It’s almost time for Torchwood’s curtain call as Bilis Manger returns with one final terrifying plot
The latest Torchwood audio adventure is the 99th and penultimate release in the Doctor Who spin-off’s regular range. Curtain focuses on a mysterious character who has loomed large over Torchwood’s history: Bilis Manger.
Three actors receive invitations to reunite at a theatre where they once shared a terrible experience. There’s hasbeen Dermot Lacey (Cyril Nri, Class, Sarah Jane Adventures), and former grand dame Mathilde Balfour (Sarah Douglas, Superman II). Then there’s the massively successful Roger Cartney (Robert Bathurst, Flux).
Here, they find themselves tormented by a figure calling himself Bilis Manger (Colin Ryan, Knock Knock). But how does he connect to the Bilis, previously encountered by Torchwood? And is he angel, demon, or something else entirely?
Murray Melvin originated the character of Bilis Manger on television, before returning to the role numerous times for Big Finish. Curtain’s development began before his death in 2023. The production team subsequently reworked the story to act as a tribute to both Murray and Bilis.
Curtain is about performances and the masks people wear
Director Scott Handcock said: “The influence of Bilis Manger stretches far and wide throughout Torchwood – and Curtain is no exception. It’s a play about performances and the masks people wear, consciously and subconsciously, and it was a delight to work with such a talented band of actors on a script about acting!
“We had the best of times with Murray Melvin, and I know the idea of one more story with Bilis after he’d gone always tickled him. We all miss him a very great deal.”
“Bilis Manger truly deserves one last ovation”
Writer and producer James Goss added: “Curtain’s the release you listen to if you want a slice of horror – three people trapped in a haunted theatre with the devil playing deadly tricks on them.
“It’s a release that we’d have absolutely loved Murray Melvin to be around for; indeed, he suggested the notion of Bilis Manger in a theatre, as he loved lighting up a green room with theatrical anecdotes. Actors adored Murray, and it seemed irresistible to do a story in which Bilis sunk his teeth into three actors – a success, a has-been and a never-quite-was, all broken in their own ways.
“Sadly, of course, Murray died before we could get a script ready, and we were left with a corking idea and the burning need to give Bilis a soaring send-off. Bilis was such a great part of the Big Finish Torchwood range, he couldn’t just go out without a big bang. And so we came up with the notion of Curtain – there is a character called Bilis Manger in it, but who is he?
“The recording was a blast – there’s nothing actors love so much as taking the mick out of themselves and each other. Honestly, it’s a great curtain call for Bilis Manger, and he truly deserves this one last ovation.”
Torchwood: Curtain
Many years ago, the Palace Theatre burnt down during a performance that accidentally summoned the devil.
Now the cast have been invited back to the grand reopening by a mysterious figure. Who is Bilis Manger?
Torchwood: Curtain, scripted by James Goss from a story by David Llewellyn, is now available to own for just £8.99 (download to own) or £13.99 (download to own + collector’s edition CD), exclusively here. Please note: the collector’s edition CD is strictly limited to 1,000 copies and will not be re-pressed.
