Barry Cryer’s Christmas Selection Box - Part 1
Radio 7 favourite Barry Cryer unpacks the first of two Christmas comedy hampers. Geoffrey Perkins and Angus Deayton lead the festive broadcast of Radio Active’s Christmas Turkey (20/12/1983 ); the audience puts a rocking-horse at the centre of the celebrations for The Masterson Inheritance Christmas Special (25/12/1993); an unexpected guest enlivens Christmas Night With Dr. Evadne Hinge And Dame Hilda Bracket (25/12/1983); the Round The Horne team presents its own unique take on Cinderella (24/12/1967); a Christmas message from a milkman begins the songs and sketches in Ronnie Barker’s Lines From My Grandfather’s Christmas Forehead (24/12/1971); and Peter Sellers, Harry Secombe and Spike Milligan encounter Ye Bandit Of Sherwood Forest in The Goon Show (28/12/1954).
Saturday, 19 th at 10am and 8pm

Barry Cryer’s Christmas Selection Box - Part 1
Barry returns on Boxing Day for second helpings. There’s plenty of festive fare during A Week Of Sundays in After Henry (22/12/1985); a family gathering is planned for Christmas Eve With The Shuttleworths (24/12/2003); amateur panto is under investigation in People Like Us (23/12/1995); the Dead Ringers mimics cast their merciless gaze over the past year (29/12/2001); Barry himself writes and stars in the Hello Cheeky panto special Cheeky Whittington and his Magic Ballpoint (25/12/1976); and in the Hancock’s Half Hour episode Bill and Father Christmas, the Lad Himself is fed up having to provide the festive entertainment (25/12/1958).
Saturday, Boxing Day at 10am and 8pm

Classic Comedy

The Men from the Ministry
Christmas Spirit
Annoyed at being left in charge of the whole department, the bumbling civil servants begin to feel that Christmas should be cancelled. But then the spirit of the season starts to take effect – in a very strange way. Richard Murdoch and Deryck Guyler star in an episode recorded for the Transcription Services in 1980. Edward Taylor wrote and produced.
Sunday, 20 th at 12pm and 7pm

The Clitheroe Kid
It’s A Gift
The cheeky schoolboy gets into all sorts of scrapes as he tries to raise the money for his mother’s Christmas present. Join Jimmy Clitheroe and friends, including Danny Ross and Tony Melody, for some festive capers from Christmas Eve 1967, written by James Casey and Frank Roscoe.
Sunday, 20 th at 12.30pm and 7.30pm

Dad’s Army
Present Arms
In a special hour long edition from Christmas Day 1974 the platoon competes – by hook or by crook - with its Eastgate rivals for the honour of guarding a VIP. Arthur Lowe, John Le Mesurier and Clive Dunn star with all the regulars. The episode was adapted by Harold Snoad and Michael Knowles from the original television scripts of David Croft and Jimmy Perry.
Monday, 21 st at 12pm and 7pm

Hancock’s Half Hour
The Christmas Club
A highly excited Hancock comes back from the pub with the Christmas Club money. But then Sid gets his hands on it. First heard in 1959, this is another wonderful episode from the great writing partnership of Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.
Wednesday, 23 rd at 8am, 12pm and 7pm

My Music
NEW TO RADIO 7
Twenty-five years to the day since its original broadcast, we are proud to present this special Christmas edition of My Music in memory of the much-missed Steve Race and Ian Wallace, both of whom passed away this year. They’re joined in this lovely Christmas special by regulars Frank Muir, Denis Norden and John Amis for more splendid musical merriment.
Wednesday, 23rd at 12.30pm and 7.30pm

The Goon Show
A Christmas Carol
Scratchit Seagoon chases Grytpype-Thynne and Moriarty to Wales in pursuit of Scrooge’s missing gold. This maddest of all Dickens remakes stars the incomparable trio of Peter Sellers, Harry Secombe and writer Spike Milligan. It was produced by John Browell and first heard on Christmas Eve, 1959.
Christmas Eve at 8am, 12pm and 7pm

I’m Sorry I’ll Read That Again
The Wonder Show Christmas Edition
Carol singers and Ebenezer Scrooge are amongst the festive favourites getting the treatment from Jo Kendall, John Cleese, Tim Brooke-Taylor, producer David Hatch and writers Graeme Garden and Bill Oddie. This episode of the satirical sketch show was originally broadcast on Christmas Day, 1969.
Christmas Eve at 12.30pm and 7.30pm

