A collection of wide-ranging and ambitious short plays reflecting the complexities of women and political power in the United Kingdom.The five plays in this volume look at the impact and influence that women have today.In Acting Leader by Joy Wilkinson, Margaret Beckett finds herself Acting Leader of the Opposition after the sudden death of John Smith.The Panel by Zinnie Harris is about the power politics underlying the selection of any candidate.

'When that bell rings, your life is entirely in your hands.'London, 1869. Four very different Victorian women are drawn into the dark underground world of female boxing by the eccentric Professor Sharp. Controlled by men and constrained by corsets, each finds an unexpected freedom in the boxing ring.As their lives begin to intertwine, their journey takes us through grand drawing rooms, bustling theatres and rowdy Southwark pubs, where the women fight inequality as ...

We’re all stories in the end…In this exciting collection you’ll find all-new stories spinning off from some of your favourite Doctor Who moments across the history of the series. Learn what happened next, what went on before, and what occurred off-screen in an inventive selection of sequels, side-trips, foreshadowings and first-hand accounts – and look forward too, with a brand new adventure for the Thirteenth Doctor.Each story expands in ...

After the sudden death of John Smith, Margaret Beckett finds herself hurled into the position of Acting Leader of the Opposition, and the sole female candidate in the race to lead the party. She embarks on her campaign with the support of Clare Short in the contest that saw the birth of New Labour.Joy Wilkinson's short play Acting Leader was first performed at the Tricycle Theatre, London, as part of the Women, Power and Politics season in June 2010.

**‘I am an expert on witchcraft, Doctor, but I wish to learn more. Before you die, I want answers.’The TARDIS lands in the Lancashire village of Bilehurst Cragg in the 17th century, and the Doctor, Ryan, Graham and Yaz soon become embroiled in a witch trial run by the local landowner. Fear stalks the land, and the arrival of King James I only serves to intensify the witch hunt.But the Doctor soon realises there is something more sinister than paran...

Sophie Aldred reads this brand new novelisation of a thrilling screen adventure for the Thirteenth Doctor.'I am an expert on witchcraft, Doctor, but I wish to learn more. Before you die, I want answers.'The TARDIS lands in the Lancashire village of Bilehurst Cragg in the 17th Century, and the Doctor, Ryan, Graham and Yaz soon become embroiled in a witch trial run by the local landowner. Fear stalks the land, and the arrival of King James I only serves to intensify the witch...

A collection of factual dramas exploring the history of oil - and the price we pay for itEver since it was first drilled over 150 years ago, oil has been both a blessing and a curse. It has enabled economic growth; provided an efficient energy source; fuelled our entire infrastructure - and caused wars, pollution and global warming. These seven dramas, set between 1951 and 2045, and taking us from postwar Iran to futuristic Lancashire, examine the role oil has play...

‘We must get to the bottom of this dark and queer business, no matter what the cost!’**Something ghastly is afoot in Victorian Yorkshire. Something that kills. Bodies are washing up in the canal, their skin a waxy, glowing red… But just what is this crimson horror?Madam Vastra, Jenny and Strax are despatched to investigate the mystery. Strangely reluctant to assist their enquiries is Mrs Winifred Gillyflower, matriarch of ‘Sweetville’, a s...

A vampire is on the loose!On what they hope is going to be a holiday, the Doctor and his companions arrive in a quiet, unassuming seaside town called Whitby.The terrible significance of the place evades them, until they happen upon a theatre production that captivates their attention . . .Dracula!Suddenly, murders are occurring left, right and centre, each victim with trademark puncture wounds on their neck. Ian is soon missing, and a town s...

Earth’s Regency era – a time of culture, extravagance, sumptuous balls… and aliens?While Ruby is a popular new addition to the Duchess of Pemberton’s ball, the Doctor’s world is about to be forever rocked by a dashing visitor from space. With many party-guests facing an identity crisis like no other, it is up to the Doctor and Ruby to stop the menacing Chuldurs’ plot.Doctor Who presents a classic tale with an alien twist in a thrilling novelisation from the epis...

***What secret is the TARDIS hiding?Enlisting UNIT in their search for an enigmatic woman who appears all throughout time and space, the Doctor and Ruby uncover deeper mysteries. What is the secret of Susan Triad? What happened on the night that Ruby was born? The answers lead the Doctor and Ruby to a horrifying confrontation with the greatest evil of all...***Russell T Davies' epic two-part finale of Ncuti Gatwa's first season as the Doctor is novelised by series script ed...

Northumberland, 1838. The TARDIS crash lands on board a sinking steamship. Stranded, the Doctor and the few survivors fight for their lives – while the local lighthouse keeper’s daughter, Grace Darling, risks her life to row to their rescue.Lauded a heroine, Grace struggles to cope with her new-found fame. But the Doctor senses something else is troubling Grace. She’s been tormented by the terrifying vision she saw out at sea in the storm. There’s a monster in her mind, wrecking sh...