The Sirens of Time

A common misconception is that Doctor Who ended in 1989. Of course that would discount all the novels and audioplays. The Sirens of Time is the first of the Big Finish Audio Dramas. It rather brilliantly brings three of the Doctors together, and when I say brilliantly I mean that. Sylvester McCoy, Peter Davison and Colin Baker all reprise their roles as the Doctor and all of them fit back into the role quickly and comfortably.

The drama obviously requires a little imagination, but essentially it feels very much like you are watching an episode of Doctor Who with the video turned off. There is surprisingly little exposition, it is all brought to life through the brilliant acting of the cast. We do not have to be told when some one is sinking, they reactions tell us that is the case, the dialogue helps us to imagine what is happening. It all works rather brilliantly. For example, the 7ths reaction to the old hag, questioning that she is female, is both humorous but helps us to imagine the character all the more.

The narrative essentially follows the fall of Gallifrey. It plays brilliantly with Time Travel, which unfortunately many of the new series stories just don't do at the moment. Events happening all through out Time that all culminate in extreme events in the past which massively effect the future. The narrative is complex enough that it becomes interesting, it is also simple enough that it does not become confusing.

The rapport between the three Doctors is also a great deal of fun to listen to. Colin Bakers antagonistic Doctor almost comes across as protective of his other incarnations, where as Sylvester McCoys rather sarcastic demeanour makes for some rather humorous dialogue. Both of which are rather interesting comparisons to the Peter Davison smooth talking, Bondian Doctor.

To some it may seem odd, listening to an audio play. It does sound rather old fashioned. I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants more Who, and don't forget that you can import them to your iPods nowerdays for a more modern approach!