What do you think?
Rate this book
Classic Doctors, New Monsters
Doctor Who: Classic Doctors, New Monsters - Volume 5: Faithful Friends
Four new adventures featuring classic Doctors encountering monsters from the new series of Doctor Who!
5.1 The Krillitane Feint by John Dorney - The TARDIS brings the Doctor, Jamie and Zoe to a planet where a secure research base is conducting disturbing experiments. A group of captive Krillitane are test subjects for a military power, keen to understand the species' unique abilities. But who are the real monsters here?
5.2 The Dying Breed by Tim Foley - When the Doctor, Leela and K9 land on the Lupari homeworld tracking a temporal anomaly, they find a kingdom in disarray. The Great Lord Garzan's son has been attacked, and strange beasts roam the frozen landscape. Whilst Leela spars with the new heir, the Doctor and K9 must work out how all these strange events are connected. Little do they know that their discoveries will shake the Lupari to their core.
5.3 The Krillitane Relic by John Dorney - The TARDIS brings the Doctor and Ray to a space station cryogenic facility, where interplanetary VIPs are stored pending medical cures. There is a familiar face here too - someone the Doctor remembers, but who does not remember him.
5.4 Five Hundred Ways to Leave Your Lover by Tim Foley - Chris is on a date. But it isn't working out. Perhaps he'll end it over dinner. Or on a cruise. Or in a lunar spa. But who are these figures in red? And why are they so invested in his relationship? All of reality might be at stake, and the Monks will pursue Chris wherever he goes - but as long as he manages to break up with his boyfriend, the Doctor, everything might be saved.
5.1 The Krillitane Feint by John Dorney - The TARDIS brings the Doctor, Jamie and Zoe to a planet where a secure research base is conducting disturbing experiments. A group of captive Krillitane are test subjects for a military power, keen to understand the species' unique abilities. But who are the real monsters here?
5.2 The Dying Breed by Tim Foley - When the Doctor, Leela and K9 land on the Lupari homeworld tracking a temporal anomaly, they find a kingdom in disarray. The Great Lord Garzan's son has been attacked, and strange beasts roam the frozen landscape. Whilst Leela spars with the new heir, the Doctor and K9 must work out how all these strange events are connected. Little do they know that their discoveries will shake the Lupari to their core.
5.3 The Krillitane Relic by John Dorney - The TARDIS brings the Doctor and Ray to a space station cryogenic facility, where interplanetary VIPs are stored pending medical cures. There is a familiar face here too - someone the Doctor remembers, but who does not remember him.
5.4 Five Hundred Ways to Leave Your Lover by Tim Foley - Chris is on a date. But it isn't working out. Perhaps he'll end it over dinner. Or on a cruise. Or in a lunar spa. But who are these figures in red? And why are they so invested in his relationship? All of reality might be at stake, and the Monks will pursue Chris wherever he goes - but as long as he manages to break up with his boyfriend, the Doctor, everything might be saved.
- GenresDoctor WhoAudiobook
Audio CD
Published January 1, 2025
4 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
John Dorney
166 books26 followersJohn Dorney is a British writer and actor best known for stage roles including the National Theatre, the BBC Radio 4 sitcom My First Planet; and his scripts for the Big Finish Doctor Who range. His script 'Solitaire' was rated the most popular Doctor Who Companion Chronicle of 2010 on the Timescales website and was the runner up in Unreality Sci-fi net's poll for Story of the Year 2010-11.
As well as Doctor Who, he has written for Big Finish's Sapphire and Steel series and on radio co-wrote three series of BBC Radio 4's Recorded for Training Purposes. He won the BBC Show Me the Funny 'Sketch Factor' competition, was a finalist in the BBC 'Laughing Stock' competition, and has performed in Mark Watson's Edinburgh Comedy Award winning long shows as 'The Balladeer'. On stage, he has written plays for the Royal Court Theatre, Hampstead and Soho Theatres.
He trained at LAMDA.
As well as Doctor Who, he has written for Big Finish's Sapphire and Steel series and on radio co-wrote three series of BBC Radio 4's Recorded for Training Purposes. He won the BBC Show Me the Funny 'Sketch Factor' competition, was a finalist in the BBC 'Laughing Stock' competition, and has performed in Mark Watson's Edinburgh Comedy Award winning long shows as 'The Balladeer'. On stage, he has written plays for the Royal Court Theatre, Hampstead and Soho Theatres.
