My Dream Dinner Party

Series

Episode

Title

First
Broadcast

Repeated

Comments

Ed Balls' Dream Dinner Party

20170330

20201205 (R4)

The Strictly star and former MP hosts a gathering with a twist. All his guests are from beyond the grave, longtime heroes brought back to life by the wonders of the radio archive.

Ed is joined by former chancellor Denis Healey, comedy legend Les Dawson, feminist pioneer Nancy Astor, Hollywood great Danny Kaye and others, for half an hour of mesmerising and unexpected conversation. They talk with him and with each other about everything from politics to cookery and from playing the piano to overcoming insecurity - illuminating a series of great lives, as well as the triumphs and vulnerabilities of a man who has gone from suffering rejection at the ballot box to becoming an unlikely national treasure via the Strictly dance floor.

Presenter: Ed Balls

Producers: Sarah Peters and Peregrine Andrews

The Strictly star and former MP in conversation with his heroes - brought back to life.

Omid Djalili's Dream Dinner Party

20180609

20201114 (R4)

Actor and comedian Omid Djalili hosts a dinner party with a twist - all his guests are from beyond the grave, his heroes brought back to life by the magic of the radio archive.

He's joined by boxing legend Muhammad Ali, musician David Bowie, Labour MP and one time Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Mo Mowlam, singer and actor Eartha Kitt and actor and comedian Kenneth Williams.

While the lamb roasts in the oven, the conversation around Omid's table is fast and at times combative - from the pleasure of crushing your opponent to the thrill of breaking taboos, from anti-apartheid protests to the fun of stealing chips off other people's plates. There's politics, family and love.

Written and presented by Omid Djalili

Produced by Sarah Peters and Peregrine Andrews

Researcher: Edgar Maddicott

Executive Producer: Iain Chambers

Additional guitar: Marcus Glentworth

Actor and comedian Omid Djalili in conversation with his heroes, brought back to life.

Howard Jacobson's Dream Dinner Party

20180616

20201121 (R4)

The Booker prize-winning British novelist and journalist Howard Jacobson is joined for dinner by TV chef Keith Floyd, singer and actress Gracie Fields, Hollywood songwriter Sammy Cahn and award-winning novelists Iris Murdoch and Saul Bellow.

While Keith Floyd prepares the beef stew, the conversation around Howard's kitchen table sizzles away - from the true meaning of chutzpah to fake news, from the joy of singing to the endless search for a happy marriage. There's comedy, music, nostalgia, the occasional social faux pas - and a surprise guest too.

Presenter: Howard Jacobson

Producers: Sarah Peters and Peregrine Andrews

Researcher: Edgar Maddicott

Executive Producer: Iain Chambers

Booker prize-winning novelist Howard Jacobson in conversation with his heroes.

03 LAST

Sally Phillips's Dream Dinner Party

20180623

20201128 (R4)

Actor, comedian and campaigner Sally Phillips is joined for dinner by Hollywood acting legend Jack Lemmon, novelist Barbara Cartland, entertainer and comedy writer Bob Monkhouse, natural scientist and campaigner Miriam Rothschild and comedian, actor and songwriter Victoria Wood.

There's sparkling and candid conversation round the kitchen table as Sally and her guests discuss neediness on stage, life with a disabled child, Marilyn Monroe, women in comedy, and Britain's obsession with class and the anatomy of insects. Alongside laughter, eccentricity and marriage tips, there's also help with how to cope with flea bites.

Written and presented by Sally Phillips

Producers: Sarah Peters and Peregrine Andrews

Researcher: Edgar Maddicott

Executive Producer: Iain Chambers

Actor and comedian Sally Phillips in conversation with her heroes - brought back to life.

Jane Horrocks's Dream Dinner Party

20190907

20240326 (BBC7)
20201024 (R4)

Actor Jane Horrocks hosts a dinner party with a twist - all her guests are from beyond the grave, her heroes brought back to life by the magic of the BBC radio archive.

She's joined by singer and entertainer Cilla Black, poet and novelist Sylvia Plath, TV celebrity chef Fanny Cradock (and her sidekick, Jonny), singer-songwriter Ian Dury and underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau.

