BBC Radio 4 LW

Together against the Odds

Janet Reibstein presents a series on relationships which have survived

Janet Reibstein presents a series on relationships which have survived  in the face of serious challenges

Together against the Odds: Series 2

Together against the Odds: Series 2: Episode 1

Episode 1

Series 2

BBC Radio 4 - Together against the Odds, Series 2, Episode 1

Bringing up their severely autistic son nearly ruined Jamie and Nuala Gardner's marriage.

Janet Reibstein presents a series on relationships which have survived. Jamie and Nuala's experience of bringing up their severely autistic son nearly destroyed their marriage.

Janet Reibstein presents a series on relationships which have survived in the face of serious challenges. 

Jamie and Nuala Garnder's experience of bringing up their severely autistic son, Dale, nearly led to the break up of their marriage and to Nuala nearly taking her own life. They describe how their shared determination to do what was best for Dale kept them together.

BBC Radio 4

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

Janet Reibstein presents a series on relationships which have survived in the face of serious challenges

Spending My Inheritance

Spending My Inheritance: Episode 6: Just One Night

Episode 6

Episode 6: Just One Night

Just One Night

BBC Radio 4 - Spending My Inheritance, Just One Night

A burst water pipe means hard-up Harry and his wife need a place to stay for the night.

A burst water pipe means hard-up Harry and his wife need a place to stay for the night. Stars Kris Marshall. From December 2008.

Sitcom by Clive Coleman, starring Kris Marshall as cash-strapped forty-something Harry, who has to watch from the sidelines as his newly retired parents start spending their hard-earned cash on themselves.

When faced with domestic disaster, Harry and Jo turn to his parents to put them up for a night. However, despite their recent equity release, it seems that they are as tight as ever.

Harry ...... Kris Marshall
Jo ...... Raquel Cassidy
Brian ...... Kenneth Cranham
Liz ...... Judy Parfitt
Jess ...... Antonia Thomas
Amanda ...... Manjeet Mann
Boguslaw ...... Stephen Critchlow
Pizza Boy ...... Inam Mirza

Directed by Sam Hoyle.

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.

Sitcom by Clive Coleman, starring Kris Marshall

Sitcom by Clive Coleman. Cash-strapped forty-something Harry has to watch from the sidelines as his newly retired parents start spending their hard-earned cash on themselves

News Headlines; Shipping Forecast

News, weather and Shipping Forecast updates. 

News Headlines; Shipping Forecast: 22/12/2008

22/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - News Headlines; Shipping Forecast, 22/12/2008

National and international news and the shipping forecast.

The latest national and international news headlines, followed by the shipping forecast.

You and Yours

You and Yours: 22/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - You and Yours, 22/12/2008

Consumer news and issues with Julian Worricker.

Presented by Julian Worricker.

Peter White interviews Cynthia Bower, the head of the new inspectorate that, from April, will be responsible for monitoring health care, social care, mental health services, the NHS and care homes.

Shari Vahl looks at one of the biggest players in the online secondary ticket market.

One in four dogs is overweight, according to the RSPCA. In the worst cases, the organisation has the powers to remove a dangerously obese pet from its owner, which is what happened to two dogs belonging to Marie Davidson.

The two main bodies which certify organic food have asked the government for farmers to be allowed a break from the usual strict standards. The idea is to help them survive the downturn.

Sorry seems to be the hardest word, as Kate Fox found when she was delayed for two hours on a flight from Glasgow to London.

This year 22 million people are expected to travel by rail in the seven days up to Christmas. If you are one of them, have you managed to get cheap advance tickets or are you paying the full price?

The Olympic Park in East London is the largest construction project in Europe, with over 800 firms involved. The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) is now speeding up payments to ensure no contractor gets into financial difficulty. We speak to David Higgins, Chief Executive of the ODA.

Weather

Weather: 22/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Weather, 22/12/2008Close menu

World at One

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

World at One: 22/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - World at One, 22/12/2008

National and international news with Shaun Ley.

Brain of Britain

General knowledge in which listeners compete for the title of Brain of Britain.

The nationwide general knowledge contest in which 48 listeners from all parts of the UK fight their way to the final. The prize is a silver salver and the title Brain of Britain.

