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 & Strings by Johann Sebastian Bach Book: Dictionary Luxury: Artist's equipment

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

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, 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, 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, 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 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'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 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

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

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

Michael Elkins was, for many years, the BBC correspondent in Jerusalem. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he recalls his childhood in New York, where he became a pool-room hustler, his screen-writing career in Hollywood, and he talks about his active role in helping to set up a Jewish state in Palestine. [Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Spring by Antonio Vivaldi Book: The Hero With the Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell Luxury: Electric typewriter

Elly Ameling's career as a singer took off when she won the first prizes in two competitions. In conversation with Roy Plomley, she explains why she devotes most of her time to singing lieder and has only appeared in one opera. She also talks about her occasional forays into cabaret 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: It Don't Mean A Thing by Ellington Book: Poetry by Paul Verlaine Luxury: Buddha statue

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

Madhur Jaffrey is an actress who has now become as well-known as a writer and broadcaster on Indian and Far Eastern cooking. In conversation with Roy Plomley, she talks about the films she has made with James Ivory, including Heat and Dust. She also recalls how she came to be a cookery expert, and she 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: Violin Concerto - 1st Movement by Roque Cordero Book: Blank book Luxury: Whiskey

John Harvey-Jones, who is Chairman of the giant company Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI), began his career in the Royal Navy and was a lieutenant-commander by the time he moved into industry at the age of 33. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he describes his rapid rise from trainee work study officer at ICI with not even one 'O' Level to being appointed Chairman. [Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Symphony No 1 in B Flat by Boyce Book: The Loom of Language by Frederick Bodmer Luxury: Trap (minus donkey)

Tom Stoppard, the playwright, began his career as a journalist on a local newspaper in Bristol. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his writing, which has been mainly for the theatre and has included several free translations of plays including Rough Crossing; now in the repertoire of the National Theatre. [Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Careless Love by Bessie Smith Book: Inferno in two languages by Dante Alighieri Luxury: Plastic football

Sir Michael Tippett, who celebrated his 80th birthday three days ago, has come to be regarded as one of the foremost composers of this century. As he tells Roy Plomley, other than a period as Director of Music at Morley College, he has allowed very little to distract him from composition. His output includes four symphonies, four operas, four string quartets and several concertos. [Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Vespro Della Beata Vergine by Claudio Monteverdi Book: Blank pages Luxury: Egg timer

Ray Cooney, who is the Artistic Director of the very successful Theatre of Comedy, began his career as an actor. Before long, he started directing plays and then writing them, usually in collaboration with John Chapman. These include Charlie Girl, Not Now, Darling and his latest, Two Into One. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his varied career 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]

Sir John Burgh is the Director-General of the British Council, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he recalls how he worked his way from an aircraft factory, through the Board of Trade, the Colonial Office, the Cabinet think tank and other Civil Service appointments to his present position, 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] Favourite track: Le Nozze Di Figaro Act 2 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Book: Encyclopaedia Britannica Luxury: Transistor radio

Miklos Rozsa is best known for his many film scores, including those for The Thief of Baghdad, Ben-Hur and Spellbound, but he has also written several concertos and chamber and instrumental music. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he recalls his childhood in Hungary, his music studies in Germany, and his work after the war in Hollywood. [Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Symphony No 9 by Ludwig van Beethoven Book: Collected poems by Endre Ady Luxury: Manuscript paper and pens

Robin Hanbury-Tenison divides his time between farming in Cornwall and exploring the remote corners of the world. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he describes his travels in the Sahara, Indonesia, South America and leading the Royal Geographical Society's largest expedition ever to the tropical rainforests of Borneo. [Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Bachianas Brasileiras No 5 Aria by Heitor Villa-Lobos Book: The Oxford Companion to English Literature Luxury: Cask of claret

David Puttnam, now a very successful film producer, began his career as a messenger boy. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he describes how he worked his way up and was able to create films like Chariots of Fire and Bugsy Malone, 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] Favourite track: Violin Concerto in D Major by Ludwig van Beethoven Book: The Wisden Anthology of Cricket by Benny Green Luxury: Goose-down pillow

Vernon Handley, Associate Conductor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, has made his name through his devotion to British music. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he describes the long struggle he had to obtain regular work with professional 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] Favourite track: The Garden of Fand by Arnold Bax Book: The Principles of Art by R G Collingwood Luxury: Sodastream and gas cylinders

Tom Sharpe spent much of his early career in South Africa doing social work, teaching and finally running a photographic studio, until he was deported. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his experiences in South Africa and how, after lecturing in History at Cambridge, he finally became a full-time novelist, 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] Favourite track: Piano Concerto No 20 in D MInor by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Book: The Oxford Book of English Verse Luxury: Ton of snuff

David Rendall, the tenor, is singing in the new production of Madame Butterfly at the Coliseum in London, just one of the many engagements around the world which fill his diary until 1988. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he recalls how, in only six years, he jumped from being a clerk in the BBC Gramophone Library to singing principal roles at Covent Garden, 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] Favourite track: Die Schone Mullerin No 7 by Franz Schubert Book: The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran Luxury: Wine - Chateau Lascombes 1966

Jonathan Lynn began his acting career in the Footlights at Cambridge University. From 1970 he also began directing plays and, for a while, he ran the Arts Theatre in Cambridge. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his diverse career, which includes a lot of writing for television, in particular the very successful series Yes, Minister. [Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Le Nozze Di Figaro Act 1 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Book: Collection of Jeeves & Wooster stories by P G Wodehouse Luxury: Pen and paper

Michael Ffolkes, the cartoonist, works principally for the Daily Telegraph and Punch, which first published one of his cartoons when he was only 17 years old. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he recalls his training for the job which included art school, the Royal Navy and the snooker table, 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] Favourite track: My Very Good Friend, The Milkman by Fats Waller Book: The Adventures of Alice by Lewis Carroll Luxury: Artist's lay figure

John Surman, who plays the baritone saxophone, has acquired an international reputation as a jazz musician and so spends much of his time abroad. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about the various groups he has formed like SOS and the Brass Project, about his work as a composer, including that for the Carolyn Carlson Dance Theatre at the Paris Opera, 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] Favourite track: St Matthew Passion No 1 by Johann Sebastian Bach Book: Set of Wisden Almanack Luxury: Vat of Bordeaux wine

