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Big Finish: Monthly Range #178
Doctor Who: 1963: Fanfare for the Common Men
If you remember the Sixties, they say, then you can’t have been there.
The Doctor remembers the Sixties. That’s why he’s taking Nyssa on a trip back to November 1963. Back to where it all began. Back to the birth of the biggest band in the history of British music. Back to see those cheeky lads from Liverpool...
Mark, James and Korky. The Common Men. The boys who made the Sixties swing with songs like Oh, Won’t You Please Love Me?, Just Count To Three and Who Is That Man.
The Doctor remembers the Sixties. And there’s something very wrong with the Sixties, if the Beatles no longer exist…
The Doctor remembers the Sixties. That’s why he’s taking Nyssa on a trip back to November 1963. Back to where it all began. Back to the birth of the biggest band in the history of British music. Back to see those cheeky lads from Liverpool...
Mark, James and Korky. The Common Men. The boys who made the Sixties swing with songs like Oh, Won’t You Please Love Me?, Just Count To Three and Who Is That Man.
The Doctor remembers the Sixties. And there’s something very wrong with the Sixties, if the Beatles no longer exist…
Audio CD
First published September 30, 2013
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About the author
Eddie Robson
158 books111 followersEddie Robson is a comedy and science fiction writer best known for his sitcom Welcome To Our Village, Please Invade Carefully and his work on a variety of spin-offs from the BBC Television series Doctor Who. He has written books, comics and short stories, and has worked as a freelance journalist for various science fiction magazines. He is married to a female academic and lives in Lancaster.
Robson's comedy writing career began in 2008 with material for Look Away Now. Since then his work has featured on That Mitchell and Webb Sound, Tilt, Play and Record, Newsjack, Recorded For Training Purposes and The Headset Set. The pilot episode of his sitcom Welcome To Our Village, Please Invade Carefully was broadcast on BBC Radio 2 on 5th July 2012. It starred Katherine Parkinson and Julian Rhind-Tutt.
His Doctor Who work includes the BBC 7 radio plays Phobos, Human Resources and Grand Theft Cosmos, the CD releases Memory Lane, The Condemned, The Raincloud Man and The Eight Truths, and several short stories for Big Finish's Doctor Who anthologies, Short Trips. He has contributed comic strips to Doctor Who Adventures.
Between 2007 and 2009, Robson was the producer of Big Finish's Bernice Summerfield range of products, and has contributed four audio plays to the series. He has also written books on film noir and the Coen Brothers for Virgin Publishing, the Doctor Who episode guide Who's Next with co-authors Mark Clapham and Jim Smith, and an illustrated adaptation of Bram Stoker's Dracula.
Robson's comedy writing career began in 2008 with material for Look Away Now. Since then his work has featured on That Mitchell and Webb Sound, Tilt, Play and Record, Newsjack, Recorded For Training Purposes and The Headset Set. The pilot episode of his sitcom Welcome To Our Village, Please Invade Carefully was broadcast on BBC Radio 2 on 5th July 2012. It starred Katherine Parkinson and Julian Rhind-Tutt.
His Doctor Who work includes the BBC 7 radio plays Phobos, Human Resources and Grand Theft Cosmos, the CD releases Memory Lane, The Condemned, The Raincloud Man and The Eight Truths, and several short stories for Big Finish's Doctor Who anthologies, Short Trips. He has contributed comic strips to Doctor Who Adventures.
Between 2007 and 2009, Robson was the producer of Big Finish's Bernice Summerfield range of products, and has contributed four audio plays to the series. He has also written books on film noir and the Coen Brothers for Virgin Publishing, the Doctor Who episode guide Who's Next with co-authors Mark Clapham and Jim Smith, and an illustrated adaptation of Bram Stoker's Dracula.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 10, 2018
This is the first of three releases for the 50th anniversary of
Doctor Who
, each set in the year of that first broadcast, and featuring historical or pop cultural events of the time. In this case, that's the Beatles - following their first two albums earlier in the year, the term "Beatlemania" had been coined by the press just weeks before that first episode aired.
The Doctor and Nyssa arrive at Heathrow airport in October 1963 to witness the very event that led to the coining of the phrase, as the Fab Four returned from a tour to face a screaming crowd. Except that, when they arrive, nobody in the crowd has ever heard of the band. It turns out that the Beatles broke up after they left Hamburg, and their place in history has been taken by the Common Men (a fictional band that fans of DW will know were mentioned in a throw-away reference back in that very first TV episode).
