What do you think?
Rate this book
Big Finish: Monthly Range #1
Doctor Who: The Sirens of Time
Gallifrey is in a state of crisis, facing destruction at the hands of an overwhelming enemy. And the Doctor is involved in three different incarnations - each caught up in a deadly adventure, scattered across time and space. The web of time is threatened - and someone wants the Doctor dead.
The three incarnations of the Doctor must join together to set time back on the right track - but in doing so, will they unleash a still greater threat?
Chronological Placement: This story takes place between the television adventures, The Five Doctors and Warriors of the Deep (Fifth Doctor segments); between The Trial of a Time Lord and Time and the Rani (Sixth Doctor segments); and prior to the TV Movie (Seventh Doctor segments).
The three incarnations of the Doctor must join together to set time back on the right track - but in doing so, will they unleash a still greater threat?
Chronological Placement: This story takes place between the television adventures, The Five Doctors and Warriors of the Deep (Fifth Doctor segments); between The Trial of a Time Lord and Time and the Rani (Sixth Doctor segments); and prior to the TV Movie (Seventh Doctor segments).
Audio CD
First published July 1, 1999
11 people are currently reading
708 people want to read
About the author
Nicholas Briggs
375 books133 followersNicholas Briggs is a British actor and writer, predominantly associated with the BBC science fiction television series Doctor Who and its various spin-offs. Some of Briggs' earliest Doctor Who-related work was as host of The Myth Makers, a series of made-for-video documentaries produced in the 1980s and 1990s by Reeltime Pictures in which Briggs interviews many of the actors and writers involved in the series. When Reeltime expanded into producing original dramas, Briggs wrote some stories and acted in others, beginning with War Time, the first unofficial Doctor Who spin-off, and Myth Runner, a parody of Blade Runner showcasing bloopers from the Myth Makers series built around a loose storyline featuring Briggs as a down on his luck private detective in the near future.
He wrote and appeared in several made-for-video dramas by BBV, including the third of the Stranger stories, In Memory Alone opposite former Doctor Who stars Colin Baker and Nicola Bryant. He also wrote and appeared in a non-Stranger BBV production called The Airzone Solution (1993) and directed a documentary film, Stranger than Fiction (1994).
Briggs has directed many of the Big Finish Productions audio plays, and has provided Dalek, Cybermen, and other alien voices in several of those as well. He has also written and directed the Dalek Empire and Cyberman audio plays for Big Finish. In 2006, Briggs took over from Gary Russell as executive producer of the Big Finish Doctor Who audio range.
Briggs co-wrote a Doctor Who book called The Dalek Survival Guide.
Since Doctor Who returned to television in 2005, Briggs has provided the voices for several monsters, most notably the Daleks and the Cybermen. Briggs also voiced the Nestene Consciousness in the 2005 episode "Rose", and recorded a voice for the Jagrafess in the 2005 episode "The Long Game"; however, this was not used in the final episode because it was too similar to the voice of the Nestene Consciousness. He also provided the voices for the Judoon in both the 2007 and 2008 series. On 9 July 2009, Briggs made his first appearance in the Doctor Who spin-off Torchwood in the serial Children of Earth, playing Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary Rick Yates.
He wrote and appeared in several made-for-video dramas by BBV, including the third of the Stranger stories, In Memory Alone opposite former Doctor Who stars Colin Baker and Nicola Bryant. He also wrote and appeared in a non-Stranger BBV production called The Airzone Solution (1993) and directed a documentary film, Stranger than Fiction (1994).
Briggs has directed many of the Big Finish Productions audio plays, and has provided Dalek, Cybermen, and other alien voices in several of those as well. He has also written and directed the Dalek Empire and Cyberman audio plays for Big Finish. In 2006, Briggs took over from Gary Russell as executive producer of the Big Finish Doctor Who audio range.
Briggs co-wrote a Doctor Who book called The Dalek Survival Guide.
Since Doctor Who returned to television in 2005, Briggs has provided the voices for several monsters, most notably the Daleks and the Cybermen. Briggs also voiced the Nestene Consciousness in the 2005 episode "Rose", and recorded a voice for the Jagrafess in the 2005 episode "The Long Game"; however, this was not used in the final episode because it was too similar to the voice of the Nestene Consciousness. He also provided the voices for the Judoon in both the 2007 and 2008 series. On 9 July 2009, Briggs made his first appearance in the Doctor Who spin-off Torchwood in the serial Children of Earth, playing Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary Rick Yates.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
September 8, 2021
This engaging multi-Doctor adventure was the perfect way to launch the original audio stories of Doctor Who, with each drama featuring an actor who has previously played the role of the iconic Timelord.
I love the structure of the story as it allows at the time the most recent past incarnations of The Doctor to shine.
The Seventh, Fifth and Sixth are all being manipulated in their own time streams and team up to confront The Sirens of Time in the final part.
Davison, Baker and McCoy slip seamlessly back into their roles. Along with the incidental music that perfectly capturing a 1980’s feel, it’s easy to imagine this being part of the TV series.
You can tell at times that it’s the first story that Big Finish produced, but it adds to the charm of the story.
It’s easy to see how they were destining to thrive and continually make great adventures 20 year later!
I love the structure of the story as it allows at the time the most recent past incarnations of The Doctor to shine.
The Seventh, Fifth and Sixth are all being manipulated in their own time streams and team up to confront The Sirens of Time in the final part.
Davison, Baker and McCoy slip seamlessly back into their roles. Along with the incidental music that perfectly capturing a 1980’s feel, it’s easy to imagine this being part of the TV series.
