Podcasts by Desert Island Discs: Archive 1986-1991

Keith Floyd from 1990-12-30T11:15

The castaway in Desert Island Discs this week is television cook Keith Floyd. Renowned for his garrulous charm as much as for his culinary expertise, he'll be describing the chronicle of failure...

Brian Keenan from 1990-12-23T11:15

Last August the world rejoiced at the liberation of a man who, to all intents and purposes, had vanished from its face more than four years previously. A pale and gaunt Brian Keenan emerged from...

Sir Eduardo Paolozzi from 1990-12-02T11:15

The castaway in Desert Island Discs this week is one of the great European artists of today - Eduardo Paolozzi. One of his positions is Her Majesty's Sculptor In-ordinary for Scotland - a post r...

Baroness Trumpington from 1990-11-25T11:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs rejoices in the title of the Baroness Trumpington of Sandwich in the County of Kent.

A tireless campaigner on myriad issues, she brings to ...

Elisabeth Welch from 1990-11-18T11:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is the black American singer Elisabeth Welch, who, in a career spanning 60 years, made famous such songs as Love For Sale, Soloman and Stormy Weat...

Rt Hon Barbara Castle from 1990-11-11T11:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is the Baroness Castle of Blackburn - better known to most people as Barbara Castle. For 34 years she served as the Labour member for the constitu...

Lord Annan from 1990-11-04T11:15

The castaway in Desert Island Discs this week is a man who, among many other achievements, gave his name to a famous report in the 1970s on the future of broadcasting - Lord Annan. He'll be talk...

Nicholas Snowman from 1990-10-28T11:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is the General Director of the South Bank, Nicholas Snowman. Very much a man of the arts, and a determined apostle of all things new, he founded t...

Ernie Wise from 1990-10-21T10:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is comedian Ernie Wise. Since Eric Morecambe's death six years ago, Ernie has had to carve out a show business career on his own, and he'll be tal...

Clive Jenkins from 1990-10-14T10:15

The castaway in Desert Island Discs this week is one of the most colourful and controversial members of Britain's trade union movement. He is the former General-Secretary of The Association of S...

John Thaw from 1990-10-07T10:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is an actor who rose to fame by portraying two rather different sorts of policemen on the nation's television screens. John Thaw, though a versati...

Gary Lineker from 1990-09-30T10:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is the captain of the England football team Gary Lineker. Apprenticed to Leicester City at the age of 16, he turned professional at 18, then went ...

Barbara Windsor from 1990-09-23T10:15

This week's Desert Island Discs castaway is the effervescent actress Barbara Windsor. She'll be talking to Sue Lawley about her early life in London's East End, the Carry On films for which she ...

Dr Ruth Westheimer from 1990-09-16T10:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is sex therapist Dr Ruth Westheimer.

Born in Germany in the late 1920s, her Jewish family sent her out of the country as the Nazis rose to p...

Lord Charteris from 1990-09-09T10:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is a pillar of the British Establishment, Lord Charteris of Amisfield.

Educated at Eton and Sandhurst, he became, at the age of 36, Private ...

Robin Knox-Johnston from 1990-09-02T10:15

The Desert Island Discs guest this week is someone who should be particularly suited to castaway life - Robin Knox-Johnston was the first man to sail single-handedly non-stop around the world. S...

Jean Rook from 1990-07-15T10:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs claims to be the highest-paid woman journalist in Britain - one of a disappearing species. The star columnist Jean Rook has shared her life for ei...

Peter Jonas from 1990-07-08T10:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is the General Director of the English National Opera Peter Jonas. He'll be talking to Sue Lawley about his teenage ambition to run a great opera ...

Kaffe Fassett from 1990-07-01T10:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is the man who can be credited with having made knitting glamorous. Designer and knitter Kaffe Fassett will be talking to Sue Lawley about the ins...

George Carman QC from 1990-06-24T10:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is one of the country's most expensive and sought-after barristers - George Carman QC. A virtuoso of the courtroom, he has made his name successfu...

Harold Fielding from 1990-06-17T10:15

The castaway in Desert Island Discs this week is theatrical impresario Harold Fielding. The name behind a dazzling array of hit musicals like Half A Sixpence, Charlie Girl, Sweet Charity and Bar...

Maeve Binchy from 1990-06-10T10:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is novelist Maeve Binchy. During her Catholic childhood in a small Irish village, she nurtured an ambition, not just to lead a life of religious d...

Ken Dodd from 1990-06-03T10:15

Tickling sticks, diddy men, Knotty Ash - all these can mean but one thing: that this week's Desert Island Discs castaway is comedian Ken Dodd. Though his professional debut took place some 36 ye...

Rt Hon David Blunkett MP from 1990-05-27T10:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is a politician. Elected to Sheffield City Council at the age of 22, he went on to become its leader for seven years, after which he made the smoo...

Jonathan Pryce from 1990-05-20T10:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is actor Jonathan Pryce. Since the early 1970s, he has taken on many guises and received many plaudits. He was called the new Brando when he appea...

Molly Keane from 1990-05-13T10:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is one of the most highly acclaimed writers of today. The author of Good Behaviour, Time After Time and Loving and Giving, she began writing in th...

Prue Leith from 1990-05-06T10:15

The castaway in Desert Island Discs this week is Prue Leith, professional cook, restaurateur and, most recently, mass caterer, with a brasserie in Hyde Park and cream teas in Hampton Court. She'...

June Whitfield from 1990-04-29T10:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is one of the most familiar and best-loved figures of British comedy over the last 40 years - June Whitfield. Whether as Eth, with her boyfriend R...

