Sheila Steafel

Sheila Steafel, the actress who was born in South Africa, went to drama school in London and had her first big break in the television series The Frost Report. Since then, as she tells Roy Plomley, her career has been extremely varied, including music hall, opera, theatre, a one-woman show and a long spell on Radio 4's Week Ending programme.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Concerto in D Minor For Violin, Oboe &amp; Strings by Johann Sebastian BachBook: DictionaryLuxury: Artist's equipment

Sheila Steafel, the actress who was born in South Africa, went to drama school in London and had her first big break in the television series The Frost Report. Since then, as she tells Roy Plomley, her career has been extremely varied, including music hall, opera, theatre, a one-woman show and a long spell on Radio 4's Week Ending programme. [Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Concerto in D Minor For Violin, Oboe &amp; Strings by Johann Sebastian Bach Book: Dictionary Luxury: Artist's equipment

David Steel

The Rt Hon David Steel MP has been leader of the Liberal Party since 1976. After leaving university, his first job was with the Scottish Liberal Party as Assistant Secretary. In 1965, he won a seat in the Borders and became the youngest member of that parliament. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his career and 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: Symphony No 9 by Ludwig van BeethovenBook: Do-it-yourself manualLuxury: Cathedral organ

The Rt Hon David Steel MP has been leader of the Liberal Party since 1976. After leaving university, his first job was with the Scottish Liberal Party as Assistant Secretary. In 1965, he won a seat in the Borders and became the youngest member of that parliament. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his career and 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: Symphony No 9 by Ludwig van Beethoven Book: Do-it-yourself manual Luxury: Cathedral organ

Rt Hon David Steel MP

Barbara Taylor Bradford

Barbara Taylor Bradford's first novel, A Woman of Substance, which was published in 1980, quickly became a huge international success. In conversation with Roy Plomley, she recalls her childhood in Leeds, her first job as a reporter on the Yorkshire Evening Post at the age of 16, becoming a Fleet Street journalist, and her eventual move to New York.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Jerusalem by Blake/ParryBook: Wuthering Heights by Emily BronteLuxury: Family photograph album

Barbara Taylor Bradford's first novel, A Woman of Substance, which was published in 1980, quickly became a huge international success. In conversation with Roy Plomley, she recalls her childhood in Leeds, her first job as a reporter on the Yorkshire Evening Post at the age of 16, becoming a Fleet Street journalist, and her eventual move to New York. [Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Jerusalem by Blake/Parry Book: Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte Luxury: Family photograph album

Robert Burchfield

Robert Burchfield, who has been Chief Editor of the Oxford English Dictionary since 1957, was born in New Zealand. After fighting in Italy during the war, he came to England to complete his education and stayed on to be a lecturer at Oxford University. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his career and discusses the many problems associated with compiling dictionaries.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Robert Burchfield, who has been Chief Editor of the Oxford English Dictionary since 1957, was born in New Zealand. After fighting in Italy during the war, he came to England to complete his education and stayed on to be a lecturer at Oxford University. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his career and discusses the many problems associated with compiling dictionaries. [Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Joseph Allen

Joseph Allen, the physicist, joined NASA in 1967 as a scientist astronaut. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he describes his lengthy training as an astronaut, the problems of space flight, and he describes his recent trip in the space shuttle to recover two satellites, which necessitated an unfettered walk in space.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Minor Blue by David DarlingBook: A number of Sherlock Holmes novels by Sir Arthur Conan DoyleLuxury: Family pocket watch

Joseph Allen, the physicist, joined NASA in 1967 as a scientist astronaut. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he describes his lengthy training as an astronaut, the problems of space flight, and he describes his recent trip in the space shuttle to recover two satellites, which necessitated an unfettered walk in space. [Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Minor Blue by David Darling Book: A number of Sherlock Holmes novels by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Luxury: Family pocket watch

