Doctor Who: Big Finish - The Complete Guide

Main Range:

1. The Sirens Of Time 

Cast: Sylvester McCoy (The Doctor), Peter Davison (The Doctor), Colin Baker (The Doctor), Sarah Mowat (Elenya/Helen/Ellie/Lyena), Anthony Keetch (Coordinator Vansell), Michael Wade (The President), Colin McIntyre (Sancroff), Mark Gatiss (Captain Schwieger/Captain/Knight 2), John Wadmore (Commandant/Lt Zentner/Pilot Azimendah/Solanec), Andrew Fettes (Commander Raldeth/Schmidt), Maggie Stables (Ruthley), Nicholas Pegg (Delegate), Nicholas Briggs (The Temperon)

Crew: Director: Nicholas Briggs; Writer: Nicholas Briggs; Music: Nicholas Briggs 

Released: July 1999

Précis: Three different incarnations of the Doctor are locked out of their TARDIS' and face a deadly danger, while an alien race threaten the Time Lords themselves...

Observations: Big Finish had tried to secure the Doctor Who licence in 1998, but the BBC didn't allow it. However, after they released four audio plays based on Bernice Summerfield books, the BBC relented, and gave them the licence. Originally, part two would have been set on the Titanic, while part one's setting would have been called 'Spurtak Island'. The Temperon, Calfadoria and the Drudgers were all created as part of the unofficial Audio Visuals range, while the plot originally included the War Lord from the TV story The War Games. This (and the next 38 audios, excluding the Paul McGann series, and the Excelis trilogy, Maltese Pengiun & Real Time) used the Jon Pertwee/Tom Baker theme because it was only possible to afford one theme. This story was recorded on the 6th and 7th of March 1999, and a free, behind the scenes CD was given away in Doctor Who Magazine a few months before release. Nick Briggs would later go on to voice the Daleks, the Cybermen, the Zygons, the Ice Warriors and several other monsters in the revived TV series, while Mark Gatiss would go on to write for the revived series, as well as star in The Lazarus Experiment and The Wedding Of River Song. Nicholas Pegg would later go on to become a principle Dalek operator in the revived series also. 

Verdict: As an opening story, Sirens Of Time is as ambitious as they come. The first episode, however, comes off as little more than a dull runaround, which is a feeling not helped by the rather manic performance of Sylvester McCoy. The second episode is my favourite - a tense historical drama with Mark Gatiss' U-Boat captain butting heads with Peter Davison's Doctor. The third and fourth episodes are rather swamped with plot, however they still have plenty of good ideas, and are bolstered by a superb tun by Colin Baker, showing that it was the material in the 80's that was the problem. Sarah Mowat is very good as the three assistants, and the production sounds excellent. It's a pretty good start to Big Finish's Who output, but it's clear that some work needs doing in order to make it excellent. 6/10  

2. Phantasmagoria 

Cast: Peter Davison (The Doctor), Mark Strickson (Turlough), David Ryall (Sir Nikolas Valentine), Steven Wickham (Doctor Samuel Hollywell), Mark Gatiss (Jasper Jeake), David Walliams (Quincy Flowers), Julia Dalkin (Hannah Fry), Jonathan Rigby (Edmund Carteret), Jez Fielder (Poltrot/Librarian/Major Billy Lovemore), Nicholas Briggs (Henry Gaunt)

Crew: Director: Nicholas Briggs; Writer: Mark Gatiss; Music: Alistair Lock

Released: October 1999

Précis: Mysterious goings-on around the Diabola Club attract the attention of the Doctor and Turlough, as the mysterious Nikolas Valentine is calling in his debts...

Observations: Working titles for this story included Chamber Of Blood and Restoration. This story was inspired by a 1997 League Of Gentleman sketch. This story was recorded on the 26th and the 27th June 1999. David Walliams would later star in the revived TV series episode The God Complex.

Verdict: Phantasmagoria may not be the most original story, but it is a ton of fun. The script is witty, the atmosphere rich and the performances spot on. Peter Davison and Mark Strickson get to show off the potential of an all-male TARDIS team, while David Ryall does a dead-ringer for Philip Madoc. Mark Gatiss' script leaps of the page, and his story is light and brisk, like an episode of the new series. One quibble I do have is that the story is resolved prehaps a little quicker than I would have liked, however Phantasmagoria is a nice little slice of funny Doctor Who, with some dark and gripping moments, but never feeling heavy handed or too laboured. Phatasmagoria is like a Summer's day: brisk, light and enjoyable. 7/10

 

14. The Holy Terror

Cast: Colin Baker (The Doctor), Robert Jezek (Frobisher), Sam Kelly (Eugene Tacitus), Roberta Taylor (Berengaria), Peter Guinness (Childeric), Stefan Atkinson (Pepin), Peter Sowerbutts (Clovis), Dan Hogarth (Captain Sejanus), Helen Punt (Livilla), Bruce Mann (Arnulf), Robert Shearman (Sculptor) 

Crew: Director: Nicholas Pegg; Writer: Robert Shearman; Music: Russell Stone

Released: November 2000

Précis: When the Doctor and Frobisher are brought to a strange castle, they are hailed as messengers from heaven....