While the Lancashire hotpot bubbles in the oven, the dinner party conversation becomes loud and mischievous - from the thrill of breaking taboos on stage, to the wonder of the sea, from the loneliness of fame to the joy of English eccentricity - and plenty of singing/performance around the dinner table.

Presented by Jane Horrocks

Produced by Sarah Peters and Peregrine Andrews

Researcher: Edgar Maddicott

Executive Producer: Iain Chambers

Actor Jane Horrocks in conversation with her heroes, brought back to life.

She's joined by singer and entertainer Cilla Black, poet and novelist Sylvia Plath, TV celebrity chef Fanny Craddock (and her sidekick, Jonny), singer-songwriter Ian Dury and underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau.

While the Lancashire hotpot bubbles in the oven, the dinner party conversation becomes loud and mischievous – from the thrill of breaking taboos on stage, to the wonder of the sea, from the loneliness of fame to the joy of English eccentricity - and plenty of singing/performance around the dinner table.

A Tuning Fork and Open Audio production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2019.

Actress Jane Horrocks' dinner party with a twist with guests from beyond the grave, helped by the BBC radio archive. From 2019.

Shappi Khorsandi's Dream Dinner Party

20190914

20240402 (BBC7)
20201031 (R4)

Comedian and author Shappi Khorsandi hosts a dinner party with a twist. All her guests are from beyond the grave, her heroes brought back to life by the magic of the BBC radio archive.

She's joined by poet and memoirist Maya Angelou, broadcaster and comedian Kenny Everett, actor Richard Burton, post-war Labour politician and feminist campaigner Dr Edith Summerskill and singer songwriter Amy Winehouse.

While the saffron-inspired Persian feast simmers gently, the conversation around the dinner table heats up. But the early tensions soon dissolve as Shappi and her guests discuss the joy of music and the power of the human voice, home and exile, fighting prejudice, and Elizabeth Taylor. Alongside frank confessions, there's laughter, singing and tales of love.

Presented by Shappi Khorsandi

Produced by Sarah Peters and Peregrine Andrews

Researcher: Edgar Maddicott

Executive Producer: Iain Chambers

Comedian Shappi Khorsandi in conversation with her heroes, brought back to life.

A Tuning Fork and Open Audio production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2019.

Comic Shappi Korsandi's dinner party with a twist with guests from beyond the grave, helped by the BBC radio archive. From 2019.

03 LAST

John Cleese's Dream Dinner Party

20190921

20201107 (R4)

Actor, comedian and writer John Cleese hosts a dinner party with a twist - all his guests are from beyond the grave, his heroes brought back to life by the magic of the BBC radio archive.

John is joined by writer and philosopher Aldous Huxley, Hollywood actress Bette Davis, comedian and writer Spike Milligan, the film maker and writer Susan Sontag and neurologist Oliver Sacks.

While John and his guests wait for the Indian takeaway to arrive, they don't waste any time in discussing past drug experiences, the trauma of war, being a superstar, the threat of technology - and the joy of silliness.

Then the comedians Peter Cook and Dudley Moore turn up for a late night brandy.

Presented by John Cleese

Produced by Sarah Peters and Peregrine Andrews

Researcher: Edgar Maddicott

Executive Producer: Iain Chambers

Actor, comedian, writer John Cleese in conversation with his heroes, brought back to life.

Alison Steadman's Dream Dinner Party

20200831

20200926 (R4)

Actor Alison Steadman hosts a dinner party with a twist - all her guests are from beyond the grave, long time heroes brought back to life by the wonders of the radio archive.

Alison is joined by Beatles legend John Lennon, actress and comedian Beryl Reid, novelist Anita Brookner, Hollywood great James Stewart and singer and lyricist Charles Aznavour. As Alison's french onion soup simmers gently, the guests begin to relax into an evening of shared secrets: from the joy of the unexpected to the pain of genius, and from the seduction of music to the trauma of Vietnam.

There's laughter, flirtation and a nostalgic trip back to Strawberry Fields

Presented by Alison Steadman

Produced by Sarah Peters and Peregrine Andrews

Researcher: Edgar Maddicott

BBC Archivist: Tariq Hussein

Executive Producer: Iain Chambers

Actor Alison Steadman in conversation with her heroes - brought back to life.

