The First Doctor serial, Galaxy 4 (or Four), might not be the best-remembered or cherished story of all time – perhaps it’s tainted by the fact that few publicity photos survive, and three of its four episodes missing from the archive. But it finds new life in the new audiobook release, a recording of William Emms’ original Target novelisation!
Here’s the synopsis:

“Following a skirmish in deep space, two alien spacecraft have crash landed on a barren planet in Galaxy Four. The Drahvins are a race of beautiful females, led by the imperious Maaga. The Rills are hideous tusked monstrosities, accompanied by their robotic servants, the Chumblies.

When the Doctor arrives, with companions Vicki and Steven in tow, he discovers that the planet will explode in two days’ time. The Drahvins desperately seek his help in escaping the planet and the belligerent Rills. But things are not always as they seem…”

The story is read by Maureen O’Brien, who played Vicki in the story back in 1965, and runs to around 4 hours, appropriately.
This was Emms’ only Doctor Who, with the novel adaptation released in 1985, although he also worked on shows including Crown Court, Z-Cars, and Callan. Galaxy 4‘s Target book is remembered as being especially strong, and O’Brien’s enthusiastic recording marks it as one of the best titles from BBC Audios.
Could this be the best way of experiencing the long-lost serial? It certainly sounds that way!
Galaxy 4 is out now, with an RRP of £20.00.