Round The Horne
It’s panto time and this year they’re doing  Cinderella. Kenneth Horne’s Baron Hardup tries to keep order when Ugly Sister Kenneth Williams wants to replace Betty Marsden in the title role. Hugh Paddick and Douglas Smith co-star in this bona festive special, first transmitted on Christmas Eve 1967 and written by Barry Took, Johnnie Mortimer and Brian Cook.
Christmas Day at 8am, 12pm and 7pm

Christmas Night with Dr. Evadne Hinge and Dame Hilda Bracket
The ladies squabble over cards and crackers as they prepare to host their Christmas party. Meanwhile, the brass band has stopped playing outside, now that the pubs are open. Dame Hilda and Dr Hinge are joined by Chris Emmett and Anthony Sharp for arch banter and seasonal song, first broadcast on Christmas Day 1983. The writer was Gerald Frow.
Christmas Day at 8.30am and 7.30pm

Crowned Hudds
NEW TO RADIO 7
Ser 1. 1/6 How Ye Quest Was Wonne
There’s VAT on Excalibur and the Knights Of The Round Table want a pay rise. Roy Hudd leads an irreverent romp through royal history with regular partners in mirth June Whitfield and Chris Emmett. The series was produced by Richard Wilson and originally heard in 1995.
Wednesday, 30 th at 12.30pm and 7.30pm

Comedy Zone
Count Arthur Strong’s Christmas Special
NEW TO RADIO 7
The rambling variety star is booked to provide the entertainment at the local old folks’ home. But there’s no harm in stopping off for a drink first, is there? Steve Delaney writes and stars in this marvellously chaotic Christmas comedy first heard on Boxing Day, 2006.
Christmas Day at 10.30am and 3.30pm

Ken Dodd’s Christmas Cracker
NEW TO RADIO 7
The King Of Comedy is highly tickled to present half an hour of tattyfilarious festive frolics. Songs, sketches and plenty of gags in Mike Craig’s production, originally broadcast on Christmas Day, 1989.
Sunday, 20 th at 11.30am and 5.30pm

Morecambe And Wise
Eric’s not impressed by Ernie’s health food routine. This terrific set of sketches by the masters of the seasonal special was compiled and produced by Bobby Jaye and first heard on Christmas Day, 1979.
Christmas Eve at 9am and 5pm

Instant Sunshine
NEW TO RADIO 7
Seasonably Together Again
Comic reflections on the origins of Christmas from the musical quartet. David Barlow, Peter Christie, Miles Kington and Alan Maryon-Davis star in this 1985 special, produced by Richard Edis.
Christmas Day at 9am and 5pm

Lines From My Grandfather’s Christmas Forehead
Ronnie Barker and company are in festive mood. But what should you do when you receive an unwanted elephant as a gift? First heard on Christmas Eve, 1971.
Christmas Day at 9.30am and 5.30pm

The Actor, the Lodgings, the Kipper and Ma
Geoffrey Wheeler recalls the heyday of the theatrical landlady, with a host of vivid and amusing tales from stars including Bruce Forsyth, Patsy Rowlands and Ted Ray. The producer was Libby Cross and the programme was originally transmitted in 2004.
Sunday, 27 th at 11.30am and 5.30pm

Songlines
NEW TO RADIO 7
Auld Lang Syne
This fascinating documentary investigates the history of the New Year standard, tracing its roots to the sixteenth century and looking at Burns as both author and archaeologist of the song. Originally broadcast on Radio Scotland in 2004.
New Year’s Day at 9am and 5pm

Cabin Pressure
NEW TO RADIO 7
Ser 1. 1/6 Abu Dhabi
A tiny charter airline is proud to boast that no job is too small. Quite a few, however, are too difficult. Stephanie Cole, Benedict Cumberbatch and Roger Allam star with writer John Finnemore in his 2008 sitcom. The producer was David Tyler.
New Year’s Day at 9.30am and 5.30pm

Comedy Club
The Now Show
NEW TO RADIO 7
Hugh Dennis, Steve Punt and colleagues take a satirical look at the week’s news and even manage to find time for a few sharp observations about the festive season. This episode was first heard on December 11 th.
Sunday, 20 th at 10.30pm

And Now In Colour
The 1990 Christmas Special sees writers and performers Tim Firth, Michael Rutger, Tim de Jongh and William Vandyck hosting a party. There’s dried haddock in the decorations and the carol singers are using a cassette player. Who could resist an invitation? The producer was Lissa Evans.
Sunday, 20 th at 11.30pm

In One Ear
A satirical swipe at the Christmas spirit from Nick Wilton, Clive Mantle and co-writer Helen Lederer in the sketch series originally broadcast live. First heard in 1984, the show was produced by Jamie Rix.
Monday, 21st at 11pm

