Big Finish: Fourth Doctor Adventures finale

Wednesday, 24 February 2016 - Reported by Chuck Foster

Big Finish have announced details on the finale to current series of the Fourth Doctor Adventures, which stars Tom Baker, Lalla Ward and John Leeson.

Returning to the series is the character of Cuthbert, as played by David Warner, and his faithful assistant Mr Dorrick (Toby Hadoke), who were last seen in the Series Two finale The Final Phase. Also from that series are the race of aliens known as the Laan (Jane Slavin), who also hailed from the Series 2 episodes The Sands of Life and War Against The Laan.

Also appearing from the television series itself is somebody the Doctor and Romana have been trying to avoid for some time - the Black Guardian, with the embodiment of darkness taken on here by David Troughton.

The Pursuit Of History (Credit: Big Finish)

The Pursuit Of History / Casualties Of Time

Written and directed by Nicholas Briggs
Released July/August 2016

Starring Tom Baker as The Doctor, with Lalla Ward as Romana and John Leeson as K9, and featuring David Warner as Cuthbert, Toby Hadoke as Mr Horrick, and David Troughton as the Black Guardian

On a brisk winter’s morning in 1850s Yorkshire, Cuthbert, head of the intergalactic business known as 'The Conglomerate' prepares to hijack a very special train.

In the far future, his assistant, Mr Dorrick is awoken by howling alarms. There is a problem with the Quantum Gateway.

In the TARDIS, the Doctor, Romana and K9 detect strange distortions in the Vortex, an energy stream coming from a strange creature called a Laan.

The threads of a plan centuries in the making are coming together. But who is behind this plan? And can anyone possibly escape when history is against them?

FILTER: - Audio - Big Finish - Fourth Doctor

Competition Roundup

Tuesday, 23 February 2016 - Reported by Chuck Foster

A roundup of further competitions from Doctor Who News that readers may enter:

The Fourth Doctor Adventures: The Labyrinth of Buda Castle

The fourth Doctor continues his adventures alongside Romana and K-9:

The Doctor and Romana land in Budapest, intent on enjoying another holiday, but shortly after landing they find themselves too late to save the life of a man who has seemingly been attacked by a vampire. As they learn that this is the latest in a series of violent attacks, it becomes clear that they have stumbled onto something that needs investigating. Aided by a vampire hunter who is searching for Dracula, they look into the nearby Buda caves, currently being used for storage by the military - and find that the soldiers have problems of their own. Stalked through the tunnels by a monster, and up against an ancient evil, the race is on to escape alive - and foil the dastardly schemes of the maniacal Zoltan Frid.

The Labyrinth Of Buda Castle (Credit: Big Finish)

To be in with a chance to win a digital download of the audio adventure courtesy of Big Finish, simply answer the following question:

In which televised story did the Doctor first encounter "Dracula"?

Please send your answer along with your name and the email address you have registered with Big Finish, plus where you heard about the competition (news site, news app, other website, etc.) to comp-bf4d@doctorwhonews.net with the subject "Everything at stake". The competition is open worldwide, closing date 6th March 2016. Note: entrants must have an active registration with Big Finish in order to be eligible to receive the prize - new registrations can be easily created on the website for free and with no financial obligation.

BBC Books: 365 Days of Memorable Moments and Impossible Things

BBC Books are to publish a book examining notable events in Doctor Who during the course of a year next month:

For over half a century, Doctor Who has entertained and enthralled fans with the time-travelling adventures of the Doctor and his companions. From that first glimpse of a police telephone box in a Totter's Lane junkyard, to meeting terrifying villains such as the Daleks or the Weeping Angels, to the fall of the Doctor's home planet Gallifrey, the beloved series has provided a near-inexhaustible list of indelible memories. This book is a unique and captivating day-by-day chronicle of those memories. In this fascinating compilation of fictional and historical events from the world's longest running science-fiction show. Doctor Who expert Justin Richards revisits iconic characters, thrilling plot twists and memorable battles, as well as sharing bonus behind-the-scenes secrets from both the classic and new series.

365 Days of Memorable Moments and Impossible Things (Credit: BBC Books)

To be in with a chance to win the book courtesy of BBC Books, simply answer the following question:

The Doctor has on occasion chronicled his own adventures, making reference to them a number of times during his earlier incarnations, but what did he use to do so?

Please send your answers along with your name, address and where you heard about the competition (news site, news app, other website, etc.) to comp-365days@doctorwhonews.net with the subject "One day I shall read back". The competition is open to UK readers only, closing date 6th March 2016. Only one entry per household will be accepted.

BBC Audio: The Space Museum

The next classic novelisation adaptation for 2016 sees the first Doctor catch a glimpse of his own possible future in The Space Museum:

The TARDIS materialises on what, at first sight, appears to be a dry and lifeless planet serving only as a graveyard for spaceships. The Doctor, Ian, Barbara and Vicki discover a magnificent museum housing relics from every corner of the galaxy. These have been assembled by the Moroks, a race of cruel conquerors who have invaded the planet Xeros and enslaved its inhabitants. Upon further exploration the TARDIS crew seem to stumble upon the impossible: for suddenly, facing them in an exhibit case, they find...themselves!

