| 00:00 | 00:00The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4. 00:15How British political parties construct history, and children's experiences in hospital. 00:45The bells of York Minster. 00:48The latest shipping forecast.
| 00:00The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4. 00:301/5The George Inn's early incarnation as a lawless Southwark drinking den. 00:48The latest shipping forecast.
| 00:00The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4. 00:302/5The George enters literary history with the publication of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. 00:48The latest shipping forecast.
| 00:00The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4. 00:303/5Shakespeare's inn-yard theatres take off in Southwark's taverns. 00:48The latest shipping forecast.
| 00:00The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4. 00:304/5The age of the stagecoach changes the face of British pubs. 00:48The latest shipping forecast.
| 00:00The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4. 00:305/5The myths and the ghosts of landlords and ladies past. 00:48The latest shipping forecast.
| 00:00The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4. 00:302/2It's Christmas Eve, and a woman is getting ready for the arrival of an unusual guest. 00:48The latest shipping forecast.
| |
|---|
| 01:00 | 01:00BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.
| 01:00BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.
| 01:00BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.
| 01:00BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.
| 01:00BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.
| 01:00BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.
| 01:00BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.
| |
|---|
| 02:00 | | | | | | | | |
|---|
| 03:00 | | | | | | | | |
|---|
| 04:00 | | | | | | | | |
|---|
| 05:00 | 05:20The latest shipping forecast. 05:43A short reflection and prayer with Bishop Donal McKeown. 05:45As winter lambing begins, cases of Schmallenberg disease reach nearly 1,000. 05:57The latest weather forecast for farmers.
| 05:20The latest shipping forecast. 05:43A reading and a reflection to start the day with Bishop Donal McKeown. 05:45As a group is fined for illegal hunting, supporters say the law is pointless and confusing
| 05:20The latest shipping forecast. 05:43A short reflection and prayer with Bishop Donal McKeown. 05:45Warnings that Schmallenberg disease could be more widespread than expected.
| 05:20The latest shipping forecast. 05:43A short reflection and prayer with Bishop Donal McKeown. 05:45Farmers are receiving food handouts as rural poverty is on the rise.
| 05:20The latest shipping forecast. 05:43A short reflection and prayer with Bishop Donal McKeown. 05:45Nearly half of EU member states will be producing illegal pork from the start of January.
| 05:20The latest shipping forecast. 05:30The latest news from BBC Radio 4. 05:43A spiritual comment and prayer to begin the day with Archbishop Vincent Nichols. 05:45'Will you marry me, Mister?' A listener proposes to her boyfriend during a show about love
| 05:20The latest shipping forecast. 05:43The bells of St Mary's Church, Ilmington, Warwickshire. 05:45Georgie Fienberg argues that charities doing development work should want to close.
| |
|---|
| 06:00 | 06:00Morning news and current affairs. Includes Sports Desk; Weather; Thought for the Day.
| 06:00Includes Sports Desk; Yesterday in Parliament; Weather; Thought for the Day.
| 06:00Includes Sports Desk; Yesterday in Parliament; Weather; Thought for the Day.
| 06:00Includes Sports Desk; Yesterday in Parliament; Weather; Thought for the Day.
| 06:00Includes Sports Desk; Yesterday in Parliament; Weather; Thought for the Day.
| 06:00News headlines, plus a look at the papers. 06:04The latest weather forecast. 06:07Helen Mark is in Norfolk where preparations for Christmas are well underway. 06:30The onward march of the Schmallenberg virus. Farming and countryside news with Caz Graham. 06:57The latest weather forecast.
| 06:00The latest national and international news. 06:05Alan Hall reflects on those moments in life 'when an angel passes'. 06:35Exploring the importance of primestock shows in the farming Christmas calendar. 06:57The latest weather forecast.
| |
|---|
| 07:00 | | | | | | 07:00Includes Yesterday in Parliament, Sports Desk, Weather, Thought for the Day.
| 07:00The latest news headlines. Including a look at the papers. 07:10Edward Stourton looks at the question of whether religions discriminate against women. 07:55Richard Wilson presents an appeal on behalf of Contact the Elderly. 07:57The latest weather forecast.
| |
|---|
| 08:00 | | | | | | | 08:00The latest news headlines. Including a look at the papers. 08:10Advent Expectations: From the Chapel of Unity, Methodist College, Belfast. 08:50Will Self warns against the false prophets of the new priesthood of economics.
