This Thing of Darkness

5. Assoilized 03.03.2026 43мин

by Frances Poet with monologues by Eileen Horne.Part Five – AssoilizedSeason finale. Kathleen and her daughter take the final steps towards understanding what lead Kathleen to kill her mother. Whilst Alex and her team find themselves challenged in court. DR ALEX BRIDGES ….. Lolita Chakrabarti KATHLEEN ….. Maureen Beattie LINDSAY ….. Helen Mackay SANDRA ….. Lucianne McEvoy ADVOCATE FOR THE PURSUER ….. Beruce Khan ADVOCATE FOR THE DEFENDER ….. Adam McNamaraProduction Coordinators: Rosalind Gibson and Ellie Marsh Sound recording : Andy Hay and Fraser Jackson Sound Design: Fraser JacksonSeries Consultant: Dr Gwen AdsheadSeries format created by Lucia Haynes, Audrey Gillan, Eileen Horne, Gaynor Macfarlane, Anita Vettesse and Kirsty Williams.A BBC Audio Scotland Production produced and directed by Kirsty WilliamsYou’ll find details of help and support with dementia related issues at bbc.co.uk/actionline

4. Involuntary Breach 24.02.2026 43мин

by Frances Poet with monologues by Eileen Horne.Part Four – Involuntary Breach As the pressure builds within the secure unit housing Kathleen and Abi, Kathleen’s daughter returns to the table for family therapy. She’s about to come face to face with Abi who is intent on destruction. And in turn, Abi will face Alex who has a very different interpretation of Abi's apparent psychopathy. DR ALEX BRIDGES ….. Lolita Chakrabarti KATHLEEN ….. Maureen Beattie LINDSAY ….. Helen Mackay ABI ….. Anna Russell-Martin DANIEL ….. Nicholas Karimi Production Coordinators: Rosalind Gibson and Ellie Marsh Sound recording : Andy Hay and Fraser Jackson Sound Design: Fraser JacksonSeries Consultant: Dr Gwen AdsheadSeries format created by Lucia Haynes, Audrey Gillan, Eileen Horne, Gaynor Macfarlane, Anita Vettesse and Kirsty Williams.A BBC Audio Scotland Production produced and directed by Kirsty WilliamsYou’ll find details of help and support with dementia related issues at bbc.co.uk/actionline

3. Diagnosis 17.02.2026 43мин

by Frances Poet with monologues by Eileen Horne.Part Three – Diagnosis Dr Alex Bridges is an expert forensic psychiatrist and psychotherapist, assessing and treating perpetrators of serious crime.Kathleen's unpredictable behaviour in the secure unit is becoming a cause for concern. Dr Alex Bridges ….. Lolita Chakrabarti Kathleen ….. Maureen Beattie Lindsay ….. Helen Mackay Abi ….. Anna Russell-Martin Daniel ….. Nicholas Karimi Sandra ….. Lucianne McEvoy Lewis ….. Lee Hughes Production Coordinators: Rosalind Gibson and Ellie Marsh Sound recording : Andy Hay and Fraser Jackson Sound Design: Fraser JacksonSeries Consultant: Dr Gwen AdsheadSeries format created by Lucia Haynes, Audrey Gillan, Eileen Horne, Gaynor Macfarlane, Anita Vettesse and Kirsty Williams.A BBC Audio Scotland Production produced by Kirsty Williams and directed by Gaynor MacfarlaneYou’ll find details of help and support with dementia related issues at bbc.co.uk/actionline

2. The Unsaid 10.02.2026 43мин

by Frances Poet with monologues by Eileen Horne.Part Two – The UnsaidDr Alex Bridges is an expert forensic psychiatrist and psychotherapist, assessing and treating perpetrators of serious crime.Lindsay has agreed to take part in family therapy in the secure unit where Kathleen is being held. Unanswered questions and long-held resentments surface as Lindsay struggles to understand her mother's actions. Dr Alex Bridges ….. Lolita Chakrabarti Kathleen ….. Maureen Beattie Lindsay ….. Helen Mackay Daniel ….. Nicholas Karimi Production Coordinators: Rosalind Gibson and Ellie Marsh Sound recording : Andy Hay and Fraser Jackson Sound Design: Fraser JacksonSeries Consultant: Dr Gwen AdsheadSeries format created by Lucia Haynes, Audrey Gillan, Eileen Horne, Gaynor Macfarlane, Anita Vettesse and Kirsty Williams.A BBC Audio Scotland Production produced by Kirsty Williams and directed by Gaynor Macfarlane