Mary Wesley from 1990-04-22T10:15

This week's Desert Island Discs castaway is novelist Mary Wesley. Although she has written poetry and prose throughout her life, it was not until she was a widow in her 70s, struggling to make e...

Sir Crispin Tickell from 1990-04-15T10:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is Sir Crispin Tickell, Britain's Ambassador to the United Nations. As well as being an ambassador, he is also a passionate meteorologist and cons...

Rt Hon John Biffen MP from 1990-03-25T10:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is the Rt Hon John Biffen MP. One of the most popular men at Westminster and a dedicated parliamentarian, he will be talking to Sue Lawley about h...

Richard Rogers from 1990-03-18T11:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is one of Britain's leading and most controversial architects Richard Rogers. He'll be talking to Sue Lawley about two of his most celebrated desi...

Professor Sir George Porter from 1990-03-11T11:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is scientist Professor Sir George Porter. Currently President of the Royal Society, he'll be talking to Sue Lawley about his route from the local ...

Sir Ian Trethowan from 1990-03-04T11:15

This week's Desert Island Discs castaway is Sir Ian Trethowan. He'll be talking to Sue Lawley about his days as a copy boy earning 27/6d on the Daily Sketch, his early journalistic career, his t...

John Sessions from 1990-02-25T11:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is, by his own account, very difficult to classify - his talents span comedy, writing, acting and improvisation. He has appeared in the television...

John Pilger from 1990-02-18T11:15

The castaway in Desert Island Discs this week is the journalist John Pilger. He'll be talking to Sue Lawley about his arrival in this country from Australia 28 years ago, and how he went on to b...

Michael Tilson Thomas from 1990-02-11T11:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is the American conductor and virtuoso Michael Tilson Thomas. As well as being an internationally recognised musician, his passion for music and h...

Sarah Miles from 1990-02-04T11:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is the actress Sarah Miles. Discovered at the tender age of 18 by Sir Laurence Olivier, and picked by him to play opposite him in Term of Trial, s...

Lord Weidenfeld from 1990-01-28T11:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is a publisher; a man who came to this country 52 years ago with a 16/6d postal order in his pocket and very poor English. Over half a century lat...

Sir Robin Day from 1990-01-21T11:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is Sir Robin Day. He'll be talking to Sue Lawley about going with his father to hear Churchill speak at a political rally when he was a boy, recal...

John Peel from 1990-01-14T11:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is Radio 1 disc jockey John Peel. For over 20 years the guru of pop fans, he'll be talking to Sue Lawley about his life at public school, his work...

Dennis Skinner from 1990-01-07T11:15

This week's castaway is Dennis Skinner MP. Recently described as the backbenchers' backbencher, he'll be talking to Sue Lawley about Parliament and politics and choosing eight records to accompa...

Dirk Bogarde from 1989-12-31T11:15

In this week's edition of Desert Island Discs the castaway is film actor and writer Dirk Bogarde. Among many other things, he'll be talking to Sue Lawley about why life as a national heart-throb...

HRH The Duchess of Kent from 1989-12-24T12:15

The castaway in this week's edition of Desert Island Discs is Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent. After a lifelong devotion to music, she will be whittling down her choice of eight records w...

Pauline Collins from 1989-12-17T11:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is actress Pauline Collins. As someone who has been entertaining television audiences for over twenty years in popular series like Emergency Ward ...

Rt. Hon. Nigel Lawson from 1989-12-03T11:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is the former Chancellor of the Exchequer Nigel Lawson. He'll be talking to Sue Lawley about his boyhood and his memories of university life, as w...

Lady Mosley from 1989-11-26T11:15

This episode of Desert Island Discs exists for reference, as part of the most complete possible archive resource of programmes from the long-running series, and was broadcast in 1989. The castaw...

Seamus Heaney from 1989-11-19T11:15

This week's Desert Island Discs castaway is Seamus Heaney, a Catholic Ulsterman who has been acclaimed by many as the best Irish poet since Yeats. He was recently elected Oxford Professor of Poe...

Michael Codron from 1989-11-12T11:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is theatrical producer Michael Codron. During the 30 years he has been in the business, some of Britain's most eminent modern playwrights - John M...

Ian Botham from 1989-11-05T11:15

If you were told that this week's Desert Island Discs castaway took ballet lessons as a child, was a moderately angelic choirboy and now plays golf, badminton and cricket, as well as walking lon...

Colin Thubron from 1989-10-22T10:15

The castaway on this week's Desert Island Discs is novelist and travel writer Colin Thubron. Author of books on the Middle East, China and Russia, he will be divulging to Sue Lawley some of the ...

Alan Plater from 1989-10-15T10:15

This week's Desert Island Discs castaway is playwright Alan Plater. He has been writing plays for radio, television, theatre and cinema since the early 1960s, having served his apprenticeship on...

Jack Lemmon from 1989-10-08T10:15

This week's Desert Island Discs castaway is veteran actor Jack Lemmon. With nearly 50 films to his name, including comedy classics like The Odd Couple and Some Like It Hot, as well as more serio...

Lucinda Lambton from 1989-10-01T10:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is a woman of many passions - passions for places, people and the past. She is photographer Lucinda Lambton, and she'll be sharing her love of the...

John Ogdon from 1989-09-24T10:15

This week's Desert Island Discs will be a form of tribute to the pianist John Ogdon, who died last month.

In the programme, you can hear about his early musical life and his enormous succe...

Penelope Lively from 1989-09-17T10:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is one of Britain's leading writers, Penelope Lively. Author of eight novels, two of which were shortlisted for the Booker Prize and one which won...

