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Sheridan Smith returning to Big Finish!

After last weeks Twitter tease, Big Finish has confirmed that Sheridan Smith will be reprising her role, as Lucie Miller in four new adventures with the Eighth Doctor (Paul McGann) in an exciting new box-set, due for release next year.

Lucie started her journey with the Eighth Doctor back in 2007 and was an instant hit with fans.  She went on to feature in three more series alongside Paul McGann, until she left in 2011. Fans have been demanding she come back, ever since.

Big Finish executive producer, Nicholas Briggs said:

We’ve always had it in mind to bring back Lucie, we only let her go in the first place because we could see Sheridan’s stratospheric career path approaching.But thanks to Big Finish producer Ian Atkins, we discovered that Sheridan was really keen to return. And so, script editor Alan Barnes (who created Lucie in the first place), producer Scott Handcock and I started devising The Further Adventures of Lucie Miller.”

Lucie Miller’s further adventures are:

The Dalek Trap by Nicholas Briggs
The Revolution Game by Alice Cavender
The House on the Edge of Chaos by Eddie Robson
Island of the Fendahl by Alan Barnes

The Further Adventures of Lucie Miller, which includes four adventures and a disc of extended extras, will also be released in July 2019 and can be pre-ordered now for £25 on CD or £20 on download, only available from Big Finish.

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Episode 194: Back in the saddle

Martyn and Gerrod have reunited for a new episode of their podcast, covering a variety of topics. First, they pay tribute to the recent passing of two entertainment figures, Barry Chuckle and Jon Schnepp.

Then, they discuss some recent pop culture news, including the announcement of a prequel TV series about Batman’s butler Alfred, and the release of Peter Davison’s first Doctor Who series on Blu-Ray.

The conversation takes a turn to a more controversial topic when they debate whether celebrity chef Jamie Oliver is guilty of cultural appropriation. They also touch on a rather risqué subject by asking whether the Doctor Who porn parody is worth watching.

The hosts don’t shy away from discussing social issues either, pointing out the sexist attitude of some Doctor Who fans, who have abused some of Doctor Who magazine’s Time team members simply because they are women.

Lastly, they delve into a debate about whether the classic Doctor Who serial The Talons of Weng-Chiang is racist.

The podcast can also be accessed via different places, including;

Audioboom, Player fm and Itunes.

If you’d like to support the show, then please check out our Ko-Fi, or shop via our Amazon link. A small percentage goes our way, at no extra cost to you.

Follow the Bad Wilf team:

Martyn – @BadWilf

Pete – @BeeblePete

Gerrod – @ingerrodsmind

Also check out the official Bad Wilf Vlog.

Check out Capaldi’s balls and Hulk Boobs.

Our gear:

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John Pirruccello Twin peaks Q&A

Next month, the Official Twin Peaks UK Festival returns to London to re-create the eerie, fictional town of Twin Peaks, over the weekend of September 29th and 30th at the London Irish Centre in Camden; with activities extending to Camden Square Gardens.  Guests will be able to rub shoulders with stars of the show as they dig into some damn fine cherry pie with a cup of coffee.  David Lynch Coffee in fact. We’ve been lucky enough to get a Q&A with John Pirruccello (deputy Chad Broxford) who’ll be in attendance.

QUESTION: What are you most looking forward to, about coming to London and attending the official Twin Peaks UK Festival?

JOHN: I’m really looking forward to meeting all of the great fans in person I’ve been interacting with online and the new ones too. A few of them have offered to buy me a pint. So…free beer! I’m looking forward to free beer in London.

QUESTION: Free beer is always a great incentive, Will it be your first visit to the UK?

JOHN: It is not my first visit to the UK but I have not been for a good long time.  It will be a lot like a new city I’m sure with an air of familiarity to it.  I really loved London way back then.

QUESTION:  Can you describe your character, Deputy Chad Broxford?

JOHN: Chad is a broken man.  He’s arrogant, self-centred and entitled. And not entirely honest!  Not nice.

QUESTION: What was it like performing in Twin Peaks last year?

