50th Anniversary Title and Poster Revealed

50 YEARS OF DOCTOR WHO CULMINATING IN ‘THE DAY OF THE DOCTOR’

The countdown starts here as the BBC reveals its plans to take over TV and radio to mark the Doctor’s 50th anniversary

With special programmes planned across the BBC the celebrations will peak on 23 November with the anniversary episode, revealed as ‘The Day of the Doctor’. Starring Matt Smith, David Tennant, Jenna Coleman with Billie Piper and John Hurt, the special for BBC One has been confirmed as feature length with 75 minutes of adventure. 

Matt Smith, who plays the Doctor, said:

“The Day of the Doctor is nearly here! Hope you all enjoy. There’s lots more coming your way, as the countdown to the 50th begins now.” 

Each channel will be home to unique content, celebrating the wealth of history and talent from the last 50 years.

BBC Two will broadcast a number of new commissions, focusing on telling the story behind the show. For one night only, Professor Brian Cox will take an audience of celebrity guests and members of the public on a journey into the wonderful universe of the Doctor, from the lecture hall of the Royal Institution of Great Britain (1x60mins). Drawing on the latest theories as well as 200 years of scientific discoveries and the genius of Einstein, Brian tries to answer the classic questions raised by the Doctor – can you really travel in time? Does extra-terrestrial life exist in our galaxy? And how do you build something as fantastical as the TARDIS?

In an hour-long special, BBC Two’s flagship arts programme The Culture Show presents ‘Me, You and Doctor Who’ (1x60mins), with lifelong fan Matthew Sweet exploring the cultural significance of the BBC’s longest running TV drama, arguing that it’s one of the most important cultural artefacts of modern Britain. Put simply, Doctor Who matters. He’ll examine how the show has become a cultural force in its own right and tell the stories of some of the unsung cultural heroes, who pioneered its innovative music, design and storytelling. 

BBC Two wraps up its coverage with the previously announced ‘An Adventure in Space and Time’(1x90mins), which will tell the story of the genesis of Doctor Who and the many personalities involved. Written by Mark Gatiss the drama stars; David Bradley (the Harry Potter films); Brian Cox (The Bourne Supremacy, The Bourne Identity), Jessica Raine (Call the Midwife) and Sacha Dhawan (History Boys, Last Tango in Halifax).

Steven Moffat, lead writer and executive producer, Doctor Who said:

"50 years has turned Doctor Who from a television show into a cultural landmark. Personally I can't wait to see what it becomes after a hundred." 

BBC Four will introduce audiences to the first Doctor, William Hartnell, with a special re-run of the first ever story, which marked the start of 50 years of history. The four episodes are being shown in a restored format, not previously broadcast in the UK.

There will also be programmes across CBBC with 12 Again (1x30mins) bringing together CBBC’s super fan Chris Johnson, impressionist Jon Culshaw, Tommy Knight (Luke Smith), Warwick Davis (Porridge), Neve McIntosh (Madame Vastra), Dan Starkey (Strax) Louise Jameson (Leela) and the Seventh Doctor; Sylvester McCoy, to share their memories of watching TV’s top Time Lord when they were young. 

While Blue Peter will launch an exciting new competition giving viewers aged between six and fourteen the opportunity to design a new gadget that will become part of the iconic science fiction series. Two live Blue Peter specials will see presenters Barney, Lindsey and Radzi joined by aliens and monsters, with viewers challenging Matt Smith to answer their Doctor Who questions.

BBC Three will be home to several exciting entertainment commissions. Audiences will be encouraged to get involved and vote in ‘Doctor Who: Monsters and Villains Weekend’, as we countdown to the top Doctor Who monster. For those less familiar with the show, ‘Doctor Who: The Ultimate Guide’ will introduce fans and viewers to a wealth of archive material and act as a guide to all things Who. A further exciting commission to be announced later this year will see the celebrations finish with a bang.

Danny Cohen, Director BBC Television said:

“Doctor Who is a titan of British television and I’m incredibly proud to have it on the BBC. It's an astonishing achievement for a drama to reach its 50th Anniversary. I'd like to thank every person - on both sides of the camera - who has been involved with its creative journey over so many years.”

It’s not just TV where audiences will be able join in the celebrations, programming across Radio 2, Radio 1 and Radio 4 Extra will each mark the 50th. 