Doctor Who: The Space Museum (Credit: BBC Audio)

To be in with a chance to win the audiobook courtesy of BBC Audio, simply answer the following question:

Having been grabbed by Xeron rebels, the Doctor promptly escapes them by hiding in an an unusual way - what does he do?

Please send your answers along with your name, address and where you heard about the competition (news site, news app, other website, etc.) to comp-target@doctorwhonews.net with the subject "The Xerons are revolting". The competition is open worldwide, closing date 6th March 2016. Only one entry per household will be accepted.

FILTER: - BBC Audio - BBC Books - Big Finish - Competitions

Big Finish: regular range during 2016

Tuesday, 23 February 2016 - Reported by Chuck Foster

Big Finish have released details on what to expect in their regular monthly range of adventures for the Doctor.

The first quarter of the year features the fifth Doctor and companions, with Peter Davison, Janet Fielding and Sarah Sutton reprising their roles as they encounter Rembrandt, a mysterious apparently abandoned spaceship, and a bad time in Manchester's history:

Waters of Amsterdam (Credit: Big Finish)

Starring Peter Davison as the Doctor, with Janet Fielding as Tegan and Sarah Sutton as Nyssa
Written by Jonathan Morris, directed by Jamie Anderson
Released January 2016 [order]

Reunited with the Doctor and Nyssa, Tegan joins them on a trip to Amsterdam's Rijkmuseum to see a new exhibition of the work of Rembrandt van Rijn, featuring his drawings of “Vessels of the Stars”. The Doctor is astonished to discover that they are designs for spaceships that would actually work, and decides to pop back to the Dutch Golden Age for a quiet word with Rembrandt – but the world-weary artist is no mood to help.

Meanwhile, strange forces are swirling in the canals, creatures from ancient myth, the watery, goblin-like Nix. What is their connection to the mysterious Countess Mach-Teldak – and to the events of Tegan’s life during her year away from the Doctor?

Starring Peter Davison as the Doctor, with Janet Fielding as Tegan and Sarah Sutton as Nyssa
Written by Simon Barnard & Paul Morris, directed by Ken Bentley
Released February 2016 [order]

Today should be much like every other day for Hargreaves, the computer consciousness that co-ordinates daily life aboard the spaceship Aquitaine, stationed on the outer fringes of a black hole. Water the plants, run the diagnostics, cook the Captain’s breakfast; then tidy the plates away, rotate the ship, clean the windows of the observation deck. When at last the day’s work is done, Hargreaves will dim the lights in the sleeping quarters. But no-one will sleep aboard the Aquitaine tonight. Because the Aquitaine’s crew is missing.

But today will be different. Today, a space/time ship called the TARDIS will materialise in the botanical section, bringing the Doctor, Nyssa and Tegan aboard the Aquitaine. Together, they’ll seek to discover the truth of what happened to Hargreaves’ crew...

... if only the ghosts will let them.

The Peterloo Massacre (Credit: Big Finish)

Starring Peter Davison as the Doctor, with Janet Fielding as Tegan and Sarah Sutton as Nyssa
Written by Paul Magrs, directed by Jamie Anderson
Released March 2016 [pre-order]

"They say there’ll be thousands pouring into Manchester tomorrow. From all over the county, north and south. It’ll be a piece of history. People will remember this!"

Lost in the smog of the Industrial Revolution, the TARDIS crashes four miles south of Manchester, in the grounds of Hurley Hall – a grand mansion belonging to a local factory owner, a proudly self-made man. But while Hurley dreams of growing richer still on the wealth of secret knowledge locked up in the Doctor’s time and space machine, his servants hope only for a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work. His young maid Cathy, for instance, whom Nyssa learns is looking forward to joining the working people’s march to St Peter’s Field, in the heart of the city. There’ll be speeches and banners and music. It’ll be like one big jamboree…

Or so she thinks. For the city’s establishment have called in their own private militia, to control the crowd. One of the darkest days in Manchester’s history is about to unfold – and the Doctor, Nyssa and Tegan are right in the thick of it.

The second quarter provides a new encounter with the Masters ... with the fifth Doctor encountering an earlier incarnation (Geoffrey Beevers) in April, followed by the sixth Doctor embroiled with the recent (Alex Macqueen) in May, before the seventh Doctor finds himself recruited by both in June!

And You Will Obey Me (Credit: Big Finish)

Starring Peter Davison as the Doctor, with Geoffrey Beevers as the Master
Written by Alan Barnes, directed by Jamie Anderson
Released April 2016 [pre-order]

The Master: wanted for crimes without number, across five galaxies.

The Master: escaped his pursuers. Last known location: rural Hexford, England, Earth.

The Master: dead and buried in an unmourned grave, in a lonely churchyard.

Apparently.

Vampire Of The Mind (Credit: Big Finish)

Starring Colin Baker as the Doctor, with Alex Macqueen as the Master
Written by Justin Richards, directed by Jamie Anderson
Released May 2016 [pre-order]

Somewhere off the South Coast of England, there’s a lonely island. On that island stands a solitary castle, long since abandoned – haunted, they say. But the truth is, that castle houses something far worse than mere ghosts.

The castle is what lies at the end of a trail followed by the Doctor in search of several missing scientists – all of them connected to the top secret Dominus Institute and its elusive CEO, Sir Andrew Gobernar…

But the Doctor will soon discover that he’s the one being haunted, by a ghost from his past… or perhaps, his future.

