twobtf01_newgirl_1417“My name is Rachel Allen. And I am Torchwood.”

The Big Finish Torchwood team have set themselves one hell of a high bar with this first release for 2017, with strong scripts, sharp characterisation, terrific acting and action, and some nice foreshadowing as we return to 2005 and a Torchwood that’s not yet caught up with the Doctor. This Torchwood is Yvonne Hartman’s domain, and don’t let anybody dare forget it, whether they’re a member of the team, an alien visitor to Earth or part of the British government. This is a well-oiled machine – but one that needs Yvonne at its centre to be at its most effective.

twobtf02_throughtheruins_1417Joseph Lidster kicks off the story with New Girl, seeing Torchwood One through the eyes of the titular arrival, played by Sophie Winkleman. It may well not be at all what you’re expecting as you listen to Rachel meeting the various different personnel based out of Canary Wharf, and very quickly find her feet… but then the rug’s pulled out from underneath, and you’re thrown into a mix of torture, betrayal, personal sacrifice and an overriding belief that the means justifies the ends. Jenny Colgan’s Through the Ruins sends some of the team on an awayday that is the sort of team bonding exercise from hell that makes James Moran’s Severance seem like a trip to the seaside. And then Matt Fitton’s Uprising upends everything yet again…

twobtf03_uprising_1417Barnaby Edwards’ direction is very assured, changing tack as required by the many different layers of the story, and drawing strong performances from everyone in the cast. Tracy-Ann Oberman’s Yvonne is as dedicated to Queen and Country as we saw on TV (and have heard elsewhere in the audios), while Gareth David-Lloyd is given a rather different Ianto to play – and seems to revel in it. We see many different sides to Sophie Winkleman’s Rachel across the three hours as well and the rest of the guest cast quickly make their mark. Martin Montague’s sound and Blair Mowat and Steve Wright’s music provide exactly what’s needed at the appropriate moment (a music suite of the latter would be nice…)

Verdict: A terrific Torchwood tale – and hopefully not the only trip to Torchwood One… 10/10

Paul Simpson