Season 1 - 2003
118 episodes · Dec 27, 2003
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S1E1Anthony Minghella
Dec 27, 2003The director of Cold Mountain, released on Boxing Day, and The English Patient in conversation.
- S1E2
Professor Colin Blakemore
Mar 11, 2004An interview with Professor Colin Blakemore, who has been at the forefront of UK scientific research for over 30 years.
- S1E3
Howard Dean
May 26, 2004Interviewing the US politician who lost out in the Democratic presidential nomination battle back in February.
- S1E5
Derek Walcott
Sep 28, 2004St Lucian poet Walcott discusses his Caribbean childhood and career.
- S1E6
John Sulston
Nov 15, 2004The Human Genome Project strove to make information about DNA free to everyone. Its head, Sir John Sulston, talks about what makes him tick.
- S1E7
Shaykh Hamza Yusuf
Dec 13, 2004The charismatic Muslim leader discusses Islam and his concerns about President Bush's "war on terror".
- S1E8
David Attenborough
Feb 27, 2005The man behind The Blue Planet and much more in conversation.
- S1E9
Bill Deedes
Mar 7, 2005The 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.
- S1E11
Madeleine Albright
Sep 12, 2005The 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.
- S1E12
Michael Palin
Sep 19, 2005An 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.
- S1E13
Sir Tim Berners-Lee
Sep 26, 2005The inventor of the CHOICE worldwide web discusses how he conceived the device that helped to transform the planet.
- S1E14
John Simpson
Jan 8, 2006The BBC's world affairs editor tells Lawson about life on both sides of the camera.
- S1E15
Robert Winston
Jan 15, 2006Winston discusses his work, as a fertility treatment pioneer, and a TV presenter.
- S1E16
PD James
Mar 11, 2006The detective novelist discusses her need to write, the World Wars, religion, and death.
- S1E17
Frederick Forsyth
Jan 3, 2006The author discusses his foreign correspondent years, his politics, and the thrillers that made him famous.
- S1E18
Griff Rhys Jones
Apr 24, 2006The 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.
- S1E19
Julian Fellowes
May 8, 2006The actor, director and Oscar-winning writer of Gosford Park on his career.
- S1E20
James Lovelock
May 22, 2006The environmental thinker issues a stark warning concerning our consumption of fossil fuels and climate change.
- S1E21
Bill Oddie
May 29, 2006The nature-loving broadcaster reflects on his varied career and his mother's absence as a child.
- S1E22
Philip Roth
Jun 3, 2006In a provocative interview, one of the most powerful voices in modern American fiction discusses his disillusionment with the Bush administration.
- S1E23
David Baddiel
Jul 12, 2006The star of The Mary Whitehouse Experience, Fantasy Football League and Heresy, and author of Time for Bed discusses his career.
- S1E26
Engelbert Humperdinck
Aug 19, 2006The Leicester love god and crooner is captured in conversation.
- S1E30
Alexei Sayle
Oct 10, 2006An interview with the straight-talking comedian renowned for his Marxist political views.
- S1E31
Marguerite Patten
Oct 17, 2006The food writer and broadcaster reflects on her 1947 TV series and her OBE for "services to the art of cookery".
- S1E32
Ridley Scott
Oct 22, 2006The director of Alien, Blade Runner and the Oscar-winning Gladiator discusses his life and career.
- S1E33
Claudia Roden
Oct 24, 2006The food writer discusses her passion for Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours.
- S1E35
Terry Pratchett
Nov 21, 2006Interview with the author who has sold over 40 million books worldwide and is best known for the Discworld series.
- S1E36
Stephen King
Dec 11, 2006Interview with the renowned horror author, known for popular and influential novels such as Carrie and The Shining.
- S1E37
Armando Iannucci
Jan 2, 2007The interviewer meets writer, performer and producer Armando Iannucci.
- S1E38
Ian Rankin
Mar 3, 2007Interview with the Scottish novelist and regular Newsnight Review contributor best known for his Inspector John Rebus novels.
- S1E39
Nicholas Craig
Apr 1, 2007Former 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.
- S1E40
The Teletubbies
May 26, 2007The presenter talks to the creators of the children's programme.
- S1E41
Biddy Baxter
May 31, 2007An interview with the former editor of Blue Peter who designed the show's famous badge and introduced the annual appeals.
- S1E42
Stephen Fry
Aug 18, 2007The 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.
- S1E47
Rabbi Lionel Blue
Mar 5, 2008Featuring an interview with the journalist, broadcaster and Britain's first openly-gay rabbi.
- S1E48
Galton and Simpson
Mar 19, 2008Interview with the writers who created Steptoe and Son and Hancock's Half Hour.
- S1E49
George Cole
Mar 26, 2008Interview with the veteran actor, who played Arthur Daley in TV series Minder.
- S1E50
Barry Cryer
Apr 2, 2008An interview with the comedian who has written for a number of noted performers.
- S1E51
Liz Smith
Jul 14, 2008An interview with the actress who starred in The Royle Family and The Vicar of Dibley.
- S1E52
Jonathan Meades
Jul 21, 2008A chat with the British writer known for his work as The Times restaurant critic as well as documentaries on architecture.
- S1E53
G.F. Newman
Aug 11, 2008The writer who created Judge John Deed and Law and Order discusses his life and career.
- S1E55
John le Carre
Oct 5, 2008Author 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.
- S1E56
Michael Parkinson
Nov 9, 2008The veteran chat-show host becomes an interviewee and talks about his career.