There follows a complex story of time travel and alien interlopers, all bound up with the actual events of the Beatles' time together, which the Common Men seem to be imitating with uncanny accuracy. The story hops back and forth between 1960 and 1970 and various points in between, with the Doctor and Nyssa separated in different time periods and piecing together pieces of the mystery as they go.
There are moments of humour and peril - the scene with this reality's version of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, for instance, provides both in good measure. It's also a reasonably competent mystery, with more than one possible culprit for who is behind it all, at least for a fair way into the story. But mainly it's just good fun, a story that's very recognisably all about the Beatles and the impact they had on the world, but without ever actually featuring them directly. Fans of the band and their history will probably catch even more references than I did.
Even the Merseybeat music of the Common Men is well done, not only sounding like something that might have been produced at the time but actually quite good (obviously, it doesn't have the same power that the real tunes have to us today, but that is one of the plot points). We only hear snatches of the songs during the play itself, but the CD includes fuller versions as extras.
The Doctor and Nyssa arrive at Heathrow airport in October 1963 to witness the very event that led to the coining of the phrase, as the Fab Four returned from a tour to face a screaming crowd. Except that, when they arrive, nobody in the crowd has ever heard of the band. It turns out that the Beatles broke up after they left Hamburg, and their place in history has been taken by the Common Men (a fictional band that fans of DW will know were mentioned in a throw-away reference back in that very first TV episode).
There follows a complex story of time travel and alien interlopers, all bound up with the actual events of the Beatles' time together, which the Common Men seem to be imitating with uncanny accuracy. The story hops back and forth between 1960 and 1970 and various points in between, with the Doctor and Nyssa separated in different time periods and piecing together pieces of the mystery as they go.
There are moments of humour and peril - the scene with this reality's version of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, for instance, provides both in good measure. It's also a reasonably competent mystery, with more than one possible culprit for who is behind it all, at least for a fair way into the story. But mainly it's just good fun, a story that's very recognisably all about the Beatles and the impact they had on the world, but without ever actually featuring them directly. Fans of the band and their history will probably catch even more references than I did.
Even the Merseybeat music of the Common Men is well done, not only sounding like something that might have been produced at the time but actually quite good (obviously, it doesn't have the same power that the real tunes have to us today, but that is one of the plot points). We only hear snatches of the songs during the play itself, but the CD includes fuller versions as extras.
July 9, 2022
This is a tricky one: How do you do an audio-drama that features The Beatles without actually using any songs or the members of the band themselves? I’ve got to admit, when you put it like that. It sounds like a terrible idea. But this actually a great story. The Doctor and Nyssa find themselves embroiled in a mystery that spans a decade and the very group that the Doctor’s granddaughter, Susan, was so taken with in that very first episode of the series. It’s also a wonderful homage, tribute and love letter to The Beatles and 1963. A fun romp in an alternate timeline in which the “Fab Four” never came into being. Brilliant!
This set also includes the usual bonus tracks with interviews with cast and crew, and a bonus music suite track that includes the songs created and performed just for this Doctor Who adventure.
I also find it interesting and fascinating how all three feature some aspect do the Cold War in addition to how Doctor Who: 1963: Fanfare for the Common Men is looking at the music mania of 1963, Doctor Who: 1963: The Space Race is looking at the race-to-the-moon contest between the US and the USSR, and Doctor Who: 1963: The Assassination Games is looking at the assassinations that plagued the 1960s.
This set also includes the usual bonus tracks with interviews with cast and crew, and a bonus music suite track that includes the songs created and performed just for this Doctor Who adventure.
I also find it interesting and fascinating how all three feature some aspect do the Cold War in addition to how Doctor Who: 1963: Fanfare for the Common Men is looking at the music mania of 1963, Doctor Who: 1963: The Space Race is looking at the race-to-the-moon contest between the US and the USSR, and Doctor Who: 1963: The Assassination Games is looking at the assassinations that plagued the 1960s.
August 17, 2024
This was absolutely outstanding! Honestly, like when people ask me why I love big finish & why they are so widely adored by the fans. I will now stand and point to this and say nothing other than "Listen to this and you'll understand why" everything that went into this is next level I am staggered.
It's funny that when they do the beatles in the newest series of Doctor who and even though i really enjoyed it and the villain was just incredible too! It says alot when big finish does it first and does it so much better again im staggered! Honestly if you have the opportunity to listen to this audio adventure then please do yourself a favour and do it! You really won't be disappointed.
