The Man Who Never Was - Final RatingsBookmark and Share

Monday, 31 October 2011 - Reported by Marcus
The final story in The Sarah Jane Adventures, The Man Who Never Was, had an official average audience of 0.66 million viewers, according to Barb.

The two Sarah Jane episodes topped the CBBC chart for the week, with Episode One of getting 0.71 million watching and Episode Two getting 0.60 million viewers.

Third placed Tracy Beaker got 0.35 million watching. The Friday repeat of The Sarah Jane adventures also made the top ten for the week with 0.32 million watching.

This final series has now been scheduled for a BBC One repeat showing with Sky: Episode One showing at 4.30pm on Thursday 10th November and Episode Two one day later. Both episodes will be in HD on the BBC One HD channel.




FILTER: - Ratings - UK - Sarah Jane

Ultimate Sarah Jane Winner: The Man Who Never WasBookmark and Share

Monday, 31 October 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster
The Ultimate Sarah Jane Vote Winner, CBBC
The winner of the CBBC poll to find the Ultimate Sarah Jane Adventure has new been revealed to be The Man Who Never Was.





FILTER: - Sarah Jane - Polls

The Gunpowder Plot - now available to play in the UKBookmark and Share

Monday, 31 October 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster
The BBC have now released their new Adventure Game, The Gunpowder Plot:
The TARDIS lands in London, 1605, encountering a group of men who are plotting to assassinate the Head of State. The Doctor, Amy and Rory realise they are at a pivotal point in time but so are two alien races, each of which are more than happy to change history to suit their own ends...
The game was written by Phil Ford and produced by Gary Russell, and is available to download for free in the United Kingdom.





FILTER: - Doctor Who - Online - Games

The Prison in SpaceBookmark and Share

Monday, 31 October 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster
Nothing at the End of the Lane have announced the release of their new scriptbook, The Prison in Space, a 268-page illustrated softcover book about a 'lost' tale of the Second Doctor from 1968 by Dick Sharples.

"You leave this to me. There’s a special technique required in handling women..." - The Doctor

When the TARDIS lands on the rooftop garden belonging to Chairman Babs, the travellers find themselves on a planet ruled by women. Tried and condemned to serve a sentence on an orbiting space prison, the Doctor and Jamie must use their ingenuity to break free and rescue Zoe, who has been conditioned to unquestioningly accept the rule of Chairman Babs...


Eager to inject some humour into the series, producer Innes Lloyd called upon experienced scriptwriter, Dick Sharples, to come up with a story that would inject a lighter tone into Doctor Who. That adventure was The Prison in Space, originally envisioned to write out the character of Jamie and introduce a new companion called Nik - and it's a story that was just a hair's-breadth away from being made.

Contents include:
» Facsimiles of Dick Sharples' original scene breakdown along with all four of his second draft scripts for The Prison in Space, reproduced directly from the original script pages.
» A look at the history, development and cancellation of The Prison in Space by Richard Bignell.
» Reviews of the story by Doctor Who Magazine's original Time Team, Jonathan Morris and Paul Scoones.
» Copies of the original outline, scene breakdown and revised scene breakdown for the story originally intended to follow The Prison in Space, Brian Hayles' second Ice Warrior story, The Lords of the Red Planet.
» Andrew Pixley looks back at the production of Season Six in Winds of Change and tries to make some sense of what we currently understand happened during Troughton's turbulent final series.
» Artwork by Jason Fletcher, Westley Smith and Adrian Salmon.
The book costs £16.50 and orders can be placed through the new Nothing at the End of the Lane website.

(with thanks to Richard Bignell)





FILTER: - Fan Productions - Books - Classic Series

Series 6 SoundtrackBookmark and Share

Friday, 28 October 2011 - Reported by Marcus
The soundtrack to Doctor Who Series 6 will be released in the UK on 5th December 2011.

The 2 Disc set from Sliva Screen features music composed by Murray Gold to accompany the sixth full Doctor Who series since the programme returned in 2005.

Final details of the release including the track list are still to be confirmed. The CD is now available to pre-order on Amazon.




FILTER: - Music - Series 6/32

People RoundupBookmark and Share

Friday, 28 October 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster
Director Steven Spielberg paid tribute to Tin-Tin co-writer Steven Moffat and his other British contributors: "Steven wrote one of my favourite TV shows, which is Dr Who. Peter (Jackson) and I felt whoever did Dr Who would have a good sensibility for Tintin. And it so happens Steven had read Tintin since he was eight. Even when he had to leave the Tintin project to get on with making Dr Who, I got two other Brits — Shaun of the Dead's Edgar Wright and Attack The Block's Joe Cornish — to finish the job. They're two great British writers." [The Sun, 24 Oct 2011]

Matt Smith commented on his view of last year's protagonists the Silence: "What is wonderful is that they toy with your psyche. They mess with what you know and don't know and what you can and can't remember - they can influence your mind. They look horrendous and are really mean. So if you're under the age of ten, a good sofa to hide behind is essential. That's what Doctor Who should be about: 'I don't want to watch this, but also I do!'" [Press Association, 27 Oct 2011]

