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Bernice Summerfield overview: The Story So Far gives us various glimpses of Benny’s long life on audio

By James Aggas

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Last year, both Big Finish and Bernice Summerfield celebrated twenty years on audio with The Story So Far. Are these two box sets a good jumping-on point for new fans, or more of a nostalgic celebration for long-term ones?

I reviewed the first volume of Bernice Summerfield: The Story So Far a few months back. But after only recently reviewing the episodes from the second volume, I thought it was worth taking an overview of all six episodes – particularly as they were released at the same time. How well does it work as a celebration? Does it work at all as a jumping-on point for one of the best archaeologists in the Doctor Who universe?

One thing to keep in mind is that, while I absolutely adore Benny, there’s still a huge number of her stories that I’ve yet to discover, even when taking just her audio adventures into account. While I’ve listened to all of her adventures in box set format – both those in her own series and her Doctor Who range – most of her stories from her first eleven series I’ve yet to listen to. Due to being exclusively available on CD and not download (hint, hint, Big Finish), they’re not exactly an easy option for this constant listener.

As a result, while each of the episodes in The Story So Far is supposed to fit into a specific era of her life on audio, there are only a couple that I’m really familiar with. Which has given me a bit of an interesting perspective, being able to judge it as both a jumping-on point and as a piece of nostalgia.

Both volumes of Bernice Summerfield: The Story So Far explored the many lives of one of the Doctor Who universe’s best characters.

(Image credit: Bernice Summerfield/Big Finish Productions.

Image obtained from: Big Finish Productions.)

Accessibility vs nostalgia

Regarding how effective The Story So Far is in terms of accessibility for new listeners – despite the title, I wouldn’t recommend it if you wanted an easy way to actually catch up on the character. While the opening episode Ever After Happy does admittedly give a great glimpse into the character’s origins, all the episodes are essentially snapshots of Benny’s life. They’re interesting glimpses on their own, and it’s easy to pick up who’s who in each episode. But if you’re looking for an easy way to catch up properly on Benny’s life so far, you might be disappointed.

However, as a celebration of Benny’s life on audio across two decades, the stories work a treat. They feature so many key characters and monsters from her many adventures.

And I must admit, even as someone who only listened to her earlier solo box sets just a couple of years ago, even I have to admit that Empress of the Drahvins gave me a feeling of nostalgia. I can only imagine what all six episodes of The Story So Far must be like for Benny fans who’ve been listening to her since 1998.

Naturally, the episodes are decent stories in their own right. Ever After Happy not only gives us a great glimpse of Bernice’s younger years, but even who she is right now, too. The Grel Invasion of Earth is a story that’s both silly and dramatic, while Braxiatel in Love gives us a noticeably different side to the charming and manipulative sod.

But the episode that stood out the most is definitely The Angel of History. It’s a very dark and grim story by Una McCormack, and features some truly brilliant writing, as well as a great performance from Lisa Bowerman. It’s also the most accessible episode of the whole set, so Volume Two is worth listening to for that episode alone.

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An effective celebration

The Story So Far isn’t the best way to discover what makes Benny such a great character. Honestly, the best way to do that is either with the audio adaptation of Love and War – her first Doctor Who story – or any of the first three volumes in the series of Doctor Who: The New Adventures of Bernice Summerfield. (The first two are stand-alone epics that are entirely separate from each other, while the third is the start of a larger but interesting arc for the character.)

But Story is a great celebration of the character, particularly her run on audio. Across twenty years, she’s had a long life. She’s had many friends, many enemies, and she’s been at the heart of Big Finish for a long time. So if you’re feeling nostalgic, or just want to get several different glimpses of the character while getting some good stories, then it’s certainly recommended.

Oh, and make sure to check out the bonus documentaries in each volume. Not only are they considerably informative, featuring interviews with various writers, actors and even Benny’s creator, Paul Cornell. But Miles Richardson, who narrates both discs, is absolutely hysterical to listen to.

Next. 5 things you should know about Day of the Master. dark

Are you a fan of Bernice Summerfield? Have you followed the character from the beginning, or have you only recently discovered her? Let us know in the comments below.

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