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Doctor Who - Pieces of Eighth

Doctor Who - Pieces of Eighth

By Doctor Who - Pieces of Eighth

Rebecca Chapman and Kenny Smith travel through time, space, comics, audios, books, records and more, as they chat about everything and anything to do with Paul McGann's eighth incarnation of Doctor Who
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2.6 Short Trips - All Hands On Deck

Doctor Who - Pieces of EighthOct 07, 2021

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33:36
7.8 Winter of the Demon

7.8 Winter of the Demon

And so, we're nearly there - Christmas is just a day away.

But we're going back to 21 December for today's episode, as we celebrate Winter of the Demon, Roy Gill's Eighth Doctor adventure with Charley and Audacity, which was released earlier this month.

We chat to Roy, sound designer Benji Clifford - and India Fisher pops by too!

Dec 24, 202347:56
7.7 Tuesday

7.7 Tuesday

Christmas Day. It's always easy to remember, as it's on 25 December each year.

Except, in 2001, it wasn't - as the Eighth Doctor finds Harry Sullivan doing a crossword outside a cafe.

We're looking at 2018 Short Trips subscriber exclusive Tuesday, which was written by Tony Jones. We speak with producer Ian Atkins about this little gem.

Dec 23, 202321:52
7.6 The Teeth of Ice

7.6 The Teeth of Ice

We continue our adventures with the Eighth Doctor and his friend, journalist James Macfarlane, in BBC Audio's series of original adventures.

Today, we look at The Teeth of Ice, which is the third outing in the series, which began with The Scent of Blood, and continued with The Code of Flesh. And, because it's the winter, it's apt that we join them in Antarctica!

We speak with range editor Michael Stevens and writer Andrew Lane about it!

Dec 22, 202339:25
7.5 Christmas Crackers

7.5 Christmas Crackers

There's so many Eighth Doctor Christmas stories to choose from.

It all began with The Chimes of Midnight in 2002, but since then, there's been so many others, in Big Finish Short Trips collections in print and on audio, in full cast adventures, and in BBC Christmas collections too.

Today, we've asked YOU, our lovely listeners, to nominate your favourite festive frolics for Paul McGann's incarnation.

Dec 21, 202335:06
7.4 Prisoners of Time - The Body Politic

7.4 Prisoners of Time - The Body Politic

We've returned to the world of Eighth Doctor comics for our episode today.

Pieces of Eighth turns back the clock by a decade to mark the Doctor's appearance in a 50th anniversary story, and we're NOT talking Night of the Doctor.

We chat to writers Scott and David Tipton about Prisoners of Time, the IDW comics celebration of the show, and in particular, the eighth episode, The Body Politic. We also speak to artist Roger Langridge.

Dec 20, 202355:15
7.3 Short Trips - The Caves of Erith

7.3 Short Trips - The Caves of Erith

Christmas is coming, and we're starting to feel very excited about it.

Today, we take a look at one of the lesser-known Big Finish Short Trips, as we put The Caves of Erith - a subscriber-only exclusive - under the microscope.

We chat with producer Ian Atkins, and writer Alice Cavender, as we go batty for the festive season!

Dec 19, 202336:38
7.2 Phobos

7.2 Phobos

Brrrrrr! It's winter, so we thought we'd tie in with the season and do a story set in the snow.

So, brace yourself, get your anti-gravity ski boots on, and prepare for some extreme wintersports on the Martian moon of Phobos. There's nothing to fear... is there?

We look at this Eighth Doctor and Lucie adventure, as we chat with author Eddie Robson, and guest star Tim Sutton.

Also, find out what Becca and Kenny's biggest fears are too!

Dec 18, 202354:44
7.1 Endgame

7.1 Endgame

We're back - and it's definitely about time!

Our seventh season is a shorter run than normal, as we bring you some episodes which tie in with the Doctor Who 60th anniversary, winter and Christmas.

We begin with a look at Endgame, the first Doctor Who Magazine comic strip featuring Paul McGann's Doctor.

We chat with artist Martin Geraghty, comics expert Paul Scoones, and feature the words of writer Alan Barnes (who sadly couldn't join us), as we look at the beginning of a nine-year run of stories.

Dec 17, 202359:47
6.21 Freaks

6.21 Freaks

IT'S ANOTHER Pieces of Eighth exclusive.

