Manufacturer: BBC Worldwide Consumer Products

Written By: Robert Holmes

RRP: £20.42

Release Date: 2nd July 2012

Reviewed By: Dale Who for Doctor Who Online

Review Posted: 31st July 2012

The Doctor (Patrick Troughton, on top form) steps from the TARDIS into a planet inhabited by not very bright people. These people - The Gonds - are bred and taught to be two-legged cattle, no more and no less. They mill around and get on with their lives, quite happy with the fact that they've been feeding their best and brightest (a bit of an oxymoron considering) to a machine for the past couple of generations; in the mistaken belief that they will be "companions to the Krotons". What they've actually beeing doing is providing target practice for the inbuilt system that gets rid of thickies.

Together with Zoe (Wendy Padbury) and Jamie (Frazer Hines), The Doctor must pit his wits against the owners of the machine, The Krotons themselves; strangely accented giant vacuum cleaners with ideas above their station. The task they face is huge: defeat The Krotons, teach The Gonds how to fight back effectively, and reverse the conditioning and stupidity that the learning machines (another oxymoron) instil into the populace.

This four-part story, release as a single disc from BBC Worldwide, showcases Patrick Troughton's Doctor perfectly. From the moment he emerges from the Police Box exterior of the TARDIS he's obviously completely in his element. He takes charge of situations with ease, and you get the feeling that this is a very easy day for him; almost a distraction to stop him from getting bored. Zoe manages to cause a lot of trouble and needs rescuing, and Jamie... isn't given a great deal to do.

Notable for the only appearance to date of the TARDIS' H.A.D.S - a very clever idea; The Krotons is a fairly fast moving tale that entertains effortlessly, even if a few of the effects are somewhat less than special.

The usual magic has been woven on the story's audio and visual properties and is pin sharp as a result, and as happens with some of the older Who stories the black and white print works really well for the story, and lends a credence to the alien world and the Krotons themselves.

Special Features:

Commentary - Toby Hadoke talks over the credits again to introduce the people around the table for The Krotons. On this occasion, they are: cast wise, the late, great Philip Madoc (Eelek in this story, and so many other roles in Doctor Who), Richard Ireson (Axus), and Gilbert Wynne (Thara). From the technical and behind the scenes department are Richard Tilley (assistant floor manager), Sylvia James (make up designer), Bobi Bartlett (costume designer) and Brian Hodgson (special sound guru, and the man who invented the TARDIS demat noise!)

Informative as ever and gently entertaining, and always kept in good humour by Hadoke, the commentary doesn't stand out as one of the most memorable in the DVD series, but it's certainly not bad. It might have possibly been helped by having one of the main cast - either Padbury or Hines, present to lend it some more humour and a different perspective for some parts.

Second Time Around - A look at the reinvention of Doctor Who into the Troughton era; both in direction and and portrayal. This behind the scenes look at the show's renewal has contributions from Anneke Wills (Polly to the First and Second Doctors), Frazer Hines (Jamie), Deborah Watling (Victoria), Wendy Padbury (Zoe), Christopher Barry and modern era Doctor Who writers Rob Shearman and Gary Russell.  

An honest look that finally lays to rest the myth that William Hartnell chose to leave, and the ins and outs of the companions' entrances and exits and the transition from the historical adventure to the monster era of Doctor Who. It also covers the episode junkings of the 1960s, when the archive started being wiped for the sake of space. Informative, if a little talky, but entertaining and the narrative flows very easily.

Doctor Who Stories - Frazer Hines: Part One - With the usual animated beginnIng (albeit tailored to his run on the programme) Frazer Hines talks us through his time on Who. The footage used is not new, it's culled from 2003 and The Story of Doctor Who. It's fast and not terribly in-depth, but Frazer is always engaging and entertaining, so there's no chance of boredom creeping in.

For a short piece, the gentleness and informality of the extra turn it into something wonderful, and you can tell from first glance that Frazer still holds a great deal of affection for Jamie McCrimmon.

The Doctor's Strange Love: The Krotons - Oh. They're back. "Simon Gond" and "Joe Gond" (this time without "Josie Gond") are back in Sarah Jane's attic to discuss The Krotons. Unlike the other instalments of this extra series, this one's not actually bad at all; the duo seem to be a lot more positive about the story, and a decent discussion about the best elements of The Krotons ensues. A huge, quantum leap of an improvement on the previous editions as the sillyness and the constant barbing has been removed.

There's a lot to like in this little extra, and with the removal of the sneering tone, and a look at what's good, great, and works well in the televised story, this Doctor's Strange Love manages to go a long way towards redeeming itself.

