Review: Big Finish: The Paternoster Gang: Trespassers 1: Rogues Gallery

In the ever-expanding Doctor Who universe, the Paternoster Gang – Strax, Madame Vastra, and Jenny Flint – have always fascinated me. It always felt like there was more to tell, so much untapped potential. Well, after a long break from their audio series and nearly a decade away from our TV screens, it’s high time to catch up with these characters. This audio is a delightful return to their world.

The first episode, “The Ghost and the Potato Man,” sets the stage for an exciting adventure. Our trio finds themselves in a tangle of mysteries involving a vanishing magician’s act and some criminals. The plot expertly navigates the mystery of said criminals, who seem to vanish into thin air after their misdeeds. Adding a fresh twist to the group, fan-favourite, Ellie from the Jago & Litefoot series joins the gang.

Strax’s unexpected talent as an on-stage comedian is sure to have you in stitches, and there’s a heartwarming scene that deepens Jenny and Vastra’s relationship.

Rating: 8/10

Let’s talk about the core trio. Dan Starkey, who embodies Strax, seamlessly blends humour and warrior prowess into the character. He’s a standout in the quirky dynamics of the Paternoster Gang and makes Strax one of the most endearing figures in the Whovian world.

Neve McIntosh, known for her role as Madame Vastra, delivers a captivating performance that peels back the layers of her character. Her ability to convey Vastra’s complex personality, from her stoic exterior to her genuine affection for Jenny, enriches the story.

Catrin Stewart, who plays Jenny, infuses the character with an infectious energy, bringing her to life with authenticity. The chemistry between McIntosh and Stewart is palpable, making the Paternoster Gang’s dynamics even more engaging.

Throughout the series, McIntosh and Stewart play crucial roles in breathing life into the Paternoster Gang’s adventures, adding to the charm and authenticity of this beloved trio’s escapades.

In “Trespassers,” Dan Starkey takes on an additional role as the writer for the second story, “Symmetry of Death,” crafting a complex plot enriched with sci-fi elements. His ability to bring out Strax’s unique humour adds depth to the character, making him even more endearing.

In a series that heavily relies on character dynamics, Dan Starkey’s portrayal of Strax shines, contributing to the charm of the Paternoster Gang’s latest audio adventures. His impeccable comedic timing and unwavering commitment to the character deserve recognition.

In “Symmetry of Death,” the trio investigates a locked-room disappearance alongside a simultaneous murder. While there are moments that might feel a bit otherworldly, Neve McIntosh’s emotionally rich performance stands out.

Rating: 7/10

The final episode, “Till Death Us Do Part,” introduces Paul McGann’s 8th Doctor to the Paternoster Gang. Jenny’s determination to marry Vastra, despite her hesitation, takes them on an unexpected journey. The story is character-driven, especially for Jenny, offering a refreshing departure from the typical Victorian escapades, with a revelation that lingers.

“Trespassers” is an exciting comeback for the Paternoster Gang, with a deep dive into character development. While it might not convert those unimpressed by the trio, it undeniably hints at new possibilities.

Overall Rating: 8/10

The Paternoster Gang: Trespassers 1: Rogues Gallery is avaliable here.

Review-Doctor Who: Once and Future: Time Lord Immemorial

In the first of this month’s two Once & Future releases, the intriguingly titled “Time Lord Immemorial,” Big Finish has taken an unconventional departure from tradition. They’ve chosen not to align the release with the anniversary month, a decision that adds an air of unpredictability to the narrative landscape.

The Once & Future series, known for its narrative complexity, reaches new heights of intricacy in this particular instalment. While the previous episode featuring the Tenth Doctor managed to seamlessly integrate into the overarching storyline, “Time Lord Immemorial” feels somewhat hastily placed between its predecessor and the series’ culminating conclusion. This haste is palpable, and what’s more confounding is that the stakes of the plot far exceed those of the overarching narrative. Yet, they are treated almost as a mere aside.

