Season 1 - 2003

Season 1 · 2003 · 118 episodes

Episodes

1Anthony MinghellaThe director of Cold Mountain, released on Boxing Day, and The English Patient in conversation.
2Professor Colin BlakemoreAn interview with Professor Colin Blakemore, who has been at the forefront of UK scientific research for over 30 years.
3Howard DeanInterviewing the US politician who lost out in the Democratic presidential nomination battle back in February.
4Peter SingerAn interview with the controversial bio-ethicist.
5Derek WalcottSt Lucian poet Walcott discusses his Caribbean childhood and career.
6John SulstonThe Human Genome Project strove to make information about DNA free to everyone. Its head, Sir John Sulston, talks about what makes him tick.
7Shaykh Hamza YusufThe charismatic Muslim leader discusses Islam and his concerns about President Bush's "war on terror".
8David AttenboroughThe man behind The Blue Planet and much more in conversation.
9Bill DeedesThe inspiration for Evelyn Waugh 's "Boot" in Scoop and the "Bill" of Private Eye's "Dear Bill", Lord Deedes is a national institution. He was Minister for Information under Harold Macmillan , and later editor of The Daily Telegraph. Mark Lawson finds out what makes him tick.
10Seymour HershThe investigative reporter in conversation.
11Madeleine AlbrightThe former US secretary of state speaks frankly about her life and career. Topics covered in BBC4's exclusive interview include her take on the Bush administration and America's place in the world, her affinity with Condoleezza Rice and, bizarrely, Dame Judi Dench.
12Michael PalinAn evening of Michael Palin programmes begins with an interview about his life and work - from his childhood in Sheffield to his globetrotting of today. New.
13Sir Tim Berners-LeeThe inventor of the CHOICE worldwide web discusses how he conceived the device that helped to transform the planet.
14John SimpsonThe BBC's world affairs editor tells Lawson about life on both sides of the camera.
15Robert WinstonWinston discusses his work, as a fertility treatment pioneer, and a TV presenter.
16PD JamesThe detective novelist discusses her need to write, the World Wars, religion, and death.
17Frederick ForsythThe author discusses his foreign correspondent years, his politics, and the thrillers that made him famous.
18Griff Rhys JonesThe writer, actor and director recalls his time on Not the Nine o'Clock News, and considers how his generation have gone on to dominate the British media.
19Julian FellowesThe actor, director and Oscar-winning writer of Gosford Park on his career.
20James LovelockThe environmental thinker issues a stark warning concerning our consumption of fossil fuels and climate change.
21Bill OddieThe nature-loving broadcaster reflects on his varied career and his mother's absence as a child.
22Philip RothIn a provocative interview, one of the most powerful voices in modern American fiction discusses his disillusionment with the Bush administration.
23David BaddielThe star of The Mary Whitehouse Experience, Fantasy Football League and Heresy, and author of Time for Bed discusses his career.
24Terry GilliamIn conversation with the film-maker and animator.
25Clive JamesThe multi-talented Aussie in conversation.
26Engelbert HumperdinckThe Leicester love god and crooner is captured in conversation.
27David ChaseThe creator of The Sopranos in conversation.
28Jilly CooperThe author of Polo and other "bonkbusters" in conversation.
29Jack DeeA lively chat with the sardonic comic kicks off Jack Dee Night.
30Alexei SayleAn interview with the straight-talking comedian renowned for his Marxist political views.
31Marguerite PattenThe food writer and broadcaster reflects on her 1947 TV series and her OBE for "services to the art of cookery".
32Ridley ScottThe director of Alien, Blade Runner and the Oscar-winning Gladiator discusses his life and career.
33Claudia RodenThe food writer discusses her passion for Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours.
34lain BanksThe author discusses his influences and inspirations.
35Terry PratchettInterview with the author who has sold over 40 million books worldwide and is best known for the Discworld series.
36Stephen KingInterview with the renowned horror author, known for popular and influential novels such as Carrie and The Shining.
37Armando IannucciThe interviewer meets writer, performer and producer Armando Iannucci.
