A brand new audio play which returns to the world of Seventh Doctor adventure The Greatest Show in the Galaxy is set for release next month.

Children of the Circus is written by Kenton Hall, with songs by Christopher Guard, based on an idea by Barnaby Eaton-Jones (a friend of the DWC’s), and follows up Stephen Wyatt’s Season 25 story. The new release is produced by AUK Studios and reunites many performers from the original tale, including Sylvester McCoy and Sophie Aldred, although this time they’ll be playing different roles.

The synopsis reads:

Once upon a time, there was a circus.

A Psychic Circus, to be precise. A glorious haven for the misfits of the universe.

But then, as is so often the way, it was hijacked by a trio of malevolent Gods.

Things grew unpleasant.

Now, years later, the Gods are gone, but the scars of those who survived the Circus remain. After all, you can’t change the past.

Unless you’re the Children of the Circus… and you’re willing to sing.

An impressive cast sees Christopher Guard star as Bellboy, Dee Sadler as Flowerchild and Ella, and Ian Reddington as Delios. Sophie Aldred plays Captain Gren and AJ, while Sylvester McCoy is the High Poet. 1980s pop legend and actress Toyah Willcox plays The Band of Infinite Harmony.

There will also be guest appearances from many of the cast from the original including Ricco Ross as The Ringmaster, Jessica Martin as Mags, Chris Jury as Deadbeat, Deborah Manship as Morgana, Gian Sammarco as Whizz Kid, Daniel Peacock as Nord, and Dean Hollingsworth as the Bus Conductor and Station Announcer.

Sylvester McCoy said:

“To return to the worlds of Stephen Wyatt’s imagination, but as a wholly new character called the High Poet, means I get to be involved with the Psychic Circus rather than fighting against it! As a lover of the circus myself, juggling this new role was a joy (though I’m sad I didn’t get to play the spoons).

“What fun to be reunited with all the wonderful cast from ‘The Greatest Show in the Galaxy’ again, 35 years later, and I hope you’ll all enjoy this time-sliding, sidestepping sequel from Barnaby Eaton-Jones and his bunch of clowns!”

Children of the Circus is released on 14th December 2023, exactly 35 years since the first episode of The Greatest Show in the Galaxy aired.

For full details visit AUK Direct, where the 2 x Limited Edition CD set is available to pre order for £19.99 + P&P.