A pair of trainers especially signed by David Tennant are to be auctioned on behalf of the Accord Hospice in Paisley, a charity which his parents are closely associated with and where his mother was taken care of when she was ill. [Paisley Daily Express, 27 Oct 2011]

The actor is also involved in filming for a sequel to the film Nativity, playing twin teachers from rival schools (one under-achieving, one "posh") in competion with each other for a national competition. The film once again prominently features the city of Coventry, and Tennant visited local Blue Coat School alongside director Debbie Isitt to meet children potentially appearing in the film. [Coventry Telegraph, 19 Oct 2011; Variety, 28 Oct 2011]

Arthur Darvill (Rory) will be playing Pierre in the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Softcops, taking place at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon on 30th October (11:30am). The play by Caryl Churchill was inspired by Michel Foucault’s theoretical book, Discipline and Punish, and explores the ways governments seek to depoliticise subversive acts. [Entertainment Focus, 25 Oct 2011]

John Barrowman commented on the continued success of his character, Captain Jack Harkness: "I can't believe it. I was only meant to be a five-episode character in Doctor Who and it's turned out to be a huge success in its own right with Torchwood and Captain Jack. The American audiences have taken to him. It's quite overwhelming and quite amazing to be a part of something like that to spread what I call the best of British television worldwide." [Coventry Telegraph, 25 Oct 2011]

Billie Piper (Rose) is to appear in Neil LaBute's play Reasons to be Pretty, due to open at the Almeida Theatre on 10th November. It has also been revealed by artistic director Michael Attenborough that the actress is expecting her second child: "She was upset and told me she was pregnant. She very generously offered to withdraw from the show; however, she was Neil LaBute’s and my first choice for the part — and fortunately the character is pregnant — so with a bit of judicious re-writing we’re all delighted she’ll be with us." [Daily Mail, 28 Oct 2011]

Michael Sheen (House, The Doctor's Wife) is to take on the role of Hamlet, played famously a couple of years ago by former Doctor David Tennant: "It’s the most dangerous play that exists, yet our culture has made it safe - what I want is to make it difficult and jagged again, unsettling and uncomfortable and disorienting for the audience." Speaking about the language of Shakespeare, he said: "We’ve debased our language in lots of ways now. We speak in not particularly expressive ways. The way people express themselves in Shakespeare’s plays is so rich and so tense. It takes more energy and uses more of yourself. It’s an investment and once you adjust to it, it becomes an incredible kinetic experience, really extraordinary. It works on your imagination and emotions just like music – you can be incredibly moved just because of the rhythms and notes." [Wales Online, 28 Oct 2011]

With speculation over Matt Smith's continuation as the Doctor after next series increasing since his comments to VH1, it is perhaps inevitable that potential contenders for the role would be discussed once more, including media favourites such as Paterson Joseph. [Indie Wire, 27 Oct 2011]





FILTER: - Steven Moffat - People - Arthur Darvill - Matt Smith - Billie Piper - David Tennant -

Save Doctor Who Confidential - Petition DayBookmark and Share

Friday, 28 October 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster
Today marks a month since the announcement that Doctor Who Confidential was to be cancelled, and also when the SaveDWC campaign kicked off to help persuade the BBC that the series was still worth producing.

The online petition has now passed 50,000 signatories, and the site reports the importance of today for the campaign:
Important News
Petition Count will be taken shortly after TODAY: Friday 28th October 2011

A COUNT will be taken shortly after this date and we will send this to the BBC Trust.

The petition will REMAIN OPEN after this time, we are simply taking account of all signatures shortly after this day so we can send a figure to the BBC. The BBC themselves may check for an updated amount so it is still very important to sign after this date even though the letter will have been sent to the BBC.
As well as signing the petition, people interested in the campaign can also follow and discuss issues via Twitter and Facebook.


Doctor Who's Head Writer Steven Moffat recently expressed his personal view of the cancellation in the latest issue of Doctor Who Magazine, commenting on how the exploration of behind-the-scenes inspired him and many others (not least of which the 'next generation' of writers/producers/etc. as demonstrated by this year's Script to Screen initiative):
... Matt, Marcus and I went to a school to meet the winners of the Script to Screen competition, and see them watch their own work on screen. ... for once we weren't visitors from the impossible, unattainable world of television - because they'd been told they could be part of it too, and they'd even seen it happen. Out there, among all those children who took part in Script to Screen, possibilities opened and futures changed. Tell me what is more important than that?
...
When I was a kid, Doctor Who made me want to see behind the scenes. Seeing behind the scenes made me never want to leave, and one day, incredibly, got me the job of a lifetime. It did the same for Russell and David. And Mark and Gareth, and Neil, and Paul, and Toby, and Other Toby, and Chris, and Tom and Tom and Marcus and Piers and many more than I can count and it is going to keep doing that for as long as it is allowed.
His views were also picked up in the media, including Digital Journal, the Sun, and Unreality TV.





