Comedian and writer Ricky Gervais is castaway Kirsty Young.

In just twelve episodes, his show The Office changed the face of British TV comedy. At its centre was the comic monster, David Brent, a middle-manager being filmed for a mock-documentary who saw the ever-present cameras as his route to popularity and fame. Ricky Gervais's performance was both excruciating and unmissable - one critic called the programme "among the most affecting and invigorating works of fiction since the turn of the century".

As he discusses with Kirsty Young, comedy was the language he grew up with - the youngest of four children, being able to come up with a gag or a smart rejoinder was the linguistic currency of his home. That, he says, is where the 'show-off performer' was born.

Now with seven BAFTAS, two Golden Globes and an Emmy to his name, Ricky is gratified that his work is recognised and says his aim has always been to bring art into comedy.

Favourite track: Lilywhite by Cat Stevens
Book: A coffee table book of art
Luxury: Vat of novocaine - a non-addictive pain-killer.

DISC ONE: Bob Dylan - If You See Her, Say Hello
DISC TWO: Yusuf Islam - Lilywhite
DISC THREE: Sex Pistols - Anarchy in the UK
DISC FOUR: Neil Young - After The Gold Rush
DISC FIVE: Radiohead - Bones
DISC SIX: David Bowie - Letter To Hermione
DISC SEVEN: Jimmy Webb - Galveston
DISC EIGHT: Willie Nelson - Always on My Mind

Producer: Leanne Buckle

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2007. Show less