Doctor Who: The Companion Chronicles - 4.12 Solitaire

Personally I have always thought of Charlie Pollard as being one of the better audio regulars so I was surprised and delighted when I heard she had gained an entry in the Companion Chronicles series. However SOLITARE is certainly not your traditional offering. Essentially it is a two handed full cast play with no narrative conveyed in real time. Joining India Fisher we have David Baile whom I think renders a worthy distinctly measured self assured vocal delivery as the Celestial Toymaker. If like me you enjoyed the previous two actor SCHERZO December 2003 title then the challenging SOLITARE will certainly feel like relatively familiar ground. This is typified by its puzzling nature and the fact that the toyshop is reducing in size as Charlie plays THE GAME. Early on there is a nice brief nod back to previous Eighth Doctor audio characters and adversaries during a basic rhyming wordplay between the two characters. By portraying the Time Lord as a dummy this allows India to neatly sidestep attempting a vocal interpretation of Paul McGann. Featuring a relaxed and pleasing 13 min CD EXTRAS chat which hints at a possible spin off audio series this 77min SOLITARE title is a pleasing addition to the Companion Chronicles range. Both a worthy addition to the Celestial Toymaker and a satisfying bonus to the continuing adventures of Edwardian adventuress Charlotte Pollard I think fans of this character will not be disappointed with this release.