Louise Jameson joins us to chat about her recent adventures in India, her time on Emmerdale, and her recent Big Finish releases including Torchwood: Double.
Theme music by Joe Kraemer.
Louise Jameson joins us to chat about her recent adventures in India, her time on Emmerdale, and her recent Big Finish releases including Torchwood: Double.
Theme music by Joe Kraemer.
We explore every audio Time Lord Victorious release and chat with Genetics of the Daleks writer, Jonathan Morris, and producer of the Big Finish range and writer of Echoes of Extinction, Alfie Shaw.
These reviews were originally done for the boys at Progtor Who and Around the Console. Check out their podcast here - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/around-the-console/id1593947980
00:00 - Intro
03:54 - Master Theif / Lessor Evils
17:11 - Echoes of Extinction - 8th Doctor side
23:57 - He Kills Me, He Kills Me Not
39:03 - The Enemy of My Enemy
49:12 - The Minds of Magnox
1:01:10 - Mutually Assured Destruction
1:3:34 - Genetics of the Daleks
1:24:53 - Interview with Jonathan Morris
1:36:05 - Echoes of Extinction - 10th Doctor side
1:49:43 - Interview with Alfie Shaw
Theme music by Joe Kraemer.
Our guest is Big Finish writer David K. Barnes. He'll join us down the rabbit hole, chat about his career, and we'll go through each of his Big Finish releases to date, including his most recent releases, Storm of the Sea Devils and The Silent Priest/The Silent City.
This is a conversation not to be missed.
Theme music by Joe Kraemer.
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We review two recent Big Finish Doctor Who releases.
Third Doctor and Sarah Jane Smith adventure, Revolution in Space and Ninth Doctor box set, Buried Threats.
Theme music composed and produced by Joe Kraemer.
Here is our annual chat about our favourite stories from Big Finish from the previous year, with our guest host, Kenny Smith.
Theme music by Joe Kraemer.
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Well this is our most heated disagreement yet. Leave your thoughts on the episode below and we will read them out and discuss them next time.
They also talk about the recent Children in Need skit, Destination Skaro, Russel T. Davies controvertial comments about the changing of Davros and The Daleks in Colour.
This sixth box set in the Worlds of Blakes 7 has grabbed three villains from the television programme and given them all a prequal performance. The Amagon where a bit of a dud in a story that was a bit of a dud – Bounty. But Trevor Baxendale has written a story that is so much better than its source material. Jenna and Cally are both so much cleverer than they were on the tele and their strength of character really shines.
The Deal with Dorian by Mark B Oliver lets us have a look at Dorian before he met the crew after the destruction of the Liberator. The recast of Dorian by Matthew Grabelle necessitated by the early passing of the original actor has been so well done. Dorian is far more dangerous here – and we know what is coming.
And finally Andrew Smith shows his love of the show in a love letter, of sorts, to the torturer Shrinker who we only met briefly in Rumours of Death. Although he must wait for the TV story for the character to get his comeuppance this is a pretty good start.
Sally Knyvette and Jan Chappell are both brilliant. They have recreated their characters with ease but also pushed beyond many of the limitations that the show placed on the as women of the ship. There is no doubt that they are more than capable of taking on any many – good or bad – and won’t be left behind to make the tea any longer.
Lisa Bowerman, as always, is an actors director and you can hear the dialogue sing through her notes. Unusually sound design and music is done by a different pair of hands for each story and due to the quirky way the website combines everything together in box sets (shame) it is hard to tell who did what on what. But Jamie Robertson, Benji Clifford and Alistair Lock are all so reliable and accomplished it doesn’t really matter that there isn’t one consistent sound designer and musician across each story. All the stories just work.
Blakes 7 is a joy and these sets continue to entertain and extend the universe. Long may they continue.
Philip Edney
The production values of this audio drama are top-notch. Benji Clifford has created a rich and immersive atmosphere, effectively capturing diverse settings such as the ambiance London streets, the bustle of the theatre and the intimacy of Baker Street. Scored by Jamie Robertson the music sets expectations, reveals emotions and embeds the story well into its time and place.
Nicholas Briggs delivers an exceptional performance as Sherlock Holmes. Holmes is older now but Briggs still is able to capture the character's eccentricity, deductive prowess, and unwavering determination. Richard Earl's portrayal of Dr. John Watson is equally praiseworthy, perfectly embodying the loyal companion and also husband with unwavering support and astute observations. The chemistry between the two lead actors is undeniable, and their dynamic brings the iconic detective duo to life.