JOHN: Performing in Twin Peaks was like a dream.  A wonderful dream that seems to be recurring!

QUESTION: Were you a fan of the original series or was ‘The Return’ your first foray into the world of David Lynch?

JOHN: I was very much a fan of the original Twin Peaks. It woke me up like it woke up the rest of us fans. It was a disruption as David (Lynch) might call it. It was impossible to see television the same way after.

For more information regarding the festival visit here.

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Paul Chuckle gives emotional interview to This Morning

In an emotional interview on This Morning, Paul Elliott, AKA Paul Chuckle from the Chuckle Brothers, revealed he had only recently found out about Barry Elliott’s (Barry Chuckle) bone cancer.

He said that Barry, who died earlier this month, kept it a secret from him and their manager.

“Barry kept it from us. He knew we’d make him stop. He wanted to work until he died. He wanted to die on stage like Tommy Cooper”.

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Big Finish Review-Torchwood: Deadbeat Escape

On a stormy and ominous evening, Hywel Roberts unwittingly steps into a world of terror and danger at a peculiar hotel, where a familiar foe of Torchwood lurks in wait. As the curtains close on the latest series of Torchwood audios, we are left with a collection of exceptional tales that have kept us on the edge of our seats.

In this monthly range, Big Finish has taken a bold step by focusing on a series antagonist, Bilis Manger, and allowing the character to take centre stage without the interference of the Torchwood team. It’s a testament to the confidence that Big Finish has in the Torchwood range and the writers’ ability to create gripping stories.

In “Deadbeat Escape,” we are treated to a spine-chilling tale that could easily fit into a ghostly anthology or Hammer horror film. It’s a departure from the usual Torchwood fare, as we are transported to a more traditional spooky story that doesn’t rely on jokes or pop culture references.

The story is told from the perspective of Hywel Roberts, a relatable and charming new character who unwittingly checks into the eerie hotel. We know from the start that his fate is sealed, which adds to the tension and elevates the stakes of the story.

Murray Melvin as Bilis Manger is as mysterious, charming, and menacing as ever, and Gareth Pierce delivers a standout performance as Hywel Roberts. Despite the absence of the regular Torchwood team, “Deadbeat Escape” still manages to embody the emotive and eerie narrative that we have come to associate with the series.

Deadbeat Escape is a perfect ending to the latest series of Torchwood audios. The exceptional writing and performances leave a lasting impression and cement the series’ place as a master of horror storytelling.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Big blue box podcast discuss LFCC

In a semi-collaboration, we teamed up with the big blue box podcast to cover London Film and Comic Con.

On the latest exciting instalment of their podcast, Garry and Adam discuss the highs and lows of this summer’s LFCC.

The duo also discuss the Doctor Who story, Snakedance.

Give ’em a follow on Twitter:

Garry-@Bigblueboxpodcast

Adam-@Thegeekshandbag

 

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Review-Callan volume 1

Callan was a hard-hitting spy drama that followed its hero, played by Edward Woodward, in his missions for “The Section”, a covert government department that dealt with enemies of the state using the most ruthless methods. It ran on ITV for four series between 1967 and 1972 and spawned both a movie and an 80s TV special.

Callan, a natural dead-shot, had a tumultuous past – both military and criminal – and frequently defied his superiors with a great line in sarcasm and a tendency to feel guilty for his victims.
A relationship with Lonely, a petty thief who was frequently lured into his exploits, brought some light comic relief to a show that may have been unrelentingly gloomy otherwise.

Ben Miles takes the lead in the new rendition, with Frank Skinner playing Lonely.
Section boss Hunter and his secretary Liz are played by Nicholas Briggs and Jane Slavin, respectively.

Big Finish has assembled an exceptional cast: Ben Miles as the abrasive Callan, who is tough but not without sympathy, and Frank Skinner as the down on his luck, Loney absolutely shine in this. The duo has a great connection and natural chemistry, which oozes out of the production. Skinner may be the least experienced actor in the audio, but he holds his own with the rest of the cast. I found myself missing him when he wasn’t around.