Jack Whitehall's Dream Dinner Party

20200907

20201003 (R4)

Actor and comedian Jack Whitehall hosts a dinner party with a twist - all his guests are from beyond the grave, heroes brought back to life by the magic of the radio archive.

Jack is joined by James Bond star Roger Moore, comic actor Frankie Howerd, football legend Brian Clough, art historian Sister Wendy Beckett, and Hollywood icon Lauren Bacall.

Things get awkward when Jack's Beef Wellington goes wrong but the conversation soon flows when the dinner table chat turns to living in a caravan, the sting of failure, the need for a father figure - and pubic hair.

There's laughter, an arm wrestle with 007 and Sister Wendy comes out on top in an unexpected round of spin the bottle.

Presented by Jack Whitehall

Produced by Sarah Peters and Peregrine Andrews

Researcher: Edgar Maddicott

BBC Archivist: Tariq Hussein

Executive Producer: Iain Chambers

Actor and comedian Jack Whitehall in conversation with his heroes - brought back to life.

03 LAST

Simon Schama's Dream Dinner Party

20200914

20201017 (R4)

Historian, writer and broadcaster Sir Simon Schama hosts a dinner party with a twist - all his guests are from beyond the grave, long-time heroes brought back to life by the wonders of the radio archive.

In his house in upstate New York, Simon is joined by acclaimed singer songwriter Nina Simone, When Harry Met Sally writer/director Nora Ephron, Broadway performer Elaine Stritch, writer and essayist Gore Vidal and master of suspense, Alfred Hitchcock.

In honour of Alfred's film The Birds, Simon prepares roast quail, while the guests discuss the secret of happiness, music and film as political tools, the origins of fear, love, lust - and having an orgasm in public.

There's gourmet food, performance, and the occasional howl from the woods.

Written and presented by Simon Schama

Produced by Sarah Peters and Peregrine Andrews

Researcher: Edgar Maddicott

BBC Archivist: Tariq Hussein

Executive Producer: Iain Chambers

Historian and writer Sir Simon Schama converses with his heroes brought back to life.

Joan Bakewell's Dream Dinner Party

20220312

20230410 (BBC7)
20220823 (R4)

Broadcaster and journalist Joan Bakewell hosts a dinner party with a tasty twist.

All her guests are from beyond the grave, long-time heroes brought back to life by the wonders of the radio archive.

Joan is joined by:

* Hollywood legend Kirk Douglas

* Labour politician Barbara Castle

* Acclaimed playwright Tennessee Williams

* Carry On film star Barbara Windsor

* Artist Louise Bourgeois.

As the chicken and chorizo simmers on the hob, the conversation crackles - from art and obscenity, to the Don Juan complex and parental heartbreak.

Before long, there's an unfortunate tantrum - and Joan is left picking up the pieces.

Written and presented by Joan Bakewell.

Produced by Sarah Peters and Peregrine Andrews

Researcher: Edgar Maddicott

BBC Archivist: Tariq Hussain

Executive Producer: Iain Chambers

A Tuning Fork and Open Audio production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in March 2022.

Broadcaster Joan Bakewell in conversation with her heroes, brought back to life.

Before long, there's an unfortunate tantrum – and Joan is left picking up the pieces.

Sophie Ellis-bextor's Dream Dinner Party

20220319

20220824 (R4)

Singer-songwriter Sophie Ellis-Bextor hosts a dinner party with a twist - all her guests are from beyond the grave, long-time heroes brought back to life by the wonders of the radio archive.

Sophie is joined by children's author and illustrator Judith Kerr, TV presenter and writer Paula Yates, Dracula actor Christopher Lee, writer and actor Carrie Fisher - and Carrie Fisher's mother, Hollywood legend Debbie Reynolds.

As the guests help themselves to salmon and salad, they discuss fame and the paparazzi, life as a refugee, dancing with Fred Astaire and Dracula's erotic power.

There's knife throwing, laughter, glamour, and some fireworks between mother and daughter.

