Doctor Who News: June 2011

Thursday, 30 June 2011

TARDIS travellers materialise at SDCC2011

Earlier in the month we reported that members of the Torchwood: Miracle Day" cast and crew would be appearing as this year's San Diego Comic Con, courtesy of Starz. Today, BBC America have announced that Doctor Who will also be represented, with Matt Smith and Karen Gillan making their first appearance at such an event.

The two time travellers will be on a panel on Sunday 24th July, alongside writer Toby Whithouse and executive producers Beth Willis and Piers Wenger, as detailed below:

12:30 – 1:30 pm, BBC America’s Doctor Who – Stars Matt Smith and Karen Gillan make their first Comic-Con appearance for a panel and Q&A with Doctor Who writer Toby Whithouse (Being Human creator) and executive producers Piers Wenger and Beth Willis. They’re bringing with them exclusive new footage from the new episodes airing later this summer on BBC AMERICA. Doctor Who follows the adventures of the Doctor, the mysterious traveler who journeys throughout all of time and space, picking up companions along the way and almost always sidestepping danger.

Doctor Who, from award winning lead writer and executive producer Steven Moffat, stars BAFTA nominee Matt Smith as the Doctor and Karen Gillan as his companion Amy Pond, along with Arthur Darvill as Rory and Alex Kingston who plays River Song. Part One of the new season, which premiered in April, delivered record ratings for BBC AMERICA and marked the first time Doctor Who filmed on American soil. Its finale ended with the unveiling of a massive secret and the words "Let’s Kill Hitler" on screen.

Part One of Doctor Who arrives on Blu-ray/DVD on July 19 and Part Two premieres late summer on BBC AMERICA’s Supernatural Saturdays.

Memoirs of an Edwardian Adventurer

A new book celebrating the Eighth Doctor's adventures on audio is to be published later this year, to tie in with the next series from Big Finish this Autumn. The book is by Will Brooks and Nick Mellish, and will be published by Pageturner Publishing.

Reborn in a hospital morgue, stranded aboard a crashing air ship, lost in a universe without time and forced to wage a final bitter war against his greatest enemies...

For a Doctor that only made one TV appearance, in the 1996 TV Movie, the Eighth Doctor has lead a long and eventful life on audio. Since 2001, Big Finish have produced more than sixty audio plays featuring Paul McGann giving the character a life beyond the small screen.

In Memoirs of an Edwardian Adventurer, two dedicated Doctor Who fans set out to listen to each of these audio plays, one episode a day every day, in an attempt to experience a true ‘Eighth Doctor Era’. Along the way they discover the highs and lows of the series, from 2001’s Storm Warning through to 2011’s To the Death, via a short series of Sixth Doctor plays featuring ongoing companion Charley Pollard.

Written by Will Brooks (Doctor Who: Adventures in Time and Space) and Nick Mellish (Nick’s Little Bit of Net), sometimes examining the literary origins of the Eighth Doctor’s adventures, sometimes commenting on the strength of a story, and sometimes merely praising (or otherwise) a particular cast member, Memoirs of an Edwardian Adventurer is the definitive account of two fan’s experiences of the Eighth Doctor’s travels in time and space.

You can read a preview of the book here.

The book also features a foreward by Conrad Westmaas, audio companion C'rizz to the Eighth Doctor from The Creed of the Kroman to Absolution.

Memoirs of an Edwardian Adventurer is due to be published on 10th October and is available for pre-order from the publishers; a version for the Amazon Kindle will be available once the book is released. Everyone who pre-orders before 1st September will have their name printed in the book as a special thanks.

(with thanks to Will Brooks)

Coming Soon: Rendition

The BBC have now updated their programme information for Week 29 with details of Torchwood: Miracle Day's second episode, Rendition, which will premiere in the UK on BBC1/BBC1HD at 9:00pm, 21st July.

The following is the plot synopsis for Rendition which might be considered a spoiler

As the Torchwood team is reunited, Jack realises he's the most vulnerable man on Earth; and a flight to the USA turns into a desperate battle for survival.

Doctor Who at Comic Con France

The third annual French Comic Con kicks off today at the Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Center, and as reported last month will feature a number of Doctor Who related activities, not least being the French debut of opening two episodes of Series Six, The Impossible Astronaut and Day of the Moon.

The two episodes will centre-case the Sunday proceedings featuring the event's Guest of Honour, Steven Moffat; from 11:30am there will be a masterclass by Doctor Who's head writer, followed by episodes themselves from 12:30pm. Afterwards Moffat will feature in a Doctor Who conference (2:30pm), followed by a signing session from 4:00pm.

Selected episodes of Doctor Who written by Moffat will also be screened, with Les Anges Pleureurs (Blink) today at 4:00pm, and La Bibliothèque des Ombres (Silence in the Library/Forest of the Dead) tomorrow from 12:30pm.

Saturday is dedicated to Moffat's other successful series, Sherlock, which has also been translated into French. A conference on the dub takes place from midday with Roland Timsit (artistic director) and Gilles Morvan (voice of Sherlock Holmes); this is then followed by a signing session from 1:30pm and then a screening of the first episode, Une Etude en Rose (A Study in Pink) at 2:45pm.

The full Comic Con schedule can be found on their website.

Steven Moffat appears courtesy of a partnership with BBC Worldwide, France 4 and France Television Distribution.

(with thanks to Aurélie Demonchaux/Beans on Toast)

Miracle Day - Advance screenings in the US

Starz have teamed up with Landmark Theaters to offer fans in the US the chance to attend a free advance screening of the premiere episode of Torchwood: Miracle Day, The New World on July 5th and 6th.

The official Starz Torchwood Facebook page has added these screenings to their events page.

July 5, 6pm - 8pm

Atlanta
Midtown Art Cinema
931 Monroe Drive
Atlanta, GA 30308

Dallas
The Magnolia
3699 McKinney Ave,
Dallas, TX 75204

Denver
The Landmark, Greenwood Village
5415 Landmark Place,
Denver, CO 80111

Chicago
Century Centre Cinema
2828 N Clark Street
Chicago IL, 60657

Los Angeles
The Landmark, Los Angeles
10850 W Pico Blvd Suite 520,
Los Angeles CA 90064

For your chance to attend this screening, email comments@landmarktheatres.com with "Torchwood Tickets" in the subject line. One entry per Film Club member. A limited number of Film Club members will be chosen at random and notified via email.

