Mark Gatiss, one of the men behind the hit dark comedy The League of Gentlemen, returns to Doctor Who with an amusing tale of invaders, real and imaginary, in 1930's New York.

It's Halloween 1938. While the Doctor and Charley are investigating the death of a private eye, they become involved in his last case. Meanwhile, a young Orson Welles and the Mercury Theatre of the Air are about to make radio history.

As the American people panic that Martians are invading their land, enemies closer to home are interested in technology from the stars. A smooth talking Nazi sympathiser, a Russian scientist, a couple of alien con men and a human gangster are all drawn into a deadly web of intrigue that threatens the future of Earth!

Mr Gatiss, who writes and directs, delivers a witty and stylish story, wrapped around an interesting premise. While Orson Welles was making his famous 'panic broadcast' of War of the Worlds, an alien menace was actually ready to destroy the Earth, starting with New York.

Paul McGann and India Fisher give their usual polished performances as the Doctor and Charley, with the former able to indulge his 'gumshoe' fantasies in the early episodes. These two stars have really given the new Eighth Doctor series of audio adventures a lift, making a likeable and smart team that the listener can easily identify with.

Of the guest cast, special mentions for John Arthur as the slimy Cosmo Devine and David Benson as Orson Welles. They both give their all to their parts and it shows. Also worthy of notice are Simon Pegg and Jessica Stephenson, who usually star together in the Channel 4 sitcom Spaced. Here they take on very different roles very well, as Don Chaney and Glory Bee respectively.

On the production side, the musical score makes quite an impact too. Musical stings accompany the action, in keeping with the style of the times. These are very well realised and enhance the pleasure of the listener.

And it's obvious that the cast have great fun with the 'extra broadcast' part of the story, which gives Paul McGann the opportunity to use some different voices!

With a number of sly jokes and comic asides thrown in for good measure, this is a fun romp that gets Season 28 off to a flying start. It's a shame that Mark Gatiss doesn't write more for Doctor Who, either audio plays or novels. He has a keen eye and a sharp wit that sets him apart from many other Who writers.

This tale comes highly recommended. Sit back, close your eyes and enjoy.