The mini-series Sontarans vs Rutans, released this year to mark the 50th anniversary of the Sontarans’ introduction in The Time Warrior, has so far featured the Eighth, Third, and Sixth Doctors as they’ve become caught in the middle of the war between the two alien races. 

Now, as the threads of the series come together, it’s time for the War Doctor, played by Jonathon Carley, to get in on the action. The Sontarans may have been banned from participating in the Time War, but that doesn’t stop them causing trouble around its fringes once in a while. 

Sontarans vs Rutans: In Name Only is available to own now for just £10.99 (collector's edition CD + download) or £8.99 (download only), exclusively here.   

In the depths of the Time War, a Rutan attack on a Time Lord facility leads to Gallifrey declaring a vicious reprisal. But not all Time Lords support the action. One thinks there's more to the situation than meets the eye. And this Time Lord... was once called the Doctor. 

In Name Only features a range of Sontarans, voiced by Dan Starkey (known for many Sontaran roles, from Skorr to Strax), Christopher Ryan (who played General Staal in The Sontaran Stratagem), and Big Finish regular John Banks. Debbie Korley also guest stars as the Gallifreyan War Council leader Blaxill. 

Jonathon Carley said: “Sontarans were on my bucket list of Doctor Who monsters I’ve wanted to face, so to be asked to do this story was a real punch the air moment! 

“It was just delightful being in the room with the infamous Dan Starkey, who’s been so committed to these creatures over the years. His energy is brilliant and the detail with which he has studied them is admirable. 

“Plus, Christopher Ryan is an icon in his own right who gave such a stellar performance in The Sontaran Stratagem. It gave me chills hearing him in studio, but in real life he is the gentlest man. Then we have John Banks, who is playing a very special Sontaran, but I can’t say any more about that.” 

Dan Starkey added: “Sontarans vs Rutans is a great set of stories that takes the Sontaran-Rutan conflict and pulls it in some great directions. In Name Only is the culmination of the series, where some mind-bending sci-fi concepts dovetail with wartime espionage in an action-packed climax. Who are the heroes and who are the villains? It will be a good listen.” 

Praise for Sontarans vs Rutans: 

“The Children of the Future is an excellent mystery. Moreover, it’s a heartwarming showcase for the friendships of the Pertwee era.” 
Sci-Fi Pulse 

“The Battle of Giant’s Causeway is a really fun hour featuring a great and often amusing take on the Sontarans and good (and still quite rare) Rutan story to boot!“ 
Hogan Reviews 

“We’re not sure that an endless intergalactic conflict should be quite this much fun!” 
Cultbox 

The complete Doctor Who – Sontarans vs Rutans series bundle is now available to purchase for just £40 (collector's edition CD + download) or £32 (download only), exclusively here. 

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

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.