Our good friend, Cameron K. McEwan and his chums Elisar Cabrera and Jack Ayers are putting together a Doctor Who Fan Documentary called 'Who's Changing', and they need your help to fund the project.

The feature-length documentary about 50 years of Doctor Who fans, looks at how the nature of fandom has changed since the series returned to TV screens in 2005.

Filming has already begun, having started in the Spring, and the team have already met and interviewed some incredible people:

Louise Jameson ('Leela' - companion to the 4th Doctor); 
Sophie Aldred ('Ace', companion to the 7th Doctor)
Neve McIntosh ('Madame Vastra', companion to the 11th Doctor); 
Dan Starkey (Sontaran 'Strax', companion to the 11th Doctor); 
Simon Fisher-Becker ('Dorium Maldovar', friend of the 11th Doctor); 
Catrin Stewart ('Jenny', companion to the 11th Doctor);
Caitlin Blackwood (Young 'Amelia Pond', the first person to meet the Eleventh Doctor); 
Gary Russell (Doctor Who, Torchwood & Sarah Jane Adventures Script Editor and author);
Andrew Smith (writer of Fourth Doctor story, 'Full Circle'); 
James Moran (writer of the Tenth Doctor story, 'The Fires of Pompeii');
Spencer Wilding (Doctor Who creature actor in the 11th Doctor era); 
Eric Saward (Doctor Who Script Editor and writer); 
Jane Espenson (Torchwood, Buffy, Once Upon A Time writer); 
Jeremy Bentham (Writer Doctor Who Weekly and Co-Founder Doctor Who Appreciation Society); 
Tony Lee (writer of the IDW Doctor Who comic); 
Simon Furman (writer of Doctor Who Magazine and Transformer comic strips);
Dan Slott (legendary Spiderman Marvel comics writer and Who fan);
Richard Starkings (writer of Doctor Who Magazine comic strips and the Elephantmen comic book series);
Liam Dryden (YouTube star and Chameleon Circuit band member);
Josh Adams (American artist of Doctor Who comics); 
Alain Carrazé (French journalist & TV programmer)

and many more including lots of Doctor Who fans like yourself...

+  Help fund the project by donating at the IndieGoGo page, here.

Watch the trailer for the project, below:

[youtube:Nw5H6IT5YNk]

[Source: Cameron K. McEwan]

Amid much hype and speculation, Peter Capaldi was unveiled as the next Doctor during a special live television event on BBC One tonight.

Widely regarded as one of the biggest roles in British television, Capaldi will be the Twelfth Doctor and takes over from Matt Smith who leaves the show at Christmas.

Peter Capaldi says:

“Being asked to play The Doctor is an amazing privilege. Like the Doctor himself I find myself in a state of utter terror and delight. I can't wait to get started."

Steven Moffat, lead writer and executive producer says:

“It's an incendiary combination: one of the most talented actors of his generation is about to play the best part on television. Peter Capaldi is in the TARDIS!”

Doctor Who companion, Jenna Coleman says:

"I'm so excited Peter Capaldi is the man taking on the challenge of becoming the Twelfth Doctor. With Steven's writing and his talent I know we'll be making an amazing show with an incredible incarnation of number 12. I can't wait to start this new adventure!"

Charlotte Moore, Controller BBC One says:

"Peter Capaldi has all the genius and versatility needed to take on the mantel of the great Time Lord and make the role his own.  He'll bring his own particular wisdom, charisma and wit to the Twelfth Doctor and take the show into an exciting new era.” 

Ben Stephenson, Controller, BBC Drama Commissioning says:

“We started thinking Peter Capaldi might be the right person to take on this iconic part a few months ago. But it was only when he did a secret audition at Steven's house under the cover of darkness that we knew we had our man. He's an extraordinarily talented actor who can seemingly turn his hand to anything. We can't wait to premiere his unique take on the Doctor on Christmas Day and we are sure he's going to become one of the all-time classic Doctors.” 

Doctor Who Online, fan website says:

"The casting of Peter Capaldi has thrilled a lot of fans. Peter will bring a new angle on the character and mix up the Doctor / Companion relationship. The calibre of acting he brings to the role is stellar and we are incredibly excited to see his first scenes this Christmas. So good to see him introduced on stage during Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor; thumbing his blazer lapels in a Hartnell-style was a knowing nod for the fans, and it's awesome to know he is such a big fan himself."

See Peter introduce himself as The Doctor in the video below:

Peter Capaldi's Biography:

Peter Capaldi is an award winning actor, film maker and lifelong Doctor Who fan. He has enjoyed an illustrious career to date in both film and television.

Before securing the coveted role of the Twelfth Doctor, Peter first appeared in Doctor Who in 2008, playing Caecilius in the episode "The Fires of Pompeii".

Peter grew up in Glasgow and attended the Glasgow School of Art, while studying there he secured his first breakthrough role in Local Hero (1983). He has also had roles in Dangerous Liaisons, The Crow Road, The Devil’s Whore and Torchwood: Children of Earth.

It is his role as Government spin doctor Malcolm Tucker in the BBC comedy series, The Thick of It , that has earned Peter both international and award success. In 2010 he won the BAFTA Television Award for Best Male Performance in a Comedy Role and the BPG Best Actor Award. In both 2010 and 2012, Peter won the British Comedy Award for Best TV Comedy Actor.  A film spin-off from The Thick of It, entitled In the Loop, was released in 2009.

As well as appearing in front of the camera, Peter is an award winning film maker.  In 1995, he won the Oscar for Best Short Film (Live Action) for Franz Kafka's It's a Wonderful Life.  He also wrote Soft Top, Hard Shoulder, which won the audience award at the London Film Festival, and wrote and directed Strictly Sinatra. Peter's stage credits include Professor Marcus in The Ladykillers at the Liverpool Playhouse, which saw the play transfer to the Gielgud Theatre in London.

