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Big Finish: Monthly Range #6
Doctor Who: The Marian Conspiracy
Tracking a nexus point in time, the Doctor meets Dr Evelyn Smythe, a history lecturer whose own history seems to be rapidly vanishing.
The Doctor must travel back to Tudor times to stabilise the nexus and save Evelyn's life. But there he meets the Queen of England and must use all his skills of diplomacy to avoid ending up on the headman's block...
The Doctor must travel back to Tudor times to stabilise the nexus and save Evelyn's life. But there he meets the Queen of England and must use all his skills of diplomacy to avoid ending up on the headman's block...
2 pages, Audio CD
First published March 1, 2000
2 people are currently reading
260 people want to read
About the author
Jacqueline Rayner
133 books168 followersJacqueline Rayner is a best selling British author, best known for her work with the licensed fiction based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who.
Her first professional writing credit came when she adapted Paul Cornell's Virgin New Adventure novel Oh No It Isn't! for the audio format, the first release by Big Finish. (The novel featured the character of Bernice Summerfield and was part of a spin-off series from Doctor Who.) She went on to do five of the six Bernice Summerfield audio adaptations and further work for Big Finish before going to work for BBC Books on their Doctor Who lines.
Her first novels came in 2001, with the Eighth Doctor Adventures novel EarthWorld for BBC Books and the Bernice Summerfield novel The Squire's Crystal for Big Finish. Rayner has written several other Doctor Who spin-offs and was also for a period the executive producer for the BBC on the Big Finish range of Doctor Who audio dramas. She has also contributed to the audio range as a writer. In all, her Doctor Who and related work (Bernice Summerfield stories), consists of five novels, a number of short stories and four original audio plays.
Rayner has edited several anthologies of Doctor Who short stories, mainly for Big Finish, and done work for Doctor Who Magazine. Beyond Doctor Who, her work includes the children's television tie-in book Horses Like Blaze.
With the start of the new television series of Doctor Who in 2005 and a shift in the BBC's Doctor Who related book output, Rayner has become, along with Justin Richards and Stephen Cole, one of the regular authors of the BBC's New Series Adventures. She has also abridged several of the books to be made into audiobooks.
She was also a member of Doctor Who Magazine's original Time Team.
Her first professional writing credit came when she adapted Paul Cornell's Virgin New Adventure novel Oh No It Isn't! for the audio format, the first release by Big Finish. (The novel featured the character of Bernice Summerfield and was part of a spin-off series from Doctor Who.) She went on to do five of the six Bernice Summerfield audio adaptations and further work for Big Finish before going to work for BBC Books on their Doctor Who lines.
Her first novels came in 2001, with the Eighth Doctor Adventures novel EarthWorld for BBC Books and the Bernice Summerfield novel The Squire's Crystal for Big Finish. Rayner has written several other Doctor Who spin-offs and was also for a period the executive producer for the BBC on the Big Finish range of Doctor Who audio dramas. She has also contributed to the audio range as a writer. In all, her Doctor Who and related work (Bernice Summerfield stories), consists of five novels, a number of short stories and four original audio plays.
Rayner has edited several anthologies of Doctor Who short stories, mainly for Big Finish, and done work for Doctor Who Magazine. Beyond Doctor Who, her work includes the children's television tie-in book Horses Like Blaze.
With the start of the new television series of Doctor Who in 2005 and a shift in the BBC's Doctor Who related book output, Rayner has become, along with Justin Richards and Stephen Cole, one of the regular authors of the BBC's New Series Adventures. She has also abridged several of the books to be made into audiobooks.
She was also a member of Doctor Who Magazine's original Time Team.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
January 16, 2019
Big Finish have produced so many great stories, but it’s the reappraisal of Colin’s Doctor that is easy their most important output.
The introduction of Evelyn Smythe as a companion really does benefit he’s incarnation of The Doctor.
Whilst tracking a nexus point in time, The Doctor mets history lecturer Dr. Smythe. He must travel back to the Tudor period to stabilise the nexuses point and help save Evelyn from disappearing from history.
It’s a perfect pure historical adventure.
The scenes with Evelyn in the ale house are so vividly brought to life, with her knowledge of the time it really helps the listen to get an understanding of the period.
Both Baker and Stables are a perfect combination, there’s a slight echo of school teacher Barbara softening the First Doctor too.
They’ve got a great chemistry between them, I’m looking forward to hearing more adventures with the pair.
The introduction of Evelyn Smythe as a companion really does benefit he’s incarnation of The Doctor.
Whilst tracking a nexus point in time, The Doctor mets history lecturer Dr. Smythe. He must travel back to the Tudor period to stabilise the nexuses point and help save Evelyn from disappearing from history.
It’s a perfect pure historical adventure.