This 1985 edition of the sketch show involves helium balloons, a Mozart spoof and a man desperate to know how to make pancakes. Arnold Brown is among the co-writers.
Monday, 28th at 11pm

Date With Fate
Ser 1. 1-2/4
The repercussions of lying are examined in these comic tales with a twist, first heard in 1996 and produced by Paul Schlesinger.
1: A Damp Fib – A surveyor’s clerk must go to absurd lengths to cover up his original lie. Charles Grey stars.
2: Along For The Ride – Impersonating a film director proves a complex business for a video shop assistant. With Michael Troughton and Stephen Critchlow.
Monday, 21 st and 28 th at 11.30pm

The Harpoon
The bumper Christmas edition of the boys’ adventure paper. Learn how to “utilise your goose” and thrill to a tale of “death or dominoes”. Alistair McGowan spoofs Empire derring-do with writers Peter Baynham and Julian Dutton. Last week I was fortunate to meet Julian Dutton who was so thrilled to know that his programmes are now aired on Radio 7.
The producer was Sarah Smith and the show was originally transmitted in 1991.
Tuesday, 22 nd at 11pm

Radio Active’s Christmas Turkey
The comical broadcasters do their best to present an entertaining season of Christmas programmes. Prepare for a new take on the uses of mistletoe and a ghost story almost as unpredictable as the Nativity play staged by the network. Geoffrey Perkins and Angus Deayton write and co-star in this 1983 episode.
Wednesday, 23 rd at 10.30pm

The Cheese Shop Presents…The Brandy Butter Factory
A gardening expert attempts to protect Christmas trees from evil spirits, while the hospital staff of ILL FM try to summon some festive cheer. Written and performed by Richard Webb, Gerard Foster, Dave Lamb, Gordon Southern, Ben Ward and Tim Verrinder. The producer was Adam Tandy and the show was first broadcast on Christmas Eve 1997.
Wednesday, 23 rd at 11pm

The Masterson Inheritance
Josie Lawrence, Paul Merton, Phelim McDermott, Jim Sweeney, Caroline Quentin and Lee Simpson improvise a family saga set in a strange village where the peculiar Christmas customs include goose tapping. The producer of this 1995 special was Phil Clarke.
Wednesday, 23 rd at 11.30pm

The Shuttleworths
Christmas Eve With The Shuttleworths
John Shuttleworth’s plans for a festive family gathering don’t seem to be going to plan, but he still finds time for a few songs. Graham Fellows writes and stars in Paul Schlesinger’s 2003 production.
Christmas Eve at 11pm

The Demon Cakestand of Beastley Chase
It’s Christmas at the Mausoleum Club and Sir Henry Wellbourne recounts the deadly story of a cursed cakestand. Shiver at the horrors of a meringue-shaped tombstone. Stephen Fry, Sheila Steafel, Ballard Berkeley (best-known as the Major in Fawlty Towers) and Michael Ripper star. Written by Ian Brown and James Hendrie, it was produced by Paul Spencer and first broadcast in 1984 .
Christmas Eve at 11.15pm

Red Dwarf - Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers
NEW TO RADIO 7
3-4/6
Chris Barrie, Rimmer in the TV series, continues his brilliantly inventive reading of Grant Naylor’s science fiction comedy masterpiece.
3: Rimmer’s preparing to cheat in his exams, whilst Lister is sent to the stasis chamber for punishment.
4: Two new presences are detected on the ship – and neither is human.
Sunday, 20 th and 27 th at 10pm

Swots
NEW TO RADIO 7
Ser 1. 1-4
Miles Jupp plays headmaster to a class of disruptive pupils (drawn from the worlds of comedy and the arts), testing their knowledge and putting up with their cheek. Written by Colin McQuaid, Michael Beck and producer Margaret Anne Docherty and first heard on Radio Scotland earlier this year.
Sunday, 27th at 11.30pm

The Atkinson People
1/4: Sir Corin Basin
One of the earliest vehicles for Rowan Atkinson’s superb comic talents was this 1979 series, which he co-wrote with Richard Curtis. In this opening episode he sends-up the theatre through the character of Sir Corin Basin, celebrating his sixtieth birthday by looking back at a decidedly improbable career. The producer, just before he shot to fame as a comedy performer, was Griff Rhys Jones.
Tuesday, 29th at 10.30pm

Desperate Fishwives
NEW TO RADIO 7
1/6
The ropey folk group Nineteen Oatcakes and a park ranger who prefers supermarkets are among the lively characters who populate this Radio Scotland sketch show, first heard in 2008.
Thursday, New Year’s Eve at 10.30pm