2013 has been a busy year for Peter who has been seen on screen in the film World War Z and in BBC Two drama series The Hour, for which he was BAFTA nominated. Not only will Peter film his first scenes for Doctor Who this Autumn, but he will appear in the forthcoming film The Fifth Estate and the Disney film Maleficent.

Peter is currently filming new BBC One drama series The Musketeers, in which he plays Cardinal Richelieu which will launch in early 2014.

Photo copyright to Rankin.

[Source: BBC]

Famed photographer, Rankin, has just confirmed he has photographed the new actor to play The Doctor, ahead of tonights Live unveiling on BBC One.

Rankin tweeted the news on Twitter this afternoon, but also let slip that the actor is male (not that we doubted it):

"Just photographed the next Dr Who for tonight's announcement. Let me know what you think of the photo? He's going to be an ace Dr."

Some further detective work on Rankin's 'recently followed' list on Twitter, lists DWO's own choice to take over the role, Aneurin Barnard (The White Queen, We'll Take Manhattan). It could very well be a coincidence, however.

All will be revealed tonight at 7pm!

+ Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor airs in the UK on Sunday at 7pmBST on BBC One.
+ Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor airs in the USA on Sunday at 2pm ET on BBC America.
+ Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor airs in Australia on Monday at 4am EST on ABC1.

+  Follow @DrWhoOnline on Twitter!

[Source: Twitter]

ABC1 is set to simulcast LIVE to Australia the one-off BBC television special Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor, in which the next Doctor will be exclusively revealed to the world, this Monday 5th August at 4am EST.

Following the ABC1 broadcast the half-hour show will be available to watch on iview throughout Monday, and replayed at 8.30pm Monday evening on ABC2. 

Brendan Dahill, Controller ABC1 says:

“We are extremely excited to be able to reveal the highly anticipated next Doctor to Australia as the breaking news happens live, direct from the UK - a first for the ABC.”

Regarded as one of the most hotly contested roles in British television, the 12th Doctor will be unveiled during their first ever interview, in front of a live studio audience set against the backdrop of a swirling vortex, amongst Daleks and the TARDIS.

The special will also include live special guests, Doctors old and new, as well as companions and celebrity fans, and will feature clips and moments from across the show's 50 year history. 

Current Doctor Matt Smith and lead writer and executive producer Steven Moffat will both give interviews about one of the biggest roles in TV and set out just what it takes to be the Doctor. 

Steven Moffat said:

“The decision is made and the time has come to reveal who’s taking over the TARDIS. For the last of the Time Lords, the clock is striking twelve.”

Keep up to date with all the latest news about the show and special guests by following facebook.com/ABCTV and twitter.com/ABCTV

The BBC released a trailer to promote the show which you can view below (UK only):

+ Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor airs in the UK on Sunday at 7pm BST on BBC One.
+ Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor airs in the USA on Sunday at 2pm ET on BBC America.
+ Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor airs in Australia on Monday at 4am EST on ABC1.

+  Follow @DrWhoOnline on Twitter!

[Source: ABC1]

Earlier today, Metro.co.uk leaked an embargoed BBC press release detailing a planned programme for this Sunday on BBC One, which will unveil the actor who will play the 12th Doctor.

DWO will be adding the full press release, as planned, just after midnight tonight, the details of which will be found below in this very news item.

Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor

In a special one-off live television event on BBC One this Sunday 4th August at 7pm, the next Doctor will be exclusively revealed to the nation.

Widely regarded as one of the most hotly contested roles in British television, the show's host Zoe Ball will unveil the 12th Doctor in the first ever interview in front of a live studio audience set against the backdrop of a swirling vortex, amongst Daleks and the TARDIS.

The half hour show will include live special guests, Doctors old and new, as well as companions and celebrity fans.

Excitement will reach fever pitch as they speculate and recall their favourites, plus feature clips and moments from across the show's 50 year history.

Current Doctor Matt Smith and lead writer and executive producer Steven Moffat will both give interviews about one of the biggest roles in TV and set out just what it takes to be the Doctor.

Steven Moffat says:

“The decision is made and the time has come to reveal who’s taking over the TARDIS. For the last of the Time Lords, the clock is striking twelve.”

Charlotte Moore, Controller BBC One says:

“BBC One is the home of big live events and this special live show is the perfect way to reveal the identity of the next Doctor and share it with the nation. The Doctor is a truly iconic role and I’m more than excited about the booking.”

Ben Stephenson, Controller, BBC Drama Commissioning says:

“We can't wait to unveil the next Doctor with everyone live on BBC1 on Sunday night.  Amongst all the speculation and betting, there has been lots of fun and intrigue at work as we've been using the codename Houdini as a decoy! It’s the biggest secret in showbiz, even those working with the new Doctor on other projects at the moment have no idea they are in the presence of the 12th incarnation.”

The special live show is made by BBC Entertainment and Events for BBC One, Guy Freeman is Executive producer and Pinki Chambers is Executive Commissioning Editor. Commissioned by Charlotte Moore, Controller BBC One.

The show will be simulcast live on BBC America.

The BBC have released a trailer to promote the show which you can view below:

+  Follow @DrWhoOnline on Twitter!

[Source: BBC Press Office]

The BBC have worked out a deal with broadcasters worldwide to simulcast the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Special on 23rd November.

The decision will help prevent leaks or spoilers from surfacing online and will enable viewers worldwide to watch the special at exactly the same time.

Currently, the timeslot is scheduled at 7:00pm GMT which would air in the USA at 11:00am PST and in Australia at 6:00am on Sunday 24th November.

