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NEVIL SHUTE - ON THE BEACH (320kbs-m4a/261mb/1hr53mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 21st & 26th March 2026
**** This programme was suggested by Marilyn Grant and Margaret Hopkins as part of BBC Radio 4 Extra's All Request Weekend ****
Starring Claudia Harrison and Richard Dillane.
Nevil Shute's compelling account of the aftermath of a nuclear world war.
Dramatised in two parts by Mike Walker.
Director: Toby Swift
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2008.
**** To nominate a programme from the archives that you would like to hear again, please email radio4extra@bbc.co.uk ****
NEVIL SHUTE - ON THE BEACH - 1. AFTERMATH (320kbs-m4a/130mb/57mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 21st March 2026
A cloud of deadly radioactivity is moving slowly towards Australia, one of few places on Earth where life has survived.
Mary .... Claudia Harrison
Moira .... Indira Varma
Dwight Towers .... William Hope
Peter Holmes .... Richard Dillane
Tim Osborne.... James Gordon-Mitchell
The Admiral .... Jonathan Tafler
Ryan .... Inam Mirza
A Farmer .... Stephen Critchlow
Other parts played by:
Jill Cardo
Gunnar Cauthery
Robert Lonsdale
Chris Pavlo
Dan Starkey
NEVIL SHUTE - ON THE BEACH - 2. MISSION (320kbs-m4a/130mb/57mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 26th March 2026
As the deadly radioactive cloud approaches Australia, a desperate submarine mission is launched.
Moira .... Indira Varma
Mary .... Claudia Harrison
Peter Holmes .... Richard Dillane
Dwight Towers .... William Hope
Tim Osborne.... James Gordon-Mitchell
The Admiral .... Jonathan Tafler
Ryan .... Inam Mirza
Swain .... Stephen Critchlow
Other parts are played by:
Chris Pavlo
Dan Starkey
Gunnar Cauthery
Robert Lonsdale
ALAN BLEASDALE - HAVING A BALL (320kbs-m4a/184mb/80mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 14th March 2026
1981. Four men are awaiting vasectomies at a private clinic specialising in cosmetic and social surgery.
But they soon find themselves contemplating far more than just the prospect of birth prevention...
Starring David Ross.
Written by Alan Bleasdale.
'Having a Ball' was created as part of a 1981 BBC/Arts Council scheme to commission new drama for radio and theatre.
Bleasdale would go on to write BBC TV's 1982 BAFTA winning 'Boys from the Blackstuff'.
Broadcast on 4 Extra to celebrate Alan Bleasdale's 80th birthday (Born: 23rd March 1946)
Lenny .... David Ross
Nurse .... Jeffrey Longmore
Surgeon .... Judith Barker
Anaesthetist .... Ian Mercer
Malcolm .... Cliff Howells
Doreen .... Lesley E. Bennett
Ritchie .... Andrew Hay
Old Man .... Ted Morris
Jean .... Lesley Nicol
Director: Caroline Smith
First broadcast on BBC Radio 3 in May 1981.
TRACY SPOTTISWOODE - SOLO BEHIND THE IRON CURTAIN (320kbs-m4a/101mb/44mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 5th March 2026
Actor Robert Vaughn, famous at the time as 1960s TV spy Napoleon Solo, is making a movie in Prague with several other Hollywood stars.
Filming stops abruptly, however, when Russian tanks roll into Czechoslovakia.
Cast and crew find themselves trapped.
The Man from UNCLE must find a way to escape, and quickly.
Robert Vaughn stars as himself.
Tracy Spottiswoode's thriller is based on real events in 1968.
Robert Vaughn ...... Himself
Pepsi ...... Vesna Stanojevic
George Segal ...... Robert Glenister
Ben Gazzara ...... John Guerrasio
Bradford Dillman ...... Richard Laing
David Wolper ...... Garrick Hagon
Honzo ...... Robert Luckay
Sadovsky ...... Rad Lazar
Director: Kate McAll
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2007.
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 10th to 13th February 2026
Starring Leslie Phillips.
Jules Verne's classic story, first published in 1872.
