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Great Lives - Radio 4's biographical series

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	GREAT LIVES Tuesday 3 February 2009 at 4.30pm (repeated Friday 6 February at 11.00pm)
	Robert Kennedy The last in the current series, Ken Livingstone nominates his hero Robert Kennedy. Bobby: privileged little brother and ruthless politician or civil rights reformer and the greatest American president who never was? Ken Livingstone recalls his utter disappointment at his assassination and talks of how, 40 years on, Barack Obama’s success is reminding him of the hope he felt back in 1968. Margot Fonteyn 27 January 2009 Gardeners World presenter Rachel de Thame champions the life of British prima ballerina Margot Fonteyn. Margot Fonteyn was born Peggy Hookham; grew up in suburban London and became the most famous ballet star in the world, famously partnering Rudolf Nureyev to overwhelming critical acclaim in the twilight of her dancing career. But it was a career forged at great personal cost.. Alfred Russell Wallace 23 January 2009 Travel writer Redmond O’Hanlon proposes the naturalist Alfred Russell Wallace, who so nearly scooped Darwin. Dr Sandy Knapp and presenter Matthew Parris help to explain a truly extraordinary life. Tony Hancock 13 January 2009 Pam Ayres fondly remembers Tony Hancock, her comedy hero. Forty years on from his death, Tony Hancock is arguably as popular as ever, and making as many people laugh. Of course it wasn’t all fun and laughter. The huge enjoyment he gave the public came at a terrible personal cost. Bette Davis 6 January 2009 The incomparable Miss Bette Davis is the dramatic choice of actress Tracy-Ann Oberman, perhaps best known for murdering her on screen husband Dirty Den in Eastenders. Tracy-Ann chooses the Hollywood star for astonishing performances in films such as All About Eve and Whatever Happened to Baby Jane, and of course her amazing eyes. Bette Davis's personal life proves to be equally compelling. Dietrich Bonhoeffer 30 December 2008 Actor David Soul nominates the German theologian and anti Nazi activist Dietrich Bonhoeffer for “greatness”. Bonhoeffer’s letters and writings on the nature of Christian belief have proved both controversial and increasingly important in modern theology, but it was his life that proved his most powerful message. Deeply involved in the wartime resistance to Hitler, he protested against the Nazis treatment of the Jews, and was finally hanged at Flossenburg concentration camp, just days before the end of hostilities. Beachcomber 23 December 2008 Raymond Briggs chooses Beachcomber, the Daily Express columnist who inspired both Spike Milligan and Private Eye. Richard Ingrams and the current Beachcomber, William Hartston, join Matthew Parris for a lunatic half hour's celebration of Dr Smart-Allick, Mr Justice Cocklecarrot, and Dr Jan van Strabismus Whom God Preserve of Utrecht. Spike Milligan as Dr Jan van Strabismus Whom God Preserve of Utrecht Billy Marsh 16 December 2008 Michael Grade and William G Stewart champion the life of the theatrical agent Billy Marsh. Billy Marsh began his showbusiness career with a travelling theatrical troupe, earning a pound a week. He ended up a godfather of British light entertainment, nurturing the talents of the nation’s best-loved entertainers, including Bruce Forsyth, Norman Wisdom and Morecambe & Wise. Pavarotti 9 December 2008 Matthew Parris returned with an operatic opener for a new series of Great Lives - Luciano Pavarotti was the choice of Harvey Goldsmith, the man behind Pavarotti in the Park and numerous other Pavarotti shows. Everyone remembers the wondrous voice, but what was Pavarotti like behind the scenes? Last series 30 September 2008 Hogarth The editor of Private Eye, Ian Hislop, is this week’s guest, and his choice of life is that of fellow satirist William Hogarth. The art historian Andrew Graham-Dixon joins the discussion. 23 September 2008 Lady Hester Stanhope The Dragon’s Den investor, businesswoman Deborah Meaden, explains her fascination with the life of the Georgian political hostess, traveller, diplomat and spy Lady Hester Stanhope. Biographer Kirsten Ellis lends her expertise. 16 September 2008 Field Marshal Slim Field Marshal "Bill" Slim, leader of the Burma Campaign, is the choice of this week’s guest, General Sir Mike Jackson, the former Head of the British Army. The military historian Julian Thompson lends weight to the argument that Slim, less well known today than other World War II Generals, was perhaps the greatest commander of the 20th century. 9 September 2008 David Ervine The former Loyalist paramilitary turned Northern Ireland politician David Ervine is the controversial choice of this week’s guest, broadcaster Lesley Riddoch. Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams and Raymond McCord, whose son was murdered by a Loyalist terror gang, join the discussion, along with the Guardian’s Belfast Correspondent, Henry McDonald. 2 September 2008 Henry VII George Osborne, who became shadow chancellor at the tender age of just 33, chooses the founder of the Tudor dynasty, Henry VII. The winner of the battle of Bosworth was famous for his attention to the accounting books, but was he really the founder of the modern state? Dr Steven Gunn offers an academic's view. 26 August 2008 Alan Freed DJ "Whispering" Bob Harris nominates the first ever rock-and-roll DJ for "greatness." Alan Freed's meteoric career was cut short when he faced allegations of commercial bribery, and he died a penniless alcoholic. Can Matthew Parris be convinced that this champion of black rhythm and blues led a truly great life? 19 August 2008 Robert Hooke Sir David Attenborough nominates Robert Hooke, seventeenth century illustrator of the flea. Hooke was a genius with a microscope. He was also adept with springs, air pumps, and the engineering required to build a dome. St Paul’s was just one of his many achievements, but Hooke has never received the same recognition as some of his brilliant contemporaries, such as Wren and Newton. Biographer Lisa Jardine explains why. 12 August 2008 Richard Pryor Skills Minister David Lammy tries to convince Matthew Parris that despite Richard Pryor's seven marriages, cocaine addiction and alcohol abuse, this revolutionary comic performer lived a great life. 5 August 2008 Lord Longford Jon Snow nominates Lord Longford, who campaigned for Myra Hindley's release. Longford's daughter Rachel Billington and his biographer Peter Stanford add the detail on an extraordinary life. Matthew Parris presents.










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Matthew Parris is a writer for The Times and The Spectator and a frequent broadcaster on television and radio. From 1977 until the 1979 General Election, he was a member of staff in Mrs Thatcher's Office.

He was elected as an MP for West Derbyshire in 1979, a seat he held until 1986 when he gave it up to become Presenter of LWT's political interview programme, Weekend World.

He has led expeditions to Mount Kilimanjaro, Peru and Bolivia as well as to Zaire and the Sahara.

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