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The Fifth Doctor Adventures #4
Doctor Who: The Fifth Doctor Box Set
This box set contains two stories across four discs, plus a bonus 'behind the scenes' CD.
Psychodrome by Jonathan Morris
Shortly after surviving the perils of Logopolis, Castrovalva and the machinations of the Master, the new Doctor and his new crew could be forgiven for wanting to take a breather from their tour of the galaxy. But when the TARDIS lands in a strange and unsettling environment, the urge to explore is irresistible... and trouble is only a few steps away.
The world they have found themselves in is populated by a wide variety of the strangest people imaginable - a crashed spacecraft here, a monastery there, even a regal court. And not everyone they meet has their best interests at heart.
With the TARDIS stolen, and the very environment itself out to get them, the travellers face a extremely personal threat. They'll have to work as a team if they want to get out alive... but can you really trust someone you barely know?
Iterations of I by John Dorney
The house on Fleming's Island had been left to rot. Ever since a strange and unexplained death soon after it was built, and plagued with troubling rumours about what lurked there, it remained empty and ignored for decades until the Cult moved in. As twenty people filled its many rooms, the eerie building seemed to be getting a new lease of life.
But now it is empty again. The cult found something in its corridors... and then vanished.
Trapped on the island one dark night, the Doctor, Tegan, Nyssa and Adric look into the building's mysteries, its stories of madness and death. Their only chance is to understand what terrible thing has been disturbed here... before it consumes them utterly.
Psychodrome by Jonathan Morris
Shortly after surviving the perils of Logopolis, Castrovalva and the machinations of the Master, the new Doctor and his new crew could be forgiven for wanting to take a breather from their tour of the galaxy. But when the TARDIS lands in a strange and unsettling environment, the urge to explore is irresistible... and trouble is only a few steps away.
The world they have found themselves in is populated by a wide variety of the strangest people imaginable - a crashed spacecraft here, a monastery there, even a regal court. And not everyone they meet has their best interests at heart.
With the TARDIS stolen, and the very environment itself out to get them, the travellers face a extremely personal threat. They'll have to work as a team if they want to get out alive... but can you really trust someone you barely know?
Iterations of I by John Dorney
The house on Fleming's Island had been left to rot. Ever since a strange and unexplained death soon after it was built, and plagued with troubling rumours about what lurked there, it remained empty and ignored for decades until the Cult moved in. As twenty people filled its many rooms, the eerie building seemed to be getting a new lease of life.
But now it is empty again. The cult found something in its corridors... and then vanished.
Trapped on the island one dark night, the Doctor, Tegan, Nyssa and Adric look into the building's mysteries, its stories of madness and death. Their only chance is to understand what terrible thing has been disturbed here... before it consumes them utterly.
- GenresDoctor WhoAudiobook
Audio CD
First published August 12, 2014
About the author
Jonathan Morris
210 books72 followersJonathan Morris is one of the most prolific and popular writers of Doctor Who books, including the highly-regarded novels 'Festival of Death' and 'Touched by an Angel' and the recent guide to monsters, 'The Monster Vault'. He has also written numerous comic strips, most of which were collected in 'The Child of Time', and audios for BBC Audio and Big Finish, including the highly-regarded comedies 'Max Warp' and 'The Auntie Matter', as well as the adaptation of Russell T Davies’ 'Damaged Goods'.
Recently he has started his own audio production company, Average Romp. Releases include a full-cast adaptation of Charles Dickens' The Chimes', an original play, 'When Michael Met Benny', and three episodes of a SF sitcom, 'Dick Dixon in the 21st Century'.
For details visit www.averageromp.com
He also originated his own series, Vienna and script-edited the Nigel Planer series 'Jeremiah Bourne in Time'. He’s also written documentaries and for TV sketch shows.
Librarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
Recently he has started his own audio production company, Average Romp. Releases include a full-cast adaptation of Charles Dickens' The Chimes', an original play, 'When Michael Met Benny', and three episodes of a SF sitcom, 'Dick Dixon in the 21st Century'.
