Schedule Friday 16th March 2018
7am
(repeat)
The Emerald Green Show
Episode 2, Cut: Emerald's illusions of glamour and fame are shattered when she meets her TV producer.
7:30am
(repeat)
In And Out Of The Kitchen
Series 3, Episode 3 - The After-DinnerDamien's mother comes to stay unexpectedly and soon sets about reordering the house, thereby forcing Damien to seek respite away by taking on an after-dinner speaking engagement.
7:35am
(repeat)
The Piglet Files
Series 1, Episode 7 - A Private Member's BillWhen a leading politician advocates the merging of MI5 and MI6 under the control of Special Branch, Piglet, Lewis, Dexter and Flint are sent out to thwart his plans by discrediting him.
8am
(repeat)
Waiting For God
Series 2, Episode 7Diana gets involved - with only good intentions - in Basil and Betty's love life, with potentially disastrous results. Meanwhile, Harvey's keen that Bayview plays its part in a nationwide 'Glamorous Grannies' search with a top prize.
8am
(repeat)
Go Jetters
Series 1, Episode 25 - Komodo National Park, IndonesiaWhen Grandmaster Glitch supersizes a fierce komodo dragon, the Go Jetters must find the size ray to fix the glitch.
8am
(repeat)
I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again
Series 6, Episode 5A multi-million pound loan, and mankind's entire history in songs and sketches.
8:30am
(repeat)
8:35am
(repeat)
Justin's House
Series 4, Episode 15 - Growing GloopJustin has started a wonderful plant collection, so Mr Bloom delivers a special new flower to Justin's House along with a mysterious Super Swellberry, which contains magical 'growing gloop' to help the plant grow.
8:40am
(repeat)
Goodnight Sweetheart
Series 4, Episode 7 - Easy LivingGary's world is changing fast. Yvonne is changing careers as Phoebe plans the wedding. And Reg's domestic problems threaten his job.
8:55am
(repeat)
Goodnight Sweetheart
Whilst walking around the East End, TV repairman Gary Sparrow is transported back to 1940 where he begins to live a second life.
9am
(repeat)
The Motion Show
Series 2, Episode 3Dr Phil Hammond watches over proceedings in the quirky debating game, with guests Tony Hawks, Simon Fanshawe, Steve Punt and Arthur Smith.
9:20am
(repeat)
Last Of The Summer Wine
A selection of episodes from the 29th series of Britain's longest-running sitcom.
9:30am
(repeat)
Goodnight Sweetheart
Whilst walking around the East End, TV repairman Gary Sparrow is transported back to 1940 where he begins to live a second life.
9:35am
(repeat)
Twirlywoos
Series 3, Episode 24 - More About ConnectingThe Twirlywoos watch a farmer connect fence panels together to make a pen for his sheep. The sheep dog herds the sheep into the pen. Whilst the farmer is having a doze, the Twirlywoos build an enclosure around him by connecting more fence panels together.
11:15am
(repeat)
Inn For Trouble
Big-screen adventure for ITV's The Larkins family.
11:15am
(repeat)
Horrible Histories
Series 1, Episode 9A Victorian inspector checks that school is suitably cruel, HHTV News reports live from the Great Plague and Thumbelina drowns in poo.
11:20am
(repeat)
My Family
Series 4, Episode 6 - DeliveranceJaney's baby is due, and Susan insists on travelling to Manchester for the birth. The journey throws up several blasts from the past.
11:45am
(repeat)
Class Dismissed
Series 2, Episode 10 - School PhotoFor this year's school photo, Dockbridge High decided to hire one of the world's best photographers... but none of them were available so they got Blake Papaway instead. As the staff and pupils prepare, Blake goes missing. Will they find him in time?
12pm
(repeat)
My Hero
Series 3, Episode 5 - Puttin' On The WritsIt's just an ordinary morning in a supermarket car-park - until Mrs. Raven has a run-in with a stack of wayward trolleys and is tipped over the edge of the multi-storey building. It's ThermoMan to the rescue--but when he refuses Mrs R's kind offer of Battenberg cake in return for saving her life, retribution is swift!
12pm
(repeat)
Millie Inbetween
Series 4, Episode 8 - Best Actress Goes To...There is family drama as Leo is cast as Juliet and Lauren as the Friar. The girls realise they need to help Leo find his inner Juliet. Mike's building a go-kart, but needs Fran's help.
