Desert Island Discs facts for kids
Desert Island Discs is a very old and famous radio show from the United Kingdom. It started way back on 29 January 1942! The show is broadcast on BBC Radio 4. It's all about people sharing their life stories and their favorite things.
Contents
What is Desert Island Discs?
Each week, a special guest is invited onto the show. They are called a "castaway." Imagine you were stranded on a desert island, all alone. What would you take with you?
Choosing Your Items
The castaway has to pick eight pieces of music they love. They also choose one book and one luxury item. A luxury item is something nice but not essential for survival. It could be anything from a comfy pillow to a fancy art set!
Why These Choices?
During the show, the castaway talks about their life. They explain why they chose each song, book, and luxury item. These choices often link to important moments or feelings in their life. It helps listeners understand the guest better.
History of the Show
The idea for Desert Island Discs came from a person named Roy Plomley. He created the show and was its first host. It has been on the radio for a very long time!
Who Has Hosted the Show?
After Roy Plomley, other famous people have hosted the show.
- Michael Parkinson took over in 1985.
- Then, Sue Lawley presented the show from 1988 to 2006.
- Since 2006, Kirsty Young has been the host.
- On her very first show, Kirsty Young interviewed a famous illustrator named Quentin Blake.
How Many Episodes?
More than 3,000 episodes of Desert Island Discs have been made! Sometimes, a castaway might appear on the show more than once. Also, a few times, two people have been the castaways together.
The Show's Music
The show has a special song that plays at the beginning and end of each episode. This is called its "signature tune." The signature tune for Desert Island Discs is a piece of light music called "By the Sleepy Lagoon." It was written by a composer named Eric Coates.
