Ice Heist! (audio story)

Recently, the world changed for Margaret Hopwood. Everything she knew was turned upside down by the arrival of a strange man in a blue box. And now nothing in her life seems the same. So when he comes back with a lady called Leela and an invitation to an unusual art gallery, she's more than happy to join him for the ride. And what a ride it is. Because it's an art gallery on a distant world...where a deadly plan is about to commence - one involving creatures called Ice Warriors.

Plot

Part one

Margaret Hopwood enters a shop in an attempt to purchase a bottle of wine, only to be told that she has stepped into a newsagent's by mistake. After leaving the newsagent's, the vicar approaches her to check if she's alright, but Margaret insists that she's fine and the vicar should focus on fixing the roof of his church, much to his frustration.

In her house, Margaret ignores the ringing phone in hopes of seeing Harry Mason in court. Once the phone stops ringing, Margaret hears the Doctor's TARDIS materializing outside her house. She opens the door to be greeted by the Fourth Doctor who invites her to an art gallery.

The TARDIS arrives at its destination and Leela explains to Margaret how the Doctor likes to arrive somewhere and then leave after a few minutes before introducing herself and promising to keep her safe along with the Doctor. She asks Margaret about the witch she helped the Doctor defeat at Ravencliff, and after admitting that she enjoyed the experience, Margaret explains that she is a sculptor. Eventually, the Doctors enters talking about how cold it is and both Leela and Margaret decide to follow him.

While the Doctor talks about how everyone in the universe needs pockets, Leela replies that she doesn't need pockets as she has pouches, but the Doctor tells her that she cannot place her hand into a pouch as deeply as a pocket. The trio exits the TARDIS to find themselves at an enormous art gallery inside a climate-controlled dome, outside which is a snowy landscape where anyone who steps outside will be frozen in seconds. Every five minutes, there is an ice burst that causes a rain of ice chunks.

Margaret is completely taken aback at being on a different planet and needs to get her bearings. The Doctor tells her that they are on a planet called Terra Glacier which is known for its exhibitions and auctions, with an auction dedicated to sculpture happening tonight. The Doctor and Leela are looking at a piece of art that Leela thinks is ugly. Margaret suggests that it should have fewer tentacles and mouths, but the Doctor points out that it's a self-portrait of the artist, Baretti Vetzi-Snori. Upon hearing this, Leela apologizes for insulting the artist, but the Doctor tells her that he is used to being insulted.

The group is soon approached by Allerdyce Benexa, the head curator and auctioneer, who asks them if they have invitations. As he tries to see if they have invitations, the Doctor talks about how he wanted to be a zookeeper, but changed his mind when he saw too many bars, likening zookeepers to prison wardens. Just after Allerdyce calls for security, the Doctor produces four invitations, allowing him and his companions to enjoy the auction. to be added

Part two

to be added

Part three

to be added

Part four

to be added

Cast

Crew

Cover Art - Ryan Aplin
Director - Nicholas Briggs
Executive Producers - Jason Haigh-Ellery and Nicholas Briggs
Music - Jamie Robertson
Producer - David Richardson
Script Editor - John Dorney
Sound Design - Toby Hrycek-Robinson
Writer - Guy Adams
Ice Warriors created by Brian Hayles

Worldbuilding

to be added

Notes

This story was recorded on 3-4 September 2018 at Audio Sorcery.
This story depicts the Fourth Doctor's first encounter with the Ice Warriors in performed Doctor Who.

Continuity

Leela asks Margaret about the witch she helped the Doctor defeat at Ravencliff. (AUDIO: The Ravencliff Witch)
A statue of Isskar is put up for auction by Kaltaak to help with the rebuilding of Mars. (AUDIO: The Judgement of Isskar)

External links

Official Ice Heist! page at bigfinish.com