With Great Pleasure

First broadcast from 19900204 to 20100216.

 
 
SeriesEpisodeTitleFirst
Broadcast
RepeatedDescription
197D01Steven Berkoff19971006 Writer, director and actor Steven Berkoff performs extracts from his favourite poetry, prose and plays before an audience at this year's Edinburgh Festival. He draws on ancient Greek drama, Shakespeare, Oscar Wilde and poet Walt Whitman to celebrate language as an instrument of praise.
197D02Marjorie Wallace19971013 , campaigning journalist and head of SANE, the organisation for the support of schizophrenics and their carers, chooses her favourite pieces of writing, which are read by Anna Massey and Tim Pigott-Smith 
197D03Alison Lurie19971020 American novelist Alison Lurie chooses her favourite pieces of writing, read by Bonnie Hurren and Ben Onwukwe 
197D04Lord Soper19971027 In his 95th year, Lord Soper looks back over his life and introduces extracts from the books, hymns and poems which have been significant to him through the years. James Fox and Stephanie Cole read the extracts.
197D05Jenny Agutter19971103 Actress Jenny Agutter chooses some of her favourite prose and poetry. Readings by Michael Pennington and Sara Kestelman 
197D06Mavis Nicholson19971110 Writer and broadcaster Mavis Nicholson chooses some of her favourite pieces of poetry and prose, beginning with `Girl's Crystal' and ending with Maya Angelou. Readings by Sian Phillips and Philip Madoc 
198C01Leslie Phillips19980819 The first of two programmes featuring veteran entertainer Leslie Phillips. With his wife, Angela Scoular, he presents his favourite pieces of prose and poetry, including an extract from `Peter Pan' and his celebrated rendition of `The Owl and the Pussycat.
198C01Stephanie Cole19980817 In the first of two programmes, Stephanie Cole presents her personal selection of prose and poetry, including Causley's `I Am the Great Sun' and Elizabeth Jennings's `Friendship'. Reader Andrew Sachs 
198D01Sir Hardy Amies - 119981005 Two programmes in which Sir Hardy Amies, dressmaker to the Queen, presents his personal selection of prose and poetry. 1: The first 45 years of his life.
198D02 LASTSir Hardy Amies - 219981006 The second 45 years of his life.
199B01Eric Sykes19990610 In six programmes, Eric Sykes looks back on his life through literature, from `The Tudor Kings of England' to the wise and witty sayings of Mark Twain. With Dennis Waterman and Imelda Staunton 
199C01 1999092319990929Brian Keenan talks about his love of literature, growing up in Belfast, being a hostage in Beirut and of his writing, and his role as husband and father. With extracts from `The Wind in the Willows', `The Dharma Bums' and poems by Sylvia Plath and Pablo N / Best-selling American author Bill Bryson chooses his favourite writing - a mix of comedy and adventure, with excerpts from Evelyn Waugh's `Scoop', a Hardy Boys classic and `Three Men in a Boat'. Readers Kerry Shale and Bill Wallis 
199C02 1999093019991013Author Lynne Reid Banks, best known for the `L-Shaped Room', reflects on the literature that has given her pleasure throughout her life. With excerpts from the Jewish Passover service, `Romeo and Juliet', and Nancy Mitford's `The Pursuit of Love'. / Bestselling American author Bill Bryson chooses his favourite writing - a mix of comedy and adventure, with extracts from Evelyn Waugh's `Scoop', a Hardy Boys classic and `Three Men in a Boat'. Readers Kerry Shale and Bill Wallis 
199C03 1999100719991020 
201C01 2001080220010806 
201C02Milton Shulman2001080920010813Milton Shulman, who was theatre critic of the London Evening Standard for 30 years, chooses his favourite literary extracts, including pieces by William Congreve, Shakespeare and Edmund Rostand. They are read for him by Alice Arnold and William Hope 
201C03The Wind In The Willows2001081620010820At the Gower Festival, John Humphrys chooses his favourite pieces of literature, which range from `The Wind in the Willows' to `Animal Farm', and Evelyn Waugh to Dylan Thomas. The readers are Angharad Rees and Michael Elwyn 
201C04 20010817  
201C04Robert Winston2001082320010827Fertility expert Robert Winston chooses his favourite pieces of poetry and prose. Among them are works by Boccaccio, Wilfred Owen and Roy Hattersley. The readers are Philip Franks and Michael Elwyn 
201C05Helen Dunmore2001083020010903Novelist and poet Helen Dunmore chooses her favourite pieces of literature, with readers Eve Matheson and Bill Wallis 
202C01Diane Abbott2002081520020819Maverick Labour MP Diane Abbott chooses some of her favourite pieces of writing. Featured excerpts include `Vanity Fair', `Little Women' and Congreve's `The Way of the World'.
202C02Joe Simpson2002082220020826Writer and mountaineer Joe Simpson chooses favourite pieces of prose and poetry that have inspired his life of travel and adventure. With readers Stephen McGann and Kate Rutter.
202C03Anne Owers2002082920020902Chief inspector of prisons Anne Owers presents her personal choice of favourite pieces of writing which have illuminated her career and beliefs.
202C04Oliver Letwin2002090520020909Shadow Home Secretary Oliver Letwin presents his personal choice of favourite pieces of writing which have illuminated his career and beliefs.
202C05Edna O'brien2002091220020916Writer Edna O'Brien presents her personal choice of favourite pieces of writing which have illuminated her career and beliefs. Read by Stephen Rea and Marie Mullen.
202C06Paul Morley2002091920020923Writer and broadcaster Paul Morley presents his choice of favourite pieces of writing that have illuminated his career and beliefs. Read by Daniela Nardini and Ralf Little 
203A01Dora Bryan2003010220030106Actress Dora Bryan presents her personal choice of favourite pieces of writing that have illuminated her career and beliefs. Including pieces by Dirk Bogarde and Alan Bennett 
203A02Lemn Sissay2003010920030113Poet Lemn Sissay presents his personal choice of favourite pieces of writing that have illuminated his career and beliefs. With readers James Quinn and Juliet Ellis 
203A03Emma Nicholson2003011620030120presents her choice of favourite pieces of writing that reflect her life campaigning for human rights and her late husband's work on the Booker Prize committee.
