Showing posts with label BBC radio this week. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BBC radio this week. Show all posts

BBC Radio Highlights: The Smile, Daphne du Maurier, 'Jaws' and More


Click the links to stream shows from the Beeb.

The Smile: 6 Music Festival Live Sets - Radiohead meets Sons of Kemet in alt-rock supergroup The Smile. 

Music Legends: Roger Daltrey - The Who's lead singer Roger Daltrey talks to Tom Morton about a musical career and rock legacy spanning five decades. From 2011.

"Jaws" by Peter Benchley - High summer on Amity Island, lots of tourists - but something’s lurking as one young woman takes a dip. Read by Henry Goodman.

Flight of the Conchords - The Kiwi band tries to make it big in London. Improvised comedy from the satirical pop pair, as they align with established comics to poke fun at all aspects of pop music. Rob Brydon narrates the six-part musical odyssey about a novelty band. Starring New Zealand musical comedy duo, Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement.

Drama on 4: "The Kubrick Test" - The story of a young actor’s encounter with legendary film maker Stanley Kubrick. Starring, as himself, Kerry Shale.

Drama on 4: "Beside Myself" - , makes her way along the clifftops near Kilmarth but any semblance of independence is quickly dispelled by the annoying presence of her nurse, Terry, following at a distance, for being unable to write, the author is suffering from insomnia and depression.

The routine of these ambles is well known to her fans and they often seek her out. So when a stranger approaches, Daphne thinks he’s just another and picks up her stiff stride, eager to get away. However, this one’s not to be deterred. As they walk along Daphne, to own amazement, finds herself revealing much to the man about her life. Why is she compelled to divulge so much? Perhaps too much.

  • Daphne ..... Helena Bonham Carter
  • Man ..... Bill Nighy
  • Terry ..... Alex Tregear
  • Lawyer ..... Ian Dunnett Junior

Charles Chilton - "Space Force" - A routine trip to the moon turns into a nightmare in space for Captain Saxon Berry and his crew.

Free Thinking: Francis Ford Coppola's "The Conversation" - Released at the height of the Watergate scandal, Coppola's 1974 film about surveillance and wire-tapping reflected the mood of paranoia in the USA. Matthew Sweet & guests discuss.


BBC Radio Highlights this Week


Click the links to stream programs free from the Beeb.

Drama on 4: Siddhartha - Full cast dramatisation of Hermann Hesse’s classic tale. Siddhartha is handsome, brilliant and well-loved. But unhappy. One man’s quest for spiritual wholeness in ancient India. 

Mr. Norris Changes Trains by Christopher Isherwood - Isherwood's novel piquantly evokes the atmosphere of Berlin during the rise of the Nazis. It is often cited as one of the inspirations for the musical Cabaret.

Down Payment on Death - Retired hitman Art Gordo is offered big money to carry out one last killing. Dinsdale Landen stars in Jim Eldridge’s thriller.

Letters From Tove by Tove Jansson - The revealing letters of Moomin creator Tove Jansson to her family, her confidantes and her lovers. Read by Sarah Lambie.

When Cassius Met The Beatles - John Wilson gathers eye-witness memories of the famous 1964 meeting between boxer Cassius Clay and the Fab Four. From 2010.

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury -Fahrenheit 451 is the temperature at which paper burns. It's Guy Montag's job to know these things: he's a fireman and he burns books for a living. He loves his job doing this service for the public, but he is not happy.

The Story of Pop - Episode 11: When We Was Fab - The Story of Pop (part 11 of 52): When We Was Fab. Alan Freeman remembers the Beatles and the British invasion of the USA. First broadcast in 1994.

BBC Radio Highlights this Week: The Kinks, Banksy, Ian Rankin, Sun Ra, More


Clicks the links to stream programs from the Beeb.

J to Z - Concert highlights from the Sun Ra Arkestra, recorded live at We Out Here festival 2023. 

The Banksy Story - James Peak tells the story of how Banksy went from wall-spraying hood rat, to the most famous, and infamous, artist in the world.

A Good Read - Ian Rankin and Colin MacIntyre. The crime writer and musician choose the books they love.

Drama on 4: Exodus to Shanghai - The story of five young people who evaded the Nazis by escaping to the only safe haven open to them: Shanghai. Adapted from eyewitness accounts by Kate McAll.

McLevy -  Brian Cox stars as David Ashton's sleuth - solving crimes on the streets of Victorian Edinburgh.

Tales From the Arabian Nights - Derek Jacobi and Carolyn Backhouse appear in these dramatizations of the classic tales.

