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Big Finish: Monthly Range #74
Doctor Who: Live 34
‘You’re listening to LIVE 34.’
‘LIVE 34 -- news on the hour, every hour -- LIVE 34 -- broadcasting to Colony 34 all day, every day -- LIVE 34 -- constantly updated every minute of every hour -- LIVE 34 -- sport, weather, business, local news, interplanetary affairs -- LIVE 34 -- live, independent, accurate, comprehensive -- LIVE 34 -- all news, all day, every day -- LIVE 34.’
‘Reports are coming in of an explosion...’
‘On the line now is the leader of the FDP...’
‘The President is about to begin his address...’
‘We can see bodies in the wreckage...’
‘LIVE 34 -- news on the hour, every hour -- LIVE 34 -- broadcasting to Colony 34 all day, every day -- LIVE 34 -- constantly updated every minute of every hour -- LIVE 34 -- sport, weather, business, local news, interplanetary affairs -- LIVE 34 -- live, independent, accurate, comprehensive -- LIVE 34 -- all news, all day, every day -- LIVE 34.’
‘Reports are coming in of an explosion...’
‘On the line now is the leader of the FDP...’
‘The President is about to begin his address...’
‘We can see bodies in the wreckage...’
Audio Play
First published September 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 5, 2018
Big Finish's Seventh Doctor stories can be a real mixed bag. Often they seem unable to take his whimsical and punny Doctor and put it together with his darker, Time's Champion, manipulator Doctor.
In this play, though, they take a broad conceptual conceit, that the story is told entirely in radio broadcasts and they nail it. He is powerful here and he is fighting a frightening political evil using methods that are, in their own way, also coldly frightening.
The story resonates strongly today with authoritarian motifs that actually become more familiar as it goes on.
As others have pointed out, this faulters in its fourth act with an ending that's more fantastical than it need be, but it's a minor quibble.
McCoy and Philip Olivier as Hex are great, but it's Sophie Alred who steals the day here giving us an Ace who is both strong and seriously vulnerable.
A real treat in a long run of quite good stories.
In this play, though, they take a broad conceptual conceit, that the story is told entirely in radio broadcasts and they nail it. He is powerful here and he is fighting a frightening political evil using methods that are, in their own way, also coldly frightening.
The story resonates strongly today with authoritarian motifs that actually become more familiar as it goes on.
As others have pointed out, this faulters in its fourth act with an ending that's more fantastical than it need be, but it's a minor quibble.
McCoy and Philip Olivier as Hex are great, but it's Sophie Alred who steals the day here giving us an Ace who is both strong and seriously vulnerable.
A real treat in a long run of quite good stories.
July 23, 2019
I do love it when big finish get political and when they get political-their stories are excellent.
Live 34 was a very interesting take. It very much gave me "1984" vibe with the government watching your every move which I think that was the vibe it was trying to get across.
Really enjoyed the whole broadcasting take on this as it really made you feel as you though you were part of the events and were following every move on Lie 34 and listening to the Revolution taking place and the sound effects were brilliant.
Ace was great in this to see her as the rebel Queen and Hex as a paramedic. The Doctor, of course, a resident.
The only downside to the audio was the ending was slightly disappointing but overall, an excellent listen if you love political-dystopian stories.
But you certainly need to know who Hex is first in order to enjoy it fully. It's not one of those you can dive in straight away.
3/5 stars.
Live 34 was a very interesting take. It very much gave me "1984" vibe with the government watching your every move which I think that was the vibe it was trying to get across.
Really enjoyed the whole broadcasting take on this as it really made you feel as you though you were part of the events and were following every move on Lie 34 and listening to the Revolution taking place and the sound effects were brilliant.
Ace was great in this to see her as the rebel Queen and Hex as a paramedic. The Doctor, of course, a resident.
The only downside to the audio was the ending was slightly disappointing but overall, an excellent listen if you love political-dystopian stories.
But you certainly need to know who Hex is first in order to enjoy it fully. It's not one of those you can dive in straight away.
3/5 stars.
April 4, 2024
What isn't there to say about this audio drama?
Out of the first 100 BF monthly range of audios, it is the most unique.
The emotion expressed in such a passionate and depressing thing that just has stuck with me for so long after unlike many other audios.
The characters are used in perfect ways and, as with most things, the ending is the worst part but I do think that is down to me not wanting such a wonderfully sad story with an exciting mystery to end.
