Joseph Delaney used to be an English teacher, before becoming the best-selling author of the Spook's series, which has been published in 30 countries and sold over 4.5 million copies worldwide. The first book, The Spook's Apprentice, was adapted into a major motion picture starring Jeff Bridges and Julianne Moore.

Joseph Delaney

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Tim McGarry

David Hume

Comedian Tim McGarry and Orangeman Dr David Hume investigate Irish history from different perspectives 
 
'We're basically the Little and Large of Irish history' Tim McGarry 
 
Tim McGarry and Dr David Hume couldn't be less alike. Tim's a six-foot-four funnyman from Belfast, while David's a vertically challenged historian from Ballycarry. But although they disagree about almost everything, they have a great rapport and a passionate interest in their native island - and in this fascinating series, they join forces for some good-natured, intelligent debate about Irish history, politics and culture. 
 
Travelling the length and breadth of Éire and Northern Ireland, they visit important historical sites, gain new insights into pivotal stories and people, and interview a wide range of experts to give listeners the long and the short of it. Mixed in with the discussions are humorous sketches, bringing the history alive and providing light relief. 
 
Over 41 episodes, Tim and David lock horns and trade blows over controversial topics including the 1798 Rebellion, the Great Famine, the Battle of the Boyne, the birth of the Orange Order, the Irish War of Independence and Civil War, and Home Rule. They also consider Ulster heroine Mary McCracken, ask whether renowned figures such as Sir Winston Churchill, Lord Edward Carson and James Craig were heroes or villains, and wonder whether the Vikings and Oliver Cromwell were really that bad. Plus, in the 2-part special The Long and the Short of Christmas, the duo unite to take a light-hearted but scholarly look at the history of the festive season, from the birth of Jesus to modern times. 
 
Winner of the Gold Award for Specialist Speech Programme at the 2021 IMRO Radio Awards, this wry, engaging and eye-opening series is full of jokes, facts, opinions - and arguments. Irish history has never been so much fun! 
 
Production credits 
Presented by Tim McGarry and Dr David Hume 
Produced by Zoe Robinson 
 
First broadcast on BBC Radio Ulster & BBC Radio Foyle on 20 July-10 August 2014 (Series 1), 19 July-23 August 2015 (Series 2), 6 November-4 December 2016 (Series 3), 3 December 2017-7 January 2018 (Series 4), 9 May-13 June 2020 (Series 5), 24-25 December 2020 (The Long and the Short of Christmas), 24 April-29 May 2021 (Series 6), 27 August-1 October 2022 (Series 7). 
 
© 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd.

The Long and the Short of It

A BBC History of Ireland

Mark Steel

Mark Steel uses his unique logic to propose subversive solutions to society's problems 
 
What if the Royal Family was chosen by weekly lottery? 
Why should giving to charity be illegal? 
Could government economic policy be decided by sport? 
 
Award-winning writer and comedian Mark Steel aims to put the world to rights in these 15 episodes, as he comes up with radical proposals to improve our lives and sort out our social ills. 
 
From the economy to transport, housing, crime and our current age of pessimism, Mark’s got a brilliant idea that’s sure to fix the problem. Each show sees him using witty, persuasive arguments and short, sharp sketches to present his case, as he contends that having a job should be illegal, everyone should have to be gay for two years, and nobody should have to go to school until they’re 36. 
 
Whatever the issue, Mark’s got the answer – whether it’s dealing with immigration by deporting everyone born in England, or healing religious divisions by making everyone change their faith every Monday. Lend him your ears and he’ll convince you of anything, as he sets about proving that the ridiculous is really very sensible indeed – and that changing the world is easy, if you’re willing to listen to his advice... 
 
Written and performed by Mark Steel and Spitting Image writer Pete Sinclair, this funny, thought-provoking series also features Maria McErlane and Kim Wall. 
 
 
Written by Mark Steel and Pete Sinclair 
Starring Mark Steel, Pete Sinclair, Maria McErlane and Kim Wall 
Produced by Turan Ali (Series 1) and Phil Clarke (Series 2-4) 
 
Contents: 
 
Series 1 
The Family: ‘No-one should live in the same family for more than one year’ 
Judges: ‘Ex-convicts should be recruited as High Court judges’ 
The Economy: ‘Government economic policy should be decided by sport’ 
 
Series 2 
Unemployment: ‘Having a job should be illegal’ 
Transport: ‘Transport should only be paid for by people who don’t use it’ 
Housing: ‘Everyone in Britain should be re-housed at random’ 
The Royal Family: ‘The Royal Family should be chosen by weekly lottery’ 
 
Series 3 
Sexual Politics: ‘Everyone should have to be gay for two years’ 
Charity : ‘Anybody who gives to charity should be jailed’ 
Crime: ‘Criminals should decide their own punishment’ 
Immigration: ‘Anyone born in England should be deported’ 
 