Whodunnits: Hercule Poirot - Murder on the Orient Express - Hercule Poirot's train departs, but one passenger will never finish the journey. Agatha Christie's whodunnit stars John Moffatt.

Blue Canvas : The Artist Miles Davis -  A musical portrait of how the jazz trumpeter Miles Davis became a painter in later life. With artist Jo Gelbard. From 2016.

The Davies Diaries - Fifty years on from the beginning of the Kinks, there is another chance to hear a series first broadcast in 2000 in which lead singer and songwriter Ray Davies recalls the band's career in the 1960s.

The Kinks: Live in Concert - The Kinks recorded at the Shepherd’s Bush Empire and the Golders Green Hippodrome in 1973 and 1974.

BBC Radio Highlights this Week: Sleater-Kinney, Corinne Bailey Rae, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Patricia Cornwell, More


Click the links to stream programs free from the Beeb:

In Their Own Words: Sleater-Kinney - Sleater-Kinney reveal their story through interviews from the BBC archives including a long-ranging conversation between Carrie Brownstein & Mary Anne Hobbs in 2015, plus a chat with Carrie, bandmate Corin Tucker and Lauren Laverne in 2020.

Sounds of the Seventies with Johnnie Walker - Johnnie pays tribute to colleague, friend and broadcasting pioneer Annie Nightingale, who died last week. Plus, a year on from the death of David Crosby. Johnnie revisits an interview he did with Crosby during an American tour several years ago.

Sofa Session: Corinne Bailey Rae - Corinne Bailey Rae plays tracks from her latest album, Black Rainbows, and a previously unheard cover.

This Cultural Life: Patricia Cornwell - Crime writer Patricia Cornwell talks to John Wilson about her challenging childhood and upbringing in North Carolina. She reveals the influence of two works of literature on her own writing; Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe, an ancestor of Cornwell's; and William Golding's Lord of the Flies. She also talks about her interest in the Parthenon Sculptures and her fascination with the identity of Jack the Ripper.

"Playing with Fire" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - Regularly every Sunday, Markham and his friends hold a seance in Badderly Gardens. But one week, a Frenchman joins them - and conducts a dangerous experiment. First published in 1900, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s tale - abridged by Doreen Estall. Read by Edward De Souza.

Desert Island Discs - Raymond Briggs - From Tom Waits to Dave Brubeck, ilustrator Raymond Briggs returns to share more castaway choices with Sue Lawley. From 2005.

BBC Radio Highlights this Week: 'Rise and Rise of the Ukulele,' 'The Wager,' 'Kill the Pharoah!' and More


Click the links to stream program free from the Beeb.

The Listening Service: Jumping Fleas: the Rise and Rise of the Ukulele - Tom Service explores the world of the Ukulele, from the Hawaiian Royal Court of King Kalakaua to Blackpool Pier with George Formby, the Royal Albert Hall where hundreds of ukulele players performed Beethoven's Ode to Joy at the 2009 BBC Proms, and into thousands of classrooms where it's now the most widely taught instrument in British primary schools.

Book of the Week: "The Wager" -David Grann's story of shipwreck, mutiny and survival begins. In 18th-century Britain, preparations are underway for a secret mission on the high seas. Luke Treadaway reads.

Desert Island Discs: Graham Nash - The N of CSN picks his favorites.

Opening Lines: "Our Man in Havana" - In the series that takes a look at books, plays and stories and how they work, John Yorke explores Graham Greene’s classic dark comedy.

"Kill the Pharoah!" - Sheila Grant and James Thomason star in Victor Pemberton’s 8 part thriller serial – last broadcast over 50 years ago. Elizabeth Warwick, the daughter of a famous archaeologist, is visiting Egypt to find the tomb her father had discovered before his death. At Luxor she is met by Fuad, a young Egyptian associate of her father. But is the man really Fuad?


Streaming on BBC Radio this Week: Neil Gaiman, Conan Doyle, Swashbucklers and More


Click the links to stream programs free via the Beeb:

Sound of Cinema: Swashbuckling: Matthew Sweet dons the mantle of Errol Flynn, swinging into action to bring us the music of the greatest swashbuckling films - from The Adventures of Robin Hood to The Mark of Zorro.

Desert Island Discs: Greta Gerwig, writer and director, shares the eight tracks, book and luxury item she would take with her if cast away to a desert island. With Lauren Laverne.

The Price of Fear: Soul Music - Horror legend Vincent Price tells the chilling tale of a violinist with very special hands. Starring John Graham, Coral Browne, Roger Snowdon and Michael Burlington.