Starring Sylvester McCoy as the Doctor, with Geoffrey Beevers and Alex Macqueen as the Master
Written by John Dorney, directed by Jamie Anderson
Released June 2016 [pre-order]

The future is dying. All over the universe, gaps are beginning to appear. From the space lanes terrorised by the rag-tag remnants of the once-mighty Rocket Men, to the empire of the Gorlans, stricken by a terrible civil war. Gaps in space/time, portents of the end of everything.

Only three beings might prevent it. The Doctor, a renegade Time Lord from Gallifrey. The Master, another renegade Time Lord from Gallifrey. And another Master, yet another renegade Time Lord from Gallifrey.

One Doctor. Two Masters. What could possibly go wrong?

The summer sees Sylvester McCoy reunited with Bonnie Langford and Sophie Aldred as the seventh Doctor, Mel and Ace embark on a new trilogy of adventures, A Life of Crime, Fiesta of the Damned and Maker of Demons. Then as autumn and winter descends, the fifth Doctor returns in an anthology The Memory Bank and Other Stories, whilst Colin Baker and Miranda Raison return as the Doctor and Constance for a trilogy to round off the year, Order, Absolute Power and Quicksilver.

FILTER: - Audio - Big Finish - Fifth Doctor - Seventh Doctor - Sixth Doctor

BBC Audio: release schedule

Saturday, 13 February 2016 - Reported by Chuck Foster

BBC Audio continue their range of audiobooks based upon the original Target novelisations of Doctor Who stories, with the original, unabridged readings made by well-known actors associated with the series. The release schedule over the next few months cover the first five Doctors:

January: Doctor Who and the State of Decay, written by Terrance Dicks and read by Geoffrey Beevers

Geoffrey Beevers reads this exciting novelisation of a 1980 TV adventure featuring the Fourth Doctor, as played by Tom Baker.

The Doctor, Romana and K9 - and a young stowaway called Adric - are trapped in the alternative universe of E-Space. Seeking help, the land on an unknown planet. There they find a nightmare world where oppressed peasants toil for the Lords who live in the Tower, and where all learning is forbidden: a society in a state of decay. What is the terrifying secret of the Three Who Rule? What monstrous creature stirs beneath the Tower, waking from its thousand year sleep? The Doctor discovers that the oldest and deadliest enemy of the Time Lords is about to spring into horrifying action.

John Leeson provides the Voice of K9.
February: Doctor Who: The Space Museum, written by Glyn Jones and read by Maureen O'Brien

An unabridged reading of this novelisation of a classic 1965 TV serial featuring the First Doctor, as played on TV by William Hartnell.

The TARDIS materialises on what, at first sight, appears to be a dry and lifeless planet serving only as a graveyard for spaceships. The Doctor, Ian, Barbara and Vicki discover a magnificent museum housing relics from every corner of the galaxy. These have been assembled by the Moroks, a race of cruel conquerors who have invaded the planet Xeros and enslaved its inhabitants. Upon further exploration the TARDIS crew seem to stumble upon the impossible: for suddenly, facing them in an exhibit case, they find...themselves!
March: Doctor Who: Death to the Daleks, written by Terrance Dicks and read by Jon Culshaw

An unabridged reading of this classic novelisation, based on a BBC TV adventure featuring the Third Doctor.

A mysterious power loss strands the TARDIS on Exxilon, a sinister fog-shrouded alien planet. The Doctor meets the survivors of a beleaguered expedition from Earth, while Sarah finds a mysterious super-city and becomes a captive of the savage Exxilons. Worst of all, the Doctor's greatest enemies, the Daleks, arrive on a secret mission of their own. The Doctor and Sarah must risk their lives time and again in a desperate attempt to foil the Daleks and save millions of humans from a horrific plague.

Nicholas Briggs provides the Voice of the Daleks.
April: Doctor Who: Cybermen - The Invasion, written by Ian Marter and read by David Troughton

An unabridged reading of an exciting classic novelisation, based on a TV adventure featuring the Second Doctor, as played by Patrick Troughton.

Materialising in Outer Space, the TARDIS is attached by a missile fired from the dark side of the moon. Back on Earth, the newly-formed United Nations Intelligence Taskforce (UNIT), led by Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart, is disturbed by a series of UFO sightings over Southern England. Meanwhile, a large consigment of mysterious crates is delivered to the headquarters of International Electromatix, the largest computer and electronics firm in the world. These three seemingly unconnected events are in fact the preparations for a massive Cyberman invasion of Earth, with one aim: the total annihilation of the human race.

Nicholas Briggs provides the Voice of the Cybermen.
May: Doctor Who: The King's Demons, written by Terence Dudley and read by Mark Strickson

An unabridged reading of an exciting novelisation, based on a TV adventure featuring the Fifth Doctor, as played by Peter Davison.

It is 4 March 1215, and the TARDIS materialises in England during a jousting match held in the presence of King John. It soon becomes apparent to the Doctor that something is very wrong. Why does John express no fear or surprise at the time travellers' sudden appearance, and indeed welcome them as the King's Demons? And what is the true identity of Sir Gilles, the King's Champion? Very soon the Doctor finds himself involved in a fiendish plan to alter the course of world history, by one of his oldest and deadliest enemies.
June: Doctor Who and the Claws of Axos, written by Terrance Dicks

An unabridged reading of this classic novelisation of an adventure featuring the Third Doctor, as played on TV by Jon Pertwee.

