Desert Island Discs

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 has ranged from the part of Joan in Dennis Potter’s Pennies from Heaven to appearances on The Morecambe and Wise Show. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, she looks back over her life on stage and off, and chooses eight records to take to a desert island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Boil The Breakfast Early by The Chieftans Book: Floyd on Fish by Keith Floyd Luxury: Manicure set

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 dramatically in 1986 when he resigned his Cabinet post over the Westland affair. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he recalls his upbringing in South Wales, schooldays at Shrewsbury, undergraduate life at Oxford and his subsequent career in politics. He also chooses the eight records to take with him to the island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: We'll Keep A Welcome in the Hillsides by Morriston Orpheus Choir Book: The Dictionary of Trees and Shrubs Luxury: Mosquito net

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 when she joined in 1948, she became a television star in the 1960s with the show All Kinds of Music and appearances on Eric Robinson’s Music For You. After leaving Covent Garden she married a diplomat and settled in Vienna where she began singing the operetta roles that were to bring her fame at the Volksoper there. In conversation with Michael Parkinson she looks back over her life and her career in music.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Let's Do It by Noel Coward Book: Alice In Wonderland by Lewis Carroll Luxury: Loofah

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 Parkinson, he looks back on his life and career and selects the music both to listen and dance to during his stay on the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Lo! Hear The Gentle Lark by Sir Henry Bishop Book: The Antiquary by Walter Scott Luxury: Crate of Montecristo cigars

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. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he recalls his upbringing in South Africa and his subsequent career in the British theatre.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Lucia di Lammermoor by Gaetano Donizetti Book: Blank sketchbook or journal Luxury: Pens, charcoal, paints

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 of a civil list pension for his services to literature. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he looks back on these aspects of his life and also selects the eight records to take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: St Matthew Passion by Johann Sebastian Bach Book: Compiled anthology of English poetry Luxury: Enormous amount of A4 paper

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 with Michael Parkinson, he looks back on his career, both as performer and writer, and he also selects eight records to take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Hoffnung by Hoffnung Book: The complete works by J B Priestley Luxury: Tape recorder with a cassette of recordings from home

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 to remind him of some of the places he has lived during that time, including his native America, Paris, England and Morocco.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Don Carlos by Giuseppe Verdi Book: The Alexandria Quartet by Lawrence Durrell Luxury: Tajine

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 Michael Parkinson, she looks back on her upbringing in Worcestershire, her early days as a journalist and subsequent career as one of our most popular television presenters. She also chooses her eight records to take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini by Sergei Rachmaninov Book: French Provincial Cooking by Elizabeth David Luxury: Iron and ironing board

"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 conversation with Michael Parkinson, he looks back on his career as a writer and broadcaster and reveals a novel approach to assembling his package of records to take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Soave Sia Il Vento by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Book: Tristram Shandy by Laurence Sterne Luxury: Carpentry tools

"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 career as a journalist and critic and, in narrowing his choice of music to eight records, reveals a penchant for opera.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Book: The Michelin Guide to France Luxury: Laptop computer

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, before becoming Prime Minister in 1976. In an interview with Michael Parkinson recorded in April 1987, he looks back on his career and chooses the eight records to take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Jupiter Symphony: 3rd Movement by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Book: War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy Luxury: Telescope and a star-gazing book

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 Michael Parkinson, he looks back on his varied life and also chooses the eight records to take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Polonaise No 3 in A by Frédéric Chopin Book: A Vanished Arcadia by Robert Bontine Cunninghame Graham Luxury: Olympic gold medal and award

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 records to take to the island, she reveals an admiration for the vocal styles of Ella Fitzgerald and Ray Charles.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: The Greatest Love Of All by Whitney Houston Book: Where Are You Going? by Swami Muktananda Luxury: Telephone

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, and also selects his eight records to take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Brandenburg Concerto No 3 in D Major by Johann Sebastian Bach Book: Beasts, Men and Gods by Ferdinand Ossendowski Luxury: Piano

