PODCAST

Last Word

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4"s weekly obituary programme, telling the life stories of those who have died recently

society & culture personal journals

All Episodes

27:53

Jane Gardam, Sir Roger Birch, Mike Peters, Francoise...

Last Word ·

2025/05/09

Kirsty Lang onThe author Jane Gardam, whose works included The Queen of the Tambourine and Old Filth.Sir Roger Birch, the former Chief Constable of Sussex Police who oversaw the investigation following the IRAs' Brighton bomb attack in 1984. Mike Peters, the lead singer of the band The Alarm, whose own battle with cancer saw him become a campaigner and fundraiser for cancer treatment. Professor Francoise Hampson, a lawyer who specialised in human rights in conflict zones. Producer: Ed

27:44

Virginia Giuffre, Rosy Bremer, LJ Smith, Wizz Jones

Last Word ·

2025/05/02

Matthew Bannister on Virginia Giuffre, who waived her anonymity to accuse the billionaire Jeffrey Epstein and his friend Ghislaine Maxwell of sex abuse and trafficking. Rosy Bremer, a leading campaigner against nuclear weapons at the women’s protest at Greenham Common airbase. LJ Smith, author of the best-selling “Vampire Diaries” series of novelsAnd the influential folk and blues guitarist Wizz Jones. His friend Ralph McTell pays tribute.If you have been affected by the issues reflected in tthis

27:49

Pope Francis, Paddy Higson, David Sassoon

Last Word ·

2025/04/25

Matthew Bannister onPope Francis, the first Latin American Pope who was noted for his humility and modest lifestyle.Paddy Higson, the TV and film producer once described as “the mother of the Scottish film industry”. Jed Mercurio and Clare Grogan pay tribute.And David Sassoon, the fashion designer who dressed royalty and film stars. Dame Zandra Rhodes tells us about his life.Interviewee: David WilleyInterviewee: Rogelio Pfirter Interviewee: Frances Higson Interviewee: Clare Grogan Interviewee:

27:52

Anne Scargill, Ronnie Appleton, Cecil Wright, Mario...

Last Word ·

2025/04/18

Matthew Bannister onAnne Scargill, who founded the Women Against Pit Closures group when her husband Arthur was leading the Miners Strike of the 1980s. The actor Maxine Peake pays tribute. Ronnie Appleton who was Chief Crown Prosecutor for Northern Ireland during the height of the troubles.Cecil Wright, the Jamaican born cricketer who made his mark playing alongside some of his countrymen in the Lancashire league.Mario Vargas Llosa, the Nobel prize winning novelist who was a candidate for the

27:57

Lord Kalms, Melissa Llewelyn-Davies, Rex Cowan, Wilma...

Last Word ·

2025/04/11

Matthew Bannister onLord Kalms, who turned his family’s camera shop into the multi-million-pound Dixons electronics chain. Melissa Llewelyn-Davies, the anthropologist who made an acclaimed TV series about Kenya’s Masai tribe before turning her camera on the UK.Rex Cowan, the lawyer who changed career to become one of the world’s most successful shipwreck hunters.Wilma Finlay, who worked with her husband David to introduce what they saw as more ethical animal husbandry on their farm in the Scottish

27:51

Val Kilmer, Jane Reed, Sir Torquil Norman, Dr Marika...

Last Word ·

2025/04/04

Matthew Bannister onThe Hollywood actor Val Kilmer, best known for his roles in Top Gun, Batman Forever and The Doors. Jane Reed, the media executive who made Woman’s Own magazine a powerful voice for its readers at a time of changing roles for women in society. Sir Torquil Norman, who used the proceeds from the sale of his successful toy business to restore the fortunes of the Roundhouse Arts Centre in London. Dr Marika Sherwood, the Hungarian-born academic who wrote groundbreaking books

27:53

Oleg Gordievsky, Renee Goddard, Professor Richard...

