Dalek 'Dave' Up for Auction

Wednesday, 5 August 2015 - Reported by Marcus
Doctor Who An Adventure in Space and Time /  Dalek DaveDoctor Who An Adventure in Space and Time /  Dalek DaveOne of the Dalek props, used in the 2013 drama based on the creation of Doctor Who, An Adventure In Space And Time, it to go up for auction next month.

The Prop Store Entertainment Memorabilia live auction, will be held on the 23rd of September at the BFI IMAX in London. A free preview exhibition will also take place in the run up to the auction, opening on the 9th September to the public and showcasing over 250 pieces of the collection on offer.

The Dalek, which has a guide price of £4,000 - £6,000, was based on the original Dalek design by Raymond Cusick, first seen in 1963. Also up for auction is a shooting script from the docu-drama.

Other sci-fi items in the auction include Leonard Nimoy’s Spock Costume from Star Trek, a Stormtrooper Helmet from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes back and Christopher Reeve’s Superman Tunic. Two of the least expensive lots in the sale are a helmet worn by the Knights of the Round Table from Monty Python and the Holy Grail estimated at £200 - £300, and a lot of Quad Posters from Blade Runner’s original 1982 release, estimated to sell for £200.

Prospective bidders can register for the auction now by visiting the auction website.




FILTER: - WHO50 - Auctions

The Magician's Apprentice - New Image Released

Tuesday, 4 August 2015 - Reported by Marcus
The BBC has released a new 'iconic' image from the first episode of the new series of Doctor Who, The Magician's Apprentice:

The Magician's Apprentice (Credit: BBC / David Venni)


The series returns on Saturday 19th September.




FILTER: - Series 9/35

Doctor Who Adventures - Issue 5

Monday, 3 August 2015 - Reported by Marcus
Doctor Who Adventures 5 (Credit: Panini)Doctor Who Adventures 5 (Credit: Panini)The fifth edition of the new version of Doctor Who Adventures is released on the 13th August

In the issue
  • TRUST
    The Doctor takes Clara back to the liberation of Paris in World War Two for the biggest party the party capital of the world has ever seen, but things soon go awry when the deadly Darapok Empire try to take over the war weary city. Take a summer trip to Paris in 1944 in TRUST written by Jason Quinn, illustrated by Russ Leach and coloured by John Burns, it’s going to be a party you will never forget!
  • THE FEAR FACTOR
    Do the Weeping Angels make you weep with terror, or do Scarecrows have you screaming for mercy? Or will you run howling from the Autons and the Racnoss? Find out which of the Doctor’s enemies would be most effective against you in battle in this issue’s Fear Factor quiz.
  • VORTEX MANIPULATOR
    Clara takes you into the TARDIS Craft Studio and shows you how to create your own mini-vortex in the safety of your home…
  • UNIT ALIEN ARCHIVES
    The best way to survive an alien attack is to know all about your enemies and we’re giving you access to the UNIT Archive on the Weeping Angels, so you’ll know what to do if they come hunting for you.
  • STRAX’S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY
    This month, Strax shows you the delights you can expect to find on Karn, Krop Tor, and Midnight before whisking you away to the end of the universe to meet Futurekind on Malcassairo.
  • TIME LORDS AT WAR
    They’ve faced off against each other many times before but who really has the edge? Who do you think would win the final showdown – the Doctor or Missy?
  • IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE
    Get ready for an awesome adventure in this cool board game, where you get to be either the Doctor or Missy as you try to escape from the Weeping Angels and make your way to the safety of the TARDIS.
  • THE PATERNOSTER GANG INVESTIGATES
    It’s back to Victorian London where Madame Vastra, Jenny Flint and Strax are employed by the Prime Minister to protect the inventor of… a time machine? As they find themselves targeted by enemy agents, Vastra asks herself, are humans ready for time travel?
Issue 5 comes with a Free Dalek notepad and pencils and special make your own Doctor Who scene stickers. On sale 13th August 2015, price £3.99




FILTER: - DWA

Gallifrey may be found on Charon

Thursday, 30 July 2015 - Reported by Chuck Foster
NASA have released plans for the naming of areas of Pluto's moon Charon, based upon the International Astronomical Union's recommendations that these would relate to "destinations and milestones of fictional space and other exploration; fictional and mythological vessels of space and other exploration; fictional and mythological voyagers, travellers and explorers."