| |
|---|
| 09:00 | 09:00Andrew Marr talks to Dr Peter Wothers about modern day alchemy. 09:451/5The George Inn's early incarnation as a lawless Southwark drinking den.
| 09:002012 Nobel Prize winner John Gurdon on cloning a frog decades before Dolly the Sheep. 09:30Olivia O'Leary meets one of the greatest ever jump-jockeys, Mick Fitzgerald. 09:452/5The George enters literary history with the publication of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales.
| 09:00Libby Purves meets actor Simon Callow and folk singer Maddy Prior. 09:453/5Shakespeare's inn-yard theatres take off in Southwark's taverns.
| 09:00Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the South Sea Bubble of the early 18th century. 09:454/5The age of the stagecoach changes the face of British pubs.
| 09:00Sister Wendy Beckett, nun and art expert, is interviewed by Kirsty Young. 09:455/5The myths and the ghosts of landlords and ladies past.
| 09:00Sian Williams and Richard Coles with a Saturday Live selection box.
| 09:00News and conversation about the big stories of the week with Paddy O'Connell.
| |
|---|
| 10:00 | 10:00Cate Blanchett on those ears, hobbit feet and power. Presented by Jane Garvey. 10:451/5Modesty takes on public school villain Simon Delicata in a deadly Sahara showdown.
| 10:00Meow Meow in cabaret, Sheridan Smith, alcohol and teenagers. Presented by Jane Garvey. 10:452/5Dinah reveals her special talent, a skill which explains why the bad guys were after her.
| 10:00Designer Caroline Charles meets Jenni Murray, and Cook the Perfect chocolate truffle. 10:453/5Dinah has been seized by Delicata and taken to the desert. Modesty and the gang give chase
| 10:00Margaret Evison; Romeo Beckham and child models; Moomins author Tove Jansson. 10:454/5Dinah has still not found the treasure, and Delicata's patience is running out.
| 10:00The longest-serving NHS nurse is about to retire. Plus, cooking chestnuts at Christmas. 10:455/5The showdown in the desert reaches its climax, as Modesty puts the escape plan into action
| 10:30Exploring the recording of Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of The World's.
| 10:00Jim is disgruntled, and Lilian faces an awkward encounter.
| |
|---|
| 11:00 | 11:003/3Mark Turin meets the linguists who track and preserve the languages of the Big Apple. 11:302/2Martin Jarvis's 2010 Cheltenham Festival performance of Jeeves and the Unbidden Guest.(R)
| 11:0016/24Brett Westwood takes a look at the relationship between wildlife conservation and art. 11:30A noisy exploration of the punk and politics of music's Riot Grrrl movement.
| 11:00Jumping on freight trains in America, adventure or desperation? Peter Bowes explores. 11:303/4The actor-cum-sleuth hopes to prove Hugo did not murder his wife.
| 11:00Paul Henley meets the migrants heading to Poland, attracted by its thriving economy. 11:30Neil Tennant recalls his stint, from Christmas 1982, on pop's most successful magazine.
| 11:00Durham University debaters attempt to pass on their skills to those less privileged. 11:30Janet Ellis celebrates that most unpredictable of mythological beings, the genie.(R)
| 11:00George Parker of the Financial Times looks behind the scenes at Westminster. 11:30Kate Adie introduces BBC despatches from Burma, Greece, India, Paris and St Helena.
| 11:15Kirsty Young talks to comedian, actress and writer Dawn French.
| |
|---|
| 12:00 | 12:00Post-adoption support, theatre dress codes and one of the UK's remotest postal routes. 12:57The latest weather forecast.
| 12:00£493 million is to be invested in grassroots sports - what will it mean for you? 12:57The latest weather forecast.
| 12:00Winifred Robinson investigates the hidden costs of online shopping in Scotland. 12:57The latest weather forecast.
| 12:00A record rise in legal highs, returning Christmas presents and books for collectors. 12:57The latest weather forecast.
| 12:00Shoppers cut back on essentials and spend on comfort food instead. With Peter White. 12:52Fi Glover presents a conversation between the parents of Tommy, their child with autism. 12:57The latest weather forecast.
