Germany News Roundup

Monday, 20 July 2015 - Reported by Pascal Salzmann

Peter Capaldi in Berlin (Credit: FOX International Channels Germany)

The last week has seen the cast of Doctor Who visiting Berlin, in a country where the show has grown in popularity for the last few years. Here is a news update on current and upcoming developments in Germany:

FOX announced that Series 9 will premiere in December, almost three months after the UK. This is a departure from the near simulcast broadcasts from recent years. Last year, problems with the BBC's delivery of the material needed to dub Series 8 in time, resulted in near simulcast airings of the episodes in English with German subtitles.

Books publisher Cross Cult announced the release of a monthly e-books series called Zeitreisen (Time Trips). Book 1 Die Todesgrube ("The Death Pit") by A.L. Kennedy will be released on 26th October 2015. It can be pre-ordered at Amazon Germany.
More upcoming printed titles include the eighth Doctor novels Silhouette by Justin Richard on 24th August 2015 and Der Kriechende Terror ("The Crawling Terror") by Mike Tucker on 8th February 2016. November will see the release of the novelisation of City of Death, written by James Goss, with the German title Die Stadt des Todes.

German online audio books platform Audible has announced the release of Gareth Robert's Shada novelisation. It will be unabridged and read by Michael Schwarzmaier, who dubbed Tom Baker in the German versions of The Five Doctors and in Day of the Doctor. The audio book can be pre-ordered on Amazon Germany.

The first German convention for fans of Doctor Who, the TimeLash Event, has now sold out. Guests include Paul McGann, Nicholas Briggs, Catrin Stewart, Nicola Bryant, Terry Molloy, Toby Hadoke, Nev Fountain, Terrance Dicks, Andrew Cartmel and many more. It takes place in Kassel on the 24th to 25th October 2015.

DVD distributer Pandastorm Pictures has released a trailer for the upcoming German DVD boxed set of Die Fünf Doktoren (20th anniversary special The Five Doctors). The 3-disc-set will contain the 90 minute TV-version, the three-parter that was shown in Germany in 1995 and the 100 minute special edition. The set will be released on 28th August 2015. The trailer can be viewed below.

The Five Doctors trailer on YouTube

FILTER: - Audio - Books - Cross Cult - Fifth Doctor - FOX - Germany - International Broadcasting

The return of Erimem

Tuesday, 7 July 2015 - Reported by Chuck Foster

Thebes Publishing have announced a new range of books, based around the fifth Doctor's travelling companion Erimem, first introduced in the Big Finish Doctor Who adventure The Eye of the Scorpion in 2001.

Erimem's creator and Editor-in-Chief at Thebes Publishing, Iain McLaughlin told us:

Originally I wrote the last scene (in The Eye Of The Scorpion) as a bit of cheek in the hope I might get to bring her back maybe with a different Doctor. I had a story called Valley of the Dying Sun in mind with the Sixth Doctor. However, that went out of the window when Gary (Russell, then-producer of the Big Finish audios) asked if I had any objection to Erimem staying aboard for a while. Gary was brilliant to work for, I am forever grateful to him for giving me the chance he did.

Erimem is a character who is always going to be looking for adventure and her biggest challenges are still ahead of her. I'm glad to be tagging along. It's exciting to be taking her off on these adventures where she doesn't have the safety net of the Doctor backing her up. I have to admit I'm hugely excited about Jim Mortimore's novel, A Pharaoh of Mars. I've admired his work for years and I'm so looking forward to this one. The next novel after Jim's... I know who I want to write it and we've discussed it... we just need to sign things off, I'm really buzzed by the possibilities of the series.

The first book in the series, The Last Pharoah, is written by Iain and Claire Bartlett, and also features an introduction by the original voice of the character, Caroline Morris:

Erimem - The Last Pharoah (Credit: Thebes Publishing)

The Last Pharoah
Written by Iain McLaughlin and Claire Bartlett
Foreword by Caroline Morris
Cover artwork by Paul Mudie
Published June 2015

After a freak electrical storm that seems to happen indoors, a young woman is found in the Egyptian exhibit of a London museum, and she seems to look exactly like the face on the death-mask of the uncrowned Pharaoh Erimem...

What is she doing inside the exhibit? How did she get there? Is she really a Pharaoh from 1400BC? And just who is willing to search time and space to find and assassinate her?

