Thworping through time and space, one adventure at a time! This time: exposition, technobabble, and a cliffhanger!

"NEVERLAND: A HIGH-STAKES, TIME-BENDING EPIC"

Neverland is a grand, ambitious instalment in the Eighth Doctor’s Big Finish run, serving as a pseudo-season finale that directly leads into Zagreus. Picking up on plot threads woven throughout previous releases, it centres on the paradox of Charley Pollard’s survival from Storm Warning and the devastating consequences it has for time itself.

This is a dense, intricate story that demands full attention. Part 1 is particularly packed, almost to the point of being overwhelming, while Part 2 sharpens the focus, delivering a gripping and dramatic escalation. Alongside its deep emotional core in the Doctor/Charley dynamic, it also delves into Time Lord mythology, exploring Gallifrey, the Web of Time, Rassilon’s legacy, and the machinations of the Celestial Intervention Agency.

A SHOWCASE FOR McGANN, WARD, AND KEETCH

Paul McGann gives what is easily his best performance up to this point—his Doctor is passionate, defiant, and deeply wounded by the unfolding crisis. Lalla Ward’s Romana is at her most commanding, playing off McGann beautifully as they clash over Gallifrey’s choices. Anthony Keetch’s Vansell, a character who has long been an intriguing presence in Big Finish, gets some of his strongest material here, further fleshing out his role within the Time Lord hierarchy.

Charley, played with warmth and conviction by India Fisher, is slightly sidelined in parts of the story, but she still gets several standout moments. Her paradox is the catalyst for everything, and her scenes remain emotionally charged.

THE NEVERPEOPLE – A CONCEPT AS DISTURBING AS IT IS FASCINATING

The Neverpeople—those erased from time yet still existing—are among Big Finish’s most eerie and effective creations. The story paints them as tragic yet dangerous, a stark contrast to the often impersonal nature of Time Lord bureaucracy. Their presence adds a psychological horror element, elevating Neverland beyond traditional sci-fi.

GRAND, ATMOSPHERIC, AND OCCASIONALLY OVERWHELMING

The sound design and music give Neverland an epic, almost cinematic quality. Its ambition is commendable, but the sheer density of the narrative—particularly in its first half—can make it difficult to follow. However, the pay-off is worth it, leading to a stunning and emotional finale that forces the Doctor to confront his past decisions and the fragility of time itself.

And then, just when it seems the crisis is averted, Zagreus is unleashed… A chilling and unforgettable cliffhanger that remains one of the most haunting moments in Big Finish history.

📝VERDICT: 9/10

Neverland is an ambitious and high-stakes Doctor Who drama that expands Gallifreyan lore while delivering strong performances from Paul McGann, Lalla Ward, and Anthony Keetch. Though its dense storytelling can be overwhelming at times, its eerie atmosphere, emotional weight, and powerful climax make it a standout entry in the Eighth Doctor’s Big Finish run. The chilling final moments set the stage for Zagreus in spectacular fashion.