Tom Baker at 80

To many people, some who may have never even seen the show, mention Doctor Who & the first image that springs to their minds is that of an outlandish fellow with a comically long scarf & a mischievous grin. Despite departing from the TARDIS over 30 years ago Tom Baker’s tenure in the role of the iconic Time Lord has become definitive, embedded in the consciousness of the nation. In recent years he has returned to the character for Big Finish to star in a series of ongoing audio adventures &, as he entered his 80^th year, Big Finish executive producer Nicholas Briggs sat down with the legend for this in-depth, intimate & amusing two hour interview.

Taking a simple chronological format the unobtrusive Briggs allows Baker to wittily recall his life both before & after Doctor Who. From childhood theological skepticisms to the excessive application of sugar lumps whilst performing on stage there are plenty of garrulous anecdotes delivered with his wry & knowing humour. The more hardcore fan may be familiar with some of the stories but Baker is such an engaging raconteur that it hardly matters. What is most surprising is the more reflective tone that permeates the interview. Maybe it’s to be expected given his advancing years but this is arguably Tom Baker at his most open & honest. The overarching theme of his life appears to be the desire to matter, to leave his mark on the world, to willfully contradict the repeated mantra sternly drummed into him by those in religious authority that “you are nothing”. Nevertheless there are enough flights of fancy & comic tales to raise a smile in the listener, even the slightly morbid reflections on mortality are delivered with a comic edge.

It goes without saying that for fans of Doctor Who this is an essential listen, full of comical & introspective moments from a uniquely British icon delivered with that instantly recognisable voice. The only complaint is that there is not a 2^nd volume, the time flies by. Two hours in the company of this unpredictably eccentric one-off is not enough. Tom Baker at 90 anyone?