| 12:00Packaged accounts, carbon discredits, the taxman cometh not, and cooling off. 12:301/8Satirical review of the week's news, chaired by Sandi Toksvig. With Jeremy Hardy. 12:57The latest weather forecast.
| 12:006/6Fifty-eighth series of the multi-award award-winning comedy panel game chaired by Jack Dee 12:32Sheila Dillon hears from leading chefs and writers on their necessary Christmas pleasures. 12:57The latest weather forecast.
| |
|---|
| 13:00 | 13:00Martha Kearney presents national and international news. 13:451/10Marina Warner introduces the Grimm brothers and examines the story of The Frog King.
| 13:00National and international news with Martha Kearney. 13:452/10Marina Warner traces Grimms' tales back to their ancient origins.
| 13:00National and international news with Edward Stourton. 13:453/10Marina Warner enters the magical worlds of the fairy tale.
| 13:00Martha Kearney presents national and international news. 13:454/10Marina identifies real people and places believed to have inspired the Grimms' collection.
| 13:00Shaun Ley presents national and international news. 13:455/10Marina Warner is drawn into the tales' rich history of illustration.
| 13:00The latest news from BBC Radio 4. 13:10Jonathan Dimbleby presents political debate from Haddenham in Buckinghamshire.
| 13:00Global news and analysis, presented by Shaun Ley. 13:30Hardeep Singh Kohli visits a family who fled the Congo to set up home in Bradford.
| |
|---|
| 14:00 | 14:00Lynda has a directing dilemma. 14:154/4McLevy is kidnapped by a grieving father who seeks vengeance for the death of his son.
| 14:151/2Rumpole defends a gardener accused of blackmailing the master of an Oxford College.
| 14:15A lonely young woman and an isolated teenager share the secret of her miracle baby.
| 14:00Lilian faces an awkward encounter. 14:15A drama that imagines the events of two of Joe Strummer's 'missing days' in Paris in 1982.
| 14:00Jazzer makes Lynda blush. 14:15A journalist joins a group who believe the Mayan prophecy that the world will end today.
| 14:00Your chance to have your say on the issues of the week. With Anita Anand. 14:30Alice's fantastical story collides with Radio 4, as she crashes a giant game of chess.
| 14:00Eric Robson hosts a special Christmas edition of GQT from Muncaster Castle. 14:45Fi Glover presents conversations about babies, Christmas and loved ones remembered.
| |
|---|
| 15:00 | 15:00The nationwide general knowledge quiz, chaired by Russell Davies. 15:30Sheila Dillon discovers surprising stories behind humble British vegetables.
| 15:003/6Jay Rayner and the Kitchen Cabinet team are with food enthusiasts in Birmingham. 15:30Jonathan Glancey explores how libraries in Europe and the USA are being reinvented.(R)
| 15:00Child benefit rules are changing. Are you entitled and will you have to pay a tax charge? 15:30Claudia Hammond investigates how reading a baby's mind helps its development.
| 15:00Helen Mark is in Norfolk where preparations for Christmas are well underway. 15:27Katy Hill presents the Radio 4 Appeal for children's charity Lively Minds. 15:30Barbara Kingsolver on her new book Flight Behaviour; David Baddiel on David Foster Wallace
| 15:00Eric Robson hosts a special Christmas edition of GQT from Muncaster Castle. 15:452/3A builder uncovers part of a mural and relives the life and death of his lost son.
| | 15:001/3Lizzie Eustace must fight to retain the diamonds which she believes are rightfully hers.
| |
|---|
| 16:00 | 16:00Actress Rachael Stirling reveals strange tales and secrets from theatre's back doorstep. 16:30Comedian Ed Byrne joins Robin and Brian to talk about science's quest to create life.
| 16:00Michael Rosen starts a new series by investigating the effects of alcohol on speech. 16:30Lemn Sissay chooses Prince Alamayu who, like him, was Ethiopian but fostered in Britain.
| 16:00Laurie Taylor on our multinational armed forces, and Deborah Butler on female jockeys. 16:30Pollard Review analysis and reaction with Steve Hewlett.
| 16:00Movie news with Francine Stock, Ang Lee on Life of Pi and Ewan McGregor on The Impossible. 16:30Unintelligent IQ tests, frozen Lakes, human life on Mars, and Santa stuck in a chimney.
