Brief Summary
This podcast episode features Sophie Aldridge introducing "The Sirens of Audio," a podcast dedicated to exploring the universe of Doctor Who through audio mediums. Dwayne Bunny and Philip Edney, along with special guest Kenny Smith, review the standout Big Finish audio releases of 2021, month by month, highlighting key aspects such as writing, performances, sound design, and overall impact. They also share personal anecdotes and discuss the broader implications of these audio dramas within the Doctor Who universe and beyond.
- The podcast reviews standout Big Finish audio releases from 2021.
- Christopher Eccleston's return as the Ninth Doctor is a major highlight.
- The hosts discuss various series, including Doctor Who, Torchwood, Blake's 7, and Sherlock Holmes.
- Sound design, writing, and acting performances are key aspects of their reviews.
Intro
The podcast opens with a dramatic scene invoking Doctor Who, setting the stage for a discussion about fan dedication and the importance of new content. It introduces "The Sirens of Audio" as a podcast that has returned after a hiatus, now focusing on audio dramas. The intro emphasizes the creative community's role in providing new material for fans and hints at a transformation for listeners into "audio files."
Introduction of the Hosts and Guest
Dwayne and Philip introduce themselves and their special guest, Kenny, setting the stage for a discussion about Doctor Who audio dramas, particularly those produced by Big Finish. Kenny expresses his excitement for upcoming releases, including the Eighth Doctor and Charlotte Pollard adventures, as well as content featuring the Ninth and Tenth Doctors. Philip shares his enthusiasm for the Second Doctor and mentions Michael Troughton's casting.
January 2021 Standout Releases
Kenny selects "Masterful," celebrating the Master's 50th anniversary, praising its clever script and the pairings of different Master incarnations. He appreciates the return of Alex Macqueen's Master and John Simm's debut. Dwayne highlights Eric Roberts' performance and the overall cleverness of the release. Philip chooses "Coffee" from Torchwood, emphasizing the high standard of the Torchwood monthly series and James Goss's writing. Dwayne's standout is "Terror of the Master," an audiobook reading performed by John Colshaw, praising its immersive quality and sound design.
February 2021 Standout Releases
Kenny picks "The Tribulations of Thaddeus Nuke," a Fourth Doctor adventure, praising its humor and Andy Smith's writing. Philip chooses the "Gallifrey: Time War" box set, highlighting the new authors and the character development, particularly Sean Carlson's portrayal. Dwayne selects the first full box set release of "Space: 1999," emphasizing the replicated and improved sounds from the original series and the quality of the stories.
March 2021 Standout Releases
Kenny chooses "The Doomsday Contract," a Fourth Doctor release, praising its nostalgic feel and Nev Fountain's adaptation. Philip selects "Master," Eric Roberts' first box set, highlighting Roberts' performance and the growing sense of impending doom. Dwayne picks "The End of the Beginning," the final monthly adventure, expressing sadness over the end of the monthly range and praising Kevin McNally's performance.
April 2021 Standout Releases
Kenny's choice is "Time Lord Victorious: Echoes of Extinction," praising the interconnected stories and Alfie Shaw's writing. Philip goes with "The Avengers: The Comic Strip Adaptations - Volume 7: Steed & Tara King," highlighting the show's bizarre nature and the performances of Emily Woodward and Christopher Benjamin. Dwayne selects "The Lone Centurion," praising Arthur Darvill's performance and Sarah Ward's episode, "The Unwilling Assassin."
May 2021 Standout Releases
Kenny discusses the arrival of the Ninth Doctor on audio in "Ravagers," praising Christopher Eccleston's performance and the complex story. Philip chooses "The Worlds of Blake's 7: Avalon," highlighting the new format and the return of familiar characters. Dwayne selects "The Anzalin Incursion" from the Third Doctor Adventures, praising the sound design and the recreation of the era's feel.
June 2021 Standout Releases
Kenny picks "The Five People You Kill in Middlesbrough," a Torchwood story, praising Tracy Ann Oberman's performance and the subtle humor. Philip goes with "Robots 4," highlighting Nicola Walker's performance and the rich world of Kaldor. Dwayne gives an honorable mention to "Jago & Lightfoot Series 14" and chooses "War Doctor Begins," praising Jonathan Carley's portrayal and Louise Jameson's direction.
July 2021 Standout Releases
Kenny chooses "The Box of Delights," praising Barnaby Edwards' adaptation and Derek Jacobi's performance. Philip selects "Sherlock Holmes: The Seamstress of Peckham Rye," highlighting Nicholas Briggs' Sherlock and Jonathan Barnes' writing. Dwayne gives an honorable mention to "Scourge of the Cybermen" and picks "Lady Christina Series 2," praising Michelle Ryan's characterization and Joe Kramer's music.
August 2021 Standout Releases
Kenny selects "The Girl Deconstructed" from the Ninth Doctor Adventures, praising Lisa McMullan's writing and the Scottish cast. Philip chooses "The War Master: Killing Time," highlighting Derek Jacobi's performance and the impact on Katie Manning and Sarah Sutton. Dwayne picks "The Secrets of Det-Sen," praising Peter Purves' portrayal of the First Doctor and Andy Frankham-Allen's writing.
September 2021 Standout Releases
Kenny discusses "The Eleven," praising Mark Bonner's performance and the unique stories. Philip highlights "Missy and the Monk," praising Michelle Gomez's performance and James Goss's writing. Dwayne selects "The Lost Resort and Other Stories," praising AKA Benedict's writing and the emotional depth of the stories.
October 2021 Standout Releases
Kenny chooses "River Song: New Recruit," praising Daisy Ashford's performance and the dynamic with River. Philip talks about the Dalek Universe series, highlighting David Tennant's performance and the Terry Nation elements. Dwayne picks "Torchwood: The Great Sontaran War," praising James Goss's writing and the comedic elements.
November 2021 Standout Releases
Kenny gives an honorable mention to "The Cursed Lady Macbeth" and chooses "I, Jacobi," praising Scott Hancock's chat with Derek Jacobi. Philip gives an honorable mention to "UNIT: Nemesis" and selects "Survivors: New Dawn," highlighting the bleakness and the performances of Carolyn Seymour and Louise Jameson. Dwayne picks "Monsters in Metropolis" from the Ninth Doctor Adventures, praising John Dorney's writing and Helen Goldwyn's performance.
December 2021 Standout Releases
Kenny chooses "The Year of Martha Jones," praising Freema Agyeman's performance and the unexpected storytelling. Philip selects "Baben the Butcher," highlighting Colin Baker's performance and the writing of Catherine Armitage, Lizzie Hopley, and Elizabeth Miles. Dwayne picks "Stranded 3," praising James Kettle's "Snow" and John Dorney's experimental episode.
Final Thoughts
The hosts reflect on the great year of 2021, highlighting Christopher Eccleston's debut and the Dalek Universe series. They emphasize the importance of stories in helping people examine life and make themselves better. They thank Kenny for joining them and encourage listeners to check out his podcasts. The episode concludes with credits and a reminder to support the podcast.
