The past comes back to haunt our heroes…

(Spoiler warning for anyone who’s not yet listened to Act 1 – this review discusses plot twists that appeared in that.)

Hats off to Big Finish for keeping one of the best things about this unusual Short Trips release secret. Both Jago and Litefoot encounter a Doctor, but it’s not the one that you’re necessarily expecting… at least in Henry’s case. Both Christopher Benjamin and Trevor Baxter bring across the essential personalities of the Doctors that their characters meet allowing you to easily imagine the scenes as David Tennant’s Time Lord assists Litefoot on Minos while Matt Smith’s incarnation has a rather frantic time with HGJ. And yes, of course, we do get the characters’ particular “catchphrases” delivered with some verve.

Jonathan Barnes’ script uses an often-maligned portion of TV continuity to his advantage, making what seems initially like a continuity error into an important clue for the listener, and gives both Benjamin and Baxter some cracking lines to deliver. Steve Foxon’s sound design and music once again blend well and Lisa Bowerman’s direction keeps the energy high, while allowing the more contemplative moments to stand out as appropriate.

Verdict: Another terrific crossover between classic and new Who brought to life with style. 9/10

Paul Simpson