Desert Island Discs

BBC Radio 4
undefined
Sep 21, 1986 • 32min

Suzi Quatro

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, she talks about her upbringing in Detroit, where she played bongos in her father's band, her all-girl rock band, her great success in England as a leather-clad rocker with a string of hit records and her acting ambitions.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: When I Fall In Love by Nat King Cole Book: Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand Luxury: Piano
undefined
Sep 14, 1986 • 34min

James Herbert

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 of London where his parents were street traders, his training at art college which led to a career in advertising, and The Rats, his first and successful attempt at writing when he was 28.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Morning (from Peer Gynt Suite No 1) by Edvard Grieg Book: Anthology including The History of Mr Polly by H G Wells Luxury: Grand piano
undefined
Sep 7, 1986 • 35min

Andrew Davis

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, Cambridge, where he was an organ scholar. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he recalls how he first made his mark as a conductor, and talks about the many facets of his work which includes opera at Glyndebourne and Covent Garden and conducting many renowned orchestras.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Missa Solemnis In D - Gloria by Ludwig van Beethoven Book: Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift Luxury: Collection of Apostle spoons
undefined
Aug 31, 1986 • 31min

Auberon Waugh

Auberon Waugh, now the Editor of the Literary Review, has gained a reputation as a controversial journalist. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his father Evelyn Waugh, his childhood and his writing, which has included seven novels and his diary Private Eye.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Don Giovanni Act 1 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Book: Other Men's Flowers by Lord A P Wavell Luxury: Vine
undefined
Aug 24, 1986 • 34min

Stan Barstow

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
undefined
Aug 17, 1986 • 34min

Jane Lapotaire

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
undefined
Aug 10, 1986 • 31min

Virginia Holgate

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
undefined
Aug 3, 1986 • 35min

Norman Lewis

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
undefined
Jul 27, 1986 • 34min

Roger Vadim

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
undefined
Jul 20, 1986 • 34min

Sir Geoffrey Howe

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

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app