Conan Doyle's Strangest Case: Tony Mulholland's play tells the true story of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's obsession with a miscarriage of justice. Convinced that George Edalji has been wrongly convicted of a shocking crime, Doyle assumes the mantle of his famous detective Sherlock Holmes and sets out to solve the case... Starring Peter Jeffrey as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Drama on 4: Neil Gaiman’s "Chivalry" - Neil Gaiman's Christmas story is the tale of of Mrs Whitaker, who finds the Holy Grail in a charity shop. Along the way, she meets her dear friend Mrs Greenberg for macaroons, and becomes the focal point of Sir Galaad’s most important quest. Starring Glenda Jackson and Kit Harrington.

Doctor Who: The Eternity Cage - The War Doctor is on a mission to save Ollistra and prevent a Dalek-Sontaran alliance. Cardinal Ollistra has been captured by the Sontarans and taken to the planet Rovidia. There, General Fesk of the Eighth Sontaran Battle Fleet will set the Time Lords against the Daleks to establish which is worthy for an alliance. Neither Daleks nor Time Lords expect the Sontarans to be so fearsome a foe until they uncover the secret of the Eternity Cage. John Hurt stars as The War Doctor.

Streaming on BBC Radio This Week: The Wicker Man, Tom Waits, Ingrid Pitt, Sherlock Holmes and More!


Click the links to stream programs free from the Beeb.

Tom Waits with Iggy Pop - Echoing their famous joint appearance in Jim Jarmusch’s Coffee and Cigarettes, the show sees Iggy and Tom pump the Confidential jukebox full of nickels and dimes.

Songs include Bangkok by Alex Chilton, Moon River by Frank Ocean and Colorado Kool-Aid by Johnny Paycheck, as well as the first spoken word song Tom heard on the radio and a couple of 60s TV theme tunes to raise a smile.

Radio 2's Piano Room: Madness - Madness performing live at Maida Vale with the BBC Concert Orchestra.

For over 40 years, Madness have been delighting millions of fans with their ska-inspired sounds, notching up 10 UK top 10 albums, 15 top 10 singles, collecting numerous awards along the way and providing the inspiration for the West End show Our House.

Still one of the best live acts around, they're currently touring the arenas of the UK and have just released their first new album in 7 years, 'Theatre Of the Absurd Presents C’Est La Vie'. Their Piano Room set features C'est la Vie from the new album, all time favourite Our House and their take on The Specials' classic Friday Night Saturday Morning.

Radio 2's Piano Room: Haircut 100 - It's back to the 80's as Haircut 100 perform live at Maida Vale with the BBC Concert Orchestra.

In their short lived but incredibly successful run from 1981-84, the band, fronted by singer Nick Heyward, created instant classics including Love Plus One, Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl), Nobody's Fool and Fantastic Day, songs that have stood the test of time and remain hugely popular 40 years later. Their 1982 debut album Pelican West was reissued earlier in the year, sparking a wave of renewed interest in the band and their music.

Haircut 100's Piano Room set revisits 2 of those 80s classics, Love Plus One and Fantastic Day, as well as their take on Harry Styles' As It Was performed alongside the BBC Concert Orchestra.

Doctor Who at 60: Peter Davison on My Life as a Mixtape - Peter Davison, the fifth Doctor, takes us through the songs that have soundtracked his life and career.

The Price of Fear: Waxwork - Horror legend Vincent Price tells the mortifying tale of a man who spends the night among wax dummies. Starring Peter Barkworth, Joan Cooper, Cyril Shaps and Christopher Bidmead.

John Buchan: The 39 Steps - A man is murdered in Richard Hannay's London flat. So he goes on the run pursued by the police - and a gang of German spies intent on recovering a secret notebook which could destroy the British naval fleet... Starring David Robb and Tom Baker.

Sherlock Holmes with Carleton Hobbs - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Baker Street detective starring Carleton Hobbs.

Sentimental Journey: Ingrid Pitt - Arthur Smith accompanies the star of numerous 'Hammer House of Horror' films, Ingrid Pitt, on a trip back to Argentina.

Desert Island Discs Revisited: Christopher Lee - From Handel to Wagner. Hammer Horror actor Christopher Lee shares his castaway choices with Sue Lawley. From 1995.

The Wicker Man - While investigating the disappearance of a young girl in the remote Scottish island community of Summerisle, Sergeant Neil Howie encounters a conspiracy with sinister occult undertones. Starring Brian Blessed and Anthony DP Mann. Based on the cult British 1973 film written by Anthony Shaffer and directed by Robin Hardy.

