Desert Island Discs

Jane Lapotaire's first great success as an actress was with her portrayal of Edith Piaf. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, she recalls her difficult childhood in a foster home, how she became an actress with the Royal Shakespeare Company 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: Concerto in C For Oboes, Clarinets and String Orchestra by Antonio Vivaldi Book: The I Ching Luxury: Pencils and paper

Virginia Holgate has won two medals in the Olympic Games as a horse trials rider. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, she recalls her childhood travels round the world with her father who was in the Royal Marines, and talks about her career which nearly ended with a disastrous fall.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Moonlight Serenade by Glenn Miller and his Orchestra Book: Do-it-yourself manual Luxury: Never-ending supply of smoked salmon

Norman Lewis has spent a lifetime travelling the world and writing about it. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he recalls his curious upbringing in Wales with three maiden aunts, his travels in Cuba where he met Ernest Hemingway, and his love of Naples which led to his writing two books on the Mafia. 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: Petrushka by Igor Stravinsky Book: The Histories by Herodotus Luxury: Spirit stove

Roger Vadim, the French writer and director, sprang to fame with his first film And God Created Woman, starring Brigitte Bardot. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his upbringing in France during the war, his way of doing National Service, and his films, many of which starred his several wives.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien by Edith Piaf Book: Death on the Installment Plan by Louis-Ferdinand Céline Luxury: Chess computer

The Rt Hon Sir Geoffrey Howe, MP, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, was brought up in the Labour stronghold of Port Talbot. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his childhood in Wales, National Service, and his career in both the law and politics, which began when he won the seat for Bebington in 1964.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: The Magic Flute - Act 2 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Book: The Good Food Guide Luxury: Computer bridge game

Sir David Wilson, who is the Director of the British Museum, first became interested in archaeology when his family moved to the Isle of Man and he discovered the existence of some people called Vikings. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his career as an archaeologist and about the problems of running such a large treasure house.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Die Schopfung - Die Himmel Erzahlen Die Ehre Gottes by Franz Joseph Haydn Book: Diaries by Samuel Pepys Luxury: Refrigerator

Brian Redhead has presented the Today programme for the last 10 years. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his appearance on Children's Hour as a clarinettist, his early days as a journalist on the Manchester Guardian and his editorship of the Manchester Evening News.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Clarinet Quintet in B Minor - 2nd Movement by Johannes Brahms Book: Commentary on the Bible by Arthur Peake Luxury: Taj Mahal

The violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter, who is 23 years old today, has been in great demand around the world since she became Herbert von Karajan's protégé 10 years ago. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, she talks about her career and recalls how, although she won her first major competition in Germany at the age of six, she played in public very little until she came to Karajan's notice.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Romeo & Juliet Suite No. 2 by Sergei Prokofiev Book: Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe Luxury: Stradivarius violin

Jackie Stewart was world champion in Formula One motor racing before he retired in 1973. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he recalls his upbringing in Scotland and talks about his life as a racing driver and about his more recent career as a businessman. 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: Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles Book: Guinness Book of Records Luxury: Blank book and a pen

Max Hastings is the new editor of the Daily Telegraph. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about the influence of his father, MacDonald Hastings, about his life as a journalist, first on Londoner's Diary, then as a war correspondent in the Middle East and the Falklands, 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 Tonight Programme by McDonald Hastings Book: The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame Luxury: Word processor linked to a Fleet Street newspaper