Coming Soon Trailer - Do you like the circus? The Psychic Circus is certainly different to most others you might have visited: The Doctor, Ace, a robot from Rentaghost, a werewolf and the gods of Ragnarock. Robot ticket inspectors and sinister clowns. All coming soon to a DVD near you, as The Greatest Show In The Galaxy is the next release off the starting blocks.

There's Audio Navigation for those who many want or need it, and the usual helping of Info Text to give you facts and figures on-screen during the story included too. Add in the Radio Times Listings available in PDF format if you're viewing the content on a computer; and a Photo Gallery of publicity and behind the scenes stills of the story, and you have The Krotons on DVD.

Whilst the story itself may not be an all-conquering fan favourite, this DVD has plenty going for it. It's one of the few complete Troughton stories, and shows perfectly just what an amazing Doctor Patrick was. The Krotons, although hardly terrifying, are a decently realised adversary, and the story keeps a cracking pace through it's four episodes. The extras put on the disc, whilst hardly numerous, are some of the best produced (especially "Second Time Around") and with Mssrs. Guerrier and Lidster upping their game considerably this is a well rounded, great value release.

+  Compare Prices for this product on CompareTheDalek.com!

Big Finish is delighted to announce that its licence with AudioGO to make Doctor Who on audio has been extended up to December 2015.

“I’m so excited that we can continue our voyages with the Doctor for at least another three years,” says Big Finish executive producer Jason Haigh-Ellery, “and so pleased that AudioGO and the BBC continue to trust us with the telling of these stories.”

“It's been a privilege and a pleasure for me to have worked on the Doctor Who audio range since 1999,” adds executive producer Nicholas Briggs. “I'm looking forward to continuing the excellent relationship we have with AudioGO and the BBC – and, of course, to the many exciting adventures for the Doctor I'll be working on over the next three years or more.”

“We’re already making plans for 2015,” says line producer David Richardson, “which will be the sixteenth year of Doctor Who audio productions from Big Finish and include our landmark 200th main range play! In addition to the Doctor Who main range and Companion Chronicles, we are working through ideas for an exciting new range which we hope to announce during 2013.”

[Source: Big Finish]

The BBC Media Centre have confirmed a brand new trailer for Doctor Who will air on Thursday 2nd August.

On BBC One British audiences are set to experience the global stories of ambition, determination and courage, as well as the excitement, drama and magical moments that make the Olympics such a unique sporting event.

BBC One will launch its new Original British Drama campaign to the nation throughout this period. Over the next 17 days audiences will get a sneak preview of the brand new original British drama coming up on the channel. From Hunted, Good Cop and The Secret of Crickley Hall to Accused, Shetland and Ripper Street. Plus, Doctor Who, Merlin, The Paradise and EastEnders – keep switched on at approximately 8pm each night to see more. 

[Source: BBC Media Centre]

Matt 'Meets' Pat in Doctor Who Magazine 450!

In an exclusive, brand new interview with Matt Smith, Doctor Who Magazine imagines what would happen if he could talk with the actor who played the Doctor’s Second incarnation, Patrick Troughton.

MATT: “Patrick has a very Doctory face. Everything about Patrick is Doctory! He is peculiar without ever asking you to find him peculiar. All the elements were right. I loved his costume.”

PATRICK: “Well, you go along to the costumiers and they produce various things, and you say, 'Ahh, that would be good…'”

ALSO THIS ISSUE:

DO YOU WANT TO KNOW A SECRET?
Head writer and executive producer STEVEN MOFFAT drops his guard and reveals what's happening with the next 14 episodes of Doctor Who, exclusively in PRODUCTION NOTES!

DINOSAURS ON A SPACESHIP!
DWM talks to writer CHRIS CHIBNALL and grills him about his forthcoming scripts in the new season of Doctor Who – DINOSAURS ON A SPACESHIP and the “very different” Episode 4… 

REMEMBERING CARRY
DWM pays tribute to the late CAROLINE JOHN, the much-loved actress who played the Third Doctor’s assistant Liz Shaw and died in June – and looks back over her life and times.

RECOLLECTIONS OF THE DALEKS
Seasoned Dalek operators NICHOLAS PEGG and BARNABY EDWARDS give DWM readers on a unique, Dalek-eye view of the making of 2005’s BAD WOLF/THE PARTING OF THE WAYS – accompanied by photos from their private collections!

WHEN PAT MET COLIN
Stern Sontarans, ambitious Androgums and fantastic food! Yes, it’s time to uncover the fascinating details of what really happened when the Second and Sixth incarnations met, as THE FACT OF FICTION looks back at the 1985 adventure THE TWO DOCTORS!