Doris Stokes

Doris Stokes, the medium, first heard spirit voices when she was only four years old. In conversation with Roy Plomley, she talks about her experiences which include a brief visit to the spirit world, and she explains how she uses her gift to help others by putting them in touch with relations who have passed over.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: One Day At A Time by Lena MartellBook: The complete Andy CappLuxury: Photograph album of family, friends and pets

Doris Stokes, the medium, first heard spirit voices when she was only four years old. In conversation with Roy Plomley, she talks about her experiences which include a brief visit to the spirit world, and she explains how she uses her gift to help others by putting them in touch with relations who have passed over. [Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: One Day At A Time by Lena Martell Book: The complete Andy Capp Luxury: Photograph album of family, friends and pets

Richard Eyre

Richard Eyre is equally at ease whether he is directing in the theatre, for television or on film. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about some of his successes which have included Guys and Dolls at the National Theatre, the films Laughterhouse and The Ploughman's Lunch, and his period as producer of Play for Today with BBC television.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: El Cant Dels Ocells by Pablo CasalsBook: Partridge's Dictionary of SlangLuxury: Saxophone

Richard Eyre is equally at ease whether he is directing in the theatre, for television or on film. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about some of his successes which have included Guys and Dolls at the National Theatre, the films Laughterhouse and The Ploughman's Lunch, and his period as producer of Play for Today with BBC television. [Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: El Cant Dels Ocells by Pablo Casals Book: Partridge's Dictionary of Slang Luxury: Saxophone

Gordon Beningfield

Gordon Beningfield's designs for postage stamps include a butterfly set and the recently-issued insect set. He is also well-known for his paintings of nature and the countryside. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he describes his first job in studios producing ecclesiastical art, his later concentration on stained glass, and then painting.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: I Vow To Thee, My Country (from The Planets) - Jupiter by Gustav HolstBook: Manual on how to swimLuxury: Sketchbook, paints and pencils

Gordon Beningfield's designs for postage stamps include a butterfly set and the recently-issued insect set. He is also well-known for his paintings of nature and the countryside. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he describes his first job in studios producing ecclesiastical art, his later concentration on stained glass, and then painting. [Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: I Vow To Thee, My Country (from The Planets) - Jupiter by Gustav Holst Book: Manual on how to swim Luxury: Sketchbook, paints and pencils

Alison Lurie

Alison Lurie is not only a part-time professor of English at Cornell University where she teaches creative writing and children's literature, but she is also a very successful novelist. "Her seven novels", writes Malcolm Bradbury, "collectively form a biting record of American social, moral and sexual mores from the early 1960s to the present." In conversation with Roy Plomley, she talks about her work 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: The Marriage Of Figaro - Overture by Wolfgang Amadeus MozartBook: The Oxford Book of English VerseLuxury: Telephone

Alison Lurie is not only a part-time professor of English at Cornell University where she teaches creative writing and children's literature, but she is also a very successful novelist. "Her seven novels", writes Malcolm Bradbury, "collectively form a biting record of American social, moral and sexual mores from the early 1960s to the present." In conversation with Roy Plomley, she talks about her work 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: The Marriage Of Figaro - Overture by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Book: The Oxford Book of English Verse Luxury: Telephone

Jorge Bolet

The pianist Jorge Bolet, who was born in Havana, Cuba, was given lessons first by his sister. He went on to study at the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia and made his debut with the Philadelphia Orchestra. He is now hailed particularly for his interpretation of the music of Liszt. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his long career, which includes conducting the first performance of The Mikado in Tokyo.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Piano Concerto No 2 in F Minor by Frédéric ChopinBook: Don Quixote by Miguel de CervantesLuxury: Camera

The pianist Jorge Bolet, who was born in Havana, Cuba, was given lessons first by his sister. He went on to study at the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia and made his debut with the Philadelphia Orchestra. He is now hailed particularly for his interpretation of the music of Liszt. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his long career, which includes conducting the first performance of The Mikado in Tokyo. [Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Piano Concerto No 2 in F Minor by Frédéric Chopin Book: Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes Luxury: Camera

Guests are invited to choose the eight records they would take to a desert island

