TODAY’S RADIO

IN MY HEAD 9.30AM, RADIO 4

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We listen in as Sead, a Bosnian bomb disposal expert, approaches a deadly device that could penetrate 40cm of steel. Sead, who defused his first landmine when he was 17, approaches the warhead with extreme caution. We hear what he hears – every click, every step – and it brings home the cool-headed bravery of heroes like Sead.

WHAT’S FUNNY ABOUT 11.30AM, RADIO 4

HHHH Berserk with rage, Basil Fawlty rampaged through the corridors of Fawlty Towers. His moments of calm were few and far between, and his anger was stoked by his snobbery and dislike of most of the hotel guests. In this continuing series about great

comedy shows, John Cleese talks about the real-life inspiration behind the short-fused hotelier.

COMPOSER OF THE WEEK 12 NOON, RADIO 3 HHHH

Malcolm Arnold wrote the score for The Bridge On The River Kwai, plus numerous symphonies, concertos, overtures and ballets.

He was a difficult man, with a serious drink problem, but also a versatile composer who, though much of his work was in the classical tradition, relished the eccentric. In today’s programme of a week-long series, we hear Arnold’s Grand, Grand Overture, which calls for three Hoovers and an orchestra; Bill Oddie is one of the Hoover players.

THE COLD SWEDISH WINTER 6.30PM, RADIO 4

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In this final episode of the sitcom series about an English comedian living in Sweden,

Geoff faces another Nordic challenge. He’s eaten rotting herring, learned to live with bears, and coped with Swedish in-laws. Now, he has to deal with something far more daunting – being a father in Sweden.

John Cleese (11.30am, Radio 4)