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Dreamtime

MARCH 2005

(4 EPISODES)

A sequel of sorts to his extremely popular Sandman, Simon A Forward’s Dreamtime sees the return of the Galyari and their Clutch, and also has the distinction of marking Hex’s very first voyage in the TARDIS. In terms of content then, this one certainly has all the compulsory constituents for a fine tale.

Unfortunately though, after some remarkable scenes between the Doctor, Ace and Hex in the first episode, Dreamtime quickly descends into an unfathomable, mystical romp. Inspired by aboriginal myth, Forward’s story is one of astonishing imagery and worlds colliding; his inclusion of the brash Galyari, for instance, contrasts fiercely with the magical inhabitants of the Dreamtime. Nevertheless, the nebulous narrative just couldn’t hold my attention over the one hundred minutes running time. For all its finery, this one is just too abstract.

That’s not to say that Dreamtime is a write-off, however. For one thing, Philip Olivier is every bit as engaging here as he was in The Harvest, stealing the show once again with his unassuming and congenial portrayal of Hex. For this character, being thrust straight into such a strange and wondrous adventure must be absolutely mind-blowing, and that’s exactly how Olivier plays it. Of course, in certain scenes Hex does demonstrate his potential usefulness to the Doctor – after all, the Doctor only takes “the best.” Ace is also used well by Forward, but this ongoing ‘McShane’ thing is really starting to get on my nerves now. If anything, it makes Ace seem more childish than grown up!

At the end of the day though, Dreamtime is one of the few Big Finish audio dramas that hasn’t really worked for me on any level. Those who like a taste of the intangible will no doubt rave about it, but I think for most us, when it comes down to a choice between listening to this or watching Christopher Eccleston and Bille Piper, well... Let’s just say that Big Finish are going to have to double their efforts henceforth.

Copyright © E.G. Wolverson 2006

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