Engelstalige politieke thrillers

1. Matthew Solon

The Jury

Twelve jurors. One verdict. Can the jury decide? When high-profile company director Virginia Hart fights a libel case against journalist Pat Carver, twelve ordinary people find themselves navigating the complex and unfamiliar world of the civil court. A woman’s reputation is on the line, and they alone must decide whether the allegations made against her in the satirical magazine Shady Tales count as freedom of speech, or scurrilous defamation. But it soon becomes clear to the jury members that the trial will have an impact on their own lives. From big-shot banker Tyrone to shy, illiterate Shane; chatty, overly helpful Carol; feisty fashion model Samantha and aspiring businesswoman Folosade, they are each dealing with their own issues – and they all bring their own flaws, fears, values and prejudices to the case. The prosecution has barely made its opening statements before two of the jurors are at loggerheads, and tensions quickly begin to rise within the group. The lies, scandal and intrigue unfolding in the courtroom are mirrored in the jury room, and as the trial moves towards its climax, can the jurors work together to ensure justice prevails? Written by acclaimed actor and dramatist Matthew Solon, whose radio credits include Takeover, The Bid and Five Days in May, this thrilling drama features a star cast including Bill Nighy, Maggie Steed, Patrick Robinson, Gary Olsen, Tracy-Ann Oberman and Bhasker Patel. Production credits Written by Matthew Solon Directed by Andy Jordan and Jocelyn Boxall Cast Virginia Hart – Suzanne Bertish Tyrone Spencer – Patrick Robinson Gilly Baxter – Maggie Steed Megan Evans – Rachel Atkins Pat Carver – Bill Nighy Michael Whitely – Gary Olsen Dermot O'Connor – Denys Hawthorne With Joseph Bennett, Philip Bretherton, Colin Bruce, Harry Ditson, Abi Eniola, Robert Hands, Jenny Howe, Kelly Hunter, Frances Jeater, Jonathan Keeble, Don McCorkindale, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Bhasker Patel, Dominic Power, Christopher Scott, Irene Sutcliffe, Badi Uzzaman, Geoffrey Whitehead First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 14 September-16 October 1998 © 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

1. Caro Savage

Hunted

Caro Savage knows all about bestselling thrillers having worked as a Waterstones bookseller for 12 years in a previous life.

1. David Edgar

David Edgar: A BBC Radio Drama Collection

Andy Serkis is best known for revolutionising performance-capture acting with his portrayal of Gollum in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, a role that brought him international recognition. He went on to play King Kong in Peter Jackson’s King Kong, Caesar in the Planet of the Apes films, and Supreme Leader Snoke in Star Wars, among others. Additional credits include acclaimed performances in The Prestige, Black Panther and The Batman, as well as award-winning television programs such as Andor and Longford. Andy has also established himself as a director with films including Breathe, Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle, and Venom: Let There Be Carnage. His contributions to cinema have been recognised with a BAFTA Award for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema, multiple Empire Awards, Saturn Awards, and a Daytime Emmy, along with several nominations from BAFTA and the Golden Globes. In 2011, he co-founded The Imaginarium Studios, a leading production and performance-capture company. Andy lives in London with his family.

1. Michael Dobbs

House of Cards

The classic political drama that inspired the hit Netflix series Francis Urquhart, Chief Whip of the Conservative Party, wants to get to Number 10 and will stop at nothing in his pursuit of power. This full-cast dramatisation packs a powerful punch in the fast-paced political thriller based on Michael Dobbs bestselling novel of the same name. The country is undecided after a close election and the party must stand united behind a new leader. Francis Urquhart has ambitions for the role, however several adversaries stand between him and the top job. Urquhart’s scheming reaches new levels of intrigue and scandal resulting in a deadly showdown. After receiving a series of leaks from an unknown source, journalist Mattie Storrin must follow her instinct for a story. But she has no idea how far this particular story will lead her down a path of deceit and destruction. As Storrin uncovers more than she expects and the web of lies becomes ever more complex, we’re left wondering how far Urquhart is prepared to go in pursuit of power? This thrilling production will have you wondering if it’s really true that, ‘he who wields the knife never wears the crown.’ Listen to the full series, available for the first time as a download, and follow the ruthless ambition of the master schemer. Embark on this story of blackmail, intrigue and suspense as one man does everything he can to eliminate his enemies. Cast and credits Based on the novel by Michael Dobbs Francis Urquhart - Daniel Massey Mattie Storrin - Amanda Root Henry Collingridge - Geoffrey Whitehead Roger O’Neil – Colm McConvey Morris Metcalf – Denis Hawthorne Rebel Preston - David Timpson Steve Kendrick - Stephen Critchlow Kevin Spense- Roger May Mr Jabwala - Buddy Osman Other parts played by Patience Tomlinson, Beverly Hills, Keith Drinkell, John Hartley, Alice Arnold, Zu Lemondean First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 5 January 2004 ©2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

1. Rose Connors

False Testimony

1. Rose Connors

Maximum Security