Written and presented by Sophie Ellis-Bextor

Produced by Sarah Peters and Peregrine Andrews

Researcher: Edgar Maddicott

BBC Archivist: Tariq Hussein

Executive Producer: Iain Chambers

Singer-songwriter Sophie Ellis-Bextor in conversation with her heroes brought back to life

03 LAST

David Baddiel's Dream Dinner Party

20220326

20220826 (R4)

Comedian and author David Baddiel hosts a dinner party with a twist - all his guests are from beyond the grave, long-time heroes brought back to life by the wonders of the radio archive.

Comedy legends Morecambe and Wise join David's guests, philosopher and feminist icon Simone de Beauvoir, comedian Joan Rivers, footballing hero George Best and Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist John Updike.

David's three-course meal may not live up to everyone's culinary standards, but the guests enjoy the lively conversation around his dinner table - from the joys of winning to the lows of being number two, from comedy heroes to the allure of sex.

There's high-brow debate, laughter - and an inappropriate advance.

Written and presented by David Baddiel

Produced by Sarah Peters and Peregrine Andrews

Researcher: Edgar Maddicott, Louis Grace

BBC Archivist: Tariq Hussein

Executive Producer: Iain Chambers

Thanks to the Studs Terkel archive for additional audio of Simone De Beauvoir

Comedian and author David Baddiel in conversation with his heroes - brought back to life.

Suggs's Dream Dinner Party

20230923

20231226 (R4)

Singer-songwriter Suggs hosts a dinner party with a twist - all his guests are from beyond the grave, long-time heroes brought back to life by the wonders of the radio archive.

Suggs is joined by poet and broadcaster Sir John Betjeman, reggae legend Bob Marley, politician Tony Benn, and singer-songwriters Amy Winehouse and Aretha Franklin.

As the mackerel sizzles on the BBQ, Suggs and his guests keep warm around the fire bowl to discuss fathers, the poetry of London, the lyrics of love - and the search for goodness.

There's music, laughter - and a man in a fez makes a late appearance -

Written and presented by Suggs

Produced by Sarah Peters and Peregrine Andrews

Researcher: Brook Plumptre

Additional Editing: Jerome Watson

BBC Archivist: Will Mort

Executive Producer: Iain Chambers

Singer-songwriter Suggs in conversation with his heroes - brought back to life.

Simon Callow's Dream Dinner Party

20230930

20231224 (R4)

Actor and writer Simon Callow hosts a dinner party with a twist - all his guests are from beyond the grave, long-time heroes brought back to life by the wonders of the radio archive.

Simon is joined by his old friend and agent Peggy Ramsay, actor and director Orson Welles, comedian and satirist Barry Humphries, writer and polemicist Christopher Hitchens - and Princess Margaret.

As Simon tops up the strawberry rum daiquiri glasses, he and his guests discuss press intrusion, alcoholism, spoiled childhoods - and Christopher Hitchens describes a fruity encounter with Margaret Thatcher.

Alongside fine dining and high brow conversation, there's a guest who comes clean about her embarrassing body search.

Written and presented by Simon Callow

Produced by Sarah Peters and Peregrine Andrews

Co-producer Tim Bano

Additional Editing: Jerome Watson

BBC Archivist: Tariq Hussain

Executive Producer: Iain Chambers

Actor and writer Simon Callow in conversation with his heroes - brought back to life.

Actor and writer Simon Callow hosts a dinner party with a twist - all his guests are from beyond the grave, long-time heroes brought back to life by the radio archive.

03 LAST

Minnie Driver's Dream Dinner Party

20231007

20240101 (R4)

Actor Minnie Driver hosts a dinner party with a twist - all her guests are from beyond the grave, long-time heroes brought back to life by the wonders of the radio archive.

In her mobile home overlooking Malibu beach, Minnie is joined by singer-songwriter George Michael, actor and raconteur Sir Peter Ustinov, actor Alan Rickman, poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou, and actor and politician Glenda Jackson.

As the sunlight fades, the conversation becomes more candid - from filming sex scenes to the anger at being exposed in the press; from a failed attempt at being a spy to the joy of being in love. There are confessions, laughter, and a midnight swim.

Written and presented by Minnie Driver

Produced by Sarah Peters and Peregrine Andrews

Co-producer Tim Bano

Additional Editing: Jerome Watson

BBC Archivists: Roni Abera and Michael Pridham

Executive Producer: Iain Chambers

Actor Minnie Driver in conversation with her heroes - brought back to life.