John Hurt has built up a tremendous reputation as an actor, particularly for his performances in The Elephant Man, The Naked Civil Servant and Champions. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his career, including his role in the new film version of 1984, 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] Favourite track: Bean Dubh Ab Ghleanna by Paddy Moloney Book: The complete works by Lewis Carroll Luxury: Pillow

Alfred Eisenstadt gave up being a belt-and-button salesman in 1929 to become a professional photographer, concentrating on what is now called 'photojournalism'. Six years later, he moved from Europe to America, where he joined the new Life Magazine for which he has worked ever since. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he describes some of the many stories he has covered, including the rise of Nazism, crossing the Atlantic in a Zeppelin and Marilyn Monroe, 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] Favourite track: Le Notti De Cabiria by Nino Rota Book: A book of quotations Luxury: Camera

Gerry Cottle's latest circus is a fast-moving show with no ring-master and no animals, but it is very popular. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he recalls how he ran away from school to join a circus, how he made the jump from being a juggler to being a circus owner who toured many countries, 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: American Pie by Don McLean Book: I Love You, Honey, but the Season's Over by Connie Clausen Luxury: Juggling clubs

Catherine Cookson is a very successful writer with 61 novels, all in print, to her name. But she was brought up in very poor circumstances on Tyneside by her mother, leaving school at the age of 13. In conversation with Roy Plomley, she talks about her days 'in service', about how she came to run a workhouse laundry, how eventually she became a full-time novelist, 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: Thora by Adams/Wetherey Book: Her own autobiography Luxury: Piano

George Abbott, who is 97 years old, has just directed a revival of his musical On Your Toes. He began his career as an actor, but before long he was also writing plays and staging them. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his remarkable career and some of his hit shows, including Call Me Madam, The Pajama Game and Damn Yankees. [Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Falling In Love With Love by Ellen Hanley & Orchestra Book: Encyclopaedia Luxury: Writing paper

The writer Ved Mehta unfortunately lost his sight at the age of four: "Most blind people in India at that time were beggars, or stayed with their relations like wounded animals." He describes to Roy Plomley how, in spite of tremendous odds, he gained an education at Oxford University and Harvard, and went on to become a staff writer for the New Yorker, 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] Favourite track: String Quartet No 14 in C Sharp Minor (Last Movement) by Ludwig van Beethoven Book: 11th edition of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Willie Rushton is a cartoonist, actor, writer and a regular member of quiz game panels. He tells Roy Plomley about how he came to be one of the founders of Private Eye, about the early days of the TV programme That Was the Week That Was, and he chooses 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: I Guess I'll Have To Change My Plan by Sam Browne Book: Anthology by G.K. Chesterton Luxury: Piano

Ron Goodwin has composed the scores for many films, including Where Eagles Dare, 633 Squadron and Monte Carlo or Bust, but he started his career in an insurance office. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he describes how his apprenticeship with a music publisher enabled him to become a composer and later a conductor, 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] Favourite track: Tintagel by Arnold Bax Book: The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran Luxury: Tuba

Gayatri Devi, the Maharani of Jaipur, was brought up in the sumptuous Palace of Cooch Behar with its staff of 500. She tells Roy Plomley how she shot her first panther at the age of 12, how she became the third wife of the Maharaja of Jaipur, and how, with his encouragement, she won a seat in the Parliament of India. [Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: As Time Goes By by Andy Williams and his Orchestra Book: Omnibus of books by James Herriot Luxury: Can of insect repellant

Sir Alfred Ayer, the philosopher who was for many years the Wykeham Professor of Logic at Oxford University, is perhaps best known for Language, Truth and Logic, a book he wrote when he was only 25, and Philosophy in the Twentieth Century. He talks to Roy Plomley about the life of an academic 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: The Italian Girl In Algiers by Gioacchino Rossini Book: Life of Johnson by James Boswell and A Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides by James Boswell Luxury: Le Moulin de la Galette by Renoir

Natalia Makarova is starring in a revival of the musical On Your Toes, but she trained as a classical ballet dancer at the Kirov School in Leningrad. She tells Roy Plomley about her defection to the West during a tour with the Kirov Ballet in 1970, about her work with the American Ballet Theatre and the Royal Ballet 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: Violin Concerto No 2 in E by Johann Sebastian Bach Book: Poetry by Aleksandr Pushkin Luxury: Wine - Chateau Margot 1961

The pianist Vlado Perlemuter, who was born 80 years ago in Lithuania, has spent most of his life in Paris, where he taught at the Conservatoire between concert tours. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he recalls some of the many musicians and composers he knew, including Cortot, Faure, Ravel and Dukas. [Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Brandenburg Concerto No 3 in G Major by Johann Sebastian Bach Book: Complete plays by Molière Luxury: Painting from the Louvre

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

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]

Hugh Johnson's career was spawned when he became a member of the Wine and Food Society at Cambridge University. He soon made a name for himself as a writer on wine and produced the best-selling World Atlas of Wine in 1971. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his interest in wine, about his other great enthusiasm - gardening - 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] Favourite track: Mass In B Minor by Johann Sebastian Bach Book: The complete works by P G Wodehouse Luxury: Writing materials and lots of bottles

Rosalind Plowright, the soprano, began singing professionally with the Glyndebourne Touring Opera Company, but her career did not really take off until she won a competition in Sofia in 1979. In conversation with Roy Plomley, she describes her rise to international recognition, she talks about her role in Verdi's The Sicilian Vespers for the English National Opera 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 Lark Ascending by Ralph Vaughan Williams Book: The collected works by William Wordsworth Luxury: Windsurfer

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

David Lodge, who has written several successful novels, including Changing Places and The British Museum is Falling Down, is Professor of Modern Literature at Birmingham University. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his work, which also includes writing revues for the Birmingham Repertory Theatre 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] Favourite track: Enigma Variations - No 9: Nimrod by Edward Elgar Book: Ulysses by James Joyce Luxury: Nymph in a Landscape by Palma Vecchio

