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THE LENNY HENRY SHOW (320kbs-m4a/379mb/2hrs45mins)
BBC Radio 4 broadcast: 25th August to 29th September 2020
Brand new sketch show from Lenny Henry featuring characters old and new.
Music by Lawrence Insula.
Produced by Sam Michel.
A Douglas Road and Tiger Aspect production for BBC Radio 4.
THE LENNY HENRY SHOW - 1. EPISODE 1 (320kbs-m4a/64mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 broadcast: 25th August 2020
Character-based sketch comedy from Lenny Henry, featuring old favourites like Deakus (musing about Covid from his care home) and Brixton-based DJ Delbert Wilkins, who's with his mate Winston talking about homeschooling.
There's also new characters such as Mr Stone, the former Special Forces operative-turned-teacher, and paranoid Aaron, who sees crime everywhere. And there's an outtake from the Repair Shop, an appeal by parents who have been cancelled by their kids, and a debut from Northern grime artist The Yorkshire Moor, rapping about lockdown.
Cast includes Lenny Henry, Vas Blackwood, George Fouracres, Llewella Gideon, Freya Parker, and Cherrelle Skeete.
Written by Lenny Henry and Max Davis, with Nathan Bryon and Tom Melia, Tasha Dhanraj, Kim Fuller, Benjamin Partridge and Nathan Roberts.
Music by Lawrence Insula, with Lockdown based on an original song, Shutdown by Skepta.
THE LENNY HENRY SHOW - 2. EPISODE 2 (320kbs-m4a/63mb/27mins)
BBC Radio 4 broadcast: 1st September 2020
Another helping of character-based sketch comedy from Lenny Henry - including Gideon de Witt, the politician who can never answer a question straight, Mr Stone, the former Special Forces operative-turned-teacher, and paranoid Aaron, who sees crime everywhere.
There's also the trailer for a gritty new Netflix movie that's heaven sent and more from Deakus discussing British-ness, while Delbert and Winston talk racist statues, and there's another song from Northern grime artist The Yorkshire Moor, this time celebrating all things Northern.
Cast includes Lenny Henry, Vas Blackwood, George Fouracres, Freya Parker, and Cherrelle Skeete.
Written by Lenny Henry and Max Davis, with Tasha Dhanraj, Kim Fuller and Benjamin Partridge.
THE LENNY HENRY SHOW - 3. EPISODE 3 (320kbs-m4a/62mb/27mins)
BBC Radio 4 broadcast: 8th September 2020
Another helping of character-based sketch comedy from Lenny Henry, including more from Delbert and Winston who discuss getting out into the countryside after lockdown.
We also hear from Cecilia and Barrington, two elderly Jamaican friends, and about a new TV show Britain's Next Great Occultist. There's more adventures from Gavin Stone, the Special Forces soldier-turned-teacher, and we meet Paul and Madison, who run Brixton's best black studies book shop - if only it wasn't so close to Waterstone's.
Cast includes Lenny Henry, Vas Blackwood, George Fouracres, Llewella Gideon, Freya Parker and Cherrelle Skeete.
Written by Lenny Henry and Max Davis, with Nathan Bryon and Tom Melia, Tasha Dhanraj, Kim Fuller, Athena Kugblenu, and Benjamin Partridge.
THE LENNY HENRY SHOW - 4. EPISODE 4 (320kbs-m4a/63mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 broadcast: 15th September 2020
Another helping of character-based sketch comedy for modern times from Lenny Henry.
There's more from Paul's Brixton Bibliotheque, Batman learns how to be woke, Deakus talks about his kids and how he met Claudette, and we go into space to meet new character Tyrone who's just trying not to be the black guy who gets killed first on every time.
Also, there's highlights from music podcast Vinyl's Great No Matter What My Ex-Wife Says, which features an interview with famous blues musician Charlie Johnson III, and the first instalment from outrageous Jamaican gameshow Box Mi Down, where contestants have to answer questions correctly or else get, well, boxed down.
Cast includes Lenny Henry, Vas Blackwood, George Fouracres and Cherrelle Skeete.
Written by Lenny Henry and Max Davis, with Athena Kugblenu and Kim Fuller.
THE LENNY HENRY SHOW - 5. EPISODE 5 (320kbs-m4a/64mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 broadcast: 22nd September 2020
Another helping of character-based sketch comedy from Lenny Henry, this time including more from outrageous Jamaican gameshow Box Mi Down, hosted by the great Glenroy Livingstone.