All the cast are sensational from the evil Seamstress played by Juliet Aubrey and Watson’s wife with secrets, Lucy Briggs-Owen. Supported by a regular repertory of Big Finish actors in the likes of Timothy Bentinck, John Banks, Glen Macready and James Joyce (or is that Jez Fielder)
Ken Betley as always does a solid job as director. With so many scenes, such a large cast and so much essential plot to unfold it must have been a logistical nightmare plotting out the recording of this story, But as always, Ken pulls it all together.
The Fiends of New York is an enthralling audio adventure that successfully captures the essence of the beloved detective's world.
Philip Edney
There has been some discussion on the value of releasing a story in this form. But now that I have listened to Dalek! Genesis of Terror I find this story fascinating!
For those who love the behind the scenes of Doctor Who this is for you. We get to hear what Terry Nation handed over to Robert Holmes and the magic Holmes did. Though to be fair it had a lot more magic in it than I was expecting.
I bought the LP of Genesis of the Daleks when I was about 12 (many decades ago) and have listened to it hundreds of times. To hear the line changes, the character advancements etc was extraordinary.
I’m not usually a fan of narration in Big Finish stories but this is the stage directions of Terry Nation. It’s a bit like being at a table read through. And Nick Briggs' clear but straight reading adds to the documentary style.
The cast are wonderful. Tom Baker’s voice has aged from that LP recording of nearly 50 years ago but his enthusiasm for playing the Doctor is clear. Sadie Miller as always plays her Mums role of Sarah well. This has been my favourite performance so far of Christopher Naylor as Harry Sullivan. He captured how Ian Marter could be brave, protective, a bit misogynist but always loveable.
Supported by Samuel Clemens who brings the malevolence of Nyder perfectly and Terry Molloy who retrospectively brings Davros back to our ears.
If you want a typical Big Finish play this isn’t for you. But if you want a behind the scenes examination of one of the best Doctor Who stories ever and how it evolved you couldn’t ask for more.
Philip Edney
Dwayne and Philip each give you a top ten Big Finish releases of 2020, giving you a total of twenty in the list.
Give us your thoughts. Do you agree or disagree? What are your top ten of 2022?
Original theme composed by Joe Kraemer | http://www.joekraemer.com/about/
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Clips and music are copyright BBC and Big Finish. No infringement is intended.
Guests Marc Atkinson and Jonathan Morris join us for a back-to-back Randomoids Review show as we discuss two monthly range stories, #60 Medicinal Purposes and #201 We Are The Daleks.
What are your thoughts on these two Big Finish classics?
We'll also give you our recommendations including a track from a recent solo album released by Marc.
Find out more about Marc's music at https://marcatkinson.co.uk
Original theme composed by Joe Kraemer | http://www.joekraemer.com/about/
Email: sirensofaudio@gmail.com
Website: https://www.sirensofaudio.com/
Audio Feedback: https://anchor.fm/sirensofaudio
Twitter: http://twitter.com/audiosirens
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/audiosirens/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/audiosirens
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrU3MLlOeJTLnAbLl35QgeQ
Clips and music are copyright BBC and Big Finish. No infringement is intended.
It Randomoids time again and this time we are joined by co-host of The Doctor Who Show, David Kitchen. Together we'll discuss the Big Finish Lost Story production, Prison in Space, as well as Companion Chronicles story The Perpetual Bond featuring Peter Purves and Tom Allen, and to top it off, we'll each give you a listening recommendation.
Rabbit Hole Topic - What makes the black and white era of Doctor Who so magical for 80's kids.
Visit The Doctor Who Show website - https://thedwshow.net/
Original theme composed by Joe Kraemer | http://www.joekraemer.com/about/
Email: sirensofaudio@gmail.com
Website: https://www.sirensofaudio.com/
Audio Feedback: https://anchor.fm/sirensofaudio
Twitter: http://twitter.com/audiosirens
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/audiosirens/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/audiosirens
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrU3MLlOeJTLnAbLl35QgeQ
Clips and music are copyright BBC and Big Finish. No infringement is intended.
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These two are hilarious together and you never know what they are about to do or how they will play the lines they are given. The situations they move through are often absurd but yet the listener is engaged in every ridiculous plot and scheme. Verging constantly on madness there is still always threat through the humour and yet you just keep warming to them. The audience is left in the dilemma of not wanting them to succeed and yet, you do.
The madness starts with Body and Soulless by James Goss. How Mr Goss has managed to write so many scripts this year that hit it out of the park is beyond me. His trademark humour is present throughout as Missy starts the story with just the Monk's brain - kept in her carpet handbag. A cross between crazy Mary Poppins and the Brain of Morbius these two threaten the existence of an entire planet as they play out there life taking games.
Johnny Candon’s first script for Big Finish, War Seed allows for a bit more sanity as Missy has something to prove - which she just can’t manage.
