Big Finish February 2014 preview

February may be known for the month with 28¼  days (and 29 each leap year), but Big Finish aren’t stopping the love with many new fantastic releases. With Doctor Who, the Sixth Doctor and Flip meet the Brood of Erys, Ian must explain his three year absence on Earth with a tale from The Sleeping City and the Fourth Doctor and Leela face the White Ghosts and the Eighth Doctor and Molly have Dark Eyes 2 (bad pun I know). Never fear, Big Finish are bringing listeners plenty of joy this February!

Doctor Who Main Range 183: The Brood Of Erys

Written By: Andrew Smith

Directed By: Nicholas Briggs

Featuring Colin Baker as the Sixth Doctor and Lisa Greenwood as Flip

This the second story in the 2014 Sixth Doctor and Flip trilogy (renamed in light of the upcoming and much anticipated Sixth Doctor and Peri trilogy coming up, also the first Main Range trilogy to feature Peri),at two discs long

Synopsis:

Space travellers are warned to keep away from the area of the planet Asphya and its unremarkable moon Erys. Not the best place to materialise the TARDIS, then – as the Doctor discovers when his ship is raided by the imp-like Drachee, and his companion Flip is carried away…

But the TARDIS isn’t the only stricken vessel in the region. Aboard a nearby space yacht, the Doctor encounters a woman who holds in her head the secret of Erys – a secret suppressed by amnesia, or worse.

Flip, too, is about to learn Erys’ secret. But once you know Erys’ secret, you can never escape.

CAST:

Colin Baker (The Doctor), Lisa Greenwood (Flip Jackson), Nicola Sian (Sarra Vanser/Female Drachee), Tori Hart (Lona), Chris Overton (Terrill/Levek), Brian Shelley (Renval/Erys), Glynn Sweet (Elgin Vanser)

Preparatory listening: Most likely an idea of who Flip is will be all the prior knowledge you need to come to this one. May be some reference to Antidote To Oblivion, the previous story, but not enough to affect the story in any way.

Doctor Who Companion Chronicles 8.08: The Sleeping City

Written By: Ian Potter

Directed By: Lisa Bowerman

A one disc enhanced audio book performed by William Russell, primarily as Ian Chesteron, and John Banks as Gerrard.

Synopsis:

After travelling with the Doctor through time and space, Ian Chesterton is back in his own time. But the mystery of how he and Barbara Wright disappeared in the year 1963 has alerted the authorities – and both are suspected of being enemy agents in the Cold War.

Ian protests his innocence. He has a story to tell about travelling through time and space.

And one adventure in particular – a visit to the city of Hisk…

CAST:

William Russell (Ian Chesterton), John Banks (Gerrard)

Preparatory listening: I would say very little, as the Companion Chronicles very rarely depend on other stories to enjoy, and those have a handy recap in one form or another, like the Sara Kingdom and Oliver trilogies penned by Simon Guerrier.

Doctor Who Fourth Doctor Adventures 3.02: White Ghosts

Written By: Alan Barnes
Directed By: Nicholas Briggs

Synopsis:

A close encounter with a stray missile leads the Doctor to materialise his TARDIS on a planet that hangs in the dark at the edge of the known universe. A planet so dark that it exists in near-permanent night. A planet that enjoys just a single day’s light once every thousand years…

Exactly what happens on the planet in its rare daylight hours – that’s what a geographical survey headed by Senior Tutor Bengel is stationed here to establish. They, the Doctor and Leela are about to discover that when daylight comes, the White Ghosts rise…

So don’t be afraid of the dark. The cover of night is a mercy.