We're back in space to see if Tyrone can stop himself getting killed again. Delbert and Winston are back on the Brixton Broadcasting Co-operative to discuss celebrities they nearly met and there's more from bookseller Paul's Brixton Bibliotheque. Also, we drop in on Raheim X Davies's art history audioguide.
Cast includes Lenny Henry, Vas Blackwood, George Fouracres and Cherrelle Skeete.
Written by Lenny Henry and Max Davis, with Kim Fuller and Michael Odewale.
THE LENNY HENRY SHOW - 6. EPISODE 6 (320kbs-m4a/63mb/27mins)
BBC Radio 4 broadcast: 29th September 2020
Another dose of character-based sketch comedy from Lenny Henry, including more from Paul and his Brixton-based black studies bookshop.
Tyrone is still in Space desperately trying not to get killed, Glenroy Livingstone has more outrageous antics from his Jamaican game show Box Mi Down, and we meet new character Nick, a bouncer who can't get used to letting anyone in.
Also, Theophilus P Wildebeeste is back from retirement - but this time the P stands for "progressive".
Cast includes Lenny Henry, Gemma Arrowsmith, Vas Blackwood, George Fouracres and Cherrelle Skeete.
Written by Lenny Henry and Max Davis, with Tasha Dhanraj and Nathan Roberts.
ANNIE CAULFIELD - ALMOST ALWAYS AFRICAN (320kbs-m4a/131mb/57mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 6th May 2022
"Music may go or come but almost always it is African."
Gambian musician Moses Biama is invited to London to make an album with fading English rock star, Frank.
But the recording doesn't work out the way Frank has planned...
Starring Lenny Henry and Bill Nighy.
Annie Caulfield's comedy drama about cultural cross purposes and the Music Industry.
Moses .... Lenny Henry
Frank .... Bill Nighy
Moses's Brother .... Curtis Walker
Binta .... Joy Elias-Rilwan
Fatima .... Donna Croll
Tara .... Joanna Myers
Jack .... James Greene
Journalist .... Mark Straker
Music composed by Dominique Le Gendre.
Music played by Trevor Francis, Amadou Saho and Chuku Modo.
Hit single written by Neil Arthur and Joe Hagan.
Director: Paul Schlesinger.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1991.
LENNY HENRY - AUGUST SHINES (320kbs-m4a/64mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 8th December 2021
Lenny Henry travels to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to tell the story of August Wilson, contemporary America's greatest black playwright.
When Lenny won the London Critics' Circle award for best-actor in August Wilson's 'Fences', many admitted they knew little about this great black playwright, whose work brought the lives of working-class Pittsburgh African Americans to Broadway and across the USA.
Although at his untimely death in 2005, Wilson had been living for many years on the west coast in Seattle, his plays and his soul had long remained in the east, in the venerable old steel town of Pittsburgh where he was born and grew up.
Lenny travels to the city of three rivers and many bridges, now slowly recovering from post-industrial gloom, to visit the old, multiracial Hill District, where August lived as a child, and whose geography and characters run through his plays like the Allegheny River through the city.
In a sequence of ten plays, known as the 'Pittsburgh Cycle', Wilson charts the stories of black Americans across ten decades of the 20th century. Vibrant, real, yet filled with the original African rhythms and spirit that the playwright believed should underpin and shape his works, these plays are a magisterial account.
At the now semi-derelict childhood home, Lenny meets surviving members of Wilson's family, and encounters those who knew and loved him, like Sala Udin, who helped Wilson in the 1970s set up a powerful black theatre group to tell the stories of the Hill's residents.
Producer Simon Elmes
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2014.
RUDY'S RARE RECORDS - SERIES 4 (320kbs-m4a/385mb/2hr47mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 1st August to 12th September 2017
Father and son comedy set in the finest old-school record shop in Birmingham. Starring Lenny Henry, Larrington Walker and some terrific tunes.
Rudy's Rare Records is a tiny down at heel old reggae record shop in Birmingham - one of a dying breed; a place with real soul, stacked with piles of vinyl, where the slogan is "if we don't have it - them don't mek it". It's owned by the charismatic, irrepressible Rudy Sharpe (Larrington Walker), reluctantly helped out by his long-suffering neurotic son Adam (Lenny Henry) and Handsworth's first, black, surly girly goth, Tasha (Natasha Godfrey). Rudy has recently married his long-term love interest Doreen (Claire Benedict) who is enjoying the challenge of getting the Sharpe men in shape - until she is shaken by a mugging, which is leaving his best friend Clifton (Jeffery Kissoon) feeling left out - that is until Rudy's sister Miss Reenie comes to stay.
