Desert Island Discs: Archive 1981-1985

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