Hamish and Dougal Hogmanay Special
The barmy chums are invited to the Big House for the New Year celebrations. More daft banter and irresistibly awful puns from writers and performers Barry Cryer and Graeme Garden. The guest stars for this special episode include Humphrey Lyttelton and Sandi Toksvig. Produced by Jon Naismith, the show was first broadcast on New Year’s Eve 2004.
Thursday, New Year’s Eve at 11pm

7 Drama
Season’s Greetings
The festive gathering at the Bunkers’ begins with bickering, forgotten presents and Auntie Phyllis drunk in charge of the dinner. And then things take a turn for the worse…. This seasonal black comedy of romantic and emotional entanglements mixes farce and sharp wit in the classic Ayckbourn manner. Peter Vaughan and Nicky Henson star in this 1984 production by Gordon House.
Saturday, 19 th at 1pm and 1am

McLevy – Christmas Special
NEW TO RADIO 7
Brian Cox is Inspector McLevy, the hard-nosed Victorian detective. A supernatural thief is haunting the streets of Edinburgh as the city prepares for Christmas. Siobhan Redmond co-stars in Patrick Rayner’s production, written by David Ashton and first heard on Christmas Day, 2006.
Saturday, 19 th at 2.30pm

Greyfriars
NEW TO RADIO 7
Legendary police dog Greyfriars Bobby assists his master, Jock Gray, as he tackles the thieves and house breakers threatening Victorian Edinburgh. Crawford Logan and Paul Young star in Ronald Frame’s adventure written for radio and originally broadcast in 2002. The producer was David Ian Neville.
Saturday, 19 th at 4pm

Chain Gang
NEW TO RADIO 7
13/13
Our interactive series reaches its climax after three months of sinister and extraordinary twists and turns, stretching across the centuries and into ghostly alternative worlds. Acclaimed Doctor Who writer Robert Sherman pens the final episode of the story so inventively plotted by our listeners. In an episode specially recorded in front of a live audience at London’s St Pancras station, the fates of Brian and Susan will finally be revealed. Michael Imerson, Orlando James, Eloise Secker and Charlotte Worthing star. The producer is Paul Arnold.
Saturday, 19 th at 5.55pm and 11.55pm

Here for the first time is the opportunity to hear all thirteen episodes of the Chain Gang story in one omnibus edition. This special programme will also reveal the title of the series – chosen from our listeners’ submissions. And there will be a chance to hear more from our special live recording of the final episode.
Boxing Day at 5.15pm and 11.15pm

The Signalman
NEW TO RADIO 7
First heard in 1980, this is a vintage reading by Emlyn Williams of one of Dickens’s finest ghost stories. A signalman on a lonely stretch of line is haunted by strange visitations.
Sunday, 20 th at 10.15am and 9.15pm

A Christmas Carol
One of the cornerstones of a traditional Christmas is Dickens’s classic tale of greed, ghostly visitations and spiritual rebirth. Janet Whitaker’s 1990 production does full justice to this masterly, heart-warming story with a marvellous cast including Michael Gough as Scrooge, Douglas Hodge as his nephew, Timothy Bateson as Mr Fezziwig and Freddie Jones as the narrator.
Sunday, 20th at 2.30am, 1pm and 1am

Ladies Of Letters Make Mincemeat
Vera and Irene’s correspondence takes a seasonal turn to consider Christmas survival tips and a mince pie competition. Patricia Routledge and Prunella Scales star in Lou Wakefield and Carole Hayman’s 2001 series.
Monday, 21 st to Friday, Christmas Day at 11am, 9pm and 2am

A Confidential Agent
1-4/4
Liz Parker, the new assistant at the Ace Investigations Agency, is hoping for a case of her own. Rosemary Martin and Barbara Atkinson star in this 1991 series, written by Nick McCarty and produced by Philip Martin.
1/4: Poison in the Air. The aspiring private eye takes on a case behind her boss’s back.
2/4: A Husband Scorned. Liz becomes involved with a teacher who’s mislaid his wife.
3/4: Sharks Have Pearly Teeth. A case of money lending and espionage.
4/4: Fire. Was a fire at a clothing factory an accident or sabotage?
Monday, 21 st to Thursday, Christmas Eve at 11.15am, 9.15pm and 2.15am

Christmas Day At Kirkby Cottage
NEW TO RADIO 7
A young man falls in love with the daughter of his clergyman godfather during a Christmas visit. Anthony Trollope’s delightful seasonal romance stars Julia McKenzie and John Rhys-Davies with Finty Williams. The producer is Dave Arnold and the director, Philip Glassborow.
Christmas Day at 10am and 3pm