CAST:

Tom Baker (The Doctor), Louise Jameson (Leela), Virginia Hey (Bengel), Bethan Walker (Aranda), Gbemisola Ikumelo (Morandi), James Joyce (Candelli/Harvester)

Preparatory listening: Seemingly none. Just a passing familiarity with the Fourth Doctor and Leela

Doctor Who: Dark Eyes 2

Written By: Nicholas Briggs, Alan Barnes, Matt Fitton Directed By: Nicholas Briggs

A four disc box set (with a fifth disc housing the behind the scenes documentary) featuring Paul McGann as the Eighth Doctor, Ruth Bradley as Molly O’Sullivan, Nicola Walker (from Spooks, yes I heard) as Liv Chenka, Alex MacQueen as the Master and David Sibley as The Eminence. A follow up the hit Dark Eyes

Synopsis:

When the Doctor defeated the Dalek Time Controller and its Time Lord ally, the timelines shifted and events changed... but the danger is far from over. And new threats to the continued safety of the universe are emerging.

Molly O'Sullivan carried on with her life as a nursing assistant in World War One. She probably thought she would never see the Doctor in his 'Tardy-box' again...

From the Dalek occupied planet Nixyce VII through Earth's history and to the very edge of the universe, the Doctor's footprints across eternity are being tracked by foes old and new. But when did it all begin and when will it end? Living his life through the complexities of time travel, the Doctor can never be quite sure if he's experiencing his life in the most helpful order. The only certainty appears to be the advance of the powers of evil and the oncoming threat of a fight to the death against forces that would destroy everything the Doctor holds dear.

Part 1: The Traitor
by Nicholas Briggs

Nixyce VII is under Dalek occupation. For many, their only hope of survival is decent medical care, as slave working conditions under the Dalek regime are appalling. But when you help people to survive under the rule of the Daleks, are you actually helping the Daleks? Med-tech Liv Chenka doesn't have the luxury of pondering these dilemmas. She must just do what she feels is right.

But then there are the soldiers of last resort... The freedom fighters left behind to cause maximum damage to the Dalek war effort, at whatever cost. To them, anyone who seems to be helping the Daleks is a traitor.

And when the Doctor arrives, his secret agenda throws him into conflict with everyone.

Part 2: The White Room
by Alan Barnes

Molly O'Sullivan is still trying to help people, but now she is back in London, staying in Baker Street.

But there are dangerous forces abroad. Where are the young deserters disappearing to? Who are the Huntsmen? And what is really going on at the Blackwell Convalescent Home?

Perhaps the mysterious 'Surgeon General' has the answers. To find out, the Doctor must tackle an old and baffling enemy.

Part 3: Time's Horizon
by Matt Fitton

The Doctor and Molly find themselves at the very edge of creation. But something dangerous seems to be heading back into the known universe from the very end of time.

The crew of the cryo-ship Orpheus, including its medical officer Liv Chenka, have their mission parameters to adhere to; but the arrival of the Doctor and Molly changes everything. An ancient and terrible force is on a collision course with them all and the outcome seems to be a matter of divine destiny.

Part 4: Eyes of the Master
by Matt Fitton

The Doctor, Liv and Molly arrive back on Earth in the 1970s to investigate the Ides Institute. The timelines have shifted since the Doctor and Molly first travelled here and all is not as it was. Dr Sally Armstrong is still working for the Ides, but her associate has a devastating plan in mind.

Soon, Molly's 'dark eyes' prove to be at the centre of a plot to seize control of all life in the universe.

CAST:

Paul McGann (The Doctor), Ruth Bradley (Molly O'Sullivan), Nicola Walker (Liv Chenka), Alex Macqueen (The Master), David Sibley (The Eminence), Nicholas Briggs (The Daleks)

Preparatory listening: See my preview here.

Bernice Summerfield: Adorable Illusion (Missing Persons tie-in novel)

Written By: Gary Russell

A novel set during the events of the box set Missing Persons.

Synopsis:

Dear Peter

Hope this finds you. Goodness only knows how. But these things have a way of working out. Sometimes.

Look, I'm on this huuuuge dreadnought ship with Jack, lost in space. And it's got a hole in the middle. I mean, who builds a ship with a hole in it? Well, presumably someone did.