You can tell at times that it’s the first story that Big Finish produced, but it adds to the charm of the story.
It’s easy to see how they were destining to thrive and continually make great adventures 20 year later!
April 24, 2022
This audio adventure from Big Finish has not one, but three Doctors & yet it is still a rather lacklustre story. It's good to have the 5th Doctor (Peter Davison), the 6th (Colin Baker) & the 7th (Sylvester McCoy) teaming up & there are some moments when the story comes to life. Unfortunately these moments are rare & it ends up as a bland adventure with a good cast sadly wasted.
January 29, 2024
"If you do obey your orders Commander you’ll be signing the death warrants of the Time Lords.
March 27, 2013
A few other reviewers have said that the plot of this wasn't particularly memorable, but I found it to be a solid, if confusing at times, story. Put very simply, the Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Doctors are individually manipulated into mucking with time. They then meet up and work together to put things right.
The acting is wonderful, as are the sound effects and music. I could close my eyes and picture the episode, except for a few bits when I was too busy trying to work things out. I admit the plot and motivation did confuse me toward the end, but then, what's Doctor Who without some mind boggling wibbly wobbly timey wimey...stuff? It was very entertaining. As far as continuity goes, this doesn't have anything particularly notable that I can tell, but sometimes that's a good thing, especially with Doctor Who. I'd recommend it to any fan.
November 24, 2023
Back to the very beginning now in this -quasi-chronological trawl through Big Finish's Seventh Doctor range. Most sources seem to agree that this story should belong somewhere after the New Adventures adaptations, even though it was in fact the very first release in the Monthly Range of Who stories. And to start the range, what better than a multi-Doctor story, with one Doctor showcased in each episode until they all meet up on Gallifrey and save the day in the fourth episode.
But even now, having listened to it, I can't remember all that many of the details. Sorry. The production sets up Big Finish's stall perfectly however, and you can understand how the company held the torch for Doctor Who in the wilderness years and drew in so many fans. Let's liken this one to Terry Pratchett's The Colour of Magic - an okay piece of writing in itself, but maybe not the best place to start if you want to dig into the Discworld - and strike onwards.
But even now, having listened to it, I can't remember all that many of the details. Sorry. The production sets up Big Finish's stall perfectly however, and you can understand how the company held the torch for Doctor Who in the wilderness years and drew in so many fans. Let's liken this one to Terry Pratchett's The Colour of Magic - an okay piece of writing in itself, but maybe not the best place to start if you want to dig into the Discworld - and strike onwards.
January 4, 2025
An entertaining remastering and re-edited version of the original release (see: Doctor Who: The Sirens of Time) that blends the first three episodes, each featuring a different incarnation of The Doctor, together into a single more cohesive narrative. This puts the actors Peter Davison, Colin Baker, and Sylvester McCoy in all four episodes (even if they still don’t interact in the three parts of the story). While I do think I prefer this version of the story, it’s still not the greatest release from Big Finish. But the nostalgia of having these three Doctors together, and the historical significance of this being the first Doctor Who release from Big Finish combine to make this a delightful and wonderful offering.
July 12, 2013
This was my first encounter with the audio drama format, and I had to listen to this a few times to figure it all out, but I can see what a boon this series was for Doctor Who fans who had struggled through the dark post-cancellation years. This one involved the three Doctors I am least familiar with (5, 6 and 7), and is a bit awkwardly structured (episodes 1-3 end on cliffhangers whose resolutions are only mentioned in exposition in part 4, although their eventual re-resolutions, so to speak, are on-stage) , but overall quite exciting. There are some fine vocal performances, especially the over the top villainess in the first episode, great sound effects and a satisfyingly authentic Whovian feel to the whole production. I'll definitely be listening to more of these, and am glad such production are included in Goodreads' ambit!
November 28, 2024
Based on some of the reviews I was a bit hesitant and cautious with my expectations going into this one. It seemed a lot of people didn’t care for this and others quite enjoyed it. I shouldn’t have worried. This is very much like the later years classic Doctor Who. And I can see why this was used to launch the Big Finish monthly Doctor Who range. Each of the Doctors involved (Peter Davison, Colin Baker & Sylvester McCoy) have an episode to strut their stuff and then the three of them “team-up” to solve the mystery. Their banter and squabbling are perfect and the whole package really set a standard for what to expect and look forward to with future releases.
August 23, 2021
A bit of a cop-out ending marrs an otherwise great first ever Doctor Who audiobook from Big Finish. Three Doctors for the price of one - a part of the story each; the final part has them all together with the usual array of inter-Doctor sniping and sarcasm. I spotted the connection early on, so the clues were probably pretty well sign-posted for me.
October 13, 2025
2025 52 Book Challenge - October Mini Challenge - 1) Pick Your Costumes - Mythological, Princess or First Responder
Having listened to this story at long last, I'm left wondering how Big Finish got as good as it is later. I found this story really difficult to follow, and I personally think that this is a story that performs poorly on audio, but would have been really good in a visual format.
I did think that it was well voice acted, and the Doctor's actors were really good, especially when they were together and acting off of each other.
Having listened to this story at long last, I'm left wondering how Big Finish got as good as it is later. I found this story really difficult to follow, and I personally think that this is a story that performs poorly on audio, but would have been really good in a visual format.
I did think that it was well voice acted, and the Doctor's actors were really good, especially when they were together and acting off of each other.
