Big Finish - The First Doctor Companion Chronicles Box Set

Saturday, 18 April 2015 - Reported by Marcus
Credit: Big FinishBig Finish has revealed the story details and writers for June's Doctor Who - The First Doctor Companion Chronicles Box Set...

The set stars original series companions Carole Ann Ford, Maureen O'Brien and Peter Purves, performing stories set within and beyond the adventures of the First Doctor (as portrayed by William Hartnell).

The Sleeping Blood by Martin DayWhen the Doctor falls ill, Susan is forced to leave the safety of the TARDIS behind. Exploring a disused research centre in search of medical supplies, she becomes embroiled in the deadly plans of a terrorist holding an entire world to ransom – and the soldier sent to stop him.

The Unwinding World by Ian PotterOffice life is tough, the commute is a grind, nothing works quite as well as you'd like. Vicki seems to remember things being better once, before the little flat. It’s time she put some excitement back in her life. It’s just a shame the Doctor can’t help.

The Founding Fathers by Simon GuerrierThe TARDIS lands in Leicester Square in the summer of 1762. When the Doctor, Steven and Vicki find themselves locked out of the TARDIS, only one man can possibly help them. But the American, Benjamin Franklin, has problems of his own...

The Locked Room by Simon GuerrierSteven Taylor left the Doctor and the TARDIS to become king of an alien world. But it's now many years since he gave up the throne and went to live in a cell in the mountains, out of sight of his people. He's not escaping his past – quite the opposite, in fact. As his granddaughter, Sida, is about to discover...
Doctor Who - The First Doctor Companion Chronicles Box Set is released in June on CD and Download, and until July 1st is at a pre-order price of £20 on CD and £15 on Download.




FILTER: - Big Finish

Series 8 Soundtrack release

Friday, 17 April 2015 - Reported by Harry Ward
Silva Screen have revealed details of the soundtrack release for Series 8 and Last Christmas, which will be released on 18th of May 2015.
Doctor Who: Series 8 (Credit: Silva Screen)
Doctor Who: Series 8 will be the first soundtrack release of music from the twelfth Doctor Who, Peter Capaldi, featuring the new Doctor’s theme A Good Man? (Twelve’s Theme). This 3 disc set also includes the music from the episode Last Christmas and an extensive 24 page booklet with notes from Murray Gold. The score is performed by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Murray Gold (computer instruments, guitars and synths) and conducted by Ben Foster and James Shearman. The first 5000 copies of the CD will include an extra 16 page booklet depicting the 13 Radio Times posters, one for each episode. All pre-ordered product on this store will include the extra booklet.

Updated 22 April: Full track list is now available

Track Listing

Series 8 and Last Christmas
Release Date: 18th May 2015

DISC ONE
  1. Doctor Who Theme (Series 8)
  2. A Good Man? (Twelve’s Theme)
  3. Deep Breath
  4. Something It Ate
  5. Concussed
  6. It’s Still Him
  7. Pudding Brains
  8. Breath
  9. Hello Hello
  10. A Drink First
  11. Missy’s Theme
  12. Into The Dalek
  13. Aristotle, We Have Been Hit
  14. We’re Still Going To Kill You
  15. Tell Me, Am I A Good Man?
  16. What Difference A Good Dalek?
  17. The Truth About The Daleks
  18. Robot Of Sherwood
  19. Old Fashioned Hero
  20. This Is My Spoon
  21. Robert, Earl of Loxley
  22. The Legend of Robin Hood
  23. Robin of Sherwood
  24. The Golden Arrow
  25. Listen
  26. Listen
  27. Rupert Pink
  28. Fear

