Romford Horror Festival shares video of audience with Ian McCulloch

Ian McCulloch on stage at the Romford Horror Festival 2024

THE ORGANISERS OF Romford Horror Festival have posted an official online recording of the audience with Ian McCulloch which took place on 2 March 2024.

In this session McCulloch plays his guitar and sings, discusses his early musical career, his work on stage and television and his appearance in three Italian horror films Zombie Flesh Eaters, Zombi Holocaust and Contamination.

Although the focus of the weekend was the horror genre, McCulloch does discuss (17ms-25ms) his role as Greg Preston in Survivors, his relationship with Terry Nation and producer Terry Dudley and the three episodes that he wrote for the series.

An audience with Ian McCulloch, Romford Horror Festival 2024
An audience with Ian McCulloch, Romford Horror Festival 2024 – Survivors section

Four-page Survivors appreciation in Starburst magazine

First two pages of a four page feature on Survivors in Starburst issue 485, written by site editor Rich Cross

FOLLOWING SURVIVORS MUCH deserved inclusion in a poll of the top 100 TV shows of all time, as voted for by the writers of Starburst, a four-page appreciation of the series appears in the new print edition of the magazine.

Written by the editor of this site, the feature celebrates the quality and distinctiveness of Survivors in the post-apocalyptic TV canon, delves into the show’s challenging and innovative production methods, and outlines the development of themes and storylines across all three series.

It’s intended to be both a recognition of the impact and the enduring legacy of the original TV series, and to be a useful introduction for those genre enthusiasts who have yet to connect with Survivors.

Starburst is available to buy from all good newsagents and through the magazine’s online shop.

Rich Cross. 2024. ‘Survivors’. Starburst, May, No 485, pp.48-51.

Front cover of issue 485 of Starburst magazine, 2024

Ian McCulloch to appear at Romford Horror Festival on 2 March 2024

An audience with Ian McCulloch at Romford Horror Festival on 2 March 2024

IAN McCULLOCH (Greg Preston, Survivors) will be appearing at the ‘Horrhiffic’ Romford Horror Festival on Saturday 2 March 2024, taking part in two separate talks as well as a signing session.

McCulloch will join a panel of actors from celebrated horror movies, discussing different aspects of screen horror and the work of horror writers and filmmakers. Later in the afternoon, he’ll be interviewed on stage in ‘an audience with Ian McCulloch’ .

McCulloch will also be present for the screening of some pre-release footage from the upcoming The Witches of the Sands film, in which he appears. Finally, McCulloch, along with other panel guests, will hold a signing session for attendees.

Ian will be with us to discuss his career and will be doing signings on Saturday and possibly Sunday. He’ll also be present for some sneaky footage from upcoming movie The Witches Of The Sands, in which he stars.

Romford Horror Festival

‘The afternoon show’ panel discussion (15:00)

A casual afternoon panel discussion with Ian McCulloch, Cinzia Monreale, Caroline Munro and Pauline Peart. Over the course of an hour we’ll discuss a wide range of topics in the world of horror. From the classic to the modern day indie.

Romford Horror Festival, 2024

An audience with Ian McCulloch (17:00)

Ian McCulloch found demand on both British Television and Italian Horror, from the chilling BBC Sci-Fi drama Survivors in which he played the leading man for the first two seasons, Italian Horror where he starred in three controversial movies Contamination, Zombie Flesh Eaters and Zombie Holocaust and even a stint in Doctor Who. It’s sure to be a quirky hour of chat.

Romford Horror Festival, 2024

Tickets for these events (and all-day passes to all events) can be purchased in advance from the Romford Horror Festival web site.

The Romford Horror Festival takes place at Premiere Cinemas, Level 3, The Mercury Mall, Mercury Gardens, Romford RM1 3EE, between 29 February and 3 March 2024.