THE LAST PHARAOH is the first in a series of novels, novellas and short story anthologies taking Erimem, a former companion of the 5th Doctor, on a new set of adventures travelling to the past, the future and into deep space. THE LAST PHARAOH takes Erimem and a group of 21st century students far into the past, to Actium in Greece where Erimem meets the famed Cleopatra VII on the eve of a vital battle which could end Egypt’s existence as a free country and condemn it to life as a Roman province. Two great rulers of Egypt come into conflict over what Egypt needs to do in order to survive, and both Erimem and Cleopatra face their own personal battles for survival.

The book is available to purchase either in digital or physical format from the Thebes Publishing website.

Looking ahead, the second publication in the series will be a novella, also written by Iain:

Erimem - The Beast of Stalingrad (Credit: Thebes Publishing)

The Beast of Stalingrad
Written by Iain McLaughlin
Cover by Dorina Petco
Published August 2015

In 1942, with German forces relentlessly bombarding Stalingrad, the people are freezing and starving... and worse, there are stories of a demon or a beast, stalking the ruined streets of the besieged city, devouring anyone it meets. When Erimem arrives she finds a city under attack both from the invading German armies and from a dark force in the shadows.

Submissions are currently being solicited for the third publication, Into The Unknown, which will form an anthology of twelve adventures. If you wish to pitch a story for the collection you can contact the publishers for further details (closing date 31st July).

Into 2016, and two further publications are currently scheduled: Prime Imperative, a novella by Julianne Todd; and the previously-mentioned A Pharoah Of Mars from Jim Mortimore.

Competition

We are able to offer a subscription to the first five publications in the series to three winners, courtesy of Thebes Publishing. In order to be in with a chance to win, please answer the following question:

In the Big Finish series, Erimem parted company with the Doctor when she remained on Peladon to marry King Pelleas - but which historical character did she very nearly marry during her travels in the TARDIS?

Send your answers along with your name, address and where you heard about the competition (news site, news app, other website, etc.) to comp-erimem@doctorwhonews.net with the subject "Travel broadens the mind" - please also state whether you'd prefer to have a physical or digital subscription to the publications. The competition is open world-wide, closing date: 31st July 2015. Only one entry per household will be accepted.

FILTER: - Books - Competitions - Merchandise - Thebes Publishing

The Temporal Logbook

Saturday, 4 July 2015 - Reported by Marcus

The Temporal Logbook is a collection of short stories being released for charity by Pencil Tip Publishing

The Temporal Logbook

A Charity Short Story Collection

Twelve Doctors.

Twelve windows onto the universe. And the Doctor's life is the history of the universe.

The Temporal Logbook is the telling of that history.

From the myths of Ancient Greece to the depths of unknown space, from the life of Lewis Carroll to the horrors of the Black Death, The Temporal Logbook recounts some of the Doctor's most enthralling journeys during his first eleven incarnations, as told by a selection of Doctor Who fandom's best writers.

The TEMPORAL LOGBOOK features stories from Michael Baxter, J.E. Remy, Benjamin Pocock, Craig Charlesworth, Hannah Parry, Ian Larkin, Sarah Parry, Nick Mellish, Hamish Crawford, Paul Silvester, Michael Itig and Meg MacDonald.

Edited by Robert Mammone, Jez Strickley & Bob Furnell.

Cover designed by John Gordon.

All proceeds from this publication will be donated in support of the Positive Living Society of British Columbia which is dedicated to empowering persons living with HIV/AIDS through mutual support and collective action.

The Temporal Logbook will retail at $16.95 CAD + postage and will be available for purchase from 15th July at Lulu.com

FILTER: - Books - Charities

BBC Audio releases for June

Friday, 26 June 2015 - Reported by Chuck Foster

This month's audio books from BBC Audio feature the adaptation of Target novel The Massacre by John Lucarotti, and a boxed set release of the three original audio series to feature Tom Baker's return as the Doctor.

The Massacre
Written by John Lucarotti, read by Peter Purves
Released 21st May 2015 [order in the United Kingdom or North America]

Peter Purves reads John Lucarotti's novelisation of his classic First Doctor TV adventure

The TARDIS lands in Paris on 19 August 1572. Driven by scientific curiosity, the Doctor goes to meet and exchange views with the apothecary, Charles Preslin. Before he disappears, he warns Steven to stay 'out of mischief, religion and politics'.

But in 16th Century Paris it is impossible to remain a mere observer, and Steven soon finds himself involved with a group of Huguenots. The Protestant minority of France is being threatened by the Catholic hierarchy, and danger stalks the Paris streets.

As Steven tries to find his way back to the TARDIS he discovers that one of the main persecutors of the Huguenots appears to be...the Doctor!