Observations: The Holy Terror was one of three scripts originally developed with Tom Baker in mind, however when he turned it down, Colin Baker replaced him. This story was the first to feature Robert Jezek as Frobisher, and was recorded on the 5th and 6th August 2000. Robert Jezek previously appeared in the 1989 TV story Battlefield. The writer of this story, Rob Shearman, cameoed in this story as a sculptor. The second disc of this story features a bonus track, which was a remix of 'All Hail The Big Talking Bird!'. Part of the cover takes elements from the 1996 TV Movie TARDIS set. For many years, this was one of Big Finish's poorest selling releases, with the inclusion of Frobisher seemingly being the main reason given. Rob Shearman would later write Dalek for the revived TV series. 

Verdict: One of the most daring Big Finish stories ever, The Holy Terror is dark, macabre and one of the very few Doctor Who stories that is downright terrifying. The religious subtext is well implemented, but never feels heavy handed. The explorations of the human soul in the later half is well done, and is a hallmark of Shearman's later works, but prehaps best explored here. Colin Baker and Robert Jezek are phenomenal, really lapping up the wonderful material and running with it. The guest cast are also amazing, especially Sam Kelly as Tacitus and the spine-chilling child. The production itself sounds excellent, with some haunting music and sound effects. The Holy Terror remains one of the very best Big Finish's, and those who never brought it because it features a big talking bird are silly. 10/10

 

16. Storm Warning 

Cast: Paul McGann (The Doctor), India Fisher (Charley Pollard), Gareth Thomas (Lord Tamworth), Barnaby Edwards (Rathbone), Nicholas Pegg (Frayling), Hylton Collins (Chief Steward Weeks), Helen Goldwyn (Triskele) 

Crew: Director: Gary Russell; Writer: Alan Barnes; Music: Alistair Lock 

Released: January 2001

Précis: The TARDIS lands aboard the R101, as it makes it's doomed first voyage to India. However, this mission has a sinister purpose, one that could threaten the whole world...

Observations: Working titles for this story included Dirigibles Of Doom and Blood And Thunder. This story was recorded on the 18th May 2000. Although it was the first released story to feature the eighth Doctor, The Stones Of Venice was the first recorded. This story was recorded third. India Fisher had previously played Peril Bellamy in Winter For The Adept, and was cast based on the strength of her performance there. Gareth Thomas would later go on to appear in the TV spin-off Torchwood. Alan Barnes decided not to include any of the actual people who died in the disaster, instead renaming them. Film composer David Arnold produced the new theme, which was more haunting than the electronic versions of the 1980's. Episode 1 of this story (featuring a different version of the theme) was released with Last Of The Titans as part of a Doctor Who Magazine giveaway. This story would later be broadcast on BBC Radio 7, along with Sword Of Orion, The Stones Of Venice, Invaders From Mars, The Chimes Of Midnight and Shada. 

Verdict: Old-school Who in the traditional sense, Storm Warning opens incredibly well. A great sense of mystery about the passenger in the cabin is built up, and the characters are all varied and interesting. However, the pace seems to grind to a halt in episode 3 with it consisting of little more than a conversation between the different Triskele elements. However this does allow for some peerless world building, with the Triskele social structure being well explored. India Fisher makes an impressive debut as Charley, but it's Paul McGann who makes the real debut, with a fantastic performance that recaptures the magic that he invested the TV Movie. Gareth Thomas is also very impressive, and Alistair Lock's sound design and music is staggeringly cinimatic, which is well matched with David Arnold's haunting theme. A brisk, light opener, which was exactly what the eighth Doctor needed. 7/10 

 

17. Sword Of Orion 

Cast: Paul McGann (The Doctor), India Fisher (Charley Pollard), Bruce Montague (Grash), Michelle Livingston (Deeva Jansen), Hylton Collins (Vol), Ian Marr (Ike), Helen Goldwyn (Chev), Toby Longworth (Kelsey), Mark Gatiss (Thinnes), Barnaby Edwards (Digly), Nicholas Briggs, Alistair Lock (Cybermen)

Crew: Director: Nicholas Briggs; Writer: Nicholas Briggs; Music: Nicholas Briggs 

Released: February 2000

Précis: An abandoned star destroyer in the Garazone System holds a deadly secret: one that is picking off ships one by one...

Observations: This story was adapted from the Audio Visuals (an unlicensed precursor to Big Finish) story of the same name. This story was Big Finish's first use of the Cybermen, and was recorded on the 16th and 17th May 2000. This story would later be broadcast on BBC Radio 7, along with Storm Warning, The Stones Of Venice, Invaders From Mars, The Chimes Of Midnight and Shada. 

Verdict: Sword Of Orion starts out with a lot of initial promise, but ends up devolving into a predictable and cliched run-around. A lot of mystery and atmosphere is built up, however it ends up going nowhere, because the plot decided to keep going round and round in circles. The characters are, for the most part, a dull and uninteresting bunch, with few redeeming features. Their so generic that, at times, I lost track of who was speaking, a feeling not helped by a lack of distinction between the actors. The Cybermen are meant to be the big selling point, yet their horribly sidelined, to the point where any old monster could have taken there place. The Doctor and Charley feel generically written, and while Deeva starts to become interesting in the second half, this is irrelevant because the audience have turned off by then. Taken as a excersize in creating the most generic story possible, this is an achievement, but compare it to anything stronger, and this doesn't stand muster. 5/10  

21. Dust Breeding

Cast: Sylvester McCoy (The Doctor), Sophie Aldred (Ace), Geoffery Beevers (Seta/The Master), Louise Faulkner (Bev Tarrant), Caroline John (Madame Salvadori), Ian Ricketts (Guthrie), Johnson Willis (Damien Pierson), Mark Donovan (Klemp), Gary Russell (Jay Binks), Jane Goddard (Maggie), Jez Fielder (Skredsvig), Alistair Lock (Albert Bootle) 

Crew: Director: Gary Russell; Writer: Mike Tucker; Music: Russell Stone

Released: June 2001

Précis: The Doctor travels to Duchamp 331 in order to take possession of a painting that is about to be destroyed, but soon discovers an old enemy is playing a deadly game...