Dramatised in four parts by Terry James.
Original music by Wilfredo Acosta.
Director: Janet Whitaker
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1991/January 1992.
AROUND THE WORLD IN EIGHTY DAYS - 1. AN OVER-HURRIED DEPARTURE (320kbs-m4a/64mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 10th February 2026
A bet is made, the Bank of England is robbed and the gas is left on.
Eccentric gentleman, Phileas Fogg's new valet Passepartout had been hoping for a quiet life...
Phileas Fogg .... Leslie Phillips
Passepartout .... Yves Aubert
Sergeant Fix .... Jim Broadbent
Lord Albermarle .... Ronald Fraser
Mr Flanagan .... Ronald Herdman
Mr Stuart .... John Church
The Doorman .... Mark Straker
Consul .... Terence Edmond
Forster .... Nicholas Murchie
Beggarwoman .... Joanna Myers
AROUND THE WORLD IN EIGHTY DAYS - 2. DISTRACTIONS IN THE JUNGLE (320kbs-m4a/64mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 11th February 2026
In which Phileas Fogg rides an elephant, Sergeant Fix loses sight of him and Passepartout saves the day...
Phileas Fogg .... Leslie Phillips
Passpartout .... Yves Aubert
Sergeant Fix .... Jim Broadbent
Hong Kong Policeman .... Jonathan Adams
The Clerk .... Ronald Herdman
Bombay Police .... John Church
The Guide .... Mark Straker
The Judge .... Terence Edmond
The Conductor .... Nicholas Murchie
Indian Woman .... Joanna Myers
Aouda .... Diana Quick
Brigadier Cromarty .... Garard Green
Elephant Driver .... Lyndham Gregory
AROUND THE WORLD IN EIGHTY DAYS - 3. THE MISSING ACROBAT (320kbs-m4a/65mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 12th February 2026
Phileas Fogg fights a duel and the Pacific railroad nearly collapses…
Phileas Fogg .... Leslie Phillips
Passepartout .... Yves Aubert
Sergeant Fix .... Jim Broadbent
Batuclar .... Jonathan Adams
Sailor .... Ronald Herdman
Captain Busby .... John Church
Engineer .... Mark Straker
Japanese Assistant .... Joanna Myers
Princess Aouda .... Diana Quick
Colonel Proctor .... William Hootkins
AROUND THE WORLD IN EIGHTY DAYS - 4. BURNING TO GET HOME (320kbs-m4a/65mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 13th February 2026
In which Fix gets his man, Passepartout's watch is nearly on time and Phileas Fogg takes drastic action.
Will he get to the Reform Club in time?
Phileas Fogg .... Leslie Phillips
Passpartout .... Yves Aubert
Sergeant Fix .... Jim Broadbent
Mr Ralph .... Jonathan Adams
Mr Flanagan .... Ronald Herdman
Mr Stuart .... John Church
The Doorman .... Mark Straker
Princess Aouda .... Diana Quick
Captain Speedy .... Peter Marinker
Mudge .... Terence Edmond
WALLY K DALY - THE BROKEN BUTTERFLY (320kbs-m4a/204mb/1hr29mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 7th February 2026
15 years ago, Father Tom heard a killer's confession and now the killer is out and heading his way.....
Starring Kevin Whately and Reginald Marsh.
Wally K Daly's sequel to BUTTERFLIES DON'T COUNT available on BBC SOUNDS from 6th February 2026.
Matters of faith, morality and murder in Ireland as three priests become heavily involved in violent conflict as it reaches their parish.
Tom ... Kevin Whately
Peter ... Reginald Marsh
Penitent ... Tony Haygarth
Kathleen ... Marcella Riordan
Sion ... Sean Barrett
Deelan ... Des McAleer
O'Hagan ... Norman Rodway
Vietnamese boy ... Judy Bennett
Other parts played by:
Ronald Herdman
Jonathan Tafler
Theresa Streatfield
Alison Reid
John Church
Jonathan Adams
Peter Gunn
Gordon Reid
Directed by David Hitchinson for BBC World Service.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1992.