The scenes with Evelyn in the ale house are so vividly brought to life, with her knowledge of the time it really helps the listen to get an understanding of the period.
Both Baker and Stables are a perfect combination, there’s a slight echo of school teacher Barbara softening the First Doctor too.
They’ve got a great chemistry between them, I’m looking forward to hearing more adventures with the pair.
July 29, 2013
This was very enjoyable, clearly Big Finish have more or less hit their stride by now. I wonder if the writers of the modern Doctor Who series studied these plays in detail, because in some ways, Evelyn Smythe is like a proto-Donna, someone who can match the Doctor in temperament, and foists herself into the TARDIS in search of the adventure of a lifetime, whether or not the Doctor wants her to. Better still, someone who doesn't get all cow-eyed over the Doctor, Donna being the only modern companion not do so. On the other hand, she is a professor in her 50s - this would not have sat well with either Davies or Moff who see the role of companion quite firmly as 'something for the dads'.
Anyway, there's a time nexus that centres on the Prof, and her whole family history is in danger of being wiped out with unknown consequences for the world at large, so she tags along with Peacock Doctor to the Elizabethan era, only winding up a few years early, as Smythe discovers when she raises a toast to 'good Queen Bess' in a taverns and is greeted with cries of 'kill the traitor'! She falls in with Protestant rebels plotting against Mary, while the Doctor becomes Mary's pet physician. There is a great character moment when the Doc, contemplating the complex knots of intentions and actions, confesses to a lady-in-waiting that he has done terrible things, all with the best intentions.
Complex plot, great dialogue, a mix of the strange and familiar, a fantastic companion - this play has it all. Even the end, when Smythe gets the Doctor to rescue two Protestants she has made friends with from Mary's barbecue of heretics, reminds one of Donna's plea to the Doctor to 'at least save someone' in Pompeii. As it turns out, this won't be the last Big Finish audio to inspire elements in NuWho.
Anyway, there's a time nexus that centres on the Prof, and her whole family history is in danger of being wiped out with unknown consequences for the world at large, so she tags along with Peacock Doctor to the Elizabethan era, only winding up a few years early, as Smythe discovers when she raises a toast to 'good Queen Bess' in a taverns and is greeted with cries of 'kill the traitor'! She falls in with Protestant rebels plotting against Mary, while the Doctor becomes Mary's pet physician. There is a great character moment when the Doc, contemplating the complex knots of intentions and actions, confesses to a lady-in-waiting that he has done terrible things, all with the best intentions.
Complex plot, great dialogue, a mix of the strange and familiar, a fantastic companion - this play has it all. Even the end, when Smythe gets the Doctor to rescue two Protestants she has made friends with from Mary's barbecue of heretics, reminds one of Donna's plea to the Doctor to 'at least save someone' in Pompeii. As it turns out, this won't be the last Big Finish audio to inspire elements in NuWho.
February 10, 2017
A great kick-off to the sequence of stories featuring Evelyn Smythe -- an elderly history professor -- as the Doctor's traveling companion.
This sequence of stories is one of the best runs of Doctor Who that Big Finish has done. Almost every one is a keeper, and that's all thanks to the relationship that develops between Evelyn and the Doctor. They squabble like an old married couple, but they have a deep and abiding respect for each other as well. There's tragedy and heartbreak and some unexpected joys and several partings ahead for those who start this sequence.
But here it's just plain old fun as the Doctor tries to track down a time anomally that might be linked to Eveyln, and brings her along.
Maggie Stables was a gem. She will be missed.
This sequence of stories is one of the best runs of Doctor Who that Big Finish has done. Almost every one is a keeper, and that's all thanks to the relationship that develops between Evelyn and the Doctor. They squabble like an old married couple, but they have a deep and abiding respect for each other as well. There's tragedy and heartbreak and some unexpected joys and several partings ahead for those who start this sequence.
But here it's just plain old fun as the Doctor tries to track down a time anomally that might be linked to Eveyln, and brings her along.
Maggie Stables was a gem. She will be missed.
Read
January 2, 2024Currently 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.
March 10, 2023
Now this is what im talking about! This is why you get big finish, to take the doctor somewhere he hasn't been before, to bring in a new fun companion and see what happens! This has the sprinklings of a classic adventure! I frankly loved it 🥰
December 22, 2020
4.5 stars A very enjoyable first outing with Evelyn Smythe and the 6th Doctor.
September 10, 2013
I haven't been crazy for most of the Historical audios I have listened to, but this one was a wonderful surprise. The chemistry between Evelyn and the Doctor is just fantastic, probably one of my favorite companion/doctor combinations of all time, and it's only been the first serial! She actually reminds me quite a lot of an older version of Donna Noble. As for the audio, it was able to keep my attention for almost the whole entire time, and all the characters were amazing, and it was surprisingly fast paced for a Historical as well as featuring an older companion! If someone who had never listened to Big Finish asked me where I would recommend starting, this would definitely be one of the first few audios I would select!