Not that I'm surprised - the Robot pilot's a drunk, the doctor's a vet and the cook is a Madras (literally - the guy making our dinner is a living curry) and the priest is a born-again atheist. I ask you - how do I get into these situations? No, no don't answer that.

Anyway, the hole in the ship is getting larger, I have to get the passengers (ie prisoners) from one end to the other, and it's about to crash into a living sun (don't ask).

People are disappearing into the hole, and then coming back. But different. Not quite so nice (and they were no bundles of fun to start with).

Oh yes, and then there's the monsters. They were locked up.  Then they weren't. Which Jack says is my fault. Which may be true. And they want to eat us.

Quite why they call this ship The Adorable is, frankly, beyond me.

Anyway, assuming I survive monsters, holes, criminals and a walking curry, hope to see you soon.

Much love

Mum.

aka Professor Bernice Summerfield

aka Prisoner 442

Damn. Forgot to mention the "I'm here 'cos I murdered someone" bit…

Preparatory listening: Probably any Bernice Summerfield audio from Epoch, but from Legion especially to know who the characters are. The writer has also included some mentions and references to characters from the single CD releases, but a quick Tardis Wikia browse should give you a decent idea of who they are. The tie-in novels seem not to link into the plots of the corresponding box sets very deeply though, enough that a read of the release page for the box set should be sufficient. Again, a preview for the Missing Persons box set here.

Dark Shadows 40: The Harvest Of Souls

Written By: James Goss Directed By: David Darlington and Darren Gross

A one disc full cast audio drama

Synopsis:

“My name is Maggie Evans, and this is the end of my story.”

Collinsport is over. And, after recent events, Maggie Evans just doesn't care any more.
She grew up here, she fell in love here, she grieved here. But no more. Maggie wants out.

But there's a problem as this town won't let her go. Collinsport has unfinished business with Maggie.

Maggie finds herself trapped in the empty streets, pursued by an old friend who wants only one thing. To make her happy.

But Maggie Evans doesn't believe in happy endings any more.

CAST:

Kathryn Leigh Scott (Maggie Evans), Jonathon Marx (Sheriff Jim Hardy), Colin Baker (Gerald Conway), Ryan Wichert (Leviathan Voices), Barra Collins (James Moore), James Lawrence (Doctor James Balthazar)

Preparatory listening: Being unfamiliar with the series, a passing knowledge would most likely be most helpful.

Pathfinders: Rise Of The Runelords: Burnt Offerings

Written By: Mark Wright Directed By: John Ainsworth

A one disc full cast audio drama based on the popular game.

Synopsis:

Sandpoint. An ordinary town on the Lost Coast of Varisia. When Ezren, Merisiel, Valeros and Harsk arrive, seeking rest from their adventures, it seems the town’s annual Swallowtail Festival will give them what they need – until goblins attack during a ceremony to consecrate the town’s rebuilt church.

After defending Sandpoint, the adventurers discover a sinister plot to return an ancient evil to Varisia. Can they discover the sinister connection between the goblin attack and the removal of mortal remains from a crypt in the town’s graveyard?

This is just the beginning of a new quest for the iconic Pathfinder characters Ezren, Merisiel, Valeros and Harsk. The Rise of the Runelords begins with burnt offerings – and only four heroes stand against it.

CAST:

Trevor Littledale (Ezren), Ian Brooker (Harsk), Stewart Alexander (Valeros), Kerry Skinner (Merisiel), Yuriri Naka (Ameiko), Toby Longworth (Hemlock), Kevin Shen (Tsuto), Katarina Olsson (Nualia), Duncan Wisbey (Foxglove), Helen Goldwyn (Deverin), Sunny Ormonde (Townswoman)

Preparatory listening: Being unfamiliar with the series, a passing knowledge would most likely be most helpful.

