Scattered through time and space, many women have crossed paths with the Doctor – friends, foes, and figures from history – and there can be a strange chemistry when they meet…
3.1 A Ghost of Alchemy by Louise Jameson (4 parts)
When the TARDIS lands in New York in 1921 the Doctor takes the opportunity to introduce Leela to one of the foremost women of the age - the great Marie Curie, visiting America to be celebrated for her work.
But the time travellers are not the only people interested in the famous scientist. Sinister forces are gathering around her and the TARDIS crew will have to work their utmost to keep her safe on her historic journey through the United States.
3.2 Fairies at the Bottom of the Garden by Karissa Hamilton-Bannis (1 part)
Young Amelia Pond is used to getting into trouble. After another fight at school, she is sent back to counselling. But her new therapist is rather unconventional…
Because Missy is also in trouble. Stuck on Earth, she’s targeted one of the Doctor’s best friends to get his attention - but her timing’s off. Amy’s TARDIS encounters lie years in her past and future, but there’s something strange in her garden now. As Missy sets her sights on young Pond, the fairies may be her only hope!
Recorded on: 22nd February, 1st March and 25-26 April 2022
Recorded at: The Soundhouse and remote recording
Writer Louise Jameson said: "Marie Curie was just the most extraordinary and fascinating woman who saved many a life. She was also genuinely very shy and didn’t like crowds or public speaking... Marie and Leela are polar opposites – one is all brain and the other is all heart. Finding common ground between them was very nice to write for.”
Writer Karissa Hamilton-Bannis said: “There have always been awesome women in the Doctor Who universe and it’s really nice to have them come together – I’m very excited about this and I was so chuffed to be a part of it. Missy is one of the most fun characters on Doctor Who and Amelia is also really formidable. It’s nice to see Amelia as a spiky teenager coming up against one of the most powerful beings in the universe and holding her own. Missy is amazing and Michelle Gomez has made her so distinctive that I could hear her voice as I was writing.”
Michelle Gomez said: “Missy is a joy to play because she doesn’t give a damn about what anyone thinks. Missy is always desperate to get to the Doctor and will stop at nothing. In this story, we find Missy meeting the young Amelia and she’s up to no good as usual. But I think, in some ways, she may have met her match..."
Caitlin Blackwood added: “Amelia is struggling through her teenage years. She meets Missy for the first time and is trying to figure her out... It’s been a long time since I played Amelia and coming back to it was like riding a bike. I’ve had a lot of fun. I’ve loved it.”
Producer Emma Haigh said: “For this box set of The Eighth of March, we’ve changed the format a little with two stories bringing together characters from history, as well as the Whoniverse. Louise Jameson has done a tremendous job weaving together the historical with the fantasy to create a terrific adventure. And Karissa Hamilton-Bannis’ debut story for Big Finish brings together Amelia Pond in her teenage years with the incomparable Missy. On this 8th of March, we’ll be sure to see some explosive storytelling!”
Director Helen Goldwyn added: “What I enjoy about this female-centric series is that, while these characters are strong and they’ve become a part of the Doctor’s world because they’ve got something special, they all have a vulnerability about them too. A lot of these women are truly courageous because they do feel fear but they still forge forward and save the day."
Harry Myers (President Harding) and Susan Penhaligon (First Lady Florence Harding)
Holly Jackson-Walters (Marie Curie)
Penelope Rawlins (Mrs Mattie Meloney)
Tom Baker and Louise Jameson