203A04Christopher Frayling2003012320030127, Rector of the Royal College of Art, presents his personal choice of pieces of writing that reflect his lifelong passions for art, film and horror stories / Rector of the Royal College of Art, presents his personal choice of pieces of writing that reflect his lifelong passions for art, film and horror stories.
203A05Jan Ravens2003013020030203Dead Ringers star Jan Ravens presents her personal choice of favourite pieces of writing. Featuring extracts by Philip Larkin, Edwin Muir, Jane Austen and Victoria Wood 
203A06Michael Grade2003020620030210presents his personal choice of favourite pieces of writing which reflect a life full of rich and varied interests. With readers William Hope and Juliet Stevenson 
203C01Barry Norman2003073120030804, 20070106Barry Norman entertains an audience at the Pump House in Aldeburgh with his personal choice of favourite pieces of writing, ranging from Richmal Crompton and PG Wodehouse to Neville Cardus and Raymond Chandler.
With readers Andrew Sachs, Alice Arnold and Jon Glover 
203C02joan Bakewell2003080720030811entertains an audience at the Aldeburgh Festival with her choice of favourite literature. Readers are Andrew Sachs, Alice Arnold and Jon Glover 
203C03Jo Shapcott2003081420030818From the Ledbury Poetry Festival, award-winning poet in residence Jo Shapcott presents some of her literary favourites - read for her by Christian Rodska and Mark Meadows. [Rpt of Thu 11.30am]
203C04Barrie Rutter2003082120030825In the first of two programmes from The Shed in North Yorkshire, actor and director Barrie Rutter entertains an audience with some of his favourite pieces of prose and poetry. With Fine Time Fontayne, Noreen Kershaw, Michael Fenton Stevens and Mike Harding.
203C05Mike Harding2003082820030831is at The Shed, North Yorkshire with his choice of literature. Readers are Fine Time Fontayne, Noreen Kershaw, Michael Fenton Stevens and Barrie Rutter. [Rptd Sun 12.15am]
203C06Tim Smit2003090420030908founder and Chief Executive of the Eden Project, presents some of his favourite pieces of prose and poetry.
204C01Pauline Mclynn2004081220040816, 20061206Comedy writer and actor Pauline Mclynn, best known as Mrs Doyle in father ted, entertains an audience with a witty and poignant choice of some favourite prose and poetry. Shes joined by actors David Bamber and William Hope at this summers ways with words festival at Dartington Hall in Devon.
204C02Anne Fine2004081920040823Award winning childrens writer, Anne Fine, entertains an audience at this summers Swindon festival with her choices of favourite prose and poetry, from Kit Wright to Raymond Carver. They're read for her by Jenny Coverack and Michael Elwyn 
204C03Mark Doty2004082620040830Campaigning American poet, Mark Doty, was poet in residence at this summer's Ledbury festival. He was joined there by Actors Kerry Shale and Barbara Barnes to perform some favourite verses that have helped to shape his life.
204C04Phillip Blackwell2004090220040906Entrepreneur and bookseller, Phillip Blackwell, presents some of his favourite pieces of prose and poetry. Hes joined by actors Anton Lesser and Alice Arnold at the original branch of Blackwell's in Oxford, as they celebrate 125 years in the book business.
204C05 LASTRichard Ingrams2004090920040913Richard Ingrams introduces some of his favourite pieces of writing from this summers Ludlow Festival of Literature. Not surprisingly his choices include humour from beachcomber to James Thurber to Auberon Waugh. They're read for him by Andrew Sachs and Peter Marinker 
205A01Shazia Mirza2005012020050124is the UK's only female Muslim stand-up comedian and in the first of a new series of With Great Pleasure she introduces some of the favourite prose, poetry and songs that have inspired her.
Shazia's choices range from Harold Pinter to Alan Bennett to Sue Townsend and are read for her by Mina Anwar, Elizabeth Berrington, Jon Glover and David Bamber.
205A02Ian Mcmillan2005012720050131Ian Mcmillan entertains an audience at The Shed in North Yorkshire with prose and poetry performed by Noreen Kershaw, Fine Time Fontayne and Pete Morgan.
205A03Jenni Trent Hughes2005020320050207Firm but fair relationship expert, Jenni Trent Hughes, reveals a love affair with literature when she entertains an audience with some of her favourite prose and poetry. She's joined by Mina Anwar, David Bamber, Elizabeth Berrington and Jon Glover to read them for her.
205A04Philip Pullman2005021020050214, 20061129Author Philip Pullman entertains an audience at the Pegasus Theatre in Oxford with some of his favourite prose and poetry. He is joined by actors Jenny Coverack and Sean Barrett.
205A05 LASTJohn Sergeant2005021720050221, 20061220Political journalist and broadcaster John Sergeant, who as a young man wanted to become a comedian, reveals his private world of literature which includes P G Wodehouse, Alan Bennett, James Thurber and Joseph Heller. He's joined by actors William Hope and Bill Wallis 
205C01John Simpson2005072820050801entertains an audience with some of his favourite pieces of writing read by Jilly Bond and Michael Elwyn. There are classics from fellow journalists, poems by Seamus Heaney and Edward Thomas, and there's some nonsense too from Lewis Carroll and the Marx Brothers.
205C02Roy Hattersley2005080420050808Roy Hattersley entertains an audience at this summer's Buxton Festival with some of his favourite prose and poetry, read for him by Barrie Rutter and David Fleeshman 
205C03Jo Brand2005081120050815, Radio Four 20061122Comedian Jo Brand and actors Eve Matheson, Philip Franks and Jon Glover entertain an audience with some of Jo's favourite pieces of writing, including a poem by John Hegley, a story by Annie Proulx and a song from Elvis Costello.
