Review: From Thunderbirds to Pterodactyls

Written and read by Shane Rimmer

An elderly Scott Tracy recalls his life…

Okay, that’s not really what it’s all about, but there’s a definite kick to hearing Shane Rimmer talking about what it was really like to work on Dr Strangelove, Thunderbirds, Doctor Who and the James Bond series, among many others. Whether you’re of the generation who grew up with Thunderbirds in the 1960s and 70s, or those who came to it via the BBC 2 airings, there’s something quite special about that voice that instantly brings to mind Thunderbird 1 heading down to its launch pad (or maybe that’s just me?)

Rimmer’s autobiography hasn’t been as widely reviewed as it should – the downside of it coming from a new publisher – which is a shame, as it’s a highly enjoyable read. The veteran Canadian actor has great recall of his experiences, and it’s written in a very easy manner, which makes the audio version considerably more true to life than the editions of some autobiographies, where it’s clear that the subject is actually reading the prose for the first time! Rimmer has quite a laconic speaking style, but his excitement at his involvement in various projects still comes through.

Verdict: A nice combination of actor/author, direction by Lisa Bowerman, and subtle but effective post-production.  8/10

Paul Simpson

Click here to order From Thunderbirds to Pterodactyls from Big Finish.