It is with deepest regret that DWO announces the passing of Classic Series Doctor Who Actor, William Russell.

William was best known by Doctor Who fans for playing the beloved role of Ian Chesterton - one of the first companions in the show, all the way back in 1963. Appearing together with Barbara and Susan, Ian accompanied the first Doctor, played by William Hartnell. His final appearance was in the 2022, 13th Doctor adventure; 'The Power Of The Doctor'.

His career highlights includes roles in Nicholas Nickleby, Hamlet, Harriet's Back In Town, Coronation Street & The Great Escape.

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

[Source: The Guardian]

Manufacturer: Big Finish Productions

Written By: Ian Potter

RRP: £8.99 (CD) / £7.99 (Download)

Release Date: February 2014

Reviewed by: Matthew Davis for Doctor Who Online

Review Posted: 26th February 2014

After travelling with the Doctor through time and space, Ian Chesterton is back in his own time. But the mystery of how he and Barbara Wright disappeared in the year 1963 has alerted the authorities – and both are suspected of being enemy agents in the Cold War.

Ian protests his innocence. He has a story to tell about travelling through time and space.

And one adventure in particular – a visit to the city of Hisk…

* * *
A Companion Chronicle with William Russell is always going to be worth my attention but this time around I found the experience to be an underwhelming affair.

At first The Sleeping City feels like it is going to be an exclusively two hand piece performed by William Russell and guest star John Banks. Sadly it only turns out to be a framework for the main story narrated by Russell.

The strongest part of the audio is the framework element as I found the idea of Ian and Barbara being interrogated about their disappearance and the whereabouts of Susan to be far more interesting than the actual story. The audio then cuts at certain moments for the two main characters to comment upon what is happening, and once again these exchanges are by far the most interesting thing about it.

That is not to say main story is bad, not at all, The Sleeping City has some intriguing ideas and is certainly a nice piece of nostalgia for lovers of the Hartnell era. William Russell gives a very good reading but I found the tale personally not very engaging.

The Sleeping City is an intriguing premise but it ultimately feels let down by its ending. Understated though it is, it plays with the notion that John Banks' character Gerrard knows a lot more than he is letting on but the reveal is still a little disappointing.

It does have its moments but overall The Sleeping City is not one of the strongest stories in the Companion Chronicles range.

Jamie Glover has been confirmed as playing William Russell in Mark Gatiss' Doctor Who biodrama 'An Adventure In Space And Time'.

The confirmation, which DWO hinted at in our news report from 30th January, comes from Glover's agency website, leaving the casting of Jacqueline Hill as the only remaining name from the original TARDIS team yet to be cast.

Jamie Glover, son of Julian Glover (The Crusade, City Of Death), has a list of credits including; Casualty, New Tricks, Holby City and Waterloo Road.

[Sources: Curtis Brown]

Read a previously unpublished interview with The Third Doctor, Jon Pertwee - Exclusive in Doctor Who Magazine #457!

Jon Pertwee, the actor who took Doctor Who to new levels of success in the 1970s, gave an extensive interview about his life and times to two young reporters back in 1994. The vast majority of the interview has remained unpublished - until now...

"I had no preconceptions about the programme when I joined it," says Jon. "I only knew I did not want to be like the Doctors who had gone before. However, the old producers wanted me to play it for laughs, you can see that in the first episode. The hat business. The shower. I had already decided I want to play it straight. Luckily those producers left after the first story and were replaced by Barry Letts who let me play it my way..."  

Also this issue:

THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS
Doctor Who's showrunner and head writer, STEVEN MOFFAT, replies to DWM readers' questions on Vastra's lips, River's name and his favourite story from each and every Doctor. Some of his answers will surprise you...!

IT MUST BE LOVE
Amy and Rory. The Doctor and Rose. Captain Jack and everyone. Yes, just in time for Valentine's Day, JONATHAN MORRIS turns down the lights, gets out the choccies and takes a romantic look at DOCTOR WHO'S GREATEST LOVE STORIES!

OLD SCHOOL
The Eleventh Doctor has the surprise of his lives, as he's reunited with Ian Chesterton and Barbara Wright in Coal Hill School! And the shocks don't stop there, as the latest comic strip, HUNTERS OF THE BURNING STONE by SCOTT GRAY, with art by MARTIN GERAGHTY, continues…

OH, WHAT A NIGHT!
DWM uses its beryllium atomic clock to turn back time to 1996, and the momentous evening that Doctor Who returned to TV, starring Paul McGann, as COUNTDOWN TO 50 continues.

