Torchwood news: New audio read by Sir Michael Palin is out now
By James Aggas
Torchwood’s own audio series continues today with the release of a brand new story narrated by comedy and acting legend Sir Michael Palin!
After taking a month’s break in March, Big Finish’s series of monthly Torchwood audios continues today with the release of Tropical Beach Sounds and Other Relaxing Seascapes #4.
This story is a little different from others in the series. (And it’s not just because of the extremely long title.) Instead of being performed by a small cast, the story is entirely narrated. Not by one of the original cast members, but by Sir Michael Palin himself.
"You are listening to a self-help tape. You are hearing a soothing voice. You have always wanted to do something with your life, haven’t you? Oh, how you’ve ached to be a better person. Well now. This is your chance. Go on. Sit back. Close your eyes. Relax. You’re going to learn all about Captain Jack Harkness. You’re going to learn all about Torchwood. You’re going to change the world."
It’s still amazing to think that Big Finish has brought an acting and comedy legend like Palin in for this. Especially for such a bizarre idea as Palin narrating a story in the form of a spoken-word relaxation tape. But then, considering that he is a key member of surreal comedy pioneers Monty Python, this probably isn’t the strangest thing that he’s ever been asked to do.
Sir Michael Palin narrates the brand new Torchwood story Tropical Beach Sounds and Other Relaxing Seascapes #4!
Image Courtesy Big Finish Productions
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A challenging narration
As Palin reveals, Tropical Beach Sounds and Other Relaxing Seascapes #4 is far from a typical story, and narrating it offered a lot of challenges.
"It’s a very sustained piece. It’s a long piece of narration to do. There are lots of different ideas and the pace changes abruptly, and very quickly, from larky- jokey, to very dark and rather violent. Anyone who likes reading stuff, you want to be given something that tests you a bit and this certainly tested me."
This story has been written by Tim Foley, so honestly, it’s no surprise to hear that this audio features such a huge range in both style and tone. Foley has written a number of great Torchwood stories already, including The Empty Hand, Poker Face, the seriously messed up Night of the Fendahl and February’s Dissected, which featured the long-awaited reunion between Gwen Cooper and Martha Jones. So we fully expect that his latest story will be another strong one, especially with Palin narrating.
Torchwood: Tropical Beach Sounds and Other Relaxing Seascapes #4 is available now to purchase on CD or download directly from Big Finish’s website.
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Are you excited about the idea of Sir Michael Palin narrating a Torchwood story? Possibly perplexed that it’s even happened? Let us know in the comments below.