Thworping through time and space, one adventure at a time!
"THE DEADLY STRANGERS: WHEN OPERA MEETS ALIEN OBSESSION"
The Eighth Doctor, Charley, and Audacity find themselves swept into the world of legendary composer Giacomo Puccini, just as he struggles to complete his final opera. But their adventure soon takes an eerie turn with the arrival of an alien entity obsessed with riddles, music, and, most unsettlingly, the Doctor himself.
Anchoring the story in the early 20th century and intertwining it with Puccini’s life and creative process lends this tale a unique charm. The mix of historical drama and cosmic intrigue feels wonderfully rich—like an opera itself, full of grand emotions, mystery, and beauty.
THE RETURN OF A FAMILIAR WRITER AND A NEARLY-DOCTOR
This marks the triumphant return of Matthew Jacobs—writer of the 1996 TV Movie—to the Doctor Who universe, making it an intriguing release for long-time fans. Adding to the fun, Tim McInnerny plays Puccini with flair, a delightful casting choice given that McInnerny once auditioned for the role of the Eighth Doctor himself.
TURA, THE RIDDLE-LOVING MENACE
From the start, a sense of mystery pervades the narrative, with an unusual cherry blossom tree and the enigmatic Tura, an alien with a haunting fascination for the Doctor. As the story progresses, Tura’s obsession escalates, leading to a tense, almost psychological battle as she begins to pose a serious threat to Charley. Her strange power—transforming humans into plants or animals through eerie, melodic songs—adds an extra layer of unease.
A TRIO IN PERFECT HARMONY
One of the highlights of the audio drama is the dynamic between the Doctor, Charley, and Audacity. Their chemistry sparkles, brimming with humour and warmth as they discuss music, culture, and fashion. Audacity’s aristocratic background proves useful, allowing her to move through high society with ease while drawing closer to the elusive Tura.
McInnerny is excellent as Puccini, perfectly capturing his genius and struggles, while Sarah Lawrie is equally strong as Puccini’s supportive wife. These performances ground the story’s more fantastical elements in something real and emotional.
A STUNNING FINAL MOVEMENT
The setting comes to life with evocative scenes aboard trains, boats, and at opulent parties, but it’s the Doctor’s heartfelt conversation with Puccini that steals the show. The moment where he inspires the composer to write Turandot, underscored by the use of Nessun Dorma, is simply magical—a beautiful intersection of history and fiction.
The climax is bittersweet, with Puccini gaining the final push to complete his masterpiece while the Doctor faces the consequences of Tura’s dangerous fascination. Even for those who aren’t opera enthusiasts, the story’s exploration of love, music, and creativity makes it deeply moving.
📝VERDICT: 9/10
A lyrical, poetic adventure that blends historical fiction with eerie sci-fi intrigue. The Deadly Strangers captures the essence of opera—grand, emotional, and tragic—while delivering an intelligent and haunting alien threat. With a stellar cast, strong character moments, and a unique setting, this is an unforgettable audio drama that lingers long after the final note.