Eric Clapton from 1989-09-10T10:15

The castaway on this week's Desert Island Discs is one of the legendary figures of the British rock music scene - guitarist Eric Clapton. Once known, blasphemously, as 'God', with prolific graff...

Dame Vera Lynn from 1989-09-03T10:15

As part of Radio 4's commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the outbreak of the Second World War, the castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs will be Dame Vera Lynn.

She'll be talkin...

Sir Thomas Armstrong from 1989-07-16T10:15

This week's castaway is Sir Thomas Armstrong, formerly Principal of the Royal Academy of Music, and now 91 years old. He'll be talking to Sue Lawley about his many years of teaching and performi...

Ned Sherrin from 1989-07-09T10:15

This week's Desert Island Discs castaway is something of a show business all-rounder - the moving spirit behind BBC TV's That Was the Week That Was, director of the musical Side by Side by Sondh...

Mark McCormack from 1989-07-02T10:15

This week's Desert Island Discs castaway is the man who, as well as transforming Wimbledon into a multi-million pound industry, manages the professional lives of some of the biggest Wimbledon na...

Joan Collins from 1989-06-25T10:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is someone who, over the last seven years, has become a superstar of the small screen, playing the venomous Alexis Carrington in the television so...

Maria Aitken from 1989-06-18T10:15

This week's Desert Island Discs castaway is actress Maria Aitken, who will be talking to Sue Lawley about her current reputation as the finest exponent of Noel Coward's leading ladies and her fi...

Jonathon Porritt from 1989-06-11T10:15

This week's Desert Island Discs castaway is Director of Friends of the Earth Jonathon Porritt. He'll be talking to Sue Lawley about his passionate commitment to the preservation of the planet, a...

Richard Branson from 1989-06-04T10:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is ideally suited to speculate on the pleasures and perils of island life, owning, as he does, his own island. He's Richard Branson, tycoon and en...

Sir Nicholas Henderson from 1989-05-28T10:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is one of the country's leading former diplomats, Sir Nicholas Henderson. He has served in Britain's embassies all over the world - including Pola...

Katharine Hamnett from 1989-05-21T10:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is one of Britain's most successful fashion designers - Katharine Hamnett.

She started in the business 10 years ago with a £500 loan, and no...

Thora Hird from 1989-05-14T10:15

This week's Desert Island Discs castaway is one of Britain's greatest and best-loved character actresses, Thora Hird. She'll be talking to Sue Lawley about her lifelong involvement with the thea...

Lenny Henry from 1989-05-07T10:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is one of Britain's most popular comedians, Lenny Henry. His talent emerged at the age of 16, when he was one of the star turns on New Faces, and ...

Lady Redgrave from 1989-04-30T10:15

This week's Desert Island Discs castaway is someone who now sits at the head of one of this country's most famous theatrical dynasties - the remarkable Redgraves. But Lady Redgrave, as Rachel Ke...

Miriam Rothschild from 1989-04-23T10:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is biologist and conservationist Miriam Rothschild. She'll be talking to Sue Lawley about her lifelong fascination with all forms of natural life,...

Lord Roy Jenkins from 1989-04-16T10:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is Lord Jenkins of Hillhead - formerly Roy Jenkins.

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Di...

Leslie Grantham from 1989-04-09T10:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is an actor who rose to fame on the nation's television screens as the landlord in the BBC television series Eastenders - the volatile and villain...

Sir Stephen Spender from 1989-04-02T10:15

In this week's Desert Island Discs, one of the most eminent English poets of this century, Sir Stephen Spender, talks to Sue Lawley about his radical and often flamboyant past, and his friendshi...

Gerald Scarfe from 1989-03-12T11:15

Sue Lawley's castaway in Desert Island Discs this week is the satirical cartoonist Gerald Scarfe. Renowned for his grotesquely exaggerated portrayals of political figures and issues, he will be ...

Dame Josephine Barnes from 1989-03-05T11:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is Dame Josephine Barnes, who, ten years ago, was the first woman to become President of the British Medical Association. She'll be talking to Sue...

David Hare from 1989-02-26T11:15

This week's Desert Island Discs castaway is the playwright and theatre director David Hare - a man who has made his name with plays like Pravda, Plenty, Lickin' Hitler and, most recently, The Se...

Enoch Powell from 1989-02-19T11:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is the Rt Hon Enoch Powell - politician, poet and classical scholar. He'll be looking back on some of the incidents and issues which have made him...

Jeffrey Tate from 1989-02-12T11:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is Jeffrey Tate, principal conductor of the English Chamber Orchestra and the Royal Opera House, and chief guest conductor of the Geneva Opera. Un...

Rocco Forte from 1989-02-05T11:15

Sue Lawley's castaway this week is the chief executive of Britain's largest hotel and catering chain, an empire which extends from motorway cafes to the grandest hotels in London and Paris. He i...

Joan Armatrading from 1989-01-29T11:15

This week's castaway on the mythical desert island is someone who welcomes the isolation her exile can offer - she is singer and songwriter Joan Armatrading. An intensely shy and private person,...

Boy George from 1989-01-22T11:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is someone who has experienced the delights of international stardom and acclaim, and the misery of failure when his fame turned sour and his popu...

Tony Benn from 1989-01-15T11:15

Sue Lawley's castaway on Desert Island Discs this week is the Rt Hon Tony Benn MP.

He'll be discussing his long and turbulent career as one of this country's most eloquent socialists - he...

Twiggy from 1989-01-08T11:15

Sue Lawley's castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is someone who's face graced the covers of fashion magazines the world over more than 20 years ago when she was still a teenager.

T...

