Radio Drama, 2008
Classic Serials at the top, then Afternoon Plays, then Saturday Plays, then Friday Plays. Most or all of these should be in the BBC archive and also in VRPCC collections. All in date order. Many thanks to Bob Thirsk, again, for compiling this information.
CLASSIC SERIAL
6 1 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial The Age of Innocence Edith Wharton's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel; dramatised by Jane Rogers; about a passionate love affair which breaks all the rules of the restrictive high society of 1870s New York. 1/2. Newland Archer is engaged to May Welland; but his life takes an unexpected turn when he meets May's unconventional cousin Countess Ellen Olenska. Newland Archer ...... Ryan McCluskey Ellen Olenska ...... Susan Lynch May Welland ...... Kellie Bright Caherine Mingott ...... Eleanor Bron Augusta Welland ...... Lorelei King Adeline Archer ...... Barbara Barnes Janey Archer ...... Sarah Goldberg Sillerton Jackson/Henry Van Der Luyden ...... Kerry Shale Julius Beaufort ...... Conrad Nelson Lawrence Lefferts ...... Martin T Sherman Medora Manson ...... Margaret Robertson Ned Winsett ...... John Guerassio Directed by Nadia Molinari. [Rptd Sat 9.00pm] .
13 1 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial The Age of Innocence Edith Wharton's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel; dramatised by Jane Rogers; about a passionate love affair which breaks all the rules of the restrictive high society of 1870s New York. 2/2. Despite Newland Archer's recent marriage to May; he is still consumed with thoughts of Ellen Olenska. Newland Archer ...... Ryan McCluskey Ellen Olenska ...... Susan Lynch May Welland ...... Kellie Bright Caherine Mingott ...... Eleanor Bron Augusta Welland ...... Lorelei King Julius Beaufort ...... Conrad Nelson Lawrence Lefferts ...... Martin T Sherman Sillerton Jackson ...... Kerry Shale Directed by Nadia Molinari. [Rptd Sat 9.00pm]
20 1 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial That Uncertain Feeling By Kingsley Amis; dramatised by Tracy Spottiswoode. This satire on life and culture in a Welsh seaside town in the 1950s presents a portrait of married life which is as sharp and funny today as when it was written. John Lewis ...... Jonathan Floyd Elizabeth Gruffydd-Williams ...... Sara McGaughey Jean Lewis ...... Lynne Seymour Mrs Davies ...... Manon Edwards Mrs Edwards ...... Siriol Jenkins Vernon Gruffydd-Williams ...... Steffan Rhodri Gareth Probert ...... Russell Gomer Ieuan Jenkins ...... Iwan Tudor Ken Davies ...... Giles Thomas Bill Evans ...... Richard Nichols
27 1 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial Fortunes of War Lin Coghlan's sweeping new dramatisation of Olivia Manning's classic war novels. 1/6. Young Harriet Pringle arrives in Bucharest in 1939 with her new husband Guy. Europe is about to tear itself apart. Old Harriet ...... Joanna Lumley Harriet ...... Honeysuckle Weeks Guy ...... Khalid Abdalla Yakimov ...... James Fleet Inchcape ...... John Rowe Clarence ...... Alex Wyndham Sophie ...... Joannah Tincey Galpin ...... John Dougall Bella ...... Carolyn Pickles Drucker ...... Peter Marinker Sasha ...... Joseph Arkley Nikko ...... Simon Treves Despina ...... Laura Molyneux D Hassolel ...... Katy Cavanagh Manager ...... Ben Onwukwe Directed by Marc Beeby. [Rptd Sat 9.00pm]
3 2 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial Fortunes of War Lin Coghlan's sweeping new dramatisation of Olivia Manning's classic war novels. 2/6. Harriet and Guy continue to try and make a life together in Bucharest. But as the war gets closer; things become more difficult. Sometimes friends are not all they seem. Old Harriet ...... Joanna Lumley Harriet ...... Honeysuckle Weeks Guy ...... Khalid Abdalla Yakimov ...... James Fleet Inchcape ...... John Rowe Clarence ...... Alex Wyndham Dobson ...... Sam Dale Galpin ...... John Dougall Bella ...... Carolyn Pickles Drucker ...... Peter Marinker Sasha ...... Joseph Arkley Toby Lush ...... Simon Treves Despina ...... Laura Molyneux Dubedat ...... Ben Crowe Directed by Colin Guthrie. [Rptd Sat 9.00pm] .
10 2 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial Fortunes of War Lin Coghlan's sweeping new dramatisation of Olivia Manning's classic war novels. 3/6. With the war upon them; Harriet and Guy realise that their time in Bucharest is drawing to a dangerous close. Old Harriet ...... Joanna Lumley Harriet ...... Honeysuckle Weeks Guy ...... Khalid Abdalla Yakimov ...... James Fleet Inchcape ...... John Rowe Clarence ...... Alex Wyndham Dobson ...... Sam Dale Galpin ...... John Dougall Bella ...... Carolyn Pickles Drucker ...... Peter Marinker Sasha ...... Joseph Arkley Toby Lush ...... Simon Treves Professor Pinkrose ...... Nigel Anthony Dubedat ...... Ben Crowe Directed by Colin Guthrie. [Rptd Sat 9.00pm] .
17 2 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial Fortunes of War Lin Coghlan's sweeping new dramatisation of Olivia Manning's classic war novels. 4/6. Having been forced to leave Romania; Harriet waits anxiously in Athens for news of Guy. Old Harriet ...... Joanna Lumley Harriet ...... Honeysuckle Weeks Guy ...... Khalid Abdalla Yakimov ...... James Fleet Professor Pinkrose ...... Nigel Anthony Clarence ...... Alex Wyndham Charles Warden ...... Alex Lanipekun Dobson ...... Sam Dale Sasha ...... Joseph Arkley Toby Lush ...... Simon Treves Dubedat ...... Ben Crowe Directed by Colin Guthrie. [Rptd Sat 9.00pm] .
24 2 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial Fortunes of War Lin Coghlan's sweeping new dramatisation of Olivia Manning's classic war novels. 5/6. The Pringles take up residence in Egypt; where the reality of the war begins to put a strain on their marriage. Old Harriet ...... Joanna Lumley Harriet ...... Honeysuckle Weeks Guy ...... Khalid Abdalla Professor Pinkrose ...... Nigel Anthony Dobson ...... Sam Dale Clifford ...... John Dougall Mona ...... Carolyn Pickles Desmond Hooper ...... Peter Marinker Angela Hooper ...... Alison Pettitt Bill Castlebar ...... Phillip Jackson Simon Boulderstone ...... Sam Pamphilon Mortimer ...... Katy Cavanagh Edwina ...... Joannah Tincey Jackman ...... Ben Onwukwe Arnold/Young Arab ...... Lloyd Thomas Aidan Sheridan/Captain Hardy/Major ...... Ben Crowe Peter Lisdoovarna ...... Simon Treeves Mr. Buschman/Young German ...... Alex Lanipekun Dr Shafik ...... Bijan Daneshmand Directed by Colin Guthrie. [Rptd Sat 9.00pm] .
2 3 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial Fortunes of War Lin Coghlan's sweeping new dramatisation of Olivia Manning's classic war novels. 6/6. The immediate threat of war has receded; but life is still not safe in Egypt. It may be time for Harriet to return home. Old Harriet ...... Joanna Lumley Harriet ...... Honeysuckle Weeks Guy ...... Khalid Abdalla Professor Pinkrose ...... Nigel Anthony Dobson ...... Sam Dale Angela Hooper ...... Alison Pettitt Bill Castlebar ...... Phillip Jackson Mona ...... Carolyn Pickles Simon Boulderstone ...... Sam Pamphilon Mortimer ...... Katy Cavanagh Philips ...... Laura Molyneux Helal ...... Bijan Daneshmand Edwina ...... Joannah Tincey Arnold ...... Lloyd Thomas Marion Dixon ...... Emily Wachter Radio ...... John Dougall Directed by Colin Guthrie. [Rptd Sat 9.00pm] .
9 3 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial Mr Standfast Bert Coules's dramatisation of John Buchan's WWI spy thriller. 1/2. Richard Hannay is recalled to London from the trenches to hunt down the leader of a gang of German spies. Much to his disgust; Hannay is ordered to pose as a pacifist and is sent to Glasgow. Along the way; he encounters a teenage British Secret Service agent who will change the course of his life. Richard Hannay ...... David Robb Sir Walter Bullivant ...... Clive Merrison Moxon Ivery ...... Struan Rodger Mary Lamington ...... Jasmine Hyde Peter Pienaar ...... Jon Glover Launcelot Wake ...... Thomas Arnold Abel Gresson ...... John Guerrasio Miss Doria ...... Briony McRoberts Miss Claire ...... Liza Sadovy Andrew Amos ...... John Stahl George Broadbury ...... Peter Marinker Ted Broadbury ...... Ben Crowe Directed by Bruce Young. [Rptd Sat 9.00pm] .
16 3 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial Mr Standfast Bert Coules's dramatisation of John Buchan's WWI spy thriller. 2/2. The action moves to France as Richard Hannay and Mary Lamington search for the German spy Moxon Ivery. When the trail goes cold; Mary hatches a plan to flush him out; using herself as the bait in a deadly trap. Richard Hannay ...... David Robb Sir Walter Bullivant ...... Clive Merrison Count von Schwabing ...... Struan Rodger Mary Lamington ...... Jasmine Hyde Peter Pienaar ...... Jon Glover Emilia Gore-Booth ...... Briony McRoberts Forbes ...... Chris Pavlo Prefect ...... Ben Onwukwe Directed by Bruce Young. [Rptd Sat 9.00pm] .
23 3 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial Mr Sponge's Sporting Tour Scott Cherry's dramatisation of RS Surtees's picaresque romp following the fortunes of a man determined to better himself at the perpetual expense of others. 1/2. Soapey Sponge stands accused of selling the same mad horse to a number of the most respected citizens of Laverick Wells. But who is duping whom? Judge ...... Clive Swift Mr Reynolds ...... Paul Jesson Mr Waffles ...... John McAndrews Benjamin Buckram ...... Trevor Martin Soapey Sponge ...... Rupert Evans Lord Scamperdale ...... David Troughton Mr Jawleyford ...... Philip Jackson Mrs Jawleyford ...... Stella Mckusker Amelia Jawleyford ...... Julie Cox Jack Spraggon ....... Chris Emmett Peter Leather ...... David Cardy Spigot ...... Trevor Martin Robert Foozle ...... John McAndrews Violinist ...... Liz Menezes [Rptd Sat 9.00pm] .
30 3 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial Mr Sponge's Sporting Tour Scott Cherry's dramatisation of RS Surtees's picaresque romp following the fortunes of a man determined to better himself at the perpetual expense of others. 2/2. As Soapey Sponge's seemingly endless crimes are reeled off before the judge; it becomes increasingly obvious that he isn't the only one who should be in the dock. Judge ...... Clive Swift Mr Reynolds ...... Paul Jesson Mr Waffles ...... John McAndrews Benjamin Buckram ...... Trevor Martin Soapey Sponge ...... Rupert Evans Lord Scamperdale ...... David Troughton Mr Jawleyford ...... Philip Jackson Mrs Jawleyford ...... Stella Mckusker Amelia Jawleyford ...... Julie Cox Jack Spraggon ....... Chris Emmett Peter Leather ...... David Cardy Spigot ...... Trevor Martin Robert Foozle ...... John McAndrews Violinist ...... Liz Menezes [Rptd Sat 9.00pm] .
6 4 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial A Dance to the Music of Time Michael Butt's dramatisation of Anthony Powell's epic series of novels. 1/6. Sex In their final years at school; Nick Jenkins and his friends make life difficult for the misfit Kenneth Widmerpool; unaware of the slow-burning reaction that they are provoking. Narrator ...... Corin Redgrave Widmerpool ...... Anthony Hoskyns Nick Jenkins ...... Tom McHugh Charles Stringham ...... David Oakes Peter Templer ...... Jolyon Coy Orn ...... Dag Soerlie Lindquist ...... Christian Rubeck Sillery ...... Paul Brooke Quiggin ...... Julian Kerridge Madame Leroy/Mrs Andriadis ...... Carolyn Pickles Jean/Gypsy Jones ...... Emma Powell Suzette/Barbara ...... Abigail Hollick Directed by John Taylor. [Rptd Sat 9.00pm] .
13 4 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial A Dance to the Music of Time Michael Butt's dramatisation of Anthony Powell's epic series of novels. 2/6. Friends Nick's attempts to maintain the closeness of his school friendships begin to founder in the unpredictable whirlpool of real life. Narrator ...... Corin Redgrave Widmerpool ...... Mark Heap Nick Jenkins ...... Alex Jennings Charles Stringham ...... Timothy Watson Peter Templer ...... Ronan Vibert Quiggin ...... Julian Kerridge Erridge ...... Jonathan Keeble Mona ...... Abigail Cruttenden Molly ...... Heather Tracy Isobel ...... Zoe Waites Directed by John Taylor. [Rptd Sat 9.00pm] .
20 4 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial A Dance to the Music of Time Michael Butt's dramatisation of Anthony Powell's epic series of novels. 3/6. Marriage Nick and a number of his friends embark upon the voyage of married life; without universal success. Narrator ...... Corin Redgrave Widmerpool ...... Mark Heap Nick Jenkins ...... Alex Jennings Charles Stringham/Sir Magnus ...... Timothy Watson Peter Templer ...... Ronan Vibert Maclintick ...... Hamish Clark Moreland ...... Malcolm Sinclair Mrs Maclintick ...... Lucy Cohu Priscilla/Betty ...... Heather Tracy Isobel ...... Zoe Waites Matilda ...... Emma Powell Directed by John Taylor. [Rptd Sat 9.00pm] .
27 4 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial A Dance to the Music of Time Michael Butt's dramatisation of Anthony Powell's epic series of novels. 4/6. War. When Nick joins his regiment in Wales; old acquaintances reappear. Narrator ...... Corin Redgrave Widmerpool ...... Mark Heap Nick Jenkins ...... Alex Jennings Stringham ...... Timothy Watson Bithel ...... Martyn Ellis Gwatkin ...... Steffan Rhodri Liddament ...... Jonathan Keeble Isobel ...... Zoe Waites Maureen ...... Felicity Rhys Directed by John Taylor. [Rptd Sat 9.00pm] .
4 5 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial A Dance to the Music of Time Michael Butt's dramatisation of Anthony Powell's epic series of novels. 5/6. Peace Nick is drawn into the unpredictable universe of the formidable Pamela Flitton. Narrator ...... Corin Redgrave Widmerpool ...... Mark Heap Nick Jenkins ...... Alex Jennings Pamela Flitton ...... Susannah Harker Templer ...... Ronan Vibert Norah ...... Maria Miles Borit/Bagshaw ...... Nathan Osgood Isobel ...... Zoe Waites Odo Stevens ...... Danny Webb Directed by John Taylor. [Rptd Sat 9.00pm] .
11 5 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial A Dance to the Music of Time Michael Butt's dramatisation of Anthony Powell's epic series of novels. 6/6. Last Dance An unexpected meeting in Venice leads Nick to a new perspective on his past. Narrator ...... Corin Redgrave Widmerpool ...... Mark Heap Nick Jenkins ...... Alex Jennings Pamela Flitton ...... Susannah Harker Emily Brightman ...... Sara Kestelman Glober/Scorpio ...... Anthony Howell Gwinnett ...... Eben Young Isobel ...... Kika Markham Fiona ...... Jane Stanton Peter Templer ...... Ronan Vibert Charles Stringham ...... Timothy Watson Young Nick ...... Tom McHugh Young Widmerpool ...... Anthony Hoskyns Young Charles ...... David Oakes Young Peter ...... Jolyon Coy Directed by John Taylor. [Rptd Sat 9.00pm] .
18 5 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial The Mayor of Casterbridge Helen Edmundson's dramatisation of Thomas Hardy's classic. 1/3. Michael Henchard spends his life trying to atone for the terrible action that led to the loss of his wife and child. But no matter how hard he tries to conceal it; his past refuses to be buried. Michael Henchard ...... John Lynch Elizabeth-Jane ...... Ruth Wilson Donald Farfrae ...... Paul Higgins Furmity woman ...... Maggie Steed Susan Henchard ...... Olwen May Abel Whittle ...... Burn Gorman Jopp ...... Conrad Nelson Newson ...... Jonathan Keeble Solomon Longways ...... Russell Dixon Christopher Coney ...... David Fielder Mother Cuxsom ...... Sue Ryding Martha ...... Vashti Maclachlan Directed by Nadia Molinari. [Rptd Sat 9.00pm] .
25 5 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial The Mayor of Casterbridge Helen Edmundson's dramatisation of Thomas Hardy's classic. 2/3. Michael Henchard tries to hold his life together; despite painful revelations and the unexpected arrival of someone from his past. Michael Henchard ...... John Lynch Elizabeth-Jane ...... Ruth Wilson Donald Farfrae ...... Paul Higgins Lucetta ...... Emma Fielding Furmity woman ...... Maggie Steed Susan Henchard ...... Olwen May Abel Whittle ...... Burn Gorman Jopp ...... Conrad Nelson Newson ...... Jonathan Keeble Solomon Longways ...... Russell Dixon Phoebe ...... Lorna Lewis Mother Cuxsom ...... Sue Ryding Directed by Nadia Molinari.
1 6 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial The Mayor of Casterbridge Helen Edmundson's dramatisation of Thomas Hardy's classic. 3/3. Michael Henchard sets about rebuilding his life; but the appearance of a stranger in Casterbridge threatens to unravel everything. Michael Henchard ...... John Lynch Elizabeth-Jane ...... Ruth Wilson Donald Farfrae ...... Paul Higgins Lucetta ...... Emma Fielding Furmity woman ...... Maggie Steed Abel Whittle ...... Burn Gorman Jopp ...... Conrad Nelson Newson ...... Jonathan Keeble Solomon Longways ...... Russell Dixon Phoebe ...... Lorna Lewis Christopher Coney ...... David Fielder Mother Cuxsom ...... Sue Ryding Martha ...... Vashti Maclachlan Directed by Nadia Molinari. [Rptd Sat 9.00pm] .
8 6 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists Andrew Lynch's dramatisation of Robert Tressell's celebrated socialist masterpiece following a group of exploited builders renovating a house in the early 1900s. 1/3. A shock is in store for the workmen as their ruthless boss Old Misery singles out one of the group. Ruth and Easton resort to desperate measures to pay the rent. Owen ...... Andrew Lincoln Easton ...... Johnny Vegas Crass ...... Timothy Spall Hunter (Old Misery) ...... Paul Whitehouse The Policeman ...... John Prescott MP Ruth ...... Shirley Henderson Rushton ...... Bill Bailey Barrington ...... Tom Goodman-Hill Slyme ...... Kevin Eldon Linden ...... Philip Jackson Mrs Linden ...... Gwyneth Powell Philpot ...... Tony Haygarth Bundy ...... Tony Pitts Bert ...... Des O'Malley Dawson/Sweater ...... Rupert Degas Sawkins ...... Andrew Langtree Mary ...... Emma Fryer Newman ...... Steven Radford Elsie ...... Yasmin Garrad Charlie ...... Jake Pratt Directed by Dirk Maggs.
15 6 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists Andrew Lynch's dramatisation of Robert Tressell's celebrated socialist masterpiece following a group of exploited builders renovating a house in the early 1900s. 2/3. Jack Linden is struggling to keep his family out of the workhouse. Easton; under pressure to provide for his family and keep his job; turns to drink. Ruth is left at home with the baby and the new lodger; with shocking consequences. Owen ...... Andrew Lincoln Easton ...... Johnny Vegas Crass ...... Timothy Spall Hunter (Old Misery) ...... Paul Whitehouse Ruth ...... Shirley Henderson Rushton ...... Bill Bailey Barrington/Rev Starr ...... Tom Goodman-Hill Slyme/Rev Belcher ...... Kevin Eldon Linden ...... Philip Jackson Nora ...... Raquel Cassidy Mrs Linden/Mrs Crass ...... Gwyneth Powell Philpot ...... Tony Haygarth Bundy ...... Tony Pitts Bert ...... Des O'Malley Mr Didlum ...... Rupert Degas Frankie ...... Robert Madge Mary ...... Emma Fryer Elsie ...... Yasmin Garrad Charlie ...... Jake Pratt Directed by Dirk Maggs.
22 6 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists Andrew Lynch's dramatisation of Robert Tressell's celebrated socialist masterpiece following a group of exploited builders renovating a house in the early 1900s. 3/3. Ruth; reeling from the shock of recent events; is deserted once again as her husband Easton goes out with his workmates on their annual jolly. The situation takes a dramatic turn when Ruth goes missing. Meanwhile the workers are united in tragedy; and an unexpected revelation could change Frank Owen's life forever. Owen ...... Andrew Lincoln Easton ...... Johnny Vegas Crass ...... Timothy Spall Hunter (Old Misery) ...... Paul Whitehouse Ruth ...... Shirley Henderson Rushton ...... Bill Bailey Barrington/Rev Starr ...... Tom Goodman-Hill Policeman ...... John Prescott MP Sweater/Dawson/Mr Didlum ...... Rupert Degas Linden ...... Philip Jackson Nora ...... Raquel Cassidy Mrs Linden ...... Gwyneth Powell Philpot ...... Tony Haygarth Bundy ...... Tony Pitts Bert ...... Des O'Malley Sawkins ...... Andrew Langtree Frankie ...... Robert Madge Mary ...... Emma Fryer Elsie ...... Yasmin Garrad Charlie ...... Jake Pratt Directed by Dirk Maggs.
29 6 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial The Ring and the Book Robert Browning's poetic masterpiece of sex; lies and murder; adapted by Martyn Wade. 1/2. Rome is rife with speculation in the aftermath of a triple stabbing. Browning ...... Anton Lesser Guido Franceschini ...... Roger Allam Pompilia ...... Loo Brealey Caponsacchi ...... Dominic Rowan Pietro Comparini ...... Andrew Sachs Violante Comparini ...... Frances Jeater Paolo Franceschini ...... Dan Starkey First Roman ...... Stephen Critchlow Second Roman ...... Ben Crowe Conti ...... Chris Pavlo Margherita ...... Joan Walker Judge ...... John Rowe Directed by Abigail le Fleming.
6 7 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial Robert Browning's poetic masterpiece of sex; lies and murder; adapted by Martyn Wade. 2/2. Accused of murder; Guido fights desperately for his life. Browning ...... Anton Lesser Guido Franceschini ...... Roger Allam Pompilia ...... Loo Brealey Caponsacchi ...... Dominic Rowan Bottini ...... Michael Maloney Arcangeli ...... Stephen Moore Pietro Comparini ...... Andrew Sachs Violante Comparini ...... Frances Jeater Paolo Franceschini ...... Dan Starkey Margherita ...... Joan Walker Judge ...... John Rowe Directed by Abigail le Fleming.
13 7 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial The Portrait of a Lady Henry James's novel; dramatised by Rachel Joyce. 1/3. Innocence Young and beautiful; Isabel Archer thinks that she is in control of her fate. Little does she know; however; that others behind the scenes are pulling the strings. Isabel Archer ...... Anna Maxwell Martin Madame Merle ...... Haydn Gwynne Lord Warburton ...... Robert Bathurst Mrs Touchett ...... Gayle Hunnicutt Mr Touchett ...... Peter Marinker Ralph Touchett ...... Paul Venables Henrietta Stackpole ...... Laurel Lefkow Caspar Goodwood ...... Corey Johnson Mr Bantling ...... Dan Starkey Narrator ...... William Hope Pianist ...... Duncan Walsh Atkins Directed by Tracey Neale.
20 7 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial The Portrait of a Lady Henry James's novel; dramatised by Rachel Joyce. 2/3. Deceit The beautiful and free-spirited Isabel Archer is now a very rich woman. Two men have declared their love for her but she does not want to be married. Resolved to enjoy her fortune; she begins her travels. Isabel Archer ...... Anna Maxwell Martin Madame Merle ...... Haydn Gwynne Lord Warburton ...... Robert Bathurst Mrs Touchett ...... Gayle Hunnicutt Gilbert Osmond ...... Colin Stinton Ralph Touchett ...... Paul Venables Henrietta Stackpole ...... Laurel Lefkow Caspar Goodwood ...... Corey Johnson Mr Bantling ...... Dan Starkey Countess Gemini ...... Barbara Barnes Pansy Osmond ...... Penelope Rawlins Edward Rosier ...... Nyasha Hatendi Mother Catherine ...... Joan Walker Mother Justine ...... Liz Sutherland Narrator ...... William Hope Pianist ...... Duncan Walsh Atkins Directed by Tracey Neale.
27 7 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial The Portrait of a Lady Henry James's novel; dramatised by Rachel Joyce. 3/3. Truth Isabel has been married to the handsome and urbane Gilbert Osmond for three years. Like a sparkling and brilliant jewel; she is part of his collection of beautiful things; but she is about to discover a startling truth. Isabel Archer ...... Anna Maxwell Martin Madame Merle ...... Haydn Gwynne Lord Warburton ...... Robert Bathurst Mrs Touchett ...... Gayle Hunnicutt Gilbert Osmond ...... Colin Stinton Ralph Touchett ...... Paul Venables Henrietta Stackpole ...... Laurel Lefkow Caspar Goodwood ...... Corey Johnson Countess Gemini ...... Barbara Barnes Edward Rosier ...... Nyasha Hatendi Mother Catherine ...... Joan Walker Narrator ...... William Hope Pianist ...... Duncan Walsh Atkins Directed by Tracey Neale.
3 8 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial My Name is Red Ayeesha Menon's dramatisation of Orhan Pamuk's murder mystery set in Istanbul in 1590. The Sultan brings together the most acclaimed artists in his kingdom to create a secret book of miniatures celebrating the glories of his realm. But when two of the miniaturists are murdered; panic erupts. 1/2. Black; an artist-turned-diplomat; is called back to Istanbul after a twelve-year absence to find the killer. The only clue lies in the half-finished illuminations themselves. Black ...... Baris Pirhasan Enishte ...... Korhan Abay Shekure ...... Ece Dizdar Esther ...... Demet Tuncer Butterfly ...... Murat Yatman Olive ...... Yigit Ozsener Stork ...... Konuralp Sunal Hasan ...... Baris Cakmak Osman ...... Eris Akman Tresurer ...... Umut Demirdelen Elegant ...... Aziz Mullaaziz Narrators ...... Ozlem Turhal; Mehmet Ergen; Engin Cezar Other parts played by Sinan Onukar; Ben Hopkins; Duygu Yeral; Engin Cezar and Ismail Hakki Eren. Directed by John Dryden.
10 8 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial My Name Is Red Ayeesha Menon's dramatisation of Orhan Pamuk's murder mystery set in Istanbul in 1590. The Sultan brings together the most acclaimed artists in his kingdom to create a secret book of miniatures celebrating the glories of his realm. But when two of the miniaturists are murdered; panic erupts. 2/2. With the city now in the grip of religious fundamentalists and the Sultan's court a warren of rumour and paranoia; Black finds himself a suspect in the murders. Black ...... Baris Pirhasan Enishte ...... Korhan Abay Shekure ...... Ece Dizdar Esther ...... Demet Tuncer Butterfly ...... Murat Yatman Olive ...... Yigit Ozsener Stork ...... Konuralp Sunal Hasan ...... Baris Cakmak Osman ...... Eris Akman Tresurer ...... Umut Demirdelen Elegant ...... Aziz Mullaaziz Narrators ...... Ozlem Turhal; Mehmet Ergen; Engin Cezar Other parts played by Sinan Onukar; Ben Hopkins; Duygu Yeral; Engin Cezar and Ismail Hakki Eren. Directed by John Dryden.
17 8 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial The Black Sheep Chris Dolan's dramatisation of Honore de Balzac's entertaining tale of family rivalry and fortunes lost and won; set in 19th-century France. 1/2. After Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo; Philippe Bridau becomes a reckless gambler who steals from his mother to finance his obsession. She foolishly continues to idolise him; and it is left to his more dependable brother Joseph to rescue the family from destitution. Narrator ...... Geoffrey Whitehead Philippe Bridau ...... Thomas Arnold Joseph Bridau ...... Mathew Pidgeon Agathe Bridau ...... Briony McRoberts Madame Descoings ...... Phyllida Law Desroches ...... Jon Glover Monsieur Hochon ...... Christian Rodska Madame Hochon ...... Colette O'Neil Max Gilet ...... Alan Cox Baruch ...... Nyasha Hatendi Giroudeau ...... David Holt Mariette ...... Liz Sutherland Directed by Bruce Young.
24 8 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial The Black Sheep Chris Dolan's dramatisation of Honore de Balzac's entertaining tale of family rivalry and fortunes lost and won; set in 19th-century France. 2/2. Philippe's gambling has left his family destitute and his political activities have landed him in jail. His mother and brother seek financial help from a rich elderly relative; but a pretty young housekeeper and her lover have already laid plans to rob the old man of his money. Narrator ...... Geoffrey Whitehead Philippe Bridau ...... Thomas Arnold Joseph Bridau ...... Mathew Pidgeon Agathe Bridau ...... Briony McRoberts Flore Brazier ...... Lucy Paterson Jean-Jacques Rouget ...... Timothy Bateson Desroches ...... Jon Glover Monsieur Hochon ...... Christian Rodska Madame Hochon ...... Colette O'Neil Max Gilet ...... Alan Cox Baruch ...... Nyasha Hatendi Fario ...... Chris Pavlo Directed by Bruce Young.
31 8 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial The Expedition of Humphry Clinker Tobias Smollet's uproarious satire of 18th-century life; dramatised by Yvonne Antrobus. 1/3. Squire Bramble and family embark on their whistle-stop tour of Great Britain. They encounter adventure; mayhem and the enigmatic Humphry Clinker. Mathew Bramble ...... Nigel Anthony Tabitha Bramble ...... Marcia Warren Lydia Melford ...... Helen Longworth Jery Melford ...... Dan Starkey Winifred Jenkins ...... Joanna Page Humphry Clinker ...... Stuart McLoughlin Sir Ulic Mackilligut ...... Sam Dale John Thomas ...... Ben Crowe Barton ...... Nyasha Hatendi Lord Newcastle ...... John Rowe Other parts played by Stephen Critchlow; Liz Sutherland and Chris Pavlo. Directed by Marc Beeby.
7 9 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial The Expedition of Humphry Clinker Tobias Smollet's uproarious satire of 18th-century life; dramatised by Yvonne Antrobus. 2/3. The family is stranded. Bramble is keen to continue their grand tour; but how can they leave London when Humphry is in gaol? Mathew Bramble ...... Nigel Anthony Tabitha Bramble ...... Marcia Warren Lydia Melford ...... Helen Longworth Jery Melford ...... Dan Starkey Winifred Jenkins ...... Joanna Page Humphry Clinker ...... Stuart McLoughlin Lieutenant Lismahago ...... John Rowe Mr Martin ...... Chris Pavlo Mr Micklewhimmen ...... Sam Dale Dutton/Wilson ...... Nyasha Hatendi Gaoler ...... Stephen Critchlow Directed by Marc Beeby.