'Axos calling Earth, Axos calling Earth...’

The creatures stood before them, offering friendship and their priceless Axonite, in return for - what? Only the Doctor remains suspicious. What is the real reason for the Axon’s sudden arrival on Earth? And why is the evil Master a passenger on their spaceship? He very soon finds out...

The reader of this audiobook has yet to be revealed.
July: Doctor Who and the Sontaran Experiment, written by Ian Marter

An unabridged reading of this classic novelisation of a Fourth Doctor TV adventure from 1975.

Landing on Earth - now a barren, desolate planet - Sarah, Harry and the Doctor are unaware of a large, watching robot. The robot is the work of Styre, a Sontaran warrior, who uses all humans landing here for his experimental programmes. What has happened to the other space explorers who have come here? Why is Styre so interested in Earth, and in brutally torturing humans, including Sarah Jane? Will the Doctor be able to prevent an invasion, and save both Earth and his companions?

The reader of this audiobook has yet to be revealed.

Meanwhile, other audiobook adaptations of novels and original recordings include:

January: The Witch Hunters, written by Steve Lyons and read by David Collings

David Collings reads this original novel adventure for the First Doctor and his companions, set in the 17th Century during the Salem Witch Trials.

With the Doctor wanting to repair the TARDIS in peace, his companions Barbara, Ian and Susan decide to get some experience of living in the nearby village of Salem. But the Doctor knows about the horrors destined to engulf the village and determines that they should leave. Susan has her own ideas, and is desperate to return to Salem, whatever the cost. Yet her actions will lead them all into terrible danger, and cause the tragedy that is already unfolding to escalate out of control.

Featuring the First Doctor, as played on TV by William Hartnell.
March: Shadow in the Glass, written by Stephen Cole & Justin Richards and read by India Fisher

An unabridged reading of this original BBC Books novel featuring the Sixth Doctor, as played on TV by Colin Baker.

When an RAF squadron shoots down an unidentified aircraft over Turelhampton, the village is immediately evacuated. But why is the village still guarded by troops in 2001? When a television documentary crew break through the cordon looking for a story, they find they've recorded more than they'd bargained for. Caught up in both a deadly conspiracy and a historical mystery, retired Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart calls upon his old friend the Doctor. Half-glimpsed demons watch from the shadows as the Doctor and the Brigadier travel back in time to discover the last, and deadliest, secret of the Second World War.
April: The Memory of Winter, written by George Mann and read by Jemma Redgrave

Jemma Redgrave reads this brand new, original adventure for the 12th Doctor and Clara.

In 15th Century France the time travellers encounter a band of soldiers protecting a mysterious young woman. Joan of Arc is troubled by voices, telling her things she should not know about: things concerning the Doctor's own people, the Time Lords. Compelled to discover where she is getting the information from, the Doctor and Clara are drawn into danger.

Written by George Mann (author of The Engines of War and The House of Winter), the story is read by Jemma Redgrave, who plays Kate Lethbridge-Stewart in the TV series.
April: Amorality Tale, written by David Bishop and read by Dan Starkey

An unabridged reading of this original novel featuring the Third Doctor, as played on TV by Jon Pertwee, and his companion Sarah Jane Smith.

When gangster Tommy Ramsey is released from prison, he is determined to retake control of his 1950s East End territory. But new arrivals threaten his grip on illegal activity in the area. An evangelical minister is persuading people to seek redemption from their sins. A new gang is claiming the streets. And a watchmaker called Smith is leading a revolt against the Ramsey Mob's protection racket. When Tommy strikes back at his enemies, a far more terrifying threat is revealed. Within hours the city's air turns into nerve gas and thousands succumb to the choking fumes. London is dying...
May: Shakedown, written by Terrance Dicks and read by Dan Starkey

An unabridged reading of this original novel featuring the Seventh Doctor, as played on TV by Sylvester McCoy.

For thousands of years the Sontarans and the Rutans have fought a brutal war across the galaxy. Now the Sontarans have a secret plan to destroy the Rutan race – a secret plan the Doctor is racing against time to uncover. Only one Rutan spy knows the Sontarans’ plan. As he is chased through the galaxy in a desperate bid for his life, he reaches the planet Sentarion – where Professor Bernice Summerfield’s research into the history of the Sontaran-Rutan war is turning
into an explosive reality...
June: Scream of the Shalka, written by Paul Cornell

An unabridged reading of Paul Cornell's novelisation based on his animated drama of the same name.

When the Doctor lands his TARDIS in the Lancashire town of Lannet, in the present day, he finds that something is terribly wrong. The people are scared. They don't like going out onto the streets at night, they don't like making too much noise, and they certainly don't like strangers asking too many questions. What alien force has invaded the town? Why is it watching barmaid Alison Cheney? And what plans does it have for the future of the planet Earth? The Doctor is helped (and hindered) by his new military liaison Major Kennet and his Royal Green Jacket troop. His old enemy the Master also plays a small part. During the course of this adventure he encounters a brand new race of ferocious alien monsters, and strikes up a friendship with his latest companion, Alison.

While starting with a small community under threat, this old-fashioned, very traditional but very up to date Doctor Who adventure takes in the entire world, from New Zealand to India, Siberia to the USA, and cosmic expanses beyond.

