People disappear all the time; buildings not so much…

Simon Barnard and Paul Morris’ historical tale starts in media res – to the extent that I actually checked to make sure that I’d not missed an episode thanks to an iPod that occasionally fancies itself as a Randomiser. I hadn’t, and it’s quite nice for a change to be playing catch up with the Doctor and companion (just Ann on this occasion – K-9 is having a nice lie-down with a battery charger).

Finty Williams gives a terrific performance as Ada Lovelace – if you know the real story of her life, you’ll recognise just how strong this is from the start. Barnard and Morris’ script and Nick Briggs’ direction walk a very fine line with regard to the true person – someone who never received the credit she was due thanks to circumstances beyond her control (and not just living in the wrong century). Barnaby Edwards’ Hophouse, and Andrew Havill’s Colonel Wildman are equally well drawn characters, and Glen McCready and Eve Webster convince with the various different roles they play.

There are some unexpected twists, particularly in the second half of the story, tying into iconic stories from the 1980s and I love the explanation for the plague doctors’ appearance – something that seems obvious once the Doctor explains it.

Once again Jamie Robertson’s music and sound design are strong, with hints of a Dudley Simpson-esque score when appropriate, but feeling very much like its own thing rather than pastiche.

Verdict: A well written, well produced and well acted tale. 9/10

Paul Simpson