Desert Island Discs: Archive 1986-1991

Alfred Wainwright

04 Sep 1988

Contributed by Lukas

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

Anita Dobson

28 Aug 1988

Contributed by Lukas

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: Be...

Lord Dacre of Glanton (Hugh Trevor-Roper)

21 Aug 1988

Contributed by Lukas

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 Virg...

Patricia Neal

14 Aug 1988

Contributed by Lukas

Sue Lawley's castaway is actress Patricia Neal.Favourite track: Black Is The Colour by Joan Baez Book: A collection of short stories Luxury: Toothbrus...

Reverend Ian Paisley

07 Aug 1988

Contributed by Lukas

Sue Lawley's castaway is Northern Ireland MP/MEP Reverend Ian Paisley.Favourite track: The Twenty-Third Psalm by The Reformed Presbyterian Church Of I...

Joan Turner

31 Jul 1988

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Lord Armstrong

24 Jul 1988

Contributed by Lukas

Sue Lawley's castaway is former Cabinet Secretary Lord Armstrong.Favourite track: Piano Trio In D Minor by Felix Mendelssohn Book: The collected works...

Dame Edna Everage

17 Jul 1988

Contributed by Lukas

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

10 Jul 1988

Contributed by Lukas

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 qualit...

David Owen

03 Jul 1988

Contributed by Lukas

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 d...

Jeremy Isaacs

26 Jun 1988

Contributed by Lukas

Having left television to become General Director Designate of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Jeremy Isaacs this week contemplates another chan...

Gwen Ffrangcon-Davies

19 Jun 1988

Contributed by Lukas

At 97, the actress Gwen Ffrangcon-Davies reflects with interest on the prospect of being castaway and, in conversation with Sue Lawley, looks back ove...

Rt. Hon. Douglas Hurd

12 Jun 1988

Contributed by Lukas

Sue Lawley's castaway is Home Office Minister Douglas Hurd.Favourite track: In Paradisum by Gabriel Fauré Book: The Oxford Book of Twentieth-Century ...

Anton Mosimann

05 Jun 1988

Contributed by Lukas

This week's castaway is Anton Mosimann - until recently, Maitre Chef des Cuisines at the Dorchester Hotel in London. In conversation with Sue Lawley, ...

Rabbi Lionel Blue

29 May 1988

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Anita Roddick

27 May 1988

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

Rowan Atkinson

15 May 1988

Contributed by Lukas

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 f...

Peggy Makins

08 May 1988

Contributed by Lukas

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 look...

Neil Kinnock

01 May 1988

Contributed by Lukas

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 T...

Michael Gambon

24 Apr 1988

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Mary Archer

17 Apr 1988

Contributed by Lukas

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 musi...

Arthur Scargill

10 Apr 1988

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Jane Asher

03 Apr 1988

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Quintin Hogg

27 Mar 1988

Contributed by Lukas

"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 H...

Brendan Foster

13 Mar 1988

Contributed by Lukas

In the 1970s, Brendon Foster was our most outstandingly consistent athlete, breaking world records and winning European and Commonwealth titles. He ha...

James Burke

06 Mar 1988

Contributed by Lukas

The castaway this week is James Burke, whose broadcasting style has been described as "turning science into show-biz". But, paradoxically, he admits t...

Stephanie Beacham

28 Feb 1988

Contributed by Lukas

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

Dennis Potter

21 Feb 1988

Contributed by Lukas

This week’s castaway is the playwright Dennis Potter. Best known for his television series Pennies from Heaven and The Singing Detective, Potter wor...

William Davis

14 Feb 1988

Contributed by Lukas

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

Margaret Kelly - Miss Bluebell

07 Feb 1988

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Gemma Craven

24 Jan 1988

Contributed by Lukas

Gemma Craven is one of our most versatile actresses. An award winning stage performer, she made her film debut opposite Richard Chamberlain in The Sli...

Rt. Hon. Michael Heseltine

17 Jan 1988

Contributed by Lukas

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 o...

Adele Leigh

10 Jan 1988

Contributed by Lukas

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 principa...

Lew Grade

13 Dec 1987

Contributed by Lukas

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 televisio...

Antony Sher

06 Dec 1987

Contributed by Lukas

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 Sha...

Vernon Scannell

29 Nov 1987

Contributed by Lukas

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

In memory of comedian and writer Barry Cryer

22 Nov 1987

Contributed by Lukas

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 wan...

Robert Carrier

15 Nov 1987

Contributed by Lukas

As a restaurateur, broadcaster and writer, Robert Carrier's name has become synonymous with good food. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he look...

Sue Lawley

08 Nov 1987

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Bamber Gascoigne

01 Nov 1987

Contributed by Lukas

"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 ...

Bernard Levin

25 Oct 1987

Contributed by Lukas

"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...

Sir James Callaghan

18 Oct 1987

Contributed by Lukas

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 Exch...

Lord Killanin

11 Oct 1987

Contributed by Lukas

Lord Killanin's career has embraced journalism, the Army, film-making and writing books. He was also, from 1972 to 1980, President of the Internationa...

Lulu

04 Oct 1987

Contributed by Lukas

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

Jacques Loussier

27 Sep 1987

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Peter West

20 Sep 1987

Contributed by Lukas

Peter West is one of our most versatile broadcasters; his television career has ranged from Come Dancing to specialist sports, particularly cricket. I...

Joanna Lumley

13 Sep 1987

Contributed by Lukas

"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 Mic...

Kitty Godfree

06 Sep 1987

Contributed by Lukas

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

Lord Montagu

30 Aug 1987

Contributed by Lukas

"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 Park...

Edna O'Brien

23 Aug 1987

Contributed by Lukas

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 beco...