The reader of this audiobook has yet to be revealed.
July: Illegal Alien, written by Mike Tucker & Robert Perry

An unabridged reading of this original novel featuring the Seventh Doctor, as played on TV by Sylvester McCoy, and Ace in an encounter with the Cybermen.

The Blitz is at its height. As the Luftwaffe bomb London, Cody McBridge, ex-pat American private eye, sees a sinister silver sphere crash-land. He glimpses something emerging from within. The military dismiss his account of events - the sphere must be a new German secret weapon that has malfunctioned. What else could it be? Arriving amid the chaos, the Doctor and Ace embark on a trail that brings them face to face with hidden Nazi agents and some very old enemies...

The reader of this audiobook has yet to be revealed.

FILTER: - BBC Audio - Merchandise

Lethbridge-Stewart arrives on audio

Monday, 1 February 2016 - Reported by Chuck Foster

Lethbridge-Stewart: The Forgotten Son (audiobook) (Credit: Fantom Films/Candy Jar Books)

Lethbridge-Stewart: The Schizoid Earth (audiobook) (Credit: Fantom Films/Candy Jar Books)

Lethbridge-Stewart: Beast of Fang Rock (audiobook) (Credit: Fantom Films/Candy Jar Books)

Lethbridge-Stewart: Mutually Assured Domination (audiobook) (Credit: Fantom Films/Candy Jar Books)

Candy Jar Books and Fantom Films have announced a partnership to release the first four adventures of Lethbridge-Stewart as audiobooks.

The unabridged stories are to be read by Terry Molloy, an actor/voice-artist well known to Doctor Who as the embodiment of Dalek creator Davros for some 32 years! Paul WT Ballard, director of the audio range at Fantom Films, said:

Terry has done a brilliant job in bringing these stories to life, adding a whole new dimension to them with his skilful renditions.

Shaun Russell, Head of Publishing at Candy Jar Books, said:

People have really been excited about the range, and have continually asked for audio versions of the titles. This was something we’ve always wanted to do, so when Fantom Films got in touch we jumped at the opportunity. It’s a great pleasure to finally be able to announce this new avenue for the series. I am thrilled that Terry Molloy’s narration/performance really reflects the vision the writers had for the characters. We couldn’t be happier with the result.

Andy Frankham-Allen, editor of the Lethbridge-Stewart range and author of the first book, The Forgotten Son, added:

The fans asked, and we listened! It’s a real delight to hear Terry Molloy bring the book, and indeed the characters, to life. Even though I wrote the first book, I found myself listening and wondering what was going to happen next. Such is the power of Terry’s rich performance.

The Forgotten Son is released in February; this will be followed by The Schizoid Earth by David A McIntee in March, with Beast of Fang Rock by Andy Frankham-Allen and Mutually Assured Domination by Nick Walters released in June and July respectively.

All audiobooks are now available for pre-order directly from Fantom Films, which can be purchased individually or as a bundle of all four titles. A sample of the first audiobook will shortly be made available from the Fantom Publishing Soundcloud page.

The original books are also still available to purchase via Candy Jar Books, with the fifth, Moon Blink by Sadie Miller, due to be published in April.

FILTER: - Audio - Books - Candy Jar Books - Fantom

Commentaries to be released for The Enemy of the World and The Web Of Fear

Friday, 9 October 2015 - Reported by Chuck Foster

On the eve of the second anniversary of their publicised recovery, Fantom Films have announced a special project to provide commentaries for The Enemy of the World and The Web of Fear, the two returned Season Five stories starring Patrick Troughton that were released 'vanilla' on DVD and via iTunes. Who Talk! will see cast and crew brought together to discuss the two stories, under the guidance of commentary moderation stalwart Toby Hadoke.

Toby Hadoke with Milton Johns and Mary Peach for The Enemy of the World 5 (Credit: Fantom Films)

Toby Hadoke with John Levene and Syvlia James for The Web of Fear 6 (Credit: Fantom Films)

The commentaries will be released on both CD and download formats, and will feature Deborah Watling for both stories, with Enemy represented by Mary Peach, Milton Johns, Carmen Munroe and Bill Lyons, and Web by Ralph Watson, John Levene, and Derek Martin; production reminiscences are provided by Sylvia James and Roger Bunce. In addition, the still unaccounted for episode three of the latter story will feature former BBC Archivist Sue Malden, who gives insight into the BBC policies of wiping and archiving material, as well as missing television in general.

Producer Paul WT Ballard says:

Commentaries have long been a favourite part of my viewing of any of the classic Who DVDs, and we thought it was a huge shame to let these two brilliant stories pass under the radar, and set about gathering quite a stellar line-up to commentate on them.

He also advised:

The only way we can make these and future releases viable is by fans supporting the project and buying copies, rather than bootlegging them. Were there to be any future returns - and I'm sure we're all hopeful of that - then we would want to be able to look at repeating the exercise because it's a hugely culturally important one.

The two releases will be published in November 2015, and will be available to pre-order at a discounted price. See the Fantom Films website for full details.

Who Talk: The Enemy of the World (Credit: Fantom Films)

Who Talk: The Web of Fear (Credit: Fantom Films)

Please note: these commentaries contain no BBC copyrighted elements and do not feature audio from the episodes themselves - these are designed to be played alongside the official DVD/iTunes releases.

