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Great Lives Episodes

  1. Next Thursday 10:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra

    Louis Armstrong

    Band leader Chris Barber chooses the legendary jazz trumpeter, Louis Armstrong.

  2. Next Thursday 16:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra

    Louis Armstrong

    Band leader Chris Barber chooses the legendary jazz trumpeter, Louis Armstrong.

  3. Next Friday 00:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra

    Louis Armstrong

    Band leader Chris Barber chooses the legendary jazz trumpeter, Louis Armstrong.

  4. Sun 2 Aug 2026 23:00
    BBC Radio 4

    Dr Hannah Critchlow picks Professor Colin Blakemore

    Dr Hannah Critchlow selects the neurobiologist Professor Colin Blakemore.

  5. Thu 6 Aug 2026 10:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra

    Mata Hari

    Fiona Bruce chooses the femme fatale, international spy and exotic dancer, Mata Hari.

  6. Thu 6 Aug 2026 16:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra

    Mata Hari

    Fiona Bruce chooses the femme fatale, international spy and exotic dancer, Mata Hari.

  7. Fri 7 Aug 2026 00:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra

    Mata Hari

    Fiona Bruce chooses the femme fatale, international spy and exotic dancer, Mata Hari.

  8. Sun 9 Aug 2026 23:00
    BBC Radio 4

    Lauren Cuthbertson on Margot Fonteyn

    The Royal Ballet's Lauren Cuthbertson on quintessential British ballerina Margot Fonteyn.

  9. Mon 10 Aug 2026 15:00
    BBC Radio 4

    Actor Laurence Olivier with Derek Jacobi and Tim Walker

    Famous guests nominate someone they love or admire.

  10. Thu 13 Aug 2026 10:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra

    Bertolt Brecht

    Playwright John Godber discusses the life of German writer Bertolt Brecht.

  11. Thu 13 Aug 2026 16:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra

    Bertolt Brecht

    Playwright John Godber discusses the life of German writer Bertolt Brecht.

  12. Fri 14 Aug 2026 00:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra

    Bertolt Brecht

    Playwright John Godber discusses the life of German writer Bertolt Brecht.