BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Shipping Forecast

The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping

Shipping Forecast: 27/04/2009

27/04/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Shipping Forecast, 27/04/2009Close menu

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

News Briefing

News Briefing: 27/04/2009

BBC Radio 4 - News Briefing, 27/04/2009Close menu

Prayer for the Day

Prayer for the Day: 27/04/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Prayer for the Day, 27/04/2009

Daily prayer and reflection with Cathy Le Feuvre.

Farming Today

The latest news about food, farming and the countryside

Farming Today: 27/04/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, 27/04/2009

Charlotte Smith launches the Farming Today beehive, with a chance for listeners to join in

Charlotte Smith launches the Farming Today beehive, with a chance for listeners to join in. Over the next 12 months the programme will be tracking its progress.

With Charlotte Smith. Producer Sarah Swadling

Weather

Weather: 27/04/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Weather, 27/04/2009Close menu

Today

Radio 4's flagship news and current affairs programme; including Thought for the Day

Radio 4's flagship news and current affairs programme; including religious reflections from Thought for the Day at 0748

Today: 27/04/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Today, 27/04/2009

Including Sports Desk; Weather; Thought for the Day.

With James Naughtie and Sarah Montague. Including Sports Desk; Weather; Thought for the Day.

Presented by James Naughtie and Sarah Montague.

Stephen Gibbs reports from Mexico City where 103 people are believed to have died from swine flu.

Professor Danny Dorling and Dr Peter Marsh discuss the government's Equality Bill.

Sir Al Aynsley-Green, the children's commissioner, has called for an end to the arrest and detention of the children of failed asylum seekers. He explains what the problems are. 

The RSPCA has reported an upsurge in the number of pets being abandoned, which they attribute to the economic downturn. Matt Wass, of the RSPCA, describes the scale of the problem.

Family lawyer Andrew Greensmith says he believes a family court inspectorate should be set up.

Professor Sir David King says 'there are no models that can predict' the economic impact of climate change.

Gavin Martin, music critic for the Daily Mirror and Gideon Coe, BBC 6music presenter, discuss Bob Dylan's enduring appeal.

Thought for the day with John Bell of the Iona community. 

Minister for Equality Harriet Harman explains how legislation aimed at reducing inequality will work.

Professor Hugh Pennington and Dr John McCauley discuss whether swine flu could develop into a pandemic.

Political correspondent Norman Smith analyses the chances of the row over MPs' expenses being resolved.

James Blackshaw is being hailed by critics as the new master of the twelve-string guitar. Nicola Stanbridge reports.

Family courts in England and Wales are to be made more accessible to the media. Justice Secretary Jack Straw discusses the purpose of these changes. 

India is to vote in the third round of its general election. Chris Morris reports from the city of Ahmedabad. 

Conservationists have expressed relief as the polecat population seems to be growing once more. Environment correspondent Sarah Mukherjee reports. 

Reporter Sanchia Berg talks to Alan South, an unemployed former city worker as he visits one of the 'welfare to work' offices which has offered to help him find a job.

Professor Kathy Sykes argues that scientists should stop criticising each other's attempts to communicate science to the masses. She discusses her comments with Ben Goldacre, who writes a science column for the Guardian.

Today ...

With Sarah Montague and James Naughtie. 
6.25, 7.25, 8.25 Sports News 
7.48 Thought for the Day With John Bell.

Start the Week

Weekly discussion programme, setting the cultural agenda every Monday

Start the Week: 27/04/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Start the Week, 27/04/2009

Andrew Marr talks to Gillian Tett, Tristram Hunt, Stephen Frears and Sandra Schulberg.

Andrew Marr talks to Gillian Tett about bankers and to Tristram Hunt about Engels. Plus Stephen Frears on his new film and Sandra Schulberg on the lost films of the Marshall Plan.

