Melbourne Impro Theatre Company The Impro Box is putting on an improvised show inspired by Doctor Who called Time Lord.

The show is completely made up on the spot and centres around a fan who presents an adventure about the Time Lord inspired by an audience suggestion. 

Each week, The Doctor and companion encounter villains and heroes in brand new, never before seen stories. Appearing with the regular Impro Box cast is renowned improviser, performer and Whovian Rob Lloyd ("Who, Me", "Pride Hard", "Live on Bowen"), who has appeared at Armageddon 2011 and the International Melbourne Comedy Festival.

Further information:

Dates: Every Wednesday at 7:30pm, from 31st October-12th December 2012.
Where: Club Voltaire, 14 Raglan St, North Melbourne
Tickets: $15 (Full) / $10 (Concession)
Bookings: http://www.theimprobox.com

+  More information can be found at http://www.theimprobox.com. 

[Source: The Impro Box]

Manufacturer: BBC Worldwide Consumer Products

Written By: Bob Baker & Dave Martin

RRP: £20.42

Release Date: 22nd October 2012

Reviewed By: Sebastian J. Brook for Doctor Who Online

Review Posted: 28th October 2012

When a damaged spaceship containing beautiful humanoid creatures called Axons lands on Earth, The Doctor, Jo and UNIT are sent to investigate. In return for their help, the Axons offer the gift of Axonite, which would end world famine.

It all appears too good to be true - so what secrets are the Axons hiding on board their ship? And why is The Doctor's old enemy The Master involved?

* * * * *

This is a story that breaks new ground in a number of ways, but perhaps chiefly in some of the technological wizardry discovered and used at the time. The Claws of Axos is very much a product of its time, with the psychedelic nature of some of the FX and, ahem, costumes, but rather than leave the story behind in the 1970's, it carries through and is still as enjoyable today. 

When one hears the words 'Special Edition' attributed to a previously released Doctor Who DVD, you can't help wondering just how much more 'special' it can be.

The picture and audio quality is sharper and cleaner, perhaps not as noticeable as some of the recent restorations, but still worthy of note - especially considering the sheer amount of work that goes into them. But it is the extras, however, that make this edition particularly 'special'. As well as having the special features included on the previous release (Commentary, Deleted and Extended Scenes, Now And Then & Easter Egg) we are treated to over an hour of bonus material, with one being among the finest ever produced for the range. More on that later.

Disc 1

Special Features:

Commentary - Featuring Katy Manning (Jo Grant), Richard Franklin (Captain Mike Yates) and Barry Letts (Producer). There's great atmosphere between the trio, with Barry's soft, almost Mr.Kipling-esque tones, Katy's boundless energy, and Richard's gentlemanly manner. The pace doesn't really drop, and Letts takes the mantle of directing the commentary successfully.

Deleted and Extended Scenes - The original but annotated version of the studio recording which is included on this release in it's entirety. Text commentary is an optional extra. This is particularly special owing to the fact it includes the only surviving behind-the-scenes footage of Roger Delgado.

Disc 2

Special Features:

Axon Stations! - The feature kicks off with a great CGI sequence that literally pulls you into the process of how The Claws of Axos was made. Featuring interviews with Katy Manning (Jo Grant), Bob Baker (Co-Writer), Terrance Dicks (Script Editor), Michael Ferguson (Director), Derek Ware (Pigbin Josh), Paul Grist (Agent Bill Filer) & Bernard Holley (Axon Man). An insightful and amusing documentary - look out for Katy Manning's priceless description of the Axon ship! Kudos to the Director of the piece, Chris Chapman, who can add another string to his bow of inventive, engaging and ultimately successful additions to the Doctor Who DVD range.

Now and Then - Richard Bignell provides us with another of his location comparisons, contrasting the original footage from 1971 with that of modern day. In most cases, it's surprising at how little has changed in the 41 years since the story was filmed. Warmfully narrated by Katy Manning, we're taken through the chronological order of shooting locations.

Directing Who: Michael Ferguson on The Claws of Axos - A more focused insight into Michael Ferguson's role as Director for the story. Michael recalls some of the technical advantages and disadvantages with The Claws of Axos, as well as opinions of his fellow colleagues. There is some repetition of recollections, previously featured in the 'Axon Stations!' extra, but as a whole it's great to see and hear a more linear collection of Michael's memories on the show.

Studio Recording - A surviving example of how BBC studio drama's used to be made, featuring the complete unedited recording, with studio chatter, VT run-ups and recording breaks. This is definitely a feature for the hardcore fans, or those with an interest in media production. We just so happen to be both, so naturally loved it!

