
Limelight
The Limelight podcast - for fiction and drama serials you won't want to miss from Radio 4.
Latest episodes

Jun 27, 2025 • 30min
Central Intelligence: Series 2: Episode 2
The story of the CIA, told from the inside out by long-serving CIA agent Eloise Page. Starring Kim Cattrall, Ed Harris, Johnny Flynn, Stephen Kunken and Kelly Marie Tran.In Episode 2.2, CIA’s maverick agent, Colonel Ed Lansdale attempts to bring South Vietnam behind one leader – the anti-communist, US-friendly, Ngô Đình Diệm. But Diệm is eccentric, uncompromising and lacks charisma: turning him into a popular hero is a challenge. Cast:
Eloise Page..........Kim Cattrall
Allen Dulles..........Ed Harris
Virginia Spence ..........Kelly Marie Tran
Richard Helms..........Johnny Flynn
Colonel Ed Lansdale..........Stephen Kunken
Frank Wisner..........Geoffrey Arend
Young Eloise Page..........Elena Delia
Ngô Đình Diệm..........Jon Jon Briones
"Lightening" Joe Collins..........Rob Benedict
General Mike O’Daniel..........Ian Porter
Pat Kelly & Madam Nhu..........Lourdes Faberes
Ngô Đình Nhu..........Yung
President Eisenhower..........Kerry Shale
John Foster Dulles..........Nathan Osgood
General Mike O’Daniel..........Ian PorterAll other parts played by the castOriginal music by Sacha PuttnamWritten by Greg Haddrick, who created the series with Jeremy Fox
Sound Designers & Editors: John Scott Dryden, Adam Woodhams, Martha Littlehailes & Andreina Gomez Casanova
Script Consultant: Misha Kawnel
Script Supervisor: Alex Lynch
Trails: Jack Soper
Sonica Studio Sound Engineers: Paul Clark & Paul Clark
Sonica Runner: Flynn Hallman
Marc Graue Sound Engineers, LA: Juan Martin del Campo & Tony DiazDirector: John Scott Dryden
Producer & Casting Director: Emma Hearn
Executive Producers: Howard Stringer, Jeremy Fox, Greg Haddrick and John Scott DrydenA Goldhawk production for BBC Radio 4

Jun 20, 2025 • 33min
Central Intelligence: Series 2: Episode 1
The Cold War intensifies with US involvement in South Vietnam. It’s 1954. Colonel Ed Lansdale, former advertising executive and the CIA’s maverick agent in South-East Asia, a pioneer in clandestine operations and psychological warfare, is given the task of creating dissension in the North to stop the advance of the communists. Return of the award-winning series about America’s Central Intelligence Agency - told from the inside out by long-serving CIA agent Eloise Page. Starring Kim Cattrall, Ed Harris, Johnny Flynn, Stephen Kunken and Kelly Marie Tran.In Episode 2.1 Jungles vampires, the CIA’s lone-wolf super-hero, psychological warfare…Cast:
Eloise Page..........Kim Cattrall
Allen Dulles..........Ed Harris
Virginia Spence ..........Kelly Marie Tran
Richard Helms..........Johnny Flynn
Colonel Ed Lansdale..........Stephen Kunken
Frank Wisner..........Geoffrey Arend
Young Eloise Page..........Elena Delia
Prime Minister Diem..........Jon Jon Briones
General Mike O’Daniel..........Ian Porter
"Lightening" Joe Collins..........Rob Benedict
Pat Kelly & Madam Nhu..........Lourdes Faberes
Ngô Đình Nhu..........Yung
General Hinh..........Thaiger Nguyen
Lou Conein.......... Philip Desmeules
Steve Arundel......... Greg LockettAll other parts played by the castOriginal music by Sacha PuttnamWritten by Greg Haddrick, who created the series with Jeremy Fox
Sound Designers & Editors: John Scott Dryden, Adam Woodhams, Martha Littlehailes & Andreina Gomez Casanova
Script Consultant: Misha Kawnel
Script Supervisor: Alex Lynch
Trails: Jack Soper
Sonica Studio Sound Engineers: Paul Clark & Paul Clark
Sonica Runner: Flynn Hallman
Marc Graue Sound Engineers, LA: Juan Martin del Campo & Tony DiazDirector: John Scott Dryden
Producer & Casting Director: Emma Hearn
Executive Producers: Howard Stringer, Jeremy Fox, Greg Haddrick and John Scott DrydenA Goldhawk production for BBC Radio 4

Jun 13, 2025 • 2min
Central Intelligence: Series 2: Trailer
Return of the award-winning series about America’s Central Intelligence Agency… told from the inside out by long-serving CIA agent Eloise Page (Kim Cattrall).In Series 2, the Cold War intensifies with: US involvement in South Vietnam; an attempted coup in Indonesia; the Hungarian uprising; the Suez crisis; the U2 spy plane; meddling in Africa; and a failed US-backed invasion of Cuba, which seals the fate of CIA’s legendary head Allen Dulles (Ed Harris). A new kind of President, John F Kennedy, offers hope of a different kind of world… until his assassination in Dallas in 1963. Starring Kim Cattrall, Ed Harris, Johnny Flynn and Kelly Marie Tran.

