Review: Big Finish: The Paternoster Gang: Trespassers 1: Rogues Gallery

In the ever-expanding Doctor Who universe, the Paternoster Gang – Strax, Madame Vastra, and Jenny Flint – have always fascinated me. It always felt like there was more to tell, so much untapped potential. Well, after a long break from their audio series and nearly a decade away from our TV screens, it’s high time to catch up with these characters. This audio is a delightful return to their world.

The first episode, “The Ghost and the Potato Man,” sets the stage for an exciting adventure. Our trio finds themselves in a tangle of mysteries involving a vanishing magician’s act and some criminals. The plot expertly navigates the mystery of said criminals, who seem to vanish into thin air after their misdeeds. Adding a fresh twist to the group, fan-favourite, Ellie from the Jago & Litefoot series joins the gang.

Strax’s unexpected talent as an on-stage comedian is sure to have you in stitches, and there’s a heartwarming scene that deepens Jenny and Vastra’s relationship.

Rating: 8/10

Let’s talk about the core trio. Dan Starkey, who embodies Strax, seamlessly blends humour and warrior prowess into the character. He’s a standout in the quirky dynamics of the Paternoster Gang and makes Strax one of the most endearing figures in the Whovian world.

Neve McIntosh, known for her role as Madame Vastra, delivers a captivating performance that peels back the layers of her character. Her ability to convey Vastra’s complex personality, from her stoic exterior to her genuine affection for Jenny, enriches the story.

Catrin Stewart, who plays Jenny, infuses the character with an infectious energy, bringing her to life with authenticity. The chemistry between McIntosh and Stewart is palpable, making the Paternoster Gang’s dynamics even more engaging.

Throughout the series, McIntosh and Stewart play crucial roles in breathing life into the Paternoster Gang’s adventures, adding to the charm and authenticity of this beloved trio’s escapades.

In “Trespassers,” Dan Starkey takes on an additional role as the writer for the second story, “Symmetry of Death,” crafting a complex plot enriched with sci-fi elements. His ability to bring out Strax’s unique humour adds depth to the character, making him even more endearing.

In a series that heavily relies on character dynamics, Dan Starkey’s portrayal of Strax shines, contributing to the charm of the Paternoster Gang’s latest audio adventures. His impeccable comedic timing and unwavering commitment to the character deserve recognition.

In “Symmetry of Death,” the trio investigates a locked-room disappearance alongside a simultaneous murder. While there are moments that might feel a bit otherworldly, Neve McIntosh’s emotionally rich performance stands out.

Rating: 7/10

The final episode, “Till Death Us Do Part,” introduces Paul McGann’s 8th Doctor to the Paternoster Gang. Jenny’s determination to marry Vastra, despite her hesitation, takes them on an unexpected journey. The story is character-driven, especially for Jenny, offering a refreshing departure from the typical Victorian escapades, with a revelation that lingers.

“Trespassers” is an exciting comeback for the Paternoster Gang, with a deep dive into character development. While it might not convert those unimpressed by the trio, it undeniably hints at new possibilities.

Overall Rating: 8/10

The Paternoster Gang: Trespassers 1: Rogues Gallery is avaliable here

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.

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

Check out Chris’s ⁠Second Doctor audios.⁠

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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.⁠

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Instagram: ⁠Podcast⁠⁠Martyn⁠⁠Chris⁠⁠Abi⁠.

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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.

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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.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Big Finish Review-Torchwood: Thirst Trap

In the heart of Cardiff, a new dating app has taken the city by storm, offering users the chance to find their perfect match in just 20 minutes. But there’s a twist – once the time is up, they may never see their date again.

As more and more people try out the app, something strange begins to happen. Everyone seems to be going on the same dates, with the same activities, conversation topics, and even jokes. It’s almost as if the app is controlling their every move. Normally, Sgt. Andy Davidson would be the first to investigate, but he’s busy with his own date.

Torchwood has often been praised for its dark and gritty tone, exploring themes of loss, trauma, and alien invasion. However, this particular episode takes a different approach. It’s a lighthearted romp through the world of dating apps and the strange things that can happen when people put their trust in technology.

Despite the departure from the show’s usual tone, the actors still deliver standout performances. Tom Price and Kai Owen, who play Sgt. Andy Davidson and Rhys Williams respectively, are particularly impressive in their portrayal of two men caught up in a whirlwind of romantic comedy hijinks. Their chemistry is palpable, and their lightning-fast shifts from serious to lovesick are both hilarious and heartwarming.

The supporting cast also shines, with Natalia Hinds, Sunjay Midda, and Rebecca Trehearn each bringing their unique flair to their roles. Whether they’re playing matchmakers, hard-working council workers, or hapless police officers, they all add to the story’s infectious energy and sense of fun.

Tom Price, who also stars in the adventure, shows his versatility as a writer with a fluid and brilliant script that perfectly complements his acting skills. The writing captures the humorous and whimsical aspects of the story, while also exploring deeper themes of human connection and the perils of relying too heavily on technology.