Series 4 
Religion: ‘People should have to change their religion every Monday’ 
The Media: ‘Anyone in charge of the media should be sacked after thirty minutes’ 
Education: ‘Nobody should go to school until they are 36’ 
Pessimism: ‘Pessimists should be persecuted by law’ 
 
First broadcast BBC Radio 5 from 16 Oct-13 Nov 1992 (Series 1), 15 July-5 Aug 1994 (Series 2), 4 Aug-25 Aug 1995 (Series 3), 16 Aug-6 Sept 1996 (Series 4) 
 
© 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

The Mark Steel Solution

The BBC Radio Comedy Series

Michael Portillo

Michael Portillo presents these specially selected shows exploring the history of democracy and the modern political system 
 
In a parliamentary career spanning over 20 years, Michael Portillo served as a Conservative MP and held numerous Cabinet posts. Few people are better placed to comment on politics than him, and in these thought-provoking programmes, he gives us his take on the development of democracy and contemporary political theory. 
 
In the three-part series Democracy on Trial, Portillo investigates the difficult and dangerous global journey taken by this fragile ideal over 2,500 years, and the surprisingly tenuous grip it holds upon the world today. From Athens in the fifth century BC to the present day, he examines the effectiveness of a form of government we take for granted, and analyses its rise, fall and future. 
 
For Whom the Division Bell Tolled sees him looking at the history and peculiarities of the back-bencher, asking historians whether these traits have been present since the very first Parliaments in the 1300s. Across three episodes, he traces the origins of the back-bench revolt, recalls the good and noble works of back-benchers from the past, and wonders whether those on the back bench have always been more interested in keeping their jobs than changing the world. 
 
In The Right Stuff, Portillo considers the lasting influence of the author and philosopher Ayn Rand, questioning whether her work remains a blueprint for those on the political right. Talking to contemporaries and critics, he probes the origins and impact of Rand's writings, and assesses how her controversial ideas relate to the current political landscape. 
 
Capitalism on Trial finds him pondering years of bailouts, stagnating growth and market instability, and asking whether free-market capitalism is looking a little tarnished. Over two programmes, he talks to leading thinkers including Amartya Sen, Will Hutton and Gillian Tett as he weighs up the costs and benefits of the economic system that governs our lives. 
 
Finally, in Things We Forgot to Remember: The 1945 Labour Government, Portillo looks back at Clement Attlee's postwar government, querying how radical their agenda really was and how much our collective memory of it is due to myth-making by subsequent Labour administrations. 
 
Production credits 
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on the following dates: 
 
Democracy on Trial 
Episode 1 11 May 2010 
Episode 2 18 May 2010 
Episode 3 25 May 2010 
Produced by Philip Sellars and Julia Johnson 
 
For Whom the Division Bell Tolled 
Episode 1 14 May 2008 
Episode 2 21 May 2008 
Episode 3 28 May 2008 
Produced by Philip Sellars 
 
The Right Stuff 11 November 2008 
Produced by Owen McFadden 
 
Capitalism on Trial 
Episode 1 27 September 2011 
Episode 2 4 October 2011 
With Amartya Sen, Will Hutton, Ha-Joon Chang, Gillian Tett, Nigel Lawson and Hernando De Soto 
Produced by Julia Johnson 
 
Things We Forgot to Remember: The 1945 Labour Government 6 May 2007 
With Denis Healey, Peter Carrington and Tony Benn 
Produced by Julia Adamson 
 
© 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd.

Michael Portillo: On Politics

A BBC Radio Collection

Tony Benn

A collection of Tony Benn&rsquo;s private audio diaries, documentaries and archive interviews 
 
Tony Benn was the patriarch of the Labour left, a radical statesman, orator and anti-war campaigner who spent over 50 years as an MP, serving in the Cabinet under Harold Wilson and James Callaghan. A prolific diarist, his political memoirs have been compared to Pepys in their detail, scope and accuracy. Three volumes are included here, read by Benn himself, together with four fascinating programmes focussing on the man behind the diaries. 
 
Part I: Tony Benn&rsquo;s Diaries 
 
The Benn Tapes 1 &ndash; For over 25 years, Tony Benn sat late into the night dictating his personal account of the daily happenings at the heart of government. In this unique series, he shares his remarkable recordings from history&rsquo;s front line, recalling events such as Harold Wilson&rsquo;s surprise 1976 resignation; the miners&rsquo; strike of 1984-1985 and the 1992 general election. 
 
The Benn Tapes 2 &ndash; This second series of behind-the-scenes revelations sees Benn recounting why he believes nuclear power is unsafe, disclosing what went on during Cabinet reshuffles and tracing the split in the party following its 1979 defeat, the emergence of the Social Democratic Party, and his challenge to deputy leader Denis Healy. 
 
