It marks fifty incredible years since The Fourth Doctor, portrayed by the iconic Tom Baker, first graced our screens in Doctor Who. To celebrate this milestone, a brand new audio drama titled The Curse of Time has been released, taking listeners back to the thrilling era of 1975. This special anniversary story is designed to slot seamlessly into Doctor Who Season 12, positioned after Revenge of the Cybermen and before Terror of the Zygons, offering fans a nostalgic trip back to the Hinchcliffe years and the Nerva Beacon arc.
Producer David Richardson expressed his enthusiasm for the project, 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.” He further explained that The Curse of Time, penned by Jonathan Morris, perfectly captures the essence of the era, diverting the TARDIS on its journey to Scotland and immersing listeners in a classic Doctor Who adventure.
Tom Baker himself reflected on the profound impact of being cast as the Fourth Doctor half a century ago. “It changed my whole life,” he shared, emphasizing the joy and excitement that the role has consistently brought him. “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.” Baker’s enduring passion for the role shines through, promising a captivating performance in this new audio adventure.
Sadie Miller, stepping into the beloved role of Sarah Jane Smith, originally played by her mother Elisabeth Sladen, offered insightful observations about Tom Baker’s portrayal of the Fourth Doctor. “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… he’s going to be all of them, all the Doctors, all the time.” Miller highlighted Baker’s cleverness and spontaneity, noting his ability to connect with audiences of all ages, contributing to his widespread appeal as the Fourth Doctor.
Christopher Naylor, reprising the role of Harry Sullivan, shared his fond childhood memories of watching Tom Baker as the Fourth Doctor. He acknowledged the iconic trio of the Fourth Doctor, Sarah Jane, and Harry, suggesting they set a high standard for Doctor Who companions. Regarding The Curse of Time, Naylor remarked on its “wonderful historical feel” and its clever placement in the Middle Ages, despite being set in the far future. He praised the audio drama for evoking the atmospheric and exciting qualities of the 1970s Doctor Who stories, successfully capturing a strong sense of place and genuine peril.
The Curse of Time promises to be a fitting tribute to the Fourth Doctor’s enduring legacy. It not only celebrates fifty years of this remarkable incarnation but also delivers a brand new adventure that fans of classic Doctor Who and new listeners alike can thoroughly enjoy. This audio drama is a must-listen for anyone wanting to relive the magic of the Fourth Doctor era.