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 looks back on his career in broadcasting and journalism and, in choosing his records to take to the mythical island, reveals a Catholic taste in music.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Spartacus by Aram Khachaturian Book: Oxford Book of Quotations Luxury: Set of gardening tools

"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 in the Far East, a convent education and her subsequent theatrical career. She also chooses the other music to accompany Rossini on her sojourn to the desert island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Eroica (First Movement) by Ludwig van Beethoven Book: A Dance to the Music of Time by Anthony Powell Luxury: Specially-commissioned John Ward painting of family & friends

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 represented her country at Lacrosse and was a four-times winner of the All-England Badminton Championships. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, she looks back over her long life and selects the eight records she would take to her desert island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Chariots Of Fire by Vangelis Book: The Eagle Has Landed by Jack Higgins Luxury: Bicycle

"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 particularly on running the stately home, organising jazz festivals and being Chairman of English Heritage. He also undergoes the agonising task of narrowing his musical choice to eight records.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Symphony No 2 by Gustav Mahler Book: The Lord of the Rings by J R R Tolkien Luxury: Windsurfing board

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 and television. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, she looks back on her career and, in her choice of music, reveals a wide taste ranging from Elvis Presley to Carl Orff.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Canon In D by Johann Pachelbel Book: Complete Encyclopaedia Britannica Luxury: Cristal champagne

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, she recalls her roles on stage and screen and also her latest involvement in production and writing.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye by Ella Fitzgerald Book: Will You Be My Friend? by James Kavanaugh Luxury: Four poster bed

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 got from the chauvinistic world of cricketers and cricket writers, and also looks back on her schooldays at an Ursuline convent and at her career as an interpreter.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Panis Angelicus by César Franck Book: Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams Luxury: Bollinger '69

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 Why the Caged Bird Sings, was a bestseller, describing her life as singer, actress, stripper, dancer and writer. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, she looks back on a remarkable career and chooses eight records she would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

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 ranged from working on radio classics like Hancock's Half Hour and Round the Horne to being a regular member of the cast in the Carry On films.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: 1st Movement from Spring Sonata by Ludwig van Beethoven Book: The Golden Treasury by Francis Palgrave Luxury: Crate of Cologne

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 Christ Superstar and Grease, to becoming an international star in the part of Eva Peron in Evita.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Here Comes The Sun by The Beatles Book: The complete works by Charles Dickens Luxury: Piano

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 subsequently became an MP and is now recognised as one of Britain's most formidable businessmen, his activities ranging from publishing to managing a first-division football team. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he recalls his remarkable career.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Summertime (from Porgy & Bess) by George Gershwin Book: A book on Plato Luxury: Chess computer game

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 fame, yet he has plotted a somewhat lonely and mysterious path through life. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his early life in the East End of London, and also chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Music In The World Of Islam by Trad Book: The Joy of Cooking Luxury: Duvet

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 others, Sportsnight, Grandstand, Nationwide, and recently, Breakfast Time. He also chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Violin Concerto in B Minor by Edward Elgar Book: Barclays World of Cricket by Jim Swanton Luxury: Contact lenses

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 of the National Theatre since 1980 and the founding, last year, of the English Shakespeare Company. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his views on the theatre and also chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Rocky Road To Dublin by The Dubliners Book: Pocket Wine Book 1987 by Hugh Johnson Luxury: 50-pound jar of Marmite

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, which include reading military history and looking at churches. [Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: September Song by Walter Huston Book: An Omelette and a Glass of Wine by Elizabeth David Luxury: Case of wine

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. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his roles on the stage, on television and in films, and he also chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: For Unto Us A Child Is Born by George Frideric Handel Book: The complete works by Oscar Wilde Luxury: Piano

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 career.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Pomp and Circumstance March No 1 in D Major by Edward Elgar Book: A History of the English-Speaking Peoples by Sir Winston Churchill Luxury: Sand-yacht

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 death, he talks about his life and work and also chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Maple Leaf Rag by Joshua Rifkin Book: A cricketing Almanac Luxury: 30 foot of steel