Gorgeous. 5 stars worthy.
Out of the first 100 BF monthly range of audios, it is the most unique.
The emotion expressed in such a passionate and depressing thing that just has stuck with me for so long after unlike many other audios.
The characters are used in perfect ways and, as with most things, the ending is the worst part but I do think that is down to me not wanting such a wonderfully sad story with an exciting mystery to end.
Gorgeous. 5 stars worthy.
February 11, 2025
some of these seventh doctor stories are hitting way too close to home. a fascinating, dark, political and experimental story, told entirely through radio broadcasts. it’s focus on media and governmental propaganda, gaslighting and outright lies, and their subsequent fascistic descent make it a horribly recognisable and relevant tale for now. and sylvester performs the angry, darker side of the doctor so well.
November 14, 2022
I love these radio plays! This one is political … with a live radio broadcast that the revolutionaries try to use to out the baddies. Can’t think of a better way to spend a couple hours! Doctor number 7 & Ace.
July 1, 2023
THIS is how you maximize the power of audio to craft something entirely unique and perfectly suited to the medium. Absolutely thrilling to listen to and completely immersive.
I’m shocked there’s less reviews on this. It’s excellent. Doctor Who going political is always a risk but I think it played out really well here, and it’s interesting to consider the air date and the critiques it’s making in 2023 when I listened.
Seven— despite his limited role— is charismatic and handled really well. Hex stole the show along Charlotte Singh. Shout out to Zehra Romer and Drew Shahan for their incredibly entertaining performances as the Live 34 news reporter/anchor.
I kind of wish the ending had been even more radical, but for 2005 this goes crazy. I would highly recommend this episode to new listeners of Big Finish who enjoy a more serious plot, or to anyone just wanting to tune in to a standalone just for fun. This story is built for casual yet intensive listening.
I’m shocked there’s less reviews on this. It’s excellent. Doctor Who going political is always a risk but I think it played out really well here, and it’s interesting to consider the air date and the critiques it’s making in 2023 when I listened.
Seven— despite his limited role— is charismatic and handled really well. Hex stole the show along Charlotte Singh. Shout out to Zehra Romer and Drew Shahan for their incredibly entertaining performances as the Live 34 news reporter/anchor.
I kind of wish the ending had been even more radical, but for 2005 this goes crazy. I would highly recommend this episode to new listeners of Big Finish who enjoy a more serious plot, or to anyone just wanting to tune in to a standalone just for fun. This story is built for casual yet intensive listening.
October 19, 2024
A bit mixed up about this one, for a few reasons. It's a very good story and Seven, Ace and even Hex all get great roles - but the I'm not sure about the format and the story itself seems to cross heavily over the line of not affectng the timeline or interfering with alien cultures.
In short, due to some strife at Colony 34 the Doctor involves himself with an opposition political party which he eventually becomes the main candidate for, Ace heads a guerilla-styled rebellion and Hex (in probably my favourite of his roles so far) goes to work as a field medic. It's all for good reason as will be revealed in the end - but it seems to go directly against the usual notion that they are to try to avoid involving themselves in events that they observe.
Nonetheless, it's a great story. The format however, I'm not so sure. It grew on me a little but was largely a jarring experience in audio form. What they did was to make the whole thing a radio news broadcast, changing the entire feel of the audio drama. It has worked really well on screen when scifi franchises have thrown in a news-report styled episode (Babylon 5 being the main one that pops to mind was a sensational episode).... but I don't think it came off quite as good as an audio drama.
Anyway, worth the experience and good on them for putting together a decent story and giving it a go.
In short, due to some strife at Colony 34 the Doctor involves himself with an opposition political party which he eventually becomes the main candidate for, Ace heads a guerilla-styled rebellion and Hex (in probably my favourite of his roles so far) goes to work as a field medic. It's all for good reason as will be revealed in the end - but it seems to go directly against the usual notion that they are to try to avoid involving themselves in events that they observe.
Nonetheless, it's a great story. The format however, I'm not so sure. It grew on me a little but was largely a jarring experience in audio form. What they did was to make the whole thing a radio news broadcast, changing the entire feel of the audio drama. It has worked really well on screen when scifi franchises have thrown in a news-report styled episode (Babylon 5 being the main one that pops to mind was a sensational episode).... but I don't think it came off quite as good as an audio drama.
Anyway, worth the experience and good on them for putting together a decent story and giving it a go.
