A series in which arts presenter Mark Lawson has a 60-minute in-depth conversation with a notable figure.
CreatorMark Lawson
Anthony Minghella
Dec 27, 2003
The director of Cold Mountain, released on Boxing Day, and The English Patient in conversation.
Professor Colin Blakemore
Mar 11, 2004
An interview with Professor Colin Blakemore, who has been at the forefront of UK scientific research for over 30 years.
Howard Dean
May 26, 2004
Interviewing the US politician who lost out in the Democratic presidential nomination battle back in February.
Peter Singer
Jun 1, 2004
An interview with the controversial bio-ethicist.
Derek Walcott
Sep 28, 2004
St Lucian poet Walcott discusses his Caribbean childhood and career.
John Sulston
Nov 15, 2004
The Human Genome Project strove to make information about DNA free to everyone. Its head, Sir John Sulston, talks about what makes him tick.
Shaykh Hamza Yusuf
Dec 13, 2004
The charismatic Muslim leader discusses Islam and his concerns about President Bush's "war on terror".
David Attenborough
Feb 27, 2005
The man behind The Blue Planet and much more in conversation.
Bill Deedes
Mar 7, 2005
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.
Seymour Hersh
Mar 18, 2005
The investigative reporter in conversation.
Madeleine Albright
Sep 12, 2005
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.
Michael Palin
Sep 19, 2005
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.
Sir Tim Berners-Lee
Sep 26, 2005
The inventor of the CHOICE worldwide web discusses how he conceived the device that helped to transform the planet.
John Simpson
Jan 8, 2006
The BBC's world affairs editor tells Lawson about life on both sides of the camera.
Robert Winston
Jan 15, 2006
Winston discusses his work, as a fertility treatment pioneer, and a TV presenter.
PD James
Mar 11, 2006
The detective novelist discusses her need to write, the World Wars, religion, and death.
Frederick Forsyth
Jan 3, 2006
The author discusses his foreign correspondent years, his politics, and the thrillers that made him famous.
Griff Rhys Jones
Apr 24, 2006
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.
Julian Fellowes
May 8, 2006
The actor, director and Oscar-winning writer of Gosford Park on his career.
James Lovelock
May 22, 2006
The environmental thinker issues a stark warning concerning our consumption of fossil fuels and climate change.
Bill Oddie
May 29, 2006
The nature-loving broadcaster reflects on his varied career and his mother's absence as a child.
Philip Roth
Jun 3, 2006
In a provocative interview, one of the most powerful voices in modern American fiction discusses his disillusionment with the Bush administration.
David Baddiel
Jul 12, 2006
The star of The Mary Whitehouse Experience, Fantasy Football League and Heresy, and author of Time for Bed discusses his career.
Terry Gilliam
Jul 23, 2006
In conversation with the film-maker and animator.
Clive James
Jul 31, 2006
The multi-talented Aussie in conversation.
Engelbert Humperdinck
Aug 19, 2006
The Leicester love god and crooner is captured in conversation.
David Chase
Aug 20, 2006
The creator of The Sopranos in conversation.
Jilly Cooper
Sep 27, 2006
The author of Polo and other "bonkbusters" in conversation.
Jack Dee
Oct 3, 2006
A lively chat with the sardonic comic kicks off Jack Dee Night.
Alexei Sayle
Oct 10, 2006
An interview with the straight-talking comedian renowned for his Marxist political views.
Marguerite Patten
Oct 17, 2006
The food writer and broadcaster reflects on her 1947 TV series and her OBE for "services to the art of cookery".
Ridley Scott
Oct 22, 2006
The director of Alien, Blade Runner and the Oscar-winning Gladiator discusses his life and career.
Claudia Roden
Oct 24, 2006
The food writer discusses her passion for Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours.
lain Banks
Nov 14, 2006
The author discusses his influences and inspirations.
Terry Pratchett
Nov 21, 2006
Interview with the author who has sold over 40 million books worldwide and is best known for the Discworld series.
Stephen King
Dec 11, 2006
Interview with the renowned horror author, known for popular and influential novels such as Carrie and The Shining.
Armando Iannucci
Jan 2, 2007
The interviewer meets writer, performer and producer Armando Iannucci.
Ian Rankin
Mar 3, 2007
Interview with the Scottish novelist and regular Newsnight Review contributor best known for his Inspector John Rebus novels.
Nicholas Craig
Apr 1, 2007
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.
The Teletubbies
May 26, 2007
The presenter talks to the creators of the children's programme.
Biddy Baxter
May 31, 2007
An interview with the former editor of Blue Peter who designed the show's famous badge and introduced the annual appeals.
Stephen Fry
Aug 18, 2007
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.
Sanjeev Bhaskar
Aug 20, 2007
Wide-ranging interview with the comedian, actor and writer.
David Renwick
Dec 3, 2007
The TV writer talks to Mark Lawson about his career.
Russell T Davies
Jan 16, 2008
Interview with the Doctor Who producer.
Nicholas Parsons
Feb 27, 2008
Interview with the actor and former game show host.
Rabbi Lionel Blue
Mar 5, 2008
Featuring an interview with the journalist, broadcaster and Britain's first openly-gay rabbi.