Streaming on BBC Radio This Week: Lots More Doctor Who, Plus Van Morrison, Ursula Le Guinn and More


Click the links to stream programs:

Van Morrison in Conversation on The Blues Show with Cerys Matthews: Cerys catches up with Van Morrison, who for his 45th studio album Accentuate The Positive has been revisiting his childhood love of rock 'n' roll. Growing up in Belfast, Van was inspired by 20th-century blues and rock 'n' roll, listening to Fats Domino, Chuck Berry and Johnny Kidd and the Pirates. The new album features guest contributions from the late Jeff Beck, Chris Farlowe and Taj Mahal.

Doctor Who: 60 Years of Friends and Foes: As Doctor Who celebrates its 60th anniversary, Sue Perkins explores how the programme has reflected our social history across the decades both on and off screen. From advances in technology to politics, violence, gender and sexuality.

Featuring archive footage, interviews and new conversations with showrunner Steven Moffat, script editor Andrew Cartmel, former companions including Anneke Wills, Katy Manning and Janet Fielding, and the voice of the Daleks Nicholas Briggs along with Dalek Operator Barnaby Edwards. Also, there's analysis from several academics who have published books on the subject.

Sue examines how progressive the show has been, questioning if our favourite time traveller has kept with the times.

Doctor Who: Cold VengeanceWhen Rose suggests a ski break, the TARDIS materialises on Coldstar, a vast freezer satellite that supplies food to a colony world. But there are cracks in the ice, and something scuttles under the floors. Soon, Rose and the Doctor encounter robots, space pirates… and a couple of recycling operatives.

As Coldstar's tunnels begin to melt, an even greater threat stirs within. An old enemy, the Ice Warriors, have a plan for retribution. Nobody's vengeance is colder than an Ice Warrior's.

One of six adventures featuring the tenth incarnation of The Doctor. Starring David Tennant and Billie Piper.

Doctor Who: The Innocent: As the Daleks mass their time fleet for a final assault on Gallifrey, something ancient is waiting for them at Omega One. And a sacrifice must be made. Arch-manipulator and Time Lord strategist, Cardinal Ollistra receives shock news of the Doctor’s death.

Meanwhile, on the planet Keska, a parochial war has returned to plague a peaceful civilisation after decades of tranquillity. But how can such a war have any connection with the great Time War which, at any one moment in the whole of eternity, could threaten to tear the universe apart?

If only the Doctor were still alive... 

John Hurt reprises his role as The War Doctor,  first seen on BBC TV in ‘The Name of the Doctor’ in 2013.

Doctor Who: The Thousand Worlds: With the high-ranking Time Lord Seratrix behind enemy lines, the War Doctor finds himself assigned to a rescue mission.

But any room for maneuver is severely restricted by an area of space known as the Null Zone.

Times have changed on Keska, and a countdown to destruction is beginning.

But who are the Taalyens and what is their part in the great and terrifying Dalek plan? John Hurt stars as The War Doctor.

Radio 2 Celebrates Doctor Who at 60:

Sophie Aldred - My Life in a Mixtape: Sophie Aldred, who played Doctor Who companion Ace, picks the songs that have soundtracked her life and career. From the magic of Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band to the raw energy of Joy Division, an utter classic from David Bowie to hearing Christine and the Queens at Glastonbury! 

Ruth Madeley - My Life in a Mixtape: Actor and writer Ruth Madeley takes us through the songs that have been the soundtrack to her life. As Ruth makes her Dr Who debut, she shares her Life in a Mixtape with us, and it’s packed with fabulous big tunes! From early memories of Abba to the ever cool Oasis, discovering Morgan St Jean to the power house that is Beyonce – all whilst never forgetting Take That!

Bonnie Langford - My Life In A Mixtape: Bonnie Langford, who played Doctor Who companion Mel Bush, shares the tracks that have formed the soundtrack to her life and career. She shares her earliest musical memories from the Musical Gypsy with Jessica Lansbury through to an early pop crush and the music that provides great moments of tranquillity now. From Queen and Neil Sedaka to Earth, Wind & Fire, Stephen Sondheim and Stevie Wonder! 

Afterwords - Ursula Le Guin: Truth teller, space crone, world builder, wit - the American science-fiction writer Ursula K Le Guin (1929-2018) conjured entire galaxies through the magic of words.

But as she transported readers across space and through time, she opened portals into our own society and pointed to a fundamental truth: “There are different ways to do almost everything, there isn’t just one right way. And God did not ordain it to be such, and so, forever”. We hear archive recordings of Le Guin herself alongside interviews with people who knew, loved or were inspired by her.

