SATURDAY 08 AUGUST 2026
SAT 00:00 Soul Music (b0375qt8)
Series 16
Don't Leave Me This Way
Don't Leave Me This Way was written in the early 1970s by songwriters Huff, Gamble and Gilbert.
They were the composers behind the famous black American Philadelphia Sound.
It was first performed by Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, featuring Teddy Pendergrass on lead vocals.
It later became a hit for Thelma Houston and The Communards.
As the title suggests, the song is all about longing, yearning and loss.
Remarkable stories reflect the pain expressed in this soul classic, including one told by Dr Dan Gottlieb, a quadriplegic therapist who befriended Teddy Pendergrass after he became paralysed in a car accident.
Sharon Wachsler recalls dancing to the version made famous by The Communards in 1986 before a devastating illness left her housebound and reliant on her beloved service dog Gadget, who gave her a reason to keep going. When he died, the song was the only way she could express her grief over his loss.
The Reverend Richard Coles, formerly of The Communards, talks about the significance of Don't Leave Me This Way as a dancefloor anthem for young gay men in the 1980s that was later to become associated with the AIDS epidemic that took so many of their lives.
Series about pieces of music with a powerful emotional impact.
Producer: Maggie Ayre
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2013.
SAT 00:30 The Forum (b0bfwvz5)
Yves Saint Laurent: Fashion Revolutionary
Bridget Kendall and guests discuss the impact of the fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent.
In 2018, ten years since his death, the impact of fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent on women's fashion remains undimmed.
The tailored suit, trench coat and many other iconic designs are now staples of the modern Western woman's wardrobe. So what were the key moments that shaped Saint Laurent's life? And what was the relation between his fashion innovations and the fast-moving social changes of his time?
Bridget Kendall looks back on his life and legacy with director of the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, Olivier Flaviano, fashion historian Emilie Hammen and one of Saint Laurent's last assistants, Charles Sébline.
Photo: Yves Saint Laurent, French designer, with two fashion models, Betty Catroux (left) and Loulou de la Falaise, outside his 'Rive Gauche' shop.
Credit: John Minihan, Getty Images.
Producer: Fiona Clampin
First broadcast on the BBC World Service in March 2018.
SAT 01:00 The Waiting Game (m001nn75)
4. The Silecroft Run
Can Tom discover more about the old priory and its role in smuggling his uncle’s missing goods?
Tom Naismith has joined his uncle's Lancaster-based business.
But why is it floundering?
Starring Keith Buckley and Ralph Hallett.
Margaret Potter's serial set in the early 19th century on the Lancashire coast.
Tom Naismith .... Keith Buckley
John Raby .... Tom Harrison
Mrs Stephens .... Ella Atkinson
Sir Geoffrey Banner .... Norman Shelley
William Fell .... Robert Wallace
Sophia Sheridan .... Judith Bradshaw
Luke Hemmings .... Jack Woolgar
Brack .... Henry Livings
Lanty .... Bert Parnaby
Coppins .... Joe Holmes
Manservant .... John Dagllsh
Mr Hammond .... Geoffrey Banks
Quilliam, a Manx boatman .... Sydney Kelly
Peter Costain .... Roy Minton
Producer: Trevor Hill
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in March 1965.
SAT 01:30 Limelight (p0fbjc55)
Who Killed Aldrich Kemp?
Chapter 5: Bogata
The team is in a race against time for answers, but the route proves circuitous.
The quest ends?
Created and written by Julian Simpson
Clara Page ... Phoebe Fox
Aldrich Kemp ... Ferdinand Kingsley
Mrs Boone ... Nicola Walker
Sebastian Harcourt ... Kyle Soller
Nakesha Kemp ... Karla Crome
Aunt Lily ... Susan Jameson
Forsaken McTeague and the Underwood Sisters ... Jana Carpenter.
Sabine Seah ... Rebecca Boey
Remington Schofield ... Barnaby Kay
Miss Lotte Amutenya ... Cherrelle Skeete
Mrs Bartholomew ... Kate Isitt
Dr Hazlitt ... Ben Crowe
Co Pilot ... James Joyce.
Recorded on location in Hove.
Music composed by Tim Elsenburg.
Director: Julian Simpson
Producer: Sarah Tombling
A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in April 2023.
SAT 02:00 Little Blighty on the Down (b00vls7x)
Series 5
Episode 5
A cash crisis hits the Parish Council - and the local family of toffs feel the squeeze too. They all try to borrow off each other and even have to mortgage a jail.
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.
Starring:
John Baddeley
Jo Kendall
Bernadine Corrigan
Daniel Strauss
Michael Troughton
Simon Godley
Written by John O'Farrell, Mark Burton and Mike Coleman
Producer Lissa Evans
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1992.
SAT 02:30 Beyond Our Ken (m002zs1x)
Series 5
Episode 3
Kenneth Horne bravely visits the barbers and Hornerama explores the benefits of a university education.
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.
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.
SAT 03:00 The Confessional (m001gjj4)
Series 3
The Confession of Maisie Adam
Comedian Maisie Adam is Stephen Mangan's guest
The 'So You Think You're Funny?' winner discusses a new found tendency to lie, nefarious uses for soggy paper and whether she has the makings of a psychopath.
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 of sins, peccadilloes, misdeeds and idiocies - anything really that will make us laugh, shudder, blush or cringe at their expense.
Written and presented by Stephen Mangan.
Additional material by Nick Doody.
Producer: Frank Stirling
A 7digital production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in January 2023.
SAT 03:30 Following Pappano (b09534g7)
5. The Dress Rehearsal
The Royal Opera's music director Sir Antonio Pappano and stage director Richard Jones are leading the final preparations for the first new Covent Garden staging of Puccini's La Bohème in over 40 years.
Follow Maestro Pappano as it all takes shape – as he works with singers, discussing the particular challenges of operating at the very highest level of operatic performance and expectation - and giving candid insights into the often perilous journey to an opening night.
His on and off-stage teams include the young cast who are acutely aware that the production they are replacing opened with singers like Placido Domingo and Sir Thomas Allen.
There are also stage directors, set-builders, movement directors and Maestro Pappano's trusted repetiteur.
But at the heart of it, in the weeks leading up to opening night and as the curtain rises, is the music director himself, combining the orchestral brilliance of Puccini's score and the dazzling qualities of the singers on stage to produce what they all hope will be a worthy addition to the Royal Opera House's Puccini tradition.
Producer: Tom Alban.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2017.
SAT 03:45 Small Island by Andrea Levy (b00cfwhy)
10. Lodgings
When Queenie’s husband Bernand doesn’t return after the war she offers rooms to lodgers to stay afloat.
But her house guests are not welcomed by everyone in the neighbourhood.
Andrea Levy's award-winning novel exploring empire, prejudice, war and love in Jamaica, England, America and India.
Dramatised by Pat Cumper
Gilbert ... Don Gilet
Queenie ... Lyndsey Marshal
Mr Todd ... Kim Wall
Hortense ... Nadine Marshall
Bernard ... Stephen Tompkinson
Other parts played by:
Elizabeth Bell
Mark Straker
Music by Felix Cross
Director: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2006.
SAT 04:00 The Museum of Curiosity (m001jsdr)
Series 17
Episode 3
The Professor of Ignorance John Lloyd and his curator Anna Ptaszynski (podcaster - No Such Thing As A Fish) welcome:
* Taxidermist Polly Morgan
* Cartoonist Randall Munroe
* Impressionist Steve Nallon
On the agenda for the guest committee this week: the limits of the human throat, what to do with a snake in a box, and how much soup it would take to destroy a galaxy.
Researchers: Mike Turner, Mandy Fenton and Lydia Mizon of QI.
Producers: Sam Holmes & Leying Lee
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in March 2023.
SAT 04:30 Millport (b0076bfv)
Series 3
Wild Rover
The Cumbrae Club is up and running and the islanders are already arguing over how it should be run.
Meanwhile back at Bruce House, Moira is in hysterics over her missing pet pooch.
But will Irene risk missing the ferry and losing her job to help her unhappy sister?
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/Robert the Dog /Morris ...... Lewis McLeod
Ena/Bunty ...... Gabriel Quigley
Minister/Bob ...... Robert Patterson
Dougie ...... Kenneth Bryans
Producer: Lucy Bacon
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2002.
SAT 05:00 Berlin by Heinrich Mann (m000t0ds)
2. At Last - Rehearsals!
Aspiring young poet Andrew Zumsee has come from the provinces to make his name in Berlin society in the 1890s.
With the wealthy Turkheimers as his patrons - and Adelheid Turkheimer as his lover - a glittering artistic career looks assured.
Conclusion of Heinrich Mann's 1900 novel
Starring John Kielty.
Dramatised by Patricia Hannah.
Andrew Zumsee .... John Kielty
Adelheid Turkheimer .... Joanna Tope
Louis Turkheimer .... John Shedden
Karl Kaflisch .... Simon Tait
Dr Bedeiner .... Ralph Riach
Lizzi Laffe .... Vivienne Dixon
Diederich Klempner .... Gregor Powrie
Friederich Kopf .... Simon Donaldson
Asta Turkheimer .... Lucy Paterson
Bienaimee Matzke ... Gayanne Potter
Frau Moore.................Stella Forge
Clare Pinbush.............Hilary Neville
Blosch............................Mark McDonald
Heinrich Mann .... James Bryce
Director: David Jackson Young
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2004.
SAT 06:00 Conflict of Doves by David Buck (b09g357l)
American athlete Jesse Owens dominated the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games - and unsettled Adolf Hitler in the process.
The world event was conceived by the German leader as a public display of Aryan superiority to be captured on film by Leni Riefenstahl.
But the emergence of the black athletes threw the Nazi leadership into confusion as they tried every way to lessen the impact - and to undermine the true sporting spirit of the Games.
Starring John Castle, Cheryl Campbell and Nigel Anthony.
Historical drama written by David Buck
Adolf Hitler …. John Castle
Leni Riefenstahl …. Cheryl Campbell
Joseph Goebbels …. Nigel Anthony
Avery Brundage …. Don Fellows
Richard Strauss …. Michael Gough
Rudolf Hess …. Brian Hewlett
Reinhard Heydrich …. Stuart Organ
Julius Streicher …. John Hollis
Carl Diem …. David Buck
Hans von Tschammer und Osten …. Bernard Brown
Werner March …. Manning Wilson
Willi …. Tim Reynolds
Max …. Jonathan Tafler
Catering Expert …. Peter Howell
Anatole …. Andrew Branch
Director: Martin Jenkins
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1986.
SAT 07:30 Blue Machine: How the Ocean Shapes Our World by Helen Czerski (Omnibus) (m00300kb)
Helen Czerski is at the forefront of marine science and in this book, she offers fascinating insights into the defining feature of our planet - its ocean.
It begins with the critical role played by the polar oceans.
She explores the passengers and voyagers who live and travel across the ocean from the humble herring, to the cannibalistic Humboldt squid to the mysterious sea-potato.
Helen also travels to the depths and encounters active volcanoes and an upside down waterfall.
Plus, an examination of the history of human fascination with the ocean, from 19th century polar explorers, to her own passion for Hawaii's canoeing prowess.
Omnibus of five episodes abridged by Penny Leicester.
Read by Lyndsey Marshal.
Producer: Elizabeth Allard
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2023.
**** Helen Czerski is an Associate Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at UCL.
She studies the bubbles underneath breaking waves in the open ocean to understand their effects on weather.
Czerski hosts the Ocean Matters podcast, and is a columnist for the Wall Street Journal. She is also the author of the bestselling Storm in a Teacup: the Physics of Everyday Life
SAT 08:45 Inner Voices (m0004yb0)
Series 3
Pea Green Boat by Stewart Lee
The Owl from Edward Lear's "The Owl and the Pussycat" paints a considerably less jolly picture of events at sea than depicted in the poem.
Written and performed by Stewart Lee.
Series of character monologues by top UK comics.
Director: Liz Webb
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2004.
SAT 09:00 The Random Jottings of Hinge and Bracket (b007jrxm)
Series 2
6. Harping On It
Dame Hilda fears losing her precious instrument to a musician in need.
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
Special guest: Richard Davies
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 May 1983.
SAT 09:30 Brothers in Law (b007k2pz)
Series 1
Special Damages
New barrister Roger Thursby is convinced he's got an easy case - but has he?
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
Sally Mannering …. Ann Davies
Chapfield …. Patrick Cargill
Grimes …. John Glyn-Jones
Coles …. James Beck
Judge Harcourt …. Basil Dignam
Other parts played by:
Alan Barry
Malcolm Hayes
Frederick Treves.
Restored from BBC Transcription Service tapes - originally edited for sale abroad.
Producer: David Hatch.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1970.
SAT 10:00 Sisters in Satire: The Pioneering Women of Comedy (m000szng)
1. June, Betty and Victoria
From the dawn of broadcast comedy, women played a vital but largely overlooked role; more in the background rather than the forefront.
What impact did the sisters of satire from the 60’s and 70’s have on the comedy we know today and what was their cultural influence?
Just because they weren’t the stars of the show didn’t mean their influence wasn’t felt.
June Whitfield, Eleanor Bron and Miriam Margolyes were all quietly but firmly making their name in comedies such as The Glums, The Establishment Club and The Betty Witherspoon Show.
These women paved the way for comedians and actors such as Jan Ravens, Meera Syal and Linda Smith.
