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Doctor Who: Assassin In The Limelight by Robert Ross
02/08/2008 . Source: Sue Davies 
CD. pub: Big Finish ISBN: 978-1-84435-317-0. 120 minute CD. Price: £14.99 (UK). Non UK £11.50), read by Colin Baker, Maggie Stables, Leslie Philips, Lysette Anthony, Eric Loren, Madeleine Potter, Alan Marriott, Paul Dubois and Mikey O'Connor. Buy Doctor Who: Assassin In The Limelight in the USA - or Buy Doctor Who: Assassin In The Limelight in the UK  check out web site www.BigFinish.com
The new two-hour extravaganza brings back the Sixth Doctor (Colin Baker) and his mature companion Dr Evelyn Smythe (Maggie Stables). They arrive in Ford's Theatre, Washington on Thursday the 13th April just a day before the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. It seems that someone is messing about with historical continuity when the assassin John Wilkes Booth is murdered before the assassination can take place! Oscar Wilde is visiting at a time when he couldn't possibly be out of short trousers and it looks like an old enemy of the Doctor, the Time Meddler, going by the name of Doctor Knox is back to meddle again.
This four-episode CD takes time to build its plot. We have an opportunity to take in the scenery and explore historical background to Lincoln's assassination. There are plenty of characters supporting the main action, including the real life Clara Harris and the obligatory American cop.
Guest stars include Lysette Anthony and the amazing Leslie Phillips who gives a masterly performance and almost outdoes the Doctor in being really tricky. The cast consists of naturalised Canadians and Americans so if you are picky about accents watch out. I couldn't tell the difference but you guys may seek to differ.
Eric Loren, a Canadian, Mr. Diagoras in TV's 'Daleks In Manhattan' had the dubious honour of becoming the first Dalek/human hybrid. Here he gets to play the rather useless bodyguard to Lincoln who in reality sloped off to the saloon during the crucial period. Amazing to think that drink caused the American Civil War. Or did it? Discuss.
There is a mass of background information on the plot and how it was developed included on the extras. It turned out to be educational as well. I know it's not compulsory to Google after listening but it intrigued me as a non-American to find about more about the circumstances of Lincoln's assassination. Not surprisingly, the involvement of the Doctor is not mentioned but it was intriguing to find out how the writers used the real events and people to create a believable scenario. I would like to emphasise that I find the CD extras excellent. I never bother with DVD extras but these always illuminate the creative process, actors' background and are very entertaining.
So, does it work as a Doctor Who plot? There are mostly cerebral moments and verbal exchanges instead of the usual pounding down the corridors. This Doctor prefers to think it through. Perhaps it's the extra weight he's carrying? When you have such mellifluous voices as Lesley Phillips (why is he not Sir?) and Colin Baker it's a real treat. The plot is suitably convoluted too and rewards the four episodes it is allocated. There are even two TARDISes. Lysette Anthony voices one and it has an elevator!
I love the story, as it is nicely intricate. I like the relationship between Evelyn and the Doctor. The Sixth Doctor has some lovely character development since the TV series and he really comes into his own in this story.
Colin Baker is absolutely fantastic as the Sixth Doctor. His performance is spot-on every time. I know the script bringing out his character helps him but he gives it all he's got. He keeps it low key though and you don't feel you are being 'acted' at. This has been a story to replay even in sections and each time there has been something more to add to your enjoyment. Oh and maybe we haven't seen the last of Doctor Knox the Time Meddler.
Recommended.
Sue Davies
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