Desert Island Discs

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 first job in a drawing office and how he became a writer.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Symphony No 2 in E Flat, 1st Movement by Edward Elgar Book: A La Recherche Du Temps Perdu by Marcel Proust Luxury: Paper and pens

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 became an actress with the Royal Shakespeare Company and she 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: Concerto in C For Oboes, Clarinets and String Orchestra by Antonio Vivaldi Book: The I Ching Luxury: Pencils and paper

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 was in the Royal Marines, and talks about her career which nearly ended with a disastrous fall.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Moonlight Serenade by Glenn Miller and his Orchestra Book: Do-it-yourself manual Luxury: Never-ending supply of smoked salmon

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 travels in Cuba where he met Ernest Hemingway, and his love of Naples which led to his writing two books on the Mafia. 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: Petrushka by Igor Stravinsky Book: The Histories by Herodotus Luxury: Spirit stove

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 upbringing in France during the war, his way of doing National Service, and his films, many of which starred his several wives.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien by Edith Piaf Book: Death on the Installment Plan by Louis-Ferdinand Céline Luxury: Chess computer

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 talks about his childhood in Wales, National Service, and his career in both the law and politics, which began when he won the seat for Bebington in 1964.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: The Magic Flute - Act 2 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Book: The Good Food Guide Luxury: Computer bridge game

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 Vikings. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his career as an archaeologist and about the problems of running such a large treasure house.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Die Schopfung - Die Himmel Erzahlen Die Ehre Gottes by Franz Joseph Haydn Book: Diaries by Samuel Pepys Luxury: Refrigerator

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 as a journalist on the Manchester Guardian and his editorship of the Manchester Evening News.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Clarinet Quintet in B Minor - 2nd Movement by Johannes Brahms Book: Commentary on the Bible by Arthur Peake Luxury: Taj Mahal

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 Parkinson, she talks about her career and recalls how, although she won her first major competition in Germany at the age of six, she played in public very little until she came to Karajan's notice.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Romeo & Juliet Suite No. 2 by Sergei Prokofiev Book: Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe Luxury: Stradivarius violin

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 a racing driver and about his more recent career as a businessman. 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: Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles Book: Guinness Book of Records Luxury: Blank book and a pen

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, first on Londoner's Diary, then as a war correspondent in the Middle East and the Falklands, and he 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: The Tonight Programme by McDonald Hastings Book: The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame Luxury: Word processor linked to a Fleet Street newspaper

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 Dust and A Room With A View.In conversation with Michael Parkinson, Ismail Merchant talks about his childhood in India, about his break into films and about the very successful partnership. He also chooses the eight records that he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: The Magic Flute by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Book: Works by E.M Forster and Works by P D James and Works by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala Luxury: Cooking range

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 lyricist Bernie Taupin, about how he became an international pop star and about his long association with Watford Football Club.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Enigma No 9 - Nimrod by Edward Elgar Book: Interview With a Vampire by Anne Rice Luxury: Telephone

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 village, how he came to join Fulham FC after working down the mines, playing for England and his eventual move to become a manager.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Try A Little Tenderness by Frank Sinatra Book: Thesaurus by Roget Luxury: Set of golf clubs and an endless supply of balls

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 the RAF, and then to the Bahamas. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about the many jobs he had before becoming a full-time writer, about the television play with which he made the breakthrough and about his working methods.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Piano Concerto No 2 in B Flat by Johannes Brahms Book: Webster's International Dictionary Luxury: Hot water

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 Parkinson, she recalls her work at Glyndebourne, where she began as a repetiteur for the Opera Company and ended up running the touring company, and she talks about the way her career is developing as a conductor.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Cosi fan Tutte Act 1 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Book: Letters by Virginia Woolf Luxury: Bathroom with lots of full cupboards

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 an evacuee, her career; first as a journalist, then as a politician, and her break with the Labour Party to form the SDP.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Introduction and Allegro For Strings Opus 4 by Edward Elgar Book: Collected poems by W B Yeats Luxury: BBC computer

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 racism, violence and drugs, and he 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: Nessun Dorma by Giacomo Puccini Book: The Guinness Book of Records Luxury: Typewriter

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 career, about how, through writing to fill in the time, she became a successful novelist, and about her painting. 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: Simple Little Melody by Oscar Straus Book: The Worst Journey in the World by Apsley Cherry-Garrard Luxury: Old-fashioned diary with pens

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 Academy".In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his career as a jazz musician and composer, and about how he is trying to break down the musical barriers at the Stables in Wavendon and with his Summer Pops season at the Barbican.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: When That I Was and A Little Tiny Boy by Cleo Laine Book: The Exchange & Mart Luxury: Solar-powered synthesizer

