The Doctor and Peri meet a famous actress for the first time – but she already knows them…

Stuart Manning’s tale is one that you need to concentrate on while you’re listening, as what’s going on becomes increasingly complicated. The Doctor and Peri are, effectively, crossing their own timestreams, and the perils inherent in that are perhaps clearer to the Time Lord (and the audience) than they are to others – and there are some nasty pitfalls possible.

It’s a story that veers very close to Sapphire & Steel territory, with the Doctor convinced that Time is an active agent in the situation. Colin Baker gives a strong performance as the Doctor tries to work out what’s happening, and what – or indeed if there’s anything – he can do about it. That brings out a tetchiness in the character that leads to some home truths being presented by Peri, and not before time.

Sarah Douglas guest stars as the actress at the heart of the story, providing a degree of a Sunset Boulevard air (although no swimming pools feature!) that helps to drive the story. Stephen Critchlow’s Jimmy and Rosie Baker’s Carolyn Sue are integral to the tale and, particularly in the case of the latter, are used to shift its tone unexpectedly at times. The early 70s period details feel accurate, with Andy Hardwick’s score and sound design suitably over the top at times.

Verdict: A convoluted time that rewards careful listening. 8/10

Paul Simpson

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