For details visit www.averageromp.com
He also originated his own series, Vienna and script-edited the Nigel Planer series 'Jeremiah Bourne in Time'. He’s also written documentaries and for TV sketch shows.
Librarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 3, 2020
Psychodrome - One of the reoccurring themes of both the last season of Tom Baker as the Doctor & the first season of Peter Davison as the Doctor was questioning and exploring the nature of reality. This is beautifully illustrated in this audio-drama. It is set immediately following the events of Castrovalva and the characters are still somewhat unsure of this new Doctor and learning how to navigate dealing with him and one another. The actors do a beautiful job at recreating that sense and the script takes their state of mind into consideration and offers some wonderful character moments that build upon and illuminate these relationships. The sound design and music fit the time period and enhance that point in the continuity of the series. Basically it feels like a perfect fit. Kudos to the writer, director, producers, composer, sound engineers and cast on producing a gorgeous work that might even be better than the original episodes in falls between.
Iterations of I - I enjoyed this one, but after how good Psychodrome was (or at least for me), I think my expectations were set a bit too high (unfairly so) and that might be why I was a tad bit disappointed. In any case, this was entertaining and fun. And the actors again delivered the goods and truly re-inhabit their characters. To hear (as it’s only audio I had to stop myself from typing “see” as I really do see the characters while listening to their voices) the actors returning to their characters after so many years and doing it so brilliantly and seemingly effortlessly is really wonderful. And it was nice to see another maths themed episode for Adric to illustrate his obsession with theory and calculations was a lot of fun. It also ties in with the previous story and with the themes and reoccurring concepts from that season and era of the series really well. So all-in-all it’s quite good. I was just a tad bit disappointed (perhaps unfairly).
This set also includes the usual bonus disc of interviews with cast members and the writers. These are always a great and welcome addition.
Iterations of I - I enjoyed this one, but after how good Psychodrome was (or at least for me), I think my expectations were set a bit too high (unfairly so) and that might be why I was a tad bit disappointed. In any case, this was entertaining and fun. And the actors again delivered the goods and truly re-inhabit their characters. To hear (as it’s only audio I had to stop myself from typing “see” as I really do see the characters while listening to their voices) the actors returning to their characters after so many years and doing it so brilliantly and seemingly effortlessly is really wonderful. And it was nice to see another maths themed episode for Adric to illustrate his obsession with theory and calculations was a lot of fun. It also ties in with the previous story and with the themes and reoccurring concepts from that season and era of the series really well. So all-in-all it’s quite good. I was just a tad bit disappointed (perhaps unfairly).
This set also includes the usual bonus disc of interviews with cast members and the writers. These are always a great and welcome addition.
August 18, 2018
A ”special collection” of two 2-hour stories, this marks the first appearance of Matthew Waterhouse as Adric in a BF production. Given that Adric is often listed as the single least popular companion in
Doctor Who
history, and that that was at least partially down to Waterhouse’s lacklustre performance in the role, I confess to approaching this with some trepidation. Fortunately, however, not only is Adric written better here, but Waterhouse’s many years on the stage since what was, after all, his first acting role, has clearly paid off. On the other hand, he’s obviously no longer a teenager, and his voice has unavoidably changed rather a lot since he was one, which I initially found a little distracting.
* Psychodrome
Set immediately after the events of the TV story Castrovalva, this story involves the Doctor and companions landing on a mysterious world where they are not the only strangers. It’s initially slow, and a little confusing, with an unusually large number of guest characters divided up into the four rival groups on the planet. We’re into the second 30-minute episode before it becomes clear what’s really going on, but, once it does, the story greatly improves as everything that’s already happened falls into place.
The story has two particular strengths. Firstly, it fits beautifully into its slot within the TV series. It’s not just the presence of Adric, and the fact that the Fifth Doctor (for, I believe, the first time in a BF story) still has his sonic screwdriver. It’s the references to recent past adventures – Castrovalva and Logopolis play heavily into it, but there are plenty of direct connections to events of the Fourth Doctor’s final season, from Full Circle onwards. In fact, if you’re a new series fan, and haven’t seen those, this story will probably make less sense, and certainly have less impact.
Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, it builds on those stories to really explore the budding relationship between the recently regenerated Doctor, Adric, and their two new companions. We get to see many of the things that the series at the time never bothered with (and that the new series generally does much better), with characters reflecting on their past experiences, and what they want for the future. It’s these relationships that are the real core of the story, showing the formation of a dynamic among the TARDIS crew that’s glossed over in the original, essentially popping into existence between Castrovalva and Four to Doomsday.
So this story not only obviously belongs where it’s set within the original running order, but actually expands and improves upon the character-based elements of the TV show, with some great insights into the minds of those involved, the Doctor included. I’ll deduct half a star for the early segments, but that’s all. (4.5 stars)
* Iterations of i
This begins as a ghost story set on a rain-swept islet off the coast of Ireland in 1981. These elements alone are very good, setting the scene and revealing the basic mystery of the house and its former occupants. With most of the characters in this particular TARDIS crew being inclined to science and reason, they search for an explanation that can be couched in scientific terms (something that not all writers of tie-in works set in this era have necessarily followed). When they find it, it's a particularly interesting explanation, and one that's quite high concept by DW standards.
The monster, the i of the title, does bear a superficial resemblance to others that have been used in previous audios, although the specifics are different. However, it is very well handled here, a mysterious presence that's never quite seen - indeed, that can't normally be seen at all - and whose motives are as much a puzzle as its nature. Once the details do finally become clear, we have an exciting climax in a race against time.
Once again, Adric is well used here, in a story that's particularly suited to his talents. Nyssa is somewhat more peripheral, although far from ignored, but Tegan's personality, and the Doctor's occasional exasperation with her, do shine through. There are also quite a lot of puns to break the tension in what's mainly a dark and atmospheric story, and some nice reminders of the '80s setting.
Of course, this isn't hard science fiction, and, looked at in that way, the story is not rigorously scientific, instead using the language of science (specifically, mathematics) to describe something that is, from a narrative point of view, purely supernatural. But doing it in this way does fit with the era (one thinks, in particular, of Castrovalva), and does not in any way detract from the story. Perhaps more importantly, given the theme of the box set, it's good to see Adric written well, shorn of the sexism and sulkiness that he was often written with on TV, yet without wholly making him a different character. (5 stars).
* Psychodrome
Set immediately after the events of the TV story Castrovalva, this story involves the Doctor and companions landing on a mysterious world where they are not the only strangers. It’s initially slow, and a little confusing, with an unusually large number of guest characters divided up into the four rival groups on the planet. We’re into the second 30-minute episode before it becomes clear what’s really going on, but, once it does, the story greatly improves as everything that’s already happened falls into place.
The story has two particular strengths. Firstly, it fits beautifully into its slot within the TV series. It’s not just the presence of Adric, and the fact that the Fifth Doctor (for, I believe, the first time in a BF story) still has his sonic screwdriver. It’s the references to recent past adventures – Castrovalva and Logopolis play heavily into it, but there are plenty of direct connections to events of the Fourth Doctor’s final season, from Full Circle onwards. In fact, if you’re a new series fan, and haven’t seen those, this story will probably make less sense, and certainly have less impact.
Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, it builds on those stories to really explore the budding relationship between the recently regenerated Doctor, Adric, and their two new companions. We get to see many of the things that the series at the time never bothered with (and that the new series generally does much better), with characters reflecting on their past experiences, and what they want for the future. It’s these relationships that are the real core of the story, showing the formation of a dynamic among the TARDIS crew that’s glossed over in the original, essentially popping into existence between Castrovalva and Four to Doomsday.
