The Doctor's Tale (audio story): Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox Story SMW | |||
{{Infobox Story | |||
|image = The doctors tale.jpg | |image = The doctors tale.jpg | ||
|range = The Early Adventures | |||
|series in range = Series 1 (EA) | |||
|series number in range = 1 | |||
|number in series = 2 | |||
|series = ''[[The Early Adventures]]'' | |series = ''[[The Early Adventures]]'' | ||
|number = 1.2 | |number = 1.2 | ||
|doctor = First Doctor | |doctor = First Doctor | ||
|companions = [[ | |companions = [[Ian Chesterton|Ian]], [[Barbara Wright|Barbara]], [[Vicki Pallister|Vicki]] | ||
|featuring = [[Geoffrey Chaucer|Chaucer]] | |||
|enemy = [[Thomas Arundel]], [[Robert de Wensley|Sir Robert de Wensley]] | |enemy = [[Thomas Arundel]], [[Robert de Wensley|Sir Robert de Wensley]] | ||
|setting = [[ | |setting = [[Sonning]], [[Oxford]], [[Westminster]] and [[Southwark]], [[January]] [[1400]] | ||
|writer = | |writer = Marc Platt | ||
|director = [[Ken Bentley]] | |director = [[Ken Bentley]] | ||
|producer = [[David Richardson]] | |||
|music = [[Toby Hrycek-Robinson]] | |music = [[Toby Hrycek-Robinson]] | ||
|sound = [[Toby Hrycek-Robinson]] | |sound = [[Toby Hrycek-Robinson]] | ||
|cover = [[Tom Webster]] | |cover = [[Tom Webster]] | ||
|publisher = Big Finish Productions | |publisher = Big Finish Productions | ||
|release date = | |release date = 17 October 2014 | ||
|format = | |epcount = 4 | ||
|production code = | |format = 2 CDs<br/>Download | ||
|isbn = ISBN | |production code = BFPDWEA02 | ||
|isbn = ISBN 978-1-78178-337-5 | |||
|prev = Domain of the Voord (audio story) | |prev = Domain of the Voord (audio story) | ||
|next = The Bounty of Ceres (audio story) | |next = The Bounty of Ceres (audio story) | ||
|trailer = Doctor Who The Early Adventures The Doctor's Tale | |trailer = Doctor Who The Early Adventures The Doctor's Tale | ||
|soundcloudtrailer = https://soundcloud.com/big-finish/doctor-who-the-early-adventures-the-doctors-tale-trailer | |||
}} | }} | ||
'''''The Doctor's Tale''''' was | '''''The Doctor's Tale''''' was the second story of the [[Series 1 (EA)|first series]] of ''[[The Early Adventures]]'', produced by [[Big Finish Productions]]. It was written by [[Marc Platt]], narrated by [[William Russell]] and [[Maureen O'Brien]] and featured the [[First Doctor]], [[Ian Chesterton]], [[Barbara Wright]] and [[Vicki Pallister]]. | ||
[[The Doctor]] and [[The Doctor's TARDIS|his TARDIS]] were the only science fiction elements that appeared in the story, making it a [[pure historical]]. The title was a play on those of the individual tales within ''[[The Canterbury Tales]]'', whose author, [[Geoffrey Chaucer]], featured prominently. In this adventure, to be treated as a nobleman, Ian used his title "Sir Ian of Jaffa" bestowed on him in the television story ''[[The Crusade (TV story)|The Crusade]]''. | |||
== Publisher's summary == | == Publisher's summary == | ||
[[England]], [[1400]]. [[Winter]]. [[Blood]] in the [[snow]]. [[Henry IV]] has usurped the throne, and deposed [[King]] [[Richard II]] languishes in [[Pomfret Castle]]. | [[England]], [[1400]]. [[Winter]]. [[Blood]] in the [[snow]]. [[Henry IV]] has usurped the throne, and deposed [[King]] [[Richard II]] languishes in [[Pomfret Castle]]. | ||
Meanwhile [[First Doctor|the Doctor]] and his [[companion]]s preside over New Year revels at [[Sonning Palace]]. | Meanwhile [[First Doctor|the Doctor]] and his [[companion]]s preside over [[New Year]] revels at [[Sonning Palace]]. | ||
But Sonning is a [[prison]], treachery is in the air and murderous [[Archbishop of Canterbury|Archbishop]] [[Thomas Arundel]] will stop at nothing to crush the rebellion. | But Sonning is a [[prison]], treachery is in the air and murderous [[Archbishop of Canterbury|Archbishop]] [[Thomas Arundel]] will stop at nothing to crush the rebellion. | ||
| Line 37: | Line 46: | ||
== Plot == | == Plot == | ||
=== The Lord of Misrule (1) === | === The Lord of Misrule (1) === | ||