He trained at LAMDA.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 30, 2025
I think this was a very good release.
Even the episode with Sylvester did not disappoint (I find him a bit hit and miss), it is nice to see 7 on the back foot for once. This might also be the first release featuring Michael Troughton where I actually did not mind him. Previously, I was not really sold on his 2nd Doctor.
Overall great writing and very good performances.
Both the Monsters and Doctors were used in new and unexpected ways, which is the key to this series.
Each of the stories brought something interesting and/or new to the table, there are plenty of twists and turns and in general, this release is very entertaining.
I loved the 8th Doctor in a overboarding rom-com for example!
I can recommend this one.
Even the episode with Sylvester did not disappoint (I find him a bit hit and miss), it is nice to see 7 on the back foot for once. This might also be the first release featuring Michael Troughton where I actually did not mind him. Previously, I was not really sold on his 2nd Doctor.
Overall great writing and very good performances.
Both the Monsters and Doctors were used in new and unexpected ways, which is the key to this series.
Each of the stories brought something interesting and/or new to the table, there are plenty of twists and turns and in general, this release is very entertaining.
I loved the 8th Doctor in a overboarding rom-com for example!
I can recommend this one.
January 24, 2025
The Krillitane Feint by John Dorney = The best story of the set sees 2, Jamie and Zoe investigate a military facility experimenting on Krillitane (First seen in School Reunion in 2006). It's a really strong script for a number of reasons but one which is very much a spoiler so I won't reveal that here. It nicely leads into The Krillitane Relic. 5/5!
The Dying Breed by Tim Foley = The first Jodie Whittaker era monster/character I've experienced at Big Finish being the dog creatures the Lupari from Flux. Foley manages to give them a great origin story and explains why they have a connection with humans. The use of the Tardis team of 4, Leela and K9 is used brilliant, especially K9 as well he's a dog so that was used to great effect in this story. Which is nice as K9 always ends up getting written out of stories, so it is nice to see some K9 love. Tom Baker, Louise Jameson and John Leeson doing a brilliant job as always plus Miriam Morgolyes is in this as well which is great. 4/5
The Krillitane Relic by John Dorney = A strong sequel even if we as the audience know a bit more than the Doctor does due to the nature of it being a sequel to the first story in this set. Yet, Dorney cleverly uses the situation to craft a fun script. Plus, it brings back Ray played by Sara Griffiths as a companion for Sylvester McCoy's Doctor which was a surprise when this set was first announced. Looking for more adventures with her in the future. The Amazing Sheila Handcock is also in this where she gets to play multiple characters and Colin Mcfarlene is here to so quite an all star cast. A solid 4/5
Five Hundred Ways to Leave Your Lover by Tim Foley = The weakest story in the set but still a really fun story. It's a rom-com with the Monks (Previously from the Monk trilogy during Peter Capaldi's time). It borrows elements from the TV Monk stories but does enough different with them for it to avoid being a copy and paste. Paul McGann does a great job in a story which would seem to only work for his Doctor. 4/5 rating
Overall, an amazing set of stories with a great selection of New Who Monsters. Well worth listening to the set
The Dying Breed by Tim Foley = The first Jodie Whittaker era monster/character I've experienced at Big Finish being the dog creatures the Lupari from Flux. Foley manages to give them a great origin story and explains why they have a connection with humans. The use of the Tardis team of 4, Leela and K9 is used brilliant, especially K9 as well he's a dog so that was used to great effect in this story. Which is nice as K9 always ends up getting written out of stories, so it is nice to see some K9 love. Tom Baker, Louise Jameson and John Leeson doing a brilliant job as always plus Miriam Morgolyes is in this as well which is great. 4/5
The Krillitane Relic by John Dorney = A strong sequel even if we as the audience know a bit more than the Doctor does due to the nature of it being a sequel to the first story in this set. Yet, Dorney cleverly uses the situation to craft a fun script. Plus, it brings back Ray played by Sara Griffiths as a companion for Sylvester McCoy's Doctor which was a surprise when this set was first announced. Looking for more adventures with her in the future. The Amazing Sheila Handcock is also in this where she gets to play multiple characters and Colin Mcfarlene is here to so quite an all star cast. A solid 4/5
