The Great Impersonation

Stunning full-cast production of the classic mystery thriller set on the cusp of the First World War First published in 1920, The Great Impersonation was a runaway best-seller. Listen now to this stunning full-cast adaptation, available as a download for the first time. It’s early 1914 and two men meet in the wilds of German East Africa - one is a German, the other an Englishman. Both men are roughly the same age, both share a similar background and each man looks almost identical to the other. This similarity gives Leopold von Ragastein a perfect opportunity… Sir Everard Dominey returns to England, but who really is this mysterious aristocrat? As the country moves towards inevitable conflict with Germany, Dominey takes up a powerful position in society, returning to 'his' ancestral home in Norfolk. Pursued by the passionate Princess Eiderstrom he has a lucky escape, but then the Kaiser demands a meeting and things start to unravel for the imposter. Is he Sir Everard, or the Prussian von Ragastein…? Edward Philips Oppenheim was a prolific writer of thriller and mysteries in the early twentieth century. Over 32 of his novels were made into films and he is considered one of the earliest writers of blockbuster fiction, publishing hugely entertaining and easy-to-read novels. A 1927 review in The New York Times said he ‘numbers his admirers in the hundreds of thousands and has one or more of his books on a prominent shelf in almost every home one enters’. He appeared on the cover of Time magazine and has never been out of print. This full-cast adaptation is a must listen for any fans of gripping, fast-paced thrillers. Cast and credits Written by E Phillips Oppenheim Dramatised by Barry Campbell Directed by Brian Miller Sir Everard Dominey / Leopold von Ragastein - David Robb Dr Schmidt - Phillip Manikum Mangan - William Eedle Princess Eiderstrom - Narissa Knights Seaman - William Hope Duchess of Worcester/Nurse - Anne Jameson Duke of Worcester/Dr Harrison - Garard Green Capt Bartram - Graham Pountney Prince Terniloff - Tim Meats Princess Temiloff - Angela Phillips Middleton/The Kaiser/Reynolds - Paul Nicholson Mrs Marston - Gwen Cherrell Parkins/Stilwell/Pelham - Howard Hoffmann Lady Dominey - Melinda Walker Heggs/Ludwig Miller - Mark Straker Williams - Brian Gear First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, February-March 1985 ©2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd