On the planet Kelfer the Doctor encounters a stranded Time Lord, Askran, who has synthesized a narcotic called Sargol. The Doctor finds himself in the employ of an evil and warped intelligence.

Originally released in 1985 as part of the first season of audio plays from Audio Visuals (a non-profit-making fan organisation).

SHADOW WORLD

Of all the stories from Season One, Shadow World was probably the one I had the least connection with. I saw neither the script nor heard the unfinished recordings. I only heard the finished product when it was released. As a result, it became my favourite of those early tapes.

The characters of Askran and Miranda fascinated me, and the creation of the drug Sargol became an important, continuing theme lasting well into the fourth season.

Although Askran (always portrayed with sophisticated charm and menace by John Ainsworth) has returned to plague the Doctor, Miranda's only re-appearance was in an unused season two script, The Sargol Seduction (by Emma Lindley). Although there was much potential in Askran and Sargol, the AV team were not keen on The Sargol Seduction's tongue-in-cheek sexual overtones, and the fact it concentrated more on Miranda.
Gary Russell, March '92

PRODUCTION NOTES

I had been very enthusiastic about the Audio Visuals project since I had heard The Space Wail, so I was delighted when I was offered the marvellous part of a Time Lord villain - Askran. Unfortunately, Shadow World was plagued with casting difficulties, with several of the cast dropping out at the last moment. Consequently, rehearsals were practically non-existent with only a short read-through the night before, and with only half a cast.

Apart from the opening dream sequence, the play was recorded entirely in order. I recall that I felt particularly awkward about my final line which I had to shout at the top of my voice. Fortunately I had to do only two takes before the director was satisfied.

You may notice that when I speak I have slightly soft "R". So I was rather amused when the producer showed me letter from a listener which read, 'I think Askwan is weally gwate.'
John Ainsworth, March '92

CREDITS

Cast
The DoctorNicholas Briggs
Greg HolmesRichard Marson
AskranJohn Ainsworth
MirandaDeborah Marson
MerikFran Marsh
TylosPatrick Mulkern
GorumHerbert Edwards
AmerPaul Richards
StefSteven Hughes

Production

ScriptChristopher Rhys & Emma Lindley
MusicJim Mortimore
Series ThemeBrian Marshall
EditorsNick Layton & Jim Mortimore
DirectorRichard Marson
Cover ArtAlan Barnes
DesignBRIX
ProducerWilliam Baggs

Audio Visuals is a non-profit-making fan organisation

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