Big Finish Update
Big Finish
September 30, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonBig Finish has released the titles of its forthcoming UNIT audio series. Part One is Time Heals by Iain McLaughlin and Claire Bartlett; part two is Snake Head by Jonathan Clements; part three is The Longest Night by Joseph Lidster; and part four is McLaughlin and BartlettÆs The Wasting. Also noted today is that a special 'prelude' adventure, The Coup by Simon Guerrier, with the new UNIT cast will be released with a forthcoming issue of Doctor Who Magazine prior to the start of the series (so likely, the November or December issue). More casting and other UNIT details were previously announced here on the OG news page.
Also updated today, the full list of stories for Short Trips: A Christmas Treasury edited by Paul Cornell. The stories include "Last Christmas" by Simon Guerrier, "UNIT Christmas Parties: First Christmas" by Nick Wallace, "In the TARDIS: Christmas Day" by Val Douglas, "Water's Edge" by Peter Adamson, "Who the Dickens?" by Juliet E. McKenna, "Spookasem" by Peter Anghelides, "Christmas Special" by Marc Platt, "Never Seen Cairo" by Darren Sellars, "The Man Who (Nearly) Killed Christmas" by Mark Michalowski, "Last Minute Shopping" by Neil Perryman, "Every Day" by Stephen Fewell, "The Eight Doctors of Christmas" by Matthew Griffiths, "The Little Things" by Paul Beardsley, "UNIT Christmas Parties: Christmas Truce" by Terrance Dicks, "The Clanging Chimes of Doom" by Jonathan Morris, "Perfect Present" by Andy Campbell, "Present Tense" by Ian Potter, "Good Will Toward Men" by J. Shaun Lyon, "It's a Lovely Day Tomorrow" by Martin Day, "All Our Christmasses" by Steve Lyons, "Lily" by Jackie Marshall, "A Yuletide Tail" by Dave Stone, "Be Forgot" by Cavan Scott & Mark Wright, "The Feast of Seven. Eight (and Nine)" by Vanessa Bishop, "UNIT Christmas Parties: Ships That Pass" by Karen Dunn, and "Evergreen" by Stephen Cole, with linking material by Paul Cornell.
There has also been a clarification regarding Her Final Flight, the subscriber-only CD release that was numbered #65 as part of the regular relases. After repeated queries about this, "we've opted thus to take Her Final Flight out of the sequential system and list it instead alongside The Maltese Penguin (our previous subscriber-only free disc), Real Time and Shada as a 'special'. Thus January's regular release, The Game becomes 65, The Juggernauts, 66 and so on." We do know from several correspondents who have checked that the story will be released at some point later for general availability, but likely not for the first year. They also mention a another subscriber-only free disc towards the end of next year.
The Big Finish site also mentions that part five of the "Dalek Empire III" series, The Warriors, and the ninth Short Trips volume, Short Trips: Monsters are now in release; and that they have re-released the four-CD set The John Nathan-Turner Memoirs as part of their "Talk Back" series with a new cover illustration. Finally, Big Finish does clarify that the reissues of older stories on the play.com website do not have new covers; the different illustration was simply for benefit of that site.
Also updated today, the full list of stories for Short Trips: A Christmas Treasury edited by Paul Cornell. The stories include "Last Christmas" by Simon Guerrier, "UNIT Christmas Parties: First Christmas" by Nick Wallace, "In the TARDIS: Christmas Day" by Val Douglas, "Water's Edge" by Peter Adamson, "Who the Dickens?" by Juliet E. McKenna, "Spookasem" by Peter Anghelides, "Christmas Special" by Marc Platt, "Never Seen Cairo" by Darren Sellars, "The Man Who (Nearly) Killed Christmas" by Mark Michalowski, "Last Minute Shopping" by Neil Perryman, "Every Day" by Stephen Fewell, "The Eight Doctors of Christmas" by Matthew Griffiths, "The Little Things" by Paul Beardsley, "UNIT Christmas Parties: Christmas Truce" by Terrance Dicks, "The Clanging Chimes of Doom" by Jonathan Morris, "Perfect Present" by Andy Campbell, "Present Tense" by Ian Potter, "Good Will Toward Men" by J. Shaun Lyon, "It's a Lovely Day Tomorrow" by Martin Day, "All Our Christmasses" by Steve Lyons, "Lily" by Jackie Marshall, "A Yuletide Tail" by Dave Stone, "Be Forgot" by Cavan Scott & Mark Wright, "The Feast of Seven. Eight (and Nine)" by Vanessa Bishop, "UNIT Christmas Parties: Ships That Pass" by Karen Dunn, and "Evergreen" by Stephen Cole, with linking material by Paul Cornell.
There has also been a clarification regarding Her Final Flight, the subscriber-only CD release that was numbered #65 as part of the regular relases. After repeated queries about this, "we've opted thus to take Her Final Flight out of the sequential system and list it instead alongside The Maltese Penguin (our previous subscriber-only free disc), Real Time and Shada as a 'special'. Thus January's regular release, The Game becomes 65, The Juggernauts, 66 and so on." We do know from several correspondents who have checked that the story will be released at some point later for general availability, but likely not for the first year. They also mention a another subscriber-only free disc towards the end of next year.
The Big Finish site also mentions that part five of the "Dalek Empire III" series, The Warriors, and the ninth Short Trips volume, Short Trips: Monsters are now in release; and that they have re-released the four-CD set The John Nathan-Turner Memoirs as part of their "Talk Back" series with a new cover illustration. Finally, Big Finish does clarify that the reissues of older stories on the play.com website do not have new covers; the different illustration was simply for benefit of that site.
Mal Young Leaving BBC
General TV Series News
September 28, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonAccording to a news report on BBC News -- widely reported elsewhere on the internet as well -- Mal Young is set to leave the BBC at the end of the year, joining 19 TV, creators of "Pop Idol" and US counterpart "American Idol," as director of drama. "I've had the happiest and most fulfilling seven years at the BBC, but when Simon approached me about he and I working together, it was a no-brainer," Young told BBC News. "I wasn't actively looking to leave the BBC, but this felt like the perfect fit." Mal Young is, of course, one of the developers of the new Doctor Who series, listed as an executive producer alongside Russell T Davies and Julie Gardner; however, this is not expected to impact the series in any way. Of course, Outpost Gallifrey would like to offer our best wishes to Mr. Young in his future endeavors, as well as our thanks for his involvement in the rebirth of the Doctor Who series on television. (Thanks to Paul Hayes, James Whittington and everyone else who wrote in!)
Colin's No Weakest Link
People
September 28, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonColin Baker appaered last weekend on "The Weakest Link," playing the game for charity. The theme of the episode was "TV Doctors" and of course our beloved Sixth Doc was in usual fine form, likening host Anne Robinson to the Rani because, although she was an evil villain, "you know she's wicked but at the same time you are drawn to her"... Good fun! (Thanks to John Pettigrew, Andrew Hinton)
Rutan, Not The Rutans!
Miscellaneous
September 28, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonAviation pioneer Burt Rutan will be engaging the skies Wednesday with SpaceShipOne in hopes of winning the coveted Ansari X Prize for the first human commercial space flight, according to BBC News and CNN... and no, this isn't a Rutan invasion! (Our readers have very strange senses of humor, don't they?!)
John Barrowman Interview
General TV Series News
September 28, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonAn interview with John Barrowman, who plays the mysterious character of "Captain Jack" in the forthcoming first series of Doctor Who next year, appeared in last week's October edition of Gay Times in the UK. The interview mentions his forthcoming appearance in the same way a few other clues have happened, as more than a simple guest role. "Next year will see him appearing in the BBC's new series of Doctor Who, as the Doctor's male assistant opposite Christopher Eccleston and Billie Piper. 'It's a dream come true for me because I watched Doctor Who as a kid in Scotland, and used to catch all the marathons on public TV in the States. When I got the news from my agent, I just stood in the street screaming. I mean... I'll be inside the Tardis!'" (Thanks to Chris Winwood)
Oxford Dictionary of National Biography
People
September 28, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonThe Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, the standard authoritative biographical reference work for the British past, published by Oxford University Press on September 23 in 60 print volumes and online at www.oxforddnb.com, includes several articles of interest to Doctor Who fans. Included for the first time are first Doctor William Hartnell(written by UK film historian Robert Sharp), third Doctor Jon Pertwee (written by David J. Howe), and producerSydney Newman and Daleks creator Terry Nation (written by Matthew Kilburn). While the dictionary itself is extraordinarily expensive, there are subscriptions available to the online edition for a far less obtrusive price; check the website for details. (Thanks to Matthew Kilburn)
MediaGuardian's Top 30
General TV Series News
September 28, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonA recent story on the MediaGuardian site (registration required) lists the top 30 "hottest people, places and things this autumn," and one of the mentions is Doctor Who producer Russell T Davies. "The Queer as Folk creator has a national institution in his hands - Dr Who. Starring Christopher Eccleston and Billie Piper, it's back on BBC1 next year. 'I can do what I want,' said Davies. 'The purists may be up in arms but there are more things to worry about in life.' Expect surprises. And Daleks." The third radio series of "The Hitchhikers' Guide to the Galaxy," currently airing on Radio 4 and via the internet, also made the list. (Thanks to Mark Williams)
More New Series Cast, Crew
General TV Series News
September 25, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonAccording to the Doctor Who Appreciation Society, there are some names we can add to our list of cast and crew for the new series production. Cast members in at least one story, likely one of the stories already completed, are actors Basil Chung and Fiesta Mei Ling as "an old Chinese couple", and Corey Doabe as a "spray-painting kid". On the production side, the following names have been linked to the first block of stories (directed by Keith Boak): Lowri Thomas, Unit Manager; James DaHaviland and Steff Morris, Assistant Directors; Patrick Begley, Props; andIan Richardson, Sound. The action vehicles -- likely the ones seen in the Cardiff shoot from late July/early August outside the Albion Hospital set (see the photo gallery) -- were provided by Millers Action. (Thanks to DWAS / Chuck Foster)
Horror of Fang Rock DVD
Miscellaneous
September 25, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonAs expected, the release of Horror of Fang Rock on DVD in the UK in January is even more confirmed than when Outpost Gallifrey announced it last week -- there's a new article in the DVD section of the Doctor Who Restoration Teamwebsite.
SFX Issue 123
General TV Series News
September 25, 2004 • Posted By Shaun Lyon
Issue #123 of SFX Magazine, due out on September 29, features a conversation with new series producer Russell T Davies. "It was when I saw the TARDIS interior," Davies tells SFX about his most exciting moment. "I was lucky, cause I'd been trapped at home, writing episode seven, and only saw it in studio half-built. So my first sight of it was fully lit, on a glorious wide shot, on the rushes. The second best day of my whole working life." Davies also discusses the Dalek situation: "We had the script written and ready to go, and then the bad news came, that we couldn't forge a deal... So a rewrite was commissioned - same story, new monster. There was no need to think of a completely new story, cause the original idea's so good, Dalek or no Dalek. The script was rewritten - and it was great, we were all really happy with it. It was only a first draft, and still smacked slightly of 'this creature used to be a Dalek'. It would make a good book one day, I suppose, that little bit of Who history. Certainly a good article - there's even some artwork to back it up! But then again, I might still use the New Enemy one day, so that embargoes the material for a few years." Pick up the magazine for full details. (Thanks to Ian Berriman/SFX)About Time
Books
September 25, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonMad Norwegian Press' forthcoming six-part About Time series, detailed guidebooks to the original Doctor Who series by Lawrence Miles and Tat Wood, have undergone a slight change. The books have been "reformatted to divide the TV show by Seasons rather than Doctors," says editor Lars Pearson. "This leaves the great bulk of the text unchanged, but the books will now be divided as follows: Volume 1 (Seasons 1 to 3); Volume 2 (Seasons 4 to 6); Volume 3 (Seasons 7 to 11); Volume 4 (Seasons 12 to 17); Volume 5 (Seasons 18 to 21); Volume 6 (Seasons 22 to 26, the TV Movie). Note that this alters most of the books only slightly, and some such as Volume 3 --- which details the Pertwee era --- aren't affected at all. The main change is that Season 18, Tom Baker's last season, is now paired with the Davison volume." The first volume in release, the Pertwee book (#3), is due in October; the cover illustration for that and the subsequent release (#4) are below - click on each for a larger version. (Thanks to Lars Pearson)
Press Clips
PressClips
September 25, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonThere is a vast amount of news coverage today (which we won't otherwise comment on) regarding personal developments in the private life of new series companion Billie Piper and her marriage to Chris Evans, covered here at the Daily Record, or here in The Sun, and elsewhere on the 'net.
Tom Baker has some things to say about the new show -- yet again! -- in an interview with today's The Guardian. "It's perhaps unsurprising, then, that Baker is wary of the forthcoming series of Doctor Who, in which Christopher Eccleston - the ninth TV incarnation - will allegedly tackle 'social issues' and 'romantic encounters'," says the article. "'Romance? Well, I shouldn't be surprised, really,' snaps Baker, who once tried to murder his former mother-in-law with a hoe. 'They'll do anything to make people watch. But the Doctor was always a mystery. We know he had two hearts, but what of the rest? Four lungs, four balls and a sonic screwdriver? AH-HAH-HAH! It's best to leave people guessing. ... I read an interview with the guy who's playing Dr Who,' he continues, audibly miffed. 'He was talking about Earth as if it was important! I was deeply, deeply disappointed. I mean, Christ, the next thing they'll be doing is talking about global warming. Oh, it's so sad, isn't it? I find a fantasy programme's preoccupation with this world so parochial.'" Indeed. You can read the full article, in which he talks about his new series of "Monarch of the Glen" at the link.
