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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

Available now

40 minutes

Last on

Fri 13 Mar 1998 09:05

Music Played

  • Jule Styne & Stephen Sondheim

    Overture to Gypsy

    • Gypsy (Film Soundtrack).
    • Warner Bros.
  • Frédéric Chopin/Lanchbery

    A Month in the Country

    Soloist: Phillip Gammon

    • A Month in the Country.
    • HMV.
  • Jack Strachey

    In a Party Mood 'Housewives Choice'

    Orchestra: London Concert Orchestra

    • Those Were The Days.
    • United Artists.
  • Castaway's Favourite

    • London Philharmonic Orchestra

      Eight English Dances

      • English, Scottish and Cornish Dances.
      • Lyrita.
  • Francis Poulenc

    Qui sedes ad dexteram Patris (from Gloria)

    Choir: Choir of Radio France Orchestra: French National Orchestra

    • Gloria. Stabat Mater.
    • EMI.
  • Barbra Streisand

    Children Will Listen (from Sondheim's Into the Woods)

    • Back to Broadway.
    • Columbia.
  • Nacio Herb Brown

    Singin' in the Rain

    Singer: Gene Kelly.
    • Singin’ in the Rain & Easter Parade.
    • MGM.
  • Benjamin Britten

    Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes - Moonlight

    Orchestra: Orchestra of the Royal Opera House

    • Peter Grimes.
    • Decca.
  • Book Choice

    • Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame

  • Luxury Choice

    • Sketch pad and paints

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Sue Lawley
Interviewed Guest Sir Anthony Dowell

Broadcasts

  • Sun 8 Mar 1998 12:15
  • Fri 13 Mar 1998 09:05

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