…AND THE BEST RADIO

SUNDAY

SALUTES YOU, SIR!: FORCES FUN FROM THE BBC, RADIO 4 EXTRA, 1PM

After the sombre Remembrance ceremony from the Cenotaph (Radio 4, 10.30am), tune into this compilation of comedy inspired by, and made for, the Armed Forces. Actor Ian Lavender (Dad’s Army’s Private Pike) presents clips from that show, The Navy Lark, Much Binding In The Marsh and more, as well as wartime shows that entertained the troops.

MONDAY

RUPERT BEAR AND ME RADIO 4 EXTRA, 2.30PM

The yellow check-clad bear made his debut in a newspaper cartoon 100 years ago today. Mark Radcliffe recalls his Rupert obsession and discusses what makes the bear and his Nutwood pals so enduring with fans such as Terence Stamp and Rupert annual illustrator Stuart Trotter.

TUESDAY THE INVENTION OF SCANDINAVIA RADIO 4, 11AM

Over three episodes, Misha Glenny looks at what distinguishes Sweden, Denmark and Norway, with particular reference to the Covid pandemic and what their different responses say about those nations today.

WEDNESDAY BRITAIN IN TEN OPERAS RADIO 4, 9AM

Ten operas from over three centuries – baritone Roderick Williams picks his top highlights and reveals how they reflect the changing British attitude to the genre. Sometimes it has been seen as elitist and stuffy, but in the early days – in the first of three episodes – the flamboyance and decadence of Purcell and Handel struck a chord.

THURSDAY

THE LOST WOMEN OF BRITISH JAZZ RADIO 4 EXTRA, 2.30PM

Ivy Benson, Gracie Cole and Kathy Stobart were household names in jazz in the 1950s, but in a male-dominated industry they were the exceptions. Janine H. Jones reveals how other women’s careers foundered after the war. Also, in J To Z on Saturday, there’s a preview of this year’s London Jazz Festival (Radio 3, 5pm).

MARK STEEL’S IN TOWN RADIO 4, 6.30PM

Comedian Mark Steel returns with his award-winning touring show, now recorded outdoors due to the pandemic. His first port of call in six episodes is Brighton, where he performs on the pebbly beach to the sound of the sea and the squawk of the seagulls.

FRIDAY SOUNDS OF THE 80S RADIO 2, 8PM

Believe it or not, Kim Wilde (left) is 60 next week, though these days she’s more into mulching than being poptastic, being a Chelsea

Show gold-medalwinning gardener. The Kids In America singer talks to

Gary Davies.