New York
The Sunshine Cinema
143 E. Houston Street,
New York, NY 10012

Philadelphia
Ritz East
125 S. 2nd St
Philadelphia, PA 19106

San Francisco
Embarcadero Center Cinema
One Embarcadero Center
Promenade Level
San Francisco, CA 94111

July 6, 6pm - 8pm

Boston
Kendall Square Cinema
One Kendall Square Bldg., 1900
Cambridge MA 02139

Houston
River Oaks
2009 West Gray
Houston TX 77019

Washinton D.C.
E Street Cinema
555 11th Street NW
Washington DC 20004-1300

Please note that seating is limited by capacity. No RSVP or ticket is required as seating is first come, first served. This screening is rated TV-14 and contains mature content. Must be 14 or older to attend.

Wednesday, 29 June 2011

T-Shirt roundup

This week sees a few Doctor Who inspired t-shirts available to purchase online, and a number of retailers have kindly offered Doctor Who News readers a discount code when ordering their design!

Qwertee have launched the latest in their popular Doctor Who designs; created by "zerobriant" and "rtofirefly", the t-shirt is only available for two days.

The 'My Regeneration Tour' is live on stage! Fresh from their last performance at Satellite 5, The WHOs are the greatest band of all -Time-! Paul McGann's sonic screams wail out across the universe, accompanied by killer licks from Tom Baker on lead guitar, and a smooth groove from the bass guitardis of Matt Smith! And you can expect David Tennant to EX-TER-MI-NATE his drum solo with the precision of a Doctor.

Doctor Who News readers may claim a 40p/50¢ discount off the t-shirt by using the code doctorwhonews.net when ordering.

Other Tees are currently running a t-shirt design based upon the Beatles' iconic Abbey Road; designed by "NanaLArt", the t-shirt is available for the next four days.

I really like The Beatles and I really like Doctor Who. I decided to make an equation full of awesome! I know the Abbey Road theme has been done before but if you haven't put Daleks on a meme then you're not doing it right!

Doctor Who News readers may claim 50 cents off the price of the t-shirt by using the code WhoNewsPage when ordering.

If you missed the chance to get Procrastinate when this was available as an offer for Doctor Who News before, it is now available to purchase from 604republic, which is a semi-permanent item in their catalogue.

This Dalek has decided to replace his typical cry of “Exterminate” with something a bit more relaxing, after all, the exterminate part can always get done tomorrow.

Doctor Who News readers may claim 10% off their order by using the promotional code DOCTORWHONEWS at checkout.

Sharksplode have released a design by Joel Watson based on an idea by Star Trek: The Next Generation actor Wil Wheaton, entitled "Fighting Time Lords".

It is both timey-wimey and spacey-wacey.

Doctor Who meets the Scarlets

The Scarlets are hosting BBC Cymru Wales's Roadshow on Sunday 3rd July, which will feature a dedicated Doctor Who section amongst the various activities taking place.

The TARDIS will be present, plus stands presenting the makeup and costumes on the show, plus the chance to see the work that goes into creating a Doctor Who monster; there will also be the opportunity to play The Adventure Games online.

The event is free to enter, and takes place at the Delme Thomas Centre, Parc y Scarlets in Llanelli between 10:00am and 4:30pm. See the Scarlets and BBC Wales websites for full details.

(with thanks to Daffydd Turner)

Coming Soon: The New World

The BBC have now updated their programme information for Week 28 with details of Torchwood: Miracle Day's first episode, The New World, which will premiere in the UK on BBC1/BBC1HD at 9:00pm, 14th July.

The following is the plot synopsis for The New World which might be considered a spoiler

One day, nobody dies. All across the world, nobody dies. And then the next day, and the next, and the next, people keep ageing – they get hurt and sick, but they never die. The result: a population boom, overnight.

With all the extra people, resources are finite. It’s said that in four month's time, the human race will cease to be viable. But this can’t be a natural event – someone’s got to be behind it. It’s a race against time as CIA agent Rex Matheson investigates a global conspiracy. The answers lie within an old, secret British institute. As Rex keeps asking: "What is Torchwood?", he’s drawn into a world of adventure, and a threat to change what it means to be human ... for ever.

In the launch episode of Torchwood: Miracle Day, Agent Rex Matheson is impaled in a car crash and miraculously survives, while his analyst, Esther Drummond, sets out to discover what Torchwood is. Far away, in Wales, Gwen Cooper lives in hiding with her husband Rhys and daughter Anwen – she’s the last surviving Torchwood member and is determined to stay hidden. In Kentucky, convicted murderer Oswald Danes survives his own execution. And when Esther meets the mysterious Captain Jack Harkness, assassins are activated to kill them all...

Last week, Doctor Who Magazine editor Tom Spilsbury commented on Twitter that there would be slightly different versions of Miracle Day for the US and UK broadcast, adding yesterday that "they haven't started with one 'master version' and cut it for the UK. They've prepared two parallel edits for different markets." Russell T Davies had previously mentioned in his interview with Front Row that Jack is a 'childrens hero', and clarifies in the new Issue 436 of DWM that 'racier' scenes might be edited for a BBC audience.

Attendees at last week's BFI preview had reported that The New World seemed longer than the fifty minutes originally reported in the Cannes press release; this is also confirmed in DWM, with UK episodes expected to run for some 54 minutes whereas episodes on Starz would run for 50-51 minutes. Davies pointed out that this isn't a cut to the US version, but extra material added to the UK one!

Doctor Who Magazine 436

The new edition of Doctor Who Magazine (out on Thursday) celebrates the life of Nicholas Courtney in a special 100-page issue dedicated to the man who played the Brigadier for over 40 years. With rare and never-before-published photos, the issue also contains tributes to the actor from fomer Doctors David Tennant, Sylvester McCoy, Colin Baker, and Tom Baker - the latter told DWM:

Once you got to know Nick, you loved everything about him. We were a double act. I loved everything he did. I would have loved him as Othello. All other critical faculties were abandoned. You just couldn’t explain yourself. It was almost like someone saying, ‘What an Earth do you see in her?’ or ‘What on Earth do you see in him?’ Once you actually love someone, you just love being with them – and I loved being with Nick.