FILTER: - Audio - Blu-ray/DVD - Fantom - Second Doctor

Return of the War Doctor

Monday, 5 October 2015 - Reported by Chuck Foster

Big Finish have announced a new range of adventures in the Doctor Who universe, this time focussing on the mysterious 'other' Doctor who fought in the Time War:

DOCTOR WHO: THE WAR DOCTOR RETURNS!

JOHN HURT, THE WORLD-RENOWNED STAR OF FILM AND TELEVISION, IS RETURNING TO THE ROLE OF THE WAR DOCTOR, IN 12 FULL CAST DOCTOR WHO AUDIO PLAYS.

The War Doctor: Only The Monstrous (Credit: Big Finish)

The War Doctor was introduced for Doctor Who’s Fiftieth Anniversary, and played a key part in the record-breaking television special The Day of the Doctor, alongside David Tennant and Matt Smith’s Doctors. He is the secret incarnation of the Time Lord — but he has shunned the title ‘Doctor’ in order to fight in the Time War against the Daleks.

Big Finish's executive producer Jason Haigh-Ellery said:

I have been a huge fan of John since first seeing him in the repeats of I, Claudius in the 1980s and in his Oscar-nominated role as the eponymous The Elephant Man. Watching his performance in The Day of the Doctor I did find myself fantasising that some far off day we might have the chance to work with him on the audio adventures of Doctor Who and now two short years later it’s happened! John wove a fantastic character together from a great script by Steven Moffat. Now we have the chance to get to know that character more and hear John stretch in the role. We’re all in for a hell of a ride as the War Doctor engages in battle. But who are the greater threat — the Daleks or the Time Lords?

The audio adventures of The War Doctor will be told over four box sets, each containing three linked hour-long episodes. The first box set is entitled Only The Monstrous, and is written and directed by Nicholas Briggs, whose many successes for Big Finish include the BBC Audio Award-winning masterpiece Doctor Who: Dark Eyes. Nicholas commented:

The story of the Doctor who refuses to call himself the Doctor in order to do the unthinkable upon the ultimate battlefield — all of space and time — was irresistible to me. Such a deeply disturbing and engaging character created by the formidable talents of writer Steven Moffat and actor John Hurt. It’s such a privilege to be working on this.

The cast of The War Doctor also includes Jacqueline Pearce, who plays Time Lord Cardinal Ollistra — an arch manipulator who is waging the Time War against the Daleks. Jacqueline’s work includes Blake's 7, The Avengers, Callan, Moondial, Russell T Davies’ Dark Season, and from her own appearance in Doctor Who as Chessene in The Two Doctors.

Only The Monstrous will be released in December 2015, and will be followed in February 2016 by the second volume, Infernal Devices, which is written by John Dorney, Phil Mulryne and Matt Fitton.

Volumes Three and Four are currently in pre-production.

Producer David Richardson said:

What an utter privilege it is to work with such an iconic actor, playing such a brilliantly devised role. This is Doctor Who at its darkest — the era in which our hero casts aside his core values in order to try and save the galaxy in its most terrible hour. We promise bold and brilliant story-telling with gripping character drama, and epic and cinematic audio productions.

In addition to The War Doctor, November 2017 also sees a prequel box set to the saga Doctor Who: The Eighth Doctor — The Time War, which will follow the early stages of the Time War from the Eighth Doctor’s perspective. Paul McGann stars, alongside characters first introduced in the War Doctor box sets.

The War Doctor: Only The Monstrous (cover) (Credit: Big Finish)

The Eighth Doctor - The Time War (Credit: Big Finish)

DOCTOR WHO: THE WAR DOCTOR SAGA and THE EIGHTH DOCTOR: THE TIME WAR are available to pre-orer from BIGFINISH.COM.

FILTER: - Audio - Big Finish - John Hurt - Merchandise - Paul McGann

Big Finish releases for September

Thursday, 10 September 2015 - Reported by Chuck Foster

Today sees the launch of Big Finish's latest series of tie-in adventures, this time focussing on the Doctor Who spin-off, Torchwood; the first in the series, The Conspiracy, features John Barrowman, reprising his role as Captain Jack Harkness. Meanwhile, the three earliest Doctors all have an outing this month, with the First and Vicki's perceptions tested in Short Trips: Etheria, the Second, Ben, Polly and Jamie encounter The Yes Men, and the Third returns (in the form of Tim Treloar) alongside Jo and Mike Yates in the Third Doctor Adventures (Vol 1). Finally, the Seventh Doctor and Mel are caught up in diminutive shenanigans in Terror of the Sontarans ...

Torchwood: The Conspiracy [order]
Written by David Llewellyn
Directed by Scott Handcock
Starring John Barrowman as Captain Jack Harkness

Captain Jack Harkness has always had his suspicions about the Committee. And now Wilson is also talking about the Committee. Apparently the world really is under the control of alien lizards. That’s what Wilson says. People have died, disasters have been staged, the suspicious have disappeared.

It’s outrageous.

Only Jack knows that Wilson is right. The Committee has arrived.

Competition

We're pleased to be able to offer readers with an active Big Finish registration the chance to win a digital download of Torchwood: The Conspiracy: to enter, simply answer the following question:

Jack has been 'reborn' many times over the course of his career with Torchwood, but name a colleague to similarly 'return from the grave'.