Tom Baker has some things to say about the new show -- yet again! -- in an interview with today's The Guardian. "It's perhaps unsurprising, then, that Baker is wary of the forthcoming series of Doctor Who, in which Christopher Eccleston - the ninth TV incarnation - will allegedly tackle 'social issues' and 'romantic encounters'," says the article. "'Romance? Well, I shouldn't be surprised, really,' snaps Baker, who once tried to murder his former mother-in-law with a hoe. 'They'll do anything to make people watch. But the Doctor was always a mystery. We know he had two hearts, but what of the rest? Four lungs, four balls and a sonic screwdriver? AH-HAH-HAH! It's best to leave people guessing. ... I read an interview with the guy who's playing Dr Who,' he continues, audibly miffed. 'He was talking about Earth as if it was important! I was deeply, deeply disappointed. I mean, Christ, the next thing they'll be doing is talking about global warming. Oh, it's so sad, isn't it? I find a fantasy programme's preoccupation with this world so parochial.'" Indeed. You can read the full article, in which he talks about his new series of "Monarch of the Glen" at the link.
Telos Publishing Goes Back to the Vortex
General TV Series News
September 24, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonTelos Publishing announces the first nonfiction book covering the launch of next year's new Doctor Who television series, to be released during the summer of 2005, shortly after the first season is transmitted. Back To The Vortex: The Unofficial and Unauthorized Guide to Doctor Who 2005 is written by J. Shaun Lyon, the editor of Outpost Gallifrey, with an introduction penned by Philip David Segal, the last television producer of Doctor Who (the 1996 TV movie starring Paul McGann), and cover montage illustration by noted Polish artist Dariusz Jasiczak (who did the frontispiece illustration for Telos' Doctor Who novella "Ghost Ship".)
Back to the Vortex is a two-part deconstruction of the new Doctor Who series. The first section is a primer on the time period between the announcement of the new series and the start of transmission, from the perspective of the outside looking in -- the media coverage, the press and magazines, the location shoots and the hype, as well as biographies of the cast and crew, and how the entire event changed the way the world looks at the series. The second part is a detailed and exhaustively researched guide to the first season of the show, complete with episode breakdowns, casting, historical outlook, logic issues, continuity and technology, as well as a collection of critical review and analysis of each story from a variety of perspectives by professional and fan writers from five countries, including Keith Topping, Scott Alan Woodard, Graeme Burk, Sarah Hadley, Robert Franks, Paul Hayes, Simon Catlow, Cameron J. Mason and Jon Preddle.
The book will be released in the UK very shortly after transmission of the series in both softcover and signed, limited edition numbered hardcover signed by the author and Segal, and will be distributed overseas shortly thereafter. The press release is below; meanwhile, the cover illustration is at right -- click the thumbnail for a larger version. Further details will be available shortly on the Telos Publishing website, and there is a Back to the Vortex page with some background information and other details here at Outpost Gallifrey.
BACK TO THE VORTEX: The Unofficial and Unauthorized Guide to Doctor Who 2005,
by J. Shaun Lyon
Christopher Eccleston Is... The Doctor!
The adventures in time and space continue, as the Doctor and his faithful companion Rose Tyler travel time and space fighting evil, righting wrongs and saving the course of history. This is the ultimate guide to the newest adventures of the Doctor: an archive of information, review and commentary, from the press to the production to the fans, as the venerable Time Lord returns to television in 2005 in a thirteen-part series set to stun viewers and critics alike.
Back to the Vortex unfolds as history happened, from the announcements to the press releases, casting calls, the highs and lows, and the start of production. Discover the background to the new series, through the eyes of the press, the commentators and fans; read about the casting of Christopher Eccleston as the Doctor and one-time pop princess Billie Piper as Rose; and be there during the lead-up to the return of the travelling Time Lord to regular prime time television after sixteen years away. And as the show debuts, investigate the stories themselves, through detailed analysis, facts and figures, as well as extensive reviews and commentary with a panel of fans and aficionados spread across the world.
This is the essential guide to the long awaited and anticipated return of the Doctor... and it's about time!
Foreword by Philip David Segal, Executive Producer of the 1996 "Doctor Who" made-for-television film.
Featuring critical analysis and reviews of the first season by Keith Topping, Scott Alan Woodard, Graeme Burk, Cameron J. Mason, Sarah Hadley, Paul Hayes, Robert Franks, Simon Catlow andJon Preddle.
Back to the Vortex is a two-part deconstruction of the new Doctor Who series. The first section is a primer on the time period between the announcement of the new series and the start of transmission, from the perspective of the outside looking in -- the media coverage, the press and magazines, the location shoots and the hype, as well as biographies of the cast and crew, and how the entire event changed the way the world looks at the series. The second part is a detailed and exhaustively researched guide to the first season of the show, complete with episode breakdowns, casting, historical outlook, logic issues, continuity and technology, as well as a collection of critical review and analysis of each story from a variety of perspectives by professional and fan writers from five countries, including Keith Topping, Scott Alan Woodard, Graeme Burk, Sarah Hadley, Robert Franks, Paul Hayes, Simon Catlow, Cameron J. Mason and Jon Preddle.
The book will be released in the UK very shortly after transmission of the series in both softcover and signed, limited edition numbered hardcover signed by the author and Segal, and will be distributed overseas shortly thereafter. The press release is below; meanwhile, the cover illustration is at right -- click the thumbnail for a larger version. Further details will be available shortly on the Telos Publishing website, and there is a Back to the Vortex page with some background information and other details here at Outpost Gallifrey.
BACK TO THE VORTEX: The Unofficial and Unauthorized Guide to Doctor Who 2005,by J. Shaun Lyon
Christopher Eccleston Is... The Doctor!
The adventures in time and space continue, as the Doctor and his faithful companion Rose Tyler travel time and space fighting evil, righting wrongs and saving the course of history. This is the ultimate guide to the newest adventures of the Doctor: an archive of information, review and commentary, from the press to the production to the fans, as the venerable Time Lord returns to television in 2005 in a thirteen-part series set to stun viewers and critics alike.
Back to the Vortex unfolds as history happened, from the announcements to the press releases, casting calls, the highs and lows, and the start of production. Discover the background to the new series, through the eyes of the press, the commentators and fans; read about the casting of Christopher Eccleston as the Doctor and one-time pop princess Billie Piper as Rose; and be there during the lead-up to the return of the travelling Time Lord to regular prime time television after sixteen years away. And as the show debuts, investigate the stories themselves, through detailed analysis, facts and figures, as well as extensive reviews and commentary with a panel of fans and aficionados spread across the world.
This is the essential guide to the long awaited and anticipated return of the Doctor... and it's about time!
Foreword by Philip David Segal, Executive Producer of the 1996 "Doctor Who" made-for-television film.
Featuring critical analysis and reviews of the first season by Keith Topping, Scott Alan Woodard, Graeme Burk, Cameron J. Mason, Sarah Hadley, Paul Hayes, Robert Franks, Simon Catlow andJon Preddle.
Delia Derbyshire: Standing Wave
People
September 23, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonStanding Wave is a new stage play about the life and music of Delia Derbyshire, the ground-breaking electronic composer among whose most notable contributions is her arrangement of the Doctor Who theme. The press launch of the play featured a life-sized Dalek. Details about the play, which runs at the Tron Theatre in Glasgow, Scotland from October 7, can be found at the Tron Theatre website. (Thanks to Ben Morris)
More Swansea Pics
General TV Series News
September 23, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonWe have a new collection of photos from the Monday night shoot in Swansea, which clearly feature long-range shots of Christopher Eccleston and Billie Piper, as well as other location shots. Click on each for a larger version. (Thanks to Neil Jones)
More Swansea Pics (photos by Neil Jones)
Second Night Monmouth Photos
General TV Series News
September 23, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonNew photos from the second night (of two) of filming in Monmouth, including images of the free-standing TARDIS and a couple of shots from around 9pm on St. Mary's Street as filming was getting underway. Click on each thumbnail for a larger version. (Thanks to Gareth Price)
Second Night Monmouth Photos (photos by Gareth Price)
New DWAS Monmouth Photos
General TV Series News
September 23, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonThe Doctor Who Appreciation Society took another set of photos on Wednesday at the Monmouth filming location; below is a small sampling of a few of them, reprinted with permission. To see larger versions and many other photos, visit the DWAS photo area here. (Thanks to the DWAS, and Chuck Foster)
By the way... now would be a great time to check out the Doctor Who Appreciation Society, the longest-running organized Doctor Who fan network in the world. Click on the link for details on how to join and receive their journal, "Celestial Toyroom".
By the way... now would be a great time to check out the Doctor Who Appreciation Society, the longest-running organized Doctor Who fan network in the world. Click on the link for details on how to join and receive their journal, "Celestial Toyroom".
DWAS Monmouth Collection (photos reprinted with permission)
Win Ghost Light
Miscellaneous
September 23, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonBBC Wiltshire is running a contest to give away a free copy of the UK DVD "Ghost Light"; click the link for details.
No "Exterminate"!?!
General TV Series News
September 23, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonCould it be that Doctor Who is returning with the Daleks... but without the famous catchphrase, "Exterminate!" In anarticle in today's "The Sun," it is noted that "BBC chiefs have deemed the aliensÆ catchphrase too cheesy for modern audiences. A Beeb insider confirmed last night: 'Doctor Who fans may be upset. But although the word may have scared kiddies in 1963, today it would be laughed off screen.' The source said: 'The Daleks have said æexterminateÆ for more than 40 years but it never did them any good. The Doctor always won in the end.'" Of course, the Sun also claims that the Daleks returned only after their 'campaign' to bring the monsters back to the show; meanwhile, quoted elsewhere, Tim Hancock, agent for the estate of Daleks creator Terry Nation, says, "There are three scripts in the new series of Doctor Who that will feature the Daleks.ö However, the BBC won't confirm the number of episodes they appear in. The article is also on Sky News, Ananova and other web sources. (Thanks to Paul Engelberg & Steve Tribe)
Exclusive Monmouth Set Report, Photo Gallery
General TV Series News
September 22, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonOutpost Gallifrey tonight has an exclusive, detailed set report from the Monmouth filming location from last evening (21 September) into early this morning, along with a large collection of pictures from behind-the-scenes. The report is by Roger Anderson of the Cuttings Archive, photos by Anderson and Harrison Jase. Click each photo for a larger version; click on the spoiler tag to read the set report (which does have spoilers in it!) (Thanks to Roger Anderson, Harrison Jase)
Collection #1 (photos by Roger Anderson)
Collection #2 (photos by Harrison Jase)
Set Report - Doctor Who Filming in Monmouth, Wales between 6pm 21st September and 2am 22nd September 2004
Filming in Monmouth took place on Tuesday night and the early hours of Wednesday morning in Beaufort Arms Court in the centre of the town. There was also a small sequence due to be shot just around the corner outside the Punch House bar in Agincourt Square.
The story in question, part of the second block of filming, is set at Christmas 1869 and, as we all may know, includes the distinguished actor and Dickens expert Simon Callow in the cast as Dickens himself.
I arrived at around 8pm to find the crew well established in the car park directly behind the location shoot. The area of the shoot was cordoned off and many props, such as barrels, braziers and rather a lot of fake snow already in place. A giant crane towered above the scene, in place to shower the location with even more fake snow once filming had commenced. There were rumours of sightings of Billie Piper in makeup but sadly there was no sign of Billie whilst I was there.
Shortly after our arrival the final work was being done on dressing the area, with 20th Century telephone boxes camouflaged under sacking and a large horse trough with a fake water pump carried out into Beaufort Arms Court.
It was noticeable that the crew and security people were quite jumpy about flash photography and they became more so as camera rehearsals commenced. This may well be the result of their reportedly having to re-mount/re-shoot scenes in Swansea during the preceding night shoots as a result of press cameras being used with large flash guns. Certainly one of the production staff later told me that one of the main differences between this and any other production sheÆs worked on was the number of ôpaparazziö and the intrusive interest of the press wherever they go. I hasten to add that almost all the footage I took was on a video camera with stills being grabbed from this so no need for flash photography on my part. I would urge any other fans visiting the set to do the same or risk being jumped on by security and also ruining the shooting of scenes.
There were two vantage points where filming could be glimpsed, although with difficulty; one being our initial location at the far end of Agincourt Square. From here I could see through a large door into Beaufort Arms Court itself but the site of the actual shoot was, I discovered, pretty much obscured. This was even more the case when the crew cleared onlookers away from the side of the Punch House and strung up black material to hide the road and any passing traffic.
The area I then moved to was at the other end of Beaufort Arms Court where I could see various prop carts and much of the crew and camera equipment but again little of what was going on. However, it was here that I stayed for the rest of the night and later managed to get some good shots of one of the scenes and Eccleston and Callow waiting together in the wings for their scenes.