Living With Levene - As the opening line explains, Toby Hadoke spends the weekend with one of the most unusual figures in Doctor Who; John Levene (Sergeant Benton in the Classic Series). We're introduced to John's early work on the show as a Cyberman extra in 'The Moonbase' and then as a Yeti in 'The Web of Fear'. We're then incorrectly informed his next appearance was as Sergeant Benton in 'The Invasion' - [that should have been Corporal Benton] - but minor factual niggle aside, it covers Levene's life quite thoroughly and entertainingly. Hadoke, as always, helps guide the feature smoothly coupled with his knowledge of Doctor Who and obvious love for the show.

But this feature, which is a little out of the ordinary for a Doctor Who DVD extra, sets itself as the jewel in the Claws of Axos: Special Edition release. Whether deliberately or by accident, Living with Levene doesn't just tell the story of one man's brush with Doctor Who, but how that brush affected his entire life, and in doing so, creates a warm, touching and very real documentary, blanketed by the beautiful surrounding of Levene's hometown of Salisbury.

There's no denying that some of John's stories and recollections seem fantastical, but the irony here is that through Hadoke's numerous attempts to unmask the 'real' John Levene, one can't help feel that, akin to the movie 'Big Fish', what we have here is a larger than life man, who has truly lived a life larger than himself. One can't help being captivated by his infectious personality and obvious love for the life he has lived and lives.

This extra is well worth the price of the DVD itself, and could easily be enjoyed by a non-Doctor Who loving audience. It's wonderfully constructed and is arguably the finest extra ever produced for the Doctor Who DVD range. The production is of the quality of some of the BBC's renowned 'Wonderland' series, and sets a new bar for the (few remaining) future releases.

Coming Soon Trailer - 'The Legacy Box' is the subject of the trailer, and features both 'Shada' and the 'More than 30 years in the TARDIS' documentary.

Easter Egg - There's a rather informative Easter Egg on this release that has a rather amusing connection to The Claws of Axos.

As with previous releases there is the usual Photo Gallery, PDF Marerials, Subtitles and Info Text for those who want or need them.

The Claws of Axos: Special Edition ticks all the boxes for any fan of this story. The restoration, quality of extras and overall value for money definitely warrant the purchase - even if you bought the non-Special Edition first time round. With a few more Special Editions on the horizon as the end of the Doctor Who DVD range is in sight, this release sets a new standard that will have us double-dipping with no questions asked.

+  Compare Prices for this product on CompareTheDalek.com!

The Doctor Who Experience in Cardiff Bay is preparing to welcome visitors through the TARDIS doors in Porth Teigr with a special half-term schedule. The Doctor Who Experience has proved popular with fans around the world since opening in Cardiff in July 2012, welcoming over 40,000 visitors to the Welsh capital.

Exclusive activities taking place at the DWE over the half-term period are as follows:

27th October
Learn to walk like a monster by taking part in master-classes with monster choreographer for Doctor Who Ailsa Burke.

28th October
The Doctor Who Experience’s curator Andrew Beech hosts informal chats on the mezzanine where he will share his unique insight into the monsters of Doctor Who. 

29th October
Visitors to the Experience can enjoy a monster makeover by former Doctor Who make-up artist and resident face-painter Bethan Kate Harris. Choose between a Weeping Angel, Cyberman, Silurian, Peg Doll and Silence or a mini-paint (TARDIS or Dalek).

31st October
Bethan returns to the Doctor Who Experience as the exhibition comes to life. Visitors on Halloween should prepare for a number of spooky surprises; the exhibits might not be as permanent as they appear...

2nd November
Bethan Kate Harris returns to the Experience to hand out more monster makeovers.

3rd November
Stephen Nicholas from Doctor Who production in Roath Lock hosts informal chats on the mezzanine where he shares his unique insights into producing the world’s longest running sci-fi series.

4th November
Ailsa Burke rounds off the half-term activity at Doctor Who with another walk like a monster master class.

The Doctor Who Experience is the world’s only interactive Doctor Who exhibition. Visitors to the Experience take part in their own Doctor Who adventure, confronting Daleks and Weeping Angels in a quest to reunite the Doctor and his TARDIS. The exhibition area of the Experience houses the largest collection of Doctor Who props and exhibits ever assembled.

More information can be found at www.doctorwhoexperience.com. 

[Source: BBC Worldwide]

IDW Publishing has confirmed that a new series of Doctor Who comics titled 'Doctor Who: Prisoners of Time' will launch next year.

The series is written by David and Scott Tipton, with artwork by Simon Fraser and cover art by Francesco Francavilla, and each issue will feature a past Doctor and Companion.

The first issue will feature The 1st Doctor, Ian and Barbara, with the final issue of the year to either feature the current Doctor or another past Doctor.

+  Doctor Who: Prisoners of Time #1 is released in January 2013, Priced £TBC.

[Source: IDW]

AudioGO have sent DWO the cover and details for the forthcoming Doctor Who CD release of City of Death.