DISC TWO
    Time Heist
  1. The Architect
  2. Rob The Bank
  3. Account Closed
  4. Open Up
  5. The Caretaker
  6. The Caretaker
  7. Kill The Moon
  8. Are You Going To Shoot Me?
  9. When I Say Run
  10. That Is The Moon
  11. Mummy On The Orient Express
  12. Start The Clock
  13. There’s That Smile
  14. The Sarcophagus Opens
  15. The Artefact
  16. Study Our Own Demise
  17. Flatline
  18. Not Knowing
  19. Siege Mode
  20. In The Forest Of The Night
  21. We Weren’t Asleep That Long
  22. Forgetting
  23. The Song of Danny and Clara
  24. Dark Water
  25. Throw Away The Key
  26. Browsing
  27. They Walk Among Us
  28. Death In Heaven
  29. There is No Clara Oswald
  30. Missy And Her Boys
  31. A Good Man, An Incredible Liar
  32. Freefall
  33. I Need To Know
  34. Missy's Theme - Extended
  35. Missy's Gift
  36. (The Majestic Tale of) An Idiot With a Box

DISC THREE
    Last Christmas
  1. 3 Perfectly Ordinary Roof People
  2. Do You Really Believe In Santa?
  3. Unsealing the Infirmary
  4. Ghosts
  5. What Seems to be the Problem?
  6. We Don’t Know What’s Real
  7. Thinking About It
  8. Clara’s Dream Christmas
  9. The Doctor’s Dream Christmas
  10. Dreams Within Dreams
  11. Believe in Santa
  12. Sleigh Ride
  13. A Reunion
  14. Every Christmas is Last Christmas
Doctor Who Series 8 Soundtrack (Pack Shot) (Credit: Silva Screen)

The soundtrack is available to pre-order now.




FILTER: - Murray Gold - Music - Series 8/34

Wikileaks Reveal Doctor Who Film as Part of 8 Year Plan

Friday, 17 April 2015 - Reported by Marcus
The latest documents released by WikiLeaks reveal the desire of Sony and BBC Worldwide to make a Doctor Who movie.

Wikileaks has just published thousands of emails and documents that it obtained following a cyber-attack on Sony Pictures Entertainment last year. Included in the release are discussions between Sony executives about working with BBC Worldwide to produce a Doctor Who movie.

In an email to Sony Pictures Entertainment chief executive Michael Lynton, sent in January 2014, Sony's president of international production Andrea Wong said although the BBC were interested in the project it was the wrong time to push it. She said she had had discussions with Danny Cohen, the Director of BBC Television.
Just spoke to Danny Cohen re Dr Who. He said that while there has been tremendous interest (and pressure from BBCWW) to do a Dr Who film, the show runners feel very clear that they don’t want to do one at this moment. That said, over the course of the coming months, the show running team is coming up with an 8 year timeline for the brand – laying out all that will happen with it. He says that a film will certainly be a part of that timeline. So the answer is that a film won’t happen in the next year to 18 months, but it is expected that it will happen after that within the 8 year horizon. He expects the plan to be laid out by the end of the year...
Lynton asked if it would help if he met the showrunners when he visited the UK in March, but Wong advised him against the meeting.
Spoke to Danny and he doesn’t think it makes sense right now and actually might hurt our cause. He said that the creative team on the show have been having the movie conversation with BBC Worldwide in recent weeks and are very hot under the collar that their position on it is not being listened to or accepted....
Neither Sony or the BBC have responded to the specific leak. Sony has strongly condemned the release of material by Wikileaks saying "We vehemently disagree with WikiLeaks' assertion that this material belongs in the public domain."




FILTER: - Doctor Who

DWM Special: The Art of Doctor Who

Thursday, 16 April 2015 - Reported by Chuck Foster
The Art Of Doctor Who (Credit: DWM)Doctor Who Magazine Special: The Art of Doctor Who

The characters and scenarios from Doctor Who have been inspiring artists since 1963. The latest special edition of Doctor Who Magazine celebrates the best of their contributions to both the programme and the vast range of licensed products that rely on their skill.

“This is how the story of Doctor Who unfolded in the eyes of the artists who interpreted, shaped and represented the show,” says editor Marcus Hearn. “In fact, the story begins before the first episode was even transmitted – we have articles examining the creation of the Doctor Who logo and the filming of the original title sequence.”

