Noon & 8pm & 4am

PLAYS/DRAMA

MAN WITH A PAST and CLUB OF FEAR BY LARRY WEINER

A comedy Double-bill from the hapless private eye Garson Krebbs.

Performed by The Radio Repertory Company of America.

 1pm & 9pm & 5am

IN CONVERSATION with JOHN McGAHERN

John McGahern is one of the most important Irish writers of the last century. A great traditionalist, his novel The Dark was banned as his work bathes uncomfortable truths in light, yet his wicked sense of humour is never far from the surface

 2pm & 10pm & 6am

THE POETRY HOUR featuring John Milton, John Clare & more

Poetry is often cited as our greatest use of words. The English language has well over a million and poets down the ages seem, at times, to make use of every single one. But often they use them in simple ways to describe anything and everything from landscapes to all aspects of the human condition. Poems can evoke within us an individual response that takes us by surprise; that opens our eyes and ears to very personal feelings.   Forget the idea of classic poetry being somehow dull and boring and best kept to school textbooks. It still has life, vibrancy and relevance to our lives today. In this hour we’ll be listening to John Milton, The Graveyard Poets, The Female Poets – Volume 4, John Clare, William Morris and The Female Poet – Volume 4. (Vol 16)

 All of them are from a dedicated poetry publisher – Portable Poetry who believe that poetry should be a part of our everyday lives, uplifting the soul & reaching the parts that other things can’t. Their range of audiobooks and ebooks cover volumes on some of our greatest poets to anthologies of seasons, months, places and a range of themes. Check them out at https://www.deadtreepublishing.com/  That’s Portable Poetry – poetry that carries you through!

 3pm & 11pm & 7am

ALTERNATIVE RADIO with TAVIS SMILEY

Here at Audiobook Radio we are keen to provide a range of voices – very literally as well as in terms of opinions and views of the world. This strand created by Alternative Radio does just that. We will hear from some of the most informed minds and greatest social activists of our time whose take on justice and power does not chime with those that hold the power and don’t provide justice for all so we rarely get to hear from them in mainstream media. Different opinions always help inform our own and we are always eager to hear from listeners about this or any other strand. Contact us on the tab at www.audiobookradio.net

Today’s talk is given by Tavis Smiley, the well known PBS and public radio talk show host. He is the author of many books including Death of a King:The Real Story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s Final Year.

 4pm & Midnight & 8am

SHERLOCK HOLMES CLASSICS

ABR is proud to present two classic episodes starring Basil Rathbone. ‘The Adventure of the Second Stain’ followed by ‘The Limping Ghost.’

We close the hour with an author interview from KOBO and today’s guest is ALEXANDER McCALL SMITH.

5pm & 1am & 9am

SPARK LONDON

The concept is stand out simple. Real people telling real stories. Today’s are: Percy Blazer Wants a Through Lounge by Richard Green,  Auntie Kay by Charlie Phillips and Hero by Maggie Hindley.

A WORD IN YOUR EAR

Word in Your Ear are a Bath based collective of writers who gather to tell their stories. They liked the way our ancestors enjoyed stories – by listening to them. We totally agree with them so let’s have a listen to: Fun Sized Inspiration by Julie Green and The Kingfisher Bride by Pauline Masurel.

TAKE FIVE with TIM GRAHAM

We asked the same five questions to a range of writers – today it’s TIM GRAHAM, TV producer, presenter, writer and poet. Mad cricket buff and an ability to engage on a level most others can’t even reach even if they dare.

6pm & 2am & 10am

HOLLYWOOD STAGE with Peg O’ My Heart

Hollywood is indelibly printed in our minds as a go to place for entertainment and has been for decades. We take you back in time as The Hollywood ringmaster himself, CECIL B DE MILLE unveils Peg O’ My Heart featuring MARION DAVIES

7pm & 3am & 11am

SHORT STORIES – HARDY & SAKI

FOR CONSCIENCE SAKE BY THOMAS HARDY. READ BY EVE KARPF.

Mr Millborne thinks back to his youth in Wessex with guilt as he remembers his broken promise of marriage. To relive his heavy conscience, he decides to venture back west and honour his 20-year commitment, turning Leonora Frankland’s life upside down once again.

GABRIEL ERNEST BY SAKI. READ BY RICHARD MITCHLEY.

Saki’s world contrasts the effete conventions and hypocrisies of Edwardian England with the ruthless but straightforward life-and-death struggles of nature. Nature generally wins in the end.