BBC Radio 2 will ask ‘Who Is The Doctor?’ in a 90 minute documentary featuring newly recorded interviews and exclusive archive material. The programme will look at the lasting appeal of Doctor Who and ask how much of its continued success can be attributed to its basic formula. 

In ‘The Blagger’s Guide to Doctor Who’, David Quantick will give the iconic Doctor the Blagger’s treatment. He’ll be finding out the answers to questions such as why do Americans think Tom Baker is still Doctor Who? How many Doctors have there really been? Were the Daleks really named after an encyclopaedia?

Finally, Graham Norton will be broadcasting his weekly Radio 2 show live (Saturday 23 November, 10am) from the Doctor Who Celebration in London. In a special three-hour show, Graham will take a ride in the TARDIS and will also be chatting with some of the series’ stars and fans. 

Music is a key part of Doctor Who, from the famous theme tune to soaring melodies, but the show has also inspired a whole new phenomenon – Time Lord Rock (TROCK). Radio 1 will look at this genre of music inspired by the Doctor and his journeys through space and time with a 60 minute documentary.

Meanwhile Radio 4 Extra travels back to 1963 with a three hour special programme, ‘Who Made Who?’, to look at the world that inspired the television series. Doctor Who may have come from other times, but his roots were very much in the present of 1960s Britain. This distinctive programme combines audio from the archive, new interviews and extracts from audio versions of Doctor Who. Additionally, the station will broadcast readings and dramas featuring the great Doctor.

There will also be special content across the official website www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho and on the iPlayer.

David Tennant, Billie Piper & Zygons Return for 50th Anniversary!!

The BBC has announced that David Tennant and Billie Piper will be appearing alongside Matt Smith and Jenna Louise Coleman in the 90 minute 3D 50th Anniversary Special, that will also receive a limited worldwide cinema release. John Hurt and Joanna Page have also been confirmed to appear. The story is written by Steven Moffat and will be directed by Nick Hurran.

Joanna Page, David Tennant, Jenna Louise Coleman and Matt Smith at the 50th Anniversary story read through.

On top of that the BBC has also announced that classic monsters, the Zygons will be returning to Doctor Who for the 50th Anniversary Special. The Zygons first appeared in the Tom Baker adventure Terror the Zyons (1975), which will be released on DVD for the first time on June 24th.

The New Design Zygon!

"Babblesphere" Review For Blogtor Who

Check out my review of the AudioGo/Big Finish, "Destiny of The Doctor" story: 

Babblesphere

over at Blogtor Who.

"Vengeance of The Stones" Review for Blogtor Who

Check out my review of the AudioGo/Big Finish, "Destiny of The Doctor" story: 

Vengeance Of The Stones

over at Blogtor Who.

'The Ice Warriors' WILL Be Animated For DVD

Contrary to previous reports it has now been officially confirmed that the DVD release of Classic Doctor Who Patrick Troughton story 'The Ice Warriors' will have both it's missing episodes animated. 

The company being brought in to handle the animation is called Qurios. This is particularly good timing as the Ice Warriors are set to return to Doctor Who this year for the 50th Anniversary in a story written by veteren Who writer Mark Gatiss, set on a submarine.

The current release date is set as 26th August 2013. But that may change.

Here's a sample of the "work in progress"animation:

Qurios Entertainment’s previous work includes visual effects for sci-fi sitcom Hyperdrive, puppet comedy Mongrels and titles for Doctor Who DVD extra series Who Peter. Veteran producer of the classic Who range, Chris Chapman has overseen the animation, Niel Bushnell is the producer for Qurios and the animation director is Chris Chatterton.

An Ice Warrior, Jamie, the Doctor, & Victoria.

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Casting Update For 'An Adventure In Space & Time'

A few more names have been added to the cast list for the upcoming Doctor Who origin Drama, 'An Adventure In Space And Time.' The production is in it's final week and the finished programme will be shown in November to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who.