Our journey commences with the Ninth Doctor, portrayed by the talented Christopher Eccleston, aboard the TARDIS, diligently pursuing “The Union,” an enigmatic clue from the previous instalment. Surprisingly, this time around, we are spared the chaos of incarnation-changing. The Doctor’s realisation of inhabiting an unfamiliar body dawns on the listener only as the story unfolds.
Curiously absent are the hints of other Doctor voices that have become customary in this series. However, the narrative introduces another Doctor, the Unbound Doctor, essayed by the accomplished David Warner, whose origins extend beyond our familiar universe into the realm of alternate realities, as witnessed during the Bernice Summerfield stories.
The meeting of these two Doctors precipitates a thought-provoking debate on the intricacies of TARDIS interiors. Their discourse, however, is abruptly interrupted by a mysterious entity composed of sand, its cryptic utterances forebodingly whispering of the “Sands of Time.” In response, the Doctors resolve to pursue this enigmatic trail.

Simultaneously, on a tranquil beach, we find Liz Chenka, played by Nicola Walker, sharing a moment of relaxation with an unexpected companion – The Lumiat, portrayed by Gina McKee. For those not attuned to the latest Missy box sets, The Lumiat occupies a unique space in the hierarchy of The Master, residing between Missy and the Sacha Dhawan version. Unlike her predecessors and successors, The Lumiat leans towards the side of good. Yet, their peaceful respite is abruptly shattered as they fall prey to the same enigmatic sand creatures that have infiltrated the TARDIS.
Speaking of the TARDIS, it materialises in the grand hall of the “Time Lord Immemorial,” a mythical locale at the heart of the multiverse. Here resides an all-powerful Time Lord, a veritable deity. Moments later, Liv and The Lumiat emerge through the sand creatures, but the group is swiftly dispersed. The Doctor and The Lumiat find themselves in a corridor adorned with vivid murals, each one narrating facets of their own lives. It’s in this surreal setting that The Doctor confronts her true identity and grapples with the notion of embodying a Master incarnation.

Surprisingly, despite its grand scope and the looming cataclysm of the multiverse, the narrative pivots around conversations, with a conspicuous absence of formidable adversaries. A nursery rhyme prophecy, reminiscent of the style often attributed to Steven Moffat, simplifies the plot’s trajectory: the characters will ultimately reach their destination and save the day, as anticipated.

It’s obvious that “Time Lord Immemorial” was penned with haste, seemingly shoehorned in after the Once and Future storyline had been finalised. The potential of the Unbound Doctor and The Lumiat, both characters with intriguing dimensions, remains completely underutilised. The Unbound Doctor, a figure previously explored in the “Doctor Who Unbound” series, delves into “What If?” scenarios for the Doctors. The Lumiat made her debut in “Missy: The Lumiat” and was also featured in the multi-master narrative “Masterful.”

“Time Lord Immemorial” introduces a compelling premise of a collapsing multiverse, but channels it into a narrative where characters predominantly engage in dialogue. They are guided by a nursery rhyme prophecy, while the Once and Future narrative itself experiences limited progression.

2/10.

Bite Me: A Buffy podcast-The Harvest

Join Joe Ford and Martyn Havell in this thrilling first episode of Bite Me, as they delve into ‘The Harvest’.

Get ready for a rollercoaster of supernatural adventures, witty banter, a dash of nostalgia and some therapy.

If you’d like to support the show, please check out our ⁠⁠Ko-Fi page⁠⁠.

The podcast is available on ⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Google Podcasts⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Amazon Music⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠.

Bite Me podcast art by ⁠Penny Smallshire⁠.

Check out Joe’s other podcasts: ⁠⁠Hamster with a blunt penkife⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Finish Big⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Untitled Star Trek Project⁠⁠.

Check out Martyn’s other podcasts: ⁠⁠Bad Wilf⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Running Down Corridors⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Martyn &⁠⁠.

SOCIALS:

Martyn-⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

Joe-⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠.

