Coming Soon: The New World

Wednesday, 29 June 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster

The BBC have now updated their programme information for Week 28 with details of Torchwood: Miracle Day's first episode, The New World, which will premiere in the UK on BBC1/BBC1HD at 9:00pm, 14th July.

The following is the plot synopsis for The New World which might be considered a spoiler

One day, nobody dies. All across the world, nobody dies. And then the next day, and the next, and the next, people keep ageing – they get hurt and sick, but they never die. The result: a population boom, overnight.

With all the extra people, resources are finite. It’s said that in four month's time, the human race will cease to be viable. But this can’t be a natural event – someone’s got to be behind it. It’s a race against time as CIA agent Rex Matheson investigates a global conspiracy. The answers lie within an old, secret British institute. As Rex keeps asking: "What is Torchwood?", he’s drawn into a world of adventure, and a threat to change what it means to be human ... for ever.

In the launch episode of Torchwood: Miracle Day, Agent Rex Matheson is impaled in a car crash and miraculously survives, while his analyst, Esther Drummond, sets out to discover what Torchwood is. Far away, in Wales, Gwen Cooper lives in hiding with her husband Rhys and daughter Anwen – she’s the last surviving Torchwood member and is determined to stay hidden. In Kentucky, convicted murderer Oswald Danes survives his own execution. And when Esther meets the mysterious Captain Jack Harkness, assassins are activated to kill them all...

Last week, Doctor Who Magazine editor Tom Spilsbury commented on Twitter that there would be slightly different versions of Miracle Day for the US and UK broadcast, adding yesterday that "they haven't started with one 'master version' and cut it for the UK. They've prepared two parallel edits for different markets." Russell T Davies had previously mentioned in his interview with Front Row that Jack is a 'childrens hero', and clarifies in the new Issue 436 of DWM that 'racier' scenes might be edited for a BBC audience.

Attendees at last week's BFI preview had reported that The New World seemed longer than the fifty minutes originally reported in the Cannes press release; this is also confirmed in DWM, with UK episodes expected to run for some 54 minutes whereas episodes on Starz would run for 50-51 minutes. Davies pointed out that this isn't a cut to the US version, but extra material added to the UK one!

FILTER: - Torchwood - UK - Press - Miracle Day (Series 4)

Doctor Who Magazine 436

Wednesday, 29 June 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster

The new edition of Doctor Who Magazine (out on Thursday) celebrates the life of Nicholas Courtney in a special 100-page issue dedicated to the man who played the Brigadier for over 40 years. With rare and never-before-published photos, the issue also contains tributes to the actor from fomer Doctors David Tennant, Sylvester McCoy, Colin Baker, and Tom Baker - the latter told DWM:

Once you got to know Nick, you loved everything about him. We were a double act. I loved everything he did. I would have loved him as Othello. All other critical faculties were abandoned. You just couldn’t explain yourself. It was almost like someone saying, ‘What an Earth do you see in her?’ or ‘What on Earth do you see in him?’ Once you actually love someone, you just love being with them – and I loved being with Nick.

Also in this issue:

Saluting the Brig - Nicholas Pegg sets the scene as friends and colleagues remember the life and times of Nicholas Courtney. The tributes include contributions from Frazer Hines, Wendy Padbury, Peter Purves, John Levene, Richard Franklin, Katy Manning, Russell T Davies, Derrick Sherwin, Terrance Dicks, Philip Hinchcliffe, Graeme Harper and many more.
Nicholas Courtney - A Life In Acting - DWM looks back at Nick’s long career, from his early days in rep through to his most famous role as Lethbridge-Stewart in Doctor Who and The Sarah Jane Adventures.
The One with the Eyepatch - Nicholas Courtney’s favourite Doctor Who story, 1970’s Inferno, is put under the spotlight as The Fact of Fiction witnesses the end of the world...
Seventh Heaven - It was the season in which the Brig came into his own – the Third Doctor’s first series from 1970. DWM looks back to discover what made the season so special as Countdown to 50 continues.
The Brig vs The Doctor - The Brigadier’s decision to blow up the reptile people in 1970’s Doctor Who and the Silurians shocked the Third Doctor. But was Lethbridge-Stewart right to do what he did? Toby Hadoke and Johnny Candon discuss the pros and cons of the Brig’s most controversial action in A Battle of Wits...
Nuns with Guns! - The Doctor and Amy are shocked to find that the TARDIS has been harbouring a terrifying secret in the latest comic strip adventure! And there are more surprises in store in Part Two of Apotheosis, written by Jonathan Morris with art by Dan McDaid...
Game On! - The Time Team continues its mission to watch every episode of Doctor Who in order, and visit the year 200,000 – but what will Chris, Emma, Michael and Will make of the Ninth Doctor adventure, The Long Game?
Are You My Mummy? - The secret’s out! In an exclusive interview, actress Alex Kingston talks about the revelation of just who River Song really is – and what the astonishing news means for her character in future episodes of Doctor Who...
It's a Miracle! - Torchwood, the popular spin-off from Doctor Who, returns to TV in July with a 10-part story, Miracle Day. DWM catches with writer Russell T Davies and stars John Barrowman, Eve Myles and Kai Owen to find out more abut the new series...
Splended Chap... - An ancient power makes an unexpected return from the depths of the void and discovers a world very different to the one it left some time ago... Whatever you do, don’t miss Production Notes!
Wotcha, Brig! - The Watcher dons his eyepatch and reveals some of the surprising lesser-known facts about everyone’s favourite UNIT commander in Wotcha!