In the first of three programmes, Samira Ahmed is joined by actor/director Arabella Weir and former radio producer and novelist Lissa Evans.
They listen into some of the best sitcoms from the archives - and discuss the impact their funny women have had on contemporary comedy and the extent of their satirical legacy:
* THE BETTY WITHERSPOON SHOW
* WEEK ENDING
* VICTORIA WOOD - AS SEEN ON TV
Producer: Belinda Naylor
Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in November 2019.
SAT 11:00 Conflict of Doves by David Buck (b09g357l)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
SAT 12:30 Blue Machine: How the Ocean Shapes Our World by Helen Czerski (Omnibus) (m00300kb)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
SAT 13:45 Inner Voices (m0004yb0)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:45 today]
SAT 14:00 The Random Jottings of Hinge and Bracket (b007jrxm)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 today]
SAT 14:30 Brothers in Law (b007k2pz)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 today]
SAT 15:00 Sisters in Satire: The Pioneering Women of Comedy (m000szng)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 today]
SAT 16:00 HG Wells (b08gw7md)
The War of the Worlds
1. Invasion
Following sightings of strange explosions on the surface of Mars, Martian ships begin to arrive on Earth.
But scientific excitement quickly turns to horror - and a merciless invasion begins.
At the time of the novel's writing by HG Wells (first published in 1898), Britain had never been stronger, but a sense of moral queasiness at the methods used in Empire building was growing.
Melissa Murray's two-part dramatisation highlights the questions Wells poses:
* What if we were the colonised?
* How would we fare if a vastly superior technological invader attacked us?
* How would we behave?
It also reflects Wells' depiction of late-Victorian suburban life and culture, making its domestic heart a poignant and terrifying starting point for an invasion by Martians with their own imperialist agenda.
Plus, the common fear which had emerged in the years approaching the turn of the century - that the apocalypse would come on the last day of 1899.
Robert …. Blake Ritson
Curate …. Carl Prekopp
Telegraph …. David Sturzaker
Vicar …. Finlay Robertson
Farm Woman …. Georgie Glen
Constable …. John Bowler
Ogilvy …. John Dougall
Dora …. Maeve Bluebell Wells
Doctor …. David Sterne
Carswell …. Nick Murchie
Billy …. Samuel James
Margaret …. Sanchia McCormack
Woman 1 …. Sarah Ridgeway
Director: Marc Beeby
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2017.
SAT 17:00 Conflict of Doves by David Buck (b09g357l)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
SAT 18:30 Blue Machine: How the Ocean Shapes Our World by Helen Czerski (Omnibus) (m00300kb)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
SAT 19:45 Inner Voices (m0004yb0)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:45 today]
SAT 20:00 The Random Jottings of Hinge and Bracket (b007jrxm)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 today]
SAT 20:30 Brothers in Law (b007k2pz)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 today]
SAT 21:00 Sisters in Satire: The Pioneering Women of Comedy (m000szng)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 today]
SAT 22:00 Any Bloke (b007jzgr)
Series 2
I Got You Babe
While Sarah's in labour, she decides to get a few things off her chest.
Starring Jim Sweeney and Caroline Quentin.
Gary Brown's comedy series about family life in the 1990s.
Phil .... Jim Sweeney
Sarah .... Caroline Quentin
Fay .... Sara Kestelman
Liam .... Steve Steen
Gerald .... Lloyd Peters
Sophie .... Nadine Ballantyne
Midwife .... Maria McAteer
Trudie .... Jilly Bond
With Joshua Towb, Rachel Atkins, Jonathan Keeble, Eva Stuart and Deborah Berlin.
Producer: Ann Jobson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1995.
SAT 22:30 Stand-Up Specials (m0000ms5)
Ken Cheng: Chinese Comedian
1: Education
Stand-up series exploring British Chinese culture, from BBC New Comedy Award finalist Ken Cheng.
In this first episode, Ken examines attitudes towards Education.
Producer: Lyndsay Fenner
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in October 2018
SAT 22:45 Ida Barr: Artificial Hip Hop (b00txj0l)
Responsibility
Ida Barr is a music hall singer embracing hip hop and rap.
This reflects the cultural diversity of London's East End, where she's lived in retirement for several decades.
With her genuine love of talking to people, Ida sets out investigate a new topic in each episode, creating a unique brand of music-hall, hip-hop fusion with beat boxer Shlomo.
Ida kicks off with "Responsibility".
Written by and starring Christopher Green as Ida Barr.
Producer: Claire Grove
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2010.
SAT 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m003047f)
Sunil Patel 1/3
From
10pm to midnight, seven nights a week, The Comedy Club brings you two hours of the funny stuff. Tonight, Jon Holmes chats with the comedian and actor Sunil Patel.
SAT 23:00 Tom Wrigglesworth's Hang-Ups (b06rz9hx)
Series 3
How to Make a Killing
A neighbourly good deed lands Tom in trouble while his parents throw themselves into some evening classes.
Tom Wrigglesworth phones home for his weekly check-in with his Mum, Dad and Gran, giving us a glimpse into his family background and the influences that have shaped 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 additional material by Miles Jupp
Producer: Richard Morris
A BBC Radio Comedy production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2015.
SAT 23:30 Radio Active (b007jvwx)
Series 6
Radio Active Goes to the Movies
The keen team visits Nice only to discover that it doesn't have a film festival after all.
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 Steve Brown and Philip Pope.
Written by Angus Deayton and Geoffrey Perkins with Michael Fenton-Stevens.
Producer: Paul Mayhew-Archer.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1986.
SUNDAY 09 AUGUST 2026
SUN 00:00 HG Wells (b08gw7md)
[Repeat of broadcast at
16:00 on Saturday]
SUN 01:00 Conflict of Doves by David Buck (b09g357l)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 on Saturday]
SUN 02:30 Blue Machine: How the Ocean Shapes Our World by Helen Czerski (Omnibus) (m00300kb)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 on Saturday]
SUN 03:45 Inner Voices (m0004yb0)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:45 on Saturday]
SUN 04:00 The Random Jottings of Hinge and Bracket (b007jrxm)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 on Saturday]
SUN 04:30 Brothers in Law (b007k2pz)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:30 on Saturday]
SUN 05:00 Sisters in Satire: The Pioneering Women of Comedy (m000szng)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 on Saturday]
SUN 06:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m00301tj)
American Singers
Gene Pitney
Singer-songwriter Gene Pitney is castaway by Sue Lawley.
Gene grew up in Rockville, Connecticut, the middle child of a large family. His father worked in the local mills and the family sold fruit and vegetables from their garden to supplement this income.
A shy child, Gene says that performing couldn't have been further from his mind, although he enjoyed singing. His first solo performance at school resulted in an embarrassing whimper as Gene was petrified by the expectant audience.
In his teens he began to learn the guitar and piano, and formed a local band whilst at high school, finding that performing was a good way to overcome his shyness. Spotted by what Gene calls "the proverbial fat man with a cigar", he was taken to New York and recording contracts soon followed.
Soon his songs were being recorded by some of the biggest stars of the time - Hello Mary Lou was released by Rick Nelson, Roy Orbison recorded Today's Teardrops as the B-side to his million-selling single, Blue Angel, and Rubber Ball became a worldwide hit for US artist Bobby Vee and UK artist Marty Wilde.
By the mid-1960s, Gene had found international success with Burt Bacharach's '24 Hours From Tulsa'.
In 1990, he had his first number one in the UK with 'Something's Gotten Hold Of My Heart', a duet with Marc Almond.
DISC ONE: Elton John - The Last Song
DISC TWO: Chuck Willis - C C Rider
DISC THREE: Chuck Berry - Roll Over Beethoven
DISC FOUR: Gillian Welch - Tear My Stillhouse Down
DISC FIVE: Israel Kamakawiwoʻole - Somewhere Over The Rainbow
DISC SIX: Norah Jones - Nightingale
DISC SEVEN: Gipsy Kings - Queda Te Aqui
DISC EIGHT: Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman - Con Te Partiro - Time to Say Goodbye
CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Elton John - The Last Song
BOOK CHOICE: The Giant Book of Mensa Puzzles - Robert Allen
LUXURY CHOICE: Case of Opus One wine
Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2003.
SUN 06:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00lmdh4)
Series 1
Dragons
What did Sir David do when he was confronted by a 10-foot-long grey-scaled reptile -with a long yellow forked tongue whipping in and out of its mouth?
He didn't run!
In fact, he was one of the first to film the Komodo dragon.
Series of talks by Sir David Attenborough on the natural histories of creatures and plants from around the world.
Producer: Julian Hector
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2009.
SUN 07:00 Poetry Extra (m00301tl)
John Clare - For love of Mary, for love of Martha
Daljit Nagra revisits the BBC's poetry archive and selects John Clare - For love of Mary, for love of Martha.
A profile of poet John Clare whose work celebrated the English countryside and who was plagued by mental health problems. He wrote one of his most famous poems, 'I Am' while in an insane asylum.
John Clare is played by Hugh Beverton.
Presented and produced by Les Woodmand
First broadcast on the BBC World Service in 1991.
SUN 07:30 Following Pappano (Omnibus) (b095vgqg)
All major opera houses rely on well-established productions of repertoire classics.
Puccini's La Bohème is a permanent fixture in the list of the world's top five operas as measured by performance numbers.
John Copley's 1974 staging at London’s Covent Garden was a familiar and much loved favourite. However it’s time to replace it with a new production and the challenge to do that with a fresh staging falls to the team of Music Director, Sir Antonio Pappano and stage director, Richard Jones.
Follow Maestro Pappano as it all takes shape – as he works with singers, discussing the particular challenges of operating at the very highest level of operatic performance and expectation - and giving candid insights into the often perilous journey to an opening night.
His on and off stage teams, include the young cast who are acutely aware that the production they are replacing opened with singers like Placido Domingo and Sir Thomas Allen. There are also stage directors, set-builders, movement directors and Maestro Pappano's trusted repetiteur.
But at the heart of it, in the weeks leading up to opening night and as the curtain rises, is the Music director himself, combining the orchestral brilliance of Puccini's score and the dazzling qualities of the singers on stage to produce what they all hope will be a worthy addition to the Royal Opera House's Puccini tradition.
"He is" as one orchestra member says, "more of a storyteller than a conductor. Everything he tells us is about the drama and the dramatic purpose of what's happening on stage."
Omnibus of five parts.
Producer: Tom Alban
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2017.
SUN 08:40 Inheritance Tracks (m00301tn)
Dr Sian Williams
Psychologist and broadcaster Dr Sian Williams chooses 'Calon Lan' by Cerys Matthews and 'Better Together' by Catherine Powell.
SUN 08:50 Small Island by Andrea Levy (Omnibus) (b0081qx0)
Episode 2
Arriving from Jamaica, Hortense discovers post-war England is cold and dreary.
Hortense meets her landlady, Queenie Bligh, whose own story is unknowingly interwoven with Hortense's past.
Queenie reflects on her own past and the journey she made to London.
Andrea Levy's award-winning novel exploring empire, prejudice, war and love in Jamaica, England, America and India.
Omnibus of the next five of fifteen parts dramatised by Pat Cumper.
Queenie ............ Lyndsey Marshal
Bernard ............. Stephen Tompkinson
Hortense ............ Nadine Marshall
Gilbert ................. Don Gilet
Dorothy .............. Ann Beach
Queenie's Father.. Stephen Critchlow
Michael ...............Javone Prince
Violet .................. Tracy Wiles
Mr Todd.................Kim Wall
Sergeant .............. Roger Walker
Jon ..................... Declan Wilson
Levi .................... Damian Lynch
US Sergeant ...... Eric Loren
US C.O. ............. Stuart Milligan
Usherette ............. Adjoa Andoh
Music by Felix Cross
Director: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2006.
SUN 10:00 Know Your Place (b019m16k)
Health Can Damage Your Smoking
Can caretaker Ramsay manage to quit smoking cigarettes 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:
Jon Glover
James Taylorn
Producer: Edward Taylor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in July 1983.
SUN 10:30 Take It From Here (b0b1q2yt)
From 08/11/1955
The Battle of Waterloo gets a feminine touch and Ethel's sweet shop takings are swiped in 'The Glums'.
Written by Frank Muir and Denis Norden.
Starring:
Professor Jimmy Edwards
Dick Bentley
June Whitfield
Alma Cogan
Wallace Eton.
Music from The Keynotes and the BBC Revue Orchestra with Charles Shadwell.
Announcer: David Dunhill
Producer: Charles Maxwell
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in November 1955.
SUN 11:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m00301tj)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
SUN 11:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00lmdh4)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:45 today]
SUN 12:00 Poetry Extra (m00301tl)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 today]
SUN 12:30 Following Pappano (Omnibus) (b095vgqg)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
SUN 13:40 Inheritance Tracks (m00301tn)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:40 today]
SUN 13:50 Small Island by Andrea Levy (Omnibus) (b0081qx0)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:50 today]
SUN 15:00 Know Your Place (b019m16k)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 today]
SUN 15:30 Take It From Here (b0b1q2yt)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:30 today]
SUN 16:00 Between Ballard's Ears (m001qdbm)
JG Ballard's early fiction is full of sonorous surrealism.
Two fresh, specially commissioned, binaural adaptations of his work reveal the soundscape of one of Britain's greatest imaginations.
* TRACK 12
Two men listen in to the fantastically amplified results of microsonics but a different, deadlier game is under way.
