Doctor Who Live Opens

Friday, 8 October 2010 - Reported by Marcus

Doctor Who Live began its tour of the UK at London's Wembley Arena on Friday night.

The event, which marks the start of a four week tour across the UK, was attended by the current Doctor, Matt Smith, who was there with girlfriend Daisy Lowe. Smith appears in the show via a giant screen showing special pre-recorded inserts during the performance.

The show is set around a travelling showman, Vorgenson, played by Nigel Planer, who heads around the galaxy spreading stories of the Doctor's exploits, using his minimiser gadget to conjure up the Doctor's enemies. The script, by Gareth Roberts, is based on the 1973 Jon Pertwee story, Carnival of Monsters, originally by Robert Holmes.

Among the creatures conjured up for the show are Judoon, Weeping Angel, Scarecrows and Venetian Vampires. The live action is set to the music of Doctor Who composer Murray Gold, conducted by Ben Foster.

Reaction to the show on twitter have been positive with comments such as "The Doctor Who Live event is just barmy and amazing and clever and fun"

Guests attending the first night included Catherine Tate, Richard Curtis, Fiona Phillips and Jo Whiley.

Producer Craig Stanley said

This grew from the success of the Doctor Who Proms show we did in 2008. There was a real demand from the people to experience the music and monsters up close, which developed into this show. We wanted to add something to the TV experience and surprise people. We're delighted with the way it has turned out.

After two more shows in London, the tour moves north to Sheffield.

FILTER: - Special Events - Matt Smith

Doctor Who Adventures - 187

Thursday, 7 October 2010 - Reported by Chuck Foster

This week's issue of Doctor Who Adventures comes with a pair of 3D Glasses in order to experience the 3D Special - a twelve page pull-out section portraying favourite monsters in three dimensions!

Also this week, test drive the TARDIS. Explore behind the controls of the Doctor’s amazing time and space ship.

And find out what’s in store for Sarah Jane and the gang in the sneak preview of the first episode in series four of The Sarah Jane Adventures!

Plus: fantastic monster magnets, great jokes and huge puzzle section!

Issue 187 of Doctor Who Adventures magazine is out in the UK today.

FILTER: - Magazines - DWA

Filming to go Stateside?

Thursday, 7 October 2010 - Reported by Chuck Foster

A recent CV update for line producer David Mason has thrown up an intriguing entry:

    DOCTOR WHO X1.2                Director: TBA
    USA Location Shoot             Producer: Marcus Wilson

There is no indication as yet when such a shoot might be taking place.

(Update: the entry has now been removed from the online CV!)

Meanwhile, principal filming draws to a close on the first block of the series, with director Richard Clark commenting: "Last day of filming. (well almost) Suranne has been amazing and all cast a delight to work with. 6 weeks of editing still to go, then the fx, sound, music, colouring... Patience. It'll be worth it.".

Unlike filming for episode four, the shoot for episode three has been mainly out of sight of the public, though they were spotted at the CEMEX quarry in Taffs Well - previously used as the surface of Mars (The Waters of Mars) and the Ood Sphere (The End of Time), plus the 'naked' release of Captain Jack Harkness (Torchwood: The Children of Earth)!

Filming for Block Two is expected to begin next week.

FILTER: - Series 6/32 - Filming Reports

DWM Companion: The Eleventh Doctor (Vol 1)

Thursday, 7 October 2010 - Reported by Chuck Foster

The first volume covering the adventures of the Eleventh Doctor has now been published by Panini Magazines:

The Doctor Who Companion
The Eleventh Doctor
Volume One

Your complete guide to the award-winning BBC One series!
Written and researched by Andrew Pixley.

2010 was a landmark year for Doctor Who. Matt Smith and Karen Gillan appeared on television as the Eleventh Doctor and Amy Pond for the first time, in a series of incredible adventures. From the Doctor's crash landing in sleepy Leadworth, through to his arrival at Amy's wedding in a rebooted universe, the last of the Time Lords faced many monsters during the course of his travels, including Weeping Angels, Silurians, Autons, Cybermen, Smilers, Venetian Vampires, Prisoner Zero... and, of course, the Daleks!

Now, Doctor Who Magazine takes you behind the scenes of the Eleventh Doctor's first six episodes with an in-depth episode guide - including original storylines, deleted scenes, media appearances, ratings information and thousands of facts about the day-to-day life of the making of Doctor Who - all illustrated with gorgeous, never-before-seen photographs. This collectors' edition examines The Eleventh Hour, The Beast Below, Victory of the Daleks, The Time of Angels/Flesh and Stone, and The Vampires of Venice, as well as the specially-made 3D cinema trailer.

This is your essential guide to worlds of Doctor Who.
Get ready to discover a wealth of information - but watch out for the cracks ...

The second volume for this series, covering Amy's Choice to The Big Bang is due out 30th December 2010.

FILTER: - Merchandise - Magazines - DWM

New 2Entertain Teaser Trailer

Thursday, 7 October 2010 - Reported by Chuck Foster

Doctor Who DVD production company 2Entertain have released a new promotional trailer for a forthcoming release in 2011, to be formally announced on the 9th October:

Teaser from classicdw on Vimeo.

FILTER: - Classic Series - Blu-ray/DVD

Tennant talks to Radio Times

Wednesday, 6 October 2010 - Reported by Marcus

The words Doctor Who once more adorn the cover of Radio Times this week, along with a picture of Tenth Doctor, David Tennant.

