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BBC Radio 4 adaptations of James Hogg’s classic psychological thriller and one of his best-known stories of suspense – plus a bonus docudrama about his life

James Hogg was a farmer, poet, novelist and self-educated genius. A friend of Sir Walter Scott, he is recognised today as one of Scotland’s great writers. His masterpiece, The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner, has influenced authors from Robert Louis Stevenson to Irvine Welsh, and remains relevant today. Re-envisioned for radio, it is included here, alongside a chilling supernatural tale and a drama-documentary exploring his remarkable life.

Confessions of a Justified Sinner – Believing he is predestined to go to heaven, Robert Colwan has committed terrible crimes without fear of reprisal. But now, two women are determined to hold him to account. Held captive, Robert begins his confession – but the words that come out of his mouth shock Bell and Arabella to their very core. Lorn Macdonald, Shauna Macdonald and Wendy Seager star in this electrifying reimagining of James Hogg’s seminal novel about a young man radicalised by religious fervour.

The Brownie of the Black Haggs – Lady Wheelhope has a reputation as a violent and tyrannical mistress. Her servants are her pawns, to do with what she will – until the mysterious Merodach arrives, and she falls prey to a dangerous obsession… This macabre drama stars Irene Macdougall and James Chisholm.

James Hogg: Portrait of a Justified Sinner – James Hogg was patronised by Edinburgh society and disregarded by the literati of the time. Yet now he is seen in some quarters as the finest of his contemporaries. John Shedden stars as Hogg and Iain Cuthbertson as Walter Scott in this fascinating docudrama, written and presented by Hugh Douglas and with contributions from historians, literary critics and admirers of the author.

First published 1824 (The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner), 1828 (‘The Brownie of Black Haggs’)

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A programme which could — very nearly — have been a serious documentary, brilliantly undercut by presenter Armando Iannucci’s absurdist presentation and investigative style. Taking as its starting-point the idea that there is just too much stuff all going on at once in today’s society, the series turned its attention on work, sex, money, rest and other matters central to human life, and carefully pointed out all the things that were wrong with them. In Excess was by no means a ‘spoof’; it merely gave reality a little gentle encouragement in ripping its own credibility to shreds.

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Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam play a couple who have been married ‘for ever’. Children of the Sixties, they’re still free spirits, drawn together by their passion for music and each other. Their warm and witty conversations dance around everyday chores and appointments as well as dealing with problems within long-held friendships, and tackling their own frustrations with each other. But underlying it all is their enduring love for each other and their desire to keep the passion alive.

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Toby Jones and Holliday Grainger star in a new BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation of Dodie Smith’s enduringly popular coming-of-age novel.

In the 1930s, 17-year-old Cassandra Mortmain lives in a crumbling ruin of a castle in the Suffolk countryside. Her father, an author wrestling with writer’s block, spends his time reading detective stories; her bohemian stepmother, Topaz, is an artist’s model; and her beautiful older sister, Rose, is determined to escape the poverty of their existence – ideally by marriage to a rich man.

Intelligent and observant, Cassandra chronicles the eccentricities of her relations in her journal in a bid to capture her family and their lives at the castle.

When two rich American brothers, Simon and Neil Cotton, arrive unexpectedly, the family’s isolation is disrupted. Rose accepts a marriage proposal from Simon, and as she is whisked off to a world of wealth in London, Cassandra is left to deal with the increasingly bizarre behaviour of her father – as well as her own feelings for Simon….

Dodie Smith’s charming, funny and poignant love story is a classic of 20th-century English literature, and this sparkling adaptation, starring Toby Jones and Holliday Grainger, will enchant and delight.

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A chilling tale of homecoming, violent death and bloody vengeance, The Oresteia dates back to the 5th Century BC, but its themes still resonate today. At once a family saga, morality tale and courtroom drama, it recounts how two generations of the cursed House of Atreus become locked into a deadly cycle of atrocities. To break the chain, their private vendetta must become public, as questions of guilt and justification are decided in the first ever homicide trial…

Agamemnon – The Trojan War is over, and conquering hero Agamemnon arrives home to Argos. But victory came at an appalling price – the sacrifice of his eldest daughter, Iphigenia. Now, his wife Clytemnestra is determined to take a grisly revenge …

The Libation Bearers – Returning from exile, Agamemnon’s son Orestes vows to avenge his father’s death by murdering his killer, his own mother Clytemnestra. But where can he find the strength to carry out such a horrific deed?

