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Post by omega on Apr 15, 2018 6:07:37 GMT
DOCTOR WHO - MAIN RANGE » 43. DOCTOR WHO AND THE PIRATES Released April 2003SynopsisAll aboard, me hearties, for a rip-roaring tale of adventure on the high seas! There'll be rum for all and sea shanties galore as we travel back in time to join the valiant crew of the good ship Sea Eagle, braving perils, pirates and a peripatetic old sea-dog known only as the Doctor! Gasp as our Gallifreyan buccaneer crosses swords with the fearsome Red Jasper, scourge of the seven seas and possessor of at least one wooden leg! Thrill as Evil Evelyn the Pirate Queen sets sail in search of buried treasure, with only a foppish ship's captain and an innocent young cabin boy by her side! Marvel at the melodious mayhem which ensues as we sail the ocean blue! And wonder why Evelyn still hasn't realised that very few stories have happy endings... Written By: Jacqueline Rayner Directed By: Barnaby Edwards CASTColin Baker (The Doctor); Maggie Stables (Evelyn Smythe); Bill Oddie (Red Jasper); Dan Barratt (Jem); Helen Goldwyn (Sally); Nicholas Pegg (Swan); Mark Siney (Mr Merriweather); Timothy Sutton (Mate/Sailor/Pirate)
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Post by omega on Apr 15, 2018 6:08:07 GMT
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Post by Timelord007 on Apr 15, 2018 9:19:22 GMT
Loathe & detest this story, silly plot, pantomime acting & the b...dy singing throughout episode 3 does my nut in.
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Post by whiskeybrewer on Apr 15, 2018 12:32:38 GMT
Loved it and the singing works very well. Some surprising shocks
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Post by Timelord007 on Apr 15, 2018 12:46:54 GMT
Loved it and the singing works very well. Some surprising shocks I don't know who you are anymore lmao  Think i reviewed this one on my G+ page . |
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Post by anothermanicmondas on Apr 15, 2018 12:53:24 GMT
an odd mixture of comedy and tragedy makes this both one of the lightest and one of the darkest of Big Finish's tales of the Doctor.
one of my favourites
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Post by Hieronymus on Apr 15, 2018 19:36:31 GMT
I'm a fan of Gilbert & Sullivan, which somewhat affects my judgment, but there is also a very meaningful and emotionally deep story set into this adventure, and a wonderful use of framing the story narrative to hit the right emotional tones at the right times. This is an instance where the experimentation of early Big Finish releases hit upon a very fine result, though it won't feel so for everyone.
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Post by mrperson on Apr 15, 2018 20:09:38 GMT
The only one I didn't even listen to all the way through. Part of the issue is that the only musical I ever liked was The Book of Mormon, but that's a comedy written by the creators of South Park, which I also find hilarious.
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Post by Audio Watchdog on Apr 15, 2018 20:19:25 GMT
The only one I didn't even listen to all the way through. Part of the issue is that the only musical I ever liked was The Book of Mormon, but that's a comedy written by the creators of South Park, which I also find hilarious. God I hated Book of Mormon and I love Trey & Matt. |
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Stevo
Chancellery Guard
Likes: 5,948 
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Post by Stevo on Apr 15, 2018 21:20:14 GMT
Look in my eye and then you'll spy, in front of you a Doctor who, through his purview he tells you true, don't bid adieu, he suffered too...C'mon, it's singing Sixie courtesy of Big Finish... what is there not to like?! Great stuff. 
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Post by whiskeybrewer on Apr 16, 2018 11:18:52 GMT
Loved it and the singing works very well. Some surprising shocks I don't know who you are anymore lmao Think i reviewed this one on my G+ page . L I think I told you then I enjoyed it lmao |
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Post by barnabaslives on Apr 27, 2018 6:33:05 GMT
Just catching up with the Listen-thru (but still six behind on podcasts).  Until being a completionist caught up with me, I wasn't going to go near this one. No sir, not even at the amazing price of 2.99... Imagine me listening to this and then not screaming bloody murder over this being a musical, and a Doctor Who musical of all things... The very idea! ...But it works. It actually works. Utterly brilliantly. Absolutely ingenious, hilarious, and heart-wrenching... What an accomplishment! Top marks!! |
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2018 0:33:43 GMT
It's good. Very, very good, but it always gets me thinking. Come with me on this journey as I metaphorically pace back-and-forth like Holmes in Baker Street... The Pirates always gets me thinking as to what qualifies as "mature storytelling", being a tale sandwiched between The Dark Flame (grand, fantastically grim) and Creatures of Beauty (bluntly nihilistic). It makes for a really interesting contrast, the Grand Guignol theatricality of one and the glib gritstone of the other. Pirates, on the other hook, starts off fairly light, fairly non-committal and then over the course of the story the frame unfolds... and it focusses on a much more personal form of jeopardy than either story. Yet, you could argue that it ends up just as "dark" as its peers, "dark" being shorthand for "storytelling that makes us feel something". And that's not to belittle either story, they both have their merits and are both very much part of that early 2000s wave of wanting to feel. So, what differentiates Pirates from Flame and Beauty besides its presentation? The Grand Budapest Hotel, for instance, is markedly bright and profoundly hilarious (definitely worth picking up for Gustav and Zero alone), but it also deals with some pretty heavy subject matter. I think Rayner's story is on the other end of the spectrum for "dark", the one that typically isn't discussed. The triumphant side. The side that doesn't ignore the hardships of the characters, indeed it delves into them quite significantly, but comes out and says: "You know, what? Despite everything, you've still got a chance." And in a universe so chaotic as ours, that seems far more realistic to me than to be doomed forever. I think The Pirates is very special in that regard because the framing story is essentially Evelyn trying to prevent a friend from taking her own life. That's a very real and important story to tell. Particularly given our awareness of these issues in this century. That there is tyranny, cruelty and heartache, but there is still a chance. That's remarkable. And I've sung "Gallifreyan Buccaneer" with stagehands in an empty theatre hall, so the music's catchy too. |
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Post by coffeeaddict on Apr 28, 2018 0:39:50 GMT
Brutal release. One that I’m likely to avoid ever listening to again. I normally like musicals, this was just painful.