June 29, 2025
We all know a routine Doctor Who story.
The Doctor lands, there's an evil overlord oppressing the people, the Doctor overthrows the regime and leaves, with the gratitude of the now freed people.
This is that story but presented in a unique way.
It's presented as a rolling news programme, reporting what's happening in the colony.
It challenges you to listen to the programme as a colonist of Colony 34, and see the Doctor’s action from a reported perspective.
Doctor Who fans always say they love the show as it can tell varied stories in a variety of ways.
This is an example of that. 9/10
The Doctor lands, there's an evil overlord oppressing the people, the Doctor overthrows the regime and leaves, with the gratitude of the now freed people.
This is that story but presented in a unique way.
It's presented as a rolling news programme, reporting what's happening in the colony.
It challenges you to listen to the programme as a colonist of Colony 34, and see the Doctor’s action from a reported perspective.
Doctor Who fans always say they love the show as it can tell varied stories in a variety of ways.
This is an example of that. 9/10
December 15, 2019
Rather brilliantly presented in the style of a newscast, this tells the story of a deeply disturbed regime. Overall it's very well-written with aspects that hit very close to home, although there are a few elements in the final reveal that seem a bit fake .
January 20, 2017
A familiar story told in an unusual way, LIVE 34 definitely plays to Big Finish's strengths. 3/4 of the audio is quite enjoyable and engaging. But a ham fisted last act bring this audio down a bit as it uses more exposition than it needs and flags because of it. For a more detailed review, visit www.travelingthevortex.com
October 19, 2018
A TIMELESS CLASSIC
February 16, 2021
I might have enjoyed this more if not for the current political climate.
October 27, 2021
Interesting concept, but some of it wasn’t that interesting to follow and I got tired of the bleeping.
July 27, 2024
I liked that it was different, but I could have done without the super loud beeps in my ears. I really need to learn not to use headphones when listening to these!
February 10, 2017
Presented as a series of radio broadcasts from Colony 34, we piece together the story of a society dealing with a dictatorial government, terrorist attacks, rumors of monsters, and a looming election.
This sort of storytelling has been tried several times (most famously with Orson Welles' War of the Worlds broadcast, which was also the subject of a Doctor Who audio drama: Invaders from Mars ), and it doesn't always work for me. But I have to call Live 34 among the best efforts to use this gimmick. (For an example of one that did not work for me, try the Babylon 5 episode "And Now for a Word.")
For this kind of storytelling to work, the most important thing is for newscasters to actually sound like newscasters delivering the news. Having an actual broadcaster, Andrew Collins, fill the role here gives Live 34 the verisimilitude needed. Listeners are instantly immersed, to the point that at times I found myself disturbed by seeming parallels with real-world political situations.
It's also important that the story flow believably. Live 34 mixes in-the-studio news reading with live on-the-scene reporting; then shifts effortlessly to feature programs that bring in other elements of the story. While the interview with the "Rebel Queen" worked, the on-the-job program with one of Colony 34's paramedics came off a little clunky. Yet the story is still fascinating enough to keep you listening. And because the story starts in media res, you easily accept the way the Doctor, Ace, and Hex have become a part of Colony 34's political struggles.
Unfortunately, the story falters somewhat in the fourth episode due to revelations that seem to come out of nowhere. It also doesn't help that The Doctor nearly breaks the fourth wall as he announces "the denouement" and "the big reveal." Because of this, the resolution of the story feels rather contrived, as if the writer found himself in a corner and needed a quick wrap-up. This is one story that might have benefited from one extra episode, but most certainly from dropping some hints about "the big reveal" along the way.
I'm not even certain that the big reveal about Premier Jaeger was necessary. The story would have worked just fine -- perhaps even better -- had that particular plot point been left out. (The reveal about the solution to Colony 34's energy crisis is almost too unbelievable to be properly horrifying.)
There were a few other plot points that seemed to be red herrings, which given the method of storytelling, only wasted time that might have been better spent sowing the seeds of foreshadowing.
But overall, a very good entry in the 7/Ace/Hex run of Doctor Who stories. One star off for the slightly disappointing final episode, but otherwise a gripping -- and because of the method of storytelling, often disturbingly realistic -- audio drama.
This story is preceded by Dreamtime and followed by Night Thoughts.
