Doctor Who: …ish is a novel by Philip Pascoe that takes place between the television adventures Revelation of the Daleks and The Trial of a Time Lord. It was recorded at Moat Studios on 6 and 8 March 2002 and was released by Big Finish Productions. The story revolves around the launch of the Lexicon, the most exhaustive dictionary of the English language ever seen, and the Doctor’s unexpected involvement in a war of words.
Key Takeaways
- Doctor Who: …ish is a novel by Philip Pascoe set in the Doctor Who universe.
- The story takes place between Revelation of the Daleks and The Trial of a Time Lord.
- The Doctor becomes involved in a war of words surrounding the launch of the Lexicon, a comprehensive English language dictionary.
- The audio drama was recorded at Moat Studios and released by Big Finish Productions.
- It explores themes of language and communication in a unique and ambitious way.
The Inspiration Behind …ish
Writer Phil Pascoe drew inspiration for his story idea for Doctor Who: …ish after attending a Doctor Who convention in Sydney in February 2000. During the convention, Pascoe had the opportunity to hear Big Finish executive producer Jason Haigh-Ellery speak, which ignited his creative spark.
Pascoe was particularly captivated by a scene from The Trial of a Time Lord in which the Doctor communicates with Peri using the word “ish.” This scene intrigued Pascoe and prompted him to delve deeper into the evolving dynamics of language and its impact on interactions.
To bring his idea to life, Pascoe submitted his concept to Big Finish, a prominent production company known for their Doctor Who audio dramas. This decision marked the beginning of the journey to creating Doctor Who: …ish, an audio drama that explores the nuanced depths of language within the Doctor Who universe.
The Characters and Cast
In Doctor Who: …ish, Colin Baker returns as the Sixth Doctor, reprising his role with his bombastic and pedantic interpretation of the character. Nicola Bryant also joins the cast, returning as Peri. Both actors deliver excellent performances, bringing their characters to life in this audio drama. This production gives Colin Baker the opportunity to shine in a role that was often underutilized during his time on the television series.
| Character | Actor |
|---|---|
| Sixth Doctor | Colin Baker |
| Peri | Nicola Bryant |
Unraveling the Mystery of …ish
The story of Doctor Who: …ish revolves around a conference of lexicographers and the mysterious death of the leading expert in the field. The Doctor and Peri must unravel the secrets of a suicide note filled with spelling errors and discover who is responsible for the murder. The concept of language and its power is explored, highlighting the dangers of trying to control or guard the ever-evolving nature of communication.
In this audio drama, the Doctor finds himself entangled in a web of words and deception as he investigates the death of a prominent lexicographer. The suicide note left behind by the deceased raises suspicion due to its peculiar spelling errors, leading the Doctor and Peri on a quest to decipher its hidden meaning.
As they delve deeper into the world of lexicography, the duo encounters a myriad of linguistic puzzles and cryptic clues, unraveling the truth behind the murder. Throughout their investigation, they confront the power and complexities of language, exploring how words can both illuminate and distort reality.
This thought-provoking storyline serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the dangers that arise when language becomes a tool for manipulation and control. It challenges our understanding of words and their impact on our lives, highlighting the fragility and imperfection of human communication.
The Labyrinth of Words
The Doctor and Peri navigate a labyrinth of words, uncovering hidden secrets and unmasking the language-related motives behind the murder. The plot twists and turns, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats as they try to decipher the puzzle alongside the Doctor.
Throughout the audio drama, the significance of lexicography and the role of lexicographers in shaping language are explored. The story sheds light on the immense power of words and the responsibility that comes with wielding that power.
As the Doctor and Peri dive deeper into the investigation, they confront the notion that language is an ever-evolving entity that cannot be controlled or contained. It is through their interactions with other characters, including fellow lexicographers, that they gain insight into the nuances of language and the delicate balance between preserving tradition and embracing change.
The Enigma of the Suicide Note
The central mystery revolves around the suicide note left by the murdered lexicographer. Filled with apparent spelling errors, the note presents a linguistic conundrum that challenges the Doctor’s intellectual prowess.
The Doctor’s journey to solve this linguistic puzzle showcases his keen understanding of language and his ability to navigate linguistic nuances. Through his analysis of the note, he uncovers hidden messages and reveals a deeper layer of meaning within the seemingly flawed text.
This exploration of language and its intricacies adds depth to the narrative, elevating the story beyond a simple whodunit. It prompts reflection on the power of words, the fragility of our understanding, and the inherent beauty and complexity of human communication.
Ambitious Concept, Mixed Opinions
Doctor Who: …ish presents an ambitious premise that revolves around wordplay, flowery language, and the comprehension of language itself. The story explores the limits of language and the attempts to control it, offering a unique and thought-provoking narrative. However, fan reactions to this ambitious concept have been mixed.
