Season 2013 2013

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 that was recorded in 2007. The late Sir Patrick presented the BBC programme The Sky at Night for over 50 years, making him the longest-running host of the same television show ever. He presented the first edition of the programme on 24th April 1957 and last appeared in an episode broadcast in late 2012.

Mark Lawson talks to Mark Knopfler, one of the most prolific songwriters of his generation about his early life and influences, the years with Dire Straits and his quiet contempt for modern TV talent shows.

Mark Knopfler has been writing and performing for over 40 years, first with his band Dire Straits, and since their split in the mid nineties, as a solo performer. He has collaborated with numerous stars from Tina Turner to James Taylor and Bob Dylan and is about to start another sell out tour in 2013.

Mark Lawson talks to prolific writing duo Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais about their careers, spanning the breakthrough comedy The Likely Lads and Porridge to their latest foray into drama, Spies of Warsaw. They also speak about their reputation for rescuing foundering Hollywood scripts and the day-to-day joys of their working 'marriage'.

Clement and La Frenais began writing together in a London pub in the 1960s. With their trademark combination of dramatic plot lines and sharp naturalistic dialogue, they have created classic British comedy, from The Likely Lads to Porridge and Auf Wiedersehen, Pet.