The special will feature Matt Smith, David Tennant and John Hurt as The Doctor, and according to recent reports, a fourth actor is expected to reprise his role as The Doctor.

There is still no confirmation as to when a trailer (which Comic Con attendees saw last weekend) will appear, but DWO will bring you more as we get it.

+  The 50th Anniversary Special is due to air in 3D on 23rd November 2013 at 7:00pm.

[Source: Radio Times]

BBC Consumer Products have sent DWO the cover and details for the Doctor Who DVD release of The Complete Seventh Series.

The Complete Seventh Series
Featuring: The 11th Doctor

Say farewell to the Ponds all over again. Meet the enigmatic Clara for the first time - and the second, and the third. Face enemies new and old, follow the Doctor to the one place he should never go, and learn the secret to a really great soufflé. With a cliffhanger ending that will leave fans breathless, this set arrives just in time to catch up before the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Special on 23rd November, and the Doctor’s regeneration in this year’s Christmas Special.

In the first part of series seven, the Ponds (Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill) make their final voyages with the Doctor. They save a spaceship full of dinosaurs, don Stetsons in the Wild West and are even kidnapped by the Doctor's oldest foe. But when they arrive in Manhattan the Weeping Angels are waiting for them - and the Doctor has to say goodbye to his companions forever.

The 2012 Christmas special, The Snowmen, brings the Doctor a new friend (Jenna Coleman) in Victorian London - but has he already met her before? And will she be able to pull him from his mourning in time to save London from the chilling menace that threatens it? The final eight episodes of series seven see the Doctor and his new companion battle monsters on distant alien planets, become trapped in a Russian submarine with a deadly passenger, chase terrifying ghosts, and come face-to-face with an army of upgraded Cybermen. When his friends are kidnapped, the Doctor and Clara are forced to visit the fields of Trenzalore, where the question that must never be answered is finally asked… and the Doctor uncovers the secret of the Impossible Girl.

The incredible list of guest stars includes John Hurt (Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy), Warwick Davis (Willow, the Harry Potter films) Liam Cunningham (Game of Thrones), David Warner (Titanic, TRON), Dougray Scott (Hemlock Grove, Ever After: A Cinderella Story), Ben Browder (Farscape), David Bradley (Game of Thrones) Jessica Raine (Call The Midwife, The Woman in Black), the mother-daughter duo of Dame Diana Rigg (Game of Thrones) and Rachael Stirling (Women in Love, Snow White and the Huntsman), and the voice of Sir Ian McKellan (The Lord of The Rings films). The episodes are written by lead writer and executive producer Steven Moffat, as well as Neil Gaiman, Mark Gatiss, Neil Cross, Chris Chibnall, Toby Whithouse and Stephen Thompson.

Special Features:

•  Behind the scenes featurettes for every episode plus “The Making of the Gunslinger” and “Creating Clara”.
•  Other Featurettes including: “Doctor Who in the US,” “Last Days of the Ponds,” “Pond Life,” “The Science of Doctor Who,” “The Companions,” and “Doctor Who at Comic Con”.
•  Prequels to episodes: The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe, Asylum of the Daleks, The Snowmen (x3), The Bells of Saint John and The Name of the Doctor (x2).
•  Audio commentaries for episodes: The Snowmen, Cold War, Hide, and The Crimson Horror.

+  The Complete Seventh Series is released on 28th October 2013, priced £51.05.

+  Compare Prices for this product on CompareTheDalek.com.

[Source: BBC Consumer Products]

Ten years ago, it was announced that Doctor Who would return to Television - but the series was nearly stopped before it could begin...

In the first part of a look back at how and why Doctor Who was recommissioned back in 2003, DWM talks to the people who ensured its successful comeback, including the then BBC Controller of Drama Commissioning Jane Tranter, BBC Wales' Head of Drama Julie Gardner, and writer Russell T Davies. 

“When Michael Grade arrived back at the BBC as Chairman, Mark Thompson was back as Director General,” Jane tells DWM. “Michael Grade [who had been BBC1 controller in the 1980s, and tried to cancel the show] didn't like Doctor Who at all. Mark Thompson actually asked me if we could stop. I said, no, we couldn't!"

Also this issue:

NEXT PLEASE!
Doctor Who’s showrunner and head writer STEVEN MOFFAT presents the three pieces that he wrote for the actors that have auditioned for the role of the Twelfth Doctor – and presents them exclusively for DWM readers! 

TALKING TO A MAN ABOUT A DOG!
Prolific Doctor Who author BOB BAKER looks back on his career in an exclusive interview with DWM and speaks proudly of his most famous contribution to the Doctor Who universe: K9, the Doctor’s robotic dog.  

WHO’S SHE?
As we await the announcement of the new star of Doctor Who, journalist Claire Budd and novelist Una McCormack go head-to-head to debate the burning question: IS IT TIME FOR THE DOCTOR TO BECOME A WOMAN?

AFTER THE FLOOD!
Arriving in the far future, the Fourth Doctor, Harry and Sarah discover that the last survivors of mankind are about to face the deadly, parasitic Wirrn! The Fact of Fiction looks back to one of Doctor Who's all-time great adventures – THE ARK IN SPACE – and reveals some surprising new facts.

EVERYTHING IS NEW AGAIN!
It’s 2010, and the dawn of a new era as Matt Smith makes his début as the Eleventh Doctor. The show may have a new leading man and a new style, but it’s still Doctor Who in the latest instalment of DWM’s ongoing cruise through Doctor Who history in COUNTDOWN TO 50!

