The first time I listened to Creatures of Beauty, I was decidedly unimpressed, and also more than a little confused.
However, I loaded it onto my MP3 player and gave it another go, and this time it clicked. It still took a couple of listens to fully appreciate the story, but this is one story that undoubtedly benefits from, if not requires, a second listen anyway.
Actually, the story itself isn't overly complex, but its non-linear structure threw me the first time around. The lack of complexity isn't really a problem since a more complex plot coupled with its non-linear nature could have ended up being very difficult to listen to.
The story's structure allows part one to open with the Doctor and Nyssa already on the planet Veln, for them to leave at the end of part three but still be around for part four. Trust me, it all makes sense. The non-linear approach also helps delay the the story's "twist", although in truth, I'd seen this coming for a while.
Peter Davison and Sarah Sutton are both on fine form in their usual roles. It's a good story for both, and if Sutton had had material such as this and Spare Parts during seasons 19 and 20, Nyssa would be right up there with the series' very best companions.
Both Davison and Sutton needed to be on fine form, as the story's main villain, Gilbrook, is excellently played by David Daker. Daker, making his first appearance on the show since The Time Warrior, seems to be playing the part with real relish and makes the most of his very distinctive voice, which helps to create a very memorable character. Jemma Churchill as Lady Forleon also puts in a good performance.
Credit must also go to Nicholas Briggs, who not only wrote and directed the story, was also responsible for the music and the voices of the Koteem. Initially these were a little histronic, but they developed into something much more sympathetic, which was in keeping with their character. Initially they appear to be the story's bad guys, responsible for causing the Veln's disfigurement, but who now want to make up for their past actions. The truth turns out to be somewhat different...
As someone who's let the pile of unlistened to audios stack up for a while, Creatures of Beauty was just the thing to get me back in the groove. Highly recommended. back to the top