205C04Richard Dawkins2005081820050822Oxford Professor of the Public Understanding of Science, he entertains an audience with some favourite and accessible science writing - as well as passages from Romeo and Juliet, A Shropshire Lad and comedy from Evelyn Waugh and Michael Frayn. With readers Eve Matheson, Philip Franks and Jon Glover 
205C05 LASTPam Ayres2005082520050829, 20061213entertains an audience at Buscot Park Theatre on the estate of Lord Faringdon, very close to where she was born and brought up. She's joined by Martin Jarvis and Phyllida Nash to read a few of her literary favourites, which include poems by Laurence Binyon and Banjo Patterson and vivid stories from George Orwell, J Meade Faulkner and Richmal Crompton.
Pam Ayres entertains an audience at Buscot Park Theatre on the estate of Lord Faringdon, very close to where she was born and brought up.
She is joined by Martin Jarvis and Phyllida Nash to read a few of her literary favourites, which include poems by Laurence Binyon and Banjo Patterson; and vivid stories from George Orwell, J Meade Faulkner and Richmal Crompton.
206A01Adam Hart-davis2006011220060116Writer and broadcaster Adam Hart-Davis entertains his audience with stories about his life and favourite writing. Readers are Bill Wallis, Jenny Coverack and John Telfer 
206A02Dick King-smith2006011920060123Children's author Dick King-Smith entertains an audience with stories about his life and favourite writing, including Samuel Whiskers, Tarka the Otter and The Jungle Book, as well as poems by Thomas Hardy and R S Thomas.
206A03stewart Lee2006012620060130Writer and stand-up comedian Stewart Lee introduces a selection of his favourite poetry and prose to an audience at 'The Shed' in North Yorkshire. Highlights range from Ray Bradbury to Joe Queenan and from Wyndham Lewis to William Blake 
206A04Gyles Brandreth2006020220060206Author, raconteur and former Tory MP Gyles Brandreth entertains with a selection of his favourite pieces of prose and poetry, to reflect his lifelong loves of nonsense, politics and Shakespeare.
With readers Sir Donald Sinden and Kosha Engler.
206A05 LASTOona King2006020920060213Former Labour MP Oona King presents writing that has influenced her life and thinking, including Alan Clarke's diaries, Vanity Fair and Arthur Miller's autobiography.
206C01Jonathan Sacks2006092120060925The Chief Rabbi, Sir Jonathan Sacks, presents some of his favourite prose and poetry - including extracts from The Torah, the writings of Isaiah Berlin and Amos Oz, and poems from Ogden Nash and WH Auden.
He's joined by Alice Arnold, Michael Fenton Stevens, John Moraitis and Andrew Sachs 
206C02Henry Normal2006092820061002Comedian, poet and scriptwriter Henry Normal entertains an audience when he introduces favourite poems by Lemn Sissay and John Hegley; extracts from Alan Sillitoe, George Orwell and Oscar Wilde; plus a song from Paul Simon 
206C03Kirsty Wark2006100520061009News journalist Kirsty Wark shows her more literary side when she's joined by friends Bridget McCann, Sean Scanlon and Barbara Rafferty to entertain an audience at Glasgow's Oran Mhor - with some of her favourite prose and poetry.
206C04Sue Townsend2006101220061016She entertains an audience of friends and family, with extracts from some of her favourite books, including the work of Iris Murdoch, George Orwell and Fyodor Dostoevsky.
Reading are taken from
Going to See a Man Hanged by William Thackery
The Donkey by GK Chesterton
The House of the Dead by Dostoevsky
Translated by Constance Garnett
The Sea, The Sea by Iris Murdoch
Inside the Whale by George Orwell
Taken from George Orwell: Politics and the English Language
Analogy about Frogs by Shami Chakrabati
Cigarettes are Sublime by Richard Klein
Prick Up Your Ears: The Biography of Joe Orton
By John Lahr
First They Came for the Jews by Pastor Martin Niemoller.
206C05 LASTdon Paterson2006101920061023Poet in residence Don Paterson presents some of his literary favourites at this summer's Ledbury Poetry Festival.
He praises the work of fellow poets Douglas Dunn, Tony Harrison, Billy Collins, Seamus Heaney and William Topaz McGonagall.
206CXMASSue Lawley20061225 Retired from her Desert Island, Sue Lawley wades ashore at the BBC Theatre, bearing a list of her own. It's not a list of eight records - but a selection of her favourite prose and poetry.
With the help of readers Andrew Sachs, Pippa Haywood and Michael Elwyn, she introduces literary delights ranging from Jane Austen to Philip Roth, and from John Donne to Hilaire Belloc. She also explains why she is haunted by an ironing board.
207A01Graham Fellows2007011820070122Graham Fellows, better known as John Shuttleworth - Sheffield's finest yet most unaccomplished singer/songwriter - presents some of the writing that has most influenced his own work.
He entertains an audience at The Shed in North Yorkshire with the help of actors Debbie McAndrew and Shaun Prendergast.
207A02Rick Stein2007012520070129Rick Stein presents some memorable pieces of literature including prose, poetry and some favourite cookery writing. Christian Rodska and Jenny Coverack join him to entertain an audience at The Seafood School in Padstow.
207A03Lynne Truss2007020120070205Lynne Truss revisits a time spent working in a library between school and university and the early literary passions which would influence her as a writer. Actors Helen Atkinson Wood, Philip Franks and Peter Marinker join her to entertain an audience.
207A04Adrian Mitchell2007020820070212Adrian Mitchell entertains an audience when he introduces some of his favourite literature to illustrate a happy life as poet, playwright and general mischief maker. Read for him by Helen Atkinson Wood, Peter Marinker and Philip Franks.