The Furies – Having committed matricide, Orestes flees to Delphi. But the remorseless Furies, ancient deities of vengeance, are on his trail and baying for blood. Can the young gods Apollo and Athena save him from a terrible fate?Adapted by three of Britain’s most imaginative writers, Simon Scardifield, Ed Hime and Rebecca Lenkiewicz, these contemporary versions of Aeschylus’s trilogy are atmospheric, fast-moving and superbly accessible. The star casts include Lesley Sharp as Clytemnestra, Hugo Speer as Agamemnon and Will Howard as Orestes.

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Joe (Sean Delaney) is the perfect right hand man, working hard to create a positive image of his rich Russian employer (Juris Zagars) and help him to avoid UK sanctions. But now Demidov’s Ukrainian daughter-in-law is asking for Joe’s help. Thriller by Simon Scardifield and Andrew Day.

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Eric and Lorraine, youngsters from different backgrounds, are fighting to be together.

Eric and Lorraine are on the run.

But their innocent ploy to be together becomes serious.

Public schoolboy Eric, and comprehensive schoolgirl, Lorraine have fallen in love, but his wealthy father has other plans for his son.

Starring Paterson Joseph and Siriol Jenkins.

Six-part thriller written by Nigel Baldwin.

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She’s like Sherlock Holmes with a sassy 1930s attitude! She’s Hilary Caine, staff investigator for a British tabloid who knows her way around London…and around every murder case that comes her way!

Karen Heaven stars as Hilary in scripts adapted from the works of British mystery novelist M. J. Elliot. Rachel Glass is heard as the announcer, along with Randy Hoffmeyer as Inspector Julius Finn and Larry Albert as Sgt. Talmadge. These exciting episodes were produced for radio by Jim French. A must-listen for those who like a good whodunit!

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A quartet of crime dramas by Alison Joseph, including a thrilling murder mystery featuring detective-nun Sister AgnesAn acclaimed crime novelist and dramatist, Alison Joseph has scripted over 25 plays for BBC Radio. This collection showcases four of her original crime dramas, all specially written for Radio 4 – beginning with an apparently open-and-shut case for Sister Agnes that turns out to be anything but…

Sister Agnes Investigates – Seconded to the order’s library to catalogue their books, Agnes is shocked when her mousy colleague claims to have killed a man. Convinced Catherine is incapable of murder, the sleuthing Sister sets out to find the truth. Anne-Marie Duff stars as Sister Agnes, with Helen Longworth as Catherine.

Jane’s Story – Jane Michaels thought that she and her husband had no secrets from each other. But then James dies suddenly, leaving her with an unfinished property redevelopment project and a heap of unanswered questions… Starring Elizabeth Bell, Ella Smith and Noma Dumezweni.

The True Story – When the wife of ex-government minister Richard Carey QC goes missing, her family are thrown into disarray. Could secrets from the past hold the clue to her disappearance? David Ryall and Barbara Flynn star in this intriguing mystery serial.

One Down – A mystery crossword appearing in the Rainswick Mercury has the staff flummoxed. Is it just a prank – or is there a sinister message behind it? Starring Nicholas Le Prevost and Adjoah Andoh.

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Stunning all-star adaptations of Balzac’s finest works

This brilliant collection of France’s foremost nineteenth-century novelist and playwright delivers four of his most fascinating works – stories of love, rivalry, horror and adventure – all brought to life by a stellar cast including Stephen Fry and Alex Kingston. A huge influence on many of the most famous writers from Proust to Kerouac to Dickens, Balzac delivers beautifully observed and complex characters with an unsurpassed attention to the details of society at the time, making him an exemplary of realism in European literature.

Pere Goriot – Dramatised in four parts, this is the story of Eugene, who has discovered that the mysterious Pere Goriot has two daughters who could provide the key to his entry into Parisian society… Starring Stephen Fry as the author Balzac and Alex Kingston as Delphine.

Ursule Mirouet (The Inheritance) – 74 year old Dr Minoret has returned to live out his final days in his home town. His grasping nephews and nieces eagerly await his demise but the good doctor seems to favour his charming young ward, Ursule. What lengths are his family prepared to go to secure their inheritance? Starring Elizabeth Cassidy in the title role of this three-part production.

The Mysterious Mansion – A grisly tale set in La Grande Breteche, the ruins of an abandoned house and neglected garden. Balzac is determined to uncover the story behind its tragic secrets… David Calder stars as the author.

The Black Sheep – Balzac’s classic tale of family rivalry set in 19th-century France. Philippe Bridau returns from the battle of Waterloo and steals from his mother to finance his gambling habit. It’s left to his brother Joseph to rescue the family from destitution, but at what cost? Can he betray his own sibling? Geoffrey Whitehead leads the cast in the role of narrator.

A wonderful collection from a superb author, performed by a stunning cast, this is a must listen for any fan of classic literature.

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