Whilst sightseeing in Paris, 1979, the Doctor and Romana notice a series of unexplained temporal disturbances. When a visit to the Louvre lands them in hot water, they realise that a certain Count Scarlioni knows more about advanced technology than a 20th Century Parisian should.

With British detective Duggan in tow, the time travellers become embroiled in an audacious plot to steal the Mona Lisa and sell it on the open market. Not only that, but Count Scarlioni appears to have more da Vinci masterpieces at his disposal - each one apparently genuine.

What time experiment is Scarlioni forcing a genius professor to undertake? What is behind his suave persona, and what are his plans for not only Paris but the whole world?

The Doctor and his friends must discover the answers before time itself runs out.

Lalla Ward narrates this classic TV adventure, and in an exclusive bonus interview she recalls her time as Romana in the BBC TV series.

+  City of Death is released on 6th December 2012, priced £13.25 (CD) / £9.19 (Download).

+  Compare Prices for this product on CompareTheDalek.com!

[Source: AudioGO]

AudioGO have sent DWO the cover and details for the forthcoming Doctor Who CD release of Snake Bite.

Doctor Elehri Mussurana has spent a lifetime on her work. She's guarded her pet project close to her chest, letting only one person share her secret - her husband and lab partner Ernst Wharner.

As their experiment reaches its final, glorious fruition, they watch in awe as sparks fly in a sealed chamber and specks of sapphire light begin to join together into a shining haze. A wormhole in time and space is being created...

But then something unexpected appears inside the swirling vortex: a tall blue box with the words 'POLICE PUBLIC CALL BOX' on the side. The TARDIS has arrived in the far future, in a scientific research facility - just as reality is ripped at the seams and the universe tears in two...

Written specially for audio by Scott Handcock, Snake Bite features the Doctor, Amy and Rory as played by Matt Smith, Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill in the acclaimed BBC TV series.

It is read by Frances Barber, who played Madame Kovarian.

+  Snake Bite is released on 6th December 2012, priced £10.20 (CD) / £6.79 (Download).

+  Compare Prices for this product on CompareTheDalek.com!

[Source: AudioGO]

According to an entry on Simon Dennis' (Doctor Who Director of Photography) agency website, the title of Episode 6 of Series 7 is 'The Bells of St. John'.

The entry has recently gone through an update and has now omitted the reference to the title. If true, the DWO Guide to Series 7 shapes up as follows:

W = Written By / D = Directed By:

7.1: Asylum Of The Daleks - [W: Steven Moffat / D: Nick Hurran] - Aired
7.2: Dinosaurs On A Spaceship - [W: Chris Chibnall / D: Saul Metzstein] - Aired
7.3: A Town Called Mercy - [W: Toby Whithouse / D: Saul Metzstein] - Aired
7.4: The Power Of Three - [W: Chris Chibnall / D: Douglas Mackinnon] - Aired
7.5: The Angels Take Manhattan - [W: Steven Moffat / D: Nick Hurran] - Aired
7.X: The Snowman - [W: Steven Moffat / D: Saul Metzstein] - (2012 Doctor Who Christmas Special) - Rumoured Title
7.6: The Bells Of St.John - [W: Steven Moffat / D: Colm McCarthy] - Rumoured Title
7.7: Untitled - [W: Neil Cross / D: Farren Blackburn]
7.8: Untitled - [W: Mark Gatiss / D: Douglas Mackinnon]
7.9: Phantoms Of The Hex - [W: Neil Cross / D: Jamie Payne] - Rumoured Title
7.10: Journey To The Centre Of The TARDIS - [W: Stephen Thompson / D: Mat King] - Confirmed Title
7.11: The Crimson Horror - [W: Mark Gatiss / D: Saul Metzstein] - Rumoured Title
7.12: Untitled - [W: Neil Gaiman / D: Stephen Wolfenden]
7.13: Untitled - [W: Steven Moffat / D: TBC]

[Sources: DWO; Independent Talent]

In a recent interview with RadioTimes.com, So Solid Crew member and Hustle actor, Ashley Walters, provides details of his 2013 episode Journey to the Centre of the TARDIS - and praises new companion Jenna-Louise Coleman.

Ashley Walters (best known as So Solid Crew member Asher D) first earned his acting stripes as a youngster on long-running teenage soap Grange Hill, before graduating to BBC's Hustle and last year's Channel 4 drama Top Boy. But next year sees his most exciting role to date: a cameo in Doctor Who.

Speaking to RT, Ashley revealed he finished filming his episode - Journey to the Centre of the TARDIS - two weeks ago:

"You can't beat being in Doctor Who - it's something I've grown up with my whole life and working with Matt Smith was amazing. He's a really, really good actor and just being a part of that huge BBC franchise was an incredible thing. And Jenna Louise Coleman is really good at what she does - it seems like she's enjoying her job and I loved working with her."

