Written by LR Hay

Starring David Bradley, Claudia Grant et al

Originally released: September 2025

Listened to: September 2025

Context: I was very intrigued about this one, no idea what to expect at all. I do like Bradley as the 1st Doctor though, and in loved this teams previous boxsets, I can’t quite get my head around where this fits in the ‘cannon’ but I don’t really care about that a lot, as long as its a fun story.

THE REVIEW

What I thought: This one is tremendous good fun. A historical adventure, medieval and with some great characters, this is very much like a 1960’s Dr Who movie, and all that comes with it. The music is great and the alternative version of the monk in this one is so much fun, played to perfection by Keith Wickham. This adventure felt distinctive, still a first doctor tale but somehow bigger and bolder than your standard 1st Doctor adventure. Susan is great in this one too, with Ian taking up a classic Ian role in jousting against Simon De Montford (again, well played by Joseph Millson) and Barbara is in her element, the doctor running rings around the Monk aka Francis Bacon is so much fun. Very much looking forward to the next one.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Castles – very solid story, a distinct style developing throughout for this alternative/unbound 1st Doctor and classic companion team. The only downside is this is yet another series I want to follow/spend cash on! Dam you Big Finish for making such great shows!

What I felt: amused and drawn into this great fun adventure. It’s not going to set the ‘Whoniverse’ alight but I find these sidesteps illustrate how great a format Dr Who continues to be, the gift that keeps giving.

What am I left thinking?

• Will we see the Monk again?
• How long will this series of unbound adventures continue?
• And Marinus next!!!!

Memorable bits

• The Monk and the doctor sparing, great fun
• The doctor disguising the monks TARDIS as a beer bottle!