April 8, 2022
A solid, fun, Colin Baker story. WIth a new companion and a refreshingly, non-alien, history story as the Doctor tries to stop a nexus event altering Tudor history. A slightly nothing ending, and a weird refusal to use (what I thought was) an obvious trick to escape a dungeon were the only wrinkles.
October 16, 2025
I really didn’t expect much of this story, as I personally don’t really care about the Tudor history. I was then surprised by how engrossed I became in the plot, and really hooked by the drama. Ultimately it is your typical Doctor Who historical, with a tiny bit of sci-fi in the mix. We are also introduced to the newest companion of the 6th Doctor; Evelyn Smythe. Considering the set-up of her being a professor and not taking any lip from the Doctor, I presumed I wouldn’t like her, but by the end of the story I absolutely loved her. A strong female character who plays off this incarnation of the Doctor perfectly, even more so than Peri I might say. Her being the driving force behind the side plot, which ultimately played into the whole conspiracy was great; really allowing Maggie Stables to give a wonderful and memorable performance.
The supporting cast give some strong performances, bar the French ambassador whose acting does stray into melodrama at times. There is a received pronunciation in their dialogue, so that does allow you to immerse yourself in the imagery of the time period. Ultimately the conspiracy is predictable, but the twists are rather good; especially when you get to the final episode. I did find there were some not so impressive cliffhangers, so that did interrupt the suspense a bit but for the most part I found myself really engaged with the story. What’s impressive is that the story really did what the tv stories tried in pure historicals; teach me history! Learning about Elizabeth and Mary, and Tudor times themselves were surprisingly interesting.
There was a healthy balance of drama and humor in the story, and that was delightful in not having to keep remember who’s on what side of good and bad; instead being able to have a small laugh every now and then as an interlude. I found this Tardis team really interesting, and I think that going forward, they warmed to each other by the end and now are a great duo. The lack of a tangible monster or bad guy, instead just a clash of Catholic/Protestant fighting was an interesting choice, working in the historical framework of the narrative, but really missing a bit of menace or suspense. The story was also rich with incidental music, and that really helped with the imagery too, feeling as if you are in these Tudor times thanks to all the elements I’ve mentioned so far. The pacing was very well executed, and there were plenty of opportunities other than the humour to stop for breath, before having to catch up on three to four betrayals per episode.
All in all, I really did enjoy this story and even though it was a historical story set in a time I don’t care about; I was very entertained. It certainly wasn’t flawless with for example little bits of hammy acting here and there, but the strengths certainly outweighed the stories less effective moments.
The supporting cast give some strong performances, bar the French ambassador whose acting does stray into melodrama at times. There is a received pronunciation in their dialogue, so that does allow you to immerse yourself in the imagery of the time period. Ultimately the conspiracy is predictable, but the twists are rather good; especially when you get to the final episode. I did find there were some not so impressive cliffhangers, so that did interrupt the suspense a bit but for the most part I found myself really engaged with the story. What’s impressive is that the story really did what the tv stories tried in pure historicals; teach me history! Learning about Elizabeth and Mary, and Tudor times themselves were surprisingly interesting.
There was a healthy balance of drama and humor in the story, and that was delightful in not having to keep remember who’s on what side of good and bad; instead being able to have a small laugh every now and then as an interlude. I found this Tardis team really interesting, and I think that going forward, they warmed to each other by the end and now are a great duo. The lack of a tangible monster or bad guy, instead just a clash of Catholic/Protestant fighting was an interesting choice, working in the historical framework of the narrative, but really missing a bit of menace or suspense. The story was also rich with incidental music, and that really helped with the imagery too, feeling as if you are in these Tudor times thanks to all the elements I’ve mentioned so far. The pacing was very well executed, and there were plenty of opportunities other than the humour to stop for breath, before having to catch up on three to four betrayals per episode.
All in all, I really did enjoy this story and even though it was a historical story set in a time I don’t care about; I was very entertained. It certainly wasn’t flawless with for example little bits of hammy acting here and there, but the strengths certainly outweighed the stories less effective moments.
May 12, 2017
I'm particularly fond of this one: this is where I came in to Big Finish... a very long time ago even though it feels like yesterday; this one is part of the first batch of CDs I bought, I'm not sure if I started listening with this one or Doctor Who: The Chimes of Midnight but this is the one I try to "sell" to people when I say Big Finish does the Sixth Doctor so very well. I didn't know at the time how early it was in the monthly releases and I'm surprised about that, it really feels like BF got the right formula early.