Also in this issue:

Saluting the Brig - Nicholas Pegg sets the scene as friends and colleagues remember the life and times of Nicholas Courtney. The tributes include contributions from Frazer Hines, Wendy Padbury, Peter Purves, John Levene, Richard Franklin, Katy Manning, Russell T Davies, Derrick Sherwin, Terrance Dicks, Philip Hinchcliffe, Graeme Harper and many more.
Nicholas Courtney - A Life In Acting - DWM looks back at Nick’s long career, from his early days in rep through to his most famous role as Lethbridge-Stewart in Doctor Who and The Sarah Jane Adventures.
The One with the Eyepatch - Nicholas Courtney’s favourite Doctor Who story, 1970’s Inferno, is put under the spotlight as The Fact of Fiction witnesses the end of the world...
Seventh Heaven - It was the season in which the Brig came into his own – the Third Doctor’s first series from 1970. DWM looks back to discover what made the season so special as Countdown to 50 continues.
The Brig vs The Doctor - The Brigadier’s decision to blow up the reptile people in 1970’s Doctor Who and the Silurians shocked the Third Doctor. But was Lethbridge-Stewart right to do what he did? Toby Hadoke and Johnny Candon discuss the pros and cons of the Brig’s most controversial action in A Battle of Wits...
Nuns with Guns! - The Doctor and Amy are shocked to find that the TARDIS has been harbouring a terrifying secret in the latest comic strip adventure! And there are more surprises in store in Part Two of Apotheosis, written by Jonathan Morris with art by Dan McDaid...
Game On! - The Time Team continues its mission to watch every episode of Doctor Who in order, and visit the year 200,000 – but what will Chris, Emma, Michael and Will make of the Ninth Doctor adventure, The Long Game?
Are You My Mummy? - The secret’s out! In an exclusive interview, actress Alex Kingston talks about the revelation of just who River Song really is – and what the astonishing news means for her character in future episodes of Doctor Who...
It's a Miracle! - Torchwood, the popular spin-off from Doctor Who, returns to TV in July with a 10-part story, Miracle Day. DWM catches with writer Russell T Davies and stars John Barrowman, Eve Myles and Kai Owen to find out more abut the new series...
Splended Chap... - An ancient power makes an unexpected return from the depths of the void and discovers a world very different to the one it left some time ago... Whatever you do, don’t miss Production Notes!
Wotcha, Brig! - The Watcher dons his eyepatch and reveals some of the surprising lesser-known facts about everyone’s favourite UNIT commander in Wotcha!

PLUS! All the latest official news, reviews of TV and merchandise reviews, previews, competitions, a prize-winning crossword and much, much more!

Doctor Who Magazine is available from all good newsagents and supermarkets from Thursday 30th June.

Tuesday, 28 June 2011

Smith and Tennant up for Best Actor

Matt Smith and David Tennant have been nominated for "Best Actor" in the 2011 TV Choice Awards shortlist. Both will face competition from Colin Morgan and Benedict Cumberbatch.

For Best Actress, Karen Gillan and the late Elisabeth Sladen are nominated alongside Amanda Burton and Vicky McClure.

Also nominated is the show itself for "Best Family Drama", where it is up against Casualty, Merlin and Waterloo Road.

Steven Moffat's and Mark Gatiss' Sherlock has been nominated for "Best New Drama" along with Single Father, starring David Tennant, and Downton Abbey starring Hugh Bonneville. Toby Whithouse's Being Human, starring Russell Tovey and Lenora Crichlow, has been nomiated for "Best Drama Series".

Visit the Awards voting website to cast your votes. Voting on the shortlist will remain open until midnight (BST) on Friday 8 July. The winners will be announced on 13 September.

Torchwood: first UK teaser released

The BBC broadcast the first UK teaser for Torchwood: Miracle Day this evening, between The One Show and Eastenders; the ten second trailer reported that the show would be "Coming Soon".

An online version promoting the official Torchwood website has also been released:

Torchwood online teaser, BBC, via BBC Website - may not play outside of the United Kingdom

Update 29th June: The BBC broadcast the teaser before The Apprentice at 9:00pm, this time confirming 14th July as the airdate to viewers.

The Crash of the Elysium - adult tickets to be made available

After enormous public demand, the organisers of the interactive theatre project The Crash of the Elysium at the Manchester International Festival have announced that a number of tickets will be made available enabling adults to enjoy the experience as well as children. The After Dark performances will run at various times between 8:00-9:00pm from 8th-15th July, and are only open to adults and children over thirteen years old.

The Crash of the Elysium will take place at the BBC's new MediaCity UK building at Salford Quays, and is performed by Punchdrunk in association with BBC Worldwide. The experience is written by Punchdrunk's Felix Barrett and Doctor Who writer Tom MacRae, based on an original idea by Steven Moffat.

Tickets (£25) will go on sale exclusively via Ticketmaster from tomorrow (Wednesday) at 10:00am.
(with thanks to Kate Carter/The Corner Shop PR)

Writer Tom MacRae recently spoke to the Telegraph about the premise behind the show:

In the tradition of the best Doctor Who the premise of what needs to happen is clearly outlined in the first couple of scenes, where it’s established what’s going on and what the kids have to do. They then go on a mission that requires them to head into this labyrinth of wonder we’ve created. It’s not like The Crystal Maze - if they want to interrogate the adults they meet we have, over months of careful planning, created a watertight story about what’s going on. But the instruction to the actors is - here’s the information, if the kids ask you questions you’ve got everything you need. If all they want to do is press the buttons let them do that!

We are told that in 1888 there was a famous steam-ship called the Elysium that mysteriously disappeared at sea. There are conflicting reports as to whether there was bad weather or not. Some legends have grown up around its missing cargo - there was supposed to be this secret Government package on board which has never been recovered. Whether that has anything to do with our show, I don’t know - it’s just a bit of history. The premise is… that you’re going to have the most amazing time of your life...!

First audience reactions, via ManchesterIntFest on YouTube

Monday, 27 June 2011

Torchwood: UK premiere on course for 14th July

The BBC Press Office have informed us today that Torchwood: Miracle Day will most likely premiere on BBC1(HD) on Thursday 14th July at 9:00pm.

The announcement ends months of speculation over when the show would be broadcast in the United Kingdom, with Starz announcing Friday 8th July for Miracle Day back in March. Canada and Australia see the show a day later, with SPACE broadcasting at 9:00pm(ET) and UKTV 9:30pm on Saturdays.

A full BBC Press Release confirming the date and time is expected in the next couple of days.

