by David Edgar for BBC Radio 4
Drama | 29 November 2025 | 87 minutes
A drama examining the impact of American political consultants on the democratic process in the 21st century.
2003. Successful American political strategist Rachel, fresh from an election campaign in the USA, is recruited to advise the main challenger in a presidential election in a fledgling democratic Eastern European state. She brings with her a star British data analyst, Caro.
Though they are successful, it is an exacting and instructive experience. When they return at re-election time, Rachel discovers the rival candidate has hired Larry, her less than scrupulous former political partner.
Cast
Rachel – FENELLA WOOLGAR
Larry – JONATHAN SLINGER
Caro – CARA THEOBOLD
Petr – RODERICK HILL
Liudmilla – DOLYA GAVANSKA
Zhudov – SANDY GRIERSON
Oleg – DANIEL KRMPOTIC
Natalia – AVA BENKOVA
Ken Helms – CLIFFORD SAMUEL
Sound designer – PETE RINGROSE
Director – TOBY SWIFT
Executive Producer – EDWARD CROZIER
Producer – NICHOLAS NEWTON
A Promenade production for BBC Radio 4
and BBC Sounds