The second trilogy of Big Finish’s exciting new event series Dark Gallifrey follows a disparate group of time travellers, each on the hunt for the mysterious version of the Time Lord homeworld. Among their number is the scheming War Master (Sir Derek Jacobi). 

In the first of the three episodes, the focus is on Professor Bernice Summerfield (Lisa Bowerman) and her companion, a parallel universe version of the Doctor (the late David Warner). 

Set on making the greatest archaeological discovery of her lifetime, Benny puts together a plan to locate Dark Gallifrey – and sets in motion a time-bending and potentially catastrophic series of events. She’ll need the Doctor’s help to put things right. 

Dark Gallifrey: The War Master – Part One is now available to own for just £10.99 (collector's edition CD + download) or £8.99 (download only), exclusively here.  

Intrigued by rumours of a hidden Gallifrey – the Dark Gallifrey of Time Lord myth – Bernice Summerfield resolves to find it. 

But as the Doctor points out, some things should never be found, and some doors should never be opened. Especially ones that want to be… 

Dark Gallifrey: The War Master – Part One also stars Jason Forbes (A Gentleman in Moscow) as Cardinal, Chris Lew Kum Hoi (Extraordinary) as President, Tariyé Peterside (X-Men: The Audio Drama) as the Imbomination, and Homer Todiwala (Ibiza Undead) as a peculiar TARDIS. 

Producer Scott Handcock said: “The lovely thing about the first episode is it really celebrates the dynamic between the David Warner Doctor and Lisa Bowerman as Benny, and taps into Benny’s hubris of wanting to make a discovery for herself.” 

Author James Goss added: “The joy of Benny and David Warner’s Doctor is that he is her companion. Bernice has never actually made a big archaeological discovery, and here she makes a discovery that should not be discovered. The Doctor is aware that this is a very bad idea, but also that he is able to sort the problem out, working backwards to the beginning.” 

And, actor Lisa Bowerman said: “James’s scripts are always great. It flows brilliantly. I wouldn’t say that Benny and the Doctor are absolutely on equal terms, but there’s a recognisable relationship between them in that they are quite snappy with each other, but at the same time they adore each other. There’s sincerity, but they can banter.” 

Big Finish listeners can pre-order a bundle comprising all six of 2024’s Dark Gallifrey instalments – The War Master Parts One to Three, plus the previous trilogy, Morbius Parts One to Three – for just £60 (on collector’s edition CD + download) or £50 (download only). 

The complete Dark Gallifrey pre-order bundle, including all eight trilogies, each following a different renegade Time Lord, is just £210 (on collector’s edition CD + download) or £188 (download only). 

All the above prices include the special pre-order discount and are subject to change after general release. 

Please note that Big Finish is currently operating a digital-first release schedule. The mail-out of collector’s edition CDs may be delayed due to factors beyond our control, but all purchases of this release unlock a digital copy that can be immediately downloaded or played on the Big Finish app from the release date.