207A05 LASTJames Lovelock2007021520070219Crusading environmental scientist James Lovelock, author of the Gaia theory of life on Earth, reveals some of his favourite pieces of prose and poetry in a recording at his home near Launceston - with actors Jenny Coverack and Bill Wallis 
207C01Tony Benn2007072620071118Tony Benn presents some of the pieces of prose and poetry which have helped shape his personal philosophy. Readers are Saffron Burrows, Jim Findley and Carl Prekopp 
207C02Anna Raeburn20070802 Broadcaster and journalist Anna Raeburn is joined on stage at the Hay Festival by Diana Quick and Richard Mitchley in a selection of some of her favourite pieces of writing.
207C03Carmen Callil2007080920071202In a programme recorded at the Hay Literary Festival, writer and publisher Carmen Callil presents her selection of favourite pieces of writing, ranging from George Bernard Shaw and WS Gilbert to Puss in Boots and a fragment of a story from her Australian childhood. Readers are Diana Quick and Richard Mitchley 
207C04Zeinab Badawi20070816 TV presenter Zeinab Badawi presents her selection of favourite pieces of writing, ranging from Virgil to The Tale of Custard the Dragon.
207C05 LASTRichard Briers 2007082320090209Richard Briers chooses some of his favourite performance pieces for an entertaining half hour with his daughter Lucy Briers and his old friend Peter Egan.
Richard Briers chooses some of his favourite performance pieces.
chooses some of his favourite performance pieces for an entertaining half hour with his daughter Lucy Briers and his old friend Peter Egan.
207D02Anna Raeburn20071125 Broadcaster and journalist Anna Raeburn is joined on stage at the Hay Festival by Diana Quick and Richard Mitchley in a selection of some of her favourite pieces of writing.
 01 20080724 Film critic Mark Kermode draws upon some haunting fiction, including extracts from William Peter Blatty's novel The Exorcist and F Scott Fitzgerald's American classic The Great Gatsby. Mark's grandfather recites a poem in his Manx accent.
Readers are Amelia Bullmore and Demetri Goritsas.
 02 20080731 Guest performers select their favourite pieces of writing.
2/5. Classical singer and broadcaster Catherine Bott shows how writers as diverse as JM Coetzee and Joyce Grenfell have attempted to convey what music means in words. Sharing her deep love of the Archers, the readers are Patricia Greene and Tim Bentinck (Jill and David Archer).
 03 20080807 Guest performers select their favourite pieces of writing.
3/5. Dominic Dromgoole, artistic director of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, where this programme is recorded, shares his passion for poetry and prose, without so much as a word by the Bard. Readers are Michelle Terry and John Light.
 04 20080814 Will Hutton, chief executive of the Work Foundation, shares his admiration for not just JM Keynes but also writers such as Dickens and Umberto Eco. Readers are Michelle Terry and William Hope 
 05 LAST 20080821 Jude Kelly, artistic director of London's refurbished Southbank Centre, where this programme is recorded, uses extracts from her favourite poetry and literature to argue the case for the central role of creativity and the arts in society. Readers are Diana Quick and John Shrapnel 
  Miles Kington19900204 First broadcast on 1989-12-24
Producer: WHITEHEAD, K
Next in series: MIRIAM ROTHSCHILD
Previous in series: Jill Balcon
Description
SBH:Miles Kington presents his personal choice of poetry & prose. Readers: Sheila Steafel & Kerry Shale. Producer: Kate Whitehead.
OTN:SBS949/89WT2450 TXN/TDT:R4 24-Dec-1989
Broadcast history
24 Dec 1989 13:10-13:55 (RADIO 4)
04 Feb 1990 16:02-16:47 (RADIO 4)
Contributors
Eleanor Bron (Author)
Ogden Nash (Author)
Raymond Chandler (Author)
Groucho Marx (Author)
J Morton (Author)
Flann O'Brien (Author)
Stephanie Calman (Author)
Shelley Berman (Author)
Wyndham Lewis (Author)
Harry Graham (Author)
Alexander Frater (Author)
H Mencken (Author)
Alphonse Allais (Author)
Kate Whitehead (Producer)
Kerry Shale (rdr)
Sheila Steafel (rdr)
Miles Kington (rdr)
Notes: CAIRS 436915.
  Miriam Rothschild1990062719900701First broadcast on 1990-06-27
Producer: WHITEHEAD, K
Next in series: Freddie Jones
Previous in series: Miles Kington
Description
Miriam ROTHSCHILD presents her choice of poetry & prose on the theme of butterflies & doves. Read by Peggy ASHCROFT & Ronald Pickup. Prod Kate WHITEHEAD.
Subject Categories
readings programmes (programme format)
profiles (programme format)
Broadcast history
27 Jun 1990 11:02-11:47 (RADIO 4)
01 Jul 1990 22:15-23:00 (RADIO 4)
Contributors
Kate Whitehead (Producer)
Ronald Pickup (rdr)
Peggy Ashcroft (rdr)
Miriam Rothschild (Speaker)
Recorded on 1990-05-12.
  Freddie Jones1990070419900708Actor Freddie Jones returns to his roots in Stoke-on-Trent to present a slection of favourite poetry & prose. Readers Michael Williams and Su-Lin Looi 
  Jeremy Isaacs1990071119900715First broadcast on 1990-07-11
Producer: REID.
Next in series: Eleanor Bron
Previous in series: Freddie Jones
Description
Jeremy ISAACS presents his personal choice of poetry & prose read by John BettS & Geraldine MCEWAN. Prod Alec REID.
Subject Categories
readings programmes (programme format)
profiles (programme format)
Broadcast history
11 Jul 1990 11:02-11:47 (RADIO 4)
15 Jul 1990 22:15-23:00 (RADIO 4)
Contributors
Alec Reid (Producer)
Geraldine Mcewan (rdr)
John Betts (rdr)
Jeremy Isaacs (Speaker)
Recorded on 1989-10-04.