Brain of Britain: 22/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Brain of Britain, 22/12/2008

Robert Robinson chairs the first semi final of the perennial general knowledge contest.

The Archers

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

The Archers: 21/12/2008

21/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - The Archers, 21/12/2008

With Willow Farm still a building site, Mike will spend Christmas day with Roy and Hayley at Hayley's parents. Brenda invites him to then spend the week with her and Tom. She's sure Tom will be fine about it.

With everyone rallying round for the all day rehearsal, Lynda begins to think the pantomime might be successful. But Clarrie and Eddie are far from ready for the dancing cow scenes. 

David's appearance gives Lynda renewed optimism. He's dosed with paracetamol but ready for action. Using the giant props, he and Kenton produce a great performance. The slapstick scenes prove they are a natural double act.

To Lynda's annoyance, Eddie stops rehearsing to answer his mobile, and then wants to tell Joe that William's booked a B&B for Joe's visit to Gloucester to see Eddie's brother, Alf.

Jill and Shula are at St Stephens for the Nine Lessons and Carols. Shula's taken aback to see Usha handing out the orders of service. They make polite conversation, with Shula emphasising how she's looking forward to Christmas with Alistair's father in Scotland - away from Ambridge and St Stephens. Having heard that Mabel's coming to stay, Jill knowingly wishes Usha the best of luck.

Episode written by Keri Davies.

Drama on 4

Drama from BBC Radio 4 and Radio 4 Extra.

Afternoon Drama: The Borrowers

Drama on 4: The Borrowers: Episode 1

The Borrowers

BBC Radio 4 - Drama on 4, The Borrowers, Episode 1

14-year-old Arietty is getting impatient to escape the confines of her cosy home.

Adaptation of Mary Norton's children's classic. 14-year-old Arietty is getting impatient to escape the confines of her cosy home.

Drama on 4: The Borrowers

Adaptation of Mary Norton's children's classic

Two-part adaptation of Mary Norton's children's classic about the tiny Clock family that live under the floorboards of a large house

Money Box Live

Phone-in programme with discussion and advice on personal finance

Money Box Live: 22/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Money Box Live, 22/12/2008

Paul Lewis and guests answer calls on financial issues.

Afternoon Reading

Short stories or abridged books, often from new writers

Afternoon Reading: The Hair of the Dog

26/05/2008

The Hair of the Dog

BBC Radio 4 - Afternoon Reading, The Hair of the DogSearch BBC

Short story by Jane Gardam. Eleanor reflects on her daughter Rosie's wedding 25 years ago.

Short story by Jane Gardam. Humour and tenderness colour Eleanor's reflections on her daughter Rosie's wedding 25 years before. Abridged by Jules Wilkinson.

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

Songs Everlasting

Songs Everlasting: Series 2

Songs Everlasting: Series 2: Episode 1: Unto Us a Child Is Born

Episode 1: Unto Us a Child Is Born

Unto Us a Child Is Born

BBC Radio 4 - Songs Everlasting, Series 2, Unto Us a Child Is Born

Featuring an interview with the archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams.

Bryn Terfel explores classic Christmas songs. Featuring interviews with the archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams and composer John Rutter.

In the first of a new series examining classic Christmas songs, Bryn Terfel tries to find out what it is that makes some of them them so popular. 

Featuring interviews with the archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams and composer John Rutter.

Bryn Terfel explores classic Christmas songs

The Food Programme

Investigating every aspect of the food we eat

Food Programme

The Food Programme: Forgotten Christmas Meals

Forgotten Christmas Meals

BBC Radio 4 - The Food Programme, Forgotten Christmas Meals

Sheila Dillon joins a family of keen cooks to prepare a feast of forgotten Christmas meals

Sheila Dillon and food historian Ivan Day join a family of keen cooks to prepare a feast of extraordinary, and forgotten, Christmas meals.

Sheila Dillon and food historian Ivan Day join a family of keen cooks to prepare a feast of extraordinary, and forgotten, Christmas meals. Dishes include a 19th-century Christmas cake made entirely from ice cream, a seasonal potage with raisins and currants, an evolving series of mince pies and the mother of all goose dishes, roasted on an open fire.

Beyond Belief

Series exploring the place and nature of faith in today's world

Beyond Belief: 22/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Beyond Belief, 22/12/2008

Ernie Rea explores the place of faith in today's world.

