Sue Lawley's guest this week is Sheila Hancock. She first became a household name in the 1960s in the BBC sitcom The Rag Trade. Since then she has starred in everything from Carry On films to Chekhov. One of our most versatile actresses, she's been a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company, sung in West End musicals and directed at the National. Twelve years ago she developed cancer, an experience which naturally made her re-assess her life. Today, she says, she's calmer, more secure and more able to cherish herself.

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Favourite track: String Quartet No.8 - Opening by Dmitri Shostakovich
Book: A title by Marcel Proust
Luxury: Grand piano (and music scores)