DOCTOR WHO’S REPLACEMENT?
DWM investigates STARWATCH, a sci-fi series that, had it been made in the 1990s, would have starred JON PERTWEE. With never-before-published images from the project, DWM talks to the people who tried to make it happen…

WHEN PAT MET JON… AND PETER AND RICHARD AND TOM
COUNTDOWN TO 50 takes a nostalgic look back at the story which celebrated Doctor Who’s 20th anniversary with some old friends – and some ever older enemies! – as it remembers THE FIVE DOCTORS.

TREASURES BEYOND IMAGINING...
The Doctor, Amy and Rory face up to a ruthless collection of alien criminals within a mysterious ziggurat stuffed with priceless treasures in THE CORNUCOPIA CAPER, the latest DWM comic strip, written by SCOTT GRAY with art by DAN McDAID!

FIND THE DOCTOR!
The Time Team convenes to watch one of the most innovative and controversial Doctor Who stories of all time – 2006’s LOVE & MONSTERS. But what will Emma, Chris, Will and Michael make of it…?

THE BARE ESSENTIALS
DWM strands TOBY HADOKE and JOHNNY CANDON on a desert island, with only eight Doctor Who stories each to keep them company. But which episodes will they choose? And whose selection do you agree with?  Find out, in A BATTLE OF WITS!

WOTCHA
The mysterious Watcher marvels at the TARDIS’ food machine, challenges readers with his Six Faces of Delusion, and champions another Supporting Artist of the Month in WOTCHA!

PLUS! All the latest official news, TV and merchandise reviews, previews, competitions, a prize-winning crossword and much, much more…

AND! A giant-sized, double-sided poster featuring the Ninth, Tenth and Eleventh Doctors, and ‘every Dalek ever’!

+  Doctor Who Magazine Issue #450 is Out Now, priced £4.99.

+  Subscribe to Doctor Who Magazine from as little as £16.99 at Unique Magazines!

+  Check Out DWO's Guide to every issue of Doctor Who Magazine!

[Source: Doctor Who Magazine]

It is with deepest regret that DWO announces the passing of Classic Series Doctor Who Actress, Mary Tamm.

Mary was best known to Doctor Who fans for playing The 4th Doctor's companion; Romana I. Mary appeared as Romana in a total of 6 televised stories which formed the Key to Time series of adventures:

The Ribos Operation
The Pirate Planet
The Stones of Blood
The Androids of Tara
The Power of Kroll
The Armageddon Factor

The actress, who was born in Bradford, West Yorkshire, fought a long battle with cancer and died in hospital in London.

Agent Barry Langford, who confirmed the news, said she had a "zest for life".

Tamm's stage and screen career also included films The Odessa File and The Likely Lads, as well as recurring roles in EastEnders and Brookside.

DWO would like to extend our sympathies to Mary's family and friends.

On announcing the news to the @DrWhoOnline Twitter followers, we asked for some of your comments to include in our obituary, of which we have added a small selection below:

@yeles - @DrWhoOnline really sad news. All my thoughts to family and friends.

@UKVampire - @DrWhoOnline #RIPMaryTamm will forever live on in our hearts as Romana - Thoughts go out to friends and family during this difficult time.

@Blackadder345 - @DrWhoOnline A wonderful actress and companion, will be sadly missed. Shall never be able to watch the Key to Time again without a tear.

@TheGazulator - DrWhoOnline Great chunks of our past, detaching themselves like melting icebergs. :( RIP, Mary Tamm. Thoughts and prayers with her family.

@TheOldLondoner - @DrWhoOnline How awful that the wonderful Mary Tamm has passed away. She was the very best of actresses & my favourite Dr Who assistant

@Deensey - @DrWhoOnline Romana was the first thing I loved about Doctor Who. I was about 6 and watched with my big brother

+  You can leave messages of condolence in the DWO Forums thread, here.

[Source: BBC]

Doctor Who becomes first ever British TV show to appear on cover of America’s iconic Entertainment Weekly.

Doctor Who will once again make history on Friday 27th July when the world’s longest running sci-fi television show features on the cover of influential US entertainment magazine, Entertainment Weekly. Incredibly, it will be the first British television show to command a spot on the cover, further highlighting Doctor Who’s growing U.S. fan-base.

Entertainment Weekly was granted behind the scenes access to the cast of the upcoming series, and the cover story features interviews with Matt Smith, Karen Gillan, Arthur Darvill and Executive Producer Steven Moffat. This fantastic coup for the brand follows on from other notable shout-outs on The Late Late Show, Greys Anatomy and Criminal Minds. 

Doctor Who Series 6 was the most watched series ever on BBC America, while the same series was also the most downloaded show on U.S. iTunes last year, eclipsing celebrated shows such as Mad Men and Glee. 