14 9 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial The Expedition of Humphry Clinker Tobias Smollet's uproarious satire of 18th-century life; dramatised by Yvonne Antrobus. 3/3. The Bramble family's adventures continue as they begin the long trip home; a journey full of surprises and unexpected revelations. Mathew Bramble ...... Nigel Anthony Tabitha Bramble ...... Marcia Warren Lydia Melford ...... Helen Longworth Jery Melford ...... Dan Starkey Winifred Jenkins ...... Joanna Page Humphry Clinker ...... Stuart McLoughlin Lieutenant Lismahago ...... John Rowe Sir Thomas Bullford ...... Trevor Peacock Oxmington/Dennison ...... Sam Dale Wilson/French valet ...... Nyasha Hatendi Frogmore ...... Stephen Critchlow Other parts played by Chris Pavlo; Joan Walker and Ben Crowe. Directed by Marc Beeby.
21 9 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial The Worst Journey in the World Apsley Cherry-Garrard's gripping account of his experiences as the youngest member of Captain Scott's polar expedition team; adapted by Stef Penney. 1/2. In the austerely beautiful icescapes of Antarctica; things go disastrously wrong. Apsley Cherry-Garrard ...... Matt Green Captain Robert Falcon Scott ...... John McAndrew Dr Atkinson ...... Carl Prekopp Captain Oates ...... Mark Meadows Lieutenant Bowers ...... Peter Callaghan Charles Wright ...... Simon Lee Phillips Dr Edward Wilson ...... Richard Mitchley PO Tom Crean ...... Jack Reynolds Taff Evans ...... Huw Davies Specially composed music by Will Gregory of Goldfrapp; orchestrated by Ian Gardiner and performed by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales; conducted by Grant Llewellyn. Directed by Kate McAll.
28 9 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial The Worst Journey in the World Apsley Cherry-Garrard's gripping account of his experiences as the youngest member of Captain Scott's polar expedition team; adapted by Stef Penney. 2/2. After two months of hard marching; Scott must tell four of the surviving twelve men that they must turn back. Apsley Cherry-Garrard ...... Matt Green Captain Robert Falcon Scott ...... John McAndrew Dr Atkinson ...... Carl Prekopp Captain Oates ...... Mark Meadows Lieutenant Bowers ...... Peter Callaghan Charles Wright ...... Simon Lee Phillips Dr Edward Wilson ...... Richard Mitchley PO Tom Crean ...... Jack Reynolds Taff Evans ...... Huw Davies PO Keohane/Dimitri ...... Andrew Byron Specially composed music by Will Gregory of Goldfrapp; orchestrated by Ian Gardiner and performed by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales; conducted by Grant Llewellyn. Directed by Kate McAll.
5 10 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial The Experiences of an Irish RM Christopher Fitz-Simon's two-part adaptation of the comic novels of Somerville and Ross; set in late-nineteenth century Ireland. 1/2. When the affable; if somewhat dim; Major Sinclair Yeates is appointed Resident Magistrate; he finds himself among a people whose every moment seems dedicated to thwarting him. Major Yeates ...... Alex Jennings Philippa Yeates ...... Rebecca Saire Flurry Knox ...... Mark Lambert Uncle Jocelyn ...... Richard Howard Mrs Raverty ...... Cathy Belton Peter ...... Miche Doherty Mrs Cadogan ...... Marion O'Dwyer Mrs Knox ...... Ingrid Craigie McCarthy-Gannon ...... John Hewitt Mr Cantillon ...... Kevin Flood Train Guard ...... Niall Cusack Sister Emanuel ...... Ali White Lady Hervey ...... Anne Makower Reels ...... Christopher Fitz-Simon Directed by Eoin O'Callaghan.
12 10 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 " Classic Serial The Experiences of an Irish RM Christopher Fitz-Simon's two-part adaptation of the comic novels of Somerville and Ross; set in late-nineteenth century Ireland. 2/2. Now a Resident Magistrate for ten years in west Cork, Major Sinclair Yeates has grown accustomed to the eccentricity of his position and of those around him; except of course for his nemesis; Mr Flurry Knox. Major Yeates ...... Alex Jennings Philippa Yeates ...... Rebecca Saire Anthony Yeates ...... Robbie Gilmore Flurry Knox ...... Mark Lambert Sally Knox ...... Ali White Lieutenant Larpent ...... Anthony Glennon Peter Cadogan ...... Miche Doherty Mrs Cadogan ...... Marion O'Dwyer Dr Frazer ...... Ingrid Craigie Miss Longmuir ...... Cathy Belton Mr Cantillon ...... Kevin Flood Dr Fahy ...... John Hewitt Directed by Eoin O'Callaghan."
19 10 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial Robinson Crusoe and His Farther Adventures Adaptation of Daniel Defoe's less famous sequel to the classic adventure Robinson Crusoe. 1/2. After returning to England from his island home; Robinson Crusoe sets sail once more in search of adventure. Robinson Crusoe ...... Tim McInnerny Merchant ...... Jonathan Tafler Prince ...... Adrian Grove Barnes ...... Stephen Critchlow Father ...... David Timson Mary ...... Alison Pettitt Friday/Wells ...... Ben Onwukwe Directed by Peter Leslie Wild Dramatised by Andy Barratt.
26 10 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial Robinson Crusoe and His Farther Adventures Adaptation of Daniel Defoe's less famous sequel to the classic adventure Robinson Crusoe. 2/2. Crusoe has found his way to the North but the ruby is having a profound effect on him. Do his nightmares about the island have any foundation? Robinson Crusoe ...... Tim McInnerny Merchant ...... Jonathan Tafler Prince ...... Adrian Grove Captain ...... Stephen Critchlow Friday ...... Ben Onwukwe Atkins ...... Mark Carey Spaniard ...... David Timson Kirk ...... Sam Graham Directed by Peter Leslie Wild. Dramatised by Andy Barratt.
2 11 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial On the Beach Dramatisation by Mike Walker of Nevil Shute's compelling account of the aftermath of a nuclear world war. 1/2. A cloud of deadly radioactivity is moving slowly towards Australia; one of few places on Earth where life still exists. Peter Holmes ...... Richard Dillane Mary Holmes ...... Claudia Harrison Dwight Towers ...... William Hope Moira Davidson ...... Indira Varma Tim Osborne ...... James Gordon-Mitchell The Admiral ...... Jonathan Tafler Ryan ...... Inam Mirza Other parts played by Stephen Critchlow; Chris Pavlo; Dan Starkey; Jill Cardo; Robert Lonsdale; Gunnar Cauthery. Directed by Toby Swift.
9 11 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial On the Beach Dramatisation by Mike Walker of Nevil Shute's compelling account of the aftermath of a nuclear world war. 2/2. A cloud of deadly radioactivity is moving slowly towards Australia; one of few places on Earth where life still exists. Dwight Towers ...... William Hope Moira Davidson ...... Indira Varma Peter Holmes ...... Richard Dillane Mary Holmes ...... Claudia Harrison Tim Osborne ...... James Gordon-Mitchell Ryan ...... Inam Mirza The Admiral ...... Jonathan Tafler Swain ...... Stephen Critchlow Other parts played by Stephen Critchlow; Chris Pavlo; Dan Starkey; Jill Cardo; Robert Lonsdale; Gunnar Cauthery. Directed by Toby Swift.
16 11 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial The Good Soldier Svejk Dramatisation by Christopher Reason of the satirical Czech novel by Jaroslav Hasek that charts the exploits of a WWI soldier. 1/4. When he seems to celebrate the death of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand; Svejk is arrested and so starts his progress through the ranks of the Austro-Hungarian army. Svejk ...... Sam Kelly Lukas ...... Adrian Lukis Katz ...... James Quinn Katy ...... Fiona Clark Schoolteacher ...... Mark Chatterton Wendler ...... Arthur Bostrom Mrs Muller ...... Melissa Jane Sinden Dr Grunstein ...... Stuart Richman Blahnik ...... Malcolm Raeburn Orderly ...... Howard Chadwick Other parts played by members of the cast. Directed by Gary Brown.
23 11 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial The Good Soldier Svejk Dramatisation by Christopher Reason of the satirical Czech novel by Jaroslav Hasek that charts the exploits of a WWI soldier. 2/2. Svejk and Lukas are sent to the front in disgrace; but Svejk gets waylaid by a gallery of grotesques. Svejk ...... Sam Kelly Lukas ...... Adrian Lukis Dub ...... Nicholas Blane Choudounski ...... Malcolm Raeburn Marek ...... Howard Chadwick Police Sergeant ...... James Quinn Von Schwarzberg ...... Stuart Richman Baloun ...... Eric Potts Lance Corporal ...... Mark Chatterton The Maid ...... Szilvi Naray Davey Vodicka ...... Bernard Wrigley Other parts played by members of the cast. Directed by Gary Brown.
30 11 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial The Hunchback of Notre Dame Adaptation of Victor Hugo's classic tale set in 15th-century Paris; dramatised in a collaboration between the BBC and Graeae; the disabled-led theatre company. 1/2. Quasimodo; the deformed bell ringer; hides away in the bell tower of Notre Dame Cathedral; friendless and ashamed of his appearance. When the bewitching gypsy Esmeralda arrives in Paris; Quasimodo falls in love with her from afar. Quasimodo ...... David Bower Esmerelda ...... Candis Nergaard Frollo ...... Kevin Doyle Madame Poutine ...... Susan Twist Madame La Fayette ...... Rita May Phoebus ...... Joseph Kloska Mikael Leduc ...... Roger Morlidge George ...... Garry Robson Guillaume ...... Terence Mann
7 12 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial The Hunchback of Notre Dame 2/2. Adaptation of Victor Hugo's classic tale set in 15th-century Paris; dramatised in a collaboration between the BBC and Graeae; the disabled-led theatre company. Quasimodo ...... David Bower Esmerelda ...... Candis Nergaard Frollo ...... Kevin Doyle Madame Poutine ...... Susan Twist Madame La Fayette ...... Rita May Phoebus ...... Joseph Kloska Mikael Leduc ...... Roger Morlidge George ...... Garry Robson Guillaume ...... Terence Mann Directed by Polly Thomas.
14 12 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial Coram Boy The Coram Man Synopsis:Jamila Gavin's dramatisation of her own novel; which tells the story of two orphans at the Coram Hospital for Deserted Children in mid-18th century England. Young aristocrat Alexander Ashbrook and his best friend Thomas; a carpenter's son; are separated when Alexander runs away from the hospital. Alexander as narrator ...... Jonathan Slinger Otis Gardner ...... Marc Warren Meshak ...... Paul Ready Meshak's Mother ...... Rachel Atkins Young Alexander ...... Finlay Glen Young Thomas ...... Tom Hope Mrs Lynch ...... Deborah Findlay Lady Ashbrook ...... Jenny Funnell Lord Ashbrook ...... Pip Torrens Mrs Milcote ...... Serena Evans Melissa ...... Abby Ford Isobel ...... Julie Cox Alice ...... Alice Hoskyns-Hill Edward ...... Sebastian Davies Matron ...... Joanna Wake Other parts played by Ian Masters; Roger May; Richard Owens; David Holt; Sara Markland; Thomas Deedigan; Zooey Gleaves; Sam Shiels; Abigail Sitton; Sam Hoiles and Tom Glenister. Music arranged by Margaret Vincent and performed by The Dulwich 'Coram Boy' Choir and Musicians. Directed by Celia de Wolff. Broadcasts: 14 Dec 200815:00BBC Radio 420 Dec 200821:00BBC Radio 4
21 12 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial Coram Boy Angel Child Synopsis:Jamila Gavin's dramatisation of her own novel; which tells the story of two orphans at the Coram Hospital for Deserted Children in mid-18th century England. While Toby dreams of one day finding his parents; his benefactor Gaddarn has other plans for his future and Aaron is determined to save him. Alexander Ashbrook ...... Jonathan Slinger Thomas Ledbury ...... Tom Riley Gaddarn ...... Marc Warren Meshak ...... Paul Ready Meshaks Mother ...... Rachel Atkins Aaron ...... Oscar North Toby ...... Oriel Agranoff Mrs Lynch ...... Deborah Findlay Lady Ashbrook ...... Jenny Funnell Lord Ashbrook ...... Pip Torrens Mrs Milcote ...... Serena Evans Melissa ...... Abby Ford Isobel ...... Julie Cox Mr Burney ...... David Collings Handel ...... David Holt Mrs Hendry ...... Mel Hudson Other parts played by Ian Masters; Roger May; Zooey Gleaves; Catherine Hindmarsh; Beatrice Born; Rebecca Hindmarsh. Music arranged by Margaret Vincent and performed by The Dulwich 'Coram Boy' Choir and Musicians. Directed by Celia de Wolff. Broadcasts: 21 Dec 200815:00BBC Radio 427 Dec 200821:00BBC Radio 4
28 12 2008 Sunday Radio 4 15:00:00 Classic Serial Orley Farm Episode 1 Synopsis:Martyn Wade's dramatisation of the novel by Anthony Trollope. Dockwrath; attorney by profession and a tenant of Orley Farm; is convinced that there are suspicious circumstances regarding the inheritance of the estate; and he is determined to prove it. Anthony Trollope ...... Tim Pigott-Smith Lady Mason ...... Samantha Bond Sir Peregrine ...... Ronald Pickup Peregrine Orme ...... Dan Stevens Mrs Edith Orme ...... Amanda Root Lucius Mason ...... Jonathan Christie Sophia Furnival ...... Lydia Leonard Mr Furnival ...... Robert Maskell Mrs Furnival ...... Joanna Monro Mr Dockwrath ...... Sam Dale Miriam Dockwrath ...... Janice Acquah Joseph Mason ...... Jonathan Tafler Mr Moulder ...... Stephen Critchlow Mr Kantwise ...... Pual Rider Felix Graham ...... Gunnar Cauthery Augustus Staveley ...... Robert Lonsdale Matthew Round ...... Dan Starkey Richard Round ...... Malcolm Tierney Miss Biggs ...... Jill Cardo Directed by Tracey Neale.
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AFTERNOON PLAY
1 1 2008 Tuesday 14:15 The No 1 Ladies Detective Agency Written and dramatised by Alexander McCall Smith; from his hugely popular series of books set in Botswana. 1/4. There Is No Such Thing as Free Food Precious Ramotswe; owner and founder of The No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency; is preoccupied both professionally and personally by the subject of food. Mma Ramotswe ...... Claire Benedict Mma Makutsi ...... Nadine Marshall Mr J L B Matekoni ...... Ben Onwukwe Mma Tsau ...... Janice Acquah Phuti Radiphuti ...... Jude Akuwudike Poppy Maope ...... Ayesha Antoine Neil Whitson ...... Sam Dale Charlie ...... Maynard Eziashi Motheleli ...... Gbemisola Ikumelo Mr Polopetsi ...... Paterson Joseph Puso ...... Kedar Williams-Stirling Directed by Gaynor Macfarlane. .
2 1 2008 Wednesday 14:15 The No 1 Ladies Detective Agency Written and dramatised by Alexander McCall Smith; from his hugely popular series of books set in Botswana. 2/4. The Best Profession for a Blackmailer Mr Polopetsi; part-time mechanic and would-be assistant detective; takes on a case of his own. Mma Makutsi finds out whether blue shoes are the key to happiness. Mma Ramotswe ...... Claire Benedict Mma Makutsi ...... Nadine Marshall Mma Tsau ...... Janice Acquah Charlie ...... Maynard Eziashi Boitelo Mampodi ...... Adjoa Andoh Mr Polopetsi ...... Paterson Joseph Aunty Emang ...... Alibe Parsons Directed by Gaynor Macfarlane. .
3 1 2008 Thursday 14:15 The No 1 Ladies Detective Agency Written and dramatised by Alexander McCall Smith; from his hugely popular series of books set in Botswana. 3/4. A Very Rude Woman Precious Ramotswe faces change at the agency while Mr J L B Matekoni meets the rudest person in Botswana. Mma Ramotswe ...... Claire Benedict Mma Makutsi ...... Nadine Marshall Mma Potokwani ...... Janice Acquah Mr J.L.B. Matekoni ...... Ben Onwukwe Boitelo Mampodi ...... Adjoa Andoh Mma Botumile ...... Noma Dumezweni Charlie ...... Maynard Eziashi Dr Luenga ...... Chuk Iwuji Mr Polopetsi ...... Paterson Joseph Aunty Emang ...... Alibe Parsons Directed by Gaynor Macfarlane. .
4 1 2008 Friday 14:15 The No 1 Ladies Detective Agency Written and dramatised by Alexander McCall Smith; from his hugely popular series of books set in Botswana. 4/4. Talking Shoes A new detective takes on a case for the agency while Mma Ramotswe; among others; has a problem with high blood pressure. Mma Ramotswe ...... Claire Benedict Mma Makutsi ...... Nadine Marshall Mr J L B Matekoni ...... Ben Onwukwe Mma Potokwani...... Janice Acquah Boitelo Mampodi ...... Adjoa Andoh Violet Sephoto ...... Anna Bengo Mma Botumile ...... Noma Dumezweni Dr Moffat ...... William Gaminara Dr Luenga ...... Chuk Iwuji Mr Polopetsi ...... Paterson Joseph Teenie Magama ...... Naomi Taylor Mr Botumile ...... Ben Thomas Directed by Gaynor Macfarlane. .
7 1 2008 Monday 14:15 Slightly Larger than West Virginia By Hugh Costello. Sam Taft's career in the CIA took a turn for the worse when he allowed Osama to vanish from the caves of Tora Bora. Now redeployed in Ireland; Sam has had to alter his view of the world; and he is starting to like it. Taft ...... Colin Stinton Maria ...... Sarah Dillon Olsen ...... Nathan Osgood Pascal ...... Kieran Lagan Paula ...... Katy Gleadhill Inez ...... Annie McCartney McKnight ...... Niall Cusack Directed by Eoin O'Callaghan. .
8 1 2008 Tuesday 14:15 Snow in July By Alice Nutter. Maurice and Eileen are celebrating their golden wedding anniversary when Maurice falls ill. Wanting to know more; Eileen heads for the local library; where she embarks upon a journey that will change both their lives. Maurice ...... Alun Armstrong Eileen ...... Eileen O'Brien Fred ...... Paul Copley James ...... Peter Martin Dr Wilson/Constable Marks ...... Stephen Chapman Directed by Susan Roberts. .
9 1 2008 Wednesday 14:15 Jimmy Murphy Makes Amends Black comedy by Andrew Doyle about friendship and the fear of God. Desperate to save himself from eternal damnation; Jimmy sets out to make amends for all his wrongdoings; only to discover a truth far more terrifying than divine retribution. Jimmy ...... David Ireland Mike ...... Iain Robertson Father Hines ...... James Bryce Lucinda ...... Gabriel Quigley Anne ...... Jill Riddiford Phyllis ...... Una Mclean Directed by Kirsty Williams. .
10 1 2008 Thursday 14:15 Chocolate Frigates By Juliet Ace. By Juliet Ace. While Jack prepares a triumphant leaving dinner for his captain; his son is in the thick of action in Iraq. Can life carry on as normal with a son away at war? Jack thinks it can and must; but his wife and son are less certain. Jack ...... Todd Carty Ella ...... Lindsey Coulson Eliot ...... Jamie Kenna Austin ....... Nick Sayce Cheryl ...... Emma Noakes Captain ...... Sam Dale Visiting Officer/Steward ...... Dan Starkey Announcer/Newsreader/Padre ...... Peter Donaldson Produced and directed by Tracey Neale. .
11 1 2008 Friday 14:15 Juba FM John Tuckey's fictionalised dramatisation of events during the months leading up to the signing of the peace treaty in Southern Sudan in 2005. Shima Paul ...... Anna Bengo Phil Hardy ...... Struan Rodger Matthew Lako ...... Cyril Nri Rejoice Bonju ...... Adjoa Andoh Hassan Peter ...... David Baker Michael ...... Mo Sesay Lucy ...... Janice Acquah Directed by David Ian Neville. .
14 1 2008 Monday 14:15 Mike and Muriel Are Getting Married By Nicholas Meiklejohn. Andy and Rebecca decide that their respective best mates; Mike and Muriel; are not suited. The problem is that they are getting married. In spite of a disastrous blind date; a tentative friendship develops between Andy and Rebecca; which threatens; in spite of their best efforts; to evolve into something more. Andy ...... Billy Boyd Rebecca ...... Gabriel Quigley Mike ...... Steven Cartwright Liza/Julie ...... Claire Knight Oz ...... Grant O'Rourke Directed by Gaynor Macfarlane.
15 1 2008 Tuesday 14:15 Me and Joe By David Spicer. Matt has a decision to make. Should he abandon full-time fatherhood; attempt to relive the faded glories of his past and try again for pop stardom? The only person he can talk to is his son Joe; who hasn't learned to speak yet. Matt ...... Johnny Vaughan Adult Joe ...... Nick Hancock Caro ...... Polly Frame Rula ...... Joanna Brookes
16 1 2008 Wednesday 14:15 The Making of Ivan the Terrible Black comedy by Hattie Naylor based on events in 1944. Sergei Eisenstein suffered a heart attack during a banquet to celebrate winning the prestigious Stalin Prize for his film Ivan the Terrible Part 1. Stalin had been delighted with the depiction of Ivan as a cruel and ruthless ruler. Earlier that day; however; Eisenstein had delivered Part 2 of his intended trilogy; in which Ivan was portrayed as neurotic; mad and vindictive. Eisenstein ...... Tim McInnerny Nikolai ...... Tim McMullan Vsevolod ..... Andy Taylor Stalin ...... Bill Wallis Interviewer ...... Paul Dodgson Zdhanov ...... Ewan Bailey Molotov ...... Daniel Goode Directed by Paul Dodgson.
17 1 2008 Thursday 14:15 The Word Man Chris Harrald's vivid and imaginative play about Henry Fowler; the creator of the Concise Oxford Dictionary and Fowler's Modern English Usage. Celebrating the beauty of language; the joy of words and the wonder of finding love later in life; this is a witty and erudite comic romance. Henry Fowler ...... John Sessions Frank Fowler ...... Toby Jones Jessie Wills ...... Stella Gonet Woodsman/Churchill ...... Ewan Bailey Young Paskin ...... Nicholas Brown Mr Newland ...... John Cummins
18 1 2008 Friday 14:15 The Minute When Your Life Stops By Jude Hughes. A woman and her three teenage children attempt to find a new normality after her husband takes his own life. The drama is interspersed with interviews with people bereaved through suicide. Will ...... Oliver Lee Sonya ...... Brooke Vincent Becka ...... Carla Henry Mum ...... Sue Devaney Dad ...... Craig Cheetham Interviews by Clare Jenkins. Directed by Nadia Molinari.
21 1 2008 Monday 14:15 Unexpected Vonnegut: Who Am I This Time? Philip Goulding's adaptation of a short story by Kurt Vonnegut. A shy office worker lives his life through the characters he portrays on the stage of his amateur dramatics company; inhabiting the roles to incredible effect in a series of remarkable performances but retreating into his shell as soon as the play finishes. But when a new girl in town auditions for the role of Stella Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire; playing opposite his Stanley; their lives will never be the same. Elliott ...... Lou Hirsch Harry ...... Kerry Shale Helen ...... Joanne Froggatt Doris and Lydia ...... Maureen Lipman
22 1 2008 Tuesday 14:15 The Scarlet Pimpernel of the Vatican By Robin Glendinning. Drama exploring the remarkable post-war friendship that developed between Nazi war criminal Herbert Kappler and Vatican priest Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty; the man Kappler had so often tried to assassinate during the war. Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty ...... John Lynch Herbert Keppler ...... Wolf Kahler Directed by Gemma McMullan. .
23 1 2008 Wednesday 14:15 In a Bamboo Grove Judith Adams's dramatisation of the famous short story by Japanese author Ryunosuke Akutagawa. After an encounter with a bandit on the road; a samurai lies dead and his wife has been raped. But there are three very different accounts of the event. Travelling Monk ...... Derek Jacobi Woodcutter ...... Rod Arthur Old Woman ...... Frances Jeater Bounty Hunter ...... Stephen Critchlow Tajomaru ...... Shaun Prendergast Masago ...... Catherine Kinsella Voice of Takehiro ...... Mia Soteriou Directed by Chris Wallis.
24 1 2008 Thursday 14:15 The Nearside By Jeff Young. On an apparently normal day in Tenby; the domestic and the universal collide when a small part of the planet is temporary changed by cosmic events. Local loser Martin Lockheed must juggle calls from NASA; demands from his girlfriend and the sticky subject of paddling-pool party etiquette as he tries to save the planet from being plunged into eternal darkness. Martin ...... Mark Watson Stacey ...... Lynne Seymour Colwyn ...... Charles Dale Llewellyn Jones ...... Richard Mitchley Newsreader ...... Richard Elfyn Eva ...... Emily Watson Howes
25 1 2008 Friday 14:15 Have Your Cake Series of plays about a cake-making club. 1/6. Bitter Chocolate Cake By Nicola Baldwin. Every year old school friends Tess and Maggie meet up to do something they've never done together before. This time they decide to try their hand at baking. But when they come across a neighbour in distress; they end up making a cake with a difference. Maggie ...... Lesley Sharp Tess ...... Tamsin Greig Ray ...... Neil Dudgeon Sabina ...... Nisha Nayar Leanne ...... Loo Brealey Neil ...... Stephen Hogan
28 1 2008 Monday 14:15 How to Be a More Interesting Person By Gary Ogin. Donald is convinced that he is too boring for his relationship with Amy to be going anywhere. When Zak; fleeing a violent argument; comes crashing into his flat; he relishes the intrusion of someone who can show him how to be more interesting. But is this a good idea? Donald ...... David Thorpe Zak ...... Danny Webb Ellie ...... Maureen Beattie The Nose ...... Ben Onwukwe Boxer ...... Alex Lanipekun Baz ...... John Dougall Amy ...... Katy Cavanagh Barman ...... Peter Marinker Little Girl ...... Anna Bengo Librarian ...... Rachel Atkins Cab Controller ...... Laura Molyneux Train Manager ...... Sam Pamphilon Directed by Peter Kavanagh.
29 1 2008 Tuesday 14:15 Offshore Taut thriller by Simon Passmore. As Chris and Sam cruise out of Poole Harbour in a borrowed luxury motor yacht; they are looking forward to a trip across to France for dinner and returning the following day. But their idyllic weekend turns into a nightmare. Chris ...... Richard Lintern Sam ...... Nadine Marshall Finn ...... Damian O'Hare
30 1 2008 Wednesday 14:15 Life: An Audio Tour Comedy drama by Jules Horne. Jenny is trying to win Joe back after her disastrous affair. Her unusual strategy is to offer him an audio tour of the small Scottish town of Kelso. Jenny ...... Dandy McDade Joe ...... Lewis Howden Bella ...... Edith Macarthur Bev ...... Alex Elliott Directed by Philip Howard .
31 1 2008 Thursday 14:15 Soul Motel By Peter Jukes. After breaking up from his long-term girlfriend; Luke explores his options in a new social networking website. His quest for love leads to unexpected revelations about not only those he thought he knew but also about himself. Luke ...... Jason Merrells Fiona ...... Nina Sosanya Dee ...... Tracy Wiles Cookie ...... Liz Sutherland Federico ...... Marcos D'Cruze Kirsten ...... Christianne Oliveira Plato ...... Peter Marinker Brett ...... Ben Crowe Ellie ...... Laura Molyneux .
1 2 2008 Friday 14:15 Have Your Cake Series of plays about a cake-making club. 2/6. Private Parkin By Nicola Baldwin. A mysterious man gatecrashes the cake club. Is he the chef he claims to be or something more sinister? Maggie ...... Lesley Sharp Tess ...... Tamsin Greig Nicky ...... Matthew Dunster Sabina ...... Nisha Nayar .
4 2 2008 Monday 14:15 Churchill Confidential: Return to Power Penny Leicester's dramatisation of the notebooks of former cabinet secretary Norman Brook; containing verbatim accounts of the cabinet's discussions during the period of Winston Churchill's premiership between October 1951 and April 1955. Veteran journalist and broadcaster Charles Wheeler helps recreate the political mood of the times in this gripping and fast-moving drama-documentary. Winston Churchill ...... David Ryall Lord Salisbury ...... Gary Waldhorn Rab Butler ...... Ewan Bailey Anthony Eden ...... Michael Cochrane Harold Macmillan ...... Michael N Harbour David Maxwell-Fyfe ...... Sam Dale Oliver Lyttleton ...... Jonathan Keeble Norman Brook ...... Alex Jennings .
5 2 2008 Tuesday 14:15 Laura Edwardian country house comedy; dramatised by Sue Eckstein from a short story by Saki. Laura falls ill while staying with her friend Amanda and her boring husband Egbert. Recovering in bed; she delights in the idea that she might be reincarnated as an otter; particularly if it means that she can continue to annoy Egbert and wreak havoc on his beloved brood of hens. Sir Lulworth ...... Benjamin Whitrow Egbert ...... John Warnaby Laura ...... Irene Macdougall Amanda ...... Candida Benson Aurora ...... Joanna Tope Narrator ...... Michael Mackenzie Directed by Bruce Young. .
6 2 2008 Wednesday 14:15 Death of a Pirate The final broadcast of a pirate radio operator with outspoken views. Fin ...... Michael Smiley Terri ...... Jo Hartley Barry/Paul ...... Connor McIntyre Carl/Pizza guy ...... Dominic Coleman Lol/Piotr ...... Ian Puleston-Davies Det. Anderson/Angry woman ...... Michelle Butterly Directed by John Hardwick. .
7 2 2008 Thursday 14:15 Be My Baby Amanda Whittington's drama-documentary combines the fictional stories of young women who gave up their illegitimate babies for adoption in the 1960s with the real stories of three adoptees; now in their forties; who have made contact with their mothers. Mary ...... Laura Molyneux Queenie ...... Alinka Wright Norma ...... Joannah Tincey Matron ...... Rachel Atkins .
8 2 2008 Friday 14:15 Have Your Cake Series of plays about a cake-making club. 3/6. Fairy Cakes By Amanda Whittington. Maggie's daughter Leanne returns home from art school; vowing never to return. Can her heavily pregnant sister; Sabina's eccentric mother and a batch of fairy cakes change her mind? Maggie ...... Lesley Sharp Tess ...... Tamsin Greig Ray ...... Neil Dudgeon Sabina ...... Nisha Nayar Momo ...... Leena Dhingra Chrissie ...... Stephanie Leonidas Leanne ...... Loo Brealey .