Ernie Rea explores the place of faith in today's world, teasing out the hidden and often contradictory truths behind the experiences, values and traditions of our lives.

Afternoon news and current affairs programme

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

PM: 22/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - PM, 22/12/2008

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

Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Eddie Mair. Plus Weather.

Shipping Forecast

The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping

Shipping Forecast: 22/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Shipping Forecast, 22/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Weather, 22/12/2008

Six O'Clock News

The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4

Six O'Clock News: 22/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Six O'Clock News, 22/12/2008

National and international news from BBC Radio 4.

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

Genius

Comedy series which chews over billiant but unworkable ideas

Comedy series which chews over the ridiculous, unworkable but sometimes genius inventions, schemes and policies dreamed up by members of the public

Genius: Genius Christmas Special

Genius Christmas Special

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Genius, Genius Christmas Special

Dave Gorman presents a Christmas edition of the show, with guest Lee Mack.

Christmas edition of the show in which Dave Gorman and guest Lee Mack chew over ridiculous and unworkable inventions and ideas which nonetheless display an element of genius.

A Christmas edition of the show in which Dave Gorman and guest Lee Mack chew over ridiculous and unworkable inventions and ideas which nonetheless display an element of genius in their creator.

The Archers: 22/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - The Archers, 22/12/2008

Diplomacy reigns supreme at the vicarage.

While they wait for Mabel's train to arrive, Amy tells Usha about her midwifery course. Mabel accepts that Alan's too busy to meet her and does her best to be polite with Usha. Usha's relieved when Alan finally joins them. 

Mabel's surprised but pleased to learn that Usha attended the Nine Lessons and Carols service but is shocked to see the changes at the vicarage. Alan and Usha awkwardly explain that the sideboard given as a wedding present to Alan and Catherine has now been given away to charity.

Mabel's determined to keep up her usual tradition of cooking the Christmas evening meal with Amy. It's all a bit much for Usha, so she's relived when Amy accepts her offer of a lift back to Manchester on Saturday. 

Eddie and Joe are pleased with this year's turkeys, especially as they haven't got too many like last year. Eddie claims he's been too busy to practice the cow dance. When he's finished preparing the turkeys he's off for a Christmas drink with Baggie and Fat Paul.

Joe reminds him that Lynda will be expecting an improvement tomorrow, especially as the cow costume will have arrived, which should sort the men from the boys! 

Episode written by Keri Davies.

Front Row

Live magazine programme on the worlds of arts, literature, film, media and music

Front Row: 22/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Front Row, 22/12/2008

With John Wilson. Damon Albarn reveals how he and Graham Coxon decided to reform Blur.

Arts news and reviews with John Wilson. Damon Albarn reveals how he and guitarist Graham Coxon renewed their friendship and decided to reform their band Blur over an Eccles cake.

Presented by John Wilson.

Damon Albarn reveals how, after more than a decade apart, he and guitarist Graham Coxon renewed their friendship and decided to reform their band Blur over an Eccles cake. He also says that, prior to their open air concerts in Hyde Park in summer 2009, Blur will be returning to their hometown of Colchester, Essex, to play warm-up gigs under their original name, Seymour. He also explains why he wants to rewrite the band's biggest hit, Country House, as a folk song. 

Author Kathy Lette reviews Baz Luhrmann's latest film, Australia, starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman. 

Alex Ross is The New Yorker's music critic and this year's winner of the Guardian's First Book award. 'The Rest Is Noise' is Ross's journey through twentieth century music, from Strauss to The Velvet Underground. He theorises and analyses the relationship between history and the development of music throughout the century, attempting to explain the stories behind some of the century's most important works.

15 Minute Drama

Classic and contemporary original drama and book dramatisations

15 Minute Drama: Old Peter's Russian Tales

15 Minute Drama: Old Peter's Russian Tales: Episode 1: Salt

Episode 1: Salt

Old Peter's Russian Tales

Salt

BBC Radio 4 - 15 Minute Drama, Old Peter's Russian Tales, Salt

Ivan the Ninny builds his fortune on salt, but suffers the jealous rage of his brothers.

Magical folk tales from Russia by Arthur Ransome. Ivan the Ninny builds his fortune on the rare commodity of salt, but suffers the jealous rage of his brothers.

