More Moths ...

Tuesday, 4 January 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster
Back in June actor/comedian/Doctor Who DVD moderator Toby Hadoke reported that his acclaimed show Moths Ate My Doctor Who Scarf would be drawing to an end.

However ...
Never say never, as Moths Ate My Doctor Who Scarf seems hell bent on never ending. The show's chronic hysterisis leads it to the following venues, with more to come:

28th Jan - Alleyn's School, Dulwich
4th & 5th Feb - Hull Truck Theatre, Hull
18th Feb - Little Theatre, Chorley
19th Feb - Pound Arts Centre, Corsham

There'll also be another performance in Sevenoaks on the 27th June.
 
Toby's other tour, Now I Know My BBC will also be touring during 2011.

You can find out more details on the shows from Toby's website, www.tobyhadoke.com




FILTER: - Special Events

BFI Discussion Online

Tuesday, 21 December 2010 - Reported by Marcus
Doctor Who: BFIThe British Film Institute has uploaded an 8 minute clip taken from the recent Q & A with Matt Smith, Katherine Jenkins and Stephen Moffat, which took place after the South Bank screening of the episode earlier this month.

The clip is on the BFI Live page and contains spoilers from the episode.




FILTER: - Specials - Special Events - Online

Doctor Who Laser Show at Florida Planetarium

Wednesday, 15 December 2010 - Reported by Josiah Rowe
UPDATE December 16: This event has been CANCELLED due to licensing issues.



The Riverview Planetarium in Sarasota, Florida will host a Doctor Who Laser New Year event on January 1, 2011. The program will include a new Doctor Who-themed laser show on the planetarium's 40-foot, 360° dome, and a showing of the 2010 Christmas Special on the dome's screen. There will be two showings, one starting at 6:00 and another at 9:00; seating is limited and tickets are required. The tickets are free, but a donation is encouraged (and donors will be given first priority for seating). The event is sponsored by Florida fan group Blue TARDIS.




FILTER: - Special Events - USA

Study Doctor Who in Australia

Wednesday, 15 December 2010 - Reported by Marcus
Doctor Who NIDAAustralia's National Institute of Dramatic Art is once again offering young people in the Commonwealth the chance to experience the world of Doctor Who as part of its Summer Programme 2011.

A number of courses are being run in the Summer Holiday in association with BBC Worldwide, teaching students skills associated with the making of the television series.