WALLY K DALY - BUTTERFLIES DON'T COUNT (320kbs-m4a/133mb/58mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 6th February 2026
"The secrets of confession are inviolable - a lovely ringing phrase, but what a price we priests must pay...."
Father Peter can see that his colleague Father Tom is suffering after hearing about a terrible crime.
Starring Kevin Whately and Reginald Marsh.
Wally K Daly adapts his compelling BBC TV drama - first broadcast in 1978 as a Play for Today.
Tom ... Kevin Whately
Peter ... Reginald Marsh
Penitent ... Tony Haygarth
O'Neil ... T P McKenna
May ... Jill Shilling
Doctor ... John Church
Mr James ... Terence Edmond
Mrs James ... Kate Binchy
Directed by David Hitchinson for the BBC World Service.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1992.
**** Don't miss the sequel THE BROKEN BUTTERFLY on BBC Radio 4 Extra on 7th February 2026.
NICHOLAS MEYER - SHERLOCK HOLMES: THE SEVEN-PER-CENT SOLUTION (320kbs-m4a/202mb/1hr28mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 22nd November 2025
The riddle of Sherlock Holmes' disappearance after the Reichenbach Falls is at last solved.
And the real reason for Professor Moriarty's power is revealed...
Starring Simon Callow, Ian Hogg and Karl Johnson.
Nicholas Meyer's Gold and Silver Dagger Award-winning novel, first published in 1974.
Dramatised by Denny Martin Flinn.
Sherlock Holmes .... Simon Callow
Dr Watson .... Ian Hogg
Sigmund Freud .... Karl Johnson
Professor Moriarty .... David King
Mycroft Holmes .... Philip Voss
Baron von Leinsdorf .... Matthew Morgan
Nancy Osborn Slater .... Melinda Walker
Baroness von Leinsdorf .... Geraldine Fitzgerald
Hugo von Hoffmansthal .... Wolf Kahler
Cab Driver .... David Bannerman
Mary Watson/Mrs Freud .... Kate Binchy
Maidservant .... Federay Holmes
Mrs Hudson/Freda .... Jillie Meers
Mr Sherman .... John Church
Music by David Chiltern and Nicholas Russell-Pavier.
Violin played by Steve Bentley.
Director: Jane Morgan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 January 1993.
ALMA CULLEN - MORSE: IN THE SHALLOWS (320kbs-m4a/199mb/1hr27mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 17th November 2025
Terrible things happen - even in beautiful places and among highly-educated people.
A mysterious pair of students appear to be fish out of water, a Don's found dead in the river - and an attractive philosopher pleads for help to save her career.
Morse, Lewis and Strange are back on their criminally fertile Oxford patch.
It's still the early 1990s when computers, mobiles, digital media and sophisticated forensic techniques are not yet in use.
Morse's detection methods rely on instinct, acutely honed observational skills and dogged gumshoe perseverance.
Starring Neil Pearson, Lee Ingleby and Pip Torrens.
Colin Dexter's Oxford detectives feature in a story devised by former Morse TV writer Alma Cullen, dramatised by Richard Stoneman.
Chief Inspector Morse ...... Neil Pearson
Sergeant Lewis ...... Lee Ingleby
Superintendent Strange ...... Pip Torrens
Dr Jessica Hinkley ...... Anna Chancellor
Anthony Yateman ...... Kevin Eldon
The Master ...... Anton Lesser
Annie ...... Ashley Smith
Hazel ...... Rachel Atkins
Unsworth ...... Edward Killingback
Gregson ...... Harry Lister Smith
David Evans ...... Henry Pettigrew
Vic Nelson ...... Okorie Chukwu
Quentin Spencer ...... Ben Crowe
Director: Marilyn Imrie
A Catherine Bailey production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in July 2018.
MICHAEL PALIN'S MEMORY PALACES: TERRY GILLIAM (320kbs-m4a/63mb/27mins)
BBC Radio4 Extra broadcast: 21st November 2025
An odyssey set inside the strange and wonderful mind of Terry Gilliam. Michael Palin invents fantastical new interview technology to fire James Peak deep inside Terry Gilliam's 'memory palace'.