Financial journalist Gillian Tett explains how she predicted the economic downtown from her background in social anthropology. Fool's Gold: How Unrestrained Greed Corrupted a Dream, Shattered Global Markets and Unleashed a Catastrophe is published by Little, Brown.

Historian Tristram Hunt believes that it is time to re-evaluate the writings of Friedrich Engels, 20 years after the Berlin Wall came down. He argues that the diversity of Engels's writing has perhaps more relevance today than his colleague Karl Marx. The Frock-Coated Communist: The Revolutionary Life of Friedrich Engels is published by Allen Lane.

Director of The Queen, Stephen Frears's latest film is Chéri. An adaptation of Colette's novel, it addresses the power of strong women and how to age with elegance. 

The Marshall Plan aimed to rebuild Europe after WWII, which was partly achieved through educational films. Sandra Schulberg has rediscovered these films and suggests that they tell us much about that time and now. Banned in the USA! Re-discovering the Lost Films of the Marshall Plan, 1948-1953 is at the Barbican, organised by Sandra Schulberg and curated with Ed Carter of the Academy Film Archive.

Andrew Marr and his guests set the cultural agenda for the week. Shortened repeat at 9.30pm

Book of the Week

Serialised book readings, featuring works from various genres

Serialised book readings, featuring works of non-fiction, biography, autobiography, travel, diaries, essays, humour and history

Book of the Week: For All the Tea in China

Book of the Week: For All the Tea in China: Episode 1

Episode 1

For All the Tea in China

BBC Radio 4 - Book of the Week, For All the Tea in China, Episode 1

In 1848 the East India Company engages a Scottish plant hunter to steal the secrets of tea

By Sarah Rose. In 1848, the East India Company engages a Scottish plant hunter to infiltrate deep into China to steal the lucrative secrets of tea. Read by Maureen Beattie.

By Sarah Rose. In 1848, the East India Company engages a Scottish plant hunter to infiltrate deep into the interior of China to steal the lucrative secrets of tea. Read by Maureen Beattie.

A Jane Marshall production for BBC Radio 4.

Sarah Rose's story about a plan to steal the lucrative secrets of tea from China

Maureen Beattie reads from Sarah Rose's story about a plan to steal the lucrative secrets of tea from China

Daily Service

Led by the Rev Tony Burnham. Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (Lobe den Herren). 
1 Peter 1, vv3-9. Sing Jubilate (Estes). Give Me Joy in My Heart (Sing Hosanna).

Book of the Week:For All the Tea in China

J/5. In 1848 the East India Company engaged Scottish plant hunter Robert Fortune to travel deep into the interior of China to steal the lucrative secrets of tea. Maureen Beattie reads Sarah Rose 's book. Abridged and produced by Jane Marshall. Repeated at 12.30am RT DIRECT: for All the Tea in China is available for £1709 (RRP E18.99) inc p&p. Call [number removed] (national rate) quoting RT, or visit www.rtdirect.sparkledirect.com

Woman's Hour

Women's voices and women's lives - topical conversations to inform, challenge and inspire.

Woman's Hour: Yvonne Howard; Alain de Botton

Yvonne Howard; Alain de Botton

BBC Radio 4 - Woman's Hour, Yvonne Howard; Alain de Botton

Soprano Yvonne Howard on Norma. Plus, Alain de Botton on following your dreams.

Soprano Yvonne Howard on Norma. Plus, Alain de Botton on following your dreams; narrowing the gender pay gap; and the impressionist Jan Ravens.

Lady Audley's Secret

6/10 
The Woman's Hour drama. 
For details seedrama repeat at 7.45pm

A Tale of Two Emirates

A Tale of Two Emirates: Episode 1

BBC Radio 4 - A Tale of Two Emirates, Episode 1

Now the credit crisis has hit, the future looks increasingly precarious for Dubai.

Now the credit crisis has hit, the future looks increasingly precarious for Dubai. Jenny speaks to nervous expats and locals to find out how the boomtown in the desert is coping.

