The Doctor and Steven arrive in a winter wonderland…

Producer Ian Atkins has described this story as part Doctor Who Annual, and there definitely is that slightly fantastical side to it that perhaps wouldn’t get past gatekeepers for the main range. It’s another one of those stories that you don’t want to know too much about up front or really overanalyse afterwards, but simply revel in its Christmassy glow.

Anthony Keetch’s script is brought to life well by Peter Purves, with his customary strong rendition of the First Doctor – but he’s also got another grumpy old man to portray this time around,  and he shifts between the two without the listener ever getting confused. Lisa Bowerman’s direction ensures that the story never gets too saccharine. She also doesn’t allow the innate horror of some of the situations to overshadow the seasonal cheer – told differently, there would be plenty of scope for this to be very dark – and Steve Foxon’s sound design and music are key to creating and maintaining that sense.

Verdict: An enjoyable Christmas tale. 8/10

Paul Simpson