At the risk of signing my death warrant - I am not a fan of Evelyn, so that is another strike against this episode.
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Post by number13 on Apr 29, 2018 21:11:03 GMT
A magnificent masterpiece by Jacqueline Rayner, a jewel of the Main Range, brilliant, funny, poignant and inspiring. And as a 'Gilbert & Sullivan' fan for 40 years I was in seventh heaven on the seven seas when I first heard this one, with episode 3 as a total surprise!! Cracking performances all round, with excellent G&S arrangements plus original music by Timothy Sutton and sound design by David Darlington. There's so much I want to say about this priceless piratical treasure, but sometimes words alone are not enough...
So please indulge my personal tribute to this unique and wonderful story... with apologies to Gilbert & Sullivan, and in the spirit of Ko-ko's 'little list' from 'The Mikado'... "Oh no number13, you are going to sing!"  "I certainly am!" {Musical Spoilers!}
As someday it may happen that a treasure must be found,
I've got a little list!
I've got a little list!
Of why 'Pirates' is that treasure - clever, funny and profound -
which never should be missed!
It never should be missed!
Jacqueline Rayner's script is genius, the Doctor's Colin B.
(in 'Doctor Who' on audio, Old Sixie's top for me!)
The villain has two wooden legs (which ought to floor him, flat!)
but though a comic pirate he would kill you just like that.
And he's acted by Bill Oddie - yes! The 'Goodies' humorist!
So put him on the list,
he really can't be missed!
(CHORUS)
We'll put them on the list,
we'll put them on the list
of why 'Pirates' can't be missed,
why 'Pir-ates' can't be missed!
In Sheffield grieving Sally plans her final night alone
(with memories that persist, of guilt she can't resist.)
Until Evelyn and the Doctor kindly occupy her home
(a Time-defying tryst, to help her to desist.)
And they called her "Evil Ev-e-lyn, the Pirate Queen" but she's
a kindly academic (chocolate cake and achy knees),
played by splendid Maggie Stables, full of warmth and grief and charm
as she tries to keep young Sally and a cabin boy from harm.
But you don't need me reminding you to put her on the list,
for Evelyn can't be missed!
(Maggie Stables, sadly missed.)
(CHORUS)
Yes we've got her on the list,
we've got her on the list
of why 'Pirates' can't be missed,
why 'Pir-ates' can't be missed!
With songs to tunes by Sullivan (not Harry! - Arthur!) he...
(a simply brilliant twist, his music to enlist!)
... composed his comic op-er-as for years with William G.
(that's Gilbert, librettist, and famous satirist.)
And when their story's over, Six and Evelyn sail away,
but leaving Sally strong in heart to greet the dawning day.
So voyage with 'The Pirates', laugh and sing along in joy -
but shed a tear in memory of Jem, the cabin boy.
And whatever other stories you have got upon your list,
'The Pirates' can't be missed!
It really can't be missed!
(CHORUS)
Yes we've got it on our list,
we've got it on our list!
'And the Pirates' can't be missed,
'The Pir-ates' can't be missed! I promise never to do that again!  ('What never? Well, hardly ever...'  ) |
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Post by mark687 on Apr 29, 2018 21:17:52 GMT
A magnificent masterpiece by Jacqueline Rayner, a jewel of the Main Range, brilliant, funny, poignant and inspiring. And as a 'Gilbert & Sullivan' fan for 40 years I was in seventh heaven on the seven seas when I first heard this one, with episode 3 as a total surprise!! Cracking performances all round, with excellent G&S arrangements plus original music by Timothy Sutton and sound design by David Darlington. There's so much I want to say about this priceless piratical treasure, but sometimes words alone are not enough...
So please indulge my personal tribute to this unique and wonderful story... with apologies to Gilbert & Sullivan, and in the spirit of Ko-ko's 'little list' from 'The Mikado'... "Oh no number13, you are going to sing!" "I certainly am!" {Musical Spoilers!}
As someday it may happen that a treasure must be found,
I've got a little list!