Five Hundred Ways to Leave Your Lover by Tim Foley = The weakest story in the set but still a really fun story. It's a rom-com with the Monks (Previously from the Monk trilogy during Peter Capaldi's time). It borrows elements from the TV Monk stories but does enough different with them for it to avoid being a copy and paste. Paul McGann does a great job in a story which would seem to only work for his Doctor. 4/5 rating
Overall, an amazing set of stories with a great selection of New Who Monsters. Well worth listening to the set
February 21, 2025
5.1 The Krillitane Feint - The (Second) Doctor, Jamie & Zoe are caught up in another secret military base doing research that is morally questionable. As usual things get out of hand, but not as usual things are not entirely as they seem. This one was very entertaining, quite good. (4/5)
5.2 The Dying Breed - The (Fourth) Doctor, Leela and (of course) K-9 met the Lupari, but they’re not quite what you might have been expecting. At least not yet. Interesting, but I did not find it all that compelling. (3/5)
5.3 The Krillitane Relic - The (Seventh) Doctor accidentally stumbles upon Zoe many years later, band things play out as they always seem to for The Doctor. Such a delightful and entertaining episode. (4/5)
5.4 Five Hundred Ways to Leave Your Lover - Wild and silly, but equal parts anxious and weird. There’s a lot of weird humor and a lot of deception and misdirection, as one expects with Doctor Who. It will keep you guessing, and it is a very entertaining (Eighth) Doctor adventure. (4/5)
5.2 The Dying Breed - The (Fourth) Doctor, Leela and (of course) K-9 met the Lupari, but they’re not quite what you might have been expecting. At least not yet. Interesting, but I did not find it all that compelling. (3/5)
5.3 The Krillitane Relic - The (Seventh) Doctor accidentally stumbles upon Zoe many years later, band things play out as they always seem to for The Doctor. Such a delightful and entertaining episode. (4/5)
5.4 Five Hundred Ways to Leave Your Lover - Wild and silly, but equal parts anxious and weird. There’s a lot of weird humor and a lot of deception and misdirection, as one expects with Doctor Who. It will keep you guessing, and it is a very entertaining (Eighth) Doctor adventure. (4/5)
January 29, 2025
Classic Doctors, New Monsters is one of my favorite ranges from Big Finish. It's a shame they don't come out very often, but I'm also glad they don't. These sets are usually strong in quality, so I'd rather the writers take their time with this series and do the best with what they've got than being rushed.
The Krillitane Feint:
The 2nd doctor, Jamie and Zoe, find themselves inside a military research base on a barren planet. The Krillitane have destroyed and taken the world over, but now they've become prisoners of the humans. Can The Doctor warn the general in time or will the humans selfishness lead to their own destruction? The Krillitane aren't happy and it seems one might have escaped.
John Dorney has written a very atmospheric and unsettling script that makes you wonder who the villains are in this story. Both sides are definitely evil in their own way, but it raises interesting questions none the less. The twist in this story blew me away, genuinely one of the most jaw-dropping and frightening twists Big Finish has ever done. 10/10
The Dying Breed:
The Great Lord Garzan's son has fallen ill, attacked by a naked ape. His daughter is out for vengeance and she'll do anything to get it. The Doctor, Leela and K9 arrive after being put off course by a temporal anomaly. Who are the naked apes? What caused the anomaly? Can we trust Kaira, the king's daughter? The Lupari's friendship with The Doctor begins, but for the Time Lord it's a lot more complicated.
Tim Foley has written a really fun and atmospheric fantasy story that is very engaging. I enjoyed learning more about The Lupari and seeing their homeworld. It's a strong script with a heartfelt ending. 9/10
The Krillitane Relic:
The Doctor and Ray accidentally arrive at a Cryogenic Clinic after trying to go to a performance of Strictly Come Dancing. To his surprise, The Doctor comes across an old friend, someone he thought he'd never see again. The Doctor wants to help and rekindle old times, but in doing so is about to make a dreadful mistake?