Bite Me-⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠.

Running Down Corridors-Torchwood: Ghost Machine

We’re back from our summer break and with Chris on paternity leave, Martyn and Abi are joined by YouTuber Jimi Wolfe.

Check out Abi’s production company ⁠TT Productions 23⁠. Toverton Podcast is ⁠here⁠.

Check out Chris’s ⁠Second Doctor audios.⁠

Check out Bite Me: A Buffy Podcast.

Check out Jimi’s YouTube channel.

Twitter: ⁠Podcast⁠, ⁠Martyn⁠, ⁠Abi⁠.

Instagram: ⁠Podcast⁠, ⁠Martyn⁠, ⁠Chris⁠, ⁠Abi⁠.

TikTok: ⁠Podcast⁠, ⁠Martyn⁠, ⁠Chris⁠, ⁠Abi⁠.

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Buffy audio play out next month

Exciting news for Scoobies! Prepare to venture back into the Buffyverse through a fresh and thrilling sequel story.

Audible has unveiled an exciting new audio project titled “Slayers: A Buffyverse Story,” featuring the triumphant return of several beloved cast members from the original series.

Among the stars making their way back to the Buffyverse are James Marsters, reprising his iconic role as Spike, Charisma Carpenter, making a comeback as Cordelia Chase, Anthony Head as the ever-wise Rupert Giles, Juliet Landau embracing her role as Drusilla, Emma Caulfield returning as the enigmatic Anya, Amber Benson as the beloved Tara Maclay, James C Leary in his lovable Clem persona, and Danny Strong embodying Jonathan Levinson once more. Joining this stellar ensemble is the talented new addition, Laya DeLeon Hayes.

The new installment is co-crafted by Benson in collaboration with the skilled writer Christopher Golden, the story will resume two-decades after the climactic conclusion of Buffy The Vampire Slayer. It will centre on Spike, who has surreptitiously immersed himself in the shadowy underbelly of Los Angeles, persuading the sinister forces that his malevolence has returned. However, his intricate cover is unexpectedly jeopardised when a sixteen-year-old named Indira Nunnally comes into the picture, thrusting him back into the role of overseeing young slayers, a duty he thought he’d left behind for good.

While he attempts to track down a watcher for Indira, their paths collide with the veteran Slayer of a parallel reality where Buffy Summers never existed and where Cordelia Chase is the one-and-only Slayer. She needs Spike’s help with stopping Drusilla, who is terrorising her world.

Marsters said: “I’m ecstatic to be back with my dear friends for this next chapter in the Buffyverse, as we take listeners on a familiar but unexpected journey chock full of horror, passion and mischief. I’m excited for old and new fans to experience this beloved world of vampire slaying like never before, brought to life through immersive audio storytelling.”

Meanwhile, Rachel Ghiazza, Chief Content Officer at Audible said: “Slayers: A Buffyverse Story offers a fresh, dynamic take on a cult-classic that takes listeners on a fun and nostalgic ride. The all-star cast reprising beloved roles, as well as newcomers, bring to life a storyline that will entertain fans of the original series and pull in first-time Sunnydale visitors.”

Slayers: A Buffyverse Story will be available on Audible beginning 12th October 2023.

Check out Bite Me: A Buffy Podcast.

Announcing ‘Bite Me: A Buffy Podcast’

Introducing “Bite Me” – Your New Favourite Podcast About Buffy the Vampire Slayer!

Grab your stakes and get ready to dive deep into the supernatural world of Buffy the Vampire Slayer with an exciting new podcast, “Bite Me”! Hosted by the dynamic duo, Martyn Havell and Joe Ford, this podcast is bound to become your Saturday ritual!

In “Bite Me,” Martyn and Joe take you on a thrilling journey through the beloved cult classic, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. With their infectious passion for all things Buffy, they’ll dissect each episode, share behind-the-scenes secrets, and explore the show’s impact on pop culture. It’s like a Watcher’s Guide for fans old and new!