PLUS! All the latest official news, reviews of TV and merchandise reviews, previews, competitions, a prize-winning crossword and much, much more!

Doctor Who Magazine is available from all good newsagents and supermarkets from Thursday 30th June.

FILTER: - DWM

Smith and Tennant up for Best Actor

Tuesday, 28 June 2011 - Reported by Harry Ward

Matt Smith and David Tennant have been nominated for "Best Actor" in the 2011 TV Choice Awards shortlist. Both will face competition from Colin Morgan and Benedict Cumberbatch.

For Best Actress, Karen Gillan and the late Elisabeth Sladen are nominated alongside Amanda Burton and Vicky McClure.

Also nominated is the show itself for "Best Family Drama", where it is up against Casualty, Merlin and Waterloo Road.

Steven Moffat's and Mark Gatiss' Sherlock has been nominated for "Best New Drama" along with Single Father, starring David Tennant, and Downton Abbey starring Hugh Bonneville. Toby Whithouse's Being Human, starring Russell Tovey and Lenora Crichlow, has been nomiated for "Best Drama Series".

Visit the Awards voting website to cast your votes. Voting on the shortlist will remain open until midnight (BST) on Friday 8 July. The winners will be announced on 13 September.

FILTER: - UK - Awards/Nominations

Torchwood: first UK teaser released

Tuesday, 28 June 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster

The BBC broadcast the first UK teaser for Torchwood: Miracle Day this evening, between The One Show and Eastenders; the ten second trailer reported that the show would be "Coming Soon".

An online version promoting the official Torchwood website has also been released:

Torchwood online teaser, BBC, via BBC Website - may not play outside of the United Kingdom

Update 29th June: The BBC broadcast the teaser before The Apprentice at 9:00pm, this time confirming 14th July as the airdate to viewers.

FILTER: - Torchwood - Online - Miracle Day (Series 4)

The Crash of the Elysium - adult tickets to be made available

Tuesday, 28 June 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster

After enormous public demand, the organisers of the interactive theatre project The Crash of the Elysium at the Manchester International Festival have announced that a number of tickets will be made available enabling adults to enjoy the experience as well as children. The After Dark performances will run at various times between 8:00-9:00pm from 8th-15th July, and are only open to adults and children over thirteen years old.

The Crash of the Elysium will take place at the BBC's new MediaCity UK building at Salford Quays, and is performed by Punchdrunk in association with BBC Worldwide. The experience is written by Punchdrunk's Felix Barrett and Doctor Who writer Tom MacRae, based on an original idea by Steven Moffat.

Tickets (£25) will go on sale exclusively via Ticketmaster from tomorrow (Wednesday) at 10:00am.
(with thanks to Kate Carter/The Corner Shop PR)

Writer Tom MacRae recently spoke to the Telegraph about the premise behind the show:

In the tradition of the best Doctor Who the premise of what needs to happen is clearly outlined in the first couple of scenes, where it’s established what’s going on and what the kids have to do. They then go on a mission that requires them to head into this labyrinth of wonder we’ve created. It’s not like The Crystal Maze - if they want to interrogate the adults they meet we have, over months of careful planning, created a watertight story about what’s going on. But the instruction to the actors is - here’s the information, if the kids ask you questions you’ve got everything you need. If all they want to do is press the buttons let them do that!

We are told that in 1888 there was a famous steam-ship called the Elysium that mysteriously disappeared at sea. There are conflicting reports as to whether there was bad weather or not. Some legends have grown up around its missing cargo - there was supposed to be this secret Government package on board which has never been recovered. Whether that has anything to do with our show, I don’t know - it’s just a bit of history. The premise is… that you’re going to have the most amazing time of your life...!

First audience reactions, via ManchesterIntFest on YouTube

FILTER: - Doctor Who - Special Events - Theatre

Torchwood: UK premiere on course for 14th July

Monday, 27 June 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster

The BBC Press Office have informed us today that Torchwood: Miracle Day will most likely premiere on BBC1(HD) on Thursday 14th July at 9:00pm.

The announcement ends months of speculation over when the show would be broadcast in the United Kingdom, with Starz announcing Friday 8th July for Miracle Day back in March. Canada and Australia see the show a day later, with SPACE broadcasting at 9:00pm(ET) and UKTV 9:30pm on Saturdays.

A full BBC Press Release confirming the date and time is expected in the next couple of days.

FILTER: - Torchwood - UK - Miracle Day (Series 4) - Broadcasting

Time and Space at the National Space Centre

Monday, 27 June 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster

The National Space Centre in Leicester is to once again celebrate Doctor Who this coming weekend (2nd-3rd July); Time and Space will see a weekend of activities organised by the Hyde Fundraisers, with proceeds going towards BBC Children In Need, Comic Relief and other charities.