The first scene that was filmed involved an old woman, dressed in black who uttered a blood curdling moan further down the Court, where the action was out of view, then advanced on the camera as it pulled back and then stared straight into a close-up shot. The woman was, we guessed, probably possessed by some alien æmonsterÆ, rumoured to be creatures called the Geith (sp?) who inhabit gas, and was wearing a set of contact lenses that made her eyes look white and dead. The scene looked quite chilling despite the fact I could see all the accoutrements of filming and TV production.
In comparison to my earlier visit to Cardiff in July to see shooting on block one there seemed to be fewer takes and the pace of filming appeared far quicker. Why this is I cannot speculate.
During the course of filming this scene two of the stars of the story arrived in costume; Christopher Eccleston (The Doctor) and Simon Callow (Charles Dickens). Callow looked particularly distinguished in his period clothes and cape and this was a good chance to see the actors close up. Eccleston seemed very relaxed and happy to chat and joke with Callow and the crew, even winking at the odd onlooker. At one point he beamed and waved at someone further up Beaufort Arms Court.
I saw nothing of the next scene but it seemed to involve Callow and Eccleston and, judging by the sound of a door knocker, someone knocking on the door of the house at the far end of the Court. I later discovered that this was dressed as ôSneed and Company, Undertakers of 7 Temperance Court Llandaffö. Interestingly, a quick trawl of the internet reveals that Llandaff (now a suburb of Cardiff) was host to some early experiments with gas in 1767 when the bishop of the diocese conveyed generated gas in tubes, made coke, and purified gas for burning. Whether this has any bearing on the story can only, at this point, be speculated on. Certainly by the time the story is set gas lighting had been installed in the area for some years but was still a æmodernÆ wonder of the time.
At one point I spotted Callow in costume, and deep in thought, striding up the back road behind me, and followed at a safe distance until he disappeared in to the cordoned area outside the Punch House.
By this point most people, including the remaining press photographers had left and the few spectators left were given a ænod and a winkÆ and allowed to stand inside the cordoned off area at the far end of Beaufort Arms Court. Here I had the privilege of watching camera rehearsals for the next scene which involved Simon Callow (Dickens) breathlessly opening the door of the Undertakers, slamming it behind him and running, seemingly for his life. It was fascinating to see the actor work himself into the scene as rehearsals went on and then faultlessly act the scene for the final take. His look of terror and superlative acting was something to behold!
The scene was also accompanied by verbal directions from an assistant director which proved very interesting indeed and perhaps can give us an insight into the nature of the scene. If my memory serves me correctly his words were: ôTheyÆre rising in the house, doing something to the door knocker, now theyÆre roaringö, the latter phrase being repeated a number of times. Certainly something so horrified Dickens, presumably the Geith or perhaps the possessed bodies of the dead, that he runs from the property in sheer terror.
Once this scene was æin the canÆ the crew took a break for ælunchÆ and the cameras and technical equipment were moved over to the area outside the Punch House. Given that it was by now very late indeed I prepared to go, but before leaving I had a chance to walk round the now silent set and take a few close up photos of the set, including an apparently genuine Victorian hearse parked near the entrance to Sneed and Company.
This ended a fascinating night watching the filming of what looks like a stunning and eerie new Doctor Who story and one I certainly look forward to viewing next year.
Filming in Monmouth took place on Tuesday night and the early hours of Wednesday morning in Beaufort Arms Court in the centre of the town. There was also a small sequence due to be shot just around the corner outside the Punch House bar in Agincourt Square.
The story in question, part of the second block of filming, is set at Christmas 1869 and, as we all may know, includes the distinguished actor and Dickens expert Simon Callow in the cast as Dickens himself.
I arrived at around 8pm to find the crew well established in the car park directly behind the location shoot. The area of the shoot was cordoned off and many props, such as barrels, braziers and rather a lot of fake snow already in place. A giant crane towered above the scene, in place to shower the location with even more fake snow once filming had commenced. There were rumours of sightings of Billie Piper in makeup but sadly there was no sign of Billie whilst I was there.
Shortly after our arrival the final work was being done on dressing the area, with 20th Century telephone boxes camouflaged under sacking and a large horse trough with a fake water pump carried out into Beaufort Arms Court.
It was noticeable that the crew and security people were quite jumpy about flash photography and they became more so as camera rehearsals commenced. This may well be the result of their reportedly having to re-mount/re-shoot scenes in Swansea during the preceding night shoots as a result of press cameras being used with large flash guns. Certainly one of the production staff later told me that one of the main differences between this and any other production sheÆs worked on was the number of ôpaparazziö and the intrusive interest of the press wherever they go. I hasten to add that almost all the footage I took was on a video camera with stills being grabbed from this so no need for flash photography on my part. I would urge any other fans visiting the set to do the same or risk being jumped on by security and also ruining the shooting of scenes.
There were two vantage points where filming could be glimpsed, although with difficulty; one being our initial location at the far end of Agincourt Square. From here I could see through a large door into Beaufort Arms Court itself but the site of the actual shoot was, I discovered, pretty much obscured. This was even more the case when the crew cleared onlookers away from the side of the Punch House and strung up black material to hide the road and any passing traffic.
The area I then moved to was at the other end of Beaufort Arms Court where I could see various prop carts and much of the crew and camera equipment but again little of what was going on. However, it was here that I stayed for the rest of the night and later managed to get some good shots of one of the scenes and Eccleston and Callow waiting together in the wings for their scenes.
The first scene that was filmed involved an old woman, dressed in black who uttered a blood curdling moan further down the Court, where the action was out of view, then advanced on the camera as it pulled back and then stared straight into a close-up shot. The woman was, we guessed, probably possessed by some alien æmonsterÆ, rumoured to be creatures called the Geith (sp?) who inhabit gas, and was wearing a set of contact lenses that made her eyes look white and dead. The scene looked quite chilling despite the fact I could see all the accoutrements of filming and TV production.
In comparison to my earlier visit to Cardiff in July to see shooting on block one there seemed to be fewer takes and the pace of filming appeared far quicker. Why this is I cannot speculate.
During the course of filming this scene two of the stars of the story arrived in costume; Christopher Eccleston (The Doctor) and Simon Callow (Charles Dickens). Callow looked particularly distinguished in his period clothes and cape and this was a good chance to see the actors close up. Eccleston seemed very relaxed and happy to chat and joke with Callow and the crew, even winking at the odd onlooker. At one point he beamed and waved at someone further up Beaufort Arms Court.
I saw nothing of the next scene but it seemed to involve Callow and Eccleston and, judging by the sound of a door knocker, someone knocking on the door of the house at the far end of the Court. I later discovered that this was dressed as ôSneed and Company, Undertakers of 7 Temperance Court Llandaffö. Interestingly, a quick trawl of the internet reveals that Llandaff (now a suburb of Cardiff) was host to some early experiments with gas in 1767 when the bishop of the diocese conveyed generated gas in tubes, made coke, and purified gas for burning. Whether this has any bearing on the story can only, at this point, be speculated on. Certainly by the time the story is set gas lighting had been installed in the area for some years but was still a æmodernÆ wonder of the time.
At one point I spotted Callow in costume, and deep in thought, striding up the back road behind me, and followed at a safe distance until he disappeared in to the cordoned area outside the Punch House.
By this point most people, including the remaining press photographers had left and the few spectators left were given a ænod and a winkÆ and allowed to stand inside the cordoned off area at the far end of Beaufort Arms Court. Here I had the privilege of watching camera rehearsals for the next scene which involved Simon Callow (Dickens) breathlessly opening the door of the Undertakers, slamming it behind him and running, seemingly for his life. It was fascinating to see the actor work himself into the scene as rehearsals went on and then faultlessly act the scene for the final take. His look of terror and superlative acting was something to behold!
The scene was also accompanied by verbal directions from an assistant director which proved very interesting indeed and perhaps can give us an insight into the nature of the scene. If my memory serves me correctly his words were: ôTheyÆre rising in the house, doing something to the door knocker, now theyÆre roaringö, the latter phrase being repeated a number of times. Certainly something so horrified Dickens, presumably the Geith or perhaps the possessed bodies of the dead, that he runs from the property in sheer terror.
Once this scene was æin the canÆ the crew took a break for ælunchÆ and the cameras and technical equipment were moved over to the area outside the Punch House. Given that it was by now very late indeed I prepared to go, but before leaving I had a chance to walk round the now silent set and take a few close up photos of the set, including an apparently genuine Victorian hearse parked near the entrance to Sneed and Company.
This ended a fascinating night watching the filming of what looks like a stunning and eerie new Doctor Who story and one I certainly look forward to viewing next year.
DWAS Swansea Photos
General TV Series News
September 22, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonThe Doctor Who Appreciation Society was on hand on Monday for some snapshots of the Swansea location shoot, and have posted a collection of high quality photos captured that evening. Below is a small selection of some of them in smaller versions; here for larger versions of these and other images. (Thanks to Chuck Foster/DWAS)
DWAS Collections (photos reprinted with permission)
Script Doctor
Books
September 22, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonReynolds & Hearn will be releasing Script Doctor in February 2005 by Andrew Cartmel. "The Inside Story of Doctor Who 1986-89," the book by the original series' final script editor is "a unique insight into an area of the show's history that has previously been shrouded in uncertainty." Sylvester McCoy (the Seventh Doctor) provides the foreword for the book, which is listed on Amazon already. More details soon. (Thanks to Paul Greaves)
Monmouth Photos
General TV Series News
September 22, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonBelow is a collection of photos from both last night's production as well as today's set-up sessions in Monmouth, including shots of the TARDIS being assembled, various street signage props and a few distance shots of Simon Callow in costume. Click on each for a larger version. (Thanks to Jonathan Knibbs)
Monmouth Photos (photos by Jonathan Knibbs)
DVD: Daphne Ashbrook in UK
DVD and Video
September 22, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonTenth Planet, in cooperation with Covert Productions, will release Daphne Ashbrook in the UK, a DVD release covering the actress' recent trip to the UK, including her signings and the "Evening with Daphne Ashbrook" event. This was the first time Ashbrook -- best known to Doctor Who fans as Dr. Grace Holloway, Paul McGann's co-star in the 1996 Doctor Who film -- had made Doctor Who related appearances in England. The DVD will be released in November; meanwhile, below is the press release and cover (click for a larger version). (Thanks to Tenth Planet)
DAPHNE ASHBROOK IN THE UK
When DOCTOR WHO returned in 1996 for a big budget TV Movie, actress DAPHNE ASHBROOK faced the challenge of reinterpreting the classic companion figure for a modern audience. As the quirky Grace Holloway, Daphne brought life to a memorable character and a controversial love interest for PAUL McGANN as the eighth Doctor.
In Summer 2004, Daphne crossed the Atlantic to make her first ever DOCTOR WHO personal appearances in the United Kingdom. This special documentary follows DaphneÆs entire visit, looking back at the world of DOCTOR WHO, and sharing her unique perspective on the show, past and present.
As well as following her public appearances, in a newly shot interview, Daphne offers an in-depth discussion of the making of the TV Movie, the character of Grace and that infamous kiss. Plus we go behind the scenes of DaphneÆs return to DOCTOR WHO in the Big Finish audio adventure THE NEXT LIFE. Along with insights from writers ALAN BARNES and GARY RUSSELL, the Doctor himself, PAUL McGANN, joins Daphne for an exclusive on-camera reunion.
Special Features: An Evening with Daphne Ashbrook: A 25 minute stage talk moderated by Gary Russell ò Photo Montage ò Biography
Feature Running Time: 50 Minutes Approx. DVD Extras Running Time: 30 Minutes Approx.
DAPHNE ASHBROOK IN THE UKWhen DOCTOR WHO returned in 1996 for a big budget TV Movie, actress DAPHNE ASHBROOK faced the challenge of reinterpreting the classic companion figure for a modern audience. As the quirky Grace Holloway, Daphne brought life to a memorable character and a controversial love interest for PAUL McGANN as the eighth Doctor.
In Summer 2004, Daphne crossed the Atlantic to make her first ever DOCTOR WHO personal appearances in the United Kingdom. This special documentary follows DaphneÆs entire visit, looking back at the world of DOCTOR WHO, and sharing her unique perspective on the show, past and present.
As well as following her public appearances, in a newly shot interview, Daphne offers an in-depth discussion of the making of the TV Movie, the character of Grace and that infamous kiss. Plus we go behind the scenes of DaphneÆs return to DOCTOR WHO in the Big Finish audio adventure THE NEXT LIFE. Along with insights from writers ALAN BARNES and GARY RUSSELL, the Doctor himself, PAUL McGANN, joins Daphne for an exclusive on-camera reunion.
Special Features: An Evening with Daphne Ashbrook: A 25 minute stage talk moderated by Gary Russell ò Photo Montage ò Biography
Feature Running Time: 50 Minutes Approx. DVD Extras Running Time: 30 Minutes Approx.
