Rhys’s problematic cave
A terrifying danger awaits beneath the ground, as Kai Owen stars in Torchwood: The Hollow Choir, a full-cast audio drama released today from Big Finish Productions.
This month’s brand-new release in Torchwood – The Monthly Range sees Kai Owen return to the role of Rhys Williams. This amiable everyman may be a devoted husband to Gwen and father to Anwen, but that doesn’t stop him striking out on his own adventures once in a while.
In The Hollow Choir, Rhys finds himself involved in a search and rescue mission, only to discover something much more sinister about this cave than anyone expected. By his side is retired caver William, voiced by Game of Thrones star Simon Armstrong.
Also in the cast are Olivia Forrest as Lynn, William’s lost daughter, and Cerith Flinn as Lucas, another student missing in the depths.
Torchwood: The Hollow Choir is now available to own as a collector’s edition CD (+ download for just £10.99) or as a digital download only (for just £8.99), exclusively here.
There’s always been something in the caves. Over the years, people have gone in and not come out. But that was a long time ago. They’ve been sealed for the best part of a century.
Eight hours ago, something changed. Three students somehow found their way in. Now time’s running out to rescue them. Their one hope is a man called Rhys Williams. Because somehow he has a map.
The Hollow Choir is scripted by two writers new to Big Finish, the acclaimed horror and science fiction authors Helen Marshall and Malcolm Devlin.
Devlin said: “We were asked to write something horrible, because we both have experience writing horror stories. And so we thought about lots of things that upset us or scare us, and we thought of being stuck in caves. We were inspired by the graphic novelist Junji Ito, particularly The Enigma of the Amigara Fault, one of his most famous short pieces.
“Rhys is interesting to write for because he's actually just normal, he's an ordinary bloke, and putting ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances is more interesting than people who are special or magical. Rhys is vulnerable, and he's much more identifiable in that respect – he's John McClane in Die Hard 1 as opposed to John McClane in Die Hard 5!”
And, co-writer Helen Marshall added: “With the cave setting, we were trying to play on that sense of intimacy that comes with a cramped, confined space. It gives us the chance to do something interesting in terms of the audio and the ambience – you put on your headphones and feel like you're in this really claustrophobic space. Combined with beautiful music, it’s quite creepy.”
Torchwood contains adult material and may not be suitable for younger listeners.
The Hollow Choir is the 87th release in Torchwood – The Monthly Range. Big Finish listeners can purchase it as part of a six-release multibuy bundle including Torchwood 85 to 90, for just £60 (collector’s edition CD + download) or £50 (download only), or a twelve-release multibuy bundle of Torchwood 85 to 96, for just £110 (collector’s edition CD + download) or £96 (download only).
Praise for recent releases in Torchwood – The Monthly Range:
“Art Decadence excellently balances Torchwood exploits with British high society hijinks.”
Who Review“[Art Decadence] may well be the best outing for the Mara, which is saying something. More like this, please.”
Doctor Who Magazine“Torchwood doesn’t often do a straight comedy story, but when they do they hit it out of the park nine times out of ten. [The Restoration of Catherine] is no exception.”
Indie Mac User“Disco is without a doubt a standout Torchwood story in any medium, and it will definitely leave you with food for thought.”
Blogtor Who
All the above prices include the special pre-order discount and are subject to change after general release.
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.