- S1E57
Quentin Blake
Nov 16, 2008The journalist interviews British cartoonist, illustrator and children's book author Quentin Blake, most famous for his work on Roald Dahl 's stories.
- S1E58
Rolf Harris
Nov 23, 2008The Australian TV star discusses his success as a junior swimming champion and his work on Animal Hospital.
- S1E59
Phil Collins
Jan 4, 2009The 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.
- S1E60
Maureen Lipman
Jan 11, 2009The 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.
- S1E61
Bill Bryson
Jan 25, 2009The 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
- S1E62
Sir Antony Sher
Feb 15, 2009Interview 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.
- S1E63
Mike Leigh
Apr 19, 2009The 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.
- S1E64
Ian Hislop
May 9, 2009Private 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.
- S1E65
William Boyd
Aug 30, 2009The 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.
- S1E66
Richard Wilson
Sep 30, 2009Journalist 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.
- S1E67
Sir Ranulph Fiennes
Nov 14, 2009An 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.
- S1E68
Jane Horrocks
Nov 22, 2009The 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.
- S1E69
Imelda Staunton
Nov 29, 2009The 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.
- S1E70
Alan Bennett
Dec 6, 2009The 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.
- S1E71
A.S. Byatt
Dec 13, 2009The 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.
- S1E72
Brian Cox
Feb 23, 2010Brian 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.
- S1E73
Tracey Emin
Mar 18, 2010Mark 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.
- S1E74
Timothy Spall
May 10, 2010Mark 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.
- S1E75
Martin Amis
May 23, 2010Mark 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.
- S1E76
Vanessa Redgrave
May 30, 2010Mark 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.
- S1E77
Sir David Frost
Jun 13, 2010Renowned broadcaster and satirist David Frost talks about his life and career.
- S1E78
Julie Walters
Oct 31, 2010Mark 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.
- S1E79
Alison Steadman
Nov 7, 2010Mark 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.
- S1E80
Tom Jones
Nov 14, 2010Mark 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.
- S1E81
Jimmy McGovern
Nov 21, 2010Mark 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.
- S1E82
Simon Russell Beale
Dec 24, 2010Mark 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.
- S1E83
Gilbert and George
Feb 3, 2011Mark 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.
- S1E84
Sir Anthony Caro
Feb 9, 2011Sculptor 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.
- S1E85
Anne Robinson
Feb 28, 2011In 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.
- S1E86
David Mitchell
Mar 22, 2011Mark 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.
- S1E87
Peter Blake
Jul 11, 2011Mark 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.
- S1E88
Diana Rigg
Sep 27, 2011Mark 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.
- S1E89
Rob Brydon
Oct 4, 2011Mark 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.
- S1E90
Michael Frayn
Oct 11, 2011Mark Lawson talks to Michael Frayn about his life and 50-year career writing novels, plays, philosophy, memoirs, screenplays, translations, farce, tragedy, verse and drama.
- S1E91
Alice Cooper
Nov 21, 2011Mark 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.
- S1E92
Frank Skinner
Mar 13, 2012Mark 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.
- S1E93
Terry Wogan
Mar 20, 2012Mark 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.
- S1E94
Graham Norton
Mar 26, 2012Mark 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.
- S1E95
Noel Gallagher
Mar 30, 2012Mark Lawson talks to former Oasis lynchpin Noel Gallagher about his life, career and becoming one of the most successful songwriters of his generation.
- S1E96
Mark Gatiss
Apr 3, 2012Mark 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.
- S1E97
Mark Rylance
Apr 15, 2012Mark 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.
- S1E98
Felicity Kendal
Apr 22, 2012Mark 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.
- S1E99
Sean Langan
Apr 26, 2012Mark 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.
- S1E100
Zoe Wanamaker
Apr 29, 2012Mark 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.
- S1E101
Sir Patrick Moore
Jan 13, 2013Mark 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.
- S1E102
Mark Knopfler
Mar 3, 2013Mark 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.
- S1E103
Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais
Mar 20, 2013Mark 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.
- S1E104
Miriam Margolyes
Apr 1, 2013Mark Lawson talks to character actress and voice artist Miriam Margolyes about her passion for acting, her lively schooldays and her inexorable self-confidence.
- S1E105
Michael Ball
Apr 7, 2013Mark 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.
- S1E106
Bob Geldof
Oct 6, 2013Sir 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.
- S1E107
Steve Coogan
Nov 12, 2013Mark 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.
- S1E108
David Bailey
Mar 10, 2014Photographer 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.
- S1E109
Joanna Trollope
Mar 23, 2014As she publishes her eighteenth novel, Joanna Trollope talks to Mark Lawson about creativity, divorce and the inescapable drama of domestic life.
- S1E110
Julian Barnes
Mar 30, 2014Booker 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.
- S1E111
Jo Brand
Jul 20, 2014Mark 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.
- S1E112
Michael Morpurgo
Nov 16, 2014Michael 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.
- S1E113
Frances de la Tour
Jan 7, 2015Mark 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.
- S1E114
Celia Imrie
Feb 8, 2015From 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.
- S1E115
Kazuo Ishiguro
Feb 22, 2015Mark Lawson talks to the Booker Prize-winning writer Kazuo Ishiguro about his life and career.
- S1E116
Alexander McCall Smith
Mar 1, 2015Mark 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.
- S1E117
Jonathan Pryce
Mar 24, 2015From 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.
- S1E118
David Hare
Nov 15, 2015Writer and director Sir David Hare talks frankly to Mark Lawson following the publication of his much-anticipated memoir The Blue Touch Paper.