Imelda Staunton

One of the UK's most versatile and popular actresses, Imelda Staunton is castaway by Sue Lawley.

Throughout her career she has consistently refused to be typecast, moving effortlessly from playing brassy Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls, to the oppressed Sonya in Uncle Vanya, to a grieving mother in Peter's Friends.

She starred in Mike Leigh's production Vera Drake - playing the eponymous heroine, a 1950s housewife who unbeknownst to her family carried out illegal abortions. She won huge acclaim for her performance, including an Oscar nomination and a BAFTA award for Best Actress.

Imelda Staunton was born in Archway, London, in 1956. Her mother Bridie was a hairdresser, and the family lived over her shop, whilst Imelda's father worked on the roads.

It was an elocution and drama teacher at her school, Jacqueline Stoker, who encouraged her talent, adapting plays for her and putting her in for school drama competitions. She also encouraged Imelda to apply for drama school.

At the time, Imelda had never heard of RADA - but she was offered a place there and studied alongside Alan Rickman, Juliet Stevenson and Timothy Spall.

DISC ONE: Lonnie Donegan - Frankie & Johnny
DISC TWO: Elvis Presley - All Shook Up
DISC THREE: London Symphony Orchestra & Chorus, conducted by Sir Adrian Boult – Handel’s For unto us a Child is born (from Messiah)
DISC FOUR: Édith Piaf - Hymne À L'Amour
DISC FIVE: Julie Covington & Ian Charleson - I'll Know
DISC SIX: Bette Midler - Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy
DISC SEVEN: Bridie Staunton/Maria Sonia - Reels and Jigs
DISC EIGHT: Alison Krauss - Down to the River to Pray

BOOK CHOICE: A book on astronomy
LUXURY CHOICE: Modelling clay and tools
CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Julie Covington & Ian Charleson - I'll Know

Producer: Leanne Buckle

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2005.