Bernard Cribbins 1928-2022Bookmark and Share

Thursday, 28 July 2022 - Reported by Marcus
Bernard Cribbins

The actor Bernard Cribbins, one of the most beloved actors of his generation, has died at the age of 93.

Bernard Cribbins played Wilfred Mott, the grandfather of Donna Noble, in the fourth series of Doctor Who. He appeared in the 1966 Movie version of Doctor Who, Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. playing Tom Campbell

Former Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies, who cast Cribbins in the series, led the tributes to the actor. 

He knew everyone! He’d talk about the Beatles and David Niven, and how he once sat on the stairs at a party impersonating bird calls with T H White. Then he’d add, I said to Ashley Banjo last week… 

He loved being in Doctor Who. He said, ‘Children are calling me grandad in the street!’ His first day was on location with Kylie Minogue, but all eyes, even Kylie’s, were on Bernard. He’d turned up with a suitcase full of props, just in case, including a rubber chicken.

And what an actor. Oh, really though, what a wonderful actor. We once took him to the TV Choice Awards and sent him up on his own to collect the award, and the entire room stood up and cheered him. That’s a lovely memory.

He’d phone up and say, ‘I’ve got an idea! What if I attack a Dalek with a paintball gun?!’ Okay, Bernard, in it went!

He loved Gill with all his heart; he mentioned her in every conversation we ever had. A love story for the ages. I’m so lucky to have known him.

Thanks for everything, my old soldier.

A legend has left the world.

 
Bernard Cribbins began his professional career at the age of 14 as a student at the Oldham Repertory Theatre, remaining there for eight years with a break to do his National service in the Parachute Regiment! From Oldham, he went onto work in rep at Manchester, Liverpool and Hornchurch.

His first West End appearance was in 1956 at the Arts Theatre playing the two Gromios in A Comedy of Errors; this was followed by leading roles in the West End.

He co-starred in the revue And Another Thing at the Fortune Theatre His recording of a song from the show entitled Folksong reached Number One.

This chart success prompted the release of two more comic songs Hole in the Ground and Right Said Fred, both of which reached the Top Ten. Cribbins was incredibly proud that the former was chosen by Noël Coward as one of his Desert Island Discs

His long Television career began in 1956 in The Black Tulip followed by playing Thomas Traddles in David Copperfield. 

Very quickly Cribbins became known for comic character acting with appearances in three Carry-On films. 

His most famous movie role is often considered to be that of Albert Perks in the 1970 version of The Railway Children

Regular appearances on the BBC series Jackanory endeared Cribbins to a whole generation of children, who had the delight of Cribbins reading out such stories as The Wind in the Willows, The Hobbit and The Emperor's New Clothes. He appeared in 114 episodes of the series, more than any other presenter.

His bond with children was cemented by his voice work on the animated series The Wombles, where his gentle storytelling enchanted generations of all ages. 

Cribbins would often appear as a guest artist in well-known series, Appearances in The Avengers and Coronation Street were followed by a show-stealing appearance in Fawlty Towers.  

His first link with Doctor Who came in 1966. He was cast as Tom Campbell in the big screen version of The Dalek Invasion of Earth. He was playing the role played by William Russell in the TV series, alongside Peter Cushing as Doctor Who. It was a masterful performance full of comedy and pathos.  

It would be nearly 40 years before he made his debut on the television version of Doctor Who. He was cast as Wilf in the 2007 Christmas special Voyage of the Damned. It was a small role and expected to be a one-off. However, the character was so successful he was brought back in the 2008 series and given a back story as Donna Noble's Grandfather. He appeared in six episodes in the series cementing his place in Doctor Who history. His role in the Tenth Doctor's swan song The End of Time was vital, providing the reason for the Doctor's regeneration. 

Cribbins worked well into his 90's including many appearances in the CBeebies series Old Jack’s Boat.

Cribbins was married to Gillian McBarnet in 1955 until her death last October. In 2011 he received the OBE for services to drama.

Bernard Cribbins's death was announced by his agent this morning. . 

 

 





FILTER: - Obituary

David Warner 1941-2022Bookmark and Share

Monday, 25 July 2022 - Reported by Marcus

The actor David Warner has died at the age of 80.

David Warner was well known for his many appearances in film and television during a career spanning 60 years. 

He appeared in Doctor Who in 2013 playing Professor Grisenko alongside Matt Smith's Eleventh Doctor in the story Cold War.  In 2009 he lent his vocal talents to the series playing Lord Azlok in the animated Tenth Doctor story Dreamland, as well as playing many roles for Big Finish. 

Warner also made many appearances in the Star Trek franchise appearing in the films Star Trek V: The Final Frontier and Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, and the Star Trek: The Next Generation two-part Chain of Command episode.

David Warner was born in Manchester in the North West of England in July 1941. He trained as an actor at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. 

His professional debut came in 1962 at the Royal Court Theatre playing Snout, in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. He joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1963 playing many roles including Hamlet.  

His film debut was in 1963 playing Blifi in Tom Jones, while early television roles included playing alongside Bob Dylan in the play Madhouse on Castle Street. He became known for playing villains including in films such as The Thirty Nine Steps, Time After Time, Time Bandits, Tron and Hanna's War. 

In 1976 he played opposite Gregory Peck in The Omen, where he played photographer Keith Jennings, one of a number of appearances in horror films. 

Other roles included parts in The Ballad of Cable Hogue, Straw Dogs, Cross of Iron, Holocaust,  A Christmas Carol, Portrait in Evil, Titanic, and  Mary Poppins Returns. 
 