Episodes

Series	Episode	Title	First Broadcast	Repeated	Comments
		Ed Balls' Dream Dinner Party	20170330	20201205 (R4)	The Strictly star and former MP hosts a gathering with a twist. All his guests are from beyond the grave, longtime heroes brought back to life by the wonders of the radio archive. Ed is joined by former chancellor Denis Healey, comedy legend Les Dawson, feminist pioneer Nancy Astor, Hollywood great Danny Kaye and others, for half an hour of mesmerising and unexpected conversation. They talk with him and with each other about everything from politics to cookery and from playing the piano to overcoming insecurity - illuminating a series of great lives, as well as the triumphs and vulnerabilities of a man who has gone from suffering rejection at the ballot box to becoming an unlikely national treasure via the Strictly dance floor. Presenter: Ed Balls Producers: Sarah Peters and Peregrine Andrews The Strictly star and former MP in conversation with his heroes - brought back to life.
01	01	Omid Djalili's Dream Dinner Party	20180609	20201114 (R4)	Actor and comedian Omid Djalili hosts a dinner party with a twist - all his guests are from beyond the grave, his heroes brought back to life by the magic of the radio archive. He's joined by boxing legend Muhammad Ali, musician David Bowie, Labour MP and one time Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Mo Mowlam, singer and actor Eartha Kitt and actor and comedian Kenneth Williams. While the lamb roasts in the oven, the conversation around Omid's table is fast and at times combative - from the pleasure of crushing your opponent to the thrill of breaking taboos, from anti-apartheid protests to the fun of stealing chips off other people's plates. There's politics, family and love. Written and presented by Omid Djalili Produced by Sarah Peters and Peregrine Andrews Researcher: Edgar Maddicott Executive Producer: Iain Chambers Additional guitar: Marcus Glentworth Actor and comedian Omid Djalili in conversation with his heroes, brought back to life.
01	02	Howard Jacobson's Dream Dinner Party	20180616	20201121 (R4)	The Booker prize-winning British novelist and journalist Howard Jacobson is joined for dinner by TV chef Keith Floyd, singer and actress Gracie Fields, Hollywood songwriter Sammy Cahn and award-winning novelists Iris Murdoch and Saul Bellow. While Keith Floyd prepares the beef stew, the conversation around Howard's kitchen table sizzles away - from the true meaning of chutzpah to fake news, from the joy of singing to the endless search for a happy marriage. There's comedy, music, nostalgia, the occasional social faux pas - and a surprise guest too. Presenter: Howard Jacobson Producers: Sarah Peters and Peregrine Andrews Researcher: Edgar Maddicott Executive Producer: Iain Chambers Booker prize-winning novelist Howard Jacobson in conversation with his heroes.
01	03 LAST	Sally Phillips's Dream Dinner Party	20180623	20201128 (R4)	Actor, comedian and campaigner Sally Phillips is joined for dinner by Hollywood acting legend Jack Lemmon, novelist Barbara Cartland, entertainer and comedy writer Bob Monkhouse, natural scientist and campaigner Miriam Rothschild and comedian, actor and songwriter Victoria Wood. There's sparkling and candid conversation round the kitchen table as Sally and her guests discuss neediness on stage, life with a disabled child, Marilyn Monroe, women in comedy, and Britain's obsession with class and the anatomy of insects. Alongside laughter, eccentricity and marriage tips, there's also help with how to cope with flea bites. Written and presented by Sally Phillips Producers: Sarah Peters and Peregrine Andrews Researcher: Edgar Maddicott Executive Producer: Iain Chambers Actor and comedian Sally Phillips in conversation with her heroes - brought back to life.
