Programme Information

Penny Smith meets author Duncan McClaren who discusses his biography of legendary British author Evelyn Waugh. Duncan examines the people in Waugh's life and the relationships that inspired him to be one of the 20th century's greatest writers, most noted for Brideshead Revisited.

The Radio 2 Arts Show Poet In Residence, Murray Lachlan Young, performs another topical poem he's written specially for the programme. And ahead of Halloween, Alex Heminsley reviews a selection of the ghost stories which are hitting the bookshelves.

Presenter/Penny Smith, Producer/Jessica Rickson for the BBC

BBC Radio 2 Publicity

In the last of this week's programmes of recent studio and concert performances by members of the Radio 3 New Generation Artists scheme, French violinist Alexandarra Soumm tackles one of the Ysaye's solo sonatas, and new recruit Christian Ihle Hadland plays keyboard works by JS and CPE Bach, plus there's jazz from saxophonist Shabaka Hutchings.

BBC Radio 3 Publicity

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Radio 3 Live In Concert

Friday 28 October

7.30-10.00pm BBC RADIO 3

Distinguished Finnish conductor Sakari Oramo

Distinguished Finnish conductor Sakari Oramo joins the BBC Symphony Orchestra to launch their Sibelius Symphony Cycle with his Third, live from the Barbican Centre, London.

Over the next eight months, all seven of the Symphonies will be performed in a series of concerts broadcast on BBC Radio 3.

This opening concert is steeped in Finnish nature and mysticism. The Third Symphony was one of the first works to be composed in the serenity of Sibelius's lake-side home, Ainola, and features a lyrically beautiful chamber-like second movement. Anu Komsi is the soloist for Kaija Saariaho's evocation of Finland's snowy nights and fleeting springtime and for Sibelius's hymn to the all-creating nature-spirit, Luonnotar. The concert begins with Bax's evocation of Atlantic storminess – his symphonic poem Tintagel.

Presenter/Louise Fryer, Producer/Anne McKay

BBC Radio 3 Publicity

Iraqis who risked their lives helping the British during the Iraq war were offered the chance to live in the UK. Yet few knew what awaited them and their families when they took up the opportunity to escape from Iraq and start afresh.

Many were told that they would be going to Glasgow. On arrival they found themselves treated as asylum seekers, faced with the most difficult of housing conditions.

The shock of finding damp and cold rooms for those with families led to a sense of betrayal.

Aasmah Mir catches up with them to find out if things have improved. She speaks to a dentist who at one time treated British patients in Baghdad, but without UK qualifications, is barred from practice in Glasgow. Ali was an interpreter for Tony Blair and other politicians but today he is unemployed, living in a tower block, and looking desperately for work.

Presenter/Aasmah Mir, Producer/Mark Rickards for the BBC

BBC Radio 4 Publicity

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A young man joins Tony's boxing ring in an attempt to escape the circle of addiction he has come to inhabit.

On It is written and directed by Tony Pitts, an exciting and accomplished Northern writer-performer, now turning his hand to BBC Radio 4's Afternoon Play. Tony is also a boxing coach. He conquered some of his own demons through boxing – and has helped others to do so too. This is a story of one of his students.

On It is a play full of gut-wrenching love, determination and the hope that one day there may be a full stop, instead of another comma, in the story of every family with a fight against addiction on its hands.

Producer/Sally Harrison for Woolyback Productions

BBC Radio 4 Publicity

Colin Murray previews the weekend's football and other sporting action with Pat Nevin and Perry Groves in Kicking Off.

Presenter/Colin Murray, Producer/Mike Carr

BBC Radio 5 Live Publicity

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David Croft presents interviews with big names from Formula 1 in the run-up to the Indian Grand Prix.

Presenter/David Croft, Producer/Jason Swales for USP

BBC Radio 5 Live Publicity

5 Live Formula 1 – 2011:
Indian Grand Prix First Practice

Friday 28 October

5.25-7.05am BBC RADIO 5 LIVE SPORTS EXTRA
9.25-11.05am BBC RADIO 5 LIVE SPORTS EXTRA

Listeners can enjoy uninterrupted commentary on the first and second practice session (respectively) for the Indian Grand Prix.

Producer/Jason Swales for USP

BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra Publicity

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Rugby League

Friday 28 October

7.55-9.45pm BBC RADIO 5 LIVE SPORTS EXTRA

Uninterrupted commentary on Australia versus New Zealand in the opening match of the Four Nations tournament comes live from the Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington.

Producer/Jen McAllister

BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra Publicity

Mark Radcliffe chats to Stephen Merchant, writer, actor, and award-winning co-creator of The Office and Extras, (not to forget, one-time BBC Radio 6 Music presenter), who's currently touring the UK with his first-ever stand-up show, Hello Ladies.

Presenter/Mark Radcliffe, Producer/Lizzie Hoskin

BBC Radio 6 Music Publicity

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Tom Ravenscroft's show features a special mix from San Francisco garage rockers Sic Alps. The three-piece released their fourth album Napa Asylum on Drag City records at the start of the year.

Presenter/Tom Ravenscroft, Producer/Adam Hudson

BBC Radio 6 Music Publicity