Written by John Dorney

Starring Rufus Hound and Gemma Whelan

Originally released: April 2026

Listened to: April 2026

Context: Not sure what I was expecting with this one, Dark Gallifrey has faded a little from my brain booth, so wasn’t really sure what to expect other than its the Monk/Nun, so I was thinking this one was likely to be a little daft….turns out…. : )

Episodes

Monkey house – starts as it finishes, mental. With a Hancock half hour type comedy radio play set up this BF is unlike ANY I have listened to before and I have listed to A LOT now. This one took me a while to wrap my head around, with the constant jokes and audience participation/canned laughter. I wasn’t entirely sure I was liking it, but was open to it (and it certainly works with the Monk and the Nun specifically, who are fab comedy Timelords at the best of times) and there are plenty of puns, situations and japery that they make the most of. The whole estate agent set up, buying a house competition vibes was tremendous fun. I have no clue at all how this is related to Dark Gallifrey, but I was amused and intrigued enough to look forward to part two. Such a clever episode, it really is amazing how clever BF are at trying out these new adventures.

Monkey Buisness – same crazy format for this one, this time focused at least initially on the dynamic duo running a ‘buisness’ for some Alan Sugar/del Boy esque business man (which is really funny). As I had, to some extent by this point, got my head around the format of these Dark Gallifrey stories I probably enjoyed this second part more, although I was wondering throughout the adventure how long they could keep this up, when right at the end of the adventure the Nun starts to hear the laughter….sets up the next adventure very well indeed and an intriguing ending.

What I thought:

Well it has been said that this is certainly an unusual one, laugh track and all! It’s good fun though, I can see this being a divisive release, a bit too odd and niche perhaps for some, but hey, its great BF continue to innovative, take different approaches etc etc. It’s a grower I think, I am intrigued to see where this goes.

Rating: 3.8 out of 5 laughter tracks: There are moments of brilliance in some ways in this release, and moments of some confusion, but no denying this is a fun listen (and I am very much looking forward to seeing where this is going).

What am I left thinking?

• What the hell is going on?!?
• How the hell does this fit with Dark Gallifrey overall!

Memorable bits

• Cool mention of Graham Gardner, another BF Monk!
• BUISNESS!
• The estate agent and home owner doing a number on the Monk & the Nun. Such fun!
• The first time you hear a laughter track!