02	01	Jane Horrocks's Dream Dinner Party	20190907	20240326 (BBC7) 20201024 (R4)	Actor Jane Horrocks hosts a dinner party with a twist - all her guests are from beyond the grave, her heroes brought back to life by the magic of the BBC radio archive. She's joined by singer and entertainer Cilla Black, poet and novelist Sylvia Plath, TV celebrity chef Fanny Cradock (and her sidekick, Jonny), singer-songwriter Ian Dury and underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau. While the Lancashire hotpot bubbles in the oven, the dinner party conversation becomes loud and mischievous - from the thrill of breaking taboos on stage, to the wonder of the sea, from the loneliness of fame to the joy of English eccentricity - and plenty of singing/performance around the dinner table. Presented by Jane Horrocks Produced by Sarah Peters and Peregrine Andrews Researcher: Edgar Maddicott Executive Producer: Iain Chambers Actor Jane Horrocks in conversation with her heroes, brought back to life. She's joined by singer and entertainer Cilla Black, poet and novelist Sylvia Plath, TV celebrity chef Fanny Craddock (and her sidekick, Jonny), singer-songwriter Ian Dury and underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau. While the Lancashire hotpot bubbles in the oven, the dinner party conversation becomes loud and mischievous – from the thrill of breaking taboos on stage, to the wonder of the sea, from the loneliness of fame to the joy of English eccentricity - and plenty of singing/performance around the dinner table. A Tuning Fork and Open Audio production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2019. Actress Jane Horrocks' dinner party with a twist with guests from beyond the grave, helped by the BBC radio archive. From 2019.
02	02	Shappi Khorsandi's Dream Dinner Party	20190914	20240402 (BBC7) 20201031 (R4)	Comedian and author Shappi Khorsandi hosts a dinner party with a twist. All her guests are from beyond the grave, her heroes brought back to life by the magic of the BBC radio archive. She's joined by poet and memoirist Maya Angelou, broadcaster and comedian Kenny Everett, actor Richard Burton, post-war Labour politician and feminist campaigner Dr Edith Summerskill and singer songwriter Amy Winehouse. While the saffron-inspired Persian feast simmers gently, the conversation around the dinner table heats up. But the early tensions soon dissolve as Shappi and her guests discuss the joy of music and the power of the human voice, home and exile, fighting prejudice, and Elizabeth Taylor. Alongside frank confessions, there's laughter, singing and tales of love. Presented by Shappi Khorsandi Produced by Sarah Peters and Peregrine Andrews Researcher: Edgar Maddicott Executive Producer: Iain Chambers Comedian Shappi Khorsandi in conversation with her heroes, brought back to life. A Tuning Fork and Open Audio production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2019. Comic Shappi Korsandi's dinner party with a twist with guests from beyond the grave, helped by the BBC radio archive. From 2019.
02	03 LAST	John Cleese's Dream Dinner Party	20190921	20201107 (R4)	Actor, comedian and writer John Cleese hosts a dinner party with a twist - all his guests are from beyond the grave, his heroes brought back to life by the magic of the BBC radio archive. John is joined by writer and philosopher Aldous Huxley, Hollywood actress Bette Davis, comedian and writer Spike Milligan, the film maker and writer Susan Sontag and neurologist Oliver Sacks. While John and his guests wait for the Indian takeaway to arrive, they don't waste any time in discussing past drug experiences, the trauma of war, being a superstar, the threat of technology - and the joy of silliness. Then the comedians Peter Cook and Dudley Moore turn up for a late night brandy. Presented by John Cleese Produced by Sarah Peters and Peregrine Andrews Researcher: Edgar Maddicott Executive Producer: Iain Chambers Actor, comedian, writer John Cleese in conversation with his heroes, brought back to life.
03	01	Alison Steadman's Dream Dinner Party	20200831	20200926 (R4)	Actor Alison Steadman hosts a dinner party with a twist - all her guests are from beyond the grave, long time heroes brought back to life by the wonders of the radio archive. Alison is joined by Beatles legend John Lennon, actress and comedian Beryl Reid, novelist Anita Brookner, Hollywood great James Stewart and singer and lyricist Charles Aznavour. As Alison's french onion soup simmers gently, the guests begin to relax into an evening of shared secrets: from the joy of the unexpected to the pain of genius, and from the seduction of music to the trauma of Vietnam. There's laughter, flirtation and a nostalgic trip back to Strawberry Fields Presented by Alison Steadman Produced by Sarah Peters and Peregrine Andrews Researcher: Edgar Maddicott BBC Archivist: Tariq Hussein Executive Producer: Iain Chambers Actor Alison Steadman in conversation with her heroes - brought back to life.