Free at Last!: The Diaries 1991-2001 &ndash; Spanning Tony Benn&rsquo;s final decade as an MP, this third volume covers the Gulf War, the rise of New Labour, the death of Diana Princess of Wales and peace in Northern Ireland. Mixing political observations with a moving account of family life, it is full of humour, insight, joy and sadness. 
 
Part 2: Tony Benn&rsquo;s Life 
 
In the Psychiatrist&rsquo;s Chair: Tony Benn &ndash; Dr Anthony Clare talks to the legendary parliamentarian about his life, his career and how his guiding principles were influenced by his parents&rsquo; social and political convictions. 
 
Sentimental Journey: Tony Benn &ndash; Arthur Smith accompanies Tony Benn on a trip back to the place where he was born, grew up, and spent most of his political life &ndash; the City of Westminster. 
 
With Great Pleasure: Tony Benn &ndash; The veteran politician presents a selection of the prose and poetry that has shaped his personal philosophy, including the words of Mahatma Gandhi, Dwight D Eisenhower, Oscar Wilde and John Bunyan. 
 
Night Waves: Tony Benn &ndash; In an event from the 2008 Free Thinking festival, Tony Benn talks about the value of experience and discusses his own life experience with presenter Susan Hitch and the audience. 
 
 
Cast and credits 
 
The Benn Tapes 
Read by Tony Benn 
Produced by Keith Jones 
 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 21 Jul-8 Sep 1993 (Series 1), 17 Oct- 5 Dec 1994 (Series 2) 
 
Free at Last!: The Diaries 1991-2001 
Read by Tony Benn 
Produced by Jane Ray 
 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 13-17 Oct 2003 
 
In the Psychiatrist&rsquo;s Chair: Tony Benn 
Presented by Dr Anthony Clare 
A Michael Ember production 
 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 13 Aug 1995 
 
Sentimental Journey: Tony Benn 
With Arthur Smith and Tony Benn 
Produced by Dilly Barlow 
 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 29 Jul 2006 
 
With Great Pleasure: Tony Benn 
Presented by Tony Benn 
Readers: Saffron Burrows, Jim Findley and Carl Prekopp 
Produced by Christine Hall 
 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 26 Jul 2007 
 
Night Waves: Tony Benn 
Presented by Susan Hitch 
With Tony Benn 
Produced by Allegra McIlroy 
 
First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 11 Dec 2008 
 
&copy; 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Tony Benn at the BBC

The Benn Tapes, Free at Last! and more

BBC Radio Comedy

The complete Series 100 of the satirical radio panel show, presented by eight special guest hosts 
 
It’s the one hundredth series of The News Quiz – let the centennial celebrations commence! To mark the occasion, each of these eight episodes is presented by a different guest host from the world of comedy, who keeps the chair warm in their own inimitable style (and with their cushion of choice). 
 
Zoe Lyons, Angela Barnes, Patrick Kielty, Andrew Maxwell, Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Andy Zaltzman, Phil Wang and Nish Kumar lead a panel of guests as they dissect the latest political machinations and round up news stories both big and small. Among the panellists are Andy Hamilton, Hugo Rifkind, Kerry Godliman, Susan Calman, Lucy Porter and Darren Harriott. 
 
Topics include the prorogation (and subsequent recall) of Parliament, the Amazon rainforest fire and the climate strike. Boris Johnson welcomes a new member of the family (his dog Dilyn) and waves goodbye to another (his brother Jo). Plus, it’s last orderrr orderrrrs for John Bercow, Donald Trump faces impeachment, and we hear about some Supremely relevant interventions. There’s also some feisty animal stories, as seagulls attack and a Russian naval vessel is sunk by a rogue walrus… 
 
Providing some welcome light relief are newsreaders Neil Sleat, Alan Smith, Susan Rae and Diana Speed, who read out a selection of humorous press cuttings sent in by listeners. 
 
 
Production credits 
Chaired by Zoe Lyons, Angela Barnes, Patrick Kielty, Andrew Maxwell, Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Andy Zaltzman, Phil Wang and Nish Kumar 
Produced by Richard Morris 
A BBC Studios Production 
 
Featuring: Andy Hamilton, Katy Brand, Helen Lewis, Geoff Norcott, Hugo Rifkind, Kerry Godliman, Simon Evans, Jessica Fostekew, Francis Wheen, Susan Calman, Felicity Ward, Glenn Moore, Lucy Porter, Lloyd Langford, Alun Cochrane, Neil Delamere, Darren Harriott 
News items read by Neil Sleat, Alan Smith, Susan Rae, Diana Speed 
 
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 30 August-18 October 2019

The News Quiz: Series 100

The topical BBC Radio 4 comedy panel show

Two BBC Radio programmes exploring President John F. Kennedy's shocking assassination on 22 November 1963. In Something Is Terribly Wrong, first broadcast in 2003, Alan Thompson charts the confusion and disbelief after the assassination. He returns to key sites in Dallas, and talks to eyewitnesses including Nellie Connally (ex-First Lady of Texas), Jim Leavelle (ex-Dallas detective), Jim Ewell (ex Dallas Morning News correspondent), Aubry Rike (ambulance driver/witness), and Ken Dowe, from Dallas radio station KLIF. Using rare, vivid archive material, he relives the events as they unfolded over three days that shocked the world. In Letter from America, first broadcast two days after the President's assassination, renowned broadcaster Alistair Cooke uses his weekly radio missive to reflect upon the legacy of John F. Kennedy, and to observe that the American nation feels it has been robbed of a brother.

