ISSUE: 113 • JULY 2018 WWW.BIGFINISH.COM

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VORTEX MAGAZINE • PAGE 2 for Jason Haigh-Ellery, and he was delighted to finally achieve this ambition – Eric plays the for the first since appearing in the 1996 Doctor Who television movie. Jason says: “Working with Eric was a complete joy. Firstly, he is such a nice man and so easy to communicate RIVER SONG with. Secondly, he likes to AND THE MANY work and he likes to work MASTERS! fast. The scenes whizzed by and we were all enjoying T’S A funny old world, this ourselves so much that I Big Finish malarkey. AVING HAD several forgot I was directing an I Through Vortex, I have the adventures with many Oscar nominee with over honour of being able to speak to the H of Big Finish’s classic 450 movies under his belt people who write, act, produce, Doctors, it was only a matter of (which should have been create the sound design and music, time before River Song ran into intimidating – but wasn’t!). direct and do the covers for the a certain other … “Eric is very to stories we all love each month. – in four different – no ego or vanity This month, I discovered that new incarnations – encounters the involved. I we work Big Finish writer Donald McLeary not Doctor’s wife in Series Five of together again soon.” only lives in Scotland but is actually The Diary of River Song in Eric features in The Lifeboat just seven miles from my house, January next year, as Geoffrey and the Deathboat by Eddie so we met up and had lunch. And Beevers and Sir are Robson. Other stories in the within two minutes, we’d worked joined by and set are Instinct by Roy out we had a friend in common. . Gill, Concealed Weapon by Small world! And, fact fans, Donny Getting Eric Roberts to appear and The Bekdel attended Stonelaw High School, the in a Big Finish production Test by . same school that produced another has been a long-term goal Big Finish writer, Andrew Smith. (Yes, I love trivia like that!). Another highlight for me this month has been the preview for Too ISSUE 113 • JULY 2018 Many Targets, the latest release for The Avengers. I’ve been a big The Managing Editor: Jason Haigh-Ellery Avengers since 1992 and bought Executive Producer: the original book that year. I’ve Senior Producer: David Richardson been re-reading it in anticipation, to Editor: Kenny Smith get myself ready for John Dorney’s Design: Mark Plastow audio adaptation. This is of The Avengers – you could Copy Editor: Stephanie Hornett alternatively call it Avengers Assemble, The Big Finish Team: Ian Atkins, Sue Cowley, Emily de Fraine, if you wish. Oh, hang on, has that Hannah Peel, Paul Spragg name been ?! Marketing: Kris Griffin All I can say is, if you’re a fan of and Paddy Freeland The Avengers, you’re going to love BFP Administration: Cheryl Bly, what John has done – just make sure Brenda Smith, Alison Taylor you keep listening all the way to the Publisher: Ltd. end…

VORTEX | PAGE 3 IT’S ANOTHER ADVENTURE FOR ’S WIFE – AND SHE’S MEETING A DIFFERENT INCARNATION OF HER HUSBAND…

FOURTH

VER SINCE River Song Producer David Richardson says: in this box set: “For this series, we Riverbecame part of the Big “The idea of bringing the Fourth wanted to give River an adversary E Finish family she’s been Doctor into our River Song series to match her, a real threat, so travelling back along the Doctor’s was irresistible – I just had to David and I set about thinking. For timeline, running into different make sure that Alex was happy to a time, we talked about possibly incarnations of our favourite down to deepest Kent where using the , but in Lord along the way. we record with Tom (of course decided on something original, With having worked she was – she was thrilled to be so we created the Discordia – with , recording with Tom!). This is quite one of whom is the handsome and on television, a wild ride for a devil you can see on the cover. she’s now ticked off Paul McGann, story, and there’s a real frisson “With no Time Lords to police Sylvester McCoy, and between the two characters.” things, the Discordia are essentially over couple But we’re getting ahead of time pirates who can go back and of years with Big Finish. And now ourselves a little. Matt re-engineer themselves and their she can add to that list! Fitton explains the ongoing theme evolution, to make themselves

VORTEX | PAGE 4 THE DIARY OF RIVER SONG

companions for River, which was, as Spod might say, amazeballs! “River is just the best fun, despite – or more accurately perhaps, because of – her infinitely complex and tragic past. There is absolutely nothing that can shock, faze or defeat her. Like the Doctor, she confronts danger and heartbreak with confidence, swagger and wit. And yet there’s a heartbreaking vulnerability to her, despite her strength.” However, Emma found introducing the Discordia a bit tricky. She concedes: “Plotting for the Discordia was… challenging. The brief described them as devilish beings that can control time and can retcon any situation so that they come out as the victors – how can anyone

Above (l–r): Tom Baker and Alex Kingston fight that? Only the Doctor could ever hope to, but he’s

RIVER IS JUST THE BEST FUN, DESPITE – OR MORE ACCURATELY PERHAPS, BECAUSE OF – HER INFINITELY COMPLEX AND TRAGIC PAST. Above (l–r): and Alex Kingston Above (l–r): Alex Kingston and Josh Bolt EMMA REEVES

as intimidating as possible – and and co-creator, and I was very not around, so it’s time for his make sure they always win. impressed by it. I knew she’d better half to step up. The lovely “They look like devils in the written a couple of Torchwoods detail (from Matt’s brief) that Hieronymus Bosch tradition, for Big Finish at that stage, so I the Discordia had engineered and they have rotating gun arms approached her and asked if she their appearance to resemble which spin around to whatever would be interested in writing that of devils with skins, weapon the occasion demands.” for River.” horns and tails, was an added Emma takes up the story: bonus. Nothing and nobody IME IN a Bottle opens “Matt’s brief was to take River into can intimidate River – not even this series, written by a system where time has been the denizens of Hell itself!” T Emma Reeves and Matt removed, investigate the cause Matt adds: “It was great fun Fitton. Matt says: “I co-wrote the and discover that the (literally) working with Emma as she’s first one with Emma Reeves. My fiendish Discordia are to blame. As very easy to get on with, and we son loved watching Eve on CBBC, the writer of the first episode in the ended up completing the script for which Emma was lead writer box set, I got to create the travelling together from her storyline.