| 16:00Matthew Bannister on Sir Lawrie Barratt, Galina Vishnevskaya, Jack Hart and Tommy Roberts. 16:30Tim Harford investigates US gun crime statistics and the average age of first-time buyers. 16:55Fi presents a conversation about the price paid by one online disability rights campaigner
| 16:00From Elizabeth to Galadriel - Cate Blanchett on being a Queen. Presented by Jane Garvey.
| 16:00Colin Firth shares his five of the best books. 16:30Roger McGough presents a warm but slush-free selection of Christmas poetry requests.
| |
|---|
| 17:00 | 17:00Eddie Mair with interviews, context and analysis.
| 17:00Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Eddie Mair. Includes Weather.
| 17:00Eddie Mair with interviews, context and analysis.
| 17:00Eddie Mair with interviews, context and analysis.
| 17:00Eddie Mair with interviews, context and analysis.
| 17:00Full coverage of the day's news presented by Ritula Shah. 17:30'Will you marry me, Mister?' A listener proposes to her boyfriend during a show about love 17:54The latest shipping forecast. 17:57The latest weather forecast.
| 17:00Allan Little looks at the changing dynamic of the European Union, as power heads east. 17:40The debate on gun control in the US, as examined by Alistair Cooke in 1993.(R) 17:54The latest shipping forecast. 17:57The latest weather forecast.
| |
|---|
| 18:00 | 18:00National and international news from BBC Radio 4. 18:306/6Fifty-eighth series of the multi-award award-winning comedy panel game chaired by Jack Dee
| 18:00National and international news from BBC Radio 4. 18:305/6A new and terrible danger threatens Britain.
| 18:00National and international news from BBC Radio 4. 18:304/6Comedian Mark Steel visits Ottery St Mary in Devon to discuss Coleridge's childhood.
| 18:00National and international news from BBC Radio 4. 18:303/6Registrar Malcolm Fox is distracted by a breast-feeding mother during a birth registration(R)
| 18:00National and international news from BBC Radio 4. 18:301/8Satirical review of the week's news, chaired by Sandi Toksvig. With Jeremy Hardy.
| 18:00The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4. 18:15Clive Anderson and guests with an eclectic mix of conversation, music and comedy.
| 18:00The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4. 18:15Gerry Northam makes his selection from the past seven days of BBC Radio.
| |
|---|
| 19:00 | 19:15Mark Lawson with Toby Jones, David O Russell and a review of the Life of Pi film. 19:451/5Modesty takes on public school villain Simon Delicata in a deadly Sahara showdown.
| 19:15Salman Rushdie on the film of his novel Midnight's Children; Victoria Wood on Joyce Hatto. 19:452/5Dinah reveals her special talent, a skill which explains why the bad guys were after her.
| 19:00Lilian faces an awkward encounter. 19:15Barry Norman reviews Dustin Hoffman's Quartet; singer Katy Carr; pick of comedy DVDs. 19:453/5Dinah has been seized by Delicata and taken to the desert. Modesty and the gang give chase
| 19:00Jazzer makes Lynda blush. 19:15The Impossible reviewed; comedian Simon Amstell; Ed Vaizey and Tom Morris on arts funding. 19:454/5Dinah has still not found the treasure, and Delicata's patience is running out.
| 19:00It's all change at Ambridge View. 19:15New interviews with Judi Dench, Sam Mendes, Hilary Mantel, Sheridan Smith and more. 19:455/5The showdown in the desert reaches its climax, as Modesty puts the escape plan into action
| 19:002/8Joe Dunthorne gives the perspective of a family in South Wales on events in Connecticut. 19:15Life of Pi and Strindberg's Dance of Death, plus Restless and The Girl on TV over Xmas.
| 19:151/2William wants to impress Dorinda. 19:452/2In the wake of the false apocalypse, a woman returns alone to her looted home.
| |
|---|
| 20:00 | 20:00As the Mayan prophecy of doom approaches, enjoy this light-hearted guide to the apocalypse 20:30Justin Marozzi examines if Libya can come together again as one country.
| 20:00Allan Little looks at the changing dynamic of the European Union, as power heads east. 20:40RNIB's Matt Davies tells Peter White of their concerns about the new regulations on PIPs.
| 20:00Clive Anderson and guests discuss controversial proposed changes in employment law. 20:45Georgie Fienberg argues that charities doing development work should want to close.