Jenny Clayton visits Dubai and Abu Dhabi to see how these two emirates are coping with the credit crisis. 

The shiny towers of Dubai sprouted from the sand at an alarming rate, turning it into the world's fastest-growing tourist destination and biggest building site. Now the credit crisis has hit, and the future looks increasingly precarious. Jenny speaks to nervous expats and locals to find out how the boomtown in the desert is coping.

Jenny Clayton visits Dubai and Abu Dhabi to see how they are coping with the credit crisis

Jenny Clayton visits Dubai and Abu Dhabi to see how these two emirates are coping with the credit crisis

1/2. The shiny towers of Dubai sprouted from the sand at an alarming rate, turning it into the world's fastest-growing tourist destination and biggest building site. Now the credit crisis has hit and the future looks increasingly precarious. Speaking to nervous expats and locals, Jenny Clayton investigates how the boomtown in the desert is coping. Producer Tom Jackson

Rudy's Rare Records

Sitcom by Danny Robins, set in a Birmingham record shop

Rudy's Rare Records: Series 1: Take Me Home, Country Roads

Take Me Home, Country Roads

Series 1

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Rudy's Rare Records, Series 1, Take Me Home, Country Roads

Adam reluctantly goes to help out at his Dad's record shop when he is taken ill.

Adam reluctantly goes to help out at his Dad's record shop when he is taken ill. Starring Lenny Henry. From 2008.

Three generations of men and their musical tastes collide in this family sitcom set in a Birmingham record shop. 

Starring Lenny Henry.

Written by Danny Robins and Dan Tetsell from an original idea by Lenny Henry. 
 
Rudy Sharpe owns an old record store in Birmingham - the last bastion of black music in Handsworth. When he suffers a 'heart attack', his neurotic, middle-aged, middle-class, divorcee son Adam and 17 year old grandson Richie come up from London to look after him. 
 
Crammed together, living in the tiny flat above the shop, the three men are set to clash on a daily basis.   

Whilst Rudy and Richie share a love of reggae and soul music, Adam is the odd one out - thanks to his tastes in classical music. 

Adam Sharpe    ......    Lenny Henry
Richie Sharp    ......    Joe Jacobs
Rudy Sharpe    ......    Larrington Walker 
Doreen    ......    Claire Benedict
Tasha    ......    Natasha Godfrey 
Clifton    ......    Jeffery Kissoon 
Alison    ......    Tracy-Ann Oberman
Customers    ......    Colin Hoult/Doc Brown

Producer: Lucy Armitage.
 
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2008.

Rudy's Rare Records: Series 1

BBC Radio 4 Extra

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama. With recent favourites from BBC Radio 4.

1/4. Take Me Home, Country Roads. Three generations of men and their musical tastes collide in a comedy by Danny Robins and Dan Tetsell , set in a record shop in Birmingham. Starring Lenny Henry.   
Producer Lucy Armitage

You and Yours

You and Yours: 27/04/2009

BBC Radio 4 - You and Yours, 27/04/2009

Consumer news and issues with Julian Worricker.

Consumer news and issues with Julian Worricker.

Including:

How the swine flu outbreak is affecting people already in, and those thinking of travelling to Mexico.

We interview a woman who lost half a million pounds to “boiler room” gangs who persuaded her to invest and re-invest in fake and worthless shares.

Ian MacMillan on what makes us special.

Jane O’Brien reports on call s for a tax on plastic bags in the United States.

You and Yours: Swine Flu

World at One

Forty-five minutes of news, analysis and comment, with Sarah Montague.

World at One: 27/04/2009

BBC Radio 4 - World at One, 27/04/2009

National and international news with Shaun Ley.

With Shaun Ley. The outbreak of swine flu has reached Europe and Gordon Brown, who is visiting Afghanistan and Pakistan, has described the region as a 'crucible of terrorism'.

National and international news with Shaun Ley.

