Saturday Live

Martin Fry is a singer/songwriter who came to prominence in the early 1980s as lead singer of the band ABC. Their debut album, the Lexicon of Love, was a UK number one. Thirty four years on, he has released a sequel to reflect how his perspective on life and love has changed; and he explains why he now chooses to perform with an orchestra. The conductor Paul MacAlindin recalls how a newspaper advert: 'Iraqi teen seeks Maestro' led to him becoming the musical director of the National Youth Orchestra of Iraq. Saturday Live listener Leslye Stansfield describes being reunited with her long lost bicycle and why its value is so sentimental. JP Devlin visits Matthew Sweet to take a look around his home and discover what it reveals about him. Jason Kingsley OBE, is a games developer and Royal Armouries Trustee, but in his spare time he is a practising knight. He discusses his passion for riding warhorses and jousting in a reproduction 15th century Milanese harness. And Billy Ocean shares his Inheritance Tracks - N

Dancer and choreographer Wayne Sleep talks about life as a dancer, his love of the stars and shares his unusual new hobby. Gary Fildes is a bricklayer turned astronomer, and founder of the Kielder Observatory in Northumberland. Listener Andrew Townsend talks about how his life changed after taking up running when he was 55. Reporter JP Devlin will be hearing all about how to train cats with Sarah Ellis, a Feline Behaviour Specialist. Writer and Producer Tony Garnett shares his Inheritance Tracks - he's chosen Tea for Two and Beautiful Boy by John Lennon.With the Rev Richard Coles and Suzy KleinProducer: Claire Bartleet Editor: Karen Dalziel.

Saturday Live's summer road trip begins in South Shields, at the Westovian Theatre, with Aasmah Mir and Richard Coles.As preparations for the maritime themed summer parade get underway, actor and presenter Denise Welch talks about why the North East will always be home, the return of TV series Boy Meets Girl and keeping her Geordie accent.Olympian Brendan Foster talks about his athletic career and his inspiration for founding the Great North Run.Leading the summer parade in South Shields is listener Ray Spencer, who is also the Executive Director of the Customs House arts centre. Ray will be revealing his maritime themed costume and sharing his love of pantomimes.JP Devlin reveals what happened when he followed up a listener email and went to the reunion of the Double Decker Club, who set off on a holiday across Europe in the summer of 1964, on a red double decker bus purchased from London Transport.Graham Young has been celebrating the British chippy for the Birmingham Mail since 2005. He talks about how he

The Saturday Live Summer Road Trip pulls into its final stop in Cromer, Norfolk where Reverend Richard Coles and Kate Silverton broadcast live from the Pavilion Theatre at the end of Cromer Pier. They are joined by Lesley Garrett, one of Britain's most popular sopranos, actor and writer Charlie Higson who found fame with the Fast Show, the double bass playing beatboxer Bellatrix and Steve Ignorant, lead singer of seminal punk band Crass, who became a Norfolk lifeboat man and part time Punch and Judy performer. Richard and Kate discover why the pier became a uniquely British institution from the man who has visited every single pier in the UK, Chris Foote Wood. Hollywood actor Ethan Hawke shares the music he treasures and the music he would like to pass on to future generations in his Inheritance Tracks. Plus Sir Michael Savory who has amassed Britain's largest private collection of tanks at Muckleburgh and Saturday Live reporter JP Devlin gives members of the audience a chance to say Thank You to the people t

This week the Saturday Live road trip continues to Morecambe in Lancashire, where the Catch The Wind Kite Festival is taking place this weekend, with beautiful views across Morecambe Bay and plenty of fresh sea air. The programme comes live from The Platform, where Aasmah Mir and the Reverend Richard Coles celebrate the great day out, nostalgia, kites and space. Morecambe-born designer Wayne Hemingway recalls his childhood in the resort, and tells us why Morecambe's seafront provides the perfect backdrop to his Vintage by the Sea Festival, attracting crowds of up to 40,000. With a spectacular display of kites across the bay, Dave Holt describes his life-long passion for making and flying soft kites, purely inflated by the wind. Cedric Robinson MBE has been on the notoriously dangerous sands all his life. As Queen's Guide for more than 50 years, he walks up to 500 people across at a time, walking the equivalent of twice round the world in the process!The writer and comedian, Helen Keen's first stand up show It