About the story: the Doctor meets Evelyn Smythe when he disturbs one of her lectures on Queen Elisabeth the First. He is seeking what is causing a time disturbance, Evelyn is literally related to it... her ancestors are being erased from history and our curious Doctor goes off with her to investigate and that's how the two of them come to travel to England under the rule of Queen Mary Tudor. From there, there's plots, counterplots with a good dose of adventures.
Like I mentioned earlier, I think it's a great story: the Sixth is perfect; at my first listening, I thought this had a lot to do with not seeing the costume and I still think that's part of it, but the writing, the acting that is much more important; a new companion is always exciting be it on the telly or audio; historicals are often my favorites and getting Queen Mary is a treat, I didn't know a lot about her when I listened to this first (not even sure, I knew she existed, English history is not a priority in Quebec's classrooms) and I found that the story gave a lot of interesting information about the reign and yet didn't get bogged down by historical accuracy, it isn't as fast paced as running from the Daleks, but I thought it had a nice rhythm.
All in all an excellent audio.
About the story: the Doctor meets Evelyn Smythe when he disturbs one of her lectures on Queen Elisabeth the First. He is seeking what is causing a time disturbance, Evelyn is literally related to it... her ancestors are being erased from history and our curious Doctor goes off with her to investigate and that's how the two of them come to travel to England under the rule of Queen Mary Tudor. From there, there's plots, counterplots with a good dose of adventures.
Like I mentioned earlier, I think it's a great story: the Sixth is perfect; at my first listening, I thought this had a lot to do with not seeing the costume and I still think that's part of it, but the writing, the acting that is much more important; a new companion is always exciting be it on the telly or audio; historicals are often my favorites and getting Queen Mary is a treat, I didn't know a lot about her when I listened to this first (not even sure, I knew she existed, English history is not a priority in Quebec's classrooms) and I found that the story gave a lot of interesting information about the reign and yet didn't get bogged down by historical accuracy, it isn't as fast paced as running from the Daleks, but I thought it had a nice rhythm.
All in all an excellent audio.
March 24, 2023
you know, having just finished 'the fearmonger' i was not expecting to enjoy the following story more. but this audio drama single-handedly brought six up in my rankings, like several spots. i can finally say i love six. not kidding. but beyond that there is so much to love about this.
i have said this several times on several different platforms: i am a sucker for a historical doctor who adventure. and i quite love the tudor era. but beyond that: the plot, the companion, the intrigue. all of it is top tier. i'm saying it right here: this is better than 'the fearmonger'.
i really enjoyed evelyn smithe and i can't wait to get more of her. after finishing my rewatch of the entire modern era last year, she feels so fresh. i can understand how she might be everyone's cup of tea, but i really enjoy. she's this charming but a bit quirky type of an older character i really enjoy. and i really enjoy her dynamic with the doctor. and how six just accepted that she's coming along.
but then the story. i am a sucker for time travel shenanigans stories. now that might sound like a very weird comment when talking about doctor who. it is a time travel story after all. but we all know that for most of doctor who stories the time travel is just used as backdrop for, well, dropping us in whatever adventure we're taking part of. i love it when time travel and/or paradoxes to do with time and a crucial part of the story. and sprinkle in a bit of commentary. *chef's kiss*
all in all, this story just had all the qualities of a doctor who story for me. it's not the recipe for a favourite story of all time. but it's on that list of stories that i can just consume again and again.
i have said this several times on several different platforms: i am a sucker for a historical doctor who adventure. and i quite love the tudor era. but beyond that: the plot, the companion, the intrigue. all of it is top tier. i'm saying it right here: this is better than 'the fearmonger'.
i really enjoyed evelyn smithe and i can't wait to get more of her. after finishing my rewatch of the entire modern era last year, she feels so fresh. i can understand how she might be everyone's cup of tea, but i really enjoy. she's this charming but a bit quirky type of an older character i really enjoy. and i really enjoy her dynamic with the doctor. and how six just accepted that she's coming along.
but then the story. i am a sucker for time travel shenanigans stories. now that might sound like a very weird comment when talking about doctor who. it is a time travel story after all. but we all know that for most of doctor who stories the time travel is just used as backdrop for, well, dropping us in whatever adventure we're taking part of. i love it when time travel and/or paradoxes to do with time and a crucial part of the story. and sprinkle in a bit of commentary. *chef's kiss*
all in all, this story just had all the qualities of a doctor who story for me. it's not the recipe for a favourite story of all time. but it's on that list of stories that i can just consume again and again.
December 13, 2025
The 150 Prompt Doctor Who Reading Challenge - Fifth Doctor - 1) A Kinder Time Lord - Read A Book With A Compassionate Protagonist Who Avoids Violence.
This is probably one of my Sixth Doctor Big Finish audios. Not only is the Sixth Doctor really likeable and very "Doctor-ish", Evelyn Smythe is really cool. As somebody who is into history, her character really appeals to me, and I spent a lot of time cracking up when she speaks because what she says is exactly what most historians would say. Well, maybe, not every Tudor era expert historians would make the mistake of saying Queen Elizabeth when they're in the era of Queen Mary, but honestly, I had to pause the story because I was laughing too hard.