VORTEX | PAGE 5 THE DIARY OF RIVER SONG

Above (l–r): Joe Meiners, , Nicholas Asbury, Nigel Anthony, Tom Baker, John Dorney, Nathalie Buscombe, Alex Kingston, Elliot the Dog and David Richardson

“I’m really pleased with the someone she dislikes and can be result, especially as we’ve got I THOUGHT openly rude to. Perhaps because a great cast including Fenella of the strain of having to keep all Woolgar as River’s academic IT WOULD those spoilers to herself, River rival, Professor Still.” BE FUN IF tends to have no time for social Emma continues: “Professor filters. I love it when River tells it Still is an old frenemy (without HER THIRD straight, and Professor Still, played the fr!) from River’s time at Lunar by the wonderful Fenella Woolgar, University. She’s a woman with FELLOW makes a great sparring partner.” a grudge. Back in the day, not TRAVELLER only did River steal her man OR THE second story in but – the ultimate insult – she IS SOMEONE the set, a first did it by accident and didn’t even F (chronological) writing want him. However, in order to SHE DISLIKES assignment for Big Finish was break into a time-locked world, AND CAN made by the award-winning Still needs River’s help… Donald McLeary, with Kings of “Having already created two non- BE OPENLY Infinite Space. humanoid, quirky companions Matt explains: “This was the for River, I thought it would be RUDE TO. first time we had asked Donald to EMMA REEVES fun if her third fellow traveller is write for us, and he scripted a Lady

VORTEX | PAGE 6 THE DIARY OF RIVER SONG

He says: “I’m always writing. I have been writing Fags, Mags and Bags with my Sanjeev Kohli for 10 years now, which is broadcast on BBC Radio 4. We won a Writers’ Guild prize for it back in 2008. More recently, I’ve got into writing feature films. I’m also working as a script editor on a project for Film 4. I suppose it’s quite an eclectic career, with a bit of acting in there too. “So, I was always a fan of Doctor Who, but never in a professional way until now. There wasn’t that much of a , although we did get Sylvester McCoy to come in to Fags, Mags and Bags, and we throw in character names like Scaroth, so it’s a super for the fans! “I had been working on a stageplay, An Appointment with the Wicker Man, with , so he knew I was a Doctor Who fan. He passed my name on to Big Finish who were looking for writers, and I submitted some of my non-Doctor Who scripts. That was when the idea of writing a River Song came up. “River’s always had an element of comedy to her, but there’s also an underlying darkness that I like. The energy that Alex Kingston brings to River is just magnificent. “Matt Fitton, who was script Christina very soon after too. as it was not the done thing. editing, suggested we do “David Richardson put his “By coincidence, I was going out something like , and name across after he had been with a girl whose flat mate was that was just perfect. I love the old recommended by Sean Biggerstaff. a young actor. I was an aspiring Hartnells. The thing I really liked He’s a very funny writer, and actor at the time, and I went back about The Chase was the even on the fourth or fifth time to hers one time when she wasn’t ‘double’. It’s such a terrible idea! of reading, this script was still there but her flat mate was kicking Unless you’ve got lots of money, making me laugh out loud. about. I saw he had a VHS of it’s really hard to pull it off. “This one is essentially River Revenge of the Cybermen, so I very “But the great thing about Song in The Chase, on audio!” casually said, ‘Do you like Doctor River Song being on audio is Donny is a proper fan. When Who?’ He very quickly said, ‘Yes, it’s far easier to do these things he meets with Vortex, it becomes what of it?’, and then we had a than it was on 1960s TV. You can apparent in the way he discusses very long chat about how much have Alex playing both of them the show – with a passion! he loved it. He said his acting goal in studio, and you don’t need to He admits: “I was a huge Doctor was to be the Doctor one day – and worry about getting a lookalike in! Who fan. When I was about 19, in I said the same thing. He got to “ thing I liked was the wilderness year of 1991, I went take it a bit further than me. His that I inherited some characters to drama school. At that time, you name? It was David Tennant…” and Matt told me I could kill off wouldn’t profess an opinion one As mentioned earlier, Donny’s as many of them as I wanted… way or another on Doctor Who, won awards for his written work. “The enemies we have are

VORTEX | PAGE 7 THE DIARY OF RIVER SONG

THE DIARY OF RIVER SONG

RELEASED AUGUST 2018 Download/CD CD £23.00 Download £20.00 Extras Bonus disc Director Ken Bentley Cast Alex Kingston, Tom Baker, Nicholas Asbury, Josh Bolt incredibly dark. I love the very familiar tropes – and idea that they look like devils! you’ll see where they all land.” TIME IN A BOTTLE I’m not a religious person, by Emma Reeves and Matt Fitton but I do have an inbuilt fear HE EVENTS of KINGS OF INFINITE SPACE of angels and demons…” Whodunnit? lead into by Donald McLeary T the final story of the HE THIRD story of set, Someone I Once Knew by WHODUNNIT? this series is John Dorney. Matt explains: “I by Matt Fitton T Whodunnit?, written was really keen to write this SOMEONE I ONCE KNEW by Matt Fitton. He sums up the one at first, as who wouldn’t by John Dorney story, saying: “I wanted to give want to write for characters River a classic murder- as big as River Song and the mystery, set in a mysterious Fourth Doctor? When River Song visits a place where mansion. It owes a lot to Clue, “But I thought in the end time has vanished, a genie escapes the film with Tim Curry, that I should hand it over its bottle… the Discordia are freed – which was in turn based on as John Dorney would be a nihilistic time pirates, in devilish form, the board game Cluedo! good fit for it, having written altering the past to make sure they “There’s a smattering some of my favourite The never lose. of recognisable detective Fourth Doctor Adventures. characters with similarities to “With the Discordia in the This time, River may have met her Sherlock Holmes, Scooby Doo, mix, this meeting between the match. And involving the Doctor can Nancy Drew and Lord Peter Doctor and River is not quite only make things worse… Wimsey – plus Franz Kafka! what you might expect…”

“I’ve thrown a lot of things John picks up the story: Above (l–r): Tom Baker and Alex Kingston up in the air – there’s some “Matt sent me an email

