The Peterloo Massacre
Peter Davison (
Lost in the smog of the Industrial Revolution, the TARDIS crashes four miles south of Manchester, in the grounds of Hurley Hall – a grand mansion belonging to a local factory owner, a proudly self-made man. But While Hurley dreams of growing richer still on the wealth of secret knowledge locked up in The Doctor’s time and space machine, his servants hope only for a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work. His young maid Cathy, for instance, whom Nyssa learns is looking forward to joining the working people’s march to St Peter’s Field, in the heart of the city. There’ll be speeches and banners and music. It’ll be like one big jamboree…
Or so she thinks. For the city’s establishment have called in their own private militia, to control the crowd. One of the darkest days in Manchester’s history is about to unfold – and the Doctor, Nyssa and Tegan are right in the thick of it.
Written by: Paul Magrs
Directed by: Jamie Anderson
“There is an enormous amount to admire with this release… I’d like to focus on Paul Magrs’s crafting of this outstanding tale. Given the political nature of the material, it would have been easy to tell a big angry story, have Tegan shout a lot and present events without drawing the listener in as deeply as he has.’ Red Rocket Rising
“The drama is first rate, the performances wonderfully realistic, Magrs and Big Finish prove that The Doctor doesn’t need aliens and monsters to tell a compelling and historical yet relevant story.’ Blogtor Who
“This is an exceptional release and there have been a lot of those lately, but this really is something special. Paul Magrs, Jamie Anderson and all involved in the production can take a bow – this story can proudly stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best of the best.’ Planet Mondas
“I don’t make any secret of the fact that I’m a huge fan of Paul Magrs work, both literary and audio, and he has once again rewarded my eternal faith by delivering a story that, while adhering to the facts, is moving, absorbing, suffused with intricate and carefully constructed characterisation and motors along at a fairold clip.’ Mass Movement Magazine
“… Some of the most beautifully haunting vocal led music that I’ve ever heard from Big Finish… Peter Davison’s portrayal of the Doctorin this story is absolutely stellar… It really knocked me for six like no other form of Doctor Who ever has… I highly recommend you listen to this story.’ Gallifrey Archive
“At its heart (The Peterloo Massacre) never forgets that it also has a mission to be two hours of rollercoaster Who, set in a world where the inevitability of history is the Big Bad, and the mean spirits of human beings are the chief motivators of action. Listen to this rapid couple of hours of character-rich Who today, and welcome another Paul Magrs classic into your collection.’ Warped Factor
“The Peterloo Massacre is unlike any other Doctor Who story I’ve heard. An instant classic, it sits up there with Protect and Survive as being the best of the best. Peter Davison gives his best performance for years in a story that is structured quite unusually, but works perfectly… This story really is in a class of its own, and the most memorable Big Finish production for several years. 10/10′ Kroagnon.
“They say there’ll be thousands pouring into Manchester tomorrow. From all over the county, north and south. It’ll be a piece of history. People will remember this!”
- The Peterloo Massacre was the two hundred and tenth story in Big Finish’s monthly range.
- Nyssa has told Tegan about her visit to Gallifrey. (Arc of Infinity)
- Tegan once again exclaims, “Rabbits!” (Logopolis, Frontios)
- The TARDIS’ automated repair systems will take a day or two. The Doctor previously referred to the TARDIS knowing how to fix something if it’s happened before. (The Sands of Time)
