Doctor Who: The Celestial Toymaker (BBC Radio Collection) [Audiobook, Unabridged] [Audio CD]

Edward J Mason (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 2001

William Hartnell stars as the first Doctor in this classic four episode story from 1966, which pits the TARDIS crew against one of the most powerful enemies they have ever encountered.

Product Details

• Audio CD
• Publisher: London Bridge (April 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0563478551
• ISBN-13: 978-0563478553
• Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 4.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,948,356 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Overrated, But Enjoyable, March 15, 2002

By 

"doctorwho01" (Charleston, WV) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Doctor Who: The Celestial Toymaker (BBC Radio Collection) (Audio CD)

"The Celestial Toymaker" has long been thought of as a true classic by die hard Doctor Who fans. But, in truth, I feel it offers very little to the casual viewer/listener. Michael Gough (of Batman fame, he played Alfred in the movies) obviously relished this part, and played the Toymaker to the hilt. And that is quite an accomplishment considering he was acting all by himself most of the time, as William Hartnell once again took a couple episodes off due to his continued failing health.

Many of the games played by the Doctor's companions, Steven and Dodo, are childish and tedious, to say the least. The supporting cast are hollow stereotypes, and the companion's main protagonist, Cyril is merely irritating. I don't wish to give a truly bad impression of this story. It does have it's charms. But, they probably will only be evident to the most ardent of Whovians and perhaps younger viewers/listeners. This is a story written down to the level of typical 60s children, and holds little to entertain adults. But, if you are a die hard Doctor Who fan, like myself, you will still find much to enjoy about this fantastical serial.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a Pleasant Surprise!, June 4, 2002

By 

John S. Drew "drewshi" (Brewster, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Doctor Who: The Celestial Toymaker (BBC Radio Collection) (Audio CD)

I have only listened to two other BBC audio releases of the missing Doctor Who stories and have not been impressed with the way they have put them together, but I was surprised in listening to this one. The main problem is that these audios require more exposition from the narrator and often don't. This would be fatal to a story such as The Celestial Toymaker, with the multitude of visuals it featured, but the BBC smartly works out a very descriptive narrative read by Peter Purves that doesn't detract from the original content. One of the best I've heard and well worth a listen.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pure Unadulturated Fun!, February 9, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Doctor Who: The Celestial Toymaker (BBC Radio Collection) (Audio CD)

The greatest thing about "The Celestial Toymaker" is that it is just a joyous and jolly romp that does not feel the need to take itself too seriously. It is unusual certainly, but this puts it heads about standard early stories like "The Space Museum" or "The Savages" which follow basic patterns. It is not Shakespeare, but if you want a fun diversion, giving a glimpse into the early years of Doctor Who, I fervently recommend "The Celestial Toymaker."