TODAY’S RADIO

OUT OF THIS WORLD

11AM,

9PM, RADIO 4 EXTRA HHHH On Thursday, Nasa’s Perseverance rover will make the seven-minute descent through the atmosphere of Mars and on to the Red Planet’s surface. This archive programme gives us the background to the bold venture, including the work of British scientist Colin Pillinger.

THE CURIOUS CASES OF RUTHERFORD & FRY

3.30PM, RADIO 4 HHH

Are left-handed people more artistic and creative? Are there southpaws in the animal kingdom? Are there left-handed brain and eye molecules? Adam Rutherford and Hannah Fry talk to scientists studying the genetics of lefthandedness. Around ten per cent of the population favour their left hand, and if we understood why, it could give us some useful insights into the way our brains work.

VICTORIA WOOD – FROM SOUP TO NUTS

6.30PM, RADIO 4 HHHH Victoria’s comedy always sounded unlaboured and spontaneous – but hours of honing and rewriting went into her act. She would record sketches and monologues on cassette tapes, changing words, altering punchlines and improving on past performances. In this second of a two-part series on Victoria’s perfectionism, Rebecca Front listens to some of these battered tapes, giving us a chance to hear some old favourites plus previously unbroadcast material.

THE CLASSIC FM CONCERT

8PM, CLASSIC FM HHH

Layers of melody float above the choir The Sixteen as they sing O Magnum Mysterium, by the American composer Morten Lauridsen. This work tells of the wonder of the Messiah being born in a manger. John Suchet ends his programme of music from Classic FM’S Hall Of Fame with this sacred and serene motet. SJ

Victoria Wood (6.30pm, Radio 4)