Birkbeck Study Doctor WhoBookmark and Share

Monday, 30 May 2022 - Reported by Marcus

A research project conducted at Birkbeck, University of London, is looking at Doctor Who as part of a project studying the incorporation of fandom into everyday life (and vice versa).

The researchers are looking for consumers of the show to answer a brief online survey, as well as volunteers for interviews.

Participants must be 18 or over.

The short survey can be found online here.

If you have any queries about the survey, please email Mike Stack at m.stack@bbk.ac.uk





FILTER: - Production

The Doctor Lands in LiverpoolBookmark and Share

Thursday, 26 May 2022 - Reported by Marcus
Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder (Credit: BBC / Robin Clewley)

The exhibition Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder has opened at World Museum in Liverpool, where it will run from 27 May – 30 October 2022.

This ground-breaking new exhibition explores the science behind Doctor Who and gives fans a chance to experience the Doctor’s adventures from a scientific perspective.

Produced by leading experiential design experts Sarner International under license from BBC Studios, this new exhibition plunges fans of all ages into a scientific universe to explore the ways in which science has played a part in the longest-running science fiction show in the world, Doctor Who. The eight zones set within this educational exhibition cover a diverse selection of exciting scientific topics while drawing in content from across the full canon of the TV show.

Through a range of hands-on immersive experiences and interactive content, visitors can journey through Cosmic Curiosities, while discovering more about the time-traveling Police Box in the TARDIS Tech room, learning about the science behind time travel and whether it really is

possible, or get up close with some of the weird and wonderful characters that have graced our screens in the Monster Vault. The exhibition gives visitors the chance to engage with rare, behind-the-scenes artifacts some of which have been procured from the BBC’s own archive.

VIP contributors to the exhibition include narration from Doctor Who writer and co-creator of BBC’s Sherlock Mark Gatiss, Space Scientist and presenter of BBC’s The Sky At Night Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, and Zoë Wanamaker CBE, reprising her role as the iconic Lady Cassandra for the first time since 2006.

Fiona Philpott, Director of Exhibitions at National Museums Liverpool, said:

We’re thrilled to be welcoming the world premiere of Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder to World Museum. We’re so lucky to be the first museum in the world to host this must-see experience, which offers exclusive insight for Doctor Who buffs, science fiction fans and anybody else with a curious mind.

Visitors to the exhibition can also travel through space and time at World Museum’s immersive Planetarium and continue their explorations into the biodiversity of our planet with our Natural History & Sciences galleries. Come to Liverpool to experience this exhibition before anybody else!”

Ed Cookson, Projects Director, Sarner International:

For almost 60 years Doctor Who has been exploring mind-bending scientific developments. The iconic characters, monsters, stories, and settings of the television series provide a perfect guide through the wondrous worlds of space, time and science.

Doctor Who has a strong connection to Liverpool. Earlier this year, John Bishop joined an impressive list of Liverpool-born actors to appear on the show. The legendary Tom Baker, who grew up on Scotland Road, played the Fourth Doctor in the mid-1970s, assisted by Liverpool actress Elisabeth Sladen as Sarah Jane Smith. Paul McGann, of the famous Liverpool acting dynasty, played the Eighth Doctor in a one-off TV film in 1996, later reprising his role in a short film for the BBC Studios series’ 50th anniversary in 2013. And in 2008, Kensington-born David Morrissey played The Next Doctor in a Christmas special alongside David Tennant’s Tenth Doctor.

A special Liverpool Connections area within the exhibition delve deeper into the links between the classic TV show and the city of Liverpool. Not only can visitors discover more about the many Merseyside stars who have featured in Doctor Who - from Sir Ken Dodd OBE to John Bishop – but this area will also explore the surprising tale of when the Beatles almost met the Daleks, and the story behind the “Mad Mole” of Edge Hill Joseph Williamson’s inclusion in Season 13 of the TV show.

Adult tickets are priced at £14 in advance or £16 on the day - concession rates apply. Tickets for members are free.

In addition to free entry to the exhibition, members receive limitless free entry to all other exhibitions, discounts in our shops and cafes and invitations to exclusive events.

For further information and to book, visit liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/doctorwho

 

Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder (Credit: BBC / Robin Clewley)Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder (Credit: BBC / Robin Clewley)Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder (Credit: BBC / Robin Clewley)Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder (Credit: BBC / Robin Clewley)Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder (Credit: BBC / Robin Clewley)Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder (Credit: BBC / Robin Clewley)Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder (Credit: BBC / Robin Clewley)Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder (Credit: BBC / Robin Clewley)Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder (Credit: BBC / Robin Clewley)Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder (Credit: BBC / Robin Clewley)Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder (Credit: BBC / Robin Clewley)Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder (Credit: BBC / Robin Clewley)Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder (Credit: BBC / Robin Clewley)Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder (Credit: BBC / Robin Clewley)Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder (Credit: BBC / Robin Clewley)





FILTER: - Exhibitions

Doctor Who Magazine: Issue 578Bookmark and Share

Wednesday, 25 May 2022 - Reported by Marcus
Doctor Who Magazine Issue 578 (Credit: Panini)

The latest edition of Doctor Who Magazine introduces the Fourteenth Doctor, Ncuti Gatwa

 

Highlights of the new issue include:

  • An exclusive from Russell T Davies, Doctor Who’s incoming showrunner, on the casting of Ncuti Gatwa.

