The latest Torchwood audio adventure, the 99th and penultimate release in the regular range, focuses on a mysterious character who has loomed large over Torchwood’s history – Bilis Manger. 

Three actors – the washed-up Dermot Lacey (Cyril Nri, Cucumber), the former grand dame Mathilde Balfour (Sarah Douglas, Superman), and the massively successful Roger Cartney (Robert Bathurst, Toast of London) – are invited to reunite at a theatre where they once shared a terrible experience. 

Here, they find themselves tormented by a figure calling himself Bilis Manger (Colin Ryan, Wolf King). But how does he connect to the Bilis previously encountered by Torchwood? And is he angel, demon, or something else entirely? 

This brand-new audio drama was developed before the unfortunate death in 2023 of Murray Melvin, who played Bilis in the Torchwood TV series and numerous audio dramas. The story was subsequently reworked to act as a tribute to both Murray and Bilis. 

Torchwood: Curtain, scripted by James Goss from a story by David Llewellyn, is now available to own for just £8.99 (download to own) or £13.99 (download to own + collector’s edition CD), exclusively here. Please note: the collector’s edition CD is strictly limited to 1,000 copies and will not be re-pressed. 

Many years ago, the Palace Theatre burnt down during a performance that accidentally summoned the devil. 

Now the cast have been invited back to the grand reopening by a mysterious figure. Who is Bilis Manger? 

Director Scott Handcock said: “The influence of Bilis Manger stretches far and wide throughout Torchwood – and Curtain is no exception. It’s a play about performances and the masks people wear, consciously and subconsciously, and it was a delight to work with such a talented band of actors on a script about acting! 

“We had the best of times with Murray Melvin, and I know the idea of one more story with Bilis after he’d gone always tickled him. We all miss him a very great deal.” 

Writer and producer James Goss added: “Curtain’s the release you listen to if you want a slice of horror – three people trapped in a haunted theatre with the devil playing deadly tricks on them. 

“It’s a release that we’d have absolutely loved Murray Melvin to be around for; indeed, he suggested the notion of Bilis Manger in a theatre, as he loved lighting up a green room with theatrical anecdotes. Actors adored Murray, and it seemed irresistible to do a story in which Bilis sunk his teeth into three actors – a success, a has-been and a never-quite-was, all broken in their own ways. 

“Sadly, of course, Murray died before we could get a script ready, and we were left with a corking idea and the burning need to give Bilis a soaring send-off. Bilis was such a great part of the Big Finish Torchwood range, he couldn’t just go out without a big bang. And so we came up with the notion of Curtain – there is a character called Bilis Manger in it, but who is he? 

“The recording was a blast – there's nothing actors love so much as taking the mick out of themselves and each other. Honestly, it’s a great curtain call for Bilis Manger, and he truly deserves this one last ovation.” 

Praise for recent Torchwood releases: 

“Everyone’s Dead on Floor 3 poignantly blends together mystery, horror and human heart ache, while Norton’s ever reliable wit provides just the right amount of levity. 5/5”
Who Review 

“If it’s possible for a range so consistent in its general excellence to have a standout, it’s [The Flawless Man].”
Doctor Who Magazine 

“[Salvage is] a deceptively simple story about three very complicated people and a very complicated car ... 10/10”
Sci-Fi Bulletin 

Torchwood contains adult material and may not be suitable for younger listeners. 

Curtain is the 99th release in the Torchwood range. Big Finish listeners can purchase it as part of a four-release multibuy bundle including Torchwood 97 to 100, for just £32 (download to own). Torchwood returns with its 100th and final episode in May 2026. 

Please note that Big Finish is currently operating a digital-first release schedule. The mail-out of collector’s edition CDs may be delayed due to factors beyond our control, but all purchases of this release unlock a digital copy that can be immediately downloaded or played on the Big Finish app from the release date.