Galton and Simpson
Mar 19, 2008
Interview with the writers who created Steptoe and Son and Hancock's Half Hour.
George Cole
Mar 26, 2008
Interview with the veteran actor, who played Arthur Daley in TV series Minder.
Barry Cryer
Apr 2, 2008
An interview with the comedian who has written for a number of noted performers.
Liz Smith
Jul 14, 2008
An interview with the actress who starred in The Royle Family and The Vicar of Dibley.
Jonathan Meades
Jul 21, 2008
A chat with the British writer known for his work as The Times restaurant critic as well as documentaries on architecture.
G.F. Newman
Aug 11, 2008
The writer who created Judge John Deed and Law and Order discusses his life and career.
Melvyn Bragg
Sep 27, 2008
The broadcaster discusses his life and career.
John le Carre
Oct 5, 2008
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.
Michael Parkinson
Nov 9, 2008
The veteran chat-show host becomes an interviewee and talks about his career.
Quentin Blake
Nov 16, 2008
The journalist interviews British cartoonist, illustrator and children's book author Quentin Blake, most famous for his work on Roald Dahl 's stories.
Rolf Harris
Nov 23, 2008
The Australian TV star discusses his success as a junior swimming champion and his work on Animal Hospital.
Phil Collins
Jan 4, 2009
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.
Maureen Lipman
Jan 11, 2009
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.
Bill Bryson
Jan 25, 2009
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
Sir Antony Sher
Feb 15, 2009
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.
Mike Leigh
Apr 19, 2009
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.
Ian Hislop
May 9, 2009
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.
William Boyd
Aug 30, 2009
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.
Richard Wilson
Sep 30, 2009
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.
Sir Ranulph Fiennes
Nov 14, 2009
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.
Jane Horrocks
Nov 22, 2009
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.
Imelda Staunton
Nov 29, 2009
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.
Alan Bennett
Dec 6, 2009
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.
A.S. Byatt
Dec 13, 2009
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.
Brian Cox
Feb 23, 2010
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.
Tracey Emin
Mar 18, 2010
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.
Timothy Spall
May 10, 2010
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.
Martin Amis
May 23, 2010
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.
Vanessa Redgrave
May 30, 2010
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.
Sir David Frost
Jun 13, 2010
Renowned broadcaster and satirist David Frost talks about his life and career.
Julie Walters
Oct 31, 2010
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.
Alison Steadman
Nov 7, 2010
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.
Tom Jones
Nov 14, 2010
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.
Jimmy McGovern
Nov 21, 2010
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.
Simon Russell Beale
Dec 24, 2010
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.
Gilbert and George
Feb 3, 2011
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.
Sir Anthony Caro
Feb 9, 2011
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.
Anne Robinson
Feb 28, 2011
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.
David Mitchell
Mar 22, 2011
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.
Peter Blake
Jul 11, 2011
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.
Diana Rigg
Sep 27, 2011
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.
Rob Brydon
Oct 4, 2011
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.
Michael Frayn
Oct 11, 2011
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.
Alice Cooper
Nov 21, 2011
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.
Frank Skinner
Mar 13, 2012
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.
Terry Wogan
Mar 20, 2012
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.
Graham Norton
Mar 26, 2012
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.
Noel Gallagher
Mar 30, 2012
Mark Lawson talks to former Oasis lynchpin Noel Gallagher about his life, career and becoming one of the most successful songwriters of his generation.
Mark Gatiss
Apr 3, 2012
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.
Mark Rylance
Apr 15, 2012
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.
Felicity Kendal
Apr 22, 2012
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.
Sean Langan
Apr 26, 2012
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.
Zoe Wanamaker
Apr 29, 2012
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.
Sir Patrick Moore
Jan 13, 2013
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.
Mark Knopfler
Mar 3, 2013
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.
Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais
Mar 20, 2013
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.
Miriam Margolyes
Apr 1, 2013
Mark Lawson talks to character actress and voice artist Miriam Margolyes about her passion for acting, her lively schooldays and her inexorable self-confidence.
Michael Ball
Apr 7, 2013
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.
Bob Geldof
Oct 6, 2013
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.
Steve Coogan
Nov 12, 2013
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.
David Bailey
Mar 10, 2014
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.
Joanna Trollope
Mar 23, 2014
As she publishes her eighteenth novel, Joanna Trollope talks to Mark Lawson about creativity, divorce and the inescapable drama of domestic life.
Julian Barnes
Mar 30, 2014
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.
Jo Brand
Jul 20, 2014
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.
Michael Morpurgo
Nov 16, 2014
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.
Frances de la Tour
Jan 7, 2015
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.
Celia Imrie
Feb 8, 2015
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.
Kazuo Ishiguro
Feb 22, 2015
Mark Lawson talks to the Booker Prize-winning writer Kazuo Ishiguro about his life and career.
Alexander McCall Smith
Mar 1, 2015
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.
Jonathan Pryce
Mar 24, 2015
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.
David Hare
Nov 15, 2015
Writer and director Sir David Hare talks frankly to Mark Lawson following the publication of his much-anticipated memoir The Blue Touch Paper.