This 100-page Special is packed full of stunning reproductions of original artwork from the Dalek annuals, the Doctor Who annuals, Doctor Who Weekly, the DVD range, the Radio Times, Target Books, TV Century 21, the VHS releases and more.

Other highlights include:
  • Articles covering the history of graphic design and illustration in Doctor Who, from the early 1960s to the present day.
  • Award-winning graphic designer Bernard Lodge explains how he created the series’ first four title sequences.
  • Concept artists Peter McKinstry and Matt Savage share their portfolios from 21st-century Doctor Who.
  • Interviews with Target Books artists Chris Achilleos, Jeff Cummins, Bill Donohoe, Roy Knipe, Tony Manero, Andrew Skilleter and Nick Spender.
  • Interviews with comics artists including Mike Collins, Martin Geraghty, Dave Gibbons, Richard Piers Rayner, John Ridgway, Nick Roche, John Ross, Adrian Salmon, Lee Sullivan and Alice Zhang.
  • Interviews with VHS and DVD cover artists Lee Binding, Colin Howard and Alister Pearson.

Doctor Who Magazine Special Edition: The Art of Doctor Who is available now.




FILTER: - DWM

Doctor Who Coming to DisneyXD

Wednesday, 15 April 2015 - Reported by Marcus
The exploits of the Tenth Doctor are coming to Disney XD in North America, from Saturday, May 9.

Disney XD, which is home to top-rated action adventure programming including Lucasfilm's Star Wars Rebels and Marvel Television's animated series, has picked up Doctor Who Series 2 to 4, starring David Tennant as the Doctor.

The series will begin st 9:00 p.m., ET/PT with a preview airing of New Earth following the Disney XD premiere of Fantastic Four. In "New Earth," the Doctor and Rose board the TARDIS for new adventures in time and space. But when they visit mankind’s new home, far in the future, they find gruesome secrets hidden inside a luxury hospital. And an enemy thought long since dead, the paper-thin Cassandra, is out for revenge.

Season Two, "Adventures in time and space," will continue to rollout on Disney XD beginning Saturday, June 13. The special week-long programming event will give fans eight episodes airing daily Saturday, June 13 through Saturday, June 20. Beginning June 14, episodes will also be available on the WATCH Disney XD app, which allows consumers to watch on tablets, phones, computers and connected TVs.

Marc Buhaj, Senior Vice President, Programming and General Manager, Disney XD said,
It has been a pleasure working with BBC and we are thrilled that their hallmark drama series 'Doctor Who' is joining the Disney XD programming line-up. This iconic series features the high-quality, high-stakes action and adventure storytelling that our viewers love. The show headlines one of the most charismatic lead characters in television in the form of the Doctor and showcases a compelling rogues' gallery of villains from around the universe.
Matt Forde, EVP Sales & Co-productions, TV, BBC Worldwide North America added
Disney XD is recognized for its family-friendly programming making the channel a great partner to introduce the David Tennant seasons of 'Doctor Who' to a new generation of viewers.




FILTER: - Broadcasting - Series 2/28 - Series 3/29 - Series 4/30 - USA

The Big Care Sign-Up 2015

Tuesday, 14 April 2015 - Reported by Harry Ward
This Sunday (19 April) will see The Big Care Sign-Up host an event to raise money for The Carers Centre, a charity based in LeicesterShire. As part of events there will be an auction of celebrity and entertainment memorabilia, including autographs from all 13 actors to have played the Doctor. Guests from Doctor Who will be John Levene (Sergeant Benton) and Matthew Dale (Big John, Robot Of Sherwood).

