Pick of the Day: Radio

RADIO 4 LOVES to tackle big questions in the time it takes most people to think about a crossword clue. Geoff Watts has been given four episodes to assess the universe's most complicated subject in Behind the Brain (9pm R4). Today he deals with consciousness; the most depressing theory put forward is the idea of "15 seconds of fame" - functions continually competing to gain the upper hand. A bit like improv night at the Comedy Store.

Angus Deayton's History of Alternative Comedy (11pm R4) is an offshoot of the BBC TV series. Hosted by Deayton (right), it's essential if you don't have a telly or you can't stand the sight of entertainment's top brass in their curly-haired days.

Dominic Cavendish