But it wasn't too long ago that Ashley got in trouble with Doctor Who producers for tweeting a photo from his trailer that gave fans a sneak peak of his costume:

"I nearly got sacked on my first day because they're really strict about it. I was in my costume lying down on the sofa and I just tweeted a photo with the word 'space' - I didn't say anything else. Five minutes later I had execs knocking on my door saying, 'what are you doing?' And then I realised there were signs everywhere saying 'don't tweet'."

As a result, he's a little hesitant about giving away details of his cameo role, but he does reveal this:

"in our episode it'll be the first time people get to see so much of the TARDIS."

* * *

Do you think we will see more of the TARDIS than ever before? Surely we can't see more of the TARDIS than the 1978, 4th Doctor adventure, The Invasion of Time (video clip below)? Let us know what you think in the comments box!

[youtube:zSUiXZot2JQ]

[Source: Radio Times]

Speaking at Cheltenham Literature Festival, John Simm (The Master in Doctor Who) stated he would be keen to reprise the role and play a 'quieter' Master.

“I’d love the opportunity to play him differently, I’d love to have another take on him, to be a bit quieter.”

Simm was the seventh actor to take on the role of The Doctor’s arch-adversary – most recently in the 2009 Christmas special – and was notable for his manic cackling. 

“I started annoying myself after a while,” he confessed. “Russell T Davies had a specific idea of what he wanted him to be like. So I just had to do exactly what he wanted me to, and he wanted a giggling lunatic.”

However, he did admit that the Master’s blond hair was his idea: “That was a mistake. I shouldn’t have listened to my instinct there.”

"There's a new writer now" he continued, referring to Davies’ successor Steven Moffat – “and I’m sure his take on him would be different so I’d be interested to have a look at it. I’d like to take the Master to a very, very dark place.”

Simm is currently filming another BBC1 drama called The Village in which he also plays a "nutter".

“It's about the residents of a village in Derbyshire over a hundred years," he explained, "as seen through the eyes of a guy who’s now the oldest man in the world – a character called Bert.”

“I’m Bert’s dad. It’s like no other part I’ve ever done: he’s a farmer and a real piece of work. He's not farmer Barley Mow; he’s more like There Will Be Blood.”

UPDATE - 1:00pm
John Simm recently tweeted in response to the Radio Times news item, stating:

"Thats not strictly true. I was answering a specific question at a Q+A session. #dontreadtoomuchintoit"

+  The Village is expected to air on BBC One in 2013.

[Source: Radio Times]

'Tales of Mystery and Terror' the charity evening raising money for St Michael’s Hospice in  St Leonards, East Sussex went down fantastically well last Friday (12th October), down at the Stables Theatre in Hastings.

Supporting the event were the amazing dream team of Tom Baker, Paul Darrow and Toby Hadoke. Music was supplied by the Renaissance Theatre Group. The Tom Baker Q&A was conducted by Producers Oliver McNeil (Legend Photography) & Steve Corke (Renaissance Theatre).

Highlights of the evening were a reading of Edgar Alan Poe’s 'The Raven' and an exclusive, unheard story written by Tom Baker himself titled 'The Watcher'.

For information on any further events follow www.facebook.com/Talesofmysteryandterror.

[Source: Legend Photography]

DWO have teamed up with Milk Two Sugars to give away 2 pairs of tickets to see Arthur Darvill in his new West End play, 'Our Boys'.

To be in with a chance of winning, all you have to do is Follow DWO on Twitter and Tweet: "@DrWhoOnline @OurBoysThePlay #OurBoys".

Hurry though, as the competition closes this Monday (22nd October) at 6:00pm, and the winners will be announced on the DWO Twitter channel.

This searingly honest and explosively funny play is based on the author’s own experience. The cast includes Arthur Darvill (Rory in Doctor Who), Laurence Fox (Hathaway in Lewis) and Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom in the Harry Potter films). 

Six young soldiers are killing nothing but time as they recover from injuries incurred in the line of duty. Suddenly, their daily routine of TV, lonely hearts ads and banter is shattered by the arrival of a young officer. The camaraderie of this unlikely band of brothers is soon jeopardised by a dangerous incident and an act of betrayal.

You can also buy top price tickets to Our Boys, including a drink with some of the cast for £32.50 (normally £45.00). To book tickets please call 0844 412 4659 and quote ‘Fan Night’ offer or visit http://www.londontheatres.co.uk/duchess-theatre/ and enter FANNIGHT promo code when prompted.

Competition Terms and conditions apply. Tickets are valid for 1st November 2012 only. Subject to availability. Prize is as stated and cannot be transferred or exchanged. No cash alternative will be offered. Producers reserve the right to restrict prizewinner tickets to specific performances during busy periods.

Offer terms and conditions: Tickets are valid for 1st November 2012 only. Subject to availability. Cannot be used retrospectively or in conjunction with any other offer. Drink includes a beer, glass of wine or a soft drink. Booking fees may apply.

