PLOTLINE
For the first time on audio, this is an unabridged reading of a classic "Doctor Who" novelisation, based on a serial from the original TV series.
The year is 2540, and two powers loom large in the Galaxy - Earth and Draconia. After years of peace, their spaceships are now being mysteriously attacked and cargoes rifled. Each suspects the other, and full-scale war seems unavoidable. The Doctor, accused of being a Draconian spy, is thrown into prison. And only when the Master appears on the scene do things really begin to move...
COMMENT
In listening to DOCTOR WHO AND THE SPACE WAR you realise that there was substantially more episode padding in Malcolm Hulke's televised story, FRONTER IN SPACE, than you first expected. This is not to say that the Jon Pertwee 1973 production was tedious or tortuous to endure - it is an absorbing adventure & political thriller that could have been written by NEW SERIES contributor, Russell T Davies - but its elastic storyline is stretched to breaking point over the six episodes.
In reviving DOCTOR WHO AND THE SPACE WAR as an unabridged reading, BBC AUDIOBOOKS has granted fans a valuable opportunity to enjoy Hulke's outstanding character-led literary style and focus on 'the minor' that revolve to become 'the important' (often disregarded in the fast-paced studio recording sessions).
The script and narrative is, once again, energised by a virtuoso performance from Geoffrey Beevers (fresh from a resounding successful unabridged reading of DOCTOR WHO AND THE DOOMSDAY WEAPON).
His range of vocal characterisation is exemplary, relishing not only Roger Delgado's suave & malevolent Master (of course, Beevers played the emaciated Time Lord in the 1980's THE KEEPER OF TRAKEN and a number of BIG FINISH audio plays) but the pea-sized brained subservient Ogrons and the eager & uncertain Draconian Prince focussed on his misinformed assertion that military conflict is the only true course to pursue.
Beever's performance is, like the unabridged reading of DOCTOR WHO AND THE BRAIN OF MORBIUS, is aided by a technically precise sound treatment and additional sound effects - created by Simon Power - enhancing the narrative to transport the listener to the 26th century. A 26th century that the NEW SERIES could be wise to visit in coming years - the Tenth Doctor and a misguided Draconian terrorist becoming embroiled in a political "who-will-do-it" to save the Empire. Or, perhaps, a NEW SERIES Doctor visiting a 25 th century Draconia to save the Empire from the "Plague" ( as mentioned by the Third Doctor).
In a workman-like reading, Beevers is poignantly comfortable like a pair of radiator-warmed pyjamas or a frothy-topped mug of milky Cocoa on a Winter's night just before slipping into an electric blanket "toasted" bed.
If you have to buy one audiobook this year - and with the wealth of DOCTOR WHO merchandise increasing month-on-month fans are becoming financially stretched - then this would be the recommendation.
An enterprising plot, characters with depth & motive and a meritorious performance that will ensure that that this BBC AUDIOBOOK will be repeatedly listened to.