Mysterious signals lead Torchwood to the Moil. 4-1-8-4. Greg likes countryside walks and recording the songs of birds. 3-6-2-7. No one knows the secret of the numbers stations. 1-2-0-5.
How long has Ianto Jones been trapped in the boiler room? 9-7-2-3. Reality is collapsing. 3-5-8-1.
The Lincolnshire Poacher is waiting.
The Lincolnshire Poacher is an extraordinary audio experience. It’s tense and creepy and will find the listener saying “Nope!” out loud several times. It feels like a Jordan Peele film. David Shaw-Parker plays the antagonist, Greg, who may be the most terrifying villain Torchwood has ever seen/heard. For the most part, Greg is the central figure, with Ianto taking on a more supporting role.
Using real-life number stations in the UK, their eerie, robotic spiels actually form the plot of this story. Greg performs his routine each day, documenting into old audio devices while he toils in the Moil and sets animal traps.
As always, Gareth David-Lloyd gives a stirring performance as Ianto, who is faced with his own trap and no clear way out.
The Moil has an interesting meaning as an archaic word for “to work hard, often in the mud”, and the choice to use it creates a nebulous atmosphere. Lisa Bowerman’s direction and Toby Hrycek-Robinson’s sound designs bring the whole experience to life with amazing sound and atmospheric music. Lauren Mooney and Stuart Pringle make an excellent writing partnership, I hope they team up together in the future.
Overall, The Lincolnshire Poacher is another strong instalment of the Torchwood monthly Range. The unique story and experimental themes will keep you guessing throughout. If you’re a fan of the strange, dark and mysterious. This is the audio for you.
With the Doctor Who monthly range now defunct, Torchwood is proving itself to be a more than worthy successor.
Torchwood contains adult material and may not be suitable for younger listeners.
Torchwood: Review-Torchwood: The Lincolnshire Poacher is available to buy from Big Finish.