Lucy Irvine has experienced the reality of life on a desert island, although for her year-long sojourn she did have a companion. In conversation with Roy Plomley, she talks about the terrible problems she encountered, particularly the lack of water, and she chooses the eight records she would take if she were to be castaway again. [Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: All By Myself by Big Bill Broonzy Book: Language Made Plain by Anthony Burgess Luxury: Mosquito coils and an apple pip

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 & the Plastic Ono Band Book: The Inner Reality by Paul Brunton Luxury: Scuba-diving equipment

Paul Tortelier was born in Paris, where his first job at the age of 12 was playing the cello in a cinema orchestra. Although he was a prize-winning student at the Conservatoire in 1930, it was some years before his career took off. In conversation with Roy Plomley, this internationally-famous soloist and teacher talks about his colourful life 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: Piano Concerto in G, 2nd Movement by Maurice Ravel Book: The Cathedrals of France by Auguste Rodin Luxury: Photograph of wife

'Honest' Ed Mirvish is a Canadian high-school drop-out who became a multi-millionaire by running a discount house selling goods at bargain prices. When he was offered the run-down Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto at a bargain price he could not refuse, and before long it was paying its way. His latest venture was to buy the Old Vic in London, which he has restored beautifully. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his various enterprises. [Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Mona Lisa by Nat King Cole Book: Complete Webster's English Dictionary Luxury: Barbeque

Michael Quinn is the Head Chef at the Ritz Hotel; the first British Chef in the history of the hotel. His ambition was always to be a cook, so as soon as he left school he became an apprentice cook in Leeds, winning within five years a competition for the 1966 Top Apprentice Chef of Great Britain. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he describes how he worked his way to the top via Claridge's and two country hotels, 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] Favourite track: North Country Fantasy by Black Dyke Mills Band Book: Le Repertoire de la Cuisine by Louis Saulnier Luxury: Pair of waterwings

Don McCullin has won an enormous reputation for his photographic coverage of the many wars which have torn the world apart in the last 20 years. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his exceedingly dangerous career and about his travels, which have even taken him to a desert island, and, in light of this experience, he chooses the eight records he would like to have for a prolonged island sojourn. [Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Symphony No 3 in C Minor by Camille Saint-Saëns Book: One year of issues of the Times Luxury: Mirror

Gerald Priestland began his career in the news department of the BBC, becoming in 1954 the foreign correspondent in India. Many years later, he was appointed Religious Affairs Correspondent and he was responsible for the very popular radio series Priestland's Progress. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his career, including his move into television, 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] Favourite track: Vergnugte Ruh by Johann Sebastian Bach Book: Poetry by Gerard Manley Hopkins Luxury: Air conditioner

Michael York began his acting career with the National Youth Theatre, but his big break came when he successfully auditioned for the National Theatre at the Old Vic. He has appeared in many films, including Accident, Cabaret and Conduct Unbecoming. In conversation with Roy Plomley, 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] Favourite track: Clarinet Concerto in A by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Luxury: Telescope

Woody Herman played saxophone and clarinet with various bands until 1936, when the Isham Jones Band in which he was working broke up and he organised a group of his own with the key players. Since then he has led many bands, most of which have been called 'herds'. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island, but he does not include his most famous, Woodchopper's Ball. [Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Moonlight In Vermont by The Johnny Smith Quintet Book: Music is My Mistress by Duke Ellington Luxury: Jaguar XJ6

Lord Elwyn-Jones began his career as a barrister, combining it with that of a Labour Member of Parliament from 1945. He was Counsel for the Prosecution at the Nuremberg War Crimes Trial and later he was appointed Lord Chancellor and Speaker of the House of Lords. In conversation with Roy Plomley about his eventful life, 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] Favourite track: Symphony No 40 In G Minor by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Book: English Social History by G M Trevelyan Luxury: Comic collage by Pearl Binder

The American actor Stubby Kaye worked in vaudeville before he made his name in the musical Guys and Dolls, on Broadway and in London, as Nicely-Nicely. When it was filmed, nobody else could be considered for the part. He went on to make several more film musicals, including Li'l Abner and Sweet Charity. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his career which includes some work in this country where he now lives, 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] Favourite track: New York, New York by Liza Minelli Book: Diary Luxury: Hard hat

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

Quentin Crewe has always been an enthusiastic traveller and even the onset of muscular dystrophy has not curbed him. His other great interest is in food. He has paid for both of these enthusiasms by journalism and by writing books about them. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his fascinating life and his travels, which have included a journey across the Sahara with his wheelchair. [Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Violin Concerto No.1 in G Minor - 3rd Movement by Max Bruch Book: Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable Luxury: Potter's wheel

The cricketer David Gower, who is to be the captain of Leicestershire next season, is thought by many to be one of the world's most exciting batsmen. He is in New Zealand with the England team, of which he is the vice captain, for the test series. 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: Piano Concerto No 5 In E Flat by Ludwig van Beethoven Book: Compendium of wines Luxury: Video cassettes of Rumpole of the Bailey

Bertice Reading's career took off when she won a talent contest and for the prize sang with the Lionel Hampton Band for a week. Later, she started to act and was in the first production of Sandy Wilson's musical Valmouth. In both America and Europe she appeared in cabaret and musicals, and she was a great success here in the musical One Mo' Time. In conversation with Roy Plomley, she talks about her career and 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 War of the Worlds - Epilogue by Jeff Wayne Book: The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran Luxury: King-size, brass bed with a feather mattress

The novelist MM Kaye was born and has spent much of her life in India, and this experience has provided the background to several of her novels, including The Far Pavilions. She has also written a series of thrillers set in other places around the world to which she has been sent with her soldier husband. In conversation with Roy Plomley, she talks about her adventurous life and 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: Julie's Theme by Lanning Book: Indian Tales by Rudyard Kipling Luxury: Writer's kit

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

The artist John Piper is a man of many talents. Not only is he a distinguished painter, but also he is particularly interested in tapestry and stained glass, and he has done windows for cathedrals at Coventry and Liverpool. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about the many facets of his life, especially his designs for many of the operas of Benjamin Britten, 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] Favourite track: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini by Sergei Rachmaninov Book: The complete works by William Blake Luxury: Pianola

