The Pleasure Principle

Title

First
Broadcast

Repeated

Comments

Alfie Elkins And His Little Life, Better Than Sex

20180721

20180722 (BBC7)

The Pleasure Principle' host, comedian, Dane Baptiste, continues his exploration of our desire for pleasure using the BBC radio archive by introducing:

Alfie Elkins and His Little Life

Dane Baptiste introduces the 1962 radio inspiration behind the movie that made Michael Caine a star, Alife Elkins and His Little Life. Written by Bill Naughton, later adapted for the stage and then as 'Alfie' for the big screen (starring Michael Caine) in 1966, Alfie Elkins and His Little Life follows the exploits a womaniser, a man purely concerned with seeking and achieving his own pleasure - despite the human cost. It stars Bill Owen - who later became the beloved Compo in BBC TVs Last of the Summer Wine - as the amoral, Alfie.

First heard on the BBC Third Programme in 1962.

Better Than Sex

Dane Baptiste introduces Better than Sex - where four writers celebrate an experience that brings them intense pleasure. In this episode playwright, Timberlake Wertenbaker recalls 5 O'Clock in the Afternoon.

First heard on Radio 4 in 1997.

Dane Baptiste introduces a 1962 drama, and Timberlake Wertenbaker recalls sensual pleasure

Exchanges At The Frontier

20180723

20180724 (BBC7)

The Pleasure Principle' host, comedian, Dane Baptiste, continues his exploration of our desire for pleasure using the BBC radio archive by introducing:

Exchanges at the Frontier: Morten L Kringelbach

Philosophy meets neuroscience as AC Grayling talks to Professor of Neuroscience, Morten L Kringelbach about his research into the role of pleasure in our lives, which he believes is pivotal in our development and is intimately linked to emotional, cognitive and reward processing in the brain.

First heard on the BBC World Service in 2010.

Dane Baptiste introduces a programme exploring pleasure, philosophy and neuroscience.

Future Proofing: No End Of Pleasure, Better Than Sex

20180722

The Pleasure Principle' host, comedian, Dan Baptiste, continues his exploration of our desire for pleasure using the BBC radio archive by introducing:

Future Proofing -No End of Pleasure

How will humans experience pleasure in the near future? What is the shape of things to come? The novelist AL Kennedy conjures a vision of the future where plugging in for pleasure is as easy as logging on. With Will Self. First heard on Radio 4 in 2014.

Better Than Sex

Dane Baptiste introduces Better than Sex - where four writers celebrate an experience that brings them intense pleasure. In this episode writer Adam Thorpe recalls Secret River Bathing.

First heard on Radio 4 in 1997.

Dane Baptiste introduces an exploration of pleasure.

Mark Steel Does Hip-hop

20180725

20180726 (BBC7)

The Pleasure Principle' host, comedian, Dane Baptiste, continues his exploration of our desire for pleasure using the BBC radio archive by introducing:

Mark Steel Does Hip Hop

Dane Baptiste thinks one of the joys of radio is listening to other people talk about things that bring them (surprisingly) pleasure - in this case fellow comedian Mark Steel's love of hip-hop in foreign languages.

First heard on Radio 4 in 2017.

Dane Baptiste explores the secret pleasures of a fellow comic's love of hip-hop music.

Mastering The Universe: Christmas

20180726

The Pleasure Principle' host, comedian, Dane Baptiste, continues his exploration of our desire for pleasure using the BBC radio archive by introducing:

The Pleasure Principle Series 1 (6/6)

Dane Baptiste introduces Professor Joy Klamp visit to the miserable world of relationships. Stars Dawn French and Christopher Douglas. From December 2005.

Professor Joy Klamp explores ways to make the festive season truly miserable. Stars Dawn French. From December 2005.

Mastering The Universe: Food And Drink

20180725

The Pleasure Principle' host, comedian, Dane Baptiste, continues his exploration of our desire for pleasure using the BBC radio archive by introducing:

Mastering the Universe Series 1 (5/6) Food and Drink

Professor Joy Klamp's tour of miserable relationships. Stars Dawn French. From December 2005.

Dane Baptiste introduces Professor Joy Klamp's tour of the miserable world of fine dining.