Please send your answer along with your name and the email address you have registered with Big Finish, plus where you heard about the competition (news site, news app, other website, etc.) to comp-conspiracy@doctorwhonews.net with the subject "Committed to the cause". The competition is open worldwide, closing date: 30th September 2015. Note: entrants must have an active registration with Big Finish in order to be eligible to receive the prize - new registrations can be easily created on the website for free and with no financial obligation.

Short Trips: Etheria (Credit: Big Finish)

Short Trips: Etheria [pre-order]
Written by Nick Wallace
Directed by Lisa Bowerman
Narrated by Peter Purves

Having escaped an ambush by pirates, the Doctor and Vicki are stranded on a strange world, in the shadow of vast rock formations and islands in the sky. The only way home is through the treacherous Etherlands, where the invisible Ether alters the perception of anyone who enters...

The Early Adventures: The Yes Men [pre-order]
Written by Simon Guerrier
Directed by Lisa Bowerman
Starring Anneke Wills as Polly Wright/Narrator, Frazer Hines as Jamie McCrimmon/The Doctor), and Elliot Chapman as Ben Jackson

The Doctor, Jamie, Polly and Ben arrive on New Houston, an Earth colony in the Fourth Sector, which the Doctor previously saved from an alien invasion. He wishes to pay his respects to his late friend Meg Carvossa, but something is not quite right with New Houston’s subservient robots...

The Third Doctor Adventures: Volume 1 (Credit: Big Finish)

The Third Doctor Adventures: Volume One [pre-order]
Written by: Justin Richards and Andy Lane
Directed by Nicholas Briggs
Starring Tim Treloar as the Narrator/The Doctor, Katy Manning as Jo Grant, and Richard Franklin as Mike Yates

Prisoners of the Lake

Captain Mike Yates is investigating the disappearance of artefacts from an archaeological site deep below Dunstanton Lake. It’s hardly a job for UNIT. But when the team discover a mysterious ancient structure buried deep underwater, all that changes.

When chief archaeologist Freda Mattingly ventures inside, she soon realises that her skills do not begin to equip her to deal with what she finds. As an ancient menace begins to stir the Doctor, Jo Grant and Mike Yates must dive down to the lake bed and discover the secrets hidden there. Secrets that could mean the end of all life on Earth…

The Havoc of Empires

The Doctor and Jo take Mike Yates on his first trip in the TARDIS, but instead of the historical cricket match they were aiming for they end up on a futuristic space station in the middle of a diplomatic crisis that might escalate into galactic war.

The alien leader of the Chalnoth Hegemony is marrying the human Director of the Teklarn Incorporation, but there are forces that will stop at nothing to disrupt the ceremony. The Doctor is accused of murder while explosions occur across the station, and only Jo Grant, pretending to be a security consultant, can save the day.

But then, there’s the Eels to consider…

Terror of the Sontarans (Credit: Big Finish)

Terror of the Sontarans [pre-order]
Written by John Dorney and Dan Starkey
Directed by Ken Bentley
Starring Sylvester McCoy as the Doctor and Bonnie Langford as Melanie Bush

Once it was a mining facility. Then later its corridors rang with screams generated by grotesque military experiments. However when the Doctor and Mel arrive on a hostile alien world after detecting a distress signal, the base they find themselves in is almost deserted.

But not for long. Soon the Doctor's old enemies, the Sontarans, have landed, and are searching for the remnants of their previous research team. Before long they uncover evidence of strange occurrences on the planet. Of madness and death.

They are warriors bred for war, strong of spirit and unafraid of death. To fear the enemy is an act of betrayal. Nothing holds terror for the Sontarans.

Until now...

FILTER: - Audio - Big Finish - Competitions - Doctor Who - First Doctor - Second Doctor - Seventh Doctor

BBC Audio: September releases

Wednesday, 2 September 2015 - Reported by Chuck Foster

This month sees two classic Target novelisations released as audio books: the sixth/second Doctor adventure The Two Doctors by Robert Holmes, originally published in December 1985 and read here by the sixth Doctor himself, Colin Baker; and The Curse of Fenric by Ian Briggs, featuring the seventh Doctor and originally published in November 1990, here read by "Davros" actor Terry Molloy (this latter release having been brought forward in the schedule from November, swapping places with Royal Blood).

Further audio books based on novelisations will continue into the next year. December sees the first historic pairing of Sarah Jane Smith and K-9 in Terence Dudley's K-9 And Company, whilst in the new year the fourth Doctor encounters an ancient Time Lord menace in Doctor Who and the State of Decay (by Terrance Dicks). February then jumps a time track back to the first Doctor's visit to The Space Museum (by Glyn Jones), followed in March by an exploration of one the seven wonders of the universe by the third Doctor in Death to the Daleks (also by Terrance Dicks). In April its 'friends reunited' as the second Doctor and the Brigadier face the Cybermen in The Invasion (by Ian Marter), and then in May the fifth Doctor becomes one of "The King's Demons" and confronts an old adversary in 13th Century England (also by Terence Dudley). Note: schedules for these and other BBC Audio releases are subject to change.