This week, we take a look at the 'lost' Eighth Doctor Adventure, Freaks, by Rebecca Levene, which was originally scheduled to be released in June 2000.

And now, we take a look at it, as we bring this adventure with the Doctor, Fitz and Compassion to life.

Sep 07, 202301:19:13
6.20 Storm Warning

6.20 Storm Warning

IN THE week of this episode's release, Big Finish were giving away the eighth Doctor's first audio adventure, Storm Warning, for free.

So, to celebrate, 16 of our listeners have sent in their thoughts on the story, which saw the Doctor meet his new best friend, Charley Pollard, onboard the doomed airship, the R101.

And who's that co-hosting? Their voice might be familiar...

Aug 31, 202349:31
6.19 Patrick Lussier

6.19 Patrick Lussier

WE'VE only gone and done it again - we've tracked down someone who worked on the TV Movie, and got an exclusive interview with them!

This week, we hear from Patrick Lussier, the man who edited the film, whilst working with director Geoffrey Sax.

It was a dream come true for Patrick, who was a Doctor Who fan long before being hired - and even now, he still listens to the Eighth Doctor with Big Finish.

Get ready for chat about D3: The Mighty Ducks, working on the Scream films with Wes Craven (and his thoughts on the spoof, Scary Movie), as well as branching out and directing in his own right.

Aug 24, 202301:08:19
6.18 The Little Book of Fate

6.18 The Little Book of Fate

JUST when you thought there was no more Eighth Doctor to novelise, he pops up in a Fourth Doctor book.

Stephen Gallagher recently wrote a new short story featuring Paul McGann's Doctor, which was included as part of his novelisation of Warriors' Gate.

Kenny and Matt chat their way through the story, which includes a brief reading from it, before hearing from editor Steve Cole and the writer himself.

A fuller chat with Steve Gallagher appears in The Power of Three podcast, episode 128.

Aug 17, 202339:22
6.17 Absolution

6.17 Absolution

IT'S THE end of an era on audio, as the Doctor's friend C'rizz departs in spectacular style.

We're talking about Absolution, Big Finish's 101st monthly range release, which was written by Scott Alan Woodard.

He joins us to discuss the story, and then C'rizz himself, Conrad Westmaas, shares his thoughts on his departure.


Aug 10, 202301:01:07
6.16 Dressed To The Eights

6.16 Dressed To The Eights

PAUL McGann is back in costume! Woohoo!

This week we find out how his new Night of the Doctor costume came about, as we speak to Long Island Doctor Who convention organiser Ken Deep, tailor Steven Ricks and prop maker James Sutton.

And Kenny is joined by Eighth Doctor cosplayer/the most famous Belgian in the world, Tinne Peeters.

Find out more about Long Island Doctor who at https://longislanddoctorwho.com/.

Follow Steven on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/stevenrickstailoring/?hl=en

Aug 08, 202301:15:55
6.15 Doctor Who and the Time War

6.15 Doctor Who and the Time War

REMEMBER when we didn't know what caused the Eighth Doctor to regenerate? And then in 2013 we found out, in The Night of the Doctor?

Little did we know that Russell T Davies had also plotted out the end of Paul McGann's incarnation, for a short story, which ultimately never saw the light of day until the Doctor Who: Adventures in Lockdown series, first published in the BBC website and later, in print.

We bring you a full reading of the story this week, complete with music and sound design, as well as Russell T Davies' introduction to the story brought to life by Big Finish's Narvin himself - Seán Carlsen!

Join Kenny and Matt for a discussion on the story, as they find a large number of similarities between Doctor Who and the Time War and The Night of the Doctor.

Aug 04, 202343:01
6.14 Short Trips - Hall of the Ten Thousand
Jul 27, 202340:11
6.13 Immortal Beloved

6.13 Immortal Beloved

WHO WANTS to live forever?, asked Queen in their song.

We find out the answer to this question in Immortal Beloved, as the Eighth Doctor and Lucie encounter Zeus, Hera and a number of other gods.

Today, Kenny and guest co-host Tinne Peeters chat about Lucie Miller's fourth episode, and have exclusive chats with writer Jonathan Clements, talking about the story for the first time on a podcast, and actor David Dobson, who played Tayden/Ares.