  • Album page signed by William Hartnell (First Doctor) and dedicated to Sylvia. Actress Wanda Hendrix has signed on the reverse.
  • Album page, signed by Patrick Troughton (Second Doctor), “Best wishes, Patrick Troughton”.
  • Vintage programme for the show "Lets Make a Night of It" at the Pier Pavilion in Worthing, signed on the first page by Jon Pertwee (Third Doctor). Good condition.
  • 10” x 8” full colour photo of the Fourth Doctor and Daleks signed by Tom Baker (Fourth Doctor). Good condition.
  • Full colour photo of signed by Peter Davison (Fifth Doctor) and dedicated to Brenda, “To Brenda, With best wishes, Peter Davison”.
  • Doctor Who 50th Anniversary First Day Cover, signed by Colin Baker (Sixth Doctor), Bernard Cribbins (Wilfred Mott) and Katy Manning (Jo Grant)
  • Poster of The Witch Prime from The Minister of Chance, signed by Sylvester McCoy (Seventh Doctor and The Witch Prime)
  • Poster artwork signed by Paul McGann (Eighth Doctor)
  • British Legion Poppy Appeal Cover, signed by Sir John Hurt (War Doctor).
  • Full colour signed photo of Christopher Eccleston (Ninth Doctor).
  • Full colour signed photo of the Tenth Doctor, signed by David Tennant (Tenth Doctor). This autograph was signed in person at London BFI Doctor Who at 50 Season on Sunday 29th September 2013.
  • London Art programme signed by Matt Smith (Eleventh Doctor) and Jenna Coleman (as Jenna-Louise Coleman) (Clara Oswald) during the filming of The Day of The Doctor in Trafalgar Square. Unique sketches and doodles by Pete Worrall.
  • Full colour photo taken at time of Peter Capaldi’s reveal as the Twelfth Doctor, signed and dated with the words “All the Best from Peter Capaldi, 23 Nov 2013 50 Years of Dr. Who!!”, the day of its 50th Anniversary. The celebratory episode, The Day of The Doctor, also marked Capaldi’s brief first appearance in the role.
The full list of items up for auction and how to submit a bid can be found on The Big Care Sign-Up website.




FILTER: - Auctions - Charities - Conventions

Doctor Update

Monday, 13 April 2015 - Reported by Marcus
Gypsy Recording
Peter Davison, who celebrates his 64th birthday today, is currently appearing in London's West End in the revival of the Musical Gypsy.

Davison plays Herbie in the show, which is based upon the memoirs of the stripper Gypsy Rose Lee, and which is currently previewing at London's Savoy Theatre. The cast is led by BAFTA award winning actress Imelda Staunton who was asked to take on the role of Rose by the play's lyricist Stephen Sondheim, after he saw Staunton's performance as Mrs Lovett in the 2012 production of Sweeney Todd.

The show's cast album, featuring Davison, is released on 27th April.

Davison will take time off from the show to host Doctor Who Symphonic Spectacular’s UK tour this May.

NB The first London production of Gypsy in 1973, starring Angela Lansbury, featured a 9 year old Bonnie Langford in the role of Baby June.

Fortitude, the psychological thriller television series starring Christopher Eccleston, has been renewed for a second 10-part series.

The series, which also stars Michael Gambon airs in the UK on Sky Atlantic, where the first episode was watched by more than 2.5m people and is the channels most successful original commission.




FILTER: - Christopher Eccleston - People - Peter Davison

Sneak Peek - Doctor Who: The Twelfth Doctor #7​

Saturday, 11 April 2015 - Reported by Marcus
Wednesday ​April​ 15​ ​sees the release of ​Doctor Who: Twelfth Doctor #7​, written by Robbie Morrison and illustrated by Brian Williamson.

The Fractures' Part 2

On our Earth, UNIT scientist John Foster was killed in an accident... but in a parallel universe, his wife and daughter were killed, while that world’s John Foster survived. One thought kept that John going through his grief – somewhere out there, in some other reality, his wife and daughter still lived.

Working obsessively, Foster has devised a way to breach the membrane of the multiverse and cross the Void into our world, unaware of the horrors that will follow in his wake…

What dark creatures live in the veins of the multiverse, reaching out to ensnare those foolish enough to breach into their domain?

The Doctor and Clara are about to face... The Fractures!


The Twelfth Doctor #7 (Credit: Titan)The Twelfth Doctor #7 (Credit: Titan)The Twelfth Doctor #7 (Credit: Titan)The Twelfth Doctor #7 (Credit: Titan)The Twelfth Doctor #7 (Credit: Titan)




FILTER: - Comics - Twelfth Doctor

Big Finish May Releases Arrive Early

Friday, 10 April 2015 - Reported by Marcus
Big Finish have announced that the release date of May's Doctor Who novel adaptations titles has been brought forward - to next Monday, for those who order at bigfinish.com.