January 2, 2024
Currently updating my reads for the end of 2023, I listened to this and a bunch of other Big Finish Doctor tales (some twice) towards the end of the year, mostly because I was too busy thinking about other things to focus on new stories and the comfort of the familiar voices was a welcome relief from other stresses. Unfortunately I have left it too long to give any story-specific details, but I will inevitably listen to these many more times in future and will hopefully be able to say something more substantial. Suffice it to say that these are just excellent. Production quality is top notch and the storylines are as good and sometimes even better than the TV episodes.
January 7, 2020
I'm really glad that the "ugly woman" faded from the stroy after the start - I never understand characters that are just made to be anoying and marcabe. Otherwise I do like the story. The debate on what separates and what unites the different Doctors is always a great conversation topic, so it is fun to hear three of them debate it themselves.
November 24, 2022
Though there was too much technobabble and too many time-wimey deus ex machinas for my taste, Sylvester, Peter, and Colin were all on top form. As with most multi-Doctor stories, many of the best bits involve the Doctors insulting each other.
November 8, 2020
Listened to it over a month ago, so it's not fresh in my brain unfortunately.
But it was much fun, and kept me entertained while I was sewing.
The story was fun and definitely kept me interested.
But it was much fun, and kept me entertained while I was sewing.
The story was fun and definitely kept me interested.
May 6, 2024
A Mystical Mind Blowing Multi-Doctor Story That Stands The Test Of Time.
Considering the fact that this is Big Finish's first ever Doctor Who production it is massively impressive at how good this story is. Despite being released in 1999 it still stands the test of time. Multi Doctor stories are very hard to do on audio but The Sirens Of Times passes the test with flying covers. It's a really good story that despite spanning over two hours kept me hooked.
I love multi-doctors stories and this excelled really well and it feels suspenseful when all The Doctor's come together. Peter Davison, Colin Baker And Sylvester McCoy have electrifying chemistry and are a delight to listen to together. An important component of a multi-doctor story is that the actors have great chemistry together and they certainly do. The contrasting personality of all three incarnations makes for a very interesting story with a perfect mix of drama and humour.
Very enjoyable and a good introduction to the company's main range. That being said I do have a few nitpicks.
In two hours a lot of things happened and the set up was well done but I think it happened to rapid for me. I'm use to the normal landing place let's explore formula but instead nearly five minutes in we're head first into the action and considering the fact that it's 2 hours I wish there was room to breathe. It also would have helped if we get proper build up to Five being separated from his companions instead of it happening off audio. With 2 hours it really felt like there should have been more time to breathe with each Doctor instead of diving head first into an action packed timey whimey plot.
Another thing is that I feel while we got to explore The Doctor's flaws as a whole, the stakes were mainly high for only Five. He was a punching bag for the whole story and as a result it left no chance for Six and Seven to get their own angst defining moments. Give the timelord a break he was two other incarnations to explore. With him being the Punching Bag it kind of felt like he had nothing to do and no purpose to being there other than exposition. I still liked Five in this story though don't get me wrong.
Apart from that though this is a really good story and as I mention a good start to The Doctor Who monthly range. I haven't seen much of Classic Who but it pays tribute to the show heartwarmingly and keeps the essence of what on screen full episode story arc would look like. It also is very brave and bold in the story it tells, the twists will leave you gaping in shock the further you listen. Its absolutely fantastic and perfectly foreshadows the brilliance to come with Big Finish's use of The Doctor Who licence.
There's so much I could praise about but to spare a read, I'm gonna highlight some of my favourite aspects.
The aesthetic and feel of this audio is wonderful. It's formated exactly like Classic Who and stays true to the shows style. Like I said I haven't seen much of Classic Who but through the writing you can tell how much respect Nick Briggs and the rest of the Big Finish team have for the source material. This story felt like the Classic Who version of Day Of The Doctor with the high stakes to save Galifrey and all of time itself. I also love how the full audio is split into several different parts and that it uses each part to build and introduce each Doctor before they all come together. It also means that as a result its a great jumping on point for new listeners. If your new to Big Finish and want a taster this definitely is the story to start with.
Secondly I need to praise the creativity and bravery. Doctor Who hasn't done much adult or dark content due to constraints but The Sirens Of Time goes wild and that is its strength. No confined by TV ratings. Nick Briggs and the team are able to pull off a truly fantastic time whimey story that really explores the time travel aspect of the show and the butterfly effect. Without spoilers I can say that it really expands on The Doctor's character and shows that he isn't always right. It also has a villian that's really compelling, the villians motive is really basic but the methods and means they use to get what they want is super dark and disturbing. Your on the edge of your seat the entire time praying all The Doctor's will be okay and that everything will be okay in the end.
Finally the sound design. Considering the fact that this is one of Big Finish's oldest Doctor Who audios it's really impressive how well it manages to still hold up. Released in 1999 and its still brilliantly edited together. It felt like I was watching a serial of Classic Who. I was very immersed and able to easily visualise the story in my head as I listened. The sound scapes are perfectly designed by Nicholas Briggs allowing you to feel immersed in the location, when your on Galifrey you feel like your on Galifrey. When your on a planet with quick sand, it feels like your on a deadly planet with quick sound. It's not a hundred percent perfect but it's really good for its time. It shows the potential to grow Big Finish has and it has indeed. The Sirens Of Time is worth if for the sound alone.
Overall a fantastic audio that is a wonderful multi doctor story as well as a good introduction to Big Finish. Its bold and is a two hour action packed ride. This adventure with Peter Davison, Colin Baker And Sylvester McCoy will not disappoint you and is a hundred percent worth the listen.
