Great Lives

Seretse Khama was born in 1921 in Bechuanaland when it was still a British Protectorate. In 1966 he became Botswana's first president. In between he married a white Londoner, Ruth Williamson, was exiled by the British, and made to renounce his interest in succeeding as head of the Bangwato. It's an extraordinary and notable life, and he's been nominated by Professor Mike Bode, an astrophysicist and visiting professor to Botswana. As well as archive of Seretse Khama, the programme includes contributions from Bishop Trevor Mwamba and Susan Williams, author of Colour Bar: The Triumph of Seretse Khama and His Nation.The producer for BBC Studios Audio in Bristol is Miles Warde

Tessa Boase, an author who uncovered Emily Williamson's vital role in founding the RSPB, shares insights into Williamson's fierce opposition to the feather trade. Hannah Bourne-Taylor, who campaigns for swift conservation, illuminates the modern relevance of Williamson's legacy. They discuss bold protests for bird protection, the emotional ties humans have with nature, and the importance of acknowledging women's contributions to conservation history. The conversation is a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight to safeguard vulnerable bird species.

Maureen Mahon, a cultural anthropologist and music professor, joins actress and author Rebecca Humphries to celebrate Tina Turner's extraordinary life. They delve into Tina's rise from a challenging childhood in Tennessee to becoming a music icon known for her resilience. The discussion highlights her tumultuous relationship with Ike Turner, her powerful comeback, and her advocacy against domestic violence. Personal anecdotes reveal how Tina's music resonated during tough times, showcasing her unique talent and lasting impact on generations.

Raymond Blanc, a renowned chef and restaurateur, reflects on his mentorship under Professor Nicholas Kurti, a pioneer in low-temperature physics and molecular gastronomy. Their friendship blossomed as Kurti helped Blanc tackle culinary challenges like leaky puff pastry. Stephen Blundell, an expert in Kurti's revolutionary research, dives into how these scientific principles transformed cooking techniques. Together, they celebrate Kurti’s unique blend of culinary art and science, highlighting his enduring legacy in both fields.

Join Hilary Bradt, founder of Bradt Travel Guides, and Rose Baring, travel writer and editor of Dervla Murphy's works, as they celebrate the adventurous spirit of Dervla Murphy. From her thrilling bike journey to India to her encounters with wolf attacks, Dervla's tales are full of resilience and passion for sustainable travel. They discuss her unique writing process, her transformative experiences, and personal anecdotes that reveal her genuine, down-to-earth character. This engaging conversation offers insights into a trailblazing life of exploration.

We don't even know if Ned Ludd was real, but perhaps that was the point. "You could say he was everyone and no one - and that's what made him so terrifying for the authorities." Leader of the Luddites, who often signed letters and proclamations Ned Ludd, he is shown in one engraving wearing mismatched shoes and a blue polka dot dress, suggesting a world turned upside down. He's been picked by the popular historian Alex von Tunzelmann, and joining her in studio to discuss Ned and the Luddites (and the neo-Luddites too) is Katrina Navickas, historian of protest; plus the playwright Joe Ward-Munrow who recently staged The Legend of Ned Ludd at the Liverpool Playhouse.Alex von Tunzelmann is the author of Fallen Idols and presenter of The Lucan Obsession on Radio 4. The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer for BBC Studios Audio in Bristol is Miles Warde

Richey was, beautiful says Cummins, a natural icon and a gift to photograph. He also believes his writing has been overshadowed by the fact of his disappearance in 1995. "I think nobody has looked beyond that for quite a long time.”Manic Street Preachers biographer, Simon Price, also knew Richey Edwards and says he was "the most intelligent rock star I've ever met".This programme covers alcoholism, anorexia, and self-harm, but it also celebrates Richey’s sensitivity and, as Price says, the fact that he is one of those "icons of alienation" like Ian Curtis and Kurt Cobain who will " always be there for people to discover the genius of his work".Presented by Matthew Parris and produced for BBC Studios by Ellie Richold.

Biography show in which the guest picks someone they admire. Benny Hill is a thorny choice but playwright Jonathan Maitland is determined that - despite accusations of sexism and racism later in his career - Britain's most successful comedian deserves a second look. Benny was fired by Thames TV in 1989. "The show was past its sell-by date," was the official line. Critics had been questioning The Benny Hill Show for almost a decade, but in the 1950s and 1960s he was seen as a pioneer, particular for his work on TV. Joining the discussion is the comedian and writer Helen Lederer, bringing a little nuance to the show. Contains archive of Ruth Jones, Barry Cryer, David Cameron and Benny himself.The producer in Bristol is Miles Warde

“Henrietta's eyes looked into one's soul at the same time exposing her own. She posed for me most Mondays for the last seven months until two days before she died.” In a raw and very funny opener to the new series of Great Lives, painter and sculptor Maggi Hambling chooses someone she knew extremely well - her lover Henrietta Moraes. Born in India, Henrietta was rejected by both her parents and the grandmother she grew up with in Britain. She found a new home in post war Soho, was painted by Francis Bacon and Lucien Freud, and took on various jobs including gypsy storyteller and cat burglar. According to one obituary she was, "foul-mouthed, amoral, a thief, a violent drunkard and a drug addict. Yet she was witty, wonderfully warm and lovable. Her presence in any room immediately told you that life is more thrilling than we dull folk imagine.”Maggi Hambling is best known for her public works including A Sculpture for Mary Wollstonecraft and the Scallop made of steel on Aldeburgh Beach. She is joined in studio by painter Darren Coffield who has developed a second career as an entertaining historian of Soho with books such Queens of Bohemia and Other Misfits.The producer in Bristol is Miles Warde

The legendary opera star Maria Callas was lauded for her magnetic stage presence and extraordinary vocal range. Born in New York in 1923 to Greek immigrant parents, she moved with her mother and sister to Greece aged 13. In 1939 she attended the Athens Conservatoire where she embarked on a rigorous vocal training in the Italian "bel canto" tradition. After the Second World War she moved to Italy, where she was mentored by the leading conductor Tullio Serafin, and became one of the most celebrated opera stars of the day, making triumphant appearances at La Scala in Milan, Covent Garden in London and the Metropolitan in New York.Labour MP and former Deputy Prime Minister Harriet Harman is a lifelong fan, who says that despite Callas' tremendous talent and hard work she was unfairly vilified for behaving like a "diva" in the pejorative sense. She says that Callas was one of the first celebrities to get the full "tabloid treatment", and endured prurient press interest in her relationship with the Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis. We hear from Robert Sutherland, a pianist who accompanied Maria Callas during her world tour in 1973-1974, about their friendship. Joining Harriet and Matthew in the studio is singer, musician, teacher and researcher Nina Horrocks, also known by her stage name Ziazan. She specialises in the "bel canto" technique that Callas trained in, and has a YouTube channel dedicated to the subject called Phantoms of the Opera (https://www.youtube.com/c/PhantomsoftheOpera).Archive includes: Maria Callas in conversation with Edward Downes, 1967, Angel Records Maria Callas: Today interview with Barbara Walters, 1974, NBCPresenter: Matthew Parris Producer: Beth McLeod for BBC Studios Audio