Hello Cheeky
Cheeky Whittington and his Magic Ballpoint
Knockabout ramshackle panto larks with Peggy Mount, Marti Caine, Denis King, David Jacobs, Tim Brooke-Taylor and writers Barry Cryer and John Junkin. First heard on Christmas Day 1976, this show was another Bobby Jaye production.
Christmas Day at 11.15am, 9.15pm and 2.15am

Theo
This must be one of the all-time favourite ninety-minute dramas repeated on Radio 7 and it is frequently requested. Martin Jarvis stars as a rare and valuable teddy bear who discovers he is about to be auctioned. As he awaits his fate, he looks back on the lives of his owners and many of the major events of the twentieth century. Moya O’Shea’s touching and insightful drama was produced by Tracy Neale and first transmitted in 1995.
Boxing Day at 1pm and 1am

Dickens’s Women
In this brilliant one-woman show national treasure Miriam Margolyes tells the story of Dickens’s life in the guises of the female characters in his writings. Ranging from tipsy Mrs Gamp to innocent Little Nell, via spirited Kate Nickleby and mournful Miss Havisham, this is a performance of extraordinary versatility. Co-written by Miriam Margolyes with Sonia Fraser, the show was first heard in 1991. The producer was Enyd Williams.
Sunday, 27 th at 2.30am, 1pm and 1am

Crisp And Even Brightly
Alick Rowe, who sadly died just a few months ago, created this comedy drama in which he imagines what might have gone on behind the scenes of the Good King Wenceslas legend. Is the peasant gathering winter fuel everything he seems? Timothy West stars as the King, with Bill Wallis and June Barrie. Produced by Shaun MacLoughlin, the play was originally broadcast in 1987. This is another drama which is requested every Christmas.
Sunday, 27 th at 9am and 8pm

The Hound Of The Baskervilles
NEW TO RADIO 7
1-2/2
Conan Doyle’s classic blend of thriller and supernatural horror story is a special treat for the Bank Holiday week. A spectral hound haunts the moors, threatening doom for the ancient Baskerville family. Roger Rees stars as Holmes and Crawford Logan as Watson in Bert Coules’s gripping adaptation, first heard in 1988. The producer was David Johnston.
Bank Holiday Monday and Tuesday, 29 th at 10am, 3pm and 3am

Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen
When the Snow Queen breaks a wicked troll’s magic mirror, the shards strike a young boy and turn his heart to ice. Dirk Bogarde is Hans Andersen  and Diana Rigg stars with Bill Patterson in Berlie Doherty’s adaptation of the famous fairy tale. The play was produced by Janet Whitaker and originally broadcast on Christmas Eve 1994.
Wednesday, 30 th at 10am, 3pm and 3am

The Chimes
NEW TO RADIO 7
The ringing of the New Year church bells stirs the cynical heart of eccentric messenger Trotty Veck. Published the year after A Christmas Carol, the second of Dickens’s Christmas Stories again affirms his belief in the possibility of spiritual redemption. Ron Cook stars in John Clifford’s adaptation. Produced by Gaynor MacFarlane, it was first transmitted in 2003.
New Year’s Eve at 10am, 3pm and 3am

Alpha
When a man-made computer appears to have developed a mind of its own, a representative of the world’s religions is sent to decide whether the machine should be allowed to exist. But when the priest interrogates the computer, he is disturbed to learn more about himself than he’d expected. Mike Walker’s play won the Sony Radio Academy Award for the Best Drama of 2001. The judges praised Alpha as “Impressive in its scope and originality”  and praised “a quite stunning central performance by David Calder.” Sarah Jane Holm and John Moffatt co-star in Gordon House’s production.
New Year’s Day at 10am, 3pm and 3am

After Happy Ever
NEW TO RADIO 7
1-5/5
Lynn Ferguson imagines what might have happened when the fairy tale heroines went off to live happily ever after. Directed by Mary Peate, these comic twists on the old favourites were first heard in 2004.
Monday: Rapunzel – Did she let her hair down once too often? With Geraldine James.
Tuesday: Goldilocks – Other people’s houses still prove irresistible. With Leslie Ash.
Wednesday: Snow White – The heroine feels alienated from normal people. With Lynn Ferguson.
New Year’s Eve: The Princess And The Pea – What is the best way to find happiness? With Melanie Hill.
New Year’s Day: Cinderella – It’s time to try on another pair of shoes. With Janet Brown.
Bank Holiday Monday to Friday, New Year’s Day at 11am, 9pm and 2am

