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1994
MON 06:30 High Table, Lower Orders (b00h8qls)
Series 2
1. Cuts
College is battling against ever present finance savings and Simon finds himself bereft of a job.
Could this be the perfect opportunity for Gilbert to furnish the college with a more popular course and upset the Dean in the process?
Starring Geoffrey Palmer and Samuel West.
Return of Mark Tavener's comedy thriller set in a small Cambridge college - riven by arguments between traditionalists and modernisers.
Gilbert …. Geoffrey Palmer
Simon …. Samuel West
Zoe …. Sharon Small
Bernard …. Jonathan Coy
The Dean …. Michael Maloney
Jane …. Tracey Wiles
Jim …. Stephen Hogan
With David Bannerman
Producer: Dawn Ellis
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2006.
MON 07:00 Control Group Six (b08lyslh)
Series 2
Episode 1
President Frank is dead, killed by an exploding theatre review at the end of the last series.
So Control Group Six, the Company's experimental town is now minus a leader.
Our hero, Dr Heaven, is looking for a job, and he doesn't mind light cleaning. Can the Director of the Company help or will her plans put a different sheen on Heaven's career?
Series two of the bizarre four-part comedy - half sketch show and half psychological thriller.
Written and performed b;y
Richard Bean
Andrew Clifford
Clive Coleman
Colin Swash
With Geraldine Fitzgerald.
Producer: Jon Rolph
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1997.
MON 07:30 Dad's Army (b007jqbr)
Series 3
My British Buddy
Walmington-on-Sea's warm welcome for some American troops backfires.
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 Godfrey …. Arnold Ridley
Private Pike …. Ian Lavender
Hodges Warden …. Bill Pertwee
Private Walker …. Larry Martyn
Colonel Schultz …. Jack Watson
Mrs Fox …. Mollie Sugden
Shirley …. Wendy Richard
Producer: John Dyas
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1976.
MON 08:00 The Architects (b0536qr7)
Series 2
D.I.Y.
Sir Lucien casts aside his hopes of Brutalism returning to fashion and decides to go into house building.
His loyal team must follow...negotiating marshland, unexploded bombs and homicidal relatives en route.
Comedy set in a struggling architectural practice.
Written by Jim Poyser with Neil Griffiths.
Sir Lucien ...... Geoffrey Whitehead
Tim ...... Alex Carter
Sarah ...... Anna Crilly
Matt ...... Dominic Coleman
Lucy ...... Jane Slavin
Darvo/Receptionist ...... Ian Conningham
Director: Toby Swift
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2015.
MON 08:30 News from Nowhere by William Morris (m002z6zw)
1. A New Dawn
In 1890, William Guest dreams it is at least the year 2003…
William Morris's utopian vision of a future England which had left Industrialisation behind was first published in 1890.
Abridged in five parts by Donald Bancroft.
Read by David Burke.
William Morris (1834 - 1896) was an English designer, craftsman, poet, and early socialist.
His decorative designs greatly influenced the rise of the Arts and Crafts movement in England and revolutionised Victorian taste.
Producer: Marilyn Imrie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1990.
MON 08:45 Promenade Rock by Christopher Denys (b0076dbm)
6. The Punch and Judy Man
Fresh out of "finishing school", Joyce Pilton auditions for Professor Broadbent's Punch and Judy show and faces disaster!
Starring Nerys Hughes.
Continuing Christopher Denys' ten-part series set in the 1950s heyday of the Great British seaside holiday.
Eirlys Richards …… Nerys Hughes
Matthew Dolan …… Russell Boulter
Theda Pilton …… Tina Gray
Professor Bernie Broadbent …… Chris Emmett
Joyce Pilton …… Tracy Wiles
Voices of Punch and Judy …… Guy Higgins
Director: Sue Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2003.
MON 09:00 I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue (m002yvs7)
Series 85
6. Yorkshire Sayings
The godfather of all panel shows returns to Leeds Grand Theatre. On the panel are Joe Lycett, Pippa Evans, Miles Jupp and Ian Smith, 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 Wild in the Garden (m002z6zy)
A Glade in the Urban Forest
Chris Baines looks at domestic gardens from the point of view of wildlife and discovers gardeners are recreating habitats for an increasing number of animals.
He begins with the ultimate woodland edge dweller, the hedgehog.
Chris invites ‘hedgehog scientist’ Nigel Reeve into his own suburban garden in the Midlands to discover what makes the perfect environment for the creatures.
Producer: Brett Westwood
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2001.
MON 09:45 Daily Service (m002z700)
Beatitudes: Blessed are the poor in spirit
Christian reflection and music with Daisy Andoh Cunnell of Edinburgh University’s School of Divinity.
Reading: Luke 18: 10-14
MON 10:00 The Tingle Factor (b07l69t1)
Bryan Forbes
**** Bryan Forbes joins 4 Extra's 100 Club. Born 22nd July 1926 - he died aged 86 in 2013.
Film director, actor, screenwriter and novelist Bryan Forbes talks to Robin Ray about the music that moves him.
Recalling his life and career highlights, Bryan's selection includes the work of Puccini, John Barry and Elton John.
Producer: Emma Kingsley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1991.
MON 10:30 That Reminds Me (b007jz0c)
Series 1
Bill Pertwee
Comic actor Bill Pertwee recalls the early days of his showbiz career as he entertains an audience.
Featuring his memories of recording some of BBC’s radio classic comedy series:
* Beyond Our Ken
* Round the Horne
* Dad's Army.
Producer: Claire Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1999.
MON 11:00 Dick Francis (b007jpxx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 11:30 High Table, Lower Orders (b00h8qls)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 12:00 Control Group Six (b08lyslh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 12:30 Dad's Army (b007jqbr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 13:00 The Architects (b0536qr7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 13:30 News from Nowhere by William Morris (m002z6zw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 13:45 Promenade Rock by Christopher Denys (b0076dbm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
MON 14:00 Wordaholics (b01rlmpt)
Series 2
Episode 1
Gyles Brandreth challenges his comedy panellists to display their knowledge of words and language.
Ready to vie for wordy supremacy in the ring:
Milton Jones
Natalie Haynes
Susie Dent
Alun Cochrane
Milton will be coining a new word to describe his fear of becoming a monk: 'cloisterphobia.
Alun's Yorkshire roots help him guess the meaning of the Polish word 'prozvonit';
Susie explains the origin of the phrase 'gingering up'.
Natalie tries to ban the word 'guesstimate'.
Written by Jon Hunter and James Kettle
Producer: Claire Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2013.
MON 14:30 A Whole 'Nother Story (b0076b38)
Series 2
Episode 1
Ever thought your partner was more interested in your friends than you?
If so, you're one step ahead of Cassie's new boyfriend and Pete's new girlfriend, who both have some surprises in store...
Starring Debra Stephenson and Dave Lamb
Amanda Murphy’s comedy-drama series about Cassie and Pete, who'd make a great couple - if they weren't so busy being friends.
Cassie ...... Debra Stephenson
Pete ...... David Lamb
Dad ...... Mike Grady
Mum ...... Brigit Forsyth
Simon ...... Shaun Dooley
PJ ...... Brendan Burns
Producer: Graham Frost
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2002.
MON 15:00 Anne of Green Gables by LM Montgomery (b00rvxz8)
1. Anne with an ‘E’
Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert have decided to adopt an orphan boy to help them on their farm.
Little do they expect the delivery of an impetuous, red-headed girl named Anne Shirley.
Lucy Maud Montgomery's classic tale of a young girl’s struggles and joys as she settles into a Canadian farming community in the late 19th century.
First published in 1908.
Dramatised in five parts by Marcy Kahan
Anne …. Barbara Barnes
Marilla …. Susan Engel
Matthew …. Sean Baker
Mrs Blewett …. Shirley Dixon
Station Master …. Ioan Meredith
Rachel …. Ann Beach
Mrs Spencer …. Janet Maw
Director: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1997.
MON 15:30 Some Tame Gazelle by Barbara Pym (m002z703)
2. Tea
Agatha goes to Karlsbad, leaving the coast clear for Belinda.
But will she come running when the Archdeacon invites her to tea?
And who is Olivia Berridge?
Why does she keep sending socks to Mr Donne? Harriet is on the warpath and wants some answers.
Based on Barbara Pym's first novel, first published in 1950.
Dramatised in six parts by Elizabeth Proud
Harriet Bede ... Miriam Margolyes
Belinda Bede ... Hannah Gordon
Mr Donne ... David Holt
Henry Hoccleve ... Peter Jeffrey
Agatha Hoccleve ... Elizabeth Proud
Miss Prior ... Hilda Schroder
Miss Jenner ... Jillie Meers
Emily ... Karla Goodman
Singers: Harvey Brough, Phyllida Hancock, Mary Lincoln
Musical direction by Malcolm McKee
Producer: Sioned Wiliam
First broadcast in BBC Radio 4 in August 1995.