Magical folk tales from Russia by Arthur Ransome, as told by Old Peter the forester to his grandchildren Vanya and Maroosia.

Ivan the Ninny, the youngest and least successful of three brothers, builds his fortune on the rare commodity of salt, winning the love of a princess and suffering the jealous rage of his brothers.

Old Peter/Sailor ...... Trevor Cooper
Vanya/Sailor ...... Harry Hughes 
Maroosia/Sailor/Chef ...... Megan Williams
Ivan ...... Nyasha Hatendi
Tsar ...... Stephen Critchlow
Princess ...... Helen Longworth
Father ...... John Rowe
Old Salt/Brother/Voice 1 ...... Dan Starkey
Giant/Cook ...... Ben Crowe.

Magical folk tales from Russia by Arthur Ransome, as told by Old Peter the forester

Magical folk tales from Russia by Arthur Ransome, as told by Old Peter the forester to his grandchildren, Vanya and Maroosia

Things We Forgot to Remember

Series examining overlooked but noteworthy historical events, with Michael Portillo

Michael Portillo presents a series revisiting the great moments of history to discover that they often conceal other events of equal but forgotten importance

Things We Forgot to Remember: Series 4

Things We Forgot to Remember: Series 4: Episode 4: Alfred the Great

Episode 4

Episode 4: Alfred the Great

Series 4

Alfred the Great

BBC Radio 4 - Things We Forgot to Remember, Series 4, Alfred the Great

Michael Portillo investigates Alfred the Great - English hero or Saxon spin-doctor?

Michael Portillo revisits the great moments of history and looks at the reputation of King Alfred the Great - bold English hero or Anglo Saxon spin-doctor?

Michael Portillo presents an edition of The Things We Forgot to Remember which looks at the reputation of King Alfred the Great: bold English hero or Anglo Saxon spin-doctor? 

Alfred the Great sits at the root of English history. The man who burnt the cakes, the man who held the line against the marauding Vikings and the man who, more than almost any other monarch in our history, defined the national identity. He was a bulldog before the bulldog had been bred. But Michael Portillo explores the reality of Alfred's reign in Wessex. To what extent was he a great saviour? Have we forgotten to remember that the most important thing about his reign was that he sponsored the reporting of it in the form of the Anglo Saxon Chronicles? Michael travels to Winchester to get try and disentangle the Anglo-Saxon spin.

Producer: Tom Alban 

(repeat).

Michael Portillo revisits great moments of history that conceal other important events

Crossing Continents

Series focusing on foreign affairs issues

Crossing Continents: Islam and Canada

18/12/2008

Islam and Canada

BBC Radio 4 - Crossing Continents, Islam and Canada

Bill Law investigates the extent of Islamist extremism in Canada.

Bill Law investigates the extent of Islamist extremism in Canada, after the foiling of a plot by a gang of young Canadian Islamists to blow up parliament.

Bill Law investigates the extent of Islamist extremism in Canada, after the foiling of a plot by a gang of young Islamists, born and raised in Canada, to blow up the country's parliament. In a country which prides itself on equality and fairness and where many Muslims have prospered while maintaining their cultural and religious identity, how deep are the twin threats of Islamist extremism and of official over-reaction?

Science Friction

Series of debates looking at controversies within science

Science Friction: Series 2

Science Friction: Series 2: Episode 2: Animal Experiments

Episode 2

Episode 2: Animal Experiments

Animal Experiments

BBC Radio 4 - Science Friction, Series 2, Animal Experiments

Should scientists be using animals for experiments or concentrate on finding alternatives?

Sue Nelson presents a series of debates looking at controversies within science. Should scientists be using animals for experiments or concentrating on finding alternatives?

Sue Nelson presents a series of debates looking at controversies within science

Start the Week

Weekly discussion programme, setting the cultural agenda every Monday

Start the Week: 22/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Start the Week, 22/12/2008

Andrew Marr is joined by John Parker, Tom Holland, Deborah Moggach and Andrew Price.

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Together against the Odds

Series 2

Episode 1

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Weather

22/12/2008

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Shipping Forecast

22/12/2008

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Weather

22/12/2008

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Weather

22/12/2008

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Shipping Forecast

23/12/2008

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