The [[First Doctor]], [[Vicki Pallister]], [[Ian Chesterton]] and [[Barbara Wright]] | The [[First Doctor]], [[Vicki Pallister]], [[Ian Chesterton]] and [[Barbara Wright]] visit [[Sonning Palace]]. They learn from [[Bishop (The Doctor's Tale)|the bishop]] that [[Henry IV]] has recently deposed [[Richard II]], so Barbara correctly identifies the date as [[1400]]. | ||
Vicki meets [[Isabella (The Doctor's Tale)|Isabella]], Richard's queen, and the Doctor is appointed to be her tutor. [[Robert de Wensley|Sir Robert de Wensley]] expresses empathy with Isabella's plight, being cut off from her husband who is imprisoned in [[Pomfret Castle]]. | Vicki meets [[Isabella (The Doctor's Tale)|Isabella]], Richard's queen, and the Doctor is appointed to be her tutor. [[Robert de Wensley|Sir Robert de Wensley]] expresses empathy with Isabella's plight, being cut off from her husband who is imprisoned in [[Pomfret Castle]]. | ||
The travellers attend an [[Epiphany]] feast, with the Doctor presiding as [[Lord of Misrule]]. However, their revelries are interrupted by [[Thomas Arundel]], [[Archbishop of Canterbury]] who — after being affronted by Barbara and the Doctor — declares them to be [[Lollardy|Lollard]] heretics. He tells them they must recant or be sent to [[God]]. | The travellers attend an [[Epiphany]] feast, with the Doctor presiding as [[Lord of Misrule]]. However, their revelries are interrupted by [[Thomas Arundel]], [[Archbishop of Canterbury]] who — after being affronted by Barbara and the Doctor — declares them to be [[Lollardy|Lollard]] heretics. He tells them they must recant or be sent to [[God]]. | ||
=== The White Hart (2) === | === The White Hart (2) === | ||
Robert negotiates for the release of the Doctor and his companions. Barbara and the Doctor go to [[Canterbury]], desiring to discover the fate of [[Geoffrey Chaucer]]. Ian and Robert, after learning that King Henry has been attacked at his tournament at [[Oxford]], travel in their wake, hoping to warn them that troubles will soon consume [[London]]. They stop at the [[Black Oak]], which is more a [[stable]] than an [[pub|inn]]. | Robert negotiates for the release of the Doctor and his companions. Barbara and the Doctor go to [[Canterbury]], desiring to discover the fate of [[Geoffrey Chaucer]]. Ian and Robert, after learning that King Henry has been attacked at his tournament at [[Oxford]], travel in their wake, hoping to warn them that troubles will soon consume [[London]]. They stop at the [[Black Oak]], which is more a [[stable]] than an [[pub|inn]]. | ||
Vicki stays with Isabella and they meet [[Jud Hacker]] and acquire his services as a cart driver. A train of men goes part and Isabella and Vicki hide in the cart. They see a cartload of dead men — supporters of Richard II killed in Oxford. Arundel is with the party and, catching glimpse of a face in Hacker's cart, orders him to uncover it. | Vicki stays with Isabella and they meet [[Jud Hacker]] and acquire his services as a cart driver. A train of men goes part and Isabella and Vicki hide in the cart. They see a cartload of dead men — supporters of Richard II killed in Oxford. Arundel is with the party and, catching glimpse of a face in Hacker's cart, orders him to uncover it. | ||
| Line 51: | Line 60: | ||
Vicki hides Isabella and pretends to be Hacker's daughter. Isabella pays him to take her to Oxford. When they arrive, Hacker asks for more payment, but Isabella steals his cart and rides off with Vicki for Pomfret Castle. | Vicki hides Isabella and pretends to be Hacker's daughter. Isabella pays him to take her to Oxford. When they arrive, Hacker asks for more payment, but Isabella steals his cart and rides off with Vicki for Pomfret Castle. | ||
Meanwhile, Ian is invited to an abbey by Robert, into the company of a conspiratorial group, mostly composed of clergy. Among their number is [[Geoffrey Chaucer]]. They plan to depose King Henry. In Oxford, Isabella is found by the King, who tells her she is free from her confinement in Sonning Palace now that Richard's forces have been defeated. | Meanwhile, Ian is invited to an abbey by Robert, into the company of a conspiratorial group, mostly composed of clergy. Among their number is [[Geoffrey Chaucer]]. They plan to depose King Henry. In Oxford, Isabella is found by the King, who tells her she is free from her confinement in Sonning Palace now that Richard's forces have been defeated. | ||
