Thworping through time and space, one adventure at a time!

“CASTLE OF FEAR: RUTANS, LEGENDS, AND A LIGHTHEARTED MYSTERY”

Alan Barnes opens Castle of Fear with an engaging premise, switching between 1199, where the Earl of Mummerset returns from the Crusades to find his castle haunted, and 1899, where a performance of St. George and the Dragon takes a deadly turn. These seemingly unrelated events gradually intertwine, offering a clever twist on the legend of St. George.

PACING ISSUES BUT A STRONG ATMOSPHERE

The first two parts take their time setting the stage, with Part 1 mostly planting seeds of intrigue and Part 2 leaning into the medieval setting with a lively supporting cast. The Rutans—revealed in the Part 2 cliffhanger—are an exciting addition, though their full potential isn’t entirely realised. However, their shape-shifting abilities create tension, particularly when they target Nyssa as part of their plan.

A FUN, THEATRICAL TONE

Despite the Rutans’ presence, the overall tone remains lighthearted, with plenty of comedic energy from the guest cast. Susan Brown as Maud the Withered and John Sessions as Roland of Brittany stand out, fully embracing the medieval melodrama. The final part ties things together well, revealing how this adventure feeds into the legend of St. George while ramping up the action.

VERDICT: ENTERTAINING, THOUGH A LITTLE SLOW

While Castle of Fear suffers from some sluggish pacing in its first half, it makes up for it with an enjoyable mix of historical adventure, classic Who monsters, and a fun, theatrical tone. A solid entry in the Fifth Doctor’s audio adventures.

📝6/10