Two guests are expected over the weekend: Saturday sees third Doctor companion Jo Jones née Grant - aka Katy Manning - drop in, whilst Sunday will be invaded by Dalek creator Davros in the form of Terry Molloy.

Costumes created by the group will be on display, including Ood Sigma, Roboform Santa, Sec Hybrid, and a Clockwork Robot; this will be accompanied by Behind the Monsters, a presentation on how the costumes are created.

In UNIT exposed, visitors will be taken on a tour by the "UNIT Captain" and "The Professor" around the "Lethbridge-Stewart Research Laboratory", where they can learn the truth behind the myths of some captured technology, plus K9 will also be on hand. There will also be a demonstration of the Quantum cannon ...

There is also the opportunity to have photos taken against the group's virtual greenscreen, plus a special presentation about their show, The Trial of Davros.

For full details visit the NSC and Hyde Fundraisers websites.

(with thanks to Kevin Taylor; Katy Manning and Terry Molloy appear thanks to Fantom Films and Galaxy Four)

Looking ahead, the Hyde Fundraisers are planning a special event on the 17th September: Elisabeth Sladen: A Celebration is to take place at the Ashton-under-Lyne Cineworld, with showings of School Reunion and selected Sarah Jane Adventures, plus invited guests. Proceeds will go towards Children in Need - see the group's webpage for the latest information.

FILTER: - Special Events

Arts For Hearts Auction

Sunday, 26 June 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster

An auction of Doctor Who artwork will be taking place on the 11th July, the proceeds of which are to help fund research by the heart transplant team at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Art for Hearts heave gathered together a variety of works from artists including Lee Binding, Anthony Dry, Colin Howard, Alister Pearson, Peter McKinstry, John Ross and Adrian Salmon; there are also ink caricatures featuring and signed by Steven Moffat, David Tennant and Donald Tosh.

Examples of the artwork can be seen on the Art For Hearts blog along with more details on the auction, and the pieces themselves are currently on display at Orbital Comics in London.

National Transplant Week runs from 4th-10th July.
(with thanks to Ian Stacey)

FILTER: - Special Events - Auctions

Doctor Who: episode titles update

Friday, 24 June 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster

With a couple of episode title mentions popping up in the media over the last week, here is an update of the currently known titles making up the second half of the current series, back later this year. Please note that (with the possible exception of episode eight!), the titles may still change before broadcast!

The following episode titles and snippets may reveal plot details that readers might consider spoilers.

Episode Eight: Let's Kill Hitler

This title was, of course, confirmed in the end credits of the mid-series finale, A Good Man Goes To War.

Episode Nine: Night Terrors

Mark Gatiss confirmed on the Danny Baker Show (BBC Radio 5 Live, 18th June) that the title to his episode (nine) is to be Night Terrors. The episode - moved from its original position in the first half of the series - had been previously been reported as What Are Little Boys Made Of? by Doctor Who Magazine #433.

Episode Ten: tbc

On the other hand, Tom MacRae recently spoke to the Telegraph about his involvement with the interactive show The Crash of the Elysium, during which he also discussed his forthcoming episode (ten) in Doctor Who and how it's name isn't known as yet!

I’ve written episode 10 which I think is my most accomplished piece of plotting ever. What’s interesting is that the requirements of the script meant that for various reasons nothing has gone out about it at all. We didn’t do much location filming, and the way the guest characters work is unusual, so no one knows anything about my episode. There’s speculation about it which is wrong - some bright spark has put the title of the episode on IMDB as The Green Anchor - it has never been called that! I’m amazed we’ve kept it this secret because there’s a really big surprise in it. All I will say is that it’s an unusual episode and it’s really great.

Episode Eleven: The God Complex

This title for Toby Whithouse's episode was reported in Doctor Who Magazine #432, which also confirmed the director as Nick Hurran and its guest star as David Walliams.

Episodes twelve and thirteen have yet to be named, though the former has been nicknamed "The Lodger 2" owing to its guest star James Corden reprising his role as Craig Owens.

FILTER: - Series 6/32

SPACE goes into HD

Friday, 24 June 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster

Bell Media in Canada have announced that it will be launching a high definition version of the SPACE channel from the 6th July - just in time for Torchwood: Miracle Day!

Rick Brace, the President of Speciality Channels and CTV Production, Bell Media, said:

SPACE fans can celebrate the long-anticipated launch of SPACE HD, one of many new Bell Media HD specialty services currently or soon-to-be on offer. We’re thrilled to start the roll-out of HD programming with the highly anticipated launch of Torchwood: Miracle Day and some of the other series and movies from the channel’s engaging Summer lineup.

The channel will be available via Bell Satellite TV (channel 1746) and Bell Fibe TV (channel 1632).

The HD channel will mirror it's 'normal' version, with high definition programming being shown where available, such as the BBC series Outcasts and Syfy's Alphas.

FILTER: - Canada - Torchwood - Miracle Day (Series 4) - Broadcasting

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