The Last Day Of JFK

Lyse Doucet

Five remarkable women. Five stories from across the world, where these influential people made an impact on democracy in their nations. 
 
Broadcast in January 2018 to mark the 100th anniversary of the first time British women won the vote, this fascinating series sees BBC Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet travel across the globe, meeting women from Northern Ireland, Saudi Arabia, Iceland, Afghanistan and Liberia. She hears reflections from some of the world's most influential women's rights activists, including former presidents, and shares her own experiences of reporting from some of the most troubled regions. 
 
In Belfast Lyse speaks to Monica McWilliams, who was one of only two local women who were at the table during negotiations which led to the Good Friday Agreement of 1998. She then travels to Saudi Arabia to meet Madeha Al Ajroush, who battled for 30 years to get women the right to drive. 
 
In 1980, Iceland did something no other nation had done: they elected a female head of state. Lyse Doucet travels to Reykjavik to meet Vigdis Finnbogadottir. Now 87, she was president for exactly sixteen years and remains the longest-serving elected female head of state of any country to date. 
 
Lyse then meets the formidable Shukria Barakzai, Afghanistan's ambassador to Norway. Shukria was one of only a handful of female MPs to speak up for women's rights in Afghanistan, and faced death threats for her views. Finally, Lyse Doucet travels to Liberia to talk to President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first elected female head of state in Africa. 
 
These inspiring in-depth interviews reveal the behind the scenes stories of key moments in our global history, and show that the victory of 1918 for women in Britain has continued to resonate through the last century. 
 
Originally broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2018 as Her Story Made History. 
 
Producer: Ben Carter 
Researcher: Louise Byrne

Remarkable

Five women who dared to make a difference

Nick Robinson

In the Complete Series 1 and 2 of this fascinating and absorbing Radio 4 series, the BBC's Nick Robinson explores how Prime Ministers have used their power and responded to the great challenges of their time. 
 
In the first series he explores the premiership of Sir Robert Walpole; the first and longest-serving prime minister; Lord North; remembered as the prime minister who lost America; Sir Robert Peel; who put national interest before party; Lord Palmerston; who cultivated a cavalier image and dominated mid-Victorian politics; Benjamin Disraeli turned his skills as a novelist to politics and became Britain’s first Jewish-born prime minister; David Lloyd George, Welsh radical who set up the early welfare state, became a presidential PM in the First World War and split the Liberal party; and Stanley Baldwin, the first prime minister to master radio broadcasting, his notion of Englishness shaped inter-war Britain.Clement Attlee, who lacked any charisma, but created the modern welfare state and managed the big political beasts in his Cabinet. 
 
In the second series he takes a look at William Pitt the Younger, who became Prime Minister aged only 24 and held the post for almost 19 years in total; Earl Grey, who passed the Great Reform Act and abolished slavery in the British Empire; William Gladstone was our oldest ever premier and finally left Downing Street for the last time aged 84.Herbert Asquith, who had the longest uninterrupted spell in office among twentieth century prime ministers until Margaret Thatcher; Ramsay MacDonald, who became the first Labour Prime Minister in 1924, but seven years later came to be seen as a traitor by his party; Harold Macmillan took over from Eden after Britain’s humiliation in the Suez crisis, and whose upbeat approach earned him the nickname of ‘Supermac’; Harold Wilson captured the mood for change in the 1960s, but his two terms at Number 10 were increasingly dominated by Britain’s economic problems; and Edward Heath, who took Britain into the EEC (now the European Union) in 1973, which still divides opinion. 
 
Extract from speech by Lloyd George: © British Library Board. All Rights Reserved.

The Prime Ministers with Nick Robinson

The Complete BBC Radio 4 Series 1-2

Twenty-four episodes of the much-loved satirical panel show 
 
Since 1977, The News Quiz has entertained the nation with its satirical take on contemporary events. In these three series from 2020, hosts Nish Kumar, Angela Barnes and Andy Zaltzman invite a panel of comedians and journalists to find the funny behind the headlines (a tricky task in this difficult year). Regular players including Mark Steel, Lucy Porter, Hugo Rifkind and Kerry Godliman rub shoulders with newer contestants such as Geoff Norcott, Sophie Duker, Sindhu Vee, Jess Fostekew, Daliso Chaponda and Athena Kugblenu. 
 