Most Rev Robert Runcie from 1989-01-01T11:15

The first castaway of 1989 in this week's Desert Island Discs is one of Britain's most senior church leaders - the Most Reverend Robert Runcie, the 102nd Archbishop of Canterbury. He'll be talki...

Edward Heath from 1988-12-18T11:15

Sue Lawley's castaway this week is a man who has, at times, endured a different isolation from that imposed by the mythical island. But along with his frequently turbulent political career, he h...

Charles Dance from 1988-12-11T11:15

This week's Desert Island Discs castaway is actor Charles Dance. A man once termed "the thinking woman's crumpet", it's a description he doesn't take too seriously. But he'll be talking to Sue L...

Lady Warnock from 1988-12-04T11:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is a philosopher, academic and mistress of Girton College, Cambridge; but Lady Mary Warnock is perhaps best known for her work in the public arena...

Stephen Fry from 1988-11-27T11:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is a man who prefers to shun any sort of label, but has already attracted quite a number of them - writer, actor, raconteur, wit - but it is as a ...

Bob Champion from 1988-11-20T11:15

Sue Lawley's castaway in Desert Island Discs this week is jockey Bob Champion - a man who, against all the odds, fought back after he was diagnosed as having cancer to win one of the most covete...

Bob Hoskins from 1988-11-13T11:15

The castaway on this week's Desert Island Discs is a man who has reached the top of his profession through a fantastically varied number of routes - steeplejack, trainee accountant, circus fire-...

Sir Claus Moser from 1988-11-06T11:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is a man of quite extraordinary diversity. Now Warden of Wadham College, Oxford, his other jobs have included chairing the Board of the Royal Oper...

Germaine Greer from 1988-10-30T11:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is a writer and academic who's most renowned for her views on women, sex and human relations. She's Germaine Greer - someone who's often described...

Rt. Hon. Michael Foot from 1988-10-23T11:15

The castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is a man who has been described as "the nicest Prime Minister we never had". He may never have made it as Prime Minister, but Michael Foot has had...

Cilla Black from 1988-10-16T10:15

This week's castaway on Desert Island Discs reveals her three remaining burning ambitions in life: to make a number-one record, to become a grandmother and to be treated as a real sex symbol - a...

Terry Wogan from 1988-10-09T10:15

Shy, lazy, self-effacing: this is the way this week's castaway on Desert Island Discs describes himself to Sue Lawley. So how come he ventured to the Radio Show at Earl's Court to choose his eig...

Athene Seyler from 1988-10-02T10:15

Sue Lawley's castaway in this week's Desert Island Discs is the actress Athene Seyler. She first appeared on the stage 80 years ago as Rosalind in As You Like It - a part she can still recite - ...

Bishop Trevor Huddleston from 1988-09-25T10:15

The castaway on this week's Desert Island Discs is a monk, a man at peace with solitude, but whose life has been spent fighting the cause of the oppressed and dispossessed, from South Africa to ...

Salman Rushdie from 1988-09-18T11:15

This week's castaway on Desert Island Discs is one of the most prominent novelists in the English language today. Author of the prize-winning novel Midnight's Children and weaver of magic yarns ...

Peter Donohoe from 1988-09-11T10:15

Sue Lawley's castaway is pianist Peter Donohoe.

Favourite track: String Quintet In C Major by Franz Schubert Book: Collected Scripts by Billy Connolly Luxury: Waterbed

Alfred Wainwright from 1988-09-04T10:15

For people who enjoy walking on the Cumbrian fells there's one indispensable companion. It's a Wainwright; a small guidebook, mapped, written and illustrated by Alfred Wainwright, who's Sue Lawl...

Anita Dobson from 1988-08-28T10:15

Sue Lawley's castaway is actress Anita Dobson.

Favourite track: The Locomotion by Little Eva Book: The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde Luxury: Bed

Lord Dacre of Glanton (Hugh Trevor-Roper) from 1988-08-21T10:15

Sue Lawley's castaway is historian Lord Dacre Of Glanton.

Favourite track: Pavane For A Dead Infanta by Maurice Ravel Book: The collected works by Virgil Luxury: Paper, pen and ink

Patricia Neal from 1988-08-14T10:15

Sue Lawley's castaway is actress Patricia Neal.

Favourite track: Black Is The Colour by Joan Baez Book: A collection of short stories Luxury: Toothbrush and toothpaste

Reverend Ian Paisley from 1988-08-07T10:15

Sue Lawley's castaway is Northern Ireland MP/MEP Reverend Ian Paisley.

Favourite track: The Twenty-Third Psalm by The Reformed Presbyterian Church Of Ireland Northern Presbytery Choir Book...

Joan Turner from 1988-07-31T10:15

Sue Lawley's castaway is comedian Joan Turner.

Favourite track: One Fine Day by Giacomo Puccini Book: Introduction to the Devout Life by St Francis de Sales Luxury: Baked beans

Lord Armstrong from 1988-07-24T10:15

Sue Lawley's castaway is former Cabinet Secretary Lord Armstrong.

Favourite track: Piano Trio In D Minor by Felix Mendelssohn Book: The collected works by Jane Austen Luxury: Music manuscr...

Dame Edna Everage from 1988-07-17T10:15

Sue Lawley's castaway is comedian Dame Edna Everage.

Favourite track: I Feel Pretty by Kiri Te Kanawa Book: Filofax Luxury: Madge Allsop

David Essex from 1988-07-10T10:15

This week's castaway on Sue Lawley's desert island is a little difficult to categorise. To the record-buying public, he's a pop star of durable quality; to the theatregoers who like musicals, he...

David Owen from 1988-07-03T10:15

To celebrate his 50th birthday this week, David Owen, leader of the Social Democratic Party, has rather rashly agreed to be castaway on Sue Lawley's desert island! It might not be the most relax...