MON 16:00 The Tingle Factor (b07l69t1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
MON 16:30 That Reminds Me (b007jz0c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
MON 17:00 Dick Francis (b007jpxx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
MON 17:30 High Table, Lower Orders (b00h8qls)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
MON 18:00 Control Group Six (b08lyslh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
MON 18:30 Dad's Army (b007jqbr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
MON 19:00 The Architects (b0536qr7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
MON 19:30 News from Nowhere by William Morris (m002z6zw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
MON 19:45 Promenade Rock by Christopher Denys (b0076dbm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
MON 20:00 Wordaholics (b01rlmpt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
MON 20:30 A Whole 'Nother Story (b0076b38)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
MON 21:00 Anne of Green Gables by LM Montgomery (b00rvxz8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
MON 21:30 Some Tame Gazelle by Barbara Pym (m002z703)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:30 today]
MON 22:00 I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue (m002yvs7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
MON 22:30 Listen Against (b016x3gn)
Series 4
Episode 2
A week of radio that never happened.
Alice Arnold and Jon Holmes rewind and mangle real programmes
Written and created by Jon Holmes.
Listen Against is the comedy that takes the back off your radio and television, fiddles round with the programmes inside and then puts them all back the wrong way round.
With:
Kevin Eldon
Justin Edwards
Sarah Hadland
James Bachman
Kim Wall
David Mara
Written by Jon Holmes, Gareth Gwynn, John Hunter, James Kettle, Joel Morris and Jason Hazeley, Matt Chorlton, John Luke Roberts and Rachel Wheeley.
Producer: Sam Bryant
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2011.
MON 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m002z98k)
David Arnold 1/4
From 10pm until midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Paul Garner chats to composer David Arnold about writing the music to Little Britain.
MON 23:00 Dead Ringers (m002yw8p)
Series 27
England out, Starmer out, School's out
The Dead Ringers team train their vocal firepower on the week’s news. This week: England are out of the World Cup, Starmer is out of office, and Katherine Jenkins has a potty mouth.
Starring Jon Culshaw, Jan Ravens, Lewis Macleod, Duncan Wisbey and Jess Robinson.
Produced by: Jon Holmes
Executive Producer:James Robinson
Production Co-ordinator: Giulia Lopes Mazzu
A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.
MON 23:30 The Museum of Everything (b00hg82b)
Series 3
The Expo
Marvel at the meerkats, visit a new theme park....and one man must face 'The Curator'.
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 August 2006.

TUESDAY 21 JULY 2026

TUE 00:00 The Tingle Factor (b07l69t1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Monday]
TUE 00:30 That Reminds Me (b007jz0c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Monday]
TUE 01:00 Dick Francis (b007jpxx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Monday]
TUE 01:30 High Table, Lower Orders (b00h8qls)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Monday]
TUE 02:00 Control Group Six (b08lyslh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Monday]
TUE 02:30 Dad's Army (b007jqbr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:00 The Architects (b0536qr7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Monday]
TUE 03:30 News from Nowhere by William Morris (m002z6zw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:45 Promenade Rock by Christopher Denys (b0076dbm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Monday]
TUE 04:00 Wordaholics (b01rlmpt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:30 A Whole 'Nother Story (b0076b38)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Monday]
TUE 05:00 Anne of Green Gables by LM Montgomery (b00rvxz8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Monday]
TUE 05:30 Some Tame Gazelle by Barbara Pym (m002z703)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:30 on Monday]
TUE 06:00 Dick Francis (b007jpyf)
Bolt
2. Horses Begin to Die
Henri de Brescou is bent upon obtaining authority from the French Government to make plastic guns.
Now he's making threats to Roland, Princess Casilia's frail and elderly husband...
Starring Eric Allan, Sian Phillips and Elizabeth MacGovern.
Dick Francis's racing thriller.
Dramatised by John Ashe.
Kit Fielding ...... Eric Allan
Princess Casilia ...... Sian Phillips
Danielle ...... Elizabeth MacGovern
Henri ...... John Bull
Roland ...... Simon Carter
Dusty ...... Christian Rodska
Thomas ...... Steve Hodson
Allardeck ...... Bill Wallis
Wykeham ...... William Eedle
Directed by Shaun MacLoughlin at BBC Pebble Mill.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1994
TUE 06:30 High Table, Lower Orders (b00h8x8d)
Series 2
2. Cheat
While Simon is struggling in his new status as don, the Dean finds his popularity with the students on the increase.
Meanwhile, Gilbert faces the rather grave task of dealing with a student found cheating.
And there's grim news for Simon...
Starring Geoffrey Palmer and Samuel West.
Mark Tavener's comedy thriller set in a small Cambridge college - riven by arguments between traditionalists and modernisers.
Gilbert …. Geoffrey Palmer
Simon …. Samuel West
Zoe …. Sharon Small
Bernard …. Jonathan Coy
The Dean …. Michael Maloney
With:
Michelle Fairley
Stephen Hogan
Matt Green
Anthony Glennon
Tom Price
Zoe Gardner
Producer: Dawn Ellis
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2006.
TUE 07:00 Yes Minister (b007jltg)
Series 2
The Greasy Pole
Blending jobs with chemicals makes an explosive mixture for MP Jim Hacker.
Starring Paul Eddington, Nigel Hawthorne and Derek Fowlds.
Satirical sitcom centred around hapless MP Jim Hacker and a collection of civil service underlings headed by the Machiavellian Sir Humphrey Appleby and obsequious Bernard.
Written by Antony Jay and Jonathan Lynn.
It first ran on BBC TV between 1980 and 1984.
Jim Hacker …. Paul Eddington
Sir Humphrey Appleby …. Nigel Hawthorne
Bernard Woolley …. Derek Fowlds
Joan Littler, MP …. Brenda Blethyn
Sir Wally Macfarlane …. Freddie Earlle
Professor Henderson …. Jerome Willis
Lord Crichton …. Geoffrey Toone
Lady Crichton …. Helena Breck
The Protestor …. Helen Atkinson Wood
Newsreader …. Moira Stuart
Adapted for radio by producer Pete Atkin.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1984.
TUE 07:30 The Goon Show (b007jq35)
Vintage Goons
The Siege of Fort Night
Seagoon sets off to ask Henry Crun to invent a waterproof gas stove.
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.
Producer: Charles Chilton
Re-recording from March 1958 by the BBC Transcription Service made for broadcast overseas.
TUE 08:00 It's a Fair Cop (m001dmzl)
Series 7
Caravan Conundrum
Policeman turned comic Alfie Moore on being called to a camping site to investigate a suspected break-in.
What he finds inside one caravan creates a storm of competing interests.
Should Alfie follow the letter of the law, focus on police targets or be led by his empathy and common sense?
What do you do when self-interest comes up against your personal morals?
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 News from Nowhere by William Morris (m002z60k)
2. Bright Morning in London
Transported from 1890, William Guest travels across London where commercial morality is now extinct.
First published in 1890, this is the author's utopian vision of a future England which had left Industrialisation behind.
Abridged by Donald Bancroft.
Read by David Burke.
William Morris (1834 -1896) was an English designer, craftsman, poet, and early socialist.
His decorative designs greatly influenced the rise of the Arts and Crafts movement in England and revolutionized Victorian taste.
Producer: Marilyn Imrie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1990.
TUE 08:45 Promenade Rock by Christopher Denys (b0076dc1)
7. The Town Clerk
Will the bullying and lascivious town clerk of Llantwit-on-Sea, Owain Owen, get away with his financial scam?
Starring Nerys Hughes.
Christopher Denys' series set in the booming 1950s seaside resort of Llantwit-on-Sea.
Eirlys Richards …… Nerys Hughes
Matthew Dolan …… Russell Boulter
Iorweth Jenkins …… Iwan Thomas
Owain Owen …… Terry Molloy
Alderman Lloyd-Meredith …… Ian Brooker
Director: Sue Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2003.
TUE 09:00 Meet David Sedaris (m001jszh)
Series 9
3. Pussytoes
"Gretchen reaches into her purse and pulls out a palm sized black book... I mistake it for a pocket Bible, super-abbreviated, with only the good parts included, and just as I wonder, wait - what good parts? I realise it’s for addresses, that it is, true to its colour and size, my father’s Little Black Book."
This week there's just one essay, "Pussytoes" – Sedaris’s response to the death of his father, Lou, about whom David has written, to great acclaim and occasional disbelief, many times in his long career. His father's decline in his later years had turned him from the monster recalled in earlier essays to a gentler person.
"One of the things I’d heard again and again at the church that morning was, “Lou was a real character.” A character is what you call a massively difficult person once he has reached the age of eighty-five. It’s what Hitler might have been labelled had he lived another three decades."