Considering the fact that this is Big Finish's first ever Doctor Who production it is massively impressive at how good this story is. Despite being released in 1999 it still stands the test of time. Multi Doctor stories are very hard to do on audio but The Sirens Of Times passes the test with flying covers. It's a really good story that despite spanning over two hours kept me hooked.
I love multi-doctors stories and this excelled really well and it feels suspenseful when all The Doctor's come together. Peter Davison, Colin Baker And Sylvester McCoy have electrifying chemistry and are a delight to listen to together. An important component of a multi-doctor story is that the actors have great chemistry together and they certainly do. The contrasting personality of all three incarnations makes for a very interesting story with a perfect mix of drama and humour.
Very enjoyable and a good introduction to the company's main range. That being said I do have a few nitpicks.
In two hours a lot of things happened and the set up was well done but I think it happened to rapid for me. I'm use to the normal landing place let's explore formula but instead nearly five minutes in we're head first into the action and considering the fact that it's 2 hours I wish there was room to breathe. It also would have helped if we get proper build up to Five being separated from his companions instead of it happening off audio. With 2 hours it really felt like there should have been more time to breathe with each Doctor instead of diving head first into an action packed timey whimey plot.
Another thing is that I feel while we got to explore The Doctor's flaws as a whole, the stakes were mainly high for only Five. He was a punching bag for the whole story and as a result it left no chance for Six and Seven to get their own angst defining moments. Give the timelord a break he was two other incarnations to explore. With him being the Punching Bag it kind of felt like he had nothing to do and no purpose to being there other than exposition. I still liked Five in this story though don't get me wrong.
Apart from that though this is a really good story and as I mention a good start to The Doctor Who monthly range. I haven't seen much of Classic Who but it pays tribute to the show heartwarmingly and keeps the essence of what on screen full episode story arc would look like. It also is very brave and bold in the story it tells, the twists will leave you gaping in shock the further you listen. Its absolutely fantastic and perfectly foreshadows the brilliance to come with Big Finish's use of The Doctor Who licence.
There's so much I could praise about but to spare a read, I'm gonna highlight some of my favourite aspects.
The aesthetic and feel of this audio is wonderful. It's formated exactly like Classic Who and stays true to the shows style. Like I said I haven't seen much of Classic Who but through the writing you can tell how much respect Nick Briggs and the rest of the Big Finish team have for the source material. This story felt like the Classic Who version of Day Of The Doctor with the high stakes to save Galifrey and all of time itself. I also love how the full audio is split into several different parts and that it uses each part to build and introduce each Doctor before they all come together. It also means that as a result its a great jumping on point for new listeners. If your new to Big Finish and want a taster this definitely is the story to start with.
Secondly I need to praise the creativity and bravery. Doctor Who hasn't done much adult or dark content due to constraints but The Sirens Of Time goes wild and that is its strength. No confined by TV ratings. Nick Briggs and the team are able to pull off a truly fantastic time whimey story that really explores the time travel aspect of the show and the butterfly effect. Without spoilers I can say that it really expands on The Doctor's character and shows that he isn't always right. It also has a villian that's really compelling, the villians motive is really basic but the methods and means they use to get what they want is super dark and disturbing. Your on the edge of your seat the entire time praying all The Doctor's will be okay and that everything will be okay in the end.
Finally the sound design. Considering the fact that this is one of Big Finish's oldest Doctor Who audios it's really impressive how well it manages to still hold up. Released in 1999 and its still brilliantly edited together. It felt like I was watching a serial of Classic Who. I was very immersed and able to easily visualise the story in my head as I listened. The sound scapes are perfectly designed by Nicholas Briggs allowing you to feel immersed in the location, when your on Galifrey you feel like your on Galifrey. When your on a planet with quick sand, it feels like your on a deadly planet with quick sound. It's not a hundred percent perfect but it's really good for its time. It shows the potential to grow Big Finish has and it has indeed. The Sirens Of Time is worth if for the sound alone.
Overall a fantastic audio that is a wonderful multi doctor story as well as a good introduction to Big Finish. Its bold and is a two hour action packed ride. This adventure with Peter Davison, Colin Baker And Sylvester McCoy will not disappoint you and is a hundred percent worth the listen.
October 5, 2025
The Sirens Of Time is a very peculiar story. It of course has the status as the first Big Finish Doctor Who story, which led to so many more, but viewing it objectively; it’s a bit rubbish. That is not to say it’s a terrible piece of drama, but all the constituent elements feel so inorganic. The first three episodes featuring the 5th, 6th, and 7th Doctors all feel so short that it’s impossible to get invested in the plot. It is of course all tied together in the final episode, but by that point so much has happened that the actual overarching narrative has lost most of its drama. Nor do those initial three episodes mesh in any way, and it was only the 6th Doctor episode that had any actual plot or drama. The episodes with the 5th & 7th Doctors were quite literally people standing a room chatting.
The biggest positive of the story is the performances, here we have Colin Baker, Peter Davison, and Sylvester McCoy who are still quite young and just slip back effortlessly into their roles. McCoy does clearly struggle to understand acting on audio, with his dialogue being delivered significantly more quiet than the rest of the cast; but even that could just be an audio mixing problem. The supporting cast give perfectly good performances, and bar the occasional dodgy delivered line, they really help the listener engage in the narrative. There are some great effects used for the voices of the knights, something that allowed for the aspect of the story to not require any concerted effort to visualise.