11 2 2008 Monday 14:15 Next of Kin By Pearse Elliot. Kitty and Danny are grieving after the death of their beloved husband and father when news comes from their solicitor that there is another party contesting the will. Cultures and personalities clash as past secrets are exposed and Danny prepares to defend his home and his inheritance at all costs.Danny ...... Charlie Bonner Kitty ...... Sorcha Cusack Ken ...... Richard Pebble With Luke Griffin; Kevin Elliott; Julia Dearden; Gerard Jordan; Ciaran Nolan; Patrick Fitzsymons. .
12 2 2008 Tuesday 14:15 Two Brown Eyes By Angela Turvey. In 1884; before achieving fame as a composer; the young Frederick Delius arrived in Florida from his home in Bradford. During his stay; he allegedly fell in love with a black woman. Frederick Delius ...... Sam Troughton Chloe Baker ...... Syan Blake Esther ...... Claire Benedict Thomas Ward ...... Chris Pavlo Jelke Rosen ...... Liz Sutherland Directed by Claire Grove. .
13 2 2008 Wednesday 14:15 Silver Street: It's Coming Home By Sonali Bhattacharyya. When Mushtaq Jilani buys the local football club for a pound; the grocery king takes a bold step into an unfamiliar world. Taking on the club's massive debts; and with his family divided; Mushtaq's first months in the game test more than his bank balance. Mushtaq Jilani ...... Paul Bhattacharjee Zenab Jilani ...... Sudha Bhuchar Rozena Hussaini ...... Pooja Ghai Jaggy Singh ...... Jay Kiyani Kenny Lester ...... Brian Croucher Michael ...... Simon Treves Bridget ...... Joannah Tincey Commentator ...... Ben Onwukwe Dwayne ...... Lloyd Thomas Chris ...... Sam Pamphilon Directed by James Peries. .
14 2 2008 Thursday 14:15 The Shell House Ronald Frame's play tells the story of an unusual romance. In 1972; a spinster scientist with private means meets an exiled Czech architect whose career has stalled. She offers him a commission for a weekend house on some land she owns on the Suffolk coast. The strange; daring and beautiful building that results will haunt their lives. Barbara ...... Sylvestra Le Touzel Jaromir ...... Struan Rodger .
15 2 2008 Friday 14:15 Have Your Cake Series of plays about a cake-making club. 4/6. Scripture Cake By Amanda Whittington. A long-forgotten recipe triggers an unlikely friendship between Maggie and her reclusive next-door neighbour. Maggie ...... Lesley Sharp Tess ...... Tamsin Greig Ray ...... Neil Dudgeon Sabina ...... Nisha Nayar Janice ...... Sheila Hancock Chrissie ...... Stephanie Leonidas Leanne ...... Loo Brealey Nicky ...... Matthew Dunster .
18 2 2008 Monday 14:15 Too Up Too Down Jim Poyser's comedy about life; love and five-a-side football. Jacky's life isn't going as expected. He is a palaeontologist; so why did he become an estate agent? He was also crazy about Ursula; so how did he end up marrying her sister? Jacky ...... Jason Done Susie ...... Emma Cunniffe Beanie ...... Ian Puleston-Davies Micky ...... Graeme Hawley Ursula ...... Emma Hughes-Jones Sharon ...... Helen Moon Tony/Hans ...... Greg Milburn Kosta ...... Hamilton Berstock Directed by Gary Brown. .
19 2 2008 Tuesday 14:15 Pavement Stars By Gillian and Catrin Clarke. The lives of a Cardiff street trader and a busker are suddenly bound together as they work their pitches. Voice of the city ...... Richard Harrington Elin ...... Joanna Griffiths Tom ...... Oliver Wood .
20 2 2008 Wednesday 14:15 Cobwebs Psychological drama by David Hodgson. Greg Drake is just getting his life back together after the death of his wife. But then his house is broken into when he is asleep. Nothing is taken; but his peace of mind is destroyed. Greg ...... Kevin Doyle Cathy ...... Fiona Clarke Louise ...... Helen Longworth Jenny ...... Beth Palmer PC Morgan ...... Roy Carruthers Denny ...... Mark Winstanley .
21 2 2008 Thursday 14:15 When to Run Sophie Woolley brings a new version of her stage show to the radio; a bizarre story of three women who run; a dog-walker in search of romance and a man who looks a bit like Tony Soprano. Julia ...... Katy Cavanagh Shelley ...... Sophie Woolley Emma ...... Tracy Wiles Celia ...... Liza Sadovy Directed by David Hunter. .
22 2 2008 Friday 14:15 Have Your Cake Series of plays about a cake-making club. 5/6. Lady's Cake By Nicola Baldwin. Tess and Nicky face temptation and bad news during a terrible storm. Maggie is confronted by a ghost from her past. Maggie ...... Lesley Sharp Tess ...... Tamsin Greig Ray ...... Neil Dudgeon Sabina ...... Nisha Nayar Nicky ...... Matthew Dunster Matty ...... Joe Prospero .
25 2 2008 Monday 14:15 Corner Edson Burton's smouldering thriller; set in inner-city Bristol. Jess and Sandeep's friendship crosses the racial divide - Jess is black and Sandeep is Asian. When Sandeep's father's shop is burnt down by two masked black men; community tensions rise and their friendship is put to the test. Only the truth can end the violence that follows. Sandeep Singh ...... Saikat Ahamed Pramjit Singh ...... Renu Brindle Raj ...... Ameet Chana Amirjit Singh ...... Amerjit Deu Joyce Stone ...... Lorna Easy Prentis ...... Jim Findley Kwan ...... Marlon Gayle Bally ...... Nadim Khan Jess Stone ...... Alex Lanipekun Ravi Singh ...... Bhasker Patel .
26 2 2008 Tuesday 14:15 When Greed Becomes Fear DJ Britton's study of what life might be like for a lonely chief executive of a major international bank is inspired by the current financial climate. Libby Saptalios ...... Penny Downie Jay Saptalios ...... Hattie Morahan Mike Bratley ...... Peter Marinker Tang Ming Li ...... Liz Sutherland Nigel Rouen ...... Chris Pavlo Leo ...... John McAndrew Ashley ...... Ben Crowe Directed by Pam Marshall. .
27 2 2008 Wednesday 14:15 Poetry for Beginners Comedy drama by Kathryn Simmonds. During a residential writing course deep in the Shropshire countryside; poetry gives rise to lustful urges; ruthless artistic ambition and simmering rivalries. Celia ...... Joanna Tope Fran ...... Emma Currie William ...... Crawford Logan Moira ...... Ann Scott Jones Nick ...... Nick Farr Directed by David Jackson Young. .
28 2 2008 Thursday 14:15 Gandhi's Goat By Matthew Coombes. Gandhi and Chaplin meet in London's East End in 1931. But the real cultural exchange is taking place between Anil and Emily; members of their respective entourages. Emily ...... Teresa Gallagher Anil ...... Zubin Varla Newsreader/Receptionist ...... Sam Dale Directed by Gaynor Macfarlane. .
29 2 2008 Friday 14:15 Have Your Cake Series of plays about a cake-making club. 6/6. Unusual Christening Cake By Nicola Baldwin. The cake club is preparing for the christening of Chrissie's baby; but both Tess and Maggie are struggling with secrets that could change everything. Maggie ...... Lesley Sharp Tess ...... Tamsin Greig Ray ...... Neil Dudgeon Sabina ...... Nisha Nayar Nicky ...... Matthew Dunster Janice ...... Sheila Hancock Chrissie ...... Stephanie Leonidas Leanne ...... Loo Brealey Matty ...... Joe Prospero .
3 3 2008 Monday 14:15 New Metamorphoses Contemporary reworkings of tales by Ovid. 1/5. Zeus and Semele By Sebastian Baczkiewicz. When a paparazzo is welcomed into the glamorous world he feeds on; he is hopelessly unprepared for what lies behind it. Ovid ...... Toby Jones Harry Nicholson ...... Daniel Cerqueira Victor Karkov ...... Robert Glenister Mariel Karkov ...... Lyndsey Marshal Newsreader ...... Peter Marinker Directed by Jessica Dromgoole. .
4 3 2008 Tuesday 14:15 New Metamorphoses Contemporary reworkings of tales by Ovid. 2/5. Echo and Narcissus By Hattie Naylor. Determined to get into shape; Mat joins his local gym. The transformation he sees in the mirror proves spellbinding; but can the reflection be trusted? Mat ...... Carl Prekopp Debbie ...... Laura Molyneux Andre ...... Burn Gorman Nathan ...... Harry Myers Viv ...... Deborah Findlay Lulu ...... Gbemisola Ikumelo Ovid ...... Toby Jones .
5 3 2008 Wednesday 14:15 New Metamorphoses Contemporary reworkings of tales by Ovid. 3/5. Myrrha By Colin Teevan. Sixteen years ago she was a newborn baby; left in a plastic bag in a small Irish town. Father Michael and his sister have brought her up but now Myrrha is in the grip of a frightening passion that will change everything. Ovid ...... Toby Jones Orpheus ...... Gerard McSorley Myrrha ...... Marcella Plunkett Father Michael ...... Niall Buggy Mary the Priests ...... Derbhle Crotty Mick the Fix ...... Jonathan Forbes Mick the Brick ...... Ben Crowe Peadar ...... Chris Pavlo Mary O ...... Liz Sutherland Father Mike ...... Peter Marinker Mary Mac ...... Kate Binchy Directed by Jeremy Mortimer. .
6 3 2008 Thursday 14:15 New Metamorphoses Contemporary reworkings of tales by Ovid. 4/5. Callisto By Nick Warburton. A photographer is fascinated and intrigued by a picture he has taken of a young celebrity fending off a tramp outside a nightclub. He captures an iconic moment in time but all is not what it seems. Ovid ...... Toby Jones Neil ...... Shaun Dooley Amy ...... Joannah Tincey Claudia ...... Rachel Atkins Draper ...... John Rowe Selina/Teacher ...... Anna Bengo Bouncer ...... Ben Onwukwe Directed by Tracey Neale. .
7 3 2008 Friday 14:15 New Metamorphoses Contemporary reworkings of tales by Ovid. 5/5. Phaethon By Katie Hims. When Sol finally meets his son Liam; he makes him a promise that cannot be broken - with tragic results. Ovid ...... Toby Jones Shelly ...... Rosie Cavaliero Enzo ...... Vincenzo Nicoli Sol ...... Paul Hilton Liam ...... Steven Webb Young Liam ...... Robert Madge Madeleine ...... Liza Sadovy Directed by Marc Beeby. .
10 3 2008 Monday 14:15 Baldi A new series of murder mysteries. 1/4. The Million Dollar Question By Barry Devlin. Paolo investigates the mysterious deaths of members of a rockabilly band; exploring patterns of squares and triangles to find the solution. Baldi ...... David Threlfall Tina ...... Tara Flynn Rynne ...... Owen Roe Troy ...... TP McKenna Angela ...... Diana Quick Chuck ...... Gerry O'Brien Tuohy ...... Frank O'Sullivan Dr Graham ...... Kieran Lagan Anto ...... Patrick Fitzsymons The Sun Boys ...... The Sabre Jets Directed by Lawrence Jackson. .
11 3 2008 Tuesday 14:15 Needle By Christina Balit. Creating the Bayeux Tapestry for their Norman conquerors is a bitter task for the women of Canterbury. Dunstan ....... Peter Marinker Edith ...... Jade Williams Matilda ...... Meg Davies Lizzie ...... Kate Williams Abbess ...... Liz Sutherland Bethan ...... Liza Sadovy Tom ...... Ben Onwukwe Directed by Ned Chaillet. .
12 3 2008 Wednesday 14:15 Investigating Mr Thomas Based on a true story; Rob Gittins's play draws on archive material. When Time Magazine printed a warts-and-all article about Dylan Thomas in 1953; the poet sued them for libel. Needing to gather more evidence; the magazine hired a private detective to shadow Thomas in New York. Detective ...... Trevor White Editor ...... Doug Ballard Beth ...... Genevieve Adam Nora ...... Laurel Lefkow Taxi Driver ...... Rhys Parry Jones Guard ...... Richard Elfyn .
13 3 2008 Thursday 14:15 Bearing the Cross Ken Blakeson's play tells the story of the Battle of Rorke's Drift and the effect it had on three of the soldiers who fought in it. William Jones VC ...... Nigel Anthony Robert Jones VC ...... Sebastian Harcombe Henry Hook VC ...... Jon Strickland Landlord/Buffalo Bill ...... Robert Blythe Barmaid ...... Bethan Walker .
14 3 2008 Friday 14:15 Things to Do before You Die By Tom Dalton Bidwell. David is critically ill in hospital. Given the chance to have his dying wish granted; he asks for what most normal 15-year-old boys want - to lose his virginity. David ...... James Anthony Pearson Priest ...... Stuart McQuarrie Munaza ...... Ayesha Antoine Maggie ...... Sophie Stanton Cheryl ...... Lesley Nicol Wishman/Driver ...... John Lightbody Directed by Lu Kemp. .
17 3 2008 Monday 14:15 Baldi A new series of murder mysteries. 2/4. A Very Neglected Fish By John Murphy. Paolo investigates a murder set amongst the competitive world of celebrity chefs. He finds himself sampling the world of secret recipes; Italian passions and an unexpected live appearance on TV. Baldi ...... David Threlfall Tina ...... Tara Flynn Rynne ...... Owen Roe Gavin Farley ...... James D'Arcy Giorgio ...... Paolo Tullio Lucy ...... Amanda Root Martin ...... Paul Reid Franco Palametti ...... Nick Dunning Tom Harrington ...... Niall Buggy Air hostess ...... Bronagh Taggart Directed by Mark Lambert. .
18 3 2008 Tuesday 14:15 Mrs Mabb Susanna Clarke's short story, dramatised by Judith Adams. Handsome Captain Fox has been spirited away by the amazing Mrs Mabb; and audacious heroine Venetia wants him back. But she has Mrs Mabb's malign magic to contend with. Narrator ...... Emma Fielding Venetia ...... Jasmine Hyde Fanny ...... Lucy Akhurst Captain Fox ...... Bertie Carvel Mr Hawkins/Mr Grout ...... Philip Fox Lucas/John Purvis ...... Sam Pamphilon Marje ...... Poppy Friar Nan ...... Millie Binks .
19 3 2008 Wednesday 14:15 The City Speaks Series of short radio dramas based on Peter Ackroyd's specially commissioned short story in which the Virgin Mary makes an appearance in the City of London. 1/3. Pushing By Lin Coghlan. On Virgin Day; a man pushes a fridge across the city. Man ...... Jamie Foreman Boy ...... Adam Arnold 2/3. I Am Not You Are Not Me By Mike Walker. Jack has to confront the memory of the death of his wife. With Jim Norton. 3/3. Broken Chain By Mark Norfolk. On the day Bert is released from prison; Leon takes him to see the Virgin. Bert ...... Jeffery Kissoon Leon ...... Jimmy Akingbola Jay ...... Sheri-An Davis Wayne ...... Troy Glasgow With Rachel Bavidge; John Dougall; Nitin Ganatra; Anthony Glennon; Tyronne Lewis; Peter Marinker; Liza Sadovy; Hilary Sesta; Simon Treves. Music by David Pickvance. Directed by Jessica Dromgoole; Jeremy Mortimer and Toby Swift. .
20 3 2008 Thursday 14:15 The City Speaks More short radio dramas based on Peter Ackroyd's specially commissioned short story in which the Virgin Mary makes an appearance in the City of London. 1/3. Yalda By Mehrdad Seyf. Just as she is about to go under on the operating table; Yalda remembers the key moments of her life. Yalda ...... Adjoa Andoh Paul ...... Nitin Ganatra Surgeon ...... Simon Treves 2/3. Ayshe's Tale By Alison Joseph. Surely all babies are miracles? Ayshe ...... Elif Yesil Sirkan ...... Taylan Halici Halide ...... Eve Polycarpou Teresa ...... Corinna Cunningham 3/3. Make Your Way By Nick Warburton. Chris likes to walk across town. But today a voice tells him to go underground. Chris ...... Charlie Creed-Miles Woman ...... Yazmin Lacey-Phillips With Rachel Bavidge; John Dougall; Nitin Ganatra; Peter Marinker; Liza Sadovy; Simon Treves. Music by David Pickvance. Directed by Sam Hoyle; Steven Canny and Conor Lennon. .
21 3 2008 Friday 14:15 Fair Play By Tove Jansson; translated by Thomas Teal and dramatised by Sue Glover. Based on Tove Jansson's autobiographical last novel; the play is a series of vignettes depicting the love between two older women; a writer and an artist; as they work and live side by side. Mari ...... Colette O'Neil Jonna ...... Sheila Reid Tom ...... Robert McIntosh .
24 3 2008 Monday 14:15 Baldi A series of murder mysteries. 3/4. A Green Murder By Andrew Martin. Paolo investigates a murder among a community of Dublin environmentalists. He follows a trail that includes a book launch; a property developer and the Wicklow Mountains. Baldi ...... David Threlfall Tina ...... Tara Flynn Mrs Reid ...... Margaret D'Arcy Lawlor ...... John Kavanagh Wilkinson ...... Stephen Mangan Dean ...... Mark Lambert Gallagher ...... Richard Dormer Nicola Mason ...... Marion O'Dwyer Bookseller ...... John Hewitt Builder/Junior Garda ...... Patrick Fitzsymons Gallagher's Asst/TV Asst ...... Genevieve Swift Directed by Lawrence Jackson. .
25 3 2008 Tuesday 14:15 Lost in Plain Sight Dark comedy by Donna Franceschild. A teenager struggling to stay sane turns a corner when emails promising to change his life get mysteriously personal. Angel ...... Jimmy Chisholm Kevin ...... Finn Den Hertog Teacher ...... Louise Ludgate Liam ...... Richard Madden Louie ...... Amy Manson Mr McNabb ...... Gavin Mitchell Mum ...... Katy Murphy .
26 3 2008 Wednesday 14:15 The Fall By Clare Duffy. When 21-year-old Angela falls pregnant; she decides to track down her mother who abandoned her when she was 12. Angela ...... Lucy Ellinson Jacqueline ...... Noreen Leighton Will ...... Michael Golsdsmith The Voice ...... Lucy Paterson Julie ...... Natalie Bennett Derek ...... John Paul Hurley Directed by Bruce Young. .
27 3 2008 Thursday 14:15 The Death of Magnus Sweet By Alastair Jessiman. At a remote Scottish public school in the late 1960s; two boys invent a fictitious fellow classmate. But they face a dilemma when everyone; even the headmaster; starts to believe that Magnus Sweet exists. Caspar ...... William Barlow Solly ...... Miles Jupp Headmaster ...... Gareth Thomas Uncle Bill ...... Michael Mackenzie Janine ...... Wendy Seager Squelch ...... Oliver Wale Fergie ...... Sam Hunt Panda ...... Mark Agnew Directed by David Jackson Young. .
28 3 2008 Friday 14:15 Cavalry By Dan Rebellato. Four men are waxing saddles; cleaning spurs; polishing bridles and weapons. They are preparing for battle; but which one? And which century are we in? Claire ...... Frances Grey Gary ...... Jeff Hordley Sean ...... Graeme Hawley Aleks ...... David Harewood Mark ...... Kevin Harvey Directed by Polly Thomas. .
31 3 2008 Monday 14:15 Baldi: A series of murder mysteries. 4/4. Food of the Blue By James McAleavey. Paolo's attempt at a scholarly retreat at the great Cranolly House coincides with its 500th anniversary. A series of unusual events plunges him into a world of ancient traditions struggling to survive in a modern and materialistic world. Baldi ...... David Threlfall Tina ...... Tara Flynn RYnne ...... Owen Roe Troy ...... TP McKenna De Burca ...... Dermot Crowley Baldwin ...... David Kelly Edmonds ...... Alan Stamford O'Byrne ...... Don Wycherley Lojek ...... Richard Dormer Don 1 ...... Kieran Lagan Girl in Dublin ...... Bronagh Taggart Directed by Mark Lambert. .
1 4 2008 Tuesday 14:15 Unpredicted By Annie McCartney. A candidate for election to the newly formed Stormont Assembly is rattled when his wife and then his young son begin receiving anonymous voice and text messages; accusing him of hypocrisy on the issue of abortion. His party is pro-life; but though his wife disagrees with this in principle; she is not going to let a blackmailer destroy her family without first finding out the truth. Laura ...... Karen Ardiff James ...... Richard Dormer Sean ...... Robert Patterson Anna ...... Marcella Riordan Elise ...... Julia Dearden Patrick ...... Robbie Gilmore Maxine ...... Anne Bird Shop assistant ...... Katy Gleadhill .
2 4 2008 Wednesday 14:15 Goldfish Girl By Peter Souter. Joe can remember everything about Ally; the love of his life for ten years. Ally; however; can remember nothing about Joe. Joe ...... Alex Jennings Ally ...... Juliet Stevenson .
3 4 2008 Thursday 14:15 Out of Season By Anne-Marie O'Connor. Four Blackpool residents seek refuge from the biting wind in an empty promenade cafe. Their thoughts reveal what brought them to; and what keeps them in; a tourist town that has lost its sparkle. Each of them will be forced to make decisions that will change their lives forever. Linda ...... Denise Black George ...... David Hargreaves Mandy ...... Hayley Doherty Carly ...... Tracy Wiles .
4 4 2008 Friday 14:15 On Mardle Fen Series by Nick Warburton; set in an idiosyncratic restaurant in the Fens. 1/4. Distant Cold Light A mysterious young man brings his mother for a special meal. Warwick Hedges ...... Trevor Peacock Jack Hedges ...... Sam Dale David ...... Chris Pavlo Fay ...... Liza Sadovy Marcia ...... Kate Buffery Imogen ...... Liz Sutherland Samuel ...... John Rowe Directed by Claire Grove. .
7 4 2008 Monday 14:15 The Walrus and the Terrier By Christopher Ralling. Revered all over the world as a physician; theologian and philosopher; Albert Schweitzer was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in the medical mission he founded in West Africa. But when journalist James Cameron visited him in Gabon in 1953; he was shocked by what he found. James Cameron ...... Jamie Glover Albert Schweitzer ...... David Horovitch Mrs Armitage ...... Sarah Badel Wolfgang ...... Karl Davies Kirsten ...... Clare Corbett Jason ...... Sidney Sloane Henry ...... Keith Drinkel Directed by David Blount. .
8 4 2008 Tuesday 14:15 Daybreak By Tom Ray. A week after his wife and teenage sweetheart of fourteen years has left him; Phil wakes up one morning to find that the sun has not risen. When she comes back with a van to collect her cherished wardrobe; he is forced to reveal his extraordinary secret. Phil ...... Marshall Lancaster Lisa ...... Lorraine Coady Directed by Kate Chapman. .
9 4 2008 Wednesday 14:15 Hard Frosts in Florence David Pownall's monologue; specially written for the late Paul Scofield. A deeply troubled Michelangelo returns to Florence to view his statue of the boy David for the last time. .
10 4 2008 Thursday 14:15 Tarzan of the Antirrhinums Comedy by Lavinia Murray. A meteor crashing into one of his greenhouses is the final straw for Marx's failing garden centre. Tarzan; a man raised entirely by pot plants; emerges from the bushes and announces that he will save Marx from financial ruin. Unfortunately; MI5 then get involved. Marx ...... Mark Chatterton Tarzan ...... Reece Dinsdale Engels ...... Graeme Hawley Trotsky ...... James Nickerson Catherine ...... Rina Mahoney Scientist ...... Julian Eardley .
11 4 2008 Friday 14:15 On Mardle Fen Series by Nick Warburton; set in an idiosyncratic restaurant in the Fens. 2/4. Mural Warwick can't help interfering in the kitchen and is driving his son mad as a result. His grandson suggests that they give the old man a project. Warwick Hedges ...... Trevor Peacock Jack Hedges ...... Sam Dale David ...... Chris Pavlo Fay ...... Liza Sadovy Marcia ...... Kate Buffery Samuel ...... John Rowe Zofia ...... Helen Longworth Directed by Claire Grove. .
14 4 2008 Monday 14:15 Good Evening Roy Smiles's celebration of the Beyond the Fringe team takes a funny and affectionate look at how four young men from Oxbridge changed the face of British comedy. Alan Bennett ...... Matt Addis Peter Cook ...... Rory Kinnear Jonathan Miller ...... Jonathan Aris Dudley Moore ...... Benedict Cumberbatch .
15 4 2008 Tuesday 14:15 Tiny Chaos By Lizzie Munnery. Alison was born with hugely limited movement and responses. At 13 she remains inert; unable to make coherent noises or actions. Her neighbour's daughter has helped her mother care for her for years; but now her mother has gone. It is time to take action. Alison ...... Brooke Vincent Margie ...... Jodie Comer Ilene ...... Sue Jenkins Harry ...... Robert Pickavance Directed by Pauline Harris. .
16 4 2008 Wednesday 14:15 Baguettes and Barms Comedy by Christine Marshall. Anne has just started as a volunteer at a shelter for the homeless. She is also organising a big party to celebrate her husband's inauguration as the Worshipful Master of his Lodge. Does she feel more comfortable overseeing the smoked salmon and roulades or the soup and tinned beans? Anne/Jill ...... Becky Hindley Geoff/Victor ...... Glenn Cunningham Enid/Sheila/Waitress ...... Denice Hope Jamie/Gobbo ...... Mikey North Paul/Man at door/Bob Hat ...... Phil Rowson Sally ...... Peta Lord Directed by Gary Brown. .
17 4 2008 Thursday 14:15 I Believe I Have Genius Judith Adams's play is based on the writings and letters of Charlotte Bronte describing her experiences when she travelled to Brussels to study at a girls' school; as humble and obscure as the heroines of her later novels. Charlotte Bronte 1; or Reason ...... Laura Molyneux Charlotte Bronte 2; or Passion ...... Rosie Cavaliero Constantin Heger ...... Julian Rhind-Tutt Priest ...... David Shaw-Parker Chappelle ...... Mark Meadows Mme Heger ...... Elaine Claxton Mary Taylor ...... Anne-Marie Piazza Directed by Jonquil Panting. .
18 4 2008 Friday 14:15 On Mardle Fen Series by Nick Warburton; set in an idiosyncratic restaurant in the Fens. 3/4. Dark Horse Samuel the odd-job-man lugs a collection of foul-smelling objects into the restaurant. One of them has a story attached to it; and the dark tale of the twisted eel seems about to repeat itself. Warwick Hedges ...... Trevor Peacock Jack Hedges ...... Sam Dale David ...... Chris Pavlo Fay ...... Liza Sadovy Marcia ...... Kate Buffery Samuel ...... John Rowe Zofia ...... Helen Longworth Directed by Claire Grove. .
21 4 2008 Monday 14:15 Grace Intimate family drama by Mick Gordon and AC Grayling. Grace; a scientist and champion of atheism; is faced with the decision of her son Tom to become a priest. Grace ...... Paola Dionisotti Tom ...... Will Keen Tony ...... Trevor Peacock Ruth ...... Priyanga Burford Michael ...... Nathan Osgood Directed by Mick Gordon. .
22 4 2008 Tuesday 14:15 Hudson and Pepperdine Save the Planet Comedy about climate change and how to combat it. The Department for Culture; Media and Sport has set up a working party from within the broadcasting industries to brainstorm solutions to the current crisis. Hudson and Pepperdine are on the list. Mel/Lily Allen/Vanessa Feltz ...... Mel Hudson Vicki ...... Vicki Pepperdine Announcer/Bus driver/Phil ...... Felix Dexter Marina/Carol Smillie ...... Samantha Holland Russell T Davies ...... Rupert Degas Bruce Parry ...... Dave Lamb Rob/Policeman/DCMS Minister ...... Ben Crowe .
23 4 2008 Wednesday 14:15 To Serve Them All My Days Shaun McKenna's dramatisation of RF Delderfield's classic novel of life between the wars. 1/5. Davy Powlett-Jones; invalided out of the trenches in 1918; faces a new start in life. Davy Powlett-Jones ...... Oliver Milburn Algy Herries ...... John Wood Howarth ...... John Rowe Carter ...... Anthony Calf Beth ...... Alison Pettitt Guard/Conductor ...... Delroy Brown Nipper Shawe/Youings ...... Josh Freeborn Chad Boyer ...... Steven Williams Briarley ...... Steven Roberts Directed by Marc Beeby. .
24 4 2008 Thursday 14:15 Fifteen Ways to Leave Your Lover Comedy by Carolyn Scott-Jeffs; following the fortunes of a couple who can't live together and can't survive apart. Rob and Sam split up after their first date when they were teenagers and they have been getting together and splitting up ever since. Cricket obsessed Rob talks things over in his imagination with his mentor Henry Blofeld; while Sam tries to sort things out with a number of different agony aunts. Sam ...... Alex Kelly Rob ...... Tom Goodman-Hill Young Sam ...... Lucy Jones Young Rob ...... Jacob Lloyd Directed by Peter Leslie Wild. .
25 4 2008 Friday 14:15 On Mardle Fen Series by Nick Warburton; set in an idiosyncratic restaurant in the Fens. 4/4. The Taste of Success The restaurant is in financial trouble. Jack asks his nephew to take care of things so he can get away for a few weeks. Meanwhile; Warwick sings the praises of Mardle Pudding; a legendary local dish. Warwick Hedges ...... Trevor Peacock Jack Hedges ...... Sam Dale David ...... Chris Pavlo Fay ...... Liza Sadovy Marcia ...... Kate Buffery Imogen ...... Liz Sutherland Zofia ...... Helen Longworth Directed by Claire Grove. .
28 4 2008 Monday 14:15 Dear Writer By Jane Rogers. Polly; 10; sends an email to her favourite author; asking why there have been no new books published recently. The writer responds that she is old and tired and has run out of stories; but there are deeper reasons for her inability to conjure any more from her imagination. Writer ...... Anna Massey Child ...... Leah Verity White .
29 4 2008 Tuesday 14:15 Mr Larkin's Awkward Day Chris Harrald's play takes a light-hearted look at a chaotic day in the life of an emerging poet. One morning in September 1957; Philip Larkin receives a very official looking letter which sends him into a spin. Philip Larkin ...... Adrian Scarborough Mrs Giddings ..... Anne Reid Mrs C ...... Lynne Verrall Inspector Clough ...... Alan Williams Bob ...... Stephen Critchlow Roger ...... John Rowe Shopkeeper ...... Dan Starkey Mary ...... Helen Longworth Tom ...... Ben Crowe Mr Stenning ...... Chris Pavlo .