12pm
(repeat)
I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again
Series 6, Episode 5A multi-million pound loan, and mankind's entire history in songs and sketches.
12:25pm
(repeat)
Fit
Episode 5In this episode, find out what happens when you feed sprouts to pigs, and learn how to make cola part of your exercise regime.
12:30pm
(repeat)
12:40pm
(repeat)
dinnerladies
Series 1, Episode 5 - PartyThe canteen are tasked with catering the factory's Christmas do, and must stick to a Japanese theme as a multi-national merger is being negotiated.
1pm
(repeat)
Last Of The Summer Wine
Series 25, Episode 4 - Happy Birthday Robin HoodWhen Billy celebrates his famous ancestor's birthday, Barry gets the wrong idea.
1pm
(repeat)
Your Face Or Mine
Series 2, Episode 2Ricky and Roxay forced to judge all kinds of faces for the chance to win thousands of pounds.
1:20pm
(repeat)
dinnerladies
Series 1, Episode 6 - NightshiftWith Tony too ill to come into work, and his cover so bad-mannered, ill-tempered, horrible and bossy that everyone save Brenda walks out, it's not the best time to have to be open for a rare night shift!
1:30pm
(repeat)
Your Face Or Mine
Series 2, Episode 3Dion and Travis are forced to judge all kinds of faces for the chance to win thousands of pounds.
1:30pm30 min
Breaking The News
Series 9, Episode 3Val McDermid, Elaine Malcolmson, Ahir Shah and Stuart Mitchell are the panel.
1:35pm
(repeat)
Twirlywoos
Series 3, Episode 24 - More About ConnectingThe Twirlywoos watch a farmer connect fence panels together to make a pen for his sheep. The sheep dog herds the sheep into the pen. Whilst the farmer is having a doze, the Twirlywoos build an enclosure around him by connecting more fence panels together.
1:40pm
(repeat)
Bread
Series 5, Episode 2Joey visits the taxman to plead his case but his words fall on deaf ears, Aveline suggests to Oswald that he should have a sperm count and Billy attends court to get his divorce. But all troubles are briefly forgotten when the family go to the airport to meet Jack who has returned home from America.
2pm
(repeat)
As Time Goes By
Series 4, Episode 3 - Getting Rid Of GwenJean comes up with a complicated plan to get rid of Mrs. Flack once and for all, whilst Alistair struggles to comprehend doing the precise opposite with Judith.
2:05pm
(repeat)
Timmy Time
Series 3, Episode 3 - Doctor TimmyIt is dressing-up time, and Timmy dresses as a doctor and insists on treating his classmates as patients.
2:20pm
(repeat)
Birds Of A Feather
Series 1, Episode 4 - Women's TroublesSharon and Dave are officially a couple. Tracey thinks she's pregnant, leading Dorien to set her up with her gynaecologist. It turns out to be a false alarm. Sharon on the other hand receives some surprising news, but it isn't great timing.
2:40pm
(repeat)
Waiting For God
Series 2, Episode 7Diana gets involved - with only good intentions - in Basil and Betty's love life, with potentially disastrous results. Meanwhile, Harvey's keen that Bayview plays its part in a nationwide 'Glamorous Grannies' search with a top prize.
2:45pm
(repeat)
Millie Inbetween
Series 4, Episode 8 - Best Actress Goes To...There is family drama as Leo is cast as Juliet and Lauren as the Friar. The girls realise they need to help Leo find his inner Juliet. Mike's building a go-kart, but needs Fran's help.
3pm
(repeat)
The Smallest Show On Earth
A couple inherit a cinema and are shocked to find a decrepit building.
3:15pm
(repeat)
Shaun The Sheep
Series 2, Episode 4 - Spring LambA reluctant Timmy tries to avoid bath time and in trying to escape he gets a spring attached to his tail. It's up to the flock to catch the bouncing baby sheep and return him to the tub before he destroys the farm.
3:20pm
(repeat)
My Hero
Series 3, Episode 5 - Puttin' On The WritsIt's just an ordinary morning in a supermarket car-park - until Mrs. Raven has a run-in with a stack of wayward trolleys and is tipped over the edge of the multi-storey building. It's ThermoMan to the rescue--but when he refuses Mrs R's kind offer of Battenberg cake in return for saving her life, retribution is swift!