Marvin Hamlisch got into the Juilliard School of Music at the age of seven and he has been successful ever since. His two hit musicals - Chorus Line and They're Playing our Song - and his scores for over 20 films have won him many awards, including three Academy Awards in a single night. His most recent musical, Jean Seberg, opened at the National Theatre in 1983. 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: Everything's Coming Up Roses by Rosalind Russell Book: Phone book Luxury: Picture of mother when she was 17

Thomas Keneally, the Australian writer, won the Booker Prize last year with Schindler's Ark after being on the shortlist twice. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his writing, about his years in a Catholic seminary and as a teacher, 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] Favourite track: The Four Seasons - Winter by Antonio Vivaldi Book: Oxford Book of Twentieth-Century English Verse by Philip Larkin Luxury: Collection of Times crosswords

Sir Hugh Greene began his career as a foreign correspondent. During the war, he joined the BBC and was in charge of wartime broadcasts to Germany. After a variety of jobs, including that of Head of Emergency Information Services in Malaya conducting psychological warfare against the Communist guerrillas in the jungle, he was appointed Director-General of the BBC. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his fascinating life 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: Forefathers by Edmund Blunden Book: The Penguin Complete Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Luxury: Portable typewriter and lots of paper

Sir Peter Hall was appointed Director of the National Theatre in 1973. Before that, he ran the Royal Shakespeare Company and he was responsible for setting up their London base at the Aldwych. In spite of this heavy administrative responsibility, he has always found time to produce many plays and operas, including this year's Ring Cycle at Bayreuth. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his amazingly active life 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: The Man That Got Away by Judy Garland Book: The New Grove Dictionary of Music & Musicians Luxury: Photograph of children

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

Sir Ranulph Fiennes has had many adventures since he was removed from the SAS for the illegal use of explosives, but without a doubt his greatest exploit was the Transglobe Expedition. Swamps, deserts and arctic ice fields were just some of the many hazards he encountered on the first round-the-world journey via the two poles. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he describes some of his exploits 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: The Oxford Book of Quotations Luxury: Tube of Antisan cream

Linda Esther Gray, the Scots soprano, made her operatic debut as Mimi in La Boheme with Glyndebourne Touring Opera in 1972, and she went on to win the Kathleen Ferrier Memorial Scholarship and the John Christie Award. But her first big success was as Isolde with the Welsh National Opera in 1978. She also tackles the role of Brunhilde in Valkyrie with the English National Opera. In conversation with Roy Plomley, she talks about her career and 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: Die Walkure Act 3 by Richard Wagner Book: Anthology of poetry Luxury: Garlic, chocolate and wine

Topol began his acting career almost by accident while he was doing his army service in Israel. He had wanted to be a printer and live on a kibbutz. His success as Tevye in the musical The Fiddler on the Roof, both in London and in the film, brought him international acclaim and he has gone on to make many more films, but he still returns regularly to Israel to work. 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: Those Were The Nights by Esther Ofarim With Orchestra Book: Great Treasury of Western Thought by Mortimer J Adler Luxury: Artist's kit

Mollie Harris was brought up in Oxfordshire and her books of reminiscences about life in the country are very popular. For the past thirteen years she has been a regular member of the cast of The Archers, in which she takes the part of Martha Woodford. In conversation with Roy Plomley, she talks about her fascinating life and 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: What A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong Book: The five-volume works by Anthony Wood Luxury: Union Jack

Rosemary Sutcliff began her career as a painter of miniatures and some of her work was shown at the Royal Academy. Since turning to writing, she has produced 43 books, most of which are historical novels for children. She particularly enjoys setting them in Roman Britain. In conversation with Roy Plomley, she talks about her career, about the difficulties caused by arthritis since she was a child and she 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: The Lark Ascending by Ralph Vaughan Williams Book: Kim by Rudyard Kipling Luxury: Flowers delivered daily by bottle

Ian Richardson has spent much of his acting career with the Royal Shakespeare Company. But, in recent years, he has made an impact on television in Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, Eyeless in Gaza and with his portrayal of Montgomery in Churchill and the Generals. 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: Henry V Suite - The Agincourt Song by William Walton Book: Book of quotations Luxury: Large supply of paper and pencils

Lionel Hampton is one of the legendary figures of the jazz world. For most of his career, he has led his own bands, although for a while he did play with Benny Goodman. His main instrument is the vibraharp, but there is always a second drum kit on stage for him to perform on, and he also plays the piano and sings. In conversation with Roy Plomley, this versatile musician 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] Favourite track: Memories Of You by Louis Armstrong Book: Science and Health, with a Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy Luxury: Tape recorder

Charlotte Lamb first started to write in 1970 after doing a series of different jobs, including working in a bank and for the BBC. Since then, she has written over 60 romantic novels, some of them under different names, and she has become one of the most popular novelists of that genre. In conversation with Roy Plomley, she talks about her work and 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: Brandenburg Concerto No 4 In G Major by Johann Sebastian Bach Book: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen Luxury: Typewriter and paper

Paul Jones first made his name as the lead singer with the group Manfred Mann. Later, he formed the Blues Band, but in the meantime he had started a second career as an actor when he appeared in the film Privilege. Since then, he has played Hamlet, Cassio in Othello and Macheath in The Beggar's Opera, and he even finds time to do session work on his harmonica. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about the many facets of 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: Libiamo Ne'Lieti Calici by Giuseppe Verdi Book: Political works and music criticism by George Bernard Shaw Luxury: Harmonica

Cindy Buxton made several successful wildlife films in Africa for television. Then, in 1978, she decided to film on the Falkland Islands and managed to persuade Annie Price to give up photographing children to become her assistant. In conversation with Roy Plomley, they talk about their experiences, about their life during the invasion, and they choose the four records each which they would take to the mythical island. [Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Sailing by Rod Stewart Book: A book on explorers and Jonathan Livingstone's Seagull by Richard Bach Luxury: Cow and a box of soap

Malcolm Bradbury is Professor of American Studies at the University of East Anglia, but he is better known perhaps for his novels, The History Man and Eating People is Wrong, and for his academic books on literature. 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: Don Giovanni Act 1 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Book: If on a Winter's Night a Traveller by Italo Calvino Luxury: Word processor