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 about her career and about the different challenges she faced with the News at Ten and Breakfast Time.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: The Lord Is My Shepherd by Glasgow Orpheus Choir Book: Hawk Moon by Sam Shepard Luxury: Hairbrush

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 made, his work in the theatre and his approach to a role like Othello.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Fantasia On A Theme By Thomas Tallis by Ralph Vaughan Williams Luxury: Telescope

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 Barnado's homes, about his art college days and the problems of breaking into the fashion world.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: The Magic Flute Act 1 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Book: The Destinies of Darcy Dancer, Gentleman by J P Donleavy Luxury: Cigarettes

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 Gervin's billiard hall where he first took up snooker, and how he became a professional.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Smoke Gets In Your Eyes by The Platters Book: Joke book Luxury: Limitless supply of yoghurt

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 his sporting enthusiasms. 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: Jerusalem by Parry/Blake Book: Shakespearean Tragedy by A C Bradley Luxury: Boy writer's set

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 in Hull, talks about her penchant for acting in comedy and 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: Triple Concerto in D - 1st Movement by Ludwig van Beethoven

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 interest in jazz and Aston Villa Football Club, and he 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: Inbetweenies by Ian Dury and The Blockheads Book: Wisden Almanack Luxury: Violin

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 his very successful feature films, including Bugsy Malone, Midnight Express and Birdy.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: A Day In The Life by The Beatles Book: Collection of poems by Sir John Betjeman Luxury: Suntan lotion

Sheila Steafel, the actress who was born in South Africa, went to drama school in London and had her first big break in the television series The Frost Report. Since then, as she tells Roy Plomley, her career has been extremely varied, including music hall, opera, theatre, a one-woman show and a long spell on Radio 4's Week Ending programme.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Concerto in D Minor For Violin, Oboe & Strings by Johann Sebastian Bach Book: Dictionary Luxury: Artist's equipment

The Rt Hon David Steel MP has been leader of the Liberal Party since 1976. After leaving university, his first job was with the Scottish Liberal Party as Assistant Secretary. In 1965, he won a seat in the Borders and became the youngest member of that parliament. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his career and 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: Do-it-yourself manual Luxury: Cathedral organ

Barbara Taylor Bradford's first novel, A Woman of Substance, which was published in 1980, quickly became a huge international success. In conversation with Roy Plomley, she recalls her childhood in Leeds, her first job as a reporter on the Yorkshire Evening Post at the age of 16, becoming a Fleet Street journalist, and her eventual move to New York.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Jerusalem by Blake/Parry Book: Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte Luxury: Family photograph album

Robert Burchfield, who has been Chief Editor of the Oxford English Dictionary since 1957, was born in New Zealand. After fighting in Italy during the war, he came to England to complete his education and stayed on to be a lecturer at Oxford University. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his career and discusses the many problems associated with compiling dictionaries.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Joseph Allen, the physicist, joined NASA in 1967 as a scientist astronaut. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he describes his lengthy training as an astronaut, the problems of space flight, and he describes his recent trip in the space shuttle to recover two satellites, which necessitated an unfettered walk in space.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Minor Blue by David Darling Book: A number of Sherlock Holmes novels by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Luxury: Family pocket watch

Doris Stokes, the medium, first heard spirit voices when she was only four years old. In conversation with Roy Plomley, she talks about her experiences which include a brief visit to the spirit world, and she explains how she uses her gift to help others by putting them in touch with relations who have passed over.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: One Day At A Time by Lena Martell Book: The complete Andy Capp Luxury: Photograph album of family, friends and pets

Richard Eyre is equally at ease whether he is directing in the theatre, for television or on film. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about some of his successes which have included Guys and Dolls at the National Theatre, the films Laughterhouse and The Ploughman's Lunch, and his period as producer of Play for Today with BBC television.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: El Cant Dels Ocells by Pablo Casals Book: Partridge's Dictionary of Slang Luxury: Saxophone

Gordon Beningfield's designs for postage stamps include a butterfly set and the recently-issued insect set. He is also well-known for his paintings of nature and the countryside. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he describes his first job in studios producing ecclesiastical art, his later concentration on stained glass, and then painting.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: I Vow To Thee, My Country (from The Planets) - Jupiter by Gustav Holst Book: Manual on how to swim Luxury: Sketchbook, paints and pencils

Alison Lurie is not only a part-time professor of English at Cornell University where she teaches creative writing and children's literature, but she is also a very successful novelist. "Her seven novels", writes Malcolm Bradbury, "collectively form a biting record of American social, moral and sexual mores from the early 1960s to the present." In conversation with Roy Plomley, she talks about her work and she 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: The Marriage Of Figaro - Overture by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Book: The Oxford Book of English Verse Luxury: Telephone