+  'Our Boys' is showing at the Duchess Theatre in London's Catherine Street, from 26th September-15th December 2012.

[Source: Milk Two Sugars]

Our friends at TVMovieDepot have unveiled a fantastic variety of men's and women's Doctor Who T-Shirts and a discount offer - exclusively for DWO readers!

The selection features a variety of designs, with both original artwork as well as the common oversized-text shirts, including the popular 'Keep Calm And...' design.

Fans will love the handful of cool shirts depicting the Doctor's TARDIS in its classic representation, as well as a Van Gogh style 'exploding' TARDIS tee!

DWO readers get 10% off their entire order, Just use coupon code 'DRWHO' at  the checkout! Keep Calm and Don't Blink!

+ Link - TVMovieDepot

[Source: TVMovieDepot]

BBC Germany has launched its own official website for Doctor Who.

The site includes guides to all 6 seasons of the New Series, as well as links to the BBC Germany Shop, Official Doctor Who Facebook page, Wallpapers and iTunes links.

There are also listings available showing when Doctor Who is airing in Germany.

+ Doctor Who airs on Sunday's on Fox Germany.

+  Link - BBC Germany Doctor Who Site.

[Source: BBC Germany]

Here at DWO we're pleased to have found a new site (well, new to us!) that you need to bookmark if you want some cool Doctor Who stuff - www.gbposters.com.

We’ve had a hunt around and they have 1000’s of posters - but best for us is their range of Doctor Who posters, Doctor Who Framed Prints, 3D Posters, and even cut outs of the TARDIS and Matt Smith as The Doctor. 

Speaking with the team behind GB Posters, they also inform us of some new posters coming soon of Jenna-Louise Coleman.

We’ve also managed to wrangle you a 20% off code ‘DOCTOR’ which gets you 20% off everything TARDIS, Dalek and Doctor Who Related.

[Source: GB Posters]

BBC Consumer Products have been in touch with some 2013 Doctor Who DVD release confirmations:

The Legacy Box-Set - Featuring The 4th Doctor - Shada & More Than 30 Years in the TARDIS Documentary. - 7th January 2013 - £TBA.

The Reign of Terror - Featuring The 1st Doctor - 28th January 2013 - £TBA.

The Ark in Space: Special Edition - Featuring The 4th Doctor - 18th February 2013 - £TBA.

The Aztecs: Special Edition - Featuring The 1st Doctor - With recently discovered episode of Galaxy 4. - 11th March 2013 - £TBA.

Terror of the Zygons - Featuring The 4th Doctor - 25th June 2013 - £TBA.

Spearhead from Space (Blu-ray) - Featuring The 3rd Doctor - High Def New Restoration from 16mm print + extensive Pertwee bio and Caroline John obit documentaries, exclusive to this release. - Date: TBA - £TBA.

Further details are coming soon, together with a full breakdown of the special features.

[Source: BBC Worldwide Consumer Products]

The latest issue of Doctor Who Magazine reports that AudioGO and Big Finish are teaming up for a series of 11 Doctor Who Audio Specials spanning all 11 Doctors for the 50th Anniversary year in 2013.

The series will feature one Doctor per month, and will be overseen by John Ainsworth, with AudioGO’s Michael Stevens and Big Finish’s Nicholas Briggs and Jason Haigh-Ellery executive producing.

The first story, Hunters from Earth by Nigel Robinson is read by Carole Ann Ford and Tam Williams, and is set in that little-charted period after The First Doctor and Susan have arrived on Earth in 1963, but before they depart with Ian and Barbara at the end of An Unearthly Child.

The second story, Simon Guerrier’s Shadow of Death, features The Second Doctor, Jamie and Zoe, and is read by Frazer Hines and Eve Dawnay.

As well as marking the first time that Big Finish have tackled stories for Doctors from the current version of the show, it will also be the first time that an original story for The Ninth Doctor will be released on audio.

[Source: SciFi Bulletin]

Doctor Who star Matt Smith and Lead Writer Steven Moffat created their own piece of Doctor Who history today during their first visit to the Doctor Who Experience in Cardiff as the their hand prints were immortalised in cement, which will be displayed permanently at the new attraction. Matt Smith is the first Doctor to be immortalised in this way, while the fingers of the show’s Lead Writer will also be set in stone.

The casts were in addition to the unveiling of several new exhibits of the most iconic monsters and props from the recently broadcast series including the dress worn by new companion actress Jenna-Louise Coleman (Oswin’s dress and boots from Asylum of the Daleks), Grayle’s Chained Weeping Angel and The Cherub Angels (The Angels Take Manhattan) and the Robots and costumes of Solomon and Nefertiti (Dinosaurs on a Spaceship). 