ANOTHER LIFE!
THE TIME TEAM take a trip to pre-war England as Chris, Emma, Michael and Will settle down to watch the two-part Tenth Doctor story HUMAN NATURE/THE FAMILY OF BLOOD and find that the formidable Family of Blood and their sinister Scarecrow servants are following the Doctor’s trail. What will the team make of it all?

SAND STORM!
Clara’s lunch date with the legendary pilot, Amy Johnson has been rudely interrupted by two identical copies of themselves… made from sand! Meanwhile, the Doctor is having trouble with his own doppelganger, and the real enemy is about to make its entrance. The latest astonishing comic strip adventure A WING AND A PRAYER – written by SCOTT GRAY with art by MIKE COLLINS – continues…

NOTHING STAYS THE SAME…
Change is an essential part of Doctor Who and has allowed the series to constantly reinvent and reinvigorate itself for 50 years. And, as JACQULINE RAYNER tells us in this issue’s RELATIVE DIMENSIONS, this means that the series can be a useful tool when teaching children that nothing lasts forever…

AUTONS IN HIGH DEFINITION!
Jon Pertwee IS the Doctor, as former Doctor Who Script Editor ANDREW CARTMEL reviews the new Blu-ray release of the Third Doctor's classic 1970 début adventure SPEARHEAD FROM SPACE.

COLOURFUL ENCOUNTERS!
The Watcher takes a look at Doctor Who episode titles in A History of Doctor Who in 100 Objects, and discovers that the names of colours have become a recent trend; he runs down the charts with Doctor Who themed titles in Top Ten Reality TV; the long suffering Professor Rubeish presents another joke of dubious quality; The Six Faces of Delusion has Jim Henson’s movie Labyrinth as a theme and asks you to spot the odd one out; and there is distinct Gallic flavour to this issue’s ousted Supporting Artist of the Month… All in 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 #463 is Out Now, priced £4.75.

+  Subscribe Worldwide to DWM for just £85.00 via CompareTheDalek!

+  Check Out The DWO Guide to Doctor Who Magazine!

[Source: Doctor Who Magazine]

Could we be seeing another Doctor in the 50th Anniversary Doctor Who Special this November? Radio Times seems to think so!

Quoted from their website, RT says: 

"Doctor Who’s 50th anniversary show will feature one of the five former doctors who wielded the Sonic Screwdriver before the Eccleston reboot, RadioTimes.com understands.

According to sources, one of either Colin Baker, Paul McGann, Tom Baker, Sylvester McCoy or Peter Davison will be in the feature length special episode alongside Tennant’s Doctor and the current incumbent Matt Smith."

If true, this means we would see at least 4 Doctors in the special; Matt Smith, David Tennant, John Hurt and the as-yet, unannounced actor.

At this year's Comic Con, Steven Moffat admitted he has "lied my arse off about the 50th", so could the fourth actor in fact be Christopher Eccleston? More news as we get it!

[Sources: RadioTimes.com]

Matt Smith continues to enjoy himself at this years San Diego Comic Con, and our friends over at BBC America have evidenced this with their latest video showing Smith walking the floors of Comic Con in a Bart Simpson mask!

Watch the video, below:

[youtube:mU0aD91nGKU]

[Source: BBC America]

Ex-Doctor Who Companion, Karen Gillan, has stunned fans at this years San Diego Comic Con by unveiling her bald head, after shaving off her hair for a new film role.

Gillan (who still looks just as gorgeous without hair as she does with hair) appeared at Comic Con on Friday sporting her trademark red hair, which, on Saturday, she admitted was in fact a wig!

Karen unveiled the new look at the Marvel press line for 'Guardians Of The Galaxy', in which she plays the role of villainous pirate, Nebula. The movie is due for release in 2014.

She follows in the footsteps of he ex-Doctor Who co star, Matt Smith, who shaved off his hair for a role in Ryan Gosling's upcoming directorial movie debut in 'How To Catch A Monster'.

Gillan can most recently be seen in Brit comedy movie, 'Not Another Happy Ending' in which she plays struggling author, Jane Lockhart. For more information on the movie, check out the trailer below or visit the website, here.

[youtube:1xmweTUqjkA]

[Source: Fraser Davies]

IGN have uploaded a video interview with Matt Smith, taken at this year's San Diego Comic Con.

In the interview, Matt talks about his hair, the Christmas Special, the 50th Anniversary Special and the future.

Watch the full IGN video interview with Matt Smith, below:

[Source: IGN]

In celebration of Doctor Who's 50th anniversary, acclaimed comedian and Sony Gold nominee Toby Hadoke performs both of his Who-themed solo shows in a West End double bill for one night only. 

No super fan's 50th anniversary celebration will be complete without this unique opportunity to see both ‘Moths Ate My Doctor Who Scarf' and ‘My Stepson Stole My Sonic Screwdriver' presented together for the first, and quite possibly also the last, time.

Moths Ate My Doctor Who Scarf

Get out from behind that sofa and get aboard Toby Hadoke's TARDIS on a trip through time - charting the rise, fall and rise again of a television legend. This delightful show is a personal, satirical and razor sharp comic odyssey from child to man, through obsession, joy and disappointment. 

My Stepson Stole My Sonic Screwdriver

Intimate knowledge of the TARDIS is not required to enjoy this bittersweet comedy of parenting through sci-fi evangelism: Hadoke's compelling and incisive shows are universal in appeal. This Chortle Awards 2012 nominee has an acid tongue and a warm heart. 

Join Toby as he takes you on a heart-warming journey that begins with losing a partner, ends with gaining a stepson and pays homage to the restorative powers of the Time Lord in between. Intimate knowledge of the TARDIS is not required to enjoy this bittersweet comedy of parenting through sci-fi evangelism.

