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.⁠

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Keith Temple interview

Keith Temple shares his journey novelising his own script for the iconic show Doctor Who. Reflecting on his nostalgia for the target novelisation series and his experiences in the television industry, Keith delves into the challenges and joys of adapting his script for a novel format. His insights shed light on the creative process, the differences between script editing and writing, and the allure of expanding character storylines.

Keith Temple is an accomplished writer and script editor with extensive experience in various genres, including soap operas. With a background in script editing for television shows, Keith has honed his skills in storytelling and character development. His keen insight into dialogue writing and exposition management has marked his career, leading to successful ventures in novel writing and short story publication.

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

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

Check out Chris’s ⁠Second Doctor audios.⁠

Twitter: ⁠Podcast⁠, ⁠Martyn⁠, ⁠Abi⁠.

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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.

Big Finish Review-Torchwood: Launch Date

Launch Date, the conclusion of the Torchwood “romance trilogy,” brings Aaron Lamont’s deft writing to the forefront, with Ianto Jones, played by Gareth David-Lloyd, taking a back seat to the budding relationship between Geraint and Chrissie, played by Jonathan Hawkins and Gemma Knight Jones.

Lamont’s script is filled with witty dialogue that sets the pace for the story, with Hawkins delivering an effortless performance as the unconfident Geraint. While his Welsh accent occasionally falters, it doesn’t detract much from the overall performance.

Knight-Jones shines as the headstrong and opinionated Chrissie, delivering a performance that evokes a sense of frustration with the world. Lamont’s well-crafted story allows the listener to witness a different side of Ianto, as he plays a peripheral but pivotal role in bringing Geraint and Chrissie closer together. The duologues between the two, as well as the vignettes of their personal lives, are skillfully interspersed, with Callum Lloyd’s annoying but endearing portrayal of Joe adding a delightful touch of humour to the mix.

While the story has some light and funny moments, the climax is slightly underwhelming, as it’s evident from the beginning that Ianto is playing matchmaker. Nonetheless, the character interactions are written and played in a thoughtful and nuanced manner, with David-Lloyd’s performance being consistently on top form.

Overall, Launch Date is a solid story, with Lamont’s writing and the cast’s performances making it a fitting conclusion to the Torchwood “romance trilogy.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Torchwood: Launch Date is now available to own as a collector’s edition CD + download for £10.99 or as a digital download for £8.99, exclusively from Big Finish.

Alasdair Beckett-King

In this episode, Martyn sits down with the hilarious and talented comedian Alasdair Beckett-King. Known for his clever wordplay and surreal humour, Alasdair has been making audiences laugh for years with his stand-up shows, online sketches, and appearances on TV and radio.

During our conversation, Alasdair takes us behind the scenes of his creative process, sharing insights into how he comes up with his offbeat jokes and sketches. We also delve into his background, from his childhood in rural England to his early forays into comedy and his eventual rise to fame.

Along the way, we touch on some of Alasdair’s most memorable performances and collaborations, including his award-winning shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Alasdair’s work or simply looking for a good laugh, this episode is not to be missed. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the wit and wisdom of one of the funniest comedians around.

For information about Alasdair’s tour, check out his website.

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RIP Murray Melvin

Murray Melvin, the accomplished British actor, passed away on April 14, 2023, at the age of 90. Melvin was a versatile performer whose talent shone across various mediums, including film, television, and stage. He was known for his memorable roles in productions such as Torchwood, The Phantom of the Opera, and Jonathan Creek.

Melvin was born on August 10, 1932, in London, England. He started his acting career in the 1950s, performing in local theater productions before landing his first major role in the film “A Taste of Honey” in 1961. Melvin’s portrayal of Geoffrey Ingham in the film earned him critical acclaim and a Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actor.

Melvin continued to work in films throughout the 1960s and would work with people such as Michael Caine and Stanley Kurbrick. However, it was his role as Bilis Manger in the hit sci-fi series “Torchwood” that brought Melvin to a new generation of fans in the 2000s.

John Barrowman, who played the show’s lead, wrote: “Murray Melvin, he always brought a cheeky warm smile to the Torchwood set and had the power to make us all laugh.”

Melvin would later reprise this role, in several Big Finish audio dramas.

Torchwood creator Russell T Davies said: “He lived through a century that saw the understanding of his identity change so profoundly, and he did so with dignity, class and wit. His last email to me ended, ‘Take care, we still cannot afford to take chances.’ Oh he was wise. Night, Murray.”

Melvin will be remembered as a gifted actor who brought depth and nuance to every role he played. His contributions to the entertainment industry will be greatly missed.

Rest in peace, Murray Melvin.

Jodie Whittaker and Bella Ramsey to star in series 2 of prison drama Time

The BBC drama series focuses on the criminal justice system and the lives of people affected by it. The first season, which aired in 2021, starred Sean Bean and Stephen Graham and portrayed life in a male prison. The show was critically acclaimed and won two BAFTA awards for Best Mini-Series and Best Actor for Sean Bean’s performance.

For the second season, the story will be set in a women’s prison, and the cast will include Jodie Whittaker, Bella Ramsey, Tamara Lawrance, and Siobhan Finneran. Whittaker, best known for her role as the Thirteenth Doctor in Doctor Who will play one of the convicted women who arrives at the prison. Ramsey, who played the character Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones and starred in The Last of Us, will also appear as an inmate. Lawrance, known for her work in The Silent Twins, will join the cast, and Finneran will reprise her role as a prison chaplain.

The second season of Time will be co-written by Jimmy McGovern, who created the show, and Helen Black, whose BBC Three drama Life and Death in the Warehouse has been nominated for a BAFTA award. McGovern has praised the cast as the “best” he has ever seen assembled for any of his dramas.

Filming for the second season of Time is set to take place in and around Liverpool soon, and the show is expected to air on the BBC later in 2023. The new season promises to be another gripping and emotionally charged drama that sheds light on the experiences of people in the criminal justice system.