The discovery of a discarded piece of technology reveals a cruel side to Mel…

Craig Hinton’s Millennial Rites – one of the Virgin Missing Adventures – sported a painting by Alister Pearson with Mel Bush in the outfit from that story, a rather severe black affair (alongside Colin Baker as a Valeyard-ed Doctor). That image came to mind on more than one occasion during Bonnie Langford’s reading of Simon A. Forward’s tale, which starts off with perhaps one too many melodramatic moments before it settles down into an intriguing story of a TARDIS under siege.

Langford presents Mel and her doppleganger without resorting to extremes vocally, although her Sixth Doctor is a little Troughton-esque on occasion. She maintains the tension as Mel has to venture into uncomfortable territory, with the emphasis of the tale firmly on the companion rather than the Doctor’s experiences.

Verdict: An enjoyable tale that gives Bonnie Langford a chance to let loose some of Mel’s darker side. 8/10

Paul Simpson