Cast

William Hartnell David Bradley

Verity Lambert Jessica Raine

Sydney Newman Brian Cox

Waris Hussein Sacha Dhawan

William Russell Jamie Glover

Jacqueline Hill Jemma Powell

Carole Ann Ford Claudia Grant

Delia Derbyshire Sarah Winter

Heather Hartnell Lesley Manville

Patrick Troughton Reece Shearsmith

Jackie Lane Sophie Holt

Peter Hawkins Nicholas Briggs

Mervyn Pinfield Jeff Rawle

Rex Tucker Andrew Woodall

Richard Martin Ian Hollard

Peter Brachacki David Annen

Harry William Russell

Alan Reece Pockney

Writer Mark Gatiss

Director Terry McDonough

Full Casting For 'An Adventure In Space & Time'

The Radio Times recently released the very first official image from the 50th Anniversary Doctor Who origin drama, 'An Adventure In Space and Time.'

The full cast has now been announced:

William Hartnell David Bradley

Verity Lambert Jessica Raine

Sydney Newman Brian Cox

Waris Hussein Sacha Dhawan

William Russell Jamie Glover

Jacqueline Hill Jemma Powell

Carole Ann Ford Claudia Grant

Delia Derbyshire Sarah Winter

Heather Hartnell Lesley Manville

Harry William Russell
Patrick Troughton Reece Shearsmith

Writer Mark Gatiss

Director Terry McDonough

Jemma Powell Cast As Jaqueline Hill In Who Origin Drama 'An Adventure In Space & Time'

It has recently been confirmed by FlashForward Publicity that the actress Jemma Powell is to play Jacqueline Hill in the 50th Anniversary drama An Adventure in Space and Time.

The actress made her cinematic debut in The Hole, and has since appeared in a number of films, including Symmetry of Love, The Seasoning House, and Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland.

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Doctor Who 50th Anniversary To Be Shown In 3D & In Cinemas!

It was recently announced as part of a press release from the BBC that as part of the BBC's blockbuster celebrations to mark the Doctor turning 50, fans will be able to see the Time Lord and his adventures like never before - in 3D! 

Steven Moffat, lead writer and executive producer, said: 

“It's about time. Technology has finally caught up with Doctor Who and your television is now bigger on the inside. A whole new dimension of adventure for the Doctor to explore."

The last time Doctor Who used 3-D was in the best-forgotten Children In Need and 30th Anniversary special "Dimensions In Time." Let's hope that Moffat has something a little better than that to hit us with for the 50th.

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There are also some rumours circulating in the Guardian that the 3D Special will be shown in special screenings at selected Cinemas. Perhaps the closest we'll get to a Doctor Who Film. Who has been advertised in cinemas before but hasn't seen an on screen release since the Two Dalek films. 

Ben Stephenson, the BBC's Controller of Drama said that the anniversary of the time-travelling show would be a national event and compared it to the Queen's diamond jubilee and the Olympics. He also commented:

"We will be doing it on cinema screens as well. We are working out the logistics of that at the moment because we need to make sure the main BBC1 experience remains absolute value for money for the audience."

Details are still a little hazy. But more will surely follow shortly.

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BFI Announce Guests for Mind of Evil Screening

The special guests for the screening of The Mind of Evil at the BFI were announced at the screening of The Tomb of the Cybermen.

The screening on Sunday 10th March at 2pm will include the following guests:

Katy Manning - companion Jo Grant

Richard Franklin - Mike Yates

John Levene - Sergeant Benton

Tim Combe - Director

Terrance Dicks - Script Editor

Stuart Humphryes - Recolouriser

The screening sold out in 7 minutes after going on sale to BFI members.

More Casting For "An Adventure In Space And Time"

Sarah Winter

The latest casting reported is that of Delia Derbyshire, the woman who brought the original Doctor Who theme tune to life in 1963. According to talent agency Olivia Bell Management the role will be played by Sarah Winter. 

Casting for the roles of William Hartnell, Sidney Newman, Verity Lambert, Waris Hussein, Ian Chesterton and Carole Ann Ford were announced earlier.

Delia Derbyshire.

[Source]

BFI: Patrick Troughton "Tomb of The Cybermen" Screening

I had a great time at the BFI for their second screening to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who with Tomb of The Cybermen. 

There were a number of fantastic guests including companions to the 2nd Doctor: Anneke Wills (Polly) and Deborah Watling (Victoria) and, from Tomb of The Cybermen, Shirley Cooklin (Kaftan), Bernard Holley (Peter Haydon) and Michael Kilgarriff (Cyber Controller). Also in attendance was Michael Ferguson (director of The Seeds of Death, The Claws of Axos) and Patrick Troughton’s son and biographer, Michael Troughton.

