New adventures for both the Sixth and Seventh Doctors will be materialising in fans’ stockings this Christmas
This December, Big Finish are giving Doctor Who fans the Christmas gift of not one, but two Monthly Adventures. The pair will include a story suggested by the Sixth Doctor himself, Colin Baker. And there’s also a spooky tale based on the Scottish legend of Am Fear Liath Mòr. Plight of the Pimpernel will explore the blurring of myth and reality in Revolutionary France. Because the French aristocracy have a question. Is the Scarlet Pimpernel really just a fictional character? Meanwhile, The Grey Man of the Mountain is set to be a (literally) chilling Christmas Eve endeavour. One that takes the Seventh Doctor and Ace to the sinister slopes of Ben Macdui.
Plight of the Pimpernel was inspired by Colin Baker’s own pitch for a story
Plight of the Pimpernel is a return to Big Finish for writer Chris Chapman. A man better known these days for his superb documentaries in the Doctor Who: The Collection Blu-ray range. Speaking about the unusual task of bringing to life a story idea from his star, Chapman says “This was a remarkable assignment – one given by the Doctor himself! That’s a weird kind of pressure, but a nice kind. I was on orders from Gallifrey.”
Producer John Ainsworth noted that “doing a Doctor Who story based around the Scarlet Pimpernel was originally Colin Baker’s idea. He suggested it to me during the recording session for The Cry of the Vultriss. I completely agreed and offered the concept to Chris Chapman, who has proved to be so good at writing stories with a historical setting, having written the excellent Iron Bright and Scorched Earth.”
However, Plight of the Pimpernel offered a new Doctor/companion pairing for Chapman to embrace. “I love writing for Colin’s erudite, outspoken Doctor, but this is my first time writing for him and Peri – and what I loved was being able to play with a friendship as deep and knowing as theirs.
“Anyway, I’m really pleased with how the story turned out – I can only hope that the Doctor likes it too, or I might need to hand back in my fan badge.”
The Seventh Doctor and Ace are joined by the Brigadier in the hunt for The Grey Man of the Mountain
Meanwhile, The Grey Man of the Mountain is written by popular Big Finish regular Lizbeth Myles. It’s directed by Samuel Clemens, who explained its basis in real life reports of mystery and danger in Scotland. “The Grey Man of the Mountain is a fantastical story that delves into real life myth and legend of the Grey Man atop Ben Macdui. This story finds the Doctor and Ace caught in a daring search and rescue mission to find a missing man. Along with a climbing party with different agendas, fearful, freezing and firm in their resolve they might just discover the truth about the Grey Man and get more than they bargained for.”
Producer David Richardson meanwhile revealed that the story featuring the return of a line-up of heroes last seen in 1989. “Everyone loves a scary story at Christmas and The Grey Man of the Mountain is just that – an evocative, unsettling journey through the snowy remote landscape of Scotland during the festive season. Plus – it has the Seventh Doctor and Ace reunited with the Brigadier. What better Christmas present is there?”
Doctor Who: Plight of the Pimpernel by Chris Chapman
It’s 1793 and the Reign of Terror is slicing through the elite of Paris. But not if the Scarlet Pimpernel has anything to do with it! With a very British pluck, and daring bravado, he rescues French aristocrats from Madame Guillotine’s embrace. But who hides beneath the Pimpernel’s mask? And isn’t the Scarlet Pimpernel just a fictional character?
At Highmoor House, in England, Peri plays lady of the manor while the Doctor tends to the strange wounds of her ‘husband’, Sir Percy Blakeney. As Peri prepares to host a lavish ball in Sir Percy’s name, French agent Citizen Donat, and a sinister alien force are uninvited guests, both intent on unmasking the Scarlet Pimpernel and putting an end to his heroic escapades, forever!
Doctor Who: The Grey Man of the Mountain by Lizbeth Myles
Something haunts the peak of Ben MacDui. Something with heavy footsteps, striking terror in the hearts of those who sense it.
With climbers going missing, retired Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart visits Scotland to investigate. But when some old friends join his ascent, he worries that they will make things even more dangerous.
As the snows blow in, and mists surround them, the Doctor, Ace and the Brigadier will face the Grey Man of the Mountain…
The Grey Man of the Mountain and Plight of the Pimpernel are now available to pre-order. And they’re available as both collector’s edition CDs (at £14.99) or digital downloads (at £12.99).
Further to the recent announcement regarding the relaunch of Doctor Who audio drama ranges at Big Finish, listeners keen to complete their collection of Doctor Who: The Monthly Adventures should read the following:
- a 3-release CD / download subscription is now available, starting from #271, #272 or #273. This should enable the majority of subscribers to extend their subscription to the end of the range. Three-release subscriptions are priced at £32.50 for collector’s edition CDs and £27.50 for downloads.
- any existing subscribers who find themselves unable to purchase #274 or #275 via a combination of the 12/6/3-release options should contact sales@bigfinish.com, who will be able to process their orders offline.