Arundel interrupts Chaucer's meeting. After he leaves, they learn that there has been a murder outside — the gatekeeper — and Chaucer's home has been raided and his work is being burned. Robert pulls his sword on Ian and Chaucer and, revealing he has aligned himself with Arundel, has them taken prisoner. | Arundel interrupts Chaucer's meeting. After he leaves, they learn that there has been a murder outside — the gatekeeper — and Chaucer's home has been raided and his work is being burned. Robert pulls his sword on Ian and Chaucer and, revealing he has aligned himself with Arundel, has them taken prisoner. | ||
Isabella learns from Henry that Richard is dead, but refuses to believe it. Chaucer tells Ian he gave the original manuscript of ''[[The Canterbury Tales]]'' to the Doctor and Barbara for safe keeping. They are shown the body of Richard and, when none of the conspirators agree to recognise Henry, are [[Death sentence|sentenced to death]] by Arundel. They are killed one by one. | Isabella learns from Henry that Richard is dead, but refuses to believe it. Chaucer tells Ian he gave the original manuscript of ''[[The Canterbury Tales]]'' to the Doctor and Barbara for safe keeping. They are shown the body of Richard and, when none of the conspirators agree to recognise Henry, are [[Death sentence|sentenced to death]] by Arundel. They are killed one by one. | ||
When only Ian and Chaucer are left, Henry arrives and order proceedings to be halted while Isabella grieves over Richard's body. In a [[prison]] cell, Ian and Chaucer find the Doctor. He tells them that Barbara is safe and that Arundel cannot be defeated — he is a part of [[history]]. | When only Ian and Chaucer are left, Henry arrives and order proceedings to be halted while Isabella grieves over Richard's body. In a [[prison]] cell, Ian and Chaucer find the Doctor. He tells them that Barbara is safe and that Arundel cannot be defeated — he is a part of [[history]]. | ||
| Line 66: | Line 75: | ||
The Doctor picks the lock of his cell and find Robert as they escape. After he makes a comment about Barbara, he and Ian fight. While Robert has his [[sword]] caught, the Doctor knocks him out with a [[chamber pot]]. Isabella rejects Henry's proposition that she marry [[Henry V|Prince Hal]]. Vicki and Tom tell the King that Chaucer is not dead, as Arundel claims, that the Doctor and Ian are also being held, despite being innocent. | The Doctor picks the lock of his cell and find Robert as they escape. After he makes a comment about Barbara, he and Ian fight. While Robert has his [[sword]] caught, the Doctor knocks him out with a [[chamber pot]]. Isabella rejects Henry's proposition that she marry [[Henry V|Prince Hal]]. Vicki and Tom tell the King that Chaucer is not dead, as Arundel claims, that the Doctor and Ian are also being held, despite being innocent. | ||
Ian gets into a fight in the street. As the guard moves to strike him, Isabella shoots him with an arrow. The Doctor's party escape and Henry sends Robert after them, to collect Chaucer. They travel by [[boat]] and pass [[London Bridge]]. | Ian gets into a fight in the street. As the guard moves to strike him, Isabella shoots him with an arrow. The Doctor's party escape and Henry sends Robert after them, to collect Chaucer. They travel by [[boat]] and pass [[London Bridge]]. | ||
