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

More details are emerging for the next set of adventures for Christopher Eccleston’s Ninth Doctor due for release in February 2023 from Big Finish.

In the series finale, the Doctor encounters the ruthless Vashta Nerada on a distant colony planet where death hides in darkness…

Christopher Eccleston said: “The Vashta Nerada are a frightening creation because they exploit the common fear of what’s hiding in the dark and they’re almost impossible to escape.

“It’s an interesting concept to explore on audio as they’re a silent killer but I think it works really well – focusing on the fear it creates among the victims and the chaos it leaves behind. This is the first time the Ninth Doctor faces this monster and it’s one he doesn’t know how to defeat.”

The Doctor also finds that alien threats come in many forms and many different hues – including a charity shop where customers vanish and a 1920s gentleman’s club besieged by giant plants. Wherever they manifest, the Doctor is on hand to fight every shade of fear.

As previously announced, comedian Frank Skinner features in this box set’s guest cast (as Pete), alongside Susan Penhaligon (as Mrs Bevell), Dave Hearn (as Toby Entwistle), Harki Bhambra (as Doyle), Laura Rollins (as Cath), and Adam Martyn (as Callen Lennox).

The Colour of Terror by Lizzie Hopley  

Mrs Bevell wants to keep the star rating for her charity shop at any cost – but why does she stock so many items of one particular shade? When West Morebry residents start to notice disappearances, the Doctor assembles a motley band to do battle… with the colour red!

The Blooming Menace by James Kettle  

Toby Entwhistle and his bachelor chums in the Fellows Club are falling victim to a plague – of marriage!  The chaps are all besotted by giant flowers – but Toby’s new valet seems to know what’s going on. The Doctor could be London’s only hope…

Red Darkness by Roy Gill  

The sunlight from Solis Kailya could revolutionise colony farming. While his mother researches its properties, Callen and his seeing (and talking!) dog Doyle meet a new arrival – and discover an impending threat… The Vashta Nerada are closing in, and they are not alone.

Producer David Richardson said: “Steven Moffat is a genius. That’s no original observation – his Doctor Who monsters were so vivid, unique and… terrifying. The Vashta Nerada is no exception – a creature literally in the shadows. What a gift to stories and writers! You are in for a treat with Red Darkness.”

Doctor Who —The Ninth Doctor Adventures: Shades of Fear is now available to pre-order for just £24.99 (collector’s edition CD box set + download) or £19.99 (download only) from www.bigfinish.com.