Audio CD review
Starring the voices of Carole Ann Ford, Stephen Hancock
Big Finish
Release date Out now

Susan narrates an unusual encounter for the first TARDIS crew...

Although there are aspects of the narration that jar in terms of the way Susan views her grandfather, the First Doctor, this is exactly the sort of "Missing Adventure" that fans expected when the line was first announced in the mid 1990s – a story that could easily have been made as part of the series at the time, had they been given the budget.

Author Andy Lane captures the dynamic between the TARDIS crew, and puts them in a position where both their strengths and weaknesses are demonstrated. It also uses one of the regular themes from the First Doctor's era – don't judge by appearances – without repeating ground that the series itself covered.

As she explains in the short CD extras, Carole Ann Ford doesn't try to imitate the voices of the other TARDIS crew, but there are only a few occasions when it's not clear who's speaking. Director Lisa Bowerman gets a strong performance from her in her multiple roles, as well as from Coronation Street's Stephen Hancock who guest-stars, and the effects are sparingly, but well used. Peter Quentin

VERDICT: 7/10
A strong start to the new season.