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

Bernice Summerfield continues to be an important part of the Big Finish Whoniverse, and meets up with Christopher Eccleston’s Ninth Doctor in the box set coming in February.

Eccleston’s Time Lord returns in Buried Threats, a brand-new box set of three full-cast audio dramas from Big Finish Productions.

In all of his adventures in time and space, it was inevitable that the Ninth Doctor would run into a familiar face, a companion who’s travelled with him in the TARDIS before. But it’s probably not the one you were expecting!

Professor Bernice ‘Benny’ Summerfield, an archaeologist from the 25th century, was created by writer Paul Cornell and introduced in the New Adventures novels in the 1990s. The character became Big Finish’s first licensed property in 1998, and the part has been played ever since by Lisa Bowerman.

Not all perils faced by the Doctor are as obvious as an alien invasion. Some threats have been buried for millennia, some for mere centuries, and some hide inside a troubled mind. But whenever he finds injustice, danger, or just an irresistible mystery, the Doctor won’t stop digging until the truth is uncovered. 

A Theatre of Cruelty by Lisa McMullin    

Someone or something is manipulating the dreams of French playwright Antonin Artaud. As Artaud’s nightmares are made manifest, the Doctor is compelled to intervene. Otherwise, Artaud’s new idea for an immersive theatre could become a ticket to literally die for.

The Running Men by Mark Wright     

The TARDIS brings the Doctor to 21st Century Halifax, alongside police Sergeant Ambika Desai, as they investigate a mysterious death. The trail leads to the Hebble Piazza and an unscrupulous developer, as the Doctor uncovers the town’s distant past – and the infamous Halifax gibbet. The Running Men are rising from history!

Ancient History by Matt Fitton    

Professor Bernice Summerfield is delving into the mystery of the Korravin, a mighty warrior horde, vanished overnight. But her expedition seems jinxed. And when a familiar blue box appears, Benny knows they’re in trouble. As ancient history resurfaces, the Doctor wants to keep some things buried – but Benny’s an expert at digging up the past.

Christopher Eccleston said: “This is the first time my Doctor has met Benny, in TV or audio, which was good to explore. Lisa and I had met before at the Big Finish studios and at a convention, but we hadn’t worked together before.”

Lisa Bowerman added: “Here is Benny again, on another archaeological dig, with another Doctor who she doesn’t recognise. It was very easy working with Chris – Benny works with every Doctor.”

Producer David Richardson explained: “The Ninth Doctor and Benny – it’s irresistible, isn’t it? Our script editor Matt Fitton pitched the idea to me and it seemed a no-brainer, to propel Benny into this era of Doctor Who and discover how she would interact with a modern Doctor.”

Doctor Who – The Ninth Doctor Adventures: Buried Threats is now available to pre-order for just £29.99 (collector’s edition CD box set + download) or £22.99 (download only), exclusively here.