Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

Cast: Frazer Hines, Deborah Watling, Rufus Hound, Janet Dibley, Anthony Keetch, David Warner.

It is the forgotten stories that matter, the ones that were never captured on screen but ones that a modern writer can bring to the fan and the join is invisible and superb. It is in that Doctor Who: The Black Hole really makes a valuable impression on the listener.

It is a testament to the faith shown by Big Finish in the ability of Frazer Hines to mimic rather well the voice of the much missed Patrick Troughton as the second incarnation of The Doctor that these stories are produced. Whilst for the casual listener the swapping back of forth of Mr. Hines’ voice from Jamie McCrimmon to The Doctor might seem daunting, to those who get the subtle nuances and terms of reference, they remain a constant joy and a reminder of what was one of the best partnerships of television.

It is in the hands of Frazer Hines, the excellent Rufus Hound and Janet Dibley as the mysterious Commander Flial that makes The Black Hole a tremendous adventure in which to place Time against. It is the kind of story, interestingly put together by Simon Guerrier, which really harks back to the days of the much loved second Doctor, one of innocent outlook but with a wonderfully devised cold and stark centre, one that Time cannot erase out of hand.

Rufus Hound is a true delight in his well concealed role and it matches up to the overflowing potential shown in the television series this year as a highwayman awaiting the sentence of death at Tyburn. It is the exuberance shown in his performance, the excited grasp of an actor relishing their role that lends a smile to the listener’s face and the two-way symbiotic nature of such a role only adds further enjoyment to the audience’s reaction and the actor’s presence.

A trip worth taking in the Tardis is never to be dismissed, a trip where Frazer Hines plays two parts and Rufus Hound gets to completely go overboard without betraying the ethos of Doctor Who is to be pulled in to a couple of hours worth its weight in gold.

Doctor Who: The Black Hole is available to purchase from Worlds Apart on Lime Street, Liverpool.

Ian D. Hall