For ten remarkable years, Tim Treloar has captivated Doctor Who fans as the voice of the Third Doctor in Big Finish audio dramas, stepping into the shoes of the iconic Jon Pertwee. This milestone is not just a celebration of Treloar’s incredible performance but also a testament to the enduring appeal of the Third Doctor era, known for its Doctor Brain moments, scientific curiosity, and thrilling adventures.
To commemorate this anniversary, Big Finish is releasing new audio adventures, recorded at Fitzrovia Post between 10-12 June 2024. These stories, chronologically placed between “Spearhead from Space” and “Doctor Who and the Silurians,” promise to deliver the classic Third Doctor experience that fans adore.
Nicholas Briggs, a key figure at Big Finish and director of The Third Doctor Adventures, initiated Treloar’s casting. “It was my idea to cast him,” Briggs explains. “And I had to take responsibility and direct him. And I’ve been directing him in The Third Doctor Adventures ever since. 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 highlights the captivating nature of Treloar’s portrayal, emphasizing how he embodies the intellectual and adventurous spirit – the very doctor brain – of the Third Doctor.
Richard James, who co-wrote the new stories with Briggs, shares his enthusiasm for the project and his admiration for both Briggs and the Third Doctor era. “Nick’s written not just some of the best Doctor Who for Big Finish, but some of the best scripts I’ve ever heard,” James states. He adds, “And 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. It was quite extraordinary.” James’s words underscore the immersive quality of the Third Doctor’s world and the strong character dynamics, particularly highlighting Liz Shaw’s role, giving her “the opportunity to come to the fore and do her own investigating,” showcasing her own brilliant doctor brain alongside the Doctor’s.
Daisy Ashford, who plays Liz Shaw alongside Treloar, offers a lively and affectionate description of working with him. “Working with Tim is exciting, invigorating, annoying, loud, relentless, joyful, hilarious. He’s lovely. I love Tim,” Ashford says, capturing the vibrant energy Treloar brings to the role and the collaborative atmosphere of the productions.
Jon Culshaw, the voice of the Brigadier, echoes this sentiment, recalling his first experience with Treloar five years ago. “My first time with Tim as the Third Doctor was about five years ago. Primord was the story. And it was a glorious, glorious experience,” Culshaw recounts. “Tim Treloar is a fabulous tumbling ball of energy to work with, and with such a melodic, rich, resonant portrayal of Jon Pertwee. Working with him is so full of laughter and good camaraderie. The sense of great friendship and happy chaos never gets in the way of doing the job, but energises it. Five years have just gone like that.” Culshaw’s praise emphasizes Treloar’s successful capture of Pertwee’s mannerisms and the joyful environment on set, further solidifying Treloar’s place in the hearts of Big Finish listeners.
Tim Treloar’s decade as the Third Doctor is a resounding success, celebrated by colleagues and fans alike. His portrayal not only honors Jon Pertwee’s legacy but also brings a fresh and dynamic energy to the role, ensuring the Third Doctor’s era continues to thrive in the realm of Big Finish audio adventures, full of intellectual challenges and the ever-present doctor brain at work.
