Big Finish Productions continues to enrich the Doctor Who universe, particularly for fans of the classic eras. Recently, they unveiled exciting insights into their latest audio dramas featuring The Third Doctor, portrayed by Tim Treloar, alongside beloved companions Liz Shaw and Jo Grant, and the stalwart Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart. These behind-the-scenes notes from the writers themselves offer a tantalizing glimpse into what listeners can expect from these upcoming releases.
Primord: A Sequel Deep Dive
Writer John Dorney tackles the intriguing concept of sequels within Doctor Who lore. He questions whether stories featuring recurring monsters truly qualify as sequels or are simply new adventures within the same universe. For Dorney, a true sequel revisits narrative threads and expands upon established themes. He considers Primord to be his second genuine sequel for Big Finish, following The Perfect Prisoners.
The daunting task of creating a follow-up to the iconic Inferno is not lost on Dorney. He acknowledges the original story’s brilliance and the challenge of honoring its legacy. While many associate Inferno with its parallel universe concept, Dorney focuses on the often-overlooked Primords. He aims to explore these creatures in greater depth, delving into their motivations and behavior, particularly when removed from the context of an alternate reality. This fresh perspective promises to offer a unique take on the Primords, making them more than just monstrous antagonists.
The Scream of Ghosts: Hauntology and Sonic Terror
Guy Adams delves into the realm of “hauntology” for The Scream of Ghosts. This concept, relevant in modern electronica and art, explores timelessness and paradox through the evocation of the past within new creations. Drawing inspiration from the Radiophonic Workshop’s pioneering electronic sounds and labels like Ghost Box Records, Adams aims to create a sonic landscape that is both nostalgic and unsettling. He envisions a pastoral setting corrupted by electronic horror, crafting a unique auditory experience.
Adding a humorous, self-deprecating note, Adams recounts his experience as a writer forced to voice his own expositional dialogue. He humorously describes it as a valuable, albeit slightly embarrassing, lesson in writing, recommending it to fellow writers for a humbling experience in front of a cast of actors.
These writer’s notes provide an exciting peek behind the curtain of Big Finish’s creative process, especially for fans eager for new adventures featuring the third doctor. Both Primord and The Scream of Ghosts promise to be compelling additions to the Doctor Who audio drama universe, blending classic elements with fresh, innovative storytelling.
