Thirty five years ago this week (the 14th of December 1988 to be precise) the first part of The Greatest Show in the Galaxy (the final story of Doctor Who‘s 25th season) aired.

I’ll just pause and let that sink in for a minute. Thirty five years? But it only seems like yesterday. Funny thing time ….

I’ve always had a soft spot for The Greatest Show in the Galaxy – it was a story that overcame substantial production issues (an asbestos scare meant that no studio space was available) and now – a mere three and a half decades later – we have a sequel.

Based on an idea by by Barnaby Eaton-Jones, it’s written by Kenton Hall (with songs by Christopher Guard). Guard’s battered, bruised but still painfully idealistic Bellboy takes pride on place on the CD’s front cover and also dominates the story. Bellboy is a sort of Doctor substitute – someone who seems to know all the answers, but also – at times – gives the impression that he’s just winging it.

Many of the key players take on more than one role – such as Dee Sadler, who later slips back into a slightly older Flowerchild, but for the bulk of the story plays Ella (a rootless young wanderer who happily throws in her lot with Bellboy and the others). Like Christopher Guard, Dee Sadler hardly seems to have aged – either physically or vocally – and the pair make an excellent team as the relationship between Bellboy and Ella (not to mention Bellboy’s later reunion with Flowerchild) develops.

Children of the Circus is, at times, a boggling tale of time travel and tunes. There’s certainly a lot going on – so I think a few relistens will be required to take it all in. But even on a initial swoop through there’s a great deal to cherish – Sophie Aldred gets some of the funniest lines as Captain Gren (as well as offering a touching performance as AJ – a patch of sentient rust who helps to fly the ship). Ian Reddington is top notch as the tortured poet Delios as is Toyah Wilcox (chiefly as the gestalt musician The Band). And also a tip of the hat to Barnaby Eaton-Jones as The Tooth, who livens up the second half of the story.

Sylvester McCoy cameos amusingly as the High Poet and there’s also brief appearances from many Greatest Show in the Galaxy alumni.

Children of the Circus is a bold and witty yarn that never sags (despite running for 130 minutes). Over the decades, so many Doctor Who and Who related audios have been released that you sometimes wonder if any more are really needed. In the case of this one, I’m happy to say yes. Highly recommended.

Children of the Circus can be ordered via this link.