  • The story of Ncuti Gatwa’s life and career to date.

  • A 1991 interview with Gordon Flemyng, director of the 1960s Dalek movies, published in full for the first time.

  • Jill Curzon, who played Louise in Daleks’ Invasion Earth 2150 A.D., answers questions from the TARDIS tin.

  • Assistant director Anthony Waye recalls working on Dr. Who and the Daleks and Daleks’ Invasion Earth 2150 A.D.

  • Inside the 4K restoration process for the Dalek movies.

  • CGI recreations of the Dalek city from Dr. Who and the Daleks, revealing how the Shepperton Studios sets were put together.

  • Exclusive previews and disc breakdowns of the forthcoming Doctor Who: The Collection – Season 22 Blu-ray box set and the Blu-ray/UHD Blu-ray releases of the Dalek movies.

  • Ruth Madeley talks about playing Hebe Harrison, the new companion in the Sixth Doctor’s audio adventures.

  • The Fact of Fiction reveals the hidden secrets of Daleks’ Invasion Earth 2150 A.D.

  • Dr. Who & The Mechonoids, a brand-new comic strip adventure for Dr Who and his granddaughter, Susan.

  • Apocrypha revisits Doomcloud, the first Doctor Who adventure that was told twice!

  • Previews, reviews, news, prize-winning competitions, Time and Space Visualiser, Sufficient Data and more.

Doctor Who Magazine Issue 578 is on sale from panini.co.uk and WH Smith from Thursday 26 May priced £6.99 (UK).

Also available as a digital edition from pocketmags.com priced £5.99.

 




FILTER: - DWM - Ncuti Gatwa

The Sensorites On VinylBookmark and Share

Thursday, 19 May 2022 - Reported by Marcus
The Sensorites (Credit: BBC Studios)

A  narrated version of the First Doctor story, The Sensorites, is to be released by Demon Records.

The story, starring William Hartnell as the Doctor, was first broadcast during the summer of 1964 as part of Doctor Who's first season. 

The TARDIS lands onboard a spaceship, in orbit around a planet known as the Sense-Sphere. TheDoctor and his companions learn that the human crew have been imprisoned on their craft by the Sensorites, who blame them for the introduction of a fatal disease. When the Sensorites steal the TARDIS lock, the travellers are forced to go with the aliens to their planet and attempt to broker peace between the races. But many dangers lie ahead…

Presented across 3 x 140g Sense-Sphere marble vinyl discs, this 1964 TV adventure is narrated by William Russell, who also plays Ian Chesterton. The supporting cast includes Jacqueline Hill as Barbara and Carole Ann Ford as Susan, with Stephen Dartnell, Ilona Rodgers and Lorne Cossette.

Incidental music is composed by Norman Kay, and the familiar strains of the Doctor Who theme are courtesy of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop

.An embossed, frameable art print accompanies the coloured vinyl LPs, presented in individual pockets which, when placed in order, reveal a double-sided composite illustration.

An accompanying booklet supplies cast and credits, and inner bags featuring complete episode billings. 

The discs will be released on 22 July 2022 and are available for pre-order from Amazon





FILTER: - Vinyl - First Doctor

Yasmin Finney Joins Doctor WhoBookmark and Share

Monday, 16 May 2022 - Reported by Marcus
Yasmin Finney (Credit: BBC Studios)

The BBC has announced that Yasmin Finney is joining the cast of Doctor Who Series 14.

Finney will be playing the character of Rose and is currently filming scenes that are due to air in 2023 to coincide with the show’s 60th anniversary.

The actress is best known for her role in the Netflix series Heartstoppers, where she plays Elle Argent. She is listed as one of Tik Tok's biggest influencers’ where her ground-breaking videos, sharing her experience as a Trans woman growing up in Manchester, have been watched over twelve million times and where she has over two hundred and ninety thousand followers.

Speaking of joining Doctor Who Finney says:

If anyone would have told 8-year-old Yasmin that one day she’d be part of this iconic show, I would have never in a million years believed them. This show has a place in so many people’s hearts, so to be seen as a trans actress by the legend himself Russell, has not only made my year, it’s made my life. I cannot wait to begin this journey and for you all to see how Rose blossoms. Get Ready.

