BBC Radio 4 LW

Desert Island Discs

Castaway guests share the soundtrack of their lives.

Eight tracks, a book and a luxury: what would you take to a desert island? Guests share the soundtrack of their lives.

Desert Island Discs: Sir Anthony Dowell

08/03/1998

Sir Anthony Dowell

BBC Radio 4 - Desert Island Discs, Sir Anthony Dowell

Sue Lawley's castaway is Artistic Director of the Royal Ballet Sir Anthony Dowell

Sue Lawley's castaway is Artistic Director of the Royal Ballet Sir Anthony Dowell.

Sue Lawley's castaway this week is the Artistic Director of the Royal Ballet, Sir Anthony Dowell. His future was determined as a child when he stood before Dame Ninette de Valois with his trousers rolled to the knee. It took only a short glance at his legs for her to accept him into the Royal Ballet School. As he grew and developed as a dancer, his talent was spotted and soon the great choreographers Kenneth Macmillan and Frederick Ashton began creating roles for him. 

His outstanding technique and dramatic sense inspired generations of dancers. But now, as Director of the Royal Ballet, he fights to keep dance at the top of the arts agenda in the face of much criticism and controversy. 

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs] 

Favourite track: Eight English Dances by London Philharmonic Orchestra
Book: Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
Luxury: Sketch pad and paints

BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Letter from America by Alistair Cooke

Alistair Cooke’s weekly talks on American life, history and politics from 1946 – 2004.

Alistair Cooke’s weekly talks on American life, history and politics, as broadcast on BBC Radio 4 from 1946 – 2004.

Alistair Cooke’s weekly talks on American life, history and politics. Over 900 programmes, as broadcast from 1946 – 2004.

Letter from America by Alistair Cooke: US power and responsibility abroad

US power and responsibility abroad

BBC Radio 4 - Letter from America by Alistair Cooke, US power and responsibility abroad

Examining America's responsibilities for protecting life and 'liberty' around the world.

Kosovo, Iraq, Haiti and Nicaragua: US rhetoric and responsibility for life and liberty abroad is compared to past problems of power and responsibility for the British Empire.

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US power and responsibility abroad

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