David Sedaris plays to packed houses across the world but loves coming back to his adopted home in the UK to record a selection of his most recent work for BBC Radio 4. “When I first started doing these shows, there were a lot of Americans in the room – but now there’s just a few,” he says. “It’s a great feeling to have built an audience, here in the UK.”
Producer: Steve Doherty
A Giddy Goat production for BBC Radio 4
TUE 09:30 Wild in the Garden (m002z60m)
Feeding The Flocks
A garden encounter with a sparrowhawk is short and often dramatic.
As it makes a raid on the bird table, it often carries off one of the birds feeding there.
Chris Baines invites ornithologist Andrew Cannon into his suburban garden to find out how the birds of prey reflect the health of the local bird population.
Series looking at domestic gardens from the point of view of wildlife and how gardeners are recreating habitats for a growing number of animals and birds.
Producer: Brett Westwood
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2001.
TUE 09:45 Daily Service (m002z60p)
Beatitudes - Blessed are those who mourn
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Beatitudes - Blessed are those who mourn
Presenter: Imogen Ball
Reading: Revelation 21: 1- 7
Music:
Blessed assurance - Daily Service Singers
Drop drop slow tears - Naomi BBC Young Chorister
Alpha and Omega - Israel Houghton & Philippa Hanna (BBC Recording)
TUE 10:00 A Good Read (m000sqlh)
Twayna Mayne & Simon Savidge
Comedian Twayna Mayne and books blogger Simon Savidge join Harriett Gilbert to discuss their favourite books by Claudia Rankine, Tayari Jones and Anne Enright.
Citizen: An American Lyric by Claudia Rankine
Publisher: Penguin
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
Publisher: One World
Actress by Anne Enright
Publisher: Jonathan Cape
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2021.
TUE 10:30 Henry Cyril Paget: Lord Of The Dance (b00m36bl)
As a child, Sheila McClennon spent her summer holidays in Anglesey, where she became obsessed with the story of the Fifth Marquis, Henry Cyril Paget.
He was an extravagant eccentric who converted the chapel at his stately home into a a theatre and spent enough to bankrupt the family in the space of six years.
His was a life of jaw-dropping excess. After the bankruptcy, a series of auctions held to recoup some of the money he had spent lasted several months and consisted of 17,000 lots, including some of the most lavish costumes in existence and jewels worth millions of pounds in today's money.
The family was keen to erase him from their history.
Little has been known about him until now, as Sheila returns to the scene of her family holidays to find out more about the man dubbed by locals, 'The Mad Marquis'.
Producer: Geoff Bird
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2009.
TUE 11:00 Dick Francis (b007jpyf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 11:30 High Table, Lower Orders (b00h8x8d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 12:00 Yes Minister (b007jltg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 12:30 The Goon Show (b007jq35)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 13:00 It's a Fair Cop (m001dmzl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 13:30 News from Nowhere by William Morris (m002z60k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 13:45 Promenade Rock by Christopher Denys (b0076dc1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
TUE 14:00 Hoax! (m002z60s)
From 31/08/1993
Christopher Timothy, John Wells and Peter Jones tell the stories, but only two are true.
Tim Brooke-Taylor and the audience must try to spot the hoax!
Devised by Ian Messiter
Producer Edward Taylor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1993.
TUE 14:30 The Brothers (b007k4wc)
Series 1
Episode 2
Brothers Nigel and Michael review a new website and Oonagh becomes a therapist.
Starring Adam Godley and Raymond Coulthard.
Comedy series about two dysfunctional brothers starting a website-design company
Written by Caroline and David Stafford.
Nigel ...... Adam Godley
Michael ...... Raymond Coulthard
Oonagh...... Pauline McLynn
Zorro ...... Pearce Quigley
Sally ...... Alice Hart
Producer: Marc Beeby
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2004.
TUE 15:00 Anne of Green Gables by LM Montgomery (b00rw8p3)
2. Off To School
Anne finds a friend in a neighbour and an enemy at school as she confronts her tormentor Gilbert Blythe.
The classic tale of a young girl’s struggles and joys as she settles into a Canadian farming community in the late 19th century.
Written by Lucy Maud Montgomery and first published in 1908.
Dramatised by Marcy Kahan
Anne …. Barbara Barnes
Diana …. Joanne MacInnes
Marilla …. Susan Engel
Matthew …. Sean Baker
Gilbert …. Robert Harper
Mr Philips / Doctor …. Kim Wall
Mrs Barry …. Alice Arnold
Rachel …. Ann Beach
Mrs Spencer …. Janet Maw
Director: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1997.
TUE 15:30 Some Tame Gazelle by Barbara Pym (m002z60w)
3. Judgement Day
The rain brings unexpected guests and more gossip to the home of the sisters.
Harriet is still worried by the rumours about Mr Donne, but matters come to a head on the night he delivers the parish magazine.
Could a supper party be the place to get to know the new arrivals in the village – Dr Parnell and Mr Mold?
Based on the novel by Barbara Pym
Dramatised by Elizabeth Proud
Harriet Bede ... Miriam Margolyes
Belinda Bede ... Hannah Gordon
Mr Donne ... David Holt
Henry Hoccleve ... Peter Jeffrey
Dr Parnell ... Benjamin Whitrow
Edith Liversidge ... Josephine Tewson
Connie Aspinall ... Joanna David
Mrs Wilton ... Elizabeth Proud
Nat Mold ... Christopher Scott
Ricardo Bianco ... Geoffrey Matthews
Emily ... Karla Goodman
Singers: Harvey Brough, Phyllida Hancock, Mary Lincoln
Musical direction by Malcolm McKee
Produced by Sioned Wiliam
First broadcast in BBC Radio 4 in 1995.
TUE 16:00 A Good Read (m000sqlh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
TUE 16:30 Henry Cyril Paget: Lord Of The Dance (b00m36bl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
TUE 17:00 Dick Francis (b007jpyf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
TUE 17:30 High Table, Lower Orders (b00h8x8d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
TUE 18:00 Yes Minister (b007jltg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
TUE 18:30 The Goon Show (b007jq35)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
TUE 19:00 It's a Fair Cop (m001dmzl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
TUE 19:30 News from Nowhere by William Morris (m002z60k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
TUE 19:45 Promenade Rock by Christopher Denys (b0076dc1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
TUE 20:00 Hoax! (m002z60s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
TUE 20:30 The Brothers (b007k4wc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
TUE 21:00 Anne of Green Gables by LM Montgomery (b00rw8p3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
TUE 21:30 Some Tame Gazelle by Barbara Pym (m002z60w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:30 today]
TUE 22:00 Meet David Sedaris (m001jszh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
TUE 22:30 And the Winner Is... (b0106z05)
Series 2
Episode 3
Matt Lucas hosts his alternative awards show – The Lucases - as selected by his guests.
Awards include the Lucas for Least Scary Tabloid Scare Story, Ghastliest Hairstyle Since Hair Was Invented and Most Fanciable Cartoon Character.
Nominations are provided by Matt's guests:
Limmy
Holly Walsh
Marc Wootton
But the ultimate decision is down to the whim of the host.
Devised by Ashley Blaker and Bill Matthews.
Programme associate: Ged Parsons
Producer: Ashley Blaker
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in April 2011.
TUE 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m002z98p)
David Arnold 2/4
From 10pm until midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Paul Garner chats again to composer David Arnold about writing music for comedies.
TUE 23:00 All the World's a Globe (b007k4cp)
3. The Fall of Troy. The Rise of Greece
The Fall of Troy and the Rise of Greece
The history of mankind from the first amoeba to the Second World War.
Presented by the entire cast of the National Theatre of Brent - Desmond Olivier Dingle and Wallace, aided by Mr Barker.
With guest star Juliet Stevenson.
Written by Patrick Barlow, with additional material by Jim Broadbent and Martin Duncan.
With thanks to
Patrick Barlow
Jim Broadbent
Martin Duncan
Producer: Lissa Evans
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1990.
TUE 23:15 Foley and McColl: The Interview (b0076d23)
Cool As You Like
The comedy duo behind the Morecambe and Wise tribute ‘The Play What I Wrote’ are still telling all in their big interview with Michael Parkinson.
This time, the duo tell Parky about their dramatic showbiz bust-up.
Written by and starring Sean Foley and Hamish McColl.
With Michael Parkinson.
Director: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2003.
TUE 23:30 Edge Falls (b007tz5g)
Series 1
Gorilla Tactics
A man in a monkey suit, a Spirit of the Blitz theme and a hostage situation.
Can Mick save Sonya from a fate worse than working at the Retail Village?
Starring Sarah Lancashire and Mark Benton.
Paul Barnhill and Neil Warhurst's sitcom following the lives of the staff of Edge Falls Retail Village.
Sonya ...... Sarah Lancashire
Mick ...... Mark Benton
Rez ...... Emil Marwa
Phil ...... Karl Theobald
Valerie ...... Sarah Hadland
Old Jack ...... Sam Dale
John/Jim ...... Neil Warhurst
Tina ...... Jasmine Callan
Old Woman ...... Rachel Bavidge
Director: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2007.