Jul 20, 202350:34
6.12 The Forgotten

6.12 The Forgotten

We've taken a while to enter Eighth Doctor comics territory again, having featured one in our second episode, and now we've featured two in one season!

Today, we're taking a look at The Forgotten, a six-part comic series published in 2008/09 by IDW Comics, and featured the Eighth Doctor in one part.

We speak with writer Tony Lee, in another conversation recorded at Gallifrey in February.

Jul 13, 202329:21
6.11 Short Trips - Death Will Not Part Us

6.11 Short Trips - Death Will Not Part Us

WE'RE BACK looking at a Big Finish Short Trip, but this time, it's a more recent one.

Kenny and guest co-host Matt Michael discuss Death Will Not Part Us, before producer/writer Alfie Shaw explains where the story ideas came from, and sound designer/composer Richard Fox reveals how it all came together in the editing stage.

Jul 06, 202350:44
6.10 The Dalby Spook

6.10 The Dalby Spook

HAD YOU ever heard of Gef the Talking Mongoose before listening to The Dalby Spook? We hadn't!

This week, Kenny and guest co-host Dave Steel learn all about the mysterious Gef, a mongoose who apparently spoke, whilst living on the Isle of Man in the 1930s.

We're joined by co-author Stewart Pringle, actor Harry Myers, sound designer Benji Clifford and musician Jamie Robertson, to find out more. Was Gef real? We want to believe!

Thanks to Jana on Twitter (@JanaJa1) for permission to use her cover art for this story.

Jun 29, 202348:18
6.9 Shada

6.9 Shada

SHADA - the incomplete Doctor Who story that's been completed so many times over the years.

Today, we're taking a look at the version from 2003, when Big FInish went into studio to record the audio for the story, which was coupled with Lee Sullivan's art, and animated for the BBC website as part of the 40th anniversary celebrations.

This week we chat with producer Gary Russell, illustrator Lee Sullivan and musician Russell Stone, as we take a look at the adaptation of Douglas Adams's script.

Our guest co-host this week is everyone's favourite Belgian, Tinne Peeters.

Jun 22, 202345:59
6.8 Short Trips - Letting Go

6.8 Short Trips - Letting Go

WE HEAD into new territory for Pieces of Eighth with this week's episode, as we look at a Short Trip from one of Big Finish's early audio collections.

We chat with Simon Guerrier about Letting Go, which was commissioned by editor Xanna Eve Chown and appeared on the second volume of the Short Trips audios.

It was narrated by India Fisher, and Becca gets jealous (again) that Kenny spoke to someone for the podcast whilst in LA...


Jun 15, 202326:40
6.7 Albie's Angels

6.7 Albie's Angels

DON'T CRY for me, Weeping Angels! The Doctor, Liv and Helen encounter those blinking assassins again, and it leads to a hugely emotional adventure.

It's our biggest episode yet this season, with a fantastic four guests, including writer Roy Gill, Albie himself, Mr Barnaby Jago, musician Jamie Robertson, and sound designer Benji Clifford.

We also have Song for Helen - get those hankies ready!

Jun 08, 202301:21:31
6.6 The McGannual
Jun 01, 202347:30
6.5 Interviews in Reeltime

6.5 Interviews in Reeltime

WHO doesn't like a good, in-depth interview? After all, that's what Pieces of Eighth is all about!

This week, we take a look at Reeltime Pictures' release of The Doctors: Paul McGann Years, which features a chat with the Eighth Doctor actor, co-stars Daphne Ashbrook, Yee Jee Tso and Eric Roberts, as well as executive producer Philip Segal, and TV Movie director Geoffrey Sax.

We chat with Reeltime's Keith Barnfather, who tells us about the origins of the range in the 1980s, and how it's become a vital repository for people wanting to know all about the classic series era, in the words of those who made the show.

May 25, 202344:02
6.4 Short Trips - Museum Peace
May 18, 202339:55
6.3 Doctor Who Am I? - Revisited

6.3 Doctor Who Am I? - Revisited

It's another one of Kenny's chats in person from Gallifrey, as we welcome back our old pals Matthew Jacobs and Vanessa Yuille.

They chat about the impact of their film, Doctor Who Am I?, and find out how Matthew now views his place in the Whoniverse.