30 4 2008 Wednesday 14:15 To Serve Them All My Days Shaun McKenna's dramatisation of RF Delderfield's classic novel of life between the wars. 2/5. Despite his clashes with the science master Carter; Davy has settled in well to school life at Bamfylde and his wife Beth is expecting twins. Davy Powlett-Jones ...... Oliver Milburn Algy Herries ...... John Wood Howarth ...... John Rowe Carter ...... Anthony Calf Beth ...... Alison Pettitt Julia Darbyshire ...... Juliet Aubrey Keith Blades ...... John Cummins Spats Winterbourne ...... Anthony Glennon Chad Boyer ...... Nick Sayce Skidmore ...... Josh Freeborn Dobson ...... Steven Williams Ainsworth ...... Steven Roberts Directed by Marc Beeby. .
1 5 2008 Thursday 14:15 Chatterton: The Allington Solution By Peter Ackroyd. Contemporary literary historian Jeremy Allington believes he knows the truth about the last days of Thomas Chatterton; a neglected genius who committed suicide in 1770 - or was he? Past interlocks with present as Allington sifts through the evidence of Chatterton's world; discovering much about himself as well as the subject of his research. Thomas Chatterton ...... Benedict Cumberbatch Jeremy Allington ...... Adrian Scarborough Ruth ...... Rachel Bavidge Partridge ...... David Timson Sam Beaumont ...... Glen McCready Mrs Angel ...... Liza Sadovy Jackman ...... Hugh Ross Mr Crane ...... Jonathan Keeble Coroner ...... Hugh Dickson Mark Lawson ...... Himself Directed by Roy McMillan. .
2 5 2008 Friday 14:15 The Playwright and the Grammarian Comedy by Marcy Kahan. A playwright and a retired civil servant confront each other over a microphone and go on to transform each other's lives; to the consternation of their best friends. Tricia Ketchworth ...... Penelope Wilton Scarlet MacNamara ...... Alison Pettit Moo ...... Carl Prekopp Jasper ...... Malcolm Sinclair Roger Bolton ...... Himself Peter Donadson ...... Himself Directed by Gordon House. .
5 5 2008 Monday 14:15 Far North By Louis Nowra. A boy and his young mother take to the road across Australia in search of the freedom and love she craves. Directed by Judith Kampfner and Jane Ulman. .
6 5 2008 Tuesday 14:15 Eve Blinked By Margaret Heffernan. Four American businesswomen get caught in New York when their flight to Boston is cancelled. Deciding to share a cab, they set off on the journey home. Mira has reasons to dread arriving; and as the evening unfolds they share their stories. Anna ...... Laurel Lefkow Laura ...... Suzanne Bertish Kathy ...... Lorelei King Mira ...... Madeleine Potter Mark ...... Ben Onwukwe Groundstaff ...... Chris Pavlo Directed by Pam Marshall. .
7 5 2008 Wednesday 14:15 To Serve Them All My Days Shaun McKenna's dramatisation of RF Delderfield's classic novel of life between the wars. 3/5. Davy has immersed himself in school life to try to forget the death of his wife Beth and their eldest daughter Joan. What spare time he has is spent working on the book Beth urged him to write. Davy Powlett-Jones ...... Oliver Milburn Algy Herries ...... John Wood Howarth ...... John Rowe Carter ...... Anthony Calf Julia Darbyshire ...... Juliet Aubrey Brigadier Cooper ...... Gerard McDermott Alderman Blunt/McNaughton ...... John Cummins Stratton ...... Delroy Brown Bristow ...... Harry Francis Featherstone ...... Josh Freeborn Directed by Marc Beeby. .
8 5 2008 Thursday 14:15 Two plays by Harold Pinter. 1/2. Landscape A man and a woman sit deep in recollection. While the man's thoughts are of his day in the park and a quarrel in the pub; the woman's are of an idyllic day spent many years ago on a beach with the man she loved. Duff ...... Harold Pinter Beth ...... Penelope Wilton 2/2. The Examination A chilling yet playful monologue in which a man about to be questioned summons up every mental resource to empower himself over his interrogator. With Michael Gambon. Directed by Peter Kavanagh. .
9 5 2008 Friday 14:15 Edward Alleyn's Devil Nicola Baldwin's play is set in London in 1605. Edward Alleyn; the most famous actor of day; believes that he has seen a devil on stage. Edward Alleyn ...... Richard McCabe William Grogan ...... Brian McCardie Philip Henslowe ...... Philip Jackson Fardinandoo Black ...... Desmond McNamara Joan Alleyn ...... Christine Kavanagh Sir Francis Calton ...... Sam Dale John Pyg ...... Joe Prospero Robert Shaa ...... Joseph Kloska Miss Wills ...... Bethan Walker Isack Shackerley ...... Paul Richard Biggin .
12 5 2008 Monday 14:15 Higher Joyce Bryant's satire on tertiary education. Karen is the new head of the Geography Department - renamed Geographical Tourism - at Hayborough University; which is definitely not part of the elite Russell Group of top universities. It is open day for the department and Karen is keen that she attracts the right students. Karen ...... Sophie Thompson David ...... Mark Heap Jim ...... Jonathan Keeble Barbara ...... Sue Ryding Maura ...... Maggie Fox Angela ...... Sue Kelly Harry ...... Ben Hood Directed by Gary Brown. .
13 5 2008 Tuesday 14:15 Women of an Uncertain Age Rony Robinson's funny and touching play about surviving the menopause. When a mutual friend dies; Clare; Heather and Kat throw caution to the winds and pursue what they really want in their middle age; as opposed to what they think they should want. Heather ...... Deborah Findlay Clare ...... Alwyne Taylor Kat ...... Gaynor Faye Clare's Mother ...... June Broughton Greg ...... Chris Jack Poems by Sally Goldsmith. Directed by Polly Thomas. .
14 5 2008 Wednesday 14:15 To Serve Them All My Days Shaun McKenna's dramatisation of RF Delderfield's classic novel of life between the wars. 4/5. Having failed to be appointed the new headmaster at Bamfylde; Davy is determined to give the new head Alcock his full support. But he soon realises that this is not an easy prospect. Davy Powlett-Jones ...... Oliver Milburn Algy Herries ...... John Wood Howarth ...... John Rowe Carter ...... Anthony Calf Alcock ...... Clive Merrison Christine Forster ...... Kate Buffery Barnaby ...... Gerard McDermott Ewart ...... Nick Sayce Hislop ...... Anthony Glennon Stoker Monk ...... Steven Williams Lowther ...... Steven Roberts Directed by Cherry Cookson. .
15 5 2008 Thursday 14:15 Heads You Win; Tails I Lose A drama of risks and probabilities by Peter Kesterton. Nigel has plans but is trapped in a dead-end job. He meets Kat; who spins coins to decide what she should do with her life. Should he stay or should he go? Nigel ...... Carl Prekopp Kat ...... Hayley Doherty Dave ...... John Telfer Sheldon ...... Christian Rodska With Jo Armstrong; Amy Clifton; Paul Dodgson. Directed by Tim Dee. .
16 5 2008 Friday 14:15 Forty-Three Fifty-Nine: Yara By Mike Walker and John Dryden. City worker Grant knocks over a young woman; apparently on the run from a sex trafficking ring. He offers her a lift; but as their progress through London is halted by traffic gridlock; he discovers that she is not what she seems. He finds himself caught up in in an unfolding catastrophe in which many will die if he fails to act decisively. Yara ...... Natasha Radski Grant ...... Greg Hicks With Laurentiu Possa; Ery Nzaramba and Rachel Atkins. .
19 5 2008 Monday 14:15 Signs Contemporary stories about the way technology determines our lives. 1/2. Horizon Comic thriller by Steve May. Cassie is a horizon scanner for a global bank. When she discovers a black hole in the markets; she must get to the bottom of it. Her father is busy trying to read the credit crunch and her mother is busy shopping online with credit cards. Her colleague Reg is stealing her computer memory to develop his own software. All are trying to plan for the future in their different ways. Cassie ...... Devon Black Frank ...... Paul Clayton Mark ...... Mark Meadows Reg ...... Carl Prekopp Lesley ...... Marlene Sidaway Bank Manager ...... Stephen Critchlow Directed by Mary Ward-Lowery. .
20 5 2008 Tuesday 14:15 Signs Contemporary stories about the way technology determines our lives. 2/2. Perfect Day Romantic drama by Hattie Naylor. Adam signs up with a company which offers specialised services based on access to information and control over it. At first he uses the company to arrange evenings out; holidays and small life experiences. But his taste for perfection grows and soon he signs up to one of their most expensive and successful services - the location of a perfect life partner. Vicky ...... Joanne Froggatt Adam ...... Paul Mundell Evie ...... Jane Godber Sarah ...... Lisa Coleman Jim ...... David Hounslow Directed by Mary Ward-Lowery. .
21 5 2008 Wednesday 14:15 Shaun McKenna's dramatisation of RF Delderfield's classic novel of life between the wars. 5/5. Davy is about to face his greatest challenge yet at Bamfylde School. It is clear that he cannot work with the new Headmaster Alcock and one of them will have to go. Davy Powlett-Jones ...... Oliver Milburn Algy Herries ...... John Wood Howarth ...... John Rowe Carter ...... Anthony Calf Alcock ...... Clive Merrison Christine Forster ...... Kate Buffery Barnaby/Rigby ...... Gerard McDermott Grace Powlett-Jones ...... Alison Pettitt Hislop ...... Antony Glennon Gage ...... Delroy Brown Lowther ...... Steven Roberts Stoker Monk ...... Steven Williams Directed by Cherry Cookson. .
22 5 2008 Thursday 14:15 An Unchoreographed World Frances Byrnes's play explores a dramatic formative event in the life of the young dancer Margot Fonteyn in May 1940. Fonteyn is trapped in Holland during the German invasion with her lover Constant Lambert and the fledgling Sadler's Wells Ballet. Her life threatened; the dancer discovers who she really is and what her destiny might cost her. Margot Fonteyn ...... Sophie Jerrold Constant Lambert ...... Richard McCabe Ninette de Valois ...... Kate Littlewood Robert Helpmann ...... Oliver Millingham .
23 5 2008 Friday 14:15 Imagining Them Three coming-of-age stories as three New Yorkers imagine people whom they would have liked to know better. Whether it's friends who never got to grow up; a father who died before his daughter could say 'daddy' or a role model celebrity who was next door but beyond reach; all are imagined presences who become familiar; funny and touching. Written and performed by Wendy Spero; Meg Wolitzer and David Cale. .
26 5 2008 Monday 14:15 Kaffir Lilies By Sue Eckstein. When the dashing young Charles Middleton arrives in Nigeria in 1929; he strikes up an immediate friendship with Louisa; a married woman. Louisa begins to believe that Charles must be in love with her; but his diary entries reveal a different story. Charles ...... Matthew Pidgeon Young Louisa ...... Candida Benson Old Louisa ...... Edith Macarthur Edward ...... Michael Mackenzie Musa ...... Damian Lynch Vera ...... Joanna Tope Directed by Bruce Young. .
27 5 2008 Tuesday 14:15 A Wedding in Krakow Ewa Banaszkiewicz's tender story offers a fresh perspective on the lives of Polish people living in England. Staszek returns to Krakow for his daughter's wedding. He has been dreading the visit; having abandoned his pregnant girlfriend 20 years before. Not only is he tortured by guilt at having never lived up to being a father; he also has a secret that he would like to keep. Staszek ...... Peter Czajkowski Sandra ...... Helen Longworth Zuza ...... Aneta Piotrowska Wojtek ...... Sebastian Palka Ela ...... Joanna Kanska Stefan ...... Wojtek Piekarski Maria ...... Ruth Posner Directed by Pam Marshall. .
28 5 2008 Wednesday 14:15 The Antisocial Behaviour of Horace Rumpole Another adventure for John Mortimer's wily defender of our civil liberties. 1/2. Rumpole on Trial Rumpole continues to weave his magic at the Old Bailey while remaining uneasy about exactly what Hilda is up to in her continuing friendship with a high court judge. Horace Rumpole ...... Timothy West Hilda Rumpole ...... Prunella Scales Soapy Sam Ballard ...... Michael Cochrane Bonny Bernard ...... Nicholas Le Prevost Prosecutor Parkes ...... Roger May Madam Chair of Magistrates ...... Jillie Mears Graham Wetherby ...... David Holt Lars Bergman ...... Matthew Morgan Judge Bullingham ...... David Shaw-Parker Fig Newton ...... Geoffrey Whitehead Directed by Marilyn Imrie. .
29 5 2008 Thursday 14:15 The Antisocial Behaviour of Horace Rumpole Another adventure for John Mortimer's wily defender of our civil liberties. 2/2. Going for Silk Having avoided an ASBO; Rumpole is hoping to become a QC at last as he prepares to defend a young man on a charge of murder. Horace Rumpole ...... Timothy West Hilda Rumpole ...... Prunella Scales Bonny Bernard ...... Nicholas Le Prevost Anna McKinnon ...... Jillie Mears Police Doctor ...... Roger May Prosecutor Noakes ...... Matthew Morgan Judge Barnes ...... Geoffrey Whitehead Graham Wetherby ...... David Holt Detective Inspector Belfrage ...... David Shaw-Parker Directed by Marilyn Imrie. .
30 5 2008 Friday 14:15 The Ballad of Pickard Boots A heady love story by renowned Cornish poet and playwright Annamaria Murphy. Jamaican street musician Pickard Boots is given shelter by Molly Pinks. He is wanted for murder. She is wanted by nobody. Pickard Boots ...... Mo Sesay Molly Pinks ...... Emma Rice Avril Knokes ...... Dona Croll Inspector Malone ...... Stephen Critchlow PC Philips ...... Chris Pavlo Harold ...... Ben Crowe Directed by Claire Grove. .
2 6 2008 Monday 14:15 Shredder By Juliet Ace. Bella wants to go to her grave confident that her children will never know what a wicked woman she once was. But not even a shredder can wholly destroy the past. Bella ...... Gwen Taylor Edward ...... Stephen Thorne Iris ...... Avril Elgar Cybelle ...... Helen Longworth Adam ...... Nyasha Hatendi Simon ...... Steve Hodson Raymond/Jimmy/Roger ...... Stephen Critchlow Directed by Jane Morgan. .
4 6 2008 Wednesday 14:15 : The Highest Tide The Highest Tide Jim Lynch's coming-of-age adventure story set on the Pacific Coast; adapted by Rebecca Trick-Walker. Thirteen-year-old Miles escapes the fallout of his parents' impending divorce by taking his kayak out on the mudflats at night; looking for rare sea creatures to sell to the local aquarium. One night; he comes across a remarkable sight. Miles ...... Forrest Landis Florence ...... Katherine Helmond Angie ...... Missy Yager Professor Kramer ...... David Selby Mom ...... Shannon Cochran TV Reporter ...... Kirsten Potter Directed by Kate McAll.
5 6 2008 Thursday 14:15 Jim and Tonic Dan Jamieson's magical modern version of The Sorcerer's Apprentice about a trainee gin distiller and his unrequited love. Jim ...... Stuart McLoughlin Melissa ...... Clare Corbett Martine ...... Amanda Lawrence Mr Wonnacott ...... Vincent Brimble Mum ...... Christine Kavanagh Dad ...... Jonathan Keeble Girl No 5 ...... Miranda Keeling
6 6 2008 Friday 14:15 Take One Night By Rachel Joyce. On the eve of their son's 10th birthday; Alan and Alice start work assembling his present. They can only find one instruction. Alan ...... Robert Bathurst Alice ...... Felicity Montagu William ...... Charlie Rowe Directed by Jeremy Mortimer.
9 6 2008 Monday 14:15 Dickens Confidential Series of plays looking at how Charles Dickens; as the head of a daily paper; would have tackled bringing the news to the masses. 1/6. Gangs of London By Mike Walker. New criminal gangs are active on the streets of London. A mugging of their financier Joseph Paxton points Dickens and his investigative team to a connection between the gangs and a plot to rock the very heart of the financial world. Charles Dickens ...... Dan Stevens Agnes Paxton ...... Eleanor Howell Jack Marshall ...... Freddy White Daniel Parker ...... Andrew Buchan Joseph Paxton ...... John Dougall Mickey's Jim ...... Gerard Murphy Iron Billy ...... John Rowe Gasman ...... Ben Crowe Harry ...... Stephen Critchlow Thug ...... Chris Pavlo Woman ...... Liz Sutherland Directed by David Hunter.
10 6 2008 Tuesday 14:15 Dropping Bombs A bittersweet generational comedy by Paul Cotter. Sixty five years after a bungled bombing raid; a former RAF pilot; with wife and son in tow; makes the long drive to Germany to deliver an apology. The trip turns out to be explosive for all concerned. Valerie ...... Rosemary Leach Alistair ...... Nigel Anthony Ross ...... Ivan Kaye German Woman ...... Susan Engel Manager/Official ...... Kenneth Collard Weert ...... Dan Starkey
11 6 2008 Wednesday 14:15 Venus to Go By Fiona Mackie. When cutbacks happen in Portsmouth's corset industry and redundancies loom; three machinists choose to face the future in very different ways. Eileen ...... Ellie Haddington Shirley ...... Julie Peasgood Ada/Dot ...... Ann Beach Val ...... Maggie McCarthy Brenda ...... Ruth Sheen Jim ...... Sam Dale Gary ...... Saikat Ahamed
12 6 2008 Thursday 14:15 The Incomparable Witness Nichola McAuliffe's drama about Sir Bernard Spilsbury; the father of modern forensics and the most brilliant scientific detective of all time. The story focuses on Spilsbury as a young man and the case that made his name; the infamous trial of Doctor Crippen in 1910. Edith (Narrator) ...... Joanna David Bernard Spilsbury ...... Timothy Watson Edith (1900-1910) ...... Honeysuckle Weeks Willcox ...... Dan Starkey Lord Chief Justice ...... John Rowe Dr Pepper/Muir ...... Sam Dale Turnbull ...... Stephen Critchlow Tobin ...... Chris Pavlo George ...... Nyasha Hatendi Gertie ...... Helen Longworth Directed by Sasha Yevtushenko.
13 6 2008 Friday 14:15 Septimus Greabe By Mike Harris. In the early 19th century; the Society for the Suppression of Vice; inspired by William Wilberforce; would stop at nothing in their efforts to stamp out sin and corruption - even if this meant employing the most unscrupulous of characters to carry out their good work. Septimus Greabe ...... David Troughton Thomas Buxton ...... Will Keen Hannah ...... Kellie Shirley John Bowles ...... Paul Jesson Joseph Merceron ...... Nigel Cooke Eva Bowles ...... Perdita Avery Directed by Clive Brill.
16 6 2008 Monday 14:15 Dickens Confidential Series of plays looking at how Charles Dickens; as the head of a daily paper; would have tackled bringing the news to the masses. 2/6. The Man Who Robbed the Bank of England By Mike Walker. Mourning the loss of Jack Marshall; Dickens and his investigative team are determined to find the connection between financier Iron Billy and a cunning plot aimed at the heart of the country's financial system. Charles Dickens ...... Dan Stevens Agnes Paxton ...... Eleanor Howell Daniel Parker ...... Andrew Buchan Joseph Paxton ...... John Dougall Mickey's Jim ...... Gerard Murphy Iron Billy ...... John Rowe Bank manager ...... Stephen Critchlow Vicar ...... Chris Pavlo Butler ...... Nyasha Hatendi Commissionaire ...... Dan Starkey Directed by David Hunter.
17 6 2008 Tuesday 14:15 Foundling: By Nick Warburton. A man famous for finding lost people arrives in a small town. Why will he not help a young woman find her lost child?
18 6 2008 Wednesday 14:15 Listen to the Words By Ed Hime. Tim has a problem with empathy and justifies tapping fellow student Sophie's phone as the only way to understand her. When it all goes horribly wrong; he books the media room of the secure unit where he is being held and creates a broadcast for his college radio station. Armed with one 1991 compilation album; several illicit recordings and a script he has redrafted 43 times; he sets about telling his story. Tim ...... Joe Dempsie Sophie ...... Lizzie Watts Damon ...... Sam Crane Stella ...... Lisa Stevenson Derek ...... Nyasha Hatendi Dr Susan ...... Helen Longworth Bill Keyes ...... Ben Crowe Clive ...... John Rowe Zoe ...... Liz Sutherland Lecturer ...... Stephen Critchlow Toby ...... Dan Starkey Directed by Jessica Dromgoole.
19 6 2008 Thursday 14:15 Beijing's Slowest Elevator Penny Leicester's adaptation of a specially commissioned short story by Xiaolu Guo. Zhang Yan has turned her back on her rural upbringing and is determined to make it in Beijing. By night; she works in an upmarket karaoke bar; entertaining and sleeping with its successful businessmen clients. When she meets an attractive young man; she hopes for escape. Zhang Yan (Ai Lian) ...... Liz Sutherland Li Xin ...... David Lee Ma Yue San ...... Chike Chan Father/Taxi Driver/Entrepeneur/Client 1 ...... Richard Woo Mother/Karaoke Girl 2 ...... Su-Lin Looi Directed by Emma Harding.
20 6 2008 Friday 14:15 Address Unknown Tim Dee's adaptation of Kressmann Taylor's novel; published in 1938. Two old friends; former business associates in San Francisco; exchange letters. One is an American German Jew; the other an American German who; excited and energised by the new Germany of the 1930s; has gone home. Attitudes harden with the seemingly inexorable rise of Hitler; the Jew horrified by the change in his friend and his wholesale adoption of the rhetoric and ideology of Nazism. With Henry Goodman; Patrick Malahide.
23 6 2008 Monday 14:15 Dickens Confidential Series of plays looking at how Charles Dickens; as the head of a daily paper; would have tackled bringing the news to the masses. 3/6. Dickens and the Dandy In the weeks leading up to Queen Victoria's coronation; Dickens meets Benjamin Disraeli; a journalist and ambitious young politician. There is an instant rivalry and unease between the two men; which only increases when the team believe they have uncovered a secret that Disraeli wants to keep hidden. Charles Dickens ...... Dan Stevens Agnes Paxton ...... Eleanor Howell Daniel Parker ...... Andrew Buchan Benjamin Disraeli ...... Julian Rhind-Tutt William Percy ...... Bertie Carvel Mary Anne Wyndham Lewis ...... Liz Sutherland Lady Londonderry ...... Joan Walker Rachel ...... Lydia Leonard Official ...... Ben Crowe Footman ...... Nyasha Hatendi Archbishop ...... Dan Starkey Speaker ...... Stephen Critchlow Rabbi ...... Alan Lee Directed by Tracey Neale.
24 6 2008 Tuesday 14:15 The Day the Planes Came Romantic comedy by Caroline and David Stafford. The events of 9/11 cause many American flights to be diverted to Canada. The sleepy town of Gander in Newfoundland finds itself accommodating over 6;000 stranded passengers; including Sarah and her teenage daughter Polly. A selfless and put-upon divorcee; Sarah is seduced by the local people's hospitality. Finally; she learns to let her hair down. She has her first kiss in years; catches a fish; meets Crazy Pete; dabbles in a bit of karaoke and finally gets the few hours of sleep that have eluded her for so long. Sarah ...... Rosie Cavaliero Polly ...... Jade Williams Gary ...... William Hope Chris ...... Stephen Critchlow Airport Announcer ...... Peter Marinker Directed by Marc Beeby.
25 6 2008 Wednesday 14:15 The Confessions Set in the art world; Charlotte Greig's thriller is a story of the seductive appeal of money; glamour; crime and the wrong man. Luke's scam will make a killing; but he can't pull it off without Catrin's help. Luke ...... Clive Standen Catrin ...... Lynne Seymour Heinrich ...... John Castle Simone ...... Sara McGaughey Directed by Kate McAll.
26 6 2008 Thursday 14:15 Life of Penguins; by Katie Hims. Merle is a penguin keeper at the zoo. When her sister Beth goes missing; she discovers that she has been abducted by aliens; not for the first time.
27 6 2008 Friday 14:15 Look Sharp By Cath Staincliffe. A genealogist finds herself in danger when she uncovers a shocking family history. Karen Sharp ...... Suranne Jones Patrick Breen ...... Jeff Hordley Ted ...... David Hargreaves Theresa ...... Deborah McAndrew Stella ...... Danielle Henry Joan ...... Julie Westwood Directed by Nadia Molinari.
30 6 2008 Monday 14:15 Dickens Confidential: Series looking at how Charles Dickens; as the head of a daily paper; would have brought news to the masses. 4/6: The Deal; by Rob Kinsman.
1 7 2008 Tuesday 14:15 Rosie's Beauty; by Annamaria Murphy. Rosie runs a beauty parlour in her village. Most of her clients come to talk and Rosie is invited to share some of the community's dark secrets.
2 7 2008 Wednesday 14:15 War Bride By Nell Leyshon. WWII is over and Eleanor and Clarence are on a ship; emigrating to Canada. Young Eleanor is running away from the farm she grew up on - and her parents don't know. When Eleanor discovers that her childhood sweetheart Frank is also on board; she starts to retreat from Clarence into the world of her imagination. Eleanor is vulnerable a long way from home. Who can she trust? Eleanor ...... Charlotte Emmerson Clarence ...... Simon Lee Phillips Frank ...... Joseph Kloska Directed by Susan Roberts.
3 7 2008 Thursday 14:15 I Love Stephen Fry By Jon Canter. Jackie; a woman with a midlife crisis and a snoring husband; starts to fantasise about other men. In her dreams; Jackie is in love with Stephen Fry - who is everything her husband is not: eloquent; metropolitan; learned and gay. But what does Stephen think and should she tell him she loves him? Himself ...... Stephen Fry Jackie ...... Lesley Sharp Terry ...... Phil Davis Margaret ...... Carolyn Pickles Ron ...... Ron Cook Chloe ...... Sinead Matthews Carl ...... Karl Theobald Directed by Fiona McAlpine.
4 7 2008 Friday 14:15 The NHS at 60: Stuffing Their Mouths with Gold By Jerome Vincent. Following the Labour landslide victory in 1945; new Minister of Health Aneurin Bevan knows he has the chance to bring about a real revolution with the creation of a free health service. But can he get both the Royal College of Physicians and the dissenters in his own party on his side? Jerome Vincent's play marks the sixtieth anniversary of the founding of the NHS in July 1948. Aneurin Bevan ...... Robert Pugh Clement Attlee ...... Richard Attlee Lord Moran ...... Nicholas Boulton Herbert Morrison ...... Trevor Littledale John Buchan ...... David Collings Daisy ...... Jaimi Barbakoff Madge ...... Jean Trend Rene/Harry ...... Simon Treves Passer-by ...... Lucie Fitchett Directed by David Blount.
7 7 2008 Monday 14:15 Series of plays looking at how Charles Dickens; as the head of a daily paper; would have tackled bringing the news to the masses. 5/6: Murder in the Red Barn By Mike Walker. When the body of a young baby is found floating on the river Thames; the Herald's chief correspondent Daniel Parker is given the task of finding out why. While his investigations take him and Charles Dickens into the poverty stricken areas of the City; Agnes is in the thick of philanthropy and theatricals in Belgravia. Charles Dickens ...... Dan Stevens Agnes Paxton ...... Eleanor Howell Daniel Parker ...... Andrew Buchan Mr Dudman ...... Henry Goodman Mrs Dudman ...... Joan Walker Sarah ...... Liz Sutherland Mrs Kindly ...... Helen Longworth The Boatman ...... John Rowe Equerry/Stallholder/PC ...... Chris Pavlo Directed by Tracey Neale.
8 7 2008 Tuesday 14:15 A Place in the World By Harriet O'Carroll. Following the 30 years war; Clara and Tobi flee their native Germany for the promise of a better life in Ireland. But what they find there is far from the Promised Land. Tobi ...... Paul Rhys Clara ...... Lia Williams Marianne ...... Sarah Dillon Walter ...... Richard Howard Sunderland ...... Miche Doherty Aunt Mags ...... Stella McCusker Donal ...... Luke Griffin Directed by Eoin O'Callaghan.
9 7 2008 Wednesday 14:15 Accolades By Christopher William Hill. In 1973; Oxford academic AL Rowse published the work that would establish his name internationally - Shakespeare The Man; in which he claimed to have decoded Shakespeare's sonnets and finally discovered the identity of the playwright's mysterious Dark Lady. But was his 'discovery' based on a simple misreading? AL Rowse ...... Ian Richardson Alex Laing ...... Joseph Kloska Professor Burnett ...... Nigel Anthony Gillian Lawrence ...... Stella Gonet Prosser ...... Sean Barrett
10 7 2008 Thursday 14:15 Leona Cash By Mark Griffiths. Leona Cash is a 25-year-old music journalist cum investigator; whose articles inadvertently always end up as investigations. Leona enters the intriguing underworld of classical music when she discovers the dead body of teenage cello prodigy Jayne Faye. Leona Cash ...... Lucy Gaskell Phil Ripley ...... Conrad Nelson Jayne Faye ...... Emma Gregory Lee Wilson ...... Kieran Cunningham Karen Barker ...... Naomi Radcliffe DI Alison Black ...... Deborah McAndrew Directed by Pauline Harris.
11 7 2008 Friday 14:15 1968: Funeral Games By Joe Orton. Orton's black comedy on the subject of religious hypocrisy helped create the climate of change that would end the power of the official censor over British theatre productions. Caulfield ...... Phil Daniels Pringle ...... Martin Jarvis McCorquodale ...... Tony Rohr Tessa ...... Liza Sadovy Policeman ...... Ben Crowe Directed by Peter Kavanagh.
14 7 2008 Monday 14:15 Series of plays looking at how Charles Dickens; as the head of a daily paper; would have tackled bringing the news to the masses. 6/6. Why Are We In Afghanistan? By Mike Walker. Dickens and his team find themselves caught up in a web of espionage; intrigue and dark deeds at the Russian Embassy; culminating in a heroic balloon chase across the London skyline. Charles Dickens ...... Dan Stevens Agnes Paxton ...... Eleanor Howell Daniel Parker ...... Andrew Buchan Nadia Durova ...... Rachel Atkins Alex Burns ...... Dan Starkey Joseph Paxton ...... John Dougall Bishop ...... John Rowe Ivan Vitkovich ...... Chris Pavlo Directed by Tracey Neale.
15 7 2008 Tuesday 14:15 The Hands of Cheryl Boyd By Maurice Leitch. A young woman in a wheelchair falls foul of the law; but unbeknown to her an overzealous pastor lays plans for her salvation. Cheryl Boyd ...... Zara Turner Harold Duff ...... Gerard Murphy Cheryl's Aunt ...... Stella McCusker Mrs Greer ...... Laura Hughes The Prosecutor ...... Dan Gordon Mr Arthur ...... Miche Doherty Magistrate ...... Derek Bailey Natalie ...... Sarah Gordon Young Girl ...... Hannah R Gordon Directed by Eoin O'Callaghan.