Written by Danny Robins
Producer: Katie Tyrrell
RUDY'S RARE RECORDS SERIES 4 - 1. THREE'S A CROWD (320kbs-m4a/64mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 1st August 2017
Adam .... Lenny Henry
Rudy .... Larrington Walker
Tasha .... Natasha Godfrey
Doreen .... Claire Benedict
Clifton .... Jeffery Kissoon
Karen .... Susie Riddell
Craig .... Joe Sims
Jimmy Cliff - Miss Jamaica
De La Soul - The Magic Number
Rossini - William Tell Overture
R Kelly - Bump N Grind
John Holt - I've Got To Get Away
Cutty Ranks - Rude Boy Number
James Brown - It's A Man's Man's Man's World
Desmond Dekker - Honour Your Mother And Father
The Beat - Whine And Grine
Bob Marley & The Wailers - Iron Lion Zion
Hortense Ellis And Prince Weedy - I Can't Stand The Rain
RUDY'S RARE RECORDS SERIES 4 - 2. BEST LOCAL BUSINESS (320kbs-m4a/64mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 15th August 2017
Business is not booming and Adam enters a competition for the Best Local Business hoping the publicity and the prize money will give the record shop a much needed boost. It also means war between Rudy's Rare Records and Clifton's Blooms.
Adam .... Lenny Henry
Rudy .... Larrington Walker
Tasha .... Natasha Godfrey
Doreen .... Claire Benedict
Clifton .... Jeffery Kissoon
Richie .... Joe Jacobs
Darnell .... Javone Prince
Secret Shopper .... Sarah Thom
Ainsley Harriott .... Himself
Twitch .... Adam Nagaitis
Written by Paula Hines
Script Editor: Danny Robins
Jimmy Cliff - Miss Jamaica
Desmond Dekker - Get Up Edina
Jay Z, Rihanna & Kanye West - Run This Town
Bob Marley - Fussin' And Fightin'
Winston Samuels - Be Prepared
Beastie Boys (Feat. Santigold) - Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win
Derrick Harriot - Do I Worry
Delroy Williams - No Friend
RUDY'S RARE RECORDS SERIES 4 - 3. LET IT GROW (320kbs-m4a/64mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 22nd August 2017
Adam is keen to take on an allotment and work the land with his Dad, Rudy. Rudy would prefer a patio.
Adam hopes to bond with his Dad, Rudy, whilst they till the earth together on an allotment. However, Rudy prefers to chill with his best friend Clifton and only takes an interest when they spot a rare and illegal plant growing in the greenhouse.
Adam .... Lenny Henry
Rudy .... Larrington Walker
Tasha .... Natasha Godfrey
Doreen .... Claire Benedict
Clifton .... Jeffery Kissoon
Lucinda .... Sarah Thom
Trader/Customer/Dealer .... Adam Nagaitis
Jimmy Cliff - Miss Jamaica
Yellowman - Zungguzungguguzungguzeng
The Mighty Diamonds - Gates Of Zion
M Beat (Feat. General Levy) - Incredible
Gregory Isaacs - Rumours
The Selecter - Carry Go Bring Home
Sean Paul - Gimme The Light
Leo Graham - Hard Times
The Sugarhill Gang - Rapper's Delight
King Tubby - Herbal Dub
Willie Williams - Armagideon Time
RUDY'S RARE RECORDS SERIES 4 - 4. IT'S GRIM UP NORTH (320kbs-m4a/64mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 29th August 2017
Adam attends a business conference to network and is determined to leave his dad behind. He fails. Not only does Rudy attend but he knows the guest speaker.
Adam .... Lenny Henry
Rudy .... Larrington Walker
Tasha .... Natasha Godfrey
Doreen .... Claire Benedict
Bernard Sheedy .... Justin Moorhouse
Brinsley Forde .... Brinsley Forde
Katerina .... Liza Sadovy
Attila/Receptionist .... Adam Nagaitis
Jimmy Cliff - Miss Jamaica
The Ethiopians - Train To Skaville
Raphael Saadiq - Radio
Aswad - Shine
Bob Marley & The Wailers - Simmer Down
Inner Circle - Sweat (A La La La La Long)
Charlie Binger & His Quartet - Jamaica Is The Place To Go
Nelly - Hot In Herre
Jimmy Cliff - Ruby Soho
Aswad - Don't Turn Around
Toots & The Maytals - Pressure Drop
The Smiths - Girlfriend In A Coma
Aswad - 50 Shades Of Grey
RUDY'S RARE RECORDS SERIES 4 - 5. MISS REENIE COMES TO STAY (320kbs-m4a/64mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 5th September 2017
Adam's surprise birthday present for his Dad backfires.