VORTEX | PAGE 8 THE DIARY OF RIVER SONG

about two years ago where he together was brilliant, I really all manner of quirks that people said, ‘You can pick any episode you enjoyed it. I’d actually worked won’t see coming, particularly want,’ but because he felt I had an out the first scene long before I in terms of how River and the affinity with Tom Baker’s Doctor, plotted the rest of the story.” Doctor work, in a way we haven’t that one was most prominent on How would the writer sum up fully explored until now.” the table and I thought it would what happens in this adventure? River, of course, is a larger than be churlish not to pick it! John pauses, then reveals: “The life character who enjoys cheeky “I’d not had much of a chance difficulty with summing up banter, and the Fourth Doctor is to write for River and the Doctor this play is that it’s the last of hardly a shrinking violet either. together properly before. In The the set – and you don’t want John says: “In terms of the Crucible of Souls in Doom Coalition, to give away the ending! script, I was aware beforehand they were part of a larger arc “It is a story about love, really, they were going to have a very with multiple storylines so their with the Doctor and River. This bubbly conversation between meeting couldn’t take centre might be one of the last times them. I had an awful lot of fun stage, while in My Dinner with we’ll see them interacting in audio writing for the pair of them, Andrew, it wasn’t really a River form, so there had to be some and had to remind myself to and the Doctor story at all. aspects to their romance featured. make the dialogue less fruity! “So, to have the chance to “The other thing I wanted to “I was very much looking forward put the two of them in a room do was to subvert the audience’s to arriving at the studio, and I don’t

I WANTED TO DO WAS TO SUBVERT THE AUDIENCE’S EXPECTATIONS. THERE’S LOTS OF SUBVERSION GOING ON! JOHN DORNEY

expectations. There’s lots of know who was more excited to be subversion going on! Matt told working with who. Tom was there me the situation at the end of first and said he was excited to episode three, and we both knew meet Alex, and I know Alex wanted what the obvious way to continue to meet the legend that is Tom!

Above: Alex Kingston it would have been – so I’ve gone “The pair of them had a lot of fun, and done the opposite. It’s got playing up to the script. Alex was riffing off Tom as she wanted to do a line in a rather saucy way, saying, ‘If Tom can do it, I want to do it too!’ It was a really delightful day. “You can’t help sitting there with a big on your face, as these two bring your words to life. You sit back, and let it all wash over you.” Overseeing events in studio was Ken Bentley as director. He concludes: “There’s a lot of humour in the River Song series, and as a result also in some of the more colourful villains we’ve brought to life at Big Finish. The Discordia are a great invention. There’s something about a demonic voice that works particularly well on audio. And I love working with

Above (l–r): Tom Baker and Alex Kingston Nick Asbury, there’s such relish in his performance as Dante.”

VORTEX | PAGE 9 KENNY SMITH FINDS OUT WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU BRING JOHN STEED TOGETHER WITH HIS VARIOUS PARTNERS…

UST WHEN you thought adapting Dave and John’s brilliant thought it would be fun to bring that Big Finish had done novel, I leaped at the chance! It was back all of Steed’s partners in J everything with The such fun to have these different one huge, sprawling adventure Avengers, along comes another teams in the same room – Keel and – and we got away with it! surprise! Peel! – and also fun to cast Cathy “I was a bit surprised that After the audio adaptations of Gale and Tara King – Beth Chalmers Big Finish was interested in the first series of the TV show, we and Emily Woodward were our my Avengers novel, since thought that was it. Then came first and only choices for them.” I’m probably better-known the comic strip adaptations with explains: “I had met for my Doctor Who ones, Emma Peel, and we thought that Dave Rogers at a convention and but I was pleased they chose was it. And now we have Too Many The Avengers was facing its Too Many Targets as it’s long Targets – adapted for audio by John 30th anniversary so I suggested been a favourite of mine.” Dorney, Big Finish’s go-to man for it would be a good time for a The Avengers – from the 1990 new, original novel. Dave was F YOU’VE never read novel by John Peel and Dave Rogers. in contact with Studio Canal Too Many Targets, think Series producer David Richardson who owned the rights at the I of Doctor Who’s The says: “It was hugely satisfying to time, and he set it up. I asked, Five Doctors. It brings together a complete the missing episodes, and ‘What can we do?’ and they host of familiar characters with the Steed and Mrs Peel episodes of said, ‘Anything you like!’ At that some recognisable old foes, for a The Avengers – we loved working time they were convinced the fun adventure. in this world and with these actors. show was dead so they didn’t Script writer John Dorney So when the opportunity arose for mind what we did with it. I concedes: “I’d never read the

VORTEX | PAGE 10 TOO MANY TARGETS THE AVENGERS

in the 1960s and 70s on TV, but also great comic timing. It feels effortlessly entertaining when you to it – and it is a huge amount of fun to record – but it takes real skill and experience from the cast to play it so truthfully. “The Avengers requires actors with immaculate RP [received pronunciation], but also a good handle on a period style of acting. When The Avengers was first broadcast actors were generally classically trained, and trained for , so they knew how to speak crisply. Those skills

Above: Lucy Briggs-Owen are not as common these days, particularly in young actors. THE AVENGERS IS THE MOST THEATRICAL THING WE PRODUCE AT

BIG FINISH. KEN BENTLEY

“Fortunately we’ve made a lot Above: Julian Wadham Above: Olivia Poulet of plays in this genre so we knew a small handful of actresses who would be perfect for Tara King and book before, although I’d heard could, and I won’t lie – I had a Cathy Gale. Emily and Beth were about it and was quite excited terrific time on it! It’s a lot of our first choice and thankfully by the idea of it, but I’d never fun – I didn’t know where it was they jumped at the chance to managed to get hold of a copy going to go when I first read it.” play these two iconic roles.” as it wasn’t released in Britain. Big Finish cast its own Steed With her beautiful voice and “The first thing I did when I got (Julian Wadham), Dr Keel all-round class, Beth Chalmers the commission was to go onto (Anthony Howell) and Emma was an easy choice to step eBay and track down a copy for a Peel (Olivia Poulet), and new into the shoes (or is it kinky reasonable amount of money. It actors had to be found to play boots?) of . was tricky but not impossible! Cathy Gale and Tara King, Beth grins: “I was thrilled to be “Too Many Targets gathers with Beth Chalmers and Emily involved, very pleased indeed. together all of the previous Woodward taking on the roles. John Dorney did say that as soon regulars from The Avengers Director Ken Bentley explains: as they knew they were going and brings in a few of the “The Avengers is just a joy to work to be doing an Honor Blackman villains as well, in order to on. My background is theatre part, they were going to call me! make it a big, exciting special. and The Avengers is the most “I don’t remember watching “I dove into the novel with theatrical thing we produce at Big the full series but I do remember the ambition of making it as Finish. It requires real craft skill to seeing some of her in my youth. plausibly Avengers-esque as I speak the way they used to speak I went on to YouTube to see how

