BIG FINISH - Donna Noble: Kidnapped! (REVIEW)

Catherine Tate's new Big Finish series explores what happens when Donna is on her own, driving the TARDIS and with her own companion! After the trauma of the Library, Donna wants a break, to see old friends and family, to remind herself of normality. Only Donna’s new normal involves trips through time and space and visiting alien worlds. So when she and BFF Nat (played by Niky Wardley) start looking into strange abductions, they are dragged into a whole new universe of trouble...

Barnaby Edwards directs this four part series with James Goss, Matt Fitton, Jacqueline Rayner and John Dorney taking on writing duties. Although all four audios focus on different planets or time periods, they link together for a continuing narrative that compliments each other.

Out of this World by Jacqueline Rayner focuses on Donna in a much more vulnerable state in the aftermath of The Library, mourning the life she never had but secretly wants back - so her mother naturally thinks speed dating is the answer, with reunions and deadly dates ensuing. Jacqueline King reprises her role as the formidable Sylvia Noble, but listeners get to see a rare moment of emotion between this estranged mother and daughter. As well as introducing a rather sinister alien threat, Rayner has that great ability to write humour and drama perfectly together. The chemistry between Tate and Wardley is instantaneous and I instantly believed in the relationship of these childhood friends. The supporting cast were superb, especially Anthony Howell as Adrian who had fantastic stage presence and range in his performance. This was definitely one of my favourite episodes of this box set and was a strong starting point for the following parts.

Spinvasion by John Dorney sees Donna and Nat literally crashing the TARDIS on an alien planet in the middle of a successful invasion - looking for a new PR. After the serious tones of its prequel, this was such a funny and refreshing second part. The humour was on point and Donna puts her temp skills to good use, by leading a revolution. Although bizarre at times, this embraced the craziness of the world Dorney created. Catherine and Niky's chemistry also shone through this well written and paced script and the additional cast really complimented the story.

The Sorcerer of Albion by James Goss takes Donna and Nat back to the Middle Ages, where Donna is believed to be Merlin! This was a great script, it addressed gender and sexism in that era, while a monastery is under siege from the Burning Knights - we even got a great line that could be a shout-out to Jodie Whittaker's First Female Doctor. This script also gave Nat the spotlight and really explored her character arc, how like Donna - she's struggling with secrets of her own. David Schofield and Lydia West were great in this piece as supporting cast members - even the TARDIS tries to rescue Donna and Nat, in the form of Nat's husband (much to Nat's frustration). This part was a lot darker and the stakes, but had an emotional heart beating through it that left an impact.

The Chiswick Cuckoos by Matt Fitton concludes with Donna and Nat's return home, but an alien threat is still very much present - closer than they'd thought. This episode literally had me on the edge of my sit. The script had a perfect balance dramatic moments and comedic timing, which was delivered perfectly by the entire cast. Everything that was setup in the previous three episodes had an immensely satisfying payoff. Series One ended with a pretty decent ending, but if Big Finish fashion - it's VERY CLEARLY left open for a second series. Fittion wrote an overall great season finale.

This production was definitely a 5/5 rating for me. It had everything perfect for a Donna-centred spin-off. Here's hoping Catherine Tate gets a second series or more volumes with Tennant's Doctor.

Donna Noble: Kidnapped! is available from the BIG FINISH website - Collector's Audio CDs priced at £24.99 and Digital purchases priced at £19.99. More details available HERE