Desert Island Discs

Ben Kingsley became a star almost overnight when he took the title role in the film Gandhi. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about the years before Gandhi, the difference fame made, his work in the theatre and his approach to a role like Othello.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Fantasia On A Theme By Thomas Tallis by Ralph Vaughan Williams Luxury: Telescope

Bruce Oldfield has achieved an international reputation as a fashion designer. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he talks about his upbringing, first by a foster mother, then in one of Dr Barnado's homes, about his art college days and the problems of breaking into the fashion world.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: The Magic Flute Act 1 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Book: The Destinies of Darcy Dancer, Gentleman by J P Donleavy Luxury: Cigarettes

Dennis Taylor became the world snooker champion in a dramatic match against Steve Davis last April. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, he describes his childhood in County Tyrone, Jim-Joe Gervin's billiard hall where he first took up snooker, and how he became a professional.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]Favourite track: Smoke Gets In Your Eyes by The Platters Book: Joke book Luxury: Limitless supply of yoghurt

The Rt Hon Roy Hattersley MP, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer and Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, talks to Michael Parkinson about his upbringing in Yorkshire, his parliamentary career and his sporting enthusiasms. 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: Jerusalem by Parry/Blake Book: Shakespearean Tragedy by A C Bradley Luxury: Boy writer's set

Maureen Lipman is perhaps best known for her role in the television series Agony, but much of her work has been in the theatre. In conversation with Michael Parkinson, she recalls her upbringing in Hull, talks about her penchant for acting in comedy 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: Triple Concerto in D - 1st Movement by Ludwig van Beethoven

Nigel Kennedy, who achieved international success as a violinist in his early 20s, talks to Michael Parkinson about his musical education at the Menuhin School and in New York, his active interest in jazz and Aston Villa Football Club, 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: Inbetweenies by Ian Dury and The Blockheads Book: Wisden Almanack Luxury: Violin

Michael Parkinson's first guest is the film director Alan Parker, who, besides choosing the eight records he would take to the mythical island, talks about his early career in advertising and his very successful feature films, including Bugsy Malone, Midnight Express and Birdy.[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] Favourite track: A Day In The Life by The Beatles Book: Collection of poems by Sir John Betjeman Luxury: Suntan lotion

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