Jun 13, 2025 • 28min
Pretender Prince: Episode 5: The King over the Water
After defeat at the battle of Culloden in 1746, the Highland army is decimated. His dream of a restored Stuart monarchy now shattered, Prince Charles goes on the run in the Highlands and islands. At a secret hideaway on Skye, he meets the young Flora MacDonald who will risk her life to help her would-be king. But can they evade the pursuing Redcoat army? Her solution – to disguise the prince as her female servant.Jack Lowden presents the tragic story of the rise and fall of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the 1745 Jacobite rebellion. Written by Colin MacDonald with original music by Duncan Chisholm.Narrator……………………………………………..…..Jack LowdenBonnie Prince Charlie ……………….…………..Lorn Macdonald
Flora MacDonald…..……………………………....Hannah Donaldson
Colonel John O’Sullivan ……………………….Gavin Mitchell
Harris…………….………………….………………......Sam James Smith
Hucking………………………………………………...Douglas YannaghasWritten by............................................................Colin MacDonaldMusic arranged by...........................................Duncan Chisholm
Music performed by Duncan Chisholm, Ingrid Henderson,
Martin O’Neill and Ross Ainslie.
With contributions by historians, Jacqueline Riding, Alistair Moffat
and Maggie CraigEdited by..............................................................Kris MacConachie
Studio Managers..............................................Sean Mullervy and Kris MacConnachie
Executive Producer..........................................Gordon Kennedy
Broadcast Assistant.........................................Clare HipkissProducer/Director............................................Bruce YoungRecorded at BBC Scotland Drama Studios, Pacific Quay, Glasgow
An Absolutely production for BBC Radio 4

Jun 6, 2025 • 29min
Pretender Prince: Episode 4: Heavy Is the Head That Wears the Crown
In 1745 as Charles and his Highland army march through England in their bid to take over the British throne, there’s panic on the streets of London - with English newspapers full of stories of raping, murdering Highland savages heading towards the city. But then, unexpectedly, the invading Highland army retreats back to Scotland. It’s a fateful decision that leads to Culloden - the last major battle on British mainland soil. Jack Lowden presents the dramatic story of the rise and fall of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the 1745 Jacobite rebellion. Written by Colin MacDonald with original music by Duncan Chisholm. Narrator…………………………………Jack LowdenBonnie Prince Charlie ……………Lorn Macdonald
Colonel John O’Sullivan …………Gavin Mitchell
Lord George Murray………………Robert Jack
Clan Chief MacDonald…………...Iain Macrae
Dudley Bradstreet…………………..Kenny Blyth
Donald Cameron…………………....Sam James Smith
Allan Cameron………………………..Douglas Yannaghas
Catherine Cameron…………………Helen MackayWritten by..........................................Colin MacDonaldMusic arranged by..........................Duncan Chisholm
Music performed by Duncan Chisholm, Ingrid Henderson,
Martin O’Neill and Ross Ainslie.
With contributions by historians, Jacqueline Riding, Alistair Moffat
and Maggie CraigEdited by.................................................Kris MacConachie
Studio Managers..................................Sean Mullervy and Kris MacConnachie
Executive Producer..............................Gordon Kennedy
Broadcast Assistant..............................Clare HipkissProducer/Director.......................................Bruce YoungRecorded at BBC Scotland Drama Studios, Pacific Quay, Glasgow
An Absolutely production for BBC Radio 4

May 30, 2025 • 28min
Pretender Prince: Episode 3: Shiny Our Silver
In 1745 Charles and his army of Highlanders cross into England and conquer Carlisle, Manchester, and Derby with surprising speed. But can they march on London and reclaim the British throne for the Stuart dynasty? Jack Lowden presents the dramatic story of the rise and fall of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the 1745 Jacobite rebellion.
Written by Colin MacDonald with original music by Duncan Chisholm.Narrator……………………………………………..…....Jack LowdenBonnie Prince Charlie ……………….…………....Lorn Macdonald
Colonel John O’Sullivan ………………………...Gavin Mitchell
Lord George Murray……………………………….Robert Jack
Allan Ramsay………………………….……………....Kenny Blyth
Donald Cameron………………….………………..Sam James Smith
Allan Cameron……………………………………….Douglas Yannaghas
Catherine Cameron………………………..………Helen MackayWritten by.............................................................Colin MacDonaldMusic arranged by.............................................Duncan Chisholm
Music performed by Duncan Chisholm, Ingrid Henderson,
Martin O’Neill and Ross Ainslie.
With contributions by historians, Jacqueline Riding, Alistair Moffat
and Maggie CraigEdited by..............................................................Kris MacConachie
Studio Managers..............................................Sean Mullervy and Kris MacConnachie
Executive Producer..........................................Gordon Kennedy
Broadcast Assistant.........................................Clare HipkissProducer/Director............................................Bruce YoungRecorded at BBC Scotland Drama Studios, Pacific Quay, Glasgow
An Absolutely production for BBC Radio 4

