Lethbridge-Stewart: The HAVOC Files 2

Wednesday, 17 August 2016 - Reported by Chuck Foster

Candy Jar Books have announced the release of the second volume of The HAVOC Files, collecting the short stories released during the first half in 2016 originally released as digital downloads.

The collection included the following titles: In His Kiss by Sue Hampton, The Lock-In by Sarah Groenewegen BEM, The Black Eggs of Khufu by Tom Dexter, The Band of Evil by Roger J Simmonds & Shaun Russell, and The Playing Dead by Adrian Sherlock. As with the previous volume, The HAVOC Files 2 also includes new stories exclusive to the book, Ashes of the Inferno by Andy Frankham-Allen, and House of Giants by Rick Cross.

As the new titles might suggest, the stories are related to two of the Doctor's television adventures. Writer Andy Frankham-Allen says of his book:

As the title suggests this story is connected to the 1970 serial Inferno; indeed it begins the same day the Doctor returns from the alternative Earth. A lot of readers have asked how the expanding mythology of the Lethbridge-Stewart series fits into the UNIT era of Doctor Who, and this story goes a little way to explaining that. But it’s much more than just a response to readers’ questions, it’s a story about loss and coming to terms with losing everything that matters to you. A theme that I often come back to, and one that is even more poignant right now as only recently I lost a friend in very tragic accident. This story serves as something of a tribute to that young man, who was not only a friend but a huge Doctor Who fan, and the family he left behind, who are trying to cope with such a monumental loss.

The second brand new story picks up on a thread referenced in the most recent Lethbridge-Stewart novel, The Grandfather Infestation by John Peel, dealing with aftermath of the Doctor Who serial, Planet of Giants: Writer Rick Cross says:

Planet of Giants is a personal favourite of mine, an inventive and unexpected First Doctor experiment that has resonated in my mind since I first saw it, so it’s been fun writing a sort of coda to it. I'm thrilled and honoured to bring the Brigadier and Anne Travers onto the scene of this classic Doctor Who story, and can't wait for fellow fans to see what awaits them there.

Candy Jar’s Head of Publishing, Shaun Russell, comments on the newcomer to the range:

Rick was brought in by Andy, a result of successful networking on Facebook. We’ve been so impressed with Rick’s abilities as a writer that we thought it’d be nice to have him write us a short story while Andy works on his forthcoming novel.

That novel will be Times Squared, written before House of Giants. Cross says:

I'm actually quite pleased that House of Giants will arrive ahead of Times Squared. I hope it will serve as an appetizer of sorts to the entree to come, one that will introduce Lethbridge-Stewart readers to my particular Yankee style, borne of a lifelong obsession with Doctor Who, sci-fi films and Stephen King novels. Hopefully, they'll come away eager to explore the labyrinthine streets of late-‘60s New York City... and what lies beneath.

Two additional extras in the book include the original prologue from John Peel’s The Grandfather Infestation - which reveals why the Ymir brought their Grandfathers to Earth in the first place - and the unpublished interludes from The Showstoppers by Jonathan Cooper. Range editor Andy Frankham-Allen says:

I decided to remove the interludes from the novel because, in my opinion, they slowed the pace of the story down too much. However, the background on Schädengeist and Commander Shepstone was too good to simply consign to the rubbish bin, so it’s a great pleasure to make the interludes available as one short story.

As with the first volume, The HAVOC Files 2 will only be available as a strictly limited edition print run, and is can be pre-ordered directly from the Candy Jar Bookstore.

The next series of Lethbridge-Stewart begins in October with the release of Times Squared by Rick Cross, followed by Blood of Atlantis by Simon A Forward and Mind of Stone by Iain McLaughlin.

The whole collection is dedicated to the memory of Rhys Rubery, friend of the range editor and Doctor Who fan, a sixteen-year-old who lost his life in a tragic accident in July 2016. You can find out more about Rhys, and how to support the RR81 Legacy by going to this website.