WEDNESDAY 22 JULY 2026

WED 00:00 A Good Read (m000sqlh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Tuesday]
WED 00:30 Henry Cyril Paget: Lord Of The Dance (b00m36bl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Tuesday]
WED 01:00 Dick Francis (b007jpyf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:30 High Table, Lower Orders (b00h8x8d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Tuesday]
WED 02:00 Yes Minister (b007jltg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Tuesday]
WED 02:30 The Goon Show (b007jq35)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:00 It's a Fair Cop (m001dmzl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Tuesday]
WED 03:30 News from Nowhere by William Morris (m002z60k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:45 Promenade Rock by Christopher Denys (b0076dc1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Tuesday]
WED 04:00 Hoax! (m002z60s)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:30 The Brothers (b007k4wc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Tuesday]
WED 05:00 Anne of Green Gables by LM Montgomery (b00rw8p3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Tuesday]
WED 05:30 Some Tame Gazelle by Barbara Pym (m002z60w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:30 on Tuesday]
WED 06:00 Dick Francis (b007jpyx)
Bolt
3. Hostile Intelligence
Danielle de Brescou is followed and terrified by two men in hoods.
Meanwhile two of Princess Casilia's finest racing horses are slaughtered with a bolt gun...
Starring Eric Allan and Sian Phillips.
Dick Francis's racing thriller.
Dramatised by John Ashe.
Kit Fielding ...... Eric Allan
Princess Casilia ...... Sian Phillips
Danielle ...... Elizabeth MacGovern
Henri ...... John Bull
Roland ...... Simon Carter
Dusty ...... Christian Rodska
Wykeham ...... William Eedle
Lord Vaughnley ...... Gerry Hinks
Prince Litsi ...... Sam Dastor
Beatrice Bunt ...... Margaret Robertson
Directed by Shaun MacLoughlin at BBC Pebble Mill.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1994
WED 06:30 High Table, Lower Orders (b00h91l0)
Series 2
3. Death
One of the students has been found hanged in what appears to be a suicide - but Simon is not convinced.
He feels the college may once more have a murder on its hands...
Starring Geoffrey Palmer and Samuel West.
Mark Tavener's comedy thriller set in a small Cambridge college - riven by arguments between traditionalists and modernisers.
Gilbert …. Geoffrey Palmer
Simon …. Samuel West
Zoe …. Sharon Small
Bernard …. Jonathan Coy
The Dean …. Michael Maloney
With:
Michelle Fairley
Rachel Atkins
Anthony Glennon
Elizabeth Bell
Producer: Dawn Ellis
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2006.
WED 07:00 After Henry (b007k2z7)
Series 2
Bedside Manners
'You hear of people going into hospital for simple routine tests, and then it turns out they've got something quite ghastly.'
Poorly Sarah's in hospital and must cope with visits from her mother and daughter.
Simon Brett's comedy about three generations of women - struggling to cope after the death of Sarah's GP husband - who never quite manage to see eye to eye.
Sarah ...... Prunella Scales
Eleanor ...... Joan Sanderson
Russell ...... Benjamin Whitrow
Clare ...... Gerry Cowper
The Sister ...... Deborah Findlay
Four radio series were made, but instead of moving to BBC TV - Thames Television produced 'After Henry' for the ITV network.
Producer: Pete Atkin
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1986.
WED 07:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007k1f3)
Series 2
The Chef That Died of Shame
The regular Hancock cast play different characters - in the rise and fall saga of a pie-stall cook, Percy Higgins.
Ray Galton and Alan Simpson's classic comedy about the life and times of Anthony Aloysius St John Hancock.
Starring Tony Hancock.
With:
Bill Kerr
Sidney James
Kenneth Williams
Andree Melly
Announcer: Kenneth Williams
Theme and incidental music written by Wally Stott.
Music recorded by the BBC Augmented Revue Orchestra conducted by Harry Rabinowitz.
Producer: Dennis Main Wilson
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in May 1955.
WED 08:00 Bridget Christie: Mortal (m000v2sx)
Birth
Following on from her hugely successful, award-winning series – ‘Minds The Gap’ and ‘Utopia’, Bridget Christie turns her attention to Mortality
Like many of us forced to work from home during Covid lockdown, Bridget recorded this series herself in her house, and in her local park, on a pre-sanitised recording device sent to her in the post.
Batteries weren’t included. She had to buy them all herself.
In a collection of informative, personal and absurd recordings, she confronts the difficult questions most of us spend our lives avoiding - all whilst being interrupted by cats, chores, children, foxes and a plumber.
“Do twins share a soul or do they get one each?”
“Why don’t we bury our placentas and plant a tree on top of them?”
“Who’s blocked the toilet again?”
If you are mortal, then this is the show for you.
Written and performed by Bridget Christie
With guest appearances from:
* Bridget's dad
* Bridget's sister, Eileen
* Bridget's friend, Ash
Producer: Carl Cooper
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in April 2021.
WED 08:30 News from Nowhere by William Morris (m002z7cy)
3. The Road to Bloomsbury
William Guest struggles to come to terms with the utopian London of the twenty-first century....
William Morris's utopian vision of a future England which had left industrialisation behind was first published in 1890.
William Morris (1834 -1896) was an English designer, craftsman, poet, and early socialist. His decorative designs greatly influenced the rise of the Arts and Crafts movement in England and revolutionised Victorian taste.
Read by David Burke.
Abridged by Donald Bancroft.
Producer: Marilyn Imrie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1990.
WED 08:45 Promenade Rock by Christopher Denys (b0076dcl)
8. Mister Showbusiness
Joyce Pilton is sweet 16 and still star-struck, but will she fall into the clutches of seedy talent show host Larry Parry?
Starring Nerys Hughes.
Christopher Denys' series set in the booming 1950s seaside resort of Llantwit-on-Sea.
Eirlys Richards …… Nerys Hughes
Matthew Dolan …… Russell Boulter
Cox'n Hughes …… Andy Hockley
Dad …… Ian Brooker
Mother …… Tina Gray
Joyce Pilton …… Tracy Wiles
Director: Sue Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2003.
WED 09:00 Ivo Graham's Obsessions (m0024f3x)
Series 1
5. Kat Sadler & Felix White
Comedian and obsessive Ivo Graham welcomes another 2 celebrity obsessive to talk about their greatest loves.
This week, Ivo is joined by writer and star of the BAFTA-winning Such Brave Girls, Kat Sadler, and former Maccabees guitarist and current Tailenders host, Felix White. Kat has seen Friends more times that you can count, but which of the friends is she most like? Felix discovered his love of Baseball whilst touring the states, and explains to Ivo why he should be just as obsessed with it as he is. Ivo also finds out what the studio audience's obsessions are, before being joined by a Very Obsessed Person, or VOP. Aaron Carty is a Beyonce obsessive, and has toured the world as a Beyonce drag impersonator - can you get more obsessed than that?
Hosted by Ivo Graham
Featuring Kat Sadler, Felix White and Aaron Carty
Written by Ivo Graham and Matthew Crosby
Additional Material by Cameron Loxdale, Christina Riggs and Peter Tellouche
Recorded at RADA Studios by Chris MacLean
Sound edited 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 Wild in the Garden (m002z7d0)
The Pollinators
Gardens are now more important than ever as habitats for pollinating insects.
Chris Baines learns how to build nest boxes for bumblebees and discovers the delights of backyard moth-trapping.
A look at domestic gardens from the point of view of wildlife and how gardeners are recreating habitats for an increasing number of animals.
Presented by Chris Baines
Produced by Brett Westwood
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2001.
WED 09:45 Daily Service (m002z7d2)
Beatitudes - Blessed are the meek
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Beatitudes - Blessed are the meek
Presenter: David Waters
Reading: James 3: 13-18
Music:
O love that wilt not let me go - Daily Service Singers
Meekness and Majesty - Graham Kendrick
Greater than it all - Jake & Mates (BBC Recording)
WED 10:00 Archive on 4 (m001gwv0)
Annie Nightingale's Age of Irreverence
A lifelong fan of both comedy and new music, Annie Nightingale looks at how, in the youth revolution of the late 50s and 60s onwards, British rock music and comedy were closely intertwined.
Starting with The Goon Show, she takes us on a personal tour of the pop culture scene that includes The Beatles, Beyond The Fringe and That Was The Week That Was, The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, Monty Python and The Rutles. We hear how a core group of British musicians and satirists influenced each other, sharing a similar view of the world and a fearless desire to disrupt and lampoon the political and social norms in which they'd been brought up.
Contributors include David Quantick, composer John Altman, comedy historian Jem Roberts, and 'Legs' Larry Smith of the Bonzos.