Full programme details can be found on the festival web site: https://www.romfordhorrorfestival.com/

Ian McCulloch as Captain Horst Markway in The Witches of the Sands - close-up

Ian McCulloch as Captain Horst Markway in The Witches of the Sands 

Ian McCulloch as Captain Horst Markway in The Witches of the Sands - close-up with sword

Perfect Pub Walks with Bill Bailey strolls through Monsal Dale

Perfect Pub Walks with Bill Bailey - February 2024 - the Monsal Viaduct seen from the air

THE FIRST EPISODE of the new Channel 4 series Perfect Pub Walks with Bill Bailey visits several of the key Monsal Dale locations seen in the third series Survivors episode Mad Dog.

On this set of three walks across the Derbyshire Peak District, Bill Bailey is joined by fellow comedian, actor and panelist Alan Davies, for a spot of exercise and the chance to share in what could be some therapeutic personal conversation.

In the Peak District National Park, Bill and Alan Davies take the Monsal Trail to Derbyshire’s highest pub, Abney Moor and Mam Tor, and chat about the perils of ageing and the stresses of modern life

Channel 4

The episode was first broadcast on 20 February 2024, and is currently available to stream from Channel 4’s on-demand service.

Perfect Pub Walks with Bill Bailey - February 2024 - the head of the Monsal Valley

Perfect Pub Walks with Bill Bailey - February 2024 - walking through Cressbrook Tunnel

Perfect Pub Walks with Bill Bailey - February 2024 - walking through the Headstock tunnel

Perfect Pub Walks with Bill Bailey - February 2024 - The Monsal Viaduct

Perfect Pub Walks with Bill Bailey - February 2024 - on the Monsal viaduct

‘Perfect Pub Walks with Bill Bailey’. Channel 4. 20 February 2024. https://www.channel4.com/programmes/perfect-pub-walks-with-bill-bailey

Survivors: New Dawn 4 episode reviews published

Survivors New Dawn 4

REVIEWS OF ALBION, Fallout and Requiem, the final three episodes of the Survivors: New Dawn audio range have now been published on the Big Finish Survivors section of the Survivors: A World Away site.

With Big Finish indicating that no further Survivors audio releases are currently planned, the release of New Dawn 4 brings to an end Survivors life as an audio drama.

The Survivors: A World Away site has tracked the development of this unique strand of Survivors fiction since the release of the first box set back in 2014.

Over the course of nine years, this site has published synopses and reviews of all 36 episodes in the nine series original run of Survivors audios, of three Survivors audiobooks, and all twelve episodes in the four box sets of the New Dawn series.

As a result of repeated visits to the Big Finish studios, the editor of this site also carried out numerous interviews with cast members (including Carolyn Seymour, Lucy Fleming, Ian McCulloch and Richard Heffer, as well as many new actors joining the series on audio), extracts from many of which have also been published on the site.

Beyond the site itself, the editor has published reviews of the releases for Cultbox (together with the Carolyn Seymour: in Conversation spin-off release), and published regular features and reviews of the series for Starburst, both in print and online.

As the release of Survivors audios begins an indefinite pause, it’s good to be able to reflect that the series ends in such a satisfying and assured way:

Abby and Jenny begin a new phase in their own journey as listeners, many of whom have followed the series from series one released back in 2014, come to the end of theirs. It’s been a remarkable, often unsettling, and always compelling series made by a creative team who have shown time and again their determination to grasp the full dramatic potential of Terry Nation’s inspired original premise.

Survivors: A World Away

Strangers in Space podcast considers Survivors

THE LATEST EPISODE of the TV Club strand of the Strangers in Space podcast (13 October) spends an hour reappraising the impact of Survivors.

Host J R Southall is joined by Jon Arnold, Jim Cameron and Dylan Rees, and reflects on the impact of the series at the time of its original transmission and the legacy of the series nearly five decades on.

Almost fifty years ago a nation huddled around its television sets imagining the oncoming apocalypse and wondering when it might be best to plant corn crops in the devastation that followed; our thoughts on Terry Nation and Terence Dudley’s Survivors

It’s nearly half a century since Terry Nation’s story about the aftermath of a genocidal virus, so how’s it looking in 2023?

Survivors

This episode presented by:
J.R. Southall

With:
Jon Arnold
Jim Cameron
Dylan Rees

Strangers in Space

Strangers in Space. 2023. Survivors. 13 October. https://strangersinspace.libsyn.com/tv-club-60-survivors-1975-77

In addition to the audio version, the version available on YouTube provides Zoom-style visuals of the foursome’s discussions.

Survivors series three audio offer in latest Big Finish podcast

Big Finish - Survivors - series three - cover

THE RANDOMOID SELECTORTRON in this week’s Big Finish podcast (29 October) chose the third series boxset of Survivors audios for its one-week-only special discount offer.

Each week, the podcast hosts Nick Briggs and Benji Clifford use the enigmatic Randomoid Selectortron device to choose a random release from the Big Finish back catalogue.

That release is then made the subject of a seven day discount of 25% on the list price.

To take advantage of this offer, which will expire on 4 November 2023, visit the podcast listing on the Big Finish site, follow the Randomoid Selectotron link and enter the code ‘BUCKUP’ when prompted to purchase the download-only version of this well-reviewed Survivors audio box set.

In the podcast, Nick and Benji share their memories of working on this 2015 release, with Benji recalling his conversations with Richard Heffer and his work on the sound design, Nick remembering the powerhouse performance by Paul Thornley (as bad boy Vinnie Vincent) and both hosts expressing their undimmed enthusiasm for the world of Survivors on audio.

Big Finish. 2023. Omega Audacity. 29 October. https://www.bigfinish.com/podcasts/v/2023-10-29-omega-audacity

Gone Fishing returns to Monsal Dale for series six finale

Gone Fishing - Series 6 - Episode 6 - Monsal Dale - the pair enjoy an ice-cream at the top of the Monsal valley

THE CLOSING EPISODE of series six of Gone Fishing, with Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse, returned its two stars to the Monsal Valley (the key filming location for the third series Survivors episode Mad Dog), revisiting the same stretch of the River Wye where the pair filmed the show’s first ever episode.

The episode, first shown on the BBC earlier this month, included shots of the Monsal Viaduct, and the footbridge close to Netherdale Farm, as well as many evocative aerial shots across the valley.

Paul and Bob return to the Peak District, this time with Ted, where they filmed their first episode of Gone Fishing back in 2017. Will the memories of that first trip come flooding back? 

They start by fishing the Wye at Haddon Hall, hoping to catch chub, rainbow trout and wild brown trout, before moving on to the Derwent. As they cast, they recall memories of that first trip and look at how they’ve changed over the last six years.

BBC

The episode is available to stream or download for offline viewing (for UK viewers) from the BBC’s iPlayer service for 11 months (until October 2024).

Gone Fishing. 2023. Series 6, Episode, 6. BBC. First broadcast 8 October.

Gone Fishing - Series 6 - Episode 6 - Monsal Dale - The Monsal Viaduct seen from above

Gone Fishing - Series 6 - Episode 6 - Monsal Dale - the footbridge in the heart of the Monsal valley

Gone Fishing - Series 6 - Episode 6 - Monsal Dale - the vista of the Monsal valley

Gone Fishing - Series 6 - Episode 6 - Monsal Dale - Bob views the valley

Big Finish share video interview with Carolyn Seymour and Lucy Fleming

Big Finish share video interview with Carolyn Seymour and Lucy Fleming

BIG FINISH HAVE released a short behind-the-scenes video interview with Carolyn Seymour (Abby Grant) and Lucy Fleming (Jenny Richards) reflecting on the legacy of Survivors and the pair’s work on the audio series.

Published today (1 October 2024 – Seymour’s 76th birthday), five days after the release of Survivors: New Dawn 4, the interview sees the two actors describe the impact of the original TV series and their pleasure at being able to revisit and continue on audio the storylines of characters they first played almost 50 years ago.

“It’s always fun working for Big Finish,” says Fleming. “It’s just a joy. We’re really lucky to be doing this.” Seymour agrees. “We have a wonderful team. We just love it. We have such a good time.”

Big Finish have made clear that the release of Survivors: New Dawn 4 brings to an end the company’s work on the series – after nine boxsets inspired by the events of the original TV series, the four box set New Dawn imprint and three Survivors audio books.