  Eleanor Bron1990071819900722First broadcast on 1990-07-18
Producer: WHITEHEAD, K
Next in series: COLIN BLAKEMORE
Previous in series: JEREMY ISAACS
Description
SBH:The actress Eleanor Bron chooses a selection of her favourite poetry and prose. Readers: Joanna David & John Fortune. Producer: Kate Whitehead.
OTN:SBS028/89WT2451 TXN/TDT:R4 18-Jul-1990
Broadcast history
18 Jul 1990 11:02-11:47 (RADIO 4)
22 Jul 1990 22:15-23:00 (RADIO 4)
Contributors
David Thompson (Author)
D Lawrence (Author)
Alfred Tennyson (Author)
Stevie Smith (Author)
Joseph Conrad (Author)
Wilfred Owen (Author)
John Webster (Author)
E Forster (Author)
Homer (Author)
Studs Terkel (Author)
Toni Morrison (Author)
Edward Cummings (Author)
Randall Jarrell (Author)
John Skelton (Author)
Elizabeth Von Arnim (Author)
Samuel Butler (Author)
Edmund Spenser (Author)
Crichton Browne (Author)
Pao Chao (Author)
Kate Whitehead (Producer)
Joanna David (rdr)
John Fortune (rdr)
Eleanor Bron (Speaker)
Notes: CAIRS 525232.
  Colin Blakemore1990072519900729First broadcast on 1990-07-25
Producer: WHITEHEAD, K
Next in series: DAVID LODGE
Previous in series: Eleanor Bron
Description
Colin BLAKEMORE takes a broader view of the literary anthology & includes scientific writing as well as the lyrics of a Bob Dylan song. Read by Jill Balcon & Denys Hawthorne. Prod Kate WHITEHEAD.
Subject Categories
readings programmes (programme format)
profiles (programme format)
Broadcast history
25 Jul 1990 11:02-11:47 (RADIO 4)
29 Jul 1990 22:15-23:00 (RADIO 4)
Contributors
Kate Whitehead (Producer)
Denys Hawthorne (rdr)
Jill Balcon (rdr)
Colin Blakemore (Speaker)
Recorded on 1990-05-26.
  David Lodge1990080119900805First broadcast on 1990-08-01
Producer: A. REID
Next in series: GWEN FFRANGCON-DAVIES
Previous in series: COLIN BLAKEMORE
Description
David LODGE presents his personal choice of poetry & prose read by Haydn Gwynne & Jack SHEPHERD. Prod Kate WHITEHEAD.
Subject Categories
readings programmes (programme format)
profiles (programme format)
Broadcast history
01 Aug 1990 11:02-11:47 (RADIO 4)
05 Aug 1990 22:15-23:00 (RADIO 4)
Contributors
Kate Whitehead (Producer)
Haydn Gwynne (rdr)
Jack Shepherd (rdr)
David Lodge (Speaker)
Recorded on 1990-06-17.
  Gwen Ffrangcon19901225 -DAVIES
Producer: WHITEHEAD, K
Next in series: JONATHON PORRITT
Previous in series: DAVID LODGE
Description
SBH:The 99-year-old actress Gwen Ffrangcon-Davies presents her personal choice of poetry & prose and performances of some of her favourite roles. Readers: Anna Massey & Alec McCowen. Producers: David Spenser & Kate Whitehead.
PRE:Ffrangcon-Davies: introduces her readers. 3'55" in - Talks about her idol Ellen Terry. 11'05" in - Great admiration for 'The Seven Pillars of Wisdom'. Meeting T.E. Lawrence as Aircraftsman Shaw - his piercing blue eyes. NTS:This programme was specially recorded in celebration of Gwen Ffrangcon-Davies's 100th birthday the following month. OTN:SLN050/90WT258 TXN/TDT:R4 25-Dec-1990
Broadcast history
25 Dec 1990 14:00-15:00 (RADIO 4)
Contributors
Anna Massey (Actor)
Alec McCowen (Actor)
Gwen Ffrangcon-Davies (Actor)
William Shakespeare (Author)
Thomas Hardy (Author)
Rudyard Kipling (Author)
T Eliot (Author)
George Shaw (Author)
William Thackeray (Author)
Virginia Woolf (Author)
Robert Browning (Author)
Rupert Brooke (Author)
Christina Rossetti (Author)
Christopher Fry (Author)
T Lawrence (Author)
Francis Thompson (Author)
David Spenser (Producer)
Kate Whitehead (Producer)
Notes: CAIRS 568695.
  Jonathon Porritt19901226 Producer: WHITEHEAD, K
Next in series: MAYA ANGELOU
Previous in series: GWEN FFRANGCON-DAVIES
Description
Environmentalist Jonathon PORRITT pres his selection of favourite poetry & prose with readers Diana Quick & Andrew Sachs.
Subject Categories
readings programmes (programme format)
profiles (programme format)
Broadcast history
26 Dec 1990 14:02-15:00 (RADIO 4)
Contributors
Kate Whitehead (Producer)
Andrew Sachs (rdr)
Diana Quick (rdr)
Jonathon Porritt (Speaker)
Recorded on 1990-12-09.
  Jenny Eclair19960101 Producer: S. DAVIES
Next in series: JON SNOW
Previous in series: 25TH ANNIVERSARY PROGRAMME
Description
Edinburgh Festival stand-up queen Jenny Eclair, well-thumbed copy of Dorothy
Subject Categories
readings programmes (programme format)
book programmes (genre)
Broadcast history
01 Jan 1996 10:02-10:30 (RADIO 4)
Contributors
Kenneth Williams (Author)
Alan Bennett (Author)
Fay Weldon (Author)
Roddy Doyle (Author)
Angela Carter (Author)
Pamela Brown (Author)
Nell Dunn (Author)
Joe Orton (Author)
Don Marquis (Author)
Damon Runyon (Author)
Sara Davies (Producer)
Crawford Logan (rdr)
Amanda Root (rdr)
Jenny Eclair (Speaker)
Recorded on 1995-08-30.