January's courses take place around the Country and can be booked Online

SYDNEY
  • DESIGNING DOCTOR WHO 9-11 YRS
  • 12 to 14 January - Be inspired by stories from the universe as you create your own props and model landscape inspired by Doctor Who. Develop design and craft skills in model making with professionals. Display your work in the NIDA foyer at the end of the week.
  • DOCTOR WHO ON LOCATION @ COCKATOO ISLAND 12-16 YRS
  • 11 to 14 January - Create your own Doctor Who episode using the atmospheric landscape of Cockatoo Island as inspiration. Develop screen acting and film making skills and discover the world of on-location shooting. Travel each day from Circular Quay to Cockatoo Island by ferry is included. Participants receive a DVD copy of their short film.
  • DOCTOR WHO: ACTING ON SCREEN 12-16 YRS
  • 10 to 14 January - Identify and experience the essentials of screen acting as you work on scripts from the Doctor Who series. Discover how to work with green screen technology, develop skills in characterisation and rehearse and film scene work to camera. This course will also examine the different acting styles of the past and present Doctors. For committed young people wanting to explore strategies for approaching acting on screen.
  • DOCTOR WHO: ADVENTURES IN TIME & SPACE @ BLACKTOWN ARTS CENTRE 9-11 YRS
  • 10 to 11 January - Travel through time and space with the Doctor and his companions. Open doors to new realities and meet the characters that live there. Create your own mini Doctor Who adventure.
  • DOCTOR WHO: ADVENTURES IN TIME & SPACE 6-8 YRS
  • 15 to 16 January - Travel through time and space with the Doctor and his companions. Open doors to new realities and meet the characters that live there. Create your own mini Doctor Who adventure.
  • DOCTOR WHO: ACTING ON SCREEN ADVENTURES 12-15 YRS
  • 22 to 23 January - Identify and experience the essentials of screen acting as you work on scripts from the Doctor Who series. Discover how to work with green screen technology, develop skills in characterisation, and rehearse and film scenes to camera.
  • DOCTOR WHO: ACTING ON SCREEN ADVENTURES 9-11 YRS
  • 17 to 18 January - Identify and experience the essentials of screen acting as you work on scripts from the Doctor Who series. Discover how to work with green screen technology, develop skills in characterisation and rehearse and film scenes to camera.
  • DOCTOR WHO: ACTING ON SCREEN ADVENTURES 9-11 YRS: WEEKEND
  • 22 to 23 January - Identify and experience the essentials of screen acting as you work on scripts from the Doctor Who series. Discover how to work with green screen technology, develop skills in characterisation and rehearse and film scenes to camera.
BRISBANE
  • DOCTOR WHO: ACTING ON SCREEN 12-16 YRS
  • 17 to 21 January - Identify and experience the essentials of screen acting as you work on scripts from the Doctor Who series. Develop skills in characterisation, and rehearse and film scene work to camera. This course is designed for committed young people who want to explore strategies for acting on screen.
  • DOCTOR WHO: ACTING ON SCREEN ADVENTURES 9-11 YRS
  • 10 to 14 January - Identify and experience the essentials of screen acting as you work on scripts from the Doctor Who series. Develop skills in characterisation, and rehearse and film scenes to camera.
MELBOURNE
  • DOCTOR WHO: ACTING ON SCREEN ADVENTURES 9-11 YRS
  • 17 to 21 January - Identify and experience the essentials of screen acting as you work on scripts from the Doctor Who series. Develop skills in characterisation, and rehearse and film scenes to camera.
CANBERRA
  • DOCTOR WHO: ACTING ON SCREEN ADVENTURES 9-11 YRS
  • 24 to 28 January - Identify and experience the essentials of screen acting as you work on scripts from the Doctor Who series. Develop skills in characterisation, and rehearse and film scenes to camera.




FILTER: - Special Events - Australia

An early Christmas Carol for Katherine Jenkins's old school

Tuesday, 14 December 2010 - Reported by Chuck Foster
A Christmas Special treat came early at the Alderman Davies Primary School in Neath today. This was the school a young Katherine Jenkins attended as a child, and the singer returned there this afternoon to watch a special showing of her acting debut in A Christmas Carol alongside current pupils and staff.

Afterwards, she spent time answering questions with her young fans.

The visit was covered on tonight's Wales Today, and you can watch a longer version of their report on the BBC Wales News website.




FILTER: - Specials - Special Events

A Christmas Carol at the BFI

Tuesday, 14 December 2010 - Reported by Chuck Foster
Last night saw a special preview of the forthcoming Christmas special A Christmas Carol take place at the British Film Institute. The episode was then followed by a Q&A session with Matt Smith (the 11th Doctor), Katherine Jenkins (Abigail Pettigrew), and lead writer/executive producer Steven Moffat; Karen Gillan (Amy) was also at the event, but remained in the audience.

When asked about some of the elements and emotion displayed in the episode, Stephen Moffat replied:
Well, the base line of Doctor Who is a man who lives in a telephone box and saves the universe in a bow tie. So you have to go some to up that. And if you’re going to do a Christmas Day episode, which is basically the principle that the audience have had a selection box for breakfast and are probably drunk, then you actually have to sort of move it on a bit. Because, actually, a normal episode of Doctor Who wouldn’t be enough at that point.

I think you have to be emotional. I think you have to go on the whole journey, don’t you? You have to laugh and cry a bit. A Christmas Carol, oddly enough, the original, is sort of the whole package. It’s A Wonderful Life, which is kind of in a way a variant of A Christmas Carol, is the same. Yes, I think you should be…as I say, you’re full of sugar and alcohol, you’re going to be tripped off into any place at any time.
Matt Smith also responded to Katherine Jenkins on this being her first acting role:
I have to say all I was struck by was…it never seemed for a moment that you hadn’t acted before. You were completely well prepared. Because on the one hand, you’ve got Katherine being very diligent and accessing real emotion and really getting in there. Then me and Michael (Gambon) just sort of dossing down. And so I was utterly impressed and she was thoroughly prepared and I’m convinced that she’ll go on and do other parts.