38Ian RankinInterview with the Scottish novelist and regular Newsnight Review contributor best known for his Inspector John Rebus novels.
39Nicholas CraigFormer Young Ones star Nigel Planer appears in character as classical actor Nicholas Craig. He talks to Mark Lawson about his prolific 35-year career, and how his relationship with his mother heavily influenced his decision to become a performer.
40The TeletubbiesThe presenter talks to the creators of the children's programme.
41Biddy BaxterAn interview with the former editor of Blue Peter who designed the show's famous badge and introduced the annual appeals.
42Stephen FryThe first in an evening of programmes celebrating the 50th birthday of Stephen Fry , including programmes chosen by Fry himself. Here, Stephen discusses his life, career and personal demons.
43Sanjeev BhaskarWide-ranging interview with the comedian, actor and writer.
44David RenwickThe TV writer talks to Mark Lawson about his career.
45Russell T DaviesInterview with the Doctor Who producer.
46Nicholas ParsonsInterview with the actor and former game show host.
47Rabbi Lionel BlueFeaturing an interview with the journalist, broadcaster and Britain's first openly-gay rabbi.
48Galton and SimpsonInterview with the writers who created Steptoe and Son and Hancock's Half Hour.
49George ColeInterview with the veteran actor, who played Arthur Daley in TV series Minder.
50Barry CryerAn interview with the comedian who has written for a number of noted performers.
51Liz SmithAn interview with the actress who starred in The Royle Family and The Vicar of Dibley.
52Jonathan MeadesA chat with the British writer known for his work as The Times restaurant critic as well as documentaries on architecture.
53G.F. NewmanThe writer who created Judge John Deed and Law and Order discusses his life and career.
54Melvyn BraggThe broadcaster discusses his life and career.
55John le CarreAuthor John le Carre discusses his life and work. Now famous for his espionage thrillers, the writer started as a real-life spy working for MI6.
56Michael ParkinsonThe veteran chat-show host becomes an interviewee and talks about his career.
57Quentin BlakeThe journalist interviews British cartoonist, illustrator and children's book author Quentin Blake, most famous for his work on Roald Dahl 's stories.
58Rolf HarrisThe Australian TV star discusses his success as a junior swimming champion and his work on Animal Hospital.
59Phil CollinsThe musician discusses his life and work, including his success with Genesis and as a solo artist. He also talks about his three marriages and tackles the myths that surround him.
60Maureen LipmanThe actress talks about her life and career as one of Britain's best-loved performers and her collaborations with husband Jack Rosenthal. She also discusses her bereavement since his death.
61Bill BrysonThe presenter talks to the American travel writer and humorist about his experiences documenting lives in foreign lands and his love of the British countryside and character
62Sir Antony SherInterview with the actor, who has starred in acclaimed TV dramas The History Man and The Jury, and who was one of the first gay celebrities to form a civil partnership.
63Mike LeighThe British director discusses his life and career, from his first venture into acting with the local Jewish youth group in his home town of Salford, to becoming an acclaimed scriptwriter for stage and screen.
64Ian HislopPrivate Eye editor and Have I Got News for You captain Ian Hislop discusses his role as a satirist, in addition to his private life, including how boarding school became a second home after his father's death, and Christianity's influence on his life.
65William BoydThe author and screenwriter discusses his life and work, reflecting on how his childhood in West Africa and attendance at a Scottish boarding school has influenced his work.
66Richard WilsonJournalist Mark Lawson interviews Richard Wilson about his life and work, as the actor reflects on the success and drawbacks of his most popular role as Victor Meldrew in BBC sitcom One Foot in the Grave.
67Sir Ranulph FiennesAn interview with the British RT CHOICE adventurer who this year added reaching the summit of Everest to a list of achievements that includes first man to walk to both the North and South Poles, crossing Antarctica on foot. and authoring numerous books.
68Jane HorrocksThe actress reflects on her work, explaining how she stays focused while working on stage and revealing how age and gender can hinder a performer's longevity.
69Imelda StauntonThe journalist talks to the Bafta-winning actress about her career in film, theatre and television, which has included roles in Cranford, Entertaining Mr Sloane and Vera Drake.