So this story not only obviously belongs where it’s set within the original running order, but actually expands and improves upon the character-based elements of the TV show, with some great insights into the minds of those involved, the Doctor included. I’ll deduct half a star for the early segments, but that’s all. (4.5 stars)
* Iterations of i
This begins as a ghost story set on a rain-swept islet off the coast of Ireland in 1981. These elements alone are very good, setting the scene and revealing the basic mystery of the house and its former occupants. With most of the characters in this particular TARDIS crew being inclined to science and reason, they search for an explanation that can be couched in scientific terms (something that not all writers of tie-in works set in this era have necessarily followed). When they find it, it's a particularly interesting explanation, and one that's quite high concept by DW standards.
The monster, the i of the title, does bear a superficial resemblance to others that have been used in previous audios, although the specifics are different. However, it is very well handled here, a mysterious presence that's never quite seen - indeed, that can't normally be seen at all - and whose motives are as much a puzzle as its nature. Once the details do finally become clear, we have an exciting climax in a race against time.
Once again, Adric is well used here, in a story that's particularly suited to his talents. Nyssa is somewhat more peripheral, although far from ignored, but Tegan's personality, and the Doctor's occasional exasperation with her, do shine through. There are also quite a lot of puns to break the tension in what's mainly a dark and atmospheric story, and some nice reminders of the '80s setting.
Of course, this isn't hard science fiction, and, looked at in that way, the story is not rigorously scientific, instead using the language of science (specifically, mathematics) to describe something that is, from a narrative point of view, purely supernatural. But doing it in this way does fit with the era (one thinks, in particular, of Castrovalva), and does not in any way detract from the story. Perhaps more importantly, given the theme of the box set, it's good to see Adric written well, shorn of the sexism and sulkiness that he was often written with on TV, yet without wholly making him a different character. (5 stars).
January 18, 2019
I know there's two stories in this boxset, but yeah they both get the good ol 5 stars.
Adric is back! I missed that a few years ago, but with my thirst for BF Audios reignited I immediately looked towards the 5th Doctor. He's my favourite after all.
Psychodrome first and I won't spoil it, but its fantastic stuff. It fits perfectly straight after Castrovalva. Nyssa, Tegan and Adric don't entirely trust the Doctor yet or each other and Jonathan Morris really explores that in this story. Waterhouse sounds different, he is older after all, but he does try to project that younger self and it works. Prepare yourself though, if you didn't like Adric, he is very much season 19 here. Lastly there are some great twists and turns and some wonderful foreshadowing for all the regulars.
Iterations of I, by John Dorney is also fantastic, but completely different. I know this box set is a couple of years old, but I don't want to spoil anything. To dive into the plot of this one will say too much. Needless to saw the crew lands on an island with a dark horrifying mystery, that unfolds at a nice pace.
Adric is back! I missed that a few years ago, but with my thirst for BF Audios reignited I immediately looked towards the 5th Doctor. He's my favourite after all.
Psychodrome first and I won't spoil it, but its fantastic stuff. It fits perfectly straight after Castrovalva. Nyssa, Tegan and Adric don't entirely trust the Doctor yet or each other and Jonathan Morris really explores that in this story. Waterhouse sounds different, he is older after all, but he does try to project that younger self and it works. Prepare yourself though, if you didn't like Adric, he is very much season 19 here. Lastly there are some great twists and turns and some wonderful foreshadowing for all the regulars.
Iterations of I, by John Dorney is also fantastic, but completely different. I know this box set is a couple of years old, but I don't want to spoil anything. To dive into the plot of this one will say too much. Needless to saw the crew lands on an island with a dark horrifying mystery, that unfolds at a nice pace.
April 20, 2023
Doctor Who: The Fifth Doctor Adventures Volume 01 - 3.5/5 stars
1.1 Psychodrome by Jonathan Morris - 4/5 stars
A creative and fun story where the Season 19 TARDIS team go through a bit of therapy getting to learn more about how each other feels about their situation travelling with the Doctor and how they feel about each other.
This gives such an exciting expansion on the characters you love and hate from the TV series and makes them a bit more complex, something the older series didn’t always do with the companions.
