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DESERT ISLAND DISCS REVISITED: BRIT AWARD WINNERS - NEIL TENNANT (320kbs-m4a/97mb/42mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 9th February 2025
Singer and songwriter Neil Tennant is castaway by Kirsty Young.
Neil is best known as one half of The Pet Shop Boys which, over the past 20 years, has been one of Britain's most successful and popular bands, noted for combining dance music with witty lyrics and delivering them in a uniquely English style.
As a teenager growing up in Newcastle upon Tyne, he felt himself to be an outsider at school, but found friends in an amateur theatre company. Yet he always felt his life would be different to theirs and used to tell them that he would become a celebrated pop star.
But Neil was 30 when he finally left his day job as a writer for Smash Hits magazine to pursue the musical interests that had dominated his life since he was a teenager. By that time, he was anxious that he had missed the boat.
Now, as well as continuing to release records with The Pet Shop Boys, he has branched out into other forms of composition,.
He's written a live score for the film Battleship Potemkin, a West End musical and has collaborated with Robbie Williams and the Scissor Sisters, amongst many others.
CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Dusty Springfield - I Don't Want to Hear It Anymore
BOOK CHOICE: The Human Comedy - Honore de Balzac
LUXURY CHOICE: DVD projector and DVDs
Producer: Leanne Buckle
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2007.
Rex Harrison - Why Can't The English?
The Beatles - She Loves You
Sinfonia of London Orchestra, conducted by Sir John Barbirolli - Ralph Vaughan Williams's Fantasia On A Theme by Thomas Tallis
David Bowie - Changes
Shannon - Give Me Tonight
Billie Holiday - Good Morning, Heartache
Dusty Springfield - I Don't Want To Hear It Anymore
New York Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Leonard Bernstein - Dmitry Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5 in D minor (1st movement)
CARIBOU - ROUGH TRADE MIXTAPE 2024 (320kbs/101mb/44mins)
UK, CD ["Honey" Bonus CD] City Slang Records (SLANG50570): 4th October 2024
Soundcloud stream
Joel Vandroogenbroeck - Cascades
Max Cilla - La Flûte Des Mornes
Cybe Bali - Pulau Bagus
Boards Of Canada - Staircase Whip
Jonjon De Segunda - À Sexta
Paul Johnson - Back To The Ghetto
DJ Boobie - You Know How We Do It
Faxotxoal - A Suite Deal
Stevie Wonder - If You Really Love Me
Random Logic - Mirego
Neil Landstrumm - Takks
Tropa do Bruxo - Baile do Bruxo
Kelbin & Aleph - Unknown
Random Logic - Mirego
G-Man - Quo Vadis
DBX - Two People
Doussala Demba - Terra Batida
DJ Nehpets - Na Na Na
Colin Jackman - D'Jab Jab Dance (Bad Lad Mix)
Binary Digit - Untitled 38490
Jim C - Nedd Maleka
Orch. D.O.7 Shirati Jazz - Mika Owiti Gor
Suicide - Dream Baby Dream
Jonjon De Segunda - À Sexta
THE RECORDING ANGEL W⧸ THE AVALANCHES X VEGYN 12.03.25 (262kbs-m4a/115mb/61mins)
NTS Radio broadcast: 12th March 2025
Ricki Lee Jones - A Conversation
The Avalanches - We Will Always Love You
Vegyn (feat. John Glacier) - A Dream Goes On Forever
College - Can You Kiss Me First
Siriusmo - Nights Off
Vegyn - 4 Year Break
Ricki Lee Jones - A Conversation Pt. 2
Stereolab - Come And Play In The Milky Night
Unknown - Untitled
Doris - Jerk
Dean Blunt & Elias Rønnenfelt - Lucre
Sonic Youth - Superstar
Vegyn - Mystery Or Misery
Red House Painters - Medicine Bottle
Portraits Of Tracy - WIP
Akira Yamaoka - The Day Of Night
Unknown - Untitled
Cinamon Chasers - Luv Deluxe
Headache - The Beginning Of The End
Lauren Duffus - N.U.M.T.E
Lykke Li (feat. NATURE) - TЯAƎH ЯUOY OT YAWHӘIH
Leyla Ebrahimi - U Can Keep The Fire
Thanx frazered
MARY ANNE HOBBS - 6 MUSIC 21.02.25 (320kbs-m4a/316mb/2hrs17mins)
BBC Radio 6 Music broadcast: 21st February 2025
MARY ANNE HOBBS - 1. FULL FORCE FRIDAY FEELINGS (320kbs-m4a/184mb/1hr20mins)
BBC Radio 6 Music broadcast: 21st February 2025
Back to back bangers, as we shake off the week with wall of sound and hurtle towards the Friday Guest Mix. We also celebrate our favourite music from the Near Future and take a moment to relax with our Hit Reset moment.