David O’Mahony’s direction keeps the story moving at a brisk pace, while Blair Mowat’s music and Shane O’Byrne’s sound design help to create an engaging atmosphere.

Overall, this is a well-crafted and enjoyable story. A must-listen for any Torchwood fan looking for a fun 45-minute adventure.

Torchwood contains material, that may not be suitable for younger audiences.

Torchwood: Thirst Trap is available for purchase from Big Finish.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Big Finish Review-Doctor Who: Short Trips Volume 12

Doctor Who is a beloved British science fiction television show that has captivated audiences for over 50 years. The show follows the adventures of the Doctor, a time-travelling alien who travels through time and space in a TARDIS, a spaceship that looks like a 1960s British police box. The show has become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring books, comics, audio dramas, and more. In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at Doctor Who Short Trips Volume 12, an audiobook featuring six short stories set during the era of the Twelfth Doctor, played by Peter Capaldi.

Doctor Who Short Trips Volume 12 is a collection of six short stories, each written by a different author. The stories are all set during the time of the Twelfth Doctor and are narrated by Jacob Dudman, a voice actor who specialises in Doctor Who related media. The stories are all relatively short, ranging from around 20 to 40 minutes in length. The audiobook was produced by Big Finish Productions, a company that produces Doctor Who audio dramas and other science fiction and fantasy content.

Story Summaries

  1. “The Charge of the Night Brigade” by David Llewellyn In this story, the Doctor and his companion Clara arrive on a planet that is at war. The Doctor decides to intervene and help the people of the planet, but things don’t go as planned. The story is a retelling of the famous poem “The Charge of the Light Brigade” by Alfred Lord Tennyson, with the Doctor and Clara taking the place of the soldiers.
  2. “War Wounds” by Mark Wright The Doctor and his companion Bill arrive at a hospital during World War I. They discover that the hospital is using a new experimental drug to treat wounded soldiers, but the drug has some unexpected side effects. The story explores themes of trauma and healing, as well as the horrors of war.
  3. “Distant Voices” by Lizbeth Myles The Doctor and his companion Nardole arrive on a planet where the inhabitants communicate through singing. The planet is under threat from an external force, and the Doctor must find a way to save the day. The story explores the power of music and communication, as well as the importance of empathy and understanding.
  4. “Field Trip” by Una McCormack The Doctor and his companions arrive on a planet where a group of scientists are studying a mysterious energy field. However, when the energy field starts to behave erratically, the Doctor must intervene to prevent a catastrophe. The story explores themes of scientific exploration and discovery, as well as the potential dangers of uncontrolled experimentation.
  5. “Dead Media” by John Richards The Doctor and his companion Peri arrive at a museum where they discover a mysterious exhibit of obsolete media formats. However, when the exhibits start to come to life, the Doctor must find a way to stop them before they wreak havoc. The story is a fun and lighthearted exploration of the ways in which technology can take on a life of its own.
  6. “The Revisionists” by Andy Frankham-Allen In this story, the Doctor and his companion Ace arrive in a world where time travel is commonplace. However, when they discover that someone is altering history, they must race against time to restore the timeline before it’s too late. The story explores the dangers of altering history, as well as the importance of preserving the past.

Doctor Who Short Trips Volume 12 is an excellent addition to the Doctor Who universe. The stories are all well-written and engaging, with each author bringing their own unique style to the table. The voice acting by Jacob Dudman is top-notch, capturing the essence of each character and bringing the stories to life.

One of the strengths of this audiobook is its variety. Each story explores a different theme or genre, from war to music to time travel. This keeps the book fresh and exciting and ensures that there is something for everyone.

Another strength of the book is its focus on character. Each story delves into the psychology and motivations of the characters, both old and new. This helps to deepen our understanding of these beloved characters and makes us feel more invested in their adventures.

Overall, I highly recommend Doctor Who Short Trips Volume 12 to any fan of the show. It’s a well-crafted and entertaining audiobook that captures the spirit of Doctor Who and will leave you wanting more, this is a must-listen for any fan of the show. With its engaging stories, excellent voice acting, and wide range of themes and genres, it’s a great addition to the Doctor Who universe. We highly recommend it and believe that it deserves a top spot in any Doctor Who fan’s audiobook collection.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Big Finish review- Doctor Who: The Doctor Chronicles: The Eleventh Doctor: All of Time and Space

The Doctor Chronicles range from Big Finish has had a mixed reception, with some fans ridiculing the entire range. However, ‘Geronimo!’ stands out as one of the best box sets of 2022, receiving widespread praise for its imaginative and enjoyable stories. Jake Dudman and Safiyya Ingar also established themselves as a new fan-favourite TARDIS team. Now, we are treated to a reunion with the Eleventh Doctor and his cybernetically-enhanced companion in ‘All of Time and Space’.

‘All of Time & Space’ provides a mind-bending experience that offers insightful commentary on the art of creative writing. This gripping story centers around a character who gains sentience inside an unfinished story and must complete a quest that involves erasing the Doctor’s biography. The unknown writer behind this script has shown tremendous potential, and I would love to see more from them.

