Desert Island Discs

Latest Episodes:

Anita Roddick May 27, 1988

Show notes

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 her family life and comes to terms with her island exile.

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Favourite track: If I Could (from First Circle) by Pat Metheny Group Book: Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy Luxury: Comfortable bed with pillows and sheets

Rowan Atkinson May 15, 1988

Show notes

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 Television Festival.

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Favourite track: Lady Writer by Dire Straits Book: Uncle Fred in Springtime by P G Wodehouse Luxury: Car (to clean)

Peggy Makins May 08, 1988

Show notes

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 chooses eight records to take with her to the mythical island.

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Favourite track: A peal of 12 bells at Canterbury Cathedral by Sound Effects Book: The biggest atlas in the world Luxury: Little rosebush

Neil Kinnock May 01, 1988

Show notes

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 Apr 24, 1988

Show notes

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, he looks back on his career in the theatre, in films and on television and also chooses eight records to keep him company on the island.

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Favourite track: Symphony No 7 (Allegretto) by Ludwig van Beethoven Book: Republican Party Reptile by P J O'Rourke Luxury: Car (in which to listen to music)

Mary Archer Apr 17, 1988

Show notes

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 looks back on her life and career, and also recalls the two crises involving her husband, Jeffrey. In her choice of records to take to the mythical island, she shows a preference for choral music.

[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 La Recherche Du Temps Perdu by Marcel Proust Luxury: Needles, cotton and material

Arthur Scargill Apr 10, 1988

Show notes

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 him to have a store of food and proper living accommodation. In choosing his music to take with him, he pays particular attention to black American jazz.

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Favourite track: Oh Love That Will Not Let Me Go by The London Emmanuel Choir Book: Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain Luxury: The Mona Lisa

Jane Asher Apr 03, 1988

Show notes

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 extra tap for cold champagne

Quintin Hogg Mar 27, 1988

Show notes

"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 Lawley's invitation to send him in isolation to the mythical island. During their conversation, he looks back on his career as scholar, lawyer and politician, and he also chooses eight records to entertain him.

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Favourite track: Swing Low Sweet Chariot by Paul Robeson Book: The works by Homer Luxury: Bathtub and soap

Brendan Foster Mar 13, 1988

Show notes

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 international centre for athletics. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he looks back on his career and considers the pros and cons of athletics today, and he also selects eight records to take with him on an imagined trip to a desert island.

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Favourite track: Going Home by Mark Knopfler Book: The Lakeland Peaks (photographs) by W A Poucher Luxury: Tea

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