Mark Lawson Talks To

S01E01 27 Des 03

Anthony Minghella

The director of Cold Mountain, released on Boxing Day, and The English Patient in conversation.

S01E02

S01E02 11 Mar 04

Professor Colin Blakemore

An interview with Professor Colin Blakemore, who has been at the forefront of UK scientific research for over 30 years.

S01E03

S01E03 26 Mei 04

Howard Dean

Interviewing the US politician who lost out in the Democratic presidential nomination battle back in February.

S01E04

S01E04 1 Jun 04

Peter Singer

An interview with the controversial bio-ethicist.

S01E05

S01E05 28 Sep 04

Derek Walcott

St Lucian poet Walcott discusses his Caribbean childhood and career.

S01E06

S01E06 15 Nov 04

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.

S01E07

S01E07 13 Des 04

Shaykh Hamza Yusuf

The charismatic Muslim leader discusses Islam and his concerns about President Bush's "war on terror".

S01E08

S01E08 27 Feb 05

David Attenborough

The man behind The Blue Planet and much more in conversation.

S01E09

S01E09 7 Mar 05

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.

S01E10

S01E10 18 Mar 05

Seymour Hersh

The investigative reporter in conversation.

S01E11

S01E11 12 Sep 05

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.

S01E12

S01E12 19 Sep 05

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.

S01E13

S01E13 26 Sep 05

Sir Tim Berners-Lee

The inventor of the CHOICE worldwide web discusses how he conceived the device that helped to transform the planet.

S01E14

S01E14 8 Jan 06

John Simpson

The BBC's world affairs editor tells Lawson about life on both sides of the camera.

S01E15

S01E15 15 Jan 06

Robert Winston

Winston discusses his work, as a fertility treatment pioneer, and a TV presenter.

S01E16

S01E16 11 Mar 06

PD James

The detective novelist discusses her need to write, the World Wars, religion, and death.

S01E17

S01E17 3 Jan 06

Frederick Forsyth

The author discusses his foreign correspondent years, his politics, and the thrillers that made him famous.

S01E18

S01E18 24 Apr 06

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.

S01E19

S01E19 8 Mei 06

Julian Fellowes

The actor, director and Oscar-winning writer of Gosford Park on his career.

S01E20

S01E20 22 Mei 06

James Lovelock

The environmental thinker issues a stark warning concerning our consumption of fossil fuels and climate change.

S01E21

S01E21 29 Mei 06

Bill Oddie

The nature-loving broadcaster reflects on his varied career and his mother's absence as a child.

S01E22

S01E22 3 Jun 06

Philip Roth

In a provocative interview, one of the most powerful voices in modern American fiction discusses his disillusionment with the Bush administration.

S01E23

S01E23 12 Jul 06

David Baddiel

The star of The Mary Whitehouse Experience, Fantasy Football League and Heresy, and author of Time for Bed discusses his career.

S01E24

S01E24 23 Jul 06

Terry Gilliam

In conversation with the film-maker and animator.

S01E25

S01E25 31 Jul 06

Clive James

The multi-talented Aussie in conversation.

S01E26

S01E26 19 Agu 06

Engelbert Humperdinck

The Leicester love god and crooner is captured in conversation.

S01E27

S01E27 20 Agu 06

David Chase

The creator of The Sopranos in conversation.

S01E28

S01E28 27 Sep 06

Jilly Cooper

The author of Polo and other "bonkbusters" in conversation.

S01E29

S01E29 3 Okt 06

Jack Dee

A lively chat with the sardonic comic kicks off Jack Dee Night.

S01E30

S01E30 10 Okt 06

Alexei Sayle

An interview with the straight-talking comedian renowned for his Marxist political views.

S01E31

S01E31 17 Okt 06

Marguerite Patten

The food writer and broadcaster reflects on her 1947 TV series and her OBE for "services to the art of cookery".

S01E32

S01E32 22 Okt 06

Ridley Scott

The director of Alien, Blade Runner and the Oscar-winning Gladiator discusses his life and career.

S01E33

S01E33 24 Okt 06

Claudia Roden

The food writer discusses her passion for Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours.

S01E34

S01E34 14 Nov 06

lain Banks

The author discusses his influences and inspirations.

S01E35

S01E35 21 Nov 06

Terry Pratchett

Interview with the author who has sold over 40 million books worldwide and is best known for the Discworld series.

S01E36

S01E36 11 Des 06

Stephen King

Interview with the renowned horror author, known for popular and influential novels such as Carrie and The Shining.

S01E37

S01E37 2 Jan 07

Armando Iannucci

The interviewer meets writer, performer and producer Armando Iannucci.

S01E38

S01E38 3 Mar 07

Ian Rankin

Interview with the Scottish novelist and regular Newsnight Review contributor best known for his Inspector John Rebus novels.

S01E39

S01E39 1 Apr 07

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.

S01E40

S01E40 26 Mei 07

The Teletubbies

The presenter talks to the creators of the children's programme.

S01E41

S01E41 31 Mei 07

Biddy Baxter

An interview with the former editor of Blue Peter who designed the show's famous badge and introduced the annual appeals.

S01E42

S01E42 18 Agu 07

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.

S01E43

S01E43 20 Agu 07

Sanjeev Bhaskar

Wide-ranging interview with the comedian, actor and writer.

