The Witch Finders
It’s nice to have a change once in a while, a chance for something new and fresh, which can make the experience all the more enjoyable. It makes it more memorable as well. 25th October 2013 is a good day for me, not only did I buy my copy of Doctor Who: The Light at the End (which, as I’m writing is still a few days from dropping through my letter box), but also the day I bought the complete series of Robin Hood audio books. For a fan of audio drama, nothing can get better than that.
I have stated before that I don’t enjoy audio books, e.g. a story read by one person. I find the single voice can be tedious for over an hour and my mind tends to wander rather than focus on the plot. Despite this, seeing the complete series of Robin Hood audios for only ten pounds on the Big Finish website, I couldn’t resist. Each being read by a member of the original cast of the BBC series that ran from 2006, all are set during the third season, after the death of Marion and the introduction of Kate.
The first story, the Witch Finder is a very traditional Hood story; in fact it surprised me that it hadn’t been done on television. The Sheriff of Nottingham hatches yet another plan to finally be rid of Robin and his men, this time by accusing them of witchcraft. Kate is captured and sentenced to be burned at the stake. If Robin rescues her, he risks being burnt himself, yet he cannot let her die. As I said, a traditional story as one character is captured and everyone else has to rescue them (the plot which the television writers used every week during the last story), yet the little twist of the accusation of Hood is very good. Rather than claim he is a witch directly, the Sherriff lest the outlaws condemn themselves by rescuing their friend.
However, this story really focuses on Guy of Gisborne and his relationship with the rest of the cast. We see the action unfold (for the most part) through his eyes and hear how it affects him. It is a nice little insight to a character that shows little emotion, other than anger, on screen. On the side is a subplot covering his grief for Marion. It was entirely enjoyable watching him argue with himself over someone he once loved, and seeing the grief over killing her is actually very rewarding. Guy becomes a human being, with layers of emotion that I simply cannot remember him having on screen.
It is very odd for me, returning to a series that I adored so many years ago but have rarely seen since. Yet, despite this, I found myself instantly able to conjure up the locations, the characters and the tone of the series. I found myself back inside Nottingham castle or in the outlaws den once again, as if I had never been away.
Part of this is from Rebecca Levene’s superb story, but it is all brought to life by Richard Armitage (who can currently be seen in the Hobbit in cinemas). His narration is not only engrossing but inspiring. He captures the essence of the cast perfectly, bringing each of them to life as if you were watching them all over again. In particular, the voice he gives to the Sherriff matches Keith Allen extraordinarily, his gruff, harsh voice commanding all the fear it deserves. I hope the other actors can deliver such as good a performance, and look forward to returning to Armitage at the end of the series.
In all, the small amount that I paid for the series has been fully worthwhile by this release alone. Even if the next five episode end up being appalling (which I doubt), The Witch Finders has made it ten pounds well spent.
Please note: CD copies are now unavailable for this story. It is now download only.
I have stated before that I don’t enjoy audio books, e.g. a story read by one person. I find the single voice can be tedious for over an hour and my mind tends to wander rather than focus on the plot. Despite this, seeing the complete series of Robin Hood audios for only ten pounds on the Big Finish website, I couldn’t resist. Each being read by a member of the original cast of the BBC series that ran from 2006, all are set during the third season, after the death of Marion and the introduction of Kate.
The first story, the Witch Finder is a very traditional Hood story; in fact it surprised me that it hadn’t been done on television. The Sheriff of Nottingham hatches yet another plan to finally be rid of Robin and his men, this time by accusing them of witchcraft. Kate is captured and sentenced to be burned at the stake. If Robin rescues her, he risks being burnt himself, yet he cannot let her die. As I said, a traditional story as one character is captured and everyone else has to rescue them (the plot which the television writers used every week during the last story), yet the little twist of the accusation of Hood is very good. Rather than claim he is a witch directly, the Sherriff lest the outlaws condemn themselves by rescuing their friend.
However, this story really focuses on Guy of Gisborne and his relationship with the rest of the cast. We see the action unfold (for the most part) through his eyes and hear how it affects him. It is a nice little insight to a character that shows little emotion, other than anger, on screen. On the side is a subplot covering his grief for Marion. It was entirely enjoyable watching him argue with himself over someone he once loved, and seeing the grief over killing her is actually very rewarding. Guy becomes a human being, with layers of emotion that I simply cannot remember him having on screen.
It is very odd for me, returning to a series that I adored so many years ago but have rarely seen since. Yet, despite this, I found myself instantly able to conjure up the locations, the characters and the tone of the series. I found myself back inside Nottingham castle or in the outlaws den once again, as if I had never been away.
Part of this is from Rebecca Levene’s superb story, but it is all brought to life by Richard Armitage (who can currently be seen in the Hobbit in cinemas). His narration is not only engrossing but inspiring. He captures the essence of the cast perfectly, bringing each of them to life as if you were watching them all over again. In particular, the voice he gives to the Sherriff matches Keith Allen extraordinarily, his gruff, harsh voice commanding all the fear it deserves. I hope the other actors can deliver such as good a performance, and look forward to returning to Armitage at the end of the series.
In all, the small amount that I paid for the series has been fully worthwhile by this release alone. Even if the next five episode end up being appalling (which I doubt), The Witch Finders has made it ten pounds well spent.
Please note: CD copies are now unavailable for this story. It is now download only.