Time and Space at the National Space Centre

The National Space Centre in Leicester is to once again celebrate Doctor Who this coming weekend (2nd-3rd July); Time and Space will see a weekend of activities organised by the Hyde Fundraisers, with proceeds going towards BBC Children In Need, Comic Relief and other charities.

Two guests are expected over the weekend: Saturday sees third Doctor companion Jo Jones née Grant - aka Katy Manning - drop in, whilst Sunday will be invaded by Dalek creator Davros in the form of Terry Molloy.

Costumes created by the group will be on display, including Ood Sigma, Roboform Santa, Sec Hybrid, and a Clockwork Robot; this will be accompanied by Behind the Monsters, a presentation on how the costumes are created.

In UNIT exposed, visitors will be taken on a tour by the "UNIT Captain" and "The Professor" around the "Lethbridge-Stewart Research Laboratory", where they can learn the truth behind the myths of some captured technology, plus K9 will also be on hand. There will also be a demonstration of the Quantum cannon ...

There is also the opportunity to have photos taken against the group's virtual greenscreen, plus a special presentation about their show, The Trial of Davros.

For full details visit the NSC and Hyde Fundraisers websites.

(with thanks to Kevin Taylor; Katy Manning and Terry Molloy appear thanks to Fantom Films and Galaxy Four)

Looking ahead, the Hyde Fundraisers are planning a special event on the 17th September: Elisabeth Sladen: A Celebration is to take place at the Ashton-under-Lyne Cineworld, with showings of School Reunion and selected Sarah Jane Adventures, plus invited guests. Proceeds will go towards Children in Need - see the group's webpage for the latest information.

Sunday, 26 June 2011

Arts For Hearts Auction

An auction of Doctor Who artwork will be taking place on the 11th July, the proceeds of which are to help fund research by the heart transplant team at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Art for Hearts heave gathered together a variety of works from artists including Lee Binding, Anthony Dry, Colin Howard, Alister Pearson, Peter McKinstry, John Ross and Adrian Salmon; there are also ink caricatures featuring and signed by Steven Moffat, David Tennant and Donald Tosh.

Examples of the artwork can be seen on the Art For Hearts blog along with more details on the auction, and the pieces themselves are currently on display at Orbital Comics in London.

National Transplant Week runs from 4th-10th July.
(with thanks to Ian Stacey)

Friday, 24 June 2011

Doctor Who: episode titles update

With a couple of episode title mentions popping up in the media over the last week, here is an update of the currently known titles making up the second half of the current series, back later this year. Please note that (with the possible exception of episode eight!), the titles may still change before broadcast!

The following episode titles and snippets may reveal plot details that readers might consider spoilers.

Episode Eight: Let's Kill Hitler

This title was, of course, confirmed in the end credits of the mid-series finale, A Good Man Goes To War.

Episode Nine: Night Terrors

Mark Gatiss confirmed on the Danny Baker Show (BBC Radio 5 Live, 18th June) that the title to his episode (nine) is to be Night Terrors. The episode - moved from its original position in the first half of the series - had been previously been reported as What Are Little Boys Made Of? by Doctor Who Magazine #433.

Episode Ten: tbc

On the other hand, Tom MacRae recently spoke to the Telegraph about his involvement with the interactive show The Crash of the Elysium, during which he also discussed his forthcoming episode (ten) in Doctor Who and how it's name isn't known as yet!

I’ve written episode 10 which I think is my most accomplished piece of plotting ever. What’s interesting is that the requirements of the script meant that for various reasons nothing has gone out about it at all. We didn’t do much location filming, and the way the guest characters work is unusual, so no one knows anything about my episode. There’s speculation about it which is wrong - some bright spark has put the title of the episode on IMDB as The Green Anchor - it has never been called that! I’m amazed we’ve kept it this secret because there’s a really big surprise in it. All I will say is that it’s an unusual episode and it’s really great.

Episode Eleven: The God Complex

This title for Toby Whithouse's episode was reported in Doctor Who Magazine #432, which also confirmed the director as Nick Hurran and its guest star as David Walliams.

Episodes twelve and thirteen have yet to be named, though the former has been nicknamed "The Lodger 2" owing to its guest star James Corden reprising his role as Craig Owens.

SPACE goes into HD

Bell Media in Canada have announced that it will be launching a high definition version of the SPACE channel from the 6th July - just in time for Torchwood: Miracle Day!

Rick Brace, the President of Speciality Channels and CTV Production, Bell Media, said:

SPACE fans can celebrate the long-anticipated launch of SPACE HD, one of many new Bell Media HD specialty services currently or soon-to-be on offer. We’re thrilled to start the roll-out of HD programming with the highly anticipated launch of Torchwood: Miracle Day and some of the other series and movies from the channel’s engaging Summer lineup.

The channel will be available via Bell Satellite TV (channel 1746) and Bell Fibe TV (channel 1632).

The HD channel will mirror it's 'normal' version, with high definition programming being shown where available, such as the BBC series Outcasts and Syfy's Alphas.

Torchwood: Miracle Day - Starz Synopses

Starz have updated their scheduling information with a brief synopsis of the first seven episodes of Torchwood: Miracle Day (their scheduling currently only lists as far as 19th August).

**** What follows is a list of episode titles and synopses for Miracle Day
**** Could be considered spoilers!
****

1. The New World - 8th July 10:00pm

When death itself comes to a halt, the whole world faces its greatest danger yet. CIA agent Rex Matheson has only one clue – Torchwood.

2. Rendition - 15th July, 10:00pm

As the Torchwood team is reunited, Jack realizes he’s the most vulnerable man on Earth. A flight to the United States turns into a desperate battle for survival.

3. Dead of Night - 22nd July, 10:00pm

Torchwood goes on the run and finds a new enemy, but as they launch a raid on PhiCorp headquarters, Jack must confront the mysterious Oswald Danes.

4. Escape to L.A. - 29th July 2011

The fight against PhiCorp takes the Torchwood team to California, where a trap is waiting. Meanwhile, Oswald and Jilly find themselves with an enemy of their own.

5. The Categories Of Life - 5th August, 10:00pm

Torchwood goes undercover and discovers the terrible truth behind the Miracle. The enemy is closing in, and death is about to make a shocking return.

6. The Middle Men - 12th August, 10:00pm

With Gwen, Rex and Esther trapped on both sides of the Atlantic, it’s a race against time as Jack goes straight to the heart of the conspiracy.