WALKING ON THE MOON
There's a plasma-sucking pensioner and Judoon on the Moon, as THE TIME TEAM settle down to watch the Tenth Doctor meet Martha in SMITH AND JONES. What will Chris, Emma, Will and Michael make of it all...?

CREEPY CRAWLIES
The Third Doctor faces certain death, while giant arachnids plot to invade the Earth! THE FACT OF FICTION brushes off the cobwebs from 1974's PLANET OF THE SPIDERS, Jon Pertwee's final adventure as the Time Lord, and uncovers a wealth of new information and rare photos.

GIFTS FOR ALL!
Remember last Christmas? It can be fun time if you're a fan, with Doctor Who goodies galore – but what if you're a parent? Will your kids share your passion? JACQUELINE RAYNER reveals what happened to her and her family over the festive season  in RELATIVE DIMENSIONS.

KNOW ME! AM I... THE DOCTOR?
The all-seeing Watcher discusses the delights of Jon Pertwee's seminal single, Who is the Doctor?, challenges readers with a poptastic Six Faces of Delusion and celebrates another Supporting Artist of the Month, in WOTCHA!

+  Doctor Who Magazine Issue #457 is out on Today (Thursday 7th February 2013), priced £4.75.

+  Subscribe Worldwide to DWM from just £17.99 via Unique Magazines!

+  Check Out The DWO Guide to Doctor Who Magazine!

[Source: Doctor Who Magazine]

Claudia Grant has been confirmed as playing Carole Ann Ford in Mark Gatiss' Doctor Who biodrama 'An Adventure In Space And Time'.

The confirmation comes on Grant's agency website, which happens to be run by Jessica Carney (William Hartnell's granddaughter):

"Congratulations to CLAUDIA GRANT (see actresses) who is shooting An Adventure in Space and Time, her first TV job since graduating in the summer.  The 90 minuter written by Mark Gatiss for the BBC tells the story of the genesis of Doctor Who. Claudia is filming the role of actress Carol Ann Ford who played the first Doctor’s granddaughter."

DWO are expecting more casting confirmations shortly, including Jamie Glover as William Russell.

[Sources: Jessica Carney Associates]

As part of the BBC’s blockbuster celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who, David Bradley (Harry Potter) is set to play the first ever Doctor, the iconic William Hartnell in the BBC Two drama ‘An Adventure in Space and Time’.

‘An Adventure in Space and Time' will tell the story of the genesis of Doctor Who - first aired on 23 November 1963 - and the many personalities involved. The BBC’s Head of Drama Sydney Newman, credited with the creation of the show, will be portrayed by Brian Cox (The Bourne Supremacy, The Bourne Identity) and the producer, Verity Lambert, by ‘Call the Midwife’ star Jessica Raine. The director of the first ever episode, ‘An Unearthly Child’, Waris Hussein, will be played by Sacha Dhawan (History Boys, Last Tango In Halifax).

Commenting on his upcoming role, David Bradley, said:

“I’m absolutely thrilled. I first heard about this role from Mark [Gatiss] while watching the Diamond Jubilee flotilla from the roof of the National Theatre. When he asked if I would be interested, I almost bit his hand off! Mark has written such a wonderful script not only about the birth of a cultural phenomenon, but a moment in television’s history. William Hartnell was one of the finest character actors of our time and as a fan I want to make sure that I do him justice. I’m so looking forward to getting started.”    

The one-off 90-minute BBC Cymru Wales produced drama is written by Mark Gatiss who will also act as executive producer alongside Steven Moffat and Caroline Skinner.

Mark Gatiss, executive producer and writer, said:

“What a cast! I'm utterly delighted that everyone's favourite Time Lord will be in such brilliant and stellar company. We have a terrific team who can't wait to tell the fascinating and surprising story of how the Doctor began his journey through Space and Time.”

Filming begins at the beginning of February at Television Centre before moving to Wimbledon Studios. It is produced by Matt Strevens (Misfits, Skins) and directed by Terry McDonough (Breaking Bad, The Street).

