Episode 1

Beautiful, intelligent and the catsuit wearing queen of hand-to-hand combat, Modesty Blaise was once the head of an international crime operation.

Now, having given up her nefarious ways, Modesty and her faithful side-kick, Willie Garvin, offer their services for more respectable causes.

In this adventure, Modesty invites Sir Gerald Tarrant of British Intelligence to join her for a holiday at the Gorges du Tarn in the South of France. But, after stopping on the cliff road to help two nuns who have broken down, Sir Gerald's car is found smashed to pieces at the bottom of the ravine.

Adapted in five parts from Peter O'Donnell's novel by Stef Penney

Modesty Blaise . . . Daphne Alexander
Willie Garvin . . . Paul Bazely
Sir Gerald Tarrant . . . Ian McNeice
Clare . . . Clare Grogan
Sexton/Colonel Jim . . . Ewan Bailey
Lady Janet/Angel . . . Sara Markland
Quinn . . . John Ramm

With music by Will Gregory, arranged by Ian Gardiner and performed by the National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by Ben Foster.

Sound by David Thomas
Director: Kate McAll

A Pier production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in February 2017.