FILTER: - Fan Productions - Online

Children in Need 2011: Christmas PreviewBookmark and Share

Thursday, 27 October 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster
The BBC Press Office have now released information for this year's Children In Need, confirming that the evening will feature a (now traditional!) clip of the forthcoming Doctor Who Christmas Special:
... Newsreaders Fiona Bruce, Emily Maitlis, Sophie Raworth and Sian Williams try their hand at ballroom and face Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli, Craig Revel Horwood and Alesha Dixon with their own Strictly Challenge. Nick Knowles is in the studio for DIY SOS – The Big Build to celebrate their biggest makeover to date, and there's an exclusive sneak peek at the Doctor Who Christmas special.

Full details about the night can be read in the press release - though no specific details about the clip have been mentioned, previous years have provided the audience with a teaser scene from early in the episode.

This year's Children in Need evening is on Friday 18th November, kicking off from 7:30pm on BBC1 and BBC1HD.





FILTER: - Special Events - Charities

Doctor Who Insider - Issue 8Bookmark and Share

Thursday, 27 October 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster
The eigth edition of Doctor Who Insider will be available in North America from 3rd November.

This month Arthur Darvill talks exclusively to Doctor Who Insider and looks back on how this year’s adventures and revelations have impacted on the life of his alter‐ego, Rory.
I did just lay on a table for two days, half‐naked...

Also this issue:
  • MEMORIES OF MELANIE - Doctor Who Insider talks Cats, lambs and all things show business with Bonnie Langford who joined Doctor Who as companion Melanie Bush in 1986.
  • MARK OF TERROR - We resist the temptation to hide beneath the bedclothes and nervously (but exclusively!) talk to author and actor Mark Gatiss who wrote this year’s creepy Night Terrors.
  • I WAS... MARCO POLO - Mark Eden casts his mind back to 1964 when he played the famous Venetian explorer opposite First Doctor, William Hartnell in the seven‐part adventure, Marco Polo.
  • NEXUS POINT - Insider zooms in on the moment, in the very first episode of Doctor Who, where two school teachers stumbled through the doors of an old police box and discovered the TARDIS for the first time.
  • DATA FILE - The all‐action Third Doctor and his friends from UNIT are this issue’s subject for scrutiny.
  • TIME SCOOP - Insider takes a pictorial amble through the eventful life of one Martha Jones who travelled with the Tenth Doctor before joining UNIT and working with Torchwood.
  • MERCHANDISE - Previews of the latest Doctor Who merchandise, including the DVD release of the Third Doctor adventure, Colony in Space, featuring an exclusive mini‐interview with Katy Manning who recalls working with Roger Delgado who played the Master. Simon Guerrier tells us about writing The First Wave, a new audio adventure for the First Doctor, and Peter Purves tells us what it’s like to once again be playing the First Doctor’s companion, Steven Taylor. Author Dan Abnett writes exclusively for Insider about bringing back the Ice Warriors in this year’s special, holiday‐themed hardback Doctor Who novel, The Silent Stars Go By. And David Howe rounds up the latest Doctor Who merchandise, including a wind up Dalek and TARDIS.
  • FAN ZONE - In The Recreation Generator, Insider presents another selection of readers’ Whoinspired art, craft and costumes.
PLUS! The latest official news and a giant, double‐sided poster of the Eleventh Doctor with Rory, and the Third Doctor.


For subscription information, visit the USA or UK websites.





FILTER: - USA - Magazines

Series Six DVD - Official Doctor Who themed PartiesBookmark and Share

Thursday, 27 October 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster
2|Entertain is launching the first official range of themed parties to celebrate the release of the Complete Doctor Who Series 6 on DVD and Blu-ray:
 
Scores of fans can sign up to host a Doctor Who themed party in their own home when the new initiative put together by marketing company Come Round launches this week. For aspiring young Doctors, Amys and Rorys these official party packages will the perfect way to celebrate their love of the show.

The first 400 to sign-up will receive an exclusive party pack containing official Doctor Who merchandise, tailored game suggestions, posters and more – the perfect kit to host the perfect party.

Furthermore, all the first 400 will be given exclusive access to stream special never-seen-before DVD extras before the DVD becomes available to the British public. The four Monster File previews are 10 to 15 minutes each and will be part of the exclusive pack given to the winners to share with guests of their party.

Launched just before the much anticipated boxset hits the shops, the first-ever official Doctor Who parties will take place on the 19th and 20th November 2011. For those not lucky enough to get a hosting pack, special ‘print at home’ kits will be available so anyone can don a bow tie or a River Song mask to join in the fun in their own home.

The Parties are only available to UK residents, who can sign up to join via the Come Round website. Full terms and conditions can be found on the website.




FILTER: - Special Events - UK - Blu-ray/DVD