  Jon Snow19960108 Producer: K.MCALL
Next in series: NICOLE FARHI
Previous in series: Jenny Eclair
Description
Jon SNOW, with the help of Kate FAHY & Ian MITCHELL, reveals his literary
Subject Categories
readings programmes (programme format)
book programmes (genre)
Broadcast history
08 Jan 1996 10:02-10:30 (RADIO 4)
Contributors
Kate Mcall (Producer)
Alan Clark (rdr)
Ian Mitchell (rdr)
Kate Fahy (rdr)
Jon Snow (Speaker)
Recorded on 1995-12-29.
  Nicole Farhi19960115 Producer: S.MARMION
Notes: MASTER INDEXED BY SOUND ARCHIVES (SLU)-NOT TO BE EDITED
Next in series: Harold Evans
Previous in series: JON SNOW
Description
*
Subject Categories
personality based programmes (presentation style)
fashion
Broadcast history
15 Jan 1996 10:02-10:30 (RADIO 4)
Contributors
Sally Marmion (Producer)
Ian Holm (rdr)
Penelope Wilton (rdr)
Recorded on 1995-12-19.
  Harold Evans19960122 Producer: S.DAVIES
Next in series: GLORIA STEINEM
Previous in series: NICOLE FARHI
Description
Editor, publisher & passionate New York resident Harold Evans pres his selection of favourite journalism, fiction & poetry. Readers Ed Bishop , Nigel CARRINGTON & Deboraj GARRISON.
Subject Categories
readings programmes (programme format)
profiles (programme format)
worked late on a tuesday night (poem)
Broadcast history
22 Jan 1996 10:02-10:30 (RADIO 4)
Contributors
Deborah Garrison (Author)
Sara Davies (Producer)
Ed Bishop (rdr)
Nigel Carrington (rdr)
Harold Evans (Speaker)
Recorded on 1996-01-02.
  Gloria Steinem19960129 Producer: S.DAVIES
Next in series: Allen Ginsberg
Previous in series: Harold Evans
Description
American feminist Gloria STEINEM pres the writing that has inspired her through three decades of campaigning for the rights of women & children.
Subject Categories
readings programmes (programme format)
profiles (programme format)
Broadcast history
29 Jan 1996 10:02-10:30 (RADIO 4)
Contributors
Robin Morgan (Author)
Carolyn Heilbron (Author)
Judith Herman (Author)
Sara Davies (Producer)
Alice Arnold (rdr)
Adjoa Andoh (rdr)
Nigel Carrington (rdr)
Gloria Steinem (Speaker)
Recorded on 1996-01-17.
  Shirley Hughes1999070119990707Award-winning children's writer and illustrator Shirley Hughes chooses her favourite pieces of writing. She includes Kenneth Clarke's `Civilisation', and a piece written and read by her son, Guardian correspondent Ed Vulliamy. Other readers are Bill Wallis 
  J K Rowling2000052520000529, creator of Harry Potter, chooses her favourite pieces of poetry and prose - from Roddy Doyle to Vladimir Nabokov 
  Tony Parsons2000060120000605Journalist and author Tony Parsons, best known for his contributions to the Mirror and BBC2's `Late Review' and now also enjoying success with his latest book `Man and Boy', discusses his influences. Featuring passages from Ernest Hemingway, Frank McCourt / Journalist and author Tony Parsons, until recently best known for his contributions to The Mirror and BBC2's `Late Review' but now enjoying unexpected success with his latest book `Man and Boy', discusses his influences. Featuring extracts from works by E.
  Andy Mcnab2000060820000612Ex-SAS member-turned-novelist Andy McNab chooses his favourite literary and poetic pieces. After surviving horrific experiences during the Gulf War, he wrote his memoir `Bravo Two Zero'. His choices reflect a lingering taste for adventure as well as humou / Ex-SAS member-turned-novelist, Andy McNab, chooses his favourite literary and poetic pieces. After surviving horrific experiences during the Gulf War, he wrote his memoir `Bravo Two Zero'. His choices reflect a lingering taste for adventure as well as hum.
  Donald Woods2000061520000619South African editor Donald Woods reflects on some of the writers who has inspired him. Woods fled the apartheid regime of his homeland in order to write the biography of black activist Steve Biko - immortalised in the film `Cry Freedom'.
  Carol Shields2000062220000626Canadian writer Carol Shields introduces her favourite poetry and prose. Readers: Anthony Hyde and Eleanor Bron 
  R S Thomas2000062920000703A selection of poetry and prose chosen by distinguished Welsh poet R S Thomas, now in his eighty-seventh year. He includes readings from Tolstoy, Hardy, the Confessions of St Augustine and the King James Bible and poetry by Yeats, Sir Thomas Wyatt and Edward Thomas. Reader: Ronald Pickup 
  Queen Mother20000804 In celebration of the 100th birthday of HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, Ned Sherrin presents a selection of poetry, prose and songs in front of an invited audience at the Radio Theatre, London. Performed by Eleanor Bron, Leslie Phillips, Andrew Sachs 
  Lady Longford2000101920001030Prolific biographer and campaigner Lady Longford looks back over almost 100 years of a literary life when she chooses her favourite pieces of poetry and prose, read for her by Eleanor Bron and Philip Franks.
  Rev Dr John Polkinghorne2000102620001106Eminent scientist turned clergyman Rev Dr John Polkinghorne presents his favourite pieces of poetry and prose, read for him by Alice Arnold and Jamie Glover 
  Fergal Keane2000110220001113Award-winning journalist Fergal Keane presents some of his favourite pieces of poetry and prose, read for him by Eleanor Bron and Christian Rodska 
  Dorothy Rowe2000110920001120, author of many popular psychology manuals, presents some of her favourite pieces of poetry and prose, read by Suzie Brann and Sean Barrett.
  Matthew Sweeney2000111620001127Poet and anthologist Matthew Sweeney presents some of his favourite pieces of poetry and prose, read by Bonnie Hurran.