Another symptom of this being such a new and unexplored foray into Dr Who in audio format is the production. There is next to no background music, which really does bar the more intense moments from carrying any real impact, and a few stock sound effects make you laugh rather than impress. This again is not me lambasting the story itself, but these are baby steps to what Big Finish is now; leaving this story feeling an amateur affair. I did love the concept of the invasion of Gallifrey, and those scenes are surprisingly great but sadly scarce. Within the first two minutes of each episode they take precedence then are barely apparent.
So many of the ideas in the story bounce off each other, creating this frenetic plot that can easily confuse the listener. A good example of this is the Sirens barely appearing throughout, so once we get to the invasion of Gallifrey, it all happens in the background. The big twist/resolution of the story is really underwhelming, but that is mostly my personal despisal of finales that have everything that has happened so far be undone without consequence. Rather unusually I found this unimpressive story very admirable and considering I was able to listen to it in its entirety without reluctancy; so I’d say that I was entertained. The newer redux version of the story done a few years back I’m yet to listen to but perhaps it addresses all my criticisms and reshapes the story into a classic; who knows?
The biggest positive of the story is the performances, here we have Colin Baker, Peter Davison, and Sylvester McCoy who are still quite young and just slip back effortlessly into their roles. McCoy does clearly struggle to understand acting on audio, with his dialogue being delivered significantly more quiet than the rest of the cast; but even that could just be an audio mixing problem. The supporting cast give perfectly good performances, and bar the occasional dodgy delivered line, they really help the listener engage in the narrative. There are some great effects used for the voices of the knights, something that allowed for the aspect of the story to not require any concerted effort to visualise.
Another symptom of this being such a new and unexplored foray into Dr Who in audio format is the production. There is next to no background music, which really does bar the more intense moments from carrying any real impact, and a few stock sound effects make you laugh rather than impress. This again is not me lambasting the story itself, but these are baby steps to what Big Finish is now; leaving this story feeling an amateur affair. I did love the concept of the invasion of Gallifrey, and those scenes are surprisingly great but sadly scarce. Within the first two minutes of each episode they take precedence then are barely apparent.
So many of the ideas in the story bounce off each other, creating this frenetic plot that can easily confuse the listener. A good example of this is the Sirens barely appearing throughout, so once we get to the invasion of Gallifrey, it all happens in the background. The big twist/resolution of the story is really underwhelming, but that is mostly my personal despisal of finales that have everything that has happened so far be undone without consequence. Rather unusually I found this unimpressive story very admirable and considering I was able to listen to it in its entirety without reluctancy; so I’d say that I was entertained. The newer redux version of the story done a few years back I’m yet to listen to but perhaps it addresses all my criticisms and reshapes the story into a classic; who knows?
January 15, 2021
・The Sirens of Time - Part1 (7th Doctor)
ギャリフレイが高度なテクノロジーを持った見知らぬ種族に包囲され、今にも攻撃にさらされようとしていた。その気配にまったく気がつけなかったことに動揺するプレジデント。報告したヴァンセルはドクターの動向に関係があるようだと指摘する。
クロイスターベル（the Cloister bell)によってターディスの行き先を強制的に設定されたドクター。タイムロードから通信も入るが、ノイズが酷すぎてまったく聞き取れない。とりあえず外に出てみることにしたドクター。途端に助けを求める女性の声がする。女性の名はエレニアといい、底なし沼に沈むところだった。彼女の乗っていた宇宙船がこの惑星に墜落し、彼女は唯一の生き残りだという。濡れた服を着替えるため、エレノアをつれターディスに戻るがどういうわけか扉があかない。仕方なく暖をもとめてドクターとエレノアは人里を求め歩き出す。しかし、道中、つぎつぎと宇宙船が墜落してくる。尋常ではない事態に困惑する二人の前に、ドラジャーズというロボットが現れ、二人をマインド・スキャナーにかける。そのため意識を失った二人。次に目をさますと、サンクロフトという老人が住む小さな部屋にいた。サンクロフトは遥か昔に戦争犯罪で有罪となり母星より永久追放されたが、刑罰を処刑に切り替えたらしく、ドクターとエレノア、他にも墜落した宇宙船の生存者ともども処刑されることに。
・The Sirens of Time - Part2 (5th Doctor)
時間の歪みが原因と思われるノイズを調べようと発生元と思われるところにターディスで到着。外に出るとそこは商船の中のようだった。ところが今度はターディスにもどるようにとタイムロードからの指示が聞こえる。困惑したままドクターはターディスに戻ろうとするが、扉があかず締め出されてしまう。そこにヘレンという乗組員が現れ、ドクターが何をしているのか尋ねてくるが、商船がドイツ軍のU-Boatに攻撃され、ドクターとヘレンは捕虜としてU-Boatに連れて行かれる。その中で、ドイツ兵から命を狙われるドクター。その兵士がタイムロードに操られているとドクターは見抜くが、なぜ自分を殺そうとするのか理解できない。
・The Sirens of Time - Part3 (6th Doctor)
時間の歪みを調べるためにターディスで宇宙船ワンダーに向かったドクター。ワンダーに到着した途端激しい衝撃波に襲われ、気がつけばエディフィスという宇宙船の中にいた。そこでエリーというウエイトレスに出会う。ドクターはエリーとどこかで会ったことがあるような気がするが、思い出せない。状況を調べるためエディフィスのコンピューターにログインするドクター。その途中で警報がなり、エディフィスも激しい衝撃波に見舞われる。生き残ったのはドクターとエリー、アンドロイドの船長のみ。船内で攻撃をしかけてきた謎の生物を倒し、その細胞をコンピューター分析にかけたドクター。アンドロイド船長を通してギャリフレイの最高議会がドクターにメッセージを伝えようとするが、その前にエリーが船長を殺害。エリーがテンポラルという封じられたタイム・クリーチャーを解放しよう企むものと知り、ドクターは追求しようとするが、激しい衝撃と共にドクターは宇宙船ワンダーの中のターディスの中に戻される。ターディスと共にテンポラルを宇宙船から引き離そうと試みるが......
