A series in which arts presenter Mark Lawson has a 60-minute in-depth conversation with a notable figure.
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Reach thousands of daily viewers · size 1200 x 200
Episode 1
Anthony Minghella
The director of Cold Mountain, released on Boxing Day, and The English Patient in conversation.
Episode 2
Professor Colin Blakemore
An interview with Professor Colin Blakemore, who has been at the forefront of UK scientific research for over 30 years.
Episode 3
Howard Dean
Interviewing the US politician who lost out in the Democratic presidential nomination battle back in February.
Episode 4
Peter Singer
An interview with the controversial bio-ethicist.
Episode 5
Derek Walcott
St Lucian poet Walcott discusses his Caribbean childhood and career.
Episode 6
John Sulston
The Human Genome Project strove to make information about DNA free to everyone. Its head, Sir John Sulston, talks about what makes him tick.
Episode 7
Shaykh Hamza Yusuf
The charismatic Muslim leader discusses Islam and his concerns about President Bush's "war on terror".
Episode 8
David Attenborough
The man behind The Blue Planet and much more in conversation.
Episode 9
Bill Deedes
The 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.
Episode 10
Seymour Hersh
The investigative reporter in conversation.
Episode 11
Madeleine Albright
The 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.
Episode 12
Michael Palin
An 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.
Episode 13
Sir Tim Berners-Lee
The inventor of the CHOICE worldwide web discusses how he conceived the device that helped to transform the planet.
Episode 14
John Simpson
The BBC's world affairs editor tells Lawson about life on both sides of the camera.
Episode 15
Robert Winston
Winston discusses his work, as a fertility treatment pioneer, and a TV presenter.
Episode 16
PD James
The detective novelist discusses her need to write, the World Wars, religion, and death.
Episode 17
Frederick Forsyth
The author discusses his foreign correspondent years, his politics, and the thrillers that made him famous.
Episode 18
Griff Rhys Jones
The 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.
Episode 19
Julian Fellowes
The actor, director and Oscar-winning writer of Gosford Park on his career.
Episode 20
James Lovelock
The environmental thinker issues a stark warning concerning our consumption of fossil fuels and climate change.
Episode 21
Bill Oddie
The nature-loving broadcaster reflects on his varied career and his mother's absence as a child.
Episode 22
Philip Roth
In a provocative interview, one of the most powerful voices in modern American fiction discusses his disillusionment with the Bush administration.
Episode 23
David Baddiel
The star of The Mary Whitehouse Experience, Fantasy Football League and Heresy, and author of Time for Bed discusses his career.
Episode 24
Terry Gilliam
In conversation with the film-maker and animator.
Episode 25
Clive James
The multi-talented Aussie in conversation.
Episode 26
Engelbert Humperdinck
The Leicester love god and crooner is captured in conversation.
Episode 27
David Chase
The creator of The Sopranos in conversation.
Episode 28
Jilly Cooper
The author of Polo and other "bonkbusters" in conversation.
Episode 29
Jack Dee
A lively chat with the sardonic comic kicks off Jack Dee Night.
Episode 30
Alexei Sayle
An interview with the straight-talking comedian renowned for his Marxist political views.
Episode 31
Marguerite Patten
The food writer and broadcaster reflects on her 1947 TV series and her OBE for "services to the art of cookery".
Episode 32
Ridley Scott
The director of Alien, Blade Runner and the Oscar-winning Gladiator discusses his life and career.
Episode 33
Claudia Roden
The food writer discusses her passion for Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours.
Episode 34
lain Banks
The author discusses his influences and inspirations.
Episode 35
Terry Pratchett
Interview with the author who has sold over 40 million books worldwide and is best known for the Discworld series.
Episode 36
Stephen King
Interview with the renowned horror author, known for popular and influential novels such as Carrie and The Shining.
Episode 37
Armando Iannucci
The interviewer meets writer, performer and producer Armando Iannucci.
Episode 38
Ian Rankin
Interview with the Scottish novelist and regular Newsnight Review contributor best known for his Inspector John Rebus novels.
Episode 39
Nicholas Craig
Former 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.
Episode 40
The Teletubbies
The presenter talks to the creators of the children's programme.
Episode 41
Biddy Baxter
An interview with the former editor of Blue Peter who designed the show's famous badge and introduced the annual appeals.
Episode 42
Stephen Fry
The 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.
Episode 43
Sanjeev Bhaskar
Wide-ranging interview with the comedian, actor and writer.
Episode 44
David Renwick
The TV writer talks to Mark Lawson about his career.
Episode 45
Russell T Davies
Interview with the Doctor Who producer.
Episode 46
Nicholas Parsons
Interview with the actor and former game show host.
Episode 47
Rabbi Lionel Blue
Featuring an interview with the journalist, broadcaster and Britain's first openly-gay rabbi.
Episode 48
Galton and Simpson
Interview with the writers who created Steptoe and Son and Hancock's Half Hour.
Episode 49
George Cole
Interview with the veteran actor, who played Arthur Daley in TV series Minder.
Episode 50
Barry Cryer
An interview with the comedian who has written for a number of noted performers.
Episode 51
Liz Smith
An interview with the actress who starred in The Royle Family and The Vicar of Dibley.