Kendrick Lamar - The Heart Part 5 [Polydor]
ROSALÍA - SAOKO [Columbia]
SHERELLE - 160 Down The A406 [SHERELLE]
Kim Gordon - Dream Dollar [Matador]
Deftones - Digital Bath [Maverick]
Richie Culver - Slow Car [Richie Culver]
Nils Frahm - Forever Changeless [Erased Tapes]
Tom Waits - Such A Scream (Live In Milan, Italy 2008) [Tom Waits]
PJ Harvey - Rid Of Me [Island]
Aya - Off To The ESSO [Hyperdub]
Pa Salieu - Betty [Warner Music UK]
Kode9 & The Spaceape - Kingstown [Hyperdub]
Lucrecia Dalt (feat. David Sylvian) - Cosa Rara
Azu Tiwaline & Al Wootton - Nine Points [Livity Sound]
Joy Division - Love Will Tear Us Apart
Blackhaine (feat. Iceboy Violet & Blood Orange) - Prayer [Fixed Abode]
Moor Mother - After Images [Don Giovanni]
Beyoncé - FORMATION [Parkwood]
Paleman - Munch
Doc Scott - Ghost 25 [Metalheadz]
MARY ANNE HOBBS - 2. ADAM F WITH THE ICONS MIX (320kbs-m4a/71mb/31mins)
BBC Radio 6 Music broadcast: 21st February 2025
With an ICONS mix from Adam F on the release of his new album Colours Revisited, a revision of Adam F's MOBO Award-winning 1997 debut album.
Marcus Intalex - Temperance [Soul:r]
Adam F & Paul T - Aromatherapy Revisited (Adam F VIP & Paul T Reboot) [181]
Adam F - Circles Revisited (Adam F VIP & ALIBI Reboot Bootleg) [181]
MC Conrad & Total Science - Soul Patrol [CIA]
LTJ Bukem - Music [Good Looking]
MC Conrad & LTJ Bukem - Promised Land [Higher Land]
Goldie & Nookie - Inner City Life (Nookie Remix) [London]
Roy Ayers - Everybody Loves The Sunshine (Adam F VIP) [Polydor]
L‐Side & Makoto & Frank H Carter III - What You Won't Do For Love [V]
Motiv - Walkin' Jazz [Liquid V]
MC Conrad & Makoto - Golden Girl [Good Looking]
Adam F & LTJ Bukem - Atlantis & Music In My Mind Revisited (Adam F VIP) [181]
MARY ANNE HOBBS - 3. KICK STARTING THE WEEKEND (320kbs-m4a/61mb/26mins)
BBC Radio 6 Music broadcast: 21st February 2025
The weekend is almost within our reach, you dance towards it and we'll provide the tunes.
2Pac (feat. K‐Ci & Jojo) - How Do You Want It [Death Row]
Pangaea - Router [Hessle Audio]
Loraine James (feat. Eden Samara) - Running Like That [Hyperdub]
David Bowie - Subterraneans [RCA]
Nubya Garcia - Together Is A Beautiful Place (Nala Sinephro Remix) [Nubya Garcia]
Savages - I Need Something New [Matador]
WALLY K DALY - TIME SLIP (320kbs-m4a/129mb/56mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 31st October 2021
Paul Williamson arrives home, only to find himself already there.
What exactly is going on?
Wally K Daly's award-winning sci-fi comedy drama.
Paul ...... Paul Daneman
Frank ...... Donald Hewlett
Margaret ...... Gwen Watford
Faye ...... Norma Ronald
Harold the Barman ...... Eric Allan
Producer: Martin Jenkins
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 1983.
WALLY K DALY - THE CHILDREN OF WITCHWOOD (320kbs-m4a/325mb/2hrs21mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 9th to 13th August 2021
College student Jackie Lamont mysteriously goes missing. When she reappears, just as mysteriously, she seems to possess special telepathic powers.
Meanwhile, the Cranford Family have guarded a secret for hundreds of years - and Jackie Lamont is now a threat. B.Q. Brown, of the Ministry of Defence, investigates a possible link between the burning of six children as witches in the 17th century and Jackie's disappearance.
Starring Wendy Baxter.
The last drama series which Wally K Daly wrote for radio.
Directed at BBC Birmingham by Jenny Stephens.
Made for BBC7 and first broadcast in September 2005.
WALLY K DALY - THE CHILDREN OF WITCHWOOD - 1. MISSING (320kbs-m4a/64mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 9th August 2021
Jackie Lamont .... Wendy Baxter
Mandy Lamont .... Emily Chennery
Sion Lamont .... Scott Gray
Jason Cranford .... Laurence Saunders
Cheever Cranford .... Jez Thomas
Becky Cranford .... Becky Wright
DC Danny Sparks .... Daniel Settatree
WPC Polly Bell .... Lorraine Coady
Mother .... Jilly Bond
Sergeant .... Michael Cochrane
WALLY K DALY - THE CHILDREN OF WITCHWOOD - 2. CHANGE (320kbs-m4a/66mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 10th August 2021
College student Jackie Lamont mysteriously went missing, but she's reappeared with some very strange powers.
This has come to the attention of BQ Brown, of the Ministry of Defence, who investigates a possible link to a set of grisly murders in the 17th century...
Jackie Lamont .... Wendy Baxter
Many Lamont .... Emily Chennery
Sion Lamont .... Scott Gray
Jason Cranford .... Laurence Saunders
Cheever Cranford .... Jez Thomas
Becky Cranford .... Becky Wright
DC Danny Sparks .... Daniel Settatree
WPC Polly Bell .... Lorraine Cody
Mother .... Jilly Bond
B.Q. Brown/Sergeant .... Michael Cochrane
Iron Peter/Dentist .... Robert Lister
WALLY K DALY - THE CHILDREN OF WITCHWOOD - 3. THE TRADITION (320kbs-m4a/65mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 11th August 2021
More is revealed about the mysterious Cranford family who have inhabited the village for years.
And the mystery surrounding Jackie's earlier disappearance deepens as the strength of her powers becomes apparent...
