First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in 1996, The Ghosts of N-Space marks the second and final Doctor Who radio drama to star Jon Pertwee as the Third Doctor. Recorded in 1994, this six-part serial serves as a bittersweet farewell to one of Doctor Who’s most beloved incarnations. Written by Barry Letts and directed by Phil Clarke, the story reunites Pertwee’s Doctor with Nicholas Courtney’s Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart and Elisabeth Sladen’s Sarah Jane Smith for one last adventure, making it a poignant moment in Doctor Who history.
The plot begins with Sarah Jane and her somewhat hapless colleague Jeremy Fitzoliver taking a holiday in Sicily, where they unexpectedly reunite with the Brigadier. He is there assisting his Uncle Mario, who is under threat from a local mobster named Vilmio. But Mario’s problems go beyond crime—his castle is plagued by ghostly apparitions, and the Brigadier calls upon the Doctor to investigate.
What follows is a story that blends historical mystery, supernatural horror, and science fiction as the Doctor reveals that the ghosts are actually "N-Bodies," souls trapped between dimensions in a realm known as N-Space. The source of this dimensional fracture is traced back to Vilmio himself, who is revealed to be an ancient alchemist, Vilmius, who has been using occult methods to extend his lifespan. As an astrological event approaches, Vilmius plans to harness the power of N-Space to achieve true immortality and command the monstrous entities that reside within it.
Jon Pertwee’s performance is as commanding and charismatic as ever. Though recorded years after his television tenure, he slips back into the role effortlessly, delivering his lines with the same sharp authority and theatrical flair that made his Doctor such an iconic figure. His interactions with Nicholas Courtney’s Brigadier and Elisabeth Sladen’s Sarah Jane are a joy to hear, reminding listeners of the effortless chemistry these actors shared on screen. This Doctor is still very much in control, balancing scientific deduction with moral conviction as he battles against the forces of darkness.
Nicholas Courtney’s Brigadier once again serves as the grounding presence in the story, providing a mixture of military pragmatism and warmth. His concern for his uncle and his unwavering trust in the Doctor demonstrate the depth of their friendship, a dynamic that remains one of the most enduring in Doctor Who lore. Meanwhile, Elisabeth Sladen’s Sarah Jane is as resourceful as ever, though she is occasionally sidelined in favor of more exposition-heavy sequences. Jeremy Fitzoliver, played by Richard Pearce, returns as comic relief, though his character remains somewhat divisive among fans.
The villainous Vilmius/Vilmio is a compelling antagonist, embodying both the arrogance of an immortal seeking ultimate power and the desperation of someone who has stretched his existence beyond natural limits. His plan to fuse N-Space energy with his own being is ambitious, but ultimately leads to his undoing when the Doctor cleverly manipulates the forces against him. The sequence where Sarah Jane’s faith in the Doctor transforms his presence in N-Space into that of a literal white knight is a rare, poetic moment that emphasizes the strength of belief and heroism in the Doctor’s world.
The sound design, while occasionally struggling with the limitations of 1990s audio drama production, is effective in crafting an eerie atmosphere. The ghostly voices, the ominous rumbles from beyond the dimensional barrier, and the climactic destruction of Vilmius all contribute to a richly textured listening experience. The music, composed in a style reminiscent of Dudley Simpson’s classic Doctor Who scores, helps maintain a nostalgic connection to the Pertwee era.
Thematically, The Ghosts of N-Space explores ideas of mortality, the nature of the soul, and the dangers of unchecked ambition. Vilmius’ desire to defy death contrasts with the Doctor’s own approach to time and existence—one that respects natural cycles rather than seeking to dominate them. The presence of the N-Bodies, trapped between worlds, serves as a haunting metaphor for unresolved legacies and the cost of manipulating forces beyond human understanding.
Revisiting The Ghosts of N-Space in 2025, it stands as an intriguing, if occasionally flawed, farewell to Jon Pertwee’s Doctor. The pacing across six episodes feels stretched at times, and the plot occasionally leans too heavily on exposition, but the performances and nostalgic weight make it a worthy listen. As the final performance of Jon Pertwee as the Doctor, it holds a special place in Doctor Who history, ensuring that his legacy endures not only through television but also through the echoes of his unmistakable voice in this final adventure.
For those who cherish the Third Doctor’s era, The Ghosts of N-Space is a valuable piece of Doctor Who history, capturing the essence of Pertwee’s Doctor one last time before his watch truly ended.
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