Mastering The Universe: Holidays

20180724

The Pleasure Principle' host, comedian, Dan Baptiste, continues his exploration of our desire for pleasure using the BBC radio archive by introducing:

Mastering the Universe Series 1 (4/6)

Professor Joy Klamp explores the miserable world of holidaying. Stars Dawn French and Christopher Douglas. From November 2005.

Dane Baptiste introduces Professor Joy Klamp's tour of the miserable world of holidaying.

Mastering The Universe: Party On Down

20180723

The Pleasure Principle' host, comedian, Dane Baptiste, continues his exploration of our desire for pleasure using the BBC radio archive by introducing:

Mastering the Universe Series 1 (3/6)

Professor Joy Klamp explores the miserable world of partying. Stars Dawn French and Christopher Douglas. From November 2005.

Dane Baptiste introduces Professor Joy Klamp's guide to the misery of partying.

Mastering The Universe: The Joy Of Sulks

20180722

The Pleasure Principle' host, comedian, Dane Baptiste, continues his exploration of our desire for pleasure using the BBC radio archive by introducing:

Mastering the Universe Series 1 (2/6) The Sulk

Professor Joy Klamp takes a tour of miserable people and places. Stars Dawn French and Christopher Douglas. From November 2005.

Dane Baptiste introduces Prof Joy Klamp's tour of the miserable world of relationships.

Mastering The Universe: The Workplace

20180721

The Pleasure Principle' host, comedian, Dane Baptiste, continues his exploration of our desire for pleasure using the BBC radio archive by introducing:

Mastering the Universe Series 1 (1/6) The Workplace

Professor Joy Klamp takes a tour of miserable people and places. Stars Dawn French and Christopher Douglas. From November 2005.

Dane Baptiste introduces Professor Joy Klamp's miserable tour of people and places.

Oscar Wilde, The Picture Of Dorian Gray, Pt 1-2

20180726

20180727 (BBC7)

The Pleasure Principle' host, comedian, Dane Baptiste, continues his exploration of our desire for pleasure using the BBC radio archive by introducing:

The Picture of Dorian Gray Part 1/2

Oscar Wilde's classic gothic tale of desire, pleasure and self-destruction. When Dorian Gray gazes at his portrait he is struck by his own youth and beauty and wishes they will last forever. The portrait becomes a point of transference for his life of debauchery - corrupting and becoming vile as he remains beautiful. It stars Ian McDermid.

First heard on the BBC World Service in 2000.

Oscar Wilde's tale of dangerous pleasures in which an aristocrat makes a fateful pact.

Oscar Wilde, The Picture Of Dorian Gray, Pt 2-2

20180727

20180728 (BBC7)

The Pleasure Principle' host, comedian, Dane Baptiste, continues his exploration of our desire for pleasure using the BBC radio archive by introducing:

Dane Baptiste introduces Oscar Wilde's classic gothic tale of desire, pleasure and self-destruction.

The aristocrat is living a life of selfish pleasure. But is retribution on the horizon? Stars Ian McDiarmid and Jamie Glover.

When Dorian Gray gazes at his portrait he is struck by his own youth and beauty and wishes they will last forever. The portrait becomes a point of transference for his life of debauchery - corrupting and becoming vile as he remains beautiful. It stars Ian McDermid. First heard on the BBC World Service in 2000.

The aristocrat is living a selfish life, but is retribution on the horizon?

The Food Programme: Guilty Pleasures

20180724

20180725 (BBC7)

The Pleasure Principle' host, comedian, Dane Baptiste, continues his exploration of our desire for pleasure using the BBC radio archive by introducing:

The Food Programme - Guilty Pleasures

Sheila Dillon celebrates food's guilty pleasures. Food writer and gardener Lynda Brown sings the praises of the doughnut, chef and meat lover Fergus Henderson extolls the virtues of dripping and Dilly Barlow rekindles a childhood passion for toffee and fudge-making, and visits the Burnt Sugar factory in Nottingham. First heard on Radio 4 in 2009.

Dane Baptiste introduces an exploration of the role of food in 'Guilty Pleasures'.