03	02	Jack Whitehall's Dream Dinner Party	20200907	20201003 (R4)	Actor and comedian Jack Whitehall hosts a dinner party with a twist - all his guests are from beyond the grave, heroes brought back to life by the magic of the radio archive. Jack is joined by James Bond star Roger Moore, comic actor Frankie Howerd, football legend Brian Clough, art historian Sister Wendy Beckett, and Hollywood icon Lauren Bacall. Things get awkward when Jack's Beef Wellington goes wrong but the conversation soon flows when the dinner table chat turns to living in a caravan, the sting of failure, the need for a father figure - and pubic hair. There's laughter, an arm wrestle with 007 and Sister Wendy comes out on top in an unexpected round of spin the bottle. Presented by Jack Whitehall Produced by Sarah Peters and Peregrine Andrews Researcher: Edgar Maddicott BBC Archivist: Tariq Hussein Executive Producer: Iain Chambers Actor and comedian Jack Whitehall in conversation with his heroes - brought back to life.
03	03 LAST	Simon Schama's Dream Dinner Party	20200914	20201017 (R4)	Historian, writer and broadcaster Sir Simon Schama hosts a dinner party with a twist - all his guests are from beyond the grave, long-time heroes brought back to life by the wonders of the radio archive. In his house in upstate New York, Simon is joined by acclaimed singer songwriter Nina Simone, When Harry Met Sally writer/director Nora Ephron, Broadway performer Elaine Stritch, writer and essayist Gore Vidal and master of suspense, Alfred Hitchcock. In honour of Alfred's film The Birds, Simon prepares roast quail, while the guests discuss the secret of happiness, music and film as political tools, the origins of fear, love, lust - and having an orgasm in public. There's gourmet food, performance, and the occasional howl from the woods. Written and presented by Simon Schama Produced by Sarah Peters and Peregrine Andrews Researcher: Edgar Maddicott BBC Archivist: Tariq Hussein Executive Producer: Iain Chambers Historian and writer Sir Simon Schama converses with his heroes brought back to life.
04	01	Joan Bakewell's Dream Dinner Party	20220312	20230410 (BBC7) 20220823 (R4)	Broadcaster and journalist Joan Bakewell hosts a dinner party with a tasty twist. All her guests are from beyond the grave, long-time heroes brought back to life by the wonders of the radio archive. Joan is joined by: * Hollywood legend Kirk Douglas * Labour politician Barbara Castle * Acclaimed playwright Tennessee Williams * Carry On film star Barbara Windsor * Artist Louise Bourgeois. As the chicken and chorizo simmers on the hob, the conversation crackles - from art and obscenity, to the Don Juan complex and parental heartbreak. Before long, there's an unfortunate tantrum - and Joan is left picking up the pieces. Written and presented by Joan Bakewell. Produced by Sarah Peters and Peregrine Andrews Researcher: Edgar Maddicott BBC Archivist: Tariq Hussain Executive Producer: Iain Chambers A Tuning Fork and Open Audio production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in March 2022. Broadcaster Joan Bakewell in conversation with her heroes, brought back to life. Before long, there's an unfortunate tantrum – and Joan is left picking up the pieces.
04	02	Sophie Ellis-bextor's Dream Dinner Party	20220319	20220824 (R4)	Singer-songwriter Sophie Ellis-Bextor hosts a dinner party with a twist - all her guests are from beyond the grave, long-time heroes brought back to life by the wonders of the radio archive. Sophie is joined by children's author and illustrator Judith Kerr, TV presenter and writer Paula Yates, Dracula actor Christopher Lee, writer and actor Carrie Fisher - and Carrie Fisher's mother, Hollywood legend Debbie Reynolds. As the guests help themselves to salmon and salad, they discuss fame and the paparazzi, life as a refugee, dancing with Fred Astaire and Dracula's erotic power. There's knife throwing, laughter, glamour, and some fireworks between mother and daughter. Written and presented by Sophie Ellis-Bextor Produced by Sarah Peters and Peregrine Andrews Researcher: Edgar Maddicott BBC Archivist: Tariq Hussein Executive Producer: Iain Chambers Singer-songwriter Sophie Ellis-Bextor in conversation with her heroes brought back to life
