Audio Go: Target Update

Thursday, 20 January 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster

The range of Target Novelisation adaptations from Audio Go is about to enter new territory with the first original novelisation of a televised story.

Previously penned by Terrance Dicks, this year sees Doctor Who and The Stones of Blood being released as a brand new version written by its original television script writer, David Fisher. Talking to Doctor Who Magazine, commissioning editor Michael Stevens says:

Back last year I asked David Fisher whether he would be interested in penning his own novelisation of the story in which he would be able to expand upon the characters and backgrounds of the adventure. David took on the challenge and has delivered a superb new telling of the story.

This is a one-off for the time being, because there are still dozens and dozens of original Target novelisation queuing up to be released as Audiobooks. I'm hoping it will prove to be a popular diversion from the norm, and one which will perhaps pique the curiousity of many Doctor Who fans.

The novelisation is read by Susan Engel, who played Vivien Fay in the story, and also features John Leeson who provides the voice of K9.

The adaptation is due for release on the 5th May, following on from the scheduled releases below:

The Edge of Destruction, out now

William Russell reads this exciting novelisation of a classic Doctor Who adventure.

In a final bid to regain control of the TARDIS' faulty control system the Doctor is driven to experiment with a dangerous untried combination. With a violent explosion the TARDIS blacks out and the crew find themselves trapped inside. A simple technical fault? Sabotage? Or something even more sinister? Tension mounts as the Doctor and his companions begin to suspect one another. What has happened to the TARDIS? Slowly a terrifying suspicion dawns. Has the TARDIS become the prisoner of some powerful fifth intelligence which is even now haunting the time-machine's dark and gloomy corridors?

William Russell, who played the Doctor's companion Ian in the original TV serial, reads Nigel Robinson's complete and unabridged novelisation, first published by Target Books in 1988.

The War Games, due 3rd February 2011

David Troughton reads this thrilling novelisation of a classic Doctor Who adventure.

Mud, barbed wire, the smell of death...The year is 1917 and the TARDIS has materialised on the Western Front during the First World War. Or has it? For very soon the Doctor finds himself pursued by the soldiers of Ancient Rome; and, then he and his companions are reliving the American Civil War of 1863. And is this really Earth, or just a mock-up created by the War Lords? As Doctor Who solves the mystery, he has to admit he is faced with an evil of such magnitude that he cannot combat it on his own - he has to call for the help of his own people, the Time Lords. So, for the first time, it is revealed who is Doctor Who - a maverick Time Lord who 'borrowed' the TARDIS without permission. By appealing to the Time Lords he gives away his position in Time and Space. Thus comes about the Trial of Doctor Who...

David Troughton reads Malcolm Hulke's complete and unabridged novelisation, first published by Target Books in 1979.

The Ribos Operation, due 3rd March 2011

John Leeson reads this thrilling novelisation of a classic Doctor Who adventure.

Reluctantly cancelling his well-earned holiday, the Doctor sets off in the Tardis to trace and re-assemble the six segments of the Key to Time on which the stability of the entire Universe depends. Assisted by the argumentative Romanadvoratrelundar and K9, he lands on the planet Ribos in search of the first segment and finds himself entangled in the machinations of two sinister strangers, Garron and the Graff Vynda Ka. Who are they? Is Garron simply a shady confidence-trickster dealing in interplanetary real estate? Is the Graff Vynda Ka just a power-crazed exile bent on revenge? Or are they both really agents of the Black Guardian, intent upon seizing the precious Key in order to throw the Universe into eternal chaos? Risking his life within the monster-infested catacombs of Ribos, the Doctor has to use all his wit and ingenuity to find out...

This is an exciting unabridged reading, with music and sound effects, and this novelisation of a classic Doctor Who adventure, first published by Target Books in 1979.

Inferno, due 7th April 2011

Caroline John reads this thrilling novelisation of a classic Doctor Who adventure.

In this exciting reading, first published by Target Books in 1984, the Doctor is trapped in a parallel world, unable to act as the Earth is threatened by a poisonous liquid leaking from top-secret drilling project Inferno.