・The Sirens of Time - Part4
5th, 6th, 7thのドクターたちは征服されたギャリフレイに集められていた。他のタイムロードたちの姿はない。ドクターたちは協力して何が起こったのかつきとめようとする。ギャリフレイを征服したのは滅びた帝国ベリーシャの生き残りの騎士達で、滅亡につながる戦争と敗北をさけるため歴史を書き換えたという。
・感想
それぞれの物語も面白いが、part4で５th、６th、７thドクターが集合するのはやはりテンションがあがる。５thが怪我をして敵につかまってしまい、6thと7thで謎解きを続けることになるのだが、このコンビが妙に可愛らしいというか、ホビットにでてきたドワーフたちのようなお茶目感があって、はらはらしつつも楽しめた。最後まで聴けるか心配だったが、意外にとっつきやすかった。また機会があれば他の5th,6,th,7thドクターの作品も挑戦してみたい。
ギャリフレイが高度なテクノロジーを持った見知らぬ種族に包囲され、今にも攻撃にさらされようとしていた。その気配にまったく気がつけなかったことに動揺するプレジデント。報告したヴァンセルはドクターの動向に関係があるようだと指摘する。
クロイスターベル（the Cloister bell)によってターディスの行き先を強制的に設定されたドクター。タイムロードから通信も入るが、ノイズが酷すぎてまったく聞き取れない。とりあえず外に出てみることにしたドクター。途端に助けを求める女性の声がする。女性の名はエレニアといい、底なし沼に沈むところだった。彼女の乗っていた宇宙船がこの惑星に墜落し、彼女は唯一の生き残りだという。濡れた服を着替えるため、エレノアをつれターディスに戻るがどういうわけか扉があかない。仕方なく暖をもとめてドクターとエレノアは人里を求め歩き出す。しかし、道中、つぎつぎと宇宙船が墜落してくる。尋常ではない事態に困惑する二人の前に、ドラジャーズというロボットが現れ、二人をマインド・スキャナーにかける。そのため意識を失った二人。次に目をさますと、サンクロフトという老人が住む小さな部屋にいた。サンクロフトは遥か昔に戦争犯罪で有罪となり母星より永久追放されたが、刑罰を処刑に切り替えたらしく、ドクターとエレノア、他にも墜落した宇宙船の生存者ともども処刑されることに。
・The Sirens of Time - Part2 (5th Doctor)
時間の歪みが原因と思われるノイズを調べようと発生元と思われるところにターディスで到着。外に出るとそこは商船の中のようだった。ところが今度はターディスにもどるようにとタイムロードからの指示が聞こえる。困惑したままドクターはターディスに戻ろうとするが、扉があかず締め出されてしまう。そこにヘレンという乗組員が現れ、ドクターが何をしているのか尋ねてくるが、商船がドイツ軍のU-Boatに攻撃され、ドクターとヘレンは捕虜としてU-Boatに連れて行かれる。その中で、ドイツ兵から命を狙われるドクター。その兵士がタイムロードに操られているとドクターは見抜くが、なぜ自分を殺そうとするのか理解できない。
・The Sirens of Time - Part3 (6th Doctor)
時間の歪みを調べるためにターディスで宇宙船ワンダーに向かったドクター。ワンダーに到着した途端激しい衝撃波に襲われ、気がつけばエディフィスという宇宙船の中にいた。そこでエリーというウエイトレスに出会う。ドクターはエリーとどこかで会ったことがあるような気がするが、思い出せない。状況を調べるためエディフィスのコンピューターにログインするドクター。その途中で警報がなり、エディフィスも激しい衝撃波に見舞われる。生き残ったのはドクターとエリー、アンドロイドの船長のみ。船内で攻撃をしかけてきた謎の生物を倒し、その細胞をコンピューター分析にかけたドクター。アンドロイド船長を通してギャリフレイの最高議会がドクターにメッセージを伝えようとするが、その前にエリーが船長を殺害。エリーがテンポラルという封じられたタイム・クリーチャーを解放しよう企むものと知り、ドクターは追求しようとするが、激しい衝撃と共にドクターは宇宙船ワンダーの中のターディスの中に戻される。ターディスと共にテンポラルを宇宙船から引き離そうと試みるが......
・The Sirens of Time - Part4
5th, 6th, 7thのドクターたちは征服されたギャリフレイに集められていた。他のタイムロードたちの姿はない。ドクターたちは協力して何が起こったのかつきとめようとする。ギャリフレイを征服したのは滅びた帝国ベリーシャの生き残りの騎士達で、滅亡につながる戦争と敗北をさけるため歴史を書き換えたという。
・感想
それぞれの物語も面白いが、part4で５th、６th、７thドクターが集合するのはやはりテンションがあがる。５thが怪我をして敵につかまってしまい、6thと7thで謎解きを続けることになるのだが、このコンビが妙に可愛らしいというか、ホビットにでてきたドワーフたちのようなお茶目感があって、はらはらしつつも楽しめた。最後まで聴けるか心配だったが、意外にとっつきやすかった。また機会があれば他の5th,6,th,7thドクターの作品も挑戦してみたい。
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2025
The one where it all started. The first three parts of this are great. They are short, solo adventures with the Seventh, Fifth and Sixth Doctors, respectively, all tied together by a mysterious yet similar woman (I wonder if RTD took inspiration from it?).