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 conversation with Michael Parkinson, she recalls her long career.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Where Or When by Erroll Garner Book: Three Men in a Boat by Jerome K Jerome Luxury: Stuffed dog

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 athlete, the difficult decision he made to become a singer instead and the trials and tribulations of touring.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Lujon (Slow Hot Wind) by Henry Mancini and his Orchestra Book: Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell Luxury: Golf bag

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 in opera and the fine arts. He also chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings by Benjamin Britten Book: Oxford English Dictionary (all volumes) Luxury: Apollo and Daphne sculpture by Bernini

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 Southampton, going to naval college, life in the Merchant Navy, making amateur film which led to him working on Monitor for BBC television, and his eventual move into the making of feature films.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Das Lied Von Der Erde (The Song Of The Earth) No 5 by Gustav Mahler Book: The Prelude by William Wordsworth Alternative to Bible: None - Bible not taken Luxury: Quart of brandy

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 take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Symphony No 9 by Ludwig van Beethoven Book: A History of the English-Speaking Peoples by Sir Winston Churchill Luxury: Elm tree

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 Rochdale Youth Theatre to having her own show on television. She also chooses the eight records she would take to the mythical island. [Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: African Ripples by Fats Waller Book: The collected works by Arthur Marshall Luxury: Cinema organ

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 Cambridge, their days as freelance illustrators, how they made three-dimensional caricatures, which they photographed, and their eventual animation of the models for television.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Cello Suite No 6 In D by Johann Sebastian Bach Book: My Last Breath by Luis Bunuel Luxury: Margaret Thatcher's resignation speech

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 conversation with Michael Parkinson, she recalls her early career with the wartime Special Operations Executive in Poland and traces the history of the Foundation up to the present day.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Ave Maria by Franz Schubert Book: Autobiography by Wilfred Owen Luxury: Pillow

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 Parkinson, he recalls his life and career and also chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Indoor Games Near Newbury by Sir John Betjeman Book: Three Men in a Boat by Jerome K Jerome Luxury: Guitar

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 club at school during the war and talks about his career in farming and the eventual emergence of politics as his overriding interest.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

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 singing in American military bands during the Second World War, he returned to New York, where he had his first hit with Because of You in 1951. Since then he has established himself as one of the most popular jazz singers of his generation and has worked with Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Woody Herman among others. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his life and work, and chooses the eight discs he would take to the mythical island. [Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Don't Blame Me by Art Tatum Book: Crime & Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky Luxury: Suit

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, the transition to writing and reading 123 editions of Wisden. He also chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: An Evening with Johnny Mercer by Johnny Mercer Book: A Quartet of Comedies by H G Wells Luxury: Saxophone

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 about her childhood in England, joining her sister Joan in Hollywood at the age of 15, her brief acting career, and her writing. She also selects the eight records she would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: What's Going On? by Marvin Gaye Book: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald Luxury: Photograph of family

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 Africa, dropping out of Cape Town University to become an actor, the move to England, the Theatre Royal, Stratford East with Joan Littlewood and eventual fame.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Her Holle Rache (The Magic Flute) by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Book: Teach yourself French Luxury: Pencil and paper

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 twice round the world, as well as exploits in Peru and the Himalayas, and he talks about his School of Adventure in Scotland. He also chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy Book: Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame Luxury: Shaving kit

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 New York for the legendary George Abbott. He went on to produce West Side Story, Fiddler on the Roof, Cabaret and the musicals of Stephen Sondheim. He also chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Act II of Tristan und Isolde by Richard Wagner Book: Look Homeward, Angel by Thomas Wolfe Luxury: Bouillabaisse with langouste and wine

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 novel Lucky Jim, which he wrote when a lecturer at Swansea University, and his subsequent career as a don at Cambridge and then as a full-time novelist.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Runnin' Wild by Wild Bill Davison Book: Oxford English Dictionary Luxury: Scotch whiskey