The next stop on the Saturday Live summer road trip is the beautiful seaside town of Tenby in Pembrokeshire. It's the Long Course Weekend and Aasmah Mir and Richard Coles will be celebrating extreme sports, adrenaline and music, live from Wales.Wrexham lad Tim Vincent first hit our screens as the youngest ever male Blue Peter presenter, which saw him flying a fighter jet, running the New York Marathon and carrying a large tree around with 3 other paras. He's spent the last 11 years as the roving reporter on NBC's flagship entertainment programme, Access Hollywood. American country singer Stella Parton will be with us to talk about her new album 'Mountain Songbird: A Sister's Tribute' - a collection of re-recorded songs previously made famous by her sister, Dolly Parton. A mix of orienteering, mountaineering and swimming with tombstoning thrown in, the extreme sport of coasteering is said to originate in Pembrokeshire. Local guide Ollie Davies talks about his passion for this exhilarating pastime. As a scienti

Richard Madeley is one of the most recognizable faces on British TV, part of a successful husband and wife presenting team that lasted over 20 years. He has written four books - one about his relationship with his father, the latest called 'The Night Book' which is published this month.Living statues. You see them now in Trafalgar Sq. and at the seaside, wherever tourists gather, standing dead still, or sometimes even appearing to hover, for hours for the amusement of the crowds. One (at least) is a regular listener to the programme, Eve Blakemore, and she's with us now, and she's dressed magnificently... Steve Rich loved football and played at amateur level until a car accident and a ruptured knee in his twenties ended all that. Twenty years later, he's back on the pitch, but at his own pace - playing walking football. Gina Yashere has been a stand up and TV star in the UK for several years now, with appearances on iconic TV shows such as Live at the Apollo & Mock the Week, as well as creating & perf

Rick Astley rolls into the studio to talk to Aasmah Mir and Rev Richard Coles about his comeback album, what it's like to be at the top of the charts the second time round and why he drives to as many different concerts as possible even if they are abroad. Police Sergeant Colin Taylor reveals the trials of policing one of Britain's most remote communities on the Scilly Isles.Professional clown Dan Lees discusses his experiences of performing for children in refugee camps as part of the Clown Without Borders ensemble and why he thinks clowns are the most misunderstood of theatrical performers. Lido lover and Saturday Live listener Sarah Thelwall on why she is planning to swim in every open air pool in the UK. Plus British Skeleton Bob competitor Amy Williams shares the music that inspired her Olympic gold medal success.Producer: Steven WilliamsEditor: Karen Dalziel.

Richard Coles and Aasmah Mir are joined byActor Freddie Fox starred in TV drama Cucumber, has played Romeo, and is currently performing the parts of both Demetrius and Bottom in a madcap production of A Midsummer Night's dream. Rescued from Kolkata riverside by Mother Theresa, Gautam Lewis went on to carve a career in the music industry working with bands like The Libertines. He joins us on Saturday Live to tell us his extraordinary story.Referee Mary Harmer is a football referee. She talks about her love of football, her path to becoming a referee and how volunteering helped her.A jelly version of Buckingham Palace has popped up on social media this week, and Tim Simpson is the man responsible for this and other strange concoctions such as a lifesize chocolate Benedict Cumberbatch and a tweed suit for a horse. He'll tell us how and why.JP meets record producer John Schroeder who worked with Status Quo, Cliff Richard and Helen Shapiro, and whose cat, Treasure, could predict a number one hit.We have the inheri

This week on Saturday Live - Aasmah Mir and Kate Silverton speak to wildlife presenter Michaela Strachan about her long and varied career, train enthusiast David Brewer, the man who has photographed every railway station in the UK, Rachel Mariner on swapping the courtroom to write for the stage and Mark Simpson, Young Musician of the Year in 2006 and is a nominee in the South Bank Sky Arts Awards for The Immortal, his new work for orchestra and chorus. Plus Juliet Stevenson shares her Inheritance TracksProducer: Maire Devine Editor: Karen Dalziel.

The comedy writer and performer, Barry Cryer, joins Aasmah Mir and Kate Silverton. James Young has always been a keen gamer. When, in 2012, he lost two limbs after he was hit by a train, James thought he'd never pick up a games controller again. He explains how he is now at the centre of one of the biggest projects in the gaming world - the creation of a high tech prosthetic arm. JP Devlin meets Carlo Ancelotti to talk about football - and cheese. John Ahern describes life on the road with his family, travelling from the North Pole to African Desert in a rickety campervan. And Pixie Lott shares her Inheritance Tracks - Love Come Down performed by Evelyn Champagne King, and Something Inside So Strong, by Labi Siffre.Bodyhack: Metal Gear Man BBC Three Documentary is available on BBC iplayer. Quiet Leadership by Carlo Ancelotti is published by Penguin. On The Road With Kids: One Family. 30 Countries. No Turning Back, by John Ahern, is out now.Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Karen Dalziel.

Former political correspondent, pasa doble specialist and now narrow boat enthusiast John Sergeant celebrates 50 years of broadcasting and reveal show he got his break into the industry Garden designer Juliet Sargeant tells us about her preparations for the pinnacle of the horticultural year - the Chelsea Flower Show. Saturday Live listener Freya Rodger reveals why she is attempting to do all 41 Olympic Sports before the closing ceremony in this year's GamesSwedish elite athlete Mikael Lindnord took part in endurance race across the Ecuador. After taking pity on a stray dog and feeding him some meatballs, the dog then followed Mikael hundreds of miles across mountains rivers and the jungle. Mikael named him Arthur and eventually took him back to live with his family in Sweden. Plus the singer, actor and now writer, John Barrowman shares his Inheritance Tracks And the school teacher and his pupils who were so inspired by Saturday Live guest Liesbeth Langford, that they made an award winning film of her life.

With Aasmah Mir and the Rev Richard ColesActor and writer David Mitchell talks about playing William Shakespeare in new series Upstart Crow, his comedy partnership with Robert Webb, and being unable to read people, despite getting a lot of practice as team Captain on Would I Lie to You.As the football season comes to an end, listener Angela Hallam talks about the craft of making football mascots, and her experiences of wearing the costume.Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour reflects on his career, which included signing for Fulham aged 9 and cleaning boots as an apprentice.Njambi McGrath is a comedian and antenatal teacher. She talks about finding her voice as a performer, growing up in Kenya and the difficult relationship with her father - which she talks about in her latest show.Amanda Holden shares her inheritance Track: Meat Loaf's Dead Ringer for Love and Dolly Parton's 9 to 5.Chester Town Crier David Mitchell talks about spending over two decades in the role, and explains why he's chosen an 18th centu

Richard Coles and Aasmah Mir are joined by Mark Haddon.Best known for writing multi prize winning novel The Curious Incident of the dog in the Nighttime, author and illustrator Mark Haddon will discuss his first book of short stories and getting writers block.Since 2009 a third of our public libraries have closed. Poet and model Greta Bellamacina joins us to talk about a film she's made in support of The Library.Listener Sanjeen Payne-Kumar contacted us about an extraordinary meeting he had with Mother Teresa. We thought we'd better get him on the programme to tell us more, and it turns out it's not the only interesting story he has...Sophie Scott is a neuroscientist who has a particular interest in laughter. No surprise, then that she also does Stand up comedy. She'll be in the studio with Aasmah and Richard.We'll hear the inheritance tracks Katherine Jenkins who chooses We are Family by Sister Sledge and Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana performed by The Philharmonia Orchestra.JP meets Peter Pullon, mode

With Aasmah Mir and the Rev Richard Coles Lenny Henry talks about his new album of Blues music and his hugely successful career in show business. Following the news that he will receive a special BAFTA award at this year's ceremony, Lenny discusses how his career has moved from TV comedian to Shakespearean actor and scriptwriter. Lenny is also one of the founders of the charity Comic Relief which has raised over a billion pounds since it started.Soprano Pumeza Matshikiza was brought up in the townships of South Africa and made the giant leap into a professional operatic career and a major label recording contract. Pumeza first heard opera on the radio aged 14 and despite being unable to read music she dedicated herself to studying the art form.Jack Cooke tells us why he gave up his office job for a life climbing trees. Jack has climbed over 80 trees for his new book and reveals the unusual things he's found up trees and some of the more surreal arboreal adventures he's had.Ceramics designer Emma Bridgewater s