The outbreak of swine flu has reached Europe. Officials in Madrid say a Spanish man contracted the virus on a trip to Mexico. EU officials have warned travellers to postpone non-essential travel to infected areas in the USA and Mexico. Interviews with Professor Nigel Dimmock of Warwick University, former Head of the Civil Contingencies Secretariat in the Cabinet Office Mike Grannatt and Chief Medical Officer for England, Professor Sir Liam Donaldson.

Gordon Brown, who is visiting Afghanistan and Pakistan, has described the region as a 'crucible of terrorism'. 

Interviews with Professor Malcolm Chalmers from the Royal United Services Institute, Matt Waldman of Oxfam and International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander.

The World at One

Counterpoint

Paul Gambaccini presents radio's widest-ranging music quiz.

Counterpoint: Series 23: 2009 Heat 8

2009 Heat 8

Series 23

BBC Radio 4 - Counterpoint, Series 23, 2009 Heat 8

The general knowledge music quiz chaired by Paul Gambaccini.

Paul Gambaccini hosts the wide-ranging music quiz, with contestants from Wales and the North of England. From 2009.

Paul Gambaccini chairs the general knowledge music quiz.

The questions cover every aspect of music - from the classical repertoire to world music, show tunes, film scores, jazz, rock and pop.

Three contestants battle it out:

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2009.

Counterpoint: Series 23

8/13. Paul Gambaccini is in the chair for the eighth heat of the eclectic music quiz. 
Producer Paul Bajoria Repeated on Saturday at 11pm

The Archers

An intense and gripping week of events unfolds in Ambridge. Listen to all the drama here.

The Archers: 26/04/2009

26/04/2009

BBC Radio 4 - The Archers, 26/04/2009

Usha's competitiveness is put to the test.

Pip's revising hard but is worrying about her exams. David doesn't want her to overdo it and assures her they just want her to do her best. He suggests Pip takes a break so they can look at the owl nest box. To Pip's delight there are five eggs.

It's the day of the marathon and Usha's feeling nervous. Alan encourages her but wishes he hadn't joked about Usha beating Annabelle. Ruth's sure Usha won't take any risks.

Once Usha's registered, her excitement grows. Annabelle's in the same starting group and is taking it very seriously.  

With the marathon under way, Annabelle soon gets herself ahead of Usha. But with six miles to go, Usha catches up and Annabelle is clearly in pain with her knee. Usha wonders if she should carry on but Annabelle can't let everyone down. Usha understands this and, to Annabelle's surprise, insists on finishing with her.

Alan waits anxiously by the finish line with Ruth. They see Usha and realise that without her help Annabelle wouldn't have crossed the line. Annabelle's really gratefully and admits she doesn't know if she'd have done the same. Usha insists she would but, whatever, they did it.

Episode written by Joanna Toye.

Drama on 4

Drama from BBC Radio 4 and Radio 4 Extra.

Afternoon Play: Two Pipe Problems

Drama on 4: Two Pipe Problems: Episode 1

Two Pipe Problems

BBC Radio 4 - Drama on 4, Two Pipe Problems, Episode 1

William and Sandy are again pressed into service to solve a mystery at The Old Beeches.

William and Sandy, our two thespian residents of the Old Beeches home for retired members of the acting profession, solve another mystery. Starring Richard Briers & Stanley Baxter.

By Michael Chaplin

We return to The Old Beeches, a retirement home for elderly thespians, in the company of William and Sandy; two actors who still nurse a certain affectionate animosity towards one another since they starred as Holmes and Watson in a 1960s television series. Our two elderly thespian residents of the Old Beeches home for retired members of the Acting profession become embroiled in making sure the course of true love DOES run smooth. 

