Doctor Who: Special Releases: 1: Voyage To Venus by Jonathan Morris (audio-CD review).
With the opportune arrival of the Sixth Doctor into the lives of Jago & Litefoot, it’s time for some special intergalactic adventures. Time for a ‘Voyage To Venus’. In line with their origin in Victorian London, it is fitting and rather nice that their adventure reminds us of the early days of Science Fiction. With more than a hint of Jules Verne, ‘Voyage To Venus’ is a splendid Technicolor dream of a space adventure seen through the eyes of the inexperienced Victorian gents.
When the three companions arrive on Venus, they are amazed to find it full of verdant growth and held in sway by a race of warrior women. Sounds like a dream for Mr. Jago who finds he likes the ladies. There is something very wrong in this state and, of course, none of our travellers can help getting involved.
Written by Jonathan Morris, this is a little out of the ordinary even for Jago & Litefoot. It has an interesting vibe, like a day out for the writer, as well as the listener. In the same way that the TV series has taken a different direction, this episode suspends normal activity for the world that takes us into fantasy rather than Science Fiction. The team of the Sixth Doctor with Jago & Litefoot meet between normal space and the echoes of the Victorian views of the solar system. In other words, it is fun with the three gents having a fabulous time off-world. It’s a good use of three larger-than-life characters and a nostalgic glimpse of the world through older eyes.
Sue Davies
May 2013
(pub: Big Finish. CD 60 minute story. Price: CD: £ 9.99 (UK), Download: £ 4.99 (UK). ISBN: 978-1-84435-978-3)
cast: Colin Baker, Christopher Benjamin, Trevor Baxter, Juliet Aubrey, Catherine Harvey, Charlie Norfolk and Hugh Ross
check out website: www.bigfinish.com
