| Additional Cast: |
Derek Sydney (Sevcheria), Nicholas Evans (Didius), Dennis Edwards (Centurian), Margot Thomas (Stall holder), Edward Kelsey (Slave buyer), Bart Allison (Maximus Pettulian), Barry Jackson (Ascaris), Peter Diamond (Delos), Michael Peake (Tavius), Dorothy-Rose Gribble (Woman Slave), Gertan Klauber (Galley Master), Ernest Jennings (1st Man in Market), John Caesar (2nd Man in Market), Tony Lambden (Court Messenger), Derek Francis (Nero), Brian Proudfoot (Tigilinus), Kay Patrick (Poppaea), Ann Tirard (Locusta) |
 This story is the first to have an overtly humorous side to the story line. This was the idea of producer Verity Lambert who wanted to extend the show's dramatic range.
The highpoint of the comedy is the third episode with the subplot involving Nero, The Doctor and Vicki repeatedly missing Barbara Wright in their wanderings through the palace, and accidentally giving Nero the idea to burn down Rome. An attempt to poison Barbara is played humorously, and culminates in Nero intentionally giving the poisoned wine to an annoying slave. The best scene though is the slapstick fight scene between The Doctor, aided by Vicki, and the mute assassin Ascaris, which ends with the latter falling from a first floor window not to be seen again… and The Doctor convincing Nero and his courtiers that he is a skilled lyre player, without ever playing a single note…
In contrast, to the scenes involving The Doctor and Vicki being played as a farce, the subplot involving Barbara and Ian Chesterton were played straight, with substantial dark elements. Their storyline emphasizes the brutality of Roman slavery and gladiatorial combat.
The events of this story are referred to by The Doctor, in the 2008 Tenth Doctor story "The Fires of Pompeii".
This story was commissioned from new Story Editor Dennis Spooner, although before he came to the position (story editors at the BBC were not allowed to commission their own work).
This story marks the final credit for Mervyn Pinfield as Associate Producer.
The BBC's test audience had a strong negative reaction to the story, complaining that it was unrealistic. Despite these criticisms, many later fans have praised the story's use of humour to contrast with the darker elements of the piece.
A novelisation of this story, written by Donald Cotton, was published by Target Books in April 1987. It is unique among the Doctor Who novelisations in that it is an epistolary novel, written in the form of transcripts of letters and ancient documents.
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The Firsts:
The first Doctor Who story to have a comedy element to it.
The first trip in the TARDIS for new companion Vicki played by Maureen O'Brien.
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(Position = 110 out of 159)
(Position = 97 out of 200)
(Position = 131 out of 241)