3:20pm
(repeat)
Minder
Long-running comedy drama about the London criminal underworld, focusing on dodgy entrepreneur Arthur Daley and his 'minder', Terry.
3:35pm
(repeat)
Strange Hill High
Series 2, Episode 5 - Big Templeton Is Watching You!A new school security system is installed - and the cameras seem to record what happens in the future. When Templeton becomes security monitor and goes mad with this incredible, all-seeing power, the very existence of Strange Hill is threatened.
3:45pm
(repeat)
On The Buses
Series 4, Episode 4 - The Other WomanAfter a family social evening in the works' canteen where Arthur becomes rather too friendly with one of the clippies, Mum and Olive are outraged - and he promptly leaves to stay with his sister.
4pm
(repeat)
Last Of The Summer Wine
A selection of episodes from the 29th series of Britain's longest-running sitcom.
4pm
(repeat)
Mr Bean
Series 2, Episode 14 - Viral BeanMr Bean is trying to find a nice quiet place to read his book so he sets off for the library. There he is distracted by some funny online videos on the library computer. Before he knows it, Mr Bean is recording his own video, which is uploaded for everyone to see. Things start to go crazy when people check it out and his popularity takes off. Will he enjoy being in the public eye and how long will his celebrity last?
4pm
(repeat)
The Motion Show
Series 2, Episode 3Dr Phil Hammond watches over proceedings in the quirky debating game, with guests Tony Hawks, Simon Fanshawe, Steve Punt and Arthur Smith.
4:10pm
(repeat)
Goodnight Sweetheart
Whilst walking around the East End, TV repairman Gary Sparrow is transported back to 1940 where he begins to live a second life.
4:15pm
(repeat)
On The Buses
Series 4, Episode 3 - Dangerous LivingA newspaper report about the mortality rate of busmen leads everyone to insist Stan loses some weight. He's not pleased, but a date with a much younger clippie makes him think a bit of exercise couldn't hurt.
4:15pm
(repeat)
Mr Bean
Series 2, Episode 15 - Super SpyMr Bean is obsessed by his TV hero Super Spy and is excited when his very own Super Spy kit arrives in the post. While Mr Bean is pretending to be his favourite character, and delighting in all his gadgets, he spots some unusual goings on in the Bruisers' house next door. Naturally Mr Bean assumes the worst and sets out to rectify the situation.
4:20pm
(repeat)
Go Jetters
Series 1, Episode 5 - Niagara Falls, Canada and USAGlitch blocks Niagara Falls to give Grim HQ a mud bath. Can the Go Jetters fix the glitch?
4:45pm10 min
Bitz & Bob
Series 1, Episode 5 - Monster MountainBob wants to plant a sign on the top of Mount Robo-Bob, so they set off in grippy shoes to climb it.
4:50pm
(repeat)
Goodnight Sweetheart
Whilst walking around the East End, TV repairman Gary Sparrow is transported back to 1940 where he begins to live a second life.
4:55pm
(repeat)
You're Only Young Twice
Series 3, Episode 7 - The OutingThe annual Paradise Lodge visit to the seaside is meant to be a jolly affair but if any one can ruin it then Flora and Cissie can ...
5pm
(repeat)
The Emerald Green Show
Episode 2, Cut: Emerald's illusions of glamour and fame are shattered when she meets her TV producer.
5:20pm10 min
Waffle The Wonder Dog
Series 1, Episode 15 - Waffle & The Swimming PoolWaffle has so much fun on a doggy playdate at Mr Willow's house that he decides to stay for a sleepover! The Brooklyn-Bells miss Waffle and can't wait for his return.
5:25pm
(repeat)
Rising Damp
Series 2, Episode 5 - A Perfect GentlemanRigsby's found a new lodger for the house; the charming gentleman Seymour, staying in town away from his country estate. Philip and Alan aren't quite as convinced of his authenticity though.
5:30pm30 min
The Dog Ate My Homework
Series 5, Episode 11Iain Stirling is joined by child team captains Leon and Eve and special guests Saima Chowdhury, Rachel Stringer, Tom Craine and Ray Bradshaw.