Peter Bull has become known in recent years as a teddy bear expert and the owner of Aloysius who appeared in Brideshead Revisited, but he has also had a long career as an actor, notably in plays such as Luther and Waiting for Godot. He has also made several forays into theatrical management. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his diverse 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: Slowly Slowly by Lola Tsakiri Book: Brideshead Revisited (in Greek) by Evelyn Waugh Luxury: Crystal ball

Sir Frederick Gibberd includes among his designs a bridge, Liverpool Cathedral, the mosque in Regent's Park and Harlow New Town, but he says of himself "had I been less interested in people and more interested in building a monument, I'd probably have been a better architect". In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his career, his enthusiasm for landscape gardening, 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] Favourite track: The Marriage of Figaro Act 3 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Book: Scrapbook of poetry Luxury: Bottle of sleeping tablets

Keith Waterhouse started his writing career on the Yorkshire Evening Post but it was not long before he had a huge success with a novel - Billy Liar. For many years, in a prolific partnership with Willis Hall, he wrote plays, television scripts and screenplays, although now he concentrates on his novels and his regular columns in Punch and the Daily Mirror. In conversation with Roy Plomley, this versatile writer 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: Guys and Dolls (Title Song) by The Guys and Dolls Orchestra Book: A year's supply of the Exchange & Mart Luxury: Solar-powered television, video and eight films

John Gunter has been a set designer in the theatre for many years, but his astounding sets for two productions at the National Theatre - Guys and Dolls and The Rivals - have focused attention on him. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about his career as a designer and of its many problems, 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] Favourite track: Symphony No 1 in B Flat Minor by William Walton Book: The complete works by Flann O'Brien Luxury: More William Walton records

Sir John Pritchard, now Chief Conductor of the BBC Symphony Orchestra, has worked with many orchestras in many countries, but he remembers above all the many happy summers he spent with Glyndebourne Opera, where he started as a repetiteur and eventually became the Musical Director. 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] Favourite track: Don Giovanni Act 2 Scene 5 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Book: Lucia novels by E F Benson Luxury: Italian wine

Terry Jones first became well-known as one of the performers in Monty Python's Flying Circus in 1969. He had spent several years before that as a television script writer. More recently, he has been directing the Monty Python feature films, writing books and hosting a television chat show. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he discusses these multifarious activities 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: Five Salted Peanuts by Tony Pastor and his Orchestra Book: The complete works by Geoffrey Chaucer Luxury: Pencil and paper

Peter Maxwell Davies is not only a prolific composer, he is also Director of Music at Dartington Hall Summer School and Director of the Fires of London, a group specialising in twentieth-century music which he conducts on their many concert tours. Most of his composing is done in the tranquillity and isolation of his home in the Orkneys. In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about the various facets of his life 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: Agnes Dei by Byrd Book: Ulysses by James Joyce Luxury: Music manuscript paper and pens

Fleur Cowles began her career as a columnist on one of the New York papers and before long she became the Associate Editor of the magazine Look. She became very influential and, in 1953, President Eisenhower asked her to be his personal ambassador to the UK for the Coronation. Before long, she made her home here and took up writing books and painting professionally. She has since had 34 exhibitions of her work. In conversation with Roy Plomley, she talks about her fascinating life and 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: Promenade & Tulleries by Modest Mussorgsky Book: Blank paper Luxury: Painting materials

Sir Peter Pears has been acknowledged for many years as an outstanding interpreter of the vocal music of Benjamin Britten. He also helped Britten to found the Aldeburgh Festival and he still takes an active part in the running of it. In conversation with Roy Plomley, Sir Peter 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] Favourite track: The Sprig Of Thyme by Benjamin Britten Book: A book by E.M Forster Luxury: Painting from his collection

Raymond Briggs began his career as an illustrator after studying art at the Slade School. He first achieved fame through his picture books for children, Father Christmas and Fungus the Bogeyman, but has since moved into the adult world with When the Wind Blows, in which an elderly couple struggle to survive a nuclear attack. As he told Roy Plomley when they met to choose his eight records, he has now turned this most recent picture book into a stage play. [Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: The Boogie Rocks by Albert Ammons Rhythm Kings Book: The complete works by Beachcomber Luxury: Billiard table with snooker balls and cue

Roy Plomley's castaway is actress Sinead Cusack. Favourite track: Concerto in G Minor No. 1 by Max Bruch Book: Novels by John Le Carre Luxury: Writing materials

Roy Plomley's castaway is broadcaster Terry Wogan. Favourite track: The Young Prince and The Young Princess by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov Book: His favourite book by P G Wodehouse Luxury: Vodka

Roy Plomley's castaway is retired Old Bailey Judge Sir Alan King-Hamilton. Favourite track: Symphony No. 5 In C Minor by Ludwig van Beethoven Book: Barclays World of Cricket by Jim Swanton Luxury: Television set

Roy Plomley's castaway is actor and comedian Arthur English. Favourite track: 1812 Overture by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Book: Britain's Heritage by John Julius Norwich Luxury: Weekend in Paris

Roy Plomley's castaway is writer A N Wilson. Favourite track: Profisciere Anima Christiana by Edward Elgar Book: The Golden Treasury by Francis Palgrave Luxury: Bed and blankets

Roy Plomley's castaway is comedian and musician Max Boyce. Favourite track: The First Time by MacColl Book: I Can't Stay Long by Laurie Lee Luxury: Oil painting equipment

Roy Plomley's castaway is writer and journalist Geoffrey Moorhouse. Favourite track: Notte E Giorno Faticar (Don Giovanni) by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Book: Dictionary of National Biography Luxury: Recording of curlews and Indian spices

Roy Plomley's castaway is violinist Ruggiero Ricci. Favourite track: Prelude and Fugue No. 1 in C by Johann Sebastian Bach Book: Letters by Beethoven Luxury: The Plowden Guarneri violin

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

Roy Plomley's castaway is writer and journalist Jan Morris. Favourite track: Badinrie by Johann Sebastian Bach Book: Her own book on Venice Luxury: Astronimical telescope with Catalogue Of Nebulae