1.2 Iterations of I by John Dorney - 3/5 stars
This one was pretty decent. A haunted house story with a pretty forgettable set of side characters that are killed off over the run time. I liked bits of this story but have to be honest in saying this one was a bit of a drag for me in parts.
The mystery was cool. I liked part 1’s exploration. The cliffhangers weren’t great, however.
1.1 Psychodrome by Jonathan Morris - 4/5 stars
A creative and fun story where the Season 19 TARDIS team go through a bit of therapy getting to learn more about how each other feels about their situation travelling with the Doctor and how they feel about each other.
This gives such an exciting expansion on the characters you love and hate from the TV series and makes them a bit more complex, something the older series didn’t always do with the companions.
1.2 Iterations of I by John Dorney - 3/5 stars
This one was pretty decent. A haunted house story with a pretty forgettable set of side characters that are killed off over the run time. I liked bits of this story but have to be honest in saying this one was a bit of a drag for me in parts.
The mystery was cool. I liked part 1’s exploration. The cliffhangers weren’t great, however.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2023
Between the two stories, I definitely prefer Psychodrome. Has apparently the earliest instance of The Doctor saying, “Brave heart, Tegan,” which she doesn’t like. The idea of people who only exist because of the TARDIS crew’s presence and thoughts, and the fact they kind of view them as gods in a way, is such an interesting idea. Iterations if I had some thrills to it as well. Apparently this box set is Matthew Waterhouse’s first time doing Adric for Big Finish, and he sounds rusty here to my ears.
July 10, 2017
The Doctor, Teagan, Nyssa, and Adric have 2 adventures. The first is when they first meet the Doctor after the Castrovalva adventure and they land on a planet that reads their minds to create an anxiety adventure. The second is on earth in the 80's involving a computer infecting people.
December 16, 2025
4.5 Stars - Surprised by how good the quality of these two stories are. They are not related narrative wise but just great quality and authentic feeling 5th Doctor stories. The first story is a 4.8 or 5 star story.
January 24, 2018
Bloody FANTASTIC!
March 18, 2024
1.1 'Psychodrome' by Jonathan Morris: 4*
1.2 'Iterations of I' by John Dorney: 5*
1.2 'Iterations of I' by John Dorney: 5*
August 12, 2015
This was quite fun. The first adventure was very much like the 5th Doctor stories of the 80s, with added characterisation. It was fun to see what everyone thought of each other and the plot had quite a few twists and turns.
Iterations of I was quite spooky and one I definitely want to listen to again. It had some of the best possession I've heard on audio. The ending was a little unsatisfactory though. But a very interesting concept all around and was executed really well.
I have to say these would have both been really great main range stories. I suppose the difference was the added Adric. It was interesting to have his character back, but it reminded me that I really don't like him. Matthew doing the voice higher just sounded a little too fake and honestly I think I would have preferred it to be just Peter and the two women. But I'm glad I had a got a copy and will definitely listen to it again.
Iterations of I was quite spooky and one I definitely want to listen to again. It had some of the best possession I've heard on audio. The ending was a little unsatisfactory though. But a very interesting concept all around and was executed really well.
I have to say these would have both been really great main range stories. I suppose the difference was the added Adric. It was interesting to have his character back, but it reminded me that I really don't like him. Matthew doing the voice higher just sounded a little too fake and honestly I think I would have preferred it to be just Peter and the two women. But I'm glad I had a got a copy and will definitely listen to it again.
September 20, 2014
Well, it was delightful to have stories with the Doctor, Nyssa, Teagan, and Adric again. And I really liked the setting of the first story, "Psychodrome," immediately after the regeneration from the 4th to 5th Doctors. But I think the second story, "Iterations of I," captured the spirit of those early 5th Doctor stories much better, and was wonderfully conceived and written (the conceit of a sentient number or equation is quite a brilliant one, if not completely original).
September 13, 2014
Excellent pair of psychological Doctor Who mysteries.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews