About Joanna Lumley
Joanna Lumley was born in Kashmir and educated in Malaysia and Sussex. She has spent much of her life in books, reading them night and day, and sometimes even writing them. Reading is the prop and mainstay of her life, but she has wrenched herself away to act in theatre, films and television, criss-crossing the globe with television documentaries and lending her voice to as many deserving causes as she can. Dazzled by the wit and wisdom of others, she cuts out and keeps treasured pieces she wishes she had written herself. She is married to the conductor Stephen Barlow who reads all the time: theirs is a quiet household.
About John Gielgud
Sir John Gielgud spent a lifetime on the stage and in front of the camera; his first film was in 1924 when he starred as Daniel in Who Is The Man? Venerated for giving gravitas to a variety of Shakespearean roles, Gielgud made the role of respected old sage his own, and is considered by many to have been one of the greatest actors of the twentieth century. He died in May 2000.
About Pam Ayres
It's over 30 years since Pam first appeared on the TV talent show 'Opportunity Knocks', and since then her comic poems have contributed enormously to the wider appeal today of all forms of poetry. Many of Pam's poems feature in anthologies used in schools around the world. She's been a regular on TV and Radio over the years - on BBC Radio 2 with her own series, The Comedy Quiz, Pam Ayres' Sunday Afternoon and Pam Ayres' Open Road, and on Radio 4 in Just A Minute, That Reminds Me, The Right Time, Wireless Wise, and her own recent Radio 4 series Ayres On The Air. She was awarded the MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours of 2004.
About Richard Griffiths
Richard Griffiths is highly respected for his work in theatre, television and film. His film credits range from CHARIOTS OF FIRE, to GOLDENEYE; he has recently completed a very successful run of KATHERINE HOWARD in Chichester, and is renowned for his portrayal of Henry Crabb in BBC TV's PIE IN THE SKY.
About Richard Wilson
Richard Wilson has enjoyed international fame for his portrayal of Victor Nekdrew in the BBC's One Foot in the Grave. He is also well known for his theatre performances for such companies as rge Royal National Theatre. He is a highly respected director, most recently of Four Nights in Knaresborough, in London's West End.
About Simon Callow
Simon Callow is an actor, director and writer. He was born in London and made his London debut in 'The Plumber's Progress' in 1975. He has performed in numerous theatres, taking the lead roles at the RSC and the National Theatre, and his film appearances include 'Amadeus', 'A Room with a View', and 'Four Weddings and a Funeral'. He made his directorial debut with the film of Carson McCuller's 'Ballad of the Sad Café', and has directed several new plays in fringe theatres, and two operas. He has published two autobiographical books: 'Being an Actor', and 'Shooting the Actor'.