Liz, played by Jane Slavin, provides some much-needed warmth as well as a gleam of hope for Callan. Nicholas Briggs impresses as the unyielding boss, Hunter.

I wasn’t aware of the TV series before this, but I still found this a compelling drama. Like with their Survivors range, Big Finish has crafted an audioplay that will appeal to fans of the original, whilst also not alienating newcomers.

Big Finish review-The Siege of Big Ben

Jackie Tyler has everything she’s ever wanted: a loving husband and two children. But a terrible, far-reaching plan is underway, and only Jackie and a single friend stand in the way of it.

But the Doctor isn’t the man he was…

The Siege of Big Ben is a highly anticipated release. Ever since we left the Tylers and the meta-crisis tenth Doctor at the end of series 4, (10 years ago!) fans have wondered what happened next. Thankfully, Big Finish has given us some answers with this release.

This can’t have been an easy thing to write. Not only did Joe Lidster have to tell a gripping story that lives up to the fans expectations. He had to re-introduce us to the parallel Earth, or “Pete’s world”.

A base under siege scenario is a stablemate for Doctor Who. But Lidster manages to beautifully subvert what could be a repetitive format and turn it into a glorious character piece.

The script draws parallels between The Doctor being more human, and the human, being more like The Doctor we know and love. Having Jackie be the most Doctor-like character in the story adds an interesting dynamic.

The script is sharp, the direction is smooth and David Roocroft’s sound design is inspired. All in all, The Siege of Big Ben is a story about love, loss and the difficulties that come with moving on. You feel all of these things whilst listening. Camille Coduri oozes charm and instantly reminds you, why we all love Jackie Tyler.

This world is waiting for further exploration and I hope, this leads to some full-cast adventures.

10/10.

Check out our other Big Finish reviews.

Episode 193:The Running Man

In which Martyn and Gerrod discuss the 1987 film ‘The Running Man’.

The podcast can be accessed via different places, including Audioboom, Player fm and Itunes.

Follow the Bad Wilf team:

Martyn – @BadWilf

Pete – @BeeblePete

Gerrod – @gerrod_edward

Also check out the official Bad Wilf Vlog.

Our gear:

Zoom H5 https://amzn.to/2zo0TeV

Behringer XM8500 Ultravoice Dynamic Cardioid Vocal Microphone https://amzn.to/2Dni9Vy

Stagg 3m High Quality XLR to XLR Plug Microphone Cable https://amzn.to/2OKwnkC

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Big Finish review-Torchwood: Goodbye Piccadilly

Sgt Andy Davidson wakes up in the 1950s. He’s chained to a bed, his clothes are missing and the building’s on fire. Norton Folgate needs his help. The streets of Soho are swarming with gangsters, rumours and betrayals. Somewhere out there is a mysterious alien artefact, and Andy and Norton have to get to it first. Because tonight they’re going to save Torchwood.

I’ve been looking forward to another adventure with Andy and Norton, since last year’s Ghost Mission. There’s just something about this pairing that works so well. Norton Folgate, played brilliantly by Samuel Barnett, is a welcome addition to the Torchwood range. His witty and flamboyant personality is the perfect foil for Andy’s more serious demeanor.

Goodbye Piccadilly is absolutely gripping, from start to finish, the script is sensational.

The direction is smooth, the sound design is flawless. Tom Price gives another fantastic performance as Andy Davidson, capturing the character’s determination and vulnerability. His chemistry with Samuel Barnett is electric, and their banter is a joy to listen to.

What’s great about this audio, is that all of the London events-bar the alien invasion and the time travel, are real. James Goss took his research for this story extremely seriously, he looked at books such as ‘hidden London’ for inspiration and it shows. The life drawing class, the police raids and, gay men being hosed down are all things that actually happened in the 1950’s.

Big Finish has once again proved that Torchwood Big Finish, is Torchwood at its best. Goodbye Piccadilly is a must-listen for any Torchwood fan. Just remember, Torchwood contains adult material and may not be suitable for younger listeners.