It's funny that when they do the beatles in the newest series of Doctor who and even though i really enjoyed it and the villain was just incredible too! It says alot when big finish does it first and does it so much better again im staggered! Honestly if you have the opportunity to listen to this audio adventure then please do yourself a favour and do it! You really won't be disappointed.
February 5, 2019
This is a five star story only let down by a pretty bad and grating American accent.
What happens when you do a story that revolves around the Beatles place in history and features my favourite Doctor? Magic happens. The music, the references to both the Beatles and Doctor Who, the performances and the sheer fun and joy of it all make Fanfare for the Common Men a must listen.
The Beatles have been replaced in the timeline by the Common Men. The Doctor and Nyssa have to set things right. Near perfect Who (just that annoying accent!)
What happens when you do a story that revolves around the Beatles place in history and features my favourite Doctor? Magic happens. The music, the references to both the Beatles and Doctor Who, the performances and the sheer fun and joy of it all make Fanfare for the Common Men a must listen.
The Beatles have been replaced in the timeline by the Common Men. The Doctor and Nyssa have to set things right. Near perfect Who (just that annoying accent!)
May 13, 2023
The Doctor and Nyssa arrive in the 1960s to see the Beatles. But the big group is the Common Men and no-one's heard of the Beatles.
Witty, timey -wimey story. At heart it's the usual story of an off -worlder trying to change history. But rather than the usual abduction of monarchs or politicians, this time it's with popular music. Whether you're a Beatles fan or not (I'm not), this is a well written accessible story.
I did drag in episodes 2+3, it holds well. 6/10
Scoring: 0 bad; 1-3 poor; 4-6 average; 7-9 good; 10 excellent.
Witty, timey -wimey story. At heart it's the usual story of an off -worlder trying to change history. But rather than the usual abduction of monarchs or politicians, this time it's with popular music. Whether you're a Beatles fan or not (I'm not), this is a well written accessible story.
I did drag in episodes 2+3, it holds well. 6/10
Scoring: 0 bad; 1-3 poor; 4-6 average; 7-9 good; 10 excellent.
December 27, 2023
Fun historical romp with the 5th Doctor and Nyssa. The Doctor takes Nyssa to 1963 to see the biggest band of all time, but wait, who are The Common Men, and why is everyone swooning over them? Can The Doctor and Nyssa right the timeline?
This was just fun! There's a tight narrative involving time travel, interesting characters, and culture of the 1960s. Also has a few fun nods to the series.
This was just fun! There's a tight narrative involving time travel, interesting characters, and culture of the 1960s. Also has a few fun nods to the series.
July 13, 2025
This seems to be what Big Finish does well… find an aspect of the franchise that most fans would glance over, expand on it and make it… odd.
Had you wanted to know more about the band the Doctors Granddaughter, Susan, used to listen to? Well you’re going to find out regardless.
An alternate timeline full of strangeness but enjoyable enough to follow along with.
Had you wanted to know more about the band the Doctors Granddaughter, Susan, used to listen to? Well you’re going to find out regardless.
An alternate timeline full of strangeness but enjoyable enough to follow along with.
November 22, 2020
This was a fun listen! As one would expect from the cover, this involved The Beatles. Or, rather, their being replaced by the Common Men in the timeline. There are some fun Beatles-esque tunes throughout this audio which are sure to become earworms.
October 22, 2023
Too much alien run- around and technobabble going on for me.
Still not much of an idea what these aliens wanted besides ruling our part of the cosmos. Har- har.
Would have very much preferred this as a pure historical, maybe just with a crazy fan time Traveller thrown in.
Still not much of an idea what these aliens wanted besides ruling our part of the cosmos. Har- har.
Would have very much preferred this as a pure historical, maybe just with a crazy fan time Traveller thrown in.
February 26, 2017
Fun! Very enjoyable listening!
February 11, 2021
Gotta love the Beatles-esque "Common Men". Ten minutes of Common Men(?) music is included at the end.
April 9, 2023
Just a really fun story with a bit of music and mystery and timely wimey nonsense.
December 15, 2024
Really enjoyable story making use of the Merseyside scene.
