Desert Island Discs

At 97, the actress Gwen Ffrangcon-Davies reflects with interest on the prospect of being castaway and, in conversation with Sue Lawley, looks back over her long career. With a head well-stocked with music - and ringing with Shakespeare - she is determined to survive. But she isn't proposing to be castaway for long. She's already plotting a plan of escape. In the meantime, she looks back on her long and fascinating career in the theatre, which began with advice from Ellen Terry, took her into the Gaiety Chorus (at the back) and eventually, after success in The Immortal Hour, to some of the great Shakespearian roles.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Liebestod (from Tristan and Isolde) by Richard Wagner Luxury: Large bottle of toilet water

Sue Lawley's castaway is Home Office Minister Douglas Hurd.Favourite track: In Paradisum by Gabriel Fauré Book: The Oxford Book of Twentieth-Century Verse (selected by Philip Larkin) Luxury: Champagne

This week's castaway is Anton Mosimann - until recently, Maitre Chef des Cuisines at the Dorchester Hotel in London. In conversation with Sue Lawley, he reflects on his life and the new development in his career and chooses eight records to sustain him on the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Memory by Barbara Dickson Book: Opera di M. Bartolomeo Scappi (recipe book of Pope's chef in 1525) Luxury: Steamer for cooking

Sue Lawley's castaway is Rabbi Lionel Blue.Favourite track: Why Has A Cow Got Four Legs? by Cicely Courtneidge & Wilson Hallett Book: The biggest value of pure maths Luxury: Toilet bag

When Anita Roddick opened the Brighton Body Shop in 1976, she struck gold with a formula to knock the mystique out of the beauty business. She talks to Sue Lawley about the effects of success on her family life and comes to terms with her island exile.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: If I Could (from First Circle) by Pat Metheny Group Book: Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy Luxury: Comfortable bed with pillows and sheets

Sue Lawley's castaway this week is the comedy actor Rowan Atkinson who features in the Blackadder saga. An episode of the series was the BBC's entry for this year's Golden Rose of Montreux Television Festival.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Lady Writer by Dire Straits Book: Uncle Fred in Springtime by P G Wodehouse Luxury: Car (to clean)

The castaway this week is Peggy Makins, better known as Evelyn Home, long-time agony aunt of Woman magazine. In conversation with Sue Lawley, she looks back on her life and career and also chooses eight records to take with her to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: A peal of 12 bells at Canterbury Cathedral by Sound Effects Book: The biggest atlas in the world Luxury: Little rosebush

Sue Lawley's castaway is leader of the Labour Party Neil Kinnock.Favourite track: Horace the Horse by Rachel Kinnock Book: Essays on Equality by R H Tawney Luxury: Radio 4

The castaway this week is the actor Michael Gambon, who last year won the BAFTA award for best actor for his portrayal of the lead role in The Singing Detective. In conversation with Sue Lawley, he looks back on his career in the theatre, in films and on television and also chooses eight records to keep him company on the island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Symphony No 7 (Allegretto) by Ludwig van Beethoven Book: Republican Party Reptile by P J O'Rourke Luxury: Car (in which to listen to music)

This week's castaway, Mary Archer, admits to being basically a private person, happy to find refuge in her work as a scientist and in her love of music. In conversation with Sue Lawley, she looks back on her life and career, and also recalls the two crises involving her husband, Jeffrey. In her choice of records to take to the mythical island, she shows a preference for choral music.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: Symphony No 9 by Ludwig van Beethoven Book: A La Recherche Du Temps Perdu by Marcel Proust Luxury: Needles, cotton and material