Susan George

16 Aug 1987

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Frances Edmonds

09 Aug 1987

Contributed by Lukas

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

Maya Angelou

02 Aug 1987

Contributed by Lukas

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. Th...

Kenneth Williams

26 Jul 1987

Contributed by Lukas

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 Par...

Elaine Paige

12 Jul 1987

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Robert Maxwell

05 Jul 1987

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Terence Stamp

28 Jun 1987

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Frank Bough

26 Apr 1987

Contributed by Lukas

Frank Bough has been described as "the most unassailable performer on British television". In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he looks back on hi...

Michael Bogdanov

19 Apr 1987

Contributed by Lukas

Michael Bogdanov's colourful, and sometimes controversial, career has included running a pub, a prosecution for his interpretation of Howard Brenton's...

Julian Critchley

12 Apr 1987

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Anthony Andrews

05 Apr 1987

Contributed by Lukas

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 tel...

Peter Alliss

29 Mar 1987

Contributed by Lukas

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 Mic...

David Penhaligon

22 Mar 1987

Contributed by Lukas

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 Parkin...

Dora Bryan

15 Mar 1987

Contributed by Lukas

The castaway this week is the actress Dora Bryan whose career, spanning more than 50 years, has ranged from musicals to Shakespeare, review to restora...

Johnny Mathis

08 Mar 1987

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Sir Nicholas Goodison

01 Mar 1987

Contributed by Lukas

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

Ken Russell

22 Feb 1987

Contributed by Lukas

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

Sir Michael Hordern

15 Feb 1987

Contributed by Lukas

The castaway this week is Sir Michael Hordern who, in conversation with Michael Parkinson, recalls a distinguished acting career spanning 50 years. He...

Victoria Wood

08 Feb 1987

Contributed by Lukas

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

Peter Fluck & Roger Law

01 Feb 1987

Contributed by Lukas

Peter Fluck and Roger Law are the creators of the successful satirical television series Spitting Image. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, they ...

Baroness (Sue) Ryder of Warsaw

25 Jan 1987

Contributed by Lukas

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 a...

Jeremy Lloyd

18 Jan 1987

Contributed by Lukas

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 '...

James Prior

11 Jan 1987

Contributed by Lukas

The Rt Hon James Prior MP manages to combine his parliamentary work with being the Chairman of the General Electric Company. In conversation with Mich...

Tony Bennett

04 Jan 1987

Contributed by Lukas

The son of Italian immigrants, Antony Benedetto started singing competitively with his brother and earned a living as a singing waiter in restaurants ...

Benny Green

14 Dec 1986

Contributed by Lukas

Benny Green makes a living as a columnist, broadcaster, lyricist, novelist, etc. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he recalls his childhood in L...

Jackie Collins

07 Dec 1986

Contributed by Lukas

Jackie Collins lives in Beverley Hills, California, and writes novels, all of which appear in the bestseller lists, and many have been filmed. In conv...

Nigel Hawthorne

30 Nov 1986

Contributed by Lukas

Nigel Hawthorne is now very well-known as Secretary to the Cabinet in the television series Yes, Prime Minister. In conversation with Michael Parkinso...

John Ridgway

23 Nov 1986

Contributed by Lukas

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

Hal Prince

16 Nov 1986

Contributed by Lukas

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 th...

Kingsley Amis

09 Nov 1986

Contributed by Lukas

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 Lo...

Jeremy Irons

02 Nov 1986

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremy Irons first achieved international recognition as an actor for his performance in Brideshead Revisited on television. In conversation with Mich...

Albert & Michel Roux

26 Oct 1986

Contributed by Lukas

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

Phil Edmonds

19 Oct 1986

Contributed by Lukas

Phil Edmonds, the cricketer, "has the reputation for being awkward and arrogant, mainly because he is awkward and arrogant", wrote his wife. In conver...

Sir Fred Hoyle

12 Oct 1986

Contributed by Lukas

Sir Fred Hoyle has been described as "unquestionably one of the most gifted astronomers and mathematicians of our times", and "the maverick genius of ...

Sir Ian MacGregor

05 Oct 1986

Contributed by Lukas

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 w...

Richard Condon

28 Sep 1986

Contributed by Lukas

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. I...

Suzi Quatro

21 Sep 1986

Contributed by Lukas

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, sh...

James Herbert

14 Sep 1986

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Andrew Davis

07 Sep 1986

Contributed by Lukas

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, C...

Auberon Waugh

31 Aug 1986

Contributed by Lukas

Auberon Waugh, now the Editor of the Literary Review, has gained a reputation as a controversial journalist. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, h...

Stan Barstow

24 Aug 1986

Contributed by Lukas

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 Yorks...

Jane Lapotaire

17 Aug 1986

Contributed by Lukas

Jane Lapotaire's first great success as an actress was with her portrayal of Edith Piaf. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, she recalls her diffi...

Virginia Holgate

10 Aug 1986

Contributed by Lukas

Virginia Holgate has won two medals in the Olympic Games as a horse trials rider. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, she recalls her childhood tr...

Norman Lewis

03 Aug 1986

Contributed by Lukas

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

Roger Vadim

27 Jul 1986

Contributed by Lukas

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

Sir Geoffrey Howe

20 Jul 1986

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Sir David Wilson

13 Jul 1986

Contributed by Lukas

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 di...

Brian Redhead

06 Jul 1986

Contributed by Lukas

Brian Redhead has presented the Today programme for the last 10 years. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his appearance on Childr...

Anne-Sophie Mutter

29 Jun 1986

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Jackie Stewart

22 Jun 1986

Contributed by Lukas

Jackie Stewart was world champion in Formula One motor racing before he retired in 1973. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he recalls his upbrin...