What’s On BBC Four Today Wednesday 11 January 2023
A full run down of everything airing on BBC Four today.
19:00
Great British Railway Journeys
S10E01
Michael Portillo sets off on a trip through Britain’s industrial heartland
Armed with his early 20th century Bradshaw’s Guide, Michael Portillo sets off on the first leg of a trip through Britain’s industrial heartlands in the footsteps of George V, beginning by travelling from Warrington to Preston
19:30
The Joy of Painting
S01E01
American artist Bob Ross offers tips and advice
20:00
Michael Palin’s New Europe
S01E01
The traveller visits Croatia, Bosnia and Serbia
The veteran traveller visits Croatia, Bosnia and Serbia, witnessing the effects of the massive economic changes that have taken place since the fall of communism. He also sails to Albania with an opera-singing captain and finds out how the once ultra-secretive country is becoming more open
21:00
Spike Milligan: Love, Light and Peace
A portrait of the comedian
Documentary offering a personal portrait of the truly unique comedian, as told in his own words and featuring exclusive home movie footage. With contributions from those who worked with him, lived with him and were inspired by him
22:30
The Old Devils
S01E01
Dramatisation of Kingsley Amis’s novel, starring John Stride
The orderly world of regular drinking in South Wales is disturbed by the arrival of TV personality and professional Welshman Alun Weaver and his wife. Dramatisation of Kingsley Amis’s novel, starring John Stride
23:20
The Old Devils
S01E02
Alun Weaver is fast running out of friends
00:15
The Old Devils
S01E03
Alun Weaver has made one last attempt to write the great Welsh novel
01:10
Hope Street
S02E07
Marlene is unable to investigate a racing pigeon theft, as she is allergic to birds
Marlene is unable to investigate a racing pigeon theft, as she is allergic to birds. Al and Callum discover that the owner may be better off without his feathered friends due to a rare medical condition that could kill him. Finn tells Siobhan that he’s decided to move out of the family home, so she turns her attentions to Port Devine’s most eligible bachelor. Niamh catches her father drinking while working
01:55
Shakespeare in Italy
S01E01
Part one of two. How the Mediterranean country inspired the Bard
Part one of two. The architect and historian reveals how the Mediterranean country influenced the Bard, as he takes a journey of discovery through Shakespeare’s Italian-based plays. He visits the locations that inspired the playwright, beginning with Padua, setting of The Taming of the Shrew, before heading to Verona to explore the tale of Romeo and Juliet. The presenter also meets actress Emma Thompson in Sicily to discuss Much Ado About Nothing, and ends his journey in Venice for a look at the city’s connection with Othello
02:55
Britain’s Lost Masterpieces
S03E02
Bendor Grosvenor finds a painting from the 1770s at the Manchester Art Gallery
Bendor Grosvenor finds a painting from the 1770s at the Manchester Art Gallery, which he believes has been misattributed to Nathaniel Dance. He feels sure it is in fact by the German painter Johann Zoffany, a favourite portraitist of the royal family under King George III. Meanwhile, Emma Dabiri investigates Manchester’s support for the abolition of slavery
03:55
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