Get ready for an epic Season 22 reunion, as the recipe for The Trials of a Time Lord now includes Davros and the Androgums.
Updated 28/05/24: Further cast and cover art for August’s celebratory box set of The Sixth Doctor Adventures.
As we approach the release of The Trials of a Time Lord, audio producers Big Finish have released the cover artwork for the box set and some further details.
The story features Colin Baker’s Sixth Doctor alongside Bonnie Langford’s Mel and the later, Warrior Queen version of Peri (Nicola Bryant).
We already knew that the story promised a rematch between the Sixth Doctor and the 80s era Cyber Leader, as played by David Banks. Now, it’s been revealed that another of the Doctor’s foes plays a part in the proceedings: Terry Molloy returns to his role as Davros, the evil genius creator of the Daleks.
Party like it’s 1985
Additionally, throwing another link back to Season 22, the story also features a member of the Androgum race.
Created by writer Robert Holmes for ‘The Two Doctors’, the proud Androgums were a passionate species, with chef Shockeye keen to sample the culinary delights of Earth, including human flesh.
Meanwhile, the scheming Chessene has been augmented to genius level and had her sights sets on universal domination.
In The Trials of a Time Lord, we’ll meet Stunrib, a boodthirsty celebrity chef played by Jon Culshaw.
Producer Jonathan S Powell said:
“We’re bringing back the Androgums! These alien cannibals were first introduced in The Two Doctors by the late great Robert Holmes, and in Trials we’re treated to the inimitable Jon Culshaw taking a turn at the voracious chefs.
“And of course I had the pleasure of directing those titans of 1980s villainy, Terry Molloy and David Banks, who reprise their roles as Davros and the Cyber Leader. In the same story, no less! I can’t wait for people to hear it.”
You can pre-order The Trials of a Time Lord from Big Finish now. It’s available either on Collector’s Edition CD with download, or digital download only. Plus, there’s a money-saving bundle if purchased with the already released tale The Quin Dilemma (check out our review).
Original article (of 23/04/24) follows…
Doctor Who – The Trials of a Time Lord audio drama announced
Further celebrations of Colin Baker’s four decades playing the Sixth Doctor at Big Finish productions.
It’s been 40 years since we first met the colourful Sixth Doctor, as played by Colin Baker,
Big Finish Productions, Doctor Who‘s audio drama producers, do love an anniversary – March’s The Quin Dilemma brought together four iterations of the Sixth Doctor, plus companions, for a comic caper. Now the punning continues with the follow-up – another six-part tale titled The Trials of a Time Lord.
Playing out across three hours, this latest box set will feature companions Mel (Bonnie Langford) and Peri (Nicola Bryant). Plus, it promises and encounter with the 1980s Cyber Leader himself, David Banks.
All together now… “Excellent!”
The Trials of a Time Lord
The Sixth Doctor’s fortieth anniversary celebrations continue, courtesy of LudoSphere Incorporated, with the greatest adventure ever streamed…
Responding to a distress call from an old friend, the Doctor and Mel find themselves in ‘Cyberia’, a prison camp run by an even older foe. But this time, the Cyber Leader’s machinations are just the tip of one very sinister iceberg, one that will test the Doctor to his very limit, and beyond…
We hope you’re hiding behind the sofa, because ‘The Trials of a Time Lord’ are about to begin!
Producer/director Jonathan S Powell said:
“The Trials of a Time Lord is the ultimate celebration of all things Sixth Doctor: an epic three-hour fight for survival against foes old and new, with both of Sixie’s television companions Peri and Mel brought along for the ride.
“It felt important when planning this anniversary special to capture the spirit of the Classic Series, but also to make something bold and expansive that speaks to the world we live in today. So while Trials will treat you to a host of familiar themes and faces, it’s also full of surprises, catapulting our hero into the far future to face a uniquely 21st century crisis…
“The title is obviously a play on Colin’s final story just as The Quin Dilemma was a play on his first, but Trials takes its lead from Season 22 just as much as 23. And there isn’t a court scene in sight! The scripts themselves have been beautifully written by the dream team of Rochana Patel, Katherine Armitage and Stewart Pringle.”
Doctor Who – The Sixth Doctor Adventures: The Trials of a Time Lord is available to pre order now from Big Finish. It will be released on Collector’s Edition CD with download, and digital download only, in August 2024.