Roy Plomley's castaway is flying surgeon of East Africa Michael Wood. Favourite track: Toccata and Fugue In D Minor by Johann Sebastian Bach Book: Other Men's Flowers by Lord A P Wavell Luxury: Pair of field glasses

Roy Plomley's castaway is writer Douglas Reeman. Favourite track: The Song Of The Jellicles by T S Eliot Book: The Admiralty Seamanship Manual Luxury: Orchid-growing kit

Roy Plomley's castaway is choreographer Kenneth Macmillan. Favourite track: Students' Chorus by Romberg Book: The Rack by A E Ellis Luxury: Godiva chocolates from Belgium

Roy Plomley's castaway is painter and restorer Tom Keating. Favourite track: Symphony No. 2 in D by Jean Sibelius Book: Lives of the Artists by Giorgio Vasari Luxury: Mattock

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

Roy Plomley's castaway is designer Zandra Rhodes. Favourite track: Bolero by Maurice Ravel Book: Household Management by Mrs Beeton Luxury: Sketchbook, pens and pencils

Roy Plomley's castaway is actress Beryl Reid. Favourite track: Let The Bright Seraphim by George Frideric Handel Book: Forever Amber by Kathleen Winsor Luxury: Silk garment

Roy Plomley's castaway is explorer Tim Severin. Favourite track: Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien by Edith Piaf Book: Pax Britannica by Jan Morris Luxury: Herb garden

Roy Plomley's castaway is soprano Gwyneth Jones. Favourite track: L'Incoronazione Di Poppea by Claudio Monteverdi Book: The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran Luxury: Piano with bath salts

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

Roy Plomley's castaway is snooker player Steve Davis. Favourite track: I Need You Now by George Duke Book: The Throwback and Wilt by Tom Sharpe Luxury: Snooker table

Roy Plomley's castaway is writer Rachel Billington. Favourite track: Symphony No. 2 in E Minor by Sergei Rachmaninov Book: Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy Luxury: Writing materials

Roy Plomley's castaway is actress Mary Ellis. Favourite track: Gloria by Ariel Ramirez Book: Encyclopaedia Luxury: Writing materials

Roy Plomley's castaway is composer Gyorgy Ligeti. Favourite track: String Quintet In C by Franz Schubert Book: Alice In Wonderland by Lewis Carroll Luxury: Hieronymus Bosch, Garden Of Earthly Delights

Roy Plomley's castaway is musician Alan Price. Favourite track: I Ain't Got Nobody by Louis Prima Book: The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame Luxury: Piano

Roy Plomley's castaway is actress Helen Mirren. Favourite track: Pass The Dutchie by Musical Youth Book: The Bhagavad-Gita Luxury: Silk underwear

Roy Plomley's castaway is writer P D James. Favourite track: St Matthew Passion (First Chorus) by Johann Sebastian Bach Book: Middlemarch by George Eliot Luxury: Claret

Roy Plomley's castaway is baritone Thomas Allen. Favourite track: Concerto in C For Violin, Cello, Piano by Ludwig van Beethoven Book: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte Luxury: Golf clubs and balls

Lord Tonypandy, George Thomas, now Chairman of the National Children's Homes, was Speaker of the House of Commons from 1976 to 1983. He was invited to choose the eight records he would take to the mythical island, and he also talked to Roy Plomley about his childhood in Wales and about his parliamentary career which he began when he won the Cardiff Central seat in 1945. Book: The Methodist hymn book Luxury: Writing materials

Roy Plomley's castaway is comedian Mike Harding. Favourite track: 2000-Year-Old Man by Carl Reiner & Mel Brooks Book: The New Oxford Book of English Verse Luxury: Ordnance Survey maps and a set of books about the Fells

Roy Plomley's castaway is critic Geoffrey Grigson. Favourite track: She Never Told Her Love by Franz Joseph Haydn Book: The Oxford English Dictionary Luxury: Pate de foie gras

Roy Plomley's castaway is artistic director of Opera North David Lloyd Jones. Favourite track: Symphony No. 9 In C by Franz Schubert Book: Journal by Edmond Goncourt

Roy Plomley's castaway is writer Wilbur Smith. Favourite track: Symphony No. 3 in E Flat Major by Ludwig van Beethoven Book: The Oxford English Dictionary Luxury: Brass bedstead and a feather mattress

Roy Plomley's castaway is organist Carlo Curley. Favourite track: Wie Lieblich Sind Deine Wohnungen by Johannes Brahms Book: Cookery book by Julia Childs Luxury: Pipe organ

Roy Plomley's castaway is conductor James Loughran. Favourite track: Mir Ist So Wunderbar by Ludwig van Beethoven Book: Comprehensive world airways timetable Luxury: Drawing and painting equipment

Roy Plomley's castaway is actress Claire Bloom. Favourite track: Soave Sia Il Vento by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Book: A La Recherche Du Temps Perdu by Marcel Proust Luxury: Coffee and espresso machine

Roy Plomley's castaways are the Duke & Duchess Of Devonshire. Favourite track: You're The Top by Ethel Merman Book: Books by Beatrix Potter and Chambers' Biographical Dictionary Luxury: New potatoes and aftershave

Roy Plomley's castaway is composer Carl Davis. Favourite track: Hm, hm, hm! (from The Magic Flute) by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Book: Short Stories by Anton Chekhov Luxury: Shampoo

Roy Plomley's castaway is actor Donald Sinden. Favourite track: Symphony No. 6 In F Major by Ludwig van Beethoven Book: A History of Architecture on the Comparative Method by Sir Banister Fletcher Luxury: His favourite picture in the Walker Art Gallery

Roy Plomley's castaway is mezzo-soprano Dame Janet Baker. Favourite track: Sonata In A Minor by Domenico Scarlatti Book: Persuasion by Jane Austen Luxury: Pencils and paper

Roy Plomley's castaway is record producer George Martin. Favourite track: St Matthew Passion (Opening) by Johann Sebastian Bach Book: Manual on practical engineering Luxury: Clavichord