In Series 101, among the subjects unpicked by Nish Kumar and guests are Brexit Day, the Big Ben Bong brouhaha, Harry and Meghan's 'Sussexit', Labour's leadership election and the advice from the WHO about coronavirus... 
 
As lockdown hits, Angela Barnes sets up her home studio/duvet fort to host Series 102 without a live audience, posing cryptic questions on such Covid-related topics as social distancing in sport and Dominic Cummings' Barnard Castle trip, as well as Donald Trump's 'Death Star' and the Black Lives Matter protests. 
 
Series 103 sees chairman Andy Zaltzman and the team broadcasting online via Zoom, with added audience participation and aided by a 'cyber satirist'. They chew over issues including the Last Night of the Proms controversy, record-breaking sheep, the Rule of Six and breaking international law - but only in a limited and specific way. 
 
Credits 
Chaired by Nish Kumar, Angela Barnes and Andy Zaltzman 
Produced by Sam Michell, Suzy Grant and Richard Morris 
Production Co-ordinator: Gwyn Davies 
News items read by: Neil Sleat, Susan Rae, Zeb Soanes, Alan Smith, Diana Speed, Caroline Nicholls and Corrie Corfield 
A BBC Studios Production 
 
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 10 January-28 February 2020 (Series 101), 17 April-5 June 2020 (Series 102), 4 September-23 October 2020 (Series 103)

The News Quiz 2020: The Complete Series 101, 102 & 103

The topical BBC Radio 4 panel show

Caitlin Moran

A dramatisation of Caitlin Moran's bestseller, the book that brought feminism into the mainstream again. 
 
Adapted and narrated by Caitlin Moran, this brand new radio adaptation intersperses dramatised scenes from Moran's life (from her teenage years in a crowded council house in Wolverhampton, to setting out as a music journalist, to getting married and having children) with her thoughts on subjects that range from the necessity of big knickers, to the experience of giving birth and having an abortion. 
 
Provocative, controversial and very funny - this book is the gateway drug to the feminist resurgence. 
 
Produced by Mary Peate

How To Be A Woman

A BBC Radio 4 dramatisation

Anne McElvoy

Anne McElvoy presents this epic history of Britain's three biggest political movements, from their beginnings to the present day 
 
In these absorbing series, veteran journalist and current affairs commentator Anne McElvoy examines the origins and evolution of the three pre-eminent political movements in British history. Using interviews, readings and fascinating anecdotes, she guides us through 300 years of Conservatism, Liberalism and Socialism, deftly putting the emergence of these key ideologies in their historical and social contexts. 
 
Conservatism tells the story of the big challenges that have spurred leading British conservative thinkers into action, from the French Revolution to the growth of mass democracy, the welfare state the permissive society and the rise of free-market economics. We meet some of the party's big beasts, including Edmund Burkem Benjamin Disraeli and Margaret Thatcher, and hear how an ideology that began by focusing on the land, paternalist benevolence, traditional social hierarchies and the Church of England transformed itself into something rather different. 
 
Next, McElvoy charts the development of Liberalism, from the 'Glorious' Revolution to the Edwardian era, the Great Depression and the 1960s, when it reached its zenith. Taking in the life and work of pioneering philosophers and reformers including John Locke, Adam Smith and Mary Wollstonecraft - as well as pivotal politicians such as William Gladstone, Millicent Fawcett and Roy Jenkins - she shows how fundamental liberal ideas came into being, explores contrasting versions of the political creed, and discusses how liberalism has come under pressure: and what this tells us about its limits and its future. 
 
Finally, she traces the inception, growth and transformation of British Socialism, from its foundation in a 19th Century Scottish mill village to the Chartists, the Revolutionaries, the Fabian Society, the Women's Liberationists and the grassroots enthusiasm for Tony Benn in the 1980s. Along the way, she looks at the competing approaches to changing Britain in the interests of working people, and introduces us to a few of the iconic figures who shaped socialism, including Robert Owen, Keir Hardie, Ernest Bevin, Stafford Cripps, 'Red Ellen' Wilkinson - and Beatrix Potter. 
 
From Utopian visions of government and revolutionary zeal to the inner workings of Parliament and the position of Britain on a global scale, this compelling, comprehensive and inspiring history explains just how we arrived at our current political climate - and why. 
 