Martyn and Joe bring their unique blend of humour, wit, and genuine love for the show to every episode, making “Bite Me” a podcast that feels like hanging out with your Buffy-loving friends.

Whether you’re Team Angel or Team Spike, a die-hard Scooby Gang member, or just dusting off your old DVD box sets, “Bite Me” has something for everyone. Expect lively discussions, hilarious anecdotes, and even some surprise guest appearances.

Join us every Saturday for a dose of nostalgia, witty banter, and the Scooby Gang’s adventures in Sunnydale. “Bite Me” is your one-stop shop for all things Buffy, and it’s coming to your favourite podcast platform on Saturday 9th of September, 2023. Subscribe now, and be part of the Scoobies!

Remember, when the vampires rise, just say, “Bite Me!”

The podcast is available on ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠, ⁠Spotify⁠, ⁠Google Podcasts⁠, ⁠Amazon Music⁠ and ⁠YouTube⁠.

Kiell Smith-Bynoe

In a recent interview, I had the pleasure of speaking with the talented actor and writer, Kiell Smith-Bynoe. We delved into the creative process behind his upcoming Edinburgh show, “String V Spitta,” and discussed his experiences in the industry. From the inspiration behind the show to the collaborative process with his co-writer Ed MacArthur, Kiell shared valuable insights into the world of acting and writing. In this article, we will explore the main themes that emerged from our conversation, providing a comprehensive analysis of the creative process and its implications. The podcast is linked below.

The Inspiration Behind “String V Spitta”

Kiell’s journey with “String V Spitta” began when he met his co-writer Ed at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2016. The show was born out of their shared love for music and comedy, as Kiell explains:

“Producer Phoebe Burke introduced us, knowing that we were both very musical and had a similar sense of humor. We started talking about our careers and realised that we both had experience in children’s entertainment and a passion for music. That’s when the idea for ‘String V Spitta’ was born.”

Kiell and Ed initially focused on creating the songs for the show before building a narrative around them, a process that deviated from the traditional approach. Kiell explains:

“We did songs first and then built a narrative around that, which is not the orthodox way, I don’t think, but it worked for us. We would meet up every couple of months and stay in the studio until we had a song. We always aimed to find the funniest thing, even if it didn’t make sense. Sometimes the idea of the joke is that it doesn’t really make sense what’s been said.”

The Collaborative Process

Collaboration is a crucial aspect of the creative process, and Kiell emphasises the importance of working with someone like Ed, who shares his sense of humour and passion for music:

“It’s really fun because Ed is extremely funny, and we’re always searching for the funniest thing. We started out working on the songs and then built a narrative around them. We meet up every couple of months and stay in the studio until we have a song. We always had great songs, even some that didn’t make it into the show.”

Kiell’s and Ed’s collaborative process involves constant editing and refining, even during live performances:

“Even as we’re doing the show in London, we’re still trying to edit and find the funniest thing. We make each other laugh and constantly strive to improve the show.”

Incorporating Songs into the Narrative

One of the challenges Kiell and Ed faced was incorporating the songs into a cohesive story structure. Kiell explains their approach:

“For example, we have a rap battle in the show. We wanted to show the rivalry between the characters, and a rap battle was the best way to do that musically. We had to decide where to place it in the narrative. We explored different options, such as whether the characters had met before or were writing based on their stereotypes of each other. Eventually, we found the perfect place for it, right in the middle of the show, as the peak of their rivalry before it all blows up.”

Adapting “String V Spitta” for TV

With the success of “String V Spitta,” there are plans to adapt it for television. Kiell reveals:

“We’re working on the pilot script for the BBC with Ben Bailey Smith, who is the perfect person for it. We’re lucky to have someone with his musical background and experience as a dad. We’re really excited about the potential for a TV series.”