Join them for an encounter that takes in Terry's films, the Monty Python foot, what it is like to have your obituary published in Variety magazine before you're dead, and why it always pays to have a Beatle on your side.
Starring Terry Gilliam, Michael Palin, Andre Jacquemin and James Peak
Produced by Andre Jacquemin and James Peak
An Essential Radio production for BBC Radio 4.
RAYMOND CHANDLER - PHILIP MARLOWE: THE LONG GOODBYE (320kbs-m4a/205mb/1hr29mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 21st November 2025
The world-weary private eye helps a friendly drunk conceal a crime.
He's also asked to protect a drunken writer from his own violence.
A murder seems to connect the two cases. And Marlowe almost falls in love.
Raymond Chandler's classic noir novel, first published in 1953.
Starring Ed Bishop.
Powerful and atmospheric full-cast dramatisation by Bill Morrison.
Philip Marlowe .... Ed Bishop
Eileen Wade .... Toby Robins
Lynda Loring .... Margaret Robinson
Roger Wade .... David March
Terry Lennox .... Peter Marinker
Howard Spencer .... Don Fellows
Mendy Melendez .... Blain Fairman
Bernie Ohis.... Harry Towb
Dr Loring .... Paul Maxwell
Harlan Potter .... Bob Sherman
Captain Hernandez .... Gordon Sterne
Lonnie Morgan .... Henry Knowles
Grantz .... Rod Beacham
Sergeant Greene .... William Roberts
Detective Dayton .... Neville Jason
Willie McGoon .... Bill Morrison
Chick Agostino .... Malcolm Gerrard
Candy .... Anthony Daniels
Barman .... Brian Hewlett
Director: John Tydeman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1978.
DYLAN THOMAS - UNDER MILK WOOD (320kbs-m4a/218mb/1hr35mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 8th November 2025
Conceived by Welsh poet and writer Dylan Thomas as a piece for performance on radio.
Richard Burton leads a huge cast in the tale about the lives and dreams of a Welsh seaside village called Llareggub.
Tragically, Dylan never heard it broadcast.
He died aged 38, two months before, on 9th November 1953.
First Voice ........ Richard Burton
Second Voice ........ Richard Bebb
Captain Cat ........ Hugh Griffith
Rosie Probert ........ Rachel Thomas
Polly Garter ........ Diana Maddox
Mog Edwards ........ Dafydd Havard
Myfanwy Price ........ Sybil Williams
Mrs Ogmore-Pritchard ........ Dilys Davies
Mr Ogmore ........ David Close-Thomas
Mr Pritchard ........ Ben Williams
Butcher Beynon ........ Meredith Edwards
Gossamer ........ Gwenllian Owen
Rev. Eli Jenkins ........ Philip Burton
Lily Smalls ........ Gwyneth Petty
Mr Pugh ........ John Huw Jones
Mrs Pugh ........ Mary Jones
Mary Ann Sailors ........ Rachel Thomas
Sinbad Sailors ........ Aubrey Richards
Dai Bread ........ David Close-Thomas
Mrs Dai Bread One ........ Gwyneth Petty
Mrs Dai Bread Two ........ Rachel Roberts
Willy Nilly Postman ........ Ben Williams
Mrs Willy Nilly ........ Rachel Thomas
Cherry Owen ........ John Ormord Thomas
Mrs Cherry Owen ........ Lorna Davies
Nogood Boyo ........ Dillwyn Owen
Organ Morgan ........ John Glyn Jones
Mrs Organ Morgan ........ Olwen Brookes
Mary Rose Cottage ........ Rachel Roberts
Gwenny ........ Norma Jones
The three boys: Ian Griffith, John Watts, Philip Cyster
Other parts played by the cast.
Children's songs and singing game by the pupils of Laugharne School
Music composed by Dr Daniel Jones
Singer-accordionist: Barney Gilbraith
Producer: Douglas Cleverdon
First broadcast on the BBC Third Programme in January 1954.