Russell T Davies, Showrunner adds:

Life on Doctor Who gets brighter and wilder, how can there be another Rose?  You’ll find out in 2023, but it’s an absolute joy to welcome Yasmin to the Doctor Who set. We all fell in love with her in Heartstopper, one of those shows which changes the world - and now Yasmin can change the Whoniverse!

Finney joins the new Doctor Ncuti Gatwa as well as David Tennant and Catherine Tate, who are currently filming for Doctor Who's 40th series, which will be shown in the programme's 60th Anniversary year.  





FILTER: - Yasmin Finney - Production

Tennant and Tate Are BackBookmark and Share

Sunday, 15 May 2022 - Reported by Marcus
.David Tennant and Catherine Tate (Credit: BBC Studios)

 

The BBC has confirmed that both David Tennant and Catherine Tate will be returning to Doctor Who to help mark the show's 60th Anniversary. 

The Tenth Doctor, as played by Tennant, was paired with Donna Noble, played by Tate, in Series 4 of Doctor Who shown in 2008. 

Often described as one of the most loved pairings in Doctor Who’s history, the two have reunited and are filming scenes that are due to air in 2023 to coincide with the show’s Dimond Jubilee celebrations.

The Doctor and Donna parted ways when the Doctor had to wipe Donna's memory, making her forget him, in order to save her life. He left her family with a warning: if ever she remembers, she will die. But with the two coming face to face once more, the big question is, just what brings the Doctor and Donna back together? 

Russell T Davies, Incoming Showrunner says:

They're back! And it looks impossible - first, we announce a new Doctor, and then an old Doctor, along with the wonderful Donna, what on earth is happening?  Maybe this is a missing story. Or a parallel world. Or a dream, or a trick, or a flashback. The only thing I can confirm is that it’s going to be spectacular, as two of our greatest stars reunite for the battle of a lifetime.

 

Tennant left the series in 2010 but returned for the 50th Anniversary story The Day of The Doctor.





FILTER: - David Tennant - Catherine Tate - 60th Anniversary - Leading News

Ncuti Gatwa is the Fourteenth DoctorBookmark and Share

Sunday, 8 May 2022 - Reported by Marcus
Ncuti Gatwa (Credit: BBC)

The BBC has named Ncuti Gatwa as the Fourteenth Doctor, taking over from Jodie Whittaker at the end of the Autumn 2022 episode. 

The 29-year-old actor will be the first non-white performer to take the lead role in the series's 59-year history. 

Gatwa is best known for his award-winning performance as Eric Effiong on the Netflix comedy-drama series Sex Education

There aren’t quite the words to describe how I’m feeling.

A mix of deeply honoured, beyond excited and of course a little bit scared.

This role and show means so much to so many around the world, including myself, and each one of my incredibly talented predecessors has handled that unique responsibility and privilege with the utmost care.

I will endeavour my utmost to do the same

Gatwa is the third actor to be cast as The Doctor by returning Showrunner Russell T Davies who said the actor dazzled the casting team.

The future is here and it’s Ncuti!

Sometimes talent walks through the door and it’s so bright and bold and brilliant, I just stand back in awe and thank my lucky stars.

Ncuti dazzled us, seized hold of the Doctor and owned those TARDIS keys in seconds. It’s an honour to work with him, and a hoot, I can’t wait to get started.

I’m sure you’re dying to know more, but we’re rationing ourselves for now, with the wonderful Jodie’s epic finale yet to come.

But I promise you, 2023 will be spectacular!

Ncuti Gatwa was born in Nyarugenge, Kigali, Rwanda, the son of a journalist. He grew up in Scotland where he attended Boroughmuir High School and Dunfermline High School and graduated from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow with a BA in Acting in 2013. The announcement of his new role comes just a few hours before this year's Bafta Television Awards, where Gatwa is nominated for best male performance in a comedy programme for the third year in a row. He has already won a Scottish Bafta and a Rose d'Or Award for his role in Sex Education.

Gatwa said how much he was looking forward to working with the showrunner

Russell T Davies is almost as iconic as the Doctor himself and being able to work with him is a dream come true.

His writing is dynamic, exciting, incredibly intelligent and fizzing with danger. An actor’s metaphorical playground. The entire team have been so welcoming and truly give their hearts to the show. And so as much as it’s daunting, I’m aware I’m joining a really supportive family.

Unlike the Doctor, I may only have one heart but I am giving it all to this show

.BBC chief content officer Charlotte Moore said:

Ncuti has an incredible dynamism, he's a striking and fearless young actor whose talent and energy will set the world alight and take Doctor Who on extraordinary adventures under Russell T Davies' new era.

The last episode starring Jodie Whittaker will be broadcast this autumn as part of the BBC Centenary celebrations.  Gatwa will return as the fourteenth Doctor in 2023.