7. Immortal Sins - 19th August 2011, 10:00pm
Gwen must fight to protect her family and takes a terrifying journey, covering both miles and decades, as the long history of the Miracle is revealed.

The other episodes still to be placed are End Of The Road, The Gathering and The Blood Line.

Torchwood: The Lost Files

The BBC Press Office have released details on the forthcoming radio plays for BBC Radio 4. The plays, set before Children of Earth, star John Barrowman as Captain Jack Harkness, Eve Myles as Gwen Cooper, and Gareth David Lloyd as Ianto Jones.

Plot synopsis for the radio plays follows:

Monday 11th July - The Devil and Miss Carew, by Rupert Laight

When Rhys's elderly Uncle Bryn has a heart attack while listening to the shipping forecast, it seems like another routine death at Ivyday Nursing Home. But when Rhys and Gwen go to collect the old man's effects, Gwen's suspicions are roused by another elderly resident. The conversation is cut short, though, by a fire alarm, one of many consequences of the mysterious power cuts that are sweeping the nation. Gwen has a hunch that something is wrong and her search leads her to Miss Carew, a suspiciously fit and strong octogenarian who, despite having supposedly terminal heart disease, has left Ivyday and gone back to work at the Computer firm she used to run. Miss Carew has been offered a deal by Fitzroy, a wandering alien with an aversion to electricity who is looking for a home. It's a deal that Miss Carew can't refuse. But the consequences for planet Earth are unthinkable.

Tuesday 12th July - Submission, by Ryan Scott

Torchwood are chasing aliens down the M4, when Jack accidentally blows a hole in the Severn Bridge, and the SUV hits the water. Whilst submerged John, Gwen and Ianto hear a strange noise, which, back at the Hub they realise is a cry for help. They track the cry to its source which turns out to be the deepest part of the Ocean - the Mariana Trench. Ianto rings old Torchwood flame, Carlie Roberts, who's an expert in marine geology, and Jack pulls strings with the US government to get them all on board the USS Calvin, an Arleigh Burke class destroyer, which is heading for the Trench. From there they board the Octopus Rock, the only submarine built to withstand the pressure at that depth, and follow the signal. But when the Submarine crashes, the team are left at the mercy of a hungry alien.

Wednesday 13th July - The House of the Dead, by James Goss

The brewery have called 'time' and it's the last night at The House of the Dead - the most haunted pub in Wales. Barry the barman has invited renowned psychic, Mrs Wintergreen, to hold a special seance to mark the occasion, and there's a big crowd hoping for the chance of seeing their deceased loved ones for one last time. But when Jack arrives on the scene, he's determined to stop them. Ianto is puzzled by Jack's behaviour, and Gwen is suspicious. Why is Jack acting so strangely? Then the ghosts start arriving - and all hell breaks loose.

The plays will be broadcast in The Afternoon Play strand, 2:15-3:00pm BST between Monday 11th and Wednesday 13th July.

Radio 4 have now published a video segment from last Tuesday's Front Row interview with Russell T Davies talking about Torchwood's move to the US, and have also made the full interview available to listen to via their website.

Thursday, 23 June 2011

Doctor Who Insider - Issue 4

The fourth edition of Doctor Who Insider will be available in North America from 7th July.

In this issue, River Song actress Alex Kingston talks about keeping one of Doctor Who's biggest secrets and playing the Doctor's mysterious 'other' woman.

I knew who River was for quite a while and I was sworn to secrecy. And that is the thing that Karen and Arthur and Matt hated, because they knew I had a very big secret that I wasn’t divulging.

Also in this issue:

OF HATCHES AND PATCHES: Frances Barber talks exclusively to Doctor Who Insider about playing wicked Eye Patch Lady, Madame Kovarian and tells us why baddies are best.
SARAH JANE SMITH: To mark the recent loss of Elisabeth Sladen, we take a look at the amazing life and times of the character she created: Sarah Jane Smith.
I WAS… STRAX: Actor Dan Starkey has played three separate Sontarans in Doctor Who and he talks exclusively to Insider about what it’s like to be inside the suit and body of a clone warrior.
NEXUS POINT: We look back at the moment that the Doctor’s arch enemy, the Master, came out of hiding.
DATA FILE: The First Doctor and his companions are trapped in a nightmarish world of deadly toys, games and nursery rhymes when the Celestial Toymaker lures them to his realm.
TIME SCOOP: Ensnared in this issue’s Time Scoop is Davros, the crippled, evil genius who created the Daleks.
MERCHANDISE: Previews of the latest Doctor Who merchandise, including The Awakening and The Gunfighters on DVD; we speak to stars of the 1996 Doctor Who TV movie, Daphne Ashbrook and Yee Jee Tso about their new roles as UNIT officers in the Tales from the Vault audio drama; and authors James Goss and Steve Tribe tell us all about their new Dalek Handbook and we print an exclusive ‘missing chapter’ from this essential tome.
STORE INSIDER: A round‐up of some of the latest Doctor Who merchandise, including a new range of mugs and some very dapper Doctor Who clothing.
FAN ZONE: A selection of photographs sent in by readers of themselves with well known Who celebrities and their own costumes, props and art inspired by Doctor Who.

PLUS! The latest official news and a giant, double‐sided poster of River Song and The Celestial Toymaker!

For subscription information, visit the subscription website.

The Best Doctor Who Poems In The Universe

The Best Doctor Who Poems In The Universe is a new book to be released by GJB Publishing compiling a collection of poems and limericks from fans around the world. A wealth of subjects are covered, including the Doctor, the Master, Cybermen, Sarah Jane, Donna, K9, The Green Death, The Mara, Gallifrey, Delia Derbyshire, and Rose; plus, what it's like to be a Doctor Who fan!

The anthology is edited by Garry Vaux, who said:

Poetry isn’t necessarily something you associate with Doctor Who but since new Who came back it’s had an extra emotional element to it and with it’s action hero, the heartbreak, the fun, the scares and the thrills, it seems like an ideal subject for poetry.

The artwork is stunning and there are some wonderful poems from some very talented people. I hope it will encourage more wordsmiths and artists to put pen to paper.

I’ve been a fan of Doctor Who since childhood and it’s the only programme these days I watch religiously so I’m delighted to produce something to celebrate it in a different kind of way.

The book is available to buy from the publisher's website.