I just love the way the two characters interact. I think this specific Doctor really benefits from having an older companion who knows who they are and won't take no stick from anybody - especially a time traveler who thinks he knows better. I do also like that Evelyn is an older companion because it's so nice to get older representation in Doctor Who, especially when the vast majority of companions in Modern Doctor Who have been younger people, so I really appreciate Big Finish's experimentation in creating Evelyn Smythe as the first "for Big Finish companion".
I also really liked the scenes with the Doctor and Evelyn in the Tower of London when they discussed the rules to time travel and the rules for travelling in the TARDIS and the no violence just to have to knock a guard out with a chair.
This is probably one of my Sixth Doctor Big Finish audios. Not only is the Sixth Doctor really likeable and very "Doctor-ish", Evelyn Smythe is really cool. As somebody who is into history, her character really appeals to me, and I spent a lot of time cracking up when she speaks because what she says is exactly what most historians would say. Well, maybe, not every Tudor era expert historians would make the mistake of saying Queen Elizabeth when they're in the era of Queen Mary, but honestly, I had to pause the story because I was laughing too hard.
I just love the way the two characters interact. I think this specific Doctor really benefits from having an older companion who knows who they are and won't take no stick from anybody - especially a time traveler who thinks he knows better. I do also like that Evelyn is an older companion because it's so nice to get older representation in Doctor Who, especially when the vast majority of companions in Modern Doctor Who have been younger people, so I really appreciate Big Finish's experimentation in creating Evelyn Smythe as the first "for Big Finish companion".
I also really liked the scenes with the Doctor and Evelyn in the Tower of London when they discussed the rules to time travel and the rules for travelling in the TARDIS and the no violence just to have to knock a guard out with a chair.
January 15, 2021
あらすじ
Part1
大学で講義中だった歴史学者のイブリンの前にドクターが現れる。ドクターは時間軸に影響を及ぼしているネクサス・ポイントを探しており、センサーがイブリンに反応したと説明。イブリンの祖先はエリザベス女王に使えていたジョン・ホワイト・スミスというが、疑うドクターに資料を見せようとすると、書かれていた文字が消えている。イブリンが異変に関係していると確信したドクターはイブリンをつれてエリザベス女王の治世下にターディスで飛ぶ。しかし、到着したのはまだメアリー女王が統治している時代のイギリスだった。
Part2
エリザベスを擁立して謀反を企んでいると誤解されたイブリン。しかし、パブで知り合ったジョージ・クローとウィリアム・リーフはイブリンがエリザベス派であることを喜び、レヴェレンド・トーマスというプロテスタントの牧師に引きあわせる。彼らはプロテスタントを迫害するメアリーの治世をどうにかしたいと考えていた。一方、メアリーに謁見したドクターはすっかり気に入られ、相談役に引き立てられる。ドクターはメアリーの侍女レディ・サラに頼んで、イブリンを迎えにいってもらうが、このことでトマスはイブリンがメアリーのスパイなのではないかと疑う。一方、ドクターがトラブルに巻き込まれたのかと心配したイブリンはドクターの元に赴こうとするが、激しい頭痛に見舞われ、体が透けはじめる。
Part3
