The captivating world of Doctor Who audio dramas continues to flourish, and a significant milestone is being marked at Big Finish Productions. This June 2024, at Fitzrovia Post, talented actors gathered to record the latest installment in The Third Doctor Adventures series. This new story is chronologically placed between the television episodes Spearhead from Space and Doctor Who and the Silurians, promising fans a nostalgic trip back to the early 1970s era of Doctor Who.
This recording session is particularly special as it celebrates ten years of Tim Treloar’s remarkable portrayal of the Third Doctor. Taking on the mantle of Jon Pertwee is no small feat, but Treloar has not only captured the essence of the Third Doctor but has also become a beloved figure in his own right amongst Doctor Who fans.
The genesis of Tim Treloar’s journey as the Third Doctor is credited to Nicholas Briggs, a key figure at Big Finish. Briggs recounts, “It was my idea to cast him.” Initially driven by a recommendation from his wife about writer Richard James’s work and his affinity for the Third Doctor era, Briggs sought story ideas. James delivered a pitch that resonated deeply, described by Briggs as feeling like “an old-fashioned Sunday afternoon teatime adventure.”
Richard James, who co-wrote this new audio drama with Briggs, expressed his enthusiasm for the project and for the Third Doctor era. “I never knew I was such a big fan of the Third Doctor era until I started writing the script and suddenly I could hear the Doctor, the Brigadier and Liz Shaw in my head,” James shared. He also highlighted the opportunity to further develop Liz Shaw, a character he felt was “criminally underused” in the original television series, giving her a more prominent role in the audio adventure.
The recording brought together a stellar cast, including Daisy Ashford reprising her role as Liz Shaw and Jon Culshaw as the Brigadier, alongside Glen McCready, Callum Pardoe, Roslyn Landor, Susan Harrison, and Mark Elstob. James was particularly thrilled to hear his words brought to life by such talented performers, noting, “It was amazing hearing those words coming back to me by the people who were born to say them.”
Colleagues shared glowing testimonials about working with Tim Treloar and his portrayal of the iconic Third Doctor. Daisy Ashford playfully described working with Tim as “exciting, invigorating, annoying, loud, relentless, joyful, hilarious. He’s lovely. I love Tim.” Her words capture the energetic and dynamic atmosphere Treloar brings to his performances and collaborations.
Jon Culshaw, who first worked with Treloar on the Primord audio drama five years prior, echoed this sentiment. “Tim Treloar is a fabulous tumbling ball of energy to work with, and with such a melodic, rich, resonant portrayal of Jon Pertwee,” Culshaw stated. He emphasized the joyful camaraderie and laughter that permeates their work, enhancing rather than hindering the creative process. “Five years have just gone like that,” Culshaw reflected, highlighting the enjoyable and swift passage of time working alongside Treloar.
Nicholas Briggs, having directed Tim Treloar throughout The Third Doctor Adventures, offered insightful praise: “Tim Treloar as the Third Doctor – he’s kind of my fault.” Briggs jokingly takes responsibility for casting Treloar but quickly follows with genuine admiration. “It’s been a roller coaster. It’s lots of fun. I really like him and he just gets better and better, which is probably why he’s one of our most popular Doctors.” Briggs’s comments underscore Treloar’s growing popularity and the continuous improvement in his performance over the decade.
The success of Tim Treloar in the role of the Third Doctor is a testament to his talent and dedication, as well as Big Finish’s commitment to producing high-quality Doctor Who audio dramas. As The Third Doctor Adventures series continues to expand, fans eagerly anticipate each new release, drawn in by the nostalgia of the Jon Pertwee era and the fresh energy Tim Treloar brings to the beloved Time Lord. Here’s to many more adventures for Tim Treloar as the Third Doctor!
