"Alright, I tried to warn you. You'd better just come in."

October 2021, London, St Gart's Hospital. Staff Nurse Thomas Hector (Hex) Schofield is having a bad day. Not only is it his birthday, but an old friend of his has died on the operating table and some nutter has tried to run him over. Then his world really gets turned upside down!

Something mysterious is happening at St Gart's. The 31st Floor is off limits to most of the staff and security is getting tighter by the day. Not all of those who die in surgery make it to the morgue.

Who are Doctor Farrer's special patients? What is the secret of 'C' Programme? And why is the odd young woman from Human Resources, McShane, so interested in helping Hex?

The Harvest is a very slick production, fast paced and well scripted. The acting is of a high calibre and the sound effects do their job excellently.

What else can I say? There is a superb twist that I can't reveal here without spoiling the surprise for those that have yet to listen to this play. All I can tell you is that it ties in neatly with an earlier Big Finish release featuring a different incarnation of the Doctor. You'll know which when you listen.

Sylvester is on very good form here, but this time he is overshadowed slightly by his companions. Sophie Aldred turns in her best performance as Ace in some time. Maybe her two-year break from the character (not counting last year's The Dark Flame, that was New Adventures Space Bitch Ace!) has brought a freshness to the role. But whatever the reason, she is back to her best here.

This tale also marks the debut of Philip Oliver as new time traveller Hex. He settles in quickly with the two regulars and the new dynamic works well, at least during this first story. I had thought his Scouse accent would grate on me at first but it soon becomes a background feature.

Of the guest cast, plaudits all round really. Each brings the best out of their respective characters, though I would like to single out David Warwick as the sinister Garnier and Richard Derrington, who plays Doctor Farrer, for special mentions. They do stand out among a very good ensemble.

For the plot, author Dan Abnett gives us a number of unexpected twists that work very well within the confines of the play, while also sprinkling in little bits to please the fans. Previously best known for his comic strips, Abnett has shown here with his first Who audio that he also has a talent for this medium. I hope we have more from him soon as a Big Finish scribe.

This play comes highly recommended. Enjoy!