そこへイブリンが忘れていったバックを届けに来たトーマスが現れ、バックの中にはドクターがイブリンに渡していたネクサス・ポイントの影響を防ぐためのディバイスのおかげで、症状はおさまる。イブリンはドクターと合流するが、メアリーの前に出たとたん、ノリスが飛び込んできて、イブリンが毒殺を企んでいると告発。しかし、ノリスが証拠として糾弾した薬はイブリンの頭痛薬のことで、ドクターの機転で事なきを得る。豊かな知識で的確なアドバイスができるドクターをメアリーは大いに気に入り、褒美に妻になる相手を探すことを約束する。その候補として侍女のサラをあげてきた。サラのフルネームを知ったエリザベスにつかえていた自分の祖先の父親はドクターなのではないかと考える。しかし、イブリンが話した歴史によればその人物はメアリーに処刑されることになっているのだ。それをドクターが指摘した時、反逆者として逮捕されたトーマスに共謀者として名前を挙げられた二人は逮捕されロンドン塔に投獄される。
Part４
ロンドン塔に歴史学者としての血が騒ぎ大喜びするイブリン。歴史的事実である1958年よりも先にメアリーが暗殺されると歴史が変わり、イブリンは消えてしまう。メアリーの暗殺を防ぐため、イブリンとドクターはロンドン塔を脱獄する。しかし、それはメアリーによるプロテスタントの迫害を止めることはできずイブリンが知り合い、意気投合したジョージやウィリアムを見殺しにすることを意味していた。
感想
Big Finishオリジナルのコンパニオン、イブリン登場。58歳の歴史学者イブリンは好奇心たっぷりのお節介なところのある明るいキャラクター。6thドクターとのコンビネーションはとてもいい。6thドクターはちょっと悲観的なところがあるので、イブリンのあっけらかんさがとても救いになっている。メアリー女王がブロッディ・メアリーとあだ名されるようになったプロテスタント迫害を通して、ドクターも自分が侵した罪に思いをはせるところが興味深い。
Part1
大学で講義中だった歴史学者のイブリンの前にドクターが現れる。ドクターは時間軸に影響を及ぼしているネクサス・ポイントを探しており、センサーがイブリンに反応したと説明。イブリンの祖先はエリザベス女王に使えていたジョン・ホワイト・スミスというが、疑うドクターに資料を見せようとすると、書かれていた文字が消えている。イブリンが異変に関係していると確信したドクターはイブリンをつれてエリザベス女王の治世下にターディスで飛ぶ。しかし、到着したのはまだメアリー女王が統治している時代のイギリスだった。
Part2
エリザベスを擁立して謀反を企んでいると誤解されたイブリン。しかし、パブで知り合ったジョージ・クローとウィリアム・リーフはイブリンがエリザベス派であることを喜び、レヴェレンド・トーマスというプロテスタントの牧師に引きあわせる。彼らはプロテスタントを迫害するメアリーの治世をどうにかしたいと考えていた。一方、メアリーに謁見したドクターはすっかり気に入られ、相談役に引き立てられる。ドクターはメアリーの侍女レディ・サラに頼んで、イブリンを迎えにいってもらうが、このことでトマスはイブリンがメアリーのスパイなのではないかと疑う。一方、ドクターがトラブルに巻き込まれたのかと心配したイブリンはドクターの元に赴こうとするが、激しい頭痛に見舞われ、体が透けはじめる。
Part3
そこへイブリンが忘れていったバックを届けに来たトーマスが現れ、バックの中にはドクターがイブリンに渡していたネクサス・ポイントの影響を防ぐためのディバイスのおかげで、症状はおさまる。イブリンはドクターと合流するが、メアリーの前に出たとたん、ノリスが飛び込んできて、イブリンが毒殺を企んでいると告発。しかし、ノリスが証拠として糾弾した薬はイブリンの頭痛薬のことで、ドクターの機転で事なきを得る。豊かな知識で的確なアドバイスができるドクターをメアリーは大いに気に入り、褒美に妻になる相手を探すことを約束する。その候補として侍女のサラをあげてきた。サラのフルネームを知ったエリザベスにつかえていた自分の祖先の父親はドクターなのではないかと考える。しかし、イブリンが話した歴史によればその人物はメアリーに処刑されることになっているのだ。それをドクターが指摘した時、反逆者として逮捕されたトーマスに共謀者として名前を挙げられた二人は逮捕されロンドン塔に投獄される。
Part４
ロンドン塔に歴史学者としての血が騒ぎ大喜びするイブリン。歴史的事実である1958年よりも先にメアリーが暗殺されると歴史が変わり、イブリンは消えてしまう。メアリーの暗殺を防ぐため、イブリンとドクターはロンドン塔を脱獄する。しかし、それはメアリーによるプロテスタントの迫害を止めることはできずイブリンが知り合い、意気投合したジョージやウィリアムを見殺しにすることを意味していた。
感想
Big Finishオリジナルのコンパニオン、イブリン登場。58歳の歴史学者イブリンは好奇心たっぷりのお節介なところのある明るいキャラクター。6thドクターとのコンビネーションはとてもいい。6thドクターはちょっと悲観的なところがあるので、イブリンのあっけらかんさがとても救いになっている。メアリー女王がブロッディ・メアリーとあだ名されるようになったプロテスタント迫害を通して、ドクターも自分が侵した罪に思いをはせるところが興味深い。
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2025
Colin Baker’s Doctor is leagues more charming here than in the show. I’ve heard a couple Sixth Doctor audios before but it’s been a while, and the ones I have heard all had Peri in them. As much as I liked him in those, I like him even more here now that the folks at Big Finish gave him a brand new character to bounce energy off of.
I can see why Evelyn Smythe is so popular among Big Finish fans. She brings a maturity to the companion role that I’m surprised the show doesn’t explore more. I mean, Jodie got Graham and Dan, but they were part of a team. We haven’t had a duo with a 50+ companion yet. I really think Ncuti could’ve used one. Probably one of the oldest ones was Donna, and she was one of the best. Older companions just really work! They’re able to sit on more equal footing with the Doctor and sass him back when he’s being too pompous.
