Desert Island Discs

Jack Thorne, a celebrated screenwriter and playwright known for 'His Dark Materials' and 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child', shares eight unique tracks, a book, and a luxury item for his desert island stay. He reflects on the powerful role of television in fostering empathy and discusses balancing diverse creative projects. Jack reminisces about his formative experiences at Glastonbury and sheds light on his journey through disability advocacy, emphasizing the importance of representation in storytelling. His nostalgic love for media and its impact on our lives concludes a thought-provoking discussion.

Dame Joan Plowright, a legendary English actress and wife of Laurence Olivier, reflects on her six-decade career in theatre and film. She discusses her quest for self-identity, including a memorable audition and her time at the Royal Court Theatre. Joan shares personal anecdotes about love, legacy, and managing family life amidst illness. Her humorous yet poignant stories highlight the joy found in art and life's simplicities. She also encourages a deeper look into current events, emphasizing the importance of understanding the stories behind the headlines.

Colm Toibin, the acclaimed Irish novelist and essayist known for addressing themes of identity and belonging, shares his creative journey. He discusses how personal memories and family dynamics shape his storytelling, alongside the emotional pull of music in his life. Anecdotes about choosing music over rent illustrate its influence on his creativity. He reflects on literary ambitions, particularly around identity, and explores how confronting loss can enhance his writing process. Toibin also muses about the whimsical idea of desert island writing tools, culminating in a nostalgic musical selection.

Dame Louise Casey, a distinguished crossbench peer, has played pivotal roles in tackling social issues like homelessness and poverty under five prime ministers. She discusses the power of community kindness during the pandemic and reflects on personal experiences in public service. Louise shares her emotional connection to 'What a Wonderful World' and 'La Boheme,' revealing how music shapes her advocacy. She also highlights her transformative journey through adversity and ends with whimsical desert island choices that reveal her passion for joy and connection.

Lindsey Hilsum, a multi-award-winning journalist and Channel 4's international editor, reflects on her 40-year career covering major global events. She discusses the emotional toll of reporting in conflict zones, the bonds formed with colleagues, and the impact of music on her experiences. Lindsey shares personal anecdotes from her upbringing, the challenges of balancing personal loss with professional duty, and the resilience required in high-risk journalism. Her connection to her chosen songs adds depth to her storytelling, making for a compelling narrative.

Donna Ockenden is a former clinical midwife who led the Ockenden Review which revealed, at the time, the biggest maternity scandal in NHS history. Published in 2022, the review highlighted serious failings in maternity care at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust which contributed to the deaths of more than 200 babies and nine mothers.Donna grew up in the village of Aberaman in the Welsh Valleys. She experienced a complicated childhood which included a period living in a homeless shelter along with her mother and four siblings. She is also a survivor of sexual abuse and believes her background helped her develop a tenacity and determination which she went on to apply to her work.She completed her nursing training in Swansea and Neath and trained as a midwife at the Portsmouth School of Midwifery. In 2015 she became Senior Midwifery Adviser to the Chief Executive of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). In May 2022 she was appointed chair of the independent review into maternity services at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust which will be published next year. It is already the largest investigation into a single service in the NHS, hearing evidence from over 2,000 families so far.Donna lives in Chichester with her two cats.Details of organisations offering information and support with child sexual abuse or child bereavement are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.DISC ONE: We’ve Only Just Begun - The Carpenters DISC TWO: Bye Bye Baby - Bay City Rollers DISC THREE: Ukulele Lady - Ethel Merman DISC FOUR: Isn’t It Amazing - Hothouse Flowers DISC FIVE: If Only - Hazel O’Connor DISC SIX: I Can See Clearly Now - Hothouse Flowers DISC SEVEN: We’ll Keep a Welcome - Harry Secombe DISC EIGHT: Francesca - Hozier BOOK CHOICE: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë LUXURY ITEM: Red lipstick CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: I Can See Clearly Now - Hothouse FlowersPresenter Lauren Laverne Producer Paula McGinley

Carl Jones, a conservation biologist renowned for rescuing the Mauritius kestrel from extinction, shares his extraordinary journey. He discusses his innovative breeding methods that brought the kestrel back from the brink, along with touching stories about his bond with Andean condors. Jones reflects on how childhood memories sparked his passion for wildlife and explores the emotional challenges of conservation. He also emphasizes the importance of biodiversity and his role in restoring ecosystems, including introducing giant tortoises to Mauritius.

Cyndi Lauper, the iconic singer-songwriter known for her vibrant style and activism, shares her journey from a challenging childhood in New York to music stardom. She discusses the profound impact of her mother on her love for music and reveals funny anecdotes from her early career struggles, including a near year-long loss of her voice. Lauper highlights the empowering significance of her song 'True Colors' during the AIDS crisis and reflects on the evolution of women's roles in the music industry, celebrating the resilience of young female artists.

William Boyd, an award-winning author renowned for his 'whole life' novels, shares his fascinating journey from his childhood in Ghana to becoming a celebrated writer. He discusses the impact of his early experiences on his storytelling and the role humor plays in his writing. Boyd reminisces about his serendipitous meeting with his wife and offers insights into his creative process, including the significance of envisioning endings. He also reflects on his admiration for Brahms, blending music with literary inspiration and personal memories.

In this engaging discussion, Sir Jony Ive, the visionary designer behind Apple's iconic products, shares insights from his remarkable journey in design. He reflects on childhood experiences that shaped his creativity and craftsmanship. Jony highlights the emotional bonds built with Steve Jobs while creating the iMac, and discusses the dual nature of innovation in technology. He also connects personal moments to U2's music, illustrating how it resonates with his life's milestones. Throughout, he emphasizes the deep relationship between design, people, and their experiences.