| 20:00Simon Cox investigates concerns about the number of Roma children being taken into care. 20:30What is the Co-op's place in the retail world of the 21st century? Peter Day investigates.
| 20:00Jonathan Dimbleby presents political debate from Haddenham in Buckinghamshire. 20:50Will Self warns against the false prophets of the new priesthood of economics.
| 20:00Anthony McGowan uncovers the dark story behind the Grimms beloved fairy tales.
| 20:00Tim Harford investigates US gun crime statistics and the average age of first-time buyers. 20:30Matthew Bannister on Sir Lawrie Barratt, Galina Vishnevskaya, Jack Hart and Tommy Roberts.
| |
|---|
| 21:00 | 21:00Science cash prizes, science in The Hobbit, and solving an archaeological hoax. 21:30Andrew Marr talks to Dr Peter Wothers about modern day alchemy.
| 21:00Claudia Hammond investigates how reading a baby's mind helps its development. 21:302012 Nobel Prize winner John Gurdon on cloning a frog decades before Dolly the Sheep.
| 21:00Science writer Chris Riley examines the enduring legacy of the Apollo moon missions. 21:30Libby Purves meets actor Simon Callow and folk singer Maddy Prior.
| 21:0016/24Brett Westwood takes a look at the relationship between wildlife conservation and art. 21:30Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the South Sea Bubble of the early 18th century.
| 21:00Comic play about the French Revolution starring Richard E Grant and The Penny Dreadfuls(R)
| 21:004/4The full consequences of the Count's revenge shake Paris. Will anyone be saved?
| 21:00Packaged accounts, carbon discredits, the taxman cometh not, and cooling off. 21:26Richard Wilson presents an appeal on behalf of Contact the Elderly. 21:30What is the Co-op's place in the retail world of the 21st century? Peter Day investigates.
| |
|---|
| 22:00 | 22:00President Obama promises action on mass shootings, but what does that mean? 22:451/5Dolly's perfect parents always made her feel inferior - until her 16th birthday.
| 22:00The latest on Andrew Mitchell and 'plebgate'. News and analysis with Ritula Shah. 22:452/5An unexpected visitor arrives in a Dublin restaurant.
| 22:00The deputy head of BBC News resigns after damning reports on Newsnight. With Ritula Shah. 22:453/5Christmas goes awry when Sara brings home the wrong shopping.
| 22:00National and international news and analysis with Philippa Thomas. 22:454/5A mix up at the shop upsets Stephen's plans for Christmas lunch.
| 22:00Afghanistan, violence in Kenya and how the Poles view the EU. With Philippa Thomas. 22:455/5Christmas leads Mary to reflect on the family she's not seen in 20 years.
| 22:00The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4. 22:15Clive Anderson and guests discuss controversial proposed changes in employment law.
| 22:00Weekly political discussion and analysis with MPs, experts and commentators. 22:45Leading journalists analyse how the newspapers are covering the biggest stories.
| |
|---|
| 23:00 | 23:0014/14Rod Argent, Chris White and Colin Blunstone are quizzed about Zombies' Odessey and Oracle. 23:30Susan Hulme with the day's top news stories from Westminster.
| 23:00Comedian Ed Byrne joins Robin and Brian to talk about science's quest to create life. 23:30Sean Curran with the day's top news stories from Westminster.
| 23:004/4The eve of Waterloo, and our heroes face the prospect of seeing each other face to face. 23:154/4Jane, Lucy and Amelia try to record the last-known speaker of an ancient dialect. 23:30Rachel Byrne with the day's top news stories from Westminster.
| 23:003/61990s eco-warrior Dave Angel performs, and a confused delivery man arrives.(R) 23:30Sean Curran with the day's top news stories from Westminster.
| 23:00Lemn Sissay chooses Prince Alamayu who, like him, was Ethiopian but fostered in Britain. 23:30Mark D'Arcy looks back at the year in parliament, as MPs begin their Christmas break. 23:55Fi Glover presents a conversation about the daily irritations of living with one you love.
| 23:00The nationwide general knowledge quiz, chaired by Russell Davies. 23:30Annie Freud explores the work of the all-American poet, William Carlos Williams.
| 23:00Movie news with Francine Stock, Ang Lee on Life of Pi and Ewan McGregor on The Impossible. 23:30Alan Hall reflects on those moments in life 'when an angel passes'.
| |
|---|