The Genius Of Pleasure, Better Than Sex

20180722

20180723 (BBC7)

The Pleasure Principle' host, comedian, Dan Baptiste, continues his exploration of our desire for pleasure using the BBC radio archive by introducing:

The Genius of Pleasure

A cautionary drama written by Jack Houlahan. How does a recovering alcoholic - Tom McNeagh, who has just had a heart attack cope with having to give up cigarettes? Is there a secret minimalist way to satisfy the craving for pleasure? It stars Alan McKee.

Better Than Sex

Dane Baptiste introduces Better than Sex - where four writers celebrate an experience that brings them intense pleasure. In this episode Man-Booker prize-winning novelist Howard Jacobson recalls a Meeting with Pelicans.

First heard on Radio 4 in 1997.

Dane Baptiste introduces Jack Houlahan's cautionary drama.

The Pleasure Telephone, Better Than Sex

20180721

The Pleasure Principle' host, comedian, Dane Baptiste, continues his exploration of our desire for pleasure using the BBC radio archive by introducing:

The Pleasure Telephone

Dane Baptiste ponders what we did for pleasure before the internet, with a prescient story of entertainment home delivery. Edward Seckerson tells the remarkable story of the use of the early telephone to relay live entertainment and news direct to subscribers' homes in the late 19th/early 20th century in The Pleasure Telephone.

First heard on BBC Radio 3 in 2010.

Better Than Sex

Dane Baptiste introduces Better than Sex - where four writers celebrate an experience that brings them intense pleasure. In this episode BAFTA winning novelists Jeanette Winterson recalls Second Hand Pleasures.

First heard on Radio 4 in 1997.

Dane Baptiste introduces an extraordinary story, and Jeannette Winterson recalls pleasure.

With Great Pleasure: Sir Trevor Mcdonald

20180727

20180728 (BBC7)

The Pleasure Principle' host, comedian, Dane Baptiste, continues his exploration of our desire for pleasure using the BBC radio archive by introducing:

With Great Pleasure

Veteran broadcaster Sir Trevor McDonald chooses his favourite words and poetry for With Great Pleasure, including Robert Frost's The Road Not Taken which brought him comfort far from home in a war zone.

Veteran broadcaster Sir Trevor McDonald chooses his favourite words and poetry.

