Doctor Who: Vampire Weekend – Big Finish Review

One of the most anticipated Big Finish releases of the year, Vampire Weekend marks a triumphant debut for Jodie Whittaker’s Thirteenth Doctor in the audio realm, penned by the ever-inventive Tim Foley. With a script that’s both sharply funny and surprisingly moving, this story manages to feel quintessentially Doctor Who while confidently carving out a fresh voice.

It's Gina's hen-do and her Maid of Honour has booked a large manor in the Peak District. All her friends should be here - including Yasmin Khan, who's been mysteriously quiet whilst away on her travels.

But Yaz is bringing a guest. Someone who isn't invited. Someone who might prove a little disruptive.

The Doctor is joining the celebrations. Unfortunately, so is an ancient enemy...

Whittaker and Gill Shine

Jodie Whittaker and Mandip Gill’s chemistry translates seamlessly to audio. For fans wondering what happened between Revolution of the Daleks and Flux, Vampire Weekend offers a compelling bridge, re-establishing Yaz and the Doctor in a more classic time traveller/companion dynamic reminiscent of earlier eras.

Yaz takes the spotlight here, and the script allows her to reconnect with a part of her life that’s been left behind. With Ryan and Graham gone, she’s determined to rebuild some semblance of normality by throwing herself into the role of people pleaser with the hopes of reconnecting with Gina and their friends. What follows is far from normal — but the story leans into its chaos. The evolving relationship between Yaz and the Doctor is handled with nuance: it’s tense, affectionate, and filled with unspoken questions. Whittaker and Gill capture this beautifully, delivering performances that feel intimate even as the plot spirals into madness.

A Supernatural Whodunnit — With Bite

This isn’t just a monster-of-the-week story. It’s a layered, cleverly constructed mystery, blending gothic horror with farcical comedy in a way that shouldn’t work — but absolutely does. One of the most enjoyable parts of the experience was trying to solve the mystery alongside the characters. Without giving anything away, the final reveal genuinely shocked me — the culprit was the last person I would have suspected, and that twist made the ending hit even harder.

Foley’s script dances through tonal shifts — from eerie to absurd to heartfelt — with precision, and director Ken Bentley brings out the best in every moment. There are laughs, scares, and a surprising emotional depth, especially as the story draws closer to the truth hiding in the walls of this remote country manor.

Ensemble Excellence

The supporting cast are exceptional, each adding a unique flavour to the hen-do-from-hell.

Jeremy Ang Jones gives Mason a perfect air of aloof coolness, only to break the audience’s heart when his vulnerable backstory surfaces. Daniel Walford brings warmth and comic timing to Daryl, a non-binary character whose transition is subtly and respectfully integrated into the script. It’s a quietly powerful bit of representation that feels completely natural within the world of the story.

Anna Crichlow impressively handles dual roles as Zoya and Kat, but it’s her snappy, judgmental take on Zoya that steals the show. Imagine Monica Geller stuck in a supernatural murder mystery, and you’ve got Zoya: stressed, sharp, and screaming at everything that moves.

And then there’s Mandi Symonds as Gina’s mum — a hilarious addition to the cast who plays the chaotic mother archetype to perfection. She feels like a loving nod to Doctor Who’s legacy of scene-stealing mums, sitting comfortably alongside Gita Chandra and Jackie Tyler. If anyone at Big Finish is reading this: a crossover featuring Symonds, Mina Anwar, and Camille Coduri would be comedy gold.

Sound & Atmosphere

The atmospheric sound design and moody score by Joe Kraemer add richly to the gothic vibes without ever overpowering the dialogue — a testament to Big Finish’s continued excellence in audio storytelling. This careful balance helps immerse listeners in the eerie manor setting, heightening suspense while letting the performances shine.

Final Thoughts

Vampire Weekend is a pitch-perfect introduction to this new era of the Thirteenth Doctor on audio. It fills in a key narrative gap while expanding Yaz and the Doctor’s dynamic in meaningful ways. The balance of humour, horror, and emotional storytelling is spot-on, and Foley’s script finds fresh ground for Whittaker’s Doctor to play in.

What I loved most was how invested I became in solving the mystery — and how the twist still caught me completely off guard. Smartly plotted, superbly acted, and emotionally satisfying, this is one of Big Finish’s most confident launches in years.

If Vampire Weekend is any indication of what’s to come, then Big Finish’s Thirteenth Doctor range isn’t just filling a gap — it’s expanding the legacy.

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Witty, weird, and unexpectedly moving — Vampire Weekend is the chaotic hen-do murder mystery you didn’t know you needed.