Becca's not jealous of the trip at all...

May 11, 202328:52
6.2 No More Lies

6.2 No More Lies

WE'RE back into the territory of the original Lucie Miller adventures, to the delight of one of your co-hosts.

We have a chat with Paul Sutton, the writer of No More Lies, the sixth story in the first run of Lucie Miller adventures.

It's the first time Paul's chatted about the story, and he reveals how his research into Hungarian folk songs played a part in the tale.

May 04, 202336:11
6.1 Empire of the Wolf
Apr 27, 202339:25
Pieces of Eighth extra: Invaders From Mars BBC7 trailers

Pieces of Eighth extra: Invaders From Mars BBC7 trailers

Ahead of the launch of our sixth season, we're delighted to bring you some rare material, with these trailers for Invaders From Mars, as originally broadcast on Radio 7 in 2005.

Here's four short teasers, to get listeners hooked - aren't they great?

Apr 25, 202303:40
5.26 The Greightest Show

5.26 The Greightest Show

HAPPY NEW Year! Doctor Who's 60th anniversary year is upon us in 2023.

And to kick off the celebrations, we asked our listeners to share with us their favourite Eighth Doctor stories, on TV, audio, books, comics, etc.

This episode is dedicated to the memory of our friend Si Hodges, who kindly provided us with images to use in several season three episodes, including the Beyond the Vortex episodes, and creating us a special piece of art for The People's Temple episode. 

Jan 01, 202347:30
5.25 Short Trips - Evergreen

5.25 Short Trips - Evergreen

MERRY CHRISTMAS! We didn't originally plan to do this episode, but the opportunity arose, to bring you some special presents on Christmas Day.

Firstly, we've a present for you, dear listener. We've married up Gordon Tipple's original opening narration for the TV Movie, with the soundtrack, to hear how it may originally have sounded.

Secondly, we've a present for Becca, as we're joined by a special Christmas Day guest!

And finally, we've another present for you all, as we have a reading of the Short Trip Evergreen, which is performed by its original author.

We're DEFINITELY finished for this year now - this is our 70th episode of 2022!

Dec 25, 202255:40
5.24 The Thoughts of Midnight

5.24 The Thoughts of Midnight

"CHRISTMAS wouldn't be Christmas without my plum pudding!"

So Mrs Baddeley tells us throughout The Chimes of Midnight, and now, for many Doctor Who / Big Finish fans, Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without The Chimes of Midnight.

This Christmas Eve, we're joined by our friends all over the world, as we celebrate the story regarded by many as the greatest Doctor Who audio story, if not the greatest Doctor Who story of all, in Robert Shearman's tale from 2002. 

Dec 24, 202248:51
5.23 We Wish You A Merry Krampus

5.23 We Wish You A Merry Krampus

IT'S CHRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIISTMAS! We're continuing our countdown to the festive season with the Eighth Doctor, as we take a look at one of his Christmas specials.

We're looking at Better Watch Out and Fairytale of Salzburg, from Ravenous 2, as the Krampus rises and nothing stands in its way as it looks to destroy the world... only once man can stop him, and it's not the man you were expecting...

Writer John Dorney joins us for a natter, as does Robert Whitelock, who plays the Krampus and a host of other parts in this adventure. Benji Clifford tells us about how he sound designed the story, and composer Jamie Robertson talks us through his creative process, in a bumper episode. 

Dec 23, 202201:22:33
5.22 Short Trips - Decorative Purposes

5.22 Short Trips - Decorative Purposes

IT PROBABLY hasn't escaped your notice, but we're just three days away from Christmas, so it's time we got into the festive spirit.

Today, we bring you a reading of a complete Christmas Short Trip, Decorative Purposes. It was the twenty-first short story in the Big Finish printed anthology Short Trips: The Ghosts of Christmas, published in 5 December 2007. It was written by Eddie Robson and featured the Eighth Doctor and Lucie Miller (Kenny's so excited!).

After our reading, Eddie joins us for a chat, so sit back, get those chestnuts roasting on an open fire, and enjoy...


Dec 22, 202250:11
5.21 Short Trips - The Queen of Eros

5.21 Short Trips - The Queen of Eros

TODAY we have our final Short Trip, as we look at The Queen of Eros from Short Trips and Sidesteps.