Jackie Lamont .... Wendy Baxter
Mandy Lamont .... Emily Chennery
Sion Lamont .... Scott Gray
Jason Cranford .... Laurence Saunders
Cheever Cranford .... Jez Thomas
Becky Cranford .... Becky Wright
DC Danny Sparks .... Daniel Settatree
WPC Polly Bell .... Lorraine Coady
Mother/Minister .... Jilly Bond
B.Q. Brown Michael .... Cochrane
Iron Peter .... Robert Lister
WALLY K DALY - THE CHILDREN OF WITCHWOOD - 4. RETURN TO THE BURNING FIELD (320kbs-m4a/65mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 12th August 2021
After her mystery disappearance, Jackie Lamont has gained strange powers of telepathy.
BQ Brown of the Ministry of Defence continues his investigation linking this to sinister events back in the 17th century...
Jackie Lamont .... Wendy Baxter
Mandy Lamont .... Emily Chennery
Sion Lamont .... Scott Gray
Jason Cranford .... Laurence Saunders
Cheever Cranford .... Jez Thomas
Becky Cranford .... Becky Wright
DC Danny Sparks .... Daniel Settatree
WPC Polly Bell .... Lorraine Coady
Mother/Minister .... Jilly Bond
B.Q. Brown .... Michael Cochrane
Iron Peter .... Robert Lister
WALLY K DALY - THE CHILDREN OF WITCHWOOD - 5. THE AGENDA (320kbs-m4a/65mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 13th August 2021
BQ Brown of the Ministry of Defence pays a visit to the Cranford family council – as many secrets are finally revealed...
B.Q. Brown .... Michael Cochrane
Jackie Lamont .... Wendy Baxter
Mandy Lamont .... Emily Chennery
Sion Lamont .... Scott Gray
Jason Cranford .... Laurence Saunders
Cheever Cranford .... Jez Thomas
Becky Cranford .... Becky Wright
DC Danny Sparks .... Daniel Settatree
WPC Polly Bell .... Lorraine Coady
Mother .... Jilly Bond
Iron Peter .... Robert Lister
WALLY K DALY - 625Y (320kbs-m4a/135mb/59mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadast: 14th & 15th April 2021
Starring Amanda Root and Geoffrey Whitehead.
Wally K Daly's intriguing two-part sci-fi drama.
Kate Brown .... Amanda Root
Professor Slingsby .... Geoffrey Whitehead
Joe Barnard .... Jon Strickland
Reporter .... Elizabeth Conboy
Prime Minister .... Chris Tranchell
Minister of Defence .... Ian Masters
Major Peters .... Brett Usher
Danny Flowers .... Stuart Milligan
Lab Technician .... Harry Myers
Minister of Health .... Sandra Clark
Director: Gordon House.
First broadcast as a one hour drama on BBC Radio 4 in January 1999.
WALLY K DALY - 625Y - 1. DISCOVERY (320kbs-m4a/65mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadast: 14th April 2021
Research scientist Kate Brown makes a dramatic discovery in her laboratory about human genes.
But when her news starts to spread, events rapidly spiral out of control...
WALLY K DALY - 625Y - 2. ELIXIR OF LIFE (320kbs-m4a/71mb/31mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadast: 15th April 2021
Scientist Kate Brown's attempt to bring her dramatic new gene discovery into the public domain doesn't go to plan...
WALLY K DALY - ORPHANS IN WAITING (320kbs-m4a/408mb/2hrs57mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 29th June to 6th July 2020
A spy thriller in six parts by Wally K Daly.
Audio from the author's own collection.
Producer: Dan Garrett
First broadcast on BBC Radio 5 in August/September 1990.
WALLY K DALY - ORPHANS IN WAITING - 1. FRIDAY (320kbs-m4a/70mb/30mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 29th June 2020
The parents of Mike, Pete and Janey Jago disappear overnight - and there are mysterious marks in the garden...
Mike ...... Judy Bennett
Janey ...... Abigail Docherty
Peter ...... Simon Radford
Headmaster ...... Peter Jeffrey
With other parts by Joanna Myers, Timothy Carlton and Andrew Wincott.
WALLY K DALY - ORPHANS IN WAITING - 2. SATURDAY AM (320kbs-m4a/68mb/30mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 30th June 2020
The parents of Mike, Janey and Peter have disappeared.
What's in their father's briefcase?
And who or what is 'The Hyena'?
Mike ...... Judy Bennett
Janey ...... Abigail Docherty
Peter ...... Simon Radford
Store Manager ...... Danny Schiller
Woman ...... Auriol Smith
WALLY K DALY - ORPHANS IN WAITING - 3. SATURDAY PM (320kbs-m4a/67mb/29mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 1st July 2020
After the mysterious disappearance of their parents, Mike, Pete and Janey Jago have visitors...
But do Uncle Brian and Auntie Vi really have their best interests at heart?
Mike ...... Judy Bennett
Janey ...... Abigail Docherty
Peter ...... Simon Radford
Uncle ...... Frank Windsor
Auntie ...... Jo Manning Wilson
With Tariq Alibai, John Talbot and Elizabeth Mansfield.
WALLY K DALY - ORPHANS IN WAITING - 4. SATURDAY MIDNIGHT TO DAWN (320kbs-m4a/68mb/29mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 2nd July 2020
Suspicious of Uncle Brian and Auntie Vi, Janey thinks she knows what's really been happening. Can the children escape more danger?
Mike ...... Judy Bennett
Janey ...... Abigail Docherty
Peter ...... Simon Radford
Uncle ...... Frank Windsor
Auntie ...... Jo Manning Wilson
With Tariq Alibai, Tony Wredden, Bhasker, Elizabeth Mansfield and Fraser Kerr.