Since this is early Big Finish (the earliest, in fact), the sound design isn't great, but when I get around to listening to the Redux, I'm sure it'll be a lot better. It dramatically changes from being too quiet to too loud and some of the sound effects just don't sound very convincing (the ruins of the Panopticon sounded like a game of pool when the Doctors were trudging through it).
I also think the last part gets way too complicated for its own good, with too many twists and curveballs to keep up with.
The worldbuilding and scene setting wasn't there, but since this is early Big Finish, that's to be expected. The first few stories in the main range all suffered from this problem, so I think it just took the writers some time to figure out how to write audio dramas properly.
But yes, it's entertaining to hear a mash up between three iconic classic Doctors, each who also get their own part to shine in while an overarching mystery plays out, before it all gets tied together in a very messy and confusing final part. The plot winds up too complicated and the audio effects aren't the best - This is really more just the novelty of classic Big Finish rather than one to enjoy as a story.
Since this is early Big Finish (the earliest, in fact), the sound design isn't great, but when I get around to listening to the Redux, I'm sure it'll be a lot better. It dramatically changes from being too quiet to too loud and some of the sound effects just don't sound very convincing (the ruins of the Panopticon sounded like a game of pool when the Doctors were trudging through it).
I also think the last part gets way too complicated for its own good, with too many twists and curveballs to keep up with.
The worldbuilding and scene setting wasn't there, but since this is early Big Finish, that's to be expected. The first few stories in the main range all suffered from this problem, so I think it just took the writers some time to figure out how to write audio dramas properly.
But yes, it's entertaining to hear a mash up between three iconic classic Doctors, each who also get their own part to shine in while an overarching mystery plays out, before it all gets tied together in a very messy and confusing final part. The plot winds up too complicated and the audio effects aren't the best - This is really more just the novelty of classic Big Finish rather than one to enjoy as a story.
Read
April 23, 2021It was around this time in October that I decided I wanted to properly commit to Big Finish’s Doctor Who audios. I’d been avoiding it before as I was overwhelmed with where to start and the cost but I found this helpful guide and discovered that a lot of them are available for free on Spotify so started the main monthly range in order. Technically with the monthly range, continuity wise, most of them are one shots so can be read in any order but since they’re already in a playlist and some of the later ones tie into other series I’m just going chronologically. The Sirens Of Time was the first that BFA ever released and you can tell they were still finding their feet but even so I really enjoyed it. I adore a multi Doctor story, there’s something so funny about the Doctor not getting along with himself, I’ll never tire of it. This one is in 4 parts: the first is with Seven, the second is with Five, the third is with Six and then the fourth and final part is in all three incarnations of the doctor coming together to solve the mystery.
May 27, 2025
It was pretty neat to hear this. Without much knowledge of the doctors from this range, it felt really cool to hear them all together. I really like what I’ve seen so far of McCoy, and this works as a great introduction to the Big Finish audio dramas.
I will say, the monologue-y nature of the ending makes me wish that they’ll learn different ways of delivering exposition for the other dramas. I also had difficulty with Ruthley, and it seems like with her plethora of experiences and fan outcry, other fans feel the same. Her voice was just annoying and served little to the overall plot.
I hope that for future audio dramas we’re able to get the hang of some of this, which felt more like growing pains for the series than anything really much of an issue. It’s still enjoyable for fans, and I’d assume for those still morning the loss of the original show and the failed TV pilot, this was something to help hold them over before the continuation in 2005.
I will say, the monologue-y nature of the ending makes me wish that they’ll learn different ways of delivering exposition for the other dramas. I also had difficulty with Ruthley, and it seems like with her plethora of experiences and fan outcry, other fans feel the same. Her voice was just annoying and served little to the overall plot.
I hope that for future audio dramas we’re able to get the hang of some of this, which felt more like growing pains for the series than anything really much of an issue. It’s still enjoyable for fans, and I’d assume for those still morning the loss of the original show and the failed TV pilot, this was something to help hold them over before the continuation in 2005.
August 2, 2025
The Sirens of Time is an unfortunate poor start to the Big Finish range of audio adventures for The Doctor. The plot throughout feels very convoluted apart from a few high points near the end when The Three Doctors team up.
It’s such a shame because the acting is on point throughout this and the likes of Davison, Baker and McCoy are truly the only reason I listened to this in its entirety. When the three get to play off each other it feels really fun and was definitely the highlight of the whole adventure! Unfortunately for wibbly wobbly plot reasons, the majority of the story has The Doctors separated and leaves everything falling rather flat.
This adventure is definitely only for the Whovian completionists amongst you. If you are new to Big Finish and looking for a starting point, this is not it.
It’s such a shame because the acting is on point throughout this and the likes of Davison, Baker and McCoy are truly the only reason I listened to this in its entirety. When the three get to play off each other it feels really fun and was definitely the highlight of the whole adventure! Unfortunately for wibbly wobbly plot reasons, the majority of the story has The Doctors separated and leaves everything falling rather flat.
This adventure is definitely only for the Whovian completionists amongst you. If you are new to Big Finish and looking for a starting point, this is not it.