Peter Purves, who played Steven in the original BBC TV series, reads this novelisation of a fondly remembered classic story, the original episodes of which are lost from the BBC archives.

Novelisation adaptions for the rest of the year are currently scheduled as: Doctor Who and The Ark in Space (16th July), The Two Doctors (3rd September), The Curse of Fenric (5th November), and K9 and Company (3rd December).

Competition

To be in with a chance to win a copy of the audio book The Massacre courtesy of BBC Audio, answer the following question:

The Massacre is one of the few Doctor Who stories that feature the lead actor portraying another individual within the plot; name another televised story, actor and his character where this also occured.

Please send your answers along with your name, address and where you heard about the competition (news site, news app, other website, etc.) to comp-massacre@doctorwhonews.net with the subject "Amboisea". The competition is open world-wide, closing date: 4th July 2015. Only one entry per household will be accepted.

The Nest Cottage Chronicles (Credit: BBC Audio)

The Nest Cottage Chronicles
Starring Tom Baker, Richard Franklin and Susan Jameson
Written by Paul Magrs
Released 11th June 2015 [order in the United Kingdom or North America]

Tom Baker stars as the Fourth Doctor in fifteen full-cast audio dramas written by Paul Magrs, plus bonus features exclusive to this edition.

Hornet's Nest: When former UNIT captain Mike Yates is reunited with a ghost from the past, the and the Doctor are soon united in battle once more, against alien insects intent on global domination.

Demon Quest: A key component from the TARDIS disappears, exchanged for a bag containing four curious objects. The Doctor and Mrs Wibbsey embark on a chase through Time...

Serpent Quest: The Doctor acquires a wondrous and deadly Skishteri egg. When the village of Hexford comes under attack, Mrs Wibbsey and Mike discover that two Doctors aren't necessarily better than one ...

With Susan Jameson as Mrs Wibbsey and Richard Franklin as Mike Yates, these thrilling adventures also feature Michael Maloney, Rula Lenska, Samuel West, Jan Francis, David Troughton, Michael Jayston, Simon Shepherd, Sophie Ward, Andrew Sachs, Nerys Hughes and many others.

Also included in this edition are a previously unheard interview with Tom Baker, outtakes from the original studio sessions, promotional trailers and a PDF booklet featuring sleeve notes by writer Paul Magrs.

Competition

To be in with a chance to win a copy of the boxed set The Nest Cottage Chronicles courtesy of BBC Audio, answer the following question:

Tom Baker appeared in a film together with one of the guest stars in Serpent Quest opener Tsar Wars - name the guest star and the film they appeared in.

Please send your answers along with your name, address and where you heard about the competition (news site, news app, other website, etc.) to comp-cottage@doctorwhonews.net with the subject "The Crest is the Quest". The competition is open world-wide, closing date: 4th July 2015. Only one entry per household will be accepted.

FILTER: - Audio - BBC Audio - Books - Competitions - First Doctor - Fourth Doctor

BBC Audio releases for June

Friday, 26 June 2015 - Reported by Chuck Foster

This month's audio books from BBC Audio feature the adaptation of Target novel The Massacre by John Lucarotti, and a boxed set release of the three original audio series to feature Tom Baker's return as the Doctor.

The Massacre
Written by John Lucarotti, read by Peter Purves
Released 21st May 2015 [order in the United Kingdom or North America]

Peter Purves reads John Lucarotti's novelisation of his classic First Doctor TV adventure

The TARDIS lands in Paris on 19 August 1572. Driven by scientific curiosity, the Doctor goes to meet and exchange views with the apothecary, Charles Preslin. Before he disappears, he warns Steven to stay 'out of mischief, religion and politics'.

But in 16th Century Paris it is impossible to remain a mere observer, and Steven soon finds himself involved with a group of Huguenots. The Protestant minority of France is being threatened by the Catholic hierarchy, and danger stalks the Paris streets.

As Steven tries to find his way back to the TARDIS he discovers that one of the main persecutors of the Huguenots appears to be...the Doctor!

Peter Purves, who played Steven in the original BBC TV series, reads this novelisation of a fondly remembered classic story, the original episodes of which are lost from the BBC archives.

Novelisation adaptions for the rest of the year are currently scheduled as: Doctor Who and The Ark in Space (16th July), The Two Doctors (3rd September), The Curse of Fenric (5th November), and K9 and Company (3rd December).