Read a sample poem here:

Time Loop, by Gerald Riley

In the constellation of Kasterborous,
There lies a special place.
Locked in time through the spoils of war,
One survivor - who changes his face.

He’s lived for over nine hundred years,
But perished after four knocks.
His name is heard throughout the universe.
This mad man with a box.

So whenever you travel in time and space,
Through the stars so wild and dangerous,
Listen for the echo of two beating hearts,
In the constellation of Kasterborous.

Torchwood: the UK wait continues

The BBC Press Office have now released details for Week 28 (9-15 July); however, Torchwood: Miracle Day does not feature amongst the highlights listed for that coming week.

The series is expected to begin in July, with Front Row presenter Mark Lawson announcing: "Torchwood: Miracle Day begins on BBC1 next month, alongside Radio 4's Torchwood drama." after speaking to writer/producer Russell T Davies on the show. Davies himself believed it would be during week 28, telling On The Box: "it's something like Thursday July 14th here, that's the plan, so you only have to wait six days." However, BBC News muddied the waters somewhat, reporting after the preview of episode one that: "The series will air in the US in early July and be shown later in the summer on BBC One."

Based on the press release it would currently seem that Torchwood won't begin on UK television until at least a week after its premiere in the United States. However, as always, the Press Office states:

Scheduling information in Network TV Programme Information is subject to change.

Update: the BBC Press Office issued a tweet on Friday 24th June to say: "Torchwood schedule is still being determined and once there's a date, we'll let you know."

Wednesday, 22 June 2011

Day of the Daleks: Special Edition preview event

The Doctor Who Appreciation Society are organising a special launch day to tie in with the release on DVD of Pertwee tale Day of the Daleks.

Taking place at Riverside Studios on the 4th September, the event will see the new, CGI-enhanced version shown on the big screen, plus guest panels with both members of the original cast and those working on this new version of the story. There is also the chance to buy the DVD and have its sleeve signed by those present during autograph sessions.

This event is being presented by permission of 2|Entertain, and tickets are free to anybody wishing to apply - full details on how to get tickets and more information about the afternoon may be found via the DWAS website. Please note that guests will be announced nearer the event.

The Day of the Daleks special edition was originally announced by 2|Entertain at last year's DWAS event, Time and Space.

Update 27th June: the event is now full - all applications received up to today are being processed, but no others can be accepted.

Torchwood: Miracle Day - Welsh Preview

After the blaze of publicity in London for Monday's preview of episode one of Torchwood: Miracle Day, another, lower key preview took place in Wales last night as cast and crew gathered to watch in Swansea, where UK filming took place earlier in the year.

The preview took place at the Branwyn Hall (seen itself in the previous series, Children of Earth), and as with London the principal cast and crew were available to speak to the press, with an emphasis upon the show's Welsh roots.

Russell T Davies, who was born in the city, told the South Wales Evening Post:

I don't come as often as I should, but it is lovely to be back. Torchwood has such a Welsh heritage, we wanted to bring it here to show it off and repay the city really.

One of the first scenes in the first episode is at the (white National Trust) house in Rhossili. I spent my life wondering what it was like inside and I never thought we would get it, but lo and behold we managed it. It was a joy to film there and it looks epic and huge.

It is an exciting adventure to be in Los Angeles and America at my age (48) but you will always come home to Swansea.

Speaking to the Western Mail, he added:

There is a fair bit of swagger in Miracle Day. We go to Dallas, Los Angeles, Washington as well as Wales. Of course, being in America meant more money, more production value, bigger explosions, but it was also very important to recognise Wales. If we had just shot it out there it would not have been believable.

It is a Welsh show with Welsh characters, that is very important and is part of the reason why it works. The story starts in Wales, the middle is in America and it ends in Wales.

Eve Myles said:

We had the premiere in London on Monday, which was lovely, but this is the one I am really excited about.

It was unbelievable to film at Rhossili, it was wonderful. I had always wanted to live at that house and the beach is where I walk my dog, so it was unbelievable to blow it up!

It is one of the most important things on the whole show, a huge element of it is Welsh, the show will always have a link to Wales."

BBC Wales have released a video with Bill Pullman at the event, talking about his character.

Russell T Davies also featured on BBC Radio 4's Front Row last night, chatting to presenter Mark Lawson about taking Torchwood from the UK into the US, The Sarah Jane Adventures, and on other topics like the austerity measures within the BBC, the importance of the watershed, and his enthusiasm for his next writing project.

Having talked about what would happen with The Sarah Jane Adventures, discussion then turned towards the audience that would watch Torchwood, and that though it isn't aimed for children some would still watch it through its Doctor Who/Captain Jack connection. Davies commented:

You have to be quite careful with it, more careful than you'd normally would be, because now obviously Torchwood goes out at 9 o'clock, and we've got it coming up on BBC1 now, but we've never had Captain Jack swear because he's loved by children, and children will come to watch it. So we don't tone Torchwood down as such, there's still strong meat and there's some great visuals and some great gore in this show - and, you know, Captain Jack freely has an open and honest and wonderful sex life, but that's fine - it's just the harsher elements, the swearing and his actions as well - I don't think you're ever going to see Captain Jack stab someone brutally or something like that because he's a children's hero.

Talking about the co-production deal, he said:

The move to America partly coincided with the success of the last series of Torchwood which has allowed us to get co-production money. This new series of Torchwood is in conjunction with Starz, who are a premium cable network over there, so they brought a level of funding that we wouldn't have got from the BBC. I have to say if we hadn't, we could still have made this series. But you know, this co-production stuff is nothing new, you haven't seen a Dickens drama made for about 25 years that didn't have money from Boston in it or something, so this is the way of the world now, co-production money is natural.

Torchwood: Web of Lies - update (iOS only)

BBC Worldwide and Starz have released new details on the tie-in "motion comic" Torchwood: Web of Lies, which has been revealed to consist of a series of ten, three minute interactive narratives that will offer clues to the mysteries conjured up in Miracle Day. It has been written by Jane Espenson and Ryan Scott, and has been developed by Double Barrel Motion Labs for BBC Worldwide Productions and BBC Worldwide Digital Entertainment and Games.

However, the series will only be released through an application designed for the Apple-based iOS operating system, available through iTunes.