Presented by Anne McElvoy 
Produced by Phil Tinline and Sarah Shebbeare 
 
Conservatism featuring:Professor Richard Bourke, Professor Dinah Birch, Dr Tristram Hunt, Professor Jon Lawrence, Professor Richard Aldous, Dr Matthew Roberts, Fern Riddell, Professor Krista Cowman, Dr Dan Jackson, Professor Martin Pugh, Professor Simon Ball, Dominic Sandbrook, Dr Eliza Filby 
 
Liberalism featuring: Justin Champion, Hannah Dawson, Amanda Foreman, Keith Tribe, Barbara Taylor, Richard Huzzey, Eugenio Biagini, Stuart Jones, Ben Griffin, Edmund Fawcett, John Lawrence, Richard Cockett, Elizabeth Crawford, Helen McCarthy, Rebecca Hamilton, Gerard McDermott, Debra Baker, David Feldman 
 
Socialism featuring: Lorna Davidson, Gregory Claeys, Dr Katrina Navickas, Professor Malcolm Chase, Professor Jon Lawrence, Professor Tony Webster, Gillian Lonergan, Dr Tristram Hunt, Professor Mark Bevir, Professor Ruth Kinna, David Howell, Jim Smyth, Michael Ward, Baroness Dianne Hayter, Professor Steven Fielding, Laura Beers, David Howell, Professor Sally Alexander, Professor Barbara Taylor, Florence Sutcliffe-Braithwaite 
 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 2-13 September 2013 (Conservatism), 7-18 December 2015 (Liberalism), 19 February-2 March 2018 (Socialism)

The Grand Tour: A Journey Through British Politics

300 Years of British Socialism, Conservatism and Liberalism

Three series of the Sony Award-winning BBC Radio comedy show 
 
A fast-paced mix of stand-up, songs and sketches, The Now Show takes an off-the-wall look at world events, blending satire and silliness to poke fun at politics and lampoon the news. 
 
In these 18 episodes from 2014 and 2015, Steve Punt co-presents with Hugh Dennis and, on one occasion, Jon Culshaw. Joining them are a raft of comedians including Nathan Caton, Elis James, Sara Pascoe, Aditi Mittal, Alex Edelman and Alexei Sayle, as they dissect the headlines with their scalpel of wit. 
 
Everything is fair game and a potential target for the team, and topics under the spotlight include the Scottish independence referendum; the UN climate summit; 3-parent babies; fox hunting and whether or not Pluto is a planet. David Quantick ponders the Proms; Nish Kumar wonders if Monopoly is to blame for economic inequality; and Jon Holmes explain how the British Army is waging war through social media. 
 
Plus, the team pose the traditional Audience Questions, including 'What have you observed that demands explanation?', 'What gadget or invention do you most regret buying?' and 'What irritates you so much you'd be prepared to go to prison?' 
 
Cast and credits 
Presented by Steve Punt, Hugh Dennis and Jon Culshaw 
Written by Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis with the cast 
Additional material by Liam Beirne, Rose Biggin, Sarah Campbell, Chris Coltrane, Tom Crowley, Max Davis, Alice Gregg, Gareth Gwynn, Gaby Hutchinson-Crouch, Jon Hunter, Nadia Kamil, Jane Lamacraft, Sarah Morgan, Carrie Quinlan, Andy Woolton 
 
Produced by Alexandra Smith and Joe Nunnery 
A BBC Studios Production 
 
Series 44 featuring: Mitch Benn, Nathan Caton, Pippa Evans, John Finnemore, Jon Holmes, Elis James, Nish Kumar, Terry Mynott, Sara Pascoe, Grace Petrie, David Quantick, Laura Shavin, Iain Stirling, Holly Walsh 
 
Series 45 featuring: Mitch Benn, Marcus Brigstocke, Pippa Evans, Rich Hall, John Finnemore, Jon Holmes, Tez Ilyas, Adam Kay, Nish Kumar, Aditi Mittal, Laura Shavin, Vikki Stone 
 
Series 46 featuring: Mitch Benn, Peter Bradshaw, Rory Cellan-Jones, Alex Edelman, Harry the Piano, Jon Holmes, Faisal Islam, Alice Lowe, Elis James, Emma John, Sarah Kendall, Tom Peck, David Quantick, Alexei Sayle, Laura Shavin, Gemma Whelan, Jake Yapp, Andy Zaltzman 
 
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 12 September-17 October 2014 (Series 44), 9 January-13 February 2015 (Series 45), 3 July-7 August 2015 (Series 46) 
 
© 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd.

The Now Show: Series 44 – 46

The BBC Radio 4 topical comedy

Three more series of the flagship comedy show presented by Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis 
 
The Now Show returns to put a smile on your face from a safe distance, with more topical sketches, stand-up, songs and chat. 
 
In these 19 episodes, recorded from their home studios and broadcast to a remote audience, presenters Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis are joined by a plethora of special guests including Lucy Porter, Huge Davies, Gemma Arrowsmith, Zoe Lyons, George Fouracres, Jena Friedman, Darren Harriott, Lost Voice Guy, Eshaan Akbar, Jessica Fostekew, Chris McCausland, Daliso Chaponda, Janine Harouni and Laura Lexx. 
 
With their characteristic wit and satirical flair, they crack wise at all things news, from the COVID-19 disruption and the vaccine rollout to Dominic Cummings' resignation, the US presidential election, Harry and Meghan's explosive Oprah Winfrey interview, Boris Johnson's new briefing room and the upcoming 2022 'Festival of Brexit'. 
 