FILTER: - Books - Candy Jar Books - Lethbridge-Stewart

Lethbridge-Stewart: The Playing Dead

Thursday, 21 July 2016 - Reported by Chuck Foster

This month sees the release of the Lethbridge-Stewart novel The Grandfather Infestation by John Peel, and Candy Jar Books have announced that this will be accompanied by the latest in their range of free digital-only stories, The Playing Dead, written by newcomer to the range, Adrian Sherlock:

Lieutenant Bishop has survived a dangerous mission in Australia and is looking forward to going home. But he wakes up to find the streets of Darwin are empty; he seems to be the last man on Earth. Until from the shadows come strange creatures. The dead are walking, and they want Bishop. But Bishop has more to worry about than just himself – where is Anne Travers?

Range Editor Andy Frankham-Allen said:

Adrian came to my attention via John - he’s one of the many new voices were encouraging through a short story initiative, although we kind of did it backwards with Adrian. A novel pitch (set in his native Australia) led to this short story.

Keeping with the experimental nature of the free short stories, The Playing Dead is the first story to focus on Bill Bishop, ever-popular adjutant to Lethbridge-Stewart. Adrian Sherlock said:

It's been a long held dream of mine to write a story about the classic era of Doctor Who, and the Lethbridge-Stewart series is a hugely exciting way to do that. It was also personally very exciting to write a story which harkens back to classics like The Twilight Zone and The Omega Man, but with a very Who-ish twist. I'm eternally grateful to Andy for the chance to push the brave but unsuspecting Bishop into a world of shadows and dangers.

I had a lot of fun getting into the mind of Bishop, a character created especially for this series. It’s telling that he is just as rounded and as interesting as Lethbridge-Stewart and Anne Travers. He is a worthy addition to the role-call of heroes we know and love from the classic era of Doctor Who. A joy to write for.

Although set within the current narrative of the book series, The Playing Dead moves the story forward a year. Shaun Russell, Head of Publishing, said:

It’s nice to dip in and out of Lethbridge-Stewart’s life with the short stories, and as we know where the characters will be in a year, namely Australia, we thought it would be fun to give a few hints to our readers.

Cover art is by Richard Young:

How could I say no to creating something a little different from my usual style? It’s always nice to show people your range. Different strokes for different folks. And, of course, a chance to turn the Brig into a zombie... What’s not to love?

The Grandfather Infestation is due out at the end of July, and all subscribers will receive the short story automatically, as will those who purchase any of the bundles for the 2016 series. More details can be found at the Candy Jar website, where readers can also receive a free download of the short story The Band of Evil.

FILTER: - Candy Jar Books - Lethbridge-Stewart - Online

The Two Doctors: David Tennant and Steven Moffat honoured

Tuesday, 5 July 2016 - Reported by Chuck Foster

David Tennant awarded an honorary doctorate by Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

Former television Doctor David Tennant today became a Doctor for real, as the actor received an honorary doctorate for drama from The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow.

The actor, who studied at the Conservatoire between 1988 and 1991 when it was called the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, said:

I'm honoured and rather humbled to be here - it's all quite overwhelming but lovely to be back. It evokes some very vivid memories. It was a very important time for me. I don't think I would have survived without my time here - for me it was essential. Three years of getting to practice in a safe environment. I was quite young, quite green, and I did a lot of growing up here and learned an enormous amount. They were very formative years that I look back on very fondly.

David Tennnant talks about receiving his honorary doctorate (via Daily Record)

As reported at the weekend, Doctor Who's lead writer Steven Moffat also received a doctorate today from the University of the West of Scotland.

News Sources: Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Daily Record, Radio Times

FILTER: - Awards/Nominations - David Tennant - Steven Moffat

Steven Moffat to receive honorary doctorate

Sunday, 3 July 2016 - Reported by Chuck Foster

Doctor Who's lead writer Steven Moffat is to receive an honorary doctorate from the University of the West of Scotland.

Professor Craig Mahoney, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS, said:

Steven is quite simply one of the country’s greatest screenwriters and through his work on both the small and big screen he has brought joy to millions of viewers worldwide.

He is a further example of success from our wonderful town of Paisley in a long line of truly successful people brought up in the town.