More SFX Photos
General TV Series News
September 22, 2004 • Posted By Shaun Lyon
SFX has posted fifteen new photos from the filming sessions this week including one of Chris Eccleston and & Billie Piper (a small snapshot of which, at right, is displayed here with permission) and some of the background and setup, and of the "christmastime" streets. Click here to view them.Western Daily Mail
PressClips
September 22, 2004 • Posted By Shaun Lyon
An article in today's Western Daily Press focuses on the transformation of part of Monmouth into 1869. "A large crowd of set workers descended on the market town of Monmouth to prepare it for the arrival of the star-studded Doctor Who cast," says the article by Janet Hughes. "Old fashioned signs, shop frontages, bales of hay and tons of false snow transformed the square back to Victorian times." The article notes that the scenes are from Mark Gatiss' episode, "where the cult hero meets Charles Dickens." The article notes that the location manager is quoted as saying that the square in which they're filming is "absolutely perfect becasue it is charming and dateless. Nowadays it's so hard to find anywhere without a McDonalds coming into view but this is fantastic."Sky Showbiz Photos
General TV Series News
September 22, 2004 • Posted By Shaun Lyon
An article at Sky News in the photos section shows several pictures from the Swansea filming location including close-up shots of Simon Callow as Charles Dickens and Billie Piper in period costume. Click on the link to see the photos and the accompanying article.Tom and Chris: Together or Not So
PressClips
September 22, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonToday's icWales features an article called "Ex-Doctor 'may return as villain'" which seems to pick up on the current rumors that Tom Baker wants to play the Master... and in the same headline mentions that actor David Jason ("Only Fools and Horses") "is likely to appear in the new version of the show" despite denials by the production team. One member of the crew said, "We would all be delighted to see Tom Baker back. ... He's a tremendously charismatic actor and would be a superb villain." Of course, it coudl just be publicity notions. Read the article by clicking the link.
Of course, this follows a report in the Sun from the weekend in which Baker has reportedly "slammed" Christopher Eccleston, saying he's never heard of him. Of course, this is several months after Baker gave similar interviews wishing Eccleston well. The report quotes Baker as saying Eccleston is taking the role too seriously: "Get your head out of your fat bottom," specifically. "It always sounds very hollow in the mouth of an actor. When actors use words like 'challenge' and 'serious' you think to yourself 'Oh just shut up'." Very peculiar; both stories could simply be publicity hounding.
Of course, this follows a report in the Sun from the weekend in which Baker has reportedly "slammed" Christopher Eccleston, saying he's never heard of him. Of course, this is several months after Baker gave similar interviews wishing Eccleston well. The report quotes Baker as saying Eccleston is taking the role too seriously: "Get your head out of your fat bottom," specifically. "It always sounds very hollow in the mouth of an actor. When actors use words like 'challenge' and 'serious' you think to yourself 'Oh just shut up'." Very peculiar; both stories could simply be publicity hounding.
Her Final Flight
Big Finish
September 22, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonBig Finish has released details for Her Final Flight, the special one-off audio release due in December. Although it was previously announced as a Sylvester McCoy audio, this has changed; it now reunites Colin Baker with Nicola Bryant (the Sixth Doctor and Peri) as the principal cast for the first time since "...ish" two years ago. It's also got a regular number - number 65 - as opposed to previous limited-edition releases (which may surely irritate people who aren't part of the subscriber base!) Click on the thumbnail below for a larger version of the cover.
HER FINAL FLIGHT by Julian Shortman
When the Doctor lands on Refiloe, he's not impressed.
In fact, he doesn't intend to stay for more than just a few minutes. But someone has decided that the TARDIS has made her final flight. Someone whose future depends on the Doctor?s death.
Starring Colin Baker (the Doctor) and Nicola Bryant (Peri), with Steven Bugdale (the Agent), Jonathan Owen (Hamiyun), Heather Tracy (Rashaa) and Conrad Westmaas (Damus). Directed by Gary Russell.
HER FINAL FLIGHT by Julian ShortmanWhen the Doctor lands on Refiloe, he's not impressed.
In fact, he doesn't intend to stay for more than just a few minutes. But someone has decided that the TARDIS has made her final flight. Someone whose future depends on the Doctor?s death.
Starring Colin Baker (the Doctor) and Nicola Bryant (Peri), with Steven Bugdale (the Agent), Jonathan Owen (Hamiyun), Heather Tracy (Rashaa) and Conrad Westmaas (Damus). Directed by Gary Russell.
Dalek Empire III: 5 Cover
Big Finish
September 22, 2004 • Posted By Shaun Lyon
Big Finish has released the cover for the fifth Dalek Empire III serial, The Warriors, due out in October. Click on the thumbnail for a larger version. Meanwhile, part four of Dalek Empire III as well as the current Eighth Doctor serial "Faith Stealer" have been released according to Big Finish.Monmouth: Eccleston and Callow On Location
General TV Series News
September 21, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonTonight's images from the filming in Monmouth feature shots of Christopher Eccleston and guest star Simon Callow, in their costumes, awaiting their takes. The photos are dark, obviously, taken without flash from the side of filming in the town, but are the first photos we know of featuring both Eccleston and Callow together. We hope to bring more to you tomorrow. (Thanks to Roger Anderson of the Cuttings Archive)
First Monmouth Photos
General TV Series News
September 21, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonProduction has moved out of Swansea (where only one night's filming was done) to the eastern Wales town of Monmouth. As the production commences -- and we must remind people to make sure they don't use flash photos if they happen to be in town -- we have our first handful of photos out of Monmouth from the setup of the town sets; click for a larger version. (Thanks to Jonathan Knibbs)
Newest Swansea Photos: Three Sets
General TV Series News
September 21, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonUpdated 2030 GMT with new photos (Mount, "Andrew") and larger/better versions of others (Graham)
Here's a new collection of photos from the Swansea filming last evening, both at dusk and in the evening. (One of the photographers notes that some of the blur is due to having to shoot at a distance without a flash on.) We're getting larger versions of the ones by Chris Graham as of the time of writing (they should all be updated later today); meanwhile, you'll notice some of the set trappings including playbills, horse-drawn carriages, and local color. Click on each for a larger version. (Thanks to Paul Mount, Chris Graham and "Andrew"/Kiteroft69)
Here's a new collection of photos from the Swansea filming last evening, both at dusk and in the evening. (One of the photographers notes that some of the blur is due to having to shoot at a distance without a flash on.) We're getting larger versions of the ones by Chris Graham as of the time of writing (they should all be updated later today); meanwhile, you'll notice some of the set trappings including playbills, horse-drawn carriages, and local color. Click on each for a larger version. (Thanks to Paul Mount, Chris Graham and "Andrew"/Kiteroft69)
More Swansea photos (photos by Paul Mount)
More Swansea photos (photos by Chris Graham)
More Swansea photos (photos by "Andrew")
Swansea Shoot: It's Episode 3
General TV Series News
September 21, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonToday's "This Is South Wales" features a full article about the filming in Swansea over the past two days. "Snow covered the streets of Swansea last night," says the article. "But this wasn't more bad weather for the city - time lord Dr Who had landed his Tardis in the Maritime Quarter as part of his latest TV adventure." It mentions that "fake snow covered the road between Adelaide Street and Pier Street, as well as along the whole of Cambrian Place, Burrows Place and Gloucester Place, as the area was transported back to 1869. Horses and carriages helped to bring the scene to life as it went through a 19th Century makeover. Filming lasted for much of the night." The article also confirmed that Simon Callow was a part of the production, playing the role of Charles Dickens as previously reported -- and it does confirmed that this is indeed episode 3 of the new series written by Mark Gatiss; extrapolating from available information, this is likely the fourth or fifth episode being filmed (as part of the "second block," directed by Euros Lyn). You can read the full article by clicking here. (Thanks to "lchrisl")
Regarding Site Photography...
General TV Series News
September 21, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonOutpost Gallifrey has been asked to relay the following to fans who have been showing up at the location filming sessions in Cardiff, London, Swansea and elsewhere: "If you are going along to watch filming, can you please keep an eye out for people using flash photography, and ask them politely not to? If used during takes it can ruin complicated set-ups, and, in particular it can also scare the horses being used in these scenes." Thank you for your cooperation.
Swansea Photos and More Set Reports - Updated Twice!
General TV Series News
September 21, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonAt last... some new photos for location filming work from the Swansea filming location. Due to the inability of photographers to use flash (for obvious reasons; it's an active set!) the photos are very dark, but we've been able to adjust the color and brightness as much as we could so readers can at least make out some detail on the night shots. The daytime shots are from the set-up for filming in the area; the evening shots include horse-drawn carriages and local color. Click on the photos for larger versions of each; meanwhile, click on the spoiler tag for two additional set reports.Update: the spoiler section has been further updated with more set reports from last night's shoot. (Thanks to Steven Morgan, Steven Howlett, Ian Golden, John Campbell Rees)
Daytime Swansea photos: setting up (photos by Steven Howlett)
Evening Swansea photos: on location (photos by Ian Golden)
In one scene outside the pub Rose runs to the horse drawn hearse shouting "Oi what are you doing". When she gets to the herse she looks inside to see ???? (dead body ?). The Victorian owner ? of the herse runs around the herse and comes and grabs her from behind and suffocates her. Then with another girl they lift Rose into the hearse. The girl screams "What did you do".
The following scene (presumably) has the Doctor run out of the theatre shouting "ROSE", he calls/confronts the driver of the hearse (I think) and then climbes inside a carriage shouting "follow tat herse". During the scene Charles Dickens runs after the Doctor demanding to know "what that hobgoblin was".
Another scene has a mass exit of terrified patrons from the cinema with The Doctor and Rose in pursuit ?
There were carols being sung in another scene. There was also a lot of fog on set - is this the gaseous enemy ?
Mark Gatiss said hello to us as well ! We asked him for the title of the episode and I think he said (jokingly) The Monsters !
BTW I have been told that one episode feature 9 blue child aliens.
--Steven Morgan
I arrived at the Marine Quarter of Swansea at 9pm, where the technical crew were busy giving the mid September streets a dusting of artificial snow. Given a keen wind from the marina, it seemed cold enough for the real thing. A reasonable sized crowd had build up outside the Swansea Museum to watch the filming. A half a dozen different horse drawn vehicles were parked by the museum, including a stunning Victorian hearse, drawn by a pair of black stallions with black feather plumes in their mains.
At 9:p.m., both Julie Gardner and Russell T. Davies arrived, followed by a gaggle of press photographers, Mark Gatiss was somewhere in the vicinity, unfortunately I did not spot him tonight. I noticed that RTD was talking animatedly to a camera at this point, and as I think it is unlikely to be another Wales Today feature, then this must be for Making Of feature for the inevitable DVD release of the new series.
Shortly afterwards, at 9:m car dropped Simon Callow off by the Swansea Museum, and a host of costumed extras came trailing after him, ready to take up their places. The first scene shot was a short establishing scene featuring Callow as Dickens being wished a "Merry Christmas" by a passer-by as Dickens walked past along a crowded street, in a flurry of acrid fake snow. There were two brief rehearsals of this shot, and then straight to a take. After a short break, the scene was filmed again from the opposite camera angle. With this shot in the can, the action moved a few yards down Gloucester Place to a scene featuring Christopher Eccleston and Billie Piper.
Piper was wearing a period evening dress, consisting of a full red skirt and black basque top with a grey coat an hair up decorated with a red feather. Eccleston was in his standard brown leather jacket, black shirt and black trousers, thus ending speculation that his Doctor would appear in a more traditional doctorish outfit in this story. In this seen, the Doctor and Rose are walking towards the Queens Hotel, deep in conversation, the stop to let a horse drawn vehicle pass, when the Doctor spots a newspaper seller, and switches direction, leaving Rose to hitch up her skirts and go charging after him. During the first take, Billie tripped on the hem of her skirts and almost went flying, proving that she, like Peri in Mark of the Rani is not used to "flouncing around in skirts". On the next two takes, all went smoothly, and the actors disappeared whilst the cameras and lighting was re-arranged. When filming was due to start again, almost as soon as the director had shouted "action", a very modern burglar alarm in a nearby building filled the street with an anachronistic squeal, delaying filming for a costly ten minutes. It must have been a false alarm, as it would have been a very foolish criminal who would try anything given the large number of uniformed police officers in the vicinity.
At this point I had to make my way home, however, I was impressed by what I saw. My feeling is that this is quite early in the story. My friend Tim Farr told me that the Lee Electrical vans and a van belonging to Any Effects Limited had been seen parked outside Cardiff's New Theatre on Sunday, 19th September, and it is likely that filming inside that Edwardian building, which could easily pass as Victorian took place on that day. Given the way that Rose is dressed, and the brisk pace Callow's Dickens adopted in his scene, I speculate that the Doctor is taking Rose to see one of Dickens' famed readings, and this was filmed at the weekend.
--John Campbell Rees
As I said, not much too see. I went down at about 7pm, which is the time they asked the pub to close in order to start adding the snow effect to the buildings. As expected, the area was closed off, but if was quite surprising how close to the "action" you could get.
If you look closely, you can make out the addition of some street furniture such as carts, crates and barrels etc. The street lamps are original for this area.