Below are a list of dates for 'My Stepson Stole My Sonic Screwdriver':

Thursday 3rd October 2013 - 7.30pm | The Castle | Wellingborough
Tickets and information: www.thecastle.org.uk | 01933 229 022

Friday 4th October - 7.30pm | Customs House | South Shields
Tickets and information: www.customshouse.co.uk | 0191 454 1234

Friday 1st November - 7.45pm | Riverfront Theatre, Newport
Tickets and information here  | 01633 656757

Sunday 17th November - 7pm | Garrick Theatre, Charing Cross Road, London.
Tickets and information here | 0844 482 9673

Thursday 21st November 2013 - 7.30pm | Lincoln Drill Hall | Lincoln
Tickets and information: www.lincolndrillhall.com | 01522 873894

Thursday 5th December 2013 - 7.30pm | Rondo Theatre | Bath
Tickets and information: www.rondotheatre.co.uk | 01225 463362 

+  Book Tickets for the double bill at the Garrick Theatre, here.
+  For more information visit Toby's website: http://www.tobyhadoke.com
+  Follow Toby Hadoke on Twitter: @TobyHadoke

[Source: Toby Hadoke]

Forbidden Planet have teamed up with Character Options for another San Diego Comic Con Exclusive Doctor Who Toy.

The 'Ace - Remembrance Of The Daleks' collector's figure features Ace with some of her well-known accessories, as-seen in the Classic Series adventure; Remembrance Of The Daleks.

The Seventh Doctor first met Ace in the Iceworld trading colony on the planet Svartos.

Ace was from Perivale on Earth in the 1980s, but had been deposited on Iceworld in a freak time storm. She hated her real name 'Dorothy', and instead rebelliously went by 'Ace'. She had a dangerous aptitude for high explosives and never shied away from danger.

A teen tearaway Ace matured considerably during her travels with the Doctor, encountering on the way many wondrous planets and places and a true menagerie of enemies from eight foot tall blue Demons, malevolent Victorian houses, the relentless Cybermen, inter-dimensional Arthurian knights, a psychopathic robot called the Kandyman and even the Master while helping the Cheetah People.

But it was against the Daleks on Earth in 1963 that she showed the most pluck by dispatching several of them with her trademark Nitro-9 explosives, an RPG and even a baseball bat enhanced by Time Lord technology...Wicked!

Contents:

1 x Ace action figure.
1 x Backpack with Baseball Bat accessory.
2 x Interchangeable arms (1 with Bazooka accessory).
3 x Nitro 9 can accessories. 

+  The 'Ace - Remembrance Of The Daleks' figure is released in August 2013, priced £15.99.

+  Preorder this product from Forbidden Planet for £15.99!

[Source: Forbidden Planet]

Doctor Who is about to face his greatest challenge: his number one fan. Rob Lloyd (The Hounds, The Mutant Way, A Study in Scarlet (A Study of...) and Fan Number One) is putting The Doctor on trial.

Not just for Doctor Who fans, it’s a show about obsession and it’s many faces. What have you been obsessed with – a celebrity, a football team, a TV show? For Rob, it’s Doctor Who all the way.  

After sell out seasons at the Melbourne and Adelaide Fringe Festivals, The Melbourne and Perth International Comedy Festivals and a full house for Armageddon Expo 2011 (Australia's Premier Science Fiction Convention) Rob Lloyd will be asking the BIG questions in WHO, ME. Rob will be investigating whether Doctor Who (the television show) is guilty of inciting in him a debilitating obsession, or whether it has shaped him into a well-rounded, mentally-sound member of society.

Since 1996 Rob Lloyd has dedicated himself to amassing as much Doctor Who knowledge, as well as videos, DVDs, novels, audios, action figures and assorted paraphernalia as he can afford. With his replica Jon Pertwee era sonic screwdriver in hand and dressed in his 10th Doctor get up he is ready to jump head first into finding out how and why he got here!

Built up through improvisation and storytelling techniques, this one-man show is a personal and fitting tribute to a television icon. Through the course of the show we will see how one TV program can influence a persons actions, behavior and psyche. You don’t need to be a Doctor Who fan to relate to this show, it speaks to anyone who has known obsession. It’s a hilarious romp across the Doctor’s 49 years, 11 faces and countless adventures.

Show Details:

Venue: Just The Tonic – Bristo Square
Dates: 1st-25th August (No show 13th August)
Time: 1:25pm (65 minutes)
Prices: £6-9
Tickets: www.edfringe.com/event/ROBLLOY

+  For more information visit Rob's website: http://www.roblloyd.com.au
+  Follow Rob Lloyd on Twitter: @futurerobby
+  'Like' the WHO, ME Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Who-Me/103024733135485

[Source: Rob Lloyd]

Date: Saturday 13th July 2013

Time: 7:30pm onwards

Reviewed by: Doctor Who Online

On Saturday 13th July, DWO were invited to attend the 2013 Doctor Who Prom at the Royal Albert Hall - and what a show it was!

The venue was packed to the rafters, with a large number of hopeful fans queuing up all day for a standing-room-only ticket raffle - true dedication! From where we were sitting, we could clearly see the TARDIS on stage, emanating a familiar, welcoming blue glow, and numerous screens covered areas of the hall to ensure no-one missed a thing.

The show kicked off with Ben Foster (Conductor) entering the stage to rapturous applause, followed by Elin Manahan Thomas (Soprano) as they performed Murray Gold's 'The Mad Man with a Box'. After a brief pause for some well-deserved applause, we went straight into the second piece for the evening; Gold's 'I Am The Doctor'.

