Recorded on: 27 and 29 February and 01 March 2024
Recorded at: The Soundhouse
Producer Jonathan S Powell said: "The Trials of a Time Lord is the ultimate celebration of all things Sixth Doctor: an epic three-hour fight for survival against foes old and new, with both of Sixie's television companions Peri and Mel brought along for the ride.
"It felt important when planning this anniversary special to capture the spirit of the Classic Series, but also to make something bold and expansive that speaks to the world we live in today. So while Trials will treat you to a host of familiar themes and faces, it's also full of surprises, catapulting our hero into the far future to face a uniquely 21st-century crisis...
"The title is obviously a play on Colin's final story just as The Quin Dilemma was a play on his first, but Trials takes its lead from Season 22 just as much as 23. And there isn't a court scene in sight! The scripts themselves have been beautifully written by the dream team of Rochana Patel, Katherine Armitage and Stewart Pringle."
Colin Baker said: "We&'ve got six episodes here with every monster imaginable! The highlight was working with all those dear old chums - with my two lovely companions, of course, and also Terry Molloy as Davros, and David Banks as the Cyber Leader.
"And whilst sadly the original Androgum actors are no longer with us, to work with the Androgums again was rather splendid. They were prime creations of the best of all writers, Robert Holmes."
Nicola Bryant added: "It's a bit different to your run-of-the-mill Sixth Doctor and Peri story, and it's wonderful to be working with Mel, teaming up to take care of our Doctor. The story is very present, but also harks back to a story I did with Colin, Vengeance on Varos, which seemed very much ahead of its time."
And, Bonnie Langford said: "It was interesting to be part of The Trials of a Time Lord because I was involved with the original Trial of a Time Lord when it was on screen; that's when Melanie was introduced - or just basically plonked, I think is the right word! - into the series, as wide-eyed as I was. This is a very different story, because obviously the world has changed a lot over the years."
Bonnie Langford and David Banks
Bonnie Langford, Jonathan S Powell (producer and director), Aruhan Galieva, George Naylor, David Banks
Jon Culshaw, Rufus Jones, Bonnie Langford, Jonathan S Powell (producer and director), Samuel James
