It’s a school reunion for Rani
Rani Chandra’s back, and so are Clyde Langer and Luke Smith, in three brand-new full-cast audio adventures in the Rani Takes on the World series, released today from Big Finish Productions.
A little earlier than originally advertised, Anjli Mohindra, Daniel Anthony and Tommy Knight are back as the Bannerman Road team they played on TV in The Sarah Jane Adventures. But things are not the same as they were.
In The Revenge of Wormwood, Samantha Bond (best-known for her iconic roles in James Bond and Downton Abbey) also returns as Mrs Wormwood – leader of malevolent aliens, the Bane.
Producer Emily Cook said: “The theme of this second set is hopes, dreams and regrets. With Rani Takes on the World, I feel we’re exploring subjects which are very real and relatable in terms of how we navigate life and face the world. How we grow and change, and how we stay the same.”
The Worlds of Doctor Who – Rani Takes on the World: The Revenge of Wormwood is now available to own for just £19.99 (on collector’s edition CD box set + download) or £16.99 (as a download only), exclusively here.
Time Schisms! by Lizbeth Myles
Podcast fan Anna thinks there’s a time traveller working in her local post office. So, who else should she ask to investigate other than Rani Chandra? Unconvinced at first, Rani is shocked when an old friend warns her off. If UNIT don’t want her looking into it, there must be something to the phenomena… But will Rani’s quest for the truth drive a wedge between her and Luke?
The Star-Crossed Diversion by Alison Winter
After falling asleep on the night tube, Rani and Clyde wake in a nightmare – a future in which the Bane have succeeded in taking over the Earth. Humans are docile cattle, the planet’s resources sold to the highest bidder. Bane Uncle Crispin believes all opposition has been crushed, but the new arrivals are ready to fight. Are they the last hope of resistance? And how can Rani and Clyde ever return home?
The Ghost of Bannerman Road by Jonathan Morris
13 Bannerman Road. The place where it all began, where Rani, Clyde and Luke fought alien menaces with Sarah Jane. Now it’s locked up, derelict and under the watch of UNIT, because top scientists are mysteriously disappearing, and items of alien technology are being stolen from laboratories. An old friend is planning to make her return... and Rani and Clyde have to face their own ghosts.
Russell T Davies, creator of The Sarah Jane Adventures, said: “I can’t actually remember how the audio series came about, if it was Big Finish who came to me with it or if it was the producer Emily Cook. I think it was Emily!
“Anyway, we got in touch with Anjli, Daniel and Tommy who all agreed to take part. It’s fantastic that Anjli can do this because she’s such a leading actor these days. I’m delighted for her. I’ve been following her and always congratulate her. Her continued success is just one of the great pleasures in my life.
“There were many stories being bandied about for this new box set so I had a Zoom with the writers and gave them a lot of suggestions as to how things should go. I’ve always loved the relationship between Daniel and Anjli as Clyde and Rani. I had a lot to tell the writers and it was a fun session. I actually thought, ‘I should do calls like this more often,’ as they are a really nice bunch!
“And then, I left them to it. And I’ve got to say, I’m delighted by the end result.”
Big Finish listeners can purchase Rani Takes on the World: Beyond Bannerman Road and The Revenge of Wormwood together in a bundle from just £33.
All the above prices include the special pre-order discount and are subject to change after general release.
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.