Afterwords looks back over Le Guin’s life to ask why she felt moved to ask those questions, and re-examines some of them to glean what we can learn from her writing today. Many of her worlds were built around fundamental questions: what if we removed gender imbalances from society? What if we removed ownership? What if we treated the environment, and other people, with respect? What if we valued different aspects of our being? How would that change society?

With contributions from the writers Katherine Rundell and So Mayer, anthropologist and drag artist Cheddar Gorgeous, collaborator, friend and musician Todd Barton, and Ursula's youngest child, Theo Downes-Le Guin.

Including sound archive from the Freedom From Religion Foundation, The Nation, UC Berkley's Townsend Center for the Humanities, Thurston Community Library, Portland Community College and the National Book Foundation.

Limelight - "Spores": A psychological horror story set in rural Wales amid the mysterious world of mycelium.

When social worker Cassie discovers mould in the flat of a vulnerable service user she puts it down to poor quality housing. But then she discovers it in her own house and begins to fear for the safety of her family.

For partner Morgan and young son Bryn, it’s not the mould that troubles them but Cassie’s mental health. As the fungus continues to grow and spread, Cassie resorts to more extreme measures to combat it. But why will no one listen to her when she warns of danger? The appearance of a mysterious Polish girl adds fuel to the friction within the family.

In Greek mythology, Cassandra was condemned to speak the truth yet never be believed. A story of trust and what happens when we lose it. And of a hidden threat attacking the very thing that makes us powerful.

Drama on 4 - "Spike Milligan - Puckoon": A madcap satire on the division of Ireland, by the godfather of British comedy, Spike Milligan.

Starring Ed Byrne, Pauline McLynn, Kate Harbour, Jane Milligan and featuring Barry Cryer as "The Author." Adapted from Spike Milligan's classic comic novel by Ian Billings.

Published in 1963, Puckoon became a publishing phenomenon, has never been out of print and has sold more than 6million copies. It's a satire on the futility of national borders and inadequacy of bureaucrats, filled with wonderful one-liners and madcap scenes which fall into one another, and remind us of the author’s great days writing the Goons.

BBC Radio Highlights This Week: Doctor Who Galore, John Coltrane, Edgar Allan Poe, More!


Big week for "Doctor Who" fans! Click the links to stream free from the Beeb:

Radio 2 Celebrates Doctor Who at 60: Janet Fielding, who starred as Doctor Who companion Tegan Jovanka, takes us through the music and artists that have sound-tracked her life. 

Radio 2 Celebrates Doctor Who at 60 - The Classic Years: Jo Whiley is joined by fans, stars and writers of Doctor Who as she takes a trip through the Whoniverse to discover the amazing stories behind the rise and fall of a British institution.

Radio 2 Celebrates Doctor Who at 60 - The Modern Years: From its cancellation in 1989 to its place at the forefront of the TV schedule, Jo Whiley has a behind the scenes look at the regeneration of our favourite Time Lord.

Radio 2 Celebrates Doctor Who at 60 - Sylvester McCoy - My Life in a Mixtape: Sylvester McCoy, the Seventh Doctor, shares a fascinating hour with us as he takes us through the soundtrack of his remarkable life. A brilliant hour spent with Sylvester!

Radio 2 Celebrates Doctor Who at 60 - Segun Akinola - My Life in a Mixtape: Segun Akinola the English composer, who created the musical scores for Doctor Who from 2018 to 2022, chooses the music that has formed the soundtrack to his life and career.

Doctor Who: The Wilderness Years: Matthew Sweet tells the extraordinary story of the hiatus between Doctor Who's cancellation in 1989 and its spectacular revival in 2005.

Surviving Doctor Who - an A-Z: Comedian Toby Hadoke presents a wry insight into the ups and downs of being one of the universe's most misunderstood species: the Doctor Who fan.

Desert Island Disc: Russell T Davies: From Kate Bush to Leonard Bernstein. Screenwriter Russell T Davies shares his castaway choices with Lauren Laverne. From 2019.

Doctor Who: Infamy of the Zaross - The infamous Zaross have come to take over the Earth. But this is no ordinary invasion… Stars David Tennant and Billie Piper.

Doctor Who: The Sword of the Chevalier - London 1791. The Doctor and Rose meet the enigmatic historic figure, the Chevalier d’Eon. Stars David Tennant and Billie Piper.

Composer of the Week: John and Alice Coltrane: Kate Molleson is joined by Kevin Le Gendre to explore the lives and music of revolutionary jazz power couple John and Alice Coltrane. Five-part series.

Edgar Allan Poe: The Oblong Box - A passenger on a summer voyage to New York is curious about an artist, his new wife and his strange luggage.

