Doctor WhoMusic/Audio

Sleepers In The Dust by Darren Jones (CD review).

For a change, here’s a story that fits into an hour and is full of problems and pain without a simple ending. ‘Sleepers In The Dust’ is an Eleventh Doctor story that feels so much better than most of the series this year.

The travellers arrive on Nardurniss, but this dead world is full of danger. The mission of humans and Nardurni are surveying to see if they can re-colonise the lifeless world. The rodent like Nardurni evacuated the planet many years ago after the Prokarian War. Despite the planet apparently being barren, the Doctor, Amy and Rory find they are at the centre of a ghastly plague. There is no cure and it’s coming for Amy. When Amy gets infected the only chance lies in the past but time is of the essence when you have a time machine.

This is a really creepy story and some great action scenes as well. It even makes you forget that Amy won’t die here as we already know how that story ends. I prefer this to the TV episodes, as it felt like it had more heart and less hype.

‘Sleepers In The Dust’ is beautifully read by Arthur Darvill, who is at the heart of the story at all times as it is written in the first person. He conveys the sense other characters, well, helped by some excellent writing by Darren Jones. Darvill’s job includes several supporting voices, one of which sounded like Andy Hamilton as well as a stab at the Eleventh Doctor, who seems to be occasionally going through his arrogant phase in this.

This is an exciting adventure worthy of a double listen. Good Job, Rory. ‘I’m a Nurse’ Williams.

Sue Davies

November 2012

 

(pub: Audio Go/BBC. 1 CD 60 minute story. Price: CD: £ 2.95 (UK), Download: £ 1.99 (UK). ISBN: 978-1-44589-173-6)

reader: Arthur Darvill

check out website: www.audiogo.co.uk

 

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