Matt Smith says:

“It’s fantastic that the Doctor Who Experience has been given its very own purpose-built home here next to the studios and it feels like a bit of a spiritual home for Doctor Who. It’s been great fun unveiling some of the Doctor’s most fearsome adversaries from Series 7 and with the Christmas special and more episodes next year, there’ll be plenty more props to come down the line.

I’m honoured to have made my own little piece of Doctor Who history today. It’s a show with so much tradition over nearly 50 years, so to be the first Doctor to take part in something like this is really special”.

Steven Moffat says:

“I’m very excited and honoured to have my hands preserved forever. And quite relieved they came back out of the cement! I now know, for all my future crimes, that my fingerprints are readily and permanently available.”

The Doctor Who Experience is the only interactive Doctor Who attraction in the world. It welcomed over 230,000 visitors during a one-year stay at London’s Olympia before moving to Cardiff in July 2012. Since opening in July, over 40,000 fans have passed through the TARDIS doors and taken part in their very own Doctor Who adventure. 

[Source: BBC Worldwide]

Following on from yesterday's announcement, the BBC have now released 'P.S.'; a short video written by Chris Chibnall with a voiceover from Arthur Darvill, which lets us find out what happened to Brian, Amy and Rory after the events of 7.5: The Angels Take Manhattan.

View the video below, then Rate / Discuss it in the DWO Forums:

[Source: BBC Doctor Who site]

Twitter was ablaze last night with three words constantly cropping up in the trending list; 'Sarah Jane Adventures', 'Tommy Knight' and 'Waterloo Road' - which can only mean one thing...Tommy Knight's first episode of Waterloo Road has now aired in the UK!

Tommy, who previously played the role of Luke Smith in The Sarah Jane Adventures, has been cast as pupil Kevin Skelton in Waterloo Road, and is set to be a series regular going forward.

In a recent interview with Digital Spy, Tommy describes his character:

"Kevin is a foster child, who's been through many families and been to many different schools. He's constantly moving about all over the place, and it seems that he's been let down a bit in his past, so his expectations when it comes to things are incredibly low. He doesn't really expect much out of life. 

At the same time, Kevin is incredibly intelligent, but he's almost shy or ashamed of it, as if he's been bullied in the past. So he hides that away to start off with - it's not something that he's proud of, so he doesn't answer any of the questions in lessons. He also winds up the teachers and stuff like that. But later on, you find out he's a bit of an intelligent chap."

+  Read the full interview, here.

+  Tommy's episode of Waterloo Road is available to view on BBC iPlayer, here.

[Sources: BBC; Digital Spy]

Rory’s dad, Brian Williams, only appeared in two episodes but swiftly established himself as a favourite amongst Doctor Who’s audience. After Amy and Rory’s heart-breaking departure in The Angels Take Manhattan the BBC Doctor Who Team received many emails asking what happened next to Brian. Did he ever find out what took his son and daughter-in-law? If so, how? And would Brian – and viewers - ever learn more about Amy and Rory’s life after the Doctor?

A special scene was written by Chris Chibnall that revealed some of the answers but sadly, the sequence was never shot. However, the BBC Doctor Who site will be bringing you the scene tomorrow. Using animated storyboards and a voice-over specially recorded by Arthur Darvill, we’ll discover more about Brian and the Ponds, post-Angels.

It begins with Brian alone, doing what he once told the Doctor must be done – watering the plants. But his life is about to change forever...

Doctor Who’s Executive Producer, Caro Skinner, said:

"We’re delighted we can present this lovely scene written by Chris Chibnall. People took Rory’s dad, Brian, to their hearts very quickly, so it’s fitting we can give the character a degree of closure in this poignant piece."

P.S. is a short video written by Chris Chibnall and will be essential viewing for anyone who wants to know more about what happened to Brian, Amy and Rory. It will be available to watch on the BBC Doctor Who site Tomorrow (Friday 12th October).

[Source: BBC Doctor Who site]

Manufacturer: Big Finish Productions

Written By: John Dorney

RRP: £14.99 (CD) / £12.99 (Download)

Release Date: 30th September 2012

Reviewed by: Matthew Davis for Doctor Who Online

Review Posted: 10th October 2012

The Houses of Gadarel and Sorsha have been at war for decades.

Each House has a claim to the Imperial Throne of the Drashani Empire. The civilisation that spans galaxies is now soaked in the blood of millions and finally seems to be at an end. The process for peace was near to completion with the union in marriage of Prince Kylo and Princess Aliona. But the marriage was halted when the Princesses’ wedding galley crash landed on the planet Sharnax.

All contact and hope it seemed was lost.

A rescue ship is dispatched to discover the fate of the Princess with representatives from both Houses; the Prince included trying desperately to not let the chance of peace slip away. There are those on both sides however who do not wish for peace, and sabotage is not too far away. 