Episodes

Title	First Broadcast	Repeated	Comments
Alfie Elkins And His Little Life, Better Than Sex	20180721	20180722 (BBC7)	The Pleasure Principle' host, comedian, Dane Baptiste, continues his exploration of our desire for pleasure using the BBC radio archive by introducing: Alfie Elkins and His Little Life Dane Baptiste introduces the 1962 radio inspiration behind the movie that made Michael Caine a star, Alife Elkins and His Little Life. Written by Bill Naughton, later adapted for the stage and then as 'Alfie' for the big screen (starring Michael Caine) in 1966, Alfie Elkins and His Little Life follows the exploits a womaniser, a man purely concerned with seeking and achieving his own pleasure - despite the human cost. It stars Bill Owen - who later became the beloved Compo in BBC TVs Last of the Summer Wine - as the amoral, Alfie. First heard on the BBC Third Programme in 1962. Better Than Sex Dane Baptiste introduces Better than Sex - where four writers celebrate an experience that brings them intense pleasure. In this episode playwright, Timberlake Wertenbaker recalls 5 O'Clock in the Afternoon. First heard on Radio 4 in 1997. Dane Baptiste introduces a 1962 drama, and Timberlake Wertenbaker recalls sensual pleasure
Exchanges At The Frontier	20180723	20180724 (BBC7)	The Pleasure Principle' host, comedian, Dane Baptiste, continues his exploration of our desire for pleasure using the BBC radio archive by introducing: Exchanges at the Frontier: Morten L Kringelbach Philosophy meets neuroscience as AC Grayling talks to Professor of Neuroscience, Morten L Kringelbach about his research into the role of pleasure in our lives, which he believes is pivotal in our development and is intimately linked to emotional, cognitive and reward processing in the brain. First heard on the BBC World Service in 2010. Dane Baptiste introduces a programme exploring pleasure, philosophy and neuroscience.
Future Proofing: No End Of Pleasure, Better Than Sex	20180722		The Pleasure Principle' host, comedian, Dan Baptiste, continues his exploration of our desire for pleasure using the BBC radio archive by introducing: Future Proofing -No End of Pleasure How will humans experience pleasure in the near future? What is the shape of things to come? The novelist AL Kennedy conjures a vision of the future where plugging in for pleasure is as easy as logging on. With Will Self. First heard on Radio 4 in 2014. Better Than Sex Dane Baptiste introduces Better than Sex - where four writers celebrate an experience that brings them intense pleasure. In this episode writer Adam Thorpe recalls Secret River Bathing. First heard on Radio 4 in 1997. Dane Baptiste introduces an exploration of pleasure.
Mark Steel Does Hip-hop	20180725	20180726 (BBC7)	The Pleasure Principle' host, comedian, Dane Baptiste, continues his exploration of our desire for pleasure using the BBC radio archive by introducing: Mark Steel Does Hip Hop Dane Baptiste thinks one of the joys of radio is listening to other people talk about things that bring them (surprisingly) pleasure - in this case fellow comedian Mark Steel's love of hip-hop in foreign languages. First heard on Radio 4 in 2017. Dane Baptiste explores the secret pleasures of a fellow comic's love of hip-hop music.
Mastering The Universe: Christmas	20180726		The Pleasure Principle' host, comedian, Dane Baptiste, continues his exploration of our desire for pleasure using the BBC radio archive by introducing: The Pleasure Principle Series 1 (6/6) Dane Baptiste introduces Professor Joy Klamp visit to the miserable world of relationships. Stars Dawn French and Christopher Douglas. From December 2005. Professor Joy Klamp explores ways to make the festive season truly miserable. Stars Dawn French. From December 2005.
Mastering The Universe: Food And Drink	20180725		The Pleasure Principle' host, comedian, Dane Baptiste, continues his exploration of our desire for pleasure using the BBC radio archive by introducing: Mastering the Universe Series 1 (5/6) Food and Drink Professor Joy Klamp's tour of miserable relationships. Stars Dawn French. From December 2005. Dane Baptiste introduces Professor Joy Klamp's tour of the miserable world of fine dining.
Mastering The Universe: Holidays	20180724		The Pleasure Principle' host, comedian, Dan Baptiste, continues his exploration of our desire for pleasure using the BBC radio archive by introducing: Mastering the Universe Series 1 (4/6) Professor Joy Klamp explores the miserable world of holidaying. Stars Dawn French and Christopher Douglas. From November 2005. Dane Baptiste introduces Professor Joy Klamp's tour of the miserable world of holidaying.
Mastering The Universe: Party On Down	20180723		The Pleasure Principle' host, comedian, Dane Baptiste, continues his exploration of our desire for pleasure using the BBC radio archive by introducing: Mastering the Universe Series 1 (3/6) Professor Joy Klamp explores the miserable world of partying. Stars Dawn French and Christopher Douglas. From November 2005. Dane Baptiste introduces Professor Joy Klamp's guide to the misery of partying.
