The much-anticipated full-cast audio drama sequel to 2005’s Luther Arkwright, based on the comics created by the award-winning comic creator Bryan Talbot, has been released by Big Finish Productions.
Multi-award-winning actor David Tennant returns to lead the cast of The Adventures of Luther Arkwright:Heart of Empire, some 18 years after he originated the role on audio. Joining him are returning cast members India Fisher (as Queen Anne), Siri O’Neal (as Rose), Robert Jezek (as Karl), and Jez Fielder (as Harry Fairfax).
“There was always a vague ambition to perhaps return to this character,” commented David Tennant. “It takes a bit of bending of the brain to fully appreciate the worlds of Luther Arkwright but it’s definitely worth the effort.
“We’ve almost waiting long enough for the sequel to be in real time. Eighteen years is quite a long time ago. A lot’s happened in between. Another life.”
The new box set follows Victoria Arkwright (played by Georgina Hellier), the daughter of Luther Arkwright and Queen Anne, 23 years after she was born alongside her twin, Henry, in the battle heard at the end of the first release. Now she embarks on a mission to uncover her family’s hidden secrets…
David Tennant (Luther Arkwright) and India Fisher (Princess Anne) in 2005 
David Tennant (Luther Arkwright) and Jez Fielder (Harry Fairfax) in 2005 
Emma Williams (Northumberland) and Ahmed Hamad (Gabriel Shelley) in 2022 
Jez Fielder (Sir Harry Fairfax), Georgina Hellier (Victoria Arkwright) and India Fisher (Queen Anne) in 2022
Mark Wright, who adapted the graphic novel for audio, said: “It feels like a little bit of unfinished business has been put to rest. The chance to work once again in the breathtaking, mind-bending, exciting universe that Bryan created is one of those ‘pinch-me’ moments. I got to do it in 2005, and to get to do it again years later is just lucky!
“And to hear the original members of the cast – David, India, Jeremy, Siri, Robert – return along with our amazing new lead Georgina, it doesn’t get much better really.”
Big Finish has produced Doctor Who audios since 1999, starring Tom Baker, Peter Davison, Colin Baker, Sylvester McCoy, Paul McGann, Christopher Eccleston, David Tennant and John Hurt.
The Adventures of Luther Arkwright is a science fiction graphic novel, written and drawn by Bryan Talbot, first released in various forms between 1978 and 1989. The sequel, Heart of Empire, was originally published in 1999.
Shortly before starring in Doctor Who, David Tennant played Luther Arkwright at Big Finish in March 2005. Tennant’s many acting credits now includes the popular TV shows, Good Omens, Around the World in 80 Days, Broadchurch, Staged, Jessica Jones, and Litvinenko.
• The Adventures of Luther Arkwright:Heart of Empire is now available to own as a collector’s edition two-disc CD box set (+ download for just £15.99) or digital download only (for just £12.99) from www.bigfinish.com
Pre-order: £15.99 (collector’s edition 2-disc CD box set + download) £12.99 (download only) | General release: £17.99 (collector’s edition CD box set + download) £14.99 (download only)
Please note that Big Finish is currently operating a digital-first release schedule. The mail-out of collector’s edition CDs may be delayed due to factors beyond our control, but all purchases of this release unlock a digital copy that can be immediately downloaded or played on the Big Finish app from the release date.
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THE ADVENTURES OF LUTHER ARKWRIGHT: HEART OF EMPIRE
Duration: 155 minutes.
Released: 7th September 2023, exclusively from the Big Finish website
Directors: Jason Haigh-Ellery, Scott Handcock
Script Editor: Roland Moore
Written by: Bryan Talbot
Adapted by: Mark Wright
Producer: Heather Challands
Senior Producer: David Richardson
Executive Producers: Nicholas Briggs, Jason Haigh-Ellery
Part One: Daughter of Albion
Princess Victoria Arkwright never knew her father, a man whose shadow she has lived under since he saved the multiverse from the cataclysmic forces of the Disruptors. 23 years after she and her brother Henry were born in the flames of war, Victoria seeks answers, but the truth lies deep in shadow. As rebellion gains momentum against Queen Anne’s totalitarian rule, dark forces grow at the heart of the British Empire, forces that threaten all realities. The multiverse needs Luther Arkwright to save it once more, but Luther Arkwright is dead…
Part Two: Cataclysm
Victoria Arkwright is drawn towards destiny as she unravels the dangerous secrets that have remained hidden since her brother’s brutal murder. Prophecy says that reality will cease on her 23rd birthday – Victory Day – but with the help of Harry Fairfax and Rose Wylde, Victoria is determined to prevent the new apocalypse. To unlock her true self, Victoria must embrace painful realities and the enormity of the multiverse; only then will she discover the legacy of Luther Arkwright.
The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
Categories: Audio, British Comics, British Comics - Graphic Novels, Comics, Digital Media, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Other Worlds