The press release provides details on how Web of Lies fits in with Miracle Day:

Torchwood: Web of Lies is an episodic interactive experience for iOS that fuses together motion comic and gameplay elements to tell an original and digitally exclusive Torchwood story. Players will participate in a parallel storyline to Torchwood: Miracle Day that includes lead characters Captain Jack Harkness and Gwen Cooper – voiced by John Barrowman and Eve Myles.

Torchwood: Web of Lies runs alongside weekly premieres of Torchwood: Miracle Day, providing fans with a way to engage in the world of Torchwood between episodes. It reveals a past day in the lives of Captain Jack Harkness and Gwen Cooper - a day they’ve both forgotten. The events of that day fuel a modern day conspiracy-laced treasure hunt, as Holly Mokri, voiced by Eliza Dushku (Dollhouse, Tru Calling, Buffy The Vampire Slayer), labours to uncover the secrets of Miracle Day.

Each week a new episode unlocks, allowing players to access another piece of original motion comic narrative and game which ties into and extends plot developments of the show, as well as providing new twists in its own narrative.

The first narrative and game will be released promotionally and the remaining nine can be purchased inside the app in packs of three, each for $0.99/59p. A special bundle for all 10 narratives and game can be purchased for $2.99/£1.79.

No information has been forthcoming as to whether fans of Torchwood using other operating systems will also be able to access the complimentary material featured in Web of Lies.

Tuesday, 21 June 2011

Doctor Who In Comics exhibition

The Cartoon Museum in London is to launch a new exhibition in July; entitled Doctor Who In Comics (1964-2011), the museum will be displaying a variety of artwork from throughout the lifetime of the series that have appeared in publication like Doctor Who Magazine, IDW, annuals, yearbooks, etc.

Curator Anita O'Brien said:

There will be about 90 pieces of original Doctor Who artwork including work by Dave Gibbons, John Ridgeway, John Canning, Adrian Salmon, Barrie Mitchell, Martin Geraghty, Ben Templesmith and Mark Buckingham - and many others - many of which will never have been displayed in public before.

It is hoped to include artwork featuring all eleven television Doctors, and also in his movie persona of Peter Cushing.

The exhibition will run from 27th July until 30th October. See the museum website for full information about their exhibits and admission details.

(with thanks to Anita O'Brien, The Comic Museum

The Reign of Terror - animation update

Theta-Sigma, animation partners with Big Finish for the recreation of missing episodes in 2|Entertain's The Reign of Terror DVD release, have provided an update on how the project is progressing:

We are now two days into production. After a fantastic preproduction period, images are pouring out of the studio. Meticulous research has been done, even involving the help of Paris University's Archaeology Department to get some of the period features, which do not appear in the extant episodes, correct. 3D models of every set used have been built as guides for our artists. Model sheets of the main characters and key backgrounds are now being painted. There's a fantastic buzz surrounding the project. Every member of the team is focused on getting detail and accuracy to the highest possible level.

The company have also sent a copy of a promotional poster created for 2|Entertain's ClassicDW Twitter account.

(with thanks to Austen Atkinson, Theta-Sigma)

Torchwood: Miracle Day - UK Preview

Last night saw the first episode of Torchwood: Miracle Day - The New World - receive its UK premiere at the British Film Institute; cast and crew were in attendance for the screening in front of both press and fans.

The screening was followed by an Q&A with its stars John Barrowman, Eve Myles, and Bill Pullman, and writer/executive producer Russell T Davies; other members of the cast and crew were present in the audience, including Kai Owen, Tom Price, executive producer Julie Gardner and director of episode one, Bharat Nalluri.

Avoiding spoilers for what comes up later in the series, the guests focused upon their many anecdotes from the shoot, with Barrowman and Myles discussing the excitement of making the show at Warner Bros - not to mention the pranks the former likes to pull! - and Pullman commenting on what it was like to work with his Welsh co-stars on the project. When asked about if the show could become fully "American" in later (potential!) series, Davies indicated that he'd want Torchwood to remain Welsh at its heart.

Highlights from the Q&A are expected to be available to watch on the BFI website from next week.

Prior to the screening, the press were able to chat to the stars about the show, and the BBC have published an article including a video interview featuring Barrowman, Myles, Pullman and Davies discussing their thoughts on making a new, co-funded series in America.

"There's no time to breath, it slams you in the face with action, with drama and with the best narrative we've ever told."

"Jack's a hero, but he's been a bad guy in his times, so there's more depth and I think the audience love that - they like to see their characters portrayed a little flawed."

"In amongst all that, you have great big Torchwood chases, stunts and thrills, and jokes, and tragedies as well - so it's the same old Torchwood world."

"This character is almost like the impossible scenario - can you survive this? - which is to be clearly fingered as the worst person anyone has ever meet ... given this chance at immortality."

Bill Pullman appeared on BBC's Breakfast this morning, discussing the development (and name!) of his character, and also on what he thought of Russell T Davies:

I wasn't expecting - I'm thinking prototypical Welsh like Anthony Hopkins or Richard Burton, dark, moody - but he's bright, just such a passion, he is such a generous spirit, and very special to everybody that works with him. He has really, now, quite a following in the States - he and Julie Gardner run a very professional operation.

Davies himself can be heard discussing how he took the show from Wales to Los Angeles tonight on Front Row (BBC Radio 4) from 7:15pm.

Friday, 17 June 2011

A Good Man Goes to War - Chart Placing

The final episode of Doctor Who before the summer break, A Good Man Goes to War, just missed out on a top twenty place becoming the 21st most watched programme of the week.

The week was dominated by Britain's Got Talent, which was stripped across the week taking 12 of the top twenty places in the chart and helping to give ITV1 the top nineteen programmes.

Doctor Who was the second most watched programme on BBC Television just being edged out of top place by The Apprentice which had 40,000 more viewers.

The figures do not include those watching on iPlayer, where over 1.2 million people accessed the episode within 7 days of the broadcast, against The Apprentice's 1.0 million.

Canadian Premiere Date for Torchwood: Miracle Day

The Canadian channel, SPACE has announced that the new series of Torchwood will start on July 9th at 9pm ET with the first episode, The New World.

This currently only leaves the United Kingdom out of the four initial countries broadcasting Miracle Day to announce when the show will premiere; the BBC Press Office released details yesterday for Week 27, but Torchwood did not feature in the schedule listings leading up to the 8th July.

Thursday, 16 June 2011

Torchwood infiltrates SDCC2011

Starz have announced that the cast of Torchwood: Miracle Day will appear at the annual Comic Con taking place at the San Diego Convention Center on 22nd July 2011.

