Podcast

Review: “There’s Something I Need To Tell You” BBC SOUNDS

by Tea in the Sahara

Tea in the Sahara

Kev: Critic & Podcaster

This is the live transcript from my own podcast show – Spotify link above – Cheers, Kev

Welcome podcast fans to Tea in the Sahara, my name is Kev the online podcast critic behind the website also uniquely called – Tea in the Sahara.

For the last three years, I have written online fictional podcast reviews for some of the finest talent within the audio drama game – to level up I thought I would take the plunge into the deep end and create my very own podcast…. To quote John Lennon I hope I pass the audition!

Within my podcast, I will share my thoughts on the good the bad, and the ugly of scripted audio dramas covering both ends of the podcasting spectrum
– from creative indie podcasters – to big-budget productions with bucket loads of cash to splash – hopefully, this will give you the listener a balanced opinion on your next possible podcast to download, and also why I think this particular genre of podcasting is so bloody awesome!

Not only will I be chatting about immersive envelope-pushing fictional podcasts that you should listen to vis my show
I will also be bringing you chats and conversations with some of the talented podcast writers, creators, and actors that I have met during my podcasting journey.
Who, like me, eats, sleeps, podcasts, repeats audio fiction dramas – sounds good right?!

Let’s kick things off with a quick trailer and my maiden audio drama review with a podcast that launched back in Aug of this year to unpack for your listening pleasure.
– that and I had a kind request from John to have a cheeky listen to this podcast – cheers John!

‘There’s Something I Need To Tell You’ is billed as a global thriller of espionage, money, and murder – for BBC Sounds
written by John Scott Dryden & Misha Kawnel.

I have had the pleasure of writing a few audio reviews for John over the last few years – so definitely do check out some of his podcasts which can be found on my website.
Enough with these plugs let’s get into this review.

My abridged overview for this thriller podcast sees the listener follow couple Jake & Kayla whilst holidaying in Dubai.

Diving deeper into both joint lead characters – Kayla is a straight-talking highflying corp lawyer, and Jake is a harmless chap and is also jobless – or in between jobs as he likes to word it
– and is definitely at the bottom of the totem pole within this relationship.

The central hinge point for this show is a freak change of hotel room – and it is from this jumping point that is where things start to go properly Pete Tong for Jake and Kayla.

Following their cheeky room upgrade, Jake meets a dodgy chap in the hotel bar whilst nursing a late-night drink – this chap then offers Jake 10k to look after an envelope for 24 hours, no strings attached -– I mean this geezer certainly doesn’t drink in any pubs that I frequent.

Fast forward 24 hours and the very next morning this dodgy chap with deep pockets is found dead, seemingly committing suicide by jumping to his death. The police wish to question Jake as they have CCTV footage linking Jake as the last person to speak with the deceased.
As the unexplainable body count grows, all seemingly linked to this envelope within our couple’s possession – the paranoia and pressure rightly builds
– leaving Jake & Kayla to take matters into their own hands, doing what most folk would do – and have it on their toes pronto catching the first flight out of dodge…that flight being to Bangkok.
However, this move is just a change in geography – the people who want that envelope will clearly stop at nothing to obtain it!

Pacing:
– I always like to talk about storyline pacing within my reviews as a helpful steer.

There’s Something I Need To Tell You – offers the listener a fast-paced storyline with tons of slick plot development – which is simplified when set against an ever-changing backdrop of multiple exotic locations
The writers enjoy keeping the suspense and momentum on the front foot but cleverly leaving enough space just behind for the listener to pause and question what is really going on.

Acting:
The acting on display is played out in a very understated, awkward British way that genuinely appeals to this particular podcast critic.
IMO, character scene highlights included the awkward pauses between our couple Jake and Kayla whilst the listener waits like a third wheel for the silence to be broken.

I know that ultimately having quiet audio within a podcast is kinda of counterintuitive
However, the skill, like good comedy is within the timing. Knowing when to break that silence wall for maximum impact is in itself a dark art.

In terms of acting Kayla voiced by – Sophia Del Pizzo – plays the difficult and demanding lawyer/gf part perfectly.
Her clipped Icy tone and cold character made her stand out from our lead pairing.
I always had a sneaky feeling she had some form of ulterior motive.

Audio:
As you would expect from Goldhawk productions the audio is immersive and suspenseful as our couple journeys through different countries and landscapes

The sound design team leaves no stone unturned in terms of audio satisfaction –
Being a nuance freak with scripted podcasts.
Moments like background music playing localized radio within bustling streets when woven into the drama add a unique complexity that transports the listener directly to that scene.

Let’s close out now with thoughts and scores for – Theres Something I Need To Tell You.

Any podcast that uses words like espionage and mentions the Cayman Islands & money laundering was always going to grab my attention.

Being part of the BBC’s Limelight series we are capped at five episodes, but within those five episodes the writers pack in a lot of bang-for-your-buck thrillers – leaving the listener teetering on that knife-edge at the end of every episode.

So you are probably wondering if this podcast is going to work for you?
Well if exotic locations and catch me if you can thrillers with an interestingly unique plot twist is your vibe
‘Theres Something I Need To Tell You’ will serve you very well.

Scores:
With all my reviews I like to score them out of five to give the listener something to hang their hat on if they are to listen or not.
Naturally, this is from my own perspective
And this week’s score for There’s Something I Need To Tell You is an easy 4.5/5

Check out BBC Sounds for the full list of cast & credits – There’s something I need to tell you – has been a Goldhawk production for BBC Radio 4 all episodes can be downloaded via BBC Sounds – or from wherever you choose to get your podcasts from – my gosh, words I honestly never thought I would be saying on my own show

Closing thoughts:
That’s if folks then my very first review on my very own podcast show.

I genuinely hope that you take something away from my DIY fake it to make it review…
like Rome, a podcasting format wasn’t built over a weekend, so I really hope you’ve enjoyed what I’ve managed to create from my little office down in the garden.

If you’re a writer or podcast creator keen to be on my show – or have the audio drama you’d like reviewed, get in touch you can find all my contact details via my website or within the show notes.
And until next time this has been Kevin Wann for Tea in the Sahara, cheers!

Previous reviews

Join 46 other subscribers.

Leave a comment