Desert Island Discs: Archive 1981-1985

Christopher Reeve is probably best-known for his film performances as Superman and Clark Kent, but he has made several other films, including Deathtrap and The Bostonians, and he has appeared on stage many times, particularly in the United States. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his many activities, which include being a professionally qualified pilot.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Imagine by John Lennon &amp; the Plastic Ono BandBook: The Inner Reality by Paul BruntonLuxury: Scuba-diving equipment

Christopher Reeve is probably best-known for his film performances as Superman and Clark Kent, but he has made several other films, including Deathtrap and The Bostonians, and he has appeared on stage many times, particularly in the United States. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his many activities, which include being a professionally qualified pilot. [Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Imagine by John Lennon &amp; the Plastic Ono Band Book: The Inner Reality by Paul Brunton Luxury: Scuba-diving equipment

Christopher Reeve

Roy Plomley's castaway is Princess Grace Of Monaco.Favourite track: Berceuse In D Flat by Frédéric ChopinBook: Plays by George KellyLuxury: Pillow

Roy Plomley's castaway is Princess Grace Of Monaco. Favourite track: Berceuse In D Flat by Frédéric Chopin Book: Plays by George Kelly Luxury: Pillow

Princess Grace of Monaco

Roy Plomley's castaway is oceanographer Captain Jacques Cousteau.Favourite track: Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue In D Minor by Johann Sebastian BachBook: Essays by Michel de MontaigneLuxury: Stone from stomach of a fossilised dinosaur

Roy Plomley's castaway is oceanographer Captain Jacques Cousteau. Favourite track: Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue In D Minor by Johann Sebastian Bach Book: Essays by Michel de Montaigne Luxury: Stone from stomach of a fossilised dinosaur

Captain Jacques Cousteau

The actor Anthony Hopkins has recently returned to this country after 10 years in California.In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his upbringing in South Wales, his rapid rise to fame, the unhappiness that caused him to go to America, and his success in the films The Elephant Man and Mutiny on the Bounty.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Myfanwy by Treorchy Male ChoirBook: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott FitzgeraldLuxury: Piano

The actor Anthony Hopkins has recently returned to this country after 10 years in California. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his upbringing in South Wales, his rapid rise to fame, the unhappiness that caused him to go to America, and his success in the films The Elephant Man and Mutiny on the Bounty. [Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Myfanwy by Treorchy Male Choir Book: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald Luxury: Piano

Anthony Hopkins

Roy Plomley's castaway is the inspiration behind The Sound Of Music, Maria Von Trapp.Favourite track: Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 in F Major by Johann Sebastian BachBook: True funny stories in GermanLuxury: Statue of Madonna and child, 17th century

Roy Plomley's castaway is the inspiration behind The Sound Of Music, Maria Von Trapp. Favourite track: Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 in F Major by Johann Sebastian Bach Book: True funny stories in German Luxury: Statue of Madonna and child, 17th century

Baroness Maria Von Trapp

James Stewart

James Stewart, with his inimitable slow drawl and gangly walk, has been making films since 1935, from The Philadelphia Story to The Far Country and Mr Hobbs Takes a Vacation. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his long career and 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]Book: Robinson Crusoe by Daniel DefoeLuxury: Family photo album

James Stewart, with his inimitable slow drawl and gangly walk, has been making films since 1935, from The Philadelphia Story to The Far Country and Mr Hobbs Takes a Vacation. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his long career and 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] Book: Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe Luxury: Family photo album

James Mason

Roy Plomley's castaway is actor James Mason.Favourite track: My Man by Billie HolidayBook: Ada by Vladimir NabokovLuxury: Guitar

Roy Plomley's castaway is actor James Mason. Favourite track: My Man by Billie Holiday Book: Ada by Vladimir Nabokov Luxury: Guitar

Jenny Agutter

Roy Plomley's castaway is actress Jenny Agutter.Favourite track: Fantasia On A Theme By Thomas Tallis by Ralph Vaughan WilliamsBook: The Oxford Book of English Verse by Arthur Quiller-CouchLuxury: Oriental rug

