Review by Daniel Mansfield

Upstairs by Mat Coward is an excellent story. As a Companion Chronicle, it features only two actors, with both Maureen O’Brien and Peter Purves returning to their roles as Vicki and Steven respectively. O’Brien narrates this tale as Vicki, with Coward giving her some nice character moments throughout the piece.

The plot is incredibly charming, following the TARDIS team as they explore the attics of 10 Downing Street which, due to the alien threat of the story, seem to stretch through time as well as space. Much of the first episode is devoted to this exploration, which gives the story time to focus on the characters before the plot kicks in in part two.

I must admit to being somewhat lost by the resolution of the plot, but overall that didn’t hamper my enjoyment of this story, which is elevated by its unique alien threat (you really won’t see this coming) and characterisation of the main trio.

All in all, a great Companion Chronicle.

These stories are available from http://www.bigfinish.com