Adam has a surprise for his Dad's birthday - his sister Reenie! It backfires when Miss Reenie turns out to be the house guest from hell and plans to stay for 6 months.
Adam .... Lenny Henry
Rudy .... Larrington Walker
Tasha .... Natasha Godfrey
Doreen .... Claire Benedict
Clifton .... Jeffery Kissoon
Miss Reenie .... Angela Wynter
RSPCA Man .... Joe Sims
Written by Paula Hines
Script Editor: Danny Robins
Jimmy Cliff - Miss Jamaica
Lord Kitchener - Sweet Jamaica
Aswad - Danger In Your Eyes
Danny D & The Shadows - Lord A Massie Massie
Robert Mitchum - Not Me
Alton Ellis - Girl I've Got A Date
Fats Domino - I'm In Love Again
Sister Carol - Black Woman
Yellowman - Top Form
RUDY'S RARE RECORDS SERIES 4 - 6. SOUND OF DA POLICE (320kbs-m4a/64mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 12th September 2017
When Doreen is mugged Adam and Rudy react very differently. Adam intends to become a role model for the community and Rudy intends to whack the mugger with a cricket bat.
Adam .... Lenny Henry
Rudy .... Larrington Walker
Tasha .... Natasha Godfrey
Doreen .... Claire Benedict
SGT Popper .... Andrew Brooke
Hoodie .... Adam Nagaitis
Hoodie 2 .... Joe Sims
Jimmy Cliff - Miss Jamaica
Desmond Dekker - 007 (Shanty Town)
KRS-One - Sound Of Da Police
Smiley Culture - Police Officer
Snow - Informer
Damian Marley - Welcome To Jamrock
Dandy Livingstone - Trouble In The Town
Junior Murvin - Police And Thieves
The Specials - Ghost Town
Jimmy Cliff - Guns Of Brixton
Fu Schnickens - Ring The Alarm
RUDY'S RARE RECORDS - SERIES 3 (320kbs-m4a/388mb/2hr49mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 5th February to 12th March 2021
Father and son comedy set in the finest old-school record shop in Birmingham.
Written by Danny Robins
Produced by Lucy Armitage
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January/February 2011.
RUDY'S RARE RECORDS SERIES 3 - 1. NO RICHIE, NO CRY (320kbs-m4a/65mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 5th February 2021
Adam and his Dad, Rudy attempt to fill the gap left by Richie having gone to University with Salsa evening classes.
Adam ...... Lenny Henry
Rudy ...... Larrington Walker
Tasha ...... Natasha Godfrey
Clifton ...... Jeffery Kissoon
Juanita ...... Carmen Mendonza
Jimmy Cliff - Miss Jamaica
Arrested Development - Ease My Mind
The Staple Singers - Be What You Are
Marvin Gaye - Don't You Miss Me A Little Bit Baby
Eddie Floyd - High-Heel Sneakers
Vieja Trova Santiaguera - Zun Zun Paloma
Derrick Morgan - Leave Her Alone
Buena Vista Social Club - Amor De Loca Juventud
Jimmy Smith - Got My Mojo Workin'
RUDY'S RARE RECORDS SERIES 3 - 2. IT'S A FAMILY AFFAIR (320kbs-m4a/65mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 12th February 2021
While attempting a bit of spring cleaning, Adam discovers a bundle of long lost love letters addressed to his late Mum - and they're definitely not from his Dad.
Adam ...... Lenny Henry
Rudy ...... Larrington Walker
Tasha ...... Natasha Godfrey
Clifton ...... Jeffery Kissoon
Doreen ...... Claire Benedict
Courier ...... Andrew Brooke
Written by Paula Hines
Script Edited by Danny Robins
Jimmy Cliff - Miss Jamaica
The Elgins - Put Yourself In My Place
Prince & The New Power Generation - Daddy Pop
Slim Harpo - The Price Is Too High
The Beat - All Out To Get You
Prince Buster - Hard Man Fe Dead
Carlton & The Shoes - Love Me Forever
RUDY'S RARE RECORDS SERIES 3 - 3. REDEMPTION SONG (320kbs-m4a/64mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 19th February 2021
Thanks to some dodgy paperwork, Adam and Rudy are faced with the prospect of losing the lease on their shop in less than a year. Inspired by Rudy's claim that Bob Marley once cited Rudy's Rare Records as having the best toilet facilities in Birmingham, they take extreme action.