Kings
Tales from the reign of King David. First heard in 2002 and produced by Jeremy Mortimer.
Monday: True Anointed by Sebastian Baczkiewicz. The story of David and Goliath. With David Calder.
Tuesday: Hazar’s Chicken by Sebastian Baczkiewicz . Chickens, spies and the perils of revenge. With Ewan Bailey.
Wednesday: The Loved One by Sebastian Baczkiewicz . Two strangers arrive at a village in search of the wise woman. With John Bennett.
New Year’s Eve: Michal, Saul’s Daughter by Kate Clanchy. King David’s wives argue about status. With Caroline Langrishe.
New Year’s Day: Abishag, the Virgin by Kate Clanchy . Bathsheba fears her murder has been foretold by a prophet. With Alison Pettitt.
Bank Holiday Monday to Friday, New Year’s Day at 11.15am, 9.15pm and 2.15am

7th Dimension
Undone
NEW TO RADIO 7
Ser 3. 4-5/6
Continuing our new commission about a journalist who moves between alternative versions of London. Alex Tregear, Duncan Wisbey and writer Ben Moor star. The producers are Colin Anderson and Lyndsay Fenner.
4: Underground
Edna realises that the growing number of coincidences she’s experiencing are being engineered by a malign source, which must be stopped before it threatens the very existence of the universe.
5: United
Compelled to visit a hypnotherapist, Edna finds herself recovering forgotten memories.
Saturday, 19 th and Saturday, Boxing Day at 6pm and Midnight

A Short History Of Gothic
NEW TO RADIO 7
2/4: Clytie by Eudora Welty
Our series presenting the fiendish range of the gothic tradition continues with this harrowing story of a put-upon woman who decides to take revenge on her bullying older sister. The reader is Barbara Barnes and the programme was produced by Gemma Jenkins.
3/4: The Lady of the House of Love by Angela Carter
A modern re-working of the Gothic tradition. The role of women in society is considered through an intense study of a female vampire’s tormented psyche. The reader is Indira Varma and Gemma Jenkins again produced.
Saturday, 19 th and Saturday, Boxing Day at 6.30pm and 00.30am

Man In His Time
2/2
Gemma Jenkins also produced this stimulating and imaginative meditation by Brian Aldiss on the nature of time. Jamie Glover stars as the sole survivor of a mission to Mars who discovers an extraordinary side effect when he returns to earth. The drama was originally broadcast in 2005.
Sunday, 20 th at 6.30pm and 00.30am

2025
1-2/2
In a world of artificial intelligence, scientists conduct experiments into human consciousness. Mona Hammond and Alphonsia Emmanuel star in Mike Walker’s series, directed by Sally Avens and first heard in 1998.
Monday 21 st and Tuesday 22 nd at 6pm and Midnight

Solaris
1-2/2
A psychologist visits a rundown space station to investigate the fate of the crew – and quickly finds himself in trouble. Tim McMullan and Ron Cook star in Stanislaw Lem’s famous study of alienation, adapted by Hattie Naylor and directed by Polly Thomas in 2007.
Wednesday, 23rd and Christmas Eve at 6pm and Midnight

A Wizard Of Earthsea
1-2/2
For some time I have been trying to clear the rights for the dramatisation of Ursula Le Guin’s magical novel A Wizard Of Earthsea  and celebrating her eightieth year  we have been given permission to broadcast this. In the ocean world of Earthsea, a young wizard inadvertently releases an evil spirit. Ursula Le Guin’s fantasy of competing magicians features an exceptional cast,led by Judi Dench, Richard Johnson and Michael Maloney. First heard on Boxing Day 1996, it was adapted by one of Radio 7’s favourite dramatists Bert Coules and produced by Janet Whitaker.
Christmas Day and Bank Holiday Monday, 28 th at 6pm and Midnight

The Phantom Of The Opera
1-4/4
Anna Massey stars in Gaston Le Roux’s classic story of love, murder and a ghostly presence at the Paris Opera House. Directed by dramatist Barnaby Edwards, this is the first radio production to include the correct operatic sequences referred to in the novel, specially recorded by artists from the ENO and Opera Diva. It is a Big Finish production.
Tuesday, 29 th to Friday, New Year’s Day at 6pm and Midnight

Ghost Stories: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Martin Jarvis reads Washington Irving’s tale of horror and romance in New England, set shortly after the War of Independence. Lovesick Ichabod Crane is terrified by a headless horseman. The producer was Gemma Jenkins and the series was first heard in 2005.
Tuesday, 29 th to Thursday, New Year’s Eve at 6.30pm and 00.30am

The Mortal Immortal
An alchemist’s assistant, spurned in love and tormented by jealously of a rival, drinks a potion which he thinks will cure him of his despair. Instead, he discovers that he has sampled the elixir of eternal life. But is this the blessing he at first believes it to be? Mary Shelley’s examination of man’s fascination with immortality is read by Shaun Dooley. This is another Gemma Jenkins production, broadcast originally in 2005.
Friday, New Year’s Day at 6.30pm and 00.30am

Crime And Thrillers
Rumpole Of The Bailey
1-10/13
Maurice Denham stars as John Mortimer’s legendary barrister, equipped with a small cigar and an appropriate quotation, ready to do battle with injustice – and any judge who gets in his way. First heard in 1979 and 1980, these programmes were produced by Ian Cotterell.