5:30pm
(repeat)
In And Out Of The Kitchen
Series 3, Episode 3 - The After-DinnerDamien's mother comes to stay unexpectedly and soon sets about reordering the house, thereby forcing Damien to seek respite away by taking on an after-dinner speaking engagement.
6pm
(repeat)
Open All Hours
A selection of episodes from the second series of the cornershop sitcom.
6pm
(repeat)
Steptoe And Son
Series 3, Episode 5 - Sunday For Seven DaysAlbert and Harold plan a visit to the cinema.
6:30pm30 min
The Now Show
Series 52, Episode 3Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis and guests James Acaster, Rachel Parris, Suzi Ruffell and Daniel Barker, present the week via topical stand-up and sketches. This week they tackle British Science Week, the situation in Salisbury, Elon Musk's designs on Mars, as well as the 'right to forget' and local news from Kettering.
6:40pm
(repeat)
Last Of The Summer Wine
Series 25, Episode 4 - Happy Birthday Robin HoodWhen Billy celebrates his famous ancestor's birthday, Barry gets the wrong idea.
7pm
(repeat)
Horrible Histories
Series 1, Episode 9A Victorian inspector checks that school is suitably cruel, HHTV News reports live from the Great Plague and Thumbelina drowns in poo.
7pm
(repeat)
I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again
Series 6, Episode 5A multi-million pound loan, and mankind's entire history in songs and sketches.
7:20pm
(repeat)
Last Of The Summer Wine
Series 25, Episode 5 - Who's That With Barry And Glenda..?Truly deduces sinister activities - why else is Barry in the wood with a case?
7:30pm
(repeat)
The Dog Ate My Homework
Series 5, Episode 11Iain Stirling is joined by child team captains Leon and Eve and special guests Saima Chowdhury, Rachel Stringer, Tom Craine and Ray Bradshaw.
7:30pm
(repeat)
8pm
(repeat)
dinnerladies
Series 2, Episode 1 - CateringIt's Friday 9th April 1999, the date to conceive a 'millennium baby'. Whilst Tony attempts to humour a rather dim-witted work-experience girl, Bren's main concern is having workmen in to paint the canteen without closing for the duration.
8pm
(repeat)
The Englishman Who Went Up A Hill But Came Down A Mountain
When the residents of a Welsh village learn that their "mountain" is just short of the required 1,000ft threshold, they plan to make it taller.
8:30pm30 min
Room 101
Series 7, Episode 8 - Bill Bailey, Una Stubbs, Alice LevineFrank Skinner hosts the comedy panel show. Bill Bailey, Una Stubbs and Alice Levine compete to have their pet hates and peeves consigned to Room 101. Topics include taramasalata, people who talk too loudly and drama cliches.
8:40pm
(repeat)
dinnerladies
Series 2, Episode 2 - TroubleJean's husband leaves her for a dental assistant in south Wales, and her colleagues feel the force of her frustration and anger. Meanwhile, Petula has a more-than-slightly surprising announcement to make.
9pm
(repeat)
Blackadder
A selection of episodes from the third series of the comic historic saga.
9pm
(repeat)
A League Of Their Own
Series 10, Highlights Special - Best BitsJames Corden reflects on the funniest moments, the wackiest challenges and the best gags of Series 10 in a special highlights episode of the hit comedy and entertainment show.
9pm
(repeat)
Jason Manford Live
TV broadcast of Jason Manford's return to the stage with his 2011 live tour, recorded at the MEN Arena.
9pm30 min
9pm
(repeat)
Paul
Sci-fi comedy starring Nick Frost and Simon Pegg as friends who chance upon an alien whilst travelling across the US.
9:20pm
(repeat)
The Vicar Of Dibley
Series 2, Christmas Special - EngagementAlice is concerned. She and Hugo mightn't have been romantically linked for long, but she's known him for 26 years and they've still never kissed - is she so unattractive? When the inevitable eventually happens, David is far from pleased, and Hugo has an important decision to make.
10pm
(repeat)
Jimmy Carr: Making People Laugh
Television broadcast of Jimmy Carr's sixth stand-up DVD.
10pm
(repeat)
QI
Series O, Episode 2 - OrganismsSandi Toksvig looks at multiple Organisms. Where else are you going to meet the world's deadliest hunter, a photographer hidden inside an ox, and a juggling otter, all in the same room? With Nish Kumar, Cariad Lloyd and Holly Walsh.
