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Post by number13 on Jan 10, 2019 0:45:26 GMT
Phantasmagoria by Mark Gatiss
The TARDIS takes the Doctor and Turlough to the London of 1702 where a mysterious highwayman roams the streets, a local occultist has made contact with the dead and gentlemen of fashion are disappearing, only to find themselves in a chamber whose walls weep blood...
(Couldn't find a thread when I listened and every MR deserves one, however old.  )
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Post by number13 on Jan 10, 2019 1:17:20 GMT
(As it's the BF 20th, I'm intending to complete my listening of the MR (in order) certainly for the first 50 and maybe the first 100 if I'm lucky.
I've enjoyed reading the memories of everyone who was there the first time round on the other threads like 'Land of the Dead' recently so I'll also plug the thread gaps if nobody else gets there first - we have quite a few story threads for the first MR 100 from the Erimem, Evelyn and Hex listen-throughs that Omega organised, plus other individual threads, but if I can't find one I'll start one - the completionist in me demands it! )
Well what a great start in Mark Gatiss' 'Phantasmagoria'. I like historicals generally and pseudo-historicals tend to be some of the best, so no surprise I enjoyed myself here. Peter Davison and Mark Strickson sounded straight back to 1984 to me, this really could have been just after the Daleks and the time-corridor.
It's a TV-authentic plot (and running time) with one twist I didn't see coming (Hannah) and what made it for me was the rich period detail, the rich dialogue and the even richer, positively fruity character voices! Then I looked at the cast list and there are some now-famous names aren't there and cracking performances all round, great fun.
I'm definitely hazy on the period of Queen Anne ("the bit between the Glorious Revolution and the Hanoverians"  ) but I could practically hear the ruffs and wigs and the sound design and music was very impressive in creating 'London, 1702', sedan chairs, footpads and highwaymen and all. And a classic 'Who' plot of demonic goings-on which (of course) turn out to be alien villainy - with a splendidly ruff-twirling vilainous villain Sir Nikolas Valentine from David Ryall!
I suspect I'm not the only one to have thought of 'Blackadder the Third's 'Cape and Capability' (as I still think of 'Amy and Amiability' - the original title was better imo) as Major Billy morphs into Hannah but without 'an unconvincing grassy knoll' in sight! And as another fan of the ghost stories of M.R.James I loved the nod to 'Casting the Runes' with bio-matched technological 'playing cards' as the 'tag' to call down the unearthly forces on the unhappy victim. And lots of cricket references, howzat!
Five of Diamonds!
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Post by agentten on Jan 10, 2019 1:29:18 GMT
This release is one of my early main range favorites. The first regular Doctor story after the multi-Doctor launch story really sells the idea that these audios were going to work. As number13 says, it's a really authentic story that feels drawn right from its era. I listened to the main range slightly out of order, but this was one of the first I heard and I've always regarded it highly.
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Post by slithe on Jan 10, 2019 18:45:00 GMT
I've always had a soft spot for this one. Whilst I can understand why BF launched with The Sirens of Time (multi-Doctor, 3 different stories) I always wished they'd gone with this one to kick it all off. Almost twenty years on, this story holds up incredibly well - it is well written, well casted and well paced. I'd been familiar with 'audio' Doctor Who from the BBC 'Missing' Soundtracks and whilst I liked these, I hoped that the 'full cast bit' meant just that - not excerpts with linking narration to fill the descriptive action. Was really pleased, and relieved, to see that was not the case.
Davison sounds as if he has never been away in this one (as does Strickson) which is amazing considering that both had not played their respective parts for 15 years. Davison also doesn't seem to have aged either - which undermined his return a bit in Time Crash (Fifth Doctor not playing as much cricket there!) I agree with the earlier comment - this does feel very much like an 'authentic' story, which is perhaps why it might have a less well-regarded reputation now. It doesn't seek to do anything 'ground breaking' and the Fifth Doctor is scripted as he would have been on the TV (not like the more comical sarcastic Fifth Doctor we've had recently). I suppose that for the second release, Big Finish weren't trying to go too far outside the box and to draw in an audience - and I think this story succeeds in doing that.
I agree that the late Stuart setting comes off well here and the Doctor seems right at home in Queen Anne's reign - perhaps highlighting the irony that Davison didn't like 'historicals'. Although there are some of the 'classic' stereotypes - e.g. footpads and the faux-historical dialects, these don't detract from the story. I didn't see the twist coming with Hannah/Lovemore, which makes for a really nice surprise. Sir Nicolas Valentine is a well thought out villain (even if hints are given that he might be the Master). The use of the playing cards is a nice touch - I wasn't aware of the Ace of Hearts being a 'valentine' until I checked it.
Until I checked this, I hadn't realised that the script was from Mark Gattiss. Another irony there, considering how involved he was in spearheading the revival of Doctor Who (and Sherlock). The casting of a young David Walliams is also a highlight.
