Live 34

Review: Terrorism on the radio in this new CD.

I wish Andrew Collins would stop breathing. Nothing personal, but there's nothing more distracting in a hard-hitting radio play than when the central character draws breath like a pensioner sucking hot tea through a custard cream.

If you can get beyond that, you're in for a treat with Live 34. Collins plays the news anchor of a radio station, commenting on political turmoil and terrorist attacks in a troubled colony. The story tells itself through news reports flooding in, and we take breaks for occasional special features.

It's innovative - especially when we realise that the "terrorist" leaders are the Doctor and his companions - are we really being told the truth by this radio station?

The fascinating concept often works well. When the execution fails - the odd duff link and "they'd never say that on News 24" moments - almost become part of the story. Going from live reports of a terrorist atrocity to a news bulletin where the top story is about power shortages? This would only happen in a state gone wrong.

Live 34 is helped by great performances from the regulars, in particular Philip Olivier as Hex, rattling around in an ambulance without any idea of what's he's about to uncover. And there's something wonderful about Sylvester McCoy playing Gerry Adams for laughs.

It may not be the most interesting story, but it's creatively told. If only it didn't have to pause for breath...

Send us your comment now. We'll publish the best on this page.

Charlie Keeble
I always felt that audio spin offs could be more bizarre than the original format, but this audio has surpassed that to such an extent that the narrative makes Doctor Who just like a news item. Clever isn't it? This has got to be one of the best experiments to date. Now how about something involving disabilitys all over?

The Guru
Finally, an "experimental" Big Finish audio that works! Much better than the likes of Flip Flop and Creatures of Beauty. Inded, much better than most of the "regular" stories. 9 out of 10!

James Rodehaver
"Live 34" is definitely one of the most inventive Sylvester McCoy stories that Big Finish has attempted in a long time. Given that McCoy's stories are, by far, the least interesting in the Big Finish Doctor Who line, it is nice to see something fairly fresh. This story seemed to be an extension of the format tried in Paul McGann gem "A Natural History of Fear" only it had a more linear storyline and was far more straight forward in terms of who was doing what. McCoy was in better form than recent stories, only being let down (as is his tendancy) in moments of high drama when his squeaky tenor voice becomes shrill and comical. Unfortunately the moment of high drama in question is the climax of the story when the true identity of the primary villain is about to be revealed. This realisation of the plot is the weakest link in Live 24, being both hackeneyed and reminiscent of a Scooby-Doo conclusion. It was almost shocking to hear the Doctor and his companions describing rumours of monsters or aliens in order to keep the general population scared. It echoed the pulling off of rubber masks designed to "scare people away" in those classic Hanna Barbera serials. The only thing missing was Yeager declaring that he would have gotten away for it if not for those blasted kids and their dog. Still, given the rather shabby state of Big Finish audios of late, the attempt at a fresh and novel Doctor Who story format is appreciated and the cast, as a whole, delivers a highly enjoyable story...except for the realisation of the ending.

Gareth Morris
My Big Finish subscribtion just ran out, and due to many dull and predictable stories, I was in two minds as to whether to re-knew it. However I found Live 34 a fantastic story, even though it strayed from the norm. So with story's like this and also Joe Lidsters Brilliant Terror Firma released a few months ago, I sure I'll renew my subscription now. {and I also didn't even notice the heavy breathing!)

Scott Fraser
This has got to be one of the most unusual and original Doctor Who stories ever. A classic case of something which would have been impossible to attempt on TV but highlighted the strength of audio. One of the best Big Finish releases. I was hooked.

chris bourne
this is a great adventure i loved every second of it

Steve
I was disappointed. As an independant story from the main stream Doctor Who releases, it would have been great but the low involvement of The Doctor and his Companions made it dull.

Barry Norton
I liked this alot - Very different from the regular stories.

J Cockram
Highly enjoyable yarn.I didn't notice any heavy breathing either.

Rob Lannigan
As Big Finish experimental releases go, this is a good 'un! Mr Collins'audible breathing was offputing at first, but I soon got used to it! Good performances from the regulars to. One to listen to I think.

David Maskell
Live 34 is O.k but not one of the best

Dave Davis
I started listening to this with some trepidation. Was this going to be authentic Doctor Who ,without even the theme? I neddn't have worried. One of the best experiments from Big Finish to date. {and I didn't even notice any heavy breathing!)

Name:

Comment:

Thank you for your comments. The BBC reserves the right to modify any messages before appearing on this web page.

• Big Finish: Live 34
  

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.