As one might expect, a number of plot points have been discussed and since reported in the media, but we will not be reproducing them due to their spoiler potential for the Christmas Day episode; however, you can read a comprehensive review of both the story and the Q&A from journalist Ian Wylie's blog, Life of Wylie.

Other reviews may be found at Radio Times, The Guardian, Daily Mail, BBC News, SFX and Den of Geek.




FILTER: - Specials - Special Events

It's Behind You!

Monday, 29 November 2010 - Reported by Chuck Foster
It's that time of year again when celebrities hoist their skirts to take the stage in the great British Christmas tradition of pantomime! Here is a round-up of those pantos that feature notable names from the world of Doctor Who.

John Barrowman (Captain Jack, Doctor Who/Torchwood)
Aladdin, Glasgow SECC, 11th Dec - 9th Jan


The rip-roaring adventure story of Aladdin will be brought magically to life in a spectacular production starring actor, television presenter and all-round entertainer, John Barrowman, in the title role of Aladdin. The Krankies, synonymous with the great tradition of pantomime in Glasgow, will be appearing alongside John as the Chinese Policemen.

Their talent, combined with John Barrowman’s energy and showmanship together with our amazing visual effects, is set to make Aladdin an unmissable pantomime experience.”

Aladdin has all of the traditional elements of pantomime but with the added surprise of an array of 3D special effects.

Wearing 3D glasses at certain points throughout the show the audience can rub the magic lamp as it appears in front of their nose, summon the magical 3D Genie from his lamp and join Aladdin on a superb magic carpet ride!

Frazer Hines (Jamie McCrimmon, Doctor Who)
Aladdin, Lighthouse Theatre, Kettering, 10th Dec - 26th Dec


When Aladdin arrives at The Lighthouse Theatre in Kettering this pantomime season, expect a fantastic musical Show full of festive family fun in colossal quantities – with bucket loads of boos and hisses, huge doses of heckling ‘he’s behind you’, panto dames, and maybe even a wish or two from the Genie of the Lamp.

Opening on Friday 10th December and continuing until Sunday 26th December, more than 25 festive performances are in store for audience members at The Lighthouse this year. Expect to see a flying magical beast, fantastic dance routines, and superb singing.

Watch out for Aladdin (played by JOSH DUBOVIE, this year’s Eurovision star), defeating the evil Abanazar (played by DAVID VAN DAY – the man we all love to hate!) on his journey from rags-to-riches, winning the heart of the beautiful princess (played by Big Brother star NIKKI GRAHAME). The kids will love Wishee Washee (played by TV favourite FRAZER HINES – Emmerdale & DoctorWho) and the hilarious Chinese policemen including DANIEL FOX (2009 X-Factor finalist).

With a live band and a host of other familiar faces, this year’s pantomime cast promises good old fashioned family entertainment fit for all ages, a trip to The Lighthouse shouldn’t be missed.

Bruno Langley (Adam, Doctor Who)
Aladdin, Buxton Opera House, 11th Dec - 1st Jan


Traditional panto at Buxton Opera House is better than ever this year, with dazzling dance routines, side-splitting comedy and a stellar cast from some of TV’s most popular shows.

There’s a party going on in the backstreets of old Baghdad, where young Aladdin (Bruno Langley from Coronation Street and Dr Who) and his daft brother Wishee Washee (Matthew McVarish from CBeebies’ Me Too!) live with their hard-working mum, who runs the local laundry.

Hitch a ride on a camel and join the fun as Aladdin meets the beautiful Princess Jasmine (Steph Fearon, semi-finalist from Over the Rainbow), discovers a dodgy long-lost uncle and sets out on a perilous quest to seek an ancient lamp, buried deep in a desert cave.

Don’t miss this magical Christmas treat for the whole family!

Nigel Havers (Peter Dalton, The Wedding of Sarah Jane Smith)
Aladdin, Birmingham Hippodrome, 18th Dec - 30th Jan


Get ready for the biggest, all-star pantomime to date as international superstar Joan Collins makes her pantomime debut as Queen Rat in the family adventure Dick Whittington.

Follow Dick and his Cat on their journey to London; set sail to foreign lands and help our heroes fight off the evil Queen and King Rat in an attempt to save the day and win the heart of the beautiful Alice Fitzwarren. Joining Joan on stage in this spectacular pantomime is Julian Clary as The Spirit of the Bells, Nigel Havers as the dastardly King Rat, Keith Harris with Orville & Cuddles as the hilariously hopeless Rat Catchers, and TV favourite Jeffrey Holland as Dame Felicity Fitzwarren.