1. Admission 03.02.2026 43мин

by Frances Poet with monologues by Eileen Horne.Part One – AdmissionDr Alex Bridges is an expert forensic psychiatrist and psychotherapist, assessing and treating perpetrators of serious crime.In this new 5 part series, she takes us into the world of secure units, explores the relationship between mothers and daughters and the impact of fatal violence on the lives it shatters. DR ALEX BRIDGES ….. Lolita Chakrabarti KATHLEEN ….. Maureen Beattie LINDSAY ….. Helen Mackay ABI ….. Anna Russell-Martin DANIEL ….. Nicholas Karimi SANDRA ….. Lucianne McEvoy LEWIS/SOLICITOR/AMBULANCE OPERATOR ….. Lee Hughes DC INGLES/SECURITY GUARD/NURSE ….. Kenny Blyth Production Coordinators: Rosalind Gibson and Ellie Marsh Sound recording : Andy Hay and Fraser Jackson Sound Design: Fraser JacksonSeries Consultant: Dr Gwen AdsheadSeries format created by Lucia Haynes, Audrey Gillan, Eileen Horne, Gaynor Macfarlane, Anita Vettesse and Kirsty Williams.A BBC Audio Scotland Production produced and directed by Kirsty Williams

Introducing This Thing of Darkness S4 27.01.2026 2мин

More gripping drama inspired by a real forensic psychiatrist and psychotherapist and her work in secure hospitals.

The Dandelion and the Orchid 03.01.2024 45мин

by Frances Poet with monologues by Eileen HornePart Five – THE DANDELION AND THE ORCHIDDr Alex Bridges is an expert forensic psychiatrist and psychotherapist, assessing and treating perpetrators of serious crime.This gripping drama explores the psychological impact of murder on perpetrators and follows the fortunes of participants in a Long Sentence therapy group.How thin is the line between love and hate? Dr Alex Bridges ….. Lolita Chakrabarti Anthony ….. Lorn Macdonald Finn ….. Reuben Joseph Dani ….. Elysia WelchSound Design: Fraser JacksonSeries Consultant: Dr Gwen AdsheadSeries format created by Lucia Haynes, Audrey Gillan, Eileen Horne, Gaynor Macfarlane, Anita Vettesse and Kirsty Williams.Thanks to Victoria Byrne, Barlinnie Prison, Vox Liminis Distant Voices Project and Prof Fergus McNeill. Produced by Gaynor Macfarlane and Kirsty WilliamsA BBC Scotland Production directed by Gaynor Macfarlane

The Christmas Killers 03.01.2024 44мин

by Frances Poet with monologues by Eileen HornePart Four – The Christmas Killers Dr Alex Bridges is an expert forensic psychiatrist and psychotherapist, assessing and treating perpetrators of serious crime.This gripping drama explores the psychological impact of murder on teenage perpetrators and follows the fortunes of participants in a Long Sentence therapy group.How do you come to terms with your own capacity for violence?Dr Alex Bridges ….. Lolita Chakrabarti Anthony ….. Lorn Macdonald Finn ….. Reuben Joseph Twitch …. Brian Ferguson Simon ….. Shaun Mason The Governor….. Karen Bartke Dani ….. Elysia Welch Dead Elvis….Andy ClarkSound Design: Fraser JacksonSeries Consultant: Dr Gwen AdsheadSeries format created by Lucia Haynes, Audrey Gillan, Eileen Horne, Gaynor Macfarlane, Anita Vettesse and Kirsty Williams.Thanks to Victoria Byrne, Barlinnie Prison, Vox Liminis Distant Voices Project and Prof Fergus McNeill. Produced by Gaynor Macfarlane and Kirsty WilliamsA BBC Scotland Production directed by Kirsty Williams

