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Doctor Who: The Dark Husband by David Quantick
01/07/2008 . Source: Sue Davies 
CD. pub: Big Finish ISBN: 978-1-84435-315-6. 120 minute CD. Price: £12.99 (UK). Read by Sylvester McCoy, Sophie Aldred, Philip Oliver, Danny Webb, Andy B Newb, Benny Dawb, Katarina Olsson and Sean Connolly. Buy Doctor Who: The Dark Husband in the USA - or Buy Doctor Who: The Dark Husband in the UK  check out web site www.BigFinish.com
Sylvester McCoy has been a little busy lately so Doctor Number Seven stories have been rationed. He looks like he has been working hard, as he has bags under his eyes that look like they were packed and lost at Heathrow Terminal Five. Still he has managed be around long enough to star in this unusual story. Written by David Quantick who UK listeners will know from working with Armando Inannucci and Chris Morris on 'Brass Eye', this is an off-the wall piece that requires concentration or, like me, you will need to listen to it twice!
It has a great opening where Hex gets slimed and finds some holiday brochures in the TARDIS toilets, yes really. So far, so, promising as the kids, Ace and Hex are set to go to the Glastonbury-in-space, the festival of the Twin Moons of Tuin. There are some excellent witty exchanges particularly between Ace and Hex.
Arriving at the festival, the gang are dismayed to find they appear to be in a rather large graveyard which is a not a great way to start a party. Once they meet the local inhabitants, it all becomes clear. They have arrived at a point where they could make a real difference and end the 10,000-year war. Tuin awaits the arrival of the Dark Husband, someone who has the power to end the war.
The Doctor never misses an opportunity to stick his nose in and soon a wedding is announced. Falling for a simple con-trick, Ace finds she is the Shining Wife and now it's the night before the ceremony and no-one feels like celebrating their single-dom. The Groom and the Bride are rather reluctant to go ahead with their big day and as it turns out, they have good reason to be apprehensive. Shotgun weddings always end badly.
This is a funny, confusing story that utilises the growing attraction of Hex for Ace and her blithe indifference. It's amusing because there is no romance for anyone in these classic Doctor stories and is a defiant opposing view to having the Doctor as seen on the TV as the pretty-boy everyone falls for. In this incarnation, the gruff Doctor is simply doing his astronomical duty where marriage is concerned.
There are the usual extras with behind the scenes explanations and some good cover notes. too.
There is a always a sense that if there was scenery to be chewed it would be well digested by the end of these audios. Everyone has fun including the audience and the adventures of the Doctor continue to offer a great way to spend a couple of hours.
Sue Davies
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