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she played it, but there So when my agent got a wasn’t very much in the call from Big Finish asking way of clips so I’ve based if I would be interested in it on what I could find.” playing Tara King, of course At this point, Beth gives a I was! It’s always a joy to vocal masterclass, slipping work with the team there so from her own voice, slowly I knew it would be great fun. but surely morphing into “I had actually never seen Cathy Gale, explaining the any of The Avengers before changes as she goes along. working for Big Finish but “She was very, terribly I did some binge-watching posh, even posher than prior to recording. And normal Honor Blackman, but of course over the years I the thing to do was to find have become familiar with the correct level of Sixties those famous characters posh, not modern posh. and who played them That meant finding a very through some form of clipped way of speaking. osmosis! THE AVENGERS TOO MANY TARGETS

RELEASED August 2018 Download/CD CD £14.99 Download £12.99 Extras Interviews Director Ken Bentley Cast Julian Wadham, Anthony Howell, Lucy Briggs-Owen, Olivia Poulet, Beth Chalmers, Emily Woodward, Christopher Benjamin

Above (l–r): Julian Wadham and Christopher Benjamin

Two agents are dead, and their “Cathy doesn’t have a lot of “Tara is a brave and ballsy murderers sound worryingly emotion on her voice either – young woman – not as familiar. A killer gorilla is on the sometimes she will have a bit worldly-wise as some of the loose, a deadly disease is ravaging of urgency, but she’s always other Avengers, there’s more a distant country and an eminent very calm. And I lowered of an innocence about her I doctor has been kidnapped. It’s my voice slightly too.” think. She has a good sense all pretty much business as usual. of humour, isn’t too uptight But when John Steed is called MILY WOODWARD and doesn’t take herself in by his old boss and given an was delighted to join too seriously. She also has appalling task to complete, E The Avengers family huge respect for Steed and at the same time as Tara is as Tara King, originally played cares about him very much. given one that’s even worse, it by Linda Thorson. She’s a lot of fun to play.” becomes clear that the myriad Emily admits: “I have John Dorney adds: “When threads of a terrifying scheme worked a bit for Big Finish Emily Woodward went into are drawing together. The fate of over the years having done the booth, it was incredible the world hangs in the balance. Doctor Who – The Churchill hearing her bring Tara King to Years and even another part life. She was instantly right. Steed won’t be able to handle in a previous episode of The “Beth was always in our this case alone. The Avengers are Avengers (Ashes of Roses). minds when it came to needed. All of them.

VORTEX | PAGE 12 TOO MANY TARGETS THE AVENGERS

go in for a day or a couple of days, and have a jolly nice time doing it. “There was one episode with , and there was another where I was a handwriting expert. But they were happy times.” Christopher has memories of his predecessor in the part, recalling: “I do remember seeing Patrick Newell, who played the original Mother. He was very good, wasn’t he? “I only did a day as Mother, but it was a good day, and I would love to do some more. Playing Mother was very different from Henry

Above: Beth Chalmers Gordon Jago – and much easier, too. “I thought Julian Wadham was very good as Steed, he’s absolutely ideal. You can see a lot of Steed in him, and he has those wonderful light touches, like Patrick Macnee.” John Dorney adds: “Christopher Benjamin as Mother was inspired casting. The moment I saw his name on the cast list, I just felt that it was perfect, particularly coming right after the end of Jago & Litefoot. The idea of getting to work with him again was great as he’s a brilliant actor and a wonderful human being – I couldn’t be more excited!”

HE CAST had a fantastic

Above: Anthony Howell Above: Emily Woodward time bringing the script to T life, and Beth says: “It’s nice to delve into this different Cathy, pretty much from the Christopher, of course, appeared world where you’re allowed to have get-go. If you think about it, in three episodes of The Avengers lots of fun. You do have fun when Beth Chalmers pretty much is on television opposite Patrick you do a Doctor Who, but The Honor Blackman – she’s got that Macnee, in Honey for the Prince Avengers is much lighter and more beautiful voice, she has the same (series four, with ), ludicrous, and I had a great time toughness about her, and she has Never Never Say Die (series five, interacting with Julian, Anthony, that dry, wry sense of humour. also Diana Rigg) and Split! (series Olivia and Emma.” And she could easily beat you up!” six, with Linda Thorson). Emily agrees: “I loved it! The cast Vortex informed Christopher are fantastic and we always have HE OTHER major part that that he’s the first actor to appear such a giggle. I wish, along with a required casting was in both the original TV series copy of the final CD, that we’d also T Mother, Steed’s boss in the and the audio episodes. get a CD of ‘out-takes and bloopers’ final series of the TV show, played He laughed: “Am I really? Oh, – that would be very entertaining! with a blustering, grumpy charm that’s jolly nice! It’s just a shame “Ken Bentley has directed me by Patrick Newell. The casting for there’s fewer and fewer of us left in everything I’ve ever done for the Big Finish version is absolutely these days. I was in three episodes Big Finish and I really enjoy the perfect, with Christopher Benjamin in the original TV series, but it was way he works and what he gets shaking off his more usual Henry so long ago and I don’t remember out of the actors, especially in a Gordon Jago persona. them all that well. But I recall I’d series like this. It is obviously a

VORTEX | PAGE 13 TOO MANY TARGETS THE AVENGERS

Above (l–r): Beth Chalmers, Lucy Briggs-Owen, Julian Wadham, Olivia Poulet and Emily Woodward Below (l–r): Olivia Poulet and Julian Wadham