Producer: Victoria Ferran
Executive Producer: Susan Marling
A Just Radio production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in January 2023.
WED 11:00 Dick Francis (b007jpyx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 11:30 High Table, Lower Orders (b00h91l0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 12:00 After Henry (b007k2z7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 12:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007k1f3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 13:00 Bridget Christie: Mortal (m000v2sx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 13:30 News from Nowhere by William Morris (m002z7cy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 13:45 Promenade Rock by Christopher Denys (b0076dcl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
WED 14:00 The Write Stuff (m000lfq1)
Series 5
Philip Larkin
James Walton’s literary quiz with Sebastian Faulks, John Walsh, Lynne Truss and Stephen Fry. From May 2002.
Author of the week: Philip Larkin
Reader: Beth Chalmers
Producer: Dawn Ellis
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2002.
WED 14:30 Bristow (b007vgv7)
Series 3
Chapter and Verse
As the Chester-Perry clerk writes for the house journal, he learns the meaning of poetic justice.
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
Miss Sunman ...... Katy Odey
Fudge ...... Jon Glover
Postboy ...... Simon Schatzberger
Hickford ...... Roger Lloyd Pack
Liftboy ...... Ian Kelland
Music: John Whitehall
Producer: Neil Cargill
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2000.
WED 15:00 Anne of Green Gables by LM Montgomery (b00rwxkj)
3. A Kindred Spirit
The adventures of Anne continue as a new teacher arrives in town and Anne bakes an unfortunate cake.
The classic tale of a young orphan girl’s struggles and joys as she settles into a Canadian farming community in the late 19th century.
Written by Lucy Maud Montgomery and first published in 1908.
Dramatised by Marcy Kahan
Anne …. Barbara Barnes
Diana …. Joanne MacInnes
Marilla …. Susan Engel
Matthew …. Sean Baker
Gilbert …. Robert Harper
Mr Philips / Mr Barry …. Kim Wall
Miss Stacy …. Adjoa Andoh
Mrs Blewett …. Shirley Dixon
Rachel …. Ann Beach
Mrs Spencer …. Janet Maw
Ruby …. Sarah Wateridge
Josie …. Colleen Prendergast
Director: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1997.
WED 15:30 Some Tame Gazelle by Barbara Pym (m002z7d5)
4. The Prime of Life
Mr Mold has a surprising proposition for Harriet. But is it enough for the confirmed spinster?
Meanwhile Belinda spends time with a rather cryptic Henry ahead of Agatha’s return from Karlsbad with an old friend in tow.
Based on the novel by Barbara Pym
Dramatised by Elizabeth Proud
Harriet Bede ... Miriam Margolyes
Belinda Bede ... Hannah Gordon
Mr Donne ... David Holt
Henry Hoccleve ... Peter Jeffrey
Dr Parnell ... Benjamin Whitrow
Edith Liversidge ... Josephine Tewson
Theodore Grote ... Clive Merrison
Agatha Hoccleve ... Elizabeth Proud
Nat Mold ... Christopher Scott
Singers: Harvey Brough, Phyllida Hancock, Mary Lincoln
Musical direction by Malcolm McKee
Producer: Sioned Wiliam
First broadcast in BBC Radio 4 in 1995.
WED 16:00 Archive on 4 (m001gwv0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
WED 17:00 Dick Francis (b007jpyx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
WED 17:30 High Table, Lower Orders (b00h91l0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
WED 18:00 After Henry (b007k2z7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
WED 18:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007k1f3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
WED 19:00 Bridget Christie: Mortal (m000v2sx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
WED 19:30 News from Nowhere by William Morris (m002z7cy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
WED 19:45 Promenade Rock by Christopher Denys (b0076dcl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
WED 20:00 The Write Stuff (m000lfq1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
WED 20:30 Bristow (b007vgv7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
WED 21:00 Anne of Green Gables by LM Montgomery (b00rwxkj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
WED 21:30 Some Tame Gazelle by Barbara Pym (m002z7d5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:30 today]
WED 22:00 Ivo Graham's Obsessions (m0024f3x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
WED 22:30 Ken Cheng: I Can School You (m001tqtn)
3. Not an Exact Science
Comedian Ken Cheng focusses his analytical observations on school subjects.
In this episode, Ken explores Science lessons, and explores their current shortcomings. What could be tweaked in the classroom to make it truly interesting?
Written and performed by Ken Cheng.
Producer: Rajiv Karia
An EcoAudio certified production.
A BBC Studios production for Radio 4, first broadcast in 2023.
WED 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m002z98r)
David Arnold 3/4
From 10pm until midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Paul Garner chats again to composer David Arnold about his comedy credentials.
WED 23:00 Dave Podmore (b007wqf2)
Dave Podmore's Cricket Night
Episode 2
Pod's attempts to find alternative employment after another poor season lead him to Whitecoats College.
Here, he faces the ultimate challenge of becoming a first-class umpire.
Written by Christopher Douglas, Nick Newman and Andrew Nickolds.
Pod ...... Christopher Douglas
Andy Hamer ...... Andrew Nickolds
With:
Nick Newman
Nichola Sanderson
Ewan Bailey
Chris Pavlo
John Kettley
Producer: Richard Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2004.
WED 23:30 Dial M for Pizza (b007k2kx)
Series 2
Episode 2
More piping hot comedy serving up spicy sketches with Brenda Blethyn and Robert Bathurst.
Featuring talking cats, the "Adventures of Mr Makes a lot of Mistakes", and a side helping of university cutbacks.
Written by James Hendrie and Ian Brown.
Serving up the pizza fun:
Robert Bathurst
Brenda Blethyn
Mike Grady
Jonathan Kydd
Producer: David Tyler
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1988.

THURSDAY 23 JULY 2026

THU 00:00 Archive on 4 (m001gwv0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 Dick Francis (b007jpyx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:30 High Table, Lower Orders (b00h91l0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 After Henry (b007k2z7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007k1f3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 Bridget Christie: Mortal (m000v2sx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Wednesday]
THU 03:30 News from Nowhere by William Morris (m002z7cy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:45 Promenade Rock by Christopher Denys (b0076dcl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 The Write Stuff (m000lfq1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:30 Bristow (b007vgv7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 Anne of Green Gables by LM Montgomery (b00rwxkj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Wednesday]
THU 05:30 Some Tame Gazelle by Barbara Pym (m002z7d5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:30 on Wednesday]
THU 06:00 Dick Francis (b007jpzb)
Bolt
4. The Killing Game
Prince Litsi faces terror, hanging by his finger tips from the top of the old stand at Bradbury racecourse.
Starring Eric Allan and Sian Phillips.
Dick Francis's racing thriller.
Dramatised by John Ashe.
Kit Fielding ...... Eric Allan
Princess Casilia ...... Sian Phillips
Danielle ...... Elizabeth MacGovern
Roland ...... Simon Carter
Dusty ...... Christian Rodska
Wykeham ...... William Eedle
Hodges ...... Gerry Hinks
Prince Litsi ...... Sam Dastor
Beatrice Bunt ...... Margaret Robertson
Allardeck ...... Bill Wallis
Directed by Shaun MacLoughlin at BBC Pebble Mill.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1994
THU 06:30 High Table, Lower Orders (b00h9t26)
Series 2
4. Sidetracked
One of the students has confessed to murder, but Simon is not convinced he's guilty.
But the investigation is put on hold when Simon finds himself debating against a Government minister about modernisation.
Starring Geoffrey Palmer and Samuel West.
Mark Tavener's comedy thriller set in a small Cambridge college - riven by arguments between traditionalists and modernisers.
Gilbert …. Geoffrey Palmer
Simon …. Samuel West
Zoe …. Sharon Small
Bernard …. Jonathan Coy
The Dean …. Michael Maloney
With:
Stephen Hogan
Michelle Fairley
David Bannerman
Producer: Dawn Ellis
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2006.
THU 07:00 Capital Gains (b007qgnq)
Series 1
Risk Capital
Amateur philosopher, Julius Hutch is looking forward to spending his retirement just "pottering".
But one morning, he wakes early to find that his life is changed forever...
Starring Peter Jones.
First of two series written by Collin Johnson.
Julius Hutch .... Peter Jones
Mrs Pauline Tone .... Celestine Randall
Kate .... Justine Midda
Sexton Lewis .... Jeffrey Wickham
News Reader .... Collin Johnson
Producer: Andy Jordan.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1995.
THU 07:30 I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again (b00r92l4)
Series 2
Episode 9
Amazing secrets of the BBC revealed in Auntie's very own story.
More quick-fire sketches, terrible puns, humorous songs and parodies.
Stars Tim Brooke-Taylor, Graeme Garden, David Hatch, Jo Kendall and Bill Oddie.
Written by Tim Brooke-Taylor, Graeme Garden 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.
Music by Dave Lee and Bill Oddie.
