Our radio sister to Square Eyes continues. Most BBC radio programmes are available online for 7 days after their first broadcast — click on the programme names below for more information.
Saturday Play: Conclave Radio 4, Saturday 2.30pm
After last week’s adaptation of The Last Confession, Hugh Costello’s play continues Radio 4’s examination of the event surrounding the short papacy of John Paul I. Nicholas Le Provost plays Cardinal Benelli (the role played by David Suchet in last week’s play), joined by David Calder, Alison Reid and Andrew Hilton as Karol Wojtyla, who would later become known as John Paul II.
The Wire Radio 3, Saturday 8.45pm
Radio 3’s slot for new writing this week features a radio adaptation of Debbie Tucker Green’s Random, originally staged earlier this year at the Royal Court Theatre. Nadine Marshall reprises her multiple roles as four members of a family whose lives are shaken up during the course of one day. Unlike the stage play, Marshall is joined by other actors, including Petra Letang and Richie Campbell.
Classic Serial: The Experiences of an Irish RM Radio 4, Saturday 9pm (Part 1), Sunday 3pm (Part 2)
Human error was all that prevented me listing this last week. Sorry about that. Christopher Fitz-Simon adapts the stories by Somerville and Ross about an English major who is appointed a Resident Magistrate in 1890s Ireland, and soon finds himself amongst an array of interesting characters. Alex Jennings plays Major Yeates, a character popularised 25 years ago on television by Peter Bowles.
This week’s castaway is comedian and actor Sanjeev Bhaskar, currently starring as King Arthur in Spamalot. NB: This programme won’t be available on Listen Again/iPlayer, althrough it will be repeated on Friday at 9am.
Elaine Paige on Sunday Radio 2, Sunday 1pm
Special guest this week is the legendary Burt Bacharach, who drops in to talk about his varied film, musical theatre and pop songwriting career.
The Duchess of Malfi Radio 3, Sunday 8pm
Webster’s classic Jacobean drama receives a new production, with Sophie Okonedo as the Duchess who chooses to marry her steward, Antonio (Rory Kinnear).
Fabulous Radio 4, Tuesday 11pm
Lucy Clarke’s sitcom about a woman strugglig to cope with the pressures of modern life returns for a second series. Daisy Haggard stars, with Katy Brand, Justin Edwards and Joanna Neary.
Afternoon Play: The Letter Radio 4, Wednesday 2.15pm
I have a love-hate relationship wit The Afternoon Play, which often come across as twee and stuffy. Perfect for Radio 4, less so for my own tastes. Here, however, the lead role is taken up by the inestimable Anne Reid, so things should perk up considerably.
Afternoon Play: Owls Radio 4, Friday 2.15pm
And the second AP recommendation this week. Co-created by the Natural History Unit, this promises a labyrinthine, multi-layered plot about a visit to a Scottish island, an old man reflecting on his life, and a tale of two children trying to escape an abusive situation. Sounds like fun…
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