Synopsis: The City of Illusions!
The British government has a plan to drastically improve environmental conditions, thanks to the Gynt Foundation. However, the bold plan crucially requires the endorsement of a prominent green campaigner to allay any public fears.
When the Doctor’s former companion Polly sets off to investigate a fantastic, new, net zero city, nothing goes quite according to plan. For one thing, the Doctor himself unexpectedly appears. For another, the city contains a terrible secret.
With an older Dodo working for the government, the Doctor and Polly must fight a threat that endangers the whole of humanity.
Review: Doctor Who: The First Doctor Adventures: Beware the City of Illusions was a lovely antidote for current events. As with previous titles in this range, the First Doctor caught up with companions who still fight the good fight in their later years.
The Story
Nicholas Briggs wrote and directed this story. He was inspired by suggestions from Anneke Wills.
Once again, Briggs poured his abiding love for classic Doctor Who into the script. He deftly blended the allegory and characterizations that made the show what it was.
Briggs also understood how the darkness was a foil for the light and vice versa. As a result, he neither pulled punches nor wallowed in depravity.
Along the way, the tricky tonal balance contributed to the Doctor’s timelessness. It also highlighted his companions’ fortitude as their lives continued on..
Acting
The entire cast was excellent. However, this box set belonged to the leads.
For her part, Lauren Cornelius continued to make Dodo Chaplet her own. She obviously loves Dodo and wants to do right by her in the modern era.
Beside her, Anneke Wills gave a performance that Cornelius could aspire to with time. Wills has lived with Polly Wright, and she put that understanding into every syllable.
For his part, Stephen Noonan continued to preternaturally inhabit the First Doctor. His line readings were worth the price alone.
Overall
Doctor Who: The First Doctor Adventures: Beware the City of Illusions took the story in intriguing directions. I can’t wait to hear where Big Finish takes this Tardis team next.
You can purchase Doctor Who: The First Doctor Adventures: Beware the City of Illusions here.
- Story8.5
- Performances10
- Audio Production10
There’s something really poignant about the way British politics were when Doctor Who first began compared to how they are now. Great review Raissa.
You’re right. There is something poignant, but also comforting. We can get back to that in time with a lot of work. If not, maybe we can come up with something even better. Thanks.