DWM326 - No Place Like Home

Being one of the first big finish releases I listened to, I have a fondness for this story. While nothing too groundbreaking or spectacular it is a light, fun story, and definitely enjoyable.

The Tardis is a wonderful and often unutilised element, other than as a means of transport of course, of Doctor Who. 'No Place Like Home' attempts to rectify that. This audio was a 2003 Big Finish audio drama, featuring the Fifth Doctor and new companion Erimem. This was written by Iain McLaughlin and directed by Gary Russell and included in Doctor Who Magazine #326.

Other than Davison and Caroline Morris as Erimem, the only other actor is Mark Donovan who plays ‘Rovie’ and 'Shayde'. 'Shayde' first appeared in the Fifth Doctor comic strip The Tides of Time. He later developed a more complicated relationship with the Doctor in the Eighth Doctor comic stories, beginning with The Final Chapter. This is the only audio drama to feature 'Shayde'. As a construct rather than a fully organic being, 'Shayde' had the ability to both emulate and actually join with other beings. The Rovie was originally a normal rovie which lived around the Citadel. He had an ordinary life, avoiding the Time Lords and their cleaning machines. When the Doctor came to Gallifrey on a mission, the Rovie hid in his TARDIS. A rovie was a type of Gallifreyan mouse. Ordinarily, they possessed no more abilities than their Terran counterparts, though they were longer-lived.

Aside from the console room and the wardrobe, the TARDIS contains a full sized cricket pitch, several fields, a rainforest, various control relays, the swimming pool, at least two libraries, several gardens, a storeroom full of terracotta Chinese soldiers, the Dimensional Induction Chamber and the Cloister Room.
Well there is an air of silliness with the adversary being a super intelligent mouse. As for the story it's entertaining enough for half an hour's worth of audio and it's always fun to explore the Tardis even if you can't see it. This is average but alright.

My first ever Big Finish and what a wonderful introduction to both Big Finish and Erimem! I loved this story and thought it rather amusing that such a small creature could cause so much damage. In fact, I think it's about time I gave it another listen. It is only a short one; short, but very sweet!

"The TARDIS has redecorated...I don't like it."

The Doctor takes his new companion Erinem on a tour of the TARDIS, only to find someone (or something) has realigned the TARDIS' rooms for their own sinister purpose.

The piece includes some nostalgic moments, a few nice character moments for the Doctor and his Companion, and then a good deal of comedy once our villain is revealed. Overall, it's a very enjoyable piece.