Sci-Fi Bulletin: Exploring the Universes of SF, Fantasy, Horror and Spy-fi!

The worlds of Dorian Gray and the War Master collide in a brand-new box set of full-cast audio dramas, Escape From Reality due for release in December 2022 by Big Finish .

Seeking the power of immortality, the Master works himself into the life of Dorian Gray. But can he change how the story ends?

Sir Derek Jacobi once again voices the Time War incarnation of the Master, originally featured in 2007’s Doctor Who TV story Utopia. But this time an escape from the Daleks leads him to wreak havoc on the infamous Oscar Wilde character.

In the intoxicating final tale, The Master of Dorian Gray written by David Llewellyn, Alexander Vlahos (Outlander, Sanditon) guest stars — marking more than ten years of playing the ageless immortal.

Producer and Director Scott Handcock said: “Years ago, we mooted a potential Doctor Who and Dorian Gray crossover where the Master became preoccupied with the idea of a portrait that could rejuvenate someone’s life force. It’s lovely to return to that idea as The Confessions of Dorian Gray marks its tenth anniversary with Big Finish.

“It’s an extra pleasure to unite Sir Derek Jacobi and Alex Vlahos together on audio — probably the two leads I’ve worked most closely with over the years — and it’s a lovely clash of charmingly amoral characters in Victorian London!”

Alexander Vlahos added: “It’s so nice to rekindle my love for Dorian and to work alongside Sir Derek Jacobi is an absolute honour. Hearing his voice in my headset gave me super chills. And the fact that he’s playing the Master and I get to play Dorian in a version of the Doctor Who world is bucket-list ticked off. I’m sure it’s going to be one of the best War Master episodes ever!”

The ensemble cast of The Master of Dorian Gray also features David Sibley (Doctor Who, Silent Witness) as Henry Wotton, Edward Harrison (Last Train to Christmas, Starstruck) as Basil Hallward, and Jessye Romeo (Pennyworth, Curfew) as Sibyl Vane.

The War Master: Escape from Reality is now available to pre-order for just £24.99 (collector’s edition CD box set + download) or £19.99 (download only) from the Big Finish website.