The story itself is very solid. It’s more or less a pure historical which is a bemoaned genre of Doctor Who story from the 60s era of the show that, minus one story from the 80s, all of televised Doctor Who 70s onwards won’t even touch, but Big Finish cracked the code on how to make the compelling.
I can see why Evelyn Smythe is so popular among Big Finish fans. She brings a maturity to the companion role that I’m surprised the show doesn’t explore more. I mean, Jodie got Graham and Dan, but they were part of a team. We haven’t had a duo with a 50+ companion yet. I really think Ncuti could’ve used one. Probably one of the oldest ones was Donna, and she was one of the best. Older companions just really work! They’re able to sit on more equal footing with the Doctor and sass him back when he’s being too pompous.
The story itself is very solid. It’s more or less a pure historical which is a bemoaned genre of Doctor Who story from the 60s era of the show that, minus one story from the 80s, all of televised Doctor Who 70s onwards won’t even touch, but Big Finish cracked the code on how to make the compelling.
June 13, 2022
A Sixth Doctor and... Evelyn story? Who the fuck is Evelyn? Of course I'm being facetious, I knew about Evelyn a long time before ever starting Big Finish. For those not in the know, Doctor Evelyn Smythe is the first ever companion to be introduced in the audios. She's a 55 year-old History professor. So, you know, not the common companion template. And she's awesome. Her chemistry with the Sixth Doctor is incredible, and she's just such a fun character in general. Her excitement at being able to interact with the history she's dedicated her life to is just great. The Doctor himself was also very endearing and charming in this story. The plot was simple, but effective and well-written, and some of the side-characters were quite endearing. It was also an interesting look at Queen Mary, which portrayed her accurately without turning her into this complete monster. That said, I do think the Doctor was a bit too sympathetic to her. Overall I'd say that this is the first genuinely great Big Finish story, mostly because of Evelyn, and I'd give it 4.5 stars.
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April 23, 2021This was my first time venturing into Big Finish Audios Doctor Who range. I went with one with the sixth doctor and I loved it. Six is simultaneously brash and a total sweetie. I’d seen his series with Evelyn (who is a middle aged companion exclusive to the Big Finish range) recommended loads and now I can see why, they work so well together! If I had to compare their dynamic to something in new!Who it’s kind of like Donna and 10— there’s nothing that can be read as a romantic undertone, and they come across as bickering siblings most of the time. I really enjoyed Evelyn as I think something new!who lacks is older companions. The fact that Six can be swayed with the offering of Evelyn’s homemade chocolate cake is hilarious. I also love that she wasn’t afraid to put him in his place and is sarcastic as hell too which is always bonus!
March 4, 2024
While investigating the source of a nexus in Time, The Doctor encounters Dr. Evelyn Smythe, a history professor. When Evelyn starts to have some unusual symptoms, she & The Doctor must go to Tudor England to save history and Evelyn.
This is the introduction of Evelyn, a character that I rather enjoyed when I first encountered her so I finally went back to her beginnings. What a fun little romp! I love the way Evelyn & The Doctor interact. I typically enjoy the Historicals in the Big Finish catalog, and this did not disappoint. Lots of interesting characters, a fun plot. The actors sound like they're having a wonderful time, and the chemistry between Colin Baker and Maggie Stabler radiates.
I'm looking forward to exploring the rest of Evelyn's adventures.
This is the introduction of Evelyn, a character that I rather enjoyed when I first encountered her so I finally went back to her beginnings. What a fun little romp! I love the way Evelyn & The Doctor interact. I typically enjoy the Historicals in the Big Finish catalog, and this did not disappoint. Lots of interesting characters, a fun plot. The actors sound like they're having a wonderful time, and the chemistry between Colin Baker and Maggie Stabler radiates.
I'm looking forward to exploring the rest of Evelyn's adventures.
May 15, 2024
The Marian Conspiracy feels like a classic Pure Historical adventure. While the plot isn't that complicate, it does provide a compelling story that will make the running time fly by. After all the intrigue, by the end of the story I was satisfied, if not a little sad for PLOT reasons. At first I wasn't sold on new companion Evelyn Smythe, her bossy and grating personality was a turn-off, but by the end of the story I was sold on her. Her temperament is a great match for the Sixth Doctor. The rest of the guest cast did an excellent job, with some of them being recurring names. Overall, this was a great flashback to early Doctor Who story telling.
October 18, 2024
I'm so excited to hear Evelyn Smythe's first audio. I was first introduced to this character when I watched the webcst Real Time in 2013. I completely understand why Evelyn is a fan favorite audio companion. She is intelligent, funny, can hold her own against the Sixth Doctor, and it's nice to see an older woman as a companion. I also enjoyed the more sympathetic view of Mary I. It was interesting to see how Evelyn nearly got herself wiped out of existence because she and the Doctor got involved in assassination and queen-making plots. I also love how Evelyn talks the Doctor into letting her stay on as a companion.
