It’s back through the streets of London with the devilishly daring duo of Jago and Litefoot in Series 14 of their astounding audio adventures from Big Finish Productions.
In 2010, Doctor Who’s own Henry Gordon Jago (Christopher Benjamin) and Professor George Litefoot (Trevor Baxter) from the “Talons of Weng Chiang” episode embarked on a series of brand new adventures for Big Finish Productions, solving mysteries involving paranormal and supernatural phenomena in Victorian London, with assistance from barmaid Ellie Higson (Lisa Bowerman) and the dependable Sergeant Quick (Conrad Asquith). Over seven years, they racked up a total of sixteen series plus assorted extra adventures.
Now, in June 2021, four freshly-minted fictions for the Infernal Investigators will be released, featuring secret organizations, undercover arms of the law, fanciful parties, and a Christmas pantomime to remember. Originally scripted as full-cast audio dramas, these tales have been adapted into audiobooks, each to be performed by a single voice actor, due to the late Trevor Baxter’s passing in 2017.
The performers are Christopher Benjamin (Doctor Who, The Avengers), Lisa Bowerman (Bernice Summerfield, Casualty), Jamie Newall (Sherlock Holmes, The Eighth Doctor Adventures) and Duncan Wisbey (Torchwood, Iris Wildthyme).
“The Red Hand” by Simon Barnard and Paul Morris, adapted by Paul Morris — Returning home from their voyage to a parallel world, Jago and Litefoot find that things aren’t quite as they left them. There’s a terrifying new chief inspector, their closest friends have turned against them, and there’s something that neither of them can remember. Their only hope to understanding their strange new world lies with a shadowy organisation called the Red Hand.
“The Laughing Policeman” by Jonathan Barnes, adapted by Julian Richards — Inspector Gilhooey is used to dealing with mundane crimes, but he’s been given a new assignment, to root out enemies of the state. His investigations have led him to the Temperance Hall, where the Cotterill siblings are giving a seditious speech. However, Gilhooey discovers that the Cotterills aren’t the only disloyal duo in attendance, there are two more traitors in the crowd: traitors called Jago and Litefoot!
“The Corridors of Power” by Paul Morris, adapted by Paul Morris — In order to get closer to the truth of what’s happened to the world, Jago and Litefoot are forced to split up. While Litefoot finds himself mixing with high society, Jago has to find a way to reach his friend, as the professor is trapped in a party that seems to never end…
“A Command Performance” by Justin Richards and Julian Richards, adapted by Julian Richards — It’s time for the Christmas Day pantomime at the New Regency Theatre. Jago’s more stressed than usual. Not only has he got to deal with a packed house, messy stagehands, and peculiar acts, but there’s a VIP coming. The problem is, this particular VIP can’t possibly be coming, for one simple reason. They’re dead.
Producer Alfie Shaw said: “Jago & Litefoot was the first Big Finish spin-off that I fell in love with, and it was a delight to be able to add to the rich legacy these characters have at Big Finish. Obviously, with the sad passing of Trevor Baxter, we couldn’t proceed with Series 14 as a full-cast production, even though the scripts were completed. The decision was taken to convert them into single-reader audiobooks, and I was keen for all the readers to be either series regulars or actors who have played reoccurring roles throughout the full-cast adventures. This is a boxset made by Jago & Litefoot fans for Jago & Litefoot fans.”
Director and reader Lisa Bowerman added: “It was with a heavy heart that we thought we’d never re-visit the world of Jago & Litefoot again, after the sad loss of Trevor. How wonderful to be able to use the stories that had already been prepared for Series 14, which of course followed on from the events of the previous series.
“I had tremendous fun reading my particular story, by that master of Jago & Litefoot writing Paul Morris – and what larks to be able to read for both Jago and Litefoot! (I hope they’ll forgive me!) Not forgetting Ellie of course, as well as a cornucopia of other characters.
“Of course, I also had the great joy of directing Chris’s story as well. What a treat to hear old H.G.J. strutting his stuff again. There’s such a heart to the world of Jago & Litefoot, and it was lovely to be able to immerse myself in it all again for one last time.”
Reader Christopher Benjamin said: “I have mixed feelings on being back, really. It’s sad that it’s the end, it’s sad that we lost Trevor, and that he wasn’t here to do this properly, but on the other hand it’s lovely to be working and with Lisa, so that’s something.”