  Stephen Frears2000113020001201One of this country's most successful film directors, Stephen Frears, whose work includes `My Beautiful Launderette', `Les Liaisons Dangereuses' and `High Fidelity', presents some of his favourite pieces of poetry and prose, read by Stephen Moore and Eve
One of this country's most successful film directors, Stephen Frears, whose work includes `My Beautiful Launderette', `Les Liaisons Dangereuses' and `High Fidelity', presents some of his favourite pieces of poetry and prose, read by Stephen Moore and Eve Matheson 
  Stephen Frears20001204 One of this country's most successful film directors, Stephen Frears, whose work includes `My Beautiful Launderette', `Les Liaisons Dangereuses' and `High Fidelity', presents some of his favourite pieces of poetry and prose, read by Stephen Moore and Eve
One of this country's most successful film directors, Stephen Frears, whose work includes `My Beautiful Launderette', `Les Liaisons Dangereuses' and `High Fidelity', presents some of his favourite pieces of poetry and prose, read by Stephen Moore and Eve Matheson 
  Zandra Rhodes2001122720011231Fashion designer Zandra Rhodes chooses some of her favourite pieces of prose and poetry.
  Sean O'brien2002010320020107Poet Sean O'Brien chooses some of his favourite pieces of poetry and prose, which are read by Julia Watson and Deka Walmsley 
  Richard Eyre2002011020020114Theatre director Richard Eyre selects his favourite poetry and prose, including pieces by D H Lawrence, John Donne and Alan Bennett. The readers are Judi Dench and Jim Broadbent 
  Dr Zaki Badawi2002011720020121, principal of the Muslim College in London, chooses his favourite poetry and prose, ranging from Socrates and Voltaire to Imtiaz Dharker's `I Speak for the Devil'.
  Dame Eileen Atkins2002012420020128introduces some of her favourite pieces of prose and poetry. They include works by Virginia Woolf, W B Yeats, Anthony Powell and Charles Dickens 
  Madhur Jaffrey2002013120020204introduces some of her favourite pieces of prose and poetry, including extracts from `Paradise Lost', `A House for Mr Biswas' and a recipe for oyster stew.
  Ruth Deech2002020720020211, head of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, chooses poetry and prose, including extracts from Theodor Herzl's `Old New Land' and the Profumo inquiry.
   John Major20080131 Former prime minister John Major presents a selection of his favourite pieces of writing, from Anthony Trollope to Nigel Molesworth. Readers are Lucy Briers and Nigel Anthony 
  Brian Patten2008020720091012Poet Brian Patten chooses pieces of writing which have been inspirational to him in his work and his life. Readers are Christian Rodska and Alison Reid.
Poet Brian Patten chooses pieces of writing which have been inspirational to him.
   20080214 Martha Kearney chooses pieces of writing which have a special meaning for her, either personally or in her work as a broadcaster. Readers are Niamh Cusack and David Morrissey.
   Michael Morpurgo20080221 Children's writer Michael Morpurgo takes a literary journey through his life, with pieces of prose and poetry read by Alison Reid and Christian Rodska 
   20080503 As a tribute to writer and director Anthony Minghella who died recently, another chance to hear him discuss his favourite pieces of writing, including works by Beckett, Larkin and Pablo Neruda. Readers include Juliet Stevenson and Alan Rickman.
  Diana Athill2008101620090202Literary editor and memoirist Diana Athill, now in her nineties, shares the rich pickings of a life spent among books with an audience at the Cheltenham Literature Festival. Among her favourites are excerpts from Chekhov, PG Wodehouse and Jane Austen's unfinished novel The Watsons.
Guest performers select their favourite pieces of writing.
Literary editor and memoirist Diana Athill shares her literary passions.
  With Great Pleasure At Christmas2008122520081226Terry Pratchett revels in some of his favourite pieces of writing.
A special festive edition in which Terry Pratchett revels in some of his favourite pieces of writing with the help of Helen Atkinson Wood, Michael Fenton Stevens and Michael Maloney.
Featuring readings from:
The Specialist by Charles Sale
  Mark Kermode 20090126Guest performers select their favourite pieces of writing.
Film critic Mark Kermode draws upon some haunting fiction, including extracts from William Peter Blatty's novel The Exorcist and F Scott Fitzgerald's American classic The Great Gatsby. Mark's grandfather recites a poem in his Manx accent.
Readers are Amelia Bullmore and Demetri Goritsas.
Film critic Mark Kermode's choices include The Exorcist and The Great Gatsby.
  Catherine Bott 20090216Guest performers select their favourite pieces of writing.
Classical singer and broadcaster Catherine Bott shows how writers as diverse as JM Coetzee and Joyce Grenfell have attempted to convey what music means in words. Sharing her deep love of the Archers, the readers are Patricia Greene and Tim Bentinck (Jill and David Archer).
Classical singer and broadcaster Catherine Bott shows how writers depict music in words.
  Les Dennis20090312 Guest performers select their favourite pieces of writing.
Les Dennis introduces an eclectic selection of readings reflecting some of the ups and downs of his personal and professional life. Readers are Christopher Cazenove and Jodie McNee.
Les Dennis introduces an eclectic selection reflecting the ups and downs of his life.
  Joanne Harris 2009031920091026, author of novels including Chocolat, shares her love of great writing, ranging from Molesworth to science fiction, plus the radio version of a graphic novel by Neil Gaiman. The readers are Amanda Root and Jon Strickland.
Joanne Harris, author of novels including Chocolat, shares her love of great writing.
  Dame Jacqueline Wilson20090326 Children's author Dame Jacqueline Wilson shares her love of literature with anecdotes and a choice of readings.
Children's author Dame Jacqueline Wilson shares her love of literature.
  Sir Alan Ayckbourn 20090402 Playwright Sir Alan Ayckbourn asserts the importance of humour and laughter in his choice of literary extracts. The readers are Amanda Root and Jon Strickland.
  Honor Blackman 2009072820091116Guest performers select their favourite pieces of writing.