Adapted by Brian Sibley and starring:
Anton Lesser
Elliot Levey
** VENUS SMILES
An enigmatic artist's sonic sculpture brings chaos and transformation to the luxury resort of Vermilion Sands.
A story of death and transfiguration adapted by Frank Cottrell Boyce and starring:
Christine Bottomley
Carl Prekopp
Kezia Joseph
David Sterne
Director: Mark Burman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 3 in October 2016.
SUN 16:30 The Queen of Spades by Alexander Pushkin (m00301tr)
Throughout history men have gambled for high stakes.
But when Hermann discovered the secret of how to win at cards, he gambled with a life - and his own sanity...
Starring Ian Ogilvy.
Alexander Pushkin’s supernatural novella, first published in 1834.
Dramatised by Maurice Travers.
Hermann …. Ian Ogilvy
Vanin …. Godfrey Kenton
Dmitri …. Christopher Bidmead
Tomski …. Gareth Armstrong
Naroumov …. Nigel Lambert
Surin / Chekalinski …. Sion Probert
Countess …. Joan Matheson
Lizaveta …. Susan Maudslay
Director: Derek Hoddinott
First broadcast on the BBC World Service in April 1976.
SUN 17:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m00301tj)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
SUN 17:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00lmdh4)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:45 today]
SUN 18:00 Poetry Extra (m00301tl)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 today]
SUN 18:30 Following Pappano (Omnibus) (b095vgqg)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
SUN 19:40 Inheritance Tracks (m00301tn)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:40 today]
SUN 19:50 Small Island by Andrea Levy (Omnibus) (b0081qx0)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:50 today]
SUN 21:00 Know Your Place (b019m16k)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 today]
SUN 21:30 Take It From Here (b0b1q2yt)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:30 today]
SUN 22:00 Revolting People (b00fy2qr)
Series 2
Still in Trying Times
Ezekiel discovers the real truth about his ginger baby, and sets out to find the ginger father.
The others set out to stop him...
Comedy set in Baltimore 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 …. Jan Ravens
Ezekiel Spriggs …. Hugh Dennis
Cora Oliphant …. Penelope Nice
Joshua Oliphant …. Tony Maudsley
Dashmount …. Michael Fenton
Elizabeth …. Susie Blake
Abraham Smith …. Philip Pope
Producer: Paul Mayhew-Archer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2001.
SUN 22:30 Alexei Sayle's Strangers on a Train (m001b3vr)
Series 1
Hull to Liverpool
Alexei Sayle takes another train journey and breaks the golden rule of travelling by train in the UK - by actually talking to his fellow passengers.
In this episode, he travels from Hull to Liverpool.
Among his many fellow travellers, he meets:
* Oscar who hopes to become a barrister specialising in human rights cases.
* Nick and Rachel who've taken up a more simple life after Nick’s stressful career as a consulting engineer working on huge projects like the Shard in London
* Mother and daughter Jill and Isobel reveal how their lives have changed after they both lived through the Ariana Grande concert bombing in Manchester.
Producers: Peter Lowe & Nick Symons
A Ride production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2022.
SUN 23:00 In and Out of the Kitchen (b066w9gj)
Series 4
The Baby
When their friend Marion Duffett is called away on a family matter, she asks Damien and Anthony to look after her baby. Something which Anthony is infinitely more inclined towards than Damien.
Still, it's come at a good time as Damien is angling for a role as an ambassador for a children's charity.
At the same time, Damien's street food series is gathering pace and he is forced to go to a music festival and engage in a cook-off with Ray Jarrow.
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 James Kettle.
Damien Trench ...... Miles Jupp
Anthony ...... Justin Edwards
Mr Mullaney ...... Brendan Dempsey
Ray Jarrow ...... Chris Brand
Jasmine ...... Alex Tregear
Alison ...... Jessica Turner
Trevor/Marco ...... David Acton
Producer: Sam Michell.
A BBC Radio Comedy production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2015.
SUN 23:30 Electric Ink (b0121pjk)
Series 1
Episode 6
A swathe of job cuts are predicted with circulation dropping, but who will survive the bloodbath?
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 July 2009.
MONDAY 10 AUGUST 2026
MON 00:00 Between Ballard's Ears (m001qdbm)
[Repeat of broadcast at
16:00 on Sunday]
MON 00:30 The Queen of Spades by Alexander Pushkin (m00301tr)
[Repeat of broadcast at
16:30 on Sunday]
MON 01:00 Desert Island Discs Revisited (m00301tj)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 on Sunday]
MON 01:45 David Attenborough's Life Stories (b00lmdh4)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:45 on Sunday]
MON 02:00 Poetry Extra (m00301tl)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 on Sunday]
MON 02:30 Following Pappano (Omnibus) (b095vgqg)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 on Sunday]
MON 03:40 Inheritance Tracks (m00301tn)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:40 on Sunday]
MON 03:50 Small Island by Andrea Levy (Omnibus) (b0081qx0)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:50 on Sunday]
MON 05:00 Know Your Place (b019m16k)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 on Sunday]
MON 05:30 Take It From Here (b0b1q2yt)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:30 on Sunday]
MON 06:00 The Waiting Game (m001nnft)
5. The Intruder
Tom plans to unmask the smugglers.
But will his troubled Uncle Raby agree with his plan?
Tom Naismith has joined his uncle's Lancaster-based business. But why is it floundering?
Starring Keith Buckley and Ralph Hallett.
Margaret Potter's serial set in the early 19th century on the Lancashire coast.
Tom Naismith .... Keith Buckley
Sophia Sheridan .... Judith Bradshaw
John Raby .... Tom Harrison
Mr Hammond .... Geoffrey Banks
William Fell .... Robert Wallace
Mrs Stephens .... Ella Atkinson
Landlord of ' The Swan ' .... Roy Minton
Sir Geoffrey Banner .... Norman Shelley
Producer: Trevor Hill
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in March 1965.
MON 06:30 The Senior Partner (m00300v5)
1. Skinning A Cat
In the south of Scotland, can traditional solicitor James Rowan navigate modern changes to his professional world?
Starring Andrew Cruickshank.
Written in eight-parts by Donald Bull.
James Rowan .... Andrew Cruickshank
Olly .... Joe Dunlop
Miss Prinnie .... Nancy Mitchell
Julia .... Sandra Clark
Ronnie Boswell .... John Kane
Robbie .... Fraser Kerr
The Senior Partner ran for two series on BBC Radio 4 between October 1980 and December 1981.
Its star, Scottish actor Andrew Cruickshank (1907 – 1988), was best known for playing Dr Cameron in the long-running BBC TV series Dr Finlay’s Casebook between 1962 and 1971.
Producer: Edward Taylor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1980.
*******************************************************************************************
Restored from an off-air recording. Our warm thanks to our friends at the Radio Circle.
MON 07:00 Control Group Six (b08ny12d)
Series 2
Episode 4
After reading a press release announcing his assassination, president Dr Heaven realises that life as a puppet dictator doesn't mean always getting your own way.
Last of the bizarre comedy - half sketch show and half psychological thriller - set in the Company's experimental town, Control Group Six.
Written and performed by
Richard Bean
Andrew Clifford
Clive Coleman
Colin Swash
With Geraldine Fitzgerald.
Producer: Jon Rolph
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1997.
MON 07:30 Dad's Army (b007jqjv)
Series 3
Asleep in the Deep
Private Walker and Private Godfrey get trapped in a pumping station.
Unfortunately, so do their rescuers from the rest of the platoon.
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 Pike …. Ian Lavender
Private Godfrey …. Arnold Ridley
Private Frazer …. John Laurie
Private Walker …. Larry Martyn
Warden Hodges …. Bill Pertwee
Announcer …. John Snagge
Producer: John Dyas
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1976.
MON 08:00 Dr Phil's Bedside Manner (m000zcc2)
Dr Phil Hammond visits the Royal United Hospital in Bath
An innovative mix of comedy performance and documentary in a series presented by Dr Phil Hammond.
As a doctor and a comedian, Phil knows that humour and laughter are vital coping mechanisms in the NHS, as he travels the UK on a mission to listen to the beating heart of a national institution.
The programmes are an adventurous, hilarious, thought-provoking mix of humour and happiness, tragedy and reflection as the personal thoughts, opinions, experiences and hopes of people who work for and use the NHS are revealed.
This time Dr Phil visits the Royal United Hospital in Bath, where he hears stories from staff and patients - as he reveals how humour and laughter are vital coping mechanisms in the NHS.
And Dr Phil performs a free stand-up comedy show for the staff based on his listening experiences in Bath and the stories of the people he has met.
Producer: David Morley
A Ride production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2021.
MON 08:30 The Diaries of Adrian Mole (m0001t9k)
Adrian Mole: The Cappuccino Years
1. Things Can Only Get Better
This diary starts in April 1997.
Adrian Mole is no longer a spotty teenager, but a balding 30-year-old, recently separated from Jo Jo, the mother of his young son, William.
On the eve of the General Election, Adrian returns home to Ashby-de-la-Zouch to vote for the local Labour Party candidate - Pandora Braithwaite - his childhood sweetheart.
He is now employed as Head Chef in a restaurant in Soho where there is tinned tomato soup on the "traditional English, no choice" menu.
Adrian still has frustrated literary ambitions, but his career is about to take an unexpected turn and throw him into the limelight.
Written by Sue Townsend
Abridged in ten parts by Sara Davies
Producer: Alexa Moore
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2018.
MON 08:45 Small Island by Andrea Levy (b0081ry7)
11. Independence
Queenie's soldier husband Bernard explains how Indian independence is spelling the end of the Empire. Stars Stephen Tompkinson.
Andrea Levy's award-winning novel exploring empire, prejudice, war and love in Jamaica, England, America and India.
Dramatised in fifteen parts by Pat Cumper
Hortense ........ Nadine Marshall
Gilbert ........ Don Gilet
Bernard ........ Stephen Tompkinson
Queenie ........ Lyndsey Marshal
Michael...........Javone Prince
Maxi ........ Carl Prekopp
Pierpoint ........ Nick Sayce
Ashok ........ Salkat Ahamed
Arun ........ Rez Kempton
CO ........ Mark Straker
Japanese Voice ........ Jason Chan
Lieutenant Moon ........ Jonathan Forbes
Doctor ........ Richard Katz
Prostitute ........ Nita Mistry
Music by Felix Cross
Director: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2006.
MON 09:00 Just a Minute (m002zmkp)
Series 97
3. The fourth rule of Just a Minute
The subjects this week include: my most useless superpower, the art of napping and if I were Harry Styles for a day. Plus, Zoe gives her best shot at what it's like to be in an Agatha Christie.
Host: Sue Perkins
Players: Paul Merton, Zoe Lyons, Catherine Bohart and Paterson Joseph
Producer: Georgia Keating
Executive Producer: James Robinson
Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman
Sound Editor: Marc Willcox
Additional material by Angela Channell
An EcoAudio certified production.
A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.
MON 09:30 Following the Martian Invasion (b08gwx12)
'The Chances Against Anything Manlike on Mars Are a Million to One'
Francis Spufford walks in the footsteps of HG Wells' all conquering tripods from Woking to Primrose Hill in the company of writers, scientists and historians.
Exploring, along the way, the startling array of ideas that fuelled his classic and continue to give it its lasting impact. At the height of Victorian 'awesomeness', Wells landed his Martians on Horsell Common and wiped the imperial grins off our ape-like faces.
Heat rays and black smoke reduced a mighty empire to panic and chaos in a matter of days. No less than we had done to the conquered of empire. His story was a brilliant fusion of the already established genre of invasion fiction and two decades of scientific speculation about Mars and Martians around the notion that the Red planet was inhabited.
You can map out exactly where the invasion begins at the sandpits on Horsell Common to the doomed attempts to repulse the invaders on the banks of the Thames at Shepperton and finally to the Martians' eerie end at their final staging post atop Primrose Hill.
Spufford begins his journey following HG Wells' Martian invaders at the Basingstoke Canal that runs through Woking.
Here Wells canoed with his lover amidst the wild vegetation and dreamed about Mars, at the time widely believed to be criss-crossed by vast canals created by an ancient and dying race.
Wells wrote his book at the height of Martian Fever when the work of astronomers Schiaparelli and Percival Lowell had created intense speculation about life on Mars. But Wells' Martians are evolution's nightmare.
We end on Horsell Common, sight of the first crashed Martian cylinder. First contact-Victorians style.
Francis is joined by:
* Science-writer Oliver Morton (Mapping Mars)
* Historical Geographer Maria Lane (Geographies of Mars)
Producer: Mark Burman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2017.
MON 09:45 Daily Service (m00300v8)
Pilgrimage: To be a pilgrim
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Pilgrimage: To be a pilgrim
Presenter: Father Martin Magill
Reading: Luke
9.23-27
Music: He who would valiant be
Alone with none but thee my God,
Guide me O thou great Jehovah
MON 10:00 Sounds Natural (b08xr5jc)
Andrew Sachs
Fawlty Towers actor Andrew Sachs shares his life-long love of wildlife with Derek Jones.
Gibbons and White Tigers are among his choice of recordings from the BBC Sound Archives.
Produced at BBC Bristol by John Burton.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1980.
MON 10:30 Billy Bunter's Birthday Bash (b008z3tt)
The irrepressible and greedy school trouble-maker, Billy Bunter
He was created by Charles Hamilton under the pen name of Frank Richards.