See the Audio Go Doctor Who Universe section for details on the full range of CDs available; you can also purchase them via our shop on Amazon.

A new trailer has just been released promoting the Doctor Who range on audio:

(presented by BBC Classic Doctor Who via their You-Tube channel)

FILTER: - Audio

BBC Wales Drama village: Phase One complete

Thursday, 20 January 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster

Artistic view of the Media Village front, BBC

The new BBC Media Village in Cardiff has been named Roath Lock at a "topping out" ceremony which took place today at the Porth Teigr site at Cardiff Bay; the final section of concrete floor has been laid marking the completion of Phase One of the development.

The event was attended by outgoing BBC Wales director Menna Richards, one of the driving forces behind the new development, who said:

There’s still a lot more work to do, but once completed, Roath Lock studios will become a focal point for the creative industries in Wales – brimming with energy and talent – and we are all extremely proud to be a part of the project.

Other guests included Welsh heritage minister Alun Ffred Jones, Cardiff Council leader Rodney Berman, and Mark Hallett of site developers Igloo Regeneration.

The first shows at the 170,000 sq ft site (Casualty and Pobol y Cwm) are due to commence production in Autumn once the buildings are fitted out. Doctor Who and The Sarah Jane Adventures will re-locate from the Upper Boat Studios in Tonteg during 2012 - a move meaning that Doctor Who's 50th Anniversary will be marked at the brand new facilities!

(original report from BBC News, and updated report including video)

FILTER: - Production - Miscellaneous - BBC

Bif Bang Pow! to release new US Collectibles

Thursday, 20 January 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster

US specialist merchandise designer Bif Bang Pow! are to release a new line of toys and collectibles in America based on Doctor Who.

The new Doctor Who Collection range is expected to be launched in the summer, and will initially feature retro action figures and playsets, along with bobble heads. Created in partnership with EMCE Toys, the figures will stand 8-inches tall and include episode-specific fabric clothing, in addition to multiple points of articulation.

Jason Lenzi, CEO of the company, said:

Bif Bang Pow! is thrilled to bring these brand-new Doctor Who action figures, bobble heads, and collectibles to market. The Denys Fisher range of 9-inch action figures from the 1970s was never released in the United States, and has become one of the most highly sought after toy lines of the past 40 years. Doctor Who bobble heads have never been made for any market, so we have the opportunity to offer these highly desired products to a whole new fan-base that never had the chance to purchase them before. Personally, I've been waiting for this since 1978, so as The Doctor would say, it's about time!

The product line will be unveiled at the New York Toy Fair, from 13-16 February.

Later plans include items like licence plate frames, tin boxes, coasters, magnets, glassware, and other popular collectible merchandise.

Bif Bang Pow! was created by Jason Lenzi in 2005 in answer to a market niche to provide merchanside based upon a fan's perspective - to bring stuff to the marketplace that he himself would want to own. The company aim is to "to provide high-quality action figures, toys and collectibles to the massive cult audience (and kids of all ages) that wishes these toys were already in their collection."

(read the press release for full details)

FILTER: - Merchandise

Radio Times Cover Party 2011

Thursday, 20 January 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster

The annual Radio Times Covers Party took place at Claridges in London on Tuesday evening, which as usual saw a multitude of stars gather together to celebrate another year's worth of Radio Times covers.

The event was hosted by former Doctor David Tennant, who was also presented with his cover for Single Father (9-15 October); Karen Gillan was there to receive the Doctor Who cover for The Pandorica Opens (19-25 June).

Other guests at the party included Steven Moffat, Rob Brydon, Terry Wogan, Aidan Grimshaw, Jean Marsh, Keeley Hawes, Hugh Bonneville and David Morrissey.

You can find a range of photos from the evening on the Radio Times website, featuring David Tennant, Karen Gillan and Steven Moffat amongst the other guests; evening developments were also revealed live and can be read via Twitter, including further behind-the-scenes photos.

The Radio Times have also provided a short video of the evening, featuring sound-bites from various celebrities, including host David Tennant and the current series representatives Karen Gillan and Steven Moffat (1m20s in).