Cast List:

William Hartnell - David Bradley
William Russell - Jamie Glover (confirmed 8th February 2013)
Carole Ann Ford - Claudia Grant (confirmed 6th February 2013)
Jacqueline Hill - TBA
Sydney Newman - Brian Cox
Verity Lambert - Jessica Raine
Waris Hussein - Sacha Dhawan

DWO have learned from several sources that Jamie Glover (son of Julian Glover) *may* have been cast as William Russell. We will report on further casting confirmations as we get them.

[Source: BBC]

Manufacturer: Big Finish Productions

Written By: Marc Platt

RRP: £8.99 (CD) / £7.99 (Download)

Release Date: January 2013

Reviewed by: Matthew Davis for Doctor Who Online

Review Posted: 19th January 2013

The TARDIS materializes in Spain in the late sixteenth century. The country is at war with England – and the travellers find themselves on the wrong side of the battle lines.

When Ian and his new friend Esteban are captured by the Inquisition, the Doctor, Susan and Barbara plan to rescue them.

But these are dark days in human history. And heretics face certain death...

* * *

It makes sense that the first release from Big Finish for the Fiftieth anniversary year would be a First Doctor story. What makes The Flames of Cadiz an extra special release is that it is a four part adventure which is magnificently performed by two of the original TARDIS crew.

The Flames of Cadiz deals with the perils of time travel and interference in the course of history. It is also a study of opposing sides. In the story we have Catholics against Protestants and the warring factions of Spain and England. Both of the opposing sides are not shown to be positive as one is just as ruthless and fanatical as the other. Platt uses our heroes to examine this in relation to time travel when The Doctor accuses Ian and Barbara of sabotaging the timeline to provide a positive outcome for their country in the upcoming battle with the Spanish Armada.

Marc Platt has crafted a story which very much echoes the historical stories of Doctor Who’s early years whilst being both entertaining and thought provoking. Platt knows The First Doctor well, having written many incarnations of the character in different media. He gets the grumpiness and the distrust between him and his companions spot on. The Doctor is flawed, making mistakes and getting things wrong, setting off a catastrophic set of events into motion out of anger. It harks back to those early years when we didn’t know just who The Doctor was and what he wanted.

William Russell and Carole Ann Ford deliver excellent performances as Ian and Susan, both picking up the narrative parts of their story with ease but for me it is Russell who is the star of the show. I have said in past reviews that we are lucky to have William Russell continuing to play Ian Chesterton and as we head into this Anniversary year I stand by this even more so.

The story is a little long and it could quite easily have been edited down into two parts but the thoughtful pace and the comic and reflective moments would have been a casualty.

The Flames of Cadiz is well worth your time and a lovely example of that era fifty years ago.

Manufacturer: Big Finish Productions

Written By: James Goss

RRP: £8.99

Release Date: 31st July 2012

Reviewed by: Matthew Davis for Doctor Who Online

Review Posted: 22nd August 2012

Ian Chesterton once travelled with an extraordinary man. He travelled the universe far and wide and for all the amazing things he saw, he wanted nothing more but to get back home. But now the past is coming back to haunt him as Ian suddenly wakes up in The Chesterton Exhibition located within a mysterious Time Museum dedicated entirely to his past.

The Museum’s curator Pendolin is delighted to find him but he is scared. There is something lurking in the Museum and it wants them both. Whilst on the run Ian’s memories begin to fade and corrupt. Whatever is out there wants Ian’s past and it is very hungry, but can he escape this nightmare and is Pendolin to be trusted?

Ian Chesterton is about to discover just how important the past can mean to his future...

As the Fiftieth anniversary of Doctor Who approaches we are incredibly lucky to still have William Russell amongst us. That he is still performing the character of Ian Chesterton after all this time is really quite extraordinary and The Time Museum is a wonderful showcase for his talents.

Presented more as a drama unlike the traditional formula of The Companion Chronicles, Russell gives a magnificent performance. His Ian, though much older, is still the same man that stepped into Totter’s Yard all those years ago.

His co-star Philip Pope who plays Pendolin proves to be an excellent foil to Ian, and Pope gives a very intriguing performance throughout.

The Time Museum is a wonderful examination of one of Doctor Who’s most celebrated and fondly thought of Companions, and continues the development that Big Finish has brought to the character in previous Companion Chronicles. 

In this story Ian Chesterton is a man searching for his identity amongst the painful confusion as his past is being eaten away. The disorientation Ian displays here is beautifully portrayed by Russell as the memories he recounts of adventures past is part of the appeal of this story. There is even a surprising little nod to the Doctor Who and the Daleks target novelisation by David Whittaker, that fans will enjoy picking up on.