John Dorney has written a really solid script that nicely builds off the events that happened in The Krillitane Feint. Ray is a lot of fun in this and despite my dislike of Delta and The Bannermen, I'm honestly excited to hear more from her. 8/10
Five Hundred Ways to Leave Your Lover:
Chris is on a date. The trouble is he desperately wants to break up with his boyfriend, but every time he tries to, mysterious creatures in red robes stop him. What's going on and can he break up with The Doctor before tea time?
Tim Foley has written a brilliant screwball comedy that is absolutely insane. There are some hilarious moments in this and it's interesting to see 8 on actual dates. The Monks are suitably unsettling and the twists are terrific. 9/10
Overall: 36/40
The Krillitane Feint:
The 2nd doctor, Jamie and Zoe, find themselves inside a military research base on a barren planet. The Krillitane have destroyed and taken the world over, but now they've become prisoners of the humans. Can The Doctor warn the general in time or will the humans selfishness lead to their own destruction? The Krillitane aren't happy and it seems one might have escaped.
John Dorney has written a very atmospheric and unsettling script that makes you wonder who the villains are in this story. Both sides are definitely evil in their own way, but it raises interesting questions none the less. The twist in this story blew me away, genuinely one of the most jaw-dropping and frightening twists Big Finish has ever done. 10/10
The Dying Breed:
The Great Lord Garzan's son has fallen ill, attacked by a naked ape. His daughter is out for vengeance and she'll do anything to get it. The Doctor, Leela and K9 arrive after being put off course by a temporal anomaly. Who are the naked apes? What caused the anomaly? Can we trust Kaira, the king's daughter? The Lupari's friendship with The Doctor begins, but for the Time Lord it's a lot more complicated.
Tim Foley has written a really fun and atmospheric fantasy story that is very engaging. I enjoyed learning more about The Lupari and seeing their homeworld. It's a strong script with a heartfelt ending. 9/10
The Krillitane Relic:
The Doctor and Ray accidentally arrive at a Cryogenic Clinic after trying to go to a performance of Strictly Come Dancing. To his surprise, The Doctor comes across an old friend, someone he thought he'd never see again. The Doctor wants to help and rekindle old times, but in doing so is about to make a dreadful mistake?
John Dorney has written a really solid script that nicely builds off the events that happened in The Krillitane Feint. Ray is a lot of fun in this and despite my dislike of Delta and The Bannermen, I'm honestly excited to hear more from her. 8/10
Five Hundred Ways to Leave Your Lover:
Chris is on a date. The trouble is he desperately wants to break up with his boyfriend, but every time he tries to, mysterious creatures in red robes stop him. What's going on and can he break up with The Doctor before tea time?
Tim Foley has written a brilliant screwball comedy that is absolutely insane. There are some hilarious moments in this and it's interesting to see 8 on actual dates. The Monks are suitably unsettling and the twists are terrific. 9/10
Overall: 36/40
March 2, 2025
The two Krillitane episodes are high quality, the one with the Fourth Doctor and Leela doesn't really have much of a plot, and as such it just drags to its non-conclusion.
The last one plays like bad fanfic. An author-insert that begins with the premise "what if the Doctor was my gay boyfriend?" And it's neither amusing nor interesting enough to rise above the material. Nor does it ever actually explain what the whole point of it all was. Except a writer fantasizing about having the Doctor as his gay boyfriend, I guess.
Four stars for the two Krillitane episodes, two stars for the Lupari episode, but ZERO stars for the gay doctor story. (In the interviews, the director expressed his great pride at doing an el-jibbity episode, as if 80% of BF output doesn't already have el-jibbity content.)
The last one plays like bad fanfic. An author-insert that begins with the premise "what if the Doctor was my gay boyfriend?" And it's neither amusing nor interesting enough to rise above the material. Nor does it ever actually explain what the whole point of it all was. Except a writer fantasizing about having the Doctor as his gay boyfriend, I guess.
Four stars for the two Krillitane episodes, two stars for the Lupari episode, but ZERO stars for the gay doctor story. (In the interviews, the director expressed his great pride at doing an el-jibbity episode, as if 80% of BF output doesn't already have el-jibbity content.)
February 19, 2025
loved this boxset a lot !!!!