With Aasmah Mir and the Rev Richard ColesJames Nesbitt talks about going back to his childhood home to play Colin Howell in real life drama The Secret, the return of Cold Feet and his Shakespearean roles.Edward Wilson-Lee has just published the book Shakespeare in Swahililand, he talks about growing up in Kenya and the bard's legacy in parts of Africa.Composer and musician William Lyons will be bringing Shakespearean music to life- bringing the shawm, bass dulcian, recorder and renaissance flute and bagpipes to play live in the studio.Listener Paul Kynaston is Assistant Head Teacher at Malvern Primary School in Liverpool. He invited JP Devlin to meet the schoolchildren in the drama club to hear what they think about Shakespeare.And offering a distinctive celebration of Shakespeare from Stratford-upon-Avon, JP Devlin will be hearing listener stories about their Shakespearean triumphs and tragedies, and talking to a Codpiece expert Victoria Bartels. She'll be explaining why this particular pouch was de rigueur

Aasmah Mir and the Rev. Richard Coles talk to the actress Michelle Collins about her love of markets and clothes, her singing and acting career from EastEnders to Coronation Street, and her latest role in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Wayne Hemingway shares his passion for classic cars, boot sales and his vast collection of vintage vinyl.The 'natural navigator' Tristan Gooley, explains how to read water - drawing on his own pioneering journeys to reveal the clues, signs and patterns in ponds, puddles, oceans and even in the bath. And Tom Gregory remembers swimming the Channel at the age of 11.JP Devlin meets Pat Stewart aka "The Girl in the Spotty Dress" to hear about the iconic 1950s photograph taken of her and friend Wendy Clarke on Blackpool Promendade, her association with Laurel and Hardy and the significance of song her husband left her.And the film director, Peter Greenaway, shares his Inheritance Tracks: An Elephant Never Forgets, performed by Henry Hall and the BBC Dance Band, and Concerto in A minor for

Richard Coles and Aasmah Mir are joined by DJ and writer Stuart Maconie.Stuart's new paperback 'The Pie at Night', is an exploration of "what the North does for fun" and a defence of northerners who make the effort to get dressed up for a glam night out. Stuart reveals the little-known corners of northern towns and countryside where old or quirky customs still live on.Saba Douglas-Hamilton met her first wild elephant at the age of six weeks. She's now a conservationist and raising her own children amidst wild elephants in Kenya. She's also a wildlife documentary maker and presenter of 'This Wild Life' and 'Big Cat Diaries'. She talks about waking up with a bull elephant looming over her and coping with a spitting cobra in the bathroom.Radzi Chinyanganya is the classic adrenalin-fulled 'Blue Peter' presenter and has competed in karate and skeleton bob. But perhaps his most dangerous stunt was running on custard. (Listen to find out why.) In a change from the usual content, Radzi has made a special programme ca

Richard Coles and Aasmah Mir are joined by Paul Young.His music was the sound of the 80's, with a multitude of chart topping hits, he won Best British Male at the Brit awards, toured Europe and America, and sang the opening lines of 'Do they know it's Christmas' for Band Aid in 1984. Paul Young talks about his passion for music, performing, 'Tex Mex' and Soul, the theme of the first solo album he's released for 20 years.Deta Hedman is ranked number one by the World Darts Federation. An unexpected achievement given that she was born in Jamaica and works full time for Royal Mail. She'll join us in the studio to talk about the competitive spirit that has seen her become a legend in darts.Growing up in Fleetwood, Lancashire, almost surrounded by water, Neil Howard Pritchard was fascinated with the sea. Then, a near-death experience on the lifeboat slip when he was eight years old triggered an interest in boat making, and he's been crafting intricate model boats ever since. He'll join us from Liverpool to talk abo

Presented by Aasmah Mir and Suzy Klein. Dexter Fletcher's big break came as a child actor when he was cast a BabyFace in Bugsby Malone. He talks about his acting career, move into directing and the technical challenges of making his latest film Eddie the Eagle. Shazia Mirza is an award winning stand-up comedian, a writer and columnist. Brought up in a strict Muslim household, she trained as a science teacher, while honing her stand-up act in secret. Toby Little and his mother Sabine talk about his mission to write a letter to every country in the world. JP Devlin meets Saturday Live listener Ann Ward, to hear how a letter about the great-great grandfather inspired her to volunteer for the lambing season in his home village. Tim Birkhead describes why a bird's egg is the most perfect thing. And businessman Theo Paphitis shares his Inheritance Tracks: Nobody Does it Better, sung by Carly Simon; and Over the Rainbow, performed by Eva Cassidy.Eddie the Eagle is out on 1 April. Shazia Mirza is on tour with her sho