Roy Plomley's castaway is actress Jenny Agutter. Favourite track: Fantasia On A Theme By Thomas Tallis by Ralph Vaughan Williams Book: The Oxford Book of English Verse by Arthur Quiller-Couch Luxury: Oriental rug

Shirley MacLaine

Shirley Maclaine began her career as a singer and dancer in the chorus of a Broadway musical. Success came quickly when, as an understudy, she had to take over a leading role in The Pajama Game, and she went on to make many successful films including The Apartment, Sweet Charity and The Turning Point. She regularly tours the world with her own song and dance show. In conversation with Roy Plomley, she talks about her life and chooses 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: If My Friends Could See Me Now by Shirley MacLaineBook: Dictionary and Hexalingual thesaurusLuxury: Blank paper

Shirley Maclaine began her career as a singer and dancer in the chorus of a Broadway musical. Success came quickly when, as an understudy, she had to take over a leading role in The Pajama Game, and she went on to make many successful films including The Apartment, Sweet Charity and The Turning Point. She regularly tours the world with her own song and dance show. In conversation with Roy Plomley, she talks about her life and chooses 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: If My Friends Could See Me Now by Shirley MacLaine Book: Dictionary and Hexalingual thesaurus Luxury: Blank paper

Her Royal Highness Princess Michael of Kent was born in Czechoslovakia but she was educated mainly in Australia. She came to England specifically to study interior design and eventually set up her own design company. Her marriage to Prince Michael of Kent was in 1978. In conversation with Roy Plomley, she talks about her fascinating life and chooses the eight records that she would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Violin Concerto No 3 in G by Wolfgang Amadeus MozartBook: Histories by HerodotusLuxury: Cat

Her Royal Highness Princess Michael of Kent was born in Czechoslovakia but she was educated mainly in Australia. She came to England specifically to study interior design and eventually set up her own design company. Her marriage to Prince Michael of Kent was in 1978. In conversation with Roy Plomley, she talks about her fascinating life and chooses the eight records that she would take to the mythical island. [Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Violin Concerto No 3 in G by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Book: Histories by Herodotus Luxury: Cat

HRH Princess Michael of Kent

Lord Rothschild has spent much of his life as Assistant Director of the Research Department of Zoology at Cambridge University, but that has not prevented him from taking active roles in industry, heading the government's think tank and writing several books. He talks about the many facets of his career to Roy Plomley, and 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: Get Happy by Art TatumBook: Book on pure mathematicsLuxury: Pad of A4 paper

Lord Rothschild has spent much of his life as Assistant Director of the Research Department of Zoology at Cambridge University, but that has not prevented him from taking active roles in industry, heading the government's think tank and writing several books. He talks about the many facets of his career to Roy Plomley, and 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: Get Happy by Art Tatum Book: Book on pure mathematics Luxury: Pad of A4 paper

Lord Rothschild

Zubin Mehta

Zubin Mehta is the Musical Director of the New York and the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestras.In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his upbringing in India, where his father ran the Bombay Symphony Orchestra, his studies at the Vienna Academy which eventually led to him becoming conductor of the Montreal and Los Angeles orchestras, and he 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]

Zubin Mehta is the Musical Director of the New York and the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestras. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his upbringing in India, where his father ran the Bombay Symphony Orchestra, his studies at the Vienna Academy which eventually led to him becoming conductor of the Montreal and Los Angeles orchestras, and he 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]

Leo McKern

Leo McKern tried various careers like engineering and art before he decided to become an actor. Although he now concentrates mainly on films and television, he did several seasons at the Old Vic and the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre after the war. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his career and not forgetting his characterisation of Rumpole of the Bailey.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Serenade For Tenor Horn and Strings by Benjamin BrittenBook: EncyclopaediaLuxury: Watercolours and hot-pressed paper