WALLY K DALY - ORPHANS IN WAITING - 5. SUNDAY AM (320kbs-m4a/68mb/30mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 3rd July 2020
More danger awaits the Jago children as they head to a mysterious war-torn land...
Mike ...... Judy Bennett
Janey ...... Abigail Docherty
Peter ...... Simon Radford
With Tariq Alibai, Tony Wredden, Bhasker and Amerjit Deu.
WALLY K DALY - ORPHANS IN WAITING - 6. SUNDAY PM (320kbs-m4a/68mb/29mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 6th July 2020
Under fire, Mike, Janey and Peter end up in the midst of war, pursued by a deadly enemy.
Mike ...... Judy Bennett
Janey ...... Abigail Docherty
Peter ...... Simon Radford
Uncle Brian ...... Frank Windsor
Auntie Vi ...... Jo Manning Wilson
Grandfather ...... Edward Kelsey
With Tariq Alibai, Amerjit Deu and David Bannerman.
WALLY K DALY - NIGHTMARE WORLD (320kbs-m4a/131mb/57mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadvast: 28th June 2020
Gary Henderson and old man Jenkins head up a mountain road to Hill House every November 13th. But on their ascent this year, the mountain begins to shake like hell on earth. And Gary? He meets himself coming back...
As a worldwide power failure brings chaos and terror to Earth, one town in every country undergoes a curious and startling transformation.
Wally K Daly's sci-fi thriller stars James Laurenson, Nigel Anthony, Peter Jeffrey and Geoffrey Whitehead.
Gary Henderson ...... James Laurenson
Jenkins ...... Nigel Anthony
AP Smith ...... Peter Jeffrey
Prime Minister ...... Geoffrey Whitehead
Venables ...... Joe Dunlop
Kate ...... Melinda Walker
Captain ...... Christopher Scott
Co Pilot ...... Christopher Good
Chief Scientific Officer ...... John Warner
Controller ...... Dominic Rickhards
Colonel ...... Nicholas Courtney
Soldier ...... Ian Michie
Lorna ...... Cara Kelly
Joker ...... Ken Cumberlidge
Billy ...... Sue Sheridan
Pamela ...... Jo Kendall
Jumbo Child ...... Joanna Mackie
Director: David Hitchinson
First broadcast on the BBC World Service in March 1989.
ITALO CALVINO - MARCOVALDO (OMNIBUS) (320kbs-m4a/159mb/69mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 23rd February 2025
Marcovaldo is a poor rural man now living with his growing family in a big city in northern Italy.
Italo Calvino's enchanting collection of five short stories.
Omnibus of dramatisations by Toby Jones.
From a translation by William Weaver.
* MUSHROOMS IN THE CITY - Marcovaldo finds mushrooms growing by the tram stop, but is dismayed to find that he isn't the only one who has spotted them.
* MOON AND THE GNAC - A neon sign thwarts Marcovaldo's efforts to teach his children about the night sky.
* THE RAIN AND THE LEAVES - Marcovaldo's increasing obsession with nurturing a plant brings surprising results.
* THE WRONG STOP - Marcovaldo gets lost in thick fog after a night at the cinema.
* SMOKE, WIND AND SOAP-BUBBLES - Marcovaldo’s children attempt to make money selling detergent samples.
Narrator ...... Toby Jones
Marcovaldo ...... Mackenzie Crook
Amadigi ...... Lloyd Hutchinson
Isolina ...... Isla Johnston
Michelino ...... Aaron Gelkoff
Pietruccio ...... Tyler Howitt
Fiordaligi/ Godifredo ...... Ashley Margolis
Domitilla/ Receptionist ...... Deborah Mcandrew
Viligelmo/Shopkeeper ...... Mark Bonnar
Director: Nadia Molinari
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2021.
BRIAN FREEMANTLE - CHARLIE MUFFIN (320kbs-m4a/201mb/1hr27mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 8th February 2025
Secret Service agent Charlie is a survivor. He needs to be.
His own Department is out to get him and so, it seems, are the KGB.
But one way or another, Charlie's determined to come out of it alive and rich.
Brian Freemantle's spy thriller, first published in 1977.
Starring Philip Jackson and Sandor Eles.
Dramatised by Geoffrey M Matthews.
Charlie .... Philip Jackson
Kalenin .... Sandor Eles
Willoughby .... Peter Howell
Gunther .... David Learner
Snare .... Andrew Branch
Harrison .... Stephen Rashbrook
Alexei Berenkov .... Peter Woodthorpe
Janet .... Marcia King
Wilberforce .... Manning Wilson
Cuthbertson .... Barrie Cookson
Ruttgers .... Don Fellows
Keys .... John Church
Brayley .... Richard Durden
Edith .... Jennifer Piercey
Director: Matthew Walters
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 1986.
PL TRAVERS - MARY POPPINS (320kbs-m4a/130mb/57mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 22nd December 2023
The story of the magical English nanny - poised, punctilious and practically perfect in every way.
Starring Juliet Stevenson as Mary Poppins, who's set to transform the lives of Jane and Michael Banks.
After the Banks family's last nanny walks out in disgust, Mary blows in to number 17 Cherry Tree Lane in London. She's given a week's trial by the children's father, George - but says she'll only stay until the wind changes.
Dramatised by Hazel Marshall, this was the first ever radio adaptation - based on several Mary Poppins stories written by PL Travers.
Juliet Stevenson .... Mary Poppins
Jonathan Bee .... Michael
Sophie Stuckey .... Jane
Deborah Berlin .... Mrs Banks
David Timson .... Mr Banks
Andrew Sachs .... Mr Turvy
Phyllida Law .... Katie Nana
Chris Moran .... Mr Smart
Laura Doddington .... Polly
Other parts played by the cast.