(post a comment about the video on the Radio Times website)

Plus, this week’s Radio Times (22-28 Jan) see actress Sinead Keenan talk about the new series of Being Human and playing an alien in Doctor Who:

The third series is “bigger, better and bolder. It’s literally bigger, as the new house is huge. The camerawork is more ambitious, too; it’s very cinematic. Keenan’s character, Nina, became a werewolf after she was scratched by George in the first series. I was thrilled as it meant Nina was there to stay. Then I realised I’d have to ‘transform’, which means getting naked and spending three-quarters of your working day in the make-up chair. It’s not the first time 34-year-old Keenan has suffered for her art. In Doctor Who, she played an alien sporting pea-green spikes instead of hair. For someone who initially told her agent she didn’t like sci-fi and the supernatural, I’ve done a lot of it!

FILTER: - Radio Times

New Zealand Airdate for A Christmas Carol

Wednesday, 19 January 2011 - Reported by Marcus

Prime TV have now released details on the broadcast of A Christmas Carol in New Zealand; the special, which stars Michael Gambon and Katherine Jenkins alongside the Eleventh Doctor Matt Smith, will be shown on Sunday 30th January at 8:30pm.

(with thanks to the New Zealand Doctor Who Fan Club for reporting the news)

FILTER: - Specials - New Zealand - Broadcasting

Doctor Who enters the Construction Toy Market

Wednesday, 19 January 2011 - Reported by Marcus

BBC Worldwide has announced a major new deal with Character Options' new Construction division which will see Doctor Who enter the construction toy market for the first time.

The Character Building range will include 3D micro-figures, brought to life with sculpted facial features whilst play sets will be uniquely tailored to Doctor Who. Fans will be able to build their own Doctor Who world with all their favourite characters including the Doctor and Amy Pond with their famous foes the Daleks, Cybermen and Weeping Angels.

Distinctive to the Character Building range will be the use of texture on some of the building blocks, whether it be the sleek and smooth edges of a spaceship, or the rough edges of a rock face. This will be pivotal in recreating each environment, providing a natural look, but still allowing easy construction play. The entire range will be displayed at the Character Options stand at the London Toy Fair with the first products set for release in Spring 2011.

Matt Smith commented on his new figure

It was very surreal and funny coming face to face with a miniature version of myself as the Doctor but I'm glad that the Doctor's trusty Sonic Screwdriver is in his hand, ready to fend off attacks from monsters!

With Karen Gillan adding

I absolutely love these miniature toys of The Doctor and Amy Pond despite the strange sensation of seeing myself immortalised in plastic and miniature and buildable...and dissectible. I'm loving Pond's flaming ginger mane and it's funny to think that The Doctor and Amy are small enough to travel around in someone's pocket.

Richard Hollis, who is Head of UK Licensing at BBC Worldwide said the reason the BBC has chosen to work with Character Options is because of the quality and imagination they put into their toys, with Jon Diver, Character Group's Joint Managing Director, saying the new project represents a major investment and we are delighted to be increasing our Doctor Who portfolio.

FILTER: - Merchandise - Character

Doctor Who: Casting Update

Tuesday, 18 January 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster

Back in December we reported that director Peter Hoar had been listed by the Curtis Brown Literary and Talent Agency as working on an episode of Doctor Who for 2011.

Since then, two cast members have now been confirmed for this episode, forming what seems like another duo in the series.

The episode itself is currently unknown in the running order for the series.

CHARLIE BAKER

DAN JOHNSTON

According to Vic Murray Talent, Dan Johnston will feature as a character named Thin Man; the actor has previously appeared as regular Jonty in Sold, a journalist in Hotel Babylon, and featured in two pilots for Thames Television, Team UK and Navelgazing: 4Tissimo.

Debi Allen Associates lists stand-up comedian Charlie Baker as Fat Man. Baker's television credits include being a panellist on Channel 4's Beer and Pizza Club and BBC2's Never Mind the Buzzcocks, and appearing in The IT Crowd; he also featured as a band singer in the film The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.