We were then treated to a video link of a specially recorded scene featuring Matt Smith as The Doctor and Jenna-Louise Coleman as Clara. The comical scene found The Doctor trying to swap places with two people inside the Albert Hall in order to attend the prom. As the scene came to an end, the action switched back inside the hall to thunderous applause as Matt and Jenna appeared from the Orchestra pit. There was also a clever little explanation as to why Matt's hair was short - but we'll leave that for the televised version!

Also worthy of note at this point, was a special gift given to Foster by The Doctor - a sonic baton, to which Foster used with precision throughout the entire prom.

The third piece of music for the evening was 'Carmen (Suite No.2) - Habanera' by George Bizet. There were a couple of puzzled faces sitting around us with some of the younger audience members, until Matt pointed out the music was used in the Series 7 story 'Asylum Of The Daleks' before looking at Jenna and claiming "last time we heard it, you were a Dalek!"

The fourth choice for the evening was introduced by Madame Vastra (Neve McIntosh) and Strax (Dan Starkey), featuring a medley of Murray Gold's music titled 'The Companions', with extended versions of their respective themes in chronological order. Elin Manahan Thomas joined the stage again for the relevant sections. It was rather moving in places as the screens played out some of the pivotal moments from each of the New Series companions' eras, through the heart-wrenching climax of Rose Tyler's era, to Martha Jones, Donna Noble and finally Amy Pond.

The fifth segment of music 'Cyber Shard' was introduced by Strax in one of his 'field reports', and garnered some laughs from the audience with his gentle digs at humans "resting their weak and feeble bodies in seats". As the title suggests, this pieces of music focused on the Cybermen. Near the centre of the hall, was a Cyberman with a portion of the set from Neil Gaiman's recent Doctor Who episode 'Nightmare In Silver', in which a lonesome Cyberman sits in a chair playing chess, re-enacting the actual events on screen from the episode itself. Cybermen then filled the Royal Albert Hall from the various entrances, infiltrating the audience with shrieks and screams.

Up next was the sixth piece of music - once again introduced by Vastra and Strax; 'Tocatta and Fugue in D minor, BWV 565 - excerpt' by Johann Sebastian Bach and orchestrated by Leopold Stokowski. Interestingly, the piece didn't make use of the Royal Albert Hall's famous organ - an instrument which popular culture has grown to associate with this particular musical composition. This was definitely one for the Classic Series fans as it featured, albeit briefly, in The 6th Doctor story 'Attack Of The Cybermen'.

This then lead into 'The Final Chapter of Amelia Pond' by Murray Gold, with Elin Manahan Thomas once again joining the stage, as a Weeping Angel rose up from the centre of the hall as a fixed touchstone throughout the piece. The climax of this composition was quite moving as we relived the moments that Rory and Amy are taken from their time streams by the Weeping Angels, leaving a heart-broken Doctor.

To round off the first half of the Doctor Who prom, we were treated to Gold's anthemic 'The Rings Of Akhaten', featuring the voices of Kerry Ingram and Allan Clayton - backed by the London Philharmonic Choir. Vastra and Strax introduced the piece, explaining the departure of the Ponds and the introduction of Clara.

After a 20 minute interval we were thrown right back into the action as Gold's 'All The Strange, Strange Creatures' kicked off the closing act.

Matt Smith was welcomed back on stage, (now out of his Doctor's costume) to introduce the tenth piece of music for the evening; 'The Impossible Girl', which was dedicated to the most recent companion, Clara 'Oswin' Oswald. The room fell silent as Gold's delicate notes from this beautifully melodic piece filled our ears.

The next, slightly unusual, but welcomed choice of music was 'La Fille Aux Cheveux De Lin' (The Girl With The Flaxen Hair), introduced by the Impossible Girl herself, Jenna-Louise Coleman. Like Toccata from Part One of the Prom, this piece of music was used in the Classic Series in 'The Robots Of Death' and was reimagined in 1973 by Doctor Who composers Dudley Simpson and Brian Hodgson. Ben Foster orchestrated this version which offered a brief pause from the straight Doctor Who setlist.

The twelfth selection of music was introduced - much to the welcomed surprise of the audience - by Peter Davison (The 5th Doctor). Davison commanded the audience with his comedic brilliance by opening with "wow, what amazing memories you all have - even though most of you weren't even born".

This section was one of the many highlights for us as it showcased some of the stand-out scores from The Classic Series, re-imagined and arranged by Mark Ayres and Orchestrated by Ben Foster. Featuring sound effects by Brian Hodgson and music from 'The Daleks', 'The Tomb Of The Cybermen', 'The Sea Devils', 'City Of Death', 'Logopolis', 'The Five Doctors' and 'The Curse Of Fenric'.

This was a true celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who as each piece of music seamlessly blended into each other with symphonic grandure. We watched stand-out scenes on the screens as the reimagined scores were played out on top of them. Mark Ayres was definitely in his element and his section of the stage looked like a snapshot from the classic days with reels turning in the background. There was also a little cameo from Doctor Who brand manager; Edward Russell operating a vintage BBC camera!

We would definitely champion for a standalone soundtrack to be released with these and many more Classic Series pieces, so listen up Silva Screen! Breathtaking stuff!

Vastra and Strax returned to introduce the 'Doctor Who Create A Soundtrack Competitions Winners' section, where two age groups (14-16 & 11-14 year-olds) were given the chance to create their own soundtrack to scenes from the Doctor Who Christmas Special 'The Snowmen'.

First up were the winners from the 14-16 year-old age group; Gabe Stone and Matthew Owen from Gloucestershire. Next were the winners from the 11-14 year-old age group; William Davenport and Jordan Picken from Stoke-On-Trent. It was a nice change of pace to offer a portion of the schedule to the younger fans, who produced two, very different but surprisingly good scores. Needless to say all four received a well-deserved round of applause!