Jeremy Isaacs from 1988-06-26T10:15

Having left television to become General Director Designate of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Jeremy Isaacs this week contemplates another change of direction - to the mythical island. In...

Gwen Ffrangcon-Davies from 1988-06-19T10:15

At 97, the actress Gwen Ffrangcon-Davies reflects with interest on the prospect of being castaway and, in conversation with Sue Lawley, looks back over her long career. With a head well-stocked ...

Rt. Hon. Douglas Hurd from 1988-06-12T10:15

Sue Lawley's castaway is Home Office Minister Douglas Hurd.

Favourite track: In Paradisum by Gabriel Fauré Book: The Oxford Book of Twentieth-Century Verse (selected by Philip Larkin) Luxu...

Anton Mosimann from 1988-06-05T10:15

This week's castaway is Anton Mosimann - until recently, Maitre Chef des Cuisines at the Dorchester Hotel in London. In conversation with Sue Lawley, he reflects on his life and the new developm...

Rabbi Lionel Blue from 1988-05-29T10:15

Sue Lawley's castaway is Rabbi Lionel Blue.

Favourite track: Why Has A Cow Got Four Legs? by Cicely Courtneidge & Wilson Hallett Book: The biggest value of pure maths Luxury: Toilet ba...

Anita Roddick from 1988-05-27T18:14

When Anita Roddick opened the Brighton Body Shop in 1976, she struck gold with a formula to knock the mystique out of the beauty business. She talks to Sue Lawley about the effects of success on...

Rowan Atkinson from 1988-05-15T10:15

Sue Lawley's castaway this week is the comedy actor Rowan Atkinson who features in the Blackadder saga. An episode of the series was the BBC's entry for this year's Golden Rose of Montreux Telev...

Peggy Makins from 1988-05-08T10:15

The castaway this week is Peggy Makins, better known as Evelyn Home, long-time agony aunt of Woman magazine. In conversation with Sue Lawley, she looks back on her life and career and also choos...

Neil Kinnock from 1988-05-01T10:15

Sue Lawley's castaway is leader of the Labour Party Neil Kinnock.

Favourite track: Horace the Horse by Rachel Kinnock Book: Essays on Equality by R H Tawney Luxury: Radio 4

Michael Gambon from 1988-04-24T10:15

The castaway this week is the actor Michael Gambon, who last year won the BAFTA award for best actor for his portrayal of the lead role in The Singing Detective. In conversation with Sue Lawley,...

Mary Archer from 1988-04-17T10:15

This week's castaway, Mary Archer, admits to being basically a private person, happy to find refuge in her work as a scientist and in her love of music. In conversation with Sue Lawley, she look...

Arthur Scargill from 1988-04-10T10:15

This week, Sue Lawley casts away Arthur Scargill, the President of the National Union of Mineworkers, who admits to being orderly in his everyday life, and that he would devise a plan to enable ...

Jane Asher from 1988-04-03T10:15

Sue Lawley's castaway is actress Jane Asher.

Favourite track: The Ode To Joy (Symphony No 9) by Ludwig van Beethoven Book: Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy Luxury: Hot bath with e...

Quintin Hogg from 1988-03-27T10:15

"I would have looked forward with a great deal more relish when I was 50 and more able to look after myself, but I think I can manage". So says Lord Hailsham of St Marylebone in reply to Sue Law...

Brendan Foster from 1988-03-13T12:15

In the 1970s, Brendon Foster was our most outstandingly consistent athlete, breaking world records and winning European and Commonwealth titles. He has also promoted Gateshead as an internationa...

James Burke from 1988-03-06T12:15

The castaway this week is James Burke, whose broadcasting style has been described as "turning science into show-biz". But, paradoxically, he admits to being immensely impractical and reveals to...

Stephanie Beacham from 1988-02-28T12:15

Until recently, the actress Stephanie Beacham played the glamorous 'rich bitch' Sable in the American soap opera The Colbys. She has also appeared in the television saga Tenko. She's now returne...

Dennis Potter from 1988-02-21T12:15

This week’s castaway is the playwright Dennis Potter. Best known for his television series Pennies from Heaven and The Singing Detective, Potter worked as a journalist and television critic befo...

William Davis from 1988-02-14T12:15

This week’s castaway is the author, columnist and broadcaster William Davis. The former editor of Punch started his career as a financial journalist and his many roles have included working for ...

Margaret Kelly - Miss Bluebell from 1988-02-07T12:15

This week’s castaway is the dancer and founder of the Bluebell Girls dance troupe, Margaret Kelly. An orphan born in Dublin, she started a career as a dancer at the age of twelve. As a teenager ...

Gemma Craven from 1988-01-24T12:15

Gemma Craven is one of our most versatile actresses. An award winning stage performer, she made her film debut opposite Richard Chamberlain in The Slipper and the Rose. On television her work ha...

Rt. Hon. Michael Heseltine from 1988-01-17T12:15

The Right Honourable Michael Heseltine MP is often described as one of the new breed of Tory politicians and was widely tipped to be the next leader of the party. But that all changed dramatical...

Adele Leigh from 1988-01-10T12:15

Of Adele Leigh, a critic once said that she put paid to the myth that to be good, a soprano had to look like a Hoffnung cartoon. The youngest principal of the Royal Opera House Covent Garden whe...

Lew Grade from 1987-12-13T12:15

Lew Grade has been at the centre of British show business for more than 50 years. Now into his 80s, he still has a dominant role as film and television mogul. In conversation with Michael Parkin...

