RADIO CHOICE

ED REARDON, the curmudgeonly author who will stoop to just about anything if it gets him a bit of ready cash, has a new wheeze. He’s currently just about managing on his student loan, augmented by small pieces of money earned from journalism work. This week, in the ever-popular comedy series ED REARDON’S WEEK (RADIO 4, 11.30AM), Ed (pictured) joins a committee to erect a statue to the plucky wartime songbird Beryl Bassett. At the very least, the meetings offer Ed the chance to eke out his meagre rations with some tea and biscuits.

JAYDE ADAMS made her first Edinburgh Festival Fringe appearance in 2016. She returned last year, gaining two awards and many more fans. Now, as a Fringe veteran, she will be combing the venues of the city to catch the comedy

stars performing at this year’s Festival. Tonight, in FUNNY FROM THE FRINGE (RADIO 4 EXTRA, 10.30PM), Jayde introduces us to the pick of the crop.

PATRICIA GREENE, who plays Jill Archer in The Archers, tells Matthew Parris about Bess of Hardwick in GREAT LIVES (RADIO 4, 11PM). Bess married her way up through Elizabethan and Stuart society, gathering some fine properties along the way. She was, as Patricia explains, a great one for home improvements, and filled her desirable houses with wonderful textiles and furniture.