After a mixed start with The Sirens of Time, Phantasmagoria is a great relaunch for the Fifth Doctor and a promising omen of what was to come. Minor niggle, the Theme Music should've been Howell from the start - doesn't fit right with the Baker/Pertwee Theme - I know BF couldn't afford multiple licences, but perhaps its time to put this right after 20 years (as with all the first lot from 1999-2002).
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Post by Deleted on Jan 10, 2019 19:04:08 GMT
I've just done some quick maths and the results have left me a bit dizzy. This release is nearly 20 years old. I know everyone is aware of this, but I remember listening to it and hoping it was the dawn of a new era for the seemingly defunct Doctor Who as if it was a couple of months ago!
As everyone has said, this remains a very enjoyable release. My listening order went like this back in those heady days - I skipped Sirens of Time, I skipped Phantasmagoria and bought Whispers of Terror - mainly because I wasn't convinced audio Doctor Who would ever be done well (previous efforts left me disappointed). Having been blown away by the Big Finish version of the 'difficult' Sixth Doctor (as he was then known to be), I bought the two previous releases. Back then, Big Finish Who releases were far from a monthly, let alone regular, concern.
With that little reminiscence out of the way (forgive me, today is my birthday), Phantasmagoria is a wonderful story from Mark Gatiss, stuffed with eccentric characters and a pretty top cast (Gatiss, David Walliams, Jonathan Rigby, David Ryall as well as Davison and Strickson, who slipped instantly into character, with - if anything - the Fifth Doctor sounding more grounded and at peace with himself than he seemed to be on television). Witty, funny, scary, with some terrifically realised cliff-hangers, I think I'll be listening to this little baby again very soon.
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Post by eric009 on Jan 12, 2019 1:58:54 GMT
One of my fav fifth dr story
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Post by Timelord007 on Jan 12, 2019 8:55:38 GMT
Bit choppy with the episode lengths but overall a solid entertaining Fifth Doctor adventure.
4/5.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 12, 2019 20:27:52 GMT
Despite having heard Prosperity Island whilst at Uni and enjoyed it, just prior to the creation of BF, I remember being underwhelmed by the cover art of Phantasmagoria seeing it at the Newcastle Upon Tyne Forbidden Planet. It suggested to me a case of two actors in a sound booth kind of affair (i.e 'made at cost'). I am pleased that DWM reviews convinced me to dip in to the range with the 8th Doctor releases and really woke me up to the quality of the productions (by then).
This early release still manages to sound fully cast and with a soundscape to suggest visual events. It really appeals to my idea of good Doctor Who. Not too complicated but neither is it predictable in any way. Always one to revisit for a cosy listen, just as Classic Who rewards with familiarity. I agree also that Davison and Strickson seem right amidst S21 as if there was no years wasted.
If it hadn't been for the keeping up with the remaining VHS releases and then getting the DVD's I would likely have started these years ago. Certainly I was missing out on something great.
One final note: I always associate this story as being in some way inspired by the old folklore 'Card Game with the Devil' tale of lore, famously associated with Earl Beardrie of Glamis Castle and other locations on a similar interpretation. Was anyone else knowledgeable of these tales reminded of them upon listening?
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Post by mark687 on Jan 8, 2021 12:47:11 GMT
Now that we near the end of original MR Era I'm attempting a complete re-listen of the Range and Thanks to Kestrel's sterling collation efforts and several of us filling the gaps I will be contributing my thoughts on each releases Discussion Thread. (If I've commented on one before and my opinion hasn't changed I won't update it).
So Phantasmagoria BF's first "Before they were Famous" release.
Mark Gatiss the Writer writes a solid Script while Mark Gatiss has a whale of a time performing it along with David Walliams, while Mark Strickson is a touch uneven in delivery.
Minor story point the Privateer mis-direct could've had a couple of more scenes to give it some depth IMO
4/5
Regards
mark687
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Post by Deleted on Jan 9, 2021 7:44:17 GMT
There is something about the two guys travelling together Turlough and the Doctor if it was contemporary there would be an unneeded romantic angle this and Louis and Singularity are among my favourite of the early ranges.
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Post by slithe on Jan 9, 2021 9:26:27 GMT
I've said it before and I'll say it again... This one is a very underrated gem. It is well written, well structured and the guest cast are excellent (the appearance of Mr Walliams is also a highlight). Gattis constructs a brilliant script, which is comic, yet quite dark at the same time. There's also a lot of misdirection here - a trail of breadcrumbs is left so you think that the villain might be a more famous renegade timelord.
Davison and Strickson seem like they've never been away from the roles. Despite 15 years since they last played the roles, they seem to have fitted effortlessly into their adventures. This confirmed to me that the MR would work and that BF were doing a decent job. I subscribed soon after listening to this on the first run...