The Daleks (with a little help from Nicholas Briggs' vocal talents) took to the stage for the next segment, titled; 'First There Were Daleks'. After some fun pantomime-style audience participation, the next few minutes celebrated The Doctor's most famous enemies, with selections of Murray Gold's Dalek related music from Series 4 and 7.

With the introduction of the penultimate item on the schedule came another surprise guest as Carole-Ann Ford (Susan Foreman; The Doctor's Granddaughter and first ever companion) took to the stage. Ford's words were filled with love for the show and its tenure as she introduced a piece of music from the final episode of Series 7 of Doctor Who; 'The Name Of The Doctor'.

For the final scheduled item on the setlist, Matt and Jenna took to the stage to introduce the world premiere of 'Song For Fifty' - something we were all looking forward to, after hearing and reading about it in the Prom's souvenir TARDIS brochure. Described by Murray Gold as his "love song to a television series", the piece featured lyrics sung by Elin Managan Thomas and Allan Clayton, for which we have included for our visitors below:

Song For Fifty
by Murray Gold

As I stand here waiting for my time to come, I follow in your footsteps, I follow when you run.

From the jaws of disaster, from a planet besieged by deadly ancient foes.

And you still make me smile when you stop and turn and say: 'This is a creature we can understand, a living being, it is just being. if we could find what's on its mind then perhaps we might survive.'

And as we stumble down our slow road I can't but wonder what would fit be like. To run away with you through time, where would we go who might we find. But on we go, cutting our paths, only one way, one day at a time, while you embrace the universe, spinning your way on the fast road, limitless endless.

So my dear friend you're getting kinda old now (or maybe we are). And now our children watch you do the deeds we marvelled at wondered at. From the jaws of disaster, from a planet besieged by ready ancient foes.

It's not the end yet there is no end.

Fumbling and bumbling while all around is crumbling and stumbling through time like you're a mad man still it's humbling to watch you reconcile divergent creeds without succumbing to the lure of weapons, force or greed you only use intelligence and jokes and charm.

Happy birthday. Doctor. You.

* * *
Once again, this was a beautifully crafted piece by Gold, whilst intelligently pitching a perfectly wonderful way to celebrate 50 years of Doctor Who.

Matt and Jenna returned one last time to ask "Who would like to hear some more?", to which there echoed a resounding yes from every audience member. 'Vale Decem' was the song of choice to and featured footage from each of the doctor's eras with regeneration being the main theme.

One last treat was Murray Gold's most recent version of the Doctor Who theme to close the evening's celebrations. A standing ovation saw Murray Gold, Ben Foster, Matt Smith, Jenna-Louise Coleman, Peter Davison, Carole-Ann Ford, Neve McIntosh, Dan Starkey, Elin Managan Thomas, Allan Clayton and Kerry Ingram return to the stage to take their well-earned bows. As they all left the stage for the final time, Smith and Davison walked off with their arms on each others shoulders in a wonderful display of support and admiration for each other, closely followed by Ford and Coleman. It somehow summed up the whole event; Classic meets New with one supporting the other.

Kudos to all the actors who wore thick padded costumes in the stifling heat of the Royal Albert Hall, helping to make everything in this extraordinary experience, come to life. Likewise to Nicholas Briggs with his endless CV of monstrous voices.

A huge nod to Ben Foster, who's boundless energy and bouncy hair (that always returned miraculously to its starting position) brought extra life to the whole performance.

And finally, to Murray Gold, whom Doctor Who is incredibly lucky to have had working on every episode since its triumphant return in 2005. Murray is a true musical genius; not just a composer, but a writer, an orchestrator, a dramatist - a fan! Seeing, or rather, hearing a tiny selection of his work at this Prom was an eye-opener to just how much he has produced for the show over the past 7 years, and the partnership with Foster's orchestration is a professional marriage that we hope will continue to be at the backbone of Doctor Who for many years to come.

This was a truly fantastic and eternally memorable evening and the perfect way to celebrate The Doctor's half century!

DWO have put together a small gallery of images from the Prom (in chronological order), below:

Watch some official clips from the 2013 Doctor Who Prom, below:

[youtube:ON5uV83k6wE]

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[Source: Doctor Who Online]

Manufacturer: Big Finish Productions

Written By: Nicholas Briggs

RRP: £10.99 (CD) / £8.99 (Download)

Release Date: June 2013

Reviewed by: Matthew Davis for Doctor Who Online

Review Posted: 13th July 2013

'These creatures have ravaged half the cosmos. They're experts at this kind of thing. Nothing can stand in their way.'

The Doctor and Romana find themselves in the Proxima System, where enigmatic Conglomerate CEO Cuthbert has been conducting his infamous 'experiment'. An experiment which might accidentally rip the universe apart.

Meanwhile, living conditions on Proxima Major have become harsh and hostile. Climate change has turned the landscape into a freezing wasteland and an alien power has condemned much of the population to life inside internment camps. For those still clinging to their freedom, the struggle for survival is now beyond desperate and outsiders such as the Doctor and Romana are only seen as a threat.

What is Cuthbert really up to in the Proxima System, and just how does he expect the dreaded Daleks to fit into his plan?

* * *

The mysterious and scheming Cuthbert returns in the first of a two part finale for the second series of The Fourth Doctor Adventures. 

The problem with any two part story is that it is difficult to review without having the story as a whole, but The Dalek Contract is a fun and intriguing set up for next month’s concluding story.

The Daleks are used well, working as Cuthbert’s hired hands but it is almost certain that they have their own agenda at hand.