When asked about the difference between writing for the stage and writing for TV, Kiell highlights the freedom and constraints of each medium:

“With stage shows, you have more freedom to do whatever you think is funny. You don’t have to worry about budget constraints or pleasing different companies. On the other hand, TV writing involves more notes and feedback. You have to consider the commercial aspects and the opinions of various stakeholders. But both mediums offer unique opportunities for creativity.”

The Journey of an Actor

Kiell’s journey as an actor began at a young age, and he knew from an early age that he wanted to pursue acting as a career:

“I started acting in school plays and church nativity plays when I was little. But it wasn’t just something I did for fun; I knew I wanted to be an actor. I had a defining moment when I was four years old and played the innkeeper in a nativity play. The audience laughed at my line, and I thought, ‘This is what I want to do.'”

However, Kiell’s path to success was not without its challenges. He spent six years after drama school trying to make it happen, while many of his peers chose different paths:

“It was a long journey to become a full-time actor. I had to work in a call center while pursuing my acting career. Many of my peers from drama school decided to pursue other careers, but I stuck with it. It was a challenging time, but I never gave up on my dream.”

The Transition from Acting to Writing

Kiell’s transition from acting to writing was a natural progression driven by his desire to create:

“I started writing because I wanted to act more. I thought I could make things funnier than what was coming through. I didn’t start calling myself a writer until later, but I always had a clear vision of what I wanted to create.”

Kiell’s experience as an actor has influenced his approach to writing, allowing him to understand the fluidity of scripts and the potential for improvisation:

“I’ve learned that scripts can change even during the final stages of production. On set, you can play with the lines and make adjustments based on what works best. This understanding has made me more open to collaboration and less precious about the words on the page.”

The Challenges and Rewards of Producing

In addition to acting and writing, Kiell has also taken on the role of producer. He discusses the challenges and rewards of producing:

“I’m always looking for ways to make the vision come to life. I’m not the person who says something is too expensive; I believe in investing in the production to make it the best it can be. As a producer, I bring my vision to the table and work with others to bring it to fruition.”

Kiell’s attention to detail and commitment to the creative vision have made him a valuable asset in the production process:

“I have a clear vision in my head, and I’m open to input from others. I want to make the vision as best as possible, rather than cutting corners. I believe in going the extra mile to create something truly special.”

Joe Pasquale Interview

Introduction

In this interview with Joe Pasquale, the renowned comedian and performer, we delved into the fascinating details of his career spanning over 40 years. From his new tour to his experiences on reality TV and performing at prestigious events like the Royal Variety Performance, Joe shares his insights and reflections on the entertainment industry. In this article, we will explore the key themes discussed in the interview, providing an in-depth analysis of each topic and its potential impact. Let’s dive in!

The Impact of the Pandemic on the Entertainment Industry

Joe discussed the profound impact of the pandemic on the entertainment industry, highlighting the challenges faced by performers and the entire ecosystem of the business. He emphasised the symbiotic relationship between performers, crew members, and various professionals involved in the industry. Joe explained that the shutdown of theaters and venues not only affected performers but also backstage staff, musicians, crew members, and many others. The process of rebuilding the industry after such a long hiatus takes time and effort.

“The business was on its backside for so long. It wasn’t just performers, it was people in theater. It was just backstage people. It was musicians, it was crew, it was front of house people, it was box office people, it was wardrobe people, wig people, makeup people, all of that stuff.” – Joe Pasquale

Questioning Established Theories and Beliefs

During the interview, Joe shared his thoughts on Darwin’s theory of evolution and the importance of questioning established theories and beliefs. He expressed his fascination with learning and his recent studies in geoscience. Joe challenged the notion that Darwin’s theory of evolution is an absolute truth, highlighting the word “theory” in the concept. He proposed his own theory, suggesting that aliens may have played a role in the development of different species on Earth.