David Warner died on Sunday at Denville Hall, a care home for people in the entertainment industry.

His family confirmed his death in a statement. 

Over the past 18 months, he approached his diagnosis with characteristic grace and dignity,

He will be missed hugely by us, his family, and friends, and remembered as a kind-hearted, generous, and compassionate man, partner, and father, whose legacy of extraordinary work has touched the lives of so many over the years.

Warner is survived by his partner Lisa Bowerman, his son Luke and daughter-in-law Sarah.





FILTER: - Obituary

Doctor Who Magazine: Issue 580Bookmark and Share

Thursday, 21 July 2022 - Reported by Marcus
Doctor Who Magazine: issue 580 (Credit: Panini)

Doctor Who Magazine, Issue 580 looks at the full story behind the two Doctor Who Movies. 

 

Highlights of the new issue include:

  • Sergei and Dmitri Subotsky reveal how their father, producer Milton Subotsky, tried to make a third Doctor Who film – Dr. Who’s Greatest Adventure. Plus, never-before-published details of exactly what was in the movie’s script.

  • Actor Jason Flemyng, the son of Gordon Flemyng, remembers his father and the 1960s Dalek movies he directed.

  • Doctor Who producer Nikki Wilson looks back at over a decade working on the series.

  • Composer Segun Akinola discusses the music of Flux and the Centenary Special – and looks to the future.

  • CG recreations of the flying saucer interior from Daleks’ Invasion Earth 2150 A.D., revealing how the Shepperton Studios sets were assembled.

  • A celebration of Spare Parts, the seminal audio drama that depicted the origins of the Cybermen and inspired later TV episodes.

  • Collectivity meets fans with a love for merchandise based on the 60s Dalek movies.

  • The Everlasting Summer, a brand-new comic strip adventure for the Doctor, Yaz and Dan.

  • The Fact of Fiction uncovers the hidden secrets of 2015’s The Zygon Invasion/The Zygon Inversion.

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

Doctor Who Magazine Issue 580 is on sale Thursday 21 July from panini.co.uk and WH Smith priced £6.99 (UK).

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

 
 
 




FILTER: - DWM - Movies

Free Doctor Who Events in LiverpoolBookmark and Share

Tuesday, 19 July 2022 - Reported by Marcus
World Museum

The world Museum in Liverpool has announced a series of free events and activities tied to the blockbuster exhibition Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder.

 

From TARDIS Building to Virtual Reality experiences, the programme of events offers something for the whole family.

Linked to Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder, the exhibition explores the science behind Doctor Who, with props, monsters and never before seen artefacts from almost sixty years of the TV show.  

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

Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder has seen families and fans of all ages making the trip to Liverpool to experience this landmark exhibition, alongside the bugs, sea creatures and dinosaurs also on display at World Museum. Running until 30 October, there’s still plenty of time to get your ticket and join us for this exciting series of events throughout the summer holidays.”

 

20, 27 July and 3, 10, 17 and 24 August 2022. 10am – 1pm, Drop in 

Embark on an experience through space and time with virtual reality. A new mysterious enemy threatens to tear apart the universe and only you can stop them! Doctor Who: The Edge of Time lets players set out on a Doctor Who adventure. Watch as the TARDIS travels through time in Virtual Reality and help solve puzzles to earn Time Crystals. Join us on the fifth-floor skyline gallery for this VR experience on Wednesdays during half term. Suitable for ages 10+. 

 

21 July 2022. 10:30 – 12:30pm and 1:30 – 4pm, Drop in 

The Doctor’s trusty sonic screwdriver has many uses: scanning, medical applications, welding and computer hacking. We may have to wait a while before we have the technology for a device like The Doctor, but families can join STEAM Engineers to make your own light-up sonic screwdriver to take home in this special event. We'll learn all about circuits and build a simple one ourselves to light up our wooden sonic screwdrivers. 

 

28 July 2022. 10:30am – 12:00pm and 1 – 2:30pm, Ticket required 

In this workshop ran by STEAM Engineers, paint your own MDF sonic screwdriver and create an LED circuit to light it up. Programme a microbit to play the Doctor Who theme, make sonic screwdriver noises, and attach to your own light-up sonic screwdriver! Tickets will be available to book from 11 July. 

This is an inclusive event, suitable for SEND and neurodiverse families with children ages 8+. To ensure all available workshop spaces are used Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.  This event takes place on Level 5, Skyline gallery. This is on the top floor of the museum and our lifts and stairs can be busy especially during weekends, please allow plenty of time to get to the top floor and please ask a member of staff for assistance if needed. For any accessibility needs please email families@liverpoolmuseums.org.uk

 

4 August 2022. 10:30am – 12:30pm and 1:30 – 4pm, Drop in 

The Doctor’s TARDIS, in the form of the blue police telephone box, is one of the most iconic objects from the show. Join us to make your own TARDIS using recycled materials, which will be displayed in the museum afterwards. Everyone knows museums are bigger on the inside! 

 

11 August 2022, 10:30-12:30 and 1:30-4pm, Drop in 

Costumes are a big part of our Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder exhibition, from alien prosthetics inspired by the animal kingdom to spacesuits and even the iconic outfits of each regenerated Doctor.  Join artist Jane Gordon for a drop-in family workshop and create all kinds of weird and wonderful costumes from art materials inspired by your favourite Doctor Who character. 

 

World MuseumWorld MuseumWorld MuseumWorld MuseumWorld Museum





FILTER: - Museums - events