September 14, 2014
In dieser Episode ist der Doktor Nr.5 nur noch mit Nyssa unterwegs, wo auch immer Teagan und Turlough abhanden gekommen sind. Der Doktor macht mit Nyssa jedenfalls einen kleinen Ausflug nach 1963, um die Beatles am Liverpooler Flughafen zu begrüßen. Dumm nur, dass da nicht die Beatles aus dem Flugzeug steigen, sondern eine Band namens die Common Men.
Was ist mit den Beatles passiert? Wer sind die Common Men und was ist ihre Aufgabe? Warum hat man diese Band statt der Beatles aufgebaut? Es scheint jedenfalls, dass es noch einen Zeitreisenden gibt, der aus Versehen Nyssa mit sich nimmt, die sich als Groupie den Common Men in ihren Anfängen anschließt, bis sie den Doktor wieder findet. Während dessen holt sich der Doktor eben eine anderen nette junge Dame zur Hilfe.
Das ist wohl eine Folge für Beatles Fans. Ich bin mir auch nicht sicher, ob man die vorkommenden Außerirdischen als Doctor Who Fan kennt und ob es sich bei dieser Spezies um alte Bekannte oder nur Schöpfungen des Hörspiels handelt. Das Hörspiel ist jedenfalls unterhaltsam und obwohl es in verschiedenen Zeitebenen spielt (der Zeitebene, in der Nyssa agiert und jene des Doktors zuzüglich einiger weiterer Zeitsprünge), kann man der Handlung gut folgen, ohne dass es allzu wirr wird. Nur leider kann die Handlung an sich nicht wirklich begeistern, zu abstrus wirkt die Idee und erinnert ein wenig an Pratchett‘s Small Gods.
Was ist mit den Beatles passiert? Wer sind die Common Men und was ist ihre Aufgabe? Warum hat man diese Band statt der Beatles aufgebaut? Es scheint jedenfalls, dass es noch einen Zeitreisenden gibt, der aus Versehen Nyssa mit sich nimmt, die sich als Groupie den Common Men in ihren Anfängen anschließt, bis sie den Doktor wieder findet. Während dessen holt sich der Doktor eben eine anderen nette junge Dame zur Hilfe.
Das ist wohl eine Folge für Beatles Fans. Ich bin mir auch nicht sicher, ob man die vorkommenden Außerirdischen als Doctor Who Fan kennt und ob es sich bei dieser Spezies um alte Bekannte oder nur Schöpfungen des Hörspiels handelt. Das Hörspiel ist jedenfalls unterhaltsam und obwohl es in verschiedenen Zeitebenen spielt (der Zeitebene, in der Nyssa agiert und jene des Doktors zuzüglich einiger weiterer Zeitsprünge), kann man der Handlung gut folgen, ohne dass es allzu wirr wird. Nur leider kann die Handlung an sich nicht wirklich begeistern, zu abstrus wirkt die Idee und erinnert ein wenig an Pratchett‘s Small Gods.
September 11, 2015
I'm not even kind of a Beatles fan (in fact, I'm thoroughly sick of them and their era), and the Fifth is my second-to-least-favorite Doctor, but I still enjoyed this story. It's too gloriously absurd not to. An alien has manipulated history so that the Beatles broke up before achieving fame, and another band from the era is enjoying their success and adulation... with sinister results. Bahahahahaha!
September 20, 2013
If you like The Beatles you will love this. This is the only CD I actually wanted to listen to the music, and wish there was more. The story is a steady pace and offers a few surprises. Oh and remember the band Susan is listening to in unearthly child. ..
September 20, 2014
I'm a huge Beatles fan so I had a lot of fun spotting all the references. It's a fun listen. But the bad guy sort of made me tune out a little, so in the end I can only give it a 4/5. Definitely a recommended listen for a Beatlemaniac Whovian tho! :)
August 2, 2021
Brilliantly fun audio that deals with what if the Beatles didn't come together and a band known as The Common Men took their place, this story deals with some characterization, timey-wimey stuff and some brilliant moments. 9/10
August 30, 2014
An homage to the Beatles - Doctor Who, Nyssa and the 50th anniversary of Beatles breakthrough is amusing at times, but not a satisfying mix.
January 14, 2016
What a fantastic story this one was, clever and witty, good plot an a sensible resolution.
As an aside to the story I also loved the presentation with the LP style CDs.
Good stuff.
As an aside to the story I also loved the presentation with the LP style CDs.
Good stuff.
June 3, 2016
Interesting Alien story basically where the Beatles never existed.
Read
December 21, 2013this was a hoot
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews