by Beth McMillan
Demon Records has truly outdone themselves with their latest release, the Doctor Who: Serpent Crest special edition vinyl boxset. This limited-edition collection presents the third and final instalment of the ‘Nest Cottage’ audio adventures, featuring the legendary Tom Baker reprising his role as the enigmatic Doctor and Susan Jameson returning as his long-suffering housekeeper and everyone’s favourite Mrs Wibbsey!
Published for the very first time on vinyl, these five gripping audio adventures will definitely bring about a sense of nostalgia for any older die-hard Whovians when sampled with the distinctive sound of a record player. There can be no doubt vinyl brings a certain je ne sais quoi to the listening experience.
The first thing that hits you about this box set is the beautiful presentation. Everything from the packaging to the contents shows great attention to detail. A die-cut, removable outer sleeve reveals a Skishtari (the villain of the story!)-infested box lid, hinting at the dangerous adventures contained within! The accompanying 16-page full-colour booklet, featuring the Doctor himself’s unique notes and illustrations, adds an extra layer of immersion and complements the stories perfectly, allowing listeners to follow along with the adventure.
Lucky owners of the set also receive a hand-signed, frameable portrait of the Fourth Doctor, autographed by the iconic Tom Baker. With only 1200 copies available, it’s a must-have for any dedicated Doctor Who enthusiast!
Spread across 10 alternating Black and Green vinyl LPs (complete with beautifully illustrated individual sleeves featuring cast and credit details for each of the five captivating stories), the audio adventures are brought to life by a stellar cast, including Richard Franklin reprising his role as Captain Mike Yates of UNIT, and David Troughton, son of Patrick Troughton following in his father’s footsteps and making a surprise appearance as ‘The Visitor’ a mysterious figure who may or may not be the second Doctor!
Accompanied by the BBC Radiophonic Workshop’s signature Doctor Who theme and original sound design, listeners will be transported to a distant galaxy where the Doctor and Mrs Wibbsey become entangled in a gripping war against the deadly, snake-like Skishtari.
Following on from the events of the previous Doctor audio adventure Demon Quest, the story takes an intriguing turn as the duo stumbles upon a dangerous Skishtari egg, leading them to the 19th-century town of Hexford and a world of treasure and genies. The plot unfolds with thrilling twists and turns, culminating in a climactic encounter between the Doctor and the Skishtari.
Despite the story having some occasionally cheesy and predictable dialogue and, like Demon Quest before it, a somewhat domestic feel that might not appeal to all Whovians, Doctor Who: Serpent Crest on vinyl is a true collector’s gem that captures the essence of the beloved series. With its impeccable production quality, stunning artwork, and the opportunity to own a piece of Doctor Who history, this limited-edition release is an essential addition to any fan’s collection. Demon Records has delivered an unforgettable audio journey through time and space that will keep listeners captivated from start to finish.
