Doctor Who review: Project: Twilight (Sixth Doctor audio)

Following our look back at the Forge, we look at their introduction story, Project: Twilight, a Doctor Who audio released in 2001.

Cavan Scott and Mark Wright wrote a very bold take on Doctor Who when they wrote Project: Twilight. Within minutes, it’s clear to see that this particular story is very different to what you’d normally expect, and certainly not the kind of story you’d get on television.

For one thing, it’s shockingly violent. People are tortured, burned alive, and literally explode in this one. Even on audio, this story really pushes things in terms of content.

It’s also very dark and gritty in tone, too. Taking place in modern day London, we explore a world of seedy casinos and dangerous gangsters. But even that world hides an even darker side, as the Doctor faces a new form of some very old enemies…

Ordinarily, a story like this shouldn’t work. At least, not in Doctor Who. One of the problems of the Sixth Doctor’s TV era was that it was filled with too many stories that were violent purely for the sake of it.

However, somehow, Project: Twilight completely works. Partially, it’s because of the very strong horror. Horror is something that Doctor Who has always been brilliant at. Scott and Wright use it in this story very well. It may push things in terms of graphic content, but it works well enough in the audio medium.

There’s also strong emotional content in the story at times. And both Colin Baker and Maggie Stables give great performances as the Doctor and Evelyn. They were always a great Doctor/companion team, and Project: Twilight really highlights why. Particularly during moments where they’re divided over key issues. It makes their relationship fascinating to listen to.

The Sixth Doctor encounters dark and horrific goings on in South East London in Project: Twilight.

(Image credit: Doctor Who/Big Finish Productions.

Image obtained from: Big Finish Productions.)

A strong mix of characters

Project: Twilight is also filled with some really great characters. There’s Cassie Schofield, a single mother trying to make a living for herself away from home. She’s a very sympathetic character, particularly as it’s clear that she’s in way over her head in this world.

More from Winter is Coming

Holly De Jong also gives a great performance as the mysterious and sinister Amelia Doory. The Doctor finds her difficult to trust. But De Jong plays the role just right, allowing for many different sides to be explored with her character.

However, the one character who stands out the most is Nimrod. An absolutely fantastic villain, he’s not quite as important here as he becomes in later Forge stories. But he still stands out, and a great deal of that is due to Stephen Chance’s incredible vocal performance. Seriously, there’s nothing quite like it, and it’s guaranteed to give you chills.

Project: Twilight is a great beginning to the Forge arc in the Doctor Who audios. It’s in some ways small compared to what comes later, but it’s a great mix of gritty crime story with graphic horror. A highly recommended story, and it’s very easy to see why the Forge returned only two years later.

Next. The Forge – what is it and why should it return?. dark

Have you listened to Project: Twilight? Did you enjoy the story? Were you surprised by its graphic content? Let us know in the comments below.

Home/Doctor Who