1. the krillitane feint - 5/5
WOW!!! hands down one of the best big finish stories i’ve listened. atmospheric, shocking and fun!
2. the dying breed - 4/5
not as memorable as the first instalment. i don’t listen to a lot of leela - so it was nice to mix things up.
3. the krillitane relic - 4.5
really love for these monsters - shame we only saw them once on tv!!! such an interesting concept - and a fantastic follow up with 7 and RAYYYYYYY. my beloved. it was a great to have sara back in the role after many years hoping she’d make a return <333
4. five hundred ways to leave your lover - 4/5
GAY. confusing in the beginning but got more interesting mid-to-end. stick with it! again, loved the monks arc on s12 and happy to see them back…
overall: 4.3/5
1. the krillitane feint - 5/5
WOW!!! hands down one of the best big finish stories i’ve listened. atmospheric, shocking and fun!
2. the dying breed - 4/5
not as memorable as the first instalment. i don’t listen to a lot of leela - so it was nice to mix things up.
3. the krillitane relic - 4.5
really love for these monsters - shame we only saw them once on tv!!! such an interesting concept - and a fantastic follow up with 7 and RAYYYYYYY. my beloved. it was a great to have sara back in the role after many years hoping she’d make a return <333
4. five hundred ways to leave your lover - 4/5
GAY. confusing in the beginning but got more interesting mid-to-end. stick with it! again, loved the monks arc on s12 and happy to see them back…
overall: 4.3/5
September 18, 2025
I ordered this and it took quite a while to arrive but in the end it did me a favour as i got to hear Rays stories in order and have to say really enjoyed Mr Dorney two scripts exciting stuff and definitely relistenable and continuing with Past Forward release and Sylvester continued in this with a strong performance and Ray continued as a strong interesting companion.When i finished with the first story i skipped the Lupari story(not my fave era of Doctor Who and jumped to the cast list on the CD cover so i kind of knew right away Wendy Padbury was in it and I thought the ending to the first story slightly open ended…but both stories very entertaining .Good stuff Mr Dorney.
I will do the other two at some later date
50 ways to leave your lover-i just did not get it at all-you bring back the Monks quite a great villain for this do they not have other more important things to alter is it meant to be serious or fun or what -anyways not likely to get a relisten i figured i did right picking this up brand new for 18 pounds.
Ok just the Lupari story to go but am i hopeful…maybe tom and Louise can save the day.
Well they didn’t and i cannot even remember the story now or a particularly standout performance i will keep the four stars for the two Krillitane episodes and ⭐️ for the other two.
I will do the other two at some later date
50 ways to leave your lover-i just did not get it at all-you bring back the Monks quite a great villain for this do they not have other more important things to alter is it meant to be serious or fun or what -anyways not likely to get a relisten i figured i did right picking this up brand new for 18 pounds.
Ok just the Lupari story to go but am i hopeful…maybe tom and Louise can save the day.
Well they didn’t and i cannot even remember the story now or a particularly standout performance i will keep the four stars for the two Krillitane episodes and ⭐️ for the other two.
March 26, 2025
I liked the way the Second and Seventh Doctor stories connected. K-9 was fun in the Fourth Doctor story. My favorite was the Eighth Doctor story, and it includes LGBTQ+ elements and fun character moments.
February 2, 2025
Excellent work.
March 13, 2025
3.5 I liked the 2nd and 3rd ones better than the 1st and 4th. Gotta love Lord K9 and the 7th Doctor asking Ray if she knows "Ice Ice Baby". 😂
April 24, 2025
The Krillitane stories were definitely the best two in this release, but all four here are really strong scripts with great acting on all sides.
I really loved "The Krillitane Relic" and I never thought I'd need to see an interaction between the Seventh Doctor and Zoe... Well, sort of, but without giving away, it still makes for a fantastic story and the actors played well off each other. It also aligns really smoothly with "School Reunion" in terms of continuity.
I really loved "The Krillitane Relic" and I never thought I'd need to see an interaction between the Seventh Doctor and Zoe... Well, sort of, but without giving away, it still makes for a fantastic story and the actors played well off each other. It also aligns really smoothly with "School Reunion" in terms of continuity.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews