episode guide
the greatest show in the galaxy
story 155 : season 25 : serial 7J : 4 episodes
Producer: John Nathan-Turner
Director: Alan Wareing
Writer: Stephen Wyatt
Script Editor: Andrew Cartmel
Designer: David Laskey
cast information
Sylvester McCoy (The Doctor); Sophie Aldred (Ace); TP McKenna (Captain Cook); Jessica Martin (Mags); Chris Jury (Deadbeat/Kingpin); Ian Reddington (Chief Clown); Ricco Ross (Ringmaster); Deborah Manship (Morgana); Christopher Guard (Bellboy); Gian Sammarco (Whizzkid); Daniel Peacock (Nord); Dee Sadler (Flowerchild); Peggy Mount (Stallslady); Dean Hollingsworth (Bus Conductor); David Ashford (Dad); Janet Hargreaves (Mum); Kathryn Ludlow (Little Girl);
crew information
David Tilley (Assistant Floor Manager); Duncan McAlpine (Assistant Floor Manager); Rosalind Ebbutt (Costumes); Mark Ayres (Incidental Music); Denise Baron (Make-Up); Barry Chaston (OB Cameraman); Alan Jessop (OB Cameraman); Alexandra Todd (Production Assistant); June Collins (Production Associate); Dick Mills (Special Sounds); Don Babbage (Studio Lighting); Henry Barber (Studio Lighting); Scott Talbott (Studio Sound); Keff McCulloch (Theme Arrangement); Ron Grainer (Title Music); Steve Bowman (Visual Effects);
episode information
| Title | First UK Transmission | Duration | Ratings | Archive Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Part One | 14 December 1988 at 19:35 | 24'23" | 5.0mil | PAL 1 inch colour videotape |
| 2 | Part Two | 21 December 1988 at 19:35 | 24'20" | 5.3mil | PAL 1 inch colour videotape |
| 3 | Part Three | 28 December 1988 at 19:40 | 24'30" | 4.8mil | PAL 1 inch colour videotape |
| 4 | Part Four | 4 January 1989 at 19:35 | 24'24" | 6.6mil | PAL 1 inch colour videotape |
-
Part One
» Always held by the FVTL
» A 71-edit exists also -
Part Two
» Always held by the FVTL
» A 71-edit exists also -
Part Three
» Always held by the FVTL
» A 71-edit exists also -
Part Four
» Always held by the FVTL
release information
In Print:
Novelised as: Doctor Who -- The Greatest Show in the Galaxy
Written by: Stephen Wyatt
Number 144 in the Target Doctor Who Library
| Versions | |
|---|---|
| 21 December 1989 |
Published by W. H. Allen, UK
in paperback With cover artwork by: Alister Pearson ISBN: 0 426 20341 0 |
| 12 December 1991 |
Published by Virgin Publishing Ltd, UK
in paperback With cover artwork by: Alister Pearson ISBN: 0 426 20341 0 |
plot synopsis
The Doctor and Ace arrive at the Psychic Circus on the planet Segonax, where various travellers arrive and take part in a talent contest in the main arena, A seemingly human family passes judgement, with a failure to entertain resulting in instant death. The Doctor realises they are really the Gods of Ragnarok, and that the clowns of the Circus are merely gathering more victims to amuse them or be destroyed. The Doctor's turn comes in the ring, while Ace races to get help.
links to other sites
- Episode Guide and Production Documents: BBC Official Site -- Official episode guide entry. Based on information combined from The Television Companion and The Discontinuity Guide. Also contains links to original production documents.
- Rankings and Ratings: GEOS Listing -- Online rankings, ratings and reviews database. Vote on this story and view ratings and broadcast information of this story for over ten countries. Also contains details of production credits and summary information
- Episode Guide: Outpost Gallifrey -- A general overview of the story. Includes information from the Doctor Handbook series of books.
- Background Information: A Brief History of Time (Travel) -- Detailed background and behind-the-scenes information
- Detailed Synopsis: Dr. Who Reference Guide -- Contains an episode-by-episode detailed breakdown
- Story Reviews: The Doctor Who Ratings Guide -- Story reviews "by fans, for fans"
- Target Novelisation: On Target -- Details of the Target Novelisation for this story.
- Images: Doctor Who's Tragical History Tour -- Images from the story from "The history of Doctor Who in images."