Producer: David Ian Neville.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1994.
OSCAR WILDE - THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY (320kbs-m4a/262mb/1hr54mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 20th & 21st February 2020
A vain aristocrat - a gilded and spoilt hedonist - makes a dangerous pact to preserve his youth.
Jamie Glover stars in Oscar Wilde's classic 1890 novel dramatised in two parts by Nick McCarty.
Director: Gordon House.
First broadcast on the BBC World Service in January 2000.
OSCAR WILDE - THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY - 1. EPISODE 1 (320kbs-m4a/131mb/57mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 20th February 2020
"I would give my soul to stay young".
Dorian Gray ...... Jamie Glover
Lord Henry Wotton ...... Ian McDiarmid
Basil Hallward ...... Steven Pacey
Sybil Vane ...... Tilly Gaunt
Jim Vane ...... Harry Myers
Mrs Vane ...... Elizabeth Mansfield
Lord Fermor ...... Brett Usher
Aunt Agatha ...... Mary Wimbush
Butler ...... Gavin Muir
Mrs Vandelaur ...... Elizabeth Bell
Lady Harley ...... Tessa Worsley
Servant ...... Tom George
Other parts played by the cast.
OSCAR WILDE - THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY - 2. EPISODE 2 (320kbs-m4a/131mb/57mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 21st February 2020
Aristocrat Dorian Gray is living a life of selfish pleasure. But is retribution on the horizon?
Dorian Gray ...... Jamie Glover
Lord Henry Wotton ...... Ian McDiarmid
Basil Hallward ...... Steven Pacey
Woman ...... Tilly Gaunt
Jim ...... Harry Myers
Duke Geoffrey ...... Edward de Souza
Thornton ...... Stephen Critchlow
Campbell ...... Geoffrey Beevers
Lord ...... Gavin Muir
Woman in Opium Den ...... Elizabeth Bell
Lady Narborough ...... Tessa Worsley
Francis ...... Tom George
Duke John ...... Brett Usher
Duchess ...... Alice Arnold
Other parts played by the cast.
DASHIELL HAMMETT - SECRET AGENT X-9 (320kbs-m4a/251mb/1hr49mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 24th February to 1st March 2022
It's 1934 and a New York warehouse is ablaze on the Lower East Side. A gang of gun-runners are holed-up until their supply of ammo explodes.
Tough-nut hero, Secret Agent X-9 receives a phone call from wealthy industrialist, Tarleton Powers asking for his help.
Starring Stuart Milligan and Connie Booth.
The heroic agent's adventure from the comic strip created by Dashiell Hammett and Alex Raymond. Syndicated by King Features, it ran from 1934 to 1996.
Dramatised in four parts by Mark Brisenden.
Originally agent X-9 had no name, but opted to call himself "Dexter" in the opening tale.
Dashiell Hammett wrote The Maltese Falcon and The Thin Man, while Alex Raymond famously created sci-fi comic hero Flash Gordon.
Producer: Chris Wallis.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 5 in January 1994.
DASHIELL HAMMETT - SECRET AGENT X-9 - 1. MURDER MANSION (320kbs-m4a/61mb/26mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 24th February 2022
X-9 ...... Stuart Milligan
Grace Powers ...... Connie Booth
The Top ...... William Hootkins
Evelyn Powers ...... Rachel Power
Deacon ...... Peter Marinker
Matthew ...... Michael John Paliotti
Captain Brady ...... John Guerrasio
Jude ...... Bruce McGregor
Cop 1 ...... Clive Rowe
All other parts played by the cast.
DASHIELL HAMMETT - SECRET AGENT X-9 - 2. CARNAGE AT SEA (320kbs-m4a/63mb/27mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 25th February 2022
Heroic agent X-9 takes on the law to pursue his arch enemy in the heart of 1930s New York.
X-9 ...... Stuart Milligan
Grace Powers ...... Connie Booth
The Top ...... William Hootkins
Evelyn Powers ...... Rachel Power
Deacon ...... Peter Marinker
Steward ...... Michael John Paliotti
Bartholomew ...... John Guerrasio
Jude ...... Bruce McGregor
All other parts played by the cast.
DASHIELL HAMMETT - SECRET AGENT X-9 - 3. THE POWERS THAT BE (320kbs-m4a/60mb/26mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 28th February 2022
The all-American hero battles to save gold bullion and solve Evelyn's disappearance.
X-9 ...... Stuart Milligan
Grace Powers ...... Connie Booth
The Top ...... William Hootkins
Evelyn Powers ...... Rachel Power
Deacon ...... Peter Marinker
Matthew ...... Michael John Paliotti
Captain Brady ...... John Guerrasio
Harper-Carp ...... Kerry Shale
Waitress ...... Miranda Pleasance
All other parts played by the cast.
DASHIELL HAMMETT - SECRET AGENT X-9 - 4. YOU'RE THE TOP (320kbs-m4a/68mb/27mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 1st March 2022
Heroic agent X-9 finally confronts his nemesis at the top of a 1930s New York landmark.
X-9 ...... Stuart Milligan
Grace Powers ...... Connie Booth
The Top ...... William Hootkins
Evelyn Powers ...... Rachel Power
Alden Powers ...... Peter Marinker
Luke ...... Michael John Paliotti
Captain Brady ...... John Guerrasio
Harper-Carp ...... Kerry Shale
Sister Agnes ...... Miranda Pleasance
All other parts played by the cast.
