The Doctor and Jo are astounded by the aftereffects of a political assassination…

Julian Richards’ Short Trip for the Third Doctor is an intriguing one, playing off the listeners’ knowledge of future reveals about the Time Lords – both from the 20th and the 21st century series and then using that knowledge to blindside them. Saying anything more would be to spoil some fun moments but Manning’s narration (which isn’t in character, or voice, as Jo) gleans every ounce of effect from the situations, particularly as the story enters its final phase.

There are some Short Trips that you instinctively remember as narrated tales, others that stick in the memory as full-cast adventures, even when they weren’t. With someone as vocally gifted as Manning (who quite rightly takes great pride in being able to do multiple voices in quick succession), it’s not too surprising that The Same Face feels like one of the others. Her recreation of her own performance as Jo and those of her castmates are as spot on as ever, and she provides very distinct characters throughout.

Verdict: This new Third Doctor story, released just before the centenary of Jon Pertwee’s birth, is an enjoyable addition to the canon. 8/10

Paul Simpson

Click here to order The Same Face from Big Finish