16 7 2008 Wednesday 14:15 The Enormous Radio By Julia Copus; adapted from the short story by John Cheever. Irene Fuller is a bored and lonely New York housewife. When her radio stops working and a new one arrives; she starts to hear more than just the programmes that break the silence of her apartment. Irene ...... Lorelei King Jim/Mr Fuller ...... John Guerrasio Laura ...... Susan Lynch Emma/Nurse ...... Christine Brennan Mrs Fuller ...... Ann Rye Mr Dresner/Announcer ...... David Fleeshman Mrs Dresner ...... Helen Kay Katie ...... Georgina Eastabrook Tommy ...... Connor Hill Milly ...... Alicia Tweedale Directed by Susan Roberts.
17 7 2008 Thursday 14:15 I Wish to Apologise for My Part in the Apocalypse Duncan Macmillan's romantic comedy about the end of the world; a woman who falls in love with the moon; and her husband who falls back in love with her. Keith ...... Bill Nighy Tilda ....... Amelia Bullmore Oscar ...... Harry Child Neighbour 1 ...... Joan Walker Anchor 2 ...... Liz Sutherland Neighbour 2/Anchor 1 ...... Stephen Critchlow Neighbour 3/Anchor 4 ...... Sarah Adams Neighbour 4/Anchor 3/Soldier 3 ...... Nyasha Hatendi Anchor 5 ...... Helen Longworth Soldier 1/Loudhailer ...... Chris Pavlo Soldier 2 ...... Ben Crowe Directed by Sam Hoyle.
18 7 2008 Friday 14:15 Loveboat By Anjum Malik. Kiran and younger sister Shimla set out for a riverboat cruise on the Thames. But their trip is far from plain sailing when they discover the cruise is run by the New Millenium Asiana introductions company. How will they fare stranded on the 'Loveboat'? Kiran ...... Pooja Ghai Shimla ...... Joanna Burnett Sunil ...... Dharmesh Patel Vivek ...... Kulvinder Ghir Mohan ...... Ravin Ganatra Vanita ...... Liz Sutherland Captain ...... Ben Crowe
21 7 2008 Monday 14:15 Sunbathing in the Rain Gwyneth Lewis's adaptation of her book; a down-to-earth; courageous and entertaining chronicle of her own experience of a severe episode of depression; how she struggled to find ways of coping and ultimately survive. Gwyneth ...... Siriol Jenkins Leighton ...... Robert Pugh Doctor ...... Hywel Emrys Surfer ...... Steven Meo Shop Assistant ...... Claire Cage Directed by Kate McAll.
22 7 2008 Tuesday 14:15 When Greed Becomes Fear: Safe As Houses By DJ Britton. When Joe loses his sales job for a property building company; he finds himself desperate to save his home and his financial future. Ellis; the managing director of the same property company; is trying to make his own escape; looking to Westminster with a bold new plan.
23 7 2008 Wednesday 14:15 A Fire in the Sun By Robin Mukherjee. A woman visits her elderly parents in Spain after a fire which has destroyed their retirement home and hospitalised her mother. She discovers that her perceptions of her family's history are not the full story. Esmee ......Haydn Gwynne Mother ...... Angela Pleasence Father ...... David Calder Joje ...... David Sant Directed by Peter Kavanagh.
24 7 2008 Thursday 14:15 Blaze By Ann Marie Di Mambro. The public image of Scottish designers and entrepreneurs Paul and Mhairi Blaze is that of two people with the Midas touch. But as a young film maker follows their every move; their personal and professional world goes into freefall. Paul Blaze ...... Neil McKinven Mhairi Blaze ...... Kate Dickie Jean/Sarah ...... Carol Ann Crawford Garry ...... Kenny Blyth Rachel ...... Hannah Donaldson Eddie/presenter ...... Sandy Grierson Daniel/reporter ...... Jamie Brotherston Directed by David Ian Neville.
25 7 2008 Friday 14:15 The Secret Place By Clare Bayley. Andy and Safi are getting married; but this is no normal wedding. There won't even be a wedding night because Andy is serving a life sentence for murder. Andy ...... Paul Hilton Safi ...... Helen Longworth Leyla ...... Tracey Wilkinson Patrick ...... Rod Arthur Directed by Claire Grove.
28 7 2008 Monday 14:15 Goldengrove Frances Byrnes's story of the relationship between a young working-class girl and the woman who transforms her. Margaret; a spinster; teaches Narn; a city child; how to shake hands firmly; polish silver and identify birds. Most of all; she teaches her how to speak. Margaret ...... Jill Balcon Narn ...... Jessica Jolleys Narn Now ...... Siriol Jenkins Josie ...... Beccy Alexander Fred ...... Brendan Charleson Directed by Kate McAll.
29 7 2008 Tuesday 14:15 The Tyger Hunt Lavinia Murray's play imagines a surreal day in the life of the young William Blake. With a runaway tiger on the loose; William is out with his sketch pad to capture the magic of a truly enchanting and extraordinary afternoon. William ...... Barney Clark Mrs Blake/Mary Capper/Smock race runner ...... Pippa Haywood Mr Blake/Broadsheet yeller/Innkeeper ...... David Fleeshman Tol Tiddle Doll/Matchsyick seller ....... Jonathan Keeble Ann Capper/Corncutter ...... Kathryn Hunt Dog/Drunk/Bellows mender ...... Seamus O'Neill Music consultant: Philip Tagney. Directed by Pauline Harris.
30 7 2008 Wednesday 14:15 Bad Faith By Peter Jukes. As a police chaplain; it is Jake Thorne's job to offer counselling and comfort to officers in trouble; victims and young offenders. But Jake has lost his faith and has decided; as a test for God; to behave appallingly towards those he is supposed to help. Yet despite his unworthy behaviour; he unwittingly demonstrates that he has another; less sinful side. Jake Thorne ...... Lenny Henry Michael ...... Danny Sapani Ruth Thorne ...... Jenny Jules Isaac Thorne ...... Oscar James Helen ...... Helen Longworth Denise ...... Rosie Cavaliero Chantelle ...... Kerri Mclean Declan ...... Ben Crowe TJ ...... Daniel Anderson Barry ...... Edward Clayton
31 7 2008 Thursday 14:15 It's Better with Animals Mike Walker's play is based on three short stories: The Red Fox Fur Coat by Teolinda Gersao; Blue Waltz with Coyotes by Jean Dixon and Pie Dance by Molly Giles. An elderly proprietor of a fur shop in New York narrates three touching; funny and magical tales of animals; furs; and their impact on three different women. Shopkeeper/Konrad ...... Russell Horton Eve/Mom ...... Jennifer Van Dyck Ellie/Pauline/Cop ...... Laura Dean Barbara/Karen ...... Tory Wood Dad/Gerry Mac/Mugger ...... Kevin T Collins Children ...... Kate Kearns; Maggie Langer; Flora Salmand Specially composed music by Jon Nicholls. Directed by Judith Kampfner.
1 8 2008 Friday 14:15 Sand By Tilly Black. As tensions mount after President Nasser's nationalisation of the Suez Canal in 1956; a ten-year-old's holiday diary tells a poignant human story against a backdrop of events which will change the world. Elizabeth......Holly Bodimeade Khalid......Omar Berdouni Henry Gooding......Richard Mitchley Kate Gooding ...... Jenny Coverack Directed by Sara Davies.
4 8 2008 Monday 14:15 No Going Back By Ron Hutchinson. An Australian visiting Ireland for the first time since childhood finds himself in the midst of a 50-year-old murder mystery. Alarmingly; the finger of guilt seems to point directly at his family. Tom McAtee ...... Richard Dillane Sammy Ferguson ...... John Hewitt Nelly McAtee ...... Abigail McKern Jim McAtee ...... James Greene Newspaper Editor ...... Miche Doherty Mary Lennox ...... Annie McCartney Billy Lennox ...... Harry Towb Tea Lady ...... Seanin Brennan
5 8 2008 Tuesday 14:15 The Gunshot Wedding By Katie Hims. Aidan; 14; tells the story of Leila Jones; the skinny girl from across the road. Her mother has fallen for a line-dancing cowboy; except that he is really a telephone engineer. Then she finds a gun in her brother's bedroom. Aidan ...... Louis Dunsford Leila ...... Ashley Madekwe Julie ...... Tanya Franks Michael ...... Freddy White Niall ...... Ralph Ineson
6 8 2008 Wednesday 14:15 The Night Manager By Dermot Bolger. When a particular guest checks into Finbar's Hotel on the last night of Johnny Farrell's management; his past life comes back to confront him. Johnny ...... Sean Campion Alfie ...... Garrett Keogh Simon ...... Tom Hickey Helena ...... Alison McKenna Taxi driver/chef ...... Sean Kearns Dr Gorman ...... John Hewitt Receptionist ...... Nikki Doherty Barman/Waiter ...... Conor McGreevey Woman Guest ...... Bronagh Taylor Colm ...... Michael Ritchie
7 8 2008 Thursday 14:15 Left at Marrakech By Richard Stevens. In 1943; a B-17 takes off from Florida on its way to active service in England; embarking on a flight via Puerto Rico; Dakar and Marrakech. Joining the American crew are two British hitchhikers; who need a lift home. One of them; an attractive WAAF; seems to be a good omen - she looks like the painted figure on their fuselage. But each leg of the journey is beset with increasing difficulty and danger. Is someone on board not what they seem to be? Albie ...... Will Keen Draper ....... Jonathan Cullen Charlie ...... Clare Corbett Levitt ...... Alan Cox Conroy ...... Nicholas Rowe Stickley ...... Ben Lewis Directed by Fiona McAlpine.
8 8 2008 Friday 14:15 Love-Shaped Thing By Rebecca Papworth. When artist Guy escapes London to return to his home town of Halifax; he falls for 16-year-old Shona; who has never met anyone like him before. Can she escape through his colourful canvasses? Shona ...... Sarah McDonald Hughes Guy ...... Joseph Alessi Mum ...... Sue Kelly Dad ...... James Quinn Vicky ...... Jemima Foxtrot Meredith ...... Christine Brennan Directed by Susan Roberts.
11 8 2008 Monday 14:15 Two-Pipe Problems Plays by Michael Chaplin; set in The Old Beeches; a retirement home for elderly thespians. Inmates William and Sandy still nurse a certain affectionate animosity towards one another since they starred as Holmes and Watson in a 1960s television series. 1/2. A Streetcar Named Revenge. William and Sandy are haunted by the return of two characters from the past. Sandy becomes amorously involved through the medium of a shared passion for crosswords. Sandy Boyle ...... Stanley Baxter William Parnes ...... Richard Briers Hatty Doran ...... Edna Dore Angel Hosmer ...... Linda Broughton Mary Winter ...... Jillie Meers Edgar ...... David Shaw-Parker Karen ...... Tracy Wiles Ronnie Adair ...... Nickolas Grace Marie Devine ...... Susan Wooldridge Hugo Oberstein ...... Rad Lazar Directed by Marilyn Imrie.
12 8 2008 Tuesday 14:15 Two-Pipe Problems Plays by Michael Chaplin; set in The Old Beeches; a retirement home for elderly thespians. Inmates William and Sandy still nurse a certain affectionate animosity towards one another since they starred as Holmes and Watson in a 1960s television series. 2/2. The Trusty Valet and the Crusty Butler William and Sandy venture outside the Old Beeches to a movie set; accompanied by the intrepid care assistant Karen; as they take on the world of celluloid. Sandy Boyle ...... Stanley Baxter William Parnes ...... Richard Briers Inspector Bradstreet ...... David Shaw-Parker Karen ...... Tracy Wiles Laura Lyons ...... Ellie Beaven Thaddeus Sholto ...... Lloyd Hutchinson John Barrymore ...... Geoffrey Whitehead Directed by Marilyn Imrie.
13 8 2008 Wednesday 14:15 Mother Spy Drama documentary by John Fletcher telling the story of Janet Chisholm; one of the most unlikely spies in the history of espionage. Janet; a British Embassy wife and mother in Moscow; was persuaded to use her young children and their trips to the park as cover in handling Oleg Penkovsky; the Cold War's most influential informant; at the height of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Janet Chisholm ...... Juliet Aubrey Ruari Chisholm ...... Anthony Calf Oleg Penkovsky ...... Stephen Critchlow Janie Chisholm ...... Rosie Day Tessa Chisholm ...... Skye Bennett Harold Shergold ...... John Rowe Directed by Charlie Taylor.
14 8 2008 Thursday 14:15 Steinbeck in Avalon Dramatised by Ray Brown from the writings of John Steinbeck. In 1959; the great novelist went to live in Somerset for a while to write what he hoped would be the crowning glory of his distinguished career; a 20th-century restatement of the Arthurian legend. Steinbeck/Lancelot ...... Kerry Shale Elaine/Guinevere ...... Barbara Barnes Merlin ...... Philip Madoc Arthur ...... Joseph Millson Damsel ...... Jasmine Hyde Directed by Gary Brown.
15 8 2008 Friday 14:15 Whispering Psychological thriller about adultery and murder by Campbell Armstrong. Ted and Lucy are in love but are forced by circumstance into secret trysts; furtive meetings; and the occasional overnight in hotels when Ted can get away. Ted's sick wife is contemptuous of him; but how could he leave her at a time like this? The lovers will have to be patient. Then Cassie dies; leaving a diary. Ted ...... John McAndrew Lucy ...... Amy Clifton Directed by Nigel Lewis.
18 8 2008 Monday 14:15 The Girl Who Touched the Stars By Mahesh Dattani. Growing up; Bhavna has a dream - she wants to fly to the moon and touch the stars. Her dreams come true - it is 2025; she is an astronaut and soon to be the first Indian woman to fly to Mars. But her childhood is about to come back and haunt her in the most unexpected way. Bhavna ...... Nina Wadia Young Bhavna ...... Nita Mistry Mother ...... Sakuntala Ramanee Father ...... Amerjit Deu Ground Control/Reporter ...... Sam Dale Astronaut 1/Journalist 3 ...... John Dougall Astrounaut2/Journalist 1 ...... Anthony Glennon Journalist 2 ...... Christine Kavanagh Directed by Tracey Neale.
19 8 2008 Tuesday 14:15 Alan and Jean's Incredible Journey Poignant comedy drama by Ian Kershaw. Alan and Jean Warburton are on vacation; but this is no ordinary holiday. They are spending it in their bedroom. Alan ...... George Costigan Jean ...... Julie Hesmondhalgh Dawn ....... Rina Mahoney Barbara ...... Melissa Jane Sinden Kid ...... Daniel Rogers Directed by Gary Brown.
20 8 2008 Wednesday 14:15 Gold's Fool Paul B Davies's play is based on the story of how Elizabeth I mounted a reckless foreign adventure; convinced that in the Arctic there was enough gold to make the nation as wealthy as Spain. The finest alchemical technology was used to prove that the black rocks of Baffin Island were rich in precious ore. In a series of voyages; former pirate Martin Frobisher was sent to the frozen wastes to bring back as much of the rock as he could. Unfortunately; the alchemists were mistaken. Frobisher ...... Roger Lloyd Pack Michael Lok ...... John McAndrew Elizabeth I ...... Phyllida Nash Sir Francis Walsingham ...... Christian Rodska Williams ...... Peter Ellis Schutz ...... Kenneth Collard Hall ...... Chris Donelly Sarah ...... Susie Riddell Directed by Sara Davies.
21 8 2008 Thursday 14:15 Sex for Volunteers Romantic comedy by Laura Marney and David Ramos Fernandes. When Suzy's husband takes a job abroad; her sister encourages her to join a team of first-aiders. However; her plans for Suzy go well beyond the kiss of life. Suzy ...... Molly Innes Douglas ...... Robin Laing Pauline ...... Louise Ludgate Joe ...... Steven McNicoll Peter ...... Stewart Porter Minnie ...... Sally Reid Directed by Kirsty Williams.
22 8 2008 Friday 14:15 Fridays When It Rains By Nick Warburton. A girl on a late night train journey meets a man with a strange tale to tell. Dove ...... Clive Swift Connie ...... Lyndsey Marshal Directed by Claire Grove.
25 8 2008 Monday 14:15 Building Happiness By Daniel Jamieson. Three lost people find unexpected meaning for their lives amidst the buildings and architecture of Bath. Joss ...... Alex Tregear Wendy ...... Deborah Findlay Sean ...... Stuart McLoughlin Phil/Old man bather ...... Chris Pavlo Doctor ...... Stephen Critchlow Female Resident/Bather ...... Joan Walker Landlady/Cleaner ...... Helen Longworth Resident/Attendant ...... Dan Starkey Directed by Marc Beeby.
26 8 2008 Tuesday 14:15 Thrift By Rebecca Trick-Walker. Gwen sits on a cliff-top in Pembrokeshire; trying to paint a flower. Instead; she finds herself thinking about her 40-year marriage; its recent end and how her story mirrors that of Morwen; the Maiden of the Sea. Gwen ...... Sian Phillips Richard ...... Richard Mitchley Jack ...... William Thomas Storyteller ...... Dorien Thomas Directed by Kate McAll.
27 8 2008 Wednesday 14:15 From Lagos with Love By Janice Okoh. A junior lawyer in a London firm uncovers a major fraud in a Nigerian oil company. He also falls in love with his contact in Lagos. Then she disappears. Femi ...... Nadine Marshall Jeremy ...... Chris Pavlo Kenneth ...... Stephen Critchlow Jill ...... Helen Longworth Beatrice ...... Syan Blake Paul ...... Adetomiwa Edun Directed by Claire Grove.
28 8 2008 Thursday 14:15 This Cold August Light By Jerome Vincent. The year 1816 saw some extraordinary weather; with snow falling and crops failing across Europe and North America. The sunsets; however; were amazing; and the climatic conditions had a profound effect on artists and writers; including Edgar Allan Poe. Edgar Allan Poe ...... Kerry Shale Young Poe ...... Michael Beveridge Maunder ...... David Timson Lily/Edith ...... Alison Pettitt Laura/Mary Shelley ...... Rachel Atkins Turner/Mellish ...... Harry Myers Polidori/Farthing ...... Chris Stanton Taylor ...... Robin Toller Organ music composed and performed by Jonathan Ayerst. Directed by David Blount.
29 8 2008 Friday 14:15 From Abstraction By Robert Thorogood. Paul is young; rich and in love. So why does he lock himself in the library and refuse to open the door to anyone? But he cannot lock everyone out; and his strange and disconcerting nocturnal visitors help him to make the most important decision of his life. Paul Wolfskehl ......Daniel Evans Stefan ...... Andrew Mayer Infinity ...... Emma Fielding Clara/Johanna ...... Francesca Dymond Otto/Joseph ...... Steven McNicol Fermat ...... Roger Allam Friedrich (Doctor) ...... Sam Parks Directed by Ellen Dryden.
1 9 2008 Monday 14:15 Peter Lorre vs Peter Lorre Towards the end of his career; movie star Peter Lorre found himself at the centre of a strange legal case. Incorporating verbatim extracts from the court transcripts; Michael Butt's play explores what was going through Lorre's troubled mind as he fought to protect his name. Peter Lorre ...... Stephen Greif Lester Salkow ...... Peter Marinker Helen Hafner ...... Helen Longworth Eugene Weingand ...... Kenneth Collard Jack Paar/Barclay ...... Nathan Osgood Judge Burnett Wolfson ...... John Rowe Robert Shutan ...... Kerry Shale Curtis Gemmil ...... John Chancer Directed by Toby Swift.
2 9 2008 Tuesday 14:15 The McKinnon Extradition John Fletcher's play tells the true story of Gary McKinnon; a British citizen who recently lost his appeal against extradition to the US on suspicion of hacking into government computers. Gary McKinnon......Kris Marshall Karen......Raquel Cassidy Gary's Mother/Baroness Scotland......Barbara Horne Natalie......Lisa Stevenson Sergeant Brent Pack......Shane Rimmer McNulty......Stuart Milligan John Reid......Alistair Findley Geoff Donson/Opposition Lord......Jon Glover Opposition MP/Barrister......Thomas Wheatley Directed by Pete Atkin.
3 9 2008 Wednesday 14:15 Lemon Meringue Pie Rachel Trezise's play is set in a Welsh valley. Katie Davies is 16 and in love; or possibly lust. Her mother would have a fit if she found out the identity of her suitor; but Mrs Davies has a secret all of her own. Katie ...... Stephanie Parker Ryan ...... Liam Harries Bronwen Davies ...... Sara McGaughey Tudor Davies ...... Morgan Hopkin Callum ...... Michael Aubin Luke ...... Matthew Aubrey Schoolteacher ...... Rhys Jennings Hospital Receptionist ...... Megan Roberts Art Teacher ...... Elin Phillips Nurse/Receptionist ...... Amy Morgan Directed by Kate McAll.
4 9 2008 Thursday 14:15 A Helping Hand Dark comedy by Mike Stott. DS Dave 'Fat Boy' Davis is investigating the murder of a drunken football supporter on the Leeds to Manchester train. When a strange pink letter arrives at the station; WPC Djamila Khan is asked to bring in its author; Molly Pickles. Molly Pickles ...... Anne Reid Djamila Kahn ...... Shobna Gulati DS Dave Davis ...... John Lightbody Darren Butterworth ...... Mark Rice Oxley Quentin-Mann Rogers ...... Rupert Degas Directed by Lissa Evans.
5 9 2008 Friday 14:15 Wordsmith By Stephen Phelps. Matthew Coleman; Professor of English; has a sideline developing the art and science of linguistic forensics. When a cut and dried murder case is suddenly called into doubt; the language of interviews and confessions becomes primary evidence. Mathew Coleman ...... Mark Strong Anya Hill ...... Lizzy Watts John Carsley ...... Dan Starkey Mark Eason ...... Lloyd Thomas Lynn Eason ...... Sally Orrock Armstrong ...... Ben Crowe Sayers ...... Chris Pavlo Directed by Jessica Dromgoole.
8 9 2008 Monday 14:15 Books By Tessa Hadley. The distinguished novelist Paul Sand died 20 years ago and now his wife has died too. At their seaside home; her daughter and a university researcher meet. She needs to sell up and clear out while he wants to see what papers the great man has left behind. Mr Lascelles ...... David Collins Paul Sand ...... Philip Madoc Chris Elliott ...... Adam Levy Terry Untermeyer ...... Niamh Cusack Music composed by Geoff Nichols. Imogen Triner (oboe) John Welch (piano) Directed by Tim Dee.
9 9 2008 Tuesday 14:15 Blue Sky Thinking Ben Lewis' psychological thriller about love and identity. Karen is counting down the days to her wedding. But when a scrawny-looking stranger turns up; her life begins to fall apart. Karen ...... Nicola Stapleton Vinnie ...... Samuel Roukin Stuart ...... Freddy White Siobhan ...... Catherine Shepherd Dave ...... Ben Lewis Directed by Kirsty Williams.
10 9 2008 Wednesday 14:15 Big Bang Day: Torchwood - Lost Souls By Joseph Lidster. The Torchwood team go to Geneva; where former time-traveller Martha Jones is now working as a doctor at the world's biggest physics laboratory; CERN. Deep in an underground tunnel; a giant particle accelerator is about to be activated for the first time. But something strange is happening. Scientists are hearing voices and collapsing with a strange illness. Is something lurking in the tunnel? Captain Jack Harkness ...... John Barrowman Gwen Cooper ...... Eve Myles Ianto Jones ...... Gareth David-Lloyd Martha Jones ...... Freema Agyeman Professor Johnson ...... Lucy Montgomery Dr Oliver Harrington ...... Stephen Crichlow Leon Foiret ...... Mark Meadows Music by Murray Gold and Ben Foster. Directed by Kate McAll.
11 9 2008 Thursday 14:15 Worktown Michael Symonds Roberts' play is inspired by Humphrey Spender's photographs of Bolton in the 1930s. Following a funeral procession through the cobbled backstreets; the play dips into pockets of life on its way. Poetry; dialogue; monologue and song combine to create a funny and sometimes poignant picture of the richness of local life at the time. Narrator ...... Russell Dixon Gwen/Barmaid ...... Janice Connolly Jim ...... Bernard Wrigley Alfie ...... John Henshaw Policeman ...... Andrew Grose Angus ...... Oliver Lee Doorman/Mr Adams ...... Antony Bessick Driver/Mourner ...... Terence Mann Directed by Susan Roberts.
12 9 2008 Friday 14:15 A Tiger for Malgudi By RK Narayan; dramatised by Ronald Frame. Now the companion of a Sadu; an ageing tiger looks back on his life. A rich evocation of Indian life in the 1970s; this comic narrative views human absurdities through the eyes of a wild animal. Deputy/Zoo Keeper/Captain/Jaddu ...... Paul Bazely Teacher ...... Meneka Das Alphonse/Mandan ...... Kulvinder Ghir Shekar ...... Raman Goyal Wife ...... Indira Joshi Raja; the Tiger ......Raad Rawi The Master ...... Nadim Sawalha Directed by Lu Kemp.
15 9 2008 Monday 14:15 The Day They Wouldn't Take it Any More Sue Rodwell's play is based on real events. When Luton's Mayor Henry Impey decides to hold a major event to celebrate peace in the summer of 1919; he invites only councillors and friends. The returning soldiers; many unemployed; many disabled; are forgotten; but are determined to make their voices heard. Intransigence on both sides leads to open conflict as the day of celebration becomes a riot. Henry Impey ...... David Timson Mrs Impey ...... Annette Badland Cooper ...... Richard Derrington Smith ...... Richard Katz Fred Gibson ...... Adrian Grove Nell Gibson ...... Anne-Marie Piazza Insp Jackson ...... Ian Brooker Directed by Rosemary Watts.
16 9 2008 Tuesday 14:15 A Tokyo Murder By John Dryden and Miriam Smith. 1/3. Detective Inspector Julie Hill is sent to Tokyo to investigate the disappearance of British teacher Daisy Whitelock. Working with the Tokyo police; who are reluctant to have a foreign officer interfering with the case; she has to overcome cultural and bureaucratic obstacles as she attempts to untangle what really happened at the foreign language school where Daisy taught. Julie Hill ...... Rachel Ferguson Assistant Inspector Takasugi ...... Takuya Matsumoto Superintendent Yamagawa ...... Teruhiko Nakajima Alex ...... Michael Naishtut Brie ...... Erika Hirokawa Akira Takahashi ...... Nariyasu Kato Other parts played by Ken Endo; Daan Archer; Shinji Kobata; Hiroaki Nojima; Masaru Yoshihara; Takako Anami; Rika Wakasugi and Kei Katsumoto. Directed by John Dryden.
17 9 2008 Wednesday 14:15 A Tokyo Murder By John Dryden and Miriam Smith. 2/3. Daisy Whitelock arrives in Tokyo to teach English at a foreign language school. Her desire to explore beneath the surface of Japanese society leads her to shun the companionship of the other expat teachers in her shared apartment and exposes her to the terrifying reality of a disturbed mind. Daisy Whitelock ...... Sophie Cartman Akira Takahashi ...... Nariyasu Kato Brie ...... Erika Hirokawa Alex ...... Michael Naishtut Other parts played by Junnichi Takahashi; Sachiko Yamada; Adam Browning; Shinji Kobata; Rika Wakasugi; Kei Katsumoto; Ken Endo; Masaru Yoshihara; Teruhiko Nakajima; Takako Anami; Erika Akiyama; Hikari Motohashi. Directed by John Dryden.
18 9 2008 Thursday 14:15 A Tokyo Murder By John Dryden and Miriam Smith. 3/3. Jennifer and Peter Whitelock arrive in Japan to help find their daughter's murderer. Frustrated with the progress of the police investigation; Peter puts his trust in TV producer Norio Ito; who promises to champion their cause on his popular show. Jennifer explores her daughter's life in Tokyo; but then she starts getting calls from a man claiming to be the killer. Jennifer Whitelock ...... Lynne Hobday Peter Whitelock ...... Martin Burns Akira Takahashi ...... Nariyasu Kato Norio Ito ...... Ryuji Yoshimura Brie ...... Erika Hirokawa Other parts played by Junnichi Takahashi; Sachiko Yamada; Gemma Nokes; Shinji Kobata; Michael Rhys; Hiroaki Nojima; Teruhiko Nakajima; Adam Browning; Masaru Yoshihara; Haruhi Tsumoto; Takako Anami; Kei Katsumoto. Directed by John Dryden.
19 9 2008 Friday 14:15 The Judgement Test By Michael Butt. A probing journalist asks Constable John Woolf; an officer in the armed units of the police; some difficult questions about his job; its physical and psychological dangers and the split-second life-and-death decisions he has to make. He gets some very unexpected answers. John Woolf ...... Ian Hart Paul ...... Jay Simpson Linda ...... Claire Price Gerry Lawson ...... Alistair Danson Mr Taylor ...... Peter Sproule Mrs Taylor ...... Caroline Gruber Armourer ...... Ian Barnes Counsellor ...... Andrew Branch Directed by Penny Gold.
22 9 2008 Monday 14:15 Silent Nights By David Nobbs; creator of Reginald Perrin. Gordon's hatred of noise is threatening his marriage; and his attempts to foist silence on the world succeed only in making matters worse. Gordon Flitch ...... Jonathan Coy Alison Flitch ...... Doon Mackichan Jonathan Pelt ...... Stephen Critchlow Vicky ...... Helen Longworth Esterhazy ...... John Rowe Shopkeeper ...... Dan Starkey Director ...... Peter Kavanagh
23 9 2008 Tuesday 14:15 Elephant and Castle Robin Baker's romantic comedy charts the relationship between insecure; self-destructive Ian and enigmatic aspiring novelist Kat. The story begins at the end of their relationship and goes back to its origins and Kat's arrival into the midst of Ian's premature mid-life crisis. Ian ...... Rory Kinnear Kat ...... Lyndsey Marshal Jude ...... Olivia Colman Janet ...... Carolyn Pickles Other parts played by Manjeet Mann; Jill Cardo and Gunnar Cauthery.
24 9 2008 Wednesday 14:15 Last Days of Grace By Nick Warburton Easter Monday 1908 sees snow on the ground as WG Grace contemplates another day in his long cricketing career. Arriving at the Oval; the ageing icon cannot bear to sit in the clubhouse to meet the usual people. Instead; he trudges out into the cold to face a different type of questioning. WG Grace ...... Kenneth Cranham GF Grace ...... Benedict Cumberbatch Voice of Cricket ...... Christopher Martin-Jenkins
25 9 2008 Thursday 14:15 Unseen Austen By Judith French. Impertinent young Lydia Bennet discovers that it is her sister Elizabeth who is the heroine of Pride and Prejudice and that her own love life is all offstage. She sets about putting matters right. Lydia Bennet ...... Jodie Whittaker Elizabeth Bennet ...... Clare Corbett Mr Darcy ...... Gunnar Cauthery Kitty Bennet ...... Jill Cardo George Wickham/Mr Collins ...... Chris Pavlo Mr Bennet ...... Stephen Critchlow Mrs Bennet ...... Janice Acquah
26 9 2008 Friday 14:15 Caesar Price our Lord By Fin Kennedy. Illusionist Caesar Price has reproduced nearly all of the miracles of Jesus and built a massive cult following; but is he prepared for what will happen when he decides to stage the crucifixion? Caesar ...... Lee Ingleby Sam ...... Aidan Parsons Lois ...... Emma Cunniffe Mum ...... Joanne Mitchell Dad/Ben ...... Conrad Nelson Alan/Pastor ...... Robert Pickavance Barry ...... David Fleeshman Judy ...... Carla Henry Original music by Jon Nicholls. Directed by Nadia Molinari.