BBC Radio Shows to Stream this Week: 'Doctor Who' Stars on 'Desert Island Disc,' King Crimson Live '73, Bonzo Dog Band, More!


Click the links to stream these programs free on the Beeb:

Radio 1 Interview Podcast - Legendary Beatle and Wings frontman Sir Paul McCartney chats to Clara Amfo from his tour in Australia. He discusses headlining Glastonbury and releasing the new Beatles song Now and Then.

Sounds of the Seventies - A classic interview with Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page.

Sound of Cinema - An interview with "Marvels" soundtrack composer Laura Karpman.

"The Mist in the Mirror" by Susan Hill (Omnibus) - In a gentlemen’s club in Victorian London, some of the extraordinary events that occurred during his travels are revealed by Sir James Monmouth.

Dick Barton - Special Agent - Ex-commando Dick Barton uncovers an enemy plot to capture a British secret weapon.

Desert Island Discs Revisited - From Billy Bragg to The Proclaimers. Actor David Tennant shares his castaway choices with Kirsty Young. From 2009.

Desert Island Discs Revisited - From Gene Wilder to Oasis. Actor Billie Piper makes her music choices. With Lauren Laverne. From 2021.

Doctor Who: Technophobia - When The Doctor and Donna visit London’s Technology Museum for a glimpse into the future, things don’t go to plan.

6 Music Live Hour - King Crimson live in 1973, plus a 1985 Meteors anniversary session and Julia Holter in session (19/8/13)

Stuart Maconie's Freak Zone - Stuart's featured album is Keynsham, the fourth and final "proper" album by Dadaist pop pranksters the Bonzo Dog Band (by this point they'd lost their doo dah).

6 Music Artist Collection: Boygenius Live at the BBC - Featuring seven tracks from the supergroup made up of Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker and Lucy Dacus, all of which originally feature on the debut album The Record which was released earlier this year. 

BBC Radio Shows to Stream this Week: Beatles, Vincent Price, Joni Mitchell, More


Click the links to listen free:

Eras: The Beatles - A new series narrated by Martin Freeman charting the Beatles' career.

The Beatles Solo: All Things Must Pass - a look at George Harrison's classic solo LP.

In Concert: Joni Mitchell and James Taylor (1970) - The singer-songwriters recorded live at BBC's Paris Studios.

Legend: The Joni Mitchell Story - A six-part series charting the legendary singer's career.

Joni Mitchell: Verbatim - More Joni: Her story told in her own words.

The Lovecraft Investigations: The Haunter of the Dark - A radio drama inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft.

The Midwitch Cuckoos - Bill Nighy stars in John Wyndham’s sci-fi classic.

Guy Fawkes Night - A chilling tale starring the great Vincent Price

Desert Island Disks Revisited - "Doctor Who" David Tennant picks his favorites on this archive episode.

BBC radio this week

Click the links to hear the following programs.


Paul McCartney in Concert. An intimate recorded concert from Maida Vale, performed by Paul McCartney.

Fear on Four.  Series of horror and suspense tales, hosted by the Man in Black.

The Goon Show. Classic material from one of the all-time radio comedy greats.

The Man in Black. A creepy raconteur, played by Mark Gatiss, introduces spooky tales.

Stuart Maconie's Freak Zone. Strange and unusual sounds in music both old and new.

Between the Ears Celebrating 20 years of innovative and thought-provoking features that make adventurous use of sound and explore a wide variety of subjects. Made by leading radio producers.

Late Junction A varied mix of music, ranging from the ancient to the contemporary.

World on 3 Lopa Kothari and Mary Ann Kennedy present an eclectic mix of sounds from around the world, with exclusive sessions and concerts by leading musicians in world music.

(NOTE: I plan to discontinue this regular listing after this week and will instead just plug shows of interest on the Beeb as they come up. If you want to follow any of these regular shows, you'll find them via BBC iPlayer site here.)

BBC Radio this week

Click the links to hear the following programs.

Paul Temple and the Spencer Affair, The suave sleuth, played by Peter Coke, investigates another murder.

Sir Alec Guiness: My Name Escapes Me. The acclaimed actor reads from his memoirs.


Fear on Four.  Series of horror and suspense tales, hosted by the Man in Black. This week: The Monkey's Paw.

The Goon Show. Classic material from one of the all-time radio comedy greats. This week: The Man Who Won the War.

The Man in Black. A creepy raconteur, played by Mark Gatiss, introduces spooky tales.

Stuart Maconie's Freak Zone. Strange and unusual sounds in music both old and new.

Between the Ears Celebrating 20 years of innovative and thought-provoking features that make adventurous use of sound and explore a wide variety of subjects. Made by leading radio producers.