Competition

To be in with a chance to win a copy of the audio book The Massacre courtesy of BBC Audio, answer the following question:

The Massacre is one of the few Doctor Who stories that feature the lead actor portraying another individual within the plot; name another televised story, actor and his character where this also occured.

Please send your answers along with your name, address and where you heard about the competition (news site, news app, other website, etc.) to comp-massacre@doctorwhonews.net with the subject "Amboisea". The competition is open world-wide, closing date: 4th July 2015. Only one entry per household will be accepted.

The Nest Cottage Chronicles
Starring Tom Baker, Richard Franklin and Susan Jameson
Written by Paul Magrs
Released 11th June 2015 [order in the United Kingdom or North America]

Tom Baker stars as the Fourth Doctor in fifteen full-cast audio dramas written by Paul Magrs, plus bonus features exclusive to this edition.

Hornet's Nest: When former UNIT captain Mike Yates is reunited with a ghost from the past, the and the Doctor are soon united in battle once more, against alien insects intent on global domination.

Demon Quest: A key component from the TARDIS disappears, exchanged for a bag containing four curious objects. The Doctor and Mrs Wibbsey embark on a chase through Time...

Serpent Quest: The Doctor acquires a wondrous and deadly Skishteri egg. When the village of Hexford comes under attack, Mrs Wibbsey and Mike discover that two Doctors aren't necessarily better than one ...

With Susan Jameson as Mrs Wibbsey and Richard Franklin as Mike Yates, these thrilling adventures also feature Michael Maloney, Rula Lenska, Samuel West, Jan Francis, David Troughton, Michael Jayston, Simon Shepherd, Sophie Ward, Andrew Sachs, Nerys Hughes and many others.

Also included in this edition are a previously unheard interview with Tom Baker, outtakes from the original studio sessions, promotional trailers and a PDF booklet featuring sleeve notes by writer Paul Magrs.

Competition

To be in with a chance to win a copy of the boxed set The Nest Cottage Chronicles courtesy of BBC Audio, answer the following question:

Tom Baker appeared in a film together with one of the guest stars in Serpent Quest opener Tsar Wars - name the guest star and the film they appeared in.

Please send your answers along with your name, address and where you heard about the competition (news site, news app, other website, etc.) to comp-cottage@doctorwhonews.net with the subject "The Crest is the Quest". The competition is open world-wide, closing date: 4th July 2015. Only one entry per household will be accepted.

FILTER: - Audio - BBC Audio - Books - Competitions - First Doctor - Fourth Doctor

Scientific Secrets of Doctor Who Launched at Greenwich

Tuesday, 9 June 2015 - Reported by Marcus

Last week, acclaimed Doctor Who novelist Simon Guerrier and Dr Marek Kukula, Public Astronomer at the Royal Observatory launched their new book The Scientific Secrets of Doctor Who.

On Thursday, after meeting the Dalek at New Broadcasting House, they held a formal signing at Forbidden Planet bookshop with fellow Doctor authors Jenny T Colgan, Jonathan Morris and Andrew Smith, who contributed short stories to the book.

On Friday evening, the authors gave a talk at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, where Marek Kukula is Public Astronomer. Afterwards, they signed copies of the book, whilst a remote-controlled Dalek and K-9 entertained fans.

Book available on Amazon.

FILTER: - Books - Special Events

Anthony Ainley: The Man behind The Master

Monday, 25 May 2015 - Reported by Chuck Foster

The biography of the Master to the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh Doctor, Anthony Ainley, is due to be on general release later in the year; however, it is now available to order directly from Fantom Publishing, signed by the author, Karen Louise Hollis.

The Man Behind The Master (Credit: Fantom Publishing)

Anthony Ainley: The Man behind The Master
Researched by Karen Louise Hollis

Although known to an audience of millions the world over for his portrayal of The Doctor's arch nemesis The Master in Doctor Who during the 1980's, Anthony Ainley had a prolific career which encompassed starring roles in Spyders Web and It's Dark Outside, as well as appearances in renowned dramas such as The Pallisers, Elizabeth R, Nicholas Nickleby, Upstairs, Downstairs, and cult films including Blood On Satan's Claw and The Land That Time Forgot.

But the dramas in Anthony's real life were far more fascinating than any of the many parts he played on screen. Born the illegitimate son of actor Henry Ainley, and taken into care at the Actors' Orphanage at the age of four, Fantom presents the hidden story behind one of Doctor Who's most enigmatic characters.

Karen said:

This is the first time all aspects of his life have been drawn together. I have had the pleasure of interviewing a number of friends and colleagues from every aspect of Anthony's life, and examined the archives to bring together the most complete and fascinating story.

