Thworping through time and space, one adventure at a time! 

“War Stories: A Familiar but Heartfelt Twelve and Bill Adventure”

Patrick Ross’s War Stories, the winner of this year’s Paul Spragg Memorial Short Trip Opportunity, offers a short but enjoyable outing for the Twelfth Doctor and Bill. Released for free by Big Finish, it’s a charming addition to their era, though its familiar themes and structure make it more of a comforting revisit than a groundbreaking tale.

The story sets Twelve and Bill in an alien theatre festival, a vibrant backdrop brimming with creative technology and interstellar flair. The festival’s centrepiece is a play inspired by the Gallifrey Falls No More painting from The Day of the Doctor, giving the narrative a strong New Who connection. Ross does an excellent job of building this world, offering a vivid and poetic glimpse into the alien culture and its theatre traditions.

While the alien play retells the events of the Time War in dramatic fashion, the narrative weaves this with a subplot involving Bill’s encounter with Taxa, the play’s designer, and the eventual confrontation with the arrogant playwright Centaline. The latter’s unethical practice of stealing memories to create her plays adds an intriguing moral dimension, though it’s a well-trodden path for Doctor Who.

Ross captures the dynamic between Twelve and Bill beautifully, balancing their distinct personalities. The Doctor’s sharp wit and moral authority bookend the story, while Bill gets her moment in the spotlight during her scenes with Taxa and at the crew party. The exploration of Bill’s relationship with her late mother adds emotional weight, though it doesn’t delve far enough to feel fresh.

Centaline serves as a thinly veiled commentary on intellectual theft, but she is outclassed by the Doctor almost immediately, making her more of a narrative device than a compelling antagonist.

A significant portion of the story revisits the Doctor’s lingering guilt and PTSD from the Time War, echoing themes explored in The Day of the Doctor. While this provides some poignant moments, it doesn’t offer new insights, making it feel like a retread rather than a deep dive into the Doctor’s psyche.

Alan Cox delivers a solid narration, capturing the tone of both Twelve and Bill while maintaining the story’s rhythm. Ross’s prose is lush and evocative, filled with rich descriptions and clever callbacks to New Who lore. The alien theatre’s unique technological elements and the poetic depiction of the Time War play are highlights.

📝Verdict: 7/10

War Stories is a sweet, well-written short trip that fits comfortably within the Twelfth Doctor’s era. While it doesn’t break new ground, its strong character work, vivid setting, and nostalgic themes make it a worthwhile listen for fans of Twelve and Bill. It’s a story that feels like slipping into a familiar groove—enjoyable but not particularly memorable.

Random Observations:

• Villengard is mentioned. A hilarious coincidence considering the role it plays in Joy to the World, released just four days earlier.