[Source: BBC Worldwide]

Speaking to reporters at the screening of his latest BBC One Drama; Bert and Dickie, Matt Smith admitted he is 'selective' about the roles he chooses.

"Because we shoot [Doctor Who] for nine, ten months, all in all, you get about a month to do something else. Of course, you have to be selective, but I responded to the [Bert and Dickie] script. It's made by people I know at the BBC and people that are of great repute. And that's important. There was a good director attached and I always thought it would get a good, strong cast. But it just has to start with a script and I guess I just responded to that."

+  Bert and Dickie airs on Tonight (25th July) at 8.30pm on BBC One.

[Source: Gabriel Torrens]

Speaking to Collider, Matt Smith seemingly ruled out his involvement with the rumoured Doctor Who movie.

When asked "Will you ever do a big screen Doctor Who movie?" Smith replied:

"I don’t know. There’s talk of it. I think David Yates was attached to do something. For my money, whoever is playing The Doctor should be in the movie. I don’t think there should be two Doctors. I think it would take four or five years to get something like that off the ground, and I don’t anticipate that I’ll be playing the Doctor then. My skin and the aging process couldn’t take it. But, I don’t see any reason why it couldn’t work. I think they should get Steven to write it because he’s the best."

[Source: Collider]

It is with deepest regret that DWO announces the passing of Classic Series Doctor Who Costume Designer, Colin Lavers.

Colin was the credited costumer for four Doctor Who serials, most in the Peter Davison era. As the designer of costumes for Four to Doomsday — the first adventure that Davison recorded — he was responsible for helping to realise The Fifth Doctor's iconic "look".

One part of The Fifth Doctor's costume that was not his idea was the retention of the question mark-lapeled shirt from Tom Baker's season 18 look. He was specifically asked to keep them in, via a 10 February 1981 memo from John Nathan-Turner to Lavers. "I do feel that the Doctor Who shirt with the '?' mark on the lapels is worth hanging on to," wrote Nathan-Turner.

A couple of years later, Lavers' duties on The Five Doctors gave him the opportunity to clothe a wide range of Doctors and companions, some of whom had never been seen on colour television before. Combined with his turns on his other two serials, The Power of Kroll and The King's Demons, he provided outfits for more recurring characters in "classic" Doctor Who than any other costumer.

He provided new or significantly modified outfits for the Fifth Doctor, The Master, Susan, Sarah Jane, Liz, Zoe, Jamie, the Brigadier, Romana I and Tegan. He recreated costumes for Mike Yates and The First, Second and Third Doctors. Although he didn't actually design this last group's costumes, their Five Doctors costumes were at least subtly different from those they had worn in any other serial. In his stories, Lavers failed to provide costumes for only two main characters: Turlough and the Fourth Doctor

DWO would like to extend our sympathies to Colin's family and friends.

[Sources: Richard Kewing; TARDIS Index File]

Manufacturer: Big Finish Productions

Written By: Marc Platt

RRP: £14.99 (CD) / £12.99 (Download)

Release Date: 30th June 2012

Reviewed by: Matthew Davis for Doctor Who Online

Review Posted: 21st July 2012

The TARDIS is hit by an errant stream of zygma energy, putting the time ship into peril and sending Nyssa and Turlough into the time stream. They arrive on a desolate snow-bound wasteland where the bodies of aged and withered people are falling out of the air, littering the landscape in a sea of corpses. Amongst this graveyard there is one survivor who is barely alive. This man claims to know who Nyssa and Turlough are and that they will both play an important part in future events.

The Doctor and Tegan, meanwhile, in a desperate search to find their missing friends trace the zygma energy to the ruined countryside of Brisbane in the 51st Century. The Doctor is anxious to find his friends and get away as soon as possible, as this war torn century holds far too many horrors. Through sinister events The Doctor is captured by the cold and ruthless alien scientist Findeker and Tegan comes under the protection of the Earth Free Media, made up of journalists investigating and reporting on the wrong-doings of Earth’s Supreme Alliance.

One of the most important events in the Alliance’s history is about to take place. The Icelandic Alliance has sent a delegation to establish a new trade accord and the Supreme Alliance representative chosen to oversee this affair is the Minister of Justice, Magnus Greel. 

As Tegan and The Doctor will discover to their horror, this historic chain of events could not have come into fruition without the help of Greel’s bride to be; Nyssa of Traken.

The Butcher of Brisbane is quite simply brilliant, which makes it incredibly difficult to review...To spoil one moment of this play is to rob the listener of one of the best Fifth Doctor Big Finish stories ever made. 