May 23, 2025 • 28min
Pretender Prince: Episode 2: The Devil’s in His Head
Can Charles and his rag-tag Highland army seize control of Scotland’s capital city?In 1745 British Government troops are massing near Edinburgh at Prestonpans - and thousands of Highland clansmen must prepare for the fight of their lives in their daring bid to restore Prince Charles to the British throne.Jack Lowden presents the dramatic story of the rise and fall of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the 1745 Jacobite rebellion.
Written by Colin MacDonald with original music by Duncan Chisholm. Narrator……………………………………………..…....Jack LowdenBonnie Prince Charlie ……………….…………....Lorn Macdonald
Colonel John O’Sullivan ………………………...Gavin Mitchell
Lord George Murray……………………………….Robert Jack
Allan Ramsay………………………….……………....Kenny Blyth
Donald Cameron………………….………………..Sam James Smith
Allan Cameron……………………………………….Douglas Yannaghas
Catherine Cameron………………………..………Helen MackayWritten by.............................................................Colin MacDonaldMusic arranged by.............................................Duncan Chisholm
Music performed by Duncan Chisholm, Ingrid Henderson,
Martin O’Neill and Ross Ainslie.
With contributions by historians, Jacqueline Riding, Alistair Moffat
and Maggie CraigEdited by..............................................................Kris MacConachie
Studio Managers..............................................Sean Mullervy and Kris MacConnachie
Executive Producer..........................................Gordon Kennedy
Broadcast Assistant.........................................Clare HipkissProducer/Director............................................Bruce YoungRecorded at BBC Scotland Drama Studios, Pacific Quay, Glasgow
An Absolutely production for BBC Radio 4

May 16, 2025 • 28min
Pretender Prince: Episode 1: The King of Birds
Jack Lowden presents a drama-documentary series on the rise and fall of Bonnie Prince Charlie. In 1745 Charles arrives in Scotland – with an army of just seven men. He must find a way to persuade thousands of Highland clansmen to risk their lives to join him in his bid to restore the Catholic Stuarts as the ruling monarchy of Great Britain. Written by Colin MacDonald with original music by Duncan Chisholm. Narrator ..... Jack LowdenBonnie Prince Charlie ..... Lorn Macdonald
Flora MacDonald ..... Hannah Donaldson
Colonel John O’Sullivan ..... Gavin Mitchell
Clan Chief MacDonald ..... Iain Macrae
Donald Cameron ..... Sam James Smith
Allan Cameron ..... Douglas YannaghasWritten by Colin MacDonaldMusic arranged by Duncan Chisholm
Music performed by Duncan Chisholm, Ingrid Henderson,
Martin O’Neill and Ross Ainslie.
With contributions by historians, Jacqueline Riding, Alistair Moffat
and Maggie CraigEdited by Kris MacConachie
Studio Managers Sean Mullervy and Kris MacConnachie
Executive Producer Gordon Kennedy
Broadcast Assistant Clare HipkissProducer/Director Bruce YoungRecorded at BBC Scotland Drama Studios, Pacific Quay, Glasgow
An Absolutely production for BBC Radio 4

May 12, 2025 • 3min
Pretender Prince: Trailer
Jack Lowden presents a compelling drama-documentary series on the rise and fall of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the 1745 Jacobite rebellion. Written by Colin MacDonald with original music by Duncan Chisholm.

May 9, 2025 • 28min
Discretion: Episode 5
When Reid and Maria visit Kokorov at the palace it's clear he and the Ambassador have a special relationship. Could Maria and Natsev be on course for a similar alliance but along different lines? New alliances formed and previous suspicions now confirmed, it's time for Maria to make a decision about her next steps.Maria...Sinead Keenan
Reid...Kevin McNally
President Kokorov..John Albasiny
Maria's Father...Piotr Baumann
Gilroy...Sean Rigby
Natsev...Avital LvovaAll other roles by Eddie Toll, Anna Krippa, Ani Russo and Hana Zidek Written by Chris Brandon
Produced by Claire Broughton
Direction, Sound Design and additional production by John Wakefield
The Executive Producer is Jed Mercurio.With thanks to Theresa Bubbear and Leigh Turner for their testimony and Tanya Nedashkovskaya for her translations.A Hat Trick production for BBC Radio 4