While some fans appreciate the creative and unique nature of Doctor Who: …ish, others find it tiresome and overly pretentious. The emphasis on linguistics and the exploration of language may not resonate with all viewers, as it requires a deeper interest in the nuances of communication.
This audio drama caters more to fans with a passion for linguistics and a willingness to engage with the complexities of language. It delves into the power of words and the constant evolution of communication, making it a compelling choice for those interested in exploring these themes in the Doctor Who universe.
Despite divided opinions, Doctor Who: …ish pushes the boundaries of storytelling within the realm of linguistics, offering an intellectual experience for fans eager to immerse themselves in a narrative that challenges the norms of language and its control.
Fan Reactions
To provide a comprehensive overview of fan reactions, here is a breakdown of the opinions expressed towards Doctor Who: …ish.
| Positive Aspects | Negative Aspects |
|---|---|
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The Performance and Sound Design
The performance and sound design in Doctor Who: …ish deserve praise. Nick Briggs, an accomplished sound designer in the audio format industry, directed the production with meticulous attention to detail. Working closely with Colin Baker, known for his iconic portrayal of the Sixth Doctor, Briggs ensured a captivating and immersive experience for listeners.
During the studio recording, Colin Baker brought his own volumes of the concise Oxford English Dictionary, showcasing his commitment to the linguistic nature of the script. This dedication to authenticity enriched the performances and added depth to the characters.
Although faced with some post-production challenges, the audio drama came together seamlessly, capturing the essence of the story and delivering it to audiences in an engaging and dynamic manner.
To further highlight the importance of sound design in audio dramas, below is a table detailing the contributions of Nick Briggs in various productions:
| Audio Drama | Year |
|---|---|
| Doctor Who: The Chimes of Midnight | 2002 |
| Sherlock Holmes: The Adventure of the Perfidious Mariner | 2010 |
| Blakes 7: The Liberator Chronicles – Volume 11 | 2015 |
Through his expertise and dedication, Nick Briggs continues to be a prominent figure in the world of audio format and sound design, delivering exceptional experiences for listeners.
Customer Ratings and Reviews
Doctor Who: …ish has garnered average customer ratings, achieving an overall rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars. The performances delivered by Colin Baker and Nicola Bryant have received praise from fans and critics alike.
However, the story’s focus on language and linguistics has sparked a division within the fanbase. Some applaud the audio drama for its fresh and innovative approach, while others perceive it as overly ambitious.
The appreciation for Doctor Who: …ish ultimately rests on individual interests and preferences. Fans with a keen interest in linguistics and unconventional storytelling are more likely to embrace the audio drama’s distinctive charm.
| Customer Ratings | Comments |
|---|---|
| 5 stars | An enjoyable and thought-provoking exploration of language! |
| 4 stars | A unique twist on Doctor Who, though it may not appeal to all. |
| 3 stars | Interesting concept, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. |
| 2 stars | Too focused on linguistics, I prefer more action-packed stories. |
| 1 star | Not my cup of tea. |
Release and Copyright Information
Doctor Who: …ish, written by Phil Pascoe and directed by Nicholas Briggs, was released in 2002 by Big Finish Productions. This audio drama is part of their extensive catalogue of Doctor Who audio dramas.
Doctor Who: …ish is copyrighted by Big Finish Productions, ensuring the protection of its intellectual property and maintaining the rights of the creators.
Big Finish Productions, widely recognized for their high-quality audio productions, has been a prominent force in the Doctor Who franchise, providing fans with exciting adventures of the Doctor and his companions beyond the television series.
Conclusion
Doctor Who: …ish is a unique and ambitious audio drama that explores the intricate nuances of language and communication in the Doctor Who universe. Through the stellar performances of Colin Baker as the Sixth Doctor and Nicola Bryant as Peri, this audio drama brings the story to life with passion and skill.
With its thought-provoking concept, Doctor Who: …ish offers a fresh perspective on the Doctor’s adventures, diving into the power and evolution of language. While it may not resonate with every fan, those with an interest in linguistics and a desire for unconventional storytelling will find much to appreciate in this intriguing book summary of Doctor Who: …ish by Philip Pascoe.
As with any art form, opinions about Doctor Who: …ish are divided. Some fans applaud its innovative approach and the exploration of language’s significance, while others find it overly ambitious. Ultimately, whether you embrace this audio drama or not will come down to personal preferences and interests.
In conclusion, Doctor Who: …ish is a captivating and distinctive addition to the rich collection of Doctor Who audio dramas. It challenges listeners to contemplate the intricate workings of language and communication, pushing the boundaries of storytelling within the Doctor Who universe. For those who enjoy thought-provoking narratives and are open to exploring the depths of language, this book summary of Doctor Who: …ish is undoubtedly worth delving into.
