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

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

Check out Chris’s ⁠Second Doctor audios.⁠

Twitter: ⁠Podcast⁠⁠Martyn⁠⁠Abi⁠.

Instagram: ⁠Podcast⁠⁠Martyn⁠⁠Chris⁠⁠Abi⁠.

TikTok: ⁠Podcast⁠, ⁠Martyn⁠, ⁠Chris⁠, ⁠Abi⁠.

View on Zencastr

Stephen Gallagher interview

Martyn is joined by acclaimed writer Stephen Gallagher to delve into his illustrious writing career. Stephen shares fascinating insights into his upcoming Doctor Who Target novelisation for Warriors Gate, providing an exciting glimpse into the world of the iconic Time Lord.

Follow Stephen Gallagher on Twitter.

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

Check out Chris’s ⁠Second Doctor audios.⁠

Twitter: ⁠Podcast⁠⁠Martyn⁠⁠Abi⁠.

Instagram: ⁠Podcast⁠⁠Martyn⁠⁠Chris⁠⁠Abi⁠.

TikTok: ⁠Podcast⁠, ⁠Martyn⁠, ⁠Chris⁠, ⁠Abi⁠.

View on Zencastr

RDC-Torchwood:Everything Changes

Martyn, Chris and Abi discuss the first episode of Torchwood. 

In the first episode, aptly titled “Everything Changes,” viewers are introduced to a universe that exists alongside Doctor Who.

“Everything Changes” begins in the bustling city of Cardiff, where a chance encounter thrusts Gwen Cooper, a dedicated police constable, into a clandestine world beyond her wildest imagination. As Gwen investigates a puzzling murder case, she stumbles upon Torchwood, an enigmatic group led by fan-favourite Captain Jack Harkness.

Captain Jack Harkness and his team operate outside the conventional boundaries of law and order, dedicated to protecting humanity from extraterrestrial threats and supernatural occurrences. Torchwood’s diverse ensemble cast includes the tech-savvy Toshiko Sato, the medical expert Owen Harper, and the resourceful Ianto Jones. Together, they form an unconventional yet formidable team with unique skills and their own complex dynamics.


Through Gwen’s eyes, viewers discover a hidden side of Cardiff, where extraordinary events and unexplained phenomena are woven into the fabric of everyday life. The episode immerses audiences in a city filled with secrets, blurring the lines between the ordinary and the extraordinary.


As Gwen becomes entangled with Torchwood, she grapples with the shocking revelation that aliens exist among us. “Everything Changes” unveils the covert battles fought by Torchwood, exploring the complexities of their mission and the sacrifices made to protect humanity. Friendships are forged, loyalties are tested, and the very nature of reality is questioned.

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

Check out Chris’s ⁠Second Doctor audios.⁠

Twitter: ⁠Podcast⁠⁠Martyn⁠⁠Abi⁠.

Instagram: ⁠Podcast⁠⁠Martyn⁠⁠Chris⁠⁠Abi⁠.

TikTok: ⁠Podcast⁠, ⁠Martyn⁠, ⁠Chris⁠, ⁠Abi⁠.

View on Zencastr

Phil Ford interview

Join us as we delve into the creative mind of renowned writer Phil Ford. Known for his exceptional storytelling prowess, Ford has mesmerised audiences with his contributions to television, film, and literature. 
Martyn engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Ford, exploring the intricate facets of his writing journey and the inspiration behind his most beloved works. Unravel the secrets of his creative process as he shares anecdotes and insights into the art of crafting compelling narratives.

The Waters of Mars novelisation is out on 13th of July.

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

Check out Chris’s ⁠Second Doctor audios.⁠

Twitter: ⁠Podcast⁠, ⁠Martyn⁠, ⁠Abi⁠.

Instagram: ⁠Podcast⁠, ⁠Martyn⁠, ⁠Chris⁠, ⁠Abi⁠.

TikTok: ⁠Podcast⁠, ⁠Martyn⁠, ⁠Chris⁠, ⁠Abi⁠.


View on Zencastr

Keith Temple interview

Join Martyn as he sits down with acclaimed writer Keith Temple to discuss the highly anticipated Target novelisation of his Doctor Who episode, “Planet of the Ood.” Get ready for an engaging conversation filled with behind-the-scenes insights, fascinating anecdotes, and a deep dive into the creative process.

As the release date for the Target Novelisations of “Planet of the Ood,” “The Waters of Mars,” “Zygon Invasion,” and “Warriors Gate” approaches on July 13th, this episode is a must-listen for all Whovians and literature enthusiasts alike. Don’t miss out on this exclusive interview that will transport you into the captivating world of Doctor Who and the art of novelisation.