Observations: Originally, this story was to be an Earth-based story with smugglers and undersea monsters. Mike Tucker plotted this story with his long-time writing partner Robert Perry, who also created the Krill for the BBC novel Storm Harvest. Dust Breeding was originally pitched to BBC Books. Originally, Anthony Ainley was to return to his role as the Master, but an agreement couldn't be reached, leading to Geoffery Beevers' casting, after his appearence as the Master in the 1981 TV story The Keeper Of Traken. This story was recorded on the 31st of March, and the 21st and the 22nd of April 2001. Caroline John previously featured in the TV series as Liz Shaw. 

Verdict: Definitely not the most outstanding release, Dust Breeding does have a few key issues. Sylvester McCoy and Sophie Aldred's performances feel very phoned-in, and Caroline John is saddled with a character with a silly accent, while the direction is flat, and the Krill feel like generic rampaging monsters. However, for all those faults, the story is rather enjoyable. Bev makes a welcome reapperence, and the Master is well used, despite the stab in the continuity gut with regards to the New Adventures, while the story is nicely paced, and much more interesting than Tucker's previous audio work. Some of the ideas at play are clever, and, while not novel or original, most are well handled. Were it not for those few flaws mentioned above, Dust Breeding would be a very strong outing for McCoy's Doctor. As it is, it's not without merit, but it's not quite the masterpiece of art it could have been. 6/10

 

27. The One Doctor 

Cast: Colin Baker (The Doctor), Bonnie Langford (Mel), Christopher Biggins (Banto Zame), Clare Buckfield (Sally-Ann Stubbins), Matt Lucas (Cylinder Voice/The Jelloid), Adam Buxton (Assembler 1), Stephen Fewell (Councillor Potikol/Assembler 2), Jane Goddard (The Questioner), Nicholas Pegg (Citizen Sokkery/Mentos), Mark Wright (Guard)

Crew: Director: Gary Russell; Writers: Gareth Roberts & Clayton Hickman; Music: Alistair Lock 

Released: December 2001

Précis: The Doctor and Mel face double trouble, as two imposters try to defraud the people of Generios, while a huge alien cylinder threatens death and destruction...

Observations: This is seen as the first of Big Finish's Christmas 'releases', although these would later become subscriber specials. This story was recorded on the 28th and 29th April 2001. Sally-Ann would have been played by Liza Tarbuck, but she was busy, so Clare Buckfield took on the role. Episode 3 used the 'Delware' version of the theme tune, and Disc 2 contained two 'bonus' scenes: one in which the Doctor and Mel enjoy a Christmas Day, while the other was an extended version of the questioning from episodes 2 and 3. Gareth Roberts would later go on to write for the revived TV series and The Sarah Jane Adventures, and would also be joined by Clayton Hickman for Goodbye, Sarah Jane Smith on the latter show.

Verdict: Aside from The Curse Of Fatal Death, this is the best Who parody, hands down. What makes it even better than it's charity counterpart is that this actually manages to sit in the show's cannon, while telling a great story at the same time. Christopher Biggins and Clare Buckfield make a hilarious counterpoint to Colin and Bonnie, while both of them get to enjoy a great script that gently highlights the huge flaws with both of their characters. The comedy is well placed, and never grates, instead feeling natural within the confines of this story. Despite several moments such as the Jelloid song, it never goes over-the-top, or seems to be trying too hard to be funny. The result is one of the very funniest Big Finish releases, and the best example of an outright funny story in Big Finish's catalogue. 10/10

 

44. Creatures Of Beauty 

Cast: Peter Davison (The Doctor), Sarah Sutton (Nyssa), David Daker (Gillbrook), Jemma Churchill (Lady Forleon), Nigel Hastings (Quain), David Mallinson (Brodlik), Philip Wolff (Murone), Michael Smiley (Seedleson), Nicholas Briggs (The Koteem)

Crew: Director: Nicholas Briggs; Writer: Nicholas Briggs; Music: Nicholas Briggs

Released: May 2000

Précis: The Doctor and Nyssa are forced to land on the planet Veln, where they quickly find a situation that is beyond their control, and are soon battling to survive...

Observations: This story was recorded on the 22nd and the 24th March 2003. A solicitor character was originally included, whle the character of Lady Forleon was originally a beautician, and then an industrialist. Clive Swift was originally going to play Gillbrook, but had to pull out at the last minute. Nick Briggs wrote the story in thematic order, but recorded it chronologically.