Note: this release was held back a month for a later release to coincide with a better time to promote the range

Blake’s 7 The Classic Audio Adventures 1.2: Battleground

Written By: Andrew Smith Directed By: Ken Bentley

A one disc full cast audio drama

Synopsis:

Blake and the crew of the Liberator have a new mission - and their target is on the Straxis, a planet also known as Battleground 9.

Because Straxis is a training ground for thousands of Federation troops, and the Liberator has journeyed directly into their sights.

Has Blake finally picked a battle he cannot possibly win?

CAST:

Gareth Thomas (Roj Blake), Paul Darrow (Kerr Avon), Michael Keating (Vila Restal),Jan Chappell (Cally), Sally Knyvette (Jenna Stannis), Alistair Lock (Zen/Orac), Dan Starkey (Voss Ferrell), Tim Bentinck (Abel Garmon), Abigail Hollick (Alexa)

Preparatory listening: Being unfamiliar with the series, a passing knowledge would most likely be most helpful. The first story may link into it in some way

Blake’s 7: The Liberator Chronicles: Volume 7

Written By: Simon Guerrier, Eddie Robson and James Swallow

A three disc box set performed by characters from the Blake’s 7 TV show

Synopsis:

Spy by Simon Guerrier
Starring Jan Chappell as Cally, Michael Keating as Vila and Gemma Whelan as Arta
Cally and Vila are undercover on the Federation-controlled world Cortol Four. It's a mission with an irresistible prize. And it's a mission that goes horribly wrong…

Disorder by Eddie Robson
Starring Michael Keating as Vila and Paul Darrow as Avon
Division Three. A space station in the process of being decommissioned. Its archives contain key records of the Federation's enemies - and Vila and Avon intend to steal it.
The Hard Road by James Swallow
Starring Gareth Thomas as Blake and Andrew Whipp as Trel Dekkan
Blake decides it is time to fight back against the Federation - and to fight back with allies.

CAST:

Gareth Thomas, Paul Darrow, Michael Keating, Jan Chappell, Gemma Whelan,Andrew Whipp

Preparatory listening: Being unfamiliar with the series, a passing knowledge would most likely be most helpful.

Vienna: Series One Box Set

Written By: Mark Wright, Nev Fountain, Jonathan Morris
Directed By: Ken Bentley

The first box set in a spin-off featuring a character from a Doctor Who audio, Chase Masterson as glamorous bounty hunter Vienna Salvatori. Three stories at an hour each on three discs.

Synopis:

Dead Drop by Mark Wright

Caught in a skirmish between the forces of the Dyarid Protectorate and the ruthless Chtzin, Vienna is trapped aboard the crippled starship Custodian. Can she stay alive long enough to escape before the ship plunges into the heart of a star?

Bad Faith by Nev Fountain

Wonder of Wonders! On the trail of an illegal faith stealing ring, Vienna comes to the attention of the Church of New Wonderment and its charismatic spiritual leader Bax Spendlove. When his followers start being murdered, it seems that Vienna isn’t the only killer keeping the faith.

Deathworld by Jonathan Morris

On the planet Mercator, Vienna takes part in the Slaughter Games, competing against other assassins to be the last killer standing. But is everything as it seems, and will Vienna finally discover the truth about her past?

CAST:

Chase Masterson (Vienna Salvatori), Frazer Hines (Bax Spendlove), Alisdair Simpson (Admiral Salaron), Alison Thea-Skot (Lt Paley/Jamela K’Lynn), James Hayward (Ensign Roaig), Rachel Atkins (Kendra Spendlove), Mike Grady (Parsival/Kreyfin), Andrew Dickens (Malrick), Michael Chance (Shazarel), Mark Frost (Crevo Finn/Darvil)

Preparatory listening: I would suggest the November 2012 Doctor Who Main Range story The Shadow Heart, which introduced the character of Vienna Salvatori, who crossed over into her own world in Jonathan Morris’s The Memory Box (February 2013)