Desert Island Discs: Archive 1981-1985

Sir Ranulph Fiennes has had many adventures since he was removed from the SAS for the illegal use of explosives, but without a doubt his greatest exploit was the Transglobe Expedition. Swamps, deserts and arctic ice fields were just some of the many hazards he encountered on the first round-the-world journey via the two poles.

In conversation with Roy Plomley, he describes some of his exploits 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]

Book: The Oxford Book of Quotations

Linda Esther Gray, the Scots soprano, made her operatic debut as Mimi in La Boheme with Glyndebourne Touring Opera in 1972, and she went on to win the Kathleen Ferrier Memorial Scholarship and the John Christie Award. But her first big success was as Isolde with the Welsh National Opera in 1978. She also tackles the role of Brunhilde in Valkyrie with the English National Opera.

In conversation with Roy Plomley, she talks about her career 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: Die Walkure Act 3 by Richard Wagner

Topol began his acting career almost by accident while he was doing his army service in Israel. He had wanted to be a printer and live on a kibbutz. His success as Tevye in the musical The Fiddler on the Roof, both in London and in the film, brought him international acclaim and he has gone on to make many more films, but he still returns regularly to Israel to work.

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: Those Were The Nights by Esther Ofarim With Orchestra

Mollie Harris was brought up in Oxfordshire and her books of reminiscences about life in the country are very popular. For the past thirteen years she has been a regular member of the cast of The Archers, in which she takes the part of Martha Woodford.

In conversation with Roy Plomley, she talks about her fascinating life 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: What A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong

Rosemary Sutcliff began her career as a painter of miniatures and some of her work was shown at the Royal Academy. Since turning to writing, she has produced 43 books, most of which are historical novels for children. She particularly enjoys setting them in Roman Britain.

In conversation with Roy Plomley, she talks about her career, about the difficulties caused by arthritis since she was a child and she chooses the eight records that she would take to the mythical island.

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Favourite track: The Lark Ascending by Ralph Vaughan Williams

Ian Richardson has spent much of his acting career with the Royal Shakespeare Company. But, in recent years, he has made an impact on television in Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, Eyeless in Gaza and with his portrayal of Montgomery in Churchill and the Generals. 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: Henry V Suite - The Agincourt Song by William Walton

Lionel Hampton is one of the legendary figures of the jazz world. For most of his career, he has led his own bands, although for a while he did play with Benny Goodman. His main instrument is the vibraharp, but there is always a second drum kit on stage for him to perform on, and he also plays the piano and sings.

In conversation with Roy Plomley, this versatile musician talks about his long 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: Memories Of You by Louis Armstrong

Charlotte Lamb first started to write in 1970 after doing a series of different jobs, including working in a bank and for the BBC. Since then, she has written over 60 romantic novels, some of them under different names, and she has become one of the most popular novelists of that genre.

In conversation with Roy Plomley, she talks about her work 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: Brandenburg Concerto No 4 In G Major by Johann Sebastian Bach

Paul Jones first made his name as the lead singer with the group Manfred Mann. Later, he formed the Blues Band, but in the meantime he had started a second career as an actor when he appeared in the film Privilege. Since then, he has played Hamlet, Cassio in Othello and Macheath in The Beggar's Opera, and he even finds time to do session work on his harmonica.

In conversation with Roy Plomley, he talks about the many facets of 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: Libiamo Ne'Lieti Calici by Giuseppe Verdi

Cindy Buxton made several successful wildlife films in Africa for television. Then, in 1978, she decided to film on the Falkland Islands and managed to persuade Annie Price to give up photographing children to become her assistant.

In conversation with Roy Plomley, they talk about their experiences, about their life during the invasion, and they choose the four records each which they would take to the mythical island.

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Favourite track: Sailing by Rod Stewart