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

Check out Chris’s ⁠Second Doctor audios.⁠

Twitter: ⁠Podcast⁠⁠Martyn⁠⁠Abi⁠.

Instagram: ⁠Podcast⁠⁠Martyn⁠⁠Chris⁠⁠Abi⁠.

TikTok: ⁠Podcast⁠, ⁠Martyn⁠, ⁠Chris⁠, ⁠Abi⁠.

View on Zencastr

Big Finish review-Doctor Who: Daleks! Genesis of Terror

In Daleks! Genesis of Terror, an audio adaptation that delves into the realm of the classic Doctor Who story, Genesis of the Daleks, the potential for exploring new dimensions within this beloved narrative is unfortunately left untapped. This release disappointingly fails to meet the expectations of delivering a cohesive and engaging experience.

The fragmented nature of Daleks! Genesis of Terror is hard to ignore. Instead of providing a complete retelling of Genesis of the Daleks, this audio adaptation solely focuses on Part One of the original draft. Parts Two, Four, and Six are quickly skimmed through by Nicholas Briggs, while Part Three and Part Five are presented as Companion Chronicle versions, narrated by Harry Sullivan and Sarah Jane respectively. This fragmented approach hinders storytelling, resulting in an unsatisfying and disjointed narrative experience for listeners.

Genesis of the Daleks: Part One suffers from poor writing and lacks significant deviations from its televised counterpart. Terry Molloy’s involvement, although expected to elevate the material, unfortunately, falls flat, lacking the fresh perspective necessary to rejuvenate the story. Additionally, Nicholas Briggs’s rushed readings of the other parts do little to fully immerse the audience, leaving much to be desired in terms of narrative engagement.

To further complicate matters, the inclusion of an 80-minute interview with Philip Hinchcliffe seems puzzlingly out of place within the context of the audio adaptation. While such interviews can provide valuable insights and behind-the-scenes information, this extended feature disrupts the flow of the release and distracts from its primary focus. It ultimately fails to enhance the listener’s experience as intended.

Ultimately, Daleks! Genesis of Terror struggles to justify its existence as a worthwhile adaptation. The decision to tackle a universally acclaimed story like Genesis of the Daleks appears misguided, as it lacks the necessity for a remake.

With its fragmented structure, lacklustre execution, and questionable creative choices, Daleks! Genesis of Terror fails to deliver a satisfying audio adaptation. Despite its commendable attempt to revisit a beloved story, it ultimately falls short of capturing the essence and magic of the original. Fans of Doctor Who would be better served by revisiting classic episodes or exploring other stories in the “Lost” range that offer more immersive and engaging experiences.

⭐️⭐️

Big Finish Review-Doctor Who: Purity Unleashed

“Purity Unleashed,” the sequel to May’s “Water Worlds,” takes listeners on an exciting journey with the Sixth Doctor, Mel, and their new companion, Hebe Harrison. This Big Finish audio play consists of three distinct adventures that maintain a sense of unity throughout.

What sets this mini-series apart is its exploration of the recurring theme of purity. The villains encountered in these stories become obsessed with the concept, leading to engaging and thought-provoking adventures that delve into purity of the mind, body, and even in history.

“Doctor Who: The Sixth Doctor Adventures: Purity Unleashed” lives up to the high standards set by its predecessors, offering a riveting storyline that will leave listeners begging for more. Like its predecessors, this series leaves us with an enticing cliffhanger.

The standout episode is Matthew Sweet’s “Broadway Belongs to Me!” which presents a refreshing and thought-provoking exploration of fascist themes within the context of musical theatre. Supported by Howard Carter’s exceptional score and Helen Goldwyn’s expert direction, the production reaches new heights of excellence.

Chris Chapman’s “Purification” takes us on a journey through time, starting in 1910 in New Zealand and spanning generations. This narrative gradually unravels the fabric of time itself, delving into the depths of the human psyche and will leave a profound impact on the audience.

Ian Potter’s “Time-Burst” transports us to 1864 Sheffield, skillfully exploring social inequity and calamity with sensitivity and nuance. Potter’s adept exploration of displacement, arrogance, and the intricate nature of fixed time creates a tale that deeply resonates with listeners.

Colin Baker and Bonnie Langford once again deliver exceptional performances, effortlessly embodying their respective roles as the Doctor and Mel. Their chemistry is evident through their charming banter and delightful humour, and Langford gets the chance to showcase her musical theatre roots, shining brightly in the process.