Big Finish. 2023. ‘Survivors with Carolyn Seymour and Lucy Fleming’, 1 October. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jLVzjYfXZ0.

Survivors: New Dawn 4 audio box set released today

Survivors New Dawn 4

BIG FINISH HAVE today (26 September 2023) released the new, original Survivors audio box set New Dawn 4 – the final instalment in the New Dawn series.

Survivors: New Dawn 4 is available to buy – on CD, as a digital download or as a combination of both – from the Big Finish site.

As the New Dawn series concludes, Big Finish indicate that the company’s work on the show has reached its endpoint with the release of Survivors‘ “final stories” on audio which “bring Abby and Jenny’s journey to an end.”

This is a clear statement that Big Finish are not planning any further Survivors audio releases (either as full-cast dramas or audio books), either set during the time of the original TV series or in the New Dawn era.

Since the launch of Big Finish’s Survivors audio range in 2014, nine series of original-series-related audios have been released (36 stories in total), four New Dawn boxsets (12 episodes in total) and three Survivors audio books.

Reviews of each of three episodes in the Survivors: New Dawn box set will be published on this site shortly.


Survivors comes to an end 

It’s the end of the world as we know it as the Survivors’ final stories are released today from Big Finish Productions.  

Since 2014, Big Finish’s audio drama series, Survivors, has been exploring at how humanity would survive in the aftermath of a global pandemic.

Developed from Terry Nation’s 1970s television series, the latest box set in the audio continuation examines the lives of Abby Grant (played by Carolyn Seymour) and Jenny Richards (played by Lucy Fleming), and how life is developing under the New Federal Government.

It’s been a generation since The Death killed over 99% of the population. A new breed of people have grown up free from the trappings of 20th century civilisation, and those still clinging to the past find they must adapt or die.

Survivors: New Dawn 4 is now available to own as a collector’s edition 3-disc CD box set (+ download for just £19.99) or as a digital download only (for just £16.99), exclusively here.

This release contains three stories:

Albion by Ken Bentley

Continuing their journey south, Abby and Jenny venture for the first time to Kent. There they find a strange new world where the mistakes of the past are being repeated in the present, and where life is hard for those without the skills to survive. 

Fallout by Matt Fitton

With Jenny taken by an unknown enemy, Abby sets out on a desperate search. Her journey leads into dangerous territory. An old friend is on hand to help, but Ruth has worries of her own. Together, Ruth and Abby look into the mystery of sickness around Dungeness. Will they find Jenny before it’s too late? 

Requiem by Ken Bentley

Abby and Ruth finally come face to face with the strange and elusive people of Kent. They soon find themselves on the wrong side of a bitter conflict which forces them to question everything they thought they knew about life in the new world. 

NOTE: Survivors contains adult material and is not suitable for younger listeners.

Co-writer and director Ken Bentley, who has been part of the Survivors range at Big Finish since its first day in studio, admits there’s a degree of pride in the way that it’s grown and developed over the years: “Survivors has been one of my most fulfilling creative experiences and it’s been a real honour to be one of the custodians of these characters and this story world.

“It was always our intention to be true to Terry Nation’s original vision. Back in 1975, the very first episode of Survivors was about Abby and Jenny and it followed their experience of the world breaking down. It was written very much from a female perspective including a number of dramatic moments that are unique to women.

“From the beginning of the audio series we tried to remain true to that vision and one of the most exciting things about working on these final episodes has been the opportunity to bring Abby and Jenny’s journey to an end.

“We probably didn’t fully appreciate at the time what an ambitious odyssey the audio series would turn into, but it’s been hugely satisfying to continue the story of two women surviving against all the odds.”

Survivors: New Dawn 4 is now available to own for just £19.99 (collector’s edition 3-disc CD box set + download) or £16.99 (download only).

Big Finish listeners can save money by purchasing Survivors: New Dawn 3 and 4 together in a bundle for just £38 (collector’s edition CD box set + download) or £33 (download only).

All the above prices include the special pre-order discount and are subject to change after general release.

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.

Big Finish, 26 September 2023