Verdict: One of Big Finish's most experimental releases, Creatures Of Beauty succeeds because it's willing to take risks. The idea of exploring the Doctor's intervention upon an alien world, out of chronological sequence, is a brilliant idea, and here it is executed perfectly. The characters are all believable and real, with clear motivations. The situation pulls no punches either, being one of Doctor Who's bleakest set-ups, with a thoughly chilling villain in Gillbrook. Peter Davison and Sarah Sutton give two of their best performances, really reflecting upon how weak the Doctor and Nyssa are in this situation, while the rest of the cast are throughly believable. Asking some difficult questions, and with a killer twist at the end, Creatures Of Beauty is one of Big Finish's strongest standalone releases. 10/10

50. Zagreus 

Cast: Paul McGann (The Doctor/Zagreus), India Fisher (Charley Pollard), Don Warrington (Rassilon), Nicholas Courtney (The TARDIS), Lalla Ward (Romana), Louise Jameson (Leela), Peter Davison (Reverend Matthew Townsend/The Fifth Doctor), Colin Baker (Lord Tepesh/The Sixth Doctor), Sylvester McCoy (Walton Winkle/The Seventh Doctor), Conrad Westmass (The Cat), Sarah Sutton (Miss Foster), Mark Strickson (Captain MacDonell), Nicola Bryant (Stone/Ouida), Caroline Morris (Mary Elson), Maggie Stables (The Great Mother), Robert Jezek (The Recorder), Bonnie Langford (Cassandra/Goldilocks), Sophie Aldred (Captain Duck), Lisa Bowerman (Sergeant Gazelle), Stephen Fewell (Corporal Heron), Stephen Perring (Receptionist), Miles Richardson (Cardinal Braxiatel), Anneke Wills (Lady Louisa Pollard), Elisabeth Sladen (Miss Lime), John Leeson (K-9), Jon Pertwee (TARDIS Spectre/The Third Doctor)

Crew: Director: Gary Russell; Writer: Alan Barnes & Gary Russell; Music: Andy Hardwick

Released: November 2003

 

Précis: The TARDIS and the Doctor are infected with Anti-Time, but, in his greatest hour of need, three familiar faces are here to help. If they can work out who they are...

Observations: This story was released to mark the 40th Anniversary of Doctor Who, and 50 releases in the main Doctor Who range of Big Finish. Originally, this story would have featured a 'good' Valeyard, and his companion would be Ray from Delta And The Bannermen. The character of Commander Maxil would have been included, later replaced by a Castellan, played by Matthew Waterhouse. This story was recorded on the 15th, the 22nd, the 26th and the 28th August, and the 2nd and the 5th of September 2003. Audio of Jon Pertwee was lifted from the fan film Devious, shot in 1995 before Pertwee's death, while the original Death Zone cue from The Five Doctors was reused in the soundtrack. Paul McGann, Peter Davison, India Fisher and Nicholas Courtney are the only actors to appear in all three episodes. The first disc opens with an eight minute reprise of Neverland. Each opening and closing theme for this story was different: the first episode opening with the original Delia Derbyshire theme and closed with the Peter Howell theme, the second episode opened with the Dominic Glynn theme and closed with the Keff McCulloch theme, and the final episode opened with the Delia Derbyshire theme composed in 1970, and closed with the David Arnold theme. This is, to date, the longest story in the main range. 

Verdict: Zagreus is a difficult beast to quantify. On the one hand, it features virtually every actor every to have been associated with a reoccurring part in the show, and it deals with a lot of Gallifreyian mythology in an interesting and exciting way, but on the other, it's convoluted, at times confusing, and, at others, just plain weird. For a story celebrating 40 years of Doctor Who, I felt Paul McGann was just left to shout his way through the first disc, while India Fisher started to feel like a spare part in disc 3. However, actors like Nicholas Courtney, Colin Baker, Nicola Bryant and Bonnie Langford are clearly enjoying the chance to play the villains, while Don Warrington brings great gravitas to the role of Rassilon. It's just a shame the Jon Pertwee cameos couldn't have been better integrated, and Elisabeth Sladen and Miles Richardson given more to do. The script is patchy at best, with some wacky ideas: the stuff involving the Divergence, Anti-Time and Rassilon's power was interesting, but the stuff involving Cardington and the Forge, the futuristic Disneyland and the use of Lewis Caroll's Alice novels didn't work so well. Zagreus is a strange story, and it's difficult to state an opinion. I feel it's got more positives than negatives, but only just. A flawed celebration of Doctor Who, but one with it's hearts in the right place. 7/10 
 

54. The Natural History Of Fear

Cast: Paul McGann (NAME REDACTED), India Fisher (NAME REDACTED), Conrad Westmass (NAME REDACTED), Sean Carlsen (NAME REDACTED), Jane Hills (NAME REDACTED), Geoffrey Searle (NAME REDACTED), Alison Sterling (NAME REDACTED), Ben Summers (NAME REDACTED), Wink Taylor (NAME REDACTED)

Crew: Director: Gary Russell; Writer: Jim Mortimore; Music: Jim Mortimore

Released: February 2004

Précis: TEXT HAS BEEN REMOVED BY ORDER OF THE EDITOR. NEVER QUESTION. QUESTIONS LEAD TO ANSWERS. ANSWERS LEAD TO DISCONTENT. DISCONTENT LEADS TO UNHAPPINESS. THE STATE WANTS YOU TO BE HAPPY.

