With the Rev Johnston McKay.

Rural round-up, presented by Anna Hill. Producer Sarah Swadling

Presented by James Naughtie and Carolyn Quinn.
6.25, 7.25, 8.25 Sports News With Garry Richardson.
7.45 Thought for the Day With the Rev Angela Tilby.

Andrew Marr and his guests set the cultural agenda for the week. Brian Blessed talks about the 400th anniversary of King Lear and Vanessa Whitburn previews the upcoming Arena special on The Archers. Plus David Cannadine on the biography of American businessman Simon Mellon , and Marcus de Sautoy on the Royal Institute Christmas lecture on numbers. Producer Victoria Wakely Shortened repeat at 9.30pm

1/5. The internet blog of an Iraqi woman, known as Riverbend. The Woman's Hour drama. For details see drama repeat at 7.45pm

Scientists are discovering that our perception of taste and flavour does not come only from the tongue - the eyes, the nose and even the ears all play a crucial role as well. Claudia Hammond looks at the science of taste, ana finds out if the top scientists can make her like the food She hates. Producer Alexandra reachem

Consumer affairs, with Winifred Robinson and John Waite.

News, with Shaun Ley.

16/17. Robert Robinson is in the chair as listeners compete in the fourth of the semi-finals for the coveted general knowledge title. Producer Richard Edis Repeated on Saturday at 11pm

Repeated from yesterday at 7 pm

Luke's brush with the big time has left him bruised and sleeping rough in a scruffy London car park. But why does he refuse to set foot outside it? Two locals strike up a friendship with him but is it enough to restore his faith in humanity? By Mark Tuohy. Producer/Director Toby Swift

Listeners' financial questions answered by Paul Lewis and his guests. Producer Samantha Washington
PHONE: [number removed] (calls from land lines cost no more than Sp per minute) Lines open from 1.30pm

1/5. From an Egg to a King. Dan Leno makes his stage debut at the age of four, billed as "Little George , the Infant Wonder, Contortionist and Posturer". The life and times of Victorian comedian Dan Leno , written and performed by Tony Lidington. Pianist Hugh Nankivell ; Director David Blount

In Flagstaff, Arizona, 100 freight trains a day sound their deafening horns at the level crossings. They interrupt phone calls, awaken residents in the middle of the night - and delight aficionados. Sound recordist Diane Hope investigates the efforts of law-makers to silence the horns. Producer Matt Thompson

Repeated from yesterday at 12.30pm

9/10. Andrew Dilnot explores the way numbers influence different aspects of daily life. Producer Michael Blastland

News and analysis, presented by Eddie Mair.

6/6. Regulars Tim Brooke-Taylor , Graeme Garden and Barry Cryer are joined by Tony Hawks and chairman Humphrey Lyttelton to provide homespun wireless entertainment for the young at heart. Colin Sell is at the piano. From the Sunderland Empire. Producer Jon Naismith Rptd Sunday at 12.04pm

David tries to feel festive.
For cast see page 43 Repeated tomorrow at 2pm

John Wilson with arts news, interviews and the verdict on Clint Eastwood 's film Flags of our Fathers, the story of the battle of two Jima and its aftermath. Presenter Ella-Mai Robey

1/5. Shock and Awe. A searing account of life in Baghdad drawn from a real-life internet blog of a 24-year-old Iraqi woman, for security reasons known only as Riverbend. Dramatised by John Fletcher.
Other parts played by members of the cast
Producer/Director Claudine Toutoungi Repeated from 10.45am

4/4. Magna Carta. Nearly 800 years after it was signed, Magna Carta is still venerated as the bedrock of English liberty, yet its impact is perhaps less far-reaching than is popularly believed. Another document, signed two years after Magna Carta, was the true charter for the common man: Michael Portillo goes in search of this forgotten manifesto for English rural life. Producer Marya Burgess

6/10. Israel. Richard Miron explores the world of Shin Bet, Israel's domestic security agency. Repeated from Thursday

5/8. The Conundrum of Biodiversity. The term "biodiversity" is lauded everywhere these days, but what exactly is it, and why should we care? Gabrielle Walker investigates. Producer Jody Burton

Shortened repeat from 9am

News, with Robin Lustig.

6/10. News of John Andrew 's death in a hunting accident is finally relayed to Brenda, prompting her to make a fateful decision. Oliver Milburn continues to read Evelyn Waugh 's portrait of the disintegration of a society marriage. Abridged by Sally Marmion. producer Di speirs RT DIRECT: A Handful of Dust by Evelyn Waugh , is available for only
E7.50 including p&p. To order send a cheque, payable to [address removed] Or call [number removed] (land-line calls cost no more than 8p per minute) quoting RT, or visit www.rtdirect.sparkledirect.com. UK delivery only

3/8. Michael Rosen examines words and language and the way people use them. Producer Mark Smalley Rptd tomorrow at4pm

With David Wilby.

1/5. Actor Nigel Havers reads his autobiography, beginning with his experiences at prep school. Abridged by Libby Spurrier. Repeated from 9.45am

(2/4) How the developed world dumps its waste in developing countries