The Minister of Chance is a fantasy drama series written and produced by Dan Freeman of Radio Static. The Minister of Chance first appeared in Doctor Who webcast Death Comes to Time, played by Stephen Fry.[1][2] The series won the 2013 Parsec Award for Best Speculative Fiction Audio Drama (Short Form).[3] Stars of the audio drama series included Sylvester McCoy, Paul McGann and Jenny Agutter.[4]
The Minister of Chance | |
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Directed by | Dan Freeman |
Written by | Dan Freeman |
Screenplay by | Dan Freeman |
Distributed by | Radio Static, Arcbeatle Press |
Release date | 2011-2014, 2022 |
Language | English |
In 2014 a live action short was filmed based on The Prologue of the audio series, starring Paul McGann and Tim McInnerny. It was funded by the series' international fanbase.[5] Soon after a Kickstarter campaign began in the hope of securing funding for episode one of a Minister of Chance movie. Crowdfunding for the movie was unsuccessful, with only half of the required funds being pledged.
The audio series was remastered in late 2020 and released as a series of 10 minute episodes.[6]
A novel of the series was announced in 2022 by American publisher Arcbeatle Press.[7]
In a world far from our own, Ambassador Durian of Sezuan (Paul McGann) is dispatched on a peace mission to the primitive island nation of Tanto, but things take a turn for the very, very sinister. In a nearby Inn, a mysterious stranger (Julian Wadham as the titular Minister) appears, then disappears through a miraculous portal in the forest (he “knows the formula for doors”). The inquisitive teenage barmaid, Kitty (Lauren Crace) follows him, with no shoes and only her superhuman strength to keep her company. Another world awaits, where they will be forced into an alliance to save the Universe, and beyond.
Title | Written by | Format | Company | Original release date | |
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"The Pointed Hand" | Dan Freeman | Download | Radio Static | February 2011 (2011-02) | |
Ambassador Durian of Sezuan (Paul McGann) is dispatched to the primitive island nation of Tanto to talk peace. However, his offers of friendship to the belligerent King (Mark Lewis) fall on deaf ears, and things take a turn for the very, very sinister. | |||||
"The Broken World" | Dan Freeman | Download | Radio Static | March 2011 (2011-03) | |
Kitty is a barmaid at the Traveller's Rest in the occupied city of Tantillion. Her normal activities (abusing customers, starting fights) are interrupted by the arrival of a stranger... | |||||
"The Forest Shakes" | Dan Freeman | Download | Radio Static | May 2011 (2011-05) | |
After her strange journey with The Minister, Kitty awakens in darkness, disorientated and alone... or maybe not. There are things moving in the dark, and perhaps not all of them human. | |||||
"Paludin Fields" | Dan Freeman | Download | Radio Static | July 2012 (2012-07) | |
The Minister and Kitty arrive in the strange and murderous marshes of Paludin Fields in search of the Sage of The Waves. Meanwhile, in Sezuan, Durian finally shows his hand. In the forests of Tanto, meanwhile, Professor Cantha sees the full extent of the Sezians' assault on Science. | |||||
"The Tiger" | Dan Freeman | Download | Radio Static | February 2013 (2013-02) | |
The Horseman finally catches up with The Minister and an injured Kitty on the Plain of Tombs in Paludin Fields. Meanwhile in Tanto, Professor Cantha and Sunflower spread the ancient knowledge of Science amongst the people of Tanto. In Sezuan, Durian's ambitions are realized with the help of the vicious Lord Rathen. | |||||
"In a Bark on the River Hex" | Dan Freeman | Download | Radio Static | May 2013 (2013-05) | |
Following Lord Rathen's calamitous attack, the shell-shocked Kitty and The Minister attempt to salvage what they can. The Minister is driven to form risky and desperate allegiances, voyaging up the mythical River Hex to get help. Meanwhile, Cantha and Sunflower prepare for a suicide mission to end the War in the electrifying conclusion to the story. |
Another world: Kitty is a barmaid at the Traveller's Rest in the occupied city of Tantillion. One night, a stranger walks in, and through a door and over the Frost Bridge between worlds - and Kitty follows him.
Editor | James Hornby |
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Author | Dan Freeman |
Cover artist | Dave Palser |
Publisher | Arcbeatle Press |
Publication date | 30 June 2022 |
Pages | 202 |
“I know the formula for doors,” says the Minister, vanishing through the one he has just created in mid air. Teenage barmaid Kitty isn’t the sort to be dismissed easily, though. Armed only with her bad attitude, foul mouth and mysterious strength, she follows him through the glowing doorway, onto the frost bridge between worlds, and into adventure.
This sci-fi podcast is a gripping futuristic thriller – let's hope they get to make the final episodes.
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