Doctor Who and the Pirates, or The Lass that Lost a Sailor [AUDIO/2003.4.?]
★★★★★
Featuring perhaps the most sublime portrayal of the Doctor... ever? Doctor Who and the Pirates is ridiculously perfect, stuffed to the brim with love, pathos and fun, and theatre kid or not, it's impossible not to be swept away by its grand sense of adventure and subsequently be arrested by its subtlety and warmth tackling a very sensitive subject that fiction, let alone sci-fi, simply does not touch upon often (certainly not in such a respectful way). Jacqueline Rayner is a name that should be cherished among Who fans more often, a champion of character tales and high concepts in equal measure; this is her magnum opus, and it's another highlight of Barnaby Edwards as a director as well. Colin Baker, Maggie Stables... what can I say that hasn't already been said? They've always been one of the franchise's most outstanding duos, but this adventure is where they ascend and reach perfection. Once you're caught in the moment, you simply cannot think of another Doctor or another companion -- it's as if they were meant to helm the show forever.
Then, as if all this wasn't enough, we get the musical scores. What starts as a hilarious and wonderful romp (with serious vocals from Baker and Stables!) turns into a much heavier dramatic device that ties into the theme of depression and suicide. The numbers harbour more emotions, become more musically complex, and us listeners are treated to some sterling work from the actors. Sally and Red Jasper are two very memorable characters for very different reasons, and add to the already full list of things that Doctor Who and the Pirates boasts as aspects of its perfection. I've said as much in the opening sentence, but this is such a beautiful adventure told in the most beautiful of ways... a rip-roaring pirate adventure that has one foot firmly rooted in insanity and the other in endless compassion for the weary and the sad. Life is worth living for, and listening to Doctor Who and the Pirates has filled me with so much hope for the future. I hope -- I know that it's helped countless people since its release, and I find that to be utterly wonderful. This is a crowning achievement of Big Finish Productions (perhaps the definite article), and may just be one of my absolute favorite Doctor Who adventures ever.
(original post here)
Featuring perhaps the most sublime portrayal of the Doctor... ever? Doctor Who and the Pirates is ridiculously perfect, stuffed to the brim with love, pathos and fun, and theatre kid or not, it's impossible not to be swept away by its grand sense of adventure and subsequently be arrested by its subtlety and warmth tackling a very sensitive subject that fiction, let alone sci-fi, simply does not touch upon often (certainly not in such a respectful way). Jacqueline Rayner is a name that should be cherished among Who fans more often, a champion of character tales and high concepts in equal measure; this is her magnum opus, and it's another highlight of Barnaby Edwards as a director as well. Colin Baker, Maggie Stables... what can I say that hasn't already been said? They've always been one of the franchise's most outstanding duos, but this adventure is where they ascend and reach perfection. Once you're caught in the moment, you simply cannot think of another Doctor or another companion -- it's as if they were meant to helm the show forever.
Then, as if all this wasn't enough, we get the musical scores. What starts as a hilarious and wonderful romp (with serious vocals from Baker and Stables!) turns into a much heavier dramatic device that ties into the theme of depression and suicide. The numbers harbour more emotions, become more musically complex, and us listeners are treated to some sterling work from the actors. Sally and Red Jasper are two very memorable characters for very different reasons, and add to the already full list of things that Doctor Who and the Pirates boasts as aspects of its perfection. I've said as much in the opening sentence, but this is such a beautiful adventure told in the most beautiful of ways... a rip-roaring pirate adventure that has one foot firmly rooted in insanity and the other in endless compassion for the weary and the sad. Life is worth living for, and listening to Doctor Who and the Pirates has filled me with so much hope for the future. I hope -- I know that it's helped countless people since its release, and I find that to be utterly wonderful. This is a crowning achievement of Big Finish Productions (perhaps the definite article), and may just be one of my absolute favorite Doctor Who adventures ever.
(original post here)
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