The pianist Jorge Bolet, who was born in Havana, Cuba, was given lessons first by his sister. He went on to study at the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia and made his debut with the Philadelphia Orchestra. He is now hailed particularly for his interpretation of the music of Liszt. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his long career, which includes conducting the first performance of The Mikado in Tokyo.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Piano Concerto No 2 in F Minor by Frédéric Chopin Book: Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes Luxury: Camera

The actor Anthony Hopkins has recently returned to this country after 10 years in California.In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his upbringing in South Wales, his rapid rise to fame, the unhappiness that caused him to go to America, and his success in the films The Elephant Man and Mutiny on the Bounty.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Myfanwy by Treorchy Male Choir Book: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald Luxury: Piano

Michael Elkins was, for many years, the BBC correspondent in Jerusalem. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he recalls his childhood in New York, where he became a pool-room hustler, his screen-writing career in Hollywood, and he talks about his active role in helping to set up a Jewish state in Palestine. [Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Spring by Antonio Vivaldi Book: The Hero With the Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell Luxury: Electric typewriter

Elly Ameling's career as a singer took off when she won the first prizes in two competitions. In conversation with Roy Plomley, she explains why she devotes most of her time to singing lieder and has only appeared in one opera. She also talks about her occasional forays into cabaret and she 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: It Don't Mean A Thing by Ellington Book: Poetry by Paul Verlaine Luxury: Buddha statue

Julie Walters had a variety of jobs, including nursing, before she took up acting. An early London appearance was the result of Funny Peculiar, transferring from the Everyman Theatre in Liverpool.In conversation with Roy Plomley, she talks about her work with Victoria Wood, about her huge success in both the play and film of Educating Rita, and she 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: I Get Along Without You Very Well by Carly Simon Book: The Magus by John Fowles Luxury: Telephone

Madhur Jaffrey is an actress who has now become as well-known as a writer and broadcaster on Indian and Far Eastern cooking. In conversation with Roy Plomley, she talks about the films she has made with James Ivory, including Heat and Dust. She also recalls how she came to be a cookery expert, and she chooses 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: Violin Concerto - 1st Movement by Roque Cordero Book: Blank book Luxury: Whiskey

John Harvey-Jones, who is Chairman of the giant company Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI), began his career in the Royal Navy and was a lieutenant-commander by the time he moved into industry at the age of 33. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he describes his rapid rise from trainee work study officer at ICI with not even one 'O' Level to being appointed Chairman.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Symphony No 1 in B Flat by Boyce Book: The Loom of Language by Frederick Bodmer Luxury: Trap (minus donkey)

Tom Stoppard, the playwright, began his career as a journalist on a local newspaper in Bristol. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his writing, which has been mainly for the theatre and has included several free translations of plays including Rough Crossing; now in the repertoire of the National Theatre.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Careless Love by Bessie Smith Book: Inferno in two languages by Dante Alighieri Luxury: Plastic football

Sir Michael Tippett, who celebrated his 80th birthday three days ago, has come to be regarded as one of the foremost composers of this century. As he tells Roy Plomley, other than a period as Director of Music at Morley College, he has allowed very little to distract him from composition. His output includes four symphonies, four operas, four string quartets and several concertos.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Vespro Della Beata Vergine by Claudio Monteverdi Book: Blank pages Luxury: Egg timer

Ray Cooney, who is the Artistic Director of the very successful Theatre of Comedy, began his career as an actor. Before long, he started directing plays and then writing them, usually in collaboration with John Chapman. These include Charlie Girl, Not Now, Darling and his latest, Two Into One. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his varied career and he 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]

Sir John Burgh is the Director-General of the British Council, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he recalls how he worked his way from an aircraft factory, through the Board of Trade, the Colonial Office, the Cabinet think tank and other Civil Service appointments to his present position, and he 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: Le Nozze Di Figaro Act 2 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Book: Encyclopaedia Britannica Luxury: Transistor radio

Miklos Rozsa is best known for his many film scores, including those for The Thief of Baghdad, Ben-Hur and Spellbound, but he has also written several concertos and chamber and instrumental music. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he recalls his childhood in Hungary, his music studies in Germany, and his work after the war in Hollywood.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Symphony No 9 by Ludwig van Beethoven Book: Collected poems by Endre Ady Luxury: Manuscript paper and pens

Robin Hanbury-Tenison divides his time between farming in Cornwall and exploring the remote corners of the world. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he describes his travels in the Sahara, Indonesia, South America and leading the Royal Geographical Society's largest expedition ever to the tropical rainforests of Borneo.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Bachianas Brasileiras No 5 Aria by Heitor Villa-Lobos Book: The Oxford Companion to English Literature Luxury: Cask of claret