There's some really fun ideas and some fun visuals in here. The idea of the end of the time war as a theater production, the stars blinking out around a gallifrey-projected moon, the comedy masks being used for reviews and programmes, the entire concept of the planet Fringe.

And the characterisation is pretty good here too, I love Twelve's delight at all the different arts on display, his explaining The Time War to Bill, and seeing Bill really having gotten into the adventuring lifestyle here, that's all great.

As for the actual plot though.... meh. Like it's not bad or anything, but it feels like this should be a much more personal or at least more grounded story, so the cosmic scale of things that we end up with here just seems too much. The villian and the way they're foiled are both really fun, but I don't think the stakes we ended up with were really needed.

I also don't really think Alan Cox was a great narrator for this, I've not listened to any of his other works, and I think his narration and alien voices here were great for the most part (I loved the line about Nine dressing like a lesbian but the delivery felt off), but his Twelve and Bill just didn't work for me at all.

Oh well, whatever the case, this was still really fun, and I'm glad we got it, plus it's free so can't complain too much!

The concept here is stellar, as is Patrick Ross' prose! It really flows incredibly well with some killer dialogue and characterisation to boot. I think they nailed the vibes of this TARDIS Team perfectly.

That being said, I'm with everyone else here that the story is a bit too light and isn't as character focused as I'd like. While the Bill stuff is fun, I wish this was more about 12 having to grapple with the Time War and opening up about it to her.

And while Cox does a better Capaldi than Dudman.... It's still not great. Can Big Finish please just hire a Scot to do him already?

Still, a fun, good free listen!

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.

There must be thousands of plays and films in the fictional Doctor Who Universe inspired by the Doctor’s travels. I can easily imagine Peter Capaldi’s Doctor not being a fan of watching such a performance, which makes for a strong hook. This gives you the joy of experiencing a familiar tale retold in the grumpy presence of the Doctor.

It’s enjoyable to see Bill investigating in his absence, as well as the added opportunity for her to go on a date, giving more insight into her love life than we got to see in the TV series.

It’s a very simple story which offers a pleasant, warm feeling.

No problem starting 2025 with a Twelfth Doctor story!

A very cool idea with a whole planet for performances and artists, and a play about the Time War. The characterization of the Doctor and Bill is good (the Bill saying the Ninth Doctor reminded her of a girl she had a crush on was hysterical), but the ultimate plot is a little light. Also we're still searching for a Big Finish person to nail Capaldi's accent.