It all begins with a proposal, leading swiftly to a wedding, involving two residents - a Shakespearian knight called Sir Trelawney Hope and an ex-nightclub chanteuse called Dolores Sweet, with William as Trelawney's best man and Sandy giving Dolores away. But as the old couple stand there, Trelawney drops a bombshell - he no longer wishes to go through with it. There's uproar, Trelawney strides away, refusing to say any more. Our two heroes are once again pressed into service to solve a mystery; just why does the bridegroom suddenly call the wedding off?

Cast:
Sandy Boyle ..... Stanley Baxter 
William Parnes ..... Richard Briers 
Dolores Sweet ..... Julia McKenzie 
Sir Trelawney Hope ..... John Rowe 
Godfrey ..... Joseph Mydell 
Mary Winter ..... Jillie Meers 
Isadora Klein ..... Susan Wooldridge 
Hugo ..... Stephen Critchlow 

Saxophonist ..... Julie Hodge 


Producer/Director: Marilyn Imrie
A Catherine Bailey production for BBC Radio 4.

Drama on 4: Two Pipe Problems

By Michael Chaplin, featuring William and Sandy, residents of a thespians' retirement home

Drama by Michael Chaplin featuring William and Sandy, residents of The Old Beeches retirement home for elderly thespians and former co-stars of a 1960s TV series

1/2. By Michael Chaplin. More adventures with William and Sandy, two actors who starred together as Holmes and Watson in a 1960s TV series and now live in a retirement home for elderly thespians in an atmosphere of affectionate animosity towards each other. Our two heroes become embroiled in making sure the course of true love does run smooth, It all begins with a proposal of marriage. The second story is tomorrow.  
Saxophonist Julie Hodge ; Producer Catherine Bailey Director Marilyn Imrie

Archive on 4

Brilliant stories told using archive from the BBC and beyond.

Archive on 4: Working for Margaret

25/04/2009

Working for Margaret

BBC Radio 4 - Archive on 4, Working for Margaret

Using archive material, Matthew Parris finds out what Margaret Thatcher was like as a boss

Rare archive interviews with cabinet colleagues of Britain's first woman PM, Margaret Thatcher. With Matthew Parris. From April 2009.

Matthew Parris, who worked for Margaret Thatcher before becoming a political journalist, delves into the Brook Lapping archive to hear from some of her former staff, ministers, civil servants, speechwriters and advisors about what she was like to work for. 

Was she any gentler with her staff than she was with her Cabinet colleagues? Matthew finds out about the Margaret Thatcher that only her closest circle saw.

A Brook Lapping production for BBC Radio 4.

Picturing Britain

Adil Ray looks at life through the lens of contemporary photographers

Picturing Britain: Series 1: Episode 1: UK Instantaneous

Episode 1: UK Instantaneous

UK Instantaneous

BBC Radio 4 - Picturing Britain, Series 1, UK Instantaneous

Adil watches fashion photographer Rankin in action as he photographs members of the public

Adil spends a day watching top fashion photographer Rankin in action as he tries to capture members of the public with 'the look' that defines Britain today.

In spring 2009, fashion photographer Rankin invited people across the UK to take part in his most ambitious project to date; Rankin Live! It was open to anyone aged 13 and over, with a distinctive style and sense of British ethnicity and enthusiasm. Using cutting-edge technology he shot and instantly printed the portraits of 1,000 Brits which went on display at an ever-changing exhibition last summer. The process took only 15 minutes, from the click of the shutter to the hanging. Adil Ray went along to the shoot to talk to the man and his array of subjects as they prepared to capture the look that defines our time. Rankin's portfolio of celebrity subjects have included Britney Spears, Kate Moss and the Queen, and he was co-founder in 1991 of Dazed and Confused magazine.

Producer: Mohini Patel.

