Desert Island Discs
Desert Island Discs is a British radio programme broadcast on BBC Radio 4. The format of the show involves a guest, typically a well-known figure from various fields like entertainment, literature, or politics, being interviewed about their life and career. The unique aspect of the show is that each guest must choose eight pieces of music, a book, and a luxury item they would take if they were to be cast away on a deserted island.
History
- First Broadcast: The show was first aired on January 29, 1942, and was created by Roy Plomley, who also hosted the programme until his death in 1985.
- Current Host: Since 1986, the show has been hosted by Lauren Laverne.
- Format Evolution: Over the years, the format has remained largely the same, but small changes have occurred. For instance, the choice of music was originally limited to gramophone records, but now includes CDs and digital formats.
Programme Structure
The structure of Desert Island Discs includes:
- An introduction by the host.
- Discussion of the guest's life, career, and personal anecdotes.
- Playing of the eight chosen pieces of music, with explanations for each choice.
- Selection of a book (in addition to the Bible or another appropriate religious/philosophical work and the complete works of Shakespeare, which are provided).
- Choice of a luxury item.
- The guest is also given a copy of The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe as a standard item.
Notable Aspects
- Guests: Over 3,000 guests have appeared on the show, including royalty, politicians, actors, musicians, and other notable personalities.
- Impact: The programme has been influential in showcasing personal music tastes and has often led to increased sales of the selected music pieces.
- Cultural Significance: It has become a cultural institution in the UK, reflecting on the personal and cultural values through the music choices of its guests.
External Links
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