1/13: Rumpole and the Confession of Guilt. An immigrant is accused of wounding. With Michael Maloney.
2/13: Rumpole and the Dear Departed. Ghostly messages influence a fraud case. With Jill Balcon.
3/13: Rumpole and the Gentle Art of Blackmail. Extortion at the barrister’s old Oxford College. With Geoffrey Bayldon.
4/13: Rumpole and the Rotten Apple. The Old Bailey hack investigates police bribery. With Margot Boyd as She Who Must Be Obeyed.
5/13: Rumpole and the Man of God. The case of a light-fingered vicar. With John Savident.

6/13: Rumpole and the Defence of Guthrie Featherstone. The tale of a philandering member of chambers. With Angela Thorne.
7/13: Rumpole and the Show Folk. An actress is accused of murder. With Alec Bregonzi.
8/13: Rumpole and the Fascist Beast. Rumpole defends a racist politician. With Saeed Jaffrey.
9/13: Rumpole and the Case of Identity. Dubious alibis in court and in chambers. With David Daker.
10/13: Rumpole and the Expert Witness. A GP is charged with killing his wife. With Haydn Wood.
Monday, 21 st to Friday, Christmas Day and Bank Holiday Monday to Friday, New Year’s Day at 1pm, 8pm and 1am

The Further Adventures of Doctor Syn
1-10/10
Dr Syn, the clergyman with a secret life as a smuggler and swashbuckler, returns for more dashing adventures with highwaymen, spies and pirates. Read with great relish and atmosphere by Rufus Sewell, these episodes were first heard in 2007. Lawrence Jackson produced and directed.
Monday, 21st to Friday, Christmas Day and Bank Holiday Monday to Friday, New Year’s Day at 1.30pm, 8.30pm and 1.30am

Fact And Fiction
The Complete Caledonian Imbiber.
NEW TO RADIO 7
2/4: Let Them Drink Port
Scottish writer, broadcaster and producer Billy Kay continues to investigate Scotland’s love of strong drink. This week, he considers the place of port at the heart of Scottish history.
3/4: Bend Weel tae the Madeira
The Scottish love of Madeira and its links with the Jacobite cause.
Saturday, 19th and Saturday, Boxing Day at 9.30am and 7.30pm

My Judy Garland Life
NEW TO RADIO 7
Tamsin Grieg reads Susie Boyt’s account of her devotion to Judy Garland. Mixing impassioned celebration of her heroine with meditations on the nature of fan worship, this brightly emotional series recounts a meeting with Liza Minnelli, distinguishes between “good” and “bad” fans and recalls what happened when the author took part in a Judy Garland tribute show. Produced by Justine Willett, the series was first heard on Radio 4 last year.
Monday, 21st to Friday, Christmas Day at 2.15pm and 4.15am

‘Twas The Night Before Christmas
1-5/5
The famous festive verses are given a modern twist in five stories which share the poem’s opening and closing lines.
Monday - 1/5: It Never Happened by Arthur Matthews, read by Robert Webb. The pressures of urgent work deadlines are compounded when the boss begins to behave very strangely indeed on Christmas Eve.
Tuesday - 2/5: Gifts By Garry Kilworth, read by Joe Armstrong. On the night before Christmas, a hitch-hiker receives a profoundly affecting gift.
Wednesday - 3/5: Silver Hoof, the Goat By Carlo Gebler, read by David Kelly & Hannah R Gordon. The tale of a young orphan’s devotion to her cat spans two Christmasses.
Christmas Eve: 4/5: The Emergency Visit By Dominic Holland, read by Philip Jackson. A cynical and disillusioned A&E doctor works a Christmas Eve shift unlike any other.
Christmas Day: 5/5: Not a Word of a Lie By Philip Ardagh, read by James Fleet. Although his older brother tries to spoil Christmas for young Philip, the boy has an encounter that confirms the enchantment of the season.
Monday, 21st to Friday, Christmas Day at 2.30pm and 4.30am