Adam ...... Lenny Henry
Rudy ...... Larrington Walker
Richie ...... Joe Jacobs
Tasha ...... Natasha Godfrey
Clifton ...... Jeffery Kissoon
Jimmy Cliff - Miss Jamaica
N.O. - I Need A Dollar
Martha Reeves & The Vandellas - Nowhere To Run
James Brown - The Payback
Max Romeo - One Step Forward
Stevie Wonder - Do Like You
Sammy Drumbago's Band - You Have Been Drunk
Ziggy Marley - Friend
Bob Marley & The Wailers - Three Little Birds
RUDY'S RARE RECORDS SERIES 3 - 4. RUDY'S RARE RECORD (320kbs-m4a/65mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 26th February 2021
With the discovery on one of the rarest records ever recorded on a dusty shelf at the back of the shop, Rudy, Adam and Richie each allow themselves to imagine what life would really be like if they were that rich. Turns out, their dreams are a bit premature...
Adam ...... Lenny Henry
Rudy ...... Larrington Walker
Richie ...... Joe Jacobs
Tasha ...... Natasha Godfrey
Clifton ...... Jeffery Kissoon
Doreen ...... Claire Benedict
DJ Karel ...... Andrew Brooke
Written by Paula Hines
Script Edited by Danny Robins
Jimmy Cliff - Miss Jamaica
Groove Armada - But I Feel Good
Lloyd Clarke - Fool's Day
The Beat - Jackpot
Eric Monty Morris - Beautiful Garden
Dizzee Rascal - Holiday
Ken Lazarus & Keith Lyn - Beatles Got To Go
Sly & The Family Stone - Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)
The Beatles - In Spite Of All The Danger
Eric Monty Morris - Too Late
RUDY'S RARE RECORDS SERIES 3 - 5. LIGHTS OUT (320kbs-m4a/65mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 5th March 2021
Rudy is determined to prove to his girlfriend Doreen that she's finally met her match. He's even persuaded Adam to keep out of the way while he cooks Doreen a romantic meal for her birthday. The power supply across the West Midlands, however, has even more surprising treats in store.
Adam ...... Lenny Henry
Rudy ...... Larrington Walker
Tasha ...... Natasha Godfrey
Clifton ...... Jeffery Kissoon
Doreen ...... Claire Benedict
Jimmy Cliff - Miss Jamaica
Calypso Rose - Underneath The Mango Tree
Pluto Shervington - Ram Goat Liver
Joe Tex - Men Are Gettin' Scarce
Louis Jordan - Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby
Calypso Rose - Senior Citizen Day
Glen Adams - I Want To Hold Your Hand
RUDY'S RARE RECORDS SERIES 3 - 6. GIRLS AND BOYS (320kbs-m4a/65mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 12th March 2021
With Rudy about to tie the knot, it's party time - Adam style. Adam has created a wedding spreadsheet, and it's down to Richie to intervene to ensure that both the Stag Do, and Doreen's hen night, go off with a Rudy Sharpe Sizzle.
Adam ...... Lenny Henry
Rudy ...... Larrington Walker
Richie ...... Joe Jacobs
Tasha ...... Natasha Godfrey
Clifton ...... Jeffery Kissoon
Doreen ...... Claire Benedict
Destiny ...... Lorraine Burroughs
Daphne ...... Joanna Monro
Written by Danny Robins and Paula Hines
Jimmy Cliff - Miss Jamaica
Bob Marley & The Wailers - If The Cap Fit
Protoje - Arguments
The Impressions - Come To My Party
Kelis - Milkshake
Ciara & Justin Timberlake - Love Sex Magic
The Flamingos - The Boogaloo Party
Liberty X - Just A Little
Laurel Aitken & Freetown - Rudy Girl
John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John - Summer Nights
Lata Mangeshkar - Agar Tum Na Hote
Alesha Dixon - The Boy Does Nothing
Lata Mangeshkar - Mere Achchey Piya
The Four Shells - Hot Dog (My Baby's Comin' Home)
RUDY'S RARE RECORDS - SERIES 2 (320kbs-m4a/258mb/1hr52mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 24th June to 8th July 2020
The collisions of life for Grandad Rudy, father Adam and son Richie living all crammed together over an old record store in Birmingham.
