Big Finish May 2014 Preview

Sorry for not posting anything for a while. It’s something I’m rectifying.

May brings us the Fifth Doctor and Nyssa on a pyramid in space, Jo and Iris fighting monsters for the Elixir Of Doom and the Fourth Doctor facing the Last Of The Colophon. In other ranges, we get more Charlotte Pollard and Pathfinders releases it’s second story.

Doctor Who Main Range 186: Tomb Ship

Written By: Gordon Rennie and Emma Beeby
Directed By: Ken Bentley

Featuring Peter Davison as the Fifth Doctor and Sarah Sutton as Nyssa

The second story of the 2014 Fifth Doctor and Nyssa trilogy, two discs long

Synopis:

The TARDIS brings the Doctor and Nyssa to a vast pyramid, floating in space. A tomb ship – the last resting place of the God-King of the Arrit, an incredibly advanced and incredibly ancient civilisation, long since extinct.

They’re not alone, however. Another old dynasty walks its twisted, trap-ridden passages – a family of tomb raiders led by a fanatical matriarch, whose many sons and daughters have been tutored in tales of the God-King’s lost treasure.

But those who seek the God-King will find death in their shadow. Death from below. Death from above. Death moving them back and forward, turning their own hearts against them.
Because only the dead will survive.

CAST:
Peter Davison (The Doctor), Sarah Sutton (Nyssa), Eve Karpf (Virna), Amy Ewbank (Jhanni), James Hayward (Hisko), Jonathan Forbes (Heff), Ben Porter (Murs), Phil Mulryne (Rek/Hologram-Fresco Voice)

Preparatory Listening: None

Doctor Who Companion Chronicles 8.11: The Elixir Of Doom

Written By: Paul Magrs
Directed By: Lisa Bowerman

A one disc enhanced audio book performed by Katy Manning, primarily as Jo Grant and Iris Wildthyme, and Derek Fowlds as Claude.

Synopis:

Once, Jo Grant travelled in Space and Time with the Doctor. Now, she is travelling with trans-temporal adventuress Iris Wildthyme.

Arriving in Los Angeles in the 1930s, Jo and Iris are caught up in the glamour of Hollywood.

Monster movies are all the rage.

But sometimes monsters are real…

CAST:

Katy Manning (Jo Grant/Iris Wildthyme), Derek Fowlds (Claude)

Preparatory Listening: I’d suggest Find And Replace. The Iris Wildthyme story The Iris Wildthyme Appreciation Society is free as a podcast.

Doctor Who Fourth Doctor Adventures 4.05: Last Of The Colophon

Written By: Jonathan Morris
Directed By: Nicholas Briggs

A two disc full cast audio drama featuring Tom Baker as the Fourth Doctor and Louise Jameson as Leela

Synopsis:

The planet Colophos is a dead world. Nothing but dust and rubble – and the ruins of a once-great civilisation. But is it really as dead as it appears? When the Doctor and Leela land, joined by the crew of the Oligarch survey ship, it’s not long before they receive a communication from one of the ruins. A communication from Astaroth Morax, the last of the Colophon. Attended by a sadistic robot nurse, Morax is in a wheelchair and bound in bandages to conceal his terrible injuries. But is he really as powerless as he seems? What became of the rest of his race – and why didn’t he die with them?

Entering his lair, the Doctor uncovers a terrifying secret…

CAST:

Tom Baker (The Doctor), Louise Jameson (Leela), Gareth Thomas (Morax), Jane Goddard (Nurse Torvik), John Voce (Chief Surveyor Hardwick), Jessica Martin (Deputy Surveyor Sutton), Blake Ritson (Pilot Kellaway)

Preparatory Listening: None

Charlotte Pollard: Series One Box Set

Written By: Jonathan Barnes and Matt Fitton
Directed By: Nicholas Briggs

A five disc full cast box set starring India Fisher as Charley Pollard

Synopsis:

Charlotte Pollard’s adventures are over. She escaped death aboard the R101 and travelled in time and space - but now in the service of the monolithic, unknowable Viyrans, their unending mission is stifling her. An encounter with would-be adventurer Robert Buchan, near the mysterious Ever-and-Ever-Prolixity, provides the opportunity Charley needs for escape…

So, the adventuress is abroad once more: meeting a lost expedition in uncharted forests, solving enigmas, and hoping beyond hope to see the people she misses most: her family. But Charley cannot run forever. The Viyrans know the power of the ‘Lamentation Cipher’ and they have a solution… for everything.

Part One: The Lamentation Cypher
Part Two: The Shadow at the Edge of the World
Part Three: The Fall of the House of Pollard
Part Four: The Viyran Solution

CAST:
India Fisher (Charlotte Pollard), Anneke Wills (Lady Louisa Pollard), Terrence Hardiman (Lord Richard Pollard), Michael Maloney (Viyrans), James Joyce (Robert Buchan), Nicholas Briggs (Bert Buchan/The Slaverings), Jacqueline King (Mrs Turnerman), Abigail McKern (Susan Broadstairs), Nicola Weeks (Charity Savage), Lucy May Barker (Emmeline Leigh), Charlie Norfolk (Violet Warren), David Dobson (Michael Dee), Louise Brealey (Millicent Belanger III), Nadia Kamil (Miss Griffin)

Preparatory Listening: The Sixth Doctor and Charley stories (shame I’m putting this up after the sale). Patient Zero is this month’s Listeners (heavily discounted download).