This sort of storytelling has been tried several times (most famously with Orson Welles' War of the Worlds broadcast, which was also the subject of a Doctor Who audio drama: Invaders from Mars ), and it doesn't always work for me. But I have to call Live 34 among the best efforts to use this gimmick. (For an example of one that did not work for me, try the Babylon 5 episode "And Now for a Word.")
For this kind of storytelling to work, the most important thing is for newscasters to actually sound like newscasters delivering the news. Having an actual broadcaster, Andrew Collins, fill the role here gives Live 34 the verisimilitude needed. Listeners are instantly immersed, to the point that at times I found myself disturbed by seeming parallels with real-world political situations.
It's also important that the story flow believably. Live 34 mixes in-the-studio news reading with live on-the-scene reporting; then shifts effortlessly to feature programs that bring in other elements of the story. While the interview with the "Rebel Queen" worked, the on-the-job program with one of Colony 34's paramedics came off a little clunky. Yet the story is still fascinating enough to keep you listening. And because the story starts in media res, you easily accept the way the Doctor, Ace, and Hex have become a part of Colony 34's political struggles.
Unfortunately, the story falters somewhat in the fourth episode due to revelations that seem to come out of nowhere. It also doesn't help that The Doctor nearly breaks the fourth wall as he announces "the denouement" and "the big reveal." Because of this, the resolution of the story feels rather contrived, as if the writer found himself in a corner and needed a quick wrap-up. This is one story that might have benefited from one extra episode, but most certainly from dropping some hints about "the big reveal" along the way.
I'm not even certain that the big reveal about Premier Jaeger was necessary. The story would have worked just fine -- perhaps even better -- had that particular plot point been left out. (The reveal about the solution to Colony 34's energy crisis is almost too unbelievable to be properly horrifying.)
There were a few other plot points that seemed to be red herrings, which given the method of storytelling, only wasted time that might have been better spent sowing the seeds of foreshadowing.
But overall, a very good entry in the 7/Ace/Hex run of Doctor Who stories. One star off for the slightly disappointing final episode, but otherwise a gripping -- and because of the method of storytelling, often disturbingly realistic -- audio drama.
This story is preceded by Dreamtime and followed by Night Thoughts.
May 6, 2025
Probably one of the best BF stories ever released. The experimental radio format is new and works really well, the story is gritty and immersive and the minimalist soundtrack makes it all the more surreal.
October 27, 2022
So recently I've been on a bit of a binge on re-listening to old Big Finish audios I had enjoyed in the past to see if they live up and thankfully all of them so far have been even better than I had initially thought, so I decided to pick up Live 34 and give it a second chance having found the ending previously very underwhelming.
James Parsons and Andrew Stirling-Brown have written a very unique and disturbing dystopian story told without cliffhangers, episode breaks, and the familiar Doctor Who theme and instead written like it's a radio channel being broadcast live to the viewer on another world. It's a very sinister story that despite its science-fiction elements is terrifyingly plausible, which says a lot about our current political climate.
It's a haunting, experimental, gruesome tale with terrific twists and a brilliantly written script that is beautifully brought to life by director Gary Russell and the actors. In my opinion this story has one of the most evil, manipulative and crulest villains Big Finish have ever created with Premier Jaeger and you'll hate him with all you've got!
Overall: I really loved the ending this time around and appreciated it for what it was trying to do, leaving you on a good note, but still haunted by the events. An absolute masterpiece of a story! 10/10
James Parsons and Andrew Stirling-Brown have written a very unique and disturbing dystopian story told without cliffhangers, episode breaks, and the familiar Doctor Who theme and instead written like it's a radio channel being broadcast live to the viewer on another world. It's a very sinister story that despite its science-fiction elements is terrifyingly plausible, which says a lot about our current political climate.
It's a haunting, experimental, gruesome tale with terrific twists and a brilliantly written script that is beautifully brought to life by director Gary Russell and the actors. In my opinion this story has one of the most evil, manipulative and crulest villains Big Finish have ever created with Premier Jaeger and you'll hate him with all you've got!
Overall: I really loved the ending this time around and appreciated it for what it was trying to do, leaving you on a good note, but still haunted by the events. An absolute masterpiece of a story! 10/10
July 31, 2011
I enjoyed this quite a lot. Sylvester McCoy and the rest of the cast were in fine form. The plot was intriguing and I liked the trick of telling the story through radio broadcasts. I would say, however, that the story didn't hit quite the right note with me.