They go to the [[Tabard Inn]] to find Barbara and learn that she is performing recitations of ''The Canterbury Tales''. Ian sees Robert with her, holding her hand. Robert stands before the crowd and declares Chaucer to be a traitor and asks them to put his head on the bridge. Instead, they cheer for him who brought the tales Barbara read. They lift the Doctor onto | They go to the [[Tabard Inn]] to find Barbara and learn that she is performing recitations of ''The Canterbury Tales''. Ian sees Robert with her, holding her hand. Robert stands before the crowd and declares Chaucer to be a traitor and asks them to put his head on the bridge. Instead, they cheer for him who brought the tales Barbara read. They lift the Doctor onto their shoulders and parade him. Robert pulls a knife, but Isabella aims an arrow at him. He flees. | ||
Ian follows and confronts him. Robert says Barbara will never be Ian's, but as he does, he slips on the [[ice]] and falls into the [[Thames]] beneath London Bridge where the current drowns him. The Doctor tells Chaucer his tales have been sent to [[Wales]] where they will be copied. He stands up and tells the crowd he is Chaucer. | Ian follows and confronts him. Robert says Barbara will never be Ian's, but as he does, he slips on the [[ice]] and falls into the [[Thames]] beneath London Bridge where the current drowns him. The Doctor tells Chaucer his tales have been sent to [[Wales]] where they will be copied. He stands up and tells the crowd he is Chaucer. | ||
| Line 77: | Line 86: | ||
== Cast == | == Cast == | ||
* [[Ian Chesterton]]/[[First Doctor|The Doctor]] - [[William Russell]] | * [[Ian Chesterton]] / [[First Doctor|The Doctor]] - [[William Russell]] | ||
* [[Vicki Pallister|Vicki]]/[[Barbara Wright]]/Narrator - [[Maureen O'Brien]] | * [[Vicki Pallister|Vicki]] / [[Barbara Wright]] / Narrator - [[Maureen O'Brien]] | ||
* [[Geoffrey Chaucer]]/[[Bishop (The Doctor's Tale)|The Bishop]]/[[Jud Hacker]] - [[Gareth Armstrong]] | * [[Geoffrey Chaucer]] / [[Bishop (The Doctor's Tale)|The Bishop]] / [[Jud Hacker]] - [[Gareth Armstrong]] | ||
* [[Robert de Wensley|Sir Robert de Wensley]]/[[Henry IV|King Henry IV]]/[[Adam (The Doctor's Tale)|Adam]]/[[Tom Chaucer]] - [[Joseph Kloska]] | * [[Robert de Wensley|Sir Robert de Wensley]] / [[Henry IV|King Henry IV]] / [[Adam (The Doctor's Tale)|Adam]] / [[Tom Chaucer]] - [[Joseph Kloska]] | ||
* [[Isabella (The Doctor's Tale)|Isabella]] - [[Alice Haig]] | * [[Isabella (The Doctor's Tale)|Isabella]] - [[Alice Haig]] | ||
* [[Thomas Arundel]]/[[William (The Doctor's Tale)|Abbot William]] - [[John Banks]] | * [[Thomas Arundel]] / [[William (The Doctor's Tale)|Abbot William]] - [[John Banks]] | ||
== | == Worldbuilding == | ||
=== The Doctor === | === The Doctor === | ||
* The Doctor has a [[common cold|cold]]. | * The Doctor has a [[common cold|cold]]. | ||
| Line 91: | Line 100: | ||
* The [[Earl of Kent]], the [[Earl of Huntingdon]] and [[Geoffrey Chaucer]] were favourites of [[Richard II]]. | * The [[Earl of Kent]], the [[Earl of Huntingdon]] and [[Geoffrey Chaucer]] were favourites of [[Richard II]]. | ||
* Henry Plantagenet, also known as Henry Bolingbroke, seized the English throne from Richard II three months earlier in [[1399]], becoming [[Henry IV]]. Henry led the barons in revolt against Richard, who was then imprisoned in [[Pomfret Castle]]. | * Henry Plantagenet, also known as Henry Bolingbroke, seized the English throne from Richard II three months earlier in [[1399]], becoming [[Henry IV]]. Henry led the barons in revolt against Richard, who was then imprisoned in [[Pomfret Castle]]. | ||
* [[Isabella (The Doctor's Tale)|Isabella]], who is younger than Vicki, is the [[queen]] of the deposed Richard II. | * [[Isabella (The Doctor's Tale)|Isabella]], who is younger than Vicki, is the [[queen]] of the deposed Richard II. | ||
* Sir [[Robert de Wensley]] is a supporter of Richard II and Queen Isabella. | * Sir [[Robert de Wensley]] is a supporter of Richard II and Queen Isabella. | ||
* Isabella mentions [[King Arthur]]. | * Isabella mentions [[King Arthur]]. | ||
| Line 108: | Line 117: | ||
* Arundel threatens to place Queen Isabella in the [[Tower of London]]. | * Arundel threatens to place Queen Isabella in the [[Tower of London]]. | ||
