

Mark Lawson Talks To
A series in which arts presenter Mark Lawson has a 60-minute in-depth conversation with a notable figure.
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Cast
Seasons

1.Anthony Minghella
27-12-2003The director of Cold Mountain, released on Boxing Day, and The English Patient in conversation.
- Ep 2
2.Professor Colin Blakemore
11-03-2004An interview with Professor Colin Blakemore, who has been at the forefront of UK scientific research for over 30 years.
- Ep 3
3.Howard Dean
26-05-2004Interviewing the US politician who lost out in the Democratic presidential nomination battle back in February.
- Ep 4
4.Peter Singer
01-06-2004An interview with the controversial bio-ethicist.
- Ep 5
5.Derek Walcott
28-09-2004St Lucian poet Walcott discusses his Caribbean childhood and career.
- Ep 6
6.John Sulston
15-11-2004The Human Genome Project strove to make information about DNA free to everyone. Its head, Sir John Sulston, talks about what makes him tick.
- Ep 7
7.Shaykh Hamza Yusuf
13-12-2004The charismatic Muslim leader discusses Islam and his concerns about President Bush's "war on terror".
- Ep 8
8.David Attenborough
27-02-2005The man behind The Blue Planet and much more in conversation.
- Ep 9
9.Bill Deedes
07-03-2005The 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...
- Ep 10
10.Seymour Hersh
18-03-2005The investigative reporter in conversation.
- Ep 11
11.Madeleine Albright
12-09-2005The 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 pl...
- Ep 12
12.Michael Palin
19-09-2005An 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.
- Ep 13
13.Sir Tim Berners-Lee
26-09-2005The inventor of the CHOICE worldwide web discusses how he conceived the device that helped to transform the planet.
- Ep 14
14.John Simpson
08-01-2006The BBC's world affairs editor tells Lawson about life on both sides of the camera.
- Ep 15
15.Robert Winston
15-01-2006Winston discusses his work, as a fertility treatment pioneer, and a TV presenter.
- Ep 16
16.PD James
11-03-2006The detective novelist discusses her need to write, the World Wars, religion, and death.
- Ep 17
17.Frederick Forsyth
03-01-2006The author discusses his foreign correspondent years, his politics, and the thrillers that made him famous.
- Ep 18
18.Griff Rhys Jones
24-04-2006The 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.
- Ep 19
19.Julian Fellowes
08-05-2006The actor, director and Oscar-winning writer of Gosford Park on his career.
- Ep 20
20.James Lovelock
22-05-2006The environmental thinker issues a stark warning concerning our consumption of fossil fuels and climate change.
- Ep 21
21.Bill Oddie
29-05-2006The nature-loving broadcaster reflects on his varied career and his mother's absence as a child.
- Ep 22
22.Philip Roth
03-06-2006In a provocative interview, one of the most powerful voices in modern American fiction discusses his disillusionment with the Bush administration.
- Ep 23
23.David Baddiel
12-07-2006The star of The Mary Whitehouse Experience, Fantasy Football League and Heresy, and author of Time for Bed discusses his career.
- Ep 24
24.Terry Gilliam
23-07-2006In conversation with the film-maker and animator.
- Ep 25
25.Clive James
31-07-2006The multi-talented Aussie in conversation.
- Ep 26
26.Engelbert Humperdinck
19-08-2006The Leicester love god and crooner is captured in conversation.
- Ep 27
27.David Chase
20-08-2006The creator of The Sopranos in conversation.
- Ep 28
28.Jilly Cooper
27-09-2006The author of Polo and other "bonkbusters" in conversation.
- Ep 29
29.Jack Dee
03-10-2006A lively chat with the sardonic comic kicks off Jack Dee Night.
- Ep 30
30.Alexei Sayle
10-10-2006An interview with the straight-talking comedian renowned for his Marxist political views.
- Ep 31
31.Marguerite Patten
17-10-2006The food writer and broadcaster reflects on her 1947 TV series and her OBE for "services to the art of cookery".
- Ep 32
32.Ridley Scott
22-10-2006The director of Alien, Blade Runner and the Oscar-winning Gladiator discusses his life and career.
- Ep 33
33.Claudia Roden
24-10-2006The food writer discusses her passion for Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours.