Marc Platt has pulled together the tantalising nuggets of information that were littered by Robert Holmes in The Talons of Weng-Chiang and created a more than worthy prequel to that story. How Platt makes each reference work within the confines of this play is extraordinary and Big Finish must be applauded for handing this story to him. 

Bold in its execution and unafraid to address the complex, dark and even sympathetic elements of Magnus Greel - the man, this play works not only as a brilliant time travel thriller but an excellent character study.

The main cast are the best they have ever been with everyone getting an equal amount of time to take centre stage. No one in this story feels like they have no strong contribution to make including the most minor of supporting characters. Sarah Sutton must be singled out from the main cast as she delivers an incredible performance, as Nyssa shows how even a monster can induce some sympathy in others.

Angus Wright as Greel is sensational. To take over from the late and great Michael Spice is no easy feat and Wright makes the character his own by delivering a complex yet quite clearly damaged individual. He plays Greel, like all psychopaths, as a man able to exude charm whilst hiding and sometimes unleashing a dangerous and deluded edge. The Greel in the Butcher of Brisbane is a much more human monster than the ruined creature he is destined to become. Here is a bureaucrat, abusing his position with dirty tricks and slowly giving in to his own paranoia. 

Rupert Frazer is quite brilliant as the cold Sa Yy Findecker, a scientist damaged so much by his own discovery that he becomes a grim foreshadowing of the events of Weng-Chiang . 

With so much reference to the past it was inevitable that the Peking Homunculus Mr Sin would make an appearance. Lacking the visual element of the murderous doll, Big Finish has rendered Mr Sin on audio in a simple yet effective way. By focusing on the porcine component of Sin’s cyborg brain, they bring him to life through the use of a series of grunts and pig like snorts which make the character incredibly creepy and grotesque.

The story is bold in using a cyclical storyline to satisfying yet tragic effect. There is a real sense of doom and foreboding running throughout the play, made more effective given the benefit of hindsight with the familiarity of having see Talons.

For anyone worried how a future version of The Doctor would work when up against a past version of a villain who hasn’t met him yet, I’m happy to say that Marc Platt solves this in a very simple way which does not damage the story's credibility.

Technically the play is superb, as Fool Circle Productions contribute a brilliant sound design and musical score with the play's direction being expertly handled by the great Ken Bentley.

It is difficult to find anything wrong with this release except a personal disappointment towards an only fleeting mention of the infamous Filipino army at Reykjavik, but such a criticism is only a minor thing when there is so much to enjoy here.

The Butcher of Brisbane is a superb closing to this Fifth Doctor season and one of the best Big Finish audios of the year. An essential listen.

The Doctor Who Experience in Cardiff opened its doors today, and DWO's Will Brooks was there to report on the event.

This reporter visited the Doctor Who Experience - billed as an ‘interactive journey’ and a ‘spectacular adventure through time and space’ - during its stay in London last year, but I’ve been chomping at the bit to take a look inside its brand new home at Porth Teigr in Cardiff; right next door to the Doctor Who Studios. 

Housed in a specially constructed building - TARDIS blue, of course - the experience is set to stay in Cardiff for the next five years, meaning you’ve got plenty of chances to come down and meet the monsters. 

While outside, the waiting crowds are kept entertained by Daleks, Cybermen and Silents, Doctor Who Online has been given special access to all the exhibits - a real chance to get ‘up close’ to some of The Doctor’s greatest foes. 

The Experience, much like it’s previous incarnation at the Olympia in London, is comprised of two separate sections. The first is an interactive walk-through, which puts you at the heart of a Doctor Who adventure. Featuring specially filmed material of Matt Smith as The Doctor (who’s managed to get himself locked up in the Pandorica… again!), the half-hour journey sees you pilot the TARDIS, a fantastic replica of the TV series’ current console room, battle with Daleks, avoid the clutches of the Weeping Angels (absolutely no blinking allowed…) and more - which I’ll leave for you to find out! 

Obviously tailored toward it’s younger visitors, the interactive journey aspect of the Experience manages to walk that very specific line that the show itself pulls off - the kids will be enthralled, while us ‘older children’ will be loving the ride, too.

It was a bit of a shame too see that the walk-through hasn’t been changed since it’s London debut, as it’s very much written for a post-series 5 audience. That’s a minor quibble, though, and for people who didn’t visit the London version, it’s still going to be amazing. 

Where the Experience does cater for those of us who’ve been before is in the exhibition hall. Those who have visited the Experience before will recall a smallish section toward the end that housed several costumes and props from across the years. Now in its own purpose-built space, these items have real room to breathe.

The starting point being a display of all the eleven Doctor’s costumes should be a hint that you’re in for a real treat; the Experience makes no distinction between ‘classic’ and ‘new’ - it’s all just a part of Doctor Who. Given more space to breathe than was possible in London, the exhibits fill a huge space, and cover a real vast selection of things.  