Roy Plomley's castaway is marine biologist Lyall Watson. Favourite track: The Call Of A Burchell's Coucal Book: Pears Cyclopaedia Luxury: Film projector and 20 Western films

Roy Plomley's castaway is actress Pamela Stephenson. Favourite track: Legong Kraton by Gong Kebyar Book: Buddhist scripture by Dama Pada Luxury: Television set with satellite link-up

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

Roy Plomley's castaway is barrister John Mortimer QC. Favourite track: Soave Sia Il Vento by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Book: The Oxford Book of English Verse by Arthur Quiller-Couch Luxury: Bath

Roy Plomley's castaway is writer Eric Newby. Favourite track: The Flies Crawled Up The Window by Jack Hulbert Book: Dictionary of National Biography Luxury: Whisky

Roy Plomley's castaway is choreographer Sir Anton Dolin. Favourite track: La Traviata Act 3 Prelude by Giuseppe Verdi Book: Friends and Memories by Sir Anton Dolin Luxury: Electric razor

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

Roy Plomley's castaway is founder of the BBC's Natural History Unit Desmond Hawkins. Favourite track: Octet In F Major by Franz Schubert Book: Field guide to the birds of the island Luxury: Binoculars

Roy Plomley's castaway is actress and singer Marti Webb. Favourite track: The Dreaded Batter Pudding Hurler Of Bexhill-0n-Sea by The Goons Book: Illustrated dictionary Luxury: Piano

Roy Plomley's castaway is writer Julian Symons. Favourite track: The Quarry by W. H. Auden Book: Bleak House by Charles Dickens Luxury: Couch

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

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

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

Roy Plomley's castaway is novelist and critic Brian Aldiss. Favourite track: Sonata In A by Franz Schubert Book: Rasselas by Dr Samuel Johnson Luxury: Time machine

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

Roy Plomley's castaway is conductor Richard Armstrong. Favourite track: Tristan's Monologue by Richard Wagner Book: Piano Sonatas by Beethoven Luxury: Piano

Roy Plomley's castaway is composer Sir William Walton. Favourite track: Violin Concerto by William Walton Book: The Education of a Gardener by Russel Page Luxury: Funicular for hills

Roy Plomley's castaway is founder of the Mermaid Bernard Miles. Favourite track: Piano Concerto No. 24 In C Minor by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Book: The Odyssey (Translation by W H D Rouse) by Homer Luxury: Box of notebooks, pencils and sharpeners

Roy Plomley's castaway is jazz trombonist George Chisholm. Favourite track: I Guess I'll Have To Change My Plan by Jack Teagarden Book: Novels by P G Wodehouse Luxury: Engraved glass and supply of bitter lemon

Roy Plomley's castaway is prima donna Dame Eva Turner. Favourite track: Umbra Di Nube by Claudia Muzio Book: Inferno by Dante Alighieri Luxury: Castanets

Roy Plomley's castaway is playwright John Osborne. Favourite track: The Lark Ascending by Ralph Vaughan Williams Book: Holy Living and Holy Dying by Jeremy Taylor Luxury: Piano and an instruction book

Roy Plomley's castaway is actress Petula Clark. Favourite track: Ein Heldenleben by Richard Strauss Book: Short Stories by John Steinbeck Luxury: Piano

Roy Plomley's castaway is Lord Mayor of London Sir Christopher Leaver. Favourite track: Triple Concerto in C Major by Ludwig van Beethoven Book: Grove's Dictionary of Music and Musicians Luxury: Wine cellar

Roy Plomley's castaway is former US ambassador Professor J K Galbraith. Favourite track: Oh What A Beautiful Morning by Alfred Drake Book: Personally compiled anthology Luxury: Typewriter and paper

Roy Plomley's castaway is Beatle Paul McCartney. Favourite track: Beautiful Boy by John Lennon Book: Linda's pictures by Linda McCartney Luxury: Guitar

Roy Plomley's castaway is comedian Frankie Howerd. Favourite track: Jerusalem by Blake/Parry Book: David Copperfield by Charles Dickens Luxury: Cross given to him by his mother

Roy Plomley's castaway is broadcaster Angela Rippon. Favourite track: Jupiter by Gustav Holst Book: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen Luxury: Water colours, brushes and paper

Roy Plomley's castaway is historian Martin Gilbert. Favourite track: M'Appari by Beniamino Gigli Book: The document volumes of the Churchill biography by Martin Gilbert Luxury: Drawings of his two children

Roy Plomley's castaway is footballer Trevor Brooking. Favourite track: What Kind Of Fool by Barbra Steisand & Barry Gibb Book: Crossword puzzles and pencils Luxury: Golf clubs and balls

Roy Plomley's castaway is the managing director of the ENO George Lascelles. Favourite track: Piano Sonata In A by Franz Schubert Book: Anthology of Poetry Luxury: Typewriter

Roy Plomley's castaway is writer Jack Higgins. Favourite track: Piano Concerto No. 4 In G Minor by Sergei Rachmaninov Book: The Four Quartets by T S Eliot Luxury: Writing materials

Roy Plomley's castaway is RAF pilot Sir Douglas Bader. Favourite track: I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing by The New Seekers Book: Complete works by Lord Tennyson Luxury: Sand iron and golf balls

Roy Plomley's castaway is actress Diana Dors. Book: Autobiography by Diana Dors Luxury: Chocolates

Roy Plomley's castaway is archaeologist Professor Glyn Daniel. Favourite track: Partita No. 1 in B Flat by Johann Sebastian Bach Book: Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable Luxury: Wine

Roy Plomley's castaway is photographer Patrick Lichfield. Favourite track: As Time Goes By by Dooley Wilson Book: Book with blank cork pages Luxury: Astronomical telescope

Roy Plomley's castaway is actor Joseph Cotten. Favourite track: Symphony No. 1 in C Minor by Johannes Brahms Book: Gardening manual Luxury: Boat building book

Roy Plomley's castaway is soprano Montserrat Caballe. Luxury: Record box

Roy Plomley's castaways are the musical collective Beaux Arts Trio. Book: Books about gardening, painting and boat handling Luxury: Violin & strings and a piano

