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!

Live 34

The Doctor plays politics in this incredibly interesting audio play. Live 34 is interesting as it is recorded and acted as a series of Live news reports. Live 34 being the live, mostly impartial radio station of Colony 34. A colony under the tyrannical thumb of a fascist government that makes Adam Susan's look relatively sound.

Naturally as we follow these broadcasts we get an idea of some of the insanity that this colony is going through. A power shortage, disappearances, rumours of monsters and acts of terrorism are all the background of the colony. This builds a rather vivid image, and also helps to flesh out the story. Combined with the news report style, this also gives an almost peculiar sensation of realism, not often associated with Doctor Who. It is an interesting change from the normal, and works well.

The story features the Doctor and his assistants Ace and Hex. The placement and use of these characters is also different from the norm. As the story is all live news report, from the same radio station, the narrative does not follow the Doctor or his companions. The realistic nature of the audio drama very neatly places you in a position where you can truly feel involved. Or at least to the extent that you begin to feel what very well could be the emotions of characters in the presences of the Doctor. For the most part this is because the narrative style of this drama does not allow you to follow and work it out before the end. Instead you are left in the dark as if you were a resident of Colony 34.

Overall it is defiantly worth a listen. Some elements are darker than you may normally expect, but otherwise it makes of a truly fascinating Dr. Who tale.