Limelight

BBC Radio 4

<p>The Limelight podcast - for fiction and drama serials you won't want to miss from Radio 4.</p>

  • 28 minutes 19 seconds
    Wolf Valley: Episode 4

    Asgaard’s founder Tor Martinsen’s death sends shockwaves through Wolf Valley but Lena is not convinced it was suicide. As she unravels Asgaard’s tangled finances and covert deals with Russian backers, the dark legacy of Valborg Academy overshadows it all.

    Rose’s recovered GoPro deepens the mystery, revealing a final dive, a motor, and a violent impact. And when ten-year-old Oscar Vikstad vanishes into the forest on the eve of a storm, the investigation becomes a race against time.

    The penultimate episode in a Nordic noir, where shocking crimes and long-simmering feuds threaten a remote mountain valley.

    LENA - Amrita Acharia AKSEL - David Menkin MAGNUS - Eirik Knutsvik PAUL - Raj Ghatak INGRID - Eva Eklöf HENRIK - Øystein Lode EVA - Ingvild Lakou ROSE - Stephanie MacGaraidh SUSANNA - Ingrid Werner ANNETTE - Sarah Whitehouse VIDAR’S MUM - Eva Eklöf SARA - Ronja Haugholt LENA’S MUM - Ingvild Lakou YOUNG LENA - Mackensie Sutherland

    All other parts played by the cast

    Written by Charlotte Melén Composer - Marcus Aurelius Hjelmborg Singer - Johanne Baadsgaard Lange Sound Design - Louis Blatherwick, Steve Bond Director - Charlotte Melén Producer - Eleanor Mein Assistant Producer - Chloe Sackur Script Consultant - Lauren Shippen Development Producer - Saskia Black Executive Producers - Charlotte Melén, Celia de Wolff

    An Almost Tangible production for BBC Radio 4

    13 February 2026, 5:00 am
  • 28 minutes 31 seconds
    Wolf Valley: Episode 3

    Rose was witness to a dark Norse ritual the night before she died. What does the main suspect know?

    Lena Ekström’s investigation widens as Lars’ story starts to unravel, revealing rituals, runes and the unsettling culture behind Valborg Academy. Clues begin to point toward Asgaard’s founders, and a call from Echo Terra deepens the corporate and political stakes around Rose’s death.

    Meanwhile, a return to her childhood haunts, and a resurfacing trauma, threatens Lena’s composure just as the case takes a sharp turn. When she and Aksel track a lead to a secluded cabin, they make a shocking discovery that rips the investigation open. Wolf Valley’s shadows are lengthening, and Lena is being pulled further in than ever before.

    The third episode of a propulsive Nordic noir ecothriller in which ancient beliefs and modern conspiracies converge within an isolated Nordic valley.

    LENA - Amrita Acharia AKSEL - David Menkin MAGNUS - Eirik Knutsvik HENRIK - Øystein Lode HEADMASTER - Christopher Dane VINNY - Alex Farrell PAUL - Raj Ghatak EVA - Ingvild Lakou LARS - Laurits Bjerrum SUSANNA - Ingrid Werner ANNETTE - Sarah Whitehouse WAITRESS - Ronja Haugholt OSKAR - Raife Sutherland LENA’S MUM - Ingvild Lakou YOUNG LENA - Mackensie Sutherland

    All other parts played by the cast

    Written by Charlotte Melén Composer - Marcus Aurelius Hjelmborg Singer - Johanne Baadsgaard Lange Sound Design - Louis Blatherwick, Steve Bond Director - Charlotte Melén Producer - Eleanor Mein Assistant Producer - Chloe Sackur Script Consultant - Lauren Shippen Development Producer - Saskia Black Executive Producers - Charlotte Melén, Celia de Wolff

    An Almost Tangible production for BBC Radio 4

    6 February 2026, 5:00 am
  • 28 minutes 23 seconds
    Wolf Valley: Episode 2

    The body of a young woman, Rose Smith, lies in the icy waters of the fjord. Who put her there?

    Forensics suggest a brutal killing. When it emerges the victim is a British citizen, Lena is teamed up with hotheaded Oslo detective Aksel Karlin to investigate Rose’s death. Clues from Rose’s online life reveal she was onto something, and a startling new video suggests a connection with Lars Vikstad - son of powerful landowner Henrik Vikstad. Lena must confront troubled relationships new and old as the secrets of Wolf Valley begin to stir, revealing just how dark its shadows truly are.