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Post by Tim Bradley on Jan 14, 2021 23:19:45 GMT
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Post by Kestrel on Mar 27, 2021 19:39:43 GMT
I've finally purchased all of the MR stories folks've recommended to me, at least within the first 100! A small, but significant milestone, I think. This one was... fun. Not one of my favorite stories, but still quite enjoyable. As has become my habit, here's some of my disorganized reactions in bullet-point format: - My expectations for this one were pretty low: it's only the second entry in the Monthly Range, and I did not much are for the first, and the title is... prettty silly, right? I know, I know: never-judge-a-story-by-its-title. But we all do it anyway, right? At least to an extent.
- 'Course, those expectations vanished almost immediately as soon as that title music started playing....
- Interregnums are fun! Jacobites less so.
- Obvious villain is obvious. Nicholas Valentine is, however, a fantastic villain name. And the voice casting? Perfect for this kind of character.
- So, erm, "Chinaman?" Are racial slurs just a part of cricket? Weird sport.
- Love the detail that the Doctor cannot ascertain precisely where and when they are upon landing—the environmental details only indicate what time they're after. It's a refreshing change from the Doctor popping out of the TARDIS in New Who and being able to immediately identify the location and date simply by tasting the air.
- Weird how long it takes for the plot to become apparent.
- Okay, Valentine is a really fun villain, right? That card game with the Doctor was fantastic!
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Post by slithe on Mar 28, 2021 11:38:18 GMT
Love this one. It feels as if Davison has never been away. Well written and scripted - typical Gattis writing. The villain is wonderful and there is the misdirection as to whether the identity of the villain is another renegade timelord.
Would have loved to see Valentine return to a later adventure. Solid and great listening - what more could you ask for?
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Post by johnhurtdoctor on Mar 28, 2021 11:48:09 GMT
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ljwilson
Chancellery Guard
It's tangerine....not orange
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Post by ljwilson on Apr 6, 2021 14:04:52 GMT
An umpteenth relisten for me, and although I don't really like historicals Phantasmagoria is one of my favourite BF stories.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 6, 2021 16:34:27 GMT
An umpteenth relisten for me, and although I don't really like historicals Phantasmagoria is one of my favourite BF stories. I often enjoy revisiting this one - it's so long ago now that it has its own sense of nostalgia. I remember thinking how instantly-at-ease Peter Davison sounded as The Doctor, whilst Mark Strickson hadn't quite recaptured Turlough as well at this early stage. The story's a good one, and the cliffhangers are excellent! |
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Post by Kestrel on Apr 7, 2021 4:12:19 GMT
Davison wasn't my first Doctor, nor a childhood Doctor (that's Tenant, for both)... maybe he qualifies as my last Doctor, since I abandoned my marathon of Classic Who shortly after he left the show? Regardless, I have zero nostalgia for Peter Davison's actor or that era of the show.
Regardless, he's the one I most immediately associate with "the Doctor." He always felt far more at ease in the role (clunky exposition aside) than anyone else--like he wasn't acting. I've never been able to detect any trace of affectation in his performances. He just is, by default setting, the Doctor.
Im not surprised at all that it "sounds like he never left the role." I don't think he did. I'm not convinced it even was a role. Obviously, all of the actors inject a lot of their own personality into the role, but there's always a certain element of artificiality to that--a hyperreality, or exaggeration of characteristics and attitude. Davison's performance has none of that.
EDIT: thank you for reading part 1 of my 343-part series on why a particular Doctor is the best Doctor.
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Post by Kestrel on Apr 7, 2021 8:26:43 GMT
Yeah, definitely. Part of,that may also be that his is, arguably, the most subdued interpretation of the character--his is the Doctor who keeps everything inside. Only Capaldi's, really, is similar--and perhaps Whitaker's, if unintentionally. There's none of the quirky alienness of (Tom) Baker's, or suavity of Pertwee's, or bombast of (Colin) Baker's; etc., etc. Every other Doctor (nearly) has a certain layer of affectation--a thing, a gimmick, an aspect of their personality they heighten and present front-and-center.
The 5th Doctor doesn't have that.
He has a stick of celery pinned to his lapel.
Which, it occurs to me, just may be a far more subtle and meaningful costuming choice than we typically consider....
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Post by mark687 on Oct 4, 2023 14:01:52 GMT
24th Anniversary of Release
Regards
mark687
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)
) but I could practically hear the ruffs and wigs and the sound design and music was very impressive in creating 'London, 1702', sedan chairs, footpads and highwaymen and all. And a classic 'Who' plot of demonic goings-on which (of course) turn out to be alien villainy - with a splendidly ruff-twirling vilainous villain Sir Nikolas Valentine from David Ryall!
