Desert Island Discs

Sir Gregory Doran is the former artistic director of the Royal Shakespeare Company. He spent a total of thirty five years with the RSC directing fifty productions in the UK and abroad. He’s been called “one of the great Shakespeareans of his age” and has won multiple awards for his work.Born in 1958, Greg was brought up near Preston and played a number of female Shakespeare roles when he was a young pupil attending an all-boys secondary school. He went on to study English and Drama at Bristol University followed by a stint studying classical acting at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. After a few bit parts in TV sitcoms and a spell at Nottingham Playhouse, Sir Greg decided that he would prefer to carve out a career as a director. He went on to stage some of the most critically acclaimed theatre productions – including an all-black cast of Julius Caesar and took Titus Andronicus to South Africa.More recently, he has been touring the globe on his Shakespeare’s First Folio tour to look at as many different copies of the texts as possible. He survives his husband, the actor Sir Anthony Sher whom he met in 1987 whilst they were both part of a production of the Merchant of Venice at the RSC in Stratford. Sir Greg lives in London.DISC ONE: Giulio Cesare in Egitto, HWV 17, Act 1: Duetto. "Son nata a lagrimar" (Cornelia, Sesto) Composed by Georg Friedrich Händel and performed by Nathalie Stutzmann (contralto) Philippe Jaroussky (counter tenor) Oreo 55 (Orchestra) DISC TWO: Sicut cervus – The Choir of Preston Catholic College DISC THREE: Born Free - Matt Monro DISC FOUR: It’s Raining Men - The Weather Girls DISC FIVE: Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes - Paul Simon DISC SIX: J.S. Bach: Cantata \"Ich habe genug\" BWV 82: I. \"Ich habe genug, ich habe den Heiland\". Performed by Thomas Quasthoff (bass-baritone), Berliner Barock Solisten, conducted by Rainer Kussmaul DISC SEVEN: Piano Concerto No. 12 in A, K.414: 2. Andante. Composed by Mozart and performed by Alfred Brendel (piano) and Academy of St Martin in the Fields, conducted by Sir Neville Marriner DISC EIGHT: Where the Bee Sucks - Paul Englishby, Royal Shakespeare Company BOOK CHOICE: A 1609 copy of Shakespeare’s Sonnets LUXURY ITEM: A shelf of photo albums CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Piano Concerto No. 12 in A, K.414: 2. Andante. Composed by Mozart and performed by Alfred Brendel (piano) and Academy of St Martin in the Fields, conducted by Sir Neville MarrinerPresenter: Lauren Laverne Producer: Sarah Taylor

Norma Percy, a celebrated documentary filmmaker known for her in-depth interviews with political leaders, shares her unique insights on storytelling in politics. She recounts the profound impact her father's death had on her and the motivations driving her passion for revealing hidden truths. Her humorous and insightful encounters with key political figures illuminate the importance of transparency. Norma also reflects on the powerful connection between music and personal memories, showcasing how these elements intertwine with her journey in documentary filmmaking.

In this engaging conversation, Lord Alf Dubs, a Labour peer and former MP, shares his remarkable journey from child refugee to political advocate. He discusses his traumatic experiences on the Kindertransport and his father's profound influence during World War II. Alf reflects on his Dubs Amendment, which aimed to bring unaccompanied child refugees to the UK. He intertwines the importance of music with his advocacy, emphasizing empathy in political life, and shares heartfelt memories that shaped his commitment to humanitarian efforts.

Lucy Easthope, an expert in disaster recovery and planning, shares her transformative experiences in managing crises like the Hillsborough disaster and 9/11. She discusses the emotional toll of reintegrating after trauma and the deep connections people have with their belongings. The episode highlights how music serves as a source of resilience and emotional stability, alongside her transition from law to advocating for disaster-affected families. Through personal anecdotes, Lucy emphasizes the importance of compassion in crisis management and the power of storytelling in healing.

