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“The Queen of Clocks: Ticking Into Experimental Territory"

An ambitious prequel to The Girl in the Fireplace, filled with chaotic energy and eerie atmospheres.

The Clockwork Droids Return

The Clockwork Droids were an instant hit when they debuted in The Girl in the Fireplace, so the idea of a Sixth Doctor prequel exploring his first encounter with these sinister automatons is immediately intriguing. However, The Queen of Clocks takes a very different approach to their narrative, plunging listeners into a surreal and almost overwhelming world that contrasts sharply with the quiet elegance of the Droids’ original story.

A Chaotic Opening

The story bursts out of the gates with a frenetic pace, throwing the Doctor, Mel, and the audience into a whirlwind of events and a richly constructed world that feels deliberately disorienting. The titular clockwork castle is a triumph of eerie sound design, its grinding gears and ticking mechanisms creating a haunting atmosphere. However, the story’s experimental nature means it’s packed with so much detail and activity that it can be difficult to follow without a relisten.

For those who enjoy layered, non-linear storytelling, this will be a treat. For others, the initial confusion may detract from the experience.

Performances Anchor the Chaos

Colin Baker is, as always, a commanding presence as the Sixth Doctor, and he shines in this story’s more chaotic, larger-than-life moments. His natural gravitas helps ground the narrative, while Bonnie Langford’s Mel brings warmth and enthusiasm, contrasting nicely with the clockwork horrors surrounding them.

The guest cast is equally strong, particularly the characterisation of the Queen of Clocks herself, whose chilling voice and motives add to the story’s sense of unease. Together, the performances help make the surreal and chaotic storyscape feel tangible.

Evocative Sound Design

The sound design is perhaps the story’s most outstanding feature. The ticking of clocks, grinding gears, and mechanical whirrs evoke a living, breathing castle that feels like a character in its own right. The haunting score complements the atmosphere, drawing listeners into the strange and unsettling world of the Clockwork Droids.

A Story That Demands Patience

While the worldbuilding and performances are impressive, the story itself feels uneven. The sheer volume of ideas and rapid pace can make it difficult to visualise or fully grasp on a first listen. For those willing to relisten and unpack its layers, there is likely much to appreciate. However, it may frustrate listeners looking for a more straightforward narrative or a deeper exploration of the Clockwork Droids’ origins.

Verdict: A Mechanical Marvel with a Chaotic Heart

The Queen of Clocks is an ambitious, experimental story that builds an evocative and unsettling world around the Clockwork Droids. While its chaotic opening and dense narrative may not appeal to everyone, the strong performances and atmospheric sound design make it a worthwhile listen for fans of surreal Doctor Who adventures.

📝74/100