After a ten-week absence, Sophie Aldred’s Ace Odyssey returns Sunday, 19 July, following a cliffhanger that left reality itself hanging in the balance.
The acclaimed Doctor Who-inspired audio adventure is launching a brand new series that promises bigger mysteries, extraordinary guests and the beginning of its most ambitious story yet ‒ plus a bonus Christmas special.
Within weeks of its debut, Series One became the number one-rated show in the UK Sci-Fi Podcast Chart, before going on to attract listeners in more than 100 countries worldwide.
When audiences last boarded the ageing spaceship Nosferatu 2.5, catastrophe struck. An attempt to separate two versions of the same vessel resulted in a devastating temporal explosion, leaving Sophie, her impossibly proper android butler Hobbes, and Mrs C, the Cockney goldfish, cast adrift in a place that shouldn’t exist. Series Two begins in the immediate aftermath. The ship has survived… but not unchanged.
Alongside the unfolding serialised adventure, Sophie Aldred’s Ace Odyssey continues its unique format, seamlessly weaving specially-written drama around in-depth interviews with some of the biggest names associated with Doctor Who and science fiction.
This year’s guests include Sylvester McCoy, Louise Jameson, Peter Purves, Sarah Sutton, Matthew Waterhouse, legendary stunt performer Tracey Eddon, (who doubled both Sophie Aldred in Doctor Who and Carrie Fisher in Star Wars), alongside acclaimed Doctor Who writer Rona Munro. Beyond the Time Scoop, the mysterious Ffantaface once again opens its doors to the remarkable people who make Doctor Who fandom such a vibrant community. Comedian and broadcaster Robin Ince (The Infinite Monkey Cage) is joined by writers, artists, social media creators, convention organisers, prop builders and lifelong fans, each bringing their own unique perspective as Sophie explores the extraordinary creativity, passion and imagination that continue to keep the Whoniverse thriving.
The new series also introduces an entirely fresh sonic identity. Following the conclusion of Series One, the production team took the opportunity to completely reimagine the soundscape of the Nosferatu 2.5, with an all-new musical score and redesigned audio environment helping to reflect the increasingly surreal world into which the ship has been cast.
Sophie Aldred said:
“So we exploded the Nosferatu 2.5. Didn’t we? What’s happening? Not sure. What I do know is that we have some more splendid people for me to Time Scoop and chat to, more drama, more fantastic fans and more arguments between Hobbes and Mrs C to sort out. I love doing this podcast. Thanks so much for listening and liking and sharing and I hope it makes as much difference to you as it does to me!”
Paul Carmichael, writer and producer, said:
“Series One benefited enormously from the creativity and talent of Michael Livesley, whose sound design and music helped define the world of Ace Odyssey. As Michael turned his attention to a number of personal projects, it gave us the opportunity to approach Series Two with a completely fresh perspective. I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Gavin Rymill as our new Sound Designer and Sound Effects Editor, alongside Graeme Allen, whose beautiful new musical score gives the series an entirely new emotional identity which is fitting as the Nosferatu 2.5 is travelling somewhere it has never been before.”
Following the announcement that Doctor Who will not air a Christmas Special this year with plans to put the series was put out to tender, the team behind Sophie Aldred’s Ace Odyssey has confirmed that the show will once again return on Christmas Day with a festive adventure.
Last year’s Christmas Special brought together Nicholas Briggs, Carole Ann Ford and Colin Baker for a seasonal journey aboard the Nosferatu 2.5.
Paul Carmichael said:
“Christmas and Doctor Who have become wonderfully intertwined over the years. Our Christmas episode isn’t trying to replace Doctor Who, nothing could! But if it gives fans a brand-new festive adventure with Sophie Aldred to enjoy on Christmas Day, then we’ll be absolutely delighted.”
The opening episode of Sophie Aldred’s Ace Odyssey Series Two launches Sunday 19 July and will be available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible and all major podcast platforms. Listeners eager to hear the adventure before anyone else can find Episode One available now, together with exclusive behind-the-scenes features, bonus podcasts and early previews, by joining the official Patreon community.