The Two Doctors
Written by Robert Holmes, read by Colin Baker
Released 3rd September 2015 [order]

Colin Baker reads this exciting classic novelisation of a Sixth Doctor TV adventure

Disturbed by the time travel experiments being conducted on Space Station J7, the Time Lords send the second Doctor and Jamie to investigate. Arriving on the station in deep space, they are attacked by a shock force of Sontarans, and the Doctor is left for dead.

Across the gulfs of Time and Space, the Sixth Doctor discovers that his former incarnation is very much alive. Together with Peri and Jamie he must rescue his other self before the plans of scientist Dastari, and the ruthless augmented Androgum Chessene, reach their deadly and shocking conclusion...

Colin Baker, who played Sixth Doctor in the BBC TV series, reads Robert Holmes' complete and unabridged novelisation, first published by Target Books in 1985.

Competition

To be in with a chance to win a copy of the audio book The Two Doctors courtesy of BBC Audio, answer the following question:

What race does Jamie first mis-identify Chessene as, before the (sixth) Doctor corrects him?

Please send your answers along with your name, address and where you heard about the competition (news site, news app, other website, etc.) to comp-twodoctorscd@doctorwhonews.net with the subject "Yes, Jamie, it is a big one...". The competition is open world-wide, closing date: 27th September 2015. Only one entry per household will be accepted.

The Curse of Fenric
Written by Ian Briggs, read by Terry Molley
Released 3rd September 2015 [order]

Terry Molloy reads this exciting classic novelisation of a Seventh Doctor TV adventure

At a North Yorkshire naval base in 1943, Dr Judson is using his ULTIMA code-breaking machine to decipher the runic inscriptions in the crypt of the nearby church.

Meanwhile, Commander Millington is obsessed with his research into the toxic bombs that he insists will hasten the end of World War Two. When a squad of the Russian Red Army lands on the nearby coast, with instructions to steal the ULTIMA machine, they are unaware that Millington had turned it into a devastating secret weapon.

Into this scenario materialises the Doctor and Ace. Ace isn't impressed with the security arrangements or the fashions - but the Doctor had graver matters on his mind. Beneath the waters at Maidens Point, an ancient evil stirs. The Doctor uncovers mysteries concealed within villainous plots - but what connects them all to a thousand-year curse?

Terry Molloy, who played Davros in Doctor Who, reads Ian Briggs' complete and unabridged novelisation, first published by Target Books in 1990.

Competition

To be in with a chance to win a copy of the audio book The Curse Of Fenric courtesy of BBC Audio, answer the following question:

What is the trigger word to release the toxin hidden inside the ULTIMA machine?

Please send your answers along with your name, address and where you heard about the competition (news site, news app, other website, etc.) to comp-fenriccd@doctorwhonews.net with the subject "Flip Flops are ace!". The competition is open world-wide, closing date: 27th September 2015. Only one entry per household will be accepted.

FILTER: - Audio - BBC Audio - Competitions - Seventh Doctor - Sixth Doctor

Competition Roundup

Monday, 24 August 2015 - Reported by Chuck Foster

Doctor Who News have a number of prizes courtesy of BBC Books and BBC Audio available to win in competitions, as detailed below! In order to enter, please send your answer along with your name, address and where you saw the competition to the respective email address - please note whether the competition is worldwide or UK only. Only one entry per household will be accepted.

The closing date for all competitions will be Sunday 6th September.

Doctor Who and The Ark in Space (BBC Audio)
The audiobook of the Target novelisation, originally written by Ian Marter and read by Jon Culshaw.

Name the insect-like race that have infested the Ark, as described by Ian Marter in the original Target novelisation.

Send your answer to comp-thearkincd@doctorwhonews.net with your details as mentioned at the top using the subject line "Noah's Ark". Open worldwide.

The Drosten's Curse (BBC Books)
An original fourth Doctor novel written by A.L. Kennedy

Name the original story by the author upon which The Drosten's Curse is based.

Send your answer to comp-drostenbook@doctorwhonews.net with your details as mentioned at the top using the subject line "Don't go into the bunker...". Open to UK readers only.

The Drosten's Curse (BBC Audio)
The audiobook of A.L. Kennedy's novel, read by Clare Corbett

Amongst the several Doctor Who books read by Clare Corbett, name a book which also featured on screen within an actual episode of the series.

Send your answer to comp-drostencd@doctorwhonews.net with your details as mentioned at the top using the subject line "Fetch!". Open worldwide.

Human Nature (BBC Audio)
The audiobook of the original Virgin New Adventures novel by Paul Cornell, read by Lisa Bowerman

Name the alien antagonists that are hunting for the Doctor in the novel.

Send your answer to comp-humannaturecd@doctorwhonews.net with your details as mentioned at the top using the subject line "Mr Smith, you're needed!". Open worldwide.

The Gods Of Winter (BBC Audio)
An original audio adventure by James Goss, read by Clare Higgins

What does the Doctor and Clara's initial mission for Diana Winter involve?

Send your answer to comp-godsofwintercd@doctorwhonews.net with your details as mentioned at the top using the subject line "When Winter calls". Open worldwide.

The Glamour Chronicles (Royal Blood, Deep T:me, Big Bang Generation) (BBC Books)
Three new novels featuring the twelfth Doctor and Clara (prize bundle)

Name another BBC Book to feature Glamour.

Send your answer to comp-glamourbooks@doctorwhonews.net with your details as mentioned at the top using the subject line "When Winter calls". Open to UK readers only.