Arriving on board the rescue ship by accident, The Doctor soon becomes entangled in the games of power and peace with deadly creatures not too far behind. Can The Doctor avert more bloodshed or will the Prince Kylo’s burning desire to be reunited with his love destroy the fates of all?

For the final trilogy in the main range this year, Big Finish have gone and created an epic story. Across three releases, each with a different Doctor, they want to tell the history of one sector of space and its history over time. It is an ambitious undertaking for the last three releases of 2012 but if they live up to the strength of The Burning Prince it just might be the crowning jewel of what has been a very strong year for the Doctor Who main range.

The Burning Prince is a thrilling under siege and whodunit story wrapped up in the fabric of a grand space opera. There is a remarkable amount of world building here woven into the core and background of the play, and it is a testament to John Dorney’s abilities as a writer that he makes all of the threads work and not crumble under its own weight.

The story charges along at break neck speed and even in the quieter moments there is always something exciting going on. It is a very linear plot but this is to the play’s strength making it one of the most enjoyable Big Finish stories this year.

One of the interesting aspects of this trilogy is to remove The Doctor’s companions from him and in The Burning Prince the decision works to the story’s advantage.

As great as it is to hear The Fifth Doctor with his regular companions, on his own here with no one to vouch for him, we get to see what makes The Fifth Doctor work well as a character. He is completely under suspicion but still possesses that remarkable ability to get people on side very quickly. Without the familiar companions the sense of peril is ramped up and you just have no idea who is going to make it out alive. This is a refreshing change from the norm and one I’d like to see repeated.

The ensemble cast is fantastic and it is incredible how many of the characters make an impact despite some of them being killed off a few scenes afterwards. 

Peter Davison is on top form as The Doctor, balancing both moral outrage and a dry sense of humour. He is incredibly funny in a few scenes and I’d love to see more of this in future Fifth Doctor stories as his characterization gets a little more room to develop here through the perspective of strangers.

There are excellent performances by Clive Mantle as Tuvold and George Rainsford as the tortured Prince Kylo. The highlight of the play is Kirsty Besterman as Princess Aliona. To do an in-depth exploration of her character would be revealing too much of the story but rest assured her performance is exceptional, layered and memorable.

The twist in the story is a little obvious if you are listening carefully but the result of it is chilling and rather bleak which is very similar to the latter Fifth Doctor television stories.

It remains to be seen just what elements of this play will either thematically or explicitly run through the rest of the trilogy but if The Burning Prince is anything to go by, it will be very much worth finding out.

Manufacturer: Big Finish Productions

Written By: Cavan Scott & Mark Wright

RRP: £8.99

Release Date: 30th September 2012

Reviewed by: Matthew Davis for Doctor Who Online

Review Posted: 10th October 2012

In 2015 amongst the Carpathians, a mysterious train is on its way to a secret location. The black TARDIS materializes above it and from its doors emerge Private Sally Morgan and Captain Lysandra Aristedes. These two professional soldiers have a mission to complete and a rendezvous point with the Doctor.

Of course it is not easy. For this train is linked to a dark part of Lysandra’s past; The Forge. Something is aboard the train and as monsters and enemies lurk in the night, Lysandra is going to discover her connection to Project: Nirvana.

The only problem is she cannot remember a thing about it.

As this year’s momentous Seventh Doctor trilogy comes to a close, Big Finish have decided to fill in a few of the tantalising gaps with this Companion.

As the title suggests this story is very explicitly linked to the Forge, the black ops organization that has been very much a part of the plot threads of the most recent main range trilogy. It is only right that its creators Cavan Scott and Mark Wright return to handle more of the organization’s sordid history and it is rather enjoyable.

This is quite clearly Lysandra’s story as Maggie O’ Neill takes the reins for most of the narration with Sally taking over for a small but significant moment. We get an interesting insight into Lysandra’s history in the Forge and her suspicions of working with The Doctor. O’ Neill performs an excellent reading but I do feel we have not heard enough from Sally Morgan.

Amy Pemberton portrays Sally so well that I want to learn much more about her character’s history in her own words. However the beauty of the Companion Chronicles means there are always future releases and Project: Nirvana does a fine job of expanding on the back story of one of the most troubled of The Doctor’s new companions.

The story is a fun one and gives an interesting view of The Seventh Doctor orchestrating military precise operations which for some strange reason seems to fit that Doctor’s character rather well. Speaking of The Doctor, it is very nice to hear Sylvester McCoy included in this release as it gives the story a little boost at the start and near the end. 

The story does feel a little rushed towards the end and the alien threat is dealt with rather swiftly, but this is overshadowed by the amount of good back story revealed here about Lysandra.

I do hope there are more stories from this TARDIS team as Project: Nirvana is not only a nice side step to the main trilogy, but a lovely addition to the mythology of the Forge.