PAUL BARNHILL & NEIL WARHURST - THE SPACESHIP (320kbs-m4a/331mb/2hrs24mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 10th to 14th October 2022
In the year 2104, a fleet of research cruisers were launched into space, with every moment aboard the Really Invincible III, Macclesfield Division preserved by wall-to-wall monitoring, and transmitted back to Earth.
What you hear took place live, four years ago, 70,000 light years from home...
A five-part sci-fi comedy written by Paul Barnhill and Neil Warhurst.
Director: Sally Avens
Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in June 2005.
THE SPACESHIP - 1. LOST (320kbs-m4a/65mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 10th October 2022
An alien princess proves to be problematic for the crew of the Really Invincible III, Macclesfield Division.
Captain Gordon Taylor .... James Fleet
Melissa Patterson .... Emily Joyce
Karen .... Rose Cavaliero
Stuart .... Paul Barnhill
Clive .... Neil Warhurst
Princess Urrgh .... Stephen Hogan
Urrgh Emperor .... Jason Chan
Narrator .... Nicholas Boulton
THE SPACESHIP - 2. INDESTRUCTIBLE (320kbs-m4a/64mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 11th October 2022
Ship's doctor Clive 55 meets his identical cloned twin brother, Clive 88.
Captain Gordon Taylor .... James Fleet
Melissa Patterson .... Emily Joyce
Karen .... Rose Cavaliero
Stuart .... Paul Barnhill
Clive .... Neil Warhurst
Captain Ponter .... Stephen Hogan
Narrator .... Nicholas Boulton
THE SPACESHIP - 3. MONSTER (320kbs-m4a/69mb/30mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 12th October 2022
What are the strange noises coming from the hold? Karen and Melissa investigate.
Captain Gordon Taylor .... James Fleet
Melissa Patterson .... Emily Joyce
Karen .... Rose Cavaliero
Stuart .... Paul Barnhill
Clive .... Neil Warhurst
Trevor .... Rob Hastie
Narrator .... Nicholas Boulton
THE SPACESHIP - 4. DIRTY (320kbs-m4a/65mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 13th October 2022
Destruction aboard the ship when Clive 55's thirst for scientific experiment goes wrong.
Captain Gordon Taylor .... James Fleet
Melissa Patterson .... Emily Joyce
Karen .... Rose Cavaliero
Stuart .... Paul Barnhill
Clive .... Neil Warhurst
Narrator .... Nicholas Boulton
THE SPACESHIP - 5. ENEMIES (320kbs-m4a/68mb/30mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 14th October 2022
The crew at last make contact with another race, but not before a minor rebellion on board.
Captain Gordon Taylor .... James Fleet
Melissa Patterson .... Emily Joyce
Karen .... Rose Cavaliero
Stuart .... Paul Barnhill
Clive .... Neil Warhurst
Ion .... Jason Chan
The King of the Dwapeye .... Stephen Hogan
Narrator .... Nicholas Boulton
ANNE HOWELL & COLIN COOPER - HOST PLANET EARTH (320kbs-m4a/389mb/2hrs49mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 30th March to 6th April 2020
On the eve of Britain's first manned space shot, the death toll among those involved causes alarm.
'Host Planet Earth' is a sci-fi serial in six parts originally broadcast between July and September 1967. At that time, concerns were being raised about microbes being brought back to Earth by the American and Russian space programmes. Set in England, the British space programme is eager to compete and has gained an advantage with the invention of a propulsion system that enables exploration of distant regions of the universe within weeks instead of years.
Written by Anne Howell and Colin Cooper.
Music and FX by the Radiophonic Workshop.
Producer: Nesta Pain
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in August/September 1967.
HOST PLANET EARTH - 1. THE BEGINNING (320kbs-m4a/67mb/29mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 30th March 2020
The danger of invading - or invasive - alien species is only being realised very slowly, following some bizarre and seemingly unconnected events. Has that realisation come too late?
Harold Benson .... Ian Thompson
Claire Stuart .... Brenda Bruce
Professor Tate .... Rolf Lefebvre
Professor Ormskirk .... Clive Morton
David Holland .... Alexander John
Rathbone .... Timothy Bateson
Dr Edwards .... Heron Carvic
Sister .... Beth Boyd
Nat Blakey .... Nigel Anthony
Editor .... Antony Viccars
Policeman .... Preston Lockwood
HOST PLANET EARTH - 2. THE EMPTY MINDS (320kbs-m4a/66mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 31st March 2020
Britain's first manned space mission has blasted off.
A new discovery means distant regions of the universe can be reached within weeks instead of years.
But the sudden death of a scientist opposing the project sparks fears of unexpected dangers...
David Holland .... Alexander John
Claire Stuart .... Brenda Bruce
Mrs. Tate .... Marjorie Westbury
Professor Ormskirk .... Clive Morton
Doctor Edwards .... Heron Carvic
Doctor Harries .... Carleton Hobbs
Doctor Kellaway .... Douglas Hankin
Guard .... Preston Lockwood
Receptionist .... Rosalind Shanks
Harold Benson .... Ian Thompson
HOST PLANET EARTH - 3. THE PATTERN EMERGES (320kbs-m4a/66mb/29mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 1st April 2020
In Earth orbit, the Starfarer prepares for deep space.
Meanwhile one of the victims of the mysterious illness attacking scientists is now in a coma.
His brain rhythms are no longer conforming with any human pattern...