This has led to proposals of names from a number of sci-fi shows including Doctor Who, which sees a large crater on the surface named "Gallifrey Macula", with a nearby rift named "TARDIS Chasma". Star Trek is honoured with a plain named the "Vulcan Planum", containing craters such as "Spock" and "Sulu" and mons like "Kirk" and "Uhura" - there are also features named after Star Wars characters, and also sci-fi writers/directors such as Arthur C Clarke and Stanley Kubrick (2001: A Space Odyssey).

Doctor Who related names on Charon (Credit: NASA)
Image: NASA

The names are to be submitted to the IAU for final approval.




FILTER: - Miscellaneous

Peter Capaldi In Conversation (The Civic, Auckland, November 2015)

Thursday, 30 July 2015 - Reported by Chuck Foster
There are still tickets available to see Peter Capaldi live in conversation at The Civic, Auckland, New Zealand, taking place on the 24th November 2015.

Peter Capaldi in Conversation (Credit: The Civic, Auckland)Peter Capaldi in Conversation
The Civic, Auckland, 24th November 2015 at 7:30pm

Peter Capaldi in Conversation is a special one-time-only Doctor Who event, hosted by Adam Spencer, in which Peter will reveal how he approaches the role of the Doctor, with footage and stories from behind the scenes of the world’s longest running sci-fi television series.

He’ll take questions from the audience and give them an insight into what life is like inside the TARDIS. As well as discussing the unique perspective he brings to the role of the Doctor, a style that is direct, humorous and increasingly vulnerable, Peter will also share some of the adventures he’s had both in his role as the Doctor and throughout his career.

This will be the first time ever a current Doctor has visited New Zealand and, with a limited number of seats available, fans are advised to purchase their tickets early to avoid missing out.

Peter Capaldi in Conversation takes place at the Civic Theatre, Auckland for one night only on Tuesday 24 November 2015.




FILTER: - New Zealand - Peter Capaldi - Special Events

3D Cinema Event for the US

Wednesday, 29 July 2015 - Reported by Marcus
Doctor Who fans in the United States will get a chance to relive the climax of series 8 with a special 3D screening, in selected movie theatres, of last year's two part finale, Dark Water / Death in Heaven.

The event, organised by BBC Worldwide North America and Fathom Events will see the return of Doctor Who to the big screen for just two nights in a special theatrical event. In the two-part finale, the Doctor comes face-to-face with the mysterious Missy, and an impossible choice looms. With Cybermen on the streets of London, old friends unite against old enemies, and the Doctor takes to the air in a startling new role.

Doctor Who: Dark Water/Death in Heaven, will be presented in RealD™ 3D and Dolby Atmos sound (where available) on September 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. (local time), just before the launch of Series Nine on BBC America the following Saturday.

The event will feature The Doctor’s Meditation — a special prequel scene to the first episode of Season 9 — and an exclusive interview with Doctor Who stars Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman, hosted by Wil Wheaton (Big Bang Theory, Star Trek: Nemesis).

At present there are no plans for the event to be screened in UK Cinemas. BBC Worldwide told Sci-Fi Bulletin
Due to the number of events taking place for Doctor Who this year including the Symphonic Spectacular and the Doctor Who Festival, we decided against showing the episodes in UK cinema.
It is expected that the two episodes will be released on Blu-ray in 3D at the end of September.

Tickets for Doctor Who: Dark Water/Death in Heaven in 3D can be purchased online starting Friday, July 31 by visiting FathomEvents.com, or participating theatre box offices. The event will be shown throughout the U.S. in approximately 700 movie theatres through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network.




FILTER: - Series 8/34 - Special Events - USA

Doctor Who Comic Previews

Wednesday, 29 July 2015 - Reported by Marcus
This Wednesday sees the release of three Doctor Who comics, featuring the Ninth, Tenth and Twelfth Doctors.

The Ninth Doctor, Jack and Rose are caught between a heavily-armed intergalactic standoff, while The Tenth and Twelfth Doctors are Earthbound, Stateside. The Tenth Doctor is challenged with protecting New York city from an ominous looming pyramid and the Twelfth Doctor and Clara take on a toxic mix of mobsters and invading aliens in 60's Vegas!
Doctor Who: Ninth Doctor #3

Writer: Cavan Scott - Artist: Blair Shedd

The hotly-anticipated Weapons of Past Destruction continues, as the Doctor, Rose and Jack are trapped in an alien bazaar, caught in a heavily-armed standoff between the overpowered Unon and the Lect – as the nearby star threatens to go supernova!
Doctor Who: Ninth Doctor #3 (Credit: Titan)Doctor Who: Ninth Doctor #3 (Credit: Titan)Doctor Who: Ninth Doctor #3 (Credit: Titan)Doctor Who: Ninth Doctor #3 (Credit: Titan)Doctor Who: Ninth Doctor #3 (Credit: Titan)
Doctor Who: Tenth Doctor #13

Writer: Nick Abadzis - Artist: Elena Casagrande

Eisner award-winning writer Nick Abadzis (Laika) and fan-favorite Elena Casagrande (Suicide Risk) race the Tenth Doctor and Gabby towards the conclusion of Year One!

