The Great War is raging – and the Doctor urgently needs the help of an old friend…

Steve Lyons penned the first chronicled meeting between the Doctor and Houdini for the Destiny of the Doctor series back in 2013, where the great escapologist crossed paths with the Fifth Doctor. Tim Beckmann played Houdini for that, but John Schwab picks up the magician’s cape for this new story and brings across the slight desperation of a man who’s too old to serve his country in the forces, but wants to be doing his bit. And he’s not that impressed with some of the actions of his old friend the Doctor…

Appropriately enough for a story about misdirection and sleight of hand, Lyons keeps the audience guessing for a lot longer than you might expect. He’s written strong parts for Colin Baker, Nicola Bryant and Schwab, with the scenes between the latter two giving Bryant the chance to put on a full scale Peri meltdown. The other guest actors have plenty to do – there’s a large cast of characters but nowhere near as many actors as you might expect! Joe Meiners’ score and sound design helps to sell the multiple locations and Ken Bentley’s direction ensures that you don’t have too much time to think about things – which is precisely what this sort of tale needs!

Verdict: An intricately woven tale of trust and deceit. 8/10

Paul Simpson

Click here to order Harry Houdini’s War from Big Finish