* Chaucer's [[tomb]] was placed in [[Westminster Abbey]] long after his death. Ian visited it prior to meeting the Doctor. | * Chaucer's [[tomb]] was placed in [[Westminster Abbey]] long after his death. Ian visited it prior to meeting the Doctor. | ||
*The [[Black Oak]] is "a roof with ale and pies". | * The [[Black Oak]] is "a roof with ale and pies". | ||
* Chaucer intends to flee to the [[Low Countries]] if the plot to assassinate Henry IV fails. | * Chaucer intends to flee to the [[Low Countries]] if the plot to assassinate Henry IV fails. | ||
* After Arundel's defeat, Chaucer goes into hiding in [[Wales]] under an assumed name. | * After Arundel's defeat, Chaucer goes into hiding in [[Wales]] under an assumed name. | ||
| Line 116: | Line 125: | ||
=== Other === | === Other === | ||
* Arundel refers to "heathen [[Lollardy]]" | * Arundel refers to "heathen [[Lollardy]]". | ||
* Queen Isabella gives Vicki [[archery]] lessons. | * Queen Isabella gives Vicki [[archery]] lessons. | ||
* Richard II's emblem is the [[White Hart (emblem)|White Hart]]. | * Richard II's emblem is the [[White Hart (emblem)|White Hart]]. | ||
| Line 124: | Line 133: | ||
* Isabella always beat Richard at [[Serpents and Siege Engines]], but thinks he might have let her win. | * Isabella always beat Richard at [[Serpents and Siege Engines]], but thinks he might have let her win. | ||
== Notes == | |||
[[File:The Doctor's Tale clean.jpg|thumb|Textless cover art]] | [[File:The Doctor's Tale clean.jpg|thumb|Textless cover art]] | ||
* This story was recorded on [[21 February (production)|21]] and [[22 February (production)|22 February]] [[2013 (production)|2013]] at [[the Moat Studios]]. | |||
* This story was | * Barbara does not appear in the third episode. This evokes the fact that during the [[William Hartnell]] and [[Patrick Troughton]] eras, the Doctor or a companion would be written out of an episode in a serial to account for holiday time, creating an authentic feel for a story from that era. | ||
* Maureen O'Brien watched ''[[The Space Museum (TV story)|The Space Museum]]'' in the days before the recording to help her better capture [[Barbara Wright]]'s voice. | |||
* Barbara does not appear in the third episode. This evokes the fact that during the William Hartnell and Patrick Troughton eras the Doctor or a companion would be written out of an episode in a serial to account for holiday time, creating an authentic feel for a story from that era. | |||
== Continuity == | == Continuity == | ||
| Line 140: | Line 149: | ||
* Ian tells Chaucer that he and Barbara first became friends while participating in the Aldermaston march. During his [[Third Doctor|third incarnation]], the Doctor and [[Jo Grant]] later participated in the [[1960]] march. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Come Friendly Bombs... (short story)|Come Friendly Bombs...]]'') | * Ian tells Chaucer that he and Barbara first became friends while participating in the Aldermaston march. During his [[Third Doctor|third incarnation]], the Doctor and [[Jo Grant]] later participated in the [[1960]] march. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Come Friendly Bombs... (short story)|Come Friendly Bombs...]]'') | ||
* At some point prior to his [[Seventh Doctor|seventh incarnation]], the Doctor received a copy of "The Doctour of Science's Tale" from Chaucer. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Cat's Cradle: Time's Crucible (novel)|Cat's Cradle: Time's Crucible]]'') | * At some point prior to his [[Seventh Doctor|seventh incarnation]], the Doctor received a copy of "The Doctour of Science's Tale" from Chaucer. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Cat's Cradle: Time's Crucible (novel)|Cat's Cradle: Time's Crucible]]'') | ||
* The Doctor refers to Ian as "Chessington". He has previously | * The Doctor refers to Ian as "Chessington". He has previously mistaken his name for "Chesterfield". ([[TV]]: ''[[An Unearthly Child (TV story)|An Unearthly Child]]'') | ||
* The First Doctor, Ian and Barbara previously encountered Henry IV's son [[Henry V]] in [[France]] in [[1415]], shortly before the [[Battle of Agincourt]]. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[The Reign Makers (short story)|The Reign Makers]]'') | |||