A panel for the show is scheduled for 10:00am at the event, with Starz naming the following to appear for the Q&A session: John Barrowman (Captain Jack Harkness), Eve Myles (Gwen Cooper), Bill Pullman (Oswald Danes), Mekhi Phifer (Rex Matheson), Alexa Havins (Esther Drummand), Lauren Ambrose (Jilly Kitzinger) and series writer Jane Espenson.

The event will also present a special advanced screening of the third episode of the series, Dead Of Night, on the 21st at 9:30pm - the evening before its official broadcast date.

The San Diego Comic Con is no stranger to Torchwood: back in 2009, John Barrowman appeared on a panel alongside Russell T Davies, Julie Gardner and Euros Lyn to promote Torchwood: Children of Earth.

Experience move to Cardiff (update)

Earlier this month, BBC Worldwide revealed details on its plans to install the Doctor Who Experience at Cardiff Bay during the spring next year. Today, Welsh media outlets have been reporting on how this project will be partly financed by Cardiff County Council through its council tax revenue.

A council spokesperson explained how the initial financing will prove ultimately beneficial to the city's future economy:

The council is progressing the feasibility of a commercial agreement to house the BBC Worldwide Doctor Who Experience on a site at Porth Teigr, Cardiff Bay.

The principle of the deal is for all the council’s costs to be covered by income generated by the scheme.

Feasibility costs are between £50,000 and £60,000 but projections show that the Doctor Who Experience could bring in around £13m per year to the city’s economy. The Doctor Who Experience would attract 40,000 new overnight tourists each year, worth some £7m per annum, and will support over 200 full time equivalent jobs in the city each year.

Councillor David Walker observed:

Once the council has agreed terms with the BBC we then need to know the investment that the public purse will make in this development.

However, what was initially thought to be a permanent home for the Doctor Who Experience has now been revealed as a temporary measure being built on land that is earmarked for residential purposes; permission is currently being sought to construct what is being described as "a massive tent" to house the adventure and exhibition aspects of the attraction over the next five years. Whether this is an interim solution before a final, permanent home has been built remains unknown.

Update: Leader of Cardiff Council, Councillor Rodney Berman has informed Doctor Who News that:

Just to clarify Cardiff Council fully supports securing the DW Experience despite some nitpicking by press and opposition.

(with thanks to Simon Watkins and Cllr Rodney Berman; original details via the South Wales Echo)

Torchwood: UK broadcast date still uncertain

With just three weeks until Torchwood: Miracle Day premieres on Starz on 8th July, potential viewers in the UK are still awaiting a date for when the series will air on BBC1(HD).

Speculation over the planned timeslot has raged ever since the Starz announcement in March, and it was hoped by by fans in the UK for a similar Friday 8th July evening premiere - however, the BBC Press Office have now released details for Week 27, and Torchwood has not been scheduled for any time that week.

The confirmation that Miracle Day won't be shown on the same evening as the United States is not unexpected, as this coming Friday sees the new, final series of My Family commencing at 9:00pm on BBC1, followed by a repeat of Miranda at 9:30pm - based on its post-watershed content, the 9:00-10:00pm timeslot seemed most likely for Miracle Day (Children of Earth was in shown at this time for similar reasons).

As the weekly coverage from the BBC only reaches 8th July, it cannot be confirmed quite yet whether the series will commence over the following weekend, as with UKTV in Australia (Saturday 9th, 9:30pm), or at a later date.

SPACE have also yet to confirm their premiere date for Canada.

Alt.Fiction Literature Festival 2011

This year's Alt.Fiction Literary Festival takes place at the QUAD, Derby on 25th-26th June, and is to feature a many writers from the worlds of Doctor Who and Torchwood.

The event's co-Guest of Honour is Dan Abnett, author of Border Princes and of some 40+ comics/novels in his career; he will be making a keynote address on the Saturday, as well as panels, readings and podcasts.

Long-term Doctor Who writers and modern series contributors Paul Cornell (Father's Day, Human Nature/Family of Blood) and Rob Shearman (Dalek) are also at the event, alongside a number of other BBC Books writers including
Guy Adams, Paul Finch, James Goss, Una McCormack, Mark Morris, Sarah Pinborough and books editor Steve Tribe.

Tribe says:

We’re really pleased to be bringing the authors of our latest Doctor Who and Torchwood books to Alt.Fiction 2011. Last year’s event was a highlight of the year – a great opportunity to talk to readers and authors, and perhaps to meet some potential future writers for our ranges.

Alt.Fiction Coordinator Alex Davis says:

It's hugely exciting to be working with BBC Books on this year's event, and I'm delighted to have authors and screenwriters of this calibre taking part. Our BBC Books panel is bound to be a highlight, with no less than nine people participating!

As well as the Doctor Who guests, the Festival will some 50+ authors, agents and editors participating, covering the worlds of science fiction, fantasy and horror. For full details visit the Alt.Fiction website.

(with thanks to Aaron Gilling, Writing East Midlands)

Wednesday, 15 June 2011

International iPlayer rollout for Western Europe

The international version of the BBC iPlayer moved one step closer to fruition, with the BBC's President of Worldwide Networks and Global iPlayer, Jana Bennett, presenting the plans for a staged rollout across Western Europe over the coming months.

Speaking at the 2011 Banff World Media Festival yesterday, she explained that, unlike the domestic version, the international iPlayer is not restricted to programmes that have already been shown on television.

The freedom from catch-up means that we've got a lot more flexibility in terms of what we put on there and how we present it. In overseas markets where the whole gamut of the BBC's linear broadcast isn't available then applying the on-demand model we have in the UK doesn’t make sense.

Whilst it won't happen overnight, our ambition is to present a timeless mix of classic and contemporary UK creativity, showcasing the best of British content from the 1950s to the present day. Vintage British creativity but fresh and for the future.

We want the global BBC iPlayer to imaginatively engage an on-demand audience with the best classic and contemporary British shows.

This version of the iPlayer will initially be a beta service available on Apple i-platforms, though other mobile and Internet-based access are expected to follow later. It was originally believed that the United States rather than Europe was the target for the initial roll-out, with the BBC's Director General, Mark Thompson, reporting in March that it would be offered as a monthly fee under the $10 mark; the European price is yet to be finalised, but is expected to be around €6-7 a month.