A Pint with Pals 03.01.2024 43мин

by Frances Poet with monologues by Eileen HornePart Three – A Pint with Pals Dr Alex Bridges is an expert forensic psychiatrist and psychotherapist, assessing and treating perpetrators of serious crime.This gripping drama explores the psychological impact of murder on teenage perpetrators and follows the fortunes of participants in a Long Sentence therapy group.How do you cope with the extreme grief behind bars? Dr Alex Bridges ….. Lolita Chakrabarti Anthony ….. Lorn Macdonald Finn ….. Reuben Joseph Twitch …. Brian Ferguson Simon ….. Shaun Mason Dani ….. Elysia Welch Dead Elvis….Andy Clark‘Autopilot’ composed by Jill O'Sullivan & Lee and performed by Jill O'Sullivan & Louis Abbott as part of the Vox Liminis' Distant Voices project.Sound Design: Fraser JacksonSeries Consultant: Dr Gwen AdsheadSeries format created by Lucia Haynes, Audrey Gillan, Eileen Horne, Gaynor Macfarlane, Anita Vettesse and Kirsty Williams.Thanks to Victoria Byrne, Barlinnie Prison, Vox Liminis Distant Voices Project and Prof Fergus McNeill. Produced by Gaynor Macfarlane and Kirsty WilliamsA BBC Scotland Production directed by Kirsty Williams

The Elephant in the Room 03.01.2024 43мин

by Frances Poet with monologues by Eileen HornePart Two – The Elephant in the Room Dr Alex Bridges is an expert forensic psychiatrist and psychotherapist, assessing and treating perpetrators of serious crime.This gripping drama explores the psychological impact of murder on teenage perpetrators and follows the fortunes of participants in a Long Sentence therapy group.How much do childhood experiences impact the mind of a murderer? Dr Alex Bridges ….. Lolita Chakrabarti Anthony ….. Lorn Macdonald Finn ….. Reuben Joseph Twitch …. Brian Ferguson Simon ….. Shaun Mason Donna/The Governor….. Karen Bartke Dani ….. Elysia Welch Dead Elvis….Andy Clark Sound Design: Fraser JacksonSeries Consultant: Dr Gwen AdsheadSeries format created by Lucia Haynes, Audrey Gillan, Eileen Horne, Gaynor Macfarlane, Anita Vettesse and Kirsty Williams.Thanks to Victoria Byrne, Barlinnie Prison, Vox Liminis Distant Voices Project and Prof Fergus McNeill. Produced by Gaynor Macfarlane and Kirsty WilliamsA BBC Scotland Production directed by Gaynor Macfarlane

A Dangerous Animal 03.01.2024 43мин

by Frances Poet with monologues by Eileen Horne.Part One – A Dangerous AnimalDr Alex Bridges is an expert forensic psychiatrist and psychotherapist, assessing and treating perpetrators of serious crime.This gripping drama explores the psychological impact of murder on teenage perpetrators and follows the fortunes of participants in a Long Sentence therapy group.Has Dr Bridges made a mistake in putting co-offenders together in Group therapy?Dr Alex Bridges ….. Lolita Chakrabarti Anthony ….. Lorn Macdonald Finn ….. Reuben Joseph Twitch …. Brian Ferguson Simon ….. Shaun Mason Donna ….. Karen Bartke Mental Health Nurse ….. Elysia WelchSound Design: Fraser JacksonSeries Consultant: Dr Gwen AdsheadSeries format created by Lucia Haynes, Audrey Gillan, Eileen Horne, Gaynor Macfarlane, Anita Vettesse and Kirsty Williams.Thanks to Victoria Byrne, Barlinnie Prison, Vox Liminis Distant Voices Project and Prof Fergus McNeill. Produced by Gaynor Macfarlane and Kirsty WilliamsA BBC Scotland Production directed by Gaynor Macfarlane and Kirsty Williams

Introducing This Thing of Darkness S3 02.01.2024

Dr Alex Bridges is an expert forensic psychiatrist and psychotherapist, assessing and treating perpetrators of serious crime.This gripping drama explores the psychological impact of murder on teenage perpetrators and follows the fortunes of participants in a Long Sentence therapy group.Has Dr Bridges made a mistake in putting co-offenders together in Group therapy?