***Broadcast to mark Richard Burton's entry to 4 Extra's 100 Club. Born on 10th November 1925, he died aged 58 on 5th August 1984 ***
MARK STEEL'S IN TOWN: SERIES 5 - 5. BIRKENHEAD (320kbs-m4a/61mb/26mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 4th March 2017
Mark Steel returns to Radio 4 for a fifth series of the award winning show that travels around the country, researching the history, heritage and culture of six towns that have nothing in common but their uniqueness, and does a bespoke evening of comedy in each one.
As every high street slowly morphs into a replica of the next, Mark Steel's in Town celebrates the parochial, the local and the unusual. From Corby's rivalry with Kettering to the word you can't say in Portland, the show has taken in the idiosyncrasies of towns up and down the country, from Kirkwall to Penzance, from Holyhead to Bungay.
This edition comes from Birkenhead, Wirral, where the landscape may be dominated by the shipyard but the local life has also included monks, a "Bantam Army", one of the quirkiest bands in the country, and a pub inside a barbershop. You will also find out why this edition of Mark Steel's In Town was probably the inspiration for Woody Allen's Manhattan. From February 2014.
Written and performed by ... Mark Steel
Additional material by ... Pete Sinclair
Production co-ordinator ... Trudi Stevens
Producer ... Ed Morrish
DICK CLEMENT & IAN LA FRENAIS - THE LIKELY LADS: SERIES 2 (320kbs-m4a/523mb/3hrs47mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 24th October to 12th December 2025
Starring James Bolam and Rodney Bewes.
Created and written for BBC TV by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais.
Adapted for BBC Radio by James Bolam.
Producer: John Browell
THE LIKELY LADS: SERIES 2 - 1. FRIENDS AND NEIGHBOURS (320kbs-m4a/65mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 24th October 2025
Terry's grandad causes problems for Bob when he moves into the neighbourhood.
The parents of Bob's new girlfriend are not impressed...
Bob Ferris .... Rodney Bewes
Terry Collier .... James Bolam
Grandad .... Bert Palmer
Mrs Perrin .... Noel Dyson
Mr Perrin .... Glenn Melvyn
Lorna .... Angela Lovell
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in May 1968.
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Our warm thanks go to the Radio Circle for returning the audio to the BBC.
THE LIKELY LADS: SERIES 2 - 2. THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FENCE (320kbs-m4a/66mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 14th November 2025
Bob is always conscious of the fact that he was A-stream at school, whereas Terry would have been X-stream if they'd had one.
So, it's no surprise that Bob takes a chance on a transfer to the drawing department whilst Terry remains put...
Bob Ferris .... Rodney Bewes
Terry Collier .... James Bolam
Judith .... Anneke Wills
Sally Ann .... Didi Sullivan
Cloughie .... Bartlett Mullins
Jack .... Donald McKillop
Blakey / Roger .... Richard Moore
Nesbit .... Michael Sheard
Holgate .... Eric Dodson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in May 1968.
THE LIKELY LADS: SERIES 2 - 3. ENTENTE CORDIALE (320kbs-m4a/66mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 31st October 2025
Ooh la la! Bob and Terry return home from their first trip abroad.
They may have been to Spain, but it's a certain mademoiselle who causes a stir between them…
Bob .... Rodney Bewes
Terry .... James Bolam
Audrey .... Sheila Fearn
Jack .... Donald McKillop
Cloughy .... Bartlett Mullins
Mrs Collier .... Olive Milbourne
Louise .... Christine Collins
Colette .... Bettine Le Beau
Waitress .... Joan Pickering
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in May 1968.
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Our warm thanks go to the Radio Circle for returning the audio to the BBC.
THE LIKELY LADS: SERIES 2 - 4. DOUBLE DATE (320kbs-m4a/65mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 21st November 2025
Bob is heartbroken over Felicity, but Terry persuades him to go on a double-date with Deirdre and Pat, who they meet in a coffee shop.
As the lads plan their night out, the women are also discussing the evening ahead.
Terry .... James Bolam
Bob .... Rodney Bewes
Audrey .... Sheila Fearn
Deirdre .... Dilys Watling
Pat .... Susan Jameson
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in June 1968.