FRANCES ENCELL

FERN DEACON

Two artists have been credited for another unknown story; Spotlight lists child actresses Fern Duncan and Frances Encell as providing voice overs for Doctor Who (filmed in 2010).

Fern has had roles on television in Poirot and in the film Gulliver's Travels, and has appeared on stage in The King and I and Annie Get Your Gun. Meanwhile, Frances has appeared on television in Emmerdale and The Royal, and on stage in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and The Sound of Music.

Both actresses are enrolled at the Sylvia Young Agency and Theatre School.

FILTER: - Series 6/32 - Production

East-end TARDIS!

Tuesday, 18 January 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster

Regular watchers of live webcam updates from the film set of the BBC's soap Eastenders were surprised to see the TARDIS "materialise" in Walford this morning!

Messages on the show's webcam discussion board included:

186. At 11:21am on 18 Jan 2011, darrenh2011 wrote: 
     doctor who tardis on set near R&R
187. At 1:01pm on 18 Jan 2011, Mick - Finglas wrote: 
     And now its moved to Bridge St beside the Cafe...!!!
     Wonder whats going on...???

The police box prop was actually pressed into service in relation to a link being prepared by presenter Dermot O'Leary for the National Television Awards, taking place next week. Eastenders is vying against Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks for the award for Serial Drama, so the TARDIS might well pop up in other well-known locations!

The TARDIS materialises on Turpin Road, from the Eastenders Webcam

FILTER: - Special Events

iPlayer 2010 Totals

Tuesday, 18 January 2011 - Reported by Marcus

Figures released by the BBC Press Office show that the Doctor Who Christmas Special: A Christmas Carol, was accessed over 700,000 times on the BBC iPlayer in the week after transmission.

The episode was the 8th most accessed programme in December, dispite only being available for the last week of the month. Overall December was a record month for the iPlayer with 89.7 million requests for TV Programmes.

Jana Bennett, BBC Director of Vision, said

Large numbers of viewers watched the BBC's channels this Christmas but at the same time a record number were also using BBC iPlayer. This shows how complementary and essential BBC iPlayer is as part of today's viewing.

Matt Smith's first full story as The Doctor, The Eleventh Hour, still holds the record for the most accessed programme ever on iPlayer, with 2.24 million requests, way ahead of the second placed Top Gear. Every single episode of Smith's first series was in the top thirty accessed programmes of the year, with Doctor Who taking seven of the top ten places. David Tennant's Swan-song, The End of Time: Part Two came in at number 33, with just over a million requests. A Christmas Carol was the 73rd most requested programme in 2010, but was also available for the first week of 2011.

In terms of overall programme totals, Doctor Who Series Five had 19.5 million requests. The most requested programme was EastEnders, with over 100 million requests, although spread over a much larger number of episodes.

Other series of Doctor Who faired well with repeats of Series 4 being requested over 2 million times. The most requested Doctor Who item on BBC Radio was the Radio Seven transmission of the reading of Doctor Who and The Giant Robot, which was requested over 200,000 times. In total there were over 32 million requests for Doctor Who connected programmes.

FILTER: - Doctor Who - Ratings - Series 5/31

Fleetwood Mac included on Spearhead

Tuesday, 18 January 2011 - Reported by Marcus

It has been confirmed that the upcoming DVD re-release of the Third Doctor's first story, Spearhead from Space, will include the previously missing Fleetwood Mac track, Oh Well Part One.

Steve Roberts of the Doctor Who Restoration Team posted on Gallifrey Base that the track will be included on the soundtrack of the story due for release around the world later this year.

The music was present on the original transmission, during scenes of dolls being manufactured at Auto Plastics. Because of rights issues the track was removed from the 1988 BBC Video release and the 2001 DVD Release. The track is now covered by the PPL agreement, the same agreement which allowed the missing Beatles music to be included on the UK release of The Chase.

However, unlike the release of The Chase, the Fleetwood Mac track is covered internationally and so will be included on all versions of the story.

FILTER: - Jon Pertwee - Classic Series - Blu-ray/DVD

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