“The Avengers is a crazy saying it is a little bit mad, even world but that’s what makes it so by my standards. I hope people wonderful. It’s a total escape from buy into it. I wanted to do a very this world. You get whisked into specific thing that’s not in the a bygone era of utter Britishness book, and I hope people like it.” – stiff upper lip, cracking one Vortex has learned what the liners, surviving multiple scene is and now has a huge grin. near-death experiences… it’s You’ll love it. You can depend on it. an absolute classic and one that I’m very proud to be a part of.” John Dorney concludes: “I’m really looking forward to hearing it – it’s been nearly a year since I finished the script. There’s lots of back references and callbacks to the TV series with appearances from show that people have very fond characters like Brodny, memories of, and Ken said that played by Warren he wanted us to get the feeling Mitchell on TV. of the characters but not feel “I’m excited by the like we had to do ‘impressions’. final scene, and what He wanted us to have our the reaction to it will own take on them, which be like. I have been gave us a lot more freedom. teasing on ,

VORTEX | PAGE 14 A TOP TEAM UP ATA Girl, Cicero is another success STRIPPED BACK? I had never listened to any Big Finish for the Big Finish Originals. I’m A while ago in Vortex you before the release of The Diary of glad that BF are branching out and mentioned that a Doctor Who River Song. Being my favourite creating their own series. After so comic strip adaptation was in the series, I had to get many years of working with licenced potentially in the pipeline. Is there into them and now love them, as properties, it’s absolutely right that any more news on this, and what well as The box set your expertise is now involved in it could be? Personally, I’d love The arcs. My top two wishes were River creating your own new stories. Iron Legion, Star Beast or The Tides and Missy, and River and Jack. One is David Steel of Time. Or better still, all three! already confirmed and I’m so excited Nick: Praise indeed from such a Steven Wylie for it, but has the idea of a Jack and long-term, loyal Big Finish listener as Nick: It’s all still under wraps, River team up been considered? yourself, David. So glad you’ve enjoyed Steven, but you’re thinking Radocto Predicto our Big Finish Originals so far. All I along the right lines! Nick: I’m pretty sure that idea can say is that we’d love you to spread has crossed at least one of the the word high and low throughout BOXED UP many creative minds we’re lucky the land, and that way there may With releases 1 to 50 in the Doctor enough to have at Big Finish. No be a second series for all of them. Who Monthly Range deleted firm plans for that yet, though. and now 51 to 100 are not being FULL CREDIT repressed, wouldn’t it be a great SENSATIONAL CICERO I’m a bit behind at the moment in idea to re-release all these with I’ve been listening to Cicero this my listening but today I worked my the individual Doctors as box week and wanted to offer my way through the utterly delightful sets? Box sets of the first 10 years thanks and congratulations to Doctor Who Monthly Range 236 of Big Finish Doctors would be all involved. I really enjoyed the – Serpent in the Silver Mask. And lovely gifts and it’s another way story last year, my Big Finish I must say that I am absolutely of revisiting stories like one of my listening is usually Doctor Who torn. On one hand this is a perfect favourites, Phantasmagoria. I would and its related tie-ins so it was nice story and need never be re-visited. certainly purchase them again. to try something new. I was pleased It really is an absolute credit to Michael Parsons when a full series of Cicero was the cast and crew. Dazzling good Nick: Cheers, Michael. Those first 1 announced. It’s definitely one of the fun! On the other hand I thought to 50 are, of course, still available most satisfying Big Finish releases. that there was so much potential as downloads. Just thought I’d make ’s scripts have real with Argentia and the Mazzini that clear. We have no firm plans range. There’s warmth and humour Family that I could easily listen for re-releasing in box sets, but it’s but also tension and adult themes to three or four plays about them. certainly something we’ve considered. that are light years from my habitual Especially if they were to feature For years, as our recent announcement listening. In particular the events the same TARDIS team, Samuel makes clear, Big Finish has bucked the concerning Iris and the way they West in multiple roles, and were trend of a general audience switchover all played out and resolved were directed by the sublime Barnaby to digital rather than CDs. But just very involving and I really cared Edwards and written by the superb recently the tide has begun to turn what happened to her. Marcus and David Llewellyn. Actually on quite sharply in favour of downloads. Quintus who were established in the balance, more Argentia, please! Even an old fogey like me has finally pilot episode were also given plenty Michael Evans stopped receiving the CDs and I’ve of development as characters to the Nick: What can I say, Michael? switched to download only. But all extent that I became invested in Such a lovely team working on that that said, I wouldn’t rule out special, them too. I hope there’s going to be story. No plans for more Argentia limited edition box sets in . another series. I really want to know yet, but at Big Finish sometimes it We’ll give you plenty of warning how their lives progressed. After feels like anything is possible… if it’s going to happen.

VORTEX | PAGE 15 AWAY WITH A

KENNY SMITH DISCOVERS THAT TORCHWOOD’S MOST POPULAR VILLAIN IS BACK…

URRAY MELVIN is an appear in original novels, But everything he says is actor with a long and comic strips and, of course, under so many layers. M proud career behind Big Finish audio episodes. “Deadbeat Escape is a bit him. If you’re a fan of The Deadbeat Escape sees Bilis different from normal. I love Avengers, you’ll have seen Manger return, now the Sapphire & Steel – we’ve him in the only surviving part manager of the Traveller’s already done Sapphire & Steel of the first episode of the Halt. But why is he there? But Starring television series, Hot Snow. What could a man with the & (The Lives of His appearance, over 40 years ability to effortlessly travel Captain Jack). This is basically later, as the mysterious Bilis through time, want in a hotel? Sapphire & Steel But Starring Manger in Torchwood has Writer and series producer Bilis Manger! He’s sort of – and won him a whole new says: “He’s such a I hate to say it – but he could audience and fanbase. great character and it’s lovely just be the hero in this.” Although the character that his creator, Cath Tregenna, Director Scott Handcock asks: only appeared in two first TV is letting us play with him. “Is Bilis a villain? I’m not sure season episodes, Captain Jack “It’s fascinating having him as quite how best to describe him. Harkness and , a central character – if you look But as a character, he’s certainly Bilis very quickly became a carefully he’s actually always interesting because of that fan favourite, going on to honest and straightforward. ambiguity, and I do enjoy that as

