News: New Blake’s 7 Audio Drama coming in August

SFFaudio News

Jan ChappellBlake’s 7 fans can rejoice! B7 Productions has announced the next Blake’s 7 “The Early Years” audio drama CD. This is a prequel series story exploring the origins of one of the key B7 characters prior to her meeting Roj Blake. Jan Chappell, the original Blake’s 7 Cally, returns to the role she made famous back in 1978.

The announced release includes two prequel stories on a CD with the plots centering on the alien telepath Cally and her clone sisterhood. The CD includes two thirty-minute adventures, Blood & Earth written by Ben Aaronovitch and Flag & Flame written by Marc Platt.

Blake's 7: The Early Years CALLY - Blood & Earth / Flag & FlameBlake’s 7 – Cally: Blood & Earth/ Flag & Flame
By Ben Aaronovitch and Marc Platt; Performed by a full cast
1 CD – Approx. 60 Minutes [AUDIO DRAMA]
Publisher: B7 Productions
Published: August 24, 2009
ISBN: 9781906577070

Jan Chappell, who last played Cally back in 1980, says of her return to the series:

“It’s a source of utter bewilderment that Cally is still part of my life, but delighted to embrace her return. It’s astonishing to be playing the character thirty years on and to know that Blake’s 7 still has such an ardent following. Who would have known that back in 1978 we were making television history.”

Previous audio prequels have explored the early lives of Avon, Travis, Vila and Gan with future releases planned to reveal the origins of Jenna, Zen, Servalan and Blake. Those unfamiliar with this Blake’s 7 revival should |READ OUR REVIEW| of the first set. Excellent stuff!

Posted by Jesse Willis

Lost Season of Doctor Who to be Audio Drama

SFFaudio News

Big Finish ProductionsWired is reporting that Big Finish Productions is working on a new season of Doctor Who.

“A sci-fi production company is restoring a long-lost piece of Doctor Who history by resurrecting the show’s cancelled 23rd season as a series of audio dramas.

The shows, starring then-Doctor Colin Baker, were originally supposed to air in January 1986. But a cost-cutting network boss pushed back Who’s premiere that year to September, essentially killing the season envisioned by executive producer John Nathan-Turner.”

Word is Nicola Bryant (playing the role of Peri) will also be returning! Peri rocks! Episode 1 of the NEW 23rd season of classic Doctor Who (titled ”The Nightmare Fair”) is set for a November 2009 release, with subsequent episodes following in 2010.

[via Monster Rally]

Posted by Jesse Willis