Late Junction A varied mix of music, ranging from the ancient to the contemporary.

World on 3 Lopa Kothari and Mary Ann Kennedy present an eclectic mix of sounds from around the world, with exclusive sessions and concerts by leading musicians in world music.

BBC Radio this week

Click the links to hear the following programs.

Bhangra and Beyond: The History of Asian Music in Britain Sheila Chandra explores the history of Asian music in Britain.

The Sound of Cinema Guests from the film world select favourite musical moments from the big screen.

The Widowers' Houses Martin Jarvis directs Ian McKellen in George Bernard Shaw's play about slum landlords.

The Goon Show. Classic material from one of the all-time radio comedy greats.

The Man in Black. A creepy raconteur, played by Mark Gatiss, introduces spooky tales.

Stuart Maconie's Freak Zone. Strange and unusual sounds in music both old and new.

Between the Ears Celebrating 20 years of innovative and thought-provoking features that make adventurous use of sound and explore a wide variety of subjects. Made by leading radio producers.

Late Junction A varied mix of music, ranging from the ancient to the contemporary.

World on 3 Lopa Kothari and Mary Ann Kennedy present an eclectic mix of sounds from around the world, with exclusive sessions and concerts by leading musicians in world music.

BBC radio this week: Dashiell Hammett; David Tennant and vampires; Bond; Madness; Small Faces, more!

Click the links to hear the following programs.

A Night with a Vampire David Tennant reads five disturbing Victorian vampire stories.

Dashiell Hammett: Nightmare Town Steve Threefall arrives in a small desert town and encounters a dark mystery. Read by Stuart Milligan.

Edgar Allan Poe: The Oblong Box A passenger on a summer voyage to New York is curious about an artist, his new wife and his luggage. Read by James Aubrey.

James Bond: You Only Live Twice Agent 007's latest mission sparks a fatal encounter in a Japanese garden of death. Ian Fleming's thriller with Michael Jayston.

Live in Concert: Madness Madness recorded at London's Dominion Theatre in 1983. Presented by Chris Hawkins.

Classic Albums The Small Faces' Ogden's Nut Gone Flake.

The Goon Show. Classic material from one of the all-time radio comedy greats.

The Man in Black. A creepy raconteur, played by Mark Gatiss, introduces spooky tales.

Stuart Maconie's Freak Zone. Strange and unusual sounds in music both old and new.

BBC Radio this week: Agatha Christie; H.G. Wells; Kate Bush; Stephen Fry!

Click the links to hear the following shows:

Agatha Christie: Crooked House Joy Wilkinson's four-part adaptation of Agatha Christie's novel.

Brian Aldiss Presents The favourite stories of Britain's leading sci-fi exponent.

Fantastic Journeys: The Door in the Wall By HG Wells. Is daydreamer Lionel Wallace brave enough to turn his back on the world he knows for a better life? Read by Anton Lesser.

Saturday Night Fry Comedy sketch series, parodying television and radio programmes. Hosted by Stephen Fry.

Classic Albums: Kate Bush - Hounds of Love  Kate talks about her best-selling 1985 album.

Haunted Chilling tales by a variety of authors

The Goon Show. Classic material from one of the all-time radio comedy greats.

The Man in Black. A creepy raconteur, played by Mark Gatiss, introduces spooky tales.

Stuart Maconie's Freak Zone. Strange and unusual sounds in music both old and new.

BBC Radio this week: Eddie Cochran; Atlantic Records; Hendrix; Keith Moon; Dr. Morelle, more!

Click the links to hear the following programs.

Eddie Cochran: Something Else A tribute to the pioneering rocker.

A Case for Dr. Morelle Classic detective series with Harley Street psychiatrist Dr Morelle, who uses psychology, criminology and dogged persistence to solve crimes.

Desert Island Disks Revisited Illustrator Quentin Blake discusses his favorite music.

Atlantic Soul A documentary on influential rhythm and blues label.

Hendrix at the Beeb A look at Jimi Hendrix's recordings for BBC radio.

I'm Keith Moon, What's Your Excuse? A documentary about the late drummer for the Who.

The Goon Show. Classic material from one of the all-time radio comedy greats.

The Man in Black. A creepy raconteur, played by Mark Gatiss, introduces spooky tales.

Stuart Maconie's Freak Zone. Strange and unusual sounds in music both old and new.

BBC radio this week: Alexis Korner; history of record labels; spy stories; William Gibson and more!

Click the links to hear the following shows.

Alexis Korner: Rhythm and Blues Champion. Chris Jagger showcases the work of broadcaster and bandleader Alexis Korner and the British blues scene he pioneered.

From Edison to iTunes: A History of the Modern Record Label. Critic, writer and former label boss Paul Morley charts the rise of the record label over the past 130 years, and looks ahead to a more uncertain future.

The Goon Show. Classic material from one of the all-time radio comedy greats.

The Iquanadon. Three-part comedy adventure by Paul Lucas, starring Paul Haigh, Dermot Crowley and Bernard Cribbins.

The Man in Black. A creepy raconteur, played by Mark Gatiss, introduces spooky tales.

R.L. Stevenson: The Bottle Imp.  Native Hawaiian Keawe buys a bottle promising love, fame and money, but there's a drawback. Stars David Rintoul and Tony Osoba.

The Spying Game. Series of classic spy tales, specially recorded for 4 Extra.

William Gibson: Burning Chrome. Adam Sims reads William Gibson's hugely influential short story of cyberspace hackers and ruthless computer cool.

Stuart Maconie's Freak Zone. Strange and unusual sounds in music both old and new.

BBC Radio this week: British Invasion; Darkside drama; Sherlock Holmes; Vonnegut; Jekyll and Hyde, more!

Click the links to hear the following shows.

The British Invasion Three bands influenced rock legend Alice Cooper more than any other: The Yardbirds, The Kinks, and The Who. All of them British. In this documentary, Alice tells the story of how The Beatles' triumphant arrival in New York City on 7 February 1964, opened the doors to the British Invasion and changed American music forever.

Darkside Drama by Sir Tom Stoppard, celebrating the 40th anniversary of Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon.

The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes When a leading actor is murdered, the sleuth heads backstage in the world of theatre.

John Buchan: The 39 Steps Dramatisation of the adventure novel by John Buchan. With David Robb and Tom Baker. 

Kurt Vonnegut: Report on the Barnhouse Effect Kurt Vonnegut's tale of an academic who discovers how to control the forces of nature with his mind. Read by Stuart Milligan. 

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde  Tim Pigott-Smith reads the gothic tale of the monstrous Mr Hyde, who stalks the streets of London, filling the bourgeois society with terror

Flight of the Conchords Rob Brydon narrates an improvised comedy about a novelty band.

The Goon Show Classic material from one of the all-time radio comedy greats.

The Man in Black A creepy raconteur, played by Mark Gatiss, introduces spooky tales.

Stuart Maconie's Freak Zone Strange, surprising Sunday evenings, the perfect journey to the Freakier Zone.

BBC Radio this Week: Marc Bolan; Tony King; Blake's 7; Ivor Cutler; Creation Records; more!

Click the links to hear the following programs.

20th Century Boy: The Marc Bolan Story
36 years after Marc Bolan's death, Paul Sexton presents an updated repeat of his 2007 profile, with a stellar cast list including David Bowie, Bernie Taupin, Noel Gallagher, David Gilmour, producer Tony Visconti, Bolan's girlfriend Gloria Jones and their son Rolan. The revised version also features archive from Marc's friend and earliest media supporter, John Peel.
The programme charts Bolan's long journey from the streets of Hackney in north London, via early singles in his own name and as a member of John's Children, to his ultimate glam rock superstardom at the helm of T. Rex.

Eyewitness to History: Tony Kings 60s 
Legendary music publicist Tony King shares his memories of the 1960s, when he worked with the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Roy Orbison, Phil Spector and others.
A personal look at this sensational decade, Tony was at the centre of the Swinging 60s in London, and brings it to life with his stories. There are tales of iconic musicians but there are also memories of the everyday, of paying £2 a week to rent a flat in Fulham, having to sneak into Vidal Sassoon after dark to have his hair cut by a women's stylist, and how difficult it was to go to the cinema with Brenda Lee. He also remembers the impact fashion and drugs had on the world at large.

Blake's 7: The Early Years Prequel audio adventures from the classic British sci-fi series, exploring the origins of key characters before meeting rebel leader Roj Blake.

Ivor Cutler: A Wet Handle More surreal poetic musings and ditties from Ivor Cutler and friends.

Biff! Bang! Pow! The Creation Records Story Steve Lamacq looks back at the history of this unique label.

Bright Lights, Big City  Former Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman looks back on the UK rhythm and blues scene.

Flight of the Conchords Rob Brydon narrates an improvised comedy about a novelty band.

The Goon Show Classic material from one of the all-time radio comedy greats.

The Man in Black A creepy raconteur, played by Mark Gatiss, introduces spooky tales.

Stuart Maconie's Freak Zone Strange, surprising Sunday evenings, the perfect journey to the Freakier Zone.