Romesh Ranganathan, a BAFTA-winning comedian and broadcaster, shares his journey from math teacher to comedy star. He delves into his cultural identity and familial struggles, illuminating how these experiences shape his humor. With candid anecdotes, he reflects on early career challenges and the importance of family support. Music plays a key role too, as he connects with hip hop's emotional depth and fond memories linked to his mother's cooking. Romesh also ponders philosophical themes from 'The Life of Pi,' weaving together nostalgia for food, music, and family.

Abdulrazak Gurnah, the Nobel Prize-winning writer from Zanzibar, reflects on his fascinating journey through exile and identity. He delves into the lasting impact of the 1964 Zanzibar revolution on his family and the emotional complexities of immigrating to Britain. Gurnah shares his personal anecdotes, revealing the transformative power of storytelling and music in navigating life's challenges. He also offers aspiring writers valuable insights on finding their unique voices and the intricate connections between gardening and the writing process.

Professor Dame Ijeoma Uchegbu, a groundbreaking scientist in pharmaceutical nanoscience, shares her inspiring journey from London to Nigeria and her passion for chemistry. She discusses the power of nanoparticles in delivering medicines to challenging areas like the brain and explores their potential in combating the opioid crisis. Ijeoma also reflects on her family’s immigration story, the joys of a surprise Las Vegas wedding, and the importance of diversity in academia. Her insights blend science with personal anecdotes, showcasing resilience and ambition.

Danny Dyer, a well-known actor from East London famous for his role in EastEnders and more, shares his fascinating journey from a disinterested youth to a celebrated performer. He delves into the challenges of sudden fame, revealing struggles with addiction and personal loss. Danny discusses his evolving views on masculinity, highlighting the importance of emotional openness. He amusingly reflects on solitude while choosing his ideal book and luxury item for a desert island, all while connecting deeply with the music that has shaped his life.

Lindsey Hilsum, a multi-award-winning journalist and Channel 4's international editor, reflects on her 40-year career covering major global events. She discusses the emotional toll of reporting in conflict zones, the bonds formed with colleagues, and the impact of music on her experiences. Lindsey shares personal anecdotes from her upbringing, the challenges of balancing personal loss with professional duty, and the resilience required in high-risk journalism. Her connection to her chosen songs adds depth to her storytelling, making for a compelling narrative.

Donna Ockenden is a former clinical midwife who led the Ockenden Review which revealed, at the time, the biggest maternity scandal in NHS history. Published in 2022, the review highlighted serious failings in maternity care at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust which contributed to the deaths of more than 200 babies and nine mothers.Donna grew up in the village of Aberaman in the Welsh Valleys. She experienced a complicated childhood which included a period living in a homeless shelter along with her mother and four siblings. She is also a survivor of sexual abuse and believes her background helped her develop a tenacity and determination which she went on to apply to her work.She completed her nursing training in Swansea and Neath and trained as a midwife at the Portsmouth School of Midwifery. In 2015 she became Senior Midwifery Adviser to the Chief Executive of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). In May 2022 she was appointed chair of the independent review into maternity services at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust which will be published next year. It is already the largest investigation into a single service in the NHS, hearing evidence from over 2,000 families so far.Donna lives in Chichester with her two cats.Details of organisations offering information and support with child sexual abuse or child bereavement are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.DISC ONE: We’ve Only Just Begun - The Carpenters DISC TWO: Bye Bye Baby - Bay City Rollers DISC THREE: Ukulele Lady - Ethel Merman DISC FOUR: Isn’t It Amazing - Hothouse Flowers DISC FIVE: If Only - Hazel O’Connor DISC SIX: I Can See Clearly Now - Hothouse Flowers DISC SEVEN: We’ll Keep a Welcome - Harry Secombe DISC EIGHT: Francesca - Hozier BOOK CHOICE: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë LUXURY ITEM: Red lipstick CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: I Can See Clearly Now - Hothouse FlowersPresenter Lauren Laverne Producer Paula McGinley