--Steven Howlett
I'm from Swansea so I couldnt' wait to get down to the marina last night for the filming. I left work at 9pm, picked up my mate and off we went. As we entered Swansea we passed a guy dressed like Tom Baker (very funny) and proceeded to the marina filming area, trying to ask police to let us in to no avail. We witnessed a scene with Simon Callow, but I'm sorry to say that it was my mate who caused the scene to be filmed twice as his dig camera's flash was not on night mode. Oh dear. I was very impressed between takes; they looked like they were getting on graet with Chris at one point warming Billie up by hugging her closely, and at one point they were both doing funny walk impressions. All in all a very good night... if only we'd seen the TARDIS!
--Richard Hancock
The following scene (presumably) has the Doctor run out of the theatre shouting "ROSE", he calls/confronts the driver of the hearse (I think) and then climbes inside a carriage shouting "follow tat herse". During the scene Charles Dickens runs after the Doctor demanding to know "what that hobgoblin was".
Another scene has a mass exit of terrified patrons from the cinema with The Doctor and Rose in pursuit ?
There were carols being sung in another scene. There was also a lot of fog on set - is this the gaseous enemy ?
Mark Gatiss said hello to us as well ! We asked him for the title of the episode and I think he said (jokingly) The Monsters !
BTW I have been told that one episode feature 9 blue child aliens.
--Steven Morgan
I arrived at the Marine Quarter of Swansea at 9pm, where the technical crew were busy giving the mid September streets a dusting of artificial snow. Given a keen wind from the marina, it seemed cold enough for the real thing. A reasonable sized crowd had build up outside the Swansea Museum to watch the filming. A half a dozen different horse drawn vehicles were parked by the museum, including a stunning Victorian hearse, drawn by a pair of black stallions with black feather plumes in their mains.
At 9:p.m., both Julie Gardner and Russell T. Davies arrived, followed by a gaggle of press photographers, Mark Gatiss was somewhere in the vicinity, unfortunately I did not spot him tonight. I noticed that RTD was talking animatedly to a camera at this point, and as I think it is unlikely to be another Wales Today feature, then this must be for Making Of feature for the inevitable DVD release of the new series.
Shortly afterwards, at 9:m car dropped Simon Callow off by the Swansea Museum, and a host of costumed extras came trailing after him, ready to take up their places. The first scene shot was a short establishing scene featuring Callow as Dickens being wished a "Merry Christmas" by a passer-by as Dickens walked past along a crowded street, in a flurry of acrid fake snow. There were two brief rehearsals of this shot, and then straight to a take. After a short break, the scene was filmed again from the opposite camera angle. With this shot in the can, the action moved a few yards down Gloucester Place to a scene featuring Christopher Eccleston and Billie Piper.
Piper was wearing a period evening dress, consisting of a full red skirt and black basque top with a grey coat an hair up decorated with a red feather. Eccleston was in his standard brown leather jacket, black shirt and black trousers, thus ending speculation that his Doctor would appear in a more traditional doctorish outfit in this story. In this seen, the Doctor and Rose are walking towards the Queens Hotel, deep in conversation, the stop to let a horse drawn vehicle pass, when the Doctor spots a newspaper seller, and switches direction, leaving Rose to hitch up her skirts and go charging after him. During the first take, Billie tripped on the hem of her skirts and almost went flying, proving that she, like Peri in Mark of the Rani is not used to "flouncing around in skirts". On the next two takes, all went smoothly, and the actors disappeared whilst the cameras and lighting was re-arranged. When filming was due to start again, almost as soon as the director had shouted "action", a very modern burglar alarm in a nearby building filled the street with an anachronistic squeal, delaying filming for a costly ten minutes. It must have been a false alarm, as it would have been a very foolish criminal who would try anything given the large number of uniformed police officers in the vicinity.
At this point I had to make my way home, however, I was impressed by what I saw. My feeling is that this is quite early in the story. My friend Tim Farr told me that the Lee Electrical vans and a van belonging to Any Effects Limited had been seen parked outside Cardiff's New Theatre on Sunday, 19th September, and it is likely that filming inside that Edwardian building, which could easily pass as Victorian took place on that day. Given the way that Rose is dressed, and the brisk pace Callow's Dickens adopted in his scene, I speculate that the Doctor is taking Rose to see one of Dickens' famed readings, and this was filmed at the weekend.
--John Campbell Rees
As I said, not much too see. I went down at about 7pm, which is the time they asked the pub to close in order to start adding the snow effect to the buildings. As expected, the area was closed off, but if was quite surprising how close to the "action" you could get.
If you look closely, you can make out the addition of some street furniture such as carts, crates and barrels etc. The street lamps are original for this area.
--Steven Howlett
I'm from Swansea so I couldnt' wait to get down to the marina last night for the filming. I left work at 9pm, picked up my mate and off we went. As we entered Swansea we passed a guy dressed like Tom Baker (very funny) and proceeded to the marina filming area, trying to ask police to let us in to no avail. We witnessed a scene with Simon Callow, but I'm sorry to say that it was my mate who caused the scene to be filmed twice as his dig camera's flash was not on night mode. Oh dear. I was very impressed between takes; they looked like they were getting on graet with Chris at one point warming Billie up by hugging her closely, and at one point they were both doing funny walk impressions. All in all a very good night... if only we'd seen the TARDIS!
--Richard Hancock
SFX Photos
General TV Series News
September 21, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonSFX Magazine has a small collection of six photos from last night's filming session, with more promised in the next issue of their magazine. Below is one of the photos, of a horse-drawn carriage (reprinted with permission from SFX; click on the image for a larger version). To see the other photos and the story that accompanies, click here; the photos include "snow" being blown onto the rooftops and other night images from the production. (Thanks to Ian Berriman / SFX)
Press Updates
PressClips
September 21, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonToday's "The Mirror" has an article about Billie Piper, her quest to lose weight and her dropping a dress size. "I was brought up on bread and butter," Billie tells the Mirror. "Every meal, I'd have two rounds. So suddenly not having it as part of my diet is a bit like losing a friend... I find myself hanging around bakeries inhaling the smell of the pastries. It's quite sad. ... Getting rid of bread does make a difference. Bread makes me feel like such a heifer!" You can read the full article and decide for yourself (it does mention the new Doctor Who series.) (Thanks to Paul Hayes, Steve Tribe)
An article at Brand Republic discusses new technologies for broadcasting including the use of pay-per-view through British Telecom broadband service in the UK. "Viewers can expect to download a selection of programmes from an archive by typing in a keyword like 'Dr Who', giving the viewer complete control of their own schedule," says the article, although it doesn't mention whether or not this is the classic series or the new one. (Thanks to Steve Tribe)
An article at Brand Republic discusses new technologies for broadcasting including the use of pay-per-view through British Telecom broadband service in the UK. "Viewers can expect to download a selection of programmes from an archive by typing in a keyword like 'Dr Who', giving the viewer complete control of their own schedule," says the article, although it doesn't mention whether or not this is the classic series or the new one. (Thanks to Steve Tribe)
Hitchhikers Begins
Miscellaneous
September 21, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonJust a reminder that, today, the Tertiary Phase of The Hitchhikers' Guide to the Galaxy, the long-awaited "third season" of the classic radio serial, begins today on BBC Radio 4. The serial, based on the legendary Douglas Adams' third book, "Life, The Universe and Everything" -- itself based on Adams' aborted "Doctor Who and the Krikkitmen" screenplay -- features five members of the original cast from the 1970's as well as a host of new cast members. The first series of 6 new episodes begins on Tuesday 21 September at 6.30pm, with repeats on Thursdays at 11.00pm on Radio 4. For detailed information on the making of the program as well as to listen via the Internet, click here; each episode will be available for 7 days following the Thursday evening repeats. The six episodes will run through as many weeks and the entire story will be released on CD in late October. (Technically no, this isn't Doctor Who news... but for Hitchhikers we always gladly make the exception!)
Swansea Set Reports
General TV Series News
September 20, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonSeveral of our Forum users have posted set reports from the filming on Sunday evening and today in Swansea, which (along with the forthcoming visit to Monmouth) doubles as 19th century Britain for one of the episodes of the new series. Click on the spoiler tags to read the four (to date) set reports posted in the Outpost Gallifrey forum. (Thanks to Paul Mount, John J Moran, Ian Golden and "Facethemusic")
Just paid a visit to Swansea, filming is taking place tonight, around the back of the Evening Post newspaper building. To be honest it was only around 4pm,so there was not much to see apart from props trucks unloading, the vans carrying the fake snow arriving and members of the crew painting the nearby pub with black paint and putting up new light posts more suited to the era the story is set in.
Did have a nice word with one of the security men present, who was having a hell of a time getting members of the public away from the area and cars to stop trying to go through where filming is due to take place! He told me that the story is set in 187?(cant remember the exact date,sorry), and is set in Cardiff, also he has been with the crew since filming began back in july,and is sick of members of the public calling out"where are the daleks then?!",and also the cheers and photograph flashes that seem to happen whenever a certain police box arrives on set!
He was saying that there would be quite a big police presence around that evening,and they were waiting for the horses/carriages to arrive,i said that this must be costing quite a bit of money to which he replied,"****ing millions!","if this flops BBC Wales might as well close down!".But he seemed very enthusiastic about what he has seen so far,and stated that he has been on many film/TV shoots in the past but has never seen anything like the work that has gone into this series, he was not sure if "Chris (as he called him) Eccleston" would be around tonight but was sure Billie Piper was involved.
On the subject of Chris(!) Eccleston, he also told me he was with him last night in Cardiff, so I don't know if it was just rehersals or were they filming yesterday? Took some photographs of the scene, but as there was not too much to see apart from the lorries unloading, crew members milling around and security putting up no entry signs I don't think its worth putting them on the site.
Nevertheless, enjoyed my brief moment of time there, and I hope this story is going to be as good as the security guard I spoke to seems to think it is!
--Garry J / "Facethemusic"
Just got back from where tonights fiming is taking place in Swansea. Several streets had been closed off with a thin layer of snow covering the entire area. There are a large number of extras, along with several coach & horses on site. Compared to the scenes filmed in Cardiff Shopping Centre, the crew present appeared to be on a much larger scale. A crane was also present, which was blowing fake snow everywhere on the set.
First thing to confirm is that both Billy & Chris were filming scenes. We were quite a distance from the actors but it appeared that Chris was still wearing the leather jacket. Billy however appeared to be dressed in Victorian Costume. I watched a scene repeated several times of them walking down a street, with Chris appearing to suddenly dart off to the right, following a horse & hearse carriage.
The other scene I caught glimpses of, were of what looked like Simon Callow, in victorian regalia again, walking from a street, straight towards a close up to a camera in a snow blizzard. On the take for this scene, someone took a photo behind where I was standing, using a flash. The scence had to be halted, with Phil Collinson approaching the gathered crowd, pleading for people not to use flash photography as in this instance, the scene would have to be filmed again.
Sorry but I have no photos, though I daresay a number will be on the site within the next few hours as there was a sizeable crowd present, with the majority taking a number of photos. The whole set looked extremely impressive & atmospheric. No sign of the Tardis anywhere though!
--John J Moran
I saw both of those scenes as well... Simon Callow wishing someone Merry Christmas and the Doctor and Rose scene which looks like it's early on in the episode as the Doctor grabs a newspaper. Perhaps he's looking to see what date it is... or something more mysterious.
The Doctor rushing off and almost leaving Rose behind was a great "Doctor" moment and shows how dedicated RTD is to the character.
Sorry there's not more to report. My eyes are still stinging after getting a face full of fake snow - it's a bit like sand!
--Ian Golden
Just back from the Swansea shoot and can confirm the above posts. I actually managed to position myself in the pub, the Queen's Head (I think!) and had aan extremely close view of the action but sadly wasn't able to take pics due to the close proximity of loads of BBC types, including dozens of extras in full Victorian regalia (and even they were forbidden from taking cameras - or pets??!! - onto the set).
Quite simply it was a breath-taking shoot. The streets looked amazing covered in extremely realistic snow and the attention to detail was quite staggering - extras dressed as Victorian gentlemen and women, street urchins, policemen, draymen, prostitutes, sailors. Simon Callow appeared fairly early in the evning in full Dickensian makeup and sporting a thick beard. His one scene seemed to involve striding along the snowy streets, acknowledging passersby and crossing in the general direction of a building made up as the Taliesyn Halls, a theatre in 1870s Cardiff (where the story appears to be set). Chris and Billie arrived around 10pm, Chris in his usual gear, Billie in a stunning black Victorian dress.Both looked in superb spirits, laughing and joking together and clearly enjoying each other's company and the filming in general (reinforced by favourable comments from production crew I managed to speak to). Billie notably crossed the street during a quiet moment and made a point of talking to two extras dressed as ladies-of-the-night (I think you know what I'm saying!). Chris and Billie's scene, as reported earlier, involved the pair of them, arm-in-arm, walking down the street, pausing as a horse-and-carriage clatters by, the Doc darting off to buy a one-sheet newspaper from a hag-like kerb newsvendor. The scene was recorded several tiems before the crew broke for supper at around 11.30pm.
--Paul Mount
Did have a nice word with one of the security men present, who was having a hell of a time getting members of the public away from the area and cars to stop trying to go through where filming is due to take place! He told me that the story is set in 187?(cant remember the exact date,sorry), and is set in Cardiff, also he has been with the crew since filming began back in july,and is sick of members of the public calling out"where are the daleks then?!",and also the cheers and photograph flashes that seem to happen whenever a certain police box arrives on set!
