The Fifth Doctor meets Harry Houdini. I have to say, I'm really impressed with the amount of range that Steve Lyons is able to produce, first of dark and gritty stories like Colditz, now a fun romp with Houdini!

Janet manages to capture the Fifth Doctor's essence perfectly - I don't know whether it's down to the writing or the performance, but his soul just bleeds through the script and it's perfectly suited to him. He and Houdini have a great bond, and you can tell that he's very heartbroken when he's betrayed, and the situation becomes very tense when he has to learn from Harry's tricks and escape - This reminded me a lot of the Witchfinders, which of course referenced the magician. Whilst Janet Fielding makes a great narrator, I found her rather whiny in this, there are a few lines from Tegan that makes her sound really annoying - not because of the writing, but more of the way she plays her. Nyssa gets some time to develop following the trauma of losing her father and planet, confronting the Master again. Adric seems to care a lot about his friends in this story, even getting chased by a lion to save them.

The Master returns. I'll be honest, I didn't expect him at all here. He's menacing and taunts Nyssa at every turn, truly despicable and a great character. I'm so disappointed neither Ainley or Delgado managed to get anything done for Big Finish - if this story is an example, there would've been something fantastic in the making.

The historical setting of the fairground is pretty well realised - the atmosphere is built up with the soundscape feeling ever so authentic, with the horrifying sounds of the tigers and wild animals, and the rushing water, it sounds so vivid and I could imagine everything going on once I closed my eyes. It would've looked fantastic on TV, I think.

Harry Houdini is a well-developed character - everyone knows him, but the way he's explored and his life is weaved into the plot is so excellently done, it reminded me of the Whittaker historicals, educating the audience on who he is. I was slightly disappointed by the fact that he was so easily tricked by the Master, but it still makes sense because, as a magician, he wouldn't be susceptible to the Master's hypnotism, and it makes the twist so much more shocking and hurtful.

This is a nice way to spend an hour - nothing too impactful, but very evocative of the Fifth Doctor's era. A lot of fun with some great character moments for all.