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Our warm thanks go to the Radio Circle for returning the audio to the BBC.
THE LIKELY LADS: SERIES 2 - 5. LOVE AND MARRIAGE (320kbs-m4a/65mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 28th November 2025
Some thoughtful gestures end up backfiring for Bob and for Terry.
Terry .... James Bolam
Bob .... Rodney Bewes
Jack .... Donald McKillop
Cloughy .... Bartlett Mullins
Helen .... Helen Fraser
Duggie .... Derek Newark
Mrs Foster .... Doris Rogers
Archie .... Roger Avon
Podge .... Geoffrey Hughes
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in June 1968.
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Our warm thanks go to the Radio Circle for returning the audio to the BBC.
THE LIKELY LADS: SERIES 2 - 6. BRIEF ENCOUNTER (320kbs-m4a/65mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 5th December 2025
Bob and Terry discover that they have very similar tastes in women.
Bob .... Rodney Bewes
Terry .... James Bolam
Ursula ... Isobel Black
Cloughie..... Bartlett Mullins
Jack ..... Donald McKillop
Other female parts .... Jennifer Croxton
Other male parts .... Peter Hawkins
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in June 1968.
THE LIKELY LADS: SERIES 2 - 7. THE CHANCE OF A LIFETIME (320kbs-m4a/65mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 7th November 2025
On yet another wet and miserable North East night, Bob and Terry are offered the chance of making a fresh start Down Under.
Terry .... James Bolam
Bob .... Rodney Bewes
Wally Ralph .... Barry Linehan
Cecily .... Veronica Lang
Audrey .... Sheila Fearn
Cloughie .... Bartlett Mullins
Jack .... Donald McKillop
Blakey .... George Layton
Sergeant Jeffcock .... Garfield Morgan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in June 1968.
THE LIKELY LADS: SERIES 2 - 8. GOODBYE TO ALL THAT (320kbs-m4a/66mb/29mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 12th December 2025
When a friend returns to the North East with exciting tales of travel with the Army, Bob mulls over his future.
Bob Ferris .... Rodney Bewes
Terry Collier .... James Bolam
Mrs Collier .... Olive Milbourne
Mrs Ferris .... Irene Richmond
Audrey .... Sheila Fearn
Jack .... Donald McKillop
Cloughy .... Bartlett Mullins
George .... Melvyn Hayes
First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in July 1968.
RAY BRADBURY - SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES (320kbs-m4a/130mb/57mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 25th October 2025
Set in 1960's Illinois, USA: this is the story of two boys, and the evil that grips their small Midwestern town with the arrival of a "dark carnival" one Autumn midnight.
James Nightshade and William Halloway are two innocents, both aged 13.
Will was born one minute before Halloween, and Jim one minute after.
Both save the souls of the town - as well as their own.
Starring Theo Gregory and Joseph Lindsay.
Ray Bradbury's gem of modern Gothic literature, first published in 1962
Dramatised by Diana Griffiths
Will ........ Theo Gregory
Jim ........ Joseph Lindsay
Charlie ........ Henry Goodman
Mr Dark ........ Kenneth Cranham
Mr Coogar ........ Gerard McDermott
Lightening Rod Salesman ........ Gerard McDermott
Miss Foley ........ Barbara Barnes
Dust Witch ........ Buffy Davis
Robert ........ Taran Stanzler
Young Miss Foley ........ Amelia Clarkson
JED ........ Ethan Brooke
Music composed by David Paul Jones
Sound by Paul Cargill
Director: Pauline Harris
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2011.
BRAM STOKER - DRACULA (320kbs-m4a/259mb/1hr53mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 26th October 2025
Dark re-imagining of Bram Stoker's disturbing vampire tale of horror.
Nicky Henson stars as Count Dracula.
An all action adventure story, with ghosts, ghouls, lunatics, and seriously gripping chase sequences.
Narrated by various characters with different 'takes' on the progress of the story.
A thrilling ride through the dark psyche of Victorian England.
Omnibus of two-parts dramatised by Rebecca Lenkiewicz.