04	03 LAST	David Baddiel's Dream Dinner Party	20220326	20220826 (R4)	Comedian and author David Baddiel hosts a dinner party with a twist - all his guests are from beyond the grave, long-time heroes brought back to life by the wonders of the radio archive. Comedy legends Morecambe and Wise join David's guests, philosopher and feminist icon Simone de Beauvoir, comedian Joan Rivers, footballing hero George Best and Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist John Updike. David's three-course meal may not live up to everyone's culinary standards, but the guests enjoy the lively conversation around his dinner table - from the joys of winning to the lows of being number two, from comedy heroes to the allure of sex. There's high-brow debate, laughter - and an inappropriate advance. Written and presented by David Baddiel Produced by Sarah Peters and Peregrine Andrews Researcher: Edgar Maddicott, Louis Grace BBC Archivist: Tariq Hussein Executive Producer: Iain Chambers Thanks to the Studs Terkel archive for additional audio of Simone De Beauvoir Comedian and author David Baddiel in conversation with his heroes - brought back to life.
05	01	Suggs's Dream Dinner Party	20230923	20231226 (R4)	Singer-songwriter Suggs hosts a dinner party with a twist - all his guests are from beyond the grave, long-time heroes brought back to life by the wonders of the radio archive. Suggs is joined by poet and broadcaster Sir John Betjeman, reggae legend Bob Marley, politician Tony Benn, and singer-songwriters Amy Winehouse and Aretha Franklin. As the mackerel sizzles on the BBQ, Suggs and his guests keep warm around the fire bowl to discuss fathers, the poetry of London, the lyrics of love - and the search for goodness. There's music, laughter - and a man in a fez makes a late appearance - Written and presented by Suggs Produced by Sarah Peters and Peregrine Andrews Researcher: Brook Plumptre Additional Editing: Jerome Watson BBC Archivist: Will Mort Executive Producer: Iain Chambers Singer-songwriter Suggs in conversation with his heroes - brought back to life.
05	02	Simon Callow's Dream Dinner Party	20230930	20231224 (R4)	Actor and writer Simon Callow hosts a dinner party with a twist - all his guests are from beyond the grave, long-time heroes brought back to life by the wonders of the radio archive. Simon is joined by his old friend and agent Peggy Ramsay, actor and director Orson Welles, comedian and satirist Barry Humphries, writer and polemicist Christopher Hitchens - and Princess Margaret. As Simon tops up the strawberry rum daiquiri glasses, he and his guests discuss press intrusion, alcoholism, spoiled childhoods - and Christopher Hitchens describes a fruity encounter with Margaret Thatcher. Alongside fine dining and high brow conversation, there's a guest who comes clean about her embarrassing body search. Written and presented by Simon Callow Produced by Sarah Peters and Peregrine Andrews Co-producer Tim Bano Additional Editing: Jerome Watson BBC Archivist: Tariq Hussain Executive Producer: Iain Chambers Actor and writer Simon Callow in conversation with his heroes - brought back to life. Actor and writer Simon Callow hosts a dinner party with a twist - all his guests are from beyond the grave, long-time heroes brought back to life by the radio archive.
05	03 LAST	Minnie Driver's Dream Dinner Party	20231007	20240101 (R4)	Actor Minnie Driver hosts a dinner party with a twist - all her guests are from beyond the grave, long-time heroes brought back to life by the wonders of the radio archive. In her mobile home overlooking Malibu beach, Minnie is joined by singer-songwriter George Michael, actor and raconteur Sir Peter Ustinov, actor Alan Rickman, poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou, and actor and politician Glenda Jackson. As the sunlight fades, the conversation becomes more candid - from filming sex scenes to the anger at being exposed in the press; from a failed attempt at being a spy to the joy of being in love. There are confessions, laughter, and a midnight swim. Written and presented by Minnie Driver Produced by Sarah Peters and Peregrine Andrews Co-producer Tim Bano Additional Editing: Jerome Watson BBC Archivists: Roni Abera and Michael Pridham Executive Producer: Iain Chambers Actor Minnie Driver in conversation with her heroes - brought back to life.