The latest release in the Torchwood range stars Fenella Woolgar (The Reckoning, Call the Midwife, Doctor Who: The Unicorn and the Wasp) as Princess Beatrice. It’s 1901, and Beatrice has inherited the mysterious Torchwood Institute from her late mother, Queen Victoria. But what is Torchwood? It’s time she investigated... 

As Beatrice soon discovers, where Torchwood is, there’s danger. When she comes face-to-stolen-face with shape-shifting Zygon invaders, her leadership skills are put through a baptism of fire. Zygons are ever-present across the twentieth century, as regular Big Finish listeners know – this story ties in to the events of January’s release Zygon Century: Infiltration. 

Rictus also stars Hugh Fraser (Poirot) as Torchwood chief Mr Castringham (previously encountered in Torchwood: The Empire Man), Sid Sagar as dashing Torchwood agent Anson, and Rachel Atkins as high society’s Lady Saxifrage. 

Torchwood: Rictus, written and produced by James Goss, is now available to own for just £8.99 (download to own) or £10.99 (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 repressed. 

1901. Six months after the death of Queen Victoria, her gung-ho daughter Princess Beatrice goes to visit the organisation she’s inherited. What is Torchwood?   

Meanwhile, something has broken out of a vault deep beneath London. The Smiling Man is coming. 

Fenella Woolgar, who makes her Torchwood debut as Princess Beatrice, said: “When you’re playing somebody real, it’s fun to do the research and find out about who the person was. I’ve done this before, of course, with Agatha Christie in Doctor Who. 

“Beatrice is a rather gung-ho, youngish woman who wants to have some adventure in life because she’s been kept sheltered by Queen Victoria for many, many years. Now that her mother is dead, there’s a freedom that she wants to exploit. She has a certain naivety, but also has that entitled attitude of, it doesn’t matter that I’m rubbish at this, I’m going to do it anyway.” 

Praise for recent Torchwood releases: 

“[Inseparable is] arch, funny, terrifying and another very strong entry in a very strong series. 10/10”
Sci-Fi Bulletin 

“Gareth David-Lloyd’s performance [in Ianto’s Inferno] is as always brilliant, Roland Moore can really create atmosphere and pacing and make it look so damn easy.”
Tin Dog Podcast 

“[Reflect is] a wonderful mix of deadpan wit and sincere warmth and tenderness, that will have you smiling throughout”
Who Review  

“If you listen to just one play this year, please – please – make it The Hollow Choir.”
Doctor Who Magazine 

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

Rictus is the 93rd release in the Torchwood range. Big Finish listeners can purchase it as part of a six-release multibuy bundle including Torchwood 91 to 96, from just £50 (download to own) or £60 (download to own + collector’s edition CD).

A twelve-release multibuy bundle of Torchwood 85 to 96 is also available from £96 (download to own) or £110 (download to own + collector’s edition CD). Torchwood continues in May 2025. 

All the above prices (including pre-order and multibuy bundle discounts) are fixed for a limited time only and guaranteed no later than May 2025. 

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.