Doctor Who: Creatures Of Beauty Review

Released in May 2003, Creatures of Beauty was the 44th Doctor Who audio drama to be released by Big Finish. It stars Peter Davison as the Fifth Doctor and Sarah Sutton as companion Nyssa. It is written and directed by Nicholas Briggs.

Big Finish's synopsis:

"A planetary ecological disaster! An incurable, disfiguring, genetic disease... Aliens, in breach of galactic law!

Nyssa, under arrest! The TARDIS, inoperable! The Doctor, facing interrogation!

Another situation of dire peril is unfolding for the Doctor and his companion. However, what if it is not clear who is right and who is wrong? Who is ugly and who is beautiful?

Where does the story begin, and where does it end? Sometimes, it is all a matter of perspective."

This is just brilliant. Fantastically brilliant. Words cannot describe just how brilliant this story is. It's a very confusing story - maybe not as much as Flip-Flop, but I kept wondering if I was listening to it in the right order. I don't think I'd describe it as wibbly wobbly timey wimey, but definitely confusing. Mind blowingly confusing. I mean, it should all make sense, but it doesn't... Atleast, not until you've listened to the whole thing... And then still not all of it makes sense. I like stories like this.

The story starts with The Doctor and Nyssa quickly stopping on a planet called Veln in order to warn the inhabitants about the dyestrial pollution, but he doesn't exactly get the welcome he was hoping for. That's all I'm going to say here.

Let's talk about the acting for a minute - Peter Davison is very good - I'm normally not a huge fan of his Doctor but he was excellent here. Sarah Sutton is very good as usual, David Daker gave a good performance, as did David Mallinson. Of course, Nicholas Briggs gave good performances in all seven of his roles. There aren't any actors involved that I would consider bad, so that's definitely a good thing... All the acting in this audio was actually top notch.

The villains are great because, well, they're not aliens. This sometimes means you're going to get a ridiculously boring story but nope - this was a very interesting and unique story! The concept behind it is brilliant and Nicholas Briggs manages to get everything right!

As for the setting of Veln, it's done extremely well. Definitely one of Big Finish's best. As usual, the production team was able to make them feel realistic and make you feel as if you were there. Great planet too.

My favourite character featured in this story other than the main two is... Well... I just can't decide. Maybe Gilbrook, but that's probably because of David Daker's appearance in one of my favourite TV stories. They're all so well acted and likeable that I can't choose a favourite.

My favourite line is, without a doubt, "Like paint spilling across the table. He said it was almost beautiful." - An almost beautiful line!

Everything in Creatures of Beauty is a good idea. It seems very dark, with brutal murders, Nyssa being arrested on suspicion of murder, extremely horrible ear-destroying screaming in pain, not much music, excessive use of minor swear words such as b****rd... It's a story that you're never going to see on TV, but luckily, can enjoy in the form of audio.

Brilliant story, has you hooked from beginning to end but your mind strays away from the story while you're trying to work out what's going on and if you're listening to it in the right order or not!

I think this would make a perfect first audio, especially if you're a Fifth Doctor fan. Brilliant in every way possible.

Overall Rating: 10/10

Buy Creatures of Beauty for £2.99 download or £5.00 CD here.