Obvious ‘key’ areas are the Ninth and Tenth Doctor’s TARDIS console room - the original one - and also a console room for the Fifth Doctor, featuring the Five Doctors version of the console. You can get up close with the Eleventh Doctor’s TARDIS exterior, and they also have the Police Boxes from Tom Baker’s last season, and David Tennant’s run, too. While I was there, a screen above the 80s console was playing Timelash – say what you want, but I love that a whole audience are queuing up to see Colin’s Doctor! 

Upstairs is a whole new area of magic. You’ll find something to fascinate any fan of the show in here, from recent creations like Series 6’s Peg Dolls and Silents to The Giant Robot from Tom Baker’s debut, an Ice Warrior, a Zygon, the Empty Child and more. For a child discovering the classic series for the first time - this place is an absolute gold mine. It’s completely up to date, with the wooden king and queen from last year’s Christmas special happily throned in the centre of the large hall.

There’s plenty here that wasn’t on display in London - or at least wasn’t when I visited last July - which makes it possible to come back for a second visit if you’ve been before. Speaking with one of the – extremely friendly! – members of staff, they described it as ‘Doctor Who coming home’, and there really is a sense of that here.

After the Exhibition section, of course you’ve got a little shop! Filled to the rafters with Doctor Who goodies; this is the perfect chance to pick up DVD’s you’ve not seen, grab hold of the latest action figure, or get a commemorative T-Shirt.

So after all that, we’re just in time to head back outside - into sunshine! It’s a perfect day to open. The crowds are in high spirits - many in costume or waving sonic screwdrivers! There are people here who’ve come from all across the world – there’s fans from Australia, Canada, Scotland… and more than one or two from Wales!

Undaunted by looming Cybermen and Daleks, spirits really couldn’t be higher within the crowds. Anna (an English visitor!) said she’d been to the London version, "but there’s no way I was going to miss the opening of this one!"

11:30am, and it’s opening time. To cut the ribbon, three children have been selected from the waiting masses. All in costume, the ribbon is cut by a miniature Doctor (complete with fez!), and assisted by Amy Pond and a Blue Dalek!

I’ll leave them to it as the first group of ticket holders make their way into the big blue building - they’re off on the adventure of a lifetime, and they won’t be disappointed!  

The Doctor Who Experience really is a place any fan of the show has to visit. The perfect blending of the show’s current status with its rich and varied history alone makes it the best exhibition of its type ever held. Throw into that the interactive experience, the great atmosphere and the knowledge that just about a hundred feet away, they’re making actual, real Doctor Who for us to enjoy on TV next year… absolutely magical!

+ Get your tickets to the Doctor Who Experience via the official website.

** With thanks to BBC Worldwide for arranging everything for us.

[Sources: DWO; Will Brooks]

Every Thursday DWO spotlight a Doctor Who related YouTube video. This week we look at Designworks' "Winston Churchill Action Figure Creation", which is a truly awesome video looking at the entire process of making a Doctor Who action figure.

Check out the video below:

[Source: Designworks]

Forbidden Planet have teamed up with Character Options for another Exclusive Doctor Who Toy, released in conjunction with the 2012 San Diego Comic Con.

The Victory of the Daleks Set features Winston Churchill, an Ironside Dalek and extra accessories from the War Room setting.

The Doctor has been summoned by his old friend Winston Churchill but in the Cabinet War Rooms, far below the streets of blitz-torn London, he finds his oldest enemy waiting for him... The Daleks are back! And can Churchill really be in league with them?

The Ironsides were designed to be the perfect warrior, after the concept was dreamt up by Professor Bracewell, seemingly from nowhere. In actual fact, these new weapons which Winston Churchill wanted to use to win the war were in fact Daleks, who had fallen back through time and needed the Doctor to be able to create the new Dalek race. Professor Bracewell was in fact an android built by the Daleks, part of a complex trap to lure the Doctor back to where they were hiding, so he would unwittingly allow the Dalek race to be reborn thanks to his testimony. The new Daleks appeared, and exterminated the Ironsides.

Contents:

1 x Winston Churchill action figure
1 x Ironside Dalek action figure (with Tea Tray!)
Plus extra accessories from the War Room setting!

+  The SDCC 2012 Victory of the Daleks Set is Out Now, priced £26.99.

+  Order this product from Forbidden Planet!

[Source: Forbidden Planet]

DWO and Firebox have teamed up to offer our Twitter followers a chance to win an invite to the Sonic Screwdriver Remote Press Launch!

3 x lucky winners will win an invite to the press launch next Wednesday in London, as well as taking away with them one of the new Sonic Screwdriver Remote's (pictured).