Last Word ·

2025/03/28

Matthew Bannister on Oleg Gordievsky, the KGB agent who defected to Britain and became a valued source of secret intelligence during the 1970s and 80s.Renee Goddard, the actress and TV commissioner who fled Nazi persecution only to be interned in Britain.Professor Richard Fortey, the palaeontologist who used his expertise in trilobites to tell stories about the origins of life on earth. Bill Bryson pays tribute.Sofia Gubaidulina, the composer whose large scale religious works attracted criticism

27:52

Group Captain John Allman ‘Paddy’ Hemingway DFC, Dame...

Last Word ·

2025/03/21

Matthew Bannister on: Group Captain John Allman ‘Paddy’ Hemingway DFC , the last surviving pilot who fought in the Battle of Britain during the second world war.Dame Julie Kenny, the successful businesswoman from Rotherham who led the regeneration of one of Britain’s largest stately homes.Tuppy Owens, who campaigned for greater openness about sex – and set up charities to help disabled people enjoy fulfilling relationships.Dick McTaggart, the only Scottish boxer to win an Olympic gold medal

27:51

Athol Fugard, Janet Pharaoh, Alison Halford, Johnny...

Last Word ·

2025/03/14

Kirsty Lang on: Athol Fugard, the playwright whose art became synonymous with exposing the inequities of the Apartheid regime in South Africa. Janet Pharaoh, the dancer from Yorkshire who became the artistic director at the Moulin Rouge in Paris. Alison Halford who rose through the ranks to become the first female Assistant Chief Constable. Johnny Green, the former roadie and tour manager for The Clash. His friend, the poet John Cooper Clarke pays tribute. Producer: Gareth Nelson-DaviesArchive

27:51

Bill Dare, Clint Hill, Valérie André, Gene Hackman

Last Word ·

2025/03/07

Matthew Bannister on Bill Dare, the writer and producer behind some of Radio 4’s best loved comedies, including “The Now Show” and “Dead Ringers”. Jan Ravens pays tribute.Clint Hill, the American Secret Service agent who threw himself across President John F. Kennedy’s body after he was shot in Dallas.Valérie André, the first woman General in the French military who was also a field surgeon and an accomplished helicopter rescue pilot.And Gene Hackman, the Oscar winning actor best known for his roles

27:50

Roberta Flack, Dr D G Hessayon, Keith Dewhurst, Rose...

Last Word ·

2025/02/28

John Wilson on:Musician Roberta Flack, best known for The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face and Killing Me Softly. Dr David Hessayon, the author of a series of gardening books known as The Expert guides. His one word advice to keen gardeners was 'mulch'. Keith Dewhurst whose work for television and stage included the National’s unconventional adaptation of Lark Rise to Candleford. And Rose Hanks the motorcycle sidecar passenger who became the first woman to stand on the winner’s podium at the Isle of

27:44

Rick Buckler, Margaret Miles-Bramwell, Harry Stewart...

Last Word ·

2025/02/21

John Wilson onRick Buckley, the drummer in The Jam, one of the most popular and influential British bands of the 70s and 80s. Margaret Miles-Bramwell who founded Slimming World in response to what she saw as humiliation tactics by weight loss groups. World War Two fighter pilot Harry Stewart Jr, part of the all-African American Tuskegee Airmen who despite huge successes in aerial combat, faced discrimination and segregation on the ground. Maureen Halton, the biology lecturer who

27:50

Nigel McCrery, Andrée Dumon, Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas,...

Last Word ·

2025/02/14

Matthew Bannister onNigel McCrery, the former police officer who created the popular TV series “Silent Witness” and “New Tricks”.Andrée Dumon, who rescued many allied service men during the Second World War by escorting them along “The Comet Line” from Brussels to Paris.Lord Elis-Thomas, the former leader of Plaid Cymru and the first Presiding Officer of the National Assembly. Diana Melly, the author known for her unconventional marriage to the jazz singer and art expert George Melly.Interviewee:

27:53

Tony Martin, Pete Wilkinson, Loretta Ford, Marianne...

