Gallipoli. 1915. Something is hunting in the trenches…

Although these Lives of Captain Jack stories have been filed under Doctor Who (and are being released as from the Worlds of Doctor Who), this story in particular is far more the Jack Harkness of Torchwood than it is the character seen in the parent show. Indeed, if this audio had been released as part of the Torchwood monthly range, I doubt any major changes would have been required – as John Barrowman notes in the extras, travelling into history is part and parcel of the character.

The story’s described as a two-hander, but it isn’t really – it’s a three-hander, with the third belonging to sound designer Richard Fox. Soundscapes in audio drama are always important, but in this one, given the nature of the story and its location, more so than usual, and all of Barrowman and Atilla Akinci’s excellent work on Guy Adams’ script would be wasted if there was a moment where we’re taken out of the reality of the trenches. And as for the circularity of the ending… as noted about another Torchwood story recently, there’s potential for a sequel, but sometimes it’s better not to know.

There’s a passion in both men’s performances that strips their characters to the core. While this is fascinating in the case of Ata – someone we encounter for the 60 odd minutes of this audio – it’s very powerful and moving in the case of Jack Harkness, someone we’ve known now for 14 years, and Barrowman brings his absolute A game. It seems like a massive tonal shift from the first story in the set, yet in both cases the spotlight turning on Harkness illuminates new sides to his personality, and director Scott Handcock deserves the plaudits for eliciting such a strong performance.

Verdict: More of these historical tales please – particularly if they are as powerful as illuminating as this. 10/10

Paul Simpson

Click here to order The Lives of Captain Jack vol. 2 from Big Finish