Part 7 11.11.2021 44мин

The winner of the British Podcast Award for Best Fiction 2021 returns with a gripping drama about trauma, obsession and why we harm the things we love.Part 7 of 7Written by Lucia Haynes and Anita Vettesse with monologues by Eileen Horne.Dr Alex Bridges is an expert forensic psychiatrist and psychotherapist, assessing and treating perpetrators of violent crime.Desperation for answers, fear and love lead Ros, Paul and Sarah to a place where the truth will be revealed. Sometimes love is traumatic. Sometimes it’s fatal. Alex … Lolita Chakrabarti Sarah ….. Melody Grove Ros ….. Lois Chimimba Paul ….. Robert Jack Kelly ….. Veronica Leer Malcolm ….. Michael Nardone Rowena ….. Wendy SeagerSeries created by Lucia Haynes, Eileen Horne, Gaynor Macfarlane, Anita Vettesse and Kirsty Williams. Series consultant: Dr Gwen Adshead Produced by Gaynor Macfarlane and Kirsty Williams A BBC Scotland Production directed by Gaynor Macfarlane

Part 6 11.11.2021 42мин

The winner of the British Podcast Award for Best Fiction 2021 returns with a gripping drama about trauma, obsession and why we harm the things we love.Part 6 of 7 Written by Lucia Haynes with Anita Vettesse; monologues by Eileen Horne.Dr Alex Bridges is an expert forensic psychiatrist and psychotherapist, assessing and treating perpetrators of violent crime. Having realised Sarah poses an immediate threat to Paul’s family, Alex has to find a way to tell Paul she has betrayed his trust. With their baby’s life on the line, and their marriage in crisis, revelations come thick and fast. What else is she set to lose? Alex … Lolita Chakrabarti Ros ….. Lois Chimimba Sarah ….. Melody Grove Paul ….. Robert JackSeries created by Lucia Haynes, Eileen Horne, Gaynor Macfarlane, Anita Vettesse and Kirsty Williams. Series consultant: Dr Gwen Adshead Produced by Kirsty Williams and Gaynor MacfarlaneA BBC Scotland Production directed by Kirsty Williams

Part 5 11.11.2021 43мин

The winner of the British Podcast Award for Best Fiction 2021 returns with a gripping drama about trauma, obsession and why we harm the things we love.Part 5 of 7 Written by Anita Vettesse with monologues by Eileen Horne.Dr Alex Bridges is an expert forensic psychiatrist and psychotherapist, assessing and treating perpetrators of violent crime. She also runs a trauma therapy group.When her professional worlds come dangerously close, Alex is faced with a dilemma: what if the only way to protect someone from harm is to betray their trust? Dark secrets are revealed as Sarah and Paul’s lives collide. And the lies we tell our loved ones to get their attention are exposed as the Lotus Group continue to work through their various traumas. Alex … Lolita Chakrabarti Ros ….. Lois Chimimba Sarah ….. Melody Grove Paul ….. Robert Jack Dawn ….. Neshla Caplan Kelly ….. Veronica Leer Malcolm ….. Michael Nardone Rowena ….. Wendy SeagerSeries created by Lucia Haynes, Eileen Horne, Gaynor Macfarlane, Anita Vettesse and Kirsty Williams. Series consultant: Dr Gwen Adshead Produced by Kirsty Williams and Gaynor MacfarlaneA BBC Scotland Production directed by Kirsty Williams

