Desert island discs

[Pickman's model]

80 years old today.

A little article in the Grauniad which touches on some highlights available in the archives

‘It’s a show about love’: Desert Island Discs celebrates 80 years on air

As the radio classic marks a major anniversary, it’s the shared human experience revealed by the castaways that keeps us hooked

www.theguardian.com

There's not one but two episodes with frankie howerd

 

[a_chap]

There's not one but two episodes with frankie howerd

Titter ye not!

 

[AnnO'Neemus]

Been meaning to listen online, but it's on now. Welling up here, love it when the guest is so honest.

I haven't listened to his DID, and can't remember what television programme it was, but that clip of Ian Wright meeting his former teacher, Mr Pigden.

Grab a box of Kleenex before clicking play.





But how lovely to see them reunited.

 

[AnnO'Neemus]

There's not one but two episodes with frankie howerd

I think Dustin Hoffman's been on twice too, if I'm not mistaken. He was good.

 

[Pickman's model]

I think Dustin Hoffman's been on twice too, if I'm not mistaken. He was good.

Yeh there's been a few, fh not in this unique

 

[RoyReed]

I haven't listened to his DID, <snip>

Grab a box of Kleenex before clicking play.

Get another box and get the iPlayer going. Possibly the most moving DID ever.

 

[Chilli.s]

Alan Cummings there asking for marijuana seeds as his luxury.

That is an inspired choice item though

 

[belboid]

That is an inspired choice item though

We must be well into double figures for islanders who have made such a request by now

Cannabis Campaign: Tune in for a desert island spliff

CANNABIS use may still be outlawed in Britain, but there is another island in a parallel universe - peopled chiefly by British expatriates - where the rules are more relaxed.

www.independent.co.uk

I love the fact that Arthur Scargill asked for the Mona Lisa. Not a copy, the Mona Lisa.

 

[ska invita]

this is great
ive never heard bob be himself as much as on this

 

[Kaka Tim]

jon ronsons DID is a great listen. Funny interesting man with some brilliant anecdotes and great picks

Desert Island Discs - Jon Ronson, writer and broadcaster - BBC Sounds

 

[planetgeli]

Frances O'Grady with excellent music choices so far.

 

[Elpenor]

I enjoyed Rita Tushingham

 

[Guineveretoo]

Frances O'Grady with excellent music choices so far.

I know Frances O'Grady from my years in the union world, like her a lot, and have massive respect for her, but I found her surprisingly dull on DID

 

[Guineveretoo]

this is great
ive never heard bob be himself as much as on this

I bumped in to that Gone Fishing series during lockdown and, despite not being a fan of the "sport", absolutely loved it. I thought Mortimer was giving a lot of himself away in it, and I loved that it only happened because he had become a recluse following heart surgery so his wife, and his mate Paul Whitehouse, came up with the idea of taking him away fishing for a few days. /end derail

 

[ska invita]

I bumped in to that Gone Fishing series during lockdown and, despite not being a fan of the "sport", absolutely loved it. I thought Mortimer was giving a lot of himself away in it, and I loved that it only happened because he had become a recluse following heart surgery so his wife, and his mate Paul Whitehouse, came up with the idea of taking him away fishing for a few days. /end derail

yes enjoyed it also...i dont know if youve seen The Trip but I think theres a slightly similiar dynamic where they arent totally being themselves, Whitehouse is upping the grumpiness and Mortimer leans into the sillyness...is partly what makes this DiD with him interesting as it turns out he's very rarely just being himself, even when hes pretending to just be himself , whereas on this DiD I think he really is just being himself

 

[hash tag]

This morning was Andrew Ramroop, a tailor. Desert Island Discs - Andrew Ramroop, tailor - BBC Sounds
This was an absorbing listen, a real rags to riches story. He was interesting and full of compassion and humility.
I suspect he greatly glossed over some aspects of his life and I would loved to have heard much much more; beautiful.

 

[hash tag]

Raymond Briggs had a great selection of music BBC Radio 4 - Desert Island Discs, Raymond Briggs

 

[Elpenor]

Thanks for the heads up - he has two appearances I note from the BBC sounds app

 

[hash tag]

Oh yes, here's the other one. Something for work later tonight.

Desert Island Discs - Raymond Briggs - BBC Sounds

Roy Plomley's castaway is illustrator Raymond Briggs

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[Elpenor]

I really prefer Roy to Sue as an interviewer, but Kirsty is the best for me

 

[hash tag]

But Lauren doesn't even get a mention.

 

[Elpenor]

I’ve probably not heard enough Roy to be sure; but him and Lauren are battling for second / third.

 

[trashpony]

Kirsty is the best by a county mile. I listened to Parkinson interview Maya Angelou from the archive and he was dreadful. No rapport.

Laverne’s interview with Jens Stoltenberg was surprisingly good. Maybe she’s getting better? But he’s a politician so I guess he entirely controlled the conversation. Worth a listen - very interesting man

 

[Elpenor]

Laverne has coincided with the guests being a bit more dumbed down. I’m not sure how much influence she has on the guest selection but it would be good to see her taking on some more high profile guests like the NATO chap.

Anyway I think she’s probably a better interviewer than the guests have made her seem so far.

 

[a_chap]

IMO Kirsty Young was head and shoulders above all the other Desert Island Discs presenters/interviewers. I really do miss her ability to engage with the guests.

What I found peculiar when I voiced my opinion, on social media, that Lauren Laverne wasn't as good as Kirsty Young was that I was attacked for being a misogynist.

Go figure...

 

[hash tag]

In fairness, I think Laverne has improved with time but still not my cup of tea. Is it possible that the more interesting guests are declining to appear?
Elpenor I caught up with Fred Dibnah last night, thought he might interest you. He was rather Frank about his divorce
What a lovely sounding character though.

 

[hash tag]

Jay Blades today; wow. That was one of the best DiD's I have heard in a long time ( that wasn't for the music either).
A thoroughly good guy with a huge story and the emotions. No spoilers, just listen for yourself.

 

[ska invita]

Jay Blades today; wow. That was one of the best DiD's I have heard in a long time ( that wasn't for the music either).
A thoroughly good guy with a huge story and the emotions. No spoilers, just listen for yourself.

went from zero to national treasure in a year
makes me wonder what would happen if you got other normal people on the tv

 

[hash tag]

How many half brothers and sisters!
Did the CSA not catch up with him?

 

[Orang Utan]

How many half brothers and sisters!
Did the CSA not catch up with him?

I don’t think people are held financially responsible for their siblings