There were also two surprise guests in the form of showrunner Steven Moffat and comedian/presenter Frank Skinner who gave the story a short but sweet introduction.

Moffat also commented on Matt Smith's recent casting as the lead in Ryan Gosling's directorial debut for the movie 'How To Catch A Monster,' with "don't worry he's not going."

This was my second visit to the BFI for the 50th anniversary after last months screening of An Unearthly Child. Watching Who on the big screen really does change the way one perceives it as an audience member; things that looks cheap or dated are particularly apparent and the comedic moments are certainly amplified. Overall it is great to watch these beloved stories with a huge and loving audience.

The next installment of the BFI 50th Anniversary celebration is the very recently recolourised version of The Mind of Evil which takes place on Sunday 10th March. The event sold out in 7 minutes but if you were lucky to grabs some tickets I will see you there.

Further Casting Announced For Doctor Who Origin Drama "An Adventure In Space And Time"

The casting has been announced for the parts of William Russell and and Carole Ann Ford in the upcoming 50th Anniversary special origin Drama, 'An Adventure In Space and Time.'

Talent Agency Curtis Brown has confirmed that the part of William Russell who originally played Ian Chesterton has been given to Jamie Glover.

While the part of Carole Ann Ford who originally played Susan Foreman goes to newcomer Claudia Grant. Claudia is represented by the agency of real life granddaughter to William Hartnell, Jessica Carney.

Further casting has already been revealed.

Only the casting of Jaqueline Hill is yet to be announced.

[Source 1] [Source 2]

BFI Announce Guests For Tomb Of The Cybermen Showing

The BFI have just announced the following guests for their screening of The Tomb of The Cybermen: Companions to the 2nd Doctor: Anneke Wills (Polly) and Deborah Watling (Victoria) and, from Tomb of the Cybermen, Shirley Cooklin (Kaftan), Bernard Holley (Peter Haydon) and Michael Kilgarriff (Cyber Controller). Also in attendance is Michael Ferguson (director of The Seeds of Death, The Claws of Axos) and Patrick Troughton’s son and biographer, Michael Troughton.

BFI: William Hartnell "An Unearthly Child" Screening

Jessica Carney, Donald Tosh, Waris Hussein, host,
William Russell, Carole Ann Ford & Jeremy Young.

I had an absolutely marvelous time at the screening of An Unearthly Child at the BFI today, for the first of 11 events (1 for each Doctor) set for this year to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who.

There were a number of brilliant guests including: Waris Hussein (Director); Carole Ann Ford (Susan Foreman); William Russell (Ian Chesterton); Jeremy Young (Kal the Caveman); Mark Gatiss; Donald Tosh (Hartnell Era Script Editor); Brian Hodgson (Radiophonic Workshop, creator of the TARDIS sound effect); Clive Doig (Vision Mixer) and Jessica Carney (William Hartnell’s grand-daughter and biographer).

It was great to see An Unearthly Child on the big screen and with an audience, but for me finally getting to meet William Russell and Carole Ann Ford in the flesh was the biggest highlight.

The next event to celebrate Patrick Troughton will take place on February 9th. The event is already sold out, but for those of you who snapped up some tickets, I'll see you there.

BFI To Celebrate 50th Anniversary By Screening Doctor Who

The British Film Institute have been a big part of Doctor Who for many years, so like the rest of us they're celebrating the fantastic 50th Anniversary of a certain Time Lord.

Each month the BFI will screen an iconic episode of Doctor Who for each Doctor, starting with William Hartnell and An Unearthly Child, then going on to Patrick Troughton and The Tomb of The Cybermen, a special advance screening of the colourised version of The Mind of Evil for Jon Pertwee. These three are the only ones announced thus far, but a story per Doctor is expected each month. 

Also! The BFI are planning a very special Preview screening of the inception of Doctor Who Drama: An Adventure in Space and Time penned by Mark Gatiss.

Each screening will feature a guest or guests involved in each story. The announced screening thus far include:

An Unearthly Child Saturday January 12th 15:30pm

The Tomb of the Cybermen Saturday February 9th 14:30pm

The Mind of Evil (Recolourised) - March - Date and time TBC

An Adventure In Space and Time - November - Date and time TBC

All in all it's shaping up to be a very exciting 50th Anniversary.