The past two days have been a fascinating look (and listen) into the world of radio drama. Producers Martin Jarvis and Rosalind Ayres (Jarvis Ayres productions) have another winner on their hands. “A Pattern In Shrouds” written by Christopher Lee (directed by Martin Jarvis) looks at what was behind the Lord Mountbatten assassination and the killing of 18 British Soldiers in Ireland in 1979 and what might have happened 2 days later.

As I was marveling at these talented performers, I asked Ros, “What does it take to be a radio drama actor?”  “They must have very strong stage acting skills” , she says. “The mic is like a secret camera on the wall in the recording studio, so the actors have to be truthful at every moment, with every word. If the voice actor says something they don’t understand, that translates to the listener. The mic can pick up the thought behind the speech.” She contrasts it to film acting where the visual plays such a big part. When you just have the microphone as the medium to communicate, each word, each syllable, is critically important. In that way it really is like a secret camera, sneaking into your performance.

The actors, Alfred Molina, Jared Harris and Ian Ogilvy bring this play to audio life with their ability to sound intimate and connect with each other. As I watch them through the glass, suspension of disbelief is immediate. I’m suddenly transported to that very room in 1979. It’s the ultimate in voice acting, and underscores the power of the voice to take us into all sorts of worlds.

These seasoned actors (stage, television, film) worked seamlessly together, listening intently to one another, knowing exactly how to pace their words and when to pause. It’s like a wonderful symphony, a ballet of sorts, combining three distinctly different voices to bring these fascinating and complex characters to life.

“A Pattern In Shrouds” airs on BBC Radio 4, Thursday, August 27th, 30 years to the day of this historical event. For U.S. audiences, BBC’s “Listen Again” archives the play for one week after the 27th so you can listen at your convenience.

The play was recorded in West Hollywood, California at The Invisible Studios.

-Tracy Pattin