I've got a little list!
Of why 'Pirates' is that treasure - clever, funny and profound -
which never should be missed!
It never should be missed!
Jacqueline Rayner's script is genius, the Doctor's Colin B.
(in 'Doctor Who' on audio, Old Sixie's top for me!)
The villain has two wooden legs (which ought to floor him, flat!)
but though a comic pirate he would kill you just like that.
And he's acted by Bill Oddie - yes! The 'Goodies' humorist!
So put him on the list,
he really can't be missed!
(CHORUS)
We'll put them on the list,
we'll put them on the list
of why 'Pirates' can't be missed,
why 'Pir-ates' can't be missed!
In Sheffield grieving Sally plans her final night alone
(with memories that persist, of guilt she can't resist.)
Until Evelyn and the Doctor kindly occupy her home
(a Time-defying tryst, to help her to desist.)
And they called her "Evil Ev-e-lyn, the Pirate Queen" but she's
a kindly academic (chocolate cake and achy knees),
played by splendid Maggie Stables, full of warmth and grief and charm
as she tries to keep young Sally and a cabin boy from harm.
But you don't need me reminding you to put her on the list,
for Evelyn can't be missed!
(Maggie Stables, sadly missed.)
(CHORUS)
Yes we've got her on the list,
we've got her on the list
of why 'Pirates' can't be missed,
why 'Pir-ates' can't be missed!
With songs to tunes by Sullivan (not Harry! - Arthur!) he...
(a simply brilliant twist, his music to enlist!)
... composed his comic op-er-as for years with William G.
(that's Gilbert, librettist, and famous satirist.)
And when their story's over, Six and Evelyn sail away,
but leaving Sally strong in heart to greet the dawning day.
So voyage with 'The Pirates', laugh and sing along in joy -
but shed a tear in memory of Jem, the cabin boy.
And whatever other stories you have got upon your list,
'The Pirates' can't be missed!
It really can't be missed!
(CHORUS)
Yes we've got it on our list,
we've got it on our list!
'And the Pirates' can't be missed,
'The Pir-ates' can't be missed! I promise never to do that again! ('What never? Well, hardly ever...' ) You Have to send that in to Podcast@bigfinish.com its Genius!
Regards
mark687
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Post by Sir Wearer of Hats on Apr 29, 2018 21:25:51 GMT
I think it’s s very complex story, on the surface it’s some silliness about sterotypical pirates and thr Doctor singing.
But that’s just the surface.
This story is the proper “consequence” of “Arangements for War”, where the Doctor and Evelyn ‘lost’. they see another death about to happen so set shout making sure it doesn’t and all the silliness is thrm attempting to distract from one girl’s thoughts of suicide.
It’s a dark story, a heavy one.
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Post by number13 on Apr 30, 2018 0:46:24 GMT
A magnificent masterpiece by Jacqueline Rayner, a jewel of the Main Range, brilliant, funny, poignant and inspiring. And as a 'Gilbert & Sullivan' fan for 40 years I was in seventh heaven on the seven seas when I first heard this one, with episode 3 as a total surprise!! Cracking performances all round, with excellent G&S arrangements plus original music by Timothy Sutton and sound design by David Darlington. There's so much I want to say about this priceless piratical treasure, but sometimes words alone are not enough...
So please indulge my personal tribute to this unique and wonderful story... with apologies to Gilbert & Sullivan, and in the spirit of Ko-ko's 'little list' from 'The Mikado'... "Oh no number13, you are going to sing!" "I certainly am!" You Have to send that in to Podcast@bigfinish.com its Genius!
Regards
mark687
thanks very much Mark I'm pleased you enjoyed it! I'll probably save it for something really special like the Updates Club Christmas party  |
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Post by sherlock on May 21, 2018 0:49:57 GMT
That was different.
A decent pirate adventure, with a very powerful ending. The singing was great too.
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Post by fantasticalice on May 21, 2018 6:55:02 GMT
I think it’s s very complex story, on the surface it’s some silliness about sterotypical pirates and thr Doctor singing. But that’s just the surface. This story is the proper “consequence” of “Arangements for War”, where the Doctor and Evelyn ‘lost’. they see another death about to happen so set shout making sure it doesn’t and all the silliness is thrm attempting to distract from one girl’s thoughts of suicide. It’s a dark story, a heavy one. I've always liked this story. What's funny is I also remember rolling my eyes, and groaning, and several times reacting to the story as if perhaps I don't enjoy it as much as I say I do and believe I do. I do really enjoy the songs and the deliberately lampshade d leadins to each song. But ultimately it's about the Doctor and Evelyn being the most real example of a hero I can possibly imagine. The serial is silly and light hearted but they give proper gravity to a young woman's intent to end her life. I've always loved it for that as some days I'm not sure what stopped me. Other days I know it's because nobody stopped my wife. It's a bold decision to mix such ridiculous and silly humour with such a dark topic but I really applaud B ig Finish for havin the chutzpah to do it. |
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('What never? Well, hardly ever...' 
)