Starring Lenny Henry, Larrington Walker and Joe Jacobs.
Sitcom by Danny Robins, set in the finest, feistiest, family-run record shop in Birmingham.
Producer: Lucy Armitage
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2009.
RUDY'S RARE RECORDS SERIES 2 - 1. ILL COMMUNICATION (320kbs-m4a/65mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 24th June 2020
It's Adam's chance to tidy up the Birmingham shop, but will father Rudy get his revenge?
Adam Sharpe ...... Lenny Henry
Rudy Sharpe ...... Larrington Walker
Richie Sharpe ...... Joe Jacobs
Clifton ...... Jeffery Kissoon
Tasha ...... Natasha Godfrey
Doreen ...... Claire Benedict
Police Officer ...... Andrew Brooke
Jimmy Cliff - Miss Jamaica
NWA - Express Yourself
Clue J & His Blues Blasters - Salt Lane Shuffle
Gregory Isaacs - Night Nurse
The Gaylads - Stop Making Love
The Pioneers - Give And Take
Louisa Mark - Keep It Like It Is
Jimmy Cliff - The Harder They Come
Mr. Vegas - Heads High
RUDY'S RARE RECORDS SERIES 2 - 2. OH CAROLINA (320kbs-m4a/65mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 6th August 2014
Adam finally goes out on a date, but is the lady in question quite what she appears?
Adam Sharpe ...... Lenny Henry
Rudy Sharpe ...... Larrington Walker
Richie Sharpe ...... Joe Jacobs
Clifton ...... Jeffery Kissoon
Tasha ...... Natasha Godfrey
DJ Karel ...... Andrew Brooke
Claire Benedict ...... Carolina
Jimmy Cliff - Miss Jamaica
BB Seaton - Thin Line Between Love And Hate
Audrey Hall - One Dance Won't Do
Tippa Irie - Hello Darling
The Skatalites - James Bond Theme
The Mighty Sparrow - No Money, No Love
Raymond Harper & The Carib Beats - Amour
Eric Carmen - All By Myself
RUDY'S RARE RECORDS SERIES 2 - 3. DADDY COOL (320kbs-m4a/64mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 1st July 2020
When his teenage son won't be seen in public with him, Adam is determined to prove that he's got what it takes to be cool.
And his elderly dad, Rudy, is on hand to give some unexpected advice.
Adam ...... Lenny Henry
Rudy ...... Larrington Walker
Richie ...... Joe Jacobs
Tasha ...... Natasha Godfrey
Clifton ...... Jeffery Kissoon
Doreen ...... Claire Benedict
DJ Karel ...... Andrew Brooke
Tunde ...... Femi Elufowoju
Rapper ...... Doc Brown.
Additional material by Doc Brown and Leah Chillery.
Jimmy Cliff - Miss Jamaica
Teddy Pendergrass - You Can't Hide From Yourself
Hopeton Lewis - Take It Easy
The Melodians - You Don't Need Me
Roland Alphonso - Song For My Father
Fugees - Ready Or Not
Stevie Wonder - Uptight (Everything's Alright)
Boney M - Daddy Cool
RUDY'S RARE RECORDS SERIES 2 - 4. RIDE WITH ME (320kbs-m4a/65mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 8th July 2020
Adam takes his mortality a little too seriously, and finds himself confronted with a little too much lycra.
Adam ...... Lenny Henry
Rudy ...... Larrington Walker
Richie ...... Joe Jacobs
Tasha ...... Natasha Godfrey
Clifton ...... Jeffery Kissoon
DJ Karel ...... Andrew Brooke.
Jimmy Cliff - Miss Jamaica
Sonny Boy Williamson - Too Young To Die
Derrick Morgan - Cool Off Rudies
The Mighty Sparrow - Drunk And Disorderly
Bob Marley & The Wailers - Ride Natty Ride
Pluto Shervington - Gimme
Jr. Walker & The All Stars - Road Runner
Nelly (Feat. City Spud) - Ride Wit Me
Tone-Loc - Funky Cold Medina
McFadden & Whitehead - Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now
Howlin' Wolf - Baby Ride With Me
RUDY'S RARE RECORDS - SERIES 1 (320kbs-m4a/258mb/1hr52mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 4th to 25th February 2021
Three generations of men and their musical tastes collide in this family sitcom set in a Birmingham record shop. Starring Lenny Henry.
