Coming in December, Doctor Who: Theatre of War continues Big Finish's run of special adaptations of the Virgin New Adventures, first published in the early 1990s.

Adapted by Justin Richards from his 1994 debut novel, Theatre of War features the Seventh Doctor (Sylvester McCoy), Ace (Sophie Aldred), and Bernice Summerfield (Lisa Bowerman) arriving on the planet Menaxus, where a Shakespearean tragedy is playing out.

“Theatre of War is a book that would prove incredibly important for Big Finish,” explains Producer Cavan Scott. “Justin’s novel introduced the character of Irvin Braxiatel, who, played by Miles Richardson, would go on to be a major player in both the Bernice Summerfield adventures and Gallifrey. It only seemed right to invite Miles to return for Benny’s first meeting with the great man. Of course, in typically timey-wimey style, it’s not the first time that he has met her. Then, there is Brax’s long rumoured history with the Doctor to deal with…”

Director Scott Handcock adds: “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Miles on Bernice Summerfield, Gallifrey and even The Confessions of Dorian Gray, so it’s a joy to go right back to the beginning and establish his most notorious character! Miles knows Brax inside-out, has a fantastic dynamic with Lisa, and is simply a joy to work with. So if you’ve never heard any Braxiatel before, watch out! You won’t know what’s hit you!” 

Other featured artists in the new release include Kirsty Besterman, Richard Vranch, Ed Stoppard (The Pianist), Bryan Dick, Gus Brown, Milo Twomey and UNIT: The New Series regular Ramon Tikaram (This Life, Fortitude).

Scott says: "It never ceases to amaze me how quickly actors bond, even after only a couple of days, and Theatre of War was no exception. Our guest cast feel like they’ve known each other for years, the histories of their characters’ relationships shine through.Their enthusiasm for the script and storyline really does grab you with both hands, and I can’t wait for people to hear it!"

Doctor Who: Theatre of War will be released in December, alongside Doctor Who: All-Consuming Fire – on which more casting clues will be revealed soon! You can pre-order both of these titles today. Three further adaptations will follow in 2016 and you can order all five titles as part of a specially discounted bundle.

Our six previous Novel Adaptations are still available to order now, including Doctor Who: Love and War, in which the Doctor and Ace first meet Bernice Summerfield and Doctor Who: Damaged Goods, our critically acclaimed adaptation of the novel by Russell T Davies.

And for more adventures with this TARDIS crew, check out Doctor Who: The New Adventures of Bernice Summerfield Volume 2: The Triumph of Sutekh – our blockbuster summer release!