Producer: Humphrey Barclay
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in December 1965.
THU 08:00 Believe It! (m0017cqr)
Series 6
Stuff
Jon Canter's continuing "radiography" of Richard Wilson explores elements of his life that are very nearly true.
Richard decides it's time to declutter his life.
One can only have so many gravy boats or Sibelius Symphonies.
Starring:
Richard Wilson
Stephen Mangan
Arabella Weir
Producer: Clive Brill
A Brill production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2022.
THU 08:30 News from Nowhere by William Morris (m002z604)
4. Boats on the Thames
William Guest, transported from 1890, questions how England became the utopia of his dreams...
William Morris's utopian vision of a future England which had left industrialisation behind was first published in 1890.
William Morris (1834 -1896) was an English designer, craftsman, poet, and early socialist. His decorative designs greatly influenced the rise of the Arts and Crafts movement in England and revolutionised Victorian taste.
Read by David Burke.
Abridged by Donald Bancroft.
Producer: Marilyn Imrie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1990.
THU 08:45 Promenade Rock by Christopher Denys (b0076dd2)
9. The Holiday-Maker
A mysterious guest is staying at Theda Pilton's guesthouse and Matthew is sent to solve the mystery.
Starring Nerys Hughes.
Christopher Denys' series set in the booming 1950s seaside resort of Llantwit-on-Sea.
Eirlys Richards …… Nerys Hughes
Matthew Dolan …… Russell Boulter
Mother …… Tina Gray
Kalama Attercliffe …… Badria Timimi
Director: Sue Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2003.
THU 09:00 P.O.V. (m002yxw3)
Series 2
S2 E5: A Friendly Reshuffle
This week in P.O.V. you'll hear audio sketches from the internet's funniest video comedians, including a friendly reshuffle, a nerve-wracking best man's speech, and an intervention that's out of this world.
Written and performed by Jake Bhardwaj, Kylie Brakeman, Stephen Buchanan, Cowboy Complex, Rachel Fairburn, Daniel Foxx, Matt Green, Sooz Kempner, Will Sebag-Montefiore, Ed Night & Paddy Young.
Recorded at The Soundhouse Studios and Guilt Free Post, London; Sonido Studios, Clydebank; and Maximum Fun, Los Angeles.
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 Wild in the Garden (m002z607)
Pools Winners
As country ponds are drained or polluted, what makes the ideal des-res for frogs and toads in our back gardens?
Chris Baines takes a look at domestic gardens from the point of view of wildlife and discovers how gardeners are re-creating habitats for an increasing number of animals.
He introduces some of the residents of his suburban pond to amphibian experts Jim Foster and Trevor Bebee.
Presented by Chris Baines
Produced by Brett Westwood
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2001.
THU 09:45 Daily Service (m002z60b)
Beatitudes - Blessed are those who hunger
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Beatitudes - Blessed are those who hunger
Presenter: Richard Carter
Reading: Luke 6: 20-23
THU 10:00 Great Lives (m000qy4c)
Rob Rinder on Jessica Mitford
Barrister and TV presenter Robert Rinder chooses the former aristocrat turned civil rights activist and investigative journalist, Jessica Mitford.
Jessica Mitford was the fifth born of the notorious Mitford Sisters. Born into the aristocracy, as a child she had her own language, collected a running-away fund and fought to set herself apart from her fascist siblings. As an adult she was in turn a communist rebel, an investigative journalist, a civil rights activist and pop singer - opening a gig for Cyndi Lauper and recording an unlikely duet with her friend and fellow mischief maker Maya Angelou.
She’s championed by Robert Rinder, the criminal barrister and TV personality known to many from the reality courtroom series ‘Judge Rinder’ and more recently, ‘My Family, The Holocaust and Me’ who reveals the impact her story has had on his own life.
Robert Rinder and presenter Matthew Parris are joined by guest expert Laura Thompson, author of the New York Times best seller, 'The Six: The Lives of the Mitford Sisters'.
Presenter: Matthew Parris
Producer: Nicola Humphries for BBC Bristol
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2021.
THU 10:30 Hairspray and Harmonies (b00hr5kt)
1. Gotta Sing!
Member groups of the Ladies Association of British Barbershop Singers are due to battle it out against each other in their 2008 competition in Harrogate.
Kit Hesketh Harvey attends rehearsals as the 60-strong chorus of Birmingham-based 'Second City Sound' prepare to compete - and put him through his musical paces.
In the first of two programmes, he talks to members of the Chorus about how they got involved, while Pat Keiman explains close harmony to him.
Kit also talks to Dr Liz Garnett who's written the definitive book about barbershop singing.
Producer: Rosie Boulton
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2009.
THU 11:00 Dick Francis (b007jpzb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 11:30 High Table, Lower Orders (b00h9t26)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 12:00 Capital Gains (b007qgnq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 12:30 I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again (b00r92l4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 13:00 Believe It! (m0017cqr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 13:30 News from Nowhere by William Morris (m002z604)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 13:45 Promenade Rock by Christopher Denys (b0076dd2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
THU 14:00 We've Been Here Before (b00fy1g5)
Series 2
Episode 2
The topical historical satirical panel show setting out to prove that there's nothing new under, or in, The Sun.
Hosted by Clive Anderson.
Gyles Brandreth and Natalie Haynes
battle it out against
John O'Farrell and Richard Herring.
Producer: Ed Morrish
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2004.
THU 14:30 The Change (b00nmtwl)
Series 1
Birth of the Blues
Sonia has her baby and, of course, George is over the moon at being a grandfather - until, that is, a bombshell drops...
Comedy about troubled, hormonal Carol whose husband George has revealed 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
Sonia ...... Emma Kennedy
Producer: Maria Esposito
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2001.
THU 15:00 Anne of Green Gables by LM Montgomery (b00rxdzc)
4. Bad Hair Day
Anne attempts to alter her hair colour with disastrous results, but sets her sights on a place at the Academy.
The classic tale of a young orphan girl’s struggles and joys as she settles into a Canadian farming community in the late 19th century.
Written by Lucy Maud Montgomery and first published in 1908.
Dramatised by Marcy Kahan
Anne …. Barbara Barnes
Rachel …. Ann Beach
Gilbert …. Robert Harper
Matthew …. Sean Baker
Marilla …. Susan Engel
Josie …. Colleen Prendergast
Miss Stacy …. Adjoa Andoh
Jane …. Amanda Gordon
Mrs Blewett …. Shirley Dixon
Director: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1997.
THU 15:30 Some Tame Gazelle by Barbara Pym (m002z60g)
5. Tribal Customs
The Bishop presents his patronising slide show of the Mbawawa people. Harriet and Theo meet at the show, but nothing is as it seems.
And why is Mr Donne going away?
Based on the novel by Barbara Pym
Dramatised by Elizabeth Proud
Harriet Bede ... Miriam Margolyes
Belinda Bede ... Hannah Gordon
Mr Donne ... David Holt
Henry Hoccleve ... Peter Jeffrey
Edith Liversidge ... Josephine Tewson
Theodore Grote ... Clive Merrison
Agatha Hoccleve ... Elizabeth Proud
Connie Aspinall ... Joanna David
Emily ... Karla Goodman
Singers: Harvey Brough, Phyllida Hancock, Mary Lincoln
Musical direction by Malcolm McKee
Producer: Sioned Wiliam
First broadcast in BBC Radio 4 in 1995.
THU 16:00 Great Lives (m000qy4c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
THU 16:30 Hairspray and Harmonies (b00hr5kt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
THU 17:00 Dick Francis (b007jpzb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
THU 17:30 High Table, Lower Orders (b00h9t26)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
THU 18:00 Capital Gains (b007qgnq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
THU 18:30 I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again (b00r92l4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
THU 19:00 Believe It! (m0017cqr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
THU 19:30 News from Nowhere by William Morris (m002z604)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
THU 19:45 Promenade Rock by Christopher Denys (b0076dd2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
THU 20:00 We've Been Here Before (b00fy1g5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
THU 20:30 The Change (b00nmtwl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
THU 21:00 Anne of Green Gables by LM Montgomery (b00rxdzc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
THU 21:30 Some Tame Gazelle by Barbara Pym (m002z60g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:30 today]
THU 22:00 P.O.V. (m002yxw3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
THU 22:30 1966 and All That (b01075px)
The 1940s
The French Resistance struggle to victory under General de Girl.
Hitler gets stuck in a bunker with his Gerbil.
And John Humphrys interviews Winston Churchill.
Craig Brown's satirical history of Britain reaches the 1940s.
With:
Joss Ackland
Eleanor Bron
Rory Bremner
Ewan Bailey
Margaret Cabourn-Smith
John Humphrys
Producer: Victoria Lloyd
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2006.
THU 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m002z98m)
David Arnold 4/4
From 10pm until midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus Paul Garner chats to David Arnold about writing the music for Bond... James Bond.
