The Church and the Crown (Doctor Who) [Audiobook] [Audio CD]

Highly enjoyable historical romp with Peter Davison's doctor and Peri. The BF DW Audio's vary in success and this one, although purely historical with homage to the Dumas novels still manages to remain entertaining despite lacking the usual science fiction element. Not all the audio scripts are in this league and Davison still shows what memorable and versatile Doctor he portrayed.

This is the thirty eighth release from Big Finish in their range of full cast audio adventures starring classic Doctor Whos. It stars Peter Davison as Five, Nicola Bryant as Peri and Caroline Morris as Erimem. There are four episodes, roughly 25-30 minutes each, complete with original theme music between each, and cliff hanger endings. Two episodes per disc on 2 discs, and a short booklet with some pictures of the cast and production notes.

Five, Peri and Erimem are on their way to drop Erimem off at a noted university where she can have a new life of study and scholarship but the TARDIS has other ideas, going as little bit off course and landing in 17th century France. A France riven by strife with the Church and the crown at each other's throats, played out in the streets as a constant battle between Cardinal Richelieu's guards and the King's Musketeers. It doesn't help that the King isn't talking to his wife, and the constant bickering between all parties leaves a political vacuum that an ambitious outsider is eager to exploit.

Riffing off the three Musketeers and several other Dumas stories the Man in the Iron Mask and Count of Monte Christo all get a nod), Five and his companions are thrust into a merry tale of political intrigue and revolution. Erimem is given a strong story in which we are given time to get to know her a bit better; on the strength of this she will be a great companion. The piece is peopled with great characters - the wily Richelieu devoted to the good of the people, the self adsorbed King, the politically savvy queen, and two brave Musketeers who'll do anything for a Lady. Well written and well played by a talented cast, it really comes to life. The plot and political machinations are intriguing, even if they do play a little fast and loose with History as we know it today. Peter Davison is in form, with that sense of rising panic as things get further and further out of control that he does so well. Nicola Bryant is given a strong story as Peri, and she really makes the most of it. And Caroline Morris is excellent as the ex Pharaoh. There is an excellent sound production, and all in all this is a classic story that deserves 5 stars.

Historicals are great in Doctor Who. The Massacre and The Aztecs are two gleaming examples of history. And even pseudo historicals like The Time Warrior and The Visitation are very well designed with enjoyable characters. And yet from the Highlanders the total historical faded from our screens, which is a real pity. And im still waiting for a historical to appear on screen as yet in the otherwise brilliant new series...

But ah big finish seem at least to know that historicals are good! And The Church and the Crown is a good play to highlight entertaining history. A real swashbuckling romp with good characters. Set in Paris, this audio also sounds very good too. Good solid direction and sound make this a fine story. Well cool! I dare you to listen to this story and not think its brilliant....