VORTEX | PAGE 16 TORCHWOOD DEADBEAT ESCAPE

a director. It’s a bit like the War Master or Dorian Gray – there are layers of charm and civility that mask far darker impulses, and that’s a fascinating balance to play, particularly when you’re working with an actor that relishes that. Much as we’d hate to admit it, we all have selfish impulses, however much we may try to be good in life, so exploring that in characters like Bilis is always fun…” Before appearing in this Torchwood monthly range tale, Bilis had appeared in the show’s fifth season, which was produced by Big Finish. Scott says: “We’d already had Murray in for an episode of Aliens Among Us – I think it was because of a throwaway comment I made to James Goss about having familiar elements alongside the new

Above (l–r): Gareth Pierce, Cara Chase and team – but he blew us away, and we had so much fun that James IS BILIS A VILLAIN? I’M NOT SURE QUITE HOW BEST TO DESCRIBE HIM. BUT AS A CHARACTER, HE’S CERTAINLY INTERESTING BECAUSE OF THAT AMBIGUITY. SCOTT HANDCOCK

instantly wrote a Bilis-centric story for the monthly releases. “I think we must have hinted at more as Murray kept in touch after that first session. Needless to say, he was thrilled to be coming back. ‘Heads will roll,’ he warned us!”

AMES HAS been impressed by how much Murray has J bought into the character

VORTEX | PAGE 17 TORCHWOOD DEADBEAT ESCAPE

be a perfect gentleman. Scott adds: “Murray’s an absolute dream to work with. Personally, he’s a gentleman through and through. Professionally, he’s always so well prepared and truly loves the character. He knows Bilis inside-out, which projects a kind of infectious enthusiasm. It’s chilling to hear the change in manner between green room and recording studio!” Scott concludes: “Like all the Torchwood sessions, this one was TORCHWOOD

Above: Murray Melvin an utter delight. I’m DEADBEAT ESCAPE probably safe in saying RELEASED August 2018 AT THE END OF THE Download/CD CD £9.99 Download £7.99 RECORDING HE Extras Interviews SWEPT OUT THE Director Scott Handcock Cast Murray Melvin, Gareth Pierce, STUDIO SHOUTING, Cara Chase

‘RETRIBUTION, I SHALL “Welcome to the Traveller’s Halt. You’re in luck - we have one room HAVE RETRIBUTION.’ left. My name is Bilis Manger. Let me JAMES GOSS show you to your room” of Bilis, and the relish he it wasn’t as raucous, brings to the part in the but still quite lively and recording studio. jovial. The script itself He says: “Murray is utterly is incredibly dark and stunning. He fits us in eerie, and those are between his globetrotting the sessions where you adventures, and is full of need to let off . energy and enthusiasm. “The more people relax, He still leads an active the more comfortable they life, but adores talking are, and the more they about Torchwood. can trust each other with “He’s utterly unlike the heavier material. But Bilis – but that doesn’t stop it was a small cast, and him from playing the part a really lovely dynamic off-mic. At the end of the – particularly between recording he swept out the Murray and Gareth Pierce, studio shouting, ‘Retribution, who carry the bulk of it. I shall have retribution.’ We They just suck you in to can’t wait to bring him back!” a very claustrophobic

And as the director, environment and Above (l–r): Cara Chase and Murray Melvin Scott finds the actor to never let go.”

VORTEX | PAGE 18 such a brilliant idea. ‘Yvonne she first learns about the murders in ?’ I said, fizzing. ‘No, she has zero interest in helping have her go to and have find the killer because it’s not her have a really awful time,’ part of her plan. But, later, having Matt said, and I fizzed even more! got to know and like one of the thought it was a soon-to-be victims, she’s ruthless wonderful idea and off we went. in punishing the murderer.” The only big change was that At this point Yvonne was the working title Army of One just back for one appearance, (because Yvonne is an army) had long before ideas formed been used for a BBC audio so we for Torchwood One and couldn’t use it. And I think if we’d Aliens Among Us. decided there would be a third Joe adds: “I certainly assumed Torchwood episode called Day it would be a one-off appearance One we’d have been lynched!” but I’m so pleased it helped pave Tasked with writing Yvonne’s return was . TORCHWOOD: Joe says: “I adore the character ONE RULE and so I jumped at the chance I CERTAINLY to write for her. She’s such an interesting person because while, ASSUMED IT RELEASED December 2015 technically, she’s a baddy in Doctor Download/CD Who, despite some dubious WOULD BE Extras Interviews personal beliefs she’s actually Director doing lots of things for the right A ONE-OFF reasons. She’s ruthless and she’s Cast Tracy-Ann Oberman, powerful and she’s dangerous and , Rebecca Lacey, she’s absolutely an APPEARANCE. , Catrin Stewart JOE LIDSTER for the Doctor, but she’s also very human, funny and charming, and HESE DAYS, the she’s absolutely someone you’d the way for further adventures. Torchwood universe is want to sit and have a drink with. Tracy is such a brilliant actress T one big place with offices And, of course, she’s played by the and the character is so fascinating. in Cardiff, London, – and amazing Tracy-Ann Oberman. There’s still so much left to beyond. We’re also seeing more of “James Goss gave me a one line explore both with her and the one larger than life character, the brief, ‘Yvonne has a bad night out various branches of Torchwood former head of Torchwood One, in Cardiff’ which is such a great and I can’t wait to see where Yvonne Hartman. starting point for a writer. My James and Scott take her next.” Producer James Goss recalls first thought was that I didn’t just James adds: “At the recording, that Yvonne’s return was: want to write her as the glorious, Joe and I went for a walk around “Suggested by Matt Nicholls, the camp creature she absolutely is, the car park (because it all got a then brand manager for Doctor but that I wanted to ensure she bit overwhelming for us) which Who and Torchwood for BBC had that humanity that you saw in was when I said, ‘You know, Ianto Worldwide. We had a meeting the television series. So she’s brave would have been at Torchwood about what we could do for the and funny and compassionate but One with Yvonne… – and first sixTorchwood plays and she’s also got this absolute focus Tracy-Ann loves Gareth…’ and he suggested Yvonne. It was on getting what she wants. When a dynasty was born!”

