The two Captain Jim Nicholson thrillers written by Robert Barr are the classic BBC Radio 4 espionage serials from the late 1960s and early 1970s, produced during the height of the Cold War. Intriguingly, although Barr later novelised his serials, he wrote them first for television (as early as 1962) and then for radio. Writing for broadcast media, rather than adapting from source material, benefits these productions in ensuring that the scripts play to radio drama's strengths. Barr also wrote for the groundbreaking police drama ‘Z-Cars' and had a flair for pace and a good eye for adventure.
Made in the typical BBC radio drama style of the time, ‘The Dark Island' and ‘Return to the Islands' are six-part serials with a full professional cast, studio sound effects, and cinematic pacing. Plus a cracking set of scripts.
‘The Dark Island', broadcast in 1969, introduces us to the heroic protagonist, Captain Jim Nicholson, a British intelligence officer who has been sent to trawl remote Scottish islands after reports of suspicious activity off the coast. The islands are strategically important for their proximity to the territory of the Soviet Union. Once Nicholson and his crew reach the island, they find it is far from deserted but actively guarded, learning this when they are shot at. Although the culprit claims mistaken identity, Nicholson soon learns that there are those on the island who are not on the same side of the Cold War. However, as Nicholson's investigations deepen, he must face up to the possibility that there is a traitor in their midst. But who would betray them, let alone their country?
‘Return to the Islands', first broadcast in 1971, sees Captain Jim Nicholson continue his investigations in the same remote Outer Hebrides islands. When a death occurs near a secret military organisation, and an elite trainee is taken hostage, Nicholson uncovers a plot that threatens the defence of the realm. British listeners can enjoy the location that is at once familiar and yet unknown, on home soil, and yet, for most people, strange and unfamiliar. The sense of place and isolation lends the dramas an eerie quality.
The serials feature Edward de Souza in the lead role as Captain Jim Nicholson. A brilliant character actor of Portuguese-Indian descent, and often cast in smooth and aristocratic roles, de Souza has appeared in many classic productions. He is known for ‘Doctor Who', ‘Sapphire and Steel', the James Bond film ‘The Spy Who Loved Me', ‘The Sweeney' and ‘One Foot in the Grave'. His clipped voice is perfect for playing a military hero.
I was taken by the Scottish actor Bryden Murdoch who plays Nicholson's ally on the island, Ian McLeod. He reprises his role in the second serial when he brings Nicholson back ashore and gives him shelter in his lodgings. ‘Doctor Who' fans will recognise the distinctive tones of Peter Hawkins, who voiced Cybermen and Daleks, as well as Michael Kilgariff, who played many villains in the show. It is curious to hear him referred to as ‘The Brigadier' in this production. ‘Return to the Islands' also features the talented Welsh character actor Clive Merrison as Sergeant Finney, who can also be heard on the Thomas Mann collection.
These productions are pure ‘Boys Own'-style entertainment. Captain Jim Nicholson is a thoroughly decent, four-square, dependable sort of chap, and there are few shades of grey within Barr's moral universe. James Bond he certainly isn't. If that is not off-putting, then there's much to enjoy about the intriguing spy plots and excellent storytelling. The haunting Gallic theme tune and excellent sound effects such as omnipresent lapping water lend the serial authenticity. I found them to be thoroughly engrossing, with the actors conveying earnestness throughout. They stand up today as the kind of stories young men who enjoy action and adventure will appreciate, so long as they understand the basics of Cold War history.
Cast: Edward de Souza, Bryden Murdoch, Geoffrey Frederick, Clive Merrison Publisher: Penguin Random House UK audio Publication date: 26th February 2026 Buy ‘Captain Jim Nicholson: The Dark Island & Return to the Islands'
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