Mastering The Universe: The Joy Of Sulks	20180722		The Pleasure Principle' host, comedian, Dane Baptiste, continues his exploration of our desire for pleasure using the BBC radio archive by introducing: Mastering the Universe Series 1 (2/6) The Sulk Professor Joy Klamp takes a tour of miserable people and places. Stars Dawn French and Christopher Douglas. From November 2005. Dane Baptiste introduces Prof Joy Klamp's tour of the miserable world of relationships.
Mastering The Universe: The Workplace	20180721		The Pleasure Principle' host, comedian, Dane Baptiste, continues his exploration of our desire for pleasure using the BBC radio archive by introducing: Mastering the Universe Series 1 (1/6) The Workplace Professor Joy Klamp takes a tour of miserable people and places. Stars Dawn French and Christopher Douglas. From November 2005. Dane Baptiste introduces Professor Joy Klamp's miserable tour of people and places.
Oscar Wilde, The Picture Of Dorian Gray, Pt 1-2	20180726	20180727 (BBC7)	The Pleasure Principle' host, comedian, Dane Baptiste, continues his exploration of our desire for pleasure using the BBC radio archive by introducing: The Picture of Dorian Gray Part 1/2 Oscar Wilde's classic gothic tale of desire, pleasure and self-destruction. When Dorian Gray gazes at his portrait he is struck by his own youth and beauty and wishes they will last forever. The portrait becomes a point of transference for his life of debauchery - corrupting and becoming vile as he remains beautiful. It stars Ian McDermid. First heard on the BBC World Service in 2000. Oscar Wilde's tale of dangerous pleasures in which an aristocrat makes a fateful pact.
Oscar Wilde, The Picture Of Dorian Gray, Pt 2-2	20180727	20180728 (BBC7)	The Pleasure Principle' host, comedian, Dane Baptiste, continues his exploration of our desire for pleasure using the BBC radio archive by introducing: Dane Baptiste introduces Oscar Wilde's classic gothic tale of desire, pleasure and self-destruction. The aristocrat is living a life of selfish pleasure. But is retribution on the horizon? Stars Ian McDiarmid and Jamie Glover. When Dorian Gray gazes at his portrait he is struck by his own youth and beauty and wishes they will last forever. The portrait becomes a point of transference for his life of debauchery - corrupting and becoming vile as he remains beautiful. It stars Ian McDermid. First heard on the BBC World Service in 2000. The aristocrat is living a selfish life, but is retribution on the horizon?
The Food Programme: Guilty Pleasures	20180724	20180725 (BBC7)	The Pleasure Principle' host, comedian, Dane Baptiste, continues his exploration of our desire for pleasure using the BBC radio archive by introducing: The Food Programme - Guilty Pleasures Sheila Dillon celebrates food's guilty pleasures. Food writer and gardener Lynda Brown sings the praises of the doughnut, chef and meat lover Fergus Henderson extolls the virtues of dripping and Dilly Barlow rekindles a childhood passion for toffee and fudge-making, and visits the Burnt Sugar factory in Nottingham. First heard on Radio 4 in 2009. Dane Baptiste introduces an exploration of the role of food in 'Guilty Pleasures'.
The Genius Of Pleasure, Better Than Sex	20180722	20180723 (BBC7)	The Pleasure Principle' host, comedian, Dan Baptiste, continues his exploration of our desire for pleasure using the BBC radio archive by introducing: The Genius of Pleasure A cautionary drama written by Jack Houlahan. How does a recovering alcoholic - Tom McNeagh, who has just had a heart attack cope with having to give up cigarettes? Is there a secret minimalist way to satisfy the craving for pleasure? It stars Alan McKee. Better Than Sex Dane Baptiste introduces Better than Sex - where four writers celebrate an experience that brings them intense pleasure. In this episode Man-Booker prize-winning novelist Howard Jacobson recalls a Meeting with Pelicans. First heard on Radio 4 in 1997. Dane Baptiste introduces Jack Houlahan's cautionary drama.
The Pleasure Telephone, Better Than Sex	20180721		The Pleasure Principle' host, comedian, Dane Baptiste, continues his exploration of our desire for pleasure using the BBC radio archive by introducing: The Pleasure Telephone Dane Baptiste ponders what we did for pleasure before the internet, with a prescient story of entertainment home delivery. Edward Seckerson tells the remarkable story of the use of the early telephone to relay live entertainment and news direct to subscribers' homes in the late 19th/early 20th century in The Pleasure Telephone. First heard on BBC Radio 3 in 2010. Better Than Sex Dane Baptiste introduces Better than Sex - where four writers celebrate an experience that brings them intense pleasure. In this episode BAFTA winning novelists Jeanette Winterson recalls Second Hand Pleasures. First heard on Radio 4 in 1997. Dane Baptiste introduces an extraordinary story, and Jeannette Winterson recalls pleasure.
With Great Pleasure: Sir Trevor Mcdonald	20180727	20180728 (BBC7)	The Pleasure Principle' host, comedian, Dane Baptiste, continues his exploration of our desire for pleasure using the BBC radio archive by introducing: With Great Pleasure Veteran broadcaster Sir Trevor McDonald chooses his favourite words and poetry for With Great Pleasure, including Robert Frost's The Road Not Taken which brought him comfort far from home in a war zone. Veteran broadcaster Sir Trevor McDonald chooses his favourite words and poetry.