THU 23:00 The Casebook of Max and Ivan (b096gspx)
Series 2
Case #96 - Community Disservice
The return of acclaimed double-act Max and Ivan as incompetent private detectives for hire.
Joanna Lumley guest stars.
The detectives investigate a series of mysterious thefts which threaten the very future of Nunhead Community Centre.
Assisted by the permanently tired caretaker Gerry, they track the chief suspect, washed-up former B-Movie actress Lavinia Moncrief and eventually have to go undercover to infiltrate her bizarre acting classes. Also featuring bell ringers, hypnotism and a mutant komodo dragon.
Written by and starring Max Olesker and Ivan Gonzalez.
Max ...... Max Olesker
Ivan ...... Ivan Gonzalez
Lavinia Moncrief ...... Joanna Lumley
Gerry Glossop ...... David Reed
Andromedo ...... David Reed
Battle re-enactor ...... David Reed
Narrator ...... Lewis Macleod
Malcolm McMichaelmas ...... Lewis Macleod
Soulless Property Developer ...... Lewis Macleod
Janet from the Council ...... Lolly Adefope
Bell-ringer ...... Lolly Adefope
Developed by John Stanley Productions.
Producer: Ben Walker
A Retort production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in October 2017.
THU 23:30 Small Scenes (m0002r4w)
Series 4
Episode 3
A visit to the World Small Talk Championships and uncover a nationwide drug network that operates along the rambling paths of Great Britain.
Symphonious sketch show.
Starring:
Daniel Rigby
Mike Wozniak
Cariad Lloyd
Henry Paker
Freya Parker
Producer: Simon Mayhew-Archer
A BBC Studios Production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in February 2019.

FRIDAY 24 JULY 2026

FRI 00:00 Great Lives (m000qy4c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 on Thursday]
FRI 00:30 Hairspray and Harmonies (b00hr5kt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 Dick Francis (b007jpzb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:30 High Table, Lower Orders (b00h9t26)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 Capital Gains (b007qgnq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:30 I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again (b00r92l4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 Believe It! (m0017cqr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 on Thursday]
FRI 03:30 News from Nowhere by William Morris (m002z604)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:45 Promenade Rock by Christopher Denys (b0076dd2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 We've Been Here Before (b00fy1g5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:30 The Change (b00nmtwl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 Anne of Green Gables by LM Montgomery (b00rxdzc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 on Thursday]
FRI 05:30 Some Tame Gazelle by Barbara Pym (m002z60g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:30 on Thursday]
FRI 06:00 Dick Francis (b007qg3v)
Bolt
5. Nemesis for Two
Champion jockey Kit Fielding gets wind that Henri de Brescou plans to kill more horses.
Kit is determined to put a stop to this needless slaughter.
Starring Eric Allan and Sian Phillips.
Conclusion of Dick Francis's racing thriller.
Dramatised by John Ashe.
Kit Fielding ...... Eric Allan
Princess Casilia ...... Sian Phillips
Danielle ...... Elizabeth MacGovern
Roland ...... Simon Carter
Wykeham ...... William Eedle
Prince Litsi ...... Sam Dastor
Henri ...... John Bull
Greening ...... Jack May
Thomas ...... Steve Hodson
Beatrice Bunt ...... Margaret Robertson
Allardeck ...... Bill Wallis
Directed by Shaun MacLoughlin at BBC Pebble Mill.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1994.
FRI 06:30 High Table, Lower Orders (b00hdfdn)
Series 2
5. Relish
While Simon is distracted with his murder investigation, the fellows find themselves undergoing individual performance assessments.
The Master finds the whole idea appalling. The Dean, on the other hand, seems to be relishing every moment
Starring Geoffrey Palmer and Samuel West.
Mark Tavener's comedy thriller set in a small Cambridge college - riven by arguments between traditionalists and modernisers.
Gilbert …. Geoffrey Palmer
Simon …. Samuel West
Zoe …. Sharon Small
Bernard …. Jonathan Coy
The Dean …. Michael Maloney
With:
Michelle Fairley
Kim Wall
Rachel Atkins
Thomas Wheatley
Anthony Glennon
Zoe Gardner
Tom Price
Producer: Dawn Ellis
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2006.
FRI 07:00 Little Blighty on the Down (b00vdbsm)
Series 5
Episode 3
Scandal rocks the Parish Council, but can they keep it off the front pages?
Early '90s political satirical soap opera set in the strangely familiar village of Little Blighty.
Life here is pretty uneventful, though the humdrum happenings include social turmoil, economic upheaval and vicious political squabbles.
Written by Mark Burton, John O'Farrell and Mike Coleman.
Starring:
Jo Kendall
Michael Troughton
John Baddeley
Bernadine Corrigan
Jonathan Kydd
Daniel Strauss
Producer: Lissa Evans
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1992.
FRI 07:30 Beyond Our Ken (m002z68n)
Series 5
Episode 1
Kenneth Horne has an unusual holiday encounter and Hornerama looks at entertainment - are theatre stars losing their lustre?
A madcap mix of sketches and songs written by Eric Merriman.
Starring:
Kenneth Horne
Kenneth Williams
Hugh Paddick
Betty Marsden
Bill Pertwee
Music from Jill Day, The Fraser Hayes Four and the BBC Variety Orchestra conducted by Paul Fenoulhet.
Incidental music by Edwin Braden.
Announcer: Douglas Smith
Beyond Our Ken hit the airwaves in 1958 and ran to 1964 – featuring regulars like Arthur Fallowfield, Cecil Snaith and Rodney and Charles.
Producer: Jacques Brown
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in October 1961.
***************************************************************************************
Restored and remastered by Ted Kendall and Keith Wickham for BBC Audio.
From BBC Light Programme and BBC Transcription Service recordings for overseas.
FRI 08:00 The Confessional (m001g9sm)
Series 3
The Confession of Neil Dudgeon
Midsomer Murders star, Neil Dudgeon reveals some toe curling tales about his past - including that time in hospital....
Stephen Mangan hosts his comedy chat show about shame, guilt and occasional repentance.
Each episode, Stephen invites a distinguished guest into his virtual confessional box to make three 'confessions' to him.
An antidote to conventional talk shows, the guests' stories don't reflect their proudest moments. Stephen wants them to open up about their darker side - however much they may squirm.
Written and presented by Stephen Mangan
With additional material by Nick Doody
Producer: Frank Stirling
A 7digital production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2022.
FRI 08:30 News from Nowhere by William Morris (m002z68r)
5. Journey's End at Kelmscott
Can William Guest, transported from 1890, come to terms with having to leave the England of his dreams?
William Morris's utopian vision of a future England which had left industrialisation behind was first published in 1890.
William Morris (1834 -1896) was an English designer, craftsman, poet, and early socialist. His decorative designs greatly influenced the rise of the Arts and Crafts movement in England and revolutionised Victorian taste.
Read by David Burke.
Abridged by Donald Bancroft.
Producer: Marilyn Imrie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1990.
FRI 08:45 Promenade Rock by Christopher Denys (b0076ddm)
10. Absent Without Leave
It seems that Matthew's past is about to catch up with him when a mystery army sergeant arrives in town.
Starring Nerys Hughes.
Conclusion of Christopher Denys' series set in the booming 1950s seaside resort of Llantwit-on-Sea.
Eirlys Richards …… Nerys Hughes
Matthew Dolan …… Russell Boulter
Iorweth Jenkins …… Iwan Thomas
Arnold Pilton …… Christopher Scott
Cox'n Hughes …… Andy Hockley
Attercliffe …… David Bannerman
Director: Sue Wilson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2003.
FRI 09:00 Parish Matters (m0025bd0)
3. 'Bring back hanging?'
A brand-new sitcom sketch hybrid made in Belfast and starring voices from all over Ireland. Each week we join the eccentric inhabitants of the Parish in their weekly council meeting to air their problems and grievances.
The Parish is in a state of total lawlessness when the best and only cop in town goes on holiday and the council meets to discuss law and order. Can they bring this period of chaos to an end? The restrictive curfew is a political hot potato while inventive self-defence classes are proposed and the efficacy of the Parish rehabilitation program is called into question. The council hotly debates the culprit behind the spate of cat burglaries - could it be the same person responsible for the unfolding hostage situation? And can the best (and only) cop in town ever solve the mystery of the missing uniform?
PARISH MATTERS is a half hour window into an everlasting argument and an energetic and original comedy show written by Michael McCullagh and Phil Taggart and starring the writers alongside Michael Fry, Ciara Knight, Hannah Mamalis, Mary Flanigan, Michael Stranney and Peter McGann. Produced by Keith Martin and Exec Produced by Sam Michell. A FABEL radio Production for BBC Radio 4.
FRI 09:30 Wild in the Garden (m002z68t)
The Biggest Nature Reserve of All
Chris Baines explores the collective importance of gardens for wildlife and suggests considering them as habitats in their own right.