Nat Blakey .... Nigel Anthony
Bill Cape .... Ian Thompson
Professor Ormskirk .... Clive Morton
Rathbone .... Timothy Bateson
Claire Stuart .... Brenda Bruce
David Holland .... Alexander John
Joseph Banks .... Peter Tuddenham
Mrs Heming .... Betty Hardy
Rosemary Manning .... Barbara Mitchell
Technician .... Preston Lockwood
Schoolboys .... Spencer Shires
Schoolboys .... David Auker
HOST PLANET EARTH - 4. THE GEMINI FACTOR (320kbs-m4a/66mb/29mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 2nd April 2020
David Holland deduces that twins may be immune to the alien influence. The Starfarer returns to Earth orbit.
Nat Blakey .... Nigel Anthony
Professor Ormskirk .... Clive Morton
Rathbone .... Timothy Bateson
Police Sergeant .... Antony Viccars
Claire Stuart .... Brenda Bruce
David Holland .... Alexander John
Police Superintendent .... Duncan Carse
Doctor Harries .... Carleton Hobbs
Chris Johnson .... Tommy Eytle
Peter Johnson .... Bari Jonson
Technician .... Preston Lockwood
HOST PLANET EARTH - 5. THE ARRIVAL (320kbs-m4a/65mb/28mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 3rd April 2020
David Holland urges the Minister of Defence to destroy the Starfarer before it can return to Earth.
Claire Stuart .... Brenda Bruce
Minister of Defence .... Rolf Lefebvre
Professor Ormskirk .... Clive Morton
David Holland .... Alexander John
Rathbone .... Timothy Bateson
First Woman .... Beth Boyd
Nat Blakey .... Nigel Anthony
Police Inspector .... Preston Lockwood
Commentator .... Audrey Russell
Doctor/Commissionaire .... Ronald Herdman
Second Woman .... Betty Hardy
HOST PLANET EARTH - 6. THE PRICE OF FREEDOM (320kbs-m4a/62mb/27mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 6th April 2020
The Starfarer has returned from space, but the men inside it are dead.
The creatures which have killed them and the obscene horror which threatens to overwhelm the earth have at last been made plain...
Chris Johnson .... Tommy Eytle
Claire Stuart .... Brenda Bruce
David Holland .... Alexander John
Ian .... Preston Lockwood
Don Wells .... Nigel Anthony
Guard .... Humphrey Morton
Woman .... Beth Boyd
Professor Ormskirk .... Clive Morton
Announcer .... Rolf Lefebvre
KATY WIX - BIRD ISLAND: SERIES 2 (320kbs-m4a/128mb/56mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 28th March to 18th April 2021
Atmospheric comedy about a cheery scientist based in Sub-Antarctica by Katy Wix.
It's Ben's trip of a lifetime, but in a vast icy landscape with dodgy internet. Feeling lonely, he shares his thoughts via an audio 'log' on his dictaphone.
Graham is a fellow nerdy scientist so their exchanges are mumbled. Ben's even more awkward around new arrival Jane, though he's not entirely sure why.
Producer: Tilusha Ghelan
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2014.
BIRD ISLAND: SERIES 2 - EPISODE 1 (320kbs-m4a/32mb/14mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 28th March 2021
Ben is all consumed by a new cereal bar while Jane and Graham are completing the Penguin Census.
Ben ...... Reece Shearsmith
Graham ...... Julian Rhind-Tutt
Jane ...... Katy Wix
Beverley ...... Alison Steadman
BIRD ISLAND: SERIES 2 - EPISODE 2 (320kbs-m4a/32mb/14mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 4th April 2021
Young scientist Ben tests out a new coat, suitable for the cold climate in Antarctica.
Meanwhile Jane celebrates her birthday.
Ben ...... Reece Shearsmith
Graham ...... Julian Rhind-Tutt
Shanghai Solitaire Voice ...... Julian Rhind-Tutt
Jane ...... Katy Wix
BIRD ISLAND: SERIES 2 - EPISODE 3 (320kbs-m4a/32mb/14mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 4th April 2021
Graham teaches Ben to abseil and the bathroom lock in the Unit base is broken.
Ben ...... Reece Shearsmith
Graham ...... Julian Rhind-Tutt
Mother ...... Alison Steadman
Jane ...... Katy Wix
BIRD ISLAND: SERIES 2 - EPISODE 4 (320kbs-m4a/32mb/14mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 18th April 2021
Ben gets a new telescope, and Graham has some big news.
Ben ...... Reece Shearsmith
Graham ...... Julian Rhind-Tutt
Jane ...... Katy Wix
Beverley ...... Alison Steadman
Robin ...... Richard Aldridge
KATY WIX - BIRD ISLAND: SERIES 1 (320kbs-m4a/129mb/56mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 3rd to 24th April 2020
An atmospheric comedy about a cheery scientist based in Sub-Antarctica. Starring Reece Shearsmith, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Alison Steadman and Katy Wix.
On the one hand, Ben is on the trip of a lifetime. On the other, he's trapped in a vast icy landscape with a dodgy internet connection and a dictaphone. Loneliness is something of a problem. So, Ben shares his thoughts with us in the form of an audio 'log'.
His fellow scientist Graham should alleviate this sense of isolation, but the tragi-comic fact is, they are nerdy blokes, so they stumble through yet another mumbled exchange. Not to mention the new arrival Jane, who Ben is even more awkward around, for reasons that aren't entirely clear to him.
Apart from his research studying the Albatross on the Island, Ben attempts to continue normal life with an earnestness and enthusiasm which is ultimately very endearing. We eavesdrop as he chats awkwardly with Graham or Jane, phones his mother or talks to himself, as he often does. We also hear the Squawks and screeches of the birds and the vast expanse outside. Oh, and ice. Lots of ice.