29 9 2008 Monday 14:15 Love's Executioner By Rachel Joyce; adapted from the case notes of Dr Irvin Yalom. Thelma is 70 years old and in love with a man 24 years her junior. They had a brief affair eight years ago and Thelma still can't get him out of her mind. Can psychotherapy cure her magnificent obsession? Thelma ...... Katherine Helmond Therapist ...... Harry Hamlin Matthew ...... Kevin Kilner Directed by Kate McAll.
30 9 2008 Tuesday 14:15 Number 10 Series of plays by Jonathan Myerson depicting life inside Downing Street. 1/5. After a man dies from a virus picked up abroad; newspapers run a panic campaign that questions the government's security measures. Adam ...... Antony Sher Steve ...... Julian Rhind Tutt Monica ...... Sasha Behar Polly ...... Deborah Findlay Colin ...... Colin McFarlane Josephson ...... Philip Jackson Elliot ...... Christopher Ettridge Dimitri ...... Chris Pavlo Lord Rudolph ...... Paul Jesson Directed by Clive Brill.
1 10 2008 Wednesday 14:15 Clear Air Turbulence By Dana Fainaru. Mel's idyllic existence is turned upside-down when she suddenly stops sleeping. As the sprawling nights become filled in increasingly risky fashion; a would-be accomplice demands to join in the nocturnal adventures. Mel ...... Tara Fitzgerald Nick ...... Aidan McArdle Stephen ...... David Thorpe Saskia ...... Ashley Madekwe Dad ...... Ian Masters Nurse Tika ...... Sandra James-Young Other parts played by Rachel Bavidge; John Dougall; Jasmine Callan and Anthony Glennon. Directed by Toby Swift.
2 10 2008 Thursday 14:15 O Margate Poignant comedy by Annie Caulfield. Aisha is an Algerian artist; taking refuge from death threats in Margate. The town is trying to reinvent itself as the new St Ives; but is hindered by the inconvenient presence of asylum seekers. Aisha ...... Leila Farzad Saleh ...... Ashvin-Kumar Joshi Carol ...... Helen Longworth Paul ...... Russell Boulter Alan ...... Stephen Critchlow Penny ...... Nadia Williams Jane ...... Cherie Taylor-Battiste
3 10 2008 Friday 14:15 Blinded by Science By Paul Viragh. Research scientists Prof. Mike Hart and Dr Chris Murray don't like each other. What is more; they are competing to become the new government advisor on genetics. As they both strive to impress the new goverment minister; natural selection must prevail.
6 10 2008 Monday 14:15 Delayed Departures Matthew Solon's story of lost love and broken promises. When a flight to Dubrovnik is delayed the passengers are forced to wait; first in the departure lounge and later in an airport hotel. Among them is Laura Clarke; a doctor stuck in the past. Laura ...... Samantha Bond Alex ...... Matthew Solon Glynn ...... Robert Gwylim Other parts played by Charlotte Melia; Hana Bachankova and Lois Tucker. Directed by John Dryden.
7 10 2008 Tuesday 14:15 Number 10 Series of plays by Jonathan Myerson depicting life inside Downing Street. 2/5. The Prime Minister falls out with the Chancellor when he discovers that she has dropped some key tax reforms. It seems he may have no choice but to sack her; two days before she is due to deliver the Budget. Adam ...... Antony Sher Steve ...... Julian Rhind Tutt Monica ...... Sasha Behar Polly ...... Deborah Findlay Colin ...... Colin McFarlane Brampton of SIS ...... Simon Chandler Doyle; minister ...... Michael Eaves Peter Chadwick ...... Clive Russell Helen; Chancellor ...... Lucy Robinson Miss Twining ...... Charlotte West Oram Directed by Clive Brill.
8 10 2008 Wednesday 14:15 HMS Surprise Naval battles; political intrigue and romantic rivalry in Roger Danes's dramatisation of Patrick O'Brian's novel; set in 1804 in England; India and on the high seas. 1/3. Captain Jack Aubrey engages the Spanish at sea and the French on land; but falls victim to enemies at home. Jack Aubrey ...... David Robb Stephen Maturin ...... Richard Dillane Preserved Killick ...... Jon Glover Barret Bonden ...... David Timson Sir Joseph Blaine ...... Struan Rodger Sophie Williams ...... Liz Sutherland Lieutenant Pullings ...... David Holt Lieutenant Simmons ...... Dan Starkey Mrs Williams ...... Lesley Nichols Cecilia Williams ...... Sarah Danes Other parts played by the cast. Producer/director Bruce Young.
9 10 2008 Thursday 14:15 HMS Surprise Naval battles; political intrigue and romantic rivalry in Roger Danes's dramatisation of Patrick O'Brian's novel; set in 1804 in England; India and on the high seas. 2/3. Captain Jack Aubrey is ordered to convey a British ambassador to the East Indies. But in Bombay Stephen meets Diana Villiers; the one woman that Jack would avoid at any cost. Jack Aubrey ...... David Robb Stephen Maturin ...... Richard Dillane Diana Villiers ...... Adjoa Andoh Arthur Stanhope ...... David Timson Sophie Williams ...... Liz Sutherland Preserved Killick ...... Jon Glover Lieutenant Pullings ...... David Holt Midshipman Callow ...... Carl Prekopp Tobias Atkins ...... Stephen Critchlow Mrs Williams ...... Lesley Nichols Lieutenant Nichols ...... Dan Starkey Midshipman Babbington ...... Chris Pavlo Other parts played by the cast. Producer/director Bruce Young.
10 10 2008 Friday 14:15 HMS Surprise Naval battles; political intrigue and romantic rivalry in Roger Danes's dramatisation of Patrick O'Brian's novel; set in 1804 in England; India and on the high seas. 3/3. Tragedy halts the ship's journey to the East Indies. In Calcutta; Stephen makes a proposal of marriage and takes part in a duel. Jack Aubrey ...... David Robb Stephen Maturin ...... Richard Dillane Diana Villiers ...... Adjoa Andoh Arthur Stanhope ...... David Timson Lieutenant Pullings ...... David Holt Canning ...... Chris Pavlo Preserved Killick ...... Jon Glover Midshipman Callow ...... Carl Prekopp Lt Stourton ...... Stephen Critchlow Captain Muffit ...... John Rowe Lady Forbes ...... Lesley Nichol Miss Agatha ...... Sarah Danes Other parts played by the cast. Producer/director Bruce Young.
13 10 2008 Monday 14:15 Swimming Around Ireland By Martin Meenan. Steven was badly injured in a traffic accident and his physiotherapy hasn't been going well. When his physiotherapist comes up with an unusual plan to motivate her patient they begin a unique journey of imagination; discovery and hope. Steven ...... Michael Colgan Caet ...... Dawn Bradfield Mike ...... Kieran Lagan Porter ...... John Hewitt With Bill Maul; Patrick Watson; Chandrika Nayar; Itsareeya Johnston; Henryk Pieknik; Camilla Carroll and Fiona Woods. Directed by Heather Larmour.
14 10 2008 Tuesday 14:15 Number 10 Series of plays by Jonathan Myerson depicting life inside Downing Street. 3/5. The Prime Minister finds himself embroiled in unexpected complications on a trip to Gibraltar; and his wife draws media attention by meeting a former party worker who has just been released from prison. Adam ...... Antony Sher Steve ...... Julian Rhind-Tutt Monica ...... Sasha Behar Colin ...... Colin McFarlane Hannah ...... Kelly Hunter Admiral ...... Sean Baker George ...... Nicholas Murchie Ernest ...... Nigel Cooke Jackie ...... Ellie Haddington Esme ...... Charlotte Lucas Barbara ...... Nicholas Murchie Directed by Clive Brill.
15 10 2008 Wednesday 14:15 The Letter A letter turns up 50 years after it was first posted; and the revelations it contains threaten to shake the bedrock of a marriage. Gwen ...... Anne Reid Geoffrey ...... Ian Lindsay Caroline ...... Joanna David Young Gwen ....... Ellie Beaven
16 10 2008 Thursday 14:15 The Price of a Fish Supper By Catherine Czerkawska. Rab is a fisherman; like his father and grandfather before him. The decline of the Scottish fishing industry and the loss of his brother at sea have hit him hard. Rab ...... Paul Morrow Directed by Gerda Stevenson.
17 10 2008 Friday 14:15 Owls Atmospheric drama by Paul Evans. An old man and his sister are found dead in an isolated moorland house; both of them bound by a shared wish that becomes a fatal curse. Old Man ...... Jimmy Yuill Sister ...... Alyth McCormack Narrator ...... Paul Evans
20 10 2008 Monday 14:15 The Crash - A Killing By Mike Walker. Four ambitious young City traders launch their own hedge fund. They set out determined to play it safe; but soon two of the group decide to break ranks and take a dangerous risk that spells trouble for them all. Ewen ...... James MacPherson Tim ...... Benedict Wong Meredith ...... Laurel Lefkow Harry ...... Nicholas Boulton Carmody ...... Richard Howard Angela ...... Jill Cardo Directed by Eoin O'Callaghan.
21 10 2008 Tuesday 14:15 Number 10 Series of plays by Jonathan Myerson depicting life inside Downing Street. 4/5. The prime minister's chief of staff has been attacked and seriously injured during a routine walkabout. When it emerges that the attacker was recently released early from jail under a government initiative; the prime minister is forced to consider whether he should resign. Adam ...... Antony Sher Polly ...... Deborah Findlay Steve ...... Julian Rhind-Tutt Hannah ...... Kelly Hunter Monica ...... Sasha Behar Directed by Clive Brill.
22 10 2008 Wednesday 14:15 Mandrake An old woman; Irene; threatens her neighbour with a scythe when he tries to cut down a tree adjoining their houses. Ruth; a social worker; is called in to assess Irene's mental health; but as she gets to know her; she is drawn into a strange and magical tale that will change her life. Irene ...... Sara Kestelman Ruth ...... Martina Laird Poppy ...... Kate Aspinall Aiden ...... Hugh Ross Nick ...... Nicholas Boulton Written and directed by Anita Sullivan. Music devised and performed by Sara Harrison.
23 10 2008 Thursday 14:15 The Greater Good By Justin Hopper. It is 1915 and the celebrated German chemist Fritz Haber turns to developing poison gas as a weapon for the German military. His wife and former colleague Clara is appalled and sets about trying to stop him.
24 10 2008 Friday 14:15 Away Day At a regional airport somewhere in England; the ground services team are in disarray: baggage is disappearing; half the staff haven't turned up for work and the state-of-the-art display boards only show information in Ukrainian. So the boss decides it is time for a make-or-break away day; where the team's future is to be decided. Lionel ...... Tim McMullan Rhiannon/Woman ...... Sara Lloyd Mike ...... Nik Howden Dara ...... Marianne March Ronson/Prof ...... Keiron Self
27 10 2008 Monday 14:15 The Magician's Daughter Comedy drama by Adam Beeson; set in 19th-century Europe. A celebrated magician is shot on stage. With his dying breaths; he passes on the secrets of his spectacular act to his daughter. Fearing pursuit by jealous rivals, she disappears. Kronos ...... James Bryce Great Visado ...... Paul Young Katya ...... Lucy Paterson Richardson ...... Richard Conlon Cameron ...... Nick Underwood Chisnok ...... Mark McDonnell Zontik ..... Simon Donaldson Directed by Bruce Young.
28 10 2008 Tuesday 14:15 Number 10 Series of plays by Jonathan Myerson depicting life inside Downing Street. 5/5. Following the tragic death of his Personal Private Secretary; the Prime Minister has called an election. With four weeks until the country votes; the polls do not look promising. Adam ...... Antony Sher Steve ...... Julian Rhind-Tutt Monica ...... Sasha Behar Polly ...... Deborah Findlay Lord Rudolph ...... Paul Jesson Sheila Larwood ...... Clare Perkins Robert Wintour ...... Nigel Lindsay Greg Spender ...... John Warnaby Barry Hornsea ...... Connor McIntyre Reporter ...... Christopher Obi
29 10 2008 Wednesday 14:15 Love Contract Dark comedy by Mike Bartlett. Many companies ask staff to declare their office love affairs to guard against break-up fallout. Emma battles to hang on to her dignity in a series of increasingly bizarre interviews with her manager. Emma ...... Claire Rushbrook Manager ...... Ellie Haddington Directed by Claire Grove.
30 10 2008 Thursday 14:15 Memorials to the Missing Stephen Wyatt's play follows moves during the First World War to establish an Imperial War Graves Commission to record the graves of those killed in action. Fabian Ware ...... Anton Lesser Edwin Lutyens ...... Michael Maloney Macready ...... Keith Drinkel Florence Cecil ...... Theresa Gallagher Alice/nurse ...... Sophie Roberts Soldiers ...... Karl Davies; Alex Wyndham; Ben Crowe Directed by Martin Jenkins.
31 10 2008 Friday 14:15 Frank Comedy by poet Ian McMillan. Unemployed Frank starts fiddling the dole. He has to find someone to sign on in his place; so he creates a doppelganger. But will his double; Frankie; want a life of his own? With Kevin Eldon.
3 11 2008 Monday 14:15 Brief Lives Series of plays by Tom Fry and Sharon Kelly; set in a Manchester legal practice (1/4).
4 11 2008 Tuesday 14:15 Excluded By Michael Stewart. The headmaster of a failing comprehensive is flapping during inspection week. He comes up with a great idea to hide the problem by getting all the bad pupils out of school and into the dales. Unfortunately; the teacher he asks to lead the expedition has enough problems of his own. Nick ...... Leigh Symonds Ashley ...... Mikey North Khalid ...... Sascha Dhawan Becky ...... Lucy-Jo Hudson David ...... Howard Chadwick Directed by Gary Brown.
5 11 2008 Wednesday 14:15 Zauberjackl Atmospheric drama by Charlie Boucher; set in 17th-century Salzburg and based on one of Europe's last witchcraft trials. Two homeless young men; Lukas and Emil; are surviving on their wits; but when they become involved with a gang that is terrorising the city their lives are suddenly in danger. Lukas ...... Tom Geoffrey Emil ...... Michael Everest Spider ...... Jenny Harrold Max Gandolf ...... Christian Rodska Lord Percy ...... Martin Reeve Hans ...... Dan Winter Voice ...... Tony Rowlands
6 11 2008 Thursday 14:15 The Wrong Hero? Mark Burgess's drama re-imagines the circumstances surrounding the death of film star Leslie Howard; whose plane was shot down by German fighters in 1943. Howard and his business manager Alfred Chenhalls - who bore a striking resemblance to Winston Churchill - were on their way back to England from Lisbon after a speaking tour. Could their plane have been targeted in a case of mistaken identity? Leslie Howard ...... Simon Williams Alfred Chenhalls ...... Kenneth Cranham
7 11 2008 Friday 14:15 In Afghanistan - Poppy Seeds By Rachel McGill. An aid worker in Afghanistan decides that the fight to contain the opium trade is not working and that a fresh approach is needed. She starts buying opium direct from the farmers; ensuring not only that they obtain a fair price for their crop but also that the product is not bought by drug cartels. Katherine ...... Haydn Gwynne Syed ...... Sharif Dorani Jamila ...... Nathalie Armin Emma ...... Lynsey Pow Naseer ...... Jeff Mirza Poet ...... Hemi Yeroham Afghan woman ...... Zolfa Zahedi Directed by Graham Frost.
10 11 2008 Monday 14:15 Brief Lives Series of plays by Tom Fry and Sharon Kelly; set in a Manchester legal practice. 2/4. Sarah puts her principles on hold as she represents a suspected rapist. Frank ...... David Schofield Debbie ...... Atkins Sarah ...... Tracy-Ann Oberman Deedee ...... Pooky Quesnel Mark ...... Malcolm Tierney Andy ...... Andrew Knott Paula ...... Claire Keenan Greg ...... Joseph Milson Inspector ...... Paul Rider Music by Carl Harms.
11 11 2008 Tuesday 14:15 The Singer Urban love story by Lizzie Nunnery; with original songs. Frustrated musician Martin is infatuated by the sound of Kirsten singing from the flat downstairs; and embarks on an affair with the singer and her voice that threatens everything he has. Martin ...... Mark Womack Claire ...... Emma Cunniffe Kirsten ...... Liz Carter All songs written by Lizzie Nunnery. Music performed by Lizzie Nunnery with Vidar Norheim. Directed by Pauline Harris.
12 11 2008 Wednesday 14:15 Keep Your Pantheon David Mamet's comedy of ancient Roman manners. An impoverished actor-manager and his troupe struggle to survive under an absurdly autocratic military regime. Strabo ...... Martin Jarvis Lupus Albus ...... Lloyd Owen Philius ...... Darren Richardson Pelargon ...... Simon Templeman Ramus ...... Morgan Sheppard Quintus Magnus ...... Christopher Neame Titus ...... Kenneth Danziger Servant/1st Centurion/Armourer/Priest ...... Alan Shearman Messenger/2nd Centurion Guard ...... Matthew Wolf Directed by Rosalind Ayres.
13 11 2008 Thursday 14:15 Quartet Moving comedy by Donna Franceschild. With his life empty; save for dreams of former glory as a jazz musician; music teacher Robbie accidentally gains a jazz quartet. Robbie ...... Gerry Mulgrew Stuart ...... Callum Cuthbertson Iain ...... Stephen McCole Delilah ...... Katy Murphy Directed by Kirsty Williams.
14 11 2008 Friday 14:15 Operation Charlie Comedy by Rhys Lloyd; inspired by a real KGB plot to disrupt the investiture of the Prince of Wales in 1969. A professor of international studies is hosting a conference at a university in North Wales when he is contacted by a mysterious stranger who knows rather too much about his past. Professor Gerald Owen Jones ...... Robert Blythe Ryutin ...... Ewan Bailey Margaret Jones ...... Sharon Morgan Dr Mike Penrose ...... Doug Ballard Waiter ...... Dylan Williams
17 11 2008 Monday 14:15 Brief Lives Series of four plays by Tom Fry and Sharon Kelly; set in a Manchester legal practice. 3/4. Fat Doug lends a helping hand and Greg and Frank have double trouble. Frank ...... David Schofield Sarah ...... Tracy-Ann Oberman Greg ...... Joseph Millson Fat Doug ...... Tom Mannion DC Curtis ...... Gunnar Cauthery Christine ...... Janet Dibley Luke/Ashley ...... Alan Morrissey Deathwatch ...... Paul Rider Music by Carl Harms.
18 11 2008 Tuesday 14:15 The Twenty Mile Hall of Fame Comedy by Richard Cameron; set in the ex-mining community of Doncaster. Three men in search of a purpose decide to open a Mobile Hall of Fame; celebrating local heroes. But the project proves more of a challenge than anticipated. Dekker ...... Lee Ingleby Gaz ...... Steve Garti Billy ...... Stephen Critchlow
19 11 2008 Wednesday 14:15 The Architects By Chris Dunkley. Howard is coming to the end of an unremarkable career designing houses which all look much the same. He intends to pursue his retirement in similar fashion; exactly like the next man. Then he meets Pat; who has decided that things have to change. Howard ...... Michael Jayston Emma ...... Sandra Voe Pat ...... Karl Johnson Mr Warren/Mick ...... John Rowe Mrs Warren ...... Natasha Pyne Policeman/Alan ...... Ben Lewis Directed by Lu Kemp.
20 11 2008 Thursday 14:15 My Year Off Dramatisation of the writer and war reporter Robert McCrum's intimate account of his recovery from a stroke; suffered in 1995 at the age of just 42. McCrum's narrative is interspersed with extracts from the diaries kept by himself and his wife Sarah Lyall; whom he married just two months before he fell ill; throughout his long and difficult convalescence. Robert McCrum ...... Alex Jennings Sarah Lyall ...... Madeleine Potter Doctor/Dentist/Occupational Therapist ...... Richard Laing Paramedic/Speech Therapist/Physiotherapist ...... Rachel Atkins
21 11 2008 21/03/09 14:15 The Alibi Vanessa Rosenthal's dramatisation; based on Daphne du Maurier's short story. Charles Fenton feels trapped in both his job and his marriage. Perhaps a little random murder could help him to escape the stultifying routine? Charles Fenton ...... Michael Maloney Anna Kauffman ...... Lia Williams Edna Fenton ...... Joanna Wake DI Cooper ...... Richard Heap Sgt Wilson ...... Ben Crowe Jack Alhuson ...... Nicholas Collett Mabel Alhuson ...... Jane Purcell Directed by Chris Wallis.
24 11 2008 Monday 14:15 Brief Lives Series of four plays by Tom Fry and Sharon Kelly; set in a Manchester legal practice. 4/4. Matters come to a head when Fat Doug comes to visit. Frank ...... David Schofield Debbie ...... Emma Atkins Sarah ...... Tracy-Ann Oberman Greg ...... Joseph Millson Fat Doug ...... Tom Mannion Elaine ...... Helen Lederer Jemma ...... Manjeet Mann Judge ...... Stephen Critchlow Music by Carl Harms.
25 11 2008 Tuesday 14:15 Flaw in the Motor; Dust in the Blood Drama that explores manic depression; by Trevor Preston. Thomas's dreams are like thriller plots; even if his daily life is anything but. His complex relationship with his partner Lizzie reaches crisis point when he tries to steal a lorry to drive a load of supermarket food to Africa. Thomas ...... Rory Kinnear Dr Klein ...... Susan Engel Amy ...... Fenella Woolgar Lizzie ...... Janice Acquah Peter ...... Paul Rider Dr Beard ...... Jonathan Tafler Nita ...... Manjeet Mann Ratched ...... Inam Mirza Directed by Toby Swift.
26 11 2008 Wednesday 14:15 Pilgrim Series of modern-day fantasy adventures by Sebastian Baczkiewicz. 1/4. He Who Would Valiant Be Pilgrim is summoned to help retrieve an egg stolen by the outlaw faerie Puck from the Lady Ursula; a huge; powerful dragon; before she can exact terrible retribution. Pilgrim ...... Paul Hilton Puck ...... Jamie Foreman Vic ...... Paul Rider
27 11 2008 Thursday 14:15 Development Dark comedy by Doug Lucie. Property developer Mike appears to have it all; but the foundations are shaky. When his debts are called in; the brother of the family's Russian au pair offers a way out of their problems; but is it what it seems? Mike ...... Mark Bazeley Zoe ...... Samantha Spiro Marie ...... Amy Shindler Joe ...... Ashley Cook Tatyana ...... Larissa Kouznetsova Leo ...... Basher Savage
28 11 2008 Friday 14:15 Whitechapel Dreams By Bernard Kops. Widower Leo Silver is about to reluctantly retire as a librarian at Whitechapel Library when he encounters Aleya; a young Muslim girl seeking refuge in the library after a furious argument with her father. He is touched by her plight and; with the help of the literary 'ghosts' of the library; tries to help her through her dilemma. Leo Silver ...... Edward Halsted Aleya ...... Ruth D'Silva Isaac ...... Gunnar Cauthery Aleya's father ...... Paul Bhattacharjee Bernard Kops ...... Himself
1 12 2008 Monday 14:15 Prayer Mask Adventure based on the writings of 19th-century explorer Richard Burton. In a quest for knowledge; Burton sets out from Alexandria on an expedition to Mecca; disguised as an Afghani pilgrim. He and his two young guides encounter many dangers; all the while keeping his true identity secret. Lieutenant Richard Burton ...... Joseph Fiennes Mohammed ...... Akbar Kurtha Nur ...... Rasmus Hardiker Wali ...... Paul Rider Larking ...... Roger Hammond Kaaba official ...... Inam Mirza Surgeon ...... Jonathan Tafler Mohammed's mother ...... Natasha Pyne Directed by Peter Kavanagh.
2 12 2008 Tuesday 14:15 The Babington Plot Documentary-style drama by Michael Butt that tells the story of the 1586 plot to assassinate Elizabeth I and return England to Catholic rule under Mary; Queen of Scots. The story is told from the perspective of several of the conspirators - some genuine; some governemnt spies that had infiltrated the group. Presenter ...... Stephen Greif Robert Poley ...... Burn Gorman Thomas Salisbury ...... Sam Barnett Aloysius Skeres ...... Chris Pavlo Thomas Phelippes ...... Jonathan Tafler Robert Bull ...... Stephen Critchlow Gilbert Gifford ...... Inam Mirza Don Mendoza ...... Malcolm Tierney Mistress Bellamy ...... Marlene Sidaway Jane Tichbourne ...... Janice Acquah Agnes Lauren ...... Jill Cardo Shepherd ...... Dan Starkey Casey ...... Paul Rider Directed by Sasha Yevtushenko.
3 12 2008 Wednesday 14:15 Pilgrim Series of modern-day fantasy adventures by Sebastian Baczkiewicz. 2/4. Then Fancies Flee Away Travelling through Yorkshire; Pilgrim meets a woman whose son has been in a strange coma for the past seven years. He lies in his bed; surrounded by a huge growth of thorns. As Pilgrim investigates this enchantment he is drawn towards the darkness beneath the mysterious Round Barrow of Willy Howe. Pilgrim ...... Paul Hilton Noreen ...... Tricia Kelly Darren ...... Robert Lonsdale Tina ...... Jill Cardo Joey ...... Benjamin Askew Jaggs ...... Malcolm Tierney Les/Mulvahey ...... Paul Rider Girl ...... Agnes Bateman Directed by Jessica Dromgoole.
4 12 2008 Thursday 14:15 A Shropshire Lad A new setting of AE Housman's famous poem; exploring the fleetingness of love and decay of youth; adapted for radio by Steven Canny. With interviews and contributions from people across Shropshire. Poems performed by Simon Russell Beale.