To enter, all you have to do is Tweet '#DWO @Firebox' to us via the @DrWhoOnline Twitter page.

Please note that in order to be eligible, you must be free next Wednesday (25th July) at 3:30pm, and must be able to make your own travel arrangements.

+ Check Out the Sonic Screwdriver Remote at Firebox!

[Source: Doctor Who Online]

Details of Series 7 of Doctor Who have been trickling out of last weekend's San Diego Comic Con, and with them, some more episode titles for the upcoming season.

Below is our updated guide to the episodes in Series 7 with the most recently updated marked in red:

W = Written By / D = Directed By

7.1: Asylum of the Daleks - [W: Steven Moffat / D: Nick Hurran]
7.2: Dinosaurs on a Spaceship - [W: Chris Chibnall / D: Saul Metzstein]
7.3: A Town Called Mercy - [W: Toby Whithouse / D: Saul Metzstein]
7.4: Cubed - [W: Chris Chibnall / D: Douglas Mackinnon]
7.5: Untitled - [W: Steven Moffat / D: Nick Hurran]
7.6: Untitled - [W: Steven Moffat / D: Saul Metzstein] - (2012 Doctor Who Christmas Special)
7.7: Untitled - [W: TBC / D: TBC]
7.8: Untitled - [W: Mark Gatiss / D: Douglas Mackinnon]
7.9: Untitled - [W: TBC / D: TBC]
7.10: The Crimson Horror - [W: Mark Gatiss / D: Saul Metzstein]
7.11: Phantoms of the Hex - [W: Neil Cross / D: Jamie Payne]
7.12: Untitled - [W: TBC / D: TBC]
7.13: Untitled - [W: TBC / D: TBC]
7.14: Untitled - [W: TBC / D: TBC]

Series 7 is rumoured to begin on either Saturday 25th August or Saturday 1st September 2012.

[Sources: San Diego Comic Con; Doctor Who Magazine; Aaron Richardson]

Character Options have sent DWO the details for their upcoming Electronic Sound FX Daleks.

The Daleks were created by the Kaled scientist, Davros as travel machines. He had deduced that the years of radiation and chemical poisoning from an ongoing war would lead his race to mutate into immobile organisms. The Dalek travel machines would house these creatures and allow the Kaleds to survive. However, in the course of his experiments, Davros deliberately removed what he considered to be debilitating emotions from the mutants and a force of evil was spawned!

The Daleks were born without any ability to feel compassion or pity and were motivated only by hate, fear and an implacable belief that they were the superior creatures in the Universe.

Recreate scenes from Doctor Who with these highly detailed 5" poseable Dalek action figures.

Featuring the following six Daleks, modelled accurately on some of the famous Daleks from past episodes. Bronze Dalek (2005), The Dalek Invasion of Earth (1964), Power of the Daleks (1966), Revelation of the Daleks (1985), Planet of the Daleks (1973) and Death to the Daleks (1974). Each Dalek includes sound FX and speech by era! Collect them all!. Six to Collect.

+  The Electronic Sound FX Daleks is released on 22nd August 2012, priced £14.99 each.

+  PREORDER all six Daleks from Forbidden Planet! for just £79.99 (RRP: £89.94).

[Source: Character Options]

Doctor Who star, Matt Smith, is to become a patron of the National Youth Theatre.

The actor trained with the National Youth Theatre as a teenager and this week visited rehearsals to surprise the 140-strong NYT cast as they put the final touches to their Olympic and Paralympic Team Welcome Ceremonies.

National Youth Theatre’s Artistic Director and CEO Paul Roseby, who knew Smith when he was training as a teenager said:

“We’re all thrilled at the National Youth Theatre to announce that Matt Smith is the latest recruit to our illustrious list of Patrons, as we get ready for our Olympic and Paralympic performances. Matt is a perfect role model for the latest generation of brave new talent."

Smith joined the National Youth Theatre in 2002 and won critical acclaim for his performances as Thomas Beckett in their production of Murder in the Cathedral at London’s Southwark Cathedral and Basoon in The Master and Margarita at the Lyric Hammersmith.

On becoming a Patron, Smith said:

“I think from my experience the thing about the NYT is that you learn through practice. You’re out there on a stage, you’re doing a play, you’re being directed, you’re turning up for rehearsals every day and working as you would work in a professional rehearsal room. It completely transformed my life. No understatement. I’m proud to be part of it still and proud to be the organisation’s newest Patron, as I care very deeply about it.”

[Source: The Telegraph]

DWO get sent countless awesome videos from our visitors, and we don't always get a chance to share them all on our news page, but this latest one from Jeremiah McDonald is simply amazing...