Bird Island is written by Katy Wix, half of sketch comedy Duo 'Anna and Katy'. Katy is also an actress who stars in 'Miranda', 'Outnumbered' and as Daisy in 'Not Going Out'.
BIRD ISLAND: SERIES 1 - EPISODE 1 (320kbs-m4a/33mb/14mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 3rd April 2020
Ben loses his watch and logs on to a dating website.
Ben ...... Reece Shearsmith
Graham ...... Julian Rhind-Tutt
BIRD ISLAND: SERIES 1 - EPISODE 2 (320kbs-m4a/32mb/14mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 10th April 2020
Ben and Graham are short on food supplies and can't radio main base. Tensions rise as they are forced to survive on porridge.
Ben ...... Reece Shearsmith
Graham ...... Julian Rhind-Tutt
D'Angelo ...... Jot Davies
BIRD ISLAND: SERIES 1 - EPISODE 3 (320kbs-m4a/32mb/14mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 17th April 2020
Ben and Graham encounter a seal cub that's been attacked. He takes it home and carefully nurses it back to life and share the pup's progress with his mum and Dad.
Ben ...... Reece Shearsmith
Graham ...... Julian Rhind-Tutt
Beverley ...... Alison Steadman
Robin ...... Gerard Mcdermott
BIRD ISLAND: SERIES 1 - EPISODE 4 (320kbs-m4a/33mb/14mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 14th April 2020
Ben gets a new telescope, and Graham gives the shock news that a new member of the team is joining them.
Graham ...... Julian Rhind-Tutt
Ben ...... Reece Shearsmith
Jane ...... Katy Wix
SPIKE MILLIGAN - THE GPO SHOW (320kbs-m4a/68mb/29mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 28th December 2024
Spike Milligan delivers first class fun to Postmaster General Tony Benn and staff of the General Post Office.
A seasonal Goon's-eye view of Operation Mailbag in full swing at London's Mount Pleasant sorting office
Written by and starring Spike Milligan.
With:
Harry Secombe
John Bluthal
Barry Humphries
Bob Todd
Gary Miller
Music from the Grand Piano Orchestra conducted by Paul Fenoulhet.
Producer: Charles Chilton
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in December 1964.
*** Part of HOME SERVICE DAY on BBC Radio 4 Extra ***
PRISONERS, SAINTS AND PERSUADERS: THE WORLD OF ITC (320kbs-m4a/131mb/57mins)
BBC Radio 4 broadcast: 1st February 2025
Return of the Saint star Ian Ogilvy tells the story of Lew Grade's ITC company, which revolutionised British television in the 1960s and 70s. From espionage on the Riviera to surrealist thrillers filmed in Wales, and talking to actors, historians, producers and composers, this is a joyous celebration of ITC's undoubtedly suave place in the history of pop culture.
Originally formed to produce upscale adventure, crime, espionage and sci-fi drama series for commercial British TV and syndication around the world – shot in luxurious 35mm film and moving to full colour years before BBC television - ITC produced an incredible catalogue of shows from the late 1950s to the early 1980s. They were stylishly produced, location driven, beautifully scored and often slightly surreal. Beginning in 1955 with the fantastically successful Adventures of Robin Hood (which employed Left-leaning American writers blacklisted by the McCarthy trials in the States), by the late 1950s ITC moved to modern Cold War espionage and crime drama, producing Danger Man two years before the James Bond film franchise was launched. Ian Fleming himself was an early consultant for the series.
Other action titles followed featuring gentleman adventurers and lone wolf agents from The Saint (Roger Moore) and The Baron (Steve Forrest) to Man in a Suitcase, Randal and Hopkirk (Deceased), The Champions, The Persuaders (Tony Curtis, Roger Moore) and finally Ian Ogilvy's Return of the Saint, produced in 1978 and filmed across Italy and the South of France. A jewel in the ITC crown was Patrick McGoohan's The Prisoner (1967) - a strange, psychedelic and psychologically intense series still hotly debated by fans.
Lew Grade was also the champion of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson's Supermarionation series of the 1960s – Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet, Stingray and others – a huge success for ITC and beloved by generations of children. The Muppets followed a decade later, as Lew gave Jim Henson his first break after Sesame Street. As ITC shifted focus towards film and away from television, the company took a slightly stranger turn in the early 1970s with live action sci-fi – including UFO and Space 1999 - before commissioning the genuinely eerie titles of the late 70s which marked the end of ITC's great television era, distributing Sapphire and Steel (David McCallum and Joanna Lumley) and finally a partnership with Hammer Studios, the genuinely nasty Hammer House of Horror which substituted the Carpathian mountains for present day England.
The story of ITC is crucial to the story of television in Britain and the arrival of commercial TV as a challenge to the BBC's monopoly. While the BBC's Reithian mission focused on British audiences, Lew Grade understood the new medium as a truly international one, and through sales to foreign markets ITC could command huge budgets to be reinvested in high-production values, art direction and rich, cinematic scoring.
With contributions from Lew's nephew Lord Michael Grade, ITC actors Annette Andre and Jane Merrow, ITC composer John Cameron, conductor Gavin Sutherland, daughter of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson Dee Anderson, cultural historian Matthew Sweet, television writer and former Dr Who show-runner Steven Moffat, founder of Trunk Records and curator Jonny Trunk, BFI television historian Dick Fiddy and Jaz Wiseman, author of ITC Entertained the World.
Presented by Ian Ogilvy
Produced by Simon Hollis
A Brook Lapping production for BBC Radio 4