Just a sampling of the varied programmes scheduled this week:
[Note that times are London. All are available for seven days thru the new iPlayer]
An Englishman Abroad
Michael Gambon (pictured) and Penelope Wilton star in Alan Bennett’s play about Guy Burgess, the English spy exiled in Moscow in the 1950s, and his encounter with actress Coral Browne. Produced by Hilary Norrish, it was first broadcast on Radio 4 in 1994. Monday at 10.15am, 9.15pm and 2.15am
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
The quiet village of King’s Abbot is shaken by widow Mrs Ferrars’s apparent suicide. Fortunately Hercule Poirot has retired to the village, with the aim of quietly growing vegetables. First published in 1926, this Hercule Poirot novel made Agatha Christie a household name. Starring John Moffat as Poirot, with Peter Gilmore, Deryck Guyler and John Woodvine, it was adapted for radio by Michael Bakewell. Saturday at midday and 1am
Fatherland
This powerful and award winning drama, based on the bestselling thriller by Robert Harris, examines what would have happened if the Nazis had won the war. In a world where Germany is in control, Berlin policeman Xavier March discovers a chilling secret at the heart of the dictatorship. Dramatised and produced by John Dryden, it stars Anton Lesser (pictured) and Andrew Sachs. Monday to Friday at 9am, 8pm and 1am
Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime
Following a soiree at Lady Windermere’s home, a palm reader reveals Lord Arthur Savile’s chilling future. This 1891 Oscar Wilde short story, serialised in three parts, is read by Michael Maloney.The producer was Katherine Beacon. Monday to Wednesday at 9.30am, 8.30pm and 1.30am
Paperwork
Thirty years on from the day he left his grandmother in her cold stone mansion, a middle-aged man returns to claim his inheritance. But all she has left him are piles of papers which may or may not contain the terrible secrets of his past. This BBC 7 production of Ruth Rendell’s novel is read by Russell Dixon, and was produced in Manchester by Joanna Reardon. Thursday at 9.30am, 8.30pm and 1.30am
An Illustration of Modern Science
Beautiful Beauffie Buckingham is convinced she is about to be murdered; intending to make her will as soon as possible, she enlists the help of a London barrister. Written by Richard Marsh this production specially commissioned for BBC 7, is read by Joanna Riding. Friday at 9.30am, 8.30pm and 1.30am
Check it out at BBC7
a southern gal in the north 