Celebrating 25 Years of Bernice Summerfield at Big Finish

The First Lady of Big Finish. Archaeologist, adventurer, mother and sometime friend of the Doctor, join Professor Bernice Summerfield on her extraordinary travels across this universe... and the next.

This new video documentary marks a quarter of a century since the debut of Bernice “Benny” Summerfield on audio.

The irrepressible intergalactic archaeologist first leapt from the pages of Paul Cornell’s novels into the audio world in 1998. Since then, Lisa Bowerman has portrayed Benny in hundreds of audio dramas, audiobooks and videos, forging a legacy as one of British science fiction’s most enduring characters.

From her first adventure in Oh No It Isn’t! to galaxy-spanning escapades with the Doctor and beyond, Bernice’s journey has been one of wit, bravery, and boundless curiosity.

The documentary features exclusive interviews, anecdotes and tributes from cast and crew behind the audio adventures, including Simon Guerrier, Nicholas Briggs, James Goss and Lisa Bowerman herself.

Over the past two decades, Benny has uncovered lost civilizations, outwitted deadly foes, and discovered as much about herself as the universe she explores. Her adventures have spanned genres, from laugh-out-loud comedy to high-stakes drama, and her influence has paved the way for a new era of audio storytelling.

As we raise a glass to 25 years of Bernice Summerfield, we invite listeners old and new to join the celebration, revisit classic tales, and discover why Benny remains the heart, soul and true queen of Big Finish.

A potted history of Bernice Summerfield at Big Finish (with recommendations for newcomers) is right here on the Big Finish website.