The Doctor finds himself in the Crimea – and encounters Mary Seacole.

David Llewellyn provides the script for this first set of narrated adventures starring Jacob Dudman as the narrator and the 12th Doctor. Given this incarnation’s aversion to soldiers, it’s an interesting choice to make each story relate to war, and Llewellyn doesn’t focus as much – initially, at least – on the combat side of conflict, but more on its hinterland. Seacole – a real historical character, whose life is well worth reading more about – is initially dubious about Doctor Smith (wouldn’t it be nice if, just for once, he tired of being Doctor Smith and for the hell of it called himself something else – Doctor Disco could have been fun here), but she eventually comes round to his way of thinking.

Helen Goldwyn’s direction and Joe Meiners’ sound design accentuate the crescendoing threat, and Jacob Dudman is considerably more credible as the Doctor here than in his earlier renditions. There’s the odd moment where it’s impossible to disguise the difference in age of vocal cords between him and Peter Capaldi, but those are well covered by the accuracy of his delivery, and he provides plenty of distinct vocal traits for the other characters. Mandi Symonds excels as Mary, and she’s someone I’d love to hear encounter the Doctor again (maybe, down the line, in her 13th incarnation).

Verdict: A celebrity historical with a difference. 8/10

Paul Simpson

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