Honor Blackman introduces a selection of the poetry and prose which has inspired her through her long acting career. The pieces are read by Eleanor David, Nickolas Grace and Honor herself.
Honor Blackman introduces a selection of the poetry and prose which has inspired her.
  Anthony Howard 20090804 Guest performers select their favourite pieces of writing.
Journalist and political commentator Anthony Howard chooses some of his favourite pieces - read by Nigel Anthony and Eleanor Bron 
  Vivienne Westwood 20090811 Fashion designer Vivienne Westwood chooses some of the pieces of writing which inspire her, from Alice in Wonderland to Bertrand Russell. The readers are David Morrissey and Lucy Briers.
Westwood exploded onto the fashion scene at the beginning of the 1970s, the decade whose look she would do so much to create. Since then she has been consistently and uncompromisingly original in her designs, moving from anarchy and pornography to a deep interest in classic British tailoring. In a programme recorded at the Latitude Festival in Suffolk, Vivienne presents an eclectic mixture of readings which have influenced her.
  Stuart Maconie20090818 Guest performers select their favourite pieces of writing.
Writer and DJ Stuart Maconie presents a selection of favourite verse and prose illustrating some personal memories, in front of an audience at the Latitude Festival. The readers are Michael Maloney and Lucy Briers.
Stuart has a wide-ranging fan base thanks to his eclectic body of work; in addition to having written several books on music and travel, he is a frequent contributor to magazines including the Radio Times, a regular guest on television programmes and an established part of the radio schedules on Radio 2 and 6 Music.
Writer and DJ Stuart Maconie presents a selection of favourite verse and prose.
  Clive Stafford Smith20090825 Lawyer and human rights activist Clive Stafford Smith chooses a selection of the writing which has inspired, amused or uplifted him.
In 1999 Clive founded the pressure group Reprieve, which fights for the human rights of prisoners.
Clive's readers for the programme, which was recorded in front of an audience in Dorset, are Pippa Haywood and Peter Marinker 
  Dominic Dromgoole  20090914Guest performers select their favourite pieces of writing.
Dominic Dromgoole, artistic director of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, where this programme is recorded, shares his passion for poetry and prose, without so much as a word by the Bard. Readers are Michelle Terry and John Light.
Dominic Dromgoole, director of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, shares his literary passions.
  Will Hutton  20090921Will Hutton, chief executive of the Work Foundation, shares his admiration for not just JM Keynes but also writers such as Dickens and Umberto Eco. Readers are Michelle Terry and William Hope 
  Jude Kelly 20090928Guest performers select their favourite pieces of writing.
Jude Kelly, artistic director of London's refurbished Southbank Centre, where this programme is recorded, uses extracts from her favourite poetry and literature to argue the case for the central role of creativity and the arts in society. Readers are Diana Quick and John Shrapnel.
Guest is Jude Kelly, artistic director of London's refurbished Southbank Centre.
  Michael Morpugo 20091005Children's writer Michael Morpurgo takes a literary journey through his life, with pieces of prose and poetry read by Alison Reid and Christian Rodska.
Children's writer Michael Morpurgo takes a literary journey through his life.
  Martha Kearney 20091019chooses pieces of writing which have a special meaning for her, either personally or in her work as a broadcaster. Readers are Niamh Cusack and David Morrissey.
Martha Kearney chooses pieces of writing which have a special meaning for her.
  Sir John Major 20091102Former prime minister Sir John Major chooses some of the pieces of writing which have sustained, inspired and entertained him. The readers are Nigel Anthony and Lucy Briers.
Former prime minister John Major chooses a selection of his favourite pieces of writing.
  Robert Webb20091109 Comedian Robert Webb presents a selection of his favourite prose and poetry in a special edition recorded at the University of Bedfordshire. It includes the first piece of writing to make him laugh out loud and a poem that best captures his feelings in his newly-acquired role as a father.
The readers are Abigail Burdess and Jonathan Dryden Taylor.
Comedian Robert Webb presents a selection of his favourite prose and poetry.
  With Great Pleasure At Christmas20091225 Political journalist and Today programme presenter James Naughtie shares some of the pieces of prose and verse which have entertained and inspired him over the years. The readers include Alison Steadman and Bill Paterson.
James Naughtie shares some of his favourite pieces of writing.
  Fay Weldon20100126 Guest performers select their favourite pieces of writing. Novelist Fay Weldon shares some of her favourite pieces of writing with an audience in Bridport, Dorset.
Her readers are Pippa Haywood and Peter Marinker.
Novelist Fay Weldon introduces some of her favourite pieces of writing.
  Paul Gambaccini20100202 has broadcast on just about every BBC radio platform over his decades as a radio presenter, but this is an opportunity to hear something he doesn't normally share - his literary interests. They range from Shakespeare to a graphic novel, via Bob Dylan and Arthur Rubinstein. Paul's readers are John Guerrasio, Kathryn Akin and Philip Rosch.
Paul Gambaccini celebrates some great writing which has influenced and moved him.
  Robert Webb20100209 Comedian Robert Webb plunders his bookshelves to present a selection of his favourite prose and poetry in a special edition recorded at the University of Bedfordshire. Including the first piece of writing to make him laugh out loud and a poem that best captures his feelings in his newly-acquired role as a father. The readers are Abigail Burdess and Jonathan Dryden Taylor.
Comedian Robert Webb introduces a selection of his favourite prose and poetry.
  Kate Humble 20100216 Wildlife presenter Kate Humble shares some favourite pieces of writing with an audience. The readers are John Telfer and Rosie Cavliero.
Wildlife presenter Kate Humble shares some favourite pieces of writing with an audience.
  Dominic Dromgoole   
  Honor Blackman   
  Joanne Harris   
 LASTDavid Dabydeen19991028 In the last of the present series Guyanese poet and novelist David Dabydeen selects his favourite pieces of writing, with extracts from the work of Sam Selvon, Toni Morrison and D H Lawrence.
 

Cast and Crew

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