Tarantino’s Jukebox Radio 4, Saturday 10.30am
First of a two-part series in which film director Quentin Tarantino enthuses about the musical obsessions which have helped ensure that his films have the most memorable soundtracks.
Michael Ball Radio 2, Sunday 11am
Elaine Paige on Sunday Radio 2, Sunday 1pm
Both shows feature current stars of West End musicals. First, Ball talks to Sheila Hancock, currently playing the Mother Superior in Sister Act. Then in EP’s show, this week’s studio guest is Jodie Prenger, who sings As Longs As He Needs Me from Oliver!.
Classic Serial: The Spy Who Came In From The Cold Radio 4, Sunday 3pm
The Complete Smiley season continues with the second of three episodes (if you missed it, the first episode is repeated on Saturday at 9pm, and is still on iPlayer).
The Archers Radio 4, Sunday 7pm
It’s the day of the Ambridge village fete — and it will be opened by none other than Sir Anthony Gormley. Yes, that Anthony Gormley, creator of The Angel of the North and the driving force behind One and Other, the fourth plinth project in Trafalgar Square which has been the subject of one of The Archers’ silliest subplots for some time.
Drama on 3: The Idylls of the King Radio 3, Sunday 8pm
Marking the bicentenary of Tennyson’s birth, Michael Symmons Roberts adapts his epic poem recounting the classic Arthurian legends. Tim Piggott-Smith narrates, and Jonathan Keeble plays Arthur.
Woman’s Hour Drama: The Pursuits of Darleen Fyles Radio 4, Monday-Friday 10.45am & Friday 7.45pm
Writer Esther Wilson creates a five-part sequel to her 2008 Friday Play, The Heroic Pursuits of Darleen Fyles. Darleen, who has learning difficulties, is starting her first job and hoping to move in with her boyfriend Jamie, although he’s not so sure. Donna Lavin, who herself has learning difficulties, plays Darleen, with support from Edmund Davis, Siobhan Finneran and Lee Boardman.
Hazelbeach Radio 4, Monday 11.30am
Caroline and David Stafford’s comedy drama series about likeable conman Ronnie Hazelbeach returns for a second series.
The Inconstant Moon Radio 4, Monday-Friday 3.45pm; omnibus Friday 9pm
Running every weekday for two weeks and with omnibus repeats on Fridays, author Jeanette Winterson examines the presence, effect and symbolism of the Moon in our cultural life.
The Grand Masquerade Radio 4, Tuesday 11.30am
Like many people, I was obsessed with Kit Williams’ book Masquerade, an odd children’s book whose full-page paintings hid many mysterious clues as to the whereabouts of a unique, bejewelled golden hare which had been buried somewhere in Britain. John O’Farrell explores the story of the publishing phenomenon and the controversy when the man who located the hare was revealed by a newspaper as being the boyfriend of Williams’ ex-girlfriend.
Afternoon Play: The Night They Tried to Kidnap the Prime Minister Radio 4, Wednesday 2.15pm
“They” were a group of Aberdeen students in 1964, and the Prime Minister was Alec Douglas-Home. The story only came to light when Lord Hailsham’s diaries, which he wrote in an encrypted form of shorthand, were recently decoded. Tim McInnerny stars as Douglas-Home.
Afternoon Play: The Uderstanding Radio 4, Thursday 2.15pm
Coinciding with a new series of moral debate series Inside the Ethics Committee, this drama by PG Morgan also examines the tough decisions and ethical dilemmas that occur in hospital environments.
Cabin Pressure Radio 4, Friday 11.30am
A second series of the sitcom set in a small airline business, with Stephanie Cole, Roger Allam and Benedict Cumberbatch.
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