May 16, 2017
The 5th, 6th, and 7th doctors feature in this audioplay and all 3 are voiced by their actual show actors so that's a delight; especially once they are all together snarking it up.
All 3 of the Doctor's incarnations have been manipulated into messing with time. While the plot gets convoluted at times it is interesting ("sirens" of time, manipulation of some of the Doctor's kinder aspects, and a bit of threat to the Time Lord planet of Gallifrey!) and you'll enjoy listening to each of the doctor's separate "stories" before they all combine for the finale. Nicely done, very well performed and fun to listen to.
All 3 of the Doctor's incarnations have been manipulated into messing with time. While the plot gets convoluted at times it is interesting ("sirens" of time, manipulation of some of the Doctor's kinder aspects, and a bit of threat to the Time Lord planet of Gallifrey!) and you'll enjoy listening to each of the doctor's separate "stories" before they all combine for the finale. Nicely done, very well performed and fun to listen to.
August 3, 2018
This was a very good story but took some concentrating to keep up with what was going on. I could not help but think this would have better translated to the small screen as visual cues would have assisted in keeping the flow of events in order. As it was, the jumps from character to character and scene to scene make progression difficult. Having said that, the investment in keeping everything straight permitted the worthwhile reveal of a good old time Dr. Who crossover story. As becomes apparent, their differences in character are emphasized and are quite relevant to the story. The ending is bittersweet and serves as a reminder that not everything gets wrapped up in a bow.
December 16, 2018
Good story, that started it all for Big Finish's current range of various Doctor Who audio dramas that encompass all the doctors up to 11 at least, and next year it will be 20 years since this came out. A good first story it is too, not the best Big Finish by any means, but still a good introduction with the three Doctors capturing their TV selves well, with both their own individual short adventures and then one with them all together. A bit exposition heavy in the last episode, but otherwise it hangs together well, with some interesting antagonists and Time Lord meddling in the mix. Overall, a good start to what has become a great range for Doctor Who fans.
May 17, 2021
My first audio drama. I've been avoiding this format for a long time. I love podcasts but never could quite get used to regular audiobooks - just can't focus enough. But this is a good "in between" for me - as I actually managed to focus and follow the story. Also, because on spotify it is divided to parts and chapters so you can plan the queue better.
It is not the best Doctor Who story out there but definitely very nice to hear three incarnations in one place. At times the action flow was a bit confusing but the last part gives you all the answers you'd need. Nice start for a series of audio dramas, I'll probably be checking out more of the format.
It is not the best Doctor Who story out there but definitely very nice to hear three incarnations in one place. At times the action flow was a bit confusing but the last part gives you all the answers you'd need. Nice start for a series of audio dramas, I'll probably be checking out more of the format.
May 12, 2022
This very first audio play produced by Big Finished Productions stared Peter Davison, Colin Baker and Sylvester McCoy in a story with three doctors all visiting the same time and place. The Time Lords are out to stop the Doctor from inadvertently causing the destruction of all time and space, and it is only 9n the end when the Doctors finally converge and work together that we discover what is going on. The writing is a bit jumbled but the performances are enjoyable. As I have listened to a much later series of their stories, the debut effort production values were obvious. Like a debut author, Nicholas Briggs work here merely suffers by comparisons to himself.
June 13, 2022
... It was okay? Sylvester McCoy's voice acting is a little off, the side-characters are uninteresting, and the ending is anticlimactic. I did love the interplay of the three Doctors, they bounce off each other quite well. The plot was fairly interesting, and they managed to create some tense and exciting scenes - mainly in the Fifth Doctor's strand of the story. It's also like really low on worldbuilding. Which is a problem because it attempts to introduce all these high concept elements, and also a side-character with loads of history, but we understand nothing about any of them. It wasn't awful, but it wasn't a strong first showing for BF. 2.75 stars.
January 20, 2017
Listened to 10 of these so far and only one thing really matters. These are classic Who style serials. After the past few years of New Who. . .just thank god for these.
Fun and interesting monthly adventures. And every bit as good as watching the classic show. Plus you get kinda a random order of Doctors for episodes and YAY more 7th Doctor stuff! I always wished there was more, I should have gotten into audiobooks sooner so I would have found these sooner -- and these are much better than the rather lacklustre novellas I've read.
Fun and interesting monthly adventures. And every bit as good as watching the classic show. Plus you get kinda a random order of Doctors for episodes and YAY more 7th Doctor stuff! I always wished there was more, I should have gotten into audiobooks sooner so I would have found these sooner -- and these are much better than the rather lacklustre novellas I've read.
November 11, 2021
I somehow managed to miss the whole Big Finish phenomenon, which started with this title in 1999. It's a shame because there are probably too many stories to catch up with now but hearing these voices again is spine tingling. I'd forgotten how iconic and recognizable they are! Not the greatest plot for this one but enjoyable and light years ahead of anything that Chris Chibnall has written for the BBC.
May 31, 2022
It did basically exactly what I needed from it: provide me something to listen to and partially ignore while I'm at work. Not the most glowing recommendation, but it pleased me.
I would like to say that I love mult-Doctor stories. Time breaking? Even better. And the Doctor causing problems and then having to fix the problems?
Beautiful.
I enjoyed the implications at the end. Good stuff. Good problems.
I would like to say that I love mult-Doctor stories. Time breaking? Even better. And the Doctor causing problems and then having to fix the problems?
Beautiful.
I enjoyed the implications at the end. Good stuff. Good problems.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews