dwmr222_thecontingencyclub_1417The Fifth Doctor, Adric, Tegan and Nyssa discover dark secrets in the heart of London’s Clubland…

Phil Mulryne’s story for the post-Visitation TARDIS team – the placement is given away by the reference to the sonic screwdriver’s fate – is great fun, with a very Avengers-ish feel. (That’s Steed and Mrs Peel, colour years, not Captain America and co.) There are plenty of eccentric characters, some of whom are in thrall to “the Red Queen” and it’s a golden opportunity for Tegan to express her astonishment and annoyance at the male-dominated society.

There are elements to the set-up that may well remind longterm absorbers of the spin-offs of one of Terrance Dicks’ contributions to the BBC Books’ mythos, and I really was expecting some sort of mild (and easily overlooked by those who didn’t get it) reference. It’ll be interesting to see if the antagonists make a reappearance in the Big Finish universe.

Director Barnaby Edwards has assembled a very strong cast for this – Clive Merrison, Philip Jackson and Lorelei King all play off very well against each other while Olly McCauley has an unusual role to perform that must have presented some interesting challenges. Tim Bentinck and Alison Thea-Skot complete the guest line-up, providing period-appropriate performances for their characters. Each of the regular cast is given plenty to do – and once again, they’re being written to the characters’ strengths and backgrounds.

Verdict: An enjoyable period piece. 8/10

Paul Simpson