FILTER: - Leading News - Fourteenth Doctor

Doctor Who Worlds of WonderBookmark and Share

Friday, 6 May 2022 - Reported by Marcus
Dalek in World Museum (Credit: Pete Carr)

A new blockbuster exhibition Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder, will be coming to Liverpool this summer.

The exhibition, at World Museum from 27 May, will include contributions from stars across the fields of science and entertainment, along with the opportunity to find out more about the many links between Liverpool and the long-running sci-fi show

Mark Gatiss – co-creator of BBC’s Sherlock and writer of several episodes of Doctor Who – will narrate the exhibition, guiding visitors through space and time. 

So many people who have gone on to work in science have had their interest piqued by watching Doctor Who, and one of the amazing things about the show is its ability to make us wonder. I’m thrilled to be part of the exhibition and I do hope as many curiously minded people as possible take the opportunity to visit. 

Space scientist, author and presenter of BBC’s The Sky at Night Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock MBE will provide expert analysis and explore the mind-blowing science behind the TV show, through interactive “Ask a Scientist” sections located throughout the exhibition.

As a child, Science Fiction played a critical role in my life and inspired me to become a Space Scientist - it allows us to explore tales of wonder and shows us the possibilities for the future and how science fiction can become science fact. I hope the Dr Who Exhibition – and my contribution to it – will inspire, inform and excite everyone in the same way.

Zoë Wanamaker CBE will be reprising her Doctor Who role, lending her voice to an exhibit all about her iconic character Lady Cassandra O’Brien - the last ‘pure’ human who became obsessed with a warped idea of perfection through surgery.

Visitors will also be able to delve into the classic set designs of the original series, as well as the incredible special effects and makeup design that bring the show to life – all from scientists, designers and producers who have worked on Doctor Who. 

Tardis lands at World Museum (Credit: Gareth Jones)National Museums Liverpool can also reveal the inclusion of a special Liverpool Connections area within the exhibition – delving deeper into the links between the classic TV show and the city of Liverpool.

Not only can visitors discover more about the many Merseyside stars who have featured in Doctor Who - from Sir Ken Dodd OBE to John Bishop – but this area will also explore the surprising tale of when the Beatles almost met the Daleks and the story behind the “Mad Mole” of Edge Hill Joseph Williamson’s inclusion in Season 13 of the TV show. 

Fiona Philpott, Director of Exhibitions at National Museums Liverpool, said:

We’re thrilled to announce a small taste of what visitors can expect at the world premiere of Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder, and we can’t think of anywhere more fitting than Liverpool to host it. There is truly something for everyone within the exhibition – from science-fiction fans to families, and from Doctor Who buffs to those who simply have a curious mind. The behind-the-scenes knowledge that the contributors bring to the exhibition is mind-blowing.

Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder will open on 27 May and tickets are available now. Adult tickets are priced at £14 in advance or £16 on the day - concession rates apply. Tickets for members are free. In addition to free entry to the exhibition, members receive limitless free entry to all other exhibitions, discounts in our shops and cafes and invitations to exclusive events.  

 

For further information and to book, visit liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/doctorwho





FILTER: - Exhibitions

Verity Lambert Heritage Plaque - RededicationBookmark and Share

Monday, 2 May 2022 - Reported by Marcus
Waris Hussein unveils Verity Lambert Plaque (Credit: DWAS)
The Doctor Who Appreciation Society is rededicating its plaque in honour of Doctor Who's first producer Verity Lambert at a special event in  London.
 
The plaque was originally unveiled in 2014, by Doctor Who's first Director, Waris Hussein. It is housed at Riverside Studios in Hammersmith, where many early episodes of Doctor Who were made. 
 
The plaque has been in storage while the Riverside complex was being redeveloped, but will be rededicated at a special event on May 29th.
 
In collaboration with Riverside Studios, the society will unveil the plaque in its new permanent location at the studios. In addition, Riverside and the Society have, by special arrangement with the BBC, arranged a screening of Episode 1 of Lambert's BAFTA-nominated 1974 drama about the Suffragette movement ‘Shoulder to Shoulder’. 
 
This rare screening will take place in Riverside's brand new cinema on the afternoon of 29 May 2022 at 2.00 pm. This will be followed by a Q and A session with two stars from the production, Dame Siân Phillips and Patricia Quinn, plus Waris Hussein (director of Shoulder to Shoulder & Doctor Who) and Carole Ann Ford (Doctor Who).
 
Attendees will also have the opportunity to view the free 'Time Lords To Top Of The Pops' photographic exhibition running at the venue as well as seeing the newly rededicated blue plaque. 
 
Tickets for the screening are £10 each (plus booking fee) and can be ordered at the Society’s Eventbrite site.




FILTER: - DWAS