S01E44

S01E44 3 Des 07

David Renwick

The TV writer talks to Mark Lawson about his career.

S01E45

S01E45 16 Jan 08

Russell T Davies

Interview with the Doctor Who producer.

S01E46

S01E46 27 Feb 08

Nicholas Parsons

Interview with the actor and former game show host.

S01E47

S01E47 5 Mar 08

Rabbi Lionel Blue

Featuring an interview with the journalist, broadcaster and Britain's first openly-gay rabbi.

S01E48

S01E48 19 Mar 08

Galton and Simpson

Interview with the writers who created Steptoe and Son and Hancock's Half Hour.

S01E49

S01E49 26 Mar 08

George Cole

Interview with the veteran actor, who played Arthur Daley in TV series Minder.

S01E50

S01E50 2 Apr 08

Barry Cryer

An interview with the comedian who has written for a number of noted performers.

S01E51

S01E51 14 Jul 08

Liz Smith

An interview with the actress who starred in The Royle Family and The Vicar of Dibley.

S01E52

S01E52 21 Jul 08

Jonathan Meades

A chat with the British writer known for his work as The Times restaurant critic as well as documentaries on architecture.

S01E53

S01E53 11 Agu 08

G.F. Newman

The writer who created Judge John Deed and Law and Order discusses his life and career.

S01E54

S01E54 27 Sep 08

Melvyn Bragg

The broadcaster discusses his life and career.

S01E55

S01E55 5 Okt 08

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.

S01E56

S01E56 9 Nov 08

Michael Parkinson

The veteran chat-show host becomes an interviewee and talks about his career.

S01E57

S01E57 16 Nov 08

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.

S01E58

S01E58 23 Nov 08

Rolf Harris

The Australian TV star discusses his success as a junior swimming champion and his work on Animal Hospital.

S01E59

S01E59 4 Jan 09

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.

S01E60

S01E60 11 Jan 09

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.

S01E61

S01E61 25 Jan 09

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

S01E62

S01E62 15 Feb 09

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.

S01E63

S01E63 19 Apr 09

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.

S01E64

S01E64 9 Mei 09

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.

S01E65

S01E65 30 Agu 09

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.

S01E66

S01E66 30 Sep 09

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.

S01E67

S01E67 14 Nov 09

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.

S01E68

S01E68 22 Nov 09

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.

S01E69

S01E69 29 Nov 09

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.

S01E70

S01E70 6 Des 09

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.

S01E71

S01E71 13 Des 09

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.

S01E72

S01E72 23 Feb 10

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.

S01E73

S01E73 18 Mar 10

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.

S01E74

S01E74 10 Mei 10

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.

S01E75

S01E75 23 Mei 10

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.

S01E76

S01E76 30 Mei 10

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.

S01E77

S01E77 13 Jun 10

Sir David Frost

Renowned broadcaster and satirist David Frost talks about his life and career.

S01E78

S01E78 31 Okt 10

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.

S01E79

S01E79 7 Nov 10

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.

S01E80

S01E80 14 Nov 10

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.

S01E81

S01E81 21 Nov 10

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.

S01E82

S01E82 24 Des 10

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.

S01E83

S01E83 3 Feb 11

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.

S01E84

S01E84 9 Feb 11

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.

S01E85

S01E85 28 Feb 11

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.

S01E86

S01E86 22 Mar 11

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.

S01E87

S01E87 11 Jul 11

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.

S01E88

S01E88 27 Sep 11

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.

S01E89

S01E89 4 Okt 11

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.

S01E90

S01E90 11 Okt 11

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.

S01E91

S01E91 21 Nov 11

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.

S01E92

S01E92 13 Mar 12

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.

S01E93

S01E93 20 Mar 12

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.

S01E94

S01E94 26 Mar 12

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.

S01E95

S01E95 30 Mar 12

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.

S01E96

S01E96 3 Apr 12

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.

S01E97

S01E97 15 Apr 12

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.

S01E98

S01E98 22 Apr 12

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.

S01E99

S01E99 26 Apr 12

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.

S01E100

S01E100 29 Apr 12

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.

S01E101

S01E101 13 Jan 13

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.

S01E102

S01E102 3 Mar 13

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.

S01E103

S01E103 20 Mar 13

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.

S01E104

S01E104 1 Apr 13

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.

S01E105

S01E105 7 Apr 13

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.

S01E106

S01E106 6 Okt 13

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.

S01E107

S01E107 12 Nov 13

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.

S01E108

S01E108 10 Mar 14

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.

S01E109

S01E109 23 Mar 14

Joanna Trollope

As she publishes her eighteenth novel, Joanna Trollope talks to Mark Lawson about creativity, divorce and the inescapable drama of domestic life.

S01E110

S01E110 30 Mar 14

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.

S01E111

S01E111 20 Jul 14

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.

S01E112

S01E112 16 Nov 14

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.

S01E113

S01E113 7 Jan 15

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.

S01E114

S01E114 8 Feb 15

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.

S01E115

S01E115 22 Feb 15

Kazuo Ishiguro

Mark Lawson talks to the Booker Prize-winning writer Kazuo Ishiguro about his life and career.

S01E116

S01E116 1 Mar 15

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.

S01E117

S01E117 24 Mar 15

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.

S01E118

S01E118 15 Nov 15

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.