Review: Central Intelligence: BBC Radio 4

Audio drama: A Goldhawk production for BBC Radio 4

This Radio 4 drama series claims to be an accurate depiction of the history of the CIA, from its roots in the wartime OSS (Office of Strategic Services) through its evolution into the Central Intelligence Group, founded by President Truman in 1946, to the CIA's creation in 1947 and its subsequent development. The drama is told from the perspective of Eloise Page (the CIA's highest ranking female operative from 1975), played by Kim Cattrall. The cast also features Academy Award nominee, Ed Harris, as Allen Dulles. Each episode is preceded by a warning that the episode contains strong language, doubtless a realistic reflection of the times in which it is set.

The series goes into some depth when examining the involved plots and intrigues concocted by the Agency and its opposition, making 30 minute episodes the right length to provide sufficient time to cover the issues being explored without overwhelming the listener with excessive complexity. The 10 episodes in the series allows a comprehensive review of the CIA's history, without needing to cram everything into too short a period of time.

Cattrall, best known for her roles in 'Mannequin' and 'Sex In The City', carries the series well. In her role as a voice actor, Cattrall can dismiss any accusation of trading on her looks, and demonstrates (if she needed to, given her screen and stage credits) that she is an extremely accomplished actor in any medium. Her characterization, vocal tone and delivery serve the material well and provide a useful anchor point as the series progresses. Harris reflects the multiple facets of Allen Dulles' personality well, managing to make him three-dimensional rather than a pantomime villain or plaster saint. Other characters are portrayed well enough (including an unlikely cameo appearance from the Rev. Billy Graham, the prominent evangelist) and the experience is one of a story being told rather than a documentary, from which the series certainly benefits.

In conclusion, the programme is enjoyable, informative, produced to a high standard and merits listening, particularly by anyone with an interest in the espionage genre, whether their preference is spy fiction or real events. This series feels like a successful blending of both.