TODAY’S RADIO

THE INFINITE MONKEY CAGE

9AM, 9.30PM, RADIO 4 HHH Does time exist? We humans are only too aware that the clocks go round and the years stack up, but is time real, according to the laws of physics? The Sherlock writer – and member of The League Of Gentlemen – Mark Gatiss joins Brian Cox and Robin Ince to explore this headspinning idea and to explain the block universe theory, which delves into the nature of past, present and future. You may need a bit of a lie-down after this one.

OPEN COUNTRY

3PM, RADIO 4 HHH Northamptonshire’s Braunston Marina straddles the point where the Grand Union and Oxford Canals meet, and is graced by a handsome cast-iron bridge built

Mary Chapin Carpenter (9pm, R2) by Thomas Telford. The area was once full of barges taking goods from the Midlands to London, but it’s now a place for leisure and pleasure boats. Songwriter and music producer Pete Waterman, who grew up in Coventry and used to fish in Braunston with his father, tells the story of this part of the canal network.

THE CLASSIC FM CONCERT

8PM, CLASSIC FM HHH

A recording by James Galway – aka ‘the man with the golden flute – of Mozart’s Flute Concerto No 1 opens tonight’s selection of music by classical legends. John Suchet is the presenter.

THE COUNTRY SHOW WITH BOB HARRIS

9PM, RADIO 2 HHHH

Bob Harris made his first radio broadcast on August 19, 1970, so he’s notched up 50 years on the airwaves. ‘Whispering’ Bob celebrates this anniversary with a programme packed full of his favourite tracks, plus a live session from Mary Chapin Carpenter; her first album, Hometown Girl, came out in 1987, and she’s one of country’s enduring stars. SJ