Voyage to the New World

After the previous story in canon that gave Jago and Litefoot an adventure into the far future, "Voyage to the New World" fulfills the second part of the 'new companion' package with their characters and takes them into Earth's distant past. In this case, that setting is Roanoke Island 1590 where the trio is immediately and rather violently pulled into the mystery of the Lost Colony of Roanoke. While 'Venus' was more fun and vibrant in terms of energy and tone, 'New World' goes in the complete opposite direction with a darker and more layered edge to its narrative. Matthew Sweet's script delivers a dire but still rather fanciful story similar to his previous outing "The Man at the End of the Garden" that contains a lot of plot but is paced well enough to where you don't notice until it's all over. It also does a lot to push buttons and tug at your heartstrings while bringing some intense characterization and focus in some very surprising places and while it again splits Jago apart from the rest of the team, this time it feels important and a bit more necessary without making a fool of who he is and his character in the process. Baker, Baxter, and Benjamin again prove to be fabulous, Mark Lockyer plays a surprisingly intense Raleigh, and the conflict on both sides of the New World works exceedingly well even if it dries out a little bit before the end. A lot of people prefer this story compared to its companion predecessor because of the more complex plot and darker tone and I personally don't think there's any reason to really compare. It's obvious that these two stories were meant to be heard together and they both stand at about the same level while being different enough from each other to feel like the Yin to each others' Yang. While I had a bit more fun with 'Venus' as a whole, 'New World' is just as good with just as much to love while setting up a fascinating link to Series 5 of Jago and Litefoot's adventures that should prove.....interesting.

'Voyage to the New World' was written by Matthew Sweet and is set on Roanoke Island in 1590. The Doctor and his companions land on a beach and are soon taken captive by Native Americans. Something is killing the natives but the colonists too. The orchestral soundtrack that is eerie with the occasional panpipe or what sounds like a Theremin. More than the components though the arrangement flows and ebbs in all the right places.

Of course Colin, Christopher and Benjamin all give good performances but with their experience how could they not? Christopher and Benjamin just are Jago and Litefoot; Colin is a consummate actor and even if you don't like his Doctor you can't deny his professionalism. All the supporting cast perform well in their roles but Emerald O'Hanrahan as Eleanor Dare stands especially.

Well, it's certainly different but it doesn't do much for me personally. It's not bad or boring, but I just find it very hard to get into. The dialogue and atmosphere lift this up above average. This is quite a contrast in tone and setting, it’s quite solemn with a great twist.

While the proceeding story, Voyage to Venus was a fun Victorian Science Fiction romp, Voyage to the New World is my favorite of the two Sixth Doctor and Jago and Litefoot adventures. Writer Matthew Sweet creates a story centering around the lost colony of Roanoke.

The result tale is a well-researched and well-written story that is filled with rich and evocative atmosphere and language. As he did with his first Jago and Litefoot tale, "The Man at the End of the Garden," Sweet shows incredible talent in creating a script that grips the imagination, while creating wonderfully charming fantasy.

Colin Baker, Trevor Baxter, and Christopher Benjamin all are solid in this story, and are bolstered by an equally strong guest cast. This is a very wonderful release that also sets up Series 5 of Jago and Litefoot.

Stunning - completely unique and captivating!

It's not often that a Doctor Who story feels completely original and fresh.

Surprising then, as this story seems just that, despite the raw constructs of the storyline actually being fairly familiar when more deeply analysed.

The use of 16th century English really hits the listener without being pretentious. The soundscape is nothing short of masterful - the atmosphere and mood are wonderfully conveyed.

The story really develops well, with an especially clever resolution. There is so much packed into this 60 minute adventure that you'd be forgiven for thinking you'd listened to a full length audio.

Every single cast member gives a first-rate performance.

Don't expect a light-hearted Jago & Litefoot story. This is dark and moody. Think of a dark Pirates of the Caribbean story with the Doctor as the star and you're really not far off.

Highly recommended!