Part 4 11.11.2021 42мин

The winner of the British Podcast Award for Best Fiction 2021 returns with a gripping drama about trauma, obsession and why we harm the things we love.Part 4 of 7 Written by Anita Vettesse with monologues by Eileen Horne.Dr Alex Bridges is an expert forensic psychiatrist and psychotherapist, assessing and treating perpetrators of violent crime.Paul and Sarah discover that the past still exerts enormous power in the present. How far will they go?Alex … Lolita Chakrabarti Sarah ….. Melody Grove Paul ….. Robert Jack Kelly ….. Veronica Leer Malcolm ….. Michael Nardone Rowena ….. Wendy SeagerSeries created by Lucia Haynes, Eileen Horne, Gaynor Macfarlane, Anita Vettesse and Kirsty Williams. Series consultant: Dr Gwen Adshead Produced by Gaynor Macfarlane and Kirsty WilliamsA BBC Scotland Production directed by Gaynor Macfarlane

Part 3 11.11.2021 44мин

The winner of the British Podcast Award for Best Fiction 2021 returns with a gripping drama about trauma, obsession and why we harm the things we love.Part 3 of 7 Written by Lucia Haynes with monologues by Eileen Horne.Dr Alex Bridges is an expert forensic psychiatrist and psychotherapist, assessing and treating perpetrators of violent crime.Sarah has made a new friend, which feels like good news to Dr Bridges. But what if we can’t recover from past trauma?Alex … Lolita Chakrabarti Sarah ….. Melody Grove Paul ….. Robert Jack Ros ….. Lois Chimimba Kelly ….. Veronica Leer Malcolm ….. Michael Nardone Rowena ….. Wendy SeagerSeries created by Lucia Haynes, Eileen Horne, Gaynor Macfarlane, Anita Vettesse and Kirsty Williams. Series consultant: Dr Gwen Adshead Produced by Gaynor Macfarlane and Kirsty WilliamsA BBC Scotland Production directed by Gaynor Macfarlane

Part 2 11.11.2021 43мин

The winner of the British Podcast Award for Best Fiction 2021 returns with a gripping drama about trauma, obsession and why we harm the things we love.Part 2 of 7 Written by Lucia Haynes with monologues by Eileen Horne.Dr Alex Bridges is an expert forensic psychiatrist and psychotherapist, assessing and treating perpetrators of violent crime.With Sarah out of prison, Paul begins to feel less and less safe and turns to a trauma therapy group for support. And so, Alex finds herself treating both the perpetrator of a violent crime and her victim. Alex … Lolita Chakrabarti Ros ….. Lois Chimimba Sarah ….. Melody Grove Paul ….. Robert Jack Dawn ….. Neshla Caplan Kelly ….. Veronica Leer Malcolm ….. Michael Nardone Rowena ….. Wendy SeagerSeries created by Lucia Haynes, Eileen Horne, Gaynor Macfarlane, Anita Vettesse and Kirsty Williams. Series consultant: Dr Gwen Adshead Produced by Kirsty Williams and Gaynor MacfarlaneA BBC Scotland Production directed by Kirsty Williams

Part 1 11.11.2021 44мин

The winner of the British Podcast Award for Best Fiction 2021 returns with a gripping drama about trauma, obsession and why we harm the things we love.Part 1 of 7 Written by Anita Vettesse with monologues by Eileen Horne.Dr Alex Bridges is an expert forensic psychiatrist and psychotherapist, assessing and treating perpetrators of violent crime.Alex assesses a young woman as she is released from prison. Sarah has served ten years for Arson. Does she still present a risk? Alex … Lolita Chakrabarti Sarah ….. Melody Grove Paul ….. Robert Jack Ros ….. Lois Chimimba Dog Walker ….. Anita Vettesse Series created by Lucia Haynes, Eileen Horne, Gaynor Macfarlane, Anita Vettesse and Kirsty Williams. Series consultant: Dr Gwen Adshead Produced by Gaynor Macfarlane and Kirsty WilliamsA BBC Scotland Production directed by Gaynor Macfarlane

Introducing This Thing of Darkness S2 11.11.2021 2мин

Gripping drama inspired by a real forensic psychologist and her work in secure prisons.