5 12 2008 Friday 14:15 Looking for Dad By Michael Butt. Charlie's attempts at reconciliation with his estranged father are threatened by his wife's fierce but unexplained hostility to a man whom she has only ever met once in her life. Charlie ...... Henry Goodman Ray ...... Rob Jarvis Juliet ...... Lesley Sharp Matron ...... Richenda Carey Young Ray ...... Jarvis
8 12 2008 Monday 14:15 The End of the Alphabet Synopsis:Penny Leicester's adaptation of CS Richardson's novella. When Ambrose finds out that he has just one month to live; he and Zipper; his loving wife; embark on a round-the-world journey; alphabetically; from Amsterdam to Zanzibar. Zipper ...... Juliet Stevenson Ambrose ...... David Haig Narrator/Freddie ...... Adam Godley Kitts/Pru ...... Carolyn Pickles Doctor/Mr Umtata ...... Philip Fox Directed by Di Speirs. Broadcast: 08 Dec 200814:15BBC
9 12 2008 Tuesday 14:15 Eight Feet High and Rising Synopsis:Comedy by Ali Taylor. Liam; an 8ft 6ins recluse; lives with his mother; who is too fat to leave the house. Desperately short of money; she advertises for people to pay to come look at her giant son. Into their lives comes Sarah Jane; a dog-agent who reckons Liam can be 'really big'. Liam ...... James Alexandrou Ethel ...... Candassai Liburd Pat ...... Marcella Riordan Sarah-Jane ...... Julia Deakin Diane ...... Sophie Pemberton Sandra ...... Manjeet Mann Teacher ...... Inam Mirza Children played by Antonia Thomas; Nathan Adabadze; Sophia Crawford; Finnian Tweed. Broadcast: 09 Dec 200814:15BBC
10 12 2008 Wednesday 14:15 Pilgrim No Foes Shall Stay His Might Synopsis:Series of modern-day fantasy adventures by Sebastian Baczkiewicz. A powerful City banker who is a collector of the occult has recently captured a young girl who is a werewolf and he is now after Pilgrim himself. Pilgrim ...... Paul Hilton Haddonfield ...... Adrian Lukis Freya ...... Alex Tregear Doris ...... Susan Engel Mirabella ...... Janice Acquah Macadam ...... Dudley Sutton Trent ...... Gunnar Cauthery Wilson ...... Donnla Hughes Guide/Guard ...... Inam Mirza Girl ...... Agnes Bateman Directed by Marc Beeby. Broadcast: 10 Dec 200814:15BBC
11 12 2008 Thursday 14:15 The People's Princess Synopsis:By Shelagh Stephenson. Facing financial ruin; George; Prince of Wales was obliged to marry his first cousin Princess Caroline of Brunswick. But if he had been expecting a docile partner with whom he could maintain appearances; George had seriously underestimated his wife-to-be. George IV ...... Alex Jennings Caroline of Brunswick ...... Rebecca Saire Henry Brougham ...... Julian Rhind Tutt Lord Sidmouth ...... Chris McHallem Lord Liverpool ...... Richard Howard Sir Robert Gifford ...... Mark Lambert Lady Jersey ...... Jill Cardo Mr Majoucci ...... Nial Cusack Directed by Eoin O'Callaghan. Broadcast: 11 Dec 200814:15BBC
12 12 2008 Friday 14:15 Life Savings Synopsis:By Sarah Wooley. Wealthy businessman Des Dixon rethinks his legacy when he suffers a heart attack and loses much of his fortune as his Bank of Scotland shares plummet. Broadcast: 12 Dec 200814:15BBC Radio4
15 12 2008 Monday 14:15 Wodehouse in Hollywood Synopsis:Comedy by Tony Staveacre that intersperses PG Wodehouse's own writing with fictional scenes telling the story of the novelist's frustrating experiences in Hollywood. Broadcast: 15 Dec 200814:15BBC -- How To Be An Internee With No Previous Experience Synopsis:Drama by Colin Shindler based on the 1944 interviews between PG Wodehouse and a young Malcolm Muggeridge; working as a wartime interrogator for MI5; following Wodehouse's radio broadcasts to the United States from a Nazi internment camp. Wodehouse ...... Tim McInnerny Muggeridge ...... Alex Jennings Cussen ...... Anton Lesser Connor ...... Stephen Critchlow Flannery ...... Gunnar Cauthery Directed by Peter Leslie Wild. Broadcast: 16 Dec 200814:15BBC
16 12 2008 Tuesday 14:15 How To Be An Internee With No Previous Experience Last broadcast 16 Dec 2008; 14:15 on BBC . Synopsis:Drama by Colin Shindler based on the 1944 interviews between PG Wodehouse and a young Malcolm Muggeridge; working as a wartime interrogator for MI5; following Wodehouse's radio broadcasts to the United States from a Nazi internment camp. Wodehouse ...... Tim McInnerny Muggeridge ...... Alex Jennings Cussen ...... Anton Lesser Connor ...... Stephen Critchlow Flannery ...... Gunnar Cauthery Directed by Peter Leslie Wild. Broadcast: 16 Dec 200814:15BBC
17 12 2008 Wednesday 14:15 Pilgrim 'Gainst All Disaster Synopsis:Series of modern-day fantasy adventures by Sebastian Baczkiewicz. Pilgrim must try to save Joseph of Arimethea; who is being held captive by a malevolent angel bent on the destruction of the Greyfolk. Pilgrim ...... Paul Hilton Styler ...... Paul Rider Joseph ...... David Calder Sylvie ...... Anna Wing Doris ...... Susan Engel Freya ...... Alex Tregear Arianhad ...... Helen Schlesinger Guard ...... Gunnar Cauthery Girl ...... Agnes Bateman Directed by Jessica Dromgoole. Broadcast: 17 Dec 200814:15BBC
18 12 2008 Thursday 14:15 Miracle Worker Synopsis:Drama by Katharine Way. Seventeen-year-old Hannah is a spiritual healer; driven by her emotionally-vulnerable mother and guided by the memory of her dead sister; Lucy. Into this intense atmosphere enters Sam; Hannah's first real friend; who Hannah apparently heals of her crippling asthma. But when Sam suffers an almost fatal relapse; Hannah has a major crisis of confidence. Hannah ...... Beth Palmer Maxine ...... Sue Jenkins Sam ...... Lucy-Jo Hudson Lucy ...... Kate Crossley Paul ...... Daniel Pape Robbie ...... Luke Broughton Directed by Gary Brown. Broadcast: 18 Dec 200814:15BBC
19 12 2008 Friday 14:15 The Switch Synopsis:By Ali Smith; partly inspired by the romantic film musicals of Jacques Demy and told in a sequence of songs. Accompanied by his French bride; young English electrician George heads for the Scottish Highlands in the optimistic 1960s to set up in business. Forty years later; their daughter Genevieve remembers her parents and her childhood as she journeys by train from London back to Scotland. George ...... Nick Farr Sidonie ...... Lucy Paterson Genevieve ...... Gabriel Quigley With James Bryce; Richard Conlon; Monica Gibb; Dougal Lee; Joanna Tope and Anita Vettesse as the Chorus of Townspeople. Directed by David Jackson Young. Broadcast: 19 Dec 200814:15BBC
22 12 2008 Monday 14:15 The Borrowers Episode 1 Synopsis:Adaptation of Mary Norton's children's classic about the tiny Clock family that live under the floorboards of a large house. 14-year-old Arietty is getting impatient to escape the confines of her cosy home. Homily Clock ...... Paula Wilcox Pod Clock ...... Jeff Rawle Arrietty Clock ...... Claire Corbett Kate ...... Barbara Flynn Mrs Driver ...... Angela Curran The Boy ...... Sam Rawle Crampfurl ...... Terence Booth Ellen ...... Lil Woods Music by Richard Taylor. Directed by Chris Wallis. Broadcast: 22 Dec 200814:15BBC
23 12 2008 Tuesday 14:15 The Borrowers Episode 2 Synopsis:Adaptation of Mary Norton's children's classic about the tiny Clock family that live under the floorboards of a large house. Having emigrated to the field at the back of the house; the Clock family must find shelter before the sparrowhawks get them. Homily Clock ...... Paula Wilcox Pod Clock ...... Jeff Rawle Arrietty Clock ...... Claire Corbett Kate ...... Barbara Flynn Spiller ...... Mostyn James Mild Eye ...... Shaun Prendergast Tsura ...... Jane Purcell Tom ...... John Seaward Ellen ...... Lil Woods Sossett ...... Poppy Woods Lindlen ...... Saul Woods Borrower ...... Sam Rawle Music by Richard Taylor Directed by Chris Wallis. Broadcast: 23 Dec 200814:15BBC
24 12 2008 Wednesday 14:15 Christmas Eve Synopsis:Comic drama by Adam Beeson; based on a short story by Nikolai Gogol. As the snow falls on Christmas Eve in the Ukrainian village of Dikanka; the local witch is in league with a devil to steal the moon and stars. Meanwhile; the witch's son goes on a magical night flight to St Petersburg to borrow a pair of shoes from Catherine the Great. Gogol ...... Dave Anderson Solokha ...... Juliet Cadzow Vakula ...... Steven McNicol Devil ...... Paul Thomas Hickey Chub ...... Mark McDonnell Oksana ...... Lucy Paterson Mayor ...... Crawford Logan Deacon ...... Ralph Riach Directed by Bruce Young. Broadcast: 24 Dec 200814:15BBC
25 12 2008 Thursday 14:15 Pick of the Year
26 12 2008 Friday 14:15 The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes The Remarkable Performance of Mr Frederick Merridew Synopsis:Series of four new tales of mystery and murder by Bert Coules; inspired by the stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. A night at the music hall ends in death; a Wild West sharpshooter finds a new personality; a brick wall crumbles and Holmes is engaged by a most unexpected client. Sherlock Holmes ...... Clive Merrison Dr John Watson ...... Andrew Sachs Merridew ...... Hugh Bonneville Stamford ...... Malcolm Tierney Charlotte ...... Jill Cardo Fragson ...... Jonathan Tafler Flora ...... Donnla Hughes George ...... Stephen Critchlow Directed by Patrick Rayner. Broadcast: 26 Dec 200814:15BBC
29 12 2008 Monday 14:15 Road Trip Synopsis:Comedy by Aisha Khan. Nasser takes his daughter Hana and her children on a surprise holiday. Could this be the trip that saves a marriage and reunites a family? Nasser ...... Vincent Ebrahim Hana ...... Yasmin Wilde Zak ...... Parvez Qadir Ani ...... Afshan Azad Bil ...... Adem Kanso. Broadcast: 29 Dec 200814:15BBC
30 12 2008 Tuesday 14:15 43 Letters Synopsis:By Rony Robinson. Julia and David work together in the family archives. One day; a mysterious envelope arrives for David with letters from 43 women; all answering a lonely hearts advert that he didn't place. David ...... David Calder Julia ...... Barbara Marten Miranda ...... Helen Flanagan Ruskin ...... Sacha Dhawan Directed by Pauline Harris. Broadcast: 30 Dec 200814:15BBC
31 12 2008 Wednesday 14:15 Mr Luby's Fear of Heaven Synopsis:Comedy by John Mortimer. When Lewis Luby comes around late at night in an Italian hospital; he finds himself lying under the monstrous big toe of God. Surely some mistake; for Luby; who has never for one moment believed in the immortality of the soul; cannot possibly be in heaven. Lewis Luby ...... Jeremy Irons Tommy Fletcher ...... Stephen Critchlow Sophie Luby ...... Marsha Fitzalan Doctor ...... Chris Pavlo Miss Waterlow ...... Donnla Hughes English Guide ...... Dan Starkey Italian Guide/Nun ...... Flaminia Cinque Directed by Jeremy Mortimer. Broadcast: 31 Dec 200814:15BBC
SATURDAY PLAY
5 1 2008 14:30 Underneath the Lintel Greg Berger's quirky and touching one-man play. A lonely Dutch librarian tells the poignant story of his quest to prove and justify his life. His extraordinary journey begins when; to his astonishment; a book is returned 113 years overdue. Richard Schiff stars.
12 1 2008 14:30 Passion Play Peter Nichols's acclaimed study of adultery and betrayal. James and Eleanor are happily married; or so they think. Kate; the young widow of one of their oldest friends; makes it clear to James that she thinks him very attractive. It is an offer he finds very difficult to resist. James ...... Nicholas Le Prevost Eleanor ...... Joanna David Agnes ...... Gemma Jones Kate ...... Emily Bruni Directed by Colin Guthrie.
19 1 2008 14:30 The Tennis Court Jonathan Smith's love story is set in England and India during WWII. Sam Greenwood is posted to India with the 14th Army while his haemophiliac brother Arthur has to remain at home in Kent. Under siege in the small hilltop town of Kohima in northern India; Sam steels himself for the Japanese onslaught; but is haunted by events at home and a secret he has not shared with Arthur. Sam ...... Dan Stevens Arthur ...... Jot Davies Mother ...... Celia Imrie Lettie ...... Jasmine Hyde Pearce ...... Thomas Arnold Penny ...... Cressida Trew Tom ...... Martin T Sherman Directed by Bruce Young
26 1 2008 14:30 The Listening Room Psychological thriller by Steve Gough set in the year 2036; exploring truth; confidentiality and morality. Kathleen works on a national helpline in a call centre named The Listening Room. She starts to receive calls from a man who has a terrible secret of international importance. He has been manipulated by the powers-that-be into committing dreadful crimes; but can she believe him? And should she confide in anyone else? Kathleen ...... Becky Hindley Robert ...... Kevin Doyle John ...... Lloyd Hutchinson Lisa ...... Fiona Clarke Directed by Pauline Harris
2 2 2008 14:30 Flashman at the Charge George MacDonald Fraser's dramatisation of his own novel; repeated as a tribute to the author who died last month. 1/2. Adventurer; cad; lecher and coward Harry Flashman suffers the ill fortune of being caught up in the Charge of the Light Brigade. His resourcefulness in surviving the debacle finds him in the frozen Russian wastes; with cruel enemies on one side and bewitching beauties on the other. With Joss Ackland; Angus Wright; Jayne McKenna; Tracy-Ann Oberman. Directed by Patrick Rayner.
9 2 2008 14:30 Flashman at the Charge George MacDonald Fraser's dramatisation of his own novel; repeated as a tribute to the author who died last month. 2/2. Adventurer; cad; lecher and coward Harry Flashman is in possession of secret intelligence vital to the safety of British India. He finds himself riding with the descendants of Tamurlaine and Genghis Khan against the might of imperial Russia. With Joss Ackland; Angus Wright; Jayne McKenna. Directed by Patrick Rayner.
16 2 2008 14:30 Spellbound Amanda Dalton's adaptation of Francis Beeding's murder mystery The House of Dr Edwardes; upon which Hitchcock's film Spellbound was based. The new head of a mental hospital is not what he claims to be - but who is he? Directed by Susan Roberts.
23 2 2008 14:30 The Voyage of the Demeter Robert Forrest's chilling tale of the supernatural; set on a schooner sailing from Bulgaria to England in 1867. Something very unpleasant is lurking aboard the ship; and the voyage becomes a terrifying ordeal. Ripelski ...... Finlay Welsh Robash ...... Gary Lewis Kanesky ...... Steven McNicoll Bretov ...... Grant O'Rourke Gentleman ...... Alexander Morton
1 3 2008 14:30 Missing Dates By Simon Gray. Brothers Michael and Jason vie with each other for the attention of Anita; but what is it that she wants? Jason ...... Toby Stephens Michael ...... Jasper Britton Anita ...... Monica Dolan Wendy ...... Faye Castelow Dominic ...... Joseph Kloska Directed by Jane Morgan. .
8 3 2008 14:30 Blinded by the Sun A new radio version of Stephen Poliakoff's 1996 National Theatre play about a scientific fraud in an English university. The pressure to succeed leads a scientist to claim a major breakthrough in the energy field. But when he fails to replicate his experiment; the fallout causes long-term conflict amongst a previously close set of colleagues. Al Golfar ...... Alex Jennings Elinor Brickman ...... Harriet Walter Christopher Lathwell ...... Steven Pacey Joanna ...... Jodie Whittaker Professor ...... John Rowe Ghislane Lathwell ...... Christine Kavanagh Barbara ...... Helen Longworth Charlie ...... Christian Rodska Directed by Peter Leslie Wild. .
15 3 2008 14:30 The Dark Side Comic adventure by David Chapel. 1/2. James is an idealistic MP's researcher more concerned with ethics than power. However; when he is sacked; he finds himself on the other side of politics as a reluctant lobbyist. James ...... Sam Troughton Gila ...... Jemima Rooper Annie ...... Christine Bottomley Cairncross ...... Karl Johnson Brannigan ...... Stephen Critchlow Tone ...... Ben Crowe Hartigan ...... Helen Longworth Pikey ...... Chris Pavlo Harris ...... John Rowe Huxtable ...... Ben Onwukwe Mo ...... Liz Sutherland Directed by Jonquil Panting.
22 3 2008 14:30 The Dark Side Comic adventure by David Chapel. 2/2. Can the idealistic James cut it as a lobbyist or will his politics betray him; along with his clients? James ...... Sam Troughton Gila ...... Jemima Rooper Annie ...... Christine Bottomley Cairncross ...... Karl Johnson Greenglass ...... Stephen Critchlow Mo ...... Liz Sutherland Wanless ...... Ben Crowe Ripley ...... Peter Marinker Miss Fremantle ...... Liza Sadovy Directed by Jonquil Panting.
29 3 2008 14:30 1968: 4.4.68 Jon Sen's play recalls the events of the last days of Martin Luther King's life before the civil rights leader was assassinated. Martn Luther King ...... Danny Sapani Ralph Abernathy ...... Shaun Parks Louve ...... Michael Begley Harry ...... Trevor Cooper Radio reporter ...... Peter Marinker Charles Cabbage ...... Danny Lee Wynter Jesse Jackson ...... Richie Campbell Original music composed by Philip Guyler.
5 4 2008 14:30 Shell Shocked Gregory Burke's moving story of two brothers who are separated in the trenches of the First World War and whose lives take very different paths. Tommy ...... John Buick Mr Leitch ...... Angus McInnes Mr Macleod ...... Paul Young Pat ...... John Kielty Major Munro/Lord Bruce ...... Richard Greenwood Billy/Doctor ...... Jordan Young Directed by Gaynor Macfarlane.
12 4 2008 14:30 Journey into Space: Frozen in Time A tribute to Charles Chilton's iconic 1960s series Journey into Space. The crew of the spacecraft Ares awake from suspended animation in 2013 to find themselves unwittingly caught up in a seismic deception. At stake is not only their own lives but also the very future of the planet Earth. Captain Jet Morgan ...... David Jacobs Mitch ...... Michael Beckley Doc and Ed ...... Alan Marriott Lemmy ...... Chris Moran Astrid ...... Emma Fielding Jensen ...... Stephen Hogan Radio Operator and Female Voice ...... Kate Harbour Music by David Chilton. Directed by Nicholas Russell-Pavier.
19 4 2008 14:30 Dr Johnson's Dictionary of Crime Comic thriller by David Ashton. Samuel Johnson and James Boswell tackle the teeming London underworld of 1781. How can a man who has shot another at point blank range be saved from the gallows; and how can the power and vested interest of a man highly placed in His Majesty's Government be defeated? Dr Johnson ...... Timothy West James Boswell ...... Stuart McQuarrie Hester Thrale ...... Joanna David Lord Spencer ...... David Shaw-Parker Capt John Porteous ...... Oliver Milburn Tobias Boothroyd ...... Harry Myers Caroline Spencer ...... Abigail Hollick Lady Crewe ...... Teresa Gallagher Serena Boothroyd ...... Cathy Sara Silas Pike ...... Ron Cook Directed by Marilyn Imrie.
26 4 2008 14:30 The Small Back Room Richard Stevens's dramatisation of Nigel Balchin's tense WWII thriller. Sammy Rice is called in to try and solve the mystery of a series of unexploded bombs that are being scattered after German air raids. They lie dormant and then inexplicably explode on human contact. Holland/Brine ...... Paul Jesson Sammy ...... Damian Lewis Tilly ...... Dominc Rowan Waring ...... Nick Rowe Sue ...... Rebecca Saire Mair ...... Christopher Benjamin Stuart ...... Will Keen Joe ...... Stuart Laing Pinker/Strang ...... Sean Baker
3 5 2008 14:30 Cigarettes and Chocolate Anthony Minghella's Giles Cooper Award winning radio play; first broadcast nearly twenty years ago; repeated as a tribute to the author who died recently. Gemma's unexplained silence is the catalyst for a reaction amongst her friends and lovers both unfaithful and unrequited; which starts as mild irritation but becomes increasingly uncontrolled as her passive but forceful refusal to speak drives them to distraction. Lorna ...... Juliet Stevenson Rob ...... Bill Nighy Gemma ...... Jenny Howe Gemma's Mother ...... Joan Campion Alastair ...... Alex Norton Gail ...... Jane Gurnett Sample ...... Christopher Ravenscroft Concepcion ...... Sally Eldridge Directed by Anthony Minghella and Robert Cooper.
10 5 2008 14:30 Two Planks and a Passion Anthony Minghella's tender and comic account of a provincial Easter six hundred years ago; repeated as a tribute to the author. The citizens of York are preparing to perform the Mystery Cycle for Richard II and his long-suffering queen; Anne of Bohemia. The royal visit is cause for anxiety; civic pride and very hard work; but most of all it inspires the Guildsmen of York to give their best ever performance of the Passion Play. Richard II ...... Bill Nighy Earl of Oxford ...... Tim McInnerny Catherine La Kolve ...... Julia McKenzie The Archbishop ...... Julian Fellowes Edward Young ...... David Battley Will Bluefront ...... Chris Jury Queen Anne ...... Sophie Thompson Walter Painter ...... Craig Heaney Father Melton ...... Terrance Hillier Sarah Zachary ...... Felicity Montagu Geoffrey le Kolve ...... Ken Jones Alice Selby ...... Jean Boht William Selby ...... James Grout Directed by Anthony Minghella and Bruce Hyman. .
17 5 2008 14:30 The Accountant of Solyanka Square By Sebastian Baczkiewicz. Now that Andrei's business interests are legitimate; he never talks about how he made his millions. But when he is kidnapped by his estranged son Victor; who will stop at nothing to get answers; he is forced to reveal his secrets. Andrei ...... Steven Mackintosh Victor ...... Steven Webb Alina ...... Kate Ashfield Chubatkin ...... Struan Rodger Valentin ...... Ben Crowe Orlovsky ...... John Rowe Verzirov ...... Stephen Critchlow Vzrovskaya ...... Liz Sutherland Directed by Sasha Yevtushenko.
24 5 2008 14:30 Dr No Hugh Whitemore's dramatisation of Ian Fleming's 1958 novel; to celebrate the author's centenary. Bond is sent to investigate a strange disappearance on the island of Jamaica and discovers that the heart of the mystery lies with a sinister recluse known as Dr No. M ...... John Standing James Bond ...... Toby Stephens Dr No ...... David Suchet Armourer ...... Peter Capaldi Chief of Staff ...... Nicky Henson Moneypenny ...... Janie Dee Airport Announcer/Receptionist ...... Inika Leigh Wright Airport Official/Pus-Feller/Henchman ...... Kobna Holdbrook-Smith Quarrel ...... Clarke Peters Miss Chung/Sister Lily ...... Kosha Engler Pleydell Smith ...... Samuel West Miss Taro/Telephonist/Sister May/Tennis girl ...... Jordanna Tin Librarian ...... Lucy Fleming Honey Rider ...... Lisa Dillon Guard/Henchman/Crane Driver ...... Jon David Yu Acting Governor of Jamaica ...... Simon Williams Voice of Ian Fleming ...... Martin Jarvis Original music by Mark Holden and Samuel Barbour. Directed by Martin Jarvis.
31 5 2008 14:30 Let's Murder Vivaldi New radio production of David Mercer's 1968 play. Monica and Gerald are not happy together. Gerald keeps bringing home sensitive young women; of whom Julie is the latest. Julie and her boyfriend Ben are not happy together either. When Julie walks out on Ben and Monica suggests divorce to Gerald; Julie and Gerald decide they should go away together. They think that spending a night on the Suffolk coast might resolve everything - in one way or another. Ben ...... Toby Stephens Julie ...... Clare Lawrence Monica ...... Haydn Gwynne Gerald ...... Patrick Malahide
7 6 2008 14:30 Sacred Statues By William Trevor. Penniless sculptor Corry struggles to make ends meet for his pregnant wife Nuala and their children. Unbeknown to him; Nuala comes up with a shocking plan. Nuala ...... Eileen Walsh Corry ...... Gary Lydon Mrs Falloway ...... Judy Parfitt Etty ...... Ger Ryan Mr Renne ...... Kieran Lagan Boys ...... Adam Maul; Davis Best
14 6 2008 14:30 Betrayal - Plenty David Hare's play contrasts the experiences of an Englishwoman helping the French Resistance during the Second World War with her life over the following twenty years. The drama offers a unique view of postwar history as well as making a powerful statement about changing values and the collapse of ideals embodied in a single life. Susan Traherne ...... Miranda Richardson Alice ...... Hattie Morahan Brock ...... Ben Miles Lazar ...... Michael Gould Frenchman 1/Begley ...... Jonathan Cullen Darwin ...... Geoffrey Palmer Mick ......Paul Anderson Louise ...... Emilie-Kate Owen Aung ...... Chooi Beh Priest/Announcer ...... Dale Rapley Dorcas ...... Ellie Beaven Charleson ...... Angus Wright Frenchman 2 ...... Sylvester Morand Directed by John Dove.
21 6 2008 14:30 Beat the Dog in His Own Kennel Fast-moving thriller by Gary Brown; set soon after the Second World War and based on real events as Britain attempts to block the establishment of an independent Jewish state. A young Jewish lad from the East End; released from prison after causing trouble at a Fascist rally; is approached by a member of the Jewish underground who is planning to assassinate foreign secretary Ernest Bevin. He finds himself out of his depth and torn between two loyalties. Harry ...... Jonathan Tafler Dov ...... Richard Katz Thompson ...... Robert Lister Sarah ...... Amy Shindler Joey ...... Dan Crow Avi ...... Stephen Greif Len ...... Ben Crowe Directed by Peter Leslie Wild.
28 6 2008 14:30 Rebus - Black and Blue By Ian Rankin; dramatised by Chris Dolan. 1/2. Investigating the violent death of a North Sea oil worker in Edinburgh; Rebus uncovers a variety of possible motives. His inquiries take him from Edinburgh to Glasgow and Aberdeen before he finds his investigation overlapping with a major hunt for a serial killer who has struck in all three cities. John Rebus ...... Ron Donachie Ludo Lumsden ...... Iain Robertson Siobhan Clarke ...... Gayanne Potter Jack Morton ...... Simon Tait Tracy Minchell ...... Irene Allan Judd Fuller ...... Simon Donaldson Edward Grogan ...... Mark McDonnell Briony McLean ...... Natalie Bennett Ryan Slocum ...... John Kazek Eve Cudden ...... Juliet Cadzow Joe Toal ...... Laurie Ventry Directed by Bruce Young.
5 7 2008 14:30 Rebus: Black and Blue By Ian Rankin; dramatised by Chris Dolan. 2/2. While investigating the violent death of a North Sea oil worker in Edinburgh; Rebus becomes a suspect in the police hunt for a serial killer known as Johnny Bible. Undeterred; Rebus pursues both murder investigations; but soon begins to fear that the man responsible for a series of unsolved murders in the 1960s is also tracking his enquiries. John Rebus ...... Ron Donachie Jack Morton ...... Simon Tait Ludo Lumsden ...... Iain Robertson Siobhan Clarke ...... Gayanne Potter Ryan Slocum ...... John Kazek Eve Cudden ...... Juliet Cadzow Mrs Slocum ...... Irene Allan Joanna Bruce ...... Natalie Bennett Edward Grogan ...... Mark McDonnell Judd Fuller ...... Simon Donaldson Stanley Toal ...... Stevie Hannan Directed by Bruce Young.
12 7 2008 14:30 A Night with Johnny Stompanato Jonathan Holloway's hard-boiled Hollywood drama is based on a true story. One night in 1958; police were called to the home of superstar Lana Turner. The actress's current boyfriend Johnny Stampanato lay in a pool of blood; stabbed to death by Lana's daughter Cheryl. At the subsequent inquest; Turner gave the performance of her life. Lana Turner ...... Laurence Bouvard Johnny Stampanato ...... John Guerrasio Cheryl ...... Georgie Moffett Del ...... Demetri Goritsas McGinley ...... John Chancer Geisler ...... Paul Mohan Langhauser ...... John Telfer Bill Brooks ...... Oliver Millingham Annie ...... Kim Baker Directed by Sara Davies.
19 7 2008 14:30 The Test Taut psychological thriller by Peter Whalley. John Newland's life is turned upside down when an old murder case from 20 years ago; in which he was a suspect; is reopened. He now must take a DNA test; and is terrified that his wife will at last discover the terrible and strange lie he has been living for 20 years. John Newlands ...... David Bamber Sue Newlands ...... Denise Black Mike ...... David Fleeshman David ...... Seamus O'Neill DI Musker ...... Craig Cheetham Directed by Pauline Harris.
26 7 2008 14:30 These Are the Times A Life of Thomas Paine; by Trevor Griffiths. 1/2. Common Sense Penniless; Paine arrives in America as the struggle for independence is beginning. His ideas and his writings take him straight to the heart of events and his words are read out to Washington's army. Tom Paine ...... Jonathan Pryce Benjamin Franklin ...... Alan Howard Thomas Jefferson ...... Ken Cranham Governor Morris ...... Robert Glenister Marthe Daley ...... Kelly Hunter George Washington ...... Philip Jackson Rittenhouse ...... Jack Shepherd Sam Adams ...... Paul Jesson Joseph ...... Nick Rowe Lafayette ...... John McAndrew Mrs Downey ...... Marcella Riordan House Speaker ...... Hugh Ross Will ...... Kwayedza Kureya Lotte ...... Julia Reinstein Music by John Tams. Directed by Clive Brill.
2 8 2008 14:30 These Are the Times A Life of Thomas Paine; by Trevor Griffiths. 2/2. Age of Reason Paine is again embroiled in revolution; this time in France. During the Reign of Terror; his best efforts for the new Republic result in his imprisonment; and American help is a long time coming. Tom Paine ...... Jonathan Pryce Carney ...... Romola Garai Thomas Jefferson ...... Ken Cranham Governor Morris ...... Robert Glenister Danton ...... Francois Guetary Short ...... Will Keen Lafayette ...... John McAndrew Edmund Burke ...... Paul Jesson Bancal ...... Hugh Ross Clio Rickman ...... Jack Shepherd Monroe ...... Nick Rowe Sally Hemmings ...... Clare Perkins Father ...... Christopher Obi Thomas ...... Kwayedza Kureya Music by John Tams. Directed by Clive Brill.
9 8 2008 14:30 Dover and the Unkindest Cut of All Comedy thriller by Joyce Porter; set in the 1970s; dramatised by Paul Mendelson. Chief Inspector Dover's annual seaside break becomes a busman's holiday with the death of a local policeman. Was it suicide and was it linked to the recent murder of a well-known gangster? It's another strange case for Scotland Yard's laziest detective. Chief Inspector Dover ...... Kenneth Cranham Sgt McGregor ...... Stuart McQuarrie Chief Constable ...... Philip Madoc Mrs Dover ...... Carolyn Pickles Sgt Rhys-Smith ...... Gareth Armstrong Joey the Jock ...... Ben Crowe Miss Ffiske ...... Jennifer Hill Sandra Pugh ...... Siwan Morris Directed by David Ian Neville.
16 8 2008 14:30 The Balloonists Craig Stephens's boisterous comedy about infamous Victorian balloonist Henry Coxwell; who convinces beleaguered theatre impresario George Hansum to stage his most celebrated and near fatal flight. Can Hansum pull off such a daring and spectacular venture and save his theatre from closure? Henry Coxwell ...... Patrick Driver James Glaisher ...... Sam Dale George Hansum ...... Kim Wall Clara Fry ...... Alex Kelly Charles Fry ...... Alex Jones Roger Barrington ...... Greg Hobbs Directed by Kate Chapman.
23 8 2008 14:30 Little Nell Simon Gray's play is inspired by Claire Tomalin's book The Invisible Woman; the story of Nelly Ternan and Charles Dickens. The lies Nelly told to protect the secret of her relationship with the great author had lasting and damaging effects. Sir Henry Dickens ...... Philip Voss Geoffrey Robinson ...... Crispin Redman Nelly Ternan ...... Monica Dolan Charles Dickens ...... Michael Pennington Jane ...... Maria Miles George Wharton Robinson ...... Nicholas Boulton Rev Benham ...... Nicholas Le Prevost Pianist ...... Charlotte Brennan Directed by Jane Morgan.
30 8 2008 14:30 Agatha Christie's Endless Night Joy Wilkinson's adaptation of Christie's psychological thriller. Lonely drifter Mike Rogers finally settles down when he meets young heiress Ellie Guteman. They build the house of their dreams in a beautiful and remote area; ignoring rumours of a curse. With their arrival; however; the curse seems to come to life; and they find themselves in grave danger. Directed by Sam Hoyle.
6 9 2008 14:30 One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich Mike Walker's adaptation of Alexander Solzhenitsyn's classic portrayal of life in Stalin's prison camps; repeated as a tribute to the author; who died last month. With Neil Dudgeon; Philip Jackson; Paul Chan; Jonathan Tafler. Directed by Ned Chaillet.
13 9 2008 14:30 Just Between Ourselves A radio version of Alan Ayckbourn's celebrated 1977 stage play; a bitter-sweet comedy about love; marriages and mothers. Dennis ...... Stephen Critchlow Vera ...... Samantha Spiro Marjorie ...... Auriol Smith Neil ...... Chris Pavlo Pam ...... Alison Pettitt Music composed by David Chilton. Directed by Gordon House.
20 9 2008 14:30 Bora Bora By Lynne Truss. Art historian Alec; the brother of a famous actor; has lived his life in the shadows following a traumatic event in his childhood. When a biographer joins a painting holiday organised by Alec; his arrival disturbs the calm. Alec must face a terrible truth about his life and about the nature of forgiveness. Alec Bosanquet ...... Derek Jacobi Tony Bosanquet ...... Corin Redgrave Margaret ...... Cheryl Campbell Charlie ...... Adrian Bower Rosa ...... Eve Pearce Jean ...... Jill Johnson With Stephen Critchlow and Rachel Atkins. Directed by Ned Chaillet.
27 9 2008 14:30 Dr Freud Will See you Now Mr Hitler By Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran. At the age of six; Adolf Hitler suffered from recurring nightmares. The village doctor recommended a child psychiatrist in Vienna; a young man named Sigmund Freud. Adolf's brutal father; however; wouldn't hear of it. But what if.... Adolf Hitler ...... Toby Jones Sigmund Freud ...... Allan Corduner Anna Freud ...... Sophie Winkleman Martha ...... Christine Kavanagh Dr Bloch; Otto Rank ...... John Dougall Alois; Yung; Forster; Rothmeyer ...... Sam Dale Klara ...... Jasmine Callan Major Beck ...... Mark Straker Soldier ...... Anthony Glennon Directed by Peter Kavanagh.
