In the end of course, the Doctor is able to figure out the bizarre situation, and discover the true source of what is behind the outrageous “show.” I found it interesting that once things are put right (as it were), Mags plans to return to the circus life. Her assurances that she can keep her werewolf tendencies under control seem less than 100%, but the Doctor and Ace leave it at that. The story itself is a bit unusual, and very well done, but the many cameo characters besides those mentioned certainly add to the whole mystique. Just a few to watch for are Whizz Kid (Gian Sammarco), Deadbeat (Chris Jury), Flowerchild (Dee Sadler), and especially the Chief Clown (Ian Reddington).
As is the case with these new BBC Video releases, there are a great deal of extras included. The Greatest Show in the Galaxy is no exception. The most impressive of the bonus features here is the 30-minute “The Show Must Go On” making-of the serial. This features actors Sophie Aldred and Ian Reddington, producer John Nathan-Turner, and director Alan Wareing, among others in new interviews discussing the show.
“Tomorrow’s Times - The Seventh Doctor” is a 14-minute piece discussing Sylvester McCoy, and his role as the Doctor. There are also some deleted and extended scenes, bits on the various sets and models used, a photo gallery, audio commentary, and some PDF materials. By far the most unusual Doctor Who extra I have ever encountered though is the “Psychic Circus” music video. This is set to a song by Christopher Guard, and features the vocals of Jessica Martin and T.P. McKenna in addition to those of Guard.
Both in the story and (especially) with the visuals, The Greatest Show in the Galaxy in one of the most unusual Doctor Who serials I have encountered. And with the 1988 music video included for “Psychic Circus” included, there is no question that this one is a must for fans.
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Article comments
1 - El Bicho
you liked it better than I did, as CS readers already know. It was a little too much children's programming for my taste
2 - Greg Barbrick
I understand your point Bicho, but it was so darned weird that it pulled me in.