Picturing Britain: Series 1

Adil Ray views Britain through the lens of five different types of photographer

1/5. UK Instantaneous. Adil Ray sees Britain through the lens of five top photographers. Today he watches fashion photographer Rankin in action as he tries to capture members of the public with "the look" that defines Britain. The only stipulation is to dress to impress. Producer Mohmi Patel

The Food Programme

Investigating every aspect of the food we eat

Food Programme

The Food Programme: Slow Fish

Slow Fish

BBC Radio 4 - The Food Programme, Slow Fish

Two Cornish oyster fisherman travel to the 'Slow Fish' gathering in Genoa.

Sheila Dillon tracks two Cornish oyster fisherman, Rob Searle and Tim Vinnicombe, as they travel to the 'Slow Fish' gathering held in Genoa.

Sheila Dillon follows two Cornish oyster fisherman, Rob Searle and Tim Vinnicombe, as they travel to the 'Slow Fish' gathering in Genoa - the world's largest gathering of fishermen and women from around the world, organised by the Slow Food movement. 

Rob and Tim are part of a team attempting to save the tradition of gathering native oysters from the Fal Estuary. The oysters are fished in 200-year-old sailing boats as no mechanical power is permitted on the fishery. By taking their catch to Genoa, they hope to raise the profile of the native oyster and create a market that will help ensure the survival of a traditional and sustainable form of fishing.

Traveller's Tree

Travel programme consisting of tips and advice for travellers submitted by the public

In Africa and South America, people often pin tips and advice for travellers to trees. This programme brings the concept to radio, with a travel magazine consisting of items submitted by the public

Traveller's Tree: Series 5

Traveller's Tree: Series 5: Episode 2: Homestay/Homeswap

Episode 2

Episode 2: Homestay/Homeswap

Series 5

Homestay/Homeswap

BBC Radio 4 - Traveller's Tree, Series 5, Homestay/Homeswap

Katie Derham hears from people who have stayed with locals or swapped houses with others.

Katie Derham hears from people who have stayed with locals or swapped houses with others as an economical accommodation alternative.

Katie Derham presents the programme which examines our holiday and travel trends.

Staying with local people or swapping your house or flat for theirs is an economical solution that can deliver a prize holiday. The programme follows the Gordon family as they swap with the Coppolas in Italy, veteran swapper Sara Wheeler discusses her experiences and a listener report from Morocco where Rose and Mick Hart have booked in with a local Berber family in the foothills of the Atlas mountains.

A Just Radio/Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Katie Derham presents the holiday magazine with tips from listeners and travel experts

Katie Derham presents the holiday magazine with insider tips from listeners and travel experts

Traveller's Tree: Homestay/Homeswap

2/6. Homestay, Homeswap. Katie Derham focuses on two increasingly popular ways of staying somewhere interesting without spending a fortune. She talks to holidaymakers swapping homes with an Italian family, and looks at homestays in Morocco and Jordan. Producer Susan Marling

Afternoon news and current affairs programme

Afternoon news and current affairs programme, reporting on breaking stories and summing up the day's headlines

PM: 27/04/2009

BBC Radio 4 - PM, 27/04/2009

Coverage and analysis of the day's news with Eddie Mair.

Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Eddie Mair. Including Shadow Health Secretary Andrew Lansley on the potential flu pandemic. Plus Weather.

Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Eddie Mair. Including Shadow Health Secretary Andrew Lansley on the potential flu pandemic; Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg on MPs' expenses; and the Mayor of Wallingord on efforts to 'untwin' the town with French counterpart Luxeuil les Bains. Plus Weather.

Six O'Clock News

The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4

Six O'Clock News: 27/04/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Six O'Clock News, 27/04/2009

National and international news from BBC Radio 4.

The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by Weather.

Six O'Clock News: 27 April

The Unbelievable Truth

Game show in which panellists are encouraged to tell lies.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Shipping Forecast

27/04/2009

Genres

Brand

Weather

27/04/2009

Genres

Brand

Lady Audley's Secret

Weather

27/04/2009

Genres

Brand

Weather

27/04/2009

Genres

Brand

Shipping Forecast

27/04/2009

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4

Appears in

About this data

About this data