10pm
(repeat)
Dara O Briain's Go 8 Bit
Series 3, Episode 5Broadcaster Jonathan Ross and comedian Suzi Ruffell join host Dara O Briain, Games Expert Ellie Gibson and team captains Steve McNeil and Sam Pamphilon to play five video games: Final Fight, Aladdin, Titan Fall 2, Totally Accurate Battle Simulator and special endgame Do You Rally Want To Hurt Me?, in a bid to become this week's Go 8 Bit Champions.
10pm
(repeat)
In And Out Of The Kitchen
Series 3, Episode 3 - The After-DinnerDamien's mother comes to stay unexpectedly and soon sets about reordering the house, thereby forcing Damien to seek respite away by taking on an after-dinner speaking engagement.
10pm65 min
The Last Leg
Series 13, Episode 8The boys round up all the action from the Winter Paralympics in South Korea. This edition's special guests include Cuba Gooding Jr. and Claudia Winkleman live in the studio.
10:05pm
(repeat)
The Vicar Of Dibley
2006/2007 Specials, New Year Special - The Vicar In WhiteThe date of the wedding is fast approaching, and the Vicar's delighted to be attending in a dress rather than a dog collar. However, the villagers decide that their gift to the happy couple will be to organise everything for them - something Geri was actually rather looking forward to, thank you!
10:30pm
(repeat)
Ian D Montfort Is: Unbelievable
Episode 4Former EastEnders actor and King Of The Jungle, Joe Swash, has his palm read.
10:35pm
The Young Offenders
Series 1, Episode 6Facing a dilemma, Siobhán makes a plan with Linda to meet the lads on a bus. An unexpected intervention by local bully Billy Murphy leads to an accidental wild bus ride around Cork, ultimately bringing everyone closer together.
11pm
(repeat)
The Catherine Tate Show
Series 3, Episode 3Derek Faye meets Bonnie Langford, Lauren receives a proposal, Nan has a new neighbour from upstairs and Bernie's brothers and sisters from Ireland come for a visit.
11pm
(repeat)
Greatest Celebrity Wind-Ups Ever!
Joe Pasquale narrates a selection of clips from TV shows in which celebrities are pranked.
11pm
(repeat)
11pm
(repeat)
Listen Against
Series 2, Episode 4Jon Holmes reports from the Blue Peter garden where Steve Wright is being put into hibernation; Alice Arnold reports on how BBC radio covered the end of the world; Gardeners' Question Time answers questions about pubic lice; Thought For The Day comes from a satanist; and more.
11pm
(repeat)
The Russell Howard Hour
Series 1, Episode 10Join Russell as he mocks the madness of the news and talks charity with Manchester United star Juan Mata. Stand-up from Julian Deane.
11:15pm
(repeat)
Smack The Pony
Series 3, Episode 5Briony is looking for 'the one before The One'. A woman goes on an unnecessary trip to an STD clinic. Abattoir cheerleaders. And a frantic hunt for Alice the unruly hawk.
11:30pm
(repeat)
Chain Reaction
Series 3, Episode 5 - John Hegley interviews Jack DeeThe tag team talk show continues with previous week's guest John Hegley grabbing the microphone to interview the comedian Jack Dee.
11:40pm
(repeat)
The Catherine Tate Show
Series 3, Episode 4Gingers For Justice take to the rooftops, Lauren causes trouble in science class and The Aga Saga Woman and her children are terrified when a mechanic brings over a courtesy car whilst her Land Rover is being repaired.
11:40pm
(repeat)
Would I Lie To You?
Series 9, Episode 5This week the guests are Clare Balding OBE, Rhod Gilbert, Nick Grimshaw and Rob Delaney.
11:50pm
(repeat)
Smack The Pony
Series 3, Episode 6A rather dubious diabetic goes into shock at a petrol station. One woman's boyfriend gives us a lesson in how not to say goodbye at the airport. And just how do you have sex on a waterbed?
Midnight
(repeat)
8 Out Of 10 Cats
Series 16, Episode 9Jack Dee, Claudia Winkleman, Josh Widdicombe and Trevor Noah are the guests booked this week.