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

Roy Plomley's castaway is writer, journalist and broadcaster Malcolm Muggeridge. Favourite track: Exultate Jubilate by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Book: Writings by Dr Samuel Johnson Luxury: Beehive

Roy Plomley's castaway is soprano Jessye Norman. Favourite track: Love Duet by Richard Wagner Book: Diaries by Virginia Woolf Luxury: Perrier Water

Roy Plomley's castaway is racing driver Alan Jones. Favourite track: Reminiscing by Little River Band Book: Eagle in the Sky by Wilbur Smith Luxury: Australian lager

Roy Plomley's castaway is puppeteer Frank Oz. Favourite track: Don't Get Around Much Anymore by Mose Allison Book: The complete works by Emily Dickinson Luxury: Clean sheets

Roy Plomley's castaway is actor Paul Eddington. Favourite track: St Matthew Passion No 45-46 by Johann Sebastian Bach Book: Experiences of an Irish RM by Martin Ross Luxury: Ivon Hitchens, Boathouse at Dawn

Roy Plomley's castaway is world champion athlete Sebastian Coe. Favourite track: A Foggy Day by Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armsrtong Book: The Penguin Dorothy Parker by Dorothy Parker Luxury: Bed

Roy Plomley's castaway is cellist Julian Lloyd Webber. Favourite track: Cello Concerto in E Minor by Edward Elgar Book: History of Orient Football Club Luxury: Cello

Roy Plomley's castaway is actor Roger Moore. Favourite track: New York, New York by Frank Sinatra Book: Nobel House by James Clavell Luxury: Video player and films of family

Roy Plomley's castaway is astronomer Carl Sagan. Favourite track: Partita No. 3 in E by Johann Sebastian Bach Book: Boy Scout hand book Luxury: Reflecting telescope

Roy Plomley's castaway is actress Gloria Swanson. Favourite track: Un Bel Di Vedremo by Giacomo Puccini Book: The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran Luxury: Telephone

Roy Plomley's castaway is writer Morris West. Favourite track: Sinfonia Concertante In E Flat Major by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Book: Meditations Upon Our Human Condition by John Donne Luxury: Pencils and paper

Roy Plomley's castaway is tenor Giuseppe Di Stefano. Favourite track: Qui La Voce Sua Soave by Vincenzo Bellini Book: Maria by Arianna Stassinopoulos Luxury: Roulette table

Roy Plomley's castaway is anthropologist Richard Leakey. Favourite track: Solo Whale by Frank Watlington Book: Touch The Earth by T C McLuhan Luxury: Pillow

Roy Plomley's castaway is Home Secretary The Rt Hon William Whitelaw. Favourite track: White Christmas by Bing Crosby Book: The World That Fred Made by Bernard Darwin Luxury: Bath with a hot water system

Roy Plomley's castaway is actor Sir John Gielgud. Favourite track: Double Concerto in D Minor by Johann Sebastian Bach Book: A La Recherche Du Temps Perdu by Marcel Proust

Roy Plomley's castaway is bandleader and drummer Buddy Rich. Favourite track: The Girl On The Rock by Ralph Brewster Singers Book: The Story of O by Pauline Reage Luxury: Ferrari

Roy Plomley's castaway is choreographer Sir Frederick Ashton. Favourite track: Piano Concerto No. 21 in C by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Book: A La Recherche Du Temps Perdu by Marcel Proust Luxury: Cards

Roy Plomley's castaway is actor Stewart Granger. Favourite track: Piano Concerto No. 5 In E Flat Major by Ludwig van Beethoven Book: Collected works by Ernest Hemingway Luxury: Gold statuette of Sir Winston Churchill

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

Roy Plomley's castaway is writer Sir Fitzroy MacLean. Favourite track: Piano Concerto No. 5 In E Flat Major by Ludwig van Beethoven Book: War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy Luxury: Writing materials

Roy Plomley's castaway is ballerina Patricia Ruanne. Favourite track: Romeo and Juliet Ballet Suite by Sergei Prokofiev Book: The Lord of the Rings by J R R Tolkien Luxury: Sunglasses

Roy Plomley's castaway is broadcaster Russell Harty. Favourite track: In The Bleak Midwinter by King's College Chapel Choir Book: A History of Craven by E T Whittaker Luxury: Flagpole and Union Jack

Roy Plomley's castaway is playwright Peter Nichols. Favourite track: He Trusted In God by George Frideric Handel Book: Collected essays by George Orwell Luxury: Vibraphone

Roy Plomley's castaway is actor Daniel Massey. Favourite track: Violin Concerto in D by Ludwig van Beethoven Book: Ego by James Agate Luxury: Wine

Roy Plomley's castaway is writer and comedian Carla Lane. Favourite track: Violin Concerto in D by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Book: Dictionary of quotations Luxury: French Shampoo

Roy Plomley's castaway is writer Frederic Raphael. Favourite track: Cello Concerto in B Minor by Antonin Dvořák Book: Bilingual edition of poetry by Giorgos Seferis Luxury: Painting Materials

Roy Plomley's castaway is show jumper David Broome. Favourite track: Hymns and Arias by Max Boyce Book: Collected Speeches by Sir Winston Churchill Luxury: Wine

Roy Plomley's castaway is singer Mary O'Hara. Favourite track: Double Concerto in D Minor by Johann Sebastian Bach Book: The Lord of the Rings by J R R Tolkien Luxury: Tennis practice equipment

Roy Plomley's castaway is writer and former MP Jeffrey Archer. Favourite track: Help! by The Beatles Book: Reunion by Fred Uhlman Luxury: Plasticine model of Roy Plomley and a pin

Roy Plomley's castaway is actress Joan Plowright. Favourite track: Symphony No. 6 In F Major by Ludwig van Beethoven Book: Three novels by Aldous Huxley Luxury: Piano

Roy Plomley's castaway is HRH Princess Margaret. Favourite track: Swan Lake by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Book: War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy Luxury: Piano

Roy Plomley's castaway is writer John Fowles. Book: Dictionary of National Biography Luxury: Field glasses

Roy Plomley's castaway is ice-skating champion Robin Cousins. Favourite track: Carmen Ballet by Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra Book: Shogun by James Clavell Luxury: Marzipan