Antony Sher from 1987-12-06T12:15

The actor Anthony Sher became well-known to television audiences when he took the lead in The History Man and has established a special talent for Shakespeare, in particular Richard the Third. I...

Vernon Scannell from 1987-11-29T12:15

Vernon Scannell's colourful career has included prize-fighting, a controversial spell in the Army, confinement to a mental institution for insisting on becoming a writer and a subsequent award o...

In memory of comedian and writer Barry Cryer from 1987-11-22T12:15

Barry Cryer is one of our best-known comedy writers who has, for 30 years, survived the quick-fire world that he sums up with the phrase "We don't want it good - we want it Monday". In conversat...

In memory of comedian and writer Barry Cryer from 1987-11-22T12:15

Barry Cryer is one of our best-known comedy writers who has, for 30 years, survived the quick-fire world that he sums up with the phrase "We don't want it good - we want it Monday". In conversation...

Robert Carrier from 1987-11-15T12:15

As a restaurateur, broadcaster and writer, Robert Carrier's name has become synonymous with good food. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he looks back on a 25 year career and chooses music...

Sue Lawley from 1987-11-08T12:15

Sue Lawley admits to being the kind of person whose tummy goes ping when she hears a certain tune and thinks "Ah yes, I remember that, it brings back lovely memories." In conversation with Micha...

Bamber Gascoigne from 1987-11-01T12:15

"My wife and I are great opera buffs" says Bamber Gascoigne, who became a household name when he first became the question master of BBC television's University Challenge some 25 years ago. In c...

Bernard Levin from 1987-10-25T12:15

"Music would be absolutely essential on my desert island" says Bernard Levin, "I don't know what my life would be without music". In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he looks back on his car...

Sir James Callaghan from 1987-10-18T11:15

Sir James Callaghan has the distinction of being the only politician to have held the four highest offices in the state. He was Chancellor of the Exchequer, Home Secretary and Foreign Secretary,...

Lord Killanin from 1987-10-11T11:15

Lord Killanin's career has embraced journalism, the Army, film-making and writing books. He was also, from 1972 to 1980, President of the International Olympic Committee. In conversation with Mi...

Lulu from 1987-10-04T11:15

The castaway this week is Lulu, who, in conversation with Michael Parkinson, recalls her upbringing in a Glasgow tenement and her subsequent career as a singer and actress. In choosing her eight...

Jacques Loussier from 1987-09-27T11:15

The pianist Jacques Loussier has won fame and fortune with a style that blends jazz with the music of J S Bach. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he looks back at a career of some 30 years...

Peter West from 1987-09-20T11:46

Peter West is one of our most versatile broadcasters; his television career has ranged from Come Dancing to specialist sports, particularly cricket. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he lo...

Joanna Lumley from 1987-09-13T11:15

"The music of Rossini came into my life very early", says actress Joanna Lumley, "I loved him because his music is so happy". In conversation with Michael Parkinson, she recalls her upbringing i...

Kitty Godfree from 1987-09-06T11:15

In the 1920s, Kitty Godfree established a list of sporting achievements that will never be surpassed: she won two Ladies' Championships at Wimbledon, won six Olympic medals playing tennis, she r...

Lord Montagu from 1987-08-30T11:15

"Music is one of my great passions" says Lord Montagu of Beaulieu, "my taste is wide-ranging; from Wagner to Jazz". In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he looks back on his career, focusing...

Edna O'Brien from 1987-08-23T11:15

The castaway this week is the Irish writer Edna O'Brien, whose first novel, The Country Girls, was published in 1960 to great acclaim. She's also become well-known for her appearances on radio a...

Susan George from 1987-08-16T11:15

The actress Susan George began her career as a child appearing in television plays and series; her subsequent film career stretches back some 20 years. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, sh...

Frances Edmonds from 1987-08-09T11:15

Frances Edmonds accompanied her husband Phil on two tours with the England cricket team and wrote books about the trips. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, she talks about the reaction she ...

Maya Angelou from 1987-08-02T11:15

Maya Angelou inherited her love of music from her grandmother, who used to sing to her as a child at the family home in the southern United States. The first volume of her autobiography, I Know ...

Kenneth Williams from 1987-07-26T11:15

The castaway this week is Kenneth Williams who, for 40 years, has occupied a unique place on stage, screen and radio. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he recalls his long career which has...

Elaine Paige from 1987-07-12T11:15

The castaway this week is the actress-singer Elaine Paige who, in conversation with Michael Parkinson, looks back on her career from her debut in the chorus of Hair, through the musicals Jesus C...

Robert Maxwell from 1987-07-05T10:15

Robert Maxwell was born in Czechoslovakia, the son of a peasant farmer. He arrived in Britain in September 1940, one of the remnants of the Czech Army that had escaped from occupied France. He s...

Terence Stamp from 1987-06-28T11:15

When he made his film debut in Billy Budd, Terence Stamp was described as "the most beautiful man in the world". His portrayal of Sergeant Troy in Far From the Madding Crowd brought him further ...

Frank Bough from 1987-04-26T11:15

Frank Bough has been described as "the most unassailable performer on British television". In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he looks back on his 25 years with the BBC, working on, amongst...

Michael Bogdanov from 1987-04-19T11:15

Michael Bogdanov's colourful, and sometimes controversial, career has included running a pub, a prosecution for his interpretation of Howard Brenton's Romans in Britain, associate directorship o...

Julian Critchley from 1987-04-12T10:15

Julian Critchley is the Conservative MP for Aldershot and he's also a journalist and writer. In conversation with Michael Parkinson he talks about his dual career and about his recreations, whic...

