The Beast of Orlok

Eighth Doctor Adventures #3.3

Released: 4 April 2009

Listened: 10/10/21

The TARDIS lands in the Black Forest in Germany, 1827. There’s a legend of a beast in the woods, and an evil baron who used to torture people, but disappeared 20 years ago. Not to mention the twins found as babies in the woods, Hans and Greta. However, this is not at all a historical, and pretty much nothing is what it seems. The guest stars are really impressive in this one, with Miriam Margolyes playing Frau Tod, who is a remarkably impressive character, very level-headed and smart, given the time period and her social station. Sam Barnett plays Hans, the first of many Big Finish roles for him. The relationship between the Doctor and Lucie is pretty much back to normal, with Orbis entirely forgotten. In fact, the Doctor gives his age as 900, which sort of rules out Orbis at all. Barnaby Edwards plays fast and loose with all kinds of fairy-tale references in this story, and it works well. He also gives Lucie some of the best lines, which Sheridan Smith uses to the fullest.