VORTEX | PAGE 19 Above (l–r): , Sylvester McCoy and

THE SEVENTH

WANDERKenny Smith finds out what happens as Sylvester McCoy’s Doctor continues his travels…

HE and UT FOR release in August, either 1. done already; 2. were have discovered the trilogy kicks off with too close to ’s script; T there’s far more to their O Red Planets, written by or 3. didn’t really fire either of us old friend Mel than they previously Una McCormack. up. When I suggested 1950s/60s thought, since she rejoined them The story is set in London, Le Carre, Guy, who has written on their travels in the Doctor Who 2017. Except... it isn’t. It’s Berlin, spy books, was immediately Main Range. Sylvester McCoy, 1961. But it isn’t that either. interested. So we went with that.” Sophie Aldred and Bonnie Langford Una says: “As I recall, the brief Writing for Sylvester continue their adventures in a new was for something historical. McCoy’s incarnation was: trio of stories which have been Guy and I bounced several ideas “Lots of fun. I’d written for script edited by Guy Adams. around but found that they were the Seventh Doctor before,

VORTEX | PAGE 20 DOCTOR WHO MAIN RANGE

darker/contemporary Earth stories, so my three story ideas – although all very different – had a similar setting. Guy went for an idea which was initially titled Hungry, but after much tweaking it eventually ended up quite different to what I had originally proposed, which is often the way. “Again, Guy was very keen that each story should be strong enough to stand alone, so the ‘trilogy’ element was minimal. It’s really only the very end of my story that relates to the ongoing arc, so I wrote a fairly open ending, and then Guy rewrote/ added elements to the last scene Above (l–r): Sophie Aldred, Sylvester McCoy and Bonnie Langford that enabled it to dovetail into the beginning of story three.” Mark adds: “The problem with having two companions – especially two companions of the same sex – is giving them both distinctive roles to play rather than simply dividing the lines you might write for one companion between two companions. “Fortunately their characters are such that they both complement and contrast with one another. Not wishing to simplify it too much, although they’re both tough and resourceful, Ace is more bolshy and instinctive, whereas Mel is considered and diplomatic. And the Seventh Doctor, of course, is the Seventh Doctor – fiercely intelligent, morally incorruptible, in the Bernice Summerfield playful and gentle, but also sly, range, but it was great fun to BUBBLING WITH mercurial and steely in his resolve.” write ‘officially’ for what is my Things conclude in this favourite era. I’m really looking FUN AND PACE trilogy with The Quantum forward to hearing what they AND COMEDY Possibility Engine, which has all make of these parts.” been written by Guy Adams. As the opening part of the AND YET, He tells Vortex: “The Quantum trilogy with interlinked stories, Possibility Engine is all about Una adds: “I was given a very UNDERNEATH… making the Solar System great limited amount to set up. As I GUY ADAMS again. The new President has recall, it mostly came down to brought peace and prosperity including a scene at the end!” Mel will be lucky to survive.” – does it really matter how he Following on is The Mark reveals: “The brief was achieved it? Especially if he can Dispossessed, by Mark Morris. very open. Guy simply asked me to manage to avoid the war that’s Guy says: “Mark offered us a throw a few ideas at him, and said about to tear the worlds apart. tower block taken and he would work out a balance of “The stories are only very space, a terrible, surreal, haunted stories once he saw what everyone loosely connected, Una and place that the Doctor, Ace and had come up with. I tend to favour Mark tolerating my demands

VORTEX | PAGE 21 DOCTOR WHO MAIN RANGE

for scenes in their stories the TV series, while taking the that would place the Doctor stories to epic scales – across and friends where I wanted planets, solar systems and them by the start of mine. realities. Oh the power of a script “It was also my first editor, it makes one giddy! time working with Bonnie “The Quantum Possibility Langford. Bonnie’s very Engine is a story I very busy on EastEnders, so much enjoyed writing sometimes our time with though. Hopefully it feels her was limited. But she is very much like a Seventh such a pro that she’s brilliant Doctor tale, bubbling with when working at breakneck fun and pace and comedy speed – and a couple of and yet, underneath…” times recording large runs of scenes completely by HARGED WITH herself, though you’d never DOCTOR WHO bringing the know it from the edit. RED PLANETS C adventures to life “Sylvester and Sophie was director Jamie Anderson. are such a pleasure to RELEASED August 2018 Download/CD CD £14.99 Download £12.99 Extras Interviews Director Jamie Anderson Cast Sylvester McCoy, Sophie Aldred, Bonnie Langford

Above (l–r): Sophie Aldred, Genevieve Gaunt, Matt Barber, Sylvester McCoy, Chris Dale, Bonnie Langford and Elliot Levey DOCTOR WHO He says: “It was the first time work with too. As such an THE DISPOSSESSED I’d worked with any of these established pairing in the writers, so it was fantastic to Whoniverse, they made every RELEASED September 2018 get three such varied stories. day fun, as well as bringing Download/CD Red Planets and The brilliant performances to Dispossessed are a great build the table for every story. CD £14.99 Download £12.99 up to Guy Adams’s hilarious “Great adventures. A top- Extras Interviews The Quantum Possibility notch trio. Super guest stars. Director Jamie Anderson Engine. It means that that What’s not to like? I have a Cast Sylvester McCoy, Sophie trilogy covers every type of feeling people are going to Aldred, Bonnie Langford story we might have seen in love this trilogy.”