Competition

Readers in the United Kingdom have the chance to win a copy of the book courtesy of Fantom Publishing; to enter simply answer the following question:

In The Keeper of Traken Geoffrey Beevers and Anthony Ainley both play the Master; name another television series in which both actors are credited together.

Please send your answers along with your name, address and where you heard about the competition (news site, news app, other website, etc.) to comp-fantom@doctorwhonews.net with the subject "These Thunderbolts Are Everywhere". The competition is open to UK residents only, closing date: 7th June 2015. Only one entry per household will be accepted.

FILTER: - Auto/Biography - Books - Competitions - Fantom

The Scientific Secrets of Doctor Who: Royal Observatory Signing

Sunday, 24 May 2015 - Reported by Chuck Foster

There will be a special event taking place in the Planetarium at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich on the 5th June to tie in with the publication of The Scientific Secrets of Doctor Who from BBC Books:

The Scientific Secrets of Doctor Who

Royal Observatory Greenwich Planetarium
Friday 5th June, 7:00-8:30pm

Join author Simon Guerrier and Public Astronomer Dr Marek Kukula in the planetarium at the Royal Observatory Greenwich as they discuss their new book, The Scientific Secrets of Doctor Who.

Illustrated using clips from the television show, this event shows how Doctor Who uses science to inform its unique style of storytelling – and just how close it has often come to predicting future scientific discoveries.

A Dalek will be on site for photo opportunities before the event and during the book signing.

Age: suitable for 11+.

For full details and booking information visit the Royal Museums Greenwich website.

(with thanks to ed public relations)

FILTER: - Books - Special Events

Doctor Who: Impossible Worlds: A 50-Year Treasury of Art and Design

Friday, 22 May 2015 - Reported by Chuck Foster

A new non-fiction hardback book has been announced for this coming October:

Impossible Worlds: A 50-Year Treasury of Art and Design (Credit: Harper Design)

Doctor Who: Impossible Worlds: A 50-Year Treasury of Art and Design
By Stephen Nicholas and Mike Tucker
Published 27 Oct 2015 [pre-order in United Kingdom and North America]

An intimate, behind-the-curtains tour of the sets, costumes, spacecraft, alien planets, creatures, weapons, and gadgets used to create the stunning world of Doctor Who.

From distant galaxies in the far-flung future, to ancient history on the planet Earth, Doctor Who is unique for the breadth of imaginative possibilities it offers the artists charged with bringing each episode to life. Mining the depths of the BBC archives, Stephen Nicholas and Mike Tucker have compiled this breathtaking collection of rare and never-before-published images that are interwoven with fascinating insights from the show’s writers.

Showcasing the work of Doctor Who’s remarkable designers, Doctor Who: Impossible Worlds pays tribute to the care and attention to detail essential to creating the look of the show, from the characters themselves—including recurring villains like the Daleks or the Cybermen—to the smallest hand prop featured in the briefest of scenes, to the TARDIS console room and other regularly used sets.

Doctor Who: Impossible Worlds explores how the art department works together with costumers and make-up and special effects artists to produce a coherent look for a diverse range of alien worlds; reveals how the artists’ relationship with the computer graphics department allows them to create locations far grander than possible in the real world; and shows how today’s creative artists have built upon the designs produced by their predecessors—the pioneers of the program’s “classic” era whose legacy has delighted audiences since 1963.

Divided thematically, Doctor Who: Impossible Worlds examines the history of the program and its art and set design, and highlights how various re-occurring designs have evolved over time. Chock full of surprising, illuminating, and fascinating information, photographs, and trivia, Doctor Who: Impossible Worlds is essential for every Whovian, whether you’re an established fan or are new to the show.

FILTER: - Books

City of Death: London Signing 21st May 2015

Wednesday, 20 May 2015 - Reported by Chuck Foster

There will be a special event taking place in London tomorrow to tie in with the publication of the new novel City of Death from BBC Books:

Celebrate the publication of
CITY OF DEATH
the classic DOCTOR WHO adventure by
Douglas Adams

novelised by
JAMES GOSS
Signing event on Thursday 21st May
6:30 - 7:30pm

St Pancras Concourse, with Hatchards

Wine, Doctor Who props and LIVE PIANIST
playing musical scores from the show

Join in the conversation at @Hatchards, @DWBBCBooks, @StPancrasInt, @gossjam

FILTER: - Books - Special Events - UK

Previous 10 Stories