Bilis Manger investigates his own murder in the latest full-cast Torchwood audio drama from Big Finish Productions
Murray Melvin returns to the world of Torchwood as the timeless Bilis Manger in Dead Plates, a locked-room mystery by writer David Llewellyn. A seemingly innocent dinner party quickly turns into a crime scene — with Bilis as both the detective and victim! The incredible cast of Big Finish’s latest Torchwood drama also includes veteran actor Cleo Sylvestre (Up the Junction, All Creatures Great and Small), Hugh Ross (Outlander), Rosa Escoda (Line of Duty, Boiling Point), and Tony Turner (Quiz, Delicious).
Director Lisa Bowerman laid out the scene for Bilis’ latest macabre tale. “Dead Plates is a whodunnit set in 1970s Soho with the fantastically, marvellously named Bilis Manger at the centre.
“I have wanted to work with Murray Melvin forever. I’ve been a huge fan of his from seeing his early films. When you watch him work you can’t keep your eyes off of him – he’s one of those actors who’s just got ‘it’. I grabbed [the opportunity] with both hands and I’m very delighted that I did. Not only is he a legend but he has that brilliant natural talent. It has been a joy.”
Bilis himself, Murray Melvin, gave his thoughts on why listeners just love to hear this bad guy win. “Bilis is a baddie but he’s got a sense of humour. As the knife goes in – there’s a laugh. Big Finish have done me proud – they keep writing me these wonderful scripts.”
Torchwood: Dead Plates by David Llewellyn
Bilis Manger has been murdered. And he’s determined to find out who did it. Four people at dinner are the suspects, and they’ve each got murky secrets and at least one skeleton in the closet.
What is really on the menu at one of Soho’s finest restaurants? And will any of the suspects make it out alive?
Please note that Torchwood contains adult material and may not be suitable for younger listeners.
Torchwood: Dead Plates is now available to own for just £10.99 (collector’s edition CD + download) or £8.99 (digital download only), exclusively from the Big Finish website.
Big Finish listeners can save money by purchasing this release as part of a six-month bundle for just £60 (on collector’s edition CD + download) or £50 (download only). Additionally, a whole year’s worth of adventures are available in a bundle for just £110 (on collector’s edition CD + download) or £94 (download only).
Big Finish is currently operating a digital-first release schedule. Factors beyond Big Finish’s control may delay the mail-out of collector’s edition CDs. But all purchases of this release unlock a digital copy that listeners can immediately download or play on the Big Finish app from the release date.