- Ep 34
34.lain Banks
14-11-2006The author discusses his influences and inspirations.
- Ep 35
35.Terry Pratchett
21-11-2006Interview with the author who has sold over 40 million books worldwide and is best known for the Discworld series.
- Ep 36
36.Stephen King
11-12-2006Interview with the renowned horror author, known for popular and influential novels such as Carrie and The Shining.
- Ep 37
37.Armando Iannucci
02-01-2007The interviewer meets writer, performer and producer Armando Iannucci.
- Ep 38
38.Ian Rankin
03-03-2007Interview with the Scottish novelist and regular Newsnight Review contributor best known for his Inspector John Rebus novels.
- Ep 39
39.Nicholas Craig
01-04-2007Former 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...
- Ep 40
40.The Teletubbies
26-05-2007The presenter talks to the creators of the children's programme.
- Ep 41
41.Biddy Baxter
31-05-2007An interview with the former editor of Blue Peter who designed the show's famous badge and introduced the annual appeals.
- Ep 42
42.Stephen Fry
18-08-2007The 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 person...
- Ep 43
43.Sanjeev Bhaskar
20-08-2007Wide-ranging interview with the comedian, actor and writer.
- Ep 44
44.David Renwick
03-12-2007The TV writer talks to Mark Lawson about his career.
- Ep 45
45.Russell T Davies
16-01-2008Interview with the Doctor Who producer.
- Ep 46
46.Nicholas Parsons
27-02-2008Interview with the actor and former game show host.
- Ep 47
47.Rabbi Lionel Blue
05-03-2008Featuring an interview with the journalist, broadcaster and Britain's first openly-gay rabbi.
- Ep 48
48.Galton and Simpson
19-03-2008Interview with the writers who created Steptoe and Son and Hancock's Half Hour.
- Ep 49
49.George Cole
26-03-2008Interview with the veteran actor, who played Arthur Daley in TV series Minder.
- Ep 50
50.Barry Cryer
02-04-2008An interview with the comedian who has written for a number of noted performers.
- Ep 51
51.Liz Smith
14-07-2008An interview with the actress who starred in The Royle Family and The Vicar of Dibley.
- Ep 52
52.Jonathan Meades
21-07-2008A chat with the British writer known for his work as The Times restaurant critic as well as documentaries on architecture.
- Ep 53
53.G.F. Newman
11-08-2008The writer who created Judge John Deed and Law and Order discusses his life and career.
- Ep 54
54.Melvyn Bragg
27-09-2008The broadcaster discusses his life and career.
- Ep 55
55.John le Carre
05-10-2008Author 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.
- Ep 56
56.Michael Parkinson
09-11-2008The veteran chat-show host becomes an interviewee and talks about his career.
- Ep 57
57.Quentin Blake
16-11-2008The journalist interviews British cartoonist, illustrator and children's book author Quentin Blake, most famous for his work on Roald Dahl 's stories.
- Ep 58
58.Rolf Harris
23-11-2008The Australian TV star discusses his success as a junior swimming champion and his work on Animal Hospital.
- Ep 59
59.Phil Collins
04-01-2009The 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.
- Ep 60
60.Maureen Lipman
11-01-2009The 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 h...
- Ep 61
61.Bill Bryson
25-01-2009The 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
- Ep 62
62.Sir Antony Sher
15-02-2009Interview 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.
- Ep 63
63.Mike Leigh
19-04-2009The 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 scrip...
- Ep 64
64.Ian Hislop
09-05-2009Private 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 h...
- Ep 65
65.William Boyd
30-08-2009The 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.
- Ep 66
66.Richard Wilson
30-09-2009Journalist 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 sitco...
- Ep 67
67.Sir Ranulph Fiennes
14-11-2009An 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 an...
- Ep 68
68.Jane Horrocks
22-11-2009The 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.
- Ep 69
69.Imelda Staunton
29-11-2009The 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.
- Ep 70
70.Alan Bennett
06-12-2009The 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.
- Ep 71
71.A.S. Byatt
13-12-2009The 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 wor...
- Ep 72
72.Brian Cox
23-02-2010Brian 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.
- Ep 73
73.Tracey Emin
18-03-2010Mark 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.