With “Doctor Who: The Sixth Doctor Adventures: Purity Unleashed,” Big Finish continues to impress with their ability to craft compelling narratives. This series leaves audiences wanting more, eagerly anticipating the continuation currently scheduled for August.

With exceptional writing, performances, direction and sound design. This drama is a must-listen for all fans of Doctor Who.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Film review-Fast X

Fast X takes the Fast and Furious franchise to new heights of excitement and spectacle. It embraces its over-the-top nature, delivering a wild ride that pushes the boundaries of plausibility. The film is a celebration of sheer entertainment, inviting viewers to suspend their disbelief and revel in the exhilarating action.

The plot revolves around Dom Toretto and his crew, who find themselves entangled in a complex scheme orchestrated by the deranged Dante Reyes, son of a Hernan Reyes from Fast Five. Dante Reyes seeks to torment Dom by putting his loved ones in danger through a series of outlandish scenarios. Along the way, familiar faces and adversaries reappear, adding to the ever-expanding ensemble.

Fast X never shies away from its audacity. It showcases jaw-dropping action sequences, including car jumps, explosive stunts, and death-defying feats. The film blurs the line between homage and repetition, referencing past instalments while introducing fresh elements to keep things from feeling repetitive.

The cast delivers committed performances, with Jason Momoa stealing the show as the flamboyantly unhinged antagonist. He’s essentially playing The Joker. His portrayal adds a captivating mix of humour and madness to the proceedings. The film also introduces new characters, such as Brie Larson’s Tess and Alan Ritchson’s Almes, who contribute to the diverse ensemble.

At its core, Fast X is an escapist thrill ride. It demands that viewers embrace its over-the-top nature and surrender to the sheer enjoyment of the spectacle. The film transports audiences to a world where the laws of physics take a backseat to adrenaline-pumping action and larger-than-life characters.

While the plot may be convoluted and the characters larger than life, Fast X succeeds in delivering an exhilarating experience. It captures the essence of the franchise’s appeal: the excitement, the high-octane action, and the sense of camaraderie within the “family.” It reminds us that sometimes, it’s okay to suspend our disbelief and indulge in pure cinematic escapism.

Fast X stands as a testament to the franchise’s ability to consistently deliver entertainment that resonates with its devoted fan base. It invites viewers to buckle up, let go of their inhibitions, and embrace the wild and outrageous journey it offers. So, prepare for a thrill like no other as Fast X revs up the engines and takes you on a heart-pounding adventure where anything is possible.

Fast X is in cinemas across the UK & Ireland.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Big Finish Review-Doctor Who: Past Lives

Doctor Who, the iconic science-fiction franchise, is celebrating its 60th anniversary, and it’s time to kick off the celebrations in style. In the story titled “Past Lives,” the Doctor and Sarah Jane team up with UNIT to stop giant alien crocodiles. However, the Doctor is not himself, and he needs to solve the mystery of his ‘degeneration’ before he loses himself completely.

The Storyline: The Doctor’s Degeneration

The Time War is over, and the Doctor is injured and brought to a Time Lord field hospital. His body glows with energy, but instead of regenerating into a future form, the Doctor’s past faces begin to appear as he flits haphazardly between incarnations. He staggers to his TARDIS and sets out to solve the mystery of his ‘degeneration.’ The Doctor follows clues to retrace his steps, encountering old friends and enemies along the way. He must stop his degeneration before he loses himself completely.

The Monk’s Meddling

Settling into his Fourth incarnation, the Doctor goes in search of the Monk, with a vague memory that he had something to do with his ‘degeneration.’ Meanwhile, the Monk is meddling, bringing Sarah Jane Smith to the future UNIT HQ to steal a device for an alien race. The Doctor must help Kate Stewart and Osgood foil an invasion before he can confront the Monk about what he knows.

Cast and Performances

Tom Baker kicks off the anniversary celebrations with his brilliant performance in “Past Lives,” where we see the utterly brilliant Sadie Miller reunite with the cast. Jemma Redgrave excels with the audio medium and puts in a great performance here. Ingrid Oliver, who got on nerves in the television series, delivers a great performance as well. Rufus Hound, once more portraying the extremely talented Monk, works well with the rapid pacing of this story.

Conclusion

“Past Lives” is the perfect way to begin the 60th-anniversary celebrations of Doctor Who. The highlight of the story is the interaction between the characters from different eras. It’s great to hear the Doctor’s reaction to seeing Sarah Jane after centuries. The Monk and UNIT crew work well with each other, making it a must-listen story for any Doctor Who fans.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This title was released in May 2023. It will be exclusively available to buy from the Big Finish website until 31 July 2023, and on general sale after this date.