Steven is great role model for anyone, not just our students, and demonstrates that your path in life will be determined by your own passion for the things you believe in and that anyone can have success if they work hard.

Steven is a hugely deserving recipient of this Honorary Doctorate and we are delighted to honour him in his home town.

The graduation ceremony takes place at Thomas Coats Memorial Baptist Church in Moffat's home town of Paisley on Tuesday 5th July. The writer said:

It's always a joy to go home - but to go back to Paisley to receive a doctorate feels like I finally made it. I feel very honoured, and more importantly very happy.

News source: The Paisley Gazette

FILTER: - Awards/Nominations - Steven Moffat

Peter Capaldi nominated in TV Choice Awards

Saturday, 2 July 2016 - Reported by Chuck Foster

TV Choice Awards 2016 (Credit: TV Choice)

The nominations for this year's TV Choice Awards have been announced, and sees Doctor Who's Peter Capaldi nominated for Best Actor. He faces Tom Hiddleston (The Night Manager), Cillian Murphy (Peaky Blinders) and Jim Carter (Downton Abbey) for the award, which will be announced at the ceremony taking place at the Dorchester on Park Lane, London, on Monday 5th September.

Doctor Who itself is nominated for Best Family Drama, alongside Call The Midwife, Casualty and The Durrells, an award it won four years running between 2010 and 2013. The show also received an Outstanding Achievement Award in 2013 for its 50th Anniversary.

Voting for the awards can be made via the TV Choice website until 8th July.

FILTER: - Awards/Nominations - Doctor Who - Peter Capaldi

Lethbridge-Stewart: John Peel returns to the worlds of Doctor Who

Saturday, 2 July 2016 - Reported by Chuck Foster

Candy Jar Books have released details on the next book in their Lethbridge-Stewart range, The Grandfather Infestation, which has been written by long-term Target/Virgin/BBC Book author John Peel.

Lethbridge-Stewart: The Grandfather Infestation, by John Peel (Credit: Candy Jar Books)

Lethbridge-Stewart: The Grandfather Infestation
Written by John Peel, foreward by Simon Clark
Cover by Colin Howard
Published by Candy Jar Books, July 2016

The late 1960s and pirate radio is at its height.

Something stirs in the depths of the North Sea, and for Radio Crossbones that means bad news.

Lethbridge-Stewart and his newly assembled Fifth Operational Corps are called in to investigate after the pirate radio station is mysteriously taken off the air, and a nuclear submarine is lost with all hands.

John Peel has a long affiliation with Doctor Who prose fiction. In the late 1980s he was personally picked by Dalek creator Terry Nation to novelise the remaining 1960s Dalek serials, including the epic twelve-part story The Daleks’ Masterplan and Patrick Troughton’s debut, The Power of the Daleks. He was also the author chosen to launch the very first original Doctor Who prose novel, Timewrym: Genesys in 1991, and twenty-five years later he’s back!

John Peel says:

There's always been something rather special for me when I'm writing in the worlds of Doctor Who. When I wrote Timewyrm: Genesys twenty-five years ago, I was excited the entire time – I couldn't wait to get to work on the story each morning. And here I am, a quarter of a century later, and the same excitement is still there.

The Grandfather Infestation is inspired somewhat by the plant horror stories made popular by the likes of John Wyndham. Author Simon Clark, who wrote the official sequel to The Day of the Triffids, says:

Plants are on the march – at least in our imaginations, they are. Doctor Who embraced the theme in The Seeds of Death and The Seeds of Doom, and, no doubt, you can identify many more. And now John Peel gives us The Grandfather Infestation, a fantastically entertaining, and horrifying novel, which suggests that everything that’s green and grows from the earth might not be as harmless as we think.

Range Editor Andy Frankham-Allen says:

I’ve always been a huge fan of Wyndham’s work, and I knew I wanted something in a similar vein. I asked John to give us something Triffid-esque and he did exactly that. He’s created a nice blend of genres, mixing the best elements of storytelling that you’d find in the works of Robert Banks Stewart and Wyndham, giving it Peel’s own distinctive twist. And John is no stranger to twisting tales, make no mistake. He’s been writing prose fiction beyond Doctor Who continuously for over twenty-five years, and you don’t do that without being good.