And once again James Kettle shows what a great story teller he is in Two Monks, One Mistress. Set in Renaissance, Italy it is the perfect place for the Monk and a Nun. When timelords cross timelines fun and disaster follow. Gemma Whelan enters the mix with panache.
This box set is so much fun but will make you feel guilty while unable to keep from smiling. Joe Kraemer's music and sound design is spectacular and as always director Ken Bentley gets amazing performances out of all his cast. Looking forward to hearing what comes next.
Philip Edney
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James Goss is the master story craftsman when it comes to Torchwood and with Curios has once again managed to switch tones and time zones. Set during the 2nd World War, important artefacts were sent down mines to protect them from the bombs and hide them from possible invasion. But there is much in the Torchwood archives that should never be touched. And more down the mine than anyone is expecting.
One of the creepiest characters to be created for Torchwood is Bilis Manger. Putting him deep underground, in the dark, makes him creepier still. And as usual Murray Melvin performs Bilis with a servility that drips evil. You can’t hate Manger but every scene he is in leaves you feeling more and more uncomfortable. An amazing performance. But his performance is backed by all the cast, especially Rosie Baker.
Scott Handcock, as always, has directed the story perfectly and it has a similar feel to Hitchcock’s Psycho. A cast of characters with dark pasts, secrets and an atmosphere of foreboding.
Expect to be scared.
Philip Edney
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Following on directly from the previous stories the Doctor and his companions have just been reunited after the Doctor ran off and left them out of guilt. And relationships are still tense.
The story takes place on Soresia. This is planet where the dead can continue to have an existence but is existing enough? The audience gets to explore death and loss through the experiences of the well drawn characters.
All the cast give strong performances but the emotional heart lies with the return of Adric and excellent performances by Peter Davison and Matthew Waterhouse. The Doctor has been living the guilt of Adric dying for many stories, compounded by the near conversion of his latest companion Marc into a Cyberman. The Doctor and Adric get to have those conversations you can only have with people at the end of their lives.
The greatest joy, and pain, of the story is Adric gets the proper hero ending he didn’t get in Earthshock. His death finally can finally have meaning. Expect tears.
The Perils of Nellie Bly by Sarah Ward is a total contrast in comparison. A historic comedy with hilarious running around scenes and a race to the finish. Sydney Feder gives a lovely performance as the historic Nellie Bly and like all good historicals had me researching the story behind the story.
Finally in Nightmare of the Daleks, Martyn Waites is tasked with ending the Marc arc which he does in an engaging and slightly disturbing way. George Watkins as Marc has had a great run as the ancient Roman companion with a thirst for knowledge and life. Parallels with Adric have been seen throughout and this final story creates a sad but satisfying conclusion to that journey.
A great set of stories. But listen with tissues handy as you are going to need them.
Philip Edney
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Empire of the Shadows takes Torchwood in a whole new direction as the story moves into the far future Earth Empire and re-visits Zachary Cross Flane, who was last seen rescuing Ood from the Impossible Planet. In that story the Torchwood archive is mentioned in passing. But this passing mention becomes the central conceit of this drama.
Zachery works for the Torchwood Archive and that connection is going to lead him into a mystery and conspiracy which can turn from suspenseful to comedic in a couple of sentences. A cross between Tomb Raider and House of Cards, no one can be trusted.
Shaun Parkes returns from the television episodes to play his first role with Big Finish - and here’s hoping it’s not his last visit. Shaun imbues Zachery with a warmth and charm which allows us to accept him as the hero of the story without question. But his frivolity underlies a wisdom and seriousness that you don’t want to cross.
The sound design requirements for this story were huge. Naomi Clarke does a great job portraying future spaceships and landscapes, echoing temples and city wide destruction. Supported by a strong score by Blair Mowat, the dialogue has a convincing backdrop on which to rest.
As always, Scott Handcock works his directorial magic. He manages to take a small cast and make a huge, future epic adventure.
A must listen for anyone who loves Torchwood or want to know more about the Future Earth Empire.
Philip Edney
Available from https://www.bigfinish.com/releases/v/the-war-master-killing-time-2225
The Doctor, when confronting the master in The Deadly
Assassin says to the Master “You would delay an execution to pull the wings off
a fly”. In this box set we see what activities the Master does get up to while
just killing time. And it is far more cruel, and equally as unnecessary, as
pulling the wings off a fly.
Shout out to Rob Harvey. He has composed the most effective
scores for The Orphan in The War Master Box set “Killing Time” used for a very
long time. The power of the piano, leitmotifs and minor chords is palpable.
Although not intrusive, the music acts as a third character driving the
emotion.
Musical score by is one of the emotive created for a long time. Particularly in The Orphan. The use of piano chords adds to the loneliness and seclusion.
Philip Edney