Celia Imrie

Actress Celia Imrie is castaway by Kirsty Young.

Immediately recognisable as one of Britain's most versatile actresses, she's worked in TV, theatre and films over the past four decades.

While Celia's taken roles at the Royal Shakespeare Company and in big budget films, it's her instinct for TV comedy - working alongside Victoria Wood and Julie Walters - that has made her a household name.

Audiences loved the spoof TV soap opera Acorn Antiques, and she won an Olivier Award for her role in the stage production.

In the early days, though, she remembers the camera crews were unsure what was going on.

'I do remember the cameramen watching what had been a very slick show up until Acorn Antiques and then just thinking, 'Why is this bit so bad? Why is the scenery swaying in the background?''

DISC ONE: Bette Midler - Is that all there is?
DISC TWO: Jonathan & Darlene Edwards - Tiptoe through the Tulips
DISC THREE: Jimmy Shand - Mrs Cholmondeley's Reel
DISC FOUR: Wynonna Judd - I'm So Lonesome I could Cry
DISC FIVE: Fritz Kreisler with the Victor Symphony Orchestra - Schön Rosmarin
DISC SIX: Barbara Windsor - It's Nicer in Nice
DISC SEVEN: Maria Callas & Tito Gobbi with the Paris Conservatoire Orchestra conducted by Georges Pretre – Puccini’s Tosca Act 2 (finale)
DISC EIGHT: The Royal Artillery Orchestra conducted by Major Frank Renton, RA - March of the Toys

CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Jonathan & Darlene Edwards - Tiptoe through the Tulips
BOOK CHOICE: Brewer’s Dictionary of Phrase and Fable
LUXURY CHOICE: A cut glass crystal chandelier with candles

Producer: Leanne Buckle

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2011.