We bring you a full reading of the story, with sound design, followed by a chat with author Trevor Baxendale, and, of course, editor Steve Cole.

And that it - the complete run of Sam and the Eighth Doctor on their own!


Dec 21, 202201:22:42
5.20 Short Trips - Femme Fatale

5.20 Short Trips - Femme Fatale

WE MAY have finished our run of episodes looking at the Eighth Doctor and Sam's adventures in full novel form, but we're completists. There's still gaps.

We continue our look at the official BBC Short Trips, as we look at Femme Fatale, by Paul Magrs, as the Doctor and Sam encounter Andy Warhol and Iris Wildthyme.

We've a full reading of the story, by James Hadwen-Bennett, followed by chats with editor Steve Cole and Paul.

Dec 20, 202201:11:11
5.19 Short Trips - Model Train Set

5.19 Short Trips - Model Train Set

WE'VE comprehensively covered the first 18 EDAs with the Doctor and Sam... but we don't want to stop there!

There's still a few stories featuring this pair to be covered, before Fitz arrives, so we're turning our eye to the world of Short Trips. We've previously covered Bounty, Dead Time and The People's Temple, and since we're completists, it would be wrong not to do their other adventures, published in the BBC Short Trips books.

Today, we've got Steve Cole telling us about Model Train Set, as well as a chat with its author, Jonathan Blum.

Dec 19, 202221:16
5.18 The Face-Eater (EDA 18)

5.18 The Face-Eater (EDA 18)

THE FACE-EATER is the 18th and final novel in our run of episodes looking at the early Eighth Doctor Adventures, and his stories with Sam Jones.

We're joined, as ever, by range editor Steve Cole, and writer Simon Messingham talks us through his journey as a Doctor Who writer - and we find out which of his good friends became a 21st century TV series writer. 

It's the end of our current run looking at the books, but is it the end of season five? Tune in and find out!

Dec 18, 202247:38
5.17 Beltempest (EDA 17)

5.17 Beltempest (EDA 17)

IT WOULD be fair to say that Beltempest is a Doctor Who novel with a high-concept science fiction idea at its heart. There's no moustache-twirling villains, or bases under siege.

Not only is Beltempest a story of note, but this is an episode with a difference - we don't have a 'live' interview with author Jim Mortimore, but he kindly agreed to record his answers to the questions, which we sent him, and we've created a full chat with him.

As ever, Steve Cole tells us about things from his side as the range editor too, for another engrossing chat.

Dec 17, 202234:25
5.16 The Janus Conjunction (EDA 16)

5.16 The Janus Conjunction (EDA 16)

WE'RE nearing the end of our look at this first phase of novels in the Eighth Doctor Adventures novelatic universe (to make up a phrase).

Today, it's The Janus Conjunction, as we look at a fondly-remembered adventure in which the Doctor's companion, Sam Jones, DIES at the end. She does. Dead. She's an ex-companion. She has ceased to be (etc).

And we get author Trevor Baxendale's preferred pronunciation of Janus. Is it Janus or Janus? Tune in and find out!

Dec 16, 202250:40
5.15 The Scarlet Empress (EDA 15)

5.15 The Scarlet Empress (EDA 15)

SHE'S BACK... and it's about Thyme... Iris Wildthyme!

The Doctor Who universe was given a kick up the backside with the arrival of Iris Wildthyme in Paul Magrs' first Who novel, The Scarlet Empress.

Get ready for a crazy ride, as Paul, editor Steve Cole and cover artist Colin Howard join us on the Number 22 to Putney, as we find out about this EDA from 1998.

Dec 15, 202250:21
5.14 Vanderdeken's Children (EDA 14)

5.14 Vanderdeken's Children (EDA 14)

WE LEAVE no stone unturned in our quest to bring you interviews with as many of the EDA authors as possible - and today, we bring you the elusive Christopher Bulis.

Chris gives us a fantastic rare interview, with his memories of watching Doctor Who in its earliest years, and how he became a writer in the 90s with Virgin, and then the BBC - and his fascinating notes on the Eighth Doctor's personality, as we chat Vanderdeken's Children.

It's a great listen - and we're also joined by Steve Cole, who reveals the legal difficulties the cover got into, plus artist Colin Howard (who didn't cause the court case!).