VORTEX | PAGE 22 JULY 2018 ■■ DW • THE EARLY ADVENTURES: ■■ DW • THE FOURTH DOCTOR ADVENTURES: AN IDEAL WORLD PLANET OF THE DRASHIGS DLO ■■ DW • THE MONTHLY ADVENTURES: (5.2, , AND STEVEN) (8.3, FOURTH DOCTOR AND ANN KELSO) HOUR OF THE CYBERMEN (240, ) ■■ DW • THE EIGHTH DOCTOR ADVENTURES: ■■ DW • THE FOURTH DOCTOR ADVENTURES: RAVENOUS 2 (BOX SET) THE FALSE GUARDIAN DLO ■■ DW • THE FIRST DOCTOR ADVENTURES: (8.4, FOURTH DOCTOR AND ANN KELSO) VOLUME TWO (BOX SET) ■■ DW • CHRONICLES (BOX SET) ■■ THE DIARY OF RIVER SONG: SERIES 5 ■■ DW • THE EIGHTH DOCTOR ADVENTURES: (BOX SET) THE : SERIES TWO (BOX SET) ■■ DW • SHORT TRIPS: I AM THE MASTER DLO (8.10, THE MASTER) ■■ CALLAN: VOLUME TWO ■■ DW • SHORT TRIPS: THE DARKENED EARTH DLO ■■ BIG FINISH ORIGINALS: (8.7, SIXTH DOCTOR AND CONSTANCE) BLIND TERROR: THE GODS OF FROST FEBRUARY 2019 DLO ■■ TORCHWOOD: INSTANT KARMA (23) ■■ DW • THE MONTHLY ADVENTURES: ■■ TORCHWOOD ONE: MACHINES (BOX SET) TBA (248) NOVEMBER 2018 ■ ■■ CALLAN: VOLUME ONE (BOX SET) ■ DW • THE FOURTH DOCTOR ADVENTURES: ■■ DW • THE MONTHLY ADVENTURES: SERIES 8B ■■ BIG FINISH ORIGINALS: 'S CROSS (8.A, FOURTH DOCTOR, ANN KELSO AND ) JEREMIAH BOURNE IN TIME DLO (244, SEVENTH DOCTOR, ACE AND MEL) ■■ DW • THE FOURTH DOCTOR ADVENTURES: ■■ DW • THE EARLY ADVENTURES: TIME’S ASSASSIN DLO AUGUST 2018 ENTANGLEMENT (8.5, FOURTH DOCTOR, ANN KELSO AND K9) ■■ DW • THE MONTHLY ADVENTURES: (5.3,FIRST DOCTOR, VICKI AND STEVEN) ■■ DW • THE FOURTH DOCTOR ADVENTURES: RED PLANETS ■■ DW • SHORT TRIPS: FEVER ISLAND DLO (241, SEVENTH DOCTOR, ACE AND MEL) THE MISTPUDDLE MURDERS DLO (8.6, FOURTH DOCTOR, ANN KELSO AND K9) ■■ DW • THE DIARY OF RIVER SONG: (8.11, , AND TEGAN) ■■ DW • THE FOURTH DOCTOR ADVENTURES: SERIES 4 (BOX SET) ■■ UNIT – THE NEW SERIES: TBA (7) THE PERFECT PRISONERS PARTS 1-2 DLO ■ (8.7, FOURTH DOCTOR, ANN KELSO AND K9) ■ DW • SHORT TRIPS: FLIGHT INTO HULL! ■■ SURVIVORS: SERIES 8 (BOX SET) DLO (8.8,META-CRISIS DOCTOR, JACKIE TYLER) ■■ DW • THE FOURTH DOCTOR ADVENTURES: THE PERFECT PRISONERS PARTS 3-4 DLO ■■ DW • CLASS: VOLUME 1 (BOX SET) DECEMBER 2018 (8.8, FOURTH DOCTOR, ANN KELSO AND K9) ■■ DW • CLASS: VOLUME 2 (BOX SET) ■■ DW • THE MONTHLY ADVENTURES: ■ ■ BERNICE SUMMERFIELD: TREASURY (BOX SET) MUSE OF FIRE DLO = DOWNLOAD ONLY (245, SEVENTH DOCTOR, MEL, ACE AND IRIS) ■■ THE AVENGERS: TOO MANY TARGETS DW = DOCTOR WHO ■■ DW • THE MONTHLY ADVENTURES: ■■ TORCHWOOD: DEADBEAT ESCAPE (24) TBA (246) ■■ DW • THE EARLY ADVENTURES: THE SEPTEMBER 2018 CRASH OF THE UK-201 ■ (5.4, FIRST DOCTOR, VICKI AND STEVEN) ■ DW • THE MONTHLY ADVENTURES: ORDER INFORMATION THE DISPOSSESSED (242, SEVENTH DOCTOR, ■■ DW • SHORT TRIPS: ACE AND MEL) THE DEVIL’S FOOTPRINTS DLO Our audios are available on ■■ DW • THE EARLY ADVENTURES: (8.12, SEVENTH DOCTOR AND MEL) CD, and the majority are also THE OCCUPATION OF WINTER ■■ BERNICE SUMMERFIELD: IN TIME (NOVEL, available in digital formats (5.1, FIRST DOCTOR, VICKI AND STEVEN) EBOOK AND AUDIOBOOK) for download. Downloads of ■ DW • LADY CHRISTINA (BOX SET) ■ ■■ : MOTHER EARTH PART 2 every purchase are stored in an ■ ■ DW • SHORT TRIPS: (BOX SET) account which you can access A SMALL SEMBLANCE OF HOME DLO and download from at any time. (8.9, FIRST DOCTOR, IAN, BARBARA AND SUSAN) JANUARY 2019 ■■ BERNICE SUMMERFIELD: CREDIT CARD HOTLINE ■ THE STORY SO FAR VOLUME 1 (BOX SET) ■ DW • THE MONTHLY ADVENTURES: TBA (247) ■■ BERNICE SUMMERFIELD: Tel: 01628 824102 ■ THE STORY SO FAR VOLUME 2 (BOX SET) ■ DW • THE FOURTH DOCTOR ADVENTURES: Email: [email protected] SERIES 8A ■■ BIG FINISH ORIGINALS: (8.A, FOURTH DOCTOR AND ANN KELSO) SHILLING & SIXPENCE INVESTIGATE DLO Secure online ordering and ■■ DW • THE FOURTH DOCTOR ADVENTURES: details of all our products can be DLO THE SINESTRAN KILL found at www.bigfinish.com OCTOBER 2018 (8.1, FOURTH DOCTOR AND ANN KELSO) ■■ DW • THE MONTHLY ADVENTURES: ■■ DW • THE FOURTH DOCTOR ADVENTURES: THE QUANTUM POSSIBILITY ENGINE THE ENCHANTRESS OF NUMBERS DLO (243, SEVENTH DOCTOR, ACE AND MEL) (8.2, FOURTH DOCTOR AND ANN KELSO)

VORTEX | PAGE 23 ISSUE: 113 • JULY 2018 WWW.BIGFINISH.COM

DOCTOR WHO THE MAIN RANGE TORCHWOOD BILIS MANGER RETURNS THE AVENGERS TOO MANY TARGETS