Hi Folks,

If you have any questions about Assassin In The Limelight, feel free to pose them here.

Thanks!

Barnaby x

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Please note that the views expressed by Barnaby are his own opinions and do not reflect official Big Finish policy. They may also be daft.

Web site: http://www.barnaby-edwards.com/
Poetry podcast (direct): http://www.barnaby-edwards.com/poetrypodcasts/
Poetry podcast (iTunes): http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=312299797

Not a question about the play, but just tried to listen to the download of this and is anyone getting a hiccup on the first track?

It's on the first track of the play, about a minute and a bit in when they're talking about the night before (?).

Yeah, I tried redownloading it earlier (I'd downloaded it first a few weeks ago, I think) and it still had the same hiccup because I thought my first download might not've downloaded properly.

Did this get sorted?

I've just listen to the first CD.

But my comment is about the behind the scenes chapters on CD 1.
There was a bit of a spoiler about how it ends!

Big Finish, perhaps watch that in the future, or give
a Spoiler warning!

Well, it might be more sensible for the extras to all be placed after the story has finished too.

I think people want to have three episodes on disc 1 and one episode (plus extras) on disc 2. Three episodes fit onto one disc, but only if you keep them short. Big Finish produces some episodes that would be too long for this, so I don't think the idea really works....

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For “Assassin in the Limelight” we have the return of two foes for the price of one. Furthermore we find the 6th Doctor and Evelyn in the United States on one of Doctor Who’s comparatively rare visits to that continent. Having struggled somewhat with Robert Ross’s earlier contributions of “Medicinal Purposes” and “Pier Pressure”, I’m pleased to say that this time I didn’t find myself as confused or distracted.

With the historical setting in the events surrounding the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, Big Finish again shows off its talent for atmosphere, drama and characterisation. The American cast members are every bit as enthusiastic about their roles as the regulars, which certainly helps to lift the atmosphere. In the middle of all this, however, the wonderful tones of Leslie Phillips stand out like a beacon. The contrast between his plumy English accent and the local vernacular seems to highlight how anachronistic Knox is, adding to the incongruity of the identity he has chosen this time.

The Doctor coins a very handy new expletive in this adventure, namely: “PGH Fender!” After this gentle introduction to the story, things start to move along quite nicely. It is especially rewarding to hear Evelyn telling the Doctor exactly where they are and its significance, rather than the norm where the Doctor expounds his voluminous knowledge to an awe-struck companion. Indeed, Evelyn does quite well in this production, picking up significant Brownie points for deduction, observation and timely intervention. Although the travellers’ relationship seems as friendly as ever, it is put under a little strain at times. I particularly enjoyed the episode in Lafayette Park with Doctor Knox impatiently calling a countdown while the Doctor and Evelyn bicker.

Of the locals I particularly appreciated Henry Clay Ford played by Alan Marriott and Lizzie Williams portrayed by Madeleine Potter. Ford exudes that smiling charm so characteristic of the enthusiastic theatre professional. Even when he thinks he is confronted by burglars he still manages to sound friendly and engaging. Alan Marriott’s timing and emphasis are delightfully well employed to comic effect. Lizzie Williams is a woman trying to make the most of her circumstances. Although initially quite manipulative and colluding, she soon decides what is right and what is wrong, trying to make amends for her poor judgement of character. Even the weak Major Eckert ends up trampling her down in his efforts to save his own reputation in the end.

Once again, the plot is a little on the convoluted side. It certainly lacks the moral ambiguity of “Medicinal Purposes”, but the complexities in the events are not as obscure on this occasion. It would seem to be a characteristic of Knox’s activities that he layers his intentions and motivations in order to distract and deflect scrutiny. What adds even more twist to his already murky machinations is the inclusion of the creatures from “Pier Pressure”. In doing this, Knox manages to out think the Doctor on more than one occasion, showing that he is a more dangerous opponent than he might have seemed before.

The audio production is as fine as always. The scenes in the streets, the park, the theatre and various other places all have enough ambiance and effects to firmly place the action in 19th century America. The effects for the aliens are different from those used in “Pier Pressure”, especially given that Doug Bradley’s voice wasn’t treated at all in the earlier release. I also spotted a trivial and completely inconsequential continuity error in that the glow was described as blue this time, whereas it was referred to as green on multiple occasions in Brighton. Perhaps they all have different personal colour schemes. Musically this play is quite sparing. The arrangements are often just used to transition between scenes. Even when they feature for dramatic effect they are concise and straightforward. Much of the dialogue and action, however, takes place without a musical background to no detriment.

As a return for Doctor Robert Knox, “Assassin in the Limelight” is an interesting and entertaining production. It would be a shame if Leslie Phillips couldn’t be found a way to reprise the role, even if it does deny Barnaby Edwards a star billing. On the merits of this story, I think Knox does indeed have the makings of a worthy regular adversary for the Doctor. He is a veritable modern replacement for the Time Meddling Monk, with as much disregard for temporal integrity as he does for human suffering. I think this production stands among the regular good standard releases in the monthly Doctor Who range.

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Sapphire and Steel audio adventures
from Big Finish Productions.
"No enemy but time. The war goes on."

David

I was sad that Knox "regenerated" at the end of this story as I really loved Leslie Philip's voice.
However he is getting older and at least this way it allows a possible return of the character.
I wonder if there would be any scope to get Leslie back for an adventure set between Medicinal Purposes and Assasin in the Limelight? I'd love for him to meet Sylvester!