Paul McGann's sixth adventure, and the 29th of the series, is widely acknowledged as a highlight of the Big Finish catalogue to date. A wonderfully spooky black comedy that takes place on Christmas Eve, it finds the Eighth Doctor and his companion Charley Pollard (who came on board in story #16, Storm Warning) caught up in a bizarre timeloop which has also trapped the inhabitants of an Edwardian household as they prepare for the big day. The plot is a deliciously twisted nightmare, the dialogue dizzyingly sharp.

There are laugh-out-loud moments aplenty, as events take one surreal turn after another. What on earth is actually happening, where is the time going...and why can't the TARDIS escape from the nightmare? Delightfully redolent of the TV series' golden-age (and, some have said, cult 70s show Sapphire & Steel), the almost farcical scenario unfolds and then folds in on itself with compelling ingenuity, a vibrant production capturing the chaos and uncertainty with some excellent sound effects and editing. India Fisher, as Charley, has a touch of Sarah Sutton about her - making her character an intelligent and sympathetic foil to the superb McGann's charismatic Doctor.

Charley's first meeting with the Doctor in Storm Warning, when he rescued her from certain death aboard a doomed 1930 airship, becomes an important factor in this story. The Chimes Of Midnight will appeal to fans of Tom Baker-era classics such as City Of Death and The Talons Of Weng Chiang...and praise doesn't come much higher than that in terms of Doctor Who. For the ultimate enjoyment, listen to this story on Christmas Eve. Plum pudding is optional.

SCORE

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