Count Dracula .... Nicky Henson
Dr Seward .... Charles Edwards
Renfield .... Don Gilet
Jonathan Harker .... Michael Shelford
Mina Murray .... Ellie Kendrick
Lucy Westenra .... Scarlett Brookes
Dr Van Helsing .... John Dougall
Arthur .... Joe Sims
Landlord's Wife/Maid .... Christine Absalom
Driver/Policeman .... Robert Blythe
Simmons .... Patrick Brennan
Vampiresses .... Sarah Thom/Ellie Crook/Stephanie Racine
Child .... Harper Bone
Singer .... Adriana Festeu
Director: Jessica Dromgoole.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2012.
ALLAN McCLELLAND - THE MONK (320kbs-m4a/271mb/1hr58mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 25th October 2025
Ambrosio is a charismatic monk, who draws enormous, rapturous crowds to his sermons.
But in 16th century Madrid where superstition reigns with such despotic sway, to seek for true devotion would be fruitless.
An anxious and reluctant novice nun comes to understand more of the real passions unveiled in this Gothic tale of disguise, abduction, murder and incest.
Starring Michael Pennington, Allan McClelland and Sorcha Cusack.
Allan McClelland's drama is based on Matthew Lewis’s novel 'The Monk: A Romance', first published in 1796
The Monk, Ambrosio ... Michael Pennington
The Demon ... Allan McClelland
Rosario/Matilda ... Sorcha Cusack
Agnes ... Jenny Funnell
Antonia ... Emily Morgan
Lorenzo ... Christopher Douglas
Christoval .... Brian Smith
Raymond ... Simon Hewitt
Prioress .... Anne Jameson
Elvira ... Tessa Worsley
Father Pablos .... Alan Thompson
Mother Camilla/Virginia .... Melinda Walker
Leonella ... Mary Wimbush
Flora ... Mia Soteriou
With:
Garard Green
Graham Blockey
Peter Acre
David Learner
Bernard Brown
Music composed and performed by David Chilton and Mia Soteriou.
Director: Michael Heffernan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 1985.
GRAHAM GREENE - STAMBOUL TRAIN (320kbs-m4a/199mb/1hr26mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 27th September 2025
Europe in the 1930s. A dangerous place to be.
As the Orient Express weaves its way through snow towards Constantinople, a motley group of people find themselves threatened by intrigue, skulduggery and murderous politics.
It is a heady cocktail of wit, adventure, mystery, interrogations, scamming, shoot-outs and sexual intrigue.
Graham Greene's tense thriller novel, first published in 1932.
Greene admitted, in 1974, that he wrote it to make a bit of money. "In Stamboul Train for the first and last time in my life I deliberately set out to write a book to please, one which with luck might be made into a film. The devil looks after his own and I succeeded in both aims."
Starring Joseph Milson and Sam Dale.
Dramatised by Jeremy Front.
Myatt .... Joseph Millson
Coral .... Abbie Andrews
Czinner .... Sam Dale
Josef .... Nicholas Murchie
Mabel .... Jane Slavin
Janet .... Isabella Inchbald
Petkovitch .... Simon Ludders
Ninitch .... Samuel James
Hartep .... Phillip Fox
Mrs Peters .... Ellie Darvil
Mr Peters .... Charlie Clements
Other parts played by:
Tayla Kovacevic-Ebong
Adam Fitzgerald
Gary Duncan
David Reakes
Kath Weare
Director: Marc Beeby
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2017.
JEREMY DYSON - HIGH COCKALORUM (320kbs-m4a/101mb/44mins)
BBC Radio 4 broadcast: 18th September 2025
Celebrating Bradford City of Culture and as part of BBC Contains Strong Language Festival, Bradford based writer Jeremy Dyson's original comedy drama set in West Yorkshire in 1978 is inspired by a true story.
High Cockalorum tells of a touching, funny and unlikely encounter between a Hollywood superstar and a humble lad from Leeds thrown together by circumstance.
A meditation on fame, success and what ultimately matters.
