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Originally airing in 1991, Dark Season was the first TV drama created and written by Russell T Davies. Its six episodes chronicled the adventures of three teenagers caught in a plot to enslave the human race, masterminded by bleach-haired villain, Mr Eldritch.
The series starred Kate Winslet, in her first major professional acting role, as Reet, alongside Victoria Lambert as Marcie and Ben Chandler as Tom, who now reunite on audio for the first time in thirty-two years. Also returning from the original series are Brigit Forsyth as Jessica Maitland and Grant Parsons as the mysteriously sinister Mr Eldritch.
Alongside a new trio of heroes, the original cast members star in Dark Season: Legacy Rising, four new full-cast audio adventures, available now.
Kate Winslet said: “I was delighted to be asked to come back! It’s been genuinely moving and wonderful to revisit those early days of my career. What a way to start, with the now legendary Russell T Davies! I really treasure those early moments when I learnt so much. Those invaluable early days starting out as a small fish in an enormous pond.... it was a pivotal time in my life.
“Now, the story goes on and there’s a whole other generation of young people who will enjoy Dark Season. It’s been absolutely lovely to be invited back and to be able to give my voice to the character again after so many years, is very special.”
Russell T Davies added: “This has been one of the great joys of my life. The first show I ever wrote, back again, with brand-new adventures! And to get all the cast back together - Kate, Victoria, Brigit, Grant and Ben - is the greatest compliment of all. All of us united in very happy memories.”
The sequel series comprises four stories:
Spring by Tim Foley
Summer by Chris Chapman
Autumn by James Goss
Winter by Russell T Davies
For as long as anyone can remember, there have been stories about Bishop Grave School. Terrible secrets were once buried within its foundations, screaming to be unleashed. Some children spoke of ghosts… others, strange noises… but nobody ever believed them.
Those who remember - and dare - still talk of the events from thirty years ago. They whisper about conspiracies and computers, fascists and scientists… and a mysterious man called Eldritch who wanted to bring about the end of the world.
Taylor Sullivan knows these stories better than anyone - their mother lived through them - but even that cannot prepare them for what’s to come. As a new year brings fresh dangers, can Taylor and their friends discover the secrets of Bishop Grave’s past… before that past discovers them?
Voicing the new generation of sleuthing students are Bethany Antonia (Nolly, Stay Close, Get Even), Jacob Dudman (The Stranger, Medici, Fate: The Winx Saga), and newcomer Aitch Wylie as Taylor Sullivan.
Producer Scott Handcock said: “Dark Season burned itself into the memories of a whole generation of schoolchildren back in the 90s so it’s been an utter joy to work with Russell on a new quartet of stories, catching up with the mysterious events at Bishop Grave School thirty years later.
“It’s been a privilege to revisit that world and reunite the original cast. I don’t think anyone could have expected Kate Winslet returning to the role of Reet for Big Finish, but to record scenes with her interacting with the rest of the original cast has been a real thrill.
“Plus, we have Aitch Wylie, Bethany Antonia and Jacob Dudman as three new teenagers ready to take on the world. We could have thrown anything at them - and we did - but watching them interact with members of the original cast was a special treat. A whole new Dark Season is about to descend and I can’t wait for people to hear it!”
Dark Season: Legacy Rising is now available to own for just £32.99 (collector’s edition 5-disc CD box set + download) £25.99 (download only), exclusively from www.bigfinish.com.
All the above prices include the special pre-order discount and are subject to change after general release.