Written by Danny Robins and Dan Tetsell from an original idea by Lenny Henry.
Producer: Lucy Armitage.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February/March 2008.
RUDY'S RARE RECORDS SERIES 1 - 1. TAKE ME HOME, COUNTRY ROADS (320kbs-m4a/65mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 4th February 2021
Rudy Sharpe owns an old record store in Birmingham - the last bastion of black music in Handsworth. When he suffers a 'heart attack', his neurotic, middle-aged, middle-class, divorcee son Adam and 17 year old grandson Richie come up from London to look after him.
Crammed together, living in the tiny flat above the shop, the three men are set to clash on a daily basis. Whilst Rudy and Richie share a love of reggae and soul music, Adam is the odd one out - thanks to his tastes in classical music.
Adam Sharpe ...... Lenny Henry
Richie Sharpe ...... Joe Jacobs
Rudy Sharpe ...... Larrington Walker
Doreen ...... Claire Benedict
Tasha ...... Natasha Godfrey
Clifton ...... Jeffery Kissoon
Alison ...... Tracy-Ann Oberman
Customers ...... Colin Hoult/Doc Brown
Jimmy Cliff - Miss Jamaica
Dave & Ansel Collins - Double Barrel
Nicky Thomas - Love Of The Common People
Desmond Dekker - You Can Get It If You Really Want
Greyhound - Black And White
RUDY'S RARE RECORDS SERIES 1 - 2. ROOTS MANOEUVRES (320kbs-m4a/64mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 11th February 2021
Now all living crammed above an old record store in Birmingham, Grandad Rudy, father Adam and son Richie collide over a local history exhibition.
Adam Sharpe ...... Lenny Henry
Richie Sharpe ...... Joe Jacobs
Rudy Sharpe ...... Larrington Walker
Doreen ...... Claire Benedict
Jamelia/Tasha ...... Natasha Godfrey
Clifton ...... Jeffery Kissoon
Alison ...... Tracy-Ann Oberman
Francis ...... Michael Fenton Stevens
Customers ...... Colin Hoult/Doc Brown
Jimmy Cliff - Miss Jamaica
Keith Rowe - Groovy Situation
Pluto Shervington - Your Honour
Skee Lo - I Wish
Tartans - What Can I Say
Big Brovaz - Favourite Things
Jimmy Cliff - Wonderful World, Beautiful People
RUDY'S RARE RECORDS SERIES 1 - 3. GET UP, STAND UP (320kbs-m4a/65mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 18th February 2021
Grandad's part-time career as a DJ is in jeopardy.
Adam Sharpe ...... Lenny Henry
Richie Sharpe ...... Joe Jacobs
Rudy Sharpe ...... Larrington Walker
Tasha ...... Natasha Godfrey
Clifton ...... Jeffery Kissoon
Alison ...... Tracy-Ann Oberman
DJ Karel ...... Andrew Brooke
Landlord ...... Gresby Nash
Diabolicus ...... Adam de Ville
Jimmy Cliff - Miss Jamaica
Peter Tosh & The Wailers - Shame And Scandal In The Family
NWA - Express Yourself
Bob Marley & The Wailers - Simmer Down
Roy & Millie - We'll Meet
Toots And The Maytals - Pressure Drop
Dream Warriors - My Definition Of A Boombastic Jazz Style
US3 - Tukka Yoot's Riddim
Larrington Walker - Get Up (I Feel Like Being A) Sex Machine
Laurel Aitken - Boogie In My Bones
Cluett Johnson Orchestra - Hot Nosh
Roland Alphonso - On The Move
Stevie Wonder - Sir Duke
RUDY'S RARE RECORDS SERIES 1 - 4. THE HEART OF SATURDAY NIGHT (320kbs-m4a/65mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 25th February 2021
Bad news for the trio when burglars ransack their record store in Brum.
Adam Sharpe ...... Lenny Henry
Richie Sharpe ...... Joe Jacobs
Rudy Sharpe ...... Larrington Walker
Tasha ...... Natasha Godfrey
Clifton ...... Jeffery Kissoon
Doctor ...... Tracy-Ann Oberman
DJ Karel ...... Andrew Brooke
Trev the Hoodie ...... Doc Brown
Jimmy Cliff - Miss Jamaica
Bob Marley & The Wailers - Three Little Birds
Ice Cube - It Was A Good Day
Dennis Brown - No Man Is An Island
The Specials - Ghost Town
Junior Murvin - Police And Thieves
LENNY HENRY'S ROGUES GALLERY - SERIES 2 (320kbs-m4a/127mb/55mins)
BBC Radio 4 broadcast: 15th November to 6th December 2017
Written by and starring Sir Lenny Henry
Produced by Sam Michell
A BBC Studios Production.
