Comedy of the Week

Semi-improvised comedy show written and performed by Marc Wootton with Catherine Tate, Monica Dolan, Katherine Parkinson, Hammed Animashaun, Ellie White and Jamie Demetriou. Together they portray a series of couples all embracing the modern phenomenon of date night. DATE NIGHT, noun: A pre-arranged occasion when a couple who have been together for a long time commit to a regular night out in order to keep their relationship alive. The series follows a collection of couples who are desperately trying to keep their relationship functioning by creating a weekly date night intervention. For some, the relationship is already broken, for others it's their pre-emptive strike in the hope of new-found longevity. More often than not, the stakes are high, involving children, careers and homes. Date Night is written and created by Marc Wootton whose previous credits include High & Dry (Ch4), La La Land (Showtime), Shirley Ghostman (BBC) and My New Best Friend (Ch4). Cast: Richard/Barry/Patrick/Terry ….. Marc Wootton Maddy ….. Katherine Parkinson Rita ….. Ellie White Carol ….. Monica Dolan Terri ….. Catherine Tate Narrator ...... Fi Glover Sound Designers: David Chilton and Lucinda Mason Brown Assistant Producer: James Peak Producer: Anna Madley A Black Hat production for BBC Radio 4

Mike Wilson has some key loves in his life – his sourdough starter, his wife and children (obviously), but also the cult rock group of his formative years - The Smiths. Jangly and heartfelt it’s perfect music for the tortured soul; albeit one with a comfortable and privileged life. Until that is, Cat comes crashing in with her questions. Are some of Morrissey’s more recent statements problematic and if so, can we separate the arts from the artist? What else can’t we enjoy anymore? A rummage through his parent’s attic suggests LOTS, it turns out. Mike’s dilemma contorts him with anxiety as the family pick their way through this new minefield. Can we ‘offset’ liking problematic things? Mike…Marcus Brigstocke Max…Kerry Godliman Cat..Mia Jenkins Lola…India Brown Jennifer...Vicki Pepperdine Phillip…Rupert Vansittart Writers...Marcus Brigstocke and Sarah Morgan Producer...Julia McKenzie A BBC Studios production

Paul Merton, Sheila Hancock, Josh Widdicombe and Julian Clary join Nicholas Parsons for the panel game where the challenge is to speak without hesitation, repetition or deviation. Produced by Matt Stronge. A BBC Studios Production.

Episode 1: The Only Man Stalin Was Afraid Of Alexei Sayle’s The Absence of Normal is a series of dark comic plays narrated by Alexei Sayle and adapted from his original short stories. The Only Man Stalin Was Afraid Of finds one of the world’s most murderous dictators in desperate need of help from an old friend. Starring Peter Capaldi, Freya Parker and Peter Serafinowicz Written and adapted for radio by Alexei Sayle Produced by Joe Nunnery A BBC Studios Production

Celebrated American humourist Simon Rich returns with more of his enchanting tales of the absurd. Performed in London by a top-drawer cast of comic talent including Robert Webb, Cariad Lloyd, Jamie Demetriou, Lewis Macleod and Freya Parker. Produced by Jon Harvey A Hat Trick production for BBC Radio 4