He was saying that there would be quite a big police presence around that evening,and they were waiting for the horses/carriages to arrive,i said that this must be costing quite a bit of money to which he replied,"****ing millions!","if this flops BBC Wales might as well close down!".But he seemed very enthusiastic about what he has seen so far,and stated that he has been on many film/TV shoots in the past but has never seen anything like the work that has gone into this series, he was not sure if "Chris (as he called him) Eccleston" would be around tonight but was sure Billie Piper was involved.
On the subject of Chris(!) Eccleston, he also told me he was with him last night in Cardiff, so I don't know if it was just rehersals or were they filming yesterday? Took some photographs of the scene, but as there was not too much to see apart from the lorries unloading, crew members milling around and security putting up no entry signs I don't think its worth putting them on the site.
Nevertheless, enjoyed my brief moment of time there, and I hope this story is going to be as good as the security guard I spoke to seems to think it is!
--Garry J / "Facethemusic"
Just got back from where tonights fiming is taking place in Swansea. Several streets had been closed off with a thin layer of snow covering the entire area. There are a large number of extras, along with several coach & horses on site. Compared to the scenes filmed in Cardiff Shopping Centre, the crew present appeared to be on a much larger scale. A crane was also present, which was blowing fake snow everywhere on the set.
First thing to confirm is that both Billy & Chris were filming scenes. We were quite a distance from the actors but it appeared that Chris was still wearing the leather jacket. Billy however appeared to be dressed in Victorian Costume. I watched a scene repeated several times of them walking down a street, with Chris appearing to suddenly dart off to the right, following a horse & hearse carriage.
The other scene I caught glimpses of, were of what looked like Simon Callow, in victorian regalia again, walking from a street, straight towards a close up to a camera in a snow blizzard. On the take for this scene, someone took a photo behind where I was standing, using a flash. The scence had to be halted, with Phil Collinson approaching the gathered crowd, pleading for people not to use flash photography as in this instance, the scene would have to be filmed again.
Sorry but I have no photos, though I daresay a number will be on the site within the next few hours as there was a sizeable crowd present, with the majority taking a number of photos. The whole set looked extremely impressive & atmospheric. No sign of the Tardis anywhere though!
--John J Moran
I saw both of those scenes as well... Simon Callow wishing someone Merry Christmas and the Doctor and Rose scene which looks like it's early on in the episode as the Doctor grabs a newspaper. Perhaps he's looking to see what date it is... or something more mysterious.
The Doctor rushing off and almost leaving Rose behind was a great "Doctor" moment and shows how dedicated RTD is to the character.
Sorry there's not more to report. My eyes are still stinging after getting a face full of fake snow - it's a bit like sand!
--Ian Golden
Just back from the Swansea shoot and can confirm the above posts. I actually managed to position myself in the pub, the Queen's Head (I think!) and had aan extremely close view of the action but sadly wasn't able to take pics due to the close proximity of loads of BBC types, including dozens of extras in full Victorian regalia (and even they were forbidden from taking cameras - or pets??!! - onto the set).
Quite simply it was a breath-taking shoot. The streets looked amazing covered in extremely realistic snow and the attention to detail was quite staggering - extras dressed as Victorian gentlemen and women, street urchins, policemen, draymen, prostitutes, sailors. Simon Callow appeared fairly early in the evning in full Dickensian makeup and sporting a thick beard. His one scene seemed to involve striding along the snowy streets, acknowledging passersby and crossing in the general direction of a building made up as the Taliesyn Halls, a theatre in 1870s Cardiff (where the story appears to be set). Chris and Billie arrived around 10pm, Chris in his usual gear, Billie in a stunning black Victorian dress.Both looked in superb spirits, laughing and joking together and clearly enjoying each other's company and the filming in general (reinforced by favourable comments from production crew I managed to speak to). Billie notably crossed the street during a quiet moment and made a point of talking to two extras dressed as ladies-of-the-night (I think you know what I'm saying!). Chris and Billie's scene, as reported earlier, involved the pair of them, arm-in-arm, walking down the street, pausing as a horse-and-carriage clatters by, the Doc darting off to buy a one-sheet newspaper from a hag-like kerb newsvendor. The scene was recorded several tiems before the crew broke for supper at around 11.30pm.
--Paul Mount
New Dalek News
General TV Series News
September 20, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonSaturday's Daily Mirror had a feature on some spoilers about the new series' Dalek stories... or, rather, rumored appearances of the metal nasties that could be serious - or could be purloined from online sources. (They sound suspiciously like speculation in our Forum, in fact...) Check out the details in the spoiler tag to read the details from the paper.
The BBC may have shelled out a whopping ú250,000 for the right to use The Daleks in the new series of Dr Who - but the metal monsters only pop up in one episode.
And when the big moment comes, in the eighth instalment, there's only one of them. It turns out he's a bit of an antique who has survived on a space station where he is killing off the crew one by one.
And gasp, that's the only time we'll clap eyes on the old-style daleks.
When they next appear, in the 13th and final episode, their shuttlecock shapes have been redesigned for the 21st century. Our sci-fi snoop revealed 'They have evolved into terrifying things that look a bit like spiders'. Eek.
And when the big moment comes, in the eighth instalment, there's only one of them. It turns out he's a bit of an antique who has survived on a space station where he is killing off the crew one by one.
And gasp, that's the only time we'll clap eyes on the old-style daleks.
When they next appear, in the 13th and final episode, their shuttlecock shapes have been redesigned for the 21st century. Our sci-fi snoop revealed 'They have evolved into terrifying things that look a bit like spiders'. Eek.
Production in Swansea
General TV Series News
September 20, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonAs we previously reported, the production team for the new Doctor Who series will be on location this coming week in Swansea for several days filming parts of the adventure that takes place in 1869, before moving on to Monmouth for more location work (as we noted a few days ago). "From Monday the "old section" of Swansea's Maritime Quarter will be used to film a 19th-century scene featuring actor Simon Callow as Charles Dickens," says an article on icWales. "Artificial snow will be sprayed onto Adelaide Street and Gloucester Place, around Swansea's five-star Morgan's Hotel. And horses and carriageways will be brought in to add atmosphere to what is intended as a Christmas scene." (Thanks to Steve Tribe, Paul Engelberg, Gil Williams, Howard A. Treesong)
More on the Pescatons Audio
Audio
September 20, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonA clarification on our story from late last week: it appears that the release of the Tom Baker / Elisabeth Sladen audio adventure The Pescatons will indeed be a BBC audio release; according to a page on the UK Amazon site, BBC Audiobooks is the publisher for the January 3, 2005 release, with an ISBN number of 0563527641. (Thanks to Ceri Laing)
Tom Baker: Face of the Week
Miscellaneous
September 19, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonBBC News this week features Tom Baker as one of their "Faces of the Week" due to the debut of the new series of "Monarch of the Glen".
Brief Kaldor City Update
Spinoffs
September 19, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonAnother familiar face (so to speak) is joining the cast of Kaldor City 6: Storm Mine, the forthcoming CD from Magic Bullet Productions: actor Gregory de Polnay, who played "dumb" robot D84 -- actually a secret agent robot working undercover -- in "The Robots of Death". "Kaldor City" is a series of audio adventures continuing in the universe of that classic Doctor Who tale; visit their website for more information. (Thanks to Fiona Moore)
Fang Rock and Axos DVDs Confirmed - Updated
DVD and Video
September 17, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonThe first UK DVD of 2005, due for release in January, will be the Fourth Doctor serial Horror of Fang Rock, starring Tom Baker and Louise Jameson, according to the Galaxy 4 web shop today. Outpost Gallifrey can confirm that this is indeed next year's first UK release (as I didn't want to spoil anything until word had been sent from Worldwide to retailers.) Meanwhile, as expected, the Third Doctor serial The Claws of Axos will be released in the UK in March; we'd previously reported on this when Roadshow in Australia confirmed it for release there in April.
Update 17 Sep, 2045 GMT: Outpost Gallifrey has learned that The Claws of Axos will not be out in March, but is rather the third release of 2005, likely due in May. Of course it's unlikely that the purported April release in Australia would be out earlier than the UK version so that will likely be pushed back to later in the year. We'll keep you posted on what the March release will be when we have more information.
Update 17 Sep, 2045 GMT: Outpost Gallifrey has learned that The Claws of Axos will not be out in March, but is rather the third release of 2005, likely due in May. Of course it's unlikely that the purported April release in Australia would be out earlier than the UK version so that will likely be pushed back to later in the year. We'll keep you posted on what the March release will be when we have more information.
Production Moves to Monmouth
General TV Series News
September 16, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonProduction of the new Doctor Who series will be moving north for several days in the near future as the production goes on location in the Welsh community of Monmouth, Outpost Gallifrey has learned. According to a letter sent by series location manager Clive Evans to residents in the town of Monmouth, "the scenes are snow scenes and are at night, so for one evening, you will be treated to a Christmas scene outside your window and an insight into the work of the BBC special effects team. We will also introduce horses and carriages, background artists in period costume and the use of braziers to take us back to Christmas 1869 [this might give you a clue that it might not be a silent night]." This will likely be the episode that features a guest appearance by actor Simon Callow. The letter goes on to note that emergency access will be available as usual for local residents. Out of respect to the series production team, so as to not disrupt the production work, Outpost Gallifrey won't report on the exact dates or specific Monmouth locations given in the letter at this time, but it will take place in the next several weeks. (Thanks to Jonathan Knibbs)
Series Filming Update
General TV Series News
September 16, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonAccording to the new issue of DWM, progress on filming the new Doctor Who series will continue throughout the fall and into early 2005, as the deadline for finishing actual production is February. DWM also breaks down the five "blocks" of production, each with a different director: episodes 1, 4 and 5, directed by Keith Boak, are already shot; episodes 2 and 3 directed by Euros Lyn were underway at the magazine's press time. Block 3, which Outpost Gallifrey noted several days ago would be directed by Joe Ahearne, will consist of episodes 6, 7 and 8, while blocks 4 (episodes 9 & 10) and 5 (episodes 11-13) will see work with later directors. Some brief notes on casting include those of John Barrowman and Mark Benton, which we previously reported, as well as a comment from Phil Collinson about a guest appearance from David Jason: "We read the reports of David Jason's casting with some surprise! ... if the right part came along, we would be delighted to approach him. But for the moment, I have to confirm that he's not on board."
Big Finish's UNIT Series
Big Finish
September 16, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonBig Finish's plans for the forthcoming UNIT audio miniseries are being reported in the latest issue of DWM. Set in the modern day, the UNIT series stars Nicholas Courtney as retired Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart, who is joined by Siri O'Neal ("Full Fathom Five") as Colonel Emily Chaudhry; Nicholas Deal as Colonel Robert Dalton, UNIT's new commanding officer; and Robert Curbishley as Lieutenant Will Hoffmann. The first two stories have already been recorded; part one is written by Iain McLauglin and Claire Bartlett and directed by Jason Haigh-Ellery, while part two is by Jonathan Clements and directed by John Ainsworth. More details soon.
The Pescatons on CD
Audio
September 16, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonDoctor Who and the Pescatons, the Tom Baker / Elisabeth Sladen short audio drama originally released decades ago on LP and then released on CD by Silva Screen in 1995, will apparently be re-released again on January 30, 2005, according to both a trade magazine and the Choices Direct website. The re-release will also include a bonus disc containing a 40 minute interview with Elisabeth Sladen. This is good news as the original CD release is extremely hard to find. No word as to whether this will be released on a BBC label or an independent label. (Thanks to PlanetWho)
North America Books Update
Books
September 16, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonAccording to North American distributors Diamond Publishing, both "SynthespiansTM" and "The Sleep of Reason" are being distributed in the US and Canada in September, with "The Algebra of Ice" slated for early October. Apparently, however, these are in smaller numbers. "After the BBC lost a lot of money with the former US distributor, they decided not to take a chance with Diamond and have limited the number of books they will send to the USA," Keith Bradbury of WhoNA told Outpost Gallifrey. "Apparently, according to BBC America, these books are a special print run only for the USA. I know the books that come through Diamond have the USA pricing on the back, so unless the UK books do not have this pricing, I cannot imagine how the print run would be any different between the two markets. What does all of this mean? Quite simply, when we sell our last 5 copies of Shalka, we will have to get any additional copies from the UK, which means increased prices on the titles." This explains why we're not seeing large numbers of copies of the books on store shelves in the US and Canada: that the print runs for the continent have been vastly decreased. (Thanks to Keith Bradbury/WhoNA and Diana Dougherty/Ambrosia Books)
Katy's Australian Citizenship
People
September 15, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonKaty Manning (Jo Grant), long a resident of Australia, is now a citizen of that country, one of 200 people around the world to receive citizenship from Governor-General Michael Jeffery at Government House according to the official Doctor Who site. "It's absolutely terrific because I've been a gypsy for so many years," Manning told the News.com.au site. "This is the first place out of all the places that I've lived that I actually woke up one day and I thought this is really truly where I want to be, this is where my heart now is."