MR James At Christmas
NEW TO RADIO 7
Ghost stories are always popular and frequently requested at Christmas. Derek Jacobi, as writer MR James, introduces five classic ghost stories adapted for radio by Chris Harrald and first broadcast on Christmas Eve 2007.
Mon: 1/5: Oh Whistle and I’ll Come To You My Lad. An antiquarian is disturbed by a curious artefact uncovered in the ruins of a church. With Jamie Glover.
Tue: 2/5: The Tractate Middoth. A curator is troubled by a strange visitor. With John Rowe.
Wed: 3/5: Lost Hearts. Ghostly figures appear to a lonely orphan. With James D’Arcy.
Christmas Eve: 4/5: The Rose Garden. Renovations at an old house disturb a sinister spirit. With Anton Lesser.
Christmas Day: 5/5: Number 13. A doctor regrets investigating why a hotel has no Room 13. With Julian Rhind-Tutt
Monday, 21st to Friday, Christmas Day at 2.45pm and 4.45am

David Attenborough’s Life Stories
NEW TO RADIO 7
1-9/20
David Attenborough delivers a series of talks on his natural history passions. The subjects of these opening episodes include the difficulties of filming the duck-billed platypus, the location of the largest bird’s egg in the world and an encounter with a Komodo dragon. Produced by Julian Hector, these programmes were first heard earlier this year on Radio 4.
Tuesday, 22 nd to Christmas Day and Monday, 28 th to Friday, New Year’s Day at 2pm and 4am

The Adventures Of Tintin
Ser 1. 1/6 The Black Island
Robert Pearce is Tintin, Hergé’s adventurous boy reporter. In pursuit of forgers, he arrives at the castle on this mysterious island. Andrew Sachs co-stars in Simon Eastwood’s dramatisation, produced by John Yorke for Radio 5 and first heard in 1992.
Boxing Day at 9am and 7pm.

The Willows In Winter
1-5/8
David Suchet reads William Horwood’s charming continuation of the adventures of Mole, Ratty, Badger and Toad. The story begins on a stormy winter’s night with Mole contemplating a surprise visitor: his nephew. The series was first heard in 1994.
Bank Holiday Monday to Friday, New Year’s Day at 2.30pm and 4.30pm

Children’s
CBeebies
Join all your CBeebies friends for an early breakfast of songs, rhymes and stories on Radio 7.
Daily at 5am

Big Toe Books
Kirsten O’Brien presents an hour of children’s stories every day.
Saturday and Sunday at 8am and Monday to Friday at 4pm:

Saturday, 19th and Sunday 20th
The More The Merrier by Anne Fine, read by Aidan Parsons.

Monday, 21st - Wednesday, 23rd
The Big Bazoohley by Peter Carey, read by Simon Chadwick; 101 Dalmations by Dodie Smith, read by Juliet Stevenson; and The BFG by Roald Dahl, read by Adrian Edmonson.

Thursday, Christmas Eve
The Twitches: Chrissymess written by Roy Apps and read by Nigel Greaves; 101 Dalmations by Dodie Smith, read by Juliet Stevenson; The BFG by Roald Dahl, read by Adrian Edmonson; and Henry’s Cat: A Funny Sort of Christmas written by Stan Hayward and read by Mike Harding.

Friday, Christmas Day
The Boy Who Sprouted Antlers by John Yeoman, read by Miranda Keeling; 101 Dalmations by Dodie Smith, read by Juliet Stevenson; and The BFG by Roald Dahl and read by Adrian Edmonson.

Saturday, Boxing Day
The Boy Who Sprouted Antlers by John Yeoman, read by Miranda Keeling; 101 Dalmations by Dodie Smith, read by Juliet Stevenson; and Just William by Richmal Crompton, read by Martin Jarvis.

Sunday, 27th - Thursday, 31st
Beastly Boris written by Wendy Eyton and read by Richard Briers; a dramatisation of Peter Pan by JM Barrie; and The 13 Days of Christmas by Jenny Overton, read by Ruth Jones.

Friday, New Year’s Day
The Nutcracker and The Mouse King by E.T.A Hoffmann and The 13 Days of Christmas written by Jenny Overton and read by Ruth Jones.

www.bbc.co.uk/bigtoe

BBC 7 Newsletter

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio7/seasons/newsletter_current.shtml

Personal news and random thoughts end up on my Facebook page, here.

This site is slowly coming back to life after a period of hibernation…its been a tough year or so. Lengthy hospitalizations of family and friends, and the death of my dear friend and partner in mayhem, Brian Smith, caused me to prioritize a lot of aspects of my life (still a work in progress) and this little project sadly ended up on the bottom of the pile.

I’m going to try to pick it up where I left off almost exactly a year ago.

Stay tuned.