Anthony Andrews from 1987-04-05T11:15

The castaway this week is the actor Anthony Andrews who, in 1981, won international acclaim for his portrayal of the doomed Sebastian Flyte in the television production of Brideshead Revisited. ...

Peter Alliss from 1987-03-29T11:15

The castaway this week is the former Ryder Cup golfer Peter Alliss, who has become one of the game's best-known commentators. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his life and ...

David Penhaligon from 1987-03-22T12:15

A tribute to David Penhaligon, the Cornish Liberal MP who was killed in a road accident at the end of last year. In a conversation with Michael Parkinson recorded just a few weeks before his dea...

Dora Bryan from 1987-03-15T12:15

The castaway this week is the actress Dora Bryan whose career, spanning more than 50 years, has ranged from musicals to Shakespeare, review to restoration comedy and from farce to tragedy. In co...

Johnny Mathis from 1987-03-08T12:15

Johnny Mathis has been making very popular records for some 30 years. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he recalls his childhood in a poor part of San Francisco, his great success as an at...

Sir Nicholas Goodison from 1987-03-01T12:15

The castaway this week is the Chairman of the Stock Exchange Sir Nicholas Goodison. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he reflects on his career in the City and talks about his involvement ...

Ken Russell from 1987-02-22T12:15

Ken Russell has directed many films, including Women in Love, The Music Lovers, The Boyfriend and Gothic, his latest. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he recalls his childhood in Southamp...

Sir Michael Hordern from 1987-02-15T12:15

The castaway this week is Sir Michael Hordern who, in conversation with Michael Parkinson, recalls a distinguished acting career spanning 50 years. He also chooses the eight records he would tak...

Victoria Wood from 1987-02-08T12:15

Comedienne, musician and playwright are just three of the talents of Victoria Wood. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, she outlines her career to date from its humble beginnings with the Ro...

Peter Fluck&Roger Law from 1987-02-01T12:15

Peter Fluck and Roger Law are the creators of the successful satirical television series Spitting Image. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, they recall how they first met at art school in C...

Baroness (Sue) Ryder of Warsaw from 1987-01-25T12:15

The castaway this week is Baroness Ryder of Warsaw, who, in 1953, formed the Sue Ryder Foundation to provide homes and domiciliary care for the sick and disabled in many parts of the world. In c...

Jeremy Lloyd from 1987-01-18T12:15

As an actor, Jeremy Lloyd made his name playing the part of the archetypal English 'upper-class twit'. As a writer, his most recent success has been 'Allo 'Allo! In conversation with Michael Par...

James Prior from 1987-01-11T12:15

The Rt Hon James Prior MP manages to combine his parliamentary work with being the Chairman of the General Electric Company. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he recalls organising a pig c...

Tony Bennett from 1987-01-04T12:15

The son of Italian immigrants, Antony Benedetto started singing competitively with his brother and earned a living as a singing waiter in restaurants in New York while at art school. After singi...

Benny Green from 1986-12-14T12:15

Benny Green makes a living as a columnist, broadcaster, lyricist, novelist, etc. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he recalls his childhood in London, life on the road as a saxophonist, th...

Jackie Collins from 1986-12-07T12:15

Jackie Collins lives in Beverley Hills, California, and writes novels, all of which appear in the bestseller lists, and many have been filmed. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, she talks a...

Nigel Hawthorne from 1986-11-30T12:15

Nigel Hawthorne is now very well-known as Secretary to the Cabinet in the television series Yes, Prime Minister. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his childhood in South Afr...

John Ridgway from 1986-11-23T12:15

John Ridgway's adventures first became public when, in 1966, he rowed across the Atlantic with Chay Blyth. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he recalls canoeing down the Amazon, sailing tw...

Hal Prince from 1986-11-16T12:15

Hal Prince has just produced the musical The Phantom of the Opera in London. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his life in the theatre which he began as a stage manager in N...

Kingsley Amis from 1986-11-09T12:15

Kingsley Amis won the 1986 Booker Prize for his novel The Old Devils. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his childhood in South London, the success of his first published nov...

Jeremy Irons from 1986-11-02T12:15

Jeremy Irons first achieved international recognition as an actor for his performance in Brideshead Revisited on television. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his childhood ...

Albert&Michel Roux from 1986-10-26T12:15

Albert and Michel Roux each have their own restaurants, which are among the best in this country. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, they talk about their upbringing in France and their per...

Phil Edmonds from 1986-10-19T11:15

Phil Edmonds, the cricketer, "has the reputation for being awkward and arrogant, mainly because he is awkward and arrogant", wrote his wife. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks abou...

Sir Fred Hoyle from 1986-10-12T11:15

Sir Fred Hoyle has been described as "unquestionably one of the most gifted astronomers and mathematicians of our times", and "the maverick genius of British science". In conversation with Micha...

Sir Ian MacGregor from 1986-10-05T11:15

Sir Ian McGregor was suddenly thrust into the spotlight when he was asked to create a more efficient steel industry in this country. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his up...

Richard Condon from 1986-09-28T11:15

Richard Condon has written 23 novels since becoming a full-time writer at the age of 42. These include The Manchurian Candidate and Prizzi's Honour. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he ta...

Suzi Quatro from 1986-09-21T11:15

Suzi Quatro is an enormous success in her first acting role in the theatre, the lead in Annie Get Your Gun. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, she talks about her upbringing in Detroit, whe...

James Herbert from 1986-09-14T11:15

James Herbert has now sold more than 16 million copies of his novels. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he recalls his childhood in the East End of London where his parents were street tra...

Andrew Davis from 1986-09-07T11:15

Andrew Davis, who has been the Music Director of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra since 1975, was born in England and studied music at King's College, Cambridge, where he was an organ scholar. In ...