Manufacturer: Big Finish Productions

Written By: Mike Maddox and Alan Barnes

RRP: £14.99 (CD) / £12.99 (Download)

Release Date: 30th September 2012

Reviewed by: Matthew Davis for Doctor Who Online

Review Posted: 6th October 2012

Arriving in a strange and Hellish landscape, Ace, Hex, Sally and Lysandra have come to rescue the man who unwittingly threw them all together in the first place; The Doctor.

But the rescue will not be easy.

Ancient warriors misplaced out of time are lying dead in rivers of blood and from out of the mists emerge horrifyingly familiar vampire-like creatures. The threads are coming together and the Doctor’s companions come to realise that he has been playing a game; a rematch with an evil from the dawn of time. The past and future will come to haunt them as they become pawns in the endless games of Gods and monsters. 

The pieces are set, the Elder Gods are gathering to bear witness as the Doctor and Fenric prepare to play the contest again. But this time winning may be just the same as losing.

Gods and Monsters is a very difficult play to review. Like Black And White before it, there are so many twists and turns that it would be very easy to spoil your enjoyment. 

It requires not only a great deal of knowledge of the character of Hex but of past stories involving The Forge and The Curse of Fenric. A newcomer to Big Finish may find all this to be quite daunting but rest assured such knowledge is essential to your full enjoyment as this play packs a really emotional and shocking payoff.

Gods And Monsters, the conclusion of this year’s Seventh Doctor range and the final culmination of the many plot threads that have been littered throughout the last few years beginning as far back as Project: Twilight. It seems near impossible that Big Finish could have planned all of this so many years ahead but what they have done is taken everything that has come before, added a few twists and made it all make sense. The play however is not completely perfect, and it’s need to wrap everything up as logically and tightly as possible harms it a little.

Gods And Monsters has many factors that make it a worthwhile recommendation, and the brilliant cast is one of them. Sylvester McCoy, having played a rather reduced role in the previous releases, is back and his performance is spectacular. The master manipulator is completely out of his depth as he begins to see the control of events swept completely away from him. It is a great turning of the tables on this most Machiavellian of Doctors and it will be fascinating to see if Big Finish develops this in future releases.

Ace and Hex are both brought brilliantly to life by Sophie Aldred and Phillip Olivier. The character of Hex is one of the great creations of the Big Finish range and here Olivier proves just what a great contribution he has made to bringing the character to life. 

Maggie O’Neill and Amy Pemberton, having established themselves rather strongly amongst the TARDIS team in Black and White, continue their development throughout Gods And Monsters and are given an excellent scene in which to showcase their talents and the characters relationship to one another.

It was always going to be difficult to recast Fenric, especially in the shadow of Dinsdale Landen, but in John Standing, the Elder God has found a wonderfully chilling new persona. 

It would be easy to just do a retread of The Curse of Fenric, particularly with the inclusion of the Haemovores but Maddox and Barnes play enough with your familiarity of that story to present something new and just as twisted. 

With so many different characters and locations, sometimes in completely different universes and time zones, Gods And Monsters does feel at times a little rushed. The story feels like it needs more room to breathe or at least one more episode to allow all the threads to have equal momentum, but judging by the rather shocking ending it seems the story is far from over.

Mike Maddox and Alan Barnes have created a very worthy rematch with the titular God, as well as a satisfying conclusion to this story arc with the tantalising tease of more shocks to come.

Last weekend, DWO were kindly invited to take part in the BBC Worldwide Fandom panel at the 2012 RomaFictionFest in Rome.

Conducted by Philip Fleming (Head of Communications, Global Brands, BBC Worldwide), the panel looked at the importance of entertaining and engaging the audience beyond the TV screen, with Doctor Who, Sherlock and Misfits as case studies.

A field of questions were asked to the panel which included Matt Jarvis (Executive Producer Online, Misfits), Francesco Barbarini (Head of Digital, Fox International Channels Italy), Harriet Newby-Hill (Commercial Director for New Brands, BBC Worldwide) and Sebastian J. Brook (Site Editor, Doctor Who Online).

Topics included; The difference between a fan and a super fan, Second Screen Apps, The best ways broadcasters have been able to attract fans and what the motivation is for running a fan site. The floor was then opened up to questions from audience members.

DWO would like to extend our thanks to RomaFictionFest for their unmatched hospitality, and the fantastic Press, Publicity & Comms team at BBC Worldwide.

The majority of the panel can be viewed below:

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[Source: DWO]

Our friends over at Harkable have sent DWO a rather smashing infographic for Doctor Who Companions.

It's goodbye Amy Pond after Karen Gillan left in the tear-jerking mid-season finale, The Angels Take Manhattan.

But how will Amy be remembered in the pantheon of the best and worst Doctor Who companions? Did she hit the lofty heights of Rose Tyler or Sarah Jane Smith?

Take a look at the amazing infographic to the right and make up your own minds whist learning all there is to know about the Doctor's TARDIS co-travellers...

[Source: Harkable]