‘The Yearn’ by Angus Dunican is a true gem of an episode. The gestalt collective is at war with itself, with one side desiring individuality and the other preferring to remain a hive mind. What sets this story apart is the unique depiction of the Yearn as angry, bestial energy panthers. It’s a standout episode and might even be my favorite Eleventh Doctor audio adventure.

‘Curiosity Shop’ is a character-driven piece that showcases the talents of James Goss. The Doctor believes he is a junkyard owner, and it’s up to Val to bring him back to reality as she gives up her cybernetics. The pacing of this dialogue-heavy story is impeccable, making it a brilliant way to wrap up the box set.

Finally, it’s worth noting what a revelation Safiyya Ingar is as the new TARDIS team member. Their performance as Val is nuanced and engaging, and their chemistry with Jake Dudman’s Eleventh Doctor is fantastic. They continue to impress as a versatile actor, and I can’t wait to see where their career takes them.

Overall, ‘All of Time and Space’ is another fantastic box set that lives up to the high bar set by ‘Geronimo!’. The writers deserve kudos for their imaginative and enjoyable stories, and Jake Dudman and Safiyya Ingar continue to impress as the new TARDIS team. I eagerly anticipate what’s in store for the Doctor and Val in their next adventure.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Big Finish review-The Secret Diary of a Rhodian Prince

The Doctor Who spin-off, Class, returns in audio form with Big Finish’s latest release, Secret Diary of a Rhodian Prince. While there are limitations to the storytelling, due to licensing restrictions, writer Blair Mowat has managed to craft a compelling narrative that will thrill fans of the series.

The story is largely told through Charlie’s diary, with a focus on his relationship with Matteusz, as they navigate the dangerous world of Coal Hill Academy. While the scattered approach to retelling events from the series may be confusing for newcomers, Mowat’s script manages to balance the need for recap with the desire for new material. He adds depth and complexity to existing characters and concepts, while also introducing new twists and surprises that keep the story exciting and unpredictable.

Mowat’s ability to capture the essence of Class is what makes Secret Diary of a Rhodian Prince such a standout release. As a writer who has been involved with the world of Doctor Who in various capacities over the years, Mowat brings a unique perspective to the story of Class that feels both familiar and fresh. His focus on character development allows listeners to better understand the progression of Charlie and Matteusz’s relationship, and his use of Charlie’s diary as a framing device is particularly effective, as it allows for a personal and introspective look at the events of the series.

The final scenes of the play are particularly exciting and surprising, with twists and hidden secrets that cast everything that’s gone before in a whole new light. While reviewers have been requested not to reveal anything about these scenes, they are enough to get your heart beating faster at the sheer audacity of what’s happening.

It’s also worth noting the excellent production values of Secret Diary of a Rhodian Prince. The sound design and music are top-notch, immersing listeners in the world of Coal Hill Academy and adding to the overall sense of tension and drama.

The Secret Diary of a Rhodian Prince is an essential purchase for anyone invested in the goings-on at Coal Hill Academy. Mowat has set the stage for any future Class sets and promises a thrilling ride for fans.

Class: Secret Diary of a Rhodian Prince, written by the original TV series’ music composer, Blair Mowat, is now available to own for just £10.99 (CD + download) or £8.99 (download only) from www.bigfinish.com. The exclusive audio will be strictly limited to a pressing of 1,000 CDs.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Big Finish review-Torchwood: The Lincolnshire Poacher

Mysterious signals lead the Torchwood team to investigate the Moil, where they encounter a series of numbers that seem to hold a secret. The story follows the team as they try to unravel the mystery, with Greg, an antagonist played by David Shaw-Parker, at the center of the intrigue. Greg’s routine, which involves recording audio while working in the Moil and setting traps, adds to the eerie atmosphere created by the use of real-life number stations.

Meanwhile, Ianto is trapped in a boiler room, and the reality around the team appears to be collapsing. As the story unfolds, the tension builds, and the Lincolnshire Poacher waits in the wings, adding to the creepy atmosphere.

Gareth David-Lloyd gives a stirring performance as Ianto, and the direction by Lisa Bowerman and sound designs by Toby Hrycek-Robinson create an immersive experience. The use of atmospheric music adds to the overall effect.

The Moil, an archaic word for “to work hard, often in the mud,” creates a sense of mystery and ambiguity, and the writing partnership of Lauren Mooney and Stuart Pringle shines through in the unique story and experimental themes.

Overall, The Lincolnshire Poacher is a strong addition to the Torchwood monthly range, with its strange, dark, and mysterious story keeping listeners guessing throughout. It’s a must-listen for fans of the show and anyone who enjoys immersive audio experiences.

Please note that Torchwood contains adult material and may not be suitable for younger listeners.

Torchwood: The Lincolnshire Poacher is available to buy from Big Finish.

⭐⭐⭐⭐