Auberon Waugh from 1986-08-31T11:15

Auberon Waugh, now the Editor of the Literary Review, has gained a reputation as a controversial journalist. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his father Evelyn Waugh, his c...

Stan Barstow from 1986-08-24T10:15

Stan Barstow made his name as a novelist in 1960 with A Kind of Loving. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his upbringing in Yorkshire, where his father was a miner, his firs...

Jane Lapotaire from 1986-08-17T11:15

Jane Lapotaire's first great success as an actress was with her portrayal of Edith Piaf. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, she recalls her difficult childhood in a foster home, how she bec...

Virginia Holgate from 1986-08-10T11:15

Virginia Holgate has won two medals in the Olympic Games as a horse trials rider. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, she recalls her childhood travels round the world with her father who wa...

Norman Lewis from 1986-08-03T11:15

Norman Lewis has spent a lifetime travelling the world and writing about it. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he recalls his curious upbringing in Wales with three maiden aunts, his trave...

Roger Vadim from 1986-07-27T11:15

Roger Vadim, the French writer and director, sprang to fame with his first film And God Created Woman, starring Brigitte Bardot. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his upbrin...

Sir Geoffrey Howe from 1986-07-20T11:15

The Rt Hon Sir Geoffrey Howe, MP, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, was brought up in the Labour stronghold of Port Talbot. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talk...

Sir David Wilson from 1986-07-13T11:15

Sir David Wilson, who is the Director of the British Museum, first became interested in archaeology when his family moved to the Isle of Man and he discovered the existence of some people called...

Brian Redhead from 1986-07-06T11:15

Brian Redhead has presented the Today programme for the last 10 years. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his appearance on Children's Hour as a clarinettist, his early days ...

Anne-Sophie Mutter from 1986-06-29T11:15

The violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter, who is 23 years old today, has been in great demand around the world since she became Herbert von Karajan's protégé 10 years ago. In conversation with Michael P...

Jackie Stewart from 1986-06-22T11:15

Jackie Stewart was world champion in Formula One motor racing before he retired in 1973. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he recalls his upbringing in Scotland and talks about his life as...

Max Hastings from 1986-06-15T11:15

Max Hastings is the new editor of the Daily Telegraph. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about the influence of his father, MacDonald Hastings, about his life as a journalist, fir...

Ismail Merchant from 1986-06-08T11:15

Ismail Merchant, the film producer, went into partnership with the director James Ivory 24 years ago. During those years, their films have included Shakespeare Wallah, The Bostonians, Heat and D...

Elton John from 1986-06-01T11:15

Elton John began his career as a tea-boy for a music publisher. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his first band, Bluesology, about his songwriting partnership with the lyri...

Bobby Robson from 1986-05-25T11:15

Bobby Robson is the manager of the England football team, who are about to go to Mexico for the World Cup. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he recalls his childhood in a Durham pit villag...

Arthur Hailey from 1986-04-06T11:15

Arthur Hailey's novels, which include Hotel and Airport, have made him one of the world's best-selling authors. He was born in England, but emigrated; first to Canada after wartime service in th...

Jane Glover from 1986-03-30T11:15

Jane Glover, who is the Artistic Director of the London Mozart Players, first became interested in conducting when she was reading music at Oxford University. In conversation with Michael Parkin...

Rt Hon Shirley Williams from 1986-03-23T12:15

The Rt Hon Shirley Williams is President of the Social Democratic Party. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, she talks about her mother Vera Brittain, her life in America during the war as a...

Ron Pickering from 1986-03-16T12:15

Ron Pickering, the sports commentator, used to coach athletes for the Olympics. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his career, about the problems of modern sport, such as rac...

Beryl Bainbridge from 1986-03-09T12:15

Beryl Bainbridge began her career as an assistant stage manager at the Liverpool Playhouse, and went on to become a writer. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, she talks about her acting car...

John Dankworth from 1986-03-02T12:15

John Dankworth studied music at the Royal Academy when jazz was not an approved subject - "I used to pretend my saxophone was a bassoon when I put it in the left luggage department of the Academ...

Selina Scott from 1986-02-23T12:15

Selina Scott's first job was as a journalist in Dundee. Her move into television came after a three-year stint promoting the island of Bute. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, she talks abo...

Ben Kingsley from 1986-02-16T12:15

Ben Kingsley became a star almost overnight when he took the title role in the film Gandhi. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about the years before Gandhi, the difference fame ma...

Bruce Oldfield from 1986-02-09T12:15

Bruce Oldfield has achieved an international reputation as a fashion designer. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his upbringing, first by a foster mother, then in one of Dr ...

Dennis Taylor from 1986-02-02T12:15

Dennis Taylor became the world snooker champion in a dramatic match against Steve Davis last April. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he describes his childhood in County Tyrone, Jim-Joe G...

Roy Hattersley from 1986-01-26T12:15

The Rt Hon Roy Hattersley MP, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer and Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, talks to Michael Parkinson about his upbringing in Yorkshire, his parliamentary career and...

Maureen Lipman from 1986-01-19T12:15

Maureen Lipman is perhaps best known for her role in the television series Agony, but much of her work has been in the theatre. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, she recalls her upbringing...

Nigel Kennedy from 1986-01-12T12:15

Nigel Kennedy, who achieved international success as a violinist in his early 20s, talks to Michael Parkinson about his musical education at the Menuhin School and in New York, his active intere...

Alan Parker from 1986-01-05T12:15

Michael Parkinson's first guest is the film director Alan Parker, who, besides choosing the eight records he would take to the mythical island, talks about his early career in advertising and hi...