December 23, 2019
This was a quirky little adventure that fits the mold of when the Doctor is saddled with a new companion, even if only for a single adventure. Plus it's the sort of Who story that has a strong historical context defining the narrative. This is either a good or a bad thing depending on how you feel about the period leading up to the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, but those are the kicks.
I feel like there was a really big risk of messing with the timeline here given the Doctor's inexperienced companion but it's still all in good fun.
I feel like there was a really big risk of messing with the timeline here given the Doctor's inexperienced companion but it's still all in good fun.
February 14, 2023
I really liked this story I thought that the idea that maybe Evlin was the Doctors decendent was great also I liked how the Doctor tried to in a small way try and convince Queen Mary that burning people was wrong and that she her self had done what the prosteants were doing at that moment to me it made her seem like a hypocrict but one thing that I don't understand and that is the story is great but it never explain's what caused Evlins time line to change in the first place but other then that little detail great story look forward to more of the same.
September 27, 2020
It is always exciting when the Doctor gets a new companion and it's incredibly special when a classic Doctor gets a fresh travel partner (5 and Erimem, 7 and Hex) in the superb a audio adventures from Big Finish.
Sixy (Colin Baker) and Dr. Evelyn Smythe (Maggie Stables) have an interesting dynamic and instant chemistry.
Plus: there's a slight tongue in cheek nod to Back to the Future, another time travel classic.
Sixy (Colin Baker) and Dr. Evelyn Smythe (Maggie Stables) have an interesting dynamic and instant chemistry.
Plus: there's a slight tongue in cheek nod to Back to the Future, another time travel classic.
November 2, 2022
6 meets Evelyn Smythe, a university history professor and discovers she is a nexus point in time. Soon she is whisked away to 1555 and is in a plot involved to kill Queen Mary.
Evelyn's introduction story is really fun and immediately she is given a great personality with a bit of sass. Her relationship with the Doctor is set up to be firey as the two argue but the Doctor clearly has a soft spot for her which creates great drama.
Evelyn's introduction story is really fun and immediately she is given a great personality with a bit of sass. Her relationship with the Doctor is set up to be firey as the two argue but the Doctor clearly has a soft spot for her which creates great drama.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2018
“An angel in a cardigan? I’ve seen stranger things...” muses the Sixth Doctor (Colin Baker) in The Marian Conspiracy, an absolutely delightful historical romp of the highest calibre. Introducing the charming Dr. Evelyn Smythe as the Doctor’s latest travelling companion, a lady of a certain age with an adoration for cocoa...
August 24, 2019
Good interesting listen this one. Introduces a great new companion in Evelyn Smythe. More or less a straight historical this one, providing a somewhat sympathetic look at Queen Mary, as well as showing the harshness of the times. The Doctor and Evelyn are good here, supported by a good cast of interesting other characters, protagonists and antagonists alike.
August 19, 2020
Loved this story!!! I always do enjoy a good historical with no sci-fi elements. I also was impressed by how sympathetic the portrayal of Queen Mary was. My only complaint is that I wish Evelyn—and I love her, by the way—but she should act more like the historian she is! They give her the same bumbling, anachronism-spouting mistakes they give the teenage companions. Ugh.
October 28, 2020
He meets Evelyn Smyth! This is great. Opening is hilarious.
Love how absolutely calm Evelyn seems to be about everything the doctor tells her. Including her fading In and out of time.
Also how go-with-the-flow she is.
The history in it also intrigues me, I remember reading about this in my favorite history class.
My favorite was how she argues with the doctor at the end and won.
Love how absolutely calm Evelyn seems to be about everything the doctor tells her. Including her fading In and out of time.
Also how go-with-the-flow she is.
The history in it also intrigues me, I remember reading about this in my favorite history class.
My favorite was how she argues with the doctor at the end and won.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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January 31, 2021Very sweet Colin Baker audio drama. Audio-only companions were a risk for Big Finish, I suppose, but dramatically absolutely essential. Lovely irony of how TV's most brash and over-the-top Doctor, in Big Finish's hands, becomes the warmest and most humane. Six/Evelyn is the licence's best non-Eight pairing, and Rayner sells it right out the gate.
September 2, 2021
I'd heard only one story with Evelyn before, so I didn't have a proper appreciation for her yet, but now I do! What a great character. Really glad I bought the bundles that contain all her stories so I can hear them all now. This is a good throwback to when the show did more full-on historical tales.
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August 16, 2023Beautifully written and performed. While there are issues with the whole reason for this story (so why is there a Nexus point?), once it begins it is hugely entertaining and charming. Evelyn is such a great creation and does wonders opposite the Sixth Doctor. Colin's Doctor was never better than when paired with her.
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