Dec 14, 202201:06:07
5.13 Placebo Effect (EDA 13)

5.13 Placebo Effect (EDA 13)

AN ICE WARRIOR! Foamasi! Wirrrn (with three 'R's)! And they're all in the one book! 

Gary Russell's Placebo Effect is the subject of today's episode of Pieces of Eighth, and he tells us which monsters originally featured in the outline for the book before changing to the creatures from The Leisure Hive and The Ark in Space.

As ever, Steve Cole joins Kenny and Becca on their voyage, as we hit the lucky thirteen episode of this run.

Dec 13, 202243:21
5.12 Seeing I (EDA 12)

5.12 Seeing I (EDA 12)

THE DOCTOR's been put in prison, and despite his best efforts, can't escape. Sam, meanwhile, spends three years, having a series of relationships, as he friend tries to find freedom.

We're joined by Jonathan Blum, co-author of Seeing I (the other half being his wife, Kate Orman), to chat about this novel, which concluded the 'missing Sam' trilogy, and reset the relationship between the Time Lord and his friend.

And, of course, Steve Cole pops by for a quick chat about it too!

Dec 12, 202243:44
5.11 Dreamstone Moon (EDA 11)

5.11 Dreamstone Moon (EDA 11)

THE Doctor and Sam have been separated, and Dreamstone Moon seems them nearly reunited... but not quite!

Sam's on her on, stuck on an out-of-control Kusk spaceship, and the Doctor has troubles of his own to resolve... 

We're joined by range editor Steve Cole and author Paul Leonard to discuss this little gem (gettit?) of a novel.

Dec 11, 202231:24
5.10 Legacy of the Daleks (EDA 10)

5.10 Legacy of the Daleks (EDA 10)

THEY'RE BACK! We'd waited years for a new Dalek story, and then two came along in the space of six months in the EDAs!

Today, we put Legacy of the Daleks under the microscope, as editor Steve Cole tells us how he picked it up from his predecessor Nuala Buffini, and author John Peel (not that one) tells us about writing for the Eighth Doctor, Susan, David Campbell, the aftermath of the Dalek Invasion of Earth... and the Master!

It's an interesting insight...

Dec 10, 202249:12
5.9 Longest Day (EDA 9)

5.9 Longest Day (EDA 9)

LONGEST Day by Michael Collier is a Doctor Who novel that's carried a mystery about it for more than two decades.

Fan rumour and speculation suggested that Mike wasn't actually a real person, and it had actually been written by range editor Steve Cole.

Today, Pieces of Eighth can reveal the full story behind this tale, as the Doctor and Sam face the Kusks, as we speak to Mike, live from his home in Latvia, Steve, and cover artist Colin Howard, as the truth can finally be revealed!

Dec 09, 202236:16
5.8 Option Lock (EDA 8)

5.8 Option Lock (EDA 8)

OPTION Lock marks the arrival of Justin Richards to the BBC Eighth Doctor Adventures range.

The future editor of the series makes an impressive debut with aliens, businessmen, the Philosopher's Stone and space stations with nuclear weapons...

We're joined by editor Steve Cole, Justin's son Julian, and cover artist Colin Howard.

Dec 08, 202240:22
5.7 Kursaal (EDA 7)

5.7 Kursaal (EDA 7)

THERE'S no need to cry wolf - just tune in to this episode of Pieces of Eighth!

We've got werewolves in a fun park, as author Peter Anghelides and BBC Books Eighth Doctor Adventures range editor Steve Cole join us, to tell us about this novel, from 2008.

And, trivia fans - The Kursaal is a Grade II listed building in Southend-on-Sea, in Essex, England, which opened in 1901 as part of one of the world's first purpose-built amusement parks. The venue is noted for the main building with distinctive dome, designed by George Campbell Sherrin, which has featured on a Royal Mail special edition stamp.

In 1998 the main Kursaal building was reopened after a multi million-pound redevelopment by the Rowallan Group containing a bowling alley, a casino and other amusements. The building originally contained a McDonald's, but the fast food chain left in 2008.

The bowling alley closed permanently in 2019, and the casino closed permanently in 2020. This currently leaves only a Tesco Express store occupying part of this historic building.

Dec 07, 202249:50