Observations: This story was recorded on the 11th and the 12th of May 2003. The cast for this story were given no individual credits, since the performances were seen as more important. Light City's DJ mentions an unmade story called Dark Rising, which was the story replaced by Master. Jim Mortimore hoped to direct the story himself. The theme of 'the Hero's' adventures was actually the theme used on the unofficial Audio Visual releases. A bonus track on this CD includes music and sound effects from the story.

Verdict: A dark, thrilling and clever story that takes the audio medium and the format of Doctor Who, and completely subverts them. The world of Light City is so complex, in the same way that the future Britain George Orwell created in Nineteen Eighty-Four was, and asks some very difficult questions about the state and it's relationship with the people it protects. Should it be productive, with everyone in their place, working for the good of all, or should people have free will, and be willing to work for themselves? There may be a lack of characterisation, but the story is all about the lack of character and identity, and it works brilliantly. The cast are fantastic, but particularly Paul McGann as the psychotic Editor - a world away from the Doctor. The soundscape should also be singled out, because it creates a world that is complex and challenging. In fact, the one thing that stops this being one of my all-time favourite stories is the final twist about the nature of the race. It plays on the audio format well, but it just feels unnecessary. However, even that doesn't affect this spine chilling story that much, and remains a distinctly original part of the Big Finish cannon. 9/10         

 

Eighth Doctor Adventures:

1.3 Horror Of Glam Rock 

Cast: Paul McGann (The Doctor), Sheridan Smith (Lucie Miller), Bernard Cribbins (Arnold Korns), Una Stubbs (Flo), Stephen Gately (Tommy Tomorrow), Clare Buckfield (Trisha Tomorrow), Lynsey Hardwick (Pat), Katarina Olsson (The Headhunter/The Only Ones) 

Crew: Director: Barnaby Edwards; Writer: Paul Magrs; Music: Tim Sutton

Released: March 2007

Précis: A series of deaths near a motorway service station lead the Doctor and Lucie to investigate the mysterious creatures called the Only Ones, and their link to Tommy Tomorrow...

Observations: The title of this story is an intended pun upon the 1977 story Horror Of Fang Rock. The original title of this story was Hazy Cosmic Jive, and based on a line from a David Bowie song. This story was recorded on the 25th and 29th August 2006. This story was first brodcast on BBC Radio 7 in early 2007, alongside Blood Of The Daleks, Immortal Beloved, Phobos, No More Lies & Human Resources. The CD/download version of this story included the full 'Children Of Tommorow' song and the glam rock version of the Doctor Who theme tune, composed by Tim Sutton. Bernard Cribbins would later go onto appear in the revived TV series as Wilfred Mott, and had previously appeared in the 1960's movie Daleks: Invasion Earth 2150AD.

Verdict: A wonderful example of twisting a familiar Doctor Who concept on it's head, Horror Of Glam Rock is a great story from the get-go. The characters are incredibly strong, each one having their own desires and motivations, and each one feeling like they have a life of their own outside the story. Paul McGann and Sheridan Smith have quickly settled into an agreeable dynamic, and the relationship feels perfectly constructed. If I had any complaints, it would be that the revelation that Pat is Lucie's aunt feels a little thrown out there, and the main monsters, the Only Ones, are a little weak. However, it's an enjoyable little story that makes something new out of a very old concept. 8/10  

1.7 Human Resources: Part One

Cast: Paul McGann (The Doctor), Sheridan Smith (Lucie Miller), Roy Marsden (Todd Hulbert), Nickolas Grace (Straxus), Owen Brenman (Jerry), Louise Fullerton (Karen), Andy Wisher (Malcolm), Katarina Olsson (The Headhunter), Nicholas Briggs (Cybermen) 

Crew: Director: Barnaby Edwards; Writer: Eddie Robson; Music: Andy Hardwick

Released: July 2007

Précis: Sent to find Lucie, the Doctor discovers that an office block in Telford isn't quite what it appears...

Observations: Orginally, this story was a one-parter in which the Doctor and Lucie simply turned up at the office in the TARDIS. However, this story was expanded when it was decided to make it part of the season finale, meaning that the Headhunter had to be fitted into the story. The original title for this story was just Human Resources, without the episode number. The original actor playing Straxus was fired, and Nickolas Grace was brought in as a replacement. The story was recorded on the 26th and the 30th of August 2006. Andy Wisher is the son of Michael Wisher, original Davros actor, while Roy Marsden appeared in the revived TV series episode Smith And Jones. This story was first brodcast on BBC Radio 7 in early 2007, alongside Blood Of The Daleks, Horror Of Glam Rock, Immortal Beloved, Phobos and No More Lies. 

Result: The first part of this season finale may not be epic, but it certainly is enjoyable. The comedy and the humour is wonderfully written, and the plot builds up slowly, with plenty to savour. By transplanting the Doctor into this setting, a lot of the humour comes from seeing the Doctor trying to fit into this 'real world' setting, and the interaction between him and Lucie is dynamite. The guest cast are excellent, and the cliffhanger is wonderfully gripping. Most definitely one of the best episodes from the first eighth Doctor/Lucie Miller season. 8/10

1.8 Human Resources: Part Two

Cast: Paul McGann (The Doctor), Sheridan Smith (Lucie Miller), Roy Marsden (Todd Hulbert), Nickolas Grace (Straxus), Owen Brenman (Jerry), Louise Fullerton (Karen), Andy Wisher (Malcolm), Katarina Olsson (The Headhunter), Nicholas Briggs (Cybermen) 

Crew: Director: Barnaby Edwards; Writer: Eddie Robson; Music: Andy Hardwick 

Released: August 2007

Précis: The Cybermen have taken control and the Doctor is their prisoner. Lucie must free him, all the while the threads are being pulled together for the end game...

