A popular Doctor Who character is returning for a new series of adventures, courtesy of Big Finish.
Brigadier Bambera, played by Angela Bruce, headed up UNIT in the Seventh Doctor story ‘Battlefield.’ The story, which was penned by popular writer Ben Aaronovitch, saw the new Brigadier battle an army of warriors from another dimension, joining forces with her predecessor Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart, plus the Seventh Doctor’s stalwart companion Ace.
And now, after an absence of over 30 years, this popular Doctor Who character is making a heroic return in a new series of box sets from Big Finish. The first of these is called UNIT – Brave New World: Volume 1 and takes place in the late 1990s, roughly 10 years after the events of ‘Battlefield’ (assuming that ‘Battlefield’ took place in 1989, which is debatable!)
As producer Emily Cook explains: “This is a distinct new era for UNIT… The Cold War is over, the geopolitical landscape is in flux and the Millennium is fast approaching. Brigadier Bambera is deemed the right candidate to lead UNIT into the 21st century. But in this brave new world, the stakes are higher than ever…”
The memorable Doctor Who character will return in three “action-packed” stories titled ‘Rogue State,’ ‘Time Flies’ and ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ in a special box set which is set to release in June 2022.
But how does Angela Bruce feel about getting back into the boots of this enduring Doctor Who character?
“It’s really nice being thought of,” she says. “It’s really nice that Big Finish have thought, ‘Brigadier Bambera, we haven’t heard anything from her for a while.’ And you go, ‘Oh really, you’d like to hear from me? You’d like to write something for Brigadier Bambera?’ YES! Bring. Her. On.
“You’re meeting Bambera – and me – at a time when I’m full. Bambera’s happy in her own skin. And so am I. So this is the right time to meet her again. I think fans will love these new UNIT adventures. It’s brought that hunger back in me. Brigadier Bambera’s getting stronger every day.”
And outside of being this classic Doctor Who character, Bruce may also be known to science fiction fans as Dayna from Blake’s 7, taking over the role from Josette Simon in the radio productions of ‘The Sevenfold Crown’ and ‘The Syndeton Experiment’ in the late 90s.
Emily Cook adds: “It’s been incredible fun developing this series and exploring Bambera’s life beyond ‘Battlefield.’ Like Bambera, Angela herself is a phenomenal character to work with. We’ve had the most wonderful, lively days in studios. It’s so thrilling to see Bambera in action again. And that’s the joy of Big Finish. These brilliant characters get the spotlight they deserve!”
And if you’re hoping to hear more from this classic Doctor Who character, you won’t have (too) much longer to wait. A second UNIT: Brave New World box set is due out in November 2022.
How do you feel about the return of Brigadier Bambera? And are there any other classic Doctor Who characters that deserve a Big Finish box set? Let me know in the comments below.
Seventh Doctor Paisley hanky – order now from the Lovarzi shop!
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