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A spiritual comment and prayer to begin the day, with the Rev Dr Jo Bailey Wells, Chaplain to the Archbishop of Canterbury. Show more
This listing contains language that some may find offensive.
David Attenborough presents a seasonal reflection of the robin. Show more
Anthony McGowan untangles some of the dark origins of the Grimm fairy tales. Did it lend to their propaganda use? From 2012. Show more
A tribute to the broadcaster David Frost, who died in August 2013. In a career spanning over 40 years, Frost became one of the UK's most prominent journalists and interviewers. Show more
Author David Almond explores the enduring appeal of the classic children's book Stig of the Dump and its unlikely hero, 50 years after Stig first emerged from the chalk pit. Show more
4 Extra Debut. Tom Wrigglesworth's compilation with Mitchell & Webb, Lenny Henry, French & Saunders, Julie Walters and Al Murray. From December 2013. Show more
Shepherds' Delight: A Christmas celebration from Chester Cathedral, with meditations from the Rt Rev Peter Forster, Bishop of Chester, and carols sung by the Cathedral Choir. Show more
Alan Bennett's handyman skills come to the rescue, and Nina finds herself in a situation where she just has to lie. Letters from 1980s literary London read by Rebekah Staton. Show more
Woman's Hour
Nigel Slater; Evan Davis; Puppini Sisters
1 hour, 28 minutes
on BBC Radio 4 FMAvailable for over a year
Fun and conversation with special guests including Evan Davis and John Humphrys. Nigel Slater is on hand with tips for Christmas lunch and there's music from the Puppini Sisters. Show more
Jemima looks for a quiet place to lay her eggs away from the farmer’s wife. Starring Janine Duvistki. From December 2013. Show more
Woman's Hour
Nigel Slater; Evan Davis; Puppini Sisters
30 minutes
on BBC Radio 4 FMAvailable for over a year
Fun and conversation with special guests including Evan Davis and John Humphrys. Nigel Slater is on hand with tips for Christmas lunch and there's music from the Puppini Sisters. Show more
Richard Wilson explains the long lasting influence Ian McKellen has had on his life. With David Tennant. From December 2013. Show more
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Alan Dein joins the 'Turkey & Tinsel' celebrations at the Sandringham Hotel in Weston-super-Mare. Three coachloads of revellers come south to celebrate Christmas in November. Show more
Ritula Shah was brought up as a Jain, which has renunciation as one of its central tenets. She talks to ex-monk Satish Kumar about what it means to cut worldly ties. Show more
There's Christmas joy at Ambridge View. Meanwhile Leonie feels conflicted. Show more
4 Extra Debut. Young Velvet wins a horse for a shilling, but could she ride him in the Grand National? Stars John Sessions and Alison Steadman. Show more
The Queen's Christmas message to the Commonwealth and the nation, followed by the national anthem.
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4.
This listing contains language that some may find offensive.
Thinking Allowed
Santa Helpers; Christmas Tradition
28 minutes
on BBC Radio 4 FMAvailable for over a year
Laurie Taylor presents a Thinking Allowed special on our construction of Christmas tradition. Prof Philip Hancock discusses his study into Santa helpers. Show more
Where will Ed spend Christmas? In the bosom of family or with his cat and a cinnamon stick? With Christopher Douglas. From 2012. Show more
4 Extra Debut. Tom Wrigglesworth's compilation with Mitchell & Webb, Lenny Henry, French & Saunders, Julie Walters and Al Murray. From December 2013. Show more
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4.
The greatest story never told or sung. Julian Assange's story is wiki-leaked in this overly melodramatic 15 Minute Musical. Show more
Christmas holidays. Stephen K Amos's teen years in 1980s London. By Jonathan Harvey with Stephen K Amos. From December 2013 Show more
Tom reveals his surprise gift, and the Grundys welcome a Christmas guest. Show more
In conversation with Mark Lawson, Sir Derek Jacobi looks back over a career that has spanned half a century. Show more
Jemima looks for a quiet place to lay her eggs away from the farmer’s wife. Starring Janine Duvistki. From December 2013. Show more
Start the Week
Andrew Marr on poet George Herbert
43 minutes
on BBC Radio 4 FMAvailable for over a year
Andrew Marr discusses the poet George Herbert and prayer in a secular age, with biographer John Drury, composer Sir John Tavener and writer Jeanette Winterson. Show more
Geographer and polymath Jared Diamond argues that apparently slight differences in geography can have profound consequences for the culture and history of nations. Show more
Paul Merton discovers the story behind the Leeds City Varieties music hall, its multi-million pound refurbishment and the life and death of the great music hall tradition. Show more
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4 Extra Debut. Sue MacGregor reunites the ground-breaking 1994 TV sketch comedy team. With Arabella Weir and Paul Whitehouse. From 2013. Show more
At the station house in Byringe, Allan and Julius's troubles are only just beginning. Show more
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A reflection on the meaning of Christmas, with author and columnist Peter Hitchens. Show more
Alan Bennett's handyman skills come to the rescue, and Nina finds herself in a situation where she just has to lie. Letters from 1980s literary London read by Rebekah Staton. Show more
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