Oh No It Isn't! by Paul Cornell, adapted for audio by Jac Rayner
reviewed by Kathy Sullivan
The Virgin New Adventures of Bernice Summerfield, a former companion of the Doctor (in the novels), are now available in an audio form. The first release, "Oh No It Isn't!", is a streamlined version of the novel by Paul Cornell on two cassettes (about 110 minutes running time). There aren't as many point of view changes as in the novel; the main focus remains with Benny. And Benny is an interesting person to stay with. Lisa Bowerman (from the televised episode "Survival") is a fascinating Benny--sarcastic, quick-thinking, and a survivor.
The story opens with Professor Summerfield's archeological dig on the planet Perfecton. Just as they are leaving the planet, alien raiders decide to attack the ship at the same moment a missile launched from the dead planet hits the ship. Benny fully expects to be dead, but instead she suddenly finds herself in a strange world where her pet cat is now human-sized, wearing a hat, and talking to her.
If you're familiar with panto, this is a wonderfully comedic adventure. Nicholas Courtney is marvellous as Wolsey, staunch defender of his master Dick and rather confused that his master is insisting that he is a female named Benny. The transformations of Benny's students and the ship's crew are...interesting.
Those not familiar with pantomime may be confused at first. Why does a hissing sound follow the Vizier around? Why do people keep breaking into song while Benny keeps cleaning things? Fortunately the story provides an explanation of panto as Benny figures out what has happened while being acclaimed as lost son, lost princess, seeker of lamps and escaping from the alien raiders who are also trapped in the pantomime.
Jac Rayner has done an excellent job of adapting Paul Cornell's book for audio, keeping in the right amounts of seriousness and humor, enhancing and adding some perfect Benny bits and yet keeping the plot on track. Excellent direction by Nicholas Briggs, clever usage of audio effects by Alistair Lock, and a marvellous cast make this a fun adventure.
The theme music for the series is of course different from the pieces Lock has done for the more 'Doctorish' adventures for BBV. The theme is only faintly futuristic with a more 'action music' feel, slightly reminiscent of a certain 1930's archeologist's theme.
The cast also includes Jo Castleton as Jayne Waspo/Bitchy, Jonathan Bruun as Michael Doran/Cute, Colin McIntyre as Captain Balsam/King Rupert, Nicholas Briggs as Lt. Prince/Prince Charming, James Campbell as Professor Candy/Dame Candy, Mark Gatiss as The Grand Vizier, and Alistair Lock as The Grel Master.
Beyond the Sun by Matthew Jones, adapted for audio by Jac Rayner
The second Benny book to go to audio, "Beyond the Sun", is a more straightforward adventure than the first. Benny is supervising two students on their first dig when her ex-husband, Jason Kane, arrives, claiming to have part of a powerful weapon. When he promptly disappears, she is the only one who believes he is in danger. And when the only clue she has leads her to the closed planet of Ursu, her first thought is to get her students back to Dellah and then return for Jason. Unfortunately, someone else had other plans.
Again, this is a streamlined version of the Matthew Jones book, with a few characters' names changed and others merged. This audio doesn't stay with Bernice's point of view, a technique which aids in presenting the different sides to the story. And there are indeed many sides to this story, with more than a few culture clashes. Sound effects added to nonhuman voices also helps to heighten the 'alienness'. Jac Rayner also left in Benny's diary entries, an integral part of the Benny books and used very effectively here (with a nice writing sound effect). Benny is at her best when the writers make use of her archeological background and experience, and Professor Summerfield is showcased here, both as solver of puzzles and teacher to the spoiled Tameka Vito (Jane Burke) and naïve Emile Mars-Smith (Lewis Davis).
Along with the excellent Lisa Bowerman, Sophie Aldred seems to be enjoying her role as Miranda, and Anneke Wills (Polly from the second Doctor's stories) makes the Ursulan Dr. Kitzinger believably alien. Add in the skillful direction of Gary Russell (whose experience from the 80's AudioVisual Adventures shows) and good use of sound effects and beautiful music from Harvey Summers and the result is an exciting and thought-provoking story.
The cast includes Lisa Bowerman as Bernice, Sophie Aldred as Miranda, Anneke Wills as Dr. Kitzinger, Stephen Fewell as Jason Kane, Jane Burke as Tameka Vito, Lewis Davis as Emile Mars-Smith, Nicholas Pegg as Scott, and Barnaby Edwards as Leon. The cover sleeves of both audios also includes pictures of the cast. This audio is on two cassettes (about 100 minutes running time).
For those who have been resisting the Benny books, the Big Finish tapes are an convenient way to ease into the series. But the audio adventures of a space and time traveling archeologist are interesting enough on their own. I highly recommend both audios.
Big Finish Productions has a web site of their planned audios and an order form at http://www.bigfinish.com
For phone orders by credit card:
011-44-162-8828-8283
Big Finish will also have a presence at Gallifrey (LA in February) and CONvergence (Minneapolis in July).