On Monday 13th April, Big Finish will release Doctor Who - The Novel Adaptations Volume 2. Originally scheduled as May releases, it's been brought forward exclusively through the Big Finish site, with other retailers keeping the May date.

Special Edition (Credit: Big Finish)Doctor Who - Damaged Goods is Jonathan Morris' adaptation of a novel by Russell T Davies, the writer and producer who brought Doctor Who back to hugely popular televisual life in 2005.

It stars Sylvester McCoy as the Seventh Doctor, accompanied this time by Roz Forrester (Yasmin Bannerman) and Chris Cwej (Travis Oliver)

The year is 1987 and there’s a deadly new narcotic on the streets of London. As part of their investigations the Doctor and his companions Chris and Roz move into the Quadrant, a rundown housing estate. An ancient alien menace has been unleashed, a menace somehow linked to a local gang leader known as The Capper, a charmed young boy called Gabriel and his mother Winnie, the enigmatic Frei Foundation, and Eva Jericho, a woman driven to the brink of madness. As London descends into an apocalyptic nightmare, the Doctor must uncover the truth about the residents of the Quadrant and a desperate bargain made one dark Christmas Eve.

Doctor Who - The Well-Mannered War is the fourth adaptation of the novels of Doctor Who writer Gareth Roberts

Adapted by John Dorney, it stars Tom Baker, Lalla Ward, and John Leeson as the Fourth Doctor, Romana and K9

The edges of space, the far distant future, an era even the Time Lords are not supposed to visit. Laid claim to by disputing factions of humans and Chelonians, the planet Barclow has become the catalyst for an unusual war. In two hundred years of hostilities not a shot has been fired, and the opposing combatants are the best of friends. But when the Doctor, Romana and K9 arrive, they discover the peace is not going to last. Something dangerous is happening behind the scenes. An election looms. Bodies are piling up. Tensions are growing. Someone, somewhere is trying to make this wellmannered war very angry indeed. Only the time-travellers can save the day. But that might be their biggest mistake.
Doctor Who - The Novel Adaptations Volume 2 is a limited edition, five-disc release (also available as a download) bringing together the content of Doctor Who - The Well-Mannered War, Doctor Who - Damaged Goods, and not only a fifth disc of interviews about the making of these tales, but for anyone buying through the Big Finish site, there's an exclusive download version of the fifth disc, featuring an additional 40 minutes of conversations with Russell T Davies and others.




FILTER: - Big Finish

Sneak Peek - Doctor Who: The Eleventh Doctor #11

Monday, 6 April 2015 - Reported by Marcus
Wednesday ​April​ 15​ ​sees the release of ​Doctor Who: Eleventh Doctor #11, written by Al Ewing and illustrated by Boo Cook.

The Doctor, Alice and Jones were getting used to having ARC around. A shapeshifter whose origins are shrouded in mystery, ARC still saved their lives time after time.

So why has ARC suddenly commandeered the TARDIS, crossing back over its own timeline in one of the most dangerous stunts a time traveler can pull?! Has ARC been a sleeper agent all along, or are there deeper motives at work?

It's up to the Doctor and his companions to find out – if ARC doesn't wipe them all out first!

PLUS: the secrets of SERVEYOUinc's assault on the timeline revealed!


Doctor Who: The Eleventh Doctor #11 (Credit: Titan)Doctor Who: The Eleventh Doctor #11 (Credit: Titan)Doctor Who: The Eleventh Doctor #11 (Credit: Titan)Doctor Who: The Eleventh Doctor #11 (Credit: Titan)Doctor Who: The Eleventh Doctor #11 (Credit: Titan)


A trailer has also been launched for the first volume of Doctor Who: The Eleventh Doctor, a collection of the first five issues of the comic.





FILTER: - Comics - Eleventh Doctor