    The second episode of a compulsive Nordic noir in which old legacies and dark purposes are drawn together in an isolated valley town.

    LENA - Amrita Acharia MAGNUS - Eirik Knutsvik HENRIK - Øystein Lode INGRID - Eva Eklöf AKSEL - David Menkin ANNETTE - Sarah Whitehouse EVA - Ingvild Lakou DINESH - Raj Ghatak PIA - Charlotte Melén VIDAR - Sigurd Myhre SARA - Ronja Haugholt ROSE - Stephanie MacGaraidh BENGT - Christopher Dane JAMES ADDINGTON - Peter F Gardiner LENA’S MUM - Ingvild Lakou YOUNG LENA - Mackensie Sutherland

    All other parts played by the cast

    Written by Charlotte Melén Composer - Marcus Aurelius Hjelmborg Singer - Johanne Baadsgaard Lange Sound Design - Louis Blatherwick, Steve Bond Director - Charlotte Melén Producer - Eleanor Mein Assistant Producer - Chloe Sackur Script Consultant - Lauren Shippen Development Producer - Saskia Black Executive Producers - Charlotte Melén, Celia de Wolff

    An Almost Tangible production for BBC Radio 4

    30 January 2026, 5:00 am
  • 28 minutes 48 seconds
    Wolf Valley: Episode 1

    In an isolated fjord town, a young activist investigating environmental crimes goes missing. And nobody has seen anything.

    Haunted by her past, criminal investigator Lena Ekström returns to remote Norwegian fjord town, Wolf Valley, where she is plunged into a desperate search for a missing young activist, whose tent lies abandoned on the land of a powerful local land owner.

    Against the dramatic backdrop of the fjord, Lena must follow the trail through a tightknit, distrustful community to uncover long-buried secrets.

    A chilling Nordic noir eco-thriller about the wild darkness within us all.

    LENA - Amrita Acharia MAGNUS - Eirik Knutsvik ANNETTE - Sarah Whitehouse HENRIK - Øystein Lode JASPER - Raj Ghatak SARA - Ronja Haugholt VIDAR - Sigurd Myhre SHOPKEEPER - Christopher Dane LENA’S MUM - Ingvild Lakou YOUNG LENA - Mackensie Sutherland

    All other parts played by the cast

    Written by Charlotte Melén Composer - Marcus Aurelius Hjelmborg Singer - Johanne Baadsgaard Lange Sound Design - Louis Blatherwick, Steve Bond Director - Charlotte Melén Producer - Eleanor Mein Assistant Producer - Chloe Sackur Script Consultant - Lauren Shippen Development Producer - Saskia Black Executive Producers - Charlotte Melén, Celia de Wolff

    An Almost Tangible production for BBC Radio 4

    23 January 2026, 5:00 am
  • 2 minutes
    Wolf Valley: Trailer

    Haunted by her past, criminal investigator Lena Ekström returns to isolated fjord town Wolf Valley, where she is plunged into the tangled mystery of a missing young activist.

    Against the dramatic backdrop of the fjord, Lena must follow the trail through a tightknit, distrustful community. As tensions rise, long-buried secrets resurface, and the weather closes in, Lena faces her own fears and forges unexpected new connections to uncover the sinister truth.

    A chilling Nordic Noir eco-thriller about the wild darkness within us all.

    An Almost Tangible Production for BBC Radio 4 Limelight

    Written by CHARLOTTE MELÉN. Original music MARCUS HJELMBORG. Sound Design LOUIS BLATHERWICK and STEVE BOND. Director CHARLOTTE MELÉN. Producer ELEANOR MEIN.

    19 January 2026, 5:00 am
  • 29 minutes 22 seconds
    Spores: Series 2: Episode 5. Dark Healer

    It’s been 12 years since social worker Cassie discovered a mysterious mould in her home, invisible to almost everyone except her. Now the fungus has spread - its glowing spores a major global health threat, infecting the brains of those who inhale them. But many refuse to take seriously a menace they cannot see. When spores erupt at a care home in Wales, Cassie’s son Bryn and 30 residents are exposed to infection. But how could this have happened when just days earlier the building was declared mould-free by a mycelium-sighted Inspector? For Bryn there is only one explanation: not everyone who claims to see the mould can be trusted. But who is this rogue Inspector and why would they lie? In his search for answers, Bryn’s fraught relationship with Cassie will be tested to the limit as they battle to stop the fungus before the looming pandemic can take hold. In Greek mythology, Cassandra was condemned to speak the truth yet never be believed. A story of trust and what happens when we lose it. And of a hidden threat destroying the very thing that makes us powerful.