NB: Contains humour and language that some listeners may find offensive 
 
Cast and credits 
Presented by Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis 
Written by Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis with the cast 
Additional material by Jeffrey Aidoo, Simon Alcock, Donald Alexander, Rebecca Bain, Liam Beirne, Alex Bertulis-Fernandes, Catherine Brinkworth,Suchandrika Chakrabarti, Laura Claxton, Tasha Dhanraj, Charlie Dinkin, Toussaint Douglas, Tania Edwards, Hannah Fairweather, Aidan Fitzmaurice, Georgie Flinn, Charlie George, Gareth Gwynn, Jon Hunter, Rajiv Karia, Alex Kealy, Athena Kugblenu, Ola Labib, Helena Langdon, Jenny Laville,Laura Major,Ambika Mod, Robin Morgan, Mo Omar, Mary O'Connell, Alfie Packham, Mike Shepherd,Katie Storey, Josh Weller 
 
Produced by Adnan Ahmed, Julia McKenzie, Victoria Lloyd and Pete Strauss 
Production Co-ordinators: Caroline Barlow and Carina Andrews 
Editor/Engineer: David Thomas 
A BBC Studios Production 
 
Series 56 featuring: Eshaan Akbar, Gemma Arrowsmith, Joe Barnes, Sara Barron, Scott Bennett, Huge Davies, George Fouracres, Dominic Frisby, Darren Harriott, Luke Kempner, Sooz Kempner, Rosie Jones, Zoe Lyons, Chris McCausland, Robin Morgan, Geoff Norcott, Rachel Parris, Lucy Porter, Jess Robinson, Kai Samra, Tim Sutton, Ellie Taylor, Andy Zaltzman 
 
Series 57 featuring: Eshaan Akbar, Gemma Arrowsmith, Karen Bartke, Beardyman, Josh Berry, Catherine Bohart, Huge Davies, Sophie Duker, Flo and Joan, Jena Friedman, George Fouracres, Ivo Graham, Darren Harriott, Harry and Chris, Luke Kempner, Sooz Kempner, Sarah Keyworth, Matt Kirshen, Lost Voice Guy, Zoe Lyons, Patrick Maguire, Geoff Norcott, Katie Norris, Jess Robinson, Emma Sidi, Tim Sutton, Ellie Taylor, Felicity Ward 
 
Series 58 featuring: Eshaan Akbar, Gemma Arrowsmith, Dane Baptiste, Karen Bartke, Beardyman, Ken Cheng, Daliso Chaponda, Alun Cochrane, Huge Davies, Jessica Fostekew, Jason Forbes, George Fouracres, Chiara Goldsmith, Felix Hagen, Janine Harouni, Kieran Hodgson, Luke Kempner, Sooz Kempner, Laura Lexx, Ria Lina, Emily Lloyd-Saini, Zoe Lyons, Chris McCausland, Geoff Norcott, Katie Norris, Rachel Parris, Lucy Porter, Jess Robinson, Tim Sutton, Ellie Taylor 
 
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 6 March-10 April 2020 (Series 56), 30 October-4 December 2020 (Series 57), 26 February-9 April 2021 (Series 58) 
 
© 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd 
(p) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

The Now Show: Series 56-58

Greg Haddrick

Jeremy Fox

From Vietnam to JFK - spies, lies and the story of the CIA told by its longest-serving agent 
 
The utterly gripping, award-winning drama Central Intelligence is back, revealing further inside stories of the CIA and featuring an all-star cast. Told from the perspective of Eloise Page (Kim Cattrall), who joined on the Agency’s first day in 1947 and, in her 40-year career, became one of its most powerful women. Eloise takes the listener on a journey through the highs and lows of US foreign policy, spanning the staggering world events that shaped not only her career, but also her personal relationships with CIA leaders Allen Dulles (Ed Harris) and Richard Helms (Johnny Flynn). 
 
In series two, the Cold War intensifies with US involvement in South Vietnam. It’s 1954. Colonel Ed Lansdale, former advertising executive and the CIA’s maverick agent in South-East Asia, is given the task of creating dissension in the North to stop the advance of the communists. The death of Stalin brings confusion and elsewhere, Nasser seizes the Suez Canal in Egypt and global powers scramble. The British want control back. The Soviets move in. And the CIA races to keep Egypt from slipping behind the Iron Curtain. 
 