Observations: When Eddie Robson was given the Cybermen when the story was bumped up as part of the season finale, he originally split the story over two offices. However, this was later redrafted. The original title for this story was Hostile Takeover. The story was recorded on the 26th and the 30th of August 2006. Andy Wisher is the son of Michael Wisher, original Davros actor, while Roy Marsden appeared in the revived TV series episode Smith And Jones. This story was first brodcast on BBC Radio 7 in early 2007, alongside Blood Of The Daleks, Horror Of Glam Rock, Immortal Beloved, Phobos and No More Lies. 

Verdict: After the slower paced first episode, the second episode really steps up the tension. The Cybermen are really well used, and the way they are written, playing off the Doctor and Hulbert, is excellent. Sheridan Smith has rarely been stronger, with a brilliant performance that allows her to show real vocal range. And the plot just builds in layers and layers, becoming something grander than anything that might have been considered based on the evidence of the first part. A great end to the first series of eighth Doctor/Lucie Miller stories, and one of it's strongest stories that acts as a great showcase for the regulars. 9/10

 

2.5 Grand Theft Cosmos 

Cast: Paul McGann (The Doctor), Sheridan Smith (Lucie Miller), Michael Maloney (Simonsson/Museum Porter/Diner/Cab Driver), Christopher Benjamin (Tardelli), Colin Spaull (Henrik), Sebastian Armesto (Anders/Museum Porter/Waiter), Katarina Olsson (The Headhunter), Louise Fullerton (Karen), Barnaby Edwards (Guardian)

Crew: Director: Barnaby Edwards; Writer: Eddie Robson; Music: Andy Hardwick

Released: May 2008

Précis: The Doctor and Lucie go up against the Headhunter and Karen, in an attempt to prevent them stealing the Black Diamond of Claudio Tardelli before they can... 

Observations: This story was originally a modern heist story, where the object would be technologically-based. It was Barnaby Edwards who decided to shift the story into the past. Originally, the story would have had the Headhunter and the Doctor working together, before it was dropped for them competing against each other. This story was the first recorded of the second season of eighth Doctor/Lucie adventures. Sheridan Smith had to record her lines separately, since there was no date where her and Paul could be together. Colin Spaull had previously appeared in the TV story Revelation Of The Daleks and the revived TV series episodes Rise Of The Cybermen & The Age Of Steel, while Christopher Benjamin previously appeared in the TV series stories Inferno and The Talons Of Weng-Chiang, and would appear in the revived TV series episode The Unicorn And The Wasp. This story was later brodcast on BBC Radio 7 alongside Dead London, Max Warp, Brave New Town, The Skull Of Sobek and The Zygon Who Fell To Earth. 

Verdict: A good old-fashioned crime caper with some clever twists, Grand Theft Cosmos is confidently written and even more confidently acted. Everyone is having a ball, and Robson's script keeps things moving at a good pace. Paul McGann and Sheridan Smith may have been recorded separately, but the dynamic they have together is brilliant. Katarina Olsson and Louise Fullerton have a great double act together, and the rest of the guest cast are clearly having a ball. It's just a shame that Chris Benjamin isn't given more to do, and that the ending feels rushed, meaning that the story is brought down because of it. Overall, though, it's still an enjoyable story. 8/10

The Lost Stories:

1.4 The Hollows Of Time

Cast: Colin Baker (The Doctor), Nicola Bryant (Peri), David Garfield (Professor Stream), Trevor Littledale (Reverend Foxwell), Susan Sheridan (Mrs Streeter/Simon), Hywel John (Steel Specs), Victoria Finney (Jane)

Crew: Director: John Ainsworth; Writer: Christopher H Bidmead; Music: Nigel Fairs 

Released: February 2010

Précis: The Doctor and Peri struggle to remember their holiday in the village of Hollowdean, and the identity of the mysterious Professor Stream...

Observations: This story was originally planned to be the fifth story in Doctor Who's 23rd season, but was dropped when the series' episode count was drastically reduced. The story's title was originally 'In The Hollows Of Time'. Originally, Stream was to have been revealed as the Master (Stream being an anagram of Master), but, with Anthony Ainley's passing in 2004, and the fact that permission to use the Master couldn't be obtained from the BBC (due to his appearence in the TV story The End Of Time), that revelation was dropped. The framing sequence of the Doctor and Peri was added to help convay the more visual aspects of the story. This story was recorded on the 30th and the 31st March 2009. David Garfield previously appeared in the TV stories The War Games and The Face Of Evil. 

