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“The Wormery: Cabaret Chaos with a Twist of Tequila Worms"

An atmospheric but uneven comedy adventure with chaotic characters and ambitious ideas that never quite come together.

A Noir-Tinged Night at Bianca’s Bar

The Wormery is a quirky, boozy interlude in Big Finish’s Main Range, pairing Colin Baker’s Sixth Doctor with Katy Manning’s eccentric Iris Wildthyme. Set in Bianca’s cabaret club—a smoky, piano-filled haven that straddles space and time—the story mixes humour, mystery, and temporal oddities. From its 1930s Berlin gateway to its cosmic stage, the setting oozes noir charm. The jazzy atmosphere, bolstered by narration and music, feels like stepping into a 1950s film, but unfortunately, the plot struggles to match the strength of its setting.

Iris Wildthyme: Delightful Chaos in Moderation

Katy Manning gives a lively performance as Iris Wildthyme, delivering chaotic energy and drunken eccentricity that are simultaneously endearing and overwhelming. Her chemistry with Colin Baker is electric, but her larger-than-life antics occasionally push the Doctor into the background. Manning expertly differentiates Iris from her more familiar role as Jo Grant, crafting a flamboyant and unpredictable character best enjoyed in smaller doses.

Maria McErlane’s Bianca provides a strong foil to Iris. Her sophisticated and mysterious presence forms a compelling bond with the Doctor, adding a layer of intrigue. However, while the supporting cast helps populate the cabaret, their roles feel underdeveloped, contributing little to the central narrative.

Intrigue Undermined by Meandering Execution

The story’s strongest moments lie in its atmosphere and the initial promise of its mystery. Bianca’s bar is revealed as a nexus of temporal anomalies, and the eerie voices lurking in the shadows hint at untold dangers. However, these elements never fully coalesce into a gripping narrative. The plot meanders, bogged down by ambitious ideas—like worms in tequila bottles as aliens—that feel more absurd than compelling.

The second half falters further, devolving into a melodramatic love triangle between Iris, Bianca, and the Doctor. While the reveal that Bianca is Iris’s future (and final) incarnation adds intrigue, it arrives too late to salvage the muddled storyline. Even the outlandish twists, like Iris accidentally summoning dangerous powers during a performance, fail to generate much excitement.

A Finale That Fizzles

The story’s conclusion feels as scattered as its middle act. The final twist—Bianca narrating the tale to none other than the Seventh Doctor (as Mr. Ashcroft)—is a cheeky nod but ultimately adds little substance. By this point, the narrative’s lack of focus and stakes has long since sapped any momentum.

Verdict: Style Over Substance

The Wormery is an intriguing experiment that brims with atmosphere and charisma but ultimately falls short due to its convoluted plot and lack of cohesion. While the performances—particularly from Katy Manning and Maria McErlane—elevate the material, and the setting is a joy to inhabit, the story struggles to maintain interest. It’s a fun but forgettable outing best appreciated for its quirky charm rather than its narrative strength.

📝48/100