Billy's school Greyfriars, was an escapist fantasy for hundreds of thousands of mainly working-class children, who read the stories, or watched them dramatised on BBC TV in the 1950s.
Gyles Brandreth raises a toast to the 'Fat Owl of the Remove' to mark 2008’s 100th anniversary of publication.
Contributors include:
Actor Martin Jarvis
Greyfriars memorabilia collector Laurie Mansfield, Brett Kahr psychoanalyst and children's literature expert, biographer Mary Cadogan and Jeffrey Richards, professor of popular culture at Lancaster University.
Producer Libby Cross
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2008.
MON 11:00 The Waiting Game (m001nnft)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
MON 11:30 The Senior Partner (m00300v5)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
MON 12:00 Control Group Six (b08ny12d)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 today]
MON 12:30 Dad's Army (b007jqjv)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
MON 13:00 Dr Phil's Bedside Manner (m000zcc2)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
MON 13:30 The Diaries of Adrian Mole (m0001t9k)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
MON 13:45 Small Island by Andrea Levy (b0081ry7)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:45 today]
MON 14:00 Wordaholics (b01s6c9z)
Series 2
Episode 4
Gyles Brandreth chairs the word-obsessed comedy panel show.
Competing to find out who knows more:
Katy Brand
Alex Horne
Richard Herring
Natalie Haynes
Richard Herring decides to reclaim the word 'middle class' and tries to decipher the 16th century phrase 'a mare's nest'.
Team-mate Natalie Haynes tries to get rid of the word 'decimate' and despite being a vegetarian works out what the very meaty cookery term 'barding' means.
Alex Horne comes up with the correct definition for the Victorian phrase 'a scraping castle' and asks to take the word 'a' out of the dictionary.
Meanwhile, Katy Brand takes a guess at what the unit of measurement 'the Warhol' is and reveals that her favourite word is 'plop'.
Written by Jon Hunter and James Kettle.
Producer: Claire Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2013.
MON 14:30 A Whole 'Nother Story (b0076bdt)
Series 2
Episode 4
It's never easy coping with a break up - especially if you're Cassie.
Starring Debra Stephenson and David 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
Jenny ...... Mika Simmons
PJ ...... Brendan Burns
Producer: Graham Frost
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2002.
MON 15:00 Renaissance Man: The Last Judgement of Giorgio Vasari (m0006t52)
1. Dome
“Giorgio Vasari? Who’s he?”
The very thought would have been anathema to the great man, a legend in his own lifetime but an unsung hero today.
Using his own words as inspiration this is the poignant story of pride, love and legacy combined with an epic journey through the art of the Renaissance - led by the man who invented the word.
We begin in Florence, 1570. Giorgio Vasari is the top painter and architect of the day, as well as the official biographer of the pantheon of Renaissance artists. His vast book 'The Lives Of The Artists' is already in its second edition and will stay in print well into the next millennium as the essential text for all students of art history.
At the behest of his illustrious patron, the Grand Duke Cosimo de’ Medici, Vasari is about to embark on his most ambitious project ever: painting the city’s cathedral dome. When he prays for assistance, God sends him a surprise response: a new assistant, Piero, who reminds him of his own young self.
Eileen Horne's three-part classic serial.
Created by Eileen Horne and Sarah Dunant
VASARI .....Tom Conti
PIERO ..... Will Taylor
GRAND DUKE COSIMO DE’ MEDICI ..... David Troughton
TOMMASO ..... Tristan Beint
DUKE FRANCESCO DE’ MEDICI/CIMABUE ..... John Hollingworth
MICHELANGELO ..... Nicholas Murchie
YOUNG VASARI/DANTE ..... Joshua Akehurst
GIOTTO (teen) ..... Jay Mailer
GIOTTO (10) ..... Alexander Ryan
DANTE ..... Joshua Akehurst
PAPAL ENVOY ..... Jamie Newall
Produced and Directed by Clive Brill
Exec Producer: Sarah Dunant
A Brill Production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in 2019.
MON 16:00 Sounds Natural (b08xr5jc)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 today]
MON 16:30 Billy Bunter's Birthday Bash (b008z3tt)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:30 today]
MON 17:00 The Waiting Game (m001nnft)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
MON 17:30 The Senior Partner (m00300v5)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
MON 18:00 Control Group Six (b08ny12d)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 today]
MON 18:30 Dad's Army (b007jqjv)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
MON 19:00 Dr Phil's Bedside Manner (m000zcc2)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
MON 19:30 The Diaries of Adrian Mole (m0001t9k)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
MON 19:45 Small Island by Andrea Levy (b0081ry7)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:45 today]
MON 20:00 Wordaholics (b01s6c9z)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:00 today]
MON 20:30 A Whole 'Nother Story (b0076bdt)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:30 today]
MON 21:00 Renaissance Man: The Last Judgement of Giorgio Vasari (m0006t52)
[Repeat of broadcast at
15:00 today]
MON 22:00 Just a Minute (m002zmkp)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 today]
MON 22:30 Truly, Madly, Bletchley (b0081sln)
Series 2
Episode 1
Britain's first public access cable radio show continues!
Meet the humble members of Bletchley District Council who aim to entertain and educate us in the way of the world.
Live from the Cafe Dreamland, we hear Sir John Gielgud's audition tape for Teletubbies, and meet Mrs Coombes, the local gossip.
Written by Julian Dutton.
Starring:
Liz Fraser
Julian Dutton
Peter Hugo-Daly
Stephen Critchlow
Matthew Bell
Enrico Valdez and his Orchestra and special guest Cleo Rocos.
Producer: Andy Aliffe
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1999.
MON 22:45 Quando, Quando, Quando (b007xry7)
Big Head
The Quando brothers' hair salon is thrown into pandemonium when the President of Uruguay arrives for his annual trim.
No one must mention his enormous head...
Brothers Rene, Carlo and Charlie Quando chop, snip and crimp their lucky clients into shape at London's finest hair salon.
Six-part comedy written and performed by Rainer Hersch and Mark Maie.
With:
Stephen Greif
Catherine Tate
Nicholas Parsons
Producer: Claire Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1999.
MON 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m003047h)
Sunil Patel 2/3
The Comedy Club keeps the laughs coming from
10pm to midnight, every night of the week. Tonight, Jon Holmes picks up his chat with the comedian and actor Sunil Patel.
MON 23:00 Current-ish (m002zs1m)
Exam results, early release, and the possible end of two marriages
Lucy Porter is joined by Vittorio Angelone, Jake Bhardwaj, and Susie McCabe to talk all things current-ish events. Are exam results important? What should we do about early release? And what happened at Edinburgh airport?
Hosted by Lucy Porter
Written by Lucy Porter, Ruth Husko and Katie Sayer with additional material by Mike Shephard
Producer - Katie Sayer
Assistant producer - Molly Punshon
Executive producer - Victoria Lloyd
A Mighty Bunny production for BBC Radio 4
MON 23:30 The In Crowd (b00sf7tp)
Series 3
Episode 2
How to open a pocket museum.
How not to purchase a smoke alarm.
Plus, how not to go about being a medium, an auctioneer or a tramp.
The ever helpful sketch show from Manchester's Comedy Store.
With:
Robin Ince
Helen Moon
Smug Roberts
Kate Ward
Producer: Graham Frost
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2002.
TUESDAY 11 AUGUST 2026
TUE 00:00 Sounds Natural (b08xr5jc)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 on Monday]
TUE 00:30 Billy Bunter's Birthday Bash (b008z3tt)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:30 on Monday]
TUE 01:00 The Waiting Game (m001nnft)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 on Monday]
TUE 01:30 The Senior Partner (m00300v5)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 on Monday]
TUE 02:00 Control Group Six (b08ny12d)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 on Monday]
TUE 02:30 Dad's Army (b007jqjv)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:00 Dr Phil's Bedside Manner (m000zcc2)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 on Monday]
TUE 03:30 The Diaries of Adrian Mole (m0001t9k)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 on Monday]
TUE 03:45 Small Island by Andrea Levy (b0081ry7)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:45 on Monday]
TUE 04:00 Wordaholics (b01s6c9z)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:00 on Monday]
TUE 04:30 A Whole 'Nother Story (b0076bdt)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:30 on Monday]
TUE 05:00 Renaissance Man: The Last Judgement of Giorgio Vasari (m0006t52)
[Repeat of broadcast at
15:00 on Monday]
TUE 06:00 The Waiting Game (m001nn81)
6. The Last Run
Will Tom finally discover who is the mastermind behind the smuggling gang?
Starring Keith Buckley and Tom Harrison.
Conclusion of Margaret Potter's serial set in the early 19th century on the Lancashire coast.
Tom Naismith .... Keith Buckley
William Fell .... Robert Wallace
Captain Fielding .... Ronald Harvi
Mr Hammond .... Geoffrey Banks
Lanty .... Bert Parnaby
Brack .... Henry Livings
Jem' .... Roy Minton
Sir Geoffrey Banner. .... Norman Shelley
Sophia, his ward .... Judith Bradshaw
John Raby .... Tom Harrison
Mrs Stephens .... Ella Atkinson
Metcalf .... Jim Wiggins
Manservant / A Rider.... John Daglish
Producer: Trevor Hill
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in March 1965.
TUE 06:30 The Senior Partner (m00300ls)
2. A Simple Case
Solicitors James Rowan and his nephew Olly's latest case takes a very unusual turn.
James Rowan runs his law firm in Scotland, alongside his much younger nephew, Olly.
Can his no-nonsense traditional approach continue to navigate more modern times?
Starring Andrew Cruickshank.
Written by Donald Bull.
James Rowan .... Andrew Cruickshank
Olly .... Joe Dunlop
Annie .... Nancy Mitchell
Julia .... Sandra Clark
Ronnie Boswell .... John Kane
The Senior Partner ran for two series on BBC Radio 4 between 1980 and 1981.
Producer: Edward Taylor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1980.
*******************************************************************************************
Restored from an off-air recording. Our warm thanks to our friends at the Radio Circle.
TUE 07:00 Yes Minister (b007k0ww)
Series 2
The Quality of Life
Jim Hacker gets floored by the high rise world of property business.
Starring Paul Eddington, Nigel Hawthorne and Derek Fowlds.
Special guest: Selina Scott
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
Sir Desmond …. Richard
Selina Scott …. Herself
Sir Frank …. Jeffrey Wickham
Bill Pritchard …. Antony Carrick
Mrs Philips …. Zulema Dene
Other parts played by:
Helen Atkinson-Wood
Colin Starkey
Mark Straker
Helena Breck
Maggie McCarthy
Robin Summers
Adapted for radio by producer Pete Atkin.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1984.
TUE 07:30 The Milligan Papers (m00300ly)
The Incredible Case of the Vanishing Flying Scotsman
Has the Flying Scotsman been pilfered?
Is Catford a duck?
Is Crewe a parrot?
Who is Uncle Glasgow Central really?
Madcap comedy series written by John Antrobus and Spike Milligan
Starring:
Spike Milligan
John Bluthal
Chris Langham
John Antrobus
With music from Kenny Ball and His Jazzmen
Announcer Eugene Fraser
Producer Paul Spencer
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1987.
TUE 08:00 Whatever Happened to Baby Jane Austen? (m0016381)
Series 1
1. Not Now, Voyager
Florence is invited to the Hay Book Festival as she’s been nominated for the prestigious Bronte shield.
But Florence’s joy and delight turn to anger and disappointment when Selina is also nominated, for her kiss and tell autobiography Kiss And Tell.
As every female author in Britain, and Lionel Shriver, drops out in protest, the contest for the award becomes a battle between the two sisters.
Stars Dawn French as Florence and Jennifer Saunders as Selina, sisters at war....
Also staring Rebecca Front and Alistair McGowan.
* “The leads’ natural chemistry, plus David Quantick’s witty script… make for an enjoyable comedy with series potential” The Observer *
* “It’s as slick, dark and funny as one would expect – but surely this cannot be a one-off? The ending alone leaves us begging for a series” Radio Times *
* “French and Saunders sparkle with a magic that is so rarely heard in new radio comedies that I’d almost forgotten it was possible” Daily Telegraph *
Written by David Quantick.
Florence .... Dawn French
Selina .... Jennifer Saunders
Mrs Ragnarrok .... Rebecca Front
Lucy .... Lisa McGrillis
All the men .... Alistair McGowan
Producer: Liz Anstee
A CPL production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in April 2022.
TUE 08:30 The Diaries of Adrian Mole (m0001tz3)
Adrian Mole: The Cappuccino Years
2. An Early Exit
Adrian Mole has to leave the General Election celebrations in a hurry.
Meanwhile, his mother and Pandora's father are like a pair of love-struck teenagers.
The Cappuccino Years highlights how much society and attitudes have changed since 1997 and, once again, showcases Sue Townsend’s fearless and razor-sharp wit.
Read by Harry McEntire
Abridged by Sara Davies
Producer: Alexa Moore
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in January 2019.
TUE 08:45 Small Island by Andrea Levy (b0081syl)
12. Indiscretion
Bernard is demobbed, but an indiscretion leads him to fear for his life - and postpone his homecoming. Stars Stephen Tompkinson.
Andrea Levy's award-winning novel exploring empire, prejudice, war and love in Jamaica, England, America and India.