This year’s pantomime is bursting at the seams with magnificent scenery, stunning special effects and glittering costumes plus even more hilarious jokes and crazy antics! Book now!

Nigel Planer (Vorgenson, Doctor Who Live)
Aladdin, Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield, 10th Dec - 9th Jan


Fly with us to Neverland....Get set for our spectacular fun-packed pantomime Peter Pan.

Starring Hayley Tamaddon (Dancing on Ice, Emmerdale), Nigel Planer (The Young Ones) and with the return of everyone's favourite Dame, Damian Williams (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs).

This Christmas, don't miss our spectacular family pantomime produced by the team behind last year's Box Office smash Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Featuring Tinkerbell, the Lost Boys, and of course, the evil Captain Hook, Peter Pan will boast dazzling sets and costumes, fabulous musical numbers, family comedy and plenty of audience participation!

Other names associated with Doctor Who include: Gray O'Brien (Rickston Slade, Voyage of the Damned) in Aladdin at the Royal Centre, Nottingham; Bradley Walsh (Elijah Spellman, Day of the Clown) in Aladdin at the Southend Pavillion; Graham Cole (various inc. Melkur, Doctor Who) in Jack and the Beanstalk at The Stag, Sevenoaks; John Challis (Scorby, The Seeds of Doom) in Peter Pan at the Stockport Plaza; Don Gilet (Lance Bennett, The Runaway Bride) in Aladdin at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley; Barbara Windsor (Peggy, Army of Ghosts) in Dick Whittington at the Bristol Hippodrome; Paul O'Grady/Lily Savage (himself, The Stolen Earth) in Aladdin at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton; and Christopher Biggins (The One Doctor, Big Finish) in Aladdin at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.
       




FILTER: - Special Events

Doctor Whom Returns to Toronto

Friday, 26 November 2010 - Reported by Mike Doran
Doctor Whom, the improv comedy homage to Doctor Who is returning to Toronto, Canada for four shows. The show will run at Comedy Bar (945 Bloor Street West) for four Saturdays: November 27th, December 4th, 11th and 18th at 8pm. Advance tickets cost $15 and are available from the Comedy Bar website.

The Doctor and his faithful companions will dart between the past, present and future; from distant stars to our own humble blue-green planet. They will uncover hideous aliens, ominous mysteries and ultimately a sinister master-plot that – of course – threatens all of time and space!

The show is once again directed by Darryl Pring and will feature performances from veterans of Comedy Inc and Theatresports. Scott Montgomery (Second City, The Ron James Show) will appear as Doctor Whom.

Doctor Whom previously played to sold out audiences in Toronto in January of 2010.




FILTER: - Canada - Special Events - Miscellaneous

Cybermen re-invade London!

Wednesday, 24 November 2010 - Reported by Chuck Foster
The Cybermen have been "invading" a number of locations in London in order to promote the forthcoming Doctor Who Experience, opening in London's Olympia 2 in February next year.

The modern-day Cybermen were seen to retrace the steps of their 1960s counterparts (The Invasion) along St. Peter's Steps in front of St. Paul's Cathedral, and later crossing the Millennium Bridge to the Tate Modern. Another promotion saw them boarding a Jubilee Line train, much to the astonishment of travellers!

The publicity photos have appeared on newspaper websites such as the Daily Mail, Metro and Telegraph.


Mike Paternott was on hand to capture the activity at St. Paul's and the Millennium Bridge on Doctor Who's anniversary yesterday:








FILTER: - Special Events

Matt Smith/Karen Gillan on BBC Radio 1 Christmas Eve

Wednesday, 24 November 2010 - Reported by Chuck Foster
Matt Smith and Karen Gillan are to become guest presenters on BBC Radio 1 as part of the Top 10s of 2010, where celebrities from both the music and entertainment world will present their ten favourite tracks from the year.

The duo's broadcast will be on Christmas Eve, between 8:00-9:00am, and will be available to listen to through all the usual BBC media facilities.

Read the BBC Press release for more details about the Top 10s of 2010.




FILTER: - Special Events - Karen Gillan - Matt Smith - Radio