The Fifth Doctor’s smart tech

The Fifth Doctor (Peter Davison) returns later this year in a brand-new box set of full-cast audio drama, titled Shock and Awe. This time, he’s travelling with young scientific genius Nyssa (Sarah Sutton) in two thrilling tales set between Seasons 19 and 20 of classic era Doctor Who. 

First, the duo visit Devon, 1984, where the Doctor is keen for his companion to try tea and scones. But they soon discover the people of England have adopted a technology way ahead of its time – intelligent boxes that can control the electronics in your home. What is the secret of the Miri Cube? 

Then, the TARDIS travels to a faraway and unnamed planet, where the locals worship a giant deity – which is more than just a myth... 

Doctor Who – The Fifth Doctor Adventures: Shock and Awe is available to pre-order now for just £19.99 (download to own) or £24.99 (download to own + collector’s edition 3-disc CD box set). Please note: the collector’s edition CD box set is strictly limited to 1,500 copies and will not be re-pressed.   

The two new trips in time and space for the Fifth Doctor and Nyssa are: 

Lair of the Voltaxa by Roland Moore (four parts) 

The time travellers’ plans for a break in Devon are disrupted by a report of a car ‘coming to life’ and attacking someone. 

The Doctor suspects a link to the ‘Miri Cube’ – a sentient gadget soon to be launched nationwide. Technology that is decades ahead of its time. 

But the cubes contain a disturbing secret – an alien intellect is preparing its plans for conquest. 

March of the Colossus by Alan Ronald (two parts) 

On a beautiful, unspoiled world, the Doctor and Nyssa meet the Dianasa, a primitive tribe who await Arrival Day, when the giant deity that protects them will descend from the sky. 

An intriguing myth. Except the Colossus is real, as a ruthless off-worlder has discovered. And he will stop at nothing to exploit this discovery for his own ends. 

The guest cast of The Fifth Doctor Adventures: Shock and Awe includes Stuart Milligan (Doctor Who: The Impossible Astronaut), Ken Bones (Run Away, Doctor Who: The Day of the Doctor), and Wanda Opalinska (Coronation Street), plus further names to be announced. 

Roland Moore, writer of the four-part first story, said: “The Fifth Doctor is one of my favourites – vulnerable, slightly out of his depth, but a tenacious genius. In Lair of the Voltaxa, the Doctor and Nyssa arrive in Devon for an afternoon tea, but they’re soon plunged into a deadly adventure. 

“I loved hearing it being recorded. Peter Davison’s portrayal is fabulous and Sarah Sutton’s nuanced performance is a delight. And this particular story is one where electrifying performances is a really apt term…”  

Alan Ronald, the writer of March of the Colossus, added: “I wanted this story to feel big! Literally! I am a big fan of Kaiju cinema, so I can never resist the opportunity to feature some huge monsters in a story. And the great thing with audio drama is that you can go truly Colossal!  

“Writing for a duo as iconic as the Fifth Doctor and Nyssa is a joy. They are such a unique partnership – very similar at heart, able to support each other with a combined intellect. The villain of this story, Austus Zebeck, draws very much from the world of sports entertainment. I’ve worked behind the scenes in professional wrestling for over a decade, and so it was fun to bring that over-the-top energy to this villain – truly hellacious!” 

Big Finish listeners can save money by purchasing Shock and Awe in a bundle with the previous Fifth Doctor Adventures box set (Helter Skelter, released April 2026), for just £38 (download to own) or £47 (download to own + collector’s edition CD box set).  

Alternatively, listeners can buy this series as part of a bundle of all 15 Classic Doctor Who box sets released in 2026 for just £285.  

Big Finish is currently operating a digital-first release schedule. The mailout of collector’s edition CDs will be delayed, 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.