In all of his adventures in time and space, it was inevitable that the Ninth Doctor would run into a familiar face, a companion who’s travelled with him in the TARDIS before. But it's probably not the one you were expecting! 

Professor Bernice ‘Benny’ Summerfield, an archaeologist from the 25th century, was created by writer Paul Cornell and introduced in the New Adventures novels in the 1990s. The character became Big Finish's first licensed property in 1998, and the part has been played ever since by Lisa Bowerman. 

Doctor Who – The Ninth Doctor Adventures: Buried Threats is now available to pre-order for just £29.99 (collector’s edition CD box set + download) or £22.99 (download only), exclusively here. 

Not all perils faced by the Doctor are as obvious as an alien invasion. Some threats have been buried for millennia, some for mere centuries, and some hide inside a troubled mind.    

But whenever he finds injustice, danger, or just an irresistible mystery, the Doctor won’t stop digging until the truth is uncovered. 

The three exciting adventures are as follows:    

A Theatre of Cruelty by Lisa McMullin    

Someone or something is manipulating the dreams of French playwright Antonin Artaud. As Artaud’s nightmares are made manifest, the Doctor is compelled to intervene. Otherwise, Artaud’s new idea for an immersive theatre could become a ticket to literally die for.    

The Running Men by Mark Wright     

The TARDIS brings the Doctor to 21st Century Halifax, alongside police Sergeant Ambika Desai, as they investigate a mysterious death.    

The trail leads to the Hebble Piazza and an unscrupulous developer, as the Doctor uncovers the town’s distant past – and the infamous Halifax gibbet. The Running Men are rising from history!    

Ancient History by Matt Fitton    

Professor Bernice Summerfield is delving into the mystery of the Korravin, a mighty warrior horde, vanished overnight. But her expedition seems jinxed. And when a familiar blue box appears, Benny knows they’re in trouble.    

As ancient history resurfaces, the Doctor wants to keep some things buried - but Benny’s an expert at digging up the past.   

Actor Christopher Eccleston said: “This is the first time my Doctor has met Benny, in TV or audio, which was good to explore. Lisa and I had met before at the Big Finish studios and at a convention, but we hadn't worked together before.” 

Actor Lisa Bowerman added: “Here is Benny again, on another archaeological dig, with another Doctor who she doesn't recognise. It was very easy working with Chris – Benny works with every Doctor.” 

Producer David Richardson explained: “The Ninth Doctor and Benny – it’s irresistible, isn’t it? Our script editor Matt Fitton pitched the idea to me and it seemed a no-brainer, to propel Benny into this era of Doctor Who and discover how she would interact with a modern Doctor.” 

Big Finish listeners can purchase Doctor Who – The Ninth Doctor Adventures: Buried Threats as part of a complete four-volume series bundle for just £108 (on collector’s edition CD box set + download) or £88 (download only), exclusively here. 

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

Series 1-2 of The Ninth Doctor Adventures are still available to purchase as triple LP vinyl bundles – limited to a pressing of 1,000 per volume – for £140 per series. Collector's edition (CD box set + download) bundles are also available at £110 per series, as are digital download bundles, for just £96 per series.  

Please note: the vinyl editions do not include any behind-the-scenes extras. However, listeners purchasing vinyl LP editions will receive a download of the story automatically and be given access to the CD edits as a bonus download. Episodes will be edited specifically for the vinyl format, presented as 2 episodes, one on each side, each with opening and closing music. In addition, all pre-orders of the vinyls will also receive the behind the extras as a bonus download.

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.