70Alan BennettThe Alan Bennett tribute continues as the playwright and author discusses some of his well-known works, including The History Boys, Beyond the Fringe and the Talking Heads series.
71A.S. ByattThe author and critic, who won the Booker Prize in 1990 for her novel Possession, talks about her career, revealing how she has managed to combine family life with the solitary world of a writer.
72Brian CoxBrian Cox talks about his passion for portraying complex and difficult characters, his personal psychological battles and the low point in his career when he almost gave up acting.
73Tracey EminMark Lawson talks to the enfant terrible of the British art world, Tracey Emin, famed for her unmade bed and a tent embroidered with the names of everyone she had ever slept with.
74Timothy SpallMark Lawson talks to actor Timothy Spall about his life and career. Spall reflects on his working-class roots, on being a 'professional depicter' and his fight with leukaemia.
75Martin AmisMark Lawson talks to notorious literary bad boy Martin Amis, who speaks candidly about his relationship with his father Kingsley and the death of his sister Sally.
76Vanessa RedgraveMark Lawson talks to Oscar-winning actress Vanessa Redgrave about her life and career. She reflects on her acting family, political activism and the loss of her daughter Natasha.
77Sir David FrostRenowned broadcaster and satirist David Frost talks about his life and career.
78Julie WaltersMark Lawson talks to the actress Julie Walters about her life and career, as she explores her working class roots, struggles with self-confidence and finding peace at 60.
79Alison SteadmanMark Lawson talks to actress Alison Steadman about her life and career, as she explores her gift for mimicry, passion for improvisation and joy of working with great dramatists.
80Tom JonesMark Lawson talks to Tom Jones about his life in and out of the limelight. Jones reflects on his upbringing in a coal mining community, early pub tours and international acclaim.
81Jimmy McGovernMark Lawson talks to screenwriter Jimmy McGovern about his life and career in television drama, his memories of working-class Liverpool and the impact of Catholicism on his work.
82Simon Russell BealeMark Lawson talks to the actor Simon Russell Beale about his life on and off stage. He offers insights into how he approaches his diverse roles and his recent career changes.
83Gilbert and GeorgeMark Lawson talks to the controversial artists and 'living sculptures' Gilbert and George, who met as students at St Martins School of Art in 1967, about their lives and careers.
84Sir Anthony CaroSculptor Sir Anthony Caro reflects on his time as Henry Moore's assistant, his groundbreaking shift from figurative to abstract sculpture and his position on public art.
85Anne RobinsonIn a candid interview, Anne Robinson reflects on the journey from finishing school to Fleet Street, alcoholism to America and print journalism to prime-time television.
86David MitchellMark Lawson talks to the comedian David Mitchell about his life and career, from his partnership with Robert Webb to panel show regular and co-host of the series 10 O'Clock Live.
87Peter BlakeMark Lawson talks to the artist Sir Peter Blake about his life and 60-year career, including how he became an 'accidental artist' and his reputation as the godfather of Pop Art.
88Diana RiggMark Lawson talks to Dame Diana Rigg about her life and 50-year career, exploring her conflicted views on being a sex symbol and the pleasures of professional success in her 70s.
89Rob BrydonMark Lawson talks to actor and comedian Rob Brydon about his life and career in entertainment, including writing and performing for radio, film, television, stand-up and theatre.
90Michael FraynMark Lawson talks to Michael Frayn about his life and 50-year career writing novels, plays, philosophy, memoirs, screenplays, translations, farce, tragedy, verse and drama.
91Alice CooperMark Lawson talks to Alice Cooper about his life and 45-year career as a musician and actor, including his memories of his Detroit childhood and the perils of addiction.
92Frank SkinnerMark Lawson talks to comedian Frank Skinner about a career that has involved stand-up, broadcasting, writing and pop music. Skinner also talks candidly about his personal life.
93Terry WoganMark Lawson talks to legendary broadcaster Terry Wogan about his life and 50-year career, from his early years on Irish radio to his ever-popular Radio 2 show.
94Graham NortonMark Lawson talks to celebrity interviewer and chat show host Graham Norton about growing up in Ireland, his sexuality and a near fatal mugging whilst he was at drama school.