== External links == | == External links == | ||
{{bigfinish|releases/v/the-doctor-s-tale-886|The Doctor's Tale}} | |||
{{BF EA}} | {{BF EA}} | ||
{{TitleSort}} | {{TitleSort}} | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Series 1 (EA) audio stories]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Stories set in 1399]] | ||
[[Category:Stories set in 1400]] | [[Category:Stories set in 1400]] | ||
[[Category:Stories set at New Year]] | [[Category:Stories set at New Year]] | ||
[[Category:Stories set in Oxford]] | [[Category:Stories set in Oxford]] | ||
[[Category:Stories set in the City of Westminster]] | [[Category:Stories set in the City of Westminster]] | ||
[[fr: | [[Category:Stories set in Southwark]] | ||
[[fr:The Doctor's Tale]] | |||
Latest revision as of 21:54, 26 October 2024
The Doctor's Tale was the second story of the first series of The Early Adventures, produced by Big Finish Productions. It was written by Marc Platt, narrated by William Russell and Maureen O'Brien and featured the First Doctor, Ian Chesterton, Barbara Wright and Vicki Pallister.
The Doctor and his TARDIS were the only science fiction elements that appeared in the story, making it a pure historical. The title was a play on those of the individual tales within The Canterbury Tales, whose author, Geoffrey Chaucer, featured prominently. In this adventure, to be treated as a nobleman, Ian used his title "Sir Ian of Jaffa" bestowed on him in the television story The Crusade.
Publisher's summary[[edit] | [edit source]]
England, 1400. Winter. Blood in the snow. Henry IV has usurped the throne, and deposed King Richard II languishes in Pomfret Castle.
Meanwhile the Doctor and his companions preside over New Year revels at Sonning Palace.
But Sonning is a prison, treachery is in the air and murderous Archbishop Thomas Arundel will stop at nothing to crush the rebellion.
As the Doctor and Barbara take the road to Canterbury, Vicki finds a royal friend and Ian is dragged into a dark web of conspiracy at whose heart sits that teller of tales, Geoffrey Chaucer.
Plot[[edit] | [edit source]]
The Lord of Misrule (1)[[edit] | [edit source]]
The First Doctor, Vicki Pallister, Ian Chesterton and Barbara Wright visit Sonning Palace. They learn from the bishop that Henry IV has recently deposed Richard II, so Barbara correctly identifies the date as 1400.
Vicki meets Isabella, Richard's queen, and the Doctor is appointed to be her tutor. Sir Robert de Wensley expresses empathy with Isabella's plight, being cut off from her husband who is imprisoned in Pomfret Castle.
The travellers attend an Epiphany feast, with the Doctor presiding as Lord of Misrule. However, their revelries are interrupted by Thomas Arundel, Archbishop of Canterbury who — after being affronted by Barbara and the Doctor — declares them to be Lollard heretics. He tells them they must recant or be sent to God.
The White Hart (2)[[edit] | [edit source]]
Robert negotiates for the release of the Doctor and his companions. Barbara and the Doctor go to Canterbury, desiring to discover the fate of Geoffrey Chaucer. Ian and Robert, after learning that King Henry has been attacked at his tournament at Oxford, travel in their wake, hoping to warn them that troubles will soon consume London. They stop at the Black Oak, which is more a stable than an inn.
Vicki stays with Isabella and they meet Jud Hacker and acquire his services as a cart driver. A train of men goes part and Isabella and Vicki hide in the cart. They see a cartload of dead men — supporters of Richard II killed in Oxford. Arundel is with the party and, catching glimpse of a face in Hacker's cart, orders him to uncover it.
Sanctuary (3)[[edit] | [edit source]]
Vicki hides Isabella and pretends to be Hacker's daughter. Isabella pays him to take her to Oxford. When they arrive, Hacker asks for more payment, but Isabella steals his cart and rides off with Vicki for Pomfret Castle.