Last Word ·

2025/02/07

Matthew Bannister onTony Martin, the Norfolk farmer who shot dead a burglar and started a national debate about the rights of householders to defend themselves.Pete Wilkinson, the co-founder of Greenpeace UK, known for his high-profile direct-action campaigns. Loretta Ford, who pioneered the role of nurse practitioner in American health care.Marianne Faithfull, the singer and actress who came to fame in the 1960s and overcame drug addiction and ill health to continue performing.Producer: Ed

27:41

Rev Don Cupitt, Phyllis Dalton, Cecile Richards,...

Last Word ·

2025/01/31

Matthew Bannister on The Reverend Don Cupitt, the controversial theologian whose TV series “The Sea of Faith” asked in what form - if any - is Christian faith possible for us today?Phyllis Dalton, the Oscar winning costume designer who worked on classic films, including “Lawrence of Arabia”, “Doctor Zhivago” and “Oliver!”.Cecile Richards, the American activist who campaigned for women’s right to have abortions.Michael Longley, the Northern Irish poet whose subjects included love, war and the natural

27:51

Dame Joan Plowright, Sir Jim Walker, Barbara Clegg,...

Last Word ·

2025/01/24

Matthew Bannister on Dame Joan Plowright, one of the most acclaimed actresses of her generation who was married to Laurence Olivier. Dame Judi Dench pays tribute.Sir Jim Walker, who built up his family business from a small bakery in the North of Scotland to become a global food exporter. Barbara Clegg, the first woman to write a story for Dr Who.Denis Law – the Scottish born footballer who was part of Manchester United’s “Holy Trinity” alongside Bobby Charlton and George Best. Producer: Ed

27:45

Tony Slattery, Rosalind Savill, Paddy Hill, Noreen Riols

Last Word ·

2025/01/17

Matthew Bannister onThe comedian and actor Tony Slattery. Sir Stephen Fry reflects on his friend’s talent – and struggle with addiction and poor mental health. Dame Rosalind Savill, the respected director who brought new audiences to the Wallace Collection in London.Paddy Hill, one of six men wrongly convicted of carrying out pub bombings in Birmingham in 1974. Noreen Riols, who helped to train S.O.E. agents for undercover work during the Second World WarProducer: Ed PrendevilleArchive:Birmingham

24:09

Special Edition: Tony Slattery

Last Word ·

2025/01/17

Tony Slattery was known for his quick-witted improvisations on the popular Channel 4 show Whose Line Is It Anyway?, from 1988 onwards. He also played comedic and serious roles in films such as crime thriller The Crying Game, Peter's Friends and the dark comedy How to Get Ahead in Advertising.Tony died on 14th January 2025.For Last Word, Matthew Bannister talks to Sir Stephen Fry about his friend. Stephen and Tony met at Cambridge University and would go on to perform in the Footlights group

27:44

Jean-Marie Le Pen, Catherine Brown, Baroness...

Last Word ·

2025/01/10

Matthew Bannister on Jean-Marie Le Pen, who built up the French right wing National Front Party before being ejected from it by his daughter.Catherine Brown, the food writer who championed traditional Scottish cuisine.Baroness Oppenheim-Barnes, the parliamentarian who fought for consumer rights.And the radio DJ Johnnie Walker, known for his passion for music and his rebellious attitude. Bob Harris pays tribute.Producer: Ed PrendevilleArchive:Birmingham Six Case Reopens, BBC News, 1990; Release of

27:46

Jimmy Carter, Caroline Miller, Manmohan Singh, Jean...

Last Word ·

2025/01/03

Kirsty Lang onFormer US President Jimmy Carter whose time in office between 1976 and 1980 was beset by economic and diplomatic crises. Caroline Miller OBE, the former Chief Executive of Birmingham Royal Ballet who commissioned bold and experimental productions to great acclaim. Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh – considered to be the architect of the country’s economic liberalisation. Children’s author and illustrator Jean Adamson, whose Topsy and Tim books sold over 25 million copies

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