The year 2024 marks a significant milestone for Doctor Who fans as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Tom Baker’s debut as the Fourth Doctor. Stepping into the TARDIS in 1974, Baker’s Doctor quickly became iconic, renowned for his bohemian style, jelly babies, and a whimsical yet commanding presence that captivated audiences. To commemorate this special occasion, Big Finish Productions has released a brand-new audio drama, The Curse of Time, adding a fresh chapter to the beloved Fourth Doctor era.
Producer David Richardson highlighted the significance of this anniversary, stating, “Can it really be fifty years since the Fourth Doctor arrived in Doctor Who…? That really is something to celebrate, and I felt the best way to do it would be to return to 1975 and add an extra story onto the run.” This new audio adventure is set between Revenge of the Cybermen and Terror of the Zygons, promising listeners a classic Fourth Doctor experience, complete with Sarah Jane Smith and Harry Sullivan.
Tom Baker himself expressed his enduring enthusiasm for the role, remarking, “It changed my whole life… When I came to record this special anniversary story, I feel just as enthusiastic as I did all that time ago. It just comes back to me and it makes me so happy. When I start learning these lines, I become the Doctor.” His words resonate with the timeless appeal of his Doctor, a character who continues to inspire joy and excitement across generations.
Sadie Miller, inheriting the role of Sarah Jane Smith, shared her insights into Baker’s portrayal, noting, “From that first episode where he’s trying on all the different costumes, you can really see Tom as the actor trying on the different ways that he wants to be the Doctor… But he’s so clever that he has that spontaneity to it as well, and the child in you instantly connects with that energy.” Miller’s observation perfectly captures the magic of Baker’s Doctor – a blend of thoughtful character exploration and infectious, childlike wonder.
Christopher Naylor, playing Harry Sullivan, reminisced about watching Tom Baker as a child and praised the dynamic between the Fourth Doctor, Sarah, and Harry. He also lauded The Curse of Time for its “wonderful historical feel” and evocation of the classic 1970s Doctor Who atmosphere, promising fans a story filled with suspense and adventure reminiscent of the show’s golden age. This audio drama serves not only as a celebration of the Fourth Doctor but also as a testament to the enduring legacy of this era in Doctor Who history, echoing the grand scale and timeless storytelling that Doctor Who is known for, much like episodes such as “The Time of the Doctor” which celebrated the show’s broader narrative.
Christopher Naylor, Tom Baker, and Sadie Miller together, celebrating the legacy of the Fourth Doctor era.
Christopher Naylor and Sadie Miller in character, bringing back the beloved duo of Harry Sullivan and Sarah Jane Smith.