Meanwhile, Ian is invited to an abbey by Robert, into the company of a conspiratorial group, mostly composed of clergy. Among their number is Geoffrey Chaucer. They plan to depose King Henry. In Oxford, Isabella is found by the King, who tells her she is free from her confinement in Sonning Palace now that Richard's forces have been defeated.
Arundel interrupts Chaucer's meeting. After he leaves, they learn that there has been a murder outside — the gatekeeper — and Chaucer's home has been raided and his work is being burned. Robert pulls his sword on Ian and Chaucer and, revealing he has aligned himself with Arundel, has them taken prisoner.
Isabella learns from Henry that Richard is dead, but refuses to believe it. Chaucer tells Ian he gave the original manuscript of The Canterbury Tales to the Doctor and Barbara for safe keeping. They are shown the body of Richard and, when none of the conspirators agree to recognise Henry, are sentenced to death by Arundel. They are killed one by one.
When only Ian and Chaucer are left, Henry arrives and order proceedings to be halted while Isabella grieves over Richard's body. In a prison cell, Ian and Chaucer find the Doctor. He tells them that Barbara is safe and that Arundel cannot be defeated — he is a part of history.
The Empty Crown (4)[[edit] | [edit source]]
Henry berates Arundel for his actions, but he shows no remorse. Vicki comforts Isabella. Tom Chaucer, Geoffrey's son, manages to contact his father. The Doctor asks him to find out how Vicki is faring. In their conversation, Robert expresses to Arundel a desire to find Barbara, which the Archbishop takes to be his desired prize.
Vicki and Isabella discuss Richard, and the former queen says he had been dead along a while to her, having been separated for so long. Henry banishes Vicki and, as she exits, she meets Tom from whom she gets the idea to have the Doctor and his fellow prisoners pardoned.
The Doctor picks the lock of his cell and find Robert as they escape. After he makes a comment about Barbara, he and Ian fight. While Robert has his sword caught, the Doctor knocks him out with a chamber pot. Isabella rejects Henry's proposition that she marry Prince Hal. Vicki and Tom tell the King that Chaucer is not dead, as Arundel claims, that the Doctor and Ian are also being held, despite being innocent.
Ian gets into a fight in the street. As the guard moves to strike him, Isabella shoots him with an arrow. The Doctor's party escape and Henry sends Robert after them, to collect Chaucer. They travel by boat and pass London Bridge.
They go to the Tabard Inn to find Barbara and learn that she is performing recitations of The Canterbury Tales. Ian sees Robert with her, holding her hand. Robert stands before the crowd and declares Chaucer to be a traitor and asks them to put his head on the bridge. Instead, they cheer for him who brought the tales Barbara read. They lift the Doctor onto their shoulders and parade him. Robert pulls a knife, but Isabella aims an arrow at him. He flees.
Ian follows and confronts him. Robert says Barbara will never be Ian's, but as he does, he slips on the ice and falls into the Thames beneath London Bridge where the current drowns him. The Doctor tells Chaucer his tales have been sent to Wales where they will be copied. He stands up and tells the crowd he is Chaucer.
Arundel arrives and is isolated. They confuse him with multiple voices until he is frightened. They taunt him and he cries that he will banish them all. He runs away in panic. Chaucer is going to Wales. Isabella will return to Sonning Palace where the Doctor tells her she will be safe with the bishop before returning to France. She asks Vicki to stay, but she says she cannot leave the Doctor.
The Doctor, Ian, Barbara and Vicki walk back to the TARDIS. Barbara put her arm through Ian's and asks what became of Robert. He tells her that he ran away. The party find themselves back at the ship.
Cast[[edit] | [edit source]]
- Ian Chesterton / The Doctor - William Russell
- Vicki / Barbara Wright / Narrator - Maureen O'Brien
- Geoffrey Chaucer / The Bishop / Jud Hacker - Gareth Armstrong
- Sir Robert de Wensley / King Henry IV / Adam / Tom Chaucer - Joseph Kloska
- Isabella - Alice Haig
- Thomas Arundel / Abbot William - John Banks
Worldbuilding[[edit] | [edit source]]
The Doctor[[edit] | [edit source]]
- The Doctor has a cold.
People[[edit] | [edit source]]
- The Earl of Kent, the Earl of Huntingdon and Geoffrey Chaucer were favourites of Richard II.