12:20am
(repeat)
Mock The Week
Series 14, Episode 11Rob Beckett, Ed Byrne, Milton Jones, Ed Gamble and Holly Walsh are the guests this week.
12:50am
(repeat)
Minder
Series 7, Episode 1 - It's A Sorry Lorry MorrieTerry leaves his fingerprints on a stolen lorry while doing a job for Arthur.
1am
(repeat)
1:10am
(repeat)
8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown
Series 11 (Channel 4: Series 12), Episode 5Jimmy Carr hosts a new edition of the irreverent take on the classic letters and numbers quiz. Jon Richardson and David Mitchell take on guest captain Joe Wilkinson and Roisin Conaty. Tom Allen joins Susie Dent in Dictionary Corner, while Rachel Riley looks after the numbers and letters.
1:35am
(repeat)
Men Behaving Badly
Series 5, Episode 5 - CardiganGary feels middle-aged when Deborah starts hanging out with her new student friends. Then, to cap it all, he gets mistaken for George at the office.
1:35am
(repeat)
Would I Lie To You?
Series 9, Episode 6This week the guests joining Lee Mack and David Mitchell are Richard Hammond, Sean Lock, Judy Murray and Trevor Noah.
2am
(repeat)
8 Out Of 10 Cats
Series 20, Episode 10In this show, Aisling is joined by Joel Dommett and James Acaster, while Rob teams up with Joe Swash and Roisin Conaty, to discuss their most memorable moments from school.
2:10am
(repeat)
Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow
Series 2, Episode 3 - BlackpoolMichael McIntyre continues his Comedy Roadshow with a visit to the Grand Theatre in Blackpool. Headlining is Liverpudlian comic John Bishop with guest turns from Justin Moorhouse, Miles Jupp and Terry Alderton.
2:10am
(repeat)
Mock The Week
Series 14, Highlights SpecialDara presents a special end of series show featuring hilarious new material, out-takes and favourite bits.
2:50am
(repeat)
On The Buses
Series 3, Episode 10 - The New UniformsStan and Jack try the new uniforms out, but they have an unforeseen effect on the opposite sex.
2:55am
(repeat)
The Last Leg
Series 13, Episode 8The boys round up all the action from the Winter Paralympics in South Korea. This edition's special guests include Cuba Gooding Jr. and Claudia Winkleman live in the studio.
3am
(repeat)
Stella
Series 3, Episode 10With a fresh start in Chichester on the cards, will Michael see the error of his ways before it's too late?
3am
(repeat)
Jimmy Carr: Making People Laugh
Television broadcast of Jimmy Carr's sixth stand-up DVD.
3:10am
(repeat)
8 Out Of 10 Cats
Series 16, Episode 2Sean and Jon are joined in their quest to uncover the public's most popular taking points by guests Richard Hammond, Carol Vorderman, Paul Foot and Matt Forde.
3:20am
(repeat)
On The Buses
Series 3, Episode 11 - Going SteadyStan has been going steady with Sally. There's only one snag: she's Blakey's niece.
3:30am
(repeat)
Harry Hill's TV Burp
Series 9, Episode 5This week's episode featured Jimmy Doherty saying you can't crack an egg in your hand, Martin Hughes-Games not making his mind up about whether he needs glasses on Autumnwatch and a postman who's fallen asleep.
3:30am
(repeat)
3:45am
(repeat)
Rising Damp
A selection of episodes from the second series of ITV's most successful sitcom.
4am
(repeat)
The Motion Show
Series 2, Episode 3Dr Phil Hammond watches over proceedings in the quirky debating game, with guests Tony Hawks, Simon Fanshawe, Steve Punt and Arthur Smith.
5am
(repeat)
The Emerald Green Show
Episode 2, Cut: Emerald's illusions of glamour and fame are shattered when she meets her TV producer.
5:30am
(repeat)
Outside Edge
Series 1, Episode 2Maggie and Mim get on like a house on fire and it looks like the start of a great new friendship. Maggie has other things to contend with, however, as Dennis - the team 'wolf in wimp's clothing' - tries his hand at chatting her up...
5:30am
(repeat)
In And Out Of The Kitchen
Series 3, Episode 3 - The After-DinnerDamien's mother comes to stay unexpectedly and soon sets about reordering the house, thereby forcing Damien to seek respite away by taking on an after-dinner speaking engagement.