Dramatised by Pat Cumper
Hortense ........ Nadine Marshall
Gilbert ........ Don Gilet
Bernard ........ Stephen Tompkinson
Queenie ........ Lyndsey Marshal
Michael ........ Javone Prince
Pierpoint ........ Nick Sayce
Lieutenant Moon ........ Jonathan Forbes
Doctor ........ Richard Katz
Prostitute ........ Nita Mistry
Music by Felix Cross
Director: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2006.
TUE 09:00 Meet David Sedaris (m001kh7l)
Series 9
6. Sweet Land of Liberty
“He bowed his head slightly. ‘We dress to serve you, my Prince’. And that was that. My decision made.”
Vegan tour managers, hotels, coffee shops and British children all get the Sedaris treatment in the final instalment for this series. With a big decision to be mulled over, David weighs up some of the differences he's found between the USA and the UK and works them into a new essay, "Sweet Land of Liberty". The show closes with an hilarious extract from his diaries about two teenagers and their virtue signalling mother.
Producer: Steve Doherty
A Giddy Goat production for BBC Radio 4
TUE 09:30 Following the Martian Invasion (b08gxx71)
'A Remarkable Story from Woking'
Francis Spufford walks in the footsteps of HG Wells' all conquering tripods from Woking to Primrose Hill in the company of writers, scientists and historians, exploring the startling array of ideas that fuelled his classic and gives it its lasting impact.
One of the lasting appeals of Wells' 1887 classic is the very real topography of invasion and terror inflicted on South East England. Wells reduces suburban and central London to smoking rubble, strewn with aero-forming red weed.
You can map out exactly where the invasion begins at the sandpits on Horsell Common to its mucus ridden end at London's Primrose Hill.
'A Remarkable Story from Woking'...
So scream the headlines of the papers in a novel that revels in the rapidly changing social and media landscape of Victorian London.
Francis wheels his bicycle along Maybury Road, where Wells lived at the time, to consider the delight which Wells took in destroying a place he had only just recently arrived at - Woking. The land of the dead, where the Necropolis railway deposited its cargo at Europe's largest cemetery.
Wells would mount his new technological wonder, a tandem with his 'wife' in the front and weave his way through the town and its Surrey environs noting down places and people before destroying them all in print!
But who was Wells at this point in his life and who were we? What kind of world was Woking and beyond and what was it he was so intent on destroying?
Francis is joined by:
* Sci-fi chronicler Roger Luckhurst (Birkbeck University)
* Historian Astrid Svenson (Brunel University).
Producer: Laura Thomas
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2017.
TUE 09:45 Daily Service (m00300m4)
Pilgrimage - Hospitality on the road
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Pilgrimage - Hospitality on the road
Presenter: Jay Hulme
Reading: Matthew
25:31-40
Music:
Precious Lord, lead me on - Daily Service Singers
O for a closer walk - St Martin's Voices
Brother sister, let me serve you - St Martin's Voices
TUE 10:00 A Good Read (m000t4vd)
Greg James & Bella Mackie
Husband-and-wife team: Greg James, host of BBC Radio 1's Breakfast show and Bella Mackie, author and Vogue columnist join Harriett Gilbert to discuss favourite books by PG Wodehouse, Maggie O’Farrell and John le Carré.
Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell
Publisher: Tinder Press
The Spy Who Came in from the Cold by John le Carré
Publisher: Penguin
Right Ho, Jeeves! by PG Wodehouse
Publisher: Arrow Books
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2021.
TUE 10:30 Things We Forgot to Remember (b00w1xwj)
Jesse Owens and the Nazi Olympics
Michael Portillo looks at some of the forgotten aspects of the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
Did Adolf Hitler really snub Jesse Owens after the American athlete won an unprecedented four gold medals?
What have we forgotten about the efforts made in Britain and the United States to boycott the Games and why weren't those efforts successful?
And what do the Games tell us about the uneasy relationship between sport and politics in the years before the outbreak of war.
Producer: Joanne Cayford
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2010.
TUE 11:00 The Waiting Game (m001nn81)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
TUE 11:30 The Senior Partner (m00300ls)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
TUE 12:00 Yes Minister (b007k0ww)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 today]
TUE 12:30 The Milligan Papers (m00300ly)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
TUE 13:00 Whatever Happened to Baby Jane Austen? (m0016381)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
TUE 13:30 The Diaries of Adrian Mole (m0001tz3)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
TUE 13:45 Small Island by Andrea Levy (b0081syl)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:45 today]
TUE 14:00 Hoax! (m00300mg)
From 21/09/1993
Tim Brooke-Taylor and the audience try to spot the fibber.
Simon Brett, Johnny Morris and Ian Wallace tell the stories.
Devised by Ian Messiter
Producer: Edward Taylor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1993.
TUE 14:30 Life in London (b01167w4)
In Training for a Swell
A tour of the sprawling post-Regency Metropolis in the years before the Victorians turned up and made everything boring
All in the company of garrulous author Pierce Egan, cocksure urbanite Corinthian Tom, his naive Somerset cousin Jerry Hawthorn and their drunken compatriot Bob Logic.
Starring Greg Wise, Mark Gatiss and James Bachman.
Pierce Egan’s 19th-century comic novel adapted by Dan Tetsell.
Pierce Egan .... Geoffrey McGivern
Corinthian Tom .... Greg Wise
Jerry Hawthorn .... Mark Gatiss
Bob Logic .... James Bachman
Old Hawthorn .... Christopher Douglas
Corinthian Kate .... Amanda Abbington
Mrs Belcher .... Laura Shavin
Mr Primefit .... Dave Lamb
Music: Ben Walker
Producer: Tilusha Ghelani
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2006.
TUE 15:00 Renaissance Man: The Last Judgement of Giorgio Vasari (m000702b)
2. Rome
Diverted to Rome by a papal commission, Vasari teaches Piero about the history of art while he battles to finish his work in record time and get back to Florence.
“Giorgio Vasari? Who’s he?”
Florence, 1570. Giorgio Vasari is the top painter and architect of the day, as well as the official biographer of the pantheon of Renaissance artists.
At the behest of his illustrious patron, the Grand Duke Cosimo de’ Medici, Vasari has embarked on his most ambitious project ever: painting the city’s cathedral dome.
His new assistant, Piero, reminds him of his own young self.
Written by Eileen Horne.
Created by Eileen Horne and Sarah Dunant
VASARI ..... Tom Conti
PIERO ..... Will Taylor
COSINA ..... Jasmine Hyde
CARDINAL DE’ MEDICI/MANSERVANT ..... Tristan Beint
ENRICO ..... Joshua Akehurst
DR MARIO ..... Jay Mailer
MICHELANGELO ..... Nick Murchie
SODERINI/OLD PRIEST ..... David Troughton
ANDREA CASTAGNO ..... Nick Murchie
VENEZIANO ..... John Hollingworth
Director: Clive Brill
Exec Producer: Sarah Dunant
A Brill Production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in 2019.
TUE 16:00 A Good Read (m000t4vd)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 today]
TUE 16:30 Things We Forgot to Remember (b00w1xwj)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:30 today]
TUE 17:00 The Waiting Game (m001nn81)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
TUE 17:30 The Senior Partner (m00300ls)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
TUE 18:00 Yes Minister (b007k0ww)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 today]
TUE 18:30 The Milligan Papers (m00300ly)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
TUE 19:00 Whatever Happened to Baby Jane Austen? (m0016381)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
TUE 19:30 The Diaries of Adrian Mole (m0001tz3)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
TUE 19:45 Small Island by Andrea Levy (b0081syl)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:45 today]
TUE 20:00 Hoax! (m00300mg)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:00 today]
TUE 20:30 Life in London (b01167w4)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:30 today]
TUE 21:00 Renaissance Man: The Last Judgement of Giorgio Vasari (m000702b)
[Repeat of broadcast at
15:00 today]
TUE 22:00 Meet David Sedaris (m001kh7l)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 today]
TUE 22:30 And the Winner Is... (b010xwc1)
Series 2
Episode 6
Matt Lucas hosts the most prestigious awards ceremony of the year - the "Lucases".
This week, the following are up for a Lucas:
Those things which are Least Likely To Make You Proud To Be British British Export
Second Greatest Bald Man of All Time
Crappiest Beatles Song
The nominations are provided by guests:
Rory Bremner
Adam Buxton
Shappi Khorsandi
Producer Ashley Blaker
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in May 2011.
TUE 23:00 All the World's a Globe (b007jwv5)
6. The Interregnum & The Age of Turmoil
Tales of Cromwell, Roundheads versus Cavaliers and William of Orange to name but a few.
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.
Written by Patrick Barlow, with additional material by Jim Broadbent and Martin Duncan.
With guest star Peter Barker.
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 (b0076dcq)
For You the War is Over
Has Sean's hobby of historical re-enactment gone too far?
The comedy duo conclude spilling their beans to Michael Parkinson.
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 Chain Reaction (b053bq55)
Series 10
Reece Shearsmith talks to Bob Mortimer
Co-creator and star of The League of Gentlemen, Psychoville and Inside No.9, Reece Shearsmith
talks to
One half of comedy double-act Vic & Bob, creators of Shooting Stars and House of Fools, Bob Mortimer.
Chain Reaction is the long running hostless chat show series where the previous interviewee becomes the next interviewer.
Producer: Charlie Perkins
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2015.
WEDNESDAY 12 AUGUST 2026
WED 00:00 A Good Read (m000t4vd)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 on Tuesday]
WED 00:30 Things We Forgot to Remember (b00w1xwj)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:30 on Tuesday]
WED 01:00 The Waiting Game (m001nn81)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 on Tuesday]
WED 01:30 The Senior Partner (m00300ls)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 on Tuesday]
WED 02:00 Yes Minister (b007k0ww)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 on Tuesday]
WED 02:30 The Milligan Papers (m00300ly)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:00 Whatever Happened to Baby Jane Austen? (m0016381)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 on Tuesday]
WED 03:30 The Diaries of Adrian Mole (m0001tz3)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 on Tuesday]
WED 03:45 Small Island by Andrea Levy (b0081syl)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:45 on Tuesday]
WED 04:00 Hoax! (m00300mg)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:00 on Tuesday]
WED 04:30 Life in London (b01167w4)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:30 on Tuesday]
WED 05:00 Renaissance Man: The Last Judgement of Giorgio Vasari (m000702b)
[Repeat of broadcast at
15:00 on Tuesday]
WED 06:00 The Wolf Far Hence by Edward Boyd (m001m3s3)
1. The Nightmare
Hardnosed investigator Steve Gardiner battles to locate his ex and her new fortune-hunting lover in the north of Scotland.
But is his concern appreciated?
Edward Boyd's six-part serial thriller is set in the remote Scottish Highlands.
Starring Teddy Johnson and Moultrie Kelsall.
Reminiscent of American radio thrillers of the 1950s, Steve appeared previously in ‘The Candle of Darkness’.
Steve Gardiner …. Teddy Johnson
Frank the Barman …. Arthur Boland
Celia Carson …. June Andrews
Old Highlander …. EJP Mace
Woman in the Sportscar …. Leslie Blackater
Hotel Waitress …. Marjorie Dalziel
Judy Clark …. Janet Michael
Peter Calder …. Glen Michael
DI Gordon …. Moultrie Kelsall
Respected Scottish writer Edward Boyd won a Writer’s Guild Award for this series.
Produced at BBC Glasgow by Eddie Fraser.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1971.
WED 06:30 The Senior Partner (m003021v)
3. Family Practices
Solicitors James Rowan and his nephew Olly get drawn into a case very close to home.
James Rowan (Andrew Cruickshank) runs his law firm in Scotland, alongside his much younger nephew, Olly. Can his no-nonsense traditional approach continue to navigate more modern times?
Starring Andrew Cruickshank as James Rowan and Joe Dunop as Olly.
Written by Donald Bull.
James Rowan .... Andrew Cruickshank
Olly .... Joe Dunlop
Mrs Wings .... Nancy Mitchell
Wallace .... John Kane
Dr Wings .... Fraser Kerr
Mrs Wallace .... Elizabeth Proud
Miss Michaels .... Nell Brennan
The Senior Partner ran for two series on BBC Radio 4 between October 1980 and December 1981.
Its star, Scottish actor Andrew Cruickshank (1907 – 1988) was best known for playing Dr Cameron in the long-running BBC TV series Dr Finlay’s Casebook between 1962 and 1971.
Producer: Edward Taylor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1980.
WED 07:00 After Henry (b007jnwh)
Series 2
The Other Married Man
"I can tell when she's being deceitful. There's an expression that comes into her face. I remember when she was only two and she cut all Rosie's hair off."
Sarah tries keeping her affair secret, but her mother Eleanor can sniff out deceit.
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
James ...... Edward de Souza
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 (b007k1x5)
Series 2
The Television Set
Living in the only house in Railway Cuttings without a telly, the Lad takes action.
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 June 1955.
WED 08:00 Bridget Christie: Mortal (m000vp48)
Afterlife
Concluding her look at Mortality, Bridget ponders 'The Afterlife’.
Like many of us forced to work from home during 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, bad WiFi, life admin and her own dead self from beyond the grave.
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 May 2021.
WED 08:30 The Diaries of Adrian Mole (m0001v75)
Adrian Mole: The Cappuccino Years
3. Out of the Frying Pan
Adrian has had enough of working in a Soho restaurant and is asked to host a cookery show on television.
Read by Harry McEntire
Written by Sue Townsend
Abridged by Sara Davies
Produced by Alexa Moore
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in January 2019.
WED 08:45 Small Island by Andrea Levy (b0081vcg)
13. Discrimination
Hortense is forced to face up to the prejudice of 1940s Britain - when she attempts to get a job. Stars Nadine Marshall.
Andrea Levy's award-winning novel exploring empire, prejudice, war and love in Jamaica, England, America and India.
Dramatised by Pat Cumper
Hortense ........ Nadine Marshall
Gilbert ........ Don Gilet
Bernard ........ Stephen Tompkinson
Queenie ........ Lyndsey Marshal
With Trevor Cuthbertson, Paul Biggin and Tracy Wiles.
Music by Felix Cross
Director: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2006.
WED 09:00 Best Medicine (m002zrrf)
Series 3
2 - Reformer Pilates, Persistence, Free Flaps
Joining Kiri Pritchard-McLean this week is comedian Jamie MacDonald who stretches the limits with Reformer Pilates, married couple Dr Lindsey Fitzharris and Adrian Teal who pitch the power of Persistence, and Wing Commander Poonam Valand who has Kiri in stitches with surgical Free Flaps.
Best Medicine is your weekly dose of laughter, hope and incredible medicine. Award-winning comedian Kiri Pritchard-McLean is joined by a funny and fascinating panel of comedians, doctors, scientists, experts and historians to celebrate medicine's inspiring past, present and future.
Each week Kiri challenges a panel of experts and a comedian to make a case for what they think is 'the best medicine'. Each guest champions anything from world-changing science or an obscure invention to an every-day treatment, an uplifting worldview, an unsung hero or a futuristic cure.
Whether it’s groundbreaking surgery, seaweed underwear, AI glasses to help people with dementia, horse therapy, sports, revolutionary gene therapy for Huntington’s disease or yesterday’s rubbish becoming tomorrow’s medicines - it’s always something worth celebrating.
Hosted by Kiri Pritchard-McLean
Featuring: Dr Lindsey Fitzharris, Jamie MacDonald, Adrian Teal and Wing Commander Poonam Valand
Written by Mel Owen, Kiri Pritchard-McLean and Ben Rowse
Producer: Tashi Radha
Executive Producer: Ben Worsfield
Theme tune composed by Andrew Jones
A Large Time Production for BBC Radio 4
WED 09:30 Following the Martian Invasion (b08gy16c)
The Destruction of Shepperton and the Exodus from London
Francis Spufford walks in the footsteps of Wells' all conquering tripods from Woking to Primrose Hill in the company of writers, scientists & historians, exploring the startling array of ideas that fuelled his classic and gives it its lasting impact.
The inexorable progress of the Martian War machines meets an attempt at organised military response at Shepperton. It is desperate and doomed yet not without limited success.
Joining Francis along the banks of the Thames to consider a desperate, workable strategy against alien invasion is General Sir Rupert Smith, former Deputy Supreme Allied Commander.
Meanwhile in London and along the refugee routes northwards to Chipping Barnet Professor Darryl Jones (Trinity College), editor of the O.U.P. edition of War of the Worlds, considers how things fall apart and what kind of world Wells wanted to sweep away?
Producer: Mark Burman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2017.
WED 09:45 Daily Service (m003021y)
Pilgrimage - Be strong and courageous
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Pilgrimage - Be strong and courageous
Presenter: Lyndall Bywater
Reading: Joshua 1: 1 - 9
Music:
Jesus shall lead me - Rachel John
Jesus Loves Me - Jake & Mates
Let The Flame Burn Brighter (We’ll walk the land) - Graham Kendrick
WED 10:00 Archive on 4 (m000zcl0)
The Greenham Effect
As a child Rebecca Mordan protested at Greenham.
In 2021, forty years since it began, she explores the peace camp's profound impact on the women there and on the whole of British society.
Drawing upon a unique and rich new oral history of over a hundred women who lived, campaigned and threw their all into the Greenham protests, Rebecca explores how their experience changed them and the wider world.
She meets the two women who first had the idea of a protest at Greenham, and others who went to jail for their beliefs. She also meets Michael Heseltine, the minister in Mrs Thatcher's government tasked with stopping the protests having any impact.
The Greenham Effect uncovers how the methods and experiences of the Greenham women transformed many women's lives and how they now shape protest and female empowerment in our world today.
Producer: Jonathan Brunert
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2021.
WED 11:00 The Wolf Far Hence by Edward Boyd (m001m3s3)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
WED 11:30 The Senior Partner (m003021v)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
WED 12:00 After Henry (b007jnwh)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 today]
WED 12:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007k1x5)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
WED 13:00 Bridget Christie: Mortal (m000vp48)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
WED 13:30 The Diaries of Adrian Mole (m0001v75)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
WED 13:45 Small Island by Andrea Levy (b0081vcg)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:45 today]
WED 14:00 The Ultimate Choice (m001v3kj)
Series 2
2: Kim Kardashian v E.T.
Steph McGovern asks some seriously funny minds to offer definitive answers to the great questions of our age. Or not.
Welcome to the world's most devious game of Would You Rather?
With guests Amy Gledhill and Ian Smith
Devised and written by Jon Harvey & Joseph Morpurgo
With additional material from Laura Major
Producer: Jon Harvey
A Naked production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in 2024.
WED 14:30 Getting Nowhere Fast (b00mqgrr)
Series 3
Episode 2
Burglars have struck at the CyberPass bistro. So Merv sits up alone to confront them.
Who is it? What do they want? And what will he actually do when they come?
Someone has got Merv by the Delias.
Sitcom set in the Cyber Pass’ internet café.
Written by and starring Mervyn Stutter.
Merv …. Mervyn Stutter
Pam …. Lill Roughley
Dibden …. John Challis
Nev …. Gyuri Sarossy
Chantal …. Tracy-Ann Oberman
Dilkes …. Chris Ettridge
Various …. Geoffrey McGivern
Songs by Mervyn Stutter. Performed by Swamp Things.
Producer: Simon Nicholls
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2004.
WED 15:00 Renaissance Man: The Last Judgement of Giorgio Vasari (m000747f)
3. Home
Two years later, Vasari works on his vast fresco under pressure from the Medici Duke and edits a new edition of his book with Piero, who is a little distracted by love.
“Giorgio Vasari? Who’s he?”
Florence, 1570. Giorgio Vasari is the top painter and architect of the day, as well as the official biographer of the pantheon of Renaissance artists.
At the behest of his illustrious patron, the Grand Duke Cosimo de’ Medici, Vasari has embarked on his most ambitious project ever: painting the city’s cathedral dome.
His new assistant, Piero, reminds him of his own young self.
Written by Eileen Horne.
Created by Eileen Horne and Sarah Dunant
CAST
VASARI ..... Tom Conti
PIERO ..... Will Taylor
COSINA ..... Jasmine Hyde
CARDINAL DE’ MEDICI/MANSERVANT ..... Tristan Beint
ENRICO ..... Joshua Akehurst
DR MARIO ..... Jay Mailer
MICHELANGELO ..... Nick Murchie
SODERINI/OLD PRIEST ..... David Troughton
ANDREA CASTAGNO ..... Nick Murchie
VENEZIANO ..... John Hollingworth
Produced and Directed by Clive Brill
Exec Producer: Sarah Dunant
A Brill Production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in 2019.
WED 16:00 Archive on 4 (m000zcl0)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 today]
WED 17:00 The Wolf Far Hence by Edward Boyd (m001m3s3)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
WED 17:30 The Senior Partner (m003021v)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
WED 18:00 After Henry (b007jnwh)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 today]
WED 18:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007k1x5)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
WED 19:00 Bridget Christie: Mortal (m000vp48)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
WED 19:30 The Diaries of Adrian Mole (m0001v75)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
WED 19:45 Small Island by Andrea Levy (b0081vcg)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:45 today]
WED 20:00 The Ultimate Choice (m001v3kj)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:00 today]
WED 20:30 Getting Nowhere Fast (b00mqgrr)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:30 today]
WED 21:00 Renaissance Man: The Last Judgement of Giorgio Vasari (m000747f)
[Repeat of broadcast at
15:00 today]
WED 22:00 Best Medicine (m002zrrf)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 today]
WED 22:30 Mitch Benn's Crimes Against Music (b007k0c8)
Series 1
Excess
Pop excess is the stuff of legends...but sometimes it just gets a bit too much.
Mitch Benn continues his journey through the showbiz glitz and backstage litter of pop music.
With:
Robert Ince
Alfie Joey
Tash Baylis
Kirsty Newton
Producer: Adam Bromley
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2004.
WED 23:00 Welcome to Wherever You Are (m0006sf0)
Series 2
Episode 1
Andrew Maxwell hosts a truly global stand-up show, in which comedians perform from wherever on the planet they happen to be, to an audience in the BBC Radio Theatre, London.
With:
* Steph Tisdell
* Schalk Bezuidenhout
* Al Pitcher
Steph Tisdell is a First Nations Australian stand-up.
Schalk Bezuidenhout is an Afrikaaner from Cape Town.
Al Pitcher aims to give us the lowdown on life in Stockholm.
Producer: Richard Morris
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in July 2019.
WED 23:30 Dial M for Pizza (b007k35g)
Series 2
Episode 5
Another helping of piping hot comedy with spicy sketches with Brenda Blethyn, Robert Bathurst and Jim Broadbent.
Sir Christopher Wren unmasked as an arsonist - and horror films minus the horror.
Written by James Hendrie and Ian Brown.
Serving up the pizza fun:
Robert Bathurst
Brenda Blethyn
Jim Broadbent
Felicity Montagu
Producer: David Tyler
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1988.
THURSDAY 13 AUGUST 2026
THU 00:00 Archive on 4 (m000zcl0)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:00 The Wolf Far Hence by Edward Boyd (m001m3s3)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 on Wednesday]
THU 01:30 The Senior Partner (m003021v)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 on Wednesday]
THU 02:00 After Henry (b007jnwh)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 on Wednesday]
THU 02:30 Hancock's Half Hour (b007k1x5)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:00 Bridget Christie: Mortal (m000vp48)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 on Wednesday]
THU 03:30 The Diaries of Adrian Mole (m0001v75)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 on Wednesday]
THU 03:45 Small Island by Andrea Levy (b0081vcg)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:45 on Wednesday]
THU 04:00 The Ultimate Choice (m001v3kj)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:00 on Wednesday]
THU 04:30 Getting Nowhere Fast (b00mqgrr)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:30 on Wednesday]
THU 05:00 Renaissance Man: The Last Judgement of Giorgio Vasari (m000747f)
[Repeat of broadcast at
15:00 on Wednesday]
THU 06:00 The Wolf Far Hence by Edward Boyd (m001m40l)
2. The Net
A brutal murder scene is discovered, but it’s not the first killing in the remote Highland village.
Steve Gardiner and DI Gordon investigate.
Starring Teddy Johnson and Moultrie Kelsall.
Edward Boyd's serial thriller set in the remote Scottish Highlands.
Steve Gardiner …. Teddy Johnson
DI Gordon …. Moultrie Kelsall
Judy Clark …. Janet Michael
Doris …. Marjorie Dalziel
Captain Siegfried Bevvis …. Robert Urquhart
Jonathan Ketch …. Walter Carr
Produced at BBC Glasgow by Eddie Fraser.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1971.
THU 06:30 The Senior Partner (m003020g)
4. Regina v Rowansby
Solicitors James Rowan and his nephew Olly have cases. but both their minds are elsewhere.
James Rowan (Andrew Cruickshank) runs his law firm in Scotland, alongside his much younger nephew, Olly. Can his no-nonsense traditional approach continue to navigate more modern times?
Starring Andrew Cruickshank as James Rowan and Joe Dunop as Olly.
Written by Donald Bull.
James Rowan .... Andrew Cruickshank
Olly .... Joe Dunlop
Prinnie .... Nancy Mitchell
Ronnie Boswell .... John Kane
Mrs Merrick .... Audrey Muir
Setlow .... Michael McStay
The Senior Partner ran for two series on BBC Radio 4 between October 1980 and December 1981.
Its star, Scottish actor Andrew Cruickshank (1907 – 1988) was best known for playing Dr Cameron in the long-running BBC TV series Dr Finlay’s Casebook between 1962 and 1971.
Producer: Edward Taylor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 1980.
****
Restored from an off-air recording. Our warm thanks to our friends at the Radio Circle.
THU 07:00 Capital Gains (b007rq8b)
Series 1
Capital Return
Home at last, how will Julius Hutch come to terms with the bank that made him rich?
Can he set himself up to live happily ever after?
Starring Peter Jones.
Written by Collin Johnson
Julius Hutch …. Peter Jones
Pauline Tone …. Celestine Randall
Sexton Lewis …. Jeffrey Wickham
Peter Fang …. Peter Whitman
News Reader …. Collin Johnson
Kate …. Justine Midda
Producer: Andy Jordan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1995.
THU 07:30 The Burkiss Way (b007jqv4)
Series 3
How to Succeed in Business The Burkiss Way
"It's That Script Again!" with fast-talking old-time radio comedy fun - and at the Council Planning Committee, will Satan eat a cucumber or offer a million pound bribe?
Cult sketch comedy series which originally ran from 1976 to 1980.
Starring:
Fred Harris
Jo Kendall
Nigel Rees
Chris Emmett
Written by Andrew Marshall and David Renwick.