- Henry Plantagenet, also known as Henry Bolingbroke, seized the English throne from Richard II three months earlier in 1399, becoming Henry IV. Henry led the barons in revolt against Richard, who was then imprisoned in Pomfret Castle.
- Isabella, who is younger than Vicki, is the queen of the deposed Richard II.
- Sir Robert de Wensley is a supporter of Richard II and Queen Isabella.
- Isabella mentions King Arthur.
- Thomas Arundel is the Archbishop of Canterbury.
- Miguel de Cervantes gave the Doctor some Spanish oranges.
- Jud Hacker was an executioner before he became a butcher.
- Chaucer is involved in the failed plot to assassinate Henry IV and restore Richard II to the throne. The attack on Henry took place in Oxford.
- Chaucer has a son named Tom, who works as Henry IV's butler.
- Having been denied food on Arundel's orders, Richard II starved to death in Pomfret Castle.
- Henry IV has a 13-year-old son named Prince Hal, whom he hopes will marry Queen Isabella. However, she refused to do so, describing him as "a spotty boy".
- Chaucer was present in London for Wat Tyler's rebellion.
Locations[[edit] | [edit source]]
- Isabella is being held prisoner in Sonning Palace.
- Isabella was born in France.
- Arundel threatens to place Queen Isabella in the Tower of London.
- Chaucer's tomb was placed in Westminster Abbey long after his death. Ian visited it prior to meeting the Doctor.
- The Black Oak is "a roof with ale and pies".
- Chaucer intends to flee to the Low Countries if the plot to assassinate Henry IV fails.
- After Arundel's defeat, Chaucer goes into hiding in Wales under an assumed name.
- Ian and Barbara first became friends while protesting against nuclear weapons on the Aldermaston marches.
- Barbara performs recitals of The Canterbury Tales in Tabard Inn.
- Isabella hunted in Fontainebleau.
Other[[edit] | [edit source]]
- Arundel refers to "heathen Lollardy".
- Queen Isabella gives Vicki archery lessons.
- Richard II's emblem is the White Hart.
- Chaucer often mocks the Catholic Church in his work.
- Barbara is obsessed with Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales.
- Gibbets are used to display the dead around Oxford.
- Isabella always beat Richard at Serpents and Siege Engines, but thinks he might have let her win.
Notes[[edit] | [edit source]]
- This story was recorded on 21 and 22 February 2013 at the Moat Studios.
- Barbara does not appear in the third episode. This evokes the fact that during the William Hartnell and Patrick Troughton eras, the Doctor or a companion would be written out of an episode in a serial to account for holiday time, creating an authentic feel for a story from that era.
- Maureen O'Brien watched The Space Museum in the days before the recording to help her better capture Barbara Wright's voice.
Continuity[[edit] | [edit source]]
- Vicki refers to the Crusades. (TV: The Crusade)
- Ian introduces himself to Sir Robert as "Sir Ian of Jaffa," a title bestowed on him by Richard the Lionheart in Palestine in 1190. (TV: The Crusade)
- The Doctor refers to Ian's pursuit of Sir Francis Drake in Cadiz in 1587. (AUDIO: The Flames of Cadiz)
- Vicki tells Queen Isabella that she does not have a family anymore. (TV: The Rescue)
- Ian refers to Coal Hill School. (TV: An Unearthly Child)
- The Doctor refers to the TARDIS' Time-Space Visualiser. (TV: The Chase)
- The Doctor and Vicki would later visit another monastery in Northumbria in 1066 in the company of Steven Taylor. (TV: The Time Meddler)
- Ian tells Chaucer that he and Barbara first became friends while participating in the Aldermaston march. During his third incarnation, the Doctor and Jo Grant later participated in the 1960 march. (PROSE: Come Friendly Bombs...)
- At some point prior to his seventh incarnation, the Doctor received a copy of "The Doctour of Science's Tale" from Chaucer. (PROSE: Cat's Cradle: Time's Crucible)
- The Doctor refers to Ian as "Chessington". He has previously mistaken his name for "Chesterfield". (TV: An Unearthly Child)
- The First Doctor, Ian and Barbara previously encountered Henry IV's son Henry V in France in 1415, shortly before the Battle of Agincourt. (PROSE: The Reign Makers)
External links[[edit] | [edit source]]
- Official The Doctor's Tale page at bigfinish.com