Episode 52
Jonathan Meades
A chat with the British writer known for his work as The Times restaurant critic as well as documentaries on architecture.
Episode 53
G.F. Newman
The writer who created Judge John Deed and Law and Order discusses his life and career.
Episode 54
Melvyn Bragg
The broadcaster discusses his life and career.
Episode 55
John le Carre
Author 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.
Episode 56
Michael Parkinson
The veteran chat-show host becomes an interviewee and talks about his career.
Episode 57
Quentin Blake
The journalist interviews British cartoonist, illustrator and children's book author Quentin Blake, most famous for his work on Roald Dahl 's stories.
Episode 58
Rolf Harris
The Australian TV star discusses his success as a junior swimming champion and his work on Animal Hospital.
Episode 59
Phil Collins
The 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.
Episode 60
Maureen Lipman
The 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.
Episode 61
Bill Bryson
The 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
Episode 62
Sir Antony Sher
Interview 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.
Episode 63
Mike Leigh
The 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.
Episode 64
Ian Hislop
Private 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.
Episode 65
William Boyd
The 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.
Episode 66
Richard Wilson
Journalist 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.
Episode 67
Sir Ranulph Fiennes
An 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.
Episode 68
Jane Horrocks
The 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.
Episode 69
Imelda Staunton
The 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.
Episode 70
Alan Bennett
The 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.
Episode 71
A.S. Byatt
The 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.
Episode 72
Brian Cox
Brian 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.
Episode 73
Tracey Emin
Mark 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.
Episode 74
Timothy Spall
Mark 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.
Episode 75
Martin Amis
Mark 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.
Episode 76
Vanessa Redgrave
Mark 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.
Episode 77
Sir David Frost
Renowned broadcaster and satirist David Frost talks about his life and career.
Episode 78
Julie Walters
Mark 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.
Episode 79
Alison Steadman
Mark 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.
Episode 80
Tom Jones
Mark 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.
Episode 81
Jimmy McGovern
Mark 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.
Episode 82
Simon Russell Beale
Mark 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.
Episode 83
Gilbert and George
Mark 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.
Episode 84
Sir Anthony Caro
Sculptor 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.
Episode 85
Anne Robinson
In 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.
Episode 86
David Mitchell
Mark 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.
Episode 87
Peter Blake
Mark 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.
Episode 88
Diana Rigg
Mark 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.
Episode 89
Rob Brydon
Mark 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.
Episode 90
Michael Frayn
Mark Lawson talks to Michael Frayn about his life and 50-year career writing novels, plays, philosophy, memoirs, screenplays, translations, farce, tragedy, verse and drama.
Episode 91
Alice Cooper
Mark 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.
Episode 92
Frank Skinner
Mark 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.
Episode 93
Terry Wogan
Mark 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.
Episode 94
Graham Norton
Mark 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.
Episode 95
Noel Gallagher
Mark Lawson talks to former Oasis lynchpin Noel Gallagher about his life, career and becoming one of the most successful songwriters of his generation.
Episode 96
Mark Gatiss
Mark 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.
Episode 97
Mark Rylance
Mark 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.
Episode 98
Felicity Kendal
Mark 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.
Episode 99
Sean Langan
Mark 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.
Episode 100
Zoe Wanamaker
Mark 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.
Episode 101
Sir Patrick Moore
Mark 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.
Episode 102
Mark Knopfler
Mark 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.
Episode 103
Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais
Mark 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.
Episode 104
Miriam Margolyes
Mark Lawson talks to character actress and voice artist Miriam Margolyes about her passion for acting, her lively schooldays and her inexorable self-confidence.
Episode 105
Michael Ball
Mark 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.
Episode 106
Bob Geldof
Sir 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.
Episode 107
Steve Coogan
Mark 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.
Episode 108
David Bailey
Photographer 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.
Episode 109
Joanna Trollope
As she publishes her eighteenth novel, Joanna Trollope talks to Mark Lawson about creativity, divorce and the inescapable drama of domestic life.
Episode 110
Julian Barnes
Booker 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.
Episode 111
Jo Brand
Mark 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.
Episode 112
Michael Morpurgo
Michael 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.
Episode 113
Frances de la Tour
Mark 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.
Episode 114
Celia Imrie
From 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.
Episode 115
Kazuo Ishiguro
Mark Lawson talks to the Booker Prize-winning writer Kazuo Ishiguro about his life and career.
Episode 116
Alexander McCall Smith
Mark 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.
Episode 117
Jonathan Pryce
From 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.
Episode 118
David Hare
Writer and director Sir David Hare talks frankly to Mark Lawson following the publication of his much-anticipated memoir The Blue Touch Paper.
Mark Lawson
self
Reach thousands of daily viewers · size 970 x 90
2001 · ★ 7.6
2015 · ★ 7.1
2008 · ★ 6.7
2001 · ★ 6.1
2017 · ★ 6.1
2019 · ★ 6.2
2007 · ★ 7.2
1969 · ★ 6.2
2009 · ★ 5.9
1978 · ★ 6.3
1948 · ★ 6.8
2018 · ★ 7.0
2019 · ★ 7.0
2013 · ★ 7.0
2018 · ★ 6.7
1968 · ★ 6.8
1962 · ★ 7.9
2014 · ★ 6.8
2008 · ★ 7.5
2014 · ★ 8.3