Verdict: The Hollows Of Time listens like a cross between an episode of Last Of The Summer Wine and a science lecture. There are many moments in which the listener is just plain lost, wondering what the hell is going on. The Tractators and Stream are hidiously underused, to the point where it feels like the science is the villain. Yet, for all those flaws, there is something moderately enjoyable about The Hollows Of Time that allows that time to sweep by. The framing sequences are quite nice, and the revelation about Stream actually helps the story feel less predictable. The cast are quite impressive, especially Garfield as Stream, and Susan Sheridan, who manages to switch characters effortlessly. She sounds more convincing as Simon than the two child actors they got in for Mission To Magnus. The Hollows Of Time may not make much sense, yet it's not an overtly bad story, nor an offensive one. 5/10

Fourth Doctor Adventures:

1.1 Destination: Nerva
Cast: Tom Baker (The Doctor), Louise Jameson (Leela), Raquel Cassidy (Dr Alison Foster), Tim Bentinck (Giles Moreau/Jenkins/Construction Worker), Sam Graham (McMullan/Pilot/Construction Worker), Tilly Gaunt (Laura Craske/Construction Worker), Kim Wall (Jim Hooley/Drelleran 1/Security Guard/Construction Worker), Tim Treloar (Lord Jack/Drudgers/Drelleran 2/Construction Worker)
Crew: Director: Nicholas Briggs; Writer: Nicholas Briggs; Music: Jamie Robertson
Released: January 2012

Précis: The Doctor and Leela follow a distress signal to Victorian England... Which leads them to a destination that the Doctor has been to before...
Observations: After many years of resistance, Tom Baker finally joined Big Finish in 2011, and was assigned his own range, to avoid conflict with the Main Range Doctors. While released as the first Big Finish adventure with Tom Baker, it was actually recorded much later into the run. It was producer David Richardson's idea to set a story on Nerva. This story was recorded on the 12th September 2011. Tom Baker's line about knowing a butler called Butler was an ad-lib referencing the recently recorded Lost Story, Foe From The Future.
Verdict: As opening stories go, this does everything it needs to. It re-establishes the Doctor/Leela dynamic, sets up the focus of the season (that is the Doctor teaching Leela) and tells a very classic-style story. Tom Baker and Louise Jameson settle back into their roles very quickly, and the music is totally authentic to the time period. Sure, the dialogue is, at times, rather wooden, and the plot certainly isn't anything we haven't seen before, but it's really enjoyable if you just want an enjoyable little story that won't tax you too much, but will remind you of the best bits of the classic series. 7/10

1.2 The Renaissance Man
Cast: Tom Baker (The Doctor), Louise Jameson (Leela), Ian McNeice (Harcourt), Gareth Armstrong (Jephson), Anthony Howell (Christopher), Daisy Ashford (Lizzie), Laura Molyneux (Beryl/Professor Hilda Lutterthwaite), John Dorney (Dr Henry Carnforth)
Crew: Director: Ken Bentley; Writer: Justin Richards; Music: Jamie Robertson
Released: February 2012

Précis: The Doctor plans to take Leela to the Morovanian Museum, but ends up in a strange English village, where they meet the enigmatic collector Harcourt and discover something very odd is going on...
Observations: This story was recorded on the 17th August 2011. Ian McNeice appeared as Winston Churchill in the new TV stories The Beast Below, Victory Of The Daleks, The Pandorica Opens and The Wedding Of River Song. Daisy Ashford is the daughter of Liz Shaw actress Caroline John and Master actor Geoffrey Beevers.
Verdict: Witty, warm and utterly charming, The Renaissance Man is a great story that manages to deal with some really clever ideas in a very light way. The whole piece skips along at a lick, and manages to be both clever and dramatic. Tom Baker and Louise Jameson give great performances, and the guest cast are amazing, particularly Ian McNeice and Gareth Armstrong as the villains. The Renaissance Man is a great story that really pushes what can be done in the 'traditional' format of the Fourth Doctor Adventures. 8/10

1.3 The Wrath Of The Iceni
Cast: Tom Baker (The Doctor), Louise Jameson (Leela), Ella Kenion (Boudica), Nia Roberts (Bragnar), Michael Rouse (Caedmon/Fastucas), Daniel Hawksford (Pacquolas/Man)
Crew: Director: Ken Bentley; Writer: John Dorney; Music: Richard Fox & Lauren Yason
Released: March 2012

Précis: The Doctor and Leela end up in Roman Britain, and end up encountering Boudica. And Leela begins to be swayed away from the Doctor towards her cause...
Observations: This story was recorded on the 13th September 2011. Ella Kenion appeared in the new TV story Let's Kill Hitler as Harriet.
Verdict: In complete contrast to the rest of the season, The Wrath Of The Iceni really pushes the boundaries of what would have fitted into the 1970's style. Giving the fourth Doctor a Hartnell-style historical is a great idea, and a story as vivid as this is a great idea. I loved the way that this story pitted the Doctor and Leela at loggerheads, and Tom Baker and Louise Jameson are amazing. The guest characters are amazing, and Ella Kenion in particular leads the relatively small guest cast. There are some flaws with the story, namely that, within the historical genre, it's nothing that new, but it's still a story that pushes the Doctor and Leela's relationship, and for that, it gets a great deal of credit. 8/10

 

1.4 Energy Of The Daleks

Cast: Tom Baker (The Doctor), Louise Jameson (Leela), Mark Benton (Jack Coulson), Alex Lowe (Damien Stephens/Roboman/Security Guard), Caroline Keff (Lydia Harding), Dan Starkey (Kevin Winston/Roboman/Internet Voice), John Dorney (Roboman), Nicholas Briggs (Daleks)

Crew: Director: Nicholas Briggs; Writer: Nicholas Briggs; Music: Andy Hardwick

Released: April 2012

Précis: Earth in 2025 is a world in crisis, but Damien Stephens has the solution to the world's problems. However, the Doctor and Leela think it's too good to be true...