Producer: John Lloyd
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1977.
THU 08:00 The Train at Platform 4 (m00132xq)
Series 1
Coffee
Comedy legends Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis's first series of their sitcom, set in the claustrophobic carriages of a cross-country rail service.
It's day one of a new franchise and train manager Sam has high hopes for their maiden voyage, even if the new bosses insist her role is to 'enhance the onboard travel experience'.
But the marketing team's offer of free coffee for ALL customers soon threatens to derail the smooth running of the service.
Meanwhile passengers struggle to escape the clutches of the automatic toilets....
Our heroes are the long-suffering train crew who manage to scrape through every shift like a dysfunctional family.
Sam …... Rosie Cavaliero
Gilbert ..…. Kenneth Collard
Dev …... Ali Shahalom
Tasha …... Amy Gledhill
Pensioner 1 …... Hugh Dennis
Pensioner 2 …... Gemma Arrowsmith
Student …... Justice Ritchie
Lawyer …... Steve Punt
Producer: James Robinson
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in January 2022.
THU 08:30 The Diaries of Adrian Mole (m0001vkr)
Adrian Mole: The Cappuccino Years
4. Eviction
Health inspectors close down his Soho restaurant, but will Adrian cut the mustard as a TV chef in a series called 'Offally Good!'?........
Read by Harry McEntire
Written by Sue Townsend
Abridged by Sara Davies
Produced by Alexa Moore
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in January 2019.
THU 08:45 Small Island by Andrea Levy (b0081w1h)
14. Arrival
Queenie gives birth to a beautiful baby boy - but who is the father? Stars Lyndsey Marshal and Stephen Tompkinson.
Andrea Levy's award-winning novel exploring empire, prejudice, war and love in Jamaica, England, America and India.
Dramatised by Pat Cumper
Hortense ........ Nadine Marshall
Gilbert ........ Don Gilet
Bernard ........ Stephen Tompkinson
Queenie ........ Lyndsey Marshal
Michael............Javone Prince
Damian Lynch ........ Man
With Trevor Cuthbertson, Paul Biggin and Tracy Wiles.
Music by Felix Cross
Director: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2006.
THU 09:00 Icklewick FM (m001vsgv)
Series 1
2. The Queue
Chris and Amy are left scratching their chuffs when a mysterious queue forms in the middle of Icklewick. Concerned mum Sharon L’Beech is furious (as per) but luckily, IcklewickFM’s roving reporter Simon Toke is actually on the scene for once! Too bad he gets immediately swept up in the mass hysteria before he can find out any answers.
Meanwhile, magician and local lad done good The Great Zambino drops into the studio to promote his new tour and confirm he’s definitely, definitely not a virgin.
Mr Patel would like to confirm that there is nothing blue in this episode.
Created and written by Chris Cantrill and Amy Gledhill with additional material from the cast.
Starring:
Lucy Beaumont
Tom Burgess
Tai Campbell
Janice Connolly
Phil Ellis
Colin Hoult
Katia Kvinge
Alex Lowe
Nimisha Odedra
Nicola Redman
Mark Silcox
Shivani Thussu
Sound Design and Music by Jack Lewis Evans.
The Line Producer is Laura Shaw.
Produced by Benjamin Sutton.
Icklewick FM is A Daddy’s SuperYacht Production for BBC Radio 4.
THU 09:30 Following the Martian Invasion (b08h065d)
'What We Saw from the Ruined House'
Francis Spufford walks in the footsteps of Wells' all conquering tripods from Woking to Primrose Hill in the company of writers, scientists and historians, exploring the startling array of ideas that fuelled his classic and gives it its lasting impact.
'They were, I now saw, the most unearthly creatures it is possible to conceive'. Red weed floats down the Thames by Kew Bridge, the Martians are busy aero-forming Earth to make it more like their dying Martian home. The South East lies in ruins and London is abandoned.
Meanwhile in a house in Mortlake Francis Spufford is joined by Professor Sally Shuttleworth (St Annes, Oxford) and space scientist Maggie Aderin-Pocock to consider Martian evolution and appearance in a terrifying close encounter.
Producer: Laura Thomas
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2017.
THU 09:45 Daily Service (m003020k)
Pilgrimage - The road to Emmaus
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music.
Theme: Pilgrimage - The road to Emmaus
Presenter: Fr Paschal Uche
Reading: Luke
24:13-35
Music:
Holy God We Praise Thy name - Leeds Cathedral Choir
O bread of heaven - Leeds Cathedral Choir
I the Lord of Sea and Sky - Daily Service Singers
THU 10:00 Great Lives (b00rt9rh)
Bertolt Brecht
Playwright John Godber chooses Bertolt Brecht as his literary hero and inspiration.
Both writers have in common an instinct and desire for truly popular theatre which has the power to change fundamentally the perspective of its audiences. And who else could bring the spectacle of the sports stadium into the theatre auditorium?
Specialist in German drama, Professor Michael Patterson, joins the debate to counter the widespread view that 'if it's German and political it must be boring'.
Brecht's own productions were immensely lively and popular and his theatrical legacy, although eschewed by Hollywood devotees of naturalism, stands firm in the work of many of today's greatest writers.
You can also discover the truth about allegations of Brecht plundering the genius of his many lovers, and how he made love with his socks on.
Presented by Mathew Parris.
Producer: Mary Ward-Lowery
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2010.
THU 10:30 From Ivory To Plastic (b0075fw3)
Concert pianist David Owen Norris goes on a musical journey spanning nearly 300 years in search of the public and private life of the piano.
Along the way he'll be playing pianos which belonged to Mozart and Chopin, and talking to pianist Jools Holland.
Producer: Sarah Taylor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1998.
THU 11:00 The Wolf Far Hence by Edward Boyd (m001m40l)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
THU 11:30 The Senior Partner (m003020g)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
THU 12:00 Capital Gains (b007rq8b)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 today]
THU 12:30 The Burkiss Way (b007jqv4)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
THU 13:00 The Train at Platform 4 (m00132xq)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
THU 13:30 The Diaries of Adrian Mole (m0001vkr)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
THU 13:45 Small Island by Andrea Levy (b0081w1h)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:45 today]
THU 14:00 Dilemma (b01qmb08)
Series 2
Episode 1
Sue Perkins sets moral and ethical posers for:
Paul Sinha
Lemn Sissay
Margaret Cabourn-Smith
Graeme Garden
The return of the panel show posing finely-balanced dilemmas as Sue cross-examines their answers.
Comic Paul struggles with his sporting loyalties; poet Lemn experiences something new, actor and comic Margaret faces up to some poor parenting; and Graeme contemplates life without one of his favourite Aunties.
There are no "right" answers - but there are some deeply damning ones.
Devised by Danielle Ward.
Producer: Ed Morrish
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2013.
THU 14:30 The Change (b00p2jn5)
Series 1
When a Man Loves a Woman
Ken drops in to comfort Carol, but is soon in despair over her transvestite hubby George.
Can she ever accept his new life choices?
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 December 2001.
THU 15:00 The Summer Book by Tove Jansson (b007jw2l)
A grandmother spends her last summer with her granddaughter on an island in the Gulf of Finland.
Written by Tove Jansson.
Translated by Thomas Teal.
Dramatised by Catherine Czerkawska.
Grandmother .... Phyllida Law
Grown-Up Granddaughter .... Sophie Thompson
Young Grandchild .... Victoria O'Donnell
Director: Marilyn Imrie
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 1999.
THU 15:45 Short Works (m001hp5h)
In Loco Parentis by Jan Carson
On a day out with her two young nieces, DD will do anything to live up the title of 'World's Best Aunt'.
An original short story commissioned by BBC Radio 4 written by Jan Carson.
Read by Lisa Dwyer Hogg.
Jan Carson is a writer and community arts facilitator based in Belfast. Her first novel, Malcolm Orange Disappears, was published in 2014 to critical acclaim, followed by a short-story collection, Children's Children (2016), and two flash fiction anthologies, Postcard Stories (2017) and Postcard Stories 2 (2020).
Her second novel, The Fire Starters (2019), won the EU Prize for Literature and was shortlisted for the Dalkey Novel of the Year Award.
Her work has appeared in numerous journals and on BBC Radio 3 and 4. She has won the Harper's Bazaar short-story competition and has been shortlisted for the BBC National Short Story Award and the Seán Ó Faoláin Short Story Prize. Her third novel, The Raptures, was published in 2022.
Producer: Michael Shannon
A BBC Northern Ireland production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in February 2023.
THU 16:00 Great Lives (b00rt9rh)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 today]
THU 16:30 From Ivory To Plastic (b0075fw3)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:30 today]
THU 17:00 The Wolf Far Hence by Edward Boyd (m001m40l)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
THU 17:30 The Senior Partner (m003020g)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
THU 18:00 Capital Gains (b007rq8b)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 today]
THU 18:30 The Burkiss Way (b007jqv4)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
THU 19:00 The Train at Platform 4 (m00132xq)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
THU 19:30 The Diaries of Adrian Mole (m0001vkr)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
THU 19:45 Small Island by Andrea Levy (b0081w1h)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:45 today]
THU 20:00 Dilemma (b01qmb08)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:00 today]
THU 20:30 The Change (b00p2jn5)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:30 today]
THU 21:00 The Summer Book by Tove Jansson (b007jw2l)
[Repeat of broadcast at
15:00 today]
THU 21:45 Short Works (m001hp5h)
[Repeat of broadcast at
15:45 today]
THU 22:00 Icklewick FM (m001vsgv)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 today]
THU 22:30 A Look Back at the Nineties (b007jqk5)
1995
Sponsoring the British Army, the impact of total European integration - and the House of Commons votes for the Honesty Act...
Recorded in 1993 - 'the comedy team look back' at the rest of 1990s yet to happen - starting with 1995.
Starring:
Brian Perkins
Kate Robbins
Special guest: Chris Barrie
A satirical review set on New Year's Eve 1999 - the Sony Gold award-winning comedy recalls the events from 1995 to 1999.
Predicted by 'Spitting Image' writers Mark Burton, John O'Farrell and Pete Sinclair.
Producer: Caroline Leddy
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1993.
THU 22:55 The Comedy Club Interviews (m0030483)
Sunil Patel 3/3
The Comedy Club - Two hours of comedy, every night from
10pm. Tonight, Jon Holmes wraps up his three-part chat with the comedian and actor Sunil Patel.
THU 23:00 The Casebook of Max and Ivan (b099wv45)
Series 2
Case #139 - Help! The Aged!
Cack-handed private eyes Max and Ivan are in a state of penury, with mad landlord Malcolm going to extreme lengths to get his hands on their rent.
Nonetheless, Max seems ready to jack in the business when he discovers that his Great Uncle Bernard might be in trouble.
But when he and Ivan investigate Bernard's retirement home and meet the terrifying Sister Geraldine, all might not be as it seems.
With guest star: Richard Wilson
Written by Max Olesker and Ivan Gonzalez.
Max ...... Max Olesker
Ivan ...... Ivan Gonzalez
Great Uncle Bernard ...... Richard Wilson
Narrator ...... Lewis Macleod
Malcolm McMichaelmas ...... Lewis Macleod
Sister Geraldine ...... Lolly Adefope
Jonathan Miracle ...... David Reed
Developed by John Stanley Productions.
Producer: Ben Walker
A Retort production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in October 2017.
THU 23:30 Sophie Willan's Guide to Normality (b09wt190)
Series 1
Get a Job
Break out comedy star Sophie Willan from BBC2's Alma's Not Normal, continues her stand-up series.
Growing up in and out of the care system, Sophie had an unconventional childhood. Here, she challenges our perception of 'the perfect normal life', shining a light on the reality of the British experience.
In this episode, Sophie looks at jobs and how 'normal' it is to have one.
Producer: Suzy Grant
A BBC Studio production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in March 2018.
THU 23:45 What's the Story, Ashley Storrie? (m001gx7f)
Series 1
2. And Then There Was Ashley
Growing up surrounded by gangsters and a dysfunctional family, this is the story of Ashley - a tall comedian who loves William Shatner and hates textured fabrics.
As a self-identifying 'save the marriage' baby, Ashley grew up in a pub in the Calton area of Glasgow, performing songs and putting on shows for the drinkers on a Saturday afternoon. Her love for the spotlight often interrupted fights, and eventually led to her first job in showbiz; dramatic overacting will get you anywhere.
Written and performed by Ashley Storrie.
Producer: Julia Sutherland
A Dabster production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in January 2023.
FRIDAY 14 AUGUST 2026
FRI 00:00 Great Lives (b00rt9rh)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 on Thursday]
FRI 00:30 From Ivory To Plastic (b0075fw3)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:30 on Thursday]
FRI 01:00 The Wolf Far Hence by Edward Boyd (m001m40l)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 on Thursday]
FRI 01:30 The Senior Partner (m003020g)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 on Thursday]
FRI 02:00 Capital Gains (b007rq8b)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 on Thursday]
FRI 02:30 The Burkiss Way (b007jqv4)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:00 The Train at Platform 4 (m00132xq)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 on Thursday]
FRI 03:30 The Diaries of Adrian Mole (m0001vkr)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 on Thursday]
FRI 03:45 Small Island by Andrea Levy (b0081w1h)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:45 on Thursday]
FRI 04:00 Dilemma (b01qmb08)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:00 on Thursday]
FRI 04:30 The Change (b00p2jn5)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:30 on Thursday]
FRI 05:00 The Summer Book by Tove Jansson (b007jw2l)
[Repeat of broadcast at
15:00 on Thursday]
FRI 05:45 Short Works (m001hp5h)
[Repeat of broadcast at
15:45 on Thursday]
FRI 06:00 The Wolf Far Hence by Edward Boyd (m001m3zy)
3. The Morass
A mild-mannered local knows more than he's telling about the murders at the loch...
