Over the last few weeks I’ve been really enjoying the range of programming broadcast by the BBC’s newest radio station, Radio 4 Extra.
If you haven’t heard of it, 4 Extra was launched after the closure of Radio 7, in order to better enforce the station’s links with Radio 4. It has the same objective of Radio 7: to broadcast material from the BBC’s archives, alongside some newer programes. For example, there’s a new programme called Ambridge Extra – a spin-0ff to the Archers (which, while we’re here, I’ve also started listening to recently).
But back to the topic in question: over the last few weeks I’ve been really enjoying the range of programming broadcast by the BBC’s newest radio station, Radio 4 Extra.
On Sunday evenings for a few weeks, there were a few radio versions of the popular Dr. Who spin-off series – Torchwood. I don’t usually listen to radio dramas – I sometimes feel like its like listening to a television show (ie, I need pictures to understand)! But there’s something about the episodes of Torchwood which has made them really interesting. Its just a shame that the series has now ended!
You might also be interested to note that there will a series of Dr. Who programmes starting on Monday, starring Peter Davison. I’m not sure what that’ll be like, but its worth a try!
Another short drama I’ve been listening to, is Ian Serrailier’s The Silver Sword – when the Germans invade Poland in 1941, the Balicki family are suddenly torn apart by war. Part 3 (the final part) is coming up this Sunday morning.
In terms of archive material, there are a number of comedy programmes I’ve been enjoying. The Goon Show, a 1950s comedy which I’d never heard before, and well known TV favorites Dad’s Army and Yes, Minister.
And a regular programme I listen to is Desert Island Discs Revisited, re-plays of old programmes. There have been loads of interesting people on in recent weeks. Maybe I should start listening to the main Desert Island Discs on Radio 4!
Do have a look at the Radio 4 Extra website and listen in on digital TV/digital radio/online – there’s something for everyone.