This play is a wonderful celebration of the show’s past tinged with a sense of melancholy. Listening to The Time Museum reminds you just how important those early stories were in the development of the show as we know it today. Without Ian and Barbara I don’t think the show would have lasted longer than its allotted thirteen weeks. Nostalgia can sometimes be seen as being over indulgent, but here it never outstays its welcome. The kisses to the past are essential to the plot as Ian desperately tries to cling to his sense of self as he and Pendolin come under threat.

As the big anniversary looms around the corner it is certainly not too early to start celebrating and with The Time Museum, Big Finish has created a perfect birthday present to all devoted Whovians everywhere.

Quite simply this is an essential purchase.

William Russell, the original star of Doctor Who, talks candidly about his time in the TARDIS in Doctor Who Magazine - Issue #448.

Sixties action hero William Russell, talks to DWM about his role as science teacher Ian Chesterton, companion to the First Doctor in the very earliest days of the series:

"William Hartnell never forgave me for leaving," he reveals. "He couldn't understand it, which was nice in a way. He said to me, 'What's the matter with you? You've got three kids, you've got a job, we're having a great time – what more do you want?!' 'I want to do a play, Bill.' He didn't understand that. Maybe he was right. But he never forgave me for jumping ship."

ALSO THIS ISSUE:

FREE AUDIO ADVENTURE!
DWM, in association with Big Finish Productions, is proud to present an exclusive brand new audio adventure starring WILLIAM RUSSELL. THE REVENANTS, written by Ian Potter, features the First Doctor, Ian, Barbara and Susan and is available FREE to all readers this issue!

POLL POSITIONS
The votes have been counted and the winners of DWM's annual poll can now be announced! Find out which stories, actors, authors and directors came out on top in 2011. And where did YOUR favourite come in the race for the most popular Doctor… ?

THE OTHER HALF
Author NEIL GAIMAN, writer of the acclaimed 2011 episode THE DOCTOR'S WIFE, talks exclusively to DWM about writing the story and reveals the secrets of the scenes you DIDN'T see…

SAYING GOODBYE
Doctor Who's commander-in-chief, STEVEN MOFFAT, writes exclusively for DWM in PRODUCTION NOTES and tells of the sad day on which Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill recorded their very last scene as departing companions, Amy and Rory. Have your hankies ready!

TIMELASHED
GLEN McCOY, author of 1985's time-twisting Timelash, talks to DWM about writing the Sixth Doctor's infamous adventure and his early career in television.

A NEW BEGINNING
It's 1982 and the Fifth Doctor takes the helm of a crowded TARDIS and navigates the series into a new era as our voyage through five decades of Doctor Who continues with 1982's Season 19 in COUNTDOWN TO 50.

DEFENCE OF THE REALM
DWM goes behind the scenes of the making of a brand new Doctor Who spin-off audio drama series from Big Finish Productions. COUNTER MEASURES features characters from 1988's REMEMBRANCE OF THE DALEKS, and DWM talks to actors PAMELA SALEM, SIMON WILLIAMS and KAREN GLEDHILL who reprise their roles after more than 20 years!

COMIC STRIP CAPERS
The Eleventh Doctor, Amy and Rory get involved in some very organised crime on an alien world as they embark on a brand new adventure, THE CORNUCOPIA CAPER, written by SCOTT GRAY and drawn by DAN McDAID.

FALL OF THE SHADOW
As the hunt for the Key to Time comes to a dramatic climax, the Fourth Doctor, Romana and K9 face the ultimate forces of darkness in THE ARMAGEDDON FACTOR. THE FACT OF FICTION examines this universe-stopping six-part adventure from 1979 and uncovers dozens of fascinating new facts…

LOST OR FOUND?
As well as all broadcast episodes of Doctor Who, there are a multitude of scripts and story ideas that never made to the screen. Some of these are now being produced as audio dramas, but it would be have better to let the stories rest in peace and make brand new adventures for the Doctor instead? TOBY HADOKE and JOHNNY CANDON debate the pros and cons in A BATTLE OF WITS!

FLASHBACK TO THE FIFTIES!
THE TIME TEAM slick their hair back and join the Doctor and Rose in post-war London where the alien Wire is riding the airwaves of the nations TV broadcasts. Join Chris, Emma, Will and Michael as the bathe in the warm glow of 2006's THE IDIOT'S LANTERN. 