Despite his long association with Doctor Who, this is the first time John Peel has written for the character of Lethbridge-Stewart:

Being allowed to create a new adventure for that stalwart character, Brigadier Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart was both an honour and a truly great pleasure. Even writing revisions didn't seem too much of a chore!

The Grandfather Infestation is now available for pre-order from the Candy Jar Books website, with discounted pre-order bundles and a new subscription deal for those wishing to get six books for the price of five.

FILTER: - Books - Candy Jar Books - Lethbridge-Stewart

Doctor Who earns LIMA award for Hot Topic

Sunday, 26 June 2016 - Reported by Chuck Foster

Hot Topic: TARDIS Dress (Credit: Hot Topic)

The latest International Licensing Awards have been held by the International Licensing Industry Merchandiser's Association, and American clothing/accessories store Hot Topic have won the Licensed Program: Retailer Award for their licensing programme for Doctor Who products, an award they previously won in 2014.

The company has produced a number of products within their license based on Doctor Who, including related coats and dresses, jogger bottoms, tee-shirts, and other apparel such as rings and necklaces. In late December they launched a new limited edition fashion collection of nine items which featured icons from the show, including the TARDIS, sonic screwdriver and Weeping Angels.

Hot Topic introduces Doctor Who Fashion Collection

FILTER: - Awards/Nominations - Clothing - Merchandise - USA

Peter Capaldi/Heaven Sent in ballot for an Emmy

Wednesday, 15 June 2016 - Reported by Chuck Foster

68th Emmys Awards (Credit: Television Academy)

The first round of ballots have been issued for this year's Television Academy's renowned Emmys Awards, and for the first time in its 53 year history Doctor Who has been represented as Peter Capaldi has been listed within the Best Drama Actor category for his performance as the Doctor!

There are some 109 names listed in the ballot for this award, including Hugh Bonneville who has been nominated twice before for Downton Abbey; other well-known personalities include Timothy Dalton, Tom Ellis, Michael Sheen, Damian Lewis, David Duchovny and Scott Bakula. The full list can be found on the Emmys website.

Gold Derby, Hollywood's award site, places the odds on Capaldi being nominated at 14/1.

Earlier this year Capaldi's performance was also acknowledged with a Hugo Award nomination for Heaven Sent, and the episode itself has also been entered into the ballot for Outstanding Writing For A Drama Series, up against some 247 other drama productions - the full list is here. The episode's director, Rachel Tallalay said via her Tumblr account: "This is the first year DW is eligible of Emmy’s due to a change in the way it is financed."

Registered members of the Television Academy are able to cast their ballots over which entries will go through to the formal nominations on 14th July, with the Emmys ceremony itself taking place on 18th September at 5pm (Pacific Time) on ABC.

FILTER: - Awards/Nominations - Doctor Who - Peter Capaldi

Lethbridge-Stewart: The Showstoppers

Saturday, 11 June 2016 - Reported by Chuck Foster

Candy Jar Books have released released further information about the second Lethbridge-Stewart release of 2016, The Showstoppers by Jonathan Cooper:

Lethbridge-Stewart: The Showstoppers (Credit: Candy-Jar Books)

LETHBRIDGE-STEWART’S LIFE WILL CHANGE FOREVER!

As well as introducing a new writer to the range, The Showstoppers plays out a major turning point in Lethbridge-Stewart’s life, as he is rewarded for all his hard work since the Doctor Who serial, The Web of Fear.

Range editor, Andy Frankham-Allen, says:

It’s something we’ve been working towards – a pivotal Lethbridge-Stewart moment.

Author, Jonathan Cooper, agrees:

It’s genuinely a massive honour to be given this responsibility; to dramatise the events leading up to something that most fans would certainly like to see. I wish I could say what it is, but that would ruin what’s going to be a big surprise.