Marty / James Mason ..... Mark Gatiss
Harvey/ Librarian / DJ ..... Reece Shearsmith
Pete/ Parking Attendant/ Interviewer ..... Steve Pemberton
Receptionists/ Jackie ..... Monica Dolan
Sharon .....Goldie Crane
Writer - Jeremy Dyson
Director - Nadia Molinari
Composer - Ian Masterson
Sound Designer - Sharon Hughes
Technical Producers - Andrew Garratt, Neva Missirian
Production Co-ordinators - Victoria Moseley, Ben Hollands.
A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4
Jeremy Dyson and Mark Gatiss will be in conversation as part of BBC Contains Strong Language Festival in St George's Hall in Bradford on Saturday September 20.
Tickets for this and other events are free from https://www.bbc.co.uk/events/ewbv9r
CHARLES KINGSLEY - THE WATER BABIES (320kbs-m4a/394mb/2hrs51mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 17th to 19th September 2025
Published in 1863, Charles Kingsley's novel dramatised in three parts by Berlie Doherty.
Starring Julia McKenzie and Timothy West.
Director: Janet Whitaker
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 1998.
CHARLES KINGSLEY - THE WATER BABIES - 1. CRUELTY (320kbs-m4a/130mb/57mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 17th September 2025
Tom is forced by his cruel master, Grimes, up the chimneys of Hartover Hall.
In the chase that follows, Tom is rescued by the Fairies and taken to be a Water Baby under the waves.
Mrs Doasyouwouldbedoneby ........ Julia McKenzie
Charles Kingsley ........ Timothy West
Tom ........ Oliver Peace
Grimes ........ Philip Jackson
Sir John ........ Geoffrey Whitehead
The Dame ........ Maggie McCarthy
Miss Ellie ........ Ciara Janson
The Otter ........ Frances Jeater
The Dragonfly ........ Charles Simpson
The Fly ........ David Antrobus
The Caddisfly ........ Sarah-Jane Holm
Other parts played by:
Rosie Wiggins
Victoria Hickson
Alex Bird
Mark Guildea
Fiona Taylor
Samantha Morris
Nicola Cannon
Leigh Harris
Patrick Clibbens
CHARLES KINGSLEY - THE WATER BABIES - 2. NEW FRIENDS (320kbs-m4a/131mb/57mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 18th September 2025
Now a Water Baby, Tom is warned to behave, as he befriends the sea creatures...
Mrs Doasyouwouldbedoneby ...... Julia McKenzie
Charles Kingsley ...... Timothy West
Tom ...... Oliver Peace
Grimes ...... Philip Jackson
The Lobster ...... Olivier Pierre
The Salmon ...... Sean Baker
Lady Salmon ...... Frances Jeater
The Turbot ...... Geoffrey Whitehead
The Professor ...... Christopher Good
Miss Ellie ...... Ciara Janson
The Porpoise ...... Sarah-Jane Holm
And as the Water Babies:
Rosie Wiggins
Victoria Hickson
Alex Bird
Mark Guildea
CHARLES KINGSLEY - THE WATER BABIES - 3. THE OTHER END OF NOWHERE (320kbs-m4a/131mb/57mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 19th September 2025
Tom sets off for the Other-End-of-Nowhere.
Mrs Doasyouwouldbedoneby ...... Julia McKenzie
Charles Kingsley ...... Timothy West
Tom ...... Oliver Peace
Grimes ...... Philip Jackson
The Lobster ...... Olivier Pierre
The Salmon ...... Sean Baker
Lady Salmon ...... Frances Jeater
The Turbot ...... Geoffrey Whitehead
The Professor ...... Christopher Good
Miss Ellie ...... Ciara Janson
The Porpoise ...... Sarah-Jane Holm
Giant ...... Peter Woodthorpe
Herring ...... Gerard McDermott
Gairfowl ...... Frances Jeater
Older Tom ...... David Antrobus
Truncheon ...... Geoffrey Whitehead
Older Ellie ...... Sarah-Jane Holm
And as the Water Babies:
Rosie Wiggins
Victoria Hickson
Alex Bird
Mark Guildea