- Ep 74
74.Timothy Spall
10-05-2010Mark 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.
- Ep 75
75.Martin Amis
23-05-2010Mark 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.
- Ep 76
76.Vanessa Redgrave
30-05-2010Mark 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.
- Ep 77
77.Sir David Frost
13-06-2010Renowned broadcaster and satirist David Frost talks about his life and career.
- Ep 78
78.Julie Walters
31-10-2010Mark 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.
- Ep 79
79.Alison Steadman
07-11-2010Mark 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.
- Ep 80
80.Tom Jones
14-11-2010Mark 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.
- Ep 81
81.Jimmy McGovern
21-11-2010Mark 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.
- Ep 82
82.Simon Russell Beale
24-12-2010Mark 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.
- Ep 83
83.Gilbert and George
03-02-2011Mark 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.
- Ep 84
84.Sir Anthony Caro
09-02-2011Sculptor 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.
- Ep 85
85.Anne Robinson
28-02-2011In 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.
- Ep 86
86.David Mitchell
22-03-2011Mark 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.
- Ep 87
87.Peter Blake
11-07-2011Mark 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.
- Ep 88
88.Diana Rigg
27-09-2011Mark 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.
- Ep 89
89.Rob Brydon
04-10-2011Mark 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.
- Ep 90
90.Michael Frayn
11-10-2011Mark Lawson talks to Michael Frayn about his life and 50-year career writing novels, plays, philosophy, memoirs, screenplays, translations, farce, tragedy, verse and drama.
- Ep 91
91.Alice Cooper
21-11-2011Mark 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.
- Ep 92
92.Frank Skinner
13-03-2012Mark 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.
- Ep 93
93.Terry Wogan
20-03-2012Mark 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.
- Ep 94
94.Graham Norton
26-03-2012Mark 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.
- Ep 95
95.Noel Gallagher
30-03-2012Mark Lawson talks to former Oasis lynchpin Noel Gallagher about his life, career and becoming one of the most successful songwriters of his generation.
- Ep 96
96.Mark Gatiss
03-04-2012Mark 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.
- Ep 97
97.Mark Rylance
15-04-2012Mark 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.
- Ep 98
98.Felicity Kendal
22-04-2012Mark 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.
- Ep 99
99.Sean Langan
26-04-2012Mark 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.
- Ep 100
100.Zoe Wanamaker
29-04-2012Mark 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.
- Ep 101
101.Sir Patrick Moore
13-01-2013Mark 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.
- Ep 102
102.Mark Knopfler
03-03-2013Mark 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.
- Ep 103
103.Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais
20-03-2013Mark 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.
- Ep 104
104.Miriam Margolyes
01-04-2013Mark Lawson talks to character actress and voice artist Miriam Margolyes about her passion for acting, her lively schooldays and her inexorable self-confidence.
- Ep 105
105.Michael Ball
07-04-2013Mark 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.
- Ep 106
106.Bob Geldof
06-10-2013Sir 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.
- Ep 107
107.Steve Coogan
12-11-2013Mark 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.
- Ep 108
108.David Bailey
10-03-2014Photographer 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.
- Ep 109
109.Joanna Trollope
23-03-2014As she publishes her eighteenth novel, Joanna Trollope talks to Mark Lawson about creativity, divorce and the inescapable drama of domestic life.
- Ep 110
110.Julian Barnes
30-03-2014Booker 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.
- Ep 111
111.Jo Brand
20-07-2014Mark 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.
- Ep 112
112.Michael Morpurgo
16-11-2014Michael 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.
- Ep 113
113.Frances de la Tour
07-01-2015Mark 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.
- Ep 114
114.Celia Imrie
08-02-2015From 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.
- Ep 115
115.Kazuo Ishiguro
22-02-2015Mark Lawson talks to the Booker Prize-winning writer Kazuo Ishiguro about his life and career.
- Ep 116
116.Alexander McCall Smith
01-03-2015Mark 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.
- Ep 117
117.Jonathan Pryce
24-03-2015From 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.
- Ep 118
118.David Hare
15-11-2015Writer and director Sir David Hare talks frankly to Mark Lawson following the publication of his much-anticipated memoir The Blue Touch Paper.
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