OFF THE RECORD!
The cunning Watcher challenges readers with The Six Faces of Delusion, outs another Supporting Artist of the Month and examines Doctor Who's use of the definite article in A History of Doctor Who in 100 Objects – all crammed into this issue's WOTCHA!

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

+  Doctor Who Magazine Issue #448 is out on Thursday 31st May 2012, priced £4.50.

+  SUBSCRIBE and get 12 x Issues, 1 x Special and Worldwide Shipping for £85 via CompareTheDalek.com!

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

[Source: Doctor Who Magazine]

Manufacturer: Big Finish Productions

Written By: Richard Dinnick

RRP: £8.99

Release Date: 30th April 2012

Reviewed by: Matthew Davis for Doctor Who Online

Review Posted: 26th April 2012

The TARDIS arrives in Siberia near the end of the 19th century as shooting star has falls from the sky. Its arrival heralds a strange illness that effects not only the local population but the Doctor and his granddaughter Susan. The object from the stars brings not only sickness but knowledge so powerful it would be catastrophic in the wrong hands.

With time running out Ian Chesterton must rely on the help of a mysterious wanderer Grigory, a man who believes God has granted him the gift to heal those in need. The stakes are high for Ian as the alien object offers not only answers to save The Doctor but the chance he and Barbara have been waiting for: a way home.

The Wanderer is an interesting Companion Chronicle as it not only a rather good story but a lovely exploration of what it is to be a wanderer who wishes to go home.

The strongest part of this release is the great William Russell, a man with a real gift for narration and character. Whenever I hear a new Ian Chesteron Companion Chronicle I always imagine sitting by the fire with a drink, listening to Ian recount his adventures, such is the quiet brilliance of Russell’s performances. They are special as he is one of the old guard; the original TARDIS team and just listening to him you‘re instantly transported back to that golden era in 1963.

It is not so much a spoiler to reveal Grigory’s true identity as writer, Richard Dinnick piles the clues up to such a degree it would be foolish not to guess this wanderer is the infamous “Mad Monk” Rasputin. In an odd way The Wanderer acts as a sort of origin story for Rasputin, playing with the legend of the man’s supposedly mystical healing powers and gifts of prophecy. Tim Chipping is excellent in the role of Grigory, adding a more troubled and human element to this most vilified of historical figures.

The rest of the story which deals with the alien race responsible for the alien object and the resolution of Rasputin's story are interesting but what really captures your attention is the insight into Ian Chesterton. He is a man who, despite being fascinated by his adventures with The Doctor, is absolutely determined to get home. It is a striking reminder that in recent years, The Doctor’s companions have been so up for adventure it is easy to forget that Ian and Barbara ended up in the TARDIS by accident. They didn’t ask to be wanderers in the fourth dimension; they do not want to be facing death every other day. He wants to be at home, with the familiar and the comforting, such as a pint of beer at the pub or listening to the Test Match Special. Much is made that Ian has Barbara with him, a friendship and someone he loves and values very deeply. Barbara is someone Ian can relate to as they are in this situation together and the outcome at this time is unknown.

Of course we all know that Ian and Barbara will get home but it is fascinating to explore the hope, disappointment and sheer determination that Ian has to get back to his old life.

The Wanderer is an absorbing tale in which, despite its good story and guest star, is more interesting when it focuses on Ian himself.

That said any Companion Chronicle in which William Russell is involved is more than worth your time.

AudioGO have sent DWO the cover and details for the January CD release of The Edge of Destruction, featuring William Hartnell as The First Doctor.

In a final bid to regain control of the TARDIS' faulty control system the Doctor is driven to experiment with a dangerous untried combination.

With a violent explosion the TARDIS blacks out and the crew find themselves trapped inside. A simple technical fault? Sabotage? Or something even more sinister?

Tension mounts as the Doctor and his companions begin to suspect one another. What has happened to the TARDIS? Slowly a terrifying suspicion dawns. Has the TARDIS become the prisoner of some powerful fifth intelligence which is even now haunting the time-machine's dark and gloomy corridors?

William Russell, who played the Doctor's companion Ian in the original TV serial, reads Nigel Robinson's complete and unabridged novelisation, first published by Target Books in 1988.

 The Edge of Destruction is released on 6th January 2011, priced £12.99.

 Compare Prices for this product on CompareTheDalek.com!

[Source: AudioGO]