The video, titled 'A Conversation With My 12 Year Old Self' sees Doctor Who fan Jeremiah (aged 32) interacting with a video recorded by his younger self (aged 12), in an incredibly timey-wimey way.

Check out the video below:

[youtube:XFGAQrEUaeU]

** Please note - this video contains some swearing.

[Source: James Foster]

The 2012 DWO Awards are now open for nominations in 13 different Doctor Who related categories.

We all like a good poll, right? Especially if it is connected to our favourite show; Doctor Who. That's why DWO have decided to launch our own annual awards covering all aspects of Doctor Who; incorporating Merchandise, TV Episodes and Fandom.

We are particularly keen on the addition of the Fandom category as it is often overlooked by many of the more 'official' polls, and it is our belief that fandom can provide some of the most creative offerings out there.

The awards are run in conjunction with the DWO Forum Community, which anyone can join for FREE, and will begin with nominations from fans in the categories. The top 10 selections in each category will then make a shortlist in which fans can vote online for their favourites.

The following 13 categories are now open for nominations via the DWO Forums:

+ Best Doctor Who DVD of 2011

+ Best Doctor Who DVD Special Feature of 2011

+ Best Doctor Who Book of 2011

+ Best Doctor Who Audio of 2011

+ Best Doctor Who Toy of 2011

+ Best Doctor Who Magazine Issue of 2011

+ Best Doctor Who Series 6 Story of 2011

+ Best Doctor Who Convention / Event of 2011

+ Best Doctor Who Podcast of 2011

+ Best Doctor Who Website of 2011

+ Best Doctor Who Fanzine of 2011

+ Best DWO (Member) Fan Fiction of 2011

+ Best DWO (Member) Blog of 2011

** Please Note - Nominations will close on 1st September 2012, and voting will commence for the shortlist on 2nd September 2012 through to December 31st 2012. Winners will be announced on 1st January 2013.

+  Membership to the DWO Forums is FREE and fast to join. Register Here!

[Source: Doctor Who Online]

BBC Consumer Products have sent DWO the cover and details for the Doctor Who DVD release of The Ambassadors of Death.

The Ambassadors of Death
Featuring: The 3rd Doctor

When all communication is lost from Mars Probe 7 shortly after jt leaves. Mars and begins its trip back to Earth, a second craft is launched to investigate. As’ Recovery 7 docks in space, it ,too. loses all communication The Doctor and UNIT are given the task of investigating the mystery, as Recovery 7 returns to Earth.

It appears that no one can be trusted, as the space capsule is hijacked from its UNIT convoy With, military precision. What has happened to the missing astronauts? Could this be a secret-invasion from Mars, -or is the enemy much closer to home?

As the Doctor plans a daring space mission of his own, his assistant Liz Shaw goes missing. Who is working against UNIT in order to bring mankind into conflict with an alien race…?

Cleared Special Features:

•  00:01:27:01 - (DOCTOR WHO - THE AMBASSADORS OF DEATH) (TRAILER)
•  00:13:05:07 - TOMORROW'S TIMES - THE THIRD DOCTOR
•  00:04:24:15 - THE AMBASSADORS OF DEATH - PHOTO GALLERY
•  00:25:49:16 - MARS PROBE 7: MAKING THE AMBASSADORS OF DEATH

+  The Ambassadors of Death is released on 1st October 2012, priced £20.42.

+  Compare Prices for this product on CompareTheDalek.com.

[Source: BBC Consumer Products]

Mother and daughter Dame Diana Rigg and Rachael Stirling are to star side by side in a Doctor Who adventure to be broadcast next year. It is the first time the pair have worked together on screen.

The actresses will play a mother and daughter with a dark secret alongside Matt Smith, as the Doctor, and new companion Jenna-Louise Coleman. Filming began this week at Roath Lock Studios in Cardiff.

Dame Diana Rigg, who played Emma Peel in The Avengers in the 1960s, will play "a Yorkshire local". She said:

"The first time Rachie and I will be working together is on an episode of Doctor Who specially written for us by Mark Gatiss. How lucky is that?"

Rachael Stirling said:

"I'm looking forward to the madness of Doctor Who enormously. Mark Gatiss has written a gift of a script and an on-screen relationship between Ma and I that is truly delicious. We have never before worked together because the offers have not been tempting, but when such a funny and original script comes through you know the time has come."

Stirling's TV work includes Women In Love and Tipping the Velvet.

Doctor Who's executive producer Steven Moffat said:

"Dame Diana Rigg, Rachael Stirling and a Mark Gatiss script - a combination of talents you could only get in Doctor Who! Frankly, I'm terrified already!"

[Source: BBC News]