Joe Ahearne: Third New Series Director
General TV Series News
September 13, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonAccording to today's edition of Professional Casting Review (PCR), a UK casting and trade periodical, Joe Ahearne is the director for the "third block" of the first season of the new Doctor Who series. Ahearne's directing credits include the TV series "This Life," "Strange," "Trance" and "Walking with Spacement" as well as the miniseries "Ultraviolet". What episodes are included in the third block remain unknown right now. PCR was our previous source of the first new series director, Keith Boak (May 24 news item) and, prior to that, the identity of series casting director Andy Pryor (February 23). (Thanks to "Alex/Speedway1975")
Tom in Radio Times
Miscellaneous
September 13, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonTom Baker is on the cover of next week's edition of Radio Times, albeit in his new role in the series "Monarch of the Glen".
Colin and Sylvester Updates
People
September 13, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonToday's icLiverpool has a brief story about next Sunday's Evening with Colin Baker at the Alexander's Jazz Theatre in Chester, sponsored by Enigma Events.
Meanwhile, Sylvester McCoy is starring as Mr Bennett in "Pride and Prejudice" at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford, Surrey UK from the 14th - 18th September, alongside Rula Lenska ("Resurrection of the Daleks"); more details available at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre website.
Meanwhile, Sylvester McCoy is starring as Mr Bennett in "Pride and Prejudice" at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford, Surrey UK from the 14th - 18th September, alongside Rula Lenska ("Resurrection of the Daleks"); more details available at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre website.
More SFX Daleks
Miscellaneous
September 13, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonSFX has posted a second gallery of entries for their "Re-design the Daleks" competition. (Thanks to SFX/Ian Berriman)
Winter Wonderland?
PressClips
September 11, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonToday's "This is South Wales" features an article about a rather interesting transformation of part of the city of Swansea for one of the new Doctor Who series episodes. Meanwhile, the "Sun" newspaper also had some plot details, although these are mostly recycled from earlier info (and some of the Sun's 'report' appears to be speculative stuff right off of Outpost Gallifrey's own Forum!) Click on the spoiler tag below for some interesting information.
According to the South Wales report, the city of Swansea's maritime area will be "taken back in time and transformed into a scene from 1869 for the star-studded production." Says the report, fake snow is set to cover the road between Adelaide Street and Pier Street, and along the whole of Cambrian Place, Burrows Place and Gloucester Place. Period costume along with horses and carriages will help bring the scene to life. The article mentions Simon Callow's casting as Charles Dickens earlier in the week. An "insider" told the reporter, "We are currently working on the new series of Dr Who for BBC Wales. We have recognised the timeless charm of the Maritime area of Swansea and we would like to shoot some of our scenes there. The shots are snow scenes and are at night so for one night people will be treated to a Christmas scene outside their windows. We will also introduce horses and carriages, background artists in period costume and the use of braziers to take us back to Christmas 1869. We will be providing alternative parking for residents in a nearby secure car park and although road closures have been agreed and will be implemented, emergency vehicles will have access as normal." Swansea Councillor Gerald Clement, cabinet member for culture, recreation and tourism commented, "We are delighted that part of the new Dr Who series will be filmed in Swansea and extremely pleased to be associated with such a high-profile project. Our tourism marketing team works with the SWW office of the Wales Screen Commission to promote Swansea as a film and TV location and collectively, we have been successful in attracting a number of high-profile projects over the past couple of years."
The Sun, meanwhile, states (with a rather rude title) that "the new Doctor Who is to take on deadly aliens hell-bent on wiping out mankind ù by passing wind," regurgitating the Geith storyline that Outpost Gallifrey reported last week. (Indeed, we believe some of the Sun details are taken from the same source as we had.) It also mentions the Doctor faces an attack by "a race of dastardly 8ft villains called the Slitheens" which we previously reported. "The Doctor and sidekick Rose Tyler, played by Christopher Eccleston and Billie Piper, must stop the Slitheens taking over the bodies of key politicians who run the country. They are part of a fiendish plot in which an alien crash-landing diverts attention from the plan to overthrow the Government." It mentions the March date again and notes that "other storylines include Rose witnessing the end of the world far in the future."
The Sun, meanwhile, states (with a rather rude title) that "the new Doctor Who is to take on deadly aliens hell-bent on wiping out mankind ù by passing wind," regurgitating the Geith storyline that Outpost Gallifrey reported last week. (Indeed, we believe some of the Sun details are taken from the same source as we had.) It also mentions the Doctor faces an attack by "a race of dastardly 8ft villains called the Slitheens" which we previously reported. "The Doctor and sidekick Rose Tyler, played by Christopher Eccleston and Billie Piper, must stop the Slitheens taking over the bodies of key politicians who run the country. They are part of a fiendish plot in which an alien crash-landing diverts attention from the plan to overthrow the Government." It mentions the March date again and notes that "other storylines include Rose witnessing the end of the world far in the future."
Tom Baker: Make Me The Master
PressClips
September 11, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonIn an interview with today's Daily Record, Tom Baker goes on record of wanting to go "over to the dark side on Dr Who. Says the Record, the 71-year-old actor says he'd love to get one over on the character, which made him a household name in the Seventies and Eighties, by returning to the show as the Doctor's arch-enemy The Master. "If the BBC were brave enough, which they're not, then what they really should do would be to make me The Master," Baker says. "That would be really witty. Heroes always need villains. Superman can't exist without evil and vice versa. So it would be very clever to have this person who was once the hero become the villain, because within life, as well as fiction, we are nowhere without villains. Without them there'd be no newspapers, no film industry, no literature. You absolutely need the dark side." Baker goes on to note that "Doctor Who was the best job I ever had, so there's no way I'd be satisfied with anything like a bit part in the new series. That would bore me to death because then it would be all about this walk-on appearance from the old Doctor Who." Tom also mentions that he's relieved the Daleks have been cleared to return to the show. "They'd have been mad not to bring them back, bloody crazy. 'They can do without his robotic dog K-9, I think. But the Daleks were so important to the story. How many millions of children have been influenced by the Daleks? They couldn't even begin to think about bringing it back without them." You can read the full interview here. (Thanks to Paul Engelberg, Graham Brown)
Glyn Owen
People
September 11, 2004 • Posted By Shaun Lyon
Glyn Owen, who played Rohm-Dutt in the Fourth Doctor story "The Power of Kroll" and returned many years later to play Commander Harlon in the Big Finish audio "Nekromanteia," died Friday from complications due to cancer. Owen's career spanned 50 years, including roles on "Emergency Ward 10," one of the first "big soap operas" on British television; as Jack Rolfe in "Howard's Way," perhaps his best known role; and on "Casualty," "The Saint," "Thorndyke," "Heartbeat," "Survivors," "Peak Practice," "Juliet Bravo," "The Professionals," "All Creatures Great and Small" and in two episodes of "Blake's 7" (in "Cygnus Alpha" and "Space Fall" early in the show's first season). Owen is survived by his wife Carrie, daughter Cathy, and son, actor Lloyd Owen ("Monarch of the Glen," "The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles"). He was 76. At right is a photo of Owen from a recent autograph signing at the Tenth Planet store.Series Publicity Document: New Details
General TV Series News
September 9, 2004 • Posted By Shaun Lyon
A one-sheet advertisement page from BBC Worldwide Television which will be featured in several forthcoming sales presentations in the UK, obtained by Outpost Gallifrey, shares some very interesting -- and exciting -- information concerning the new Doctor Who series. The BBC document states that the airtime for the first season of the new series is "Spring 2005," synching with the March 2005 transmission date Outpost Gallifrey has previously reported as being the likely target date. It also notes five cast members under the "Starring" block: Christopher Eccleston as the Doctor, Billie Piper as Rose Tyler, Camille Coduri as Jackie Tyler, Noel Clarke as Mickey Smith and Mark Benton as Clive; this is interesting because it's the first time a surname has been published for the Mickey character on a public document, and the first time Mark Benton, only previously rumored to be in the series, has been confirmed anywhere.Most especially, the text of the press document has an interesting summation of the new series, including some heretofore unknown details; they're in the text box below. Meanwhile, the press document also contains at least one overseas broadcast note: it confirms the involvement of Canadian broadcaster CBC, who is says has purchased the series ahead of delivery and will be transmitting it as soon after the UK transmission as they can.
We'll keep you posted when any other documents such as this come out of BBC Worldwide.
Christopher Eccleston's Doctor is wise and funny, cheeky and brave. An alien and a loner (it's difficult keeping up with friends when your day job involves roaming through time and space), his detached logic gives him a vital edge when the world's in danger. But when it comes to relationships, he can be found wanting. That's why he needs Rose.
Rose is a shop girl from the present day. From the moment they meet, the Doctor and Rose are soulmates. They understand and complement each other. As they travel together through history and across the universe, the Doctor shows Rose things beyond her imagination. She starts out as an innocent, fettered by earthly concerns. But she ends up an adventurer who, by the end of the series, can never go home again...
As the two forge a friendship across time and space, brace yourself for some exhilarating experiences and deadly confrontations. Far, far in the future, Rose witnesses the natural end of the world, as the sun expands and the solar system dies. Journey back to Victorian times for an encounter with Charles Dickens and the mysterious Geith -- gaseous monsters with deadly plans for humanity. While back in 2005, an alien crash-landing diverts attention from a conspiracy that leads to the very heart of the government.
Wherever they go, whoever they meet, every story will come back to Earth. For all the danger and tension, this is a fundamentally optimistic series. The human race will survive - but only with the Doctor's help. Prepare for brand-new, spellbinding adventures in the human race...
Rose is a shop girl from the present day. From the moment they meet, the Doctor and Rose are soulmates. They understand and complement each other. As they travel together through history and across the universe, the Doctor shows Rose things beyond her imagination. She starts out as an innocent, fettered by earthly concerns. But she ends up an adventurer who, by the end of the series, can never go home again...
As the two forge a friendship across time and space, brace yourself for some exhilarating experiences and deadly confrontations. Far, far in the future, Rose witnesses the natural end of the world, as the sun expands and the solar system dies. Journey back to Victorian times for an encounter with Charles Dickens and the mysterious Geith -- gaseous monsters with deadly plans for humanity. While back in 2005, an alien crash-landing diverts attention from a conspiracy that leads to the very heart of the government.
Wherever they go, whoever they meet, every story will come back to Earth. For all the danger and tension, this is a fundamentally optimistic series. The human race will survive - but only with the Doctor's help. Prepare for brand-new, spellbinding adventures in the human race...
Lost in Time DVD Cover
DVD and Video
September 9, 2004 • Posted By Shaun Lyon
Outpost Gallifrey has been sent what we believe is the final version of the cover for the forthcoming UK DVD release of Lost in Time, the boxed set featuring orphan episodes from the William Hartnell and Patrick Troughton eras. (We've contacted artist Clayton Hickman to find out if it's the actual final version.) Click on the thumbnail for a larger version. (Thanks to Tenth Planet as always for sending it!)Update 10 Sep, 1415 GMT: Yes, this is indeed the final version of the "Lost in Time" UK cover. (Thanks to Clayton Hickman for confirming it!)
Jaeger Press Obit
Miscellaneous
September 9, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonThe Guardian has run an obituary about the death of Frederick Jaeger ("The Invisible Enemy") which Outpost Gallifrey reported last week.
DVD Releases
Miscellaneous
September 9, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonNorth American fans, take note: Pyramids of Mars and Earthshock are now available on DVD. For UK fans, Ghost Light was delayed and will be out Monday, September 20.
Davies, Gardner on Casanova
PressClips
September 9, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonNew series producers Russell T Davies and Julie Gardner will follow up production of the first season of "Doctor Who" with a lavish three-part period production of "Casanova" for BBC1, according to Broadcast Magazine. Originally commisioned by ITV from Granada's LWT in May 2002, Davies was originally set to produce it for ITV, but then Gardner, who was originally with Granada Television, joined BBC Wales as Head of Drama. Says Broadcast, "Her departure is thought to have prompted Davies to take the project to the BBC and sign it as part of a deal that also included him agreeing to write the new series of Doctor Who, which Gardner is overseeing." BBC controller of drama commissioning Jane Tranter told Broadcast: "We were keen to do what Russell wanted to do and to enable Julie to continue an ongoing relationship with Russell on Casanova and Doctor Who." Outpost Gallifrey is aware that Davies will be producing "Casanova" beginning in October 2004, and will hopefuly return to production of the second season of "Doctor Who" in the new year. (Thanks to Martin Day)
Big Finish Update
Big Finish
September 9, 2004 • Posted By Shaun Lyon
Big Finish has issued the cover illustration for the fourth installment of the Dalek Empire III serial; click on the thumbnail at right for a larger version. Also updated: details on A Life Worth Livingedited by Simon Guerrier, a new Bernice Summerfield hardcover anthology with 14 stories about the further adventures of the former Doctor Who novel companion. Click on the thumbnails for larger versions of each cover.Update 10 Sep, 0500 GMT: A couple of things missed in the first go-round... Darin Henry's "Game Time" is now called The Game; that would be the January 2005 Big Finish audio starring Peter Davison. AndClockwerks is no longer on the schedule; the Paul McGann-starring Terror Firma is the sole July release, and Caroline Symcox's The Council of Nicea has moved up to August 2005.