A terrifying pyramid has appeared in the skies above New York City, and it’s here to claim an ancient secret – buried in the body of a very-much alive movie star!

As the Doctor attempts to unravel the conflict, Gabby and Cindy’s friendship is stretched to breaking point. Has Gabby changed too much in her short time away – or has she changed just enough to save the day?!
Doctor Who: Tenth Doctor #13 (Credit: Titan)Doctor Who: Tenth Doctor #13 (Credit: Titan)Doctor Who: Tenth Doctor #13 (Credit: Titan)Doctor Who: Tenth Doctor #13 (Credit: Titan)Doctor Who: Tenth Doctor #13 (Credit: Titan)
Doctor Who: Twelfth Doctor #10

Writer: Robbie Morrison - Artist: Brian Williamson

Thrillingly explosive action on the '60s Las Vegas strip as the Doctor and Clara battle the mob AND an alien invasion force!

• The Doctor gambles with humanity – with the highest stakes and the longest odds!

• Has his morality been compromised – or has Clara's?!

• Sharp fashions, sharp minds – sharper weapons!
Doctor Who: Twelfth Doctor #10 (Credit: Titan)Doctor Who: Twelfth Doctor #10 (Credit: Titan)Doctor Who: Twelfth Doctor #10 (Credit: Titan)Doctor Who: Twelfth Doctor #10 (Credit: Titan)Doctor Who: Twelfth Doctor #10 (Credit: Titan)




FILTER: - Comics - Ninth Doctor - Tenth Doctor - Twelfth Doctor

Robin Phillips 1942-2015

Monday, 27 July 2015 - Reported by Marcus

The actor and director Robin Phillips has died at the age of 73.

Robin Phillips played Altos in five episodes of the 1964 story The Keys of Marinus, accompanying the Doctor and his companions in their quest for the Conscience's keys.

Phillips was born in Haslemere, in 1942. He studied acting at the Bristol Old Vic and went on to appear in many well known TV series including Compact, The Forsyte Saga, The Avengers and The Saint. In 1969 he played the title character in the star studded TV version of Charles Dickens' David Copperfield.

In 1975 he was hired as artistic director at the Stratford Festival in Canada. He spent six seasons directing many productions starring such actors as Maggie Smith, Richard Monette, Martha Henry, and Brian Bedford, directing 40 productions. He made Canada his home, becoming a Canadian citizen and developing a wide-ranging career in the country, including a period as artistic director at The Grand Theatre in London, Ontario, and as director general of Edmonton's Citadel Theatre.

Phillips's directing credits included a London production of Long Day's Journey into Night starring Jessica Lange, the Broadway musical Jekyll and Hyde, and a Canadian Opera Company performance of The Marriage of Figaro.

In 1983 he was given an honorary degree by the University of Western Ontario and was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2005. He was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at The Governor General's Performing Arts Awards in 2010.

Robin Phillips died peacefully at his Stratford home, after a prolonged illness. He is survived by his long-time partner Joe Mandel.




FILTER: - Classic Series - Obituary

BARB to measure Online Viewing from September

Monday, 27 July 2015 - Reported by Marcus
The Broadcasters' Audience Research Board, BARB, is, for the first time, to release official figures showing the level of UK viewing through on-demand and live-streamed content through online TV Player apps.

BARB provides the official ratings for the UK TV Industry. The final figures currently reflect those who watch live or on catch up within one week of broadcast. They do not include those watching on their computers via the iPlayer. The BBC's own research, Live +7, shows up to 10% of the audience for Doctor Who currently watches online and is not counted in the official figures.

The first BARB TV Player Report will to be released in September and will be the first set of BARB data to focus on viewing that takes place on computer devices such as laptops, desktops, tablets and smartphones. It will report on viewing activity at a device level, rather than a person level, and rely on data that is generated from software code that has been developed by Kantar Media and implemented by broadcasters.

