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.”

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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.

Beyond Paradise to return for second series and Christmas Special

The hugely successful BBC drama Beyond Paradise is set to return for a second series and a Christmas special.

With an audience of 8.7 million viewers for episode one, the heart-warming relationships and puzzling criminal capers of DI Humphrey Goodman, Martha Lloyd, DS Esther Williams, PC Kelby Hartford, Margo Martins and Anne Lloyd will continue to captivate audiences.

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, expressed her excitement for the return, while Executive Producer Tim Key of Red Planet Pictures thanked fans for their support. CEO of BritBox International, Reemah Sakaan, praised the series for its charm, humour and gripping mysteries, and promised more best in British programming for subscribers.

Created by Robert Thorogood and Tony Jordan, Beyond Paradise is produced by Red Planet Pictures, with Tony Jordan acting as a showrunner for the new series and Christmas special. Series one is currently airing on BBC One and iPlayer in the UK, and is available on BritBox International in North America, the Nordics and South Africa.

Listen to our interview with Tahj Miles.

Trailer-Barbie

Margot Robbie brings the iconic Barbie doll to life in the official trailer for Warner Bros.’ “Barbie”. The Oscar-nominated actress leads a star-studded cast that includes Ryan Gosling as Barbie’s love interest, Ken. But they’re not the only versions of the famous toy in the film – singer Dua Lipa appears as a mermaid Barbie, alongside upcoming Doctor Who, Ncuti Gatwa-alongside many other actors playing different iterations of the beloved doll.

While the first trailer teased a nod to Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey”, it didn’t reveal much about the plot or characters. However, we now know that Barbie and Ken find themselves in the real world, grappling with the challenges of being more than just plastic toys. The film promises to explore the complexities of their new reality, while still delivering the fun and glamour that Barbie is known for.

“Barbie” will make open in cinemas on July 21st. Watch the full trailer below.

Trailer-Blue Beetle

Warner Bros. Pictures has released the first full trailer “Blue Beetle”. Directed by Angel Manuel Soto and starring Xolo Maridueña as both Jaime Reyes and his heroic alter ego, the film tells the story of a recent college graduate returning home to find his world turned upside down. But fate intervenes when he discovers the Scarab, an ancient alien relic, which chooses him as its symbiotic host, transforming him into the Super Hero BLUE BEETLE and granting him incredible, unpredictable powers.

Joining Maridueña are an exceptional cast including Adriana Barraza, Damían Alcázar, Elpidia Carrillo, Bruna Marquezine, Raoul Max Trujillo, Susan Sarandon, George Lopez, Belissa Escobedo, and Harvey Guillén. Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer penned the screenplay based on DC characters, while John Rickard and Zev Foreman are producing and Walter Hamada, Galen Vaisman, and Garrett Grant serve as executive producers.

Behind the scenes, Angel Manuel Soto’s creative team includes director of photography Pawel Pogorzelski, production designer John Billington, editor Craig Alpert, costume designer Mayes C. Rubeo, visual effects supervisor Kelvin McIlwain, and composer Bobby Krlic.

“Blue Beetle” is a Safran Company Production, distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, and will be released internationally beginning August 2023, and in North America on August 18, 2023. The film is sure to soar into cinemas and excite audiences with its thrilling story and impressive team. Don’t miss the UK release on August 18, 2023, exclusively from Warner Bros. Pictures.

Interview with Tahj Miles

In this episode of the podcast, Martyn sits down with Tahj Miles, a talented actor best known for his role as Marlon Pryce in the hit BBC series, Death in Paradise. Tahj takes us on his journey to becoming an actor, sharing his struggles and triumphs along the way.

Starting at the tender age of seven, Tahj’s grandfather suggested his mum find an outlet for his endless energy, and so began his journey to drama school in Hackney. It wasn’t long before he landed his first role in the musical Oliver, kicking off a successful career in the performing arts. Tahj went on to work on well-known musical productions, such as The Lion King, Matilda, and Bugsy Malone but ultimately found his true passion in acting.

During the podcast, Tahj also discusses his experiences filming Death in Paradise on location in the Caribbean. Despite facing challenges such as weather conditions and adapting to a different accent, Tahj finds it to be an incredibly rewarding experience. He also talks about his relationships with fellow actors on set and how they supported him in his personal and professional growth.

Finally, Tahj reflects on his work playing Simba in the stage adaptation of The Lion King and his experience working with Sir Steve McQueen on Small Axe. Through it, all, Tahj’s passion, dedication and infectious enthusiasm shine through.

Check out Tahj’s podcast here.

Follow Tahj on Twitter and Instagram.

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Ghosts to end with series 5

The fifth series of Ghosts has wrapped up filming and the show’s creators have announced that it will be the final season. In a statement on social media, the team expressed their gratitude to the cast, crew, and fans of the show, while also hinting at exciting new projects in the future. 

The BBC’s Director of Comedy, Jon Petrie, expressed his sadness at the show’s end, while Alison Carpenter, Creative Director at Monumental, praised the show’s success and impact on audiences. 

Ghosts stars Mathew Baynton, Simon Farnaby, Martha Howe-Douglas, Jim Howick, Laurence Rickard, and Ben Willbond, with Charlotte Ritchie, Kiell Smith-Bynoe, and Lolly Adefope. The upcoming fifth series will see Alison and Mike exploring new opportunities, potentially altering the afterlives of the Ghosts. The fourth series, which premiered in Autumn 2022, was a hit with audiences, drawing in 5.7 million viewers for its first episode. It was also nominated for a BAFTA award for Best Scripted Comedy. 

The cast said in a joint statement: 

“After five incredible years haunting the halls of Button House, we have decided that the time is right to let our beloved sitcom Ghosts rest in peace. We have just wrapped filming on our fifth and final series and we can’t wait to share it with you all later this year”.

Running Down Corridors-The greatest assassin?

In this mini-episode, Martyn and Abi discuss the recent UNIT spin-off speculation. As well as the announcement of the Doctor Who trans-media event Doom’s Day.

Doom’s Day is a “trans-media” event, that will span across Big Finish Audios, Penguin Random House books, BBC audios and, Titan comics.

Check out Abi’s production company TT Productions 23.

Check out Chris’s Second Doctor audios.

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