In the final episode in the series he meets experts gathering the data from our towns and cities and explores how changes in farming are driving more birds, animals and insects into urban areas.
Presented by Chris Baines
Produced by Brett Westwood
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2001.
FRI 09:45 Daily Service (m002z68w)
Beatitudes - Blessed are the merciful
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Beatitudes - Blessed are the merciful
Presenter: Sandra Godley
Reading: Colossians 3: 12-17
Music:
By the streams - Jonathan Ogden
What a friend we have in Jesus - Lou Fellingham
I need you - Volney Morgan and New Ye
FRI 10:00 Soul Music (b0076xj6)
Widor's Toccata
Ever since Widor's Toccata was included in two Royal wedding ceremonies in the 1960's, this display of fireworks at the organ has become a firm favourite for married couples to exit the Church by in the UK.
Organist Thomas Trotter dissects the music and dispels the myths about playing Widor's Toccata. Organist Daniel Roth explains what it's like to be Widor's direct successor as present day organist at the St Sulpice in Paris. And record producer Simon Cooper talks about hearing a synthesized version of the piece as a 7 year old which switched him on to music for the first time and led him to become a composer himself
Featuring:
Thomas Trotter
John Berry
Simon Cooper
Daniel Roth
Dr Francis Jackson
Katherine Dienes
Series about music that makes the hairs stand up on the back of our necks.
Producer: Rosie Boulton
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2006.
FRI 10:30 Hairspray and Harmonies (b00hv33b)
2. Gotta Win!
Kit Hesketh-Harvey is back with the Birmingham-based chorus Second City Sound.
Can they win a medal at the Ladies Association of British Barbershop Singers contest in Harrogate?
Producer: Rosie Boulton
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2009.
FRI 11:00 Dick Francis (b007qg3v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 11:30 High Table, Lower Orders (b00hdfdn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 12:00 Little Blighty on the Down (b00vdbsm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 12:30 Beyond Our Ken (m002z68n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 13:00 The Confessional (m001g9sm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 13:30 News from Nowhere by William Morris (m002z68r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 13:45 Promenade Rock by Christopher Denys (b0076ddm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
FRI 14:00 The Museum of Curiosity (m001jc23)
Series 17
Episode 1
The Professor of Ignorance John Lloyd and his new curator Anna Ptaszynski (podcaster - No Such Thing As A Fish) welcome:
* Australian entrepreneur Bill Liao
* Actress Miriam Margolyes OBE
* Comedian Chris McCausland, who lost his sight aged 22
The Museum's Guest Committee speculate inspiring questions such as: What is the best record? What would your favourite, long dead, author write about now? And how could a fruit fly save your life?
This series of The Museum of Curiosity has been recorded remotely.
The Museum’s exhibits were catalogued by Mike Turner, Mandy Fenton and Lydia Mizon of QI.
Exec Producer: James Robinson
Producer: Sam Holmes & Leying Lee
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in February 2023.
FRI 14:30 Millport (b0076b7f)
Series 3
Reinstatement
As the first ferry of the holiday season arrives - why is Irene back on the island?
The return of the bittersweet comedy written by and starring Lynn Ferguson.
Barmaid Irene Bruce is 30-something and hankering after a better life on the mainland.
Irene ...... Lynn Ferguson
Moira/Agnes ...... Janet Brown
Alberto/Dr Hume/Ferryman ...... Lewis McLeod
Ena/Bunty ...... Gabriel Quigley
Minister ...... Robert Patterson
Dougie ...... Kenneth Bryans
Music arranged by Olly Fox.
Producer: Lucy Bacon
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2002.
FRI 15:00 Anne of Green Gables by LM Montgomery (b00rxk51)
5. Anne goes to College
As Anne settles into teacher training and further academic studies beckon, tragedy strikes at Green Gables.
The classic tale of a young orphan girl's adventures after arriving in a Canadian farming community in the late 19th century.
Written by Lucy Maud Montgomery and first published in 1908.
Dramatised by Marcy Kahan
Anne …. Barbara Barnes
Aunt Josephine …. Shirley Dixon
Miss Stacy / Organiser …. Adjoa Andoh
Josie …. Colleen Prendergast
Rachel …. Ann Beach
Gilbert …. Robert Harper
Matthew …. Sean Baker
Marilla …. Susan Engel
Ruby …. Sarah Wateridge
Jane …. Amanda Gordon
Diana …. Joanne MacInnes
Director: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1997.
FRI 15:30 Some Tame Gazelle by Barbara Pym (m002z68z)
6. A Fish in Sheep's Clothing
Belinda makes a momentous discovery about Agatha and the truth is revealed about Olivia Berridge and Mr Donne.
Another year turns.
Based on the novel by Barbara Pym
Dramatised by Elizabeth Proud
Harriet Bede ... Miriam Margolyes
Belinda Bede ... Hannah Gordon
Mr Donne ... David Holt
Henry Hoccleve ... Peter Jeffrey
Edith Liversidge ... Josephine Tewson
Theodore Grote ... Clive Merrison
Agatha Hoccleve ... Elizabeth Proud
Connie Aspinall ... Joanna David
Ricardo Bianco ... Geoffrey Matthews
Miss Prior ... Hilda Schroder
Miss Jenner ... Jillie Meers
Olivia Berridge ... Laura Bazeley
Singers: Harvey Brough, Phyllida Hancock, Mary Lincoln
Musical direction by Malcolm McKee
Producer: Sioned Wiliam
First broadcast in BBC Radio 4 in August 1995.
FRI 16:00 Soul Music (b0076xj6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:00 today]
FRI 16:30 Hairspray and Harmonies (b00hv33b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:30 today]
FRI 17:00 Dick Francis (b007qg3v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 today]
FRI 17:30 High Table, Lower Orders (b00hdfdn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:30 today]
FRI 18:00 Little Blighty on the Down (b00vdbsm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:00 today]
FRI 18:30 Beyond Our Ken (m002z68n)
[Repeat of broadcast at 07:30 today]
FRI 19:00 The Confessional (m001g9sm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:00 today]
FRI 19:30 News from Nowhere by William Morris (m002z68r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:30 today]
FRI 19:45 Promenade Rock by Christopher Denys (b0076ddm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:45 today]
FRI 20:00 The Museum of Curiosity (m001jc23)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 today]
FRI 20:30 Millport (b0076b7f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:30 today]
FRI 21:00 Anne of Green Gables by LM Montgomery (b00rxk51)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:00 today]
FRI 21:30 Some Tame Gazelle by Barbara Pym (m002z68z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 15:30 today]
FRI 22:00 Parish Matters (m0025bd0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:00 today]
FRI 22:30 Becoming Njambi (m000zsq4)
Who Am I?
Kenyan-born comedian Njambi McGrath goes on a challenging journey of self-discovery, as she traces the roots of her upbringing and the British influences that shaped her life.
Njambi explores the history of British colonisation of her home country and how it directly impacted her father's life, and subsequently her own.
Njambi shares the story of meeting her husband, starting a family and moving to the UK and becoming the talk of the town.
Produced by Julia Sutherland
A Dabster production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in 2021.
FRI 22:45 Rhys James (b09m10bz)
Rhys James Is ...
Privileged
Comedian Rhys James explores different aspects of himself through live stand up, spoken word poetry and interview clips.
In this opening episode, he examines his privileged status and chats to his mum and dad.
Written and performed by Rhys James
Music by Steve Dunne.
Sound by David Thomas.
Producer: Carl Cooper
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in January 2018.
FRI 23:00 Vent (b01f9xz7)
Series 3
Stirrings in the Night
Ben and Mary's love life is in jeopardy, so Blitz recruits Lord Byron to offer the couple some useful relationship advice.
Starring Neil Pearson.
Nigel Smith's dark sitcom about a man in a coma, travelling through the distinctly odd landscape of his own unconscious mind.
Ben .... Neil Pearson
Mary .... Fiona Allen
Mum .... Josie Lawrence
Blitz .... Leslie Ash
Nurse .... Jo Martin
Derek .... Stephen Frost
Marley/Lord Byron .... Spencer Brown
Bea .... Scarlett Milburn-Smith
Director: Nigel Smith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2009.
FRI 23:30 Laura Solon - Talking and Not Talking (b00nywl0)
Series 3
Episode 2
Olga the ex-tyrant takes on a British Post Office - and a man tries to buy his mother a gift in an expensive department store.
Plus Sandrine, the Parisian radio host, chats about why French culture is much better then the culture of say, Britain.
Award-winning comedian Laura Solon's sketch and character comedy series
With:
Rosie Cavaliero
Ben Moor
Ben Willbond
Written by Laura Solon.
With additional material by Charlie Miller, John-Luke Roberts and Gareth Gwyn
Script Editor: Jeremy Dyson
Producer: Colin Anderson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2009.