    Written and created by Marietta Kirkbride

    Cassie ….. Kate O’Flynn Bryn ….. Ben Skym Pascal ….. Emmanuel Berthelot Ola ..… Aggy K. Adams Helen ….. Laurel Lefkow Ethan ..... Philip Desmeules Josie ..... Cristina Wolfe Layla Wolf ..... Laila Alj Thugs ..... Théo Marceau and Félix Marceau Bonobo handler ..... George Williams

    Other voices are played by the cast

    Production Manager: Eleanor Mein Production Assistant: Liis Mikk with Teresa Milewski

    Executive Producer: Sara Davies

    Title music: Ioana Selaru and Melo-Zed Track laying: Andreina Gómez Sound design: Jon Nicholls and Adam Woodhams

    Directed and produced by Nicolas Jackson

    An Afonica production for BBC Radio 4

    16 January 2026, 7:00 am
  • 29 minutes 42 seconds
    Spores: Series 2: Episode 4. Devil’s Agent

    It’s been 12 years since social worker Cassie discovered a mysterious mould in her home, invisible to almost everyone except her. Now the fungus has spread - its glowing spores a major global health threat, infecting the brains of those who inhale them. But many refuse to take seriously a menace they cannot see. When spores erupt at a care home in Wales, Cassie’s son Bryn and 30 residents are exposed to infection. But how could this have happened when just days earlier the building was declared mould-free by a mycelium-sighted Inspector? For Bryn there is only one explanation - not everyone who claims to see the mould can be trusted. But who is this rogue Inspector and why would they lie? In his search for answers, Bryn’s fraught relationship with Cassie will be tested to the limit as they battle to stop the fungus before the looming pandemic can take hold. In Greek mythology, Cassandra was condemned to speak the truth yet never be believed. A story of trust and what happens when we lose it. And of a hidden threat destroying the very thing that makes us powerful.

    Written and created by Marietta Kirkbride

    Cassie ….. Kate O’Flynn Bryn ….. Ben Skym Pascal ….. Emmanuel Berthelot Ola ..… Aggy K. Adams Helen ….. Laurel Lefkow Ethan ..... Philip Desmeules Josie ..... Cristina Wolfe Layla Wolf ..... Laila Alj

    Other voices played by the cast

    Production Manager: Eleanor Mein Production Assistant: Liis Mikk with Teresa Milewski

    Executive Producer: Sara Davies

    Title music: Ioana Selaru and Melo-Zed Track laying: Andreina Gómez Sound design: Jon Nicholls and Adam Woodhams

    Directed and produced by Nicolas Jackson

    An Afonica production for BBC Radio 4

    9 January 2026, 7:00 am
  • 29 minutes 56 seconds
    Spores: Series 2: Episode 3. Fool’s Sickener

    It’s been 12 years since social worker Cassie discovered a mysterious mould in her home, invisible to almost everyone except her. Now the fungus has spread - its glowing spores a major global health threat, infecting the brains of those who inhale them. But many refuse to take seriously a menace they cannot see. When spores erupt at a care home in Wales, Cassie’s son Bryn and 30 residents are exposed to infection. But how could this have happened when just days earlier the building was declared mould-free by a mycelium-sighted Inspector? For Bryn there is only one explanation - not everyone who claims to see the mould can be trusted. But who is this rogue Inspector and why would they lie? In his search for answers, Bryn’s fraught relationship with Cassie will be tested to the limit as they battle to stop the fungus before the looming pandemic can take hold. In Greek mythology, Cassandra was condemned to speak the truth yet never be believed. A story of trust and what happens when we lose it. And of a hidden threat destroying the very thing that makes us powerful.