This solution is one of the most advanced audience measurement systems for online TV viewing in the world. The data will be an important building block for the delivery of Project Dovetail, the hybrid measurement system that will that is intended to deliver full cross-platform reporting of audiences.

Justin Sampson, Chief Executive at BARB, said:
We're excited to be introducing our customers to the TV Player Report. It's a significant innovation from BARB and the result of close collaboration with broadcasters. At its heart is the generation of a census-level dataset that will provide our customers with a gold standard measure of online TV viewing.




FILTER: - Ratings - UK

Mark Gatiss Joins Sydney Festival Lineup

Friday, 24 July 2015 - Reported by Marcus
Mark Gatiss has joined the team appearing at the Austrailan version of the Doctor Who Festival taking place this November.

The actor and writer will join current Doctor Peter Capaldi and writer and executive producer Steven Moffat at the Festival in Sydney on the 21st & 22nd November. At the event Gatiss will host a special writers’ master class, where fans will be given the opportunity to ask questions about how a Doctor Who script is crafted, as well as hearing the techniques behind the art of dramatic scriptwriting and how to get work published.

The BAFTA award-winning Real SFX team, led by Danny Hargreaves, will also be appearing, offering festival attendees the chance to witness first hand some of the spectacular effects seen in Doctor Who such as explosions and fireballs, elemental and atmospheric effects, mechanical rigs and pyrotechnics. Interactive sections of the demonstration will also offer audiences the chance to participate in the action.

Mark Gatiss, like Steven Moffat, is one of the few writers to have written for all four Doctors in the modern revival of Doctor Who (Christopher Eccleston, David Tennant, Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi). Gatiss was also the writer and executive producer of An Adventure in Space and Time, a 90-minute dramatisation of the genesis of the series.

Gatiss is the co-creator and executive producer of Sherlock, which he stars in as Sherlock’s brother Mycroft Holmes. Audiences will also recognise him from his recent acting roles as Stephen Gardiner in the critically acclaimed Wolf Hall and as Tycho Nestoris in Game of Thrones. He was also part of the comedy troupe The League of Gentlemen, where he both wrote and appeared on screen.

Mark Gatiss says:
Watching Doctor Who as a child made me want to become a writer and actor - I used to jot down ideas in my school exercise book. Doing it for real for the past ten years and four Doctors is a dream come true. At the Doctor Who Festival you can come and hear the stories behind my stories.
Along with Mark Gatiss and the special effects team, festival attendees will be given the opportunity to show off their best Doctor Who-themed outfits with a Cosplayers’ Showcase. A Doctor Who expert will judge the costumes, with a special prize awarded to the best-dressed fan.

Fans can also test their knowledge in two separate quizzes, with the chance to win an array of prizes. The fan challenge offers fans of all ages a chance to test their knowledge of the series, whilst the Doctor Who Quiz provides the ultimate challenge, with in-depth questions on the Doctor, his adversaries and the many adventures he’s had through space and time.

To date the festival includes the following, with more talent and activities to be announced shortly:
  • Q&AS -see the writers and cast from the series as they talk about how to make an idea become reality on a series as big and bold as Doctor Who.
  • PHOTO AND AUTOGRAPH OPPORTUNITIES – A limited number of opportunities for photos and autographs with selected talent.
  • WRITERS’ MASTERCLASS – ask Mark Gatiss how a Doctor Who script is crafted and discover the techniques behind the art of dramatic scriptwriting and how to get work published.
  • SFX DISPLAY - witness first-hand some of the spectacular effects seen in the series such as explosions and fireballs, elemental and atmospheric effects, mechanical rigs and pyrotechnics.
  • WARDROBE DEPARTMENT – a fantastic exhibition of costumes and props.
  • COSPLAYERS’ SHOWCASE- fans can showcase their impressive Doctor Who-themed outfits with a special prize awarded to the best dressed.
  • DOCTOR WHO QUIZ – this is the ultimate Doctor Who quiz, where fans can show off their in-depth knowledge of the Doctor, his adversaries and the many adventures he’s had through space and time.
  • THE FAN CHALLENGE - Fans young and old can battle it out and test their Doctor Who knowledge.
The Doctor Who Festival will be held at the Hordern Pavilion and the Royal Hall of Industries on the 21st and 22nd November. Tickets can be purchased at Ticketek




FILTER: - Australia - Special Events