LENNY HENRY'S ROGUES GALLERY - SERIES 2 - 1. LEFT HAND OF GOD (320kbs-m4a/32mb/14mins)
BBC Radio 4 broadcast: 15th November 2017
Lenny Henry writes and stars in a darkly comic story about Stan Clayton who has been a butcher all his life and hopes his sons will follow in his footsteps. But when one of them brings home a cherry red Stratocaster one day, it seems that Stan's plans are for the chopping block.
LENNY HENRY'S ROGUES GALLERY - SERIES 2 - 2. D.A.N.T.E. (320kbs-m4a/32mb/14mins)
BBC Radio 4 broadcast: 22nd November 2017
A frustrated artist is given a robot butler by her husband to cater for her every whim. But it soon turns out that that might not be enough... Lenny Henry writes this darkly comic monologue, performed by Tanya Moodie.
LENNY HENRY'S ROGUES GALLERY - SERIES 2 - 3. LEMAR'S CLEAN SHEET (320kbs-m4a/32mb/14mins)
BBC Radio 4 broadcast: 29th November 2017
A white boy from West Virginia is forced to join the Klu Klux Klan by his father, but when his black friends find out, they play a cruel trick on him. Voiced by George Fouracres (Radio 4's Daphne Sound Expensive).
LENNY HENRY'S ROGUES GALLERY - SERIES 2 - 4. MURDER MEN (320kbs-m4a/32mb/14mins)
BBC Radio 4 broadcast: 6th December 2017
Another darkly comic tale from the mind of Sir Lenny Henry, who plays Phil Hedley, an actor known for his "tough guy" roles. When Phil is suddenly cut from his hit cop drama "Tough Diamonds", for getting too close to the executive producer's daughter, the work dries up and he is forced to take a job fronting documentaries on gangs for niche cable channel Man Planet. But although Phil acts the tough guy, when he finds himself interviewing a drug lord in the middle of the Jamaican bush, it turns out he might not actually be as tough as he first thought...
LENNY HENRY ON RICHARD PRYOR: THE MAKING OF A SATIRIST (320kbs-m4a/130mb/57mins)
BBC Radio 4 broadcast: 23rd December 2017
Lenny Henry retraces the late comedian Richard Pryor's seven month stay in Berkeley, California - a crucial moment in his artistic development.
Richard Pryor is often hailed as the greatest stand up comedian of all time. For Lenny Henry, it was Pryor's fearless act in the mid 70s and 80s that inspired him as a young comic. And he remains Lenny's comedy hero to this day.
But the Richard Pryor that Lenny knows and loves had a very different act when he first started out in 1960s New York. A self-confessed Bill Cosby clone, charming audiences with his 'white bread' humour.
It's the stuff of legend how Pryor's biting social satires, salty language, and character-driven routines like The Wino and The Junkie came about after he threw away a lucrative job in Las Vegas and vowed to reinvent himself. But, for Lenny, the key to Pryor's artistic transformation lies in his short stay in Berkeley, California. When he arrived in February 1971, revolution was in the air. A hub for American counterculture, there were pitched battles in the streets between activists and the police. Berkeley was also home to the Black Panthers and a burgeoning black arts movement.
Pryor made friends with a local radio producer who invited him on to the local station KPFA, gave him a recorder so he could brainstorm new material, and taped several of his performances around town. With these little-heard tapes, Lenny pieces Pryor's life together during his self-imposed exile. Pryor immersed himself in black history and culture, hanging out with intellectuals like Ishmael Reed and Cecil Brown. For the first time, Pryor was taken seriously as an artist and we get a fascinating glimpse him recording free verse poetry. We also hear Pryor experimenting with edgier material at local clubs. For example, we hear blistering attacks on police brutality and his response to the 1971 Attica prison rebellion - which sound remarkably modern even today.
Contributors include: Novelist and poet, Ishmael Reed
Former poet laureate of California, Al Young
Richard's widow and keeper of his archives, Jennifer Pryor
Comedian and director, David Steinberg
Actress and comedian, Liz Torres
Author of Becoming Richard Pryor, Scott Saul
Producer: Victoria Ferran
A Just Radio production for BBC Radio 4.