Starring Teddy Johnson and Moultrie Kelsall.
Edward Boyd's serial thriller set in the remote Scottish Highlands.
Steve Gardiner …. Teddy Johnson
DI Gordon …. Moultrie Kelsall
Jonathan Ketch …. Walter Carr
Judy Clark …. Janet Michael
Captain Siegfried Bevvis …. Robert Urquhart
DS Grant …. David Kinnaird
Produced at BBC Glasgow by Eddie Fraser.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1971.
FRI 06:30 The Senior Partner (m00300td)
5. A High Moral Tone
Can solicitors James Rowan and his nephew Olly discover if a shop worker has been stealing?
James Rowan (Andrew Cruickshank) runs his law firm in Scotland, alongside his much younger nephew, Olly. Can his no-nonsense traditional approach continue to navigate more modern times?
Starring Andrew Cruickshank as James Rowan and Joe Dunop as Olly.
Written by Donald Bull.
James Rowan .... Andrew Cruickshank
Olly .... Joe Dunlop
Prinnie .... Nancy Mitchell
Ronnie Boswell .... John Kane
Julia .... Sandra Clark
Greg .... John Graham
The Sheriff .... Fraser Kerr
The Senior Partner ran for two series on BBC Radio 4 between October 1980 and December 1981.
Its star, Scottish actor Andrew Cruickshank (1907 – 1988), was best known for playing Dr Cameron in the long-running BBC TV series Dr Finlay’s Casebook between 1962 and 1971.
Producer: Edward Taylor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 1980.
FRI 07:00 Flying the Flag (b00xc71y)
Series 4
Spiritual Values
Her Majesty's Ambassador Mackenzie and his staff battle on bravely, coming to terms with the changing order in Colonel Surikov's fledgling Eastern-bloc democracy.
The new order brings new problems, not least keeping the diplomatic upper hand in a country discovering the ills of the West.
So when equal rights for women appears on the agenda, closely followed by the emergence of militant feminists, the embassies echo to the sound of men closing ranks.
Starring Dinsdale Landen.
Return of the Eastern Bloc embassy sitcom written by Alex Shearer.
HM Ambassador Mackenzie …. Dinsdale Landen
William Frost …. Peter Acre
Helen Waterson …. Moir Leslie
Spiro …. Stephen Greif
Christopher Benjamin …. Colonel Surikov
Producer: Neil Cargill
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 1992.
FRI 07:30 Beyond Our Ken (m00300tg)
Series 5
Episode 4
Kenneth Horne takes part in an elocution experiment and Hornerama focusses on the arts.
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.
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 November 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 (m001gww6)
Series 3
The Confession of Lady Antonia Fraser
Historian and biographer, Antonia Fraser has her conscience examined by Stephen Mangan.
With stories of royal parties, theft and fake masses.
The comic and intrusive chat show, in which Stephen Mangan interrogates celebrity penitents about their stories of shame, guilt and embarrassment.
Each episode, Stephen entices a different eminent guest into his virtual confessional box to make three confessions of sins, peccadilloes, misdeeds and idiocies - anything really that will make us laugh, shudder, blush or cringe at their expense.
Written and presented by Stephen Mangan.
Additional material by Nick Doody.
Producer: Frank Stirling
A 7digital production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in January 2023.
FRI 08:30 The Diaries of Adrian Mole (m0001w3g)
Adrian Mole: The Cappuccino Years
5. Home Again
Adrian finds himself homeless once more so moves back to Wisteria Walk. Pauline Mole and Ivan Braithwaite make an announcement.
Read by Harry McEntire
Written by Sue Townsend
Abridged by Sara Davies
Produced by Alexa Moore
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in January 2019.
FRI 08:45 Small Island by Andrea Levy (b0081wmy)
15. Consequences
Confronted by the consequences of her actions - Queenie makes the most difficult decision of her life. Stars Lyndsey Marshal.
The concluding part of Andrea Levy's award-winning novel exploring empire, prejudice, war and love in Jamaica, England, America and India.
Dramatised by Pat Cumper
Hortense ........ Nadine Marshall
Gilbert ........ Don Gilet
Bernard ........ Stephen Tompkinson
Queenie ........ Lyndsey Marshal
Music by Felix Cross
Director: Sally Avens
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2006.
FRI 09:00 Olga Koch: OK Computer (m001mc28)
Series 2
2. Intelligence
This episode, Olga and ALGO put their heads together to understand intelligence.
Comedian and computer scientist Olga Koch returns for a second series of her comedy and STEM stand up show, joined by her trusty digital assistant ALGO (voiced by Tia Kofi).
Written by Olga Koch and Charlie Dinkin
Featuring Tia Kofi
Additional Material From Rajiv Karia, Cody Dahler and Kate Dehnert
Production Co-ordinator Katie Baum
Produced by Benjamin Sutton
A BBC Studios Production
FRI 09:30 Following the Martian Invasion (b08h0cb0)
The Martian Overthrow
Francis Spufford walks in the footsteps of Wells' all conquering tripods from Woking to Primrose Hill in the company of writers, scientists and historians, exploring the startling array of ideas that fuelled his classic and gives it its lasting impact.
"The farther I penetrated into London, the profounder grew the stillness. It was a city condemned and derelict....In South Kensington I first heard the howling.... a sobbing alternation of two notes, "Ulla, ulla, ulla, ulla,"
Francis Spufford moves through an eerily silent London from Exhibition Road, where Wells had eagerly attended the lectures of biologist Thomas Huxley, onto the outskirts of Primrose Hill.
The last staging post of the Martians who meet their microbial end overlooking the ruined city as Victorian's count their biological blessings.
Joining him are the science fiction writers Ian McDonald and Stephen Baxter, author of the new sequel to War of the Worlds. In the 120 years since its publication why does Wells' tale still resonate?
Producer: Mark Burman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2017.
FRI 09:45 Daily Service (m00300tk)
Pilgrimage - St Margaret
Reflection and music with Rev MaryAnn Rennie of Dunfermline Abbey, which stands on the site of a Benedictine abbey founded by St Margaret, Queen of Scotland, in the 11th Century.
FRI 10:00 Soul Music (m000ktx9)
Feeling Good
The surprising history behind a track made famous by Nina Simone.
Feeling Good was written for a now obscure musical and originally performed by Cy Grant, the first black man to appear regularly on British TV.
Cy Grant's daughter, Samantha Moxon, describes her father's extraordinary life from Prisoner of War camp to a successful career in the arts.
The composer, Neil Brand, discusses why the song has gone on to transcend the almost forgotten musical it was created for.
Other speakers are Sam Reynolds, who says the track helped her through challenging times, and musician, Kirsten Lamb, who sings a simplified version with young children at a homelessness project in Massachusetts.
Series about pieces of music with a powerful emotional impact
Producer: Karen Gregor
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2020.
FRI 10:30 Pilot (b008m5xh)
Even in the Internet age, there's still a huge romantic buzz about a great ship.
And as she manoeuvres her vast bulk round the buoys and bars of our great ports both the sleek liner and the towering container vessel will usually draw a crowd.
In this feature, keen sailor Libby Purves takes to the water to tell the little-known story of the men and women whose job it is to guide these big ships safely home in the best and the worst of weathers....and out to sea again - the ship's pilot.
Producer: Simon Elmes
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2008.
FRI 11:00 The Wolf Far Hence by Edward Boyd (m001m3zy)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
FRI 11:30 The Senior Partner (m00300td)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
FRI 12:00 Flying the Flag (b00xc71y)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 today]
FRI 12:30 Beyond Our Ken (m00300tg)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
FRI 13:00 The Confessional (m001gww6)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
FRI 13:30 The Diaries of Adrian Mole (m0001w3g)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
FRI 13:45 Small Island by Andrea Levy (b0081wmy)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:45 today]
FRI 14:00 The Museum of Curiosity (m001k0d5)
Series 17
Episode 4
The Professor of Ignorance John Lloyd and his curator Anna Ptaszynski welcome:
* Comedian Alasdair Beckett-King
* Athlete Dame Sarah Storey
* Artist Hannah Rose Thomas
Under scrutiny this week: fitness, fantasy and fake moustaches.
Researchers: Mike Turner, Mandy Fenton and Lydia Mizon of QI.
Producers: Sam Holmes & Leying Lee
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in March 2023.
FRI 14:30 Millport (b0076bk4)
Series 3
The Siege
Millport's under siege by the neighbouring islands, furious that this little insignificant town has its own independent public house.
Amidst the madness Irene and Moira find romance where they least expect it - and Alberto unveils an unusual secret defence system.
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/Robert the Dog/Mr Shetland /Mr Sky ...... Lewis McLeod
Ena/Bunty ...... Gabriel Quigley
Minister/Bob/Mr Dunoon/Mr Orkney ...... Robert Patterson
Dougie/Mr Arran ...... Kenneth Bryans
Producer: Lucy Bacon
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2002.
FRI 15:00 Drama on 4 (b06sbrxh)
The Hunting of the Snark by Lewis Carroll
Tony Robinson narrates this fresh adaptation of Lewis Carroll's classic masterpiece following a strange assortment of characters on their quest for an elusive beast.
Led by a bell-ringing Captain, this motley crew must brave terrifying danger in their chaotic pursuit of a creature known as Snark. Accompanied by specially composed music and songs, this surreal tale questions whether anything is really what it seems.
Music and songs composed by Katie Chatburn
Music performed by Katie Chatburn, Dorry Macaulay, Kathryn Williams, Stephen Cordiner and Jasper Wilkinson
Director: Charlotte Riches.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2015.
FRI 15:45 Short Works (m0019z98)
Straight Fire by Gurnaik Johal
Four young men on a stag weekend: a summer expedition of camping, wild swimming and cooking over an open fire.
As they bicker and tease, test and taunt one another, Straight Fire explores the shared histories that bind them, and the cracks in their relationships. It's a story about heritage, fatherhood and masculinity which culminates in a shocking act.
Straight Fire is written by Gurnaik Johal, who won the 2021/22 Galley Beggar Press short story prize.
Read by Antonio Aakeel.
Producer: Nicola Holloway
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2022.
FRI 16:00 Soul Music (m000ktx9)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:00 today]
FRI 16:30 Pilot (b008m5xh)
[Repeat of broadcast at
10:30 today]
FRI 17:00 The Wolf Far Hence by Edward Boyd (m001m3zy)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:00 today]
FRI 17:30 The Senior Partner (m00300td)
[Repeat of broadcast at
06:30 today]
FRI 18:00 Flying the Flag (b00xc71y)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:00 today]
FRI 18:30 Beyond Our Ken (m00300tg)
[Repeat of broadcast at
07:30 today]
FRI 19:00 The Confessional (m001gww6)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:00 today]
FRI 19:30 The Diaries of Adrian Mole (m0001w3g)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:30 today]
FRI 19:45 Small Island by Andrea Levy (b0081wmy)
[Repeat of broadcast at
08:45 today]
FRI 20:00 The Museum of Curiosity (m001k0d5)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:00 today]
FRI 20:30 Millport (b0076bk4)
[Repeat of broadcast at
14:30 today]
FRI 21:00 Drama on 4 (b06sbrxh)
[Repeat of broadcast at
15:00 today]
FRI 21:45 Short Works (m0019z98)
[Repeat of broadcast at
15:45 today]
FRI 22:00 Olga Koch: OK Computer (m001mc28)
[Repeat of broadcast at
09:00 today]
FRI 22:30 Becoming Njambi (m0010jjd)
Do You Have Democracy?
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.
Now Njambi details the colonisation of Kenya, and the torrid experiences that her family and the Gikuyu tribe went through.
Just three generations ago, Njambi expertly shares a history that many in the UK will not be familiar with, comparing modern day politics to the brutality and camps of the late 1800s.
Producer: Julia Sutherland
A Dabster production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in October 2021.
FRI 22:45 Rhys James (b09qfwt5)
Rhys James Is ...
Introspective
Comedian Rhys James explores different aspects of himself through live stand up, spoken word poetry and interview clips.
In this final episode, he reads a letter he wrote to his future self when he was 10.
'You don't need to find out who you are. It's about finding out who you is".
Written and performed by Rhys James
With Rhys's Mum and Dad.
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 (b01glrp7)
Series 3
The Stand-In
Ben vows to do something alone but buying an envelope at the post office is not that easy.
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 .... Spencer Brown
Bea .... Scarlett Milburn-Smith
Mr Shah .... Bruce Alexander
Director: Gareth Edwards
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2009.
FRI 23:30 Laura Solon - Talking and Not Talking (b00p912l)
Series 3
Episode 5
Naive office worker Adrian is offered a job as the new Robson and Jerome.
The United Planetary Super Council is invaded by a space-fiend.
And a strange German woman takes over the Shipping Forecast.
Award-winning comedian Laura Solon with more sketches, monologues and one-liners.
With:
Ben Moor
Rosie Cavaliero
Ben Willbond
Producer: Colin Anderson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2009.