4 10 2008 14:30 The Last Confession By Roger Crane; adapted by Martin Jenkins. Conspiracy thriller that goes behind the scenes at the Vatican; uncovering the bitter rivalries; political skulduggery and crises of faith surrounding the untimely death of Pope John Paul I in 1978. Benelli ...... David Suchet Confessor ...... Keith Drinkel Luciani ...... Richard O'Callaghan Villot ...... Nigel Anthony Marcinkus ...... Peter Marinker Pope Paul VI ...... Bernard Gallagher Felici ...... Crawford Logan Ottaviani ...... Donald Sinden Suenens ...... Andrew Branch Gantin ...... Cyril Nri Lorscheider ...... Paul Humpoletz Baggio/Buzzonetti ...... Robert Pugh Magee ...... Roger May Sister Vincenza ...... Jean Trend Lorenzi ...... Ben Warwick Directed by David Blount
11 10 2008 14:30 Conclave Gripping drama by Hugh Costello. After the short reign and mysterious death of Pope John Paul I; the election of a new Pope takes place in an atmosphere of high tension between opposing factions within the Vatican; including those who want to elect the first non-Italian Pope for over four hundred years. Cardinal Franz Koenig ...... David Calder Hannah Popper ...... Alison Reid Cardinal Giovanni Benelli ...... Nicholas Le Prevost Cardinal Karol Wojtyla ...... Andrew Hilton Cardinal Jean Villot ...... Nigel Anthony Cardinal Aloisio Lorscheider ......Paul Humpoletz Cardinal Giuseppe Siri ...... Paul Nicholson Cardinal John Krol ...... Christian Rodska Monsignor Virgilio Noe ...... Jonathan Nibbs Cardinal Johannes Willebrands ...... Bill Wallis Cardinal Paulo Evaristo Arns ...... David Collins Uli Melzer ...... Paul Dodgson With John Sandeman and Kristian Phillips.
18 10 2008 14:30 Saturday Play The Haverstock Hill Murder By George R Sims; dramatised by Roger Danes. Renowned Victorian lady detective Dorcas Dene is commissioned by a desperate mother to save her son from the gallows after he is accused of the brutal murder of his wife. The problem is that the victim named her husband as the assailant with her dying breath. Paul Dene ...... Greg Powrie Dorcas Dene ...... Lucy Paterson Mrs.Hannaford ...... Edith Macarthur Inspector Swanage ...... Finlay McLean PC Hargreaves ...... Mark McDonnell Charles Hannaford ...... Nick Farr Flash George ...... Terry Wale Martha Drayson ...... Noreen Leighton Produced by Patrick Rayner. Directed by David Ian Neville.
25 10 2008 14:30 Saturday Play Adulteries of a Provincial Wife By Stephen Wakelam. Gustave Flaubert's masterpiece Madame Bovary was published 150 years ago. Who was the inspiration for Emma and how did his own life become embroiled in his writing? With Daniel Evans; Robert Glenister; Anastasia Hillie; Jennie Stoller.
1 11 2008 14:30 Saturday Play The Late Mr Shakespeare By Robert Nye; dramatised by Jonathan Broadbent. Pickleherring; a former boy actor in Shakespeare's company; reminisces from the vantage point of old age on his time spent with The Bard. As he finally finds love with a prostitute named Polly; the lessons he learned from Shakespeare finally start to become clear. Pickleherring ...... Jim Broadbent Boy ...... George Longworth Polly ...... Jill Cardo Pompey Bum ...... Dan Starkey Directed by Jeremy Mortimer.
8 11 2008 14:30 Saturday Play Von Ribbentrop's Watch By Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran. Wine shop owner Gerald desperately needs money: his business is failing and the landlord has raised the cost of the lease. When he inherits a watch that used to belong to wartime Nazi Joachim Von Ribbentrop he believes that his financial troubles are over. But it sparks conflict with his wife and brother; who question the ethics of the potential sale. Gerald ...... Allan Corduner Ruth ...... Harriet Walter Lila ...... Miriam Margolyes David ...... Nicholas Woodeson Sasha ...... Sophie Winkleman.
15 11 2008 14:30 By Paul Viragh. The playwright draws on his own family's experiences in his drama Cry Hungary. In October 1956; thousands of Hungarians rise up against the oppressive Soviet-backed government. Peter; a chosen son of the working classes; arrives in Budapest to study at the university. He falls in love with Eva; a committed communist. When Peter becomes involved in the demonstrations; Eva finds her loyalties severely tested. Peter Kovacs ...... Lee Ingleby Eva Toth ...... Naomi Frederick Janos ...... Christopher Fox Imre Toth ...... Larry Lamb Szentendy ...... Mark Straker Istvan ...... Joseph Kloska AVO Officer ...... Sam Dale AVO Sergeant ...... Paul Richard Biggin Boy ...... Emma Noakes Director Toby Swift.
22 11 2008 14:30 Saturday Play Murder Every Monday Mark Gatiss's adaptation of Pamela Branch's comedy. Clifford Flush and the other members of the Asterisk Club are forced to leave London in a hurry; and take up residence in the dilapidated Dankry Manor; where they establish themselves as 'homicide consultants'. All goes well until someone is murdered on the premises. Armitage/Paget ...... Simon Williams Clifford Flush ...... John Castle Mrs Barratt ...... Barbara Kirby Colonel Quincey ...... Graham Crowden Creaker ...... David Ryall Cyril Revere ...... Mark Gatiss Chloe Carlisle ...... Stephanie Beacham Manelli ...... Mark Benton Bill Thurlow ...... Ian Hallard Dina Parrish ...... Cal Jaggers.
29 11 2008 14:30 Saturday Play Boscobel Historical thriller by Ian Curteis that charts the fortunes of the future Charles II in the immediate aftermath of his father's defeat. After the execution of his father; the young Charles flees England. Over the course of a 40-day journey; he must learn how to live rough; evade capture and earn the kindness of strangers. Charles ......Simon Woods Derby/John Penderel ...... Kevin Eldon Wilmot ...... Chris Larkin George Penderel/Whitgreave ...... Simon Treves Gifford/Woolf ...... Malcolm Brown Carlis/Colonel ...... Stephen Carlile Betty/Jane ...... Kate Sachs Mrs Woolf/Cook ...... Jill Shilling Directed by Dirk Maggs.
6 12 2008 14:30 Saturday Play Giving Up the Ghost By Lynne Truss. In a house full of carbon monoxide; firefighter Scott gets separated from his colleagues and begins to experience the last terrible moments of his friend Jacko's life; who had died in similar circumstances eight months earlier. Scott ...... Adrian Bower Alan ...... Struan Rodger Philip ...... Jeff Rawle Giggsy ...... Joe Absolom Mike ...... Brendan Charleson H/Jacko ...... Richard Nichols Lucy ...... Sara McGaughey Directed by Kate McAll.
13 12 2008 14:30 Saturday Play Blithe Spirit Blithe Spirit Listen:Availability: Sorry; this episode is not available to listen again. Synopsis:Bert Coules' adaptation of the Noel Coward comedy. When writer Charles Condomine invites a medium to hold a seance at his country house; he receives a ghostly visitation from his dead first wife; to the chagrin of his very much alive second one. Charles ...... Roger Allam Madame Arcati ...... Maggie Steed Elvira ...... Zoe Waites Ruth ...... Hermione Gulliford Dr Bradman ...... David Killick Mrs Bradman ...... Tilly Tremayne Edith ...... Natalie Cassidy Directed by Philip Franks. Broadcast: 13 Dec 200814:30BBC Radio 4
20 12 2008 14:30 Saturday Play Mrs Klein Last broadcast 20 Dec 2008; 14:30 on BBC Radio 4. Synopsis:Nicholas Wright's dramatisation of the troubled relationship between influential child psychoanalyst Melanie Klein and her own children. Faced with coming to terms with the news of the death of her son; Mrs Klein decides against going to his funeral. Frustrated with her mother's behaviour; Klein's daughter Melitta confronts her with some home truths. Mrs Klein ...... Janet Suzman Melitta ...... Eve Best Paula ...... Clare Corbett Directed by Alison Hindell. Broadcast: 20 Dec 200814:30BBC Radio 4
27 12 2008 14:30 Saturday Play Tom and Viv Synopsis:Michael Hastings's study of the marriage of TS Eliot and Vivienne Haigh-Wood. When the ambitious young poet Tom fell in love with beautiful; charismatic Viv; little did he know the nightmare world that they would both enter. Tom ...... Benedict Cumberbatch Viv ...... Lia Williams Rose ...... Judy Parfitt Maurice ...... David Haig Charles ...... John Rowe Louise ...... Emily Randall Janes ...... Chris Pavlo Dr Todd ...... Gunnar Cauthery Barrister ...... Jonathan Tafler Directed by Peter Kavanagh. Broadcast: 27 Dec 200814:30BBC Radio 4
FRIDAY PLAY
4 1 2008 Friday Radio 4 21:00:00 The Friday Play Ariel By David Spencer. Maggie and Elaine are volunteers for a rape counselling service. Their intention is to accompany police raids to liberate women trafficked into the sex industry in Britain. But things are not that simple. Anjka ...... Natasha Radski Irina/Svetlana ...... Larissa Kouznetsova Maggie ...... Sarah Parks Elaine ...... Barbara Marten Nevile Hyde ..... George Costigan Becky ...... Carla Henry Trafficker ...... Renny Krupinski Directed by Polly Thomas.
11 1 2008 Friday Radio 4 21:00:00 The Friday Play The Monstrous Mother Comedy chiller by Mike Harris. 12-year-old Cathy has a vivid imagination which can sometimes get dangerously out of control; especially in such a turbulent household as hers. Cathy ...... Jemma McKenzie-Brown Frank ...... Ben Crowe Virginia ...... Alison Pettitt Phillipa ...... Amanda Lawrence Jessica ...... Georgia Russell Chantelle ...... Jessica Dunn Damien ...... Jordan Clarke Directed by Marc Beeby.
18 1 2008 Friday Radio 4 21:00:00 The Friday Play Bloody Sunday: Scenes from the Saville Inquiry 1/2. Dramatic reconstruction of the hearings about the events of Sunday; January 30; 1972; focusing on the testimony of civilians who witnessed Bloody Sunday. The transcripts are edited but not re-written and the sequence of the evidence has not been altered. Adapted from The Tricycle Theatre production. Introduction ...... Mark Penfold Lord Saville ...... Alan Parnaby Christopher Clarke QC ...... Thomas Wheatley Bishop Edward Daly ...... Michael O'Hagan Michael Mansfield QC ...... Terrence Hardiman Edwin Glasgow QC ...... James Woolley Michael Bridge ...... Charles Lawson Bernadette McAliskey ...... Julia Dearden Cathryn McGahey ...... Hilary Maclean William Patrick McDonagh ...... David Beames Geraldine McBride ...... Heather Tobias General Sir Robert Ford ...... Michael Cochrane Adapted by Richard Norton Taylor. Directed by Nicolas Kent
25 1 2008 Friday Radio 4 21:00:00 The Friday Play 2/2. Bloody Sunday: Scenes from the Saville Inquiry Dramatic reconstruction of the hearings about the events of Sunday January 30; 1972; focusing on the testimony of soldiers and a former member of the Official IRA. Introduction ...... Mark Penfold Lord Saville ...... Alan Parnaby Eilis McDermott QC ...... Rita Hamill General Sir Robert Ford ...... Michael Cochrane Christopher Clarke QC ...... Thomas Wheatley Michael Mansfield QC ...... Terrence Hardiman Major General Andrew MacLellan ...... John Castle Colonel Derek Wilford ...... William Hoyland Edwin Glasgow QC ...... James Woolley Soldier S ...... David Beames Barry MacDonald QC ...... Gerard O'Hare Soldier F ...... Michael Wilson Adapted by Richard Norton Taylor. Directed by Nicolas Kent
1 2 2008 Friday Radio 4 21:00:00 The Friday Play Sins of the Grandfathers Dan Tetsell's comedy show about the perils of having a grandfather who was an officer in Hitler's SS. With Alex Lowe; Rachel Atkins and Ben Graves. The performance was recorded in front of a live audience at London's Soho Theatre.
8 2 2008 Friday Radio 4 21:00:00 The Friday Play Guardian Angel Gill Adams's drama is set in Hull; during the floods. Senior policewoman Jo is looking forward to meeting the son she has never known. Her old schoolfriend Elaine's son has run away. When they are reunited by a chance meeting; Jo finds herself drawn into the search for him. Jo Stone ...... Sarah Parks Elaine ...... Katy Cavanagh Jack ...... Joshua Richards Janet ...... Julie Higginson Mrs Walker ...... Sue McCormick Shelly ...... Sam Laverick Danny ...... Joe Robertson Luke ...... Matt Sutton Directed by Jessica Dromgoole.
15 2 2008 Friday Radio 4 21:00:00 The Friday Play Broken English Frank Deasy's play tells the story of a Kurdish family detained in Dungavel for over a year and living under the constant threat of deportation. Their plight became a cause celebre; raising questions in the Scottish Parliament and beyond. Beriwan Ay ...... Livia Arditti Yurdagul Ay ...... Pembe Peri-Natgi Gus (prison officer) ...... Stuart McQuarrie Margaret (prison officer) ...... Carolyn Bonnyman James Elliot ...... Mark Straker Police officer/transport officer ...... Saikat Ahamed Jayne Cummings ...... Robin Weaver Bishop John Mone ...... David Ashton Teacher/policewoman ...... Tracy Wiles Ukrainian boy ...... Daniel Lane Medja ...... Carly Schogger Dilowan ...... Sam Marzell Newroz ...... Teresa O'Brien With Kirsty Wark and Andrew Cassell. Directed by David Ian Neville.
22 2 2008 Friday Radio 4 21:00:00 The Friday Play The Heroic Pursuits of Darleen Fyles Esther Wilson's drama is inspired by a true story. Darleen is a young woman with learning difficulties who has become obsessed with the emergency services and who occasionally sets fire to things. Helen is a volunteer helper trying to help Darleen to rebuild her life; but she too has her own secret reasons for volunteering. Darleen ...... Donna Lavin Helen ...... Claire Rushbrook Jamie ...... Edmund Davis Treena ...... Siobhan Finneran Tony/Will/PC ...... Craig Cheetham Nurse ...... Sue Kelly Directed by Pauline Harris.
29 2 2008 Friday Radio 4 21:00:00 The Friday Play Bad Dad Comedy by Colin Hough. Twenty years ago; Adam was a prolific sperm donor. Due to an administrative error; his personal details have been sent to the lucky recipients of his product - all 164 of them. Suddenly; he is the proud patriarch of a very extended family. Adam ...... Simon Tait Eve ...... Gayanne Potter Sadie ...... Una McLean Jamie ...... William Barlow Directed by David Jackson Young.
21 3 2008 Friday Radio 4 21:00:00 The Friday Play The Day King Hammer Fell from the Sky By Gregory Whitehead. A headless body falls to earth at the centre of one of America's most prestigious universities. Student ...... Ardis Barrow Pilot ...... Karen Beaumont Graphologist ...... George Bergen College President ...... Philip Deely Hostess ...... Hilary Deely Detective ...... Mike Dowling Stockbroker ...... David Joseph Widow ...... Karen Lee Poet ...... Jon Swan Christian Artist ...... Anne Undeland Military Man ...... Gregory Whitehead Music by Laura Wiens and Nick Zammuto. Directed and produced by Gregory Whitehead.
28 3 2008 Friday Radio 4 21:00:00 The Friday Play Forgiving Tina Pepler's story of a family torn apart by one act of violence explores the long journey from grief; shock and anger to the possibility of forgiveness and reconciliation. Woven through it are the real accounts of people who are confronting their own experiences of great pain and the struggle to forgive. Kate ...... Hattie Morahan Mary ...... Pippa Haywood Richard ...... Richard Mitchley Rob ...... Russell Boulter Rachael ...... Hayley Doherty Mehmet ...... Hemi Yeroham Laura ...... Amy Clifton With the voices of Camilla Carr; Alistair Little and Julie Nicholson. Directed by Sara Davies.
4 4 2008 Friday Radio 4 21:00:00 The Friday Play Blood; Sweat and Tea By Richard Monks; adapted from Tom Reynolds's book of the same name. Paramedic Paul Masters's night shift suddenly changes from boredom to heart-stopping drama. Can trainee Kelly rescue him when his work and personal life head for a sharp collision? Paul ...... Martin Freeman Kelly ...... Elaine Cassidy Father ...... Ron Cook Martha ...... Lorna Gayle Mrs Roberts ...... Anne Reid Ruth ...... Liz White Michael ...... Ben Onwukwe Nurse ...... Liza Sadovy David ...... Peter Marinker Ian ...... Joe Prospero Directed by Nadia Molinari.
11 4 2008 Friday Radio 4 21:00:00 The Friday Play Talking to Strangers Comedy by Charlotte Jones. A perennially shy man sets himself a challenge. He will switch off his mobile phone; disregard his email; put aside his iPod and talk to strangers. Jake ...... Toby Jones Miriam ...... Samantha Spiro Mrs Finklestein ...... Caroline Gruber Lily ...... Tracy Wiles Michael Phillips ...... Gary Sefton Man with Buggy ...... Damian Lynch Old Man ...... Sam Dale Robbie ...... Ben Judd
18 4 2008 Friday Radio 4 21:00:00 The Friday Play An Unhappy Countess Documentary film maker Paul Watson's play is based on the story of Mary Eleanor Bowes; a sensual young woman who inherited a legacy of six hundred thousand pounds; a huge sum in 1786. Every adventurer in the land was seeking a slice of her good fortune; and she was to discover that nobody could be trusted. Lady Strathmore ...... Susannah Harker Stoney Bowes ...... John Lynch Paddy's Progress ...... Robert Glenister Walker ...... Russell Floyd Gray ...... Nicholas Farrell Mary Morgan ...... Joanne Froggatt Mingay/Bate ...... Ian McNeice Dorothey/Landlady ...... Sara Markland Battie/Erskine ...... Ian Masters Judge/Peacock ...... Keith Drinkel Constable Smith/Vicar ...... Andrew Branch Lucas/Witness Hull ...... Sam Dale Witness Foot/Landlord ...... Ian Shaw Servant ...... Tom Watson
25 4 2008 Friday Radio 4 21:00:00 The Friday Play How Now TV By Paul Watson. TV presenter Daniela Cross is now legendary. The extraordinary idea for a programme which effectively started her career was so awful that it was bound to succeed. Daniela ...... Victoria Shalet Daddy (John Cross) ...... Nicholas Farrell Deborah ...... Frances Barber Averill ...... Lizzy McInnerny Gary ...... Leo Bill Hassan ...... Joseph Marcell Hassan ...... Jonathan Firth Crispin ...... Mathew Baynton Permindah ...... Manjinder Virk Picture Editor ...... Keith Drinkel Young Director ...... Tom Watson Directed by Paul Watson.
2 5 2008 Friday Radio 4 21:00:00 The Friday Play Wes Bell Matthew Broughton's dark and compelling play about a lonely young man who finds a home amongst eccentric strangers. His inability to deal with the truth of their lifestyle leads to dreadful; shocking conclusions. Jason ...... Shaun Dooley Daisy ...... Natalie Press Wes Bell ...... Jamie Foreman Lisa Bell ...... Juliet Cowan Directed by Sam Hoyle.
9 5 2008 Friday Radio 4 21:00:00 The Friday Play Fragile! Croatian author Tena Stivicic's darkly witty play about the reality of the immigrant experience in London. A foreign correspondent; traumatised by the death of a girl he met in Bosnia; begins to pick up the threads of his life with a Croatian girl he has met back in London. Then he hears that a young refugee is looking for him; someone who didn't die in Bosnia after all. With Douglas Henshall; Catherine Cusack.
16 5 2008 Friday Radio 4 21:00:00 Chinese in Britain 1/2. Another chance to hear the first five episodes of the series in which Anna Chen explores the early history of the Chinese who came to Britain before the mass influx of the 1960s.
11 7 2008 Friday Radio 4 21:00:00 The Friday Play Series of plays by British screenwriter Frank Cottrell Boyce looking at the punk generation three decades on; with each play telling a different; but connected; story. 1/5: Parallel Lines Julie is a singer in an ageing Blondie tribute band. An invitation to the reunion of the audience at an Adverts gig in 1977 brings some skeletons dancing from the cupboard. Julie ...... Doon Mackichan Thing ...... Sian Reeves Margaret ...... Rosie Cavaliero Steve Reeves ...... Ivan Kaye Pete ...... Paul Viragh Joe ...... Joseph Tremain Lovely ...... Sarah Bedi Announcer ...... John Rowe Waiter ...... Ben Crowe Directed by Toby Swift.
18 7 2008 Friday Radio 4 21:00:00 The Friday Play Series of plays by British screenwriter Frank Cottrell Boyce looking at the punk generation three decades on; with each play telling a different; but connected; story. 2/5. Blitzkrieg Bop In 1977; self-styled Mo Motormouth was writing a punk fanzine. She now presents the travel news for a radio station. An attempt to relaunch her ailing career brings some unwelcome attention from her livelier listeners. Mo ...... Pauline Quirke Benny ...... Adam Kotz Shammi ...... Manjinder Virk Steve Reeves ...... Ivan Kaye George ...... Ben Crowe Arthur ...... Harry Myers Jack ...... Sanjay Shelat Teacher/Barney ...... Stephen Critchlow Benny's Daughter ...... Amy Enticknap Directed by Toby Swift.
25 7 2008 Friday Radio 4 21:00:00 The Friday Play One Chord Wonders Series of plays by British screenwriter Frank Cottrell Boyce looking at the punk generation three decades on; with each play telling a different; but connected; story. 3/5. Damned; Damned; Damned Hard man Mick's career in the music business imploded after a brush with an over-enthusiastic fan. Now in prison; can he find salvation in his treasured memories of a night in 1977? Mick Martindale ...... Richard Ridings Lee ...... Lloyd Thomas Tony ...... Chris Pavlo Wayne ...... Richie Campbell Phil ...... Paul Richard Biggin Announcer ...... John Rowe Guard ...... Ben Crowe Directed by Toby Swift.
1 8 2008 Friday Radio 4 21:00:00 The Friday Play One Chord Wonders Series of plays by British screenwriter Frank Cottrell Boyce looking at the punk generation three decades on; with each play telling a different; but connected; story. 4/5. This Is the Modern World Earth toilet pioneer and former 'anarcho-punk' Muttley is about to be forcibly reunited with his former self on an unlikely pilgrimage to Camberley. Muttley ...... Danny Webb Lineel ...... Stephanie Leonidas Lin ...... Ann Beach Hippie ...... Carl Prekopp Drug Dealer ...... John Biggins Market Researcher ...... Alex Tregear Club Doorman ...... John Cummins Williams ...... Sam Dale Hotel Receptionist ...... Liz Sutherland Directed by Toby Swift.
8 8 2008 Friday Radio 4 21:00:00 The Friday Play One Chord Wonders Series of plays by British screenwriter Frank Cottrell Boyce looking at the punk generation three decades on; with each play telling a different; but connected; story. 5/5. Television's Over In the spring of 1977; punk rock is rumoured to be arriving in suburban Surrey. Is anarchy about to overwhelm civilized society or is this salvation for the bored teenagers of Camberley? Adam ...... Kristopher Milnes Pete ...... Freddy White Sergeant Henshaw ...... Gerard Horan Councillor Myatt ...... Fenella Woolgar Mo ...... Leanne Rowe Benny ...... James Daley Pete's dad ...... Ben Crowe Muttley/Steve ...... John Hasler Margaret/Sharon ...... Amy Enticknap DI Voke ...... John Rowe Charlie Damage ...... Dan Starkey Town Clerk ...... Nyasha Hatendi Julie ...... Sarah Bedi Mo's mum ...... Joan Walker Mick ...... Tim James Directed by Toby Swift.
15 8 2008 Friday Radio 4 21:00:00 The Friday Play This Is a True Story The story of Howard Neal; based on his own handwritten accounts and adapted for radio by Pia Di Mattina from a stage version by Nick Harrington and Tom Wright. Howard; who has a low IQ; has been in prison for 25 years. Proceedings will soon be completed in the US courts to have him finally removed from death row on account of his mental impairment. Howard ...... Tom Wright Directed by Susan Roberts.
22 8 2008 Friday Radio 4 21:00:00 The Friday Play The Listener Julian Simpson's fast-paced psychological thriller about a man trying to uncover his true identity; set against the backdrop of a war on terror. Mark Willis ...... Mark Bazeley Mia ...... Indira Varma Doctor Gruber ...... Nicola Walker Samson ...... Mark Lewis Jones Charlie ...... Jimmy Akingbola Lenny ...... Paul Panting
29 8 2008 Friday Radio 4 21:00:00 The Friday Play They Have Oak Trees in North Carolina Sarah Wooley's suspenseful drama about a marriage in crisis; a split-second decision and the choices we make to try to ensure our future happiness. In 1986; Ray and Eileen's five-year-old son Patrick vanishes in Florida. Twenty two years later; a good-looking American named Clay arrives in their small village; claiming to be their missing son. Ray ...... Alexander Morton Eileen ...... Ellie Haddington Clay ...... Simon Harrison Other parts played by Kenny Blyth and Gayanne Potter. Directed by Gaynor Macfarlane.
5 9 2008 Friday Radio 4 21:00:00 The Friday Play Porshia By Ed Harris. Thomas is a no-hope poet obsessed with Porshia; a young woman at the office. When one day he literally wakes up inside her head; he begins to experience the life of his fantasy woman from closer than he might like; including when her hunky boyfriend pays a visit. Thomas ...... Robert Webb Porshia ...... Laura Rogers Ethan ...... Oliver J Hembrough Louisa ...... Mina Anwar Eva ...... Ella Kenion Tim ...... Kieran Bew Directed by Graham Frost.
12 9 2008 Friday Radio 4 21:00:00 The Friday Play Walking the Line Taut drama-documentary by Stephen Phelps. A prison officer finds himself caught between a vulnerable young prisoner and a senior colleague who believes that his job is to discipline and control and no more. The separate worlds of home and work start to overlap. With Andy Nyman; Ralph Ineson; Saikat Ahamed; Sam Dale. Directed by Toby Swift.
31 10 2008 Friday Radio 4 21:00:00 The Friday Play Wasted By Shelagh Stephenson. Martha heads up marketing for an alcopop; aimed unashamedly at the teenage market. But when the 16-year-old son of her oldest friend is admitted to hospital in an alcoholic coma; some hard questions have got to be answered. Martha ...... Juliet Aubrey Tom ...... Julian Wadham Mike ...... Mark Lambert Mary ...... Marion O'Dwyer Pete ...... John McAndrew Charlie ...... Miche Doherty Luke ...... Greg Fox
7 11 2008 Friday Radio 4 21:00:00 The Friday Play Lorilei By Thomas Wright. A powerful drama telling the true story of a Louisiana mother; Lorilei Guillory; who testified to keep her son Jeremy's killer from death row. In part using her own words. With Anna Galvin and Kerry Shale. Directed by Susan Roberts.
14 11 2008 Friday Radio 4 21:00:00 The Friday Play The Johnny Cash Hi-Jack Roadshow Michael Butt's high-tension tale of a hijack on the M1. When two out-of-work Sheffield lorry drivers steal a petrol tanker and set off for the Houses of Parliament; they start to question their lives and past events begin to set them against each other. Paul ...... Ray Fearon Vic ...... Philip Jackson Dougie ...... Des O'Malley Robert and Andy ...... Rupert Degas Susan and Mandy ...... DeNica Fairman Marie/Iris ...... Rosalyn Wright Directed by Dirk Maggs.
28 11 2008 Friday Radio 4 21:00:00 The Friday Play The Last Time I Saw Richard Drama documentary about the life and death of the Sri Lankan journalist and TV newsreader Richard de Zoysa; who was abducted and killed in February 1990. Set in the preceding years; when the Sri Lankan government was undertaking a bloody crackdown of the ultra-Marxist JVP organisation with which de Zoysa was suspected to be allied; this drama is based on interviews with those who knew and worked with him. Richard de Zoysa ...... Jehan Aloyius Ravi ...... Wassam Ismael Manorani ...... Tracy Holsinger Rajiva Wijesinha ...... Sean Amarasekera And Kandy ...... Nigel da Silva Ranjan Wijeratne ...... Rohan Ponniah Madura ...... Ruvin da Silva Police Chief ...... Delon Weerasinghe Ranjani ...... Subha Wijesikiwardena Kusim ...... Mahomed Adamally Young Richard ...... Hiran Abeysekera Directed by Willi Richards.
5 12 2008 Friday Radio 4 21:00:00 The Friday Play Binge Drunk Britain: The Musical Comedy by Paul Dodgson about three blokes from Newport - Oddie; Tank and Shave It - who wake up at Severn Bridge Services face down in bowls of salad. Gradually; the excesses of the night before come back to them - a night in Bristol that had started so well. Oddie ...... Ian Puleston Davies Tank ...... Richard Elfyn Shave It/Nigel ...... Richard Nichols Manager/Policewoman ...... Eiry Thomas Psycho ...... Dick Bradnum Driver ...... Huw Davies Music composed by Paul Dodsgon; arranged and performed by Sarah Moody; Luke Carver Goss and Oliver Wilson Dickson. Directed by Kate McAll.
12 12 2008 Friday Radio 4 21:00:00 Friday Play What I Heard about Iraq Synopsis:Eliot Weinberger's prose poem draws on reports; newspapers; official utterances and eye-witness accounts to paint a terrifying picture of the war in Iraq. Broadcasts: 11 May 200721:00BBC Radio 4 (FM only)12 Dec 200821:00BBC Radio4
19 12 2008 Friday Radio 4 21:00:00 Friday Play When The Bough Breaks Synopsis:Julia Hollander's play; inspired by her own experience; about the dilemma she faced over whether to put her badly brain-damaged child up for adoption. Broadcast: 19 Dec 200821:00BBC Radio 4
26 12 2008 Friday Radio 4 21:00:00 Friday Play The Loved One Synopsis:By Evelyn Waugh; adapted by Jonathan Holloway. California; just after the Second World War: An elderly Englishman; who once made a living as a Hollywood scriptwriter; has taken in a younger version of the same species who is also struggling to make his way in the new world. He thought he was a poet once; but now earns a living in a pet cemetery. Preoccupied with dead things; he meets a young female embalmer and suddenly everything begins to go right. Evelyn Waugh's novel has been called 'one of the funniest and most significant books of the 20th century'. Dennis Barlow ...... Julian Rhind-Tutt Mr Joyboy ...... Mark Gatiss Aimee ...... Jennifer Lee Jellicorse Sir Francis Hinsley ...... Clive Swift Sir Ambrose Abercrombie ...... David Troughton Mrs Heinkel/Mrs Joyboy/Telephonist ...... Barbara Barnes Mr Heinkel/Schultz/Slump ...... Peter Marinker. Broadcasts: 17 Feb 200714:30BBC Radio 4 (FM only)26 Dec 200821:00BBC Radio 4
Nigel Deacon / Diversity website