“What they seem to forget is there’s one word in the middle of that that everybody seems to bypass. And the word that they just seem to bypass is the word theory. It’s just a theory, and they sell it as if it’s a fact.” – Joe Pasquale

The Power of Comedy and Distraction

Joe discussed the role of comedy in providing a temporary escape from life’s concerns. He emphasised the importance of understanding what the audience wants from a show – a momentary freedom from their worries. Joe believes that comedy has the power to create a symbiotic relationship between the performer and the audience, allowing both parties to be free of concern. He shared his approach to stand-up comedy, highlighting the need to be free of concern himself in order to provide that freedom to the audience.

“If you can let people be free of concern for that amount of time, then you’ve done your job. The only way to do that is for me to be free of concern as well.” – Joe Pasquale

The Impact of Art and Satire

The conversation touched upon the impact of art and satire in addressing sensitive topics. Joe shared his experience performing in “The Producers,” a musical that satirises Hitler and the Nazi regime. He acknowledged the potential controversy surrounding such a production in today’s climate but highlighted the power of comedy and satire to open up conversations and challenge established beliefs. Joe recounted a touching story of how the show enabled a man to open up about his experiences in a concentration camp, providing a cathartic release.

“The show itself enabled him to break that barrier and talk about it again, which I think is an extraordinary thing.” – Joe Pasquale

The Thrill of Skydiving and Performing

Joe’s passion for skydiving was evident throughout the interview. He described the exhilaration and sense of freedom that comes with jumping out of a plane. Drawing a parallel to his experience in stand-up comedy, Joe highlighted the similarities in the adrenaline rush and the feeling of being fully alive. He emphasised the importance of embracing new experiences and taking risks, both in skydiving and in performing on stage.

“When you’re on that plane and before you fall out, you go, ‘Oh my God, what am I doing?’ And then when you’re out, you go, ‘I’m out!’ And it is, isn’t it? And then you feel that it’s so exhilarating.” – Joe Pasquale

Conclusion and Future Outlook

In conclusion, our interview with Joe Pasquale provided a glimpse into the extraordinary life and career of a seasoned comedian. From the impact of the pandemic on the entertainment industry to the power of comedy and the thrill of skydiving, Joe shared his unique perspectives and experiences. As the industry continues to recover and adapt, performers like Joe will play a crucial role in bringing joy and laughter back into people’s lives. With his unwavering passion and willingness to embrace new challenges, Joe Pasquale is sure to continue entertaining audiences for years to come.

The interview is linked below, as part of our new podcast ‘Mart Meet’s where I sit down with interesting people. It’s also available on on ⁠Google Podcasts⁠, ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠, ⁠Amazon music⁠, ⁠Spotify⁠. We also have a ⁠smart link⁠.

Joe is currently on tour, visit his ⁠website⁠ for information.

Send us an e-mail info@badwilf.com

SOCIALS:

Joe-⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠.

Martyn-⁠Twitter, Instagram

Connor Ratliff Interview

Welcome to Episode 1 of Mart Meets, our new podcast where Martyn engages in conversations with fascinating individuals.

In this debut episode, Martyn has an exciting chat with the multi-talented Connor Ratliff, host of the acclaimed Dead Eyes podcast.

Join them as they dive into Connor’s career, the intriguing world of Dead Eyes, his reunion with Tom Hanks, and exciting upcoming Edinburgh shows. Stay tuned for an engaging conversation on Mart Meets!

For information about Connor’s Edinburgh shows, click here.

The Podcast is avaliable on Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon music, Spotify. We also have a smart link.

Socials

Connor-Twitter

Martyn-Twitter

Connor-Instagram

Martyn-Instagram

Elizabeth Morton Interview

Join us for an exciting episode as we sit down with the talented writer and actress, Elizabeth Morton.

We dive into her latest book, “The Orphans from Liverpool Lane,” her career in audio dramas, and her fascinating life as the wife of Peter Davison, step-mother to Georgia Tennant, and mother-in-law to David Tennant.

Get ready for a casual and engaging conversation with Elizabeth Morton, where we explore her creative journey and the dynamics of her artistic family.

Follow Elizabeth on Twitter.