In the shadow games of empire, Eloise Page watches the balance of power shift. The space race begins and high-altitude spy planes are deployed with great success. As CIA policy architect John Foster Dulles becomes gravely ill, Eisenhower’s presidency comes to an end, revolution erupts in Cuba and in the Congo chaos reigns. The charismatic democrat John F Kennedy takes the presidential reins, but tragedy awaits… 
 
Kim Cattrall is a multi-award-winning actress, perhaps best known for her role as Samantha Jones in Sex in the City. In a career spanning over four decades she has appeared in films, on TV and on stage in both the West End and Broadway. Ed Harris is an Academy Award-nominated actor known for his roles in The Truman Show, Pollock and The Hours. He recently starred in the blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick. Johnny Flynn is best known for his role in TV comedy drama Lovesick, and played David Bowie in the biopic Stardust. He recently performed on stage at the National Theatre as Richard Burton in The Motive and the Cue directed by Sam Mendes, and is also the composer and singer of the theme music for the TV series The Detectorists. 
 
Written by Greg Haddrick 
Directed by John Scott Dryden 
Produced by Emma Hearn 
Original music by Sacha Puttnam 
A Goldhawk Production for BBC Radio 4 
 
First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 20th June - 22nd August 2025 
 
©2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Central Intelligence: Series 2

The Inside Story of the CIA

Three sparkling series of the award-winning comedy show 
 
The Now Show is back with a bang, bringing you a bumper helping of topical skits, sketches, stand-up and songs. In these 18 episodes, Steve Punt co-presents with Hugh Dennis and, on one occasion, Gareth Gwynn. Joining them to take a satirical sideswipe at the news are comedians including Felicity Ward, Glenn Moore, Michael Spicer, Ria Lina, Josh Pugh, Athena Kugblenu, Geoff Norcott, Stevie Martin and Sarah Keyworth. 
 
Aurie Styla riffs about the smug benefits of owning an electric car; Daliso Chaponda muses on the future of the Metaverse; Priya Hall wonders why we're experiencing shortages of pretty much everything; and Jess Fostekew talks us through all the things she's doing to distract herself from the news. 
 
Supplying the music are Jess Robinson, who gives us a sneak preview of Adele's 23rd album, '95'; Ignacio Lopez, with a Bowie-inspired song about billionaires in space; Beardyman, with a jazzy ode to staying calm; and Stiff & Kitsch, with a tuneful list of all the things we can worry about again now the pandemic is over (kind of). 
 
Plus, we hear the funniest answers to Audience Questions including 'Have you ever been given a nickname you didn't want?', 'What strange things are on your bucket list?', 'What's the most humiliating thing that has ever happened to you?' and 'Have you ever hidden something? Who from, and why?' 
 
NB: Contains humour and language that some listeners may find offensive 
 
Cast and credits 
Presented by Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis (Series 59, Episode 3 presented by Steve Punt and Gareth Gwynn) 
Written by Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis with the cast 
Additional material by Simon Alcock, Becca Bain, Davina Bentley, Alex Bertulis-Fernandes, Steve Blair, Catherine Brinkworth, Suchandrika Chakrabarti, Natasha Dhanraj, Aidan Fitzmaurice, Alex Garrick-Wright, Jade Gebbie, Gareth Gwynn, Jack Harris, Rajiv Karia, Harry Kampf, Jenny Laville, Cameron Loxdale, Laura Major, Eleri Morgan, Robin Morgan, Hannah Platt, Rhiannon Shaw, Mike Shepherd, Katie Storey 
 
Produced by Pete Strauss and Rajiv Karia 
Production Co-ordinators: Sarah Sharpe 
Music composed by Alex Silverman (Series 59, Episode 1 and Series 60, Episode 6) 
A BBC Studios Production 
 
Series 59 featuring: Gemma Arrowsmith, Karen Bartke, Beardyman, Daliso Chaponda, Huge Davies, Gareth Gwynn, Jason Forbes, Priya Hall, Janine Harouni, Kieran Hodgson, Natasha Hodgson, Luke Kempner, Sooz Kempner, Athena Kugblenu, Ria Lina, Ignacio Lopez, Jamie MacDonald, Glen Moore, Geoff Norcott, Katie Norris, Nimisha Odedra, Josh Pugh, Jess Robinson, Emma Sidi, Michael Spicer, Stiff & Kitsch, Aurie Styla, Tim Sutton, Felicity Ward 
 
Series 60 featuring: Gemma Arrowsmith, Angela Barnes, Ken Cheng, Huge Davies, David Eagle, Jazz Emu, Jason Forbes, Jess Fostekew, Chiara Goldsmith, Archie Henderson, Kieran Hodgson, Matty Hutson, Sharlin Jahan, Rhys James, Luke Kempner, Sooz Kempner, Sarah Keyworth, Ola Labib, Stevie Martin, Geoff Norcott, Katie Norris, Freya Parker, Chloe Petts, Jess Robinson, Ian Smith, Laura Smyth, Stiff & Kitsch, Tim Sutton, Chris Thorburn, Inel Tomlinson 
 
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 29 October-3 December 2021 (Series 59), 11 March-15 April 2022 (Series 60), 28 October-2 December 2022 (Series 61) 
 
© 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd.

The Now Show: Series 59-61

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