Leo McKern tried various careers like engineering and art before he decided to become an actor. Although he now concentrates mainly on films and television, he did several seasons at the Old Vic and the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre after the war. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his career and not forgetting his characterisation of Rumpole of the Bailey. [Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Serenade For Tenor Horn and Strings by Benjamin Britten Book: Encyclopaedia Luxury: Watercolours and hot-pressed paper

James Fox

Roy Plomley's castaway is actor James Fox.Favourite track: I Believe In You by Bob DylanBook: Colour reproduction of Renaissance artistsLuxury: Water colour equipment

Roy Plomley's castaway is actor James Fox. Favourite track: I Believe In You by Bob Dylan Book: Colour reproduction of Renaissance artists Luxury: Water colour equipment

Dorothy Dunnett

Roy Plomley's castaway is writer Dorothy Dunnett.Favourite track: Symphony No. 7 In A Major by Ludwig van BeethovenBook: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward GibbonLuxury: Guitar

Roy Plomley's castaway is writer Dorothy Dunnett. Favourite track: Symphony No. 7 In A Major by Ludwig van Beethoven Book: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon Luxury: Guitar

James Ivory

Roy Plomley's castaway is director James Ivory.Favourite track: The Three Ladies Find Tamino by Wolfgang Amadeus MozartBook: A La Recherche Du Temps Perdu by Marcel ProustLuxury: Shower with hot water

Roy Plomley's castaway is director James Ivory. Favourite track: The Three Ladies Find Tamino by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Book: A La Recherche Du Temps Perdu by Marcel Proust Luxury: Shower with hot water

Delia Smith

Roy Plomley's castaway is cookery expert Delia Smith.Favourite track: Lief by Rhos Male ChoirBook: Autobiography by Saint Therese of LisieuxLuxury: Writing materials

Roy Plomley's castaway is cookery expert Delia Smith. Favourite track: Lief by Rhos Male Choir Book: Autobiography by Saint Therese of Lisieux Luxury: Writing materials

Julie Walters

Julie Walters had a variety of jobs, including nursing, before she took up acting. An early London appearance was the result of Funny Peculiar, transferring from the Everyman Theatre in Liverpool.In conversation with Roy Plomley, she talks about her work with Victoria Wood, about her huge success in both the play and film of Educating Rita, 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: I Get Along Without You Very Well by Carly SimonBook: The Magus by John FowlesLuxury: Telephone

Julie Walters had a variety of jobs, including nursing, before she took up acting. An early London appearance was the result of Funny Peculiar, transferring from the Everyman Theatre in Liverpool. In conversation with Roy Plomley, she talks about her work with Victoria Wood, about her huge success in both the play and film of Educating Rita, 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: I Get Along Without You Very Well by Carly Simon Book: The Magus by John Fowles Luxury: Telephone

Roy Plomley's castaway is soprano Lucia Popp.Favourite track: Teddy Bears' Picnic by Henry Hall and BBC Dance OrchestraBook: The Magic Mountain by Thomas MannLuxury: Teddy bear

Roy Plomley's castaway is soprano Lucia Popp. Favourite track: Teddy Bears' Picnic by Henry Hall and BBC Dance Orchestra Book: The Magic Mountain by Thomas Mann Luxury: Teddy bear

Lucia Popp

Julia McKenzie

Roy Plomley's castaway is actress Julia McKenzie.Favourite track: Skylark by Johnny Mandel and his OrchestraBook: Act One by Moss HartLuxury: Painting materials

Roy Plomley's castaway is actress Julia McKenzie. Favourite track: Skylark by Johnny Mandel and his Orchestra Book: Act One by Moss Hart Luxury: Painting materials

The best podcast episodes of anyone with an interesting story. With famous guests like Obama, LeBron James, Drake, Oprah Winfrey, Richard Branson, Michelle Obama, Serena Williams, to anyone who has a unique and interesting story to tell. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes: Personal Stories & Great Interviews

The best podcast episodes on physical health. Episodes talk about your diet, sleep, exercise and all the things that people do to improve their physical health and live a healthier life. This topic is for everyone, with applications in all of our everyday lives. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!