Observations: This counts as Tom Baker's first story with the Daleks since 1979's Destiny Of The Daleks. This story was recorded on the 22nd of April 2011. While this was the first story recorded with Tom Baker, it was actually released fourth, after being originally planned to be released first. The original title of this story was Dalek Moon Rising. This story was later brodcast on BBC Radio 4 Extra, alongside Destination: Nerva, The Renaissance Man, The Wrath Of The Iceni, Trail Of The White Worm and The Oseidon Adventure.

Verdict: Energy Of The Daleks is a solidly enjoyable slice of Doctor Who, which moves along at a brisk, entertaining pace. Where the story prehaps falls down is that it moves too fast: it passes by a little too quickly, exposing the limitations of the single disc format. There's a whole world that's begging to be explored here. With this being the first story Tom Baker recorded at Big Finish, his performance is less settled than his later work, however he still gives a good performance. The guest cast are strong, and the music and sound design are well used too. Energy Of The Daleks will never win any awards, however it's an enjoyable story that helps make an hour fly by. 6/10

1.5 Trail Of The White Worm
Cast: Tom Baker (The Doctor), Louise Jameson (Leela), Geoffrey Beevers (The Master), Rachel Stirling (Mrs Demesne Furze), Michael Cochrane (Colonel Hugh Spindleton), John Banks (Carswell/Mercenary), Becci Gemmell (Julie), Mark Field (John)
Crew: Director: Ken Bentley; Writer: Alan Barnes; Music: Andy Hardwick
Released: May 2012

Précis: A mysterious worm, a mad colonel and the shadowy plans of the Master threaten the Doctor and Leela when they land in Derbyshire in 1979...
Observations: This is the first appearance of the Master in a Big Finish audio since 2003's Master. This story was recorded on the 18th August 2011. Michael Cochrane has appeared in the previous Big Finish audios No Man's Land and Brotherhood Of The Daleks, as well as the classic TV stories Black Orchid and Ghost Light. Rachel Stirling also went onto appear in the new TV story The Crimson Horror.
Verdict: Not much happens in Trail Of The White Worm, but it's so enjoyable that it just flies by. The characters are wonderfully larger than life, the acting is great, particularly from Tom Baker and Geoffrey Beevers, and it just zips along with some great moments. I will admit, the pacing in part two really starts to go a little bit odd, and the Master is written rather campy. However, that doesn't detract from a story that is really enjoyable, and is one of the wittiest stories that Big Finish have put out in the past few years. 7/10

 

3.5 Last Of The Colophon 

Cast: Tom Baker (The Doctor), Louise Jameson (Leela), Gareth Thomas (Morax), Jessica Martin (Sutton), John Voce (Hardwick), Blake Ritson (Kellaway), Jane Goddard (Nuse Torvik/Computer)

Crew: Director: Nicholas Briggs; Writer: Jonathan Morris; Music: Jamie Robertson 

Released: May 2014

Précis: The Doctor and Leela come across the lair of Astaroth Morax, who is the last of the Colophon... And also the killer of the Colophon...

Observations: This story was recorded on the 10th May 2012. Jessica Martin previously appeared in the 1988-89 story The Greatest Show In The Galaxy.

Verdict: Last Of The Colophon is a suprisingly good and clever story which makes excellent use of the audio medium. Doctor Who doing The Invisible Man isn't an idea that hasn't really been explored (unless you count Timelash), and here, the audio medium allows Jonny Morris to play several tricks with the audience. Tom Baker and Gareth Thomas make great sparring partners, the pair of them really playing into the material. Louise Jameson, however, feels rather superfluous to requirements, and her place could have easily been taken by anyone, which is a shame. The remaining guest cast similarly feel under explored, however, none of this really detracts from a story which echoes the best stories of the Philip Hinchcliffe era, without the apparent need to steal from them. 8/10

4.5 Suburban Hell

Cast: Tom Baker (The Doctor), Louise Jameson (Leela), Katy Wix (Belinda), Annette Badland (Thelma), Raymond Coulthard (Ralph/Second Acolyte), Alix Dunmore (Penny/Acolyte), David Ricardo-Pearce (Pete/Priest)

Crew: Director: Nicholas Briggs; Writer: Alan Barnes; Music: Alistair Lock 

Released: May 2015

Précis: Belinda's dinner party turns to disaster when a mysterious fog, blue skinned aliens and a pair of time travellers decide to crash the party...

Observations: Alan Barnes based this story on the 1977 TV play Abigail's Party. Katy Wix previously appeared in Torchwood: Children Of Earth.

Verdict: Suburban Hell is a play of two halfs. The first half felt, to me, much stronger, with it's Abigail's Party-style setting, and by transplanting the Doctor and Leela into that scenario. However, as the story wears on, and the time travel plot kicks in, it starts to become a little confusing, and, frankly, isn't as interesting as the earlier stuff. However, Barnes does give Tom Baker and Louise Jameson a chance to really shine, and give some of their greatest performances in the Fourth Doctor Adventures. Nicholas Briggs has also assembled a strong cast, with Katy Wix leading the way as a deliciously cruel Belinda. Overall, Suburban Hell is a flawed masterpiece: it's not the best story ever, but it pushes the boundaries enough to be worth a listen. 7/10