    By Marietta Kirkbride

    Cassie ….. Kate O’Flynn Bryn ….. Ben Skym Pascal ….. Emmanuel Berthelot Ola ..… Aggy K. Adams Helen ….. Laurel Lefkow Ethan ..... Philip Desmeules Josie ..... Cristina Wolfe Aditi Saklani ..... Amrita Acharia Conference attendees ..... Laila Alj, Liis Mikk

    Bonobo recordings courtesy of Professor Zanna Clay of Durham University

    Production Manager: Eleanor Mein Production Assistant: Liis Mikk with Teresa Milewski

    Executive Producer: Sara Davies

    Title music: Ioana Selaru and Melo-Zed Track laying: Andreina Gómez Sound design: Jon Nicholls and Adam Woodhams

    Directed and produced by Nicolas Jackson

    An Afonica production for BBC Radio 4

    2 January 2026, 7:00 am
  • 29 minutes 48 seconds
    Spores: Series 2: Episode 2. Cruel Deceiver

    It’s been 12 years since social worker Cassie discovered a mysterious mould in her home, invisible to almost everyone except her. Now the fungus has spread - its glowing spores a major global health threat, infecting the brains of those who inhale them. But many refuse to take seriously a menace they cannot see. When spores erupt at a care home in Wales, Cassie’s son Bryn and 30 residents are exposed to infection. But how could this have happened when just days earlier the building was declared mould-free by a mycelium-sighted Inspector? For Bryn there is only one explanation - not everyone who claims to see the mould can be trusted. But who is this rogue Inspector and why would they lie? In his search for answers, Bryn’s fraught relationship with Cassie will be tested to the limit as they battle to stop the fungus before the looming pandemic can take hold.

    In Greek mythology, Cassandra was condemned to speak the truth yet never be believed. A story of trust and what happens when we lose it. And of a hidden threat destroying the very thing that makes us powerful.

    Written and created by Marietta Kirkbride

    Cassie ….. Kate O’Flynn Bryn ….. Ben Skym Pascal ….. Emmanuel Berthelot Helen ….. Laurel Lefkow Ethan ..... Philip Desmeules Kirsten ..... Cristina Wolfe Gareth ..... George Williams Demonstrators ..... Théo Marceau and Félix Marceau Ola ..… Aggy K. Adams

    Other voices played by the cast

    Production Manager: Eleanor Mein Production Assistant: Liis Mikk with Teresa Milewski

    Executive Producer: Sara Davies

    Title music: Ioana Selaru and Melo-Zed Track laying: Andreina Gómez Sound design: Jon Nicholls and Adam Woodhams

    Directed and produced by Nicolas Jackson

    An Afonica production for BBC Radio 4

    26 December 2025, 7:00 am
  • 28 minutes 13 seconds
    Spores: Series 2: Episode 1. False Hunter

    The supernatural horror returns.

    It’s been 12 years since social worker Cassie discovered a mysterious mould in her home, invisible to almost everyone except her. Now the fungus has spread - its glowing spores a major global health threat, infecting the brains of those who inhale them. But many refuse to take seriously a menace they cannot see. When spores erupt at a care home in Wales, Cassie’s son Bryn and 30 residents are exposed to infection. But how could this have happened when just days earlier the building was declared mould-free by a mycelium-sighted Inspector? For Bryn there is only one explanation: not everyone who claims to see the mould can be trusted. But who is this rogue Inspector and why would they lie? In his search for answers, Bryn’s fraught relationship with Cassie will be tested to the limit as they battle to stop the fungus before the looming pandemic can take hold. In Greek mythology, Cassandra was condemned to speak the truth yet never be believed. A story of trust and what happens when we lose it. And of a hidden threat destroying the very thing that makes us powerful.

    Written and created by Marietta Kirkbride

    Cassie ….. Kate O’Flynn Bryn ….. Ben Skym Helen ….. Laurel Lefkow Ethan ..... Philip Desmeules Gwenni ….. Kezrena James Gareth ..... George Williams

    Other voices are played by the cast

    Production Manager: Eleanor Mein Production Assistant: Liis Mikk with Teresa Milewski Executive Producer: Sara Davies

    Title music: Ioana Selaru and Melo-Zed Score: Ioana Selaru Track laying: Andreina Gómez Sound design: Jon Nicholls and Adam Woodhams

    Directed and produced by Nicolas Jackson

    An Afonica production for BBC Radio 4

    19 December 2025, 7:00 am
  • 2 minutes 2 seconds
    Spores: Series 2: Trailer: Spores Series 2

    A psychological horror story set amid the mysterious world of mycelium.

    12 December 2025, 4:00 pm
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