Desert Island Discs

As an actor, Jeremy Lloyd made his name playing the part of the archetypal English 'upper-class twit'. As a writer, his most recent success has been 'Allo 'Allo! In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he recalls his life and career and also chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Indoor Games Near Newbury by Sir John Betjeman Book: Three Men in a Boat by Jerome K Jerome Luxury: Guitar

The Rt Hon James Prior MP manages to combine his parliamentary work with being the Chairman of the General Electric Company. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he recalls organising a pig club at school during the war and talks about his career in farming and the eventual emergence of politics as his overriding interest.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

The son of Italian immigrants, Antony Benedetto started singing competitively with his brother and earned a living as a singing waiter in restaurants in New York while at art school. After singing in American military bands during the Second World War, he returned to New York, where he had his first hit with Because of You in 1951. Since then he has established himself as one of the most popular jazz singers of his generation and has worked with Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Woody Herman among others. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his life and work, and chooses the eight discs he would take to the mythical island. [Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Don't Blame Me by Art Tatum Book: Crime & Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky Luxury: Suit

Benny Green makes a living as a columnist, broadcaster, lyricist, novelist, etc. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he recalls his childhood in London, life on the road as a saxophonist, the transition to writing and reading 123 editions of Wisden. He also chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: An Evening with Johnny Mercer by Johnny Mercer Book: A Quartet of Comedies by H G Wells Luxury: Saxophone

Jackie Collins lives in Beverley Hills, California, and writes novels, all of which appear in the bestseller lists, and many have been filmed. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, she talks about her childhood in England, joining her sister Joan in Hollywood at the age of 15, her brief acting career, and her writing. She also selects 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's Going On? by Marvin Gaye Book: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald Luxury: Photograph of family

Nigel Hawthorne is now very well-known as Secretary to the Cabinet in the television series Yes, Prime Minister. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his childhood in South Africa, dropping out of Cape Town University to become an actor, the move to England, the Theatre Royal, Stratford East with Joan Littlewood and eventual fame.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Her Holle Rache (The Magic Flute) by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Book: Teach yourself French Luxury: Pencil and paper

John Ridgway's adventures first became public when, in 1966, he rowed across the Atlantic with Chay Blyth. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he recalls canoeing down the Amazon, sailing twice round the world, as well as exploits in Peru and the Himalayas, and he talks about his School of Adventure in Scotland. He also chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy Book: Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame Luxury: Shaving kit

Hal Prince has just produced the musical The Phantom of the Opera in London. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his life in the theatre which he began as a stage manager in New York for the legendary George Abbott. He went on to produce West Side Story, Fiddler on the Roof, Cabaret and the musicals of Stephen Sondheim. He also chooses the eight records he would take to the mythical island.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Act II of Tristan und Isolde by Richard Wagner Book: Look Homeward, Angel by Thomas Wolfe Luxury: Bouillabaisse with langouste and wine

Kingsley Amis won the 1986 Booker Prize for his novel The Old Devils. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his childhood in South London, the success of his first published novel Lucky Jim, which he wrote when a lecturer at Swansea University, and his subsequent career as a don at Cambridge and then as a full-time novelist.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Runnin' Wild by Wild Bill Davison Book: Oxford English Dictionary Luxury: Scotch whiskey

Jeremy Irons first achieved international recognition as an actor for his performance in Brideshead Revisited on television. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his childhood on the Isle of Wight, his London debut in Godspell, his appearances with the Royal Shakespeare Company and his films, which include The French Lieutenant's Woman, Swann In Love and The Mission.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Irish Boy by Mark Knopfler Book: Construction manual Luxury: Camera and film