Dark Shadows 43: The Devil Cat

Written By: Mark Thomas Passmore
Directed By: David Darlington and Darren Gross

A one disc audio drama

Synopsis:

"Only we could get lost in the English countryside and find ourselves trapped in The Wicker Man!"

While on vacation in England, detective Tony Peterson and the witch Cassandra visit Tony's estranged cousin Lord Trent Malkin and his wife Ruby. The two couples team up to investigate the disappearance of a maid from the manor and a series of murders by an ancient cat cult. Complicating things are hostile villagers, an unfriendly vicar and amateur sleuth, Miss Emma Simon.

Who can be trusted in the village of Little Bascombe? And if the legend of a Devil Cat wandering the countryside in search of souls to devour is true, are Tony and Cassandra about to face the greatest threat of their lives?

CAST:
Jerry Lacy (Tony Peterson), Lara Parker (Cassandra), Sarah Sutton (Miss Emma Simon), William McGeough (Lord Trent Malkin), Wendy Albiston (Lady Ruby Malkin), Joe Johnsey (PC Darren Westcott), Michael Shon (Reverend Joseph Tuttle),Greg Patmore (Clive Taylor), Barra Collins (Ralph Walters), James Lawrence (Bert Osgood), Ryan Wichert (Jack Thorpe), Dilek Latif (Dolly Elton)

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

Blake’s 7 Liberator Chronicles: Volume 8

Written By: Simon Guerrier, Marc Platt and James Goss
Directed By: Lisa Bowerman and Ken Bentley

Three enhanced audio books

Synopsis:
President by Simon Guerrier
Alone together, two Federation officials at last share the truth. Supreme Commander Servalan agrees to explain to Secretary Rontane how she set up the President.

And when she is done, Servalan’s executioners will be waiting…

The Sea of Iron by Marc Platt
Cally wishes to find Captain Mani Yalleg, her instructor when she was training to be a freedom fighter. His trail leads to the Goliath System, where Cally will discover a shocking lost secret from her past...

Spoils by James Goss
Roj Blake dreams of bringing down the Federation. Of toppling the President and Servalan and establishing a free society.

What would happen if he won? He is about to find out.

CAST:
Gareth Thomas (Blake), Jan Chappell (Cally), Jacqueline Pearce (Servalan), Peter Miles, Dan Starkey, Jemma Churchill

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

Blake’s 7 Classic Audio Adventures 1.5: Cold Fury

Written By: Mark Wright and Cavan Scott
Directed By: Ken Bentley

A one disc full cast audio drama

Synopsis:
When Travis scores a victory over the Liberator crew, Blake is willing to risk everything in order to get back what is theirs.

The destination is the uninhabited ice world Horst Minor, where eugenics specialist Dr Tirus is working on experiments for the Federation President.

Horst Minor has many secrets. And Blake is not going to like what he finds there…

CAST:
Gareth Thomas (Roj Blake), Paul Darrow (Kerr Avon), Michael Keating (Vila Restal), Jan Chappell (Cally), Sally Knyvette (Jenna Stannis), Brian Croucher (Travis), Alistair Lock (Zen/Orac), Hugh Fraser (The President), Caroline Langrishe (Dr Tirus), 

Preparatory listening: Being unfamiliar with the series, a passing knowledge would most likely be most helpful. The previous entries in the range would also help.

Blake’s 7: Lucifer: Revelation

Written By: Paul Darrow

A novel and ebook

Synopsis:
Many years have passed since the death of his companions on Gauda Prime, but Avon is still very much on the minds – and a thorn in the sides – of those in power. On the run in a stolen spaceship, Avon has world leaders, warlords, aliens, bandits and hitmen on his trail, all hoping to seize control of the super computer Orac, and to be rid of Avon once and for all.
But those who underestimate Avon do so at their own peril…

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

Pathfinder Legends 1.2: Rise Of The Runelords: The Skinsaw Murders

Written By: Cavan Scott
Directed By: John Ainsworth
A one disc full cast audio drama

Synopsis:
Sandpoint used to be such a safe place to live – until the scarecrows started to walk.
A series of grisly murders points to an undead killer. With Merisiel missing, Valeros, Harsk and Ezren must track the mysterious Skinsaw Man back to his haunted lair. Can they survive vengeful spirits, necrotic guardians and assassin cults to discover the secrets of the ancient rune carved into each of the corpses? Or will death find them as they explore the dangerousstreets of Magnimar?

CAST:
Trevor Littledale (Ezren), Ian Brooker (Harsk), Stewart Alexander (Valeros), Kerry Skinner (Merisiel), Yuriri Naka (Ameiko Kajitsu), Toby Longworth (Belor Hemlock), Katarina Olsson (Iesha Foxglove), Duncan Wisbey (Aldern Foxglove), Tam Williams (Justice Ironbriar), Helen Goldwyn (Lissa Hambley), Sunny Ormonde (Xanesha), Sean Connolly (Maester Grump)

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

What are you looking forward too? Please comment below about the releases you most eagerly anticipate.

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)