A LIFE WORTH LIVING, edited by Simon GuerrierThe war is over. The Braxiatel Collection is back to normal. Better than that, people are all making more of an effort to rebuild, to get on, to re-establish the Collection at the forefront of academic excellence. Benny and Jason are back together. Life is good.
It's not going to last, is it?
Soon Benny is up to her eyeballs in strange deaths, sinister cults, peculiar love affairs and a Collection full of people who haven't yet stopped fighting.
Includes "Misplaced Spring" by Paul Cornell, "Welcome to the Machine" by Sin Dinez, "Final Draft" by Cameron Mason, "Against Gardens" by Eddie Robson, "A Summer Affair" by Joseph Lidster, "Denial" by Ian Mond, "Sex Secrets of the Robot Replicants" by Philip Purser-Hallard, "The Blame of the Nose" by Ben Woodhams, "Reparation" by Gregg Smith, "Nothing up my Sleeve" by Richard Salter, "Buried Alive" by Kate Orman, "There Never Need be Longing in your Eyes" by Ian Farrington, "Mentioning the War" by Nick Walters, and "Fragments" by Stewart Sheargold.
DWM 348
Merchandise
September 9, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonIssue #348 of Doctor Who Magazine will be out on September 16. The following is the press release for the new issue; click on the thumbnail image for a larger version of the cover.
Director Euros Lyn spills the beans in latest DWM.
It's time for another thrilling adventure in time and space with the crew of Doctor Who Magazine.
The latest news from BBC Wales on the new series of Doctor Who includes a chat with the Block Two director Euros Lyn. Phil Collinson gives us an update on how the recording is going, while Russell T Davies tells us what a block actually *is* in another of his unmissable Production Notes. The tease! And then there's all this other stuff too ...
Don't miss the third and final part of the chat with former series script editor Eric Saward - find out why Eric found that working on the series had become something of a trial by 1986 ...
Meanwhile, Scheduled for Success reaches its season finale, as DWM's tireless researcher Andrew Pixley looks at some of the reasons why Doctor Who had become an 'ex-series' by the start of the1990s, and predicts the fortunes of the show in the ratings-driven TV landscape of the 21st century.
Plus! To celebrate its release on DVD, Ghost Light is examined in detail by The Fact of Fiction. It really does all make sense.
Meanwhile, the Time Team explore the Pyramids of Mars; find out about the upcoming Doctor Who at the BBC Volume 2 CD release from BBC Audio's Michael Stevens; and read all the latest (made-up) news from Sorvad as Space-Time Telegraph takes its final bow.
Plus! Don't miss the third part of the new comic strip adventure, The Flood, to see if the Doctor and Destrii can make good their escape from the deadly Cybermen - we're not guaranteeing anything, you know ...
DWM 348 is on sale from Thursday 16 September 2004.
Director Euros Lyn spills the beans in latest DWM.It's time for another thrilling adventure in time and space with the crew of Doctor Who Magazine.
The latest news from BBC Wales on the new series of Doctor Who includes a chat with the Block Two director Euros Lyn. Phil Collinson gives us an update on how the recording is going, while Russell T Davies tells us what a block actually *is* in another of his unmissable Production Notes. The tease! And then there's all this other stuff too ...
Don't miss the third and final part of the chat with former series script editor Eric Saward - find out why Eric found that working on the series had become something of a trial by 1986 ...
Meanwhile, Scheduled for Success reaches its season finale, as DWM's tireless researcher Andrew Pixley looks at some of the reasons why Doctor Who had become an 'ex-series' by the start of the1990s, and predicts the fortunes of the show in the ratings-driven TV landscape of the 21st century.
Plus! To celebrate its release on DVD, Ghost Light is examined in detail by The Fact of Fiction. It really does all make sense.
Meanwhile, the Time Team explore the Pyramids of Mars; find out about the upcoming Doctor Who at the BBC Volume 2 CD release from BBC Audio's Michael Stevens; and read all the latest (made-up) news from Sorvad as Space-Time Telegraph takes its final bow.
Plus! Don't miss the third part of the new comic strip adventure, The Flood, to see if the Doctor and Destrii can make good their escape from the deadly Cybermen - we're not guaranteeing anything, you know ...
DWM 348 is on sale from Thursday 16 September 2004.
Simon Callow is Charles Dickens
General TV Series News
September 7, 2004 • Posted By Shaun Lyon
According to a report in today's "Independent," and now confirmed on the official site, actor Simon Callow will be playing the role of Charles Dickens in an episode of the new series set in Victorian times. "To be honest," Callow told the Independent, "when they sent me the script, my heart sank. As I know all about Dickens, I can say with authority that most attempts to put him on screen are awful - and there are a lot of them. But this script, by Russell T Davis [sic], who wrote Queer as Folk, is fantastic." Davies told BBCi, "It's wonderful to welcome an actor of Simon Callow's calibre on board the TARDIS. As soon as the words 'Charles Dickens' first appeared in Mark Gatiss's clever, scary, inventive script, then we knew there was only one actor we wanted to approach. We're genuinely honoured that Simon has accepted, and I know that Chris and Billie are delighted too. This sets the standard for a Doctor Who with wonderful casts, exciting scripts and the highest production values." Callow's many roles include such films as "Four Weddings and a Funeral," "Amadeus," "Shakespeare in Love," "James and the Giant Peach" and the forthcoming adaptation of "The Phantom of the Opera." (Thanks to everyone who caught the Independent report this morning and let us know...)Please note: A few people have asked us why we posted this since they believe it is a spoiler. Outpost Gallifrey does not consider major casting developments (or the characters they play), or indeed any major developments, spoilers if they are widely reported in the mass media, newspapers or such places as BBCi. Knowing Callow plays Charles Dickens tells you nothing specific about the story. Thank you.
George Gerwitz
General TV Series News
September 7, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonToday's WhoSpy photo on the official site reveals that George Gerwitz is the First Assistant Director on the new series (at least a part, possibly the entirety). Gerwitz also served as First A.D. on "Sea of Souls" produced by Phil Collinson, one of the new Doctor Who series' executive producers.
SFX's Dalek Redesign
Miscellaneous
September 7, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonSFX Magazine's Dalek Redesign competition has 25 designs; fans can look at them in the SFX gallery by clicking here; meanwhile, SFX is also giving away five copies of the "Doctor Who at the BBC Volume 2" audio here.
North America VHS Backstock Deletions
Miscellaneous
September 7, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonThe total takeover of DVD means that VHS backstocks are shrinking, Doctor Who included. Steve Manfred has compiled a list at the Doctor Who Video FAQ site with a complete rundown of what's still in production and what's been deleted.
The Muppets Beat The Doctor
Miscellaneous
September 7, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonMuppets Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and his assistant Beaker defeated Dr. Strangelove, Dana Scully of "X Files" fame, Star Trek's Mr. Spock and the Doctor himself to be voted Britain's favorite screen scientists, according to a poll published Monday and reported on CNN.com and other online sources. They beat their closest rival by a margin of 2 to 1 and won 33 percent of the 43,000 votes cast; Spock came in a distance second with 15 percent followed by The Doctor, from Dr Who, who garnered 13 percent. Scully, the only woman in the poll, came in sixth. The poll, sponsored by the BA and the BBC cult television website, gave the public five weeks to choose their favorite scientist from a shortlist of 10 that included Dr. Evil from the film "Austin Powers," Dr. Frankenstein, Frank N. Furter, of the "Rocky Horror Show Picture Show," Dr. Emmett Brown, of the film "Back to the Future" and Q of James Bond fame.
Sylvester McCoy in Aladdin
People
September 2, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonSylvester McCoy will star as Abanazar in this year's Christmas pantomime, Aladdin at Guildford's Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. McCoy co-stars with screen legend Britt Ekland, who plays the Genie of the Lamp, as well as Issy Van Randwyck, Paul Hendy and Royce Mills. Tickets are available from the Yvonne Arnaud box office on 01483 440000. (Thanks to Paul Engelberg)
The Deadstone Memorial
Books
September 2, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonOutpost Gallifrey has received the cover illustration and cover blurb for Trevor Baxendale's The Deadstone Memorial, the October 2004 BBC Books novel featuring the Eighth Doctor, Fitz and Trix. Click on the thumbnail for a larger version. (Thanks to Trevor Baxendale)
THE DEADSTONE MEMORIAL, by Trevor Baxendale
There is no such thing as a good night. You may think you can hide away in dreams. Safely tucked up in bed, nothing can touch you.
But, as every child knows, there are bad dreams. And that dreams are where the monsters are.
The Doctor knows all about monsters. And he knows that sometimes they can still be there when you wake up. And when the horror is more than just a memory, there is nowhere to hide.
Even here, today, tonight... in the most ordinary of homes, and against the most ordinary people, the terror will strike.
A young boy will suffer terrifying visions... and his family will encounter a deathless horror. Only the Doctor can help -- but first, he must uncover the fearsome secret of the Deadstone Memorial.
This is another in the series of adventures for the Eighth Doctor.
THE DEADSTONE MEMORIAL, by Trevor BaxendaleThere is no such thing as a good night. You may think you can hide away in dreams. Safely tucked up in bed, nothing can touch you.
But, as every child knows, there are bad dreams. And that dreams are where the monsters are.
The Doctor knows all about monsters. And he knows that sometimes they can still be there when you wake up. And when the horror is more than just a memory, there is nowhere to hide.
Even here, today, tonight... in the most ordinary of homes, and against the most ordinary people, the terror will strike.
A young boy will suffer terrifying visions... and his family will encounter a deathless horror. Only the Doctor can help -- but first, he must uncover the fearsome secret of the Deadstone Memorial.
This is another in the series of adventures for the Eighth Doctor.
Editor's Note
Miscellaneous
September 2, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonHello dear readers... getting caught up on the mail (and the news) today and tomorrow, expect more news updates on Friday!
Daleks Return to Australia TV
Broadcasting
September 2, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonABC TV Australia has brokered a deal with the estate of Terry Nation, and will start showing Dalek serials as part of their re-run of the entirety of Doctor Who, starting with "Death to the Daleks" on 15th September 2004. No Dalek episodes previously skipped in the schedule due to the licence issues will be screened, however. (Thanks to Piers Johnson)
Navin Chowdhry
General TV Series News
September 2, 2004 • Posted By Shaun Lyon
Actor Navin Chowdhry will appear in the new series, according to an interview in last weekend's Sunday Express magazine; he began filming yesterday (September 1) for two weeks. Chowdhry is familiar to TV audiences as Kurt McKenna on "Teachers"; he also plays Ralph in "NY-LON," the seven part series that just began on Channel 4 directed by Keith Boak (the new series' first-block director). At right is a small press photo. According to sources, Chowdhry plays a government official in the "Aliens of London" story currently filming. There are rumors, meanwhile, that actor Ruper Vansittart (who played Lord Ashfordly in "Heartbeat") will also be appearing as an alien leader, and that Mark Benton (Johnny Tyler in Russell T Davies' "The Second Coming") will feature in one episode. (Thanks to "the Comic Guru")Dreamwatch Spoilers
General TV Series News
September 2, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonThe new issue of Dreamwatch magazine, which has just hit the newsstands, has some interesting tidbits on some interesting developments in the new series. Click on the spoiler tab for details... and remember, you've been warned!
According to "Dreamwatch," the storyline for Aliens of London involves a rogue alien craft crashing into the River Thames. Captain Jack (played by John Barrowman) makes his first appearance in the series in episode 7, The Long Game and will appear in several episodes. Episode 8, written by Rob Shearman, is indeed a Dalek story, apparently involving a lone Dalek in an 'Alien' style plot; while later in the season (in one of the two parters), the Doctor and Rose battle an army of Daleks. And, of course, the Autons appear in the first story, as we know by now! (Thanks to Chris Melotte and Dreamwatch Magazine)
North America Broadcast Rumors
General TV Series News
September 2, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonThere are several rumors going around that the Sci-Fi Channel has purchased, or will be purchasing, the rights to broadcast the new series in tandem with the rights to rebroadcast the original. According to a letter sent to "This Week in Doctor Who" from Maryland Public Television, this is the case; however, sources at the Sci-Fi Channel (and its parent company, NBC/Universal) have denied that any deal has taken place. In fact, no deal has been signed at this time to broadcast the series in America and is not expected to happen until much later this year or early next year.
Tenth Planet / Silver Fist Interviews
Audio
September 2, 2004 • Posted By Shaun LyonTenth Planet has teamed up with Silver Fist to rerelease three classic Doctor Who interview audio sessions on CD, featuring Colin Baker, Sylvester McCoy and the late Jon Pertwee. Jon Pertwee: Pertwee in Person is released in September; Colin Baker: The Ultimate Interview in October; and Sylvester McCoy: The Real McCoy in November. Says the info for the Pertwee CD: "Presented by Cyberleader actor David Banks, it is an in-depth discussion with the late Jon Pertwee (the third Doctor), recorded at his home in 1990, available commercially for the first time in over a decade. This new CD edition is digitally re-mastered, presented with full-colour cover graphics from veteran Doctor Who artist Andrew Skilleter." More details and all three covers can be found on Outpost Gallifrey's Forthcoming Releases page (under "Audio", about two-thirds of the way down the page). (Thanks to Tenth Planet)