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“AXIS OF INSANITY: A NIGHTMARE FUNFAIR OF MADNESS AND MAYHEM”

The Axis of Insanity takes the Fifth Doctor, Peri, and Erimem to the Axis, a surreal and eerie realm that exists in the void between universes. Ruled by the sinister Overseer, who harbours a deep resentment for the Time Lords, the Axis is a place of madness, nightmares, and illusions. From the outset, the story plunges into chaos, with the Doctor ensnared in the deadly games of a maniacal Jester, while Peri and Erimem navigate the treacherous landscape, pursued by monstrous Firebreed dragons and haunted by ever-changing threats.

ATMOSPHERE AND SUSPENSE

The story establishes its unsettling tone right from the start, blending an eerie circus-like setting with moments of genuine horror. The Firebreed dragons provide a ferocious physical threat, while the creeping madness seeping through the Axis heightens the tension. The first episode’s climax—where the Overseer realises he has inadvertently summoned the Doctor as his only hope of restoring order—is an effective hook that raises the stakes.

A GAME OF ILLUSIONS AND MIND TRICKS

The plot itself is fairly straightforward: the Doctor evades the Jester’s tricks while trying to reunite with his companions, and Peri and Tog journey through the dangerous landscape to warn the Doctor. What makes it engaging is the series of mind-bending challenges and psychological torments along the way.

One of the best moments comes when the Jester impersonates the Doctor to manipulate Erimem, only for her to see through the deception with a brilliantly simple trick—testing his knowledge of her supposed home in Chicago. This reinforces Erimem’s intelligence and adaptability, showing that while she may struggle with some futuristic concepts, she is far from naïve.

THE JESTER – A TERRIFYING VILLAIN

Garrick Hagon delivers a chilling performance as the Jester, whose gleeful insanity and twisted sense of humour make him genuinely unsettling. He has shades of the Joker—his erratic behaviour and menacing laughter send shivers down the spine. Liza Ross is equally strong as Jarra To, the Jester’s female counterpart, adding another layer of menace. His shape-shifting abilities and manipulation of reality make him a particularly dangerous foe, and the reveal that he murdered a Time Lord and absorbed their knowledge—except for an understanding of the TARDIS—only makes him more horrifying.

A STRONG SHOWING FOR PERI AND ERIMEM

One of the highlights of The Axis of Insanity is the strong dynamic between Peri and Erimem. Their growing friendship is well-handled, with Peri’s patience and intelligence complementing Erimem’s curiosity and courage. Domestic TARDIS scenes—such as Peri teaching Erimem to read—add warmth and depth to their relationship. Caroline Morris is given plenty to do, particularly in the latter half, where Erimem must defend the TARDIS from the Jester’s attacks, proving her resourcefulness and bravery.

A SLIGHTLY WEAK THIRD ACT

While the first two parts maintain a strong pace, Part 3 loses some momentum, spending too much time in narrative limbo. Though there are still moments of tension—such as the Jester relentlessly pursuing Erimem through the TARDIS—the story feels like it’s treading water before the final confrontation.

📝VERDICT: 8/10

A twisted, surreal, and engaging adventure that delivers strong character moments, an unsettling villain, and a darkly atmospheric setting. The Jester is a memorable antagonist, and the nightmare funfair setting keeps the listener on edge. While the third act loses some steam, the overall experience remains an intense and gripping journey into madness. Fans of The Mind Robber or psychological horror in Doctor Who will find much to enjoy here.