Big Finish has taken to exploring the world of Torchwood beyond what was seen, mainly, on TV. Aside from the odd flashback to earlier times, Torchwood was grounded in 21st Century Cardiff. Big Finish have taken the opportunity to dive into Victorian Torchwood, 1950s Torchwood, Hartman’s pre-Army of Ghosts/Doomsday Torchwood and little insights into other periods as well including, in The Dying Room, Torchwood during World War Two.

To be honest, this wasn’t a release that piqued my interest particularly even though I can see the appeal of the time period. As my marathon through World War Two-related Doctor Who (and Indiana Jones) stories has shown, the Nazis were known for pursuing scientific and supernatural oddities with the aim of giving the Third Reich the edge in the war. The world of Doctor Who obviously takes this to the extreme with actual proper alien tech being sought after by Nazis so a story involving Torchwood makes absolute sense. Their entire raison d’etre is about gathering alien tech for the good of the British Empire. Indeed, their methods and morals could form more of a parallel with the Nazi regime than is entirely comfortable.

Much fanfare was made at the time of this release about it’s central ‘star’ – Simon Russell Beale. I was a little non-plussed. I think I’d heard his name before but it wasn’t a name which screamed ‘acting royalty’ which is seemed to be doing for many others online. I now realise he is an actor of great repute – and I feel my knowledge of renowned actors is pretty good – so I’m not sure why he wasn’t somebody I was particularly aware of, beyond knowing that I don’t think I had seen him in anything where he had made an impact on me, if I’d seen him at all. Even now, I don’t think I’ve become any more aware of his work than I was before – although I appreciate he is more known for his theatre work.

But he is extremely good in the role of Le Duc. Seemingly an innocent lecturer staying at a Parisian hotel with his son, the audio finds him being subjected to interrogation and torture at the hands of a Nazi officer, Grau (played brilliantly by Mark Elstob). During the course of his interrogation he recounts the story of his meeting, at the hotel, with Madame Berber (another excellent performance, this time from Emma Cunniffe).

A strange virus is attacking and changing Nazi soldiers into grotesque monsters. The Nazis believe Berber is responsible and believe Le Duc helped her escape from the Nazi-controlled hotel.

The story proceeds to reveal morsels of detail, all the time hinting at something not being quite right with Le Duc’s son. The final act pulls the rug from under the characters (although not necessarily in a way which is completely unpredictable). It is a satisfying end which sets up a new possible era for Torchwood to explore. It’s a bit of a shame this seems to be the one and only visit.

The World War Two details are rich as this audio places us in occupied France. It isn’t a place that Doctor Who as often visited although its famliar to UK audiences because of the comedy Allo Allo. This is a far more brutal depiction of that world, even if it is tinged with science fiction. The Nazi interrogation and torture scenes are reminiscent of Bernice’s ordeal in Just War and an occupied people trying to maintain a semblance of normality in a terrifying situation, and the presence of a superweapon, make these two audios thematically linked.

This proved to be a highlight of this part of the marathon – a strong story and period setting with excellent performances.