Wow!

Well .... wow!

What a revelation! What a tour de Force the late Ian Marter was as a writer. Not only did he act and play the part of the fourth Doctor's male companion, Harry Sullivan, but after listening to his novelization of the classic Who story, The Ark In Space, it turns out he is a superb writer too.

The Ark In Space is an early Tom Baker era story and one I remember with fondness, so I immediately short listed this as my next purchase from Audible. After listening to the sample, my mind had been made up and I hit the purchase option right away.

There are many successful writers, some more than others, some more deserving of their success than others. Marter is one of those much lesser know, less appreciated writers. Someone who has a natural ability to put into words the story he has chosen to novelize. Marters style of writing is wonderfully straightforward, vivid and wonderfully immersive, placing the reader right there in the midst of the action. He is able to articulate through his superb and flowing prose style the most difficult scenes with fantastic detail and pace. I just wish my own ability to convey how impressed I was with his work could do it justice.

Marter also excels at adding further detail to the television version, which is done so well and so seamlessly that, for me, it's the definitive version. To be more precise, this audio version is. The production quality of this adaptation is excellent with very atmospheric sound effects that really do add greatly to the experience. In particular, the sounds of the horrific alien parasites, the Wirrn, are done superbly.

I so enjoyed the way Marter adapted this story. He, like Terrance Dicks, really captured the imagination of the reader with their wonderfully articulate style. I was amazed and repulsed at how well Marter was able to describe the horrifying metamorphosis of Noah, I think few other writers could have done as well.

If you talk writers and mention Douglas Adams, most people will have heard of him. Mention Ian Marter and you will likely draw a blank expression from most people. Ironically, in my humble opinion, Marter is a more talented writer than Adams. I was considering another Doctor Who novelization, The Pirate Planet by Douglas Adams, but after listening to the rather lack lustre sample, decided to skip it. I found Adams' style somewhat overly wordy and rather waffely.

It's a real shame Ian Marter died so young back in 1986, his talents as a writer could have reached greater heights - such a shame. I also like that Marter had the love for the show to do this. So many actors seem to shy away from the very thing that made them a house hold name and yet Marter embraced Doctor Who which shows in his superb treatment of this classic story. Marter shows a fantastic imagination when penning the additional elem,ents to this story not included in the television version. For example, he describes so vividly how Sarah felt during her trip via the transmat couch, something we are never privy to in the TV show.

Ian Marter has thoroughly impressed me and I am already seeking out other stories adapted by him. I just listened to the sample of Earth Shock and I was hooked! Now, that's good writing!!

To top off this excellent story, the amazing Jon Culshaw narrates and his Tom Baker impression is flawless. Had you not told me it was Culshaw, I would've sworn it was Baker himself. Culshaw's narration and Marter's writing is a perfect combination, it really is.

If you liked the TV version of Ark In Space, you'll absolutely love this version.

As I reflect on Who's best years and best people, I am saddened to ponder over the loss of so many greats: Elisabeth Sladen, Jon Pertwee, Barry letts, Terrance Dicks and Ian Marter amongst others. At least their wonderful legacy will live on.
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1 person found this helpful

Brilliant Culshaw.

Jon Culshaw excels again in this Doctor Who reading. His narration fully conveys the menace and disturbing nature of the story. Highly recommended.

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Brilliant Narration by Jon Culshaw

I thought that Tom Baker and Ian Marter were doing the reading with Jon Culshaw but its ALL him well done absolutely FAB

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