Perhaps I just wasn't in the mood for a political tale. Given current events, I admit I'm not keen on a story which focuses on a corrupt government. All of the principles needed more to do, especially Hex.
That being said, Live 34 was much better executed than the similarly themed Fearmonger. Speaking of which, Live 34, while a much better play, does beg the question: "Haven't we been here before?" Is there something about the Seventh Doctor, in particular, that makes Big Finish sit up and say: "I know! Let's do a political thriller!"
I think I would have given Live 34 a full five stars if I had listened to it at another time. There is a lot to recommend it: Yaegar's abuse of the colonists is truly revolting, and, unlike in Fearmonger, I actually felt a sense of danger to Our Heroes. The story, in and of itself, was excellent.
I'm just anxious to hear a Seven Audio where he's /not/ toppling governments.
Perhaps I just wasn't in the mood for a political tale. Given current events, I admit I'm not keen on a story which focuses on a corrupt government. All of the principles needed more to do, especially Hex.
That being said, Live 34 was much better executed than the similarly themed Fearmonger. Speaking of which, Live 34, while a much better play, does beg the question: "Haven't we been here before?" Is there something about the Seventh Doctor, in particular, that makes Big Finish sit up and say: "I know! Let's do a political thriller!"
I think I would have given Live 34 a full five stars if I had listened to it at another time. There is a lot to recommend it: Yaegar's abuse of the colonists is truly revolting, and, unlike in Fearmonger, I actually felt a sense of danger to Our Heroes. The story, in and of itself, was excellent.
I'm just anxious to hear a Seven Audio where he's /not/ toppling governments.
Read
April 8, 2009Live-34 is an excellent experiment in format. The story is told as four half-hour episodes of live radio on Colony 34. The oppressive rule of the authorities is challenged by the legitimate opposition, led by Resident Doctor, the focus of the first episode; the more explosive part of the resistance is led by the Rebel Queen, interviewed in the second episode; and the third episode focusses on an evening in the life of a paramedic called Hex. The soundscape and performances are flawless; I was a little uneasy about exactly why the Doctor and companions have chosen to infiltrate and overthrow this particular regime.
August 1, 2014
This was really really great. I would have given it 5 stars except I felt like the ending really let it down. Until then it had been brilliant, science fiction dystopian world that was a reflection of politics today. Addressing censorship, lies, and how gullible people are and willing to give up their freedoms. The fact that there was an imposter behind it all, and not simply a corrupt regime just felt like a cop out. As did the need to bring in the soylent green angle. Really the civilisation was bad enough without needing to go ridiculously over the top. I found the format really interesting and enjoyed the way the characters were used. Definitely one of the better audios.
June 5, 2012
This was wonderful! Instead of a straight forward story, the audio acts like a radio station (called 'Live 34') where our trio, the Doctor, Ace and Hex, all make appearances as interviewees.
There's a lot more to it than that but I don't want to give out any spoilers.
Would happily listen to it again and again!
There's a lot more to it than that but I don't want to give out any spoilers.
Would happily listen to it again and again!
April 10, 2014
Very gritty, pulls no punches social commentary. The writers weren't afraid of crossing lines, and did so several times with great and chilling effect. A very interesting way of telling the story through radio broadcasts rather than the usual format which worked really well and added to realism and tone of the it. Highly recommended.
May 13, 2022
I enjoyed this one immensely. It’s political, dark and in a way that is challenging to articulate: uncertain in the best ways. It’s Seven at his best in my opinion and having Ace is a huge bonus. The only reason I didn’t give full stars is because of the static, I understand that it’s necessary for the story telling but it felt too intense in my ear. Extra bonus points for Hex
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2009
Audio adventure with the seventh Doctor, Ace, Hex. The author has a keen sense of how people use public speaking to manipulate, but the plot relies heavily on cliche. The acting suffers somewhat from the actors being given long monologues with no movement.
July 17, 2015
On Colony 34, LIVE 34 is a news station delivering news every hour of every day. But there are explosions happening and people are dying — or are they? What is the connection between Citizen Doctor, a Rebel Queen and a paramedic named Hex? Stay tuned…
January 21, 2016
This was an interesting story. It was all told by radio broadcasts and stories. The doctor, Ace and Hex try to uncover a corrupt government run amuck. Confusing but an original story plan.
May 16, 2024
Perfect
February 4, 2015
Seven, Ace and Hex in a story told through radio broadcasts. Corrupt politicians and murder.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews