Hornets' Nest

Hornets' Nest is the overall title of an announced five-story audio drama arc scheduled for release in the closing months of 2009 in both CD and digital download formats by BBC Audio.

The arc marks the return of Tom Baker to the role of the Fourth Doctor for the first time since Dimensions in Time in 1993 and his first serious reprisal of the role since Logopolis in 1981. Baker is the only surviving classic series Doctor actor who had not previously participated in reprising the character for either BBC Audio or Big Finish Productions. This also marks Baker's first performance in an original audio drama as the Doctor (discounting an educational radio appearance) since Doctor Who and the Pescatons in 1976.

Also appearing is Richard Franklin, reprising the role of Mike Yates, which he had originated during the Third Doctor era. In fact, this arc will mark the first time the character of Yates has featured with the Fourth Doctor.

The first three chapters will be released on a monthly basis from September 2009, with the final two chapters scheduled for release on the same day in December 2009.

Hornets' Nest 1: The Stuff of Nightmares

The Stuff of Nightmares begins in present day England when a retired Brigadier encounters the Doctor as he was circa season 17. The Doctor reveals that he is embroiled in a difficult and dangerous problem, and before long they are shoulder to shoulder fighting a dangerous menace together. Due for release on the 3rd of September.

Hornets' Nest 2: The Dead Shoes

The Dead Shoes finds the Doctor in 1930s Cromer, home to the Palace of Curios and its strange and wonderful exhibits. When he meets a young ballerina Ernestina Scott there, a chain of events leads him to a further encounter with the mysterious and powerful Hornets. Due for release on the 8th of October.

Hornets' Nest 3: The Circus Of Doom

The Circus of Doom has come to the town of Blandford in 1834. The Doctor is there as well, and he has detected an air of strangeness hanging over the place. This is no ordinary show, and those at the centre, unaccountably, seem to know the Doctor of old. Due for release on the 5th November.

Hornets' Nest 4: A Sting in the Tale

A Sting in the Tale takes the Doctor back to the Middle Ages on his quest to trace the origins of the Hornet menace. Due for release on the 3rd December.

Hornets' Nest 5: Hive of Horror

The Hive of Horror finds the Doctor and the Brigadier facing an onslaught of savage animals at Nest Cottage. Due for release on the 3rd December.