95Noel GallagherMark Lawson talks to former Oasis lynchpin Noel Gallagher about his life, career and becoming one of the most successful songwriters of his generation.
96Mark GatissMark Lawson talks to writer, actor and comedian Mark Gatiss about his life and career, including how his passion for horror and science fiction have influenced his success.
97Mark RylanceMark Lawson talks to actor Mark Rylance about his life and career, including his lifelong relationship with Shakespeare and how he prepares for his role in the play Jerusalem.
98Felicity KendalMark Lawson talks to Felicity Kendal about her childhood in India and returning to the UK in the 1960s to become one of the best-loved actors of her generation.
99Sean LanganMark Lawson meets the award-winning journalist and filmmaker Sean Langan, whose kidnap by the Taliban in 2008 inspired BBC Four's hostage drama The Kidnap Diaries.
100Zoe WanamakerMark Lawson talks to actress Zoe Wanamaker about her life and career. Wanamaker reveals insecurities about her looks and talents, and how her father Sam was a hard act to follow.
101Sir Patrick MooreMark Lawson talks to the astronomer and English eccentric Sir Patrick Moore about his early life, career and the future of space exploration in an interview recorded in 2007.
102Mark KnopflerMark Lawson talks to songwriter Mark Knopfler about his early life and influences, the years with Dire Straits and his quiet contempt for modern TV talent shows.
103Dick Clement and Ian La FrenaisMark Lawson talks to prolific writing duo Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais about their careers, from classic comedy The Likely Lads to recent drama Spies of Warsaw.
104Miriam MargolyesMark Lawson talks to character actress and voice artist Miriam Margolyes about her passion for acting, her lively schooldays and her inexorable self-confidence.
105Michael BallMark Lawson talks to musical theatre star and recording artist Michael Ball about his early career, Eurovision and having a foot in both the Sondheim and Lloyd Webber camps.
106Bob GeldofSir Bob Geldof talks candidly to Mark Lawson about his career in music with the Boomtown Rats, his activism, his family and his very public personal traumas.
107Steve CooganMark Lawson talks to the writer, comedian, actor and producer Steve Coogan about his life and career, from comic characters Paul Calf and Alan Partridge to straight acting roles.
108David BaileyPhotographer David Bailey, who has captured many of the 20th century's most iconic faces, talks frankly to Mark Lawson about his life, loves and illustrious career.
109Joanna TrollopeAs she publishes her eighteenth novel, Joanna Trollope talks to Mark Lawson about creativity, divorce and the inescapable drama of domestic life.
110Julian BarnesBooker Prize-winning novelist Julian Barnes, whose Levels of Life is a memoir of bereavement following the loss of his wife to cancer, talks about love, death, memory and grief.
111Jo BrandMark Lawson talks to comedian, writer and actress Jo Brand about the 1980s alternative comedy scene, her approach to hecklers and taboos, and her experiences as a TV personality.
112Michael MorpurgoMichael Morpurgo reflects on the success of his novel War Horse and the theme of war in his books, and discusses his relationship with his father and friendship with Ted Hughes.
113Frances de la TourMark Lawson talks to Tony and triple Olivier award-winning actress Frances de la Tour about her life and career, from Miss Jones in Rising Damp to Madame Maxime in Harry Potter.
114Celia ImrieFrom Calendar Girls to Cranford, Celia Imrie has been a familiar face on both TV and film for more than four decades. The actress talks to Mark Lawson about her life and career.
115Kazuo IshiguroMark Lawson talks to the Booker Prize-winning writer Kazuo Ishiguro about his life and career.
116Alexander McCall SmithMark Lawson talks to author Alexander McCall Smith, whose No.1 Ladies Detective Agency series of books, set in Botswana, have sold in their millions around the world.
117Jonathan PryceFrom playing princes to professors and cardinals to comedians, Jonathan Pryce is one of Britain's most versatile actors. He talks to Mark Lawson about his life and career.
118David HareWriter and director Sir David Hare talks frankly to Mark Lawson following the publication of his much-anticipated memoir The Blue Touch Paper.