The Dark Season Legacy Rises!
Academy-award winner Kate Winslet reprises her breakout role in a very special audio revival of Russell T Davies’ sci-fi classic, Dark Season, released today from Big Finish Productions.
The 1991 BBC One TV series – written and created by Russell T Davies – followed three teenagers as they battled to save their school from the villainous Mr Eldritch.
More than 30 years later, critically-acclaimed actor Kate Winslet is back as the former teenage hero, Reet, in a brand-new full-cast audio drama box set.
Original TV cast members also returning are Victoria Lambert (as Marcie), Ben Chandler (as Tom), Brigit Forsyth (as Jessica Maitland) and Grant Parsons (as Mr Eldritch).
And, starring as a new generation of teenage heroes, Dark Season: Legacy Rising welcomes Aitch Wylie (as Taylor Sullivan), Jacob Dudman (as Jack Parton) and Bethany Antonia (as Nina Lewis).
Kate Winslet said: “In 1991, I couldn't believe that I got the job as Reet and I was going to be on the telly. It was honestly absolutely thrilling and I've never forgotten it. It's important to uphold these stories and memories – especially when it has clearly become a story that is very meaningful to a lot of people. It's been completely wonderful.”
Russell T Davies added: “We're so delighted to have Kate. I'm honoured! This show means a lot to me as Dark Season is the first script that I ever wrote! It's been strange and lovely – 31 years in the blink of an eye. The story goes on and that's just gorgeous."
For as long as anyone can remember, there have been stories about Bishop Grave School. Terrible secrets were once buried within its foundations, screaming to be unleashed. Some children spoke of ghosts... others, strange noises... but nobody ever believed them.
Those who remember - and dare - still talk of the events from thirty years ago. They whisper about conspiracies and computers, fascists and scientists... and a mysterious man called Eldritch who wanted to bring about the end of the world.
Taylor Sullivan knows these stories better than anyone - their mother lived through them - but even that cannot prepare them for what’s to come. As a new year brings fresh dangers, can Taylor and their friends discover the secrets of Bishop Grave’s past... before that past discovers them?
Spring by Tim Foley
Summer by Chris Chapman
Autumn by James Goss
Winter by Russell T Davies
Grant Parsons said: “How can you not be a part of something that was magical all of those years ago? It’s been a huge amount of fun and lovely to see everyone. Russell writes so beautifully – it was joyous to come back and say his words.”
Brigit Forsyth added: “I’m only too delighted to have done this. I was so thrilled that Russell wanted me to do it. I really admire his writing skills. It was my honour and I’ve loved every minute.”
Ben Chandler said: “It’s been great to be involved with this again. I have very fond memories indeed [from the TV show] and it doesn’t seem like it was that long ago.”
Victoria Lambert agreed: “I didn’t realise what an audience there was for [Dark Season]. I was pleasantly surprised. It's been great fun – I’m in absolute awe of these three new actors.”
Jacob Dudman said: “How exciting to be part of a Big Finish script written by Russell T Davies and starring Kate Winslet. You can’t really get any cooler than that! To have Victoria and Grant in was amazing – they were amazing from the get-go. You’re just transported into that lovely world in the 90s and I really felt like I was in the school.”
Bethany Antonia added: “I think the OG fans are going to be so excited. I love that Russell’s writing was just as bonkers then as it is now.”
Aitch Wylie said: “Not only am I cast as Kate Winslet’s kid, I’m Kate Winslet’s non-binary kid. There’s layers and layers of things I never expected to happen in my career. It’s really cool.”
Dark Season: Legacy Rising is now available to own for just £28.99 (collector’s edition 5-disc CD box set + download) £22.99 (download only), exclusively here.
Please note: the collector’s edition CD box set pressing is strictly limited to 1,000 copies.
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 mailout of collector’s edition CDs will be delayed, 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.