The Showstoppers taps into the booming television industry of the 1960s, in particular the popular super-spy thrillers such as The Saint, Danger Man and The Avengers, blending it with more than a hint of the b-movies of the 1950s, all revolving around a secret Nazi plan left over from World War II.

Jonathan Cooper continues:

It was initially inspired by the film Dr Strangelove. At the pitching stage we even had Strangelove as the primary villain, along with a neat little twist to tie the Kubrick film into the world of Lethbridge-Stewart. But we soon moved beyond that, which gave the book a wider scope and allowed me to have a lot more fun with it. There’s still a couple of sly references in there though – including one bit towards the end that I hope readers are going to find
particularly chilling.

The book also features an introduction by David George, son of Dr Strangelove writer Peter George, focusing on the conspiracy theories that tie Dr Strangelove to the Kennedy assassination.

A fourth lead character of the range is also introduced in this novel. Head of Publishing, Shaun Russell, says:

From day one it has always been our intent to build up something of an ensemble cast of characters, with four main characters leading the way. That started with our licensed characters, Lethbridge-Stewart and Anne Travers, complimented by our very own Corporal William Bishop, who first appeared in our initial release, The Forgotten Son. Now we’re very pleased to introduce Samson Ware to our readers. A very different character to any seen in the range before, and someone quite unique for a series set in the late-‘60s, early-‘70s, a man of Bajan origin.

Jonathan Cooper is no stranger to Doctor Who, having once served as Doctor Who correspondent for The Mirror and The Independent online papers. He has previously written two novels for Space: 1889 series, co-writing one with Lethbridge-Stewart range editor, Andy Frankham-Allen.

Andy Frankham-Allen says:

Jon first came to my attention back in 2007 when I was running the eZine, Pantechnicon. He submitted one of the best short stories I have ever read, and ever since then I have tried to give him as much work as possible. The world can never have too much of Jon’s writing. His sense of humour, and great instinct for twisting a tale on its head, has always been a hallmark of his writing, and it’s this skill that he brings to Lethbridge-Stewart.

The Showstoppers is now available to pre-order from Candy Jar Books, and those who do so will also receive the free digital-only short story, The Band of Evil, by Roger J Hammond and Shaun Russell.

FILTER: - Books - Candy Jar Books - Lethbridge-Stewart - Merchandise

Dame Harriet Jones MP

Saturday, 11 June 2016 - Reported by Marcus

Actress Penelope Wilton has been created a Dame in the 2016 Queen's Birthday honours list.

Wilton played Harriet Jones, MP for Flydale North, and sometime Prime Minister, in four episodes of Doctor Who. She is best known for playing Isobel Crawley in the ITV period drama, Downton Abbey and for playing Ann Bryce in the 1980's situation comedy Ever Decreasing Circles.

Wilton has had a long career on the stage and screen receiving six Olivier Award nominations for West End appearances. Her film roles include parts in The French Lieutenant's Woman, Cry Freedom, Iris, Calendar Girls, Shaun of the Dead, Pride and Prejudice, Woody Allen's Match Point and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.

Wilton is made a Dame Commander Of The Order Of The British Empire in the honours list, which is published today to mark the official 90th birthday of the monarch.

The citation reads

Penelope Wilton is one of Britain’s most popular and sought-after actresses, whose career has spanned acclaimed performances on stage, screen and television. A household name for her comedic performances starting with 1980s sitcom Ever Decreasing Circles, she has subsequently starred in a diverse range of roles in works including Five Days, Half Broken Things and The Passion for television and Calendar Girls and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel on film. Her celebrated stage work is varied and she has won numerous awards including Critics Circle Awards for Much Ado About Nothing (1981) and The Deep Blue Sea (1993); an Evening Standard Theatre Award for The Chalk Garden (2008); and a Best Actress Olivier for Taken at Midnight (2015)

Also honoured is actor Brian Blessed who is made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the Arts and charity, and Janet Ellis who is made a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to charity and broadcasting.

The awards are made by Queen Elizabeth on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.

FILTER: - Awards/Nominations - People

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