The magazine is promoting Tennant's latest venture, playing the lead role in Single Father, a four-part drama for BBC One about a man struggling to raise his four children after the death of his wife. Written by Mick Ford of Ashes To Ashes, the series is set in Glasgow, and tells the story of Dave, a photographer facing the seemingly impossible job of bringing up his four kids alone. Things get even more complicated when he begins to fall in love with Sarah – his wife's best friend.

Tennant was asked about the timing of his departure from Doctor Who.

It felt right to pass the baton on and for it to continue to thrive. I think that was all exactly as I would wish it to be. There’s a downside to playing the role, but in my experience it’s grossly outweighed by the upside because I loved doing it so much that I wouldn’t have missed that opportunity for anything. It was just wonderful and it created many, many more opportunities than it closed down. I think my life is in a very different place and my career is in a very different place to what it was before I did Doctor Who and that is 90 per cent positive.

Tennant was also asked about the recent series and new Doctor, Matt Smith

I’m very nervous to say anything, because anything I say is turned into some soundbite and used by the Daily Mail as proof that I’m a… Genuinely, I think it’s been brilliant. I’ve loved every second of it. It’s a thrill for me to be watching it as a viewer again. I knew Matt was going to be fantastic and he is. He’s a great choice and he’s knocked it out of the park.

FILTER: - David Tennant - Radio Times

The Vault Of Secrets

Tuesday, 5 October 2010 - Reported by Marcus

The BBC has released synopsis for The Vault Of Secrets, the second story in the new series of The Sarah Jane Adventures.

The first part will be shown on CBBC on Monday 18th October at 5.15pm, and is followed by the second of Sarah Jane's Alien Files; Part Two will be shown the following day.

The episodes will then be repeated on BBC One on Wednesday and Thursday.

Part One
When an old enemy, Androvax the Veil, returns to Earth, the gang face a dilemma, as the alien-busting adventure series continues. Should they trust him – or does the legendary Vault hold an even greater terror?

A second threat then arises when android guardians threaten to destroy anyone who uncovers their secrets.

As the battle between Sarah Jane, Androvax and the androids reaches its climax, Rani has to save her own mother from being caught in the crossfire. But, as the Vault opens, with the destiny of the entire Veil species at stake, is it too late to save anyone?

Update: Sarah Jane's Alien Files will be repeated on CBBC on Sundays at 1:00pm, and Monday at 9:00am and 3:00pm.

A promo is now available on the BBC Website.

FILTER: - Sarah Jane

Nintendo Games Update

Monday, 4 October 2010 - Reported by Chuck Foster

The two new Doctor Who games from Nintendo are due to be released soon, with further details about the titles listed below. The exact date of release for the games is still unclear at present, with retail sites citing dates from the 29th October to the 26th November!

Return To Earth

Young fans can play the role of the Doctor and Amy Pond in this gripping 3D action adventure to help the starship Lucy Gray return to Earth.

Unravel a sinister plot by the Cybermen and prevent the Daleks from retrieving a dangerous Time Axis as your explore the deserted starship Lucy Gray. Avoid and outsmart your enemies using stealth, distraction devices and target-shooting elements found around the ship.

Starring the voices of Matt Smith and Karen Gillan, this brand new official Doctor Who storyline includes two types of mini-game; the Gravity Gun and Sonic Screwdriver Game, which specifically make use of the Wii technology.

Authentic Doctor Who story written by Doctor Who author Oli Smith
Opportunity to explore an incredible star ship in this action adventure as it returns to Earth playing as either the Doctor or Amy Pond.
Interact with and manipulate the environment.
Aim and fire sonic beams with the Wii Remote at coloured targets dotted around the levels that move platforms, turn on and off hazards, open doors and more.
Sneak past Daleks and Cybermen.
Use the Wii Remote as the Sonic Screwdriver to progress through the game.
Fully recorded dialogue by Matt Smith and Karen Gillan throughout cut scenes.

Screen shots from the game:

Evacuation Earth

This is your chance to be the Doctor and guide him and Amy Pond on a thrilling new adventure.

Arriving on Earth only hours before a Solar Storm is due to wipe out all life on the planet, the Doctor and his companion discover the last group of humans preparing to evacuate. No sooner have they arrived then the TARDIS disappears and they embark on a mission to recover it, encountering Silurians and Daleks along the way.

Starring the voices of Matt Smith and Karen Gillan, this brand new official Doctor Who storyline includes over 100 puzzles, plus over 60 exciting locations to explore.

Authentic Doctor Who story written by Doctor Who author Oli Smith
Opportunity to guide the Doctor and Amy Pond through a colourful puzzle adventure
Beautifully drawn characters to interact with and over 60 varied, colourful locations to explore
Over 100 puzzles including 3 types of mini-games
Features items to collect, use and combine to progress the story
Fully recorded dialogue by Matt Smith and Karen Gillan throughout cut scenes

Screen shots from the game:

A number of accessories are also being produced for the games by Blue Ocean Accessories, including the sonic screwdriver being represented both as a Wii remote control and DS stylus.

(The games and accessories are available for pre-order from our Amazon Shop)

FILTER: - Games

Series Four for 99p

Monday, 4 October 2010 - Reported by Marcus

Doctor Who Series Four has won the second SeaSaw Tight Tuesday vote.

The entire series will be available to rent for 99p on Tuesday 5th October. Users will then have 90 days to watch the series.

FILTER: - Online - Series 4/30

The Mutants - Commentary Team

Saturday, 2 October 2010 - Reported by Marcus

The Third Doctor story The Mutants will have a DVD commentary team of seven, according to a tweet from actor Nicholas Pegg who is moderating the discussion.

Taking part will be