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Alexei Sayle is a comedian and writer, who began his career just over 40 years ago at the small Comedy Store venue in London, which proved a launch-pad for a new generation of comic stars.

Alexei was born in Liverpool, where his parents were loyal members of the Communist Party: their politics informed almost every aspect of the family\\u2019s life, including holidays by train to eastern European countries that were then part of the Soviet bloc.

He won a place at Chelsea School of Art but didn\\u2019t thrive as a painter. He began performing with a theatre troupe and - after answering an advertisement - became the compere on the opening night of the Comedy Store. He soon found himself at the centre of a new wave of British comedy. With his tight suits and often abrasive stage presence, he enjoyed successful stand-up tours, appearances on numerous TV shows including The Young Ones, and even a novelty pop hit.

He attempted to launch a career in America, but was fired from a TV series on his 40th birthday. He stepped back from stand-up and devoted himself to writing novels and short stories. More recently, he has returned to live performance, and has also created a number of comedy series for Radio 4. \\n \\nHe lives in London with his wife Linda: they have been married for almost 50 years.

DISC ONE: Volver by Carlos Gardel \\nDISC TWO: Joe Hill by Joan Baez \\nDISC THREE: Aviator\\u2019s March by Yevgeny Kibkalo (baritone), conducted by Alexei Kovalev \\nDISC FOUR: Seer\\xe4uber Jenny (Pirate Jenny) by Lotte Lenya \\nDISC FIVE: Me and Bobby McGee by Janis Joplin \\nDISC SIX: Shipbuilding by Robert Wyatt \\nDISC SEVEN: It Was a Good Day by Ice Cube \\nDISC EIGHT: Bonkers by Dizzee Rascal\\n \\nBOOK CHOICE: The Sword of Honour Trilogy by Evelyn Waugh\\nLUXURY ITEM: A Chinese Broadsword \\nCASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Me and Bobby McGee by Janis Joplin

Presenter Lauren Laverne\\nProducer Sarah Taylor