The cast is on excellent form with Tom Baker providing a fine balance of madness and profound insight. It is worth noting that this story was one of the earliest recorded and you can hear that he has found his Doctor again after a slight shaky start. 

It is coming closer to the last adventure that we will have with Mary Tamm’s Romana which will be very sad indeed. Tamm is excellent in this as her incarnation of Romana finally gets to meet the Daleks. Her interaction with Baker in the opening scenes is wonderful and shows what a great partnership they made as Doctor and companion.  

The highlight of the cast is of course David Warner who returns as Cuthbert, a man who seems more concerned with brown sauce being on his chips instead of worrying whether the Daleks have more nefarious machinations than just being his hired security force.

The supporting cast is on excellent form too with Toby Hadoke returning as Cuthbert’s rather toady right hand man Mr Dorrick and a great performance from Dominic Mafham as Chidak who shares a lovely scene with the Doctor about the importance of hope against the Daleks.

Whatever the Dalek’s insidious plans are and Cuthbert’s true nature, The Dalek Contract is certainly a very good set up for what is to come next month.

Manufacturer: Big Finish Productions

Written By: Simon Barnard & Paul Morris

RRP: £8.99 (CD) / £7.99 (Download)

Release Date: June 2013

Reviewed by: Matthew Davis for Doctor Who Online

Review Posted: 13th July 2013

At the Doctor's request, Sergeant Benton is investigating ghosts and missing people in Kettering, while undercover as a local councillor

And that's how he comes to meet Margery Phipps.

An alien incursion in the town hall leads them on a journey to a terrible future – where Margery discovers how she changed a world, and the life of a whole civilisation hangs in the balance…

* * *

As The Companion Chronicles begins the journey towards its final season, this current one concludes with the debut of John Levene returning to reprise his role as UNIT member Sergeant Benton. Quite why it has taken so long to get a Benton story for the Chronicles is baffling as he is one of the most memorable characters from the UNIT years of the show.

Making their debut for Big Finish too are writers Simon Barnard and Paul Morris who are better known for supernatural comedy adventure series The Scarifyers. Based on their credentials it is no surprise that Council of War has some very funny moments with some very clever in-jokes.

The structure of the story is told seamlessly well between both Benton’s perspective and the character of Margery Phipps played exceptionally well by Sinead Keenan. Keenan’s performance is one of the best things about Council of War and her portrayal of Margery is utterly charming.

What about John Levene? Even though he sounds nothing like he did all those years ago, Levene still puts in a very good performance. Full of energy and character, he makes a nice addition to the range and I do hope that before The Companion Chronicles comes to an end we will get to see more of him.

The story feels a little like a Third Doctor adventure to begin with but this very much becomes Benton’s show. 

Barnard and Morris cast him as a James Bond like character, but one very unsure of himself out of uniform. It gives Benton an interesting vulnerability as he thinks the undercover work is more suited to Mike Yates rather than himself. He is just a soldier and the story does give Benton a chance to be just that towards its conclusion.

Margery Phipps is an interesting character, cast as a women’s rights campaigner stuck like a fish out of water in a council of seasoned male politicians. She is an idealist and both she and Benton make an odd but well fitted pairing. 

The story has a rather barmy premise, but it is great fun and the cast has a jolly good time playing up to all of the madness going about. Its conclusion does suggest that we might see more of these characters in a further adventure and with the final season of The Companion Chronicles just a month away, let us hope that this is the case.

Council of War is an entertaining if not perfect Companion Chronicle but a great debut at Big Finish for John Levene and a new writing team.

Manufacturer: Big Finish Productions

Written By: Jonathan Morris

RRP: £14.99 (CD) / £12.99 (Download)

Release Date: June 2013

Reviewed by: Matthew Davis for Doctor Who Online

Review Posted: 13th July 2013

Twenty-five years ago, with Richter's Syndrome running rampant throughout the galaxy, the brilliant biochemist Nyssa, formerly of Traken, bade a painful farewell to her young family... and set off into the space, in search of a cure for this deadly disease.

She never returned.

Now, her grown-up son continues her work on the penal colony of Valderon, still desperate to make the breakthrough that eluded his presumed-dead mother.

So when the TARDIS lands on Valderon, bringing the Doctor, Tegan, Turlough and Nyssa to its fortress prison, the scene is set for a painful reunion... but not only for Nyssa. The Doctor's past is about to catch up with him too...

* * *

This season of Fifth Doctor stories has focused primarily on the companions and for its closing chapter we have a very emotional and dramatic story about Nyssa. 

The great problem when trying to write a review of Prisoners of Fate is that there are so many revelations and surprises that to go into too much detail would be to spoil your enjoyment terribly. The great plot threads surrounding Nyssa that began in way back in Cobwebs finally come to their dramatic conclusion. 

This story feels very much like an extended version of a finale in the recent television episodes.

There is high emotion, paradoxes and great universal danger. Amidst all this Prisoners of Fate is a very personal story for Nyssa and her lost family, more specifically her son Adric. Their relationship and destiny are at the real heart of this story and it never feels over shadowed by the paradoxical nature of it all.

Jonathan Morris is a highly gifted writer, who not only knows his Doctor but can add such wonderful new things to the already existing mythology which enrich it further for long time fans. He offers tantalizing glimpses of the Doctor’s past and future, all of which is essential to one of the great plot twists in the story.

The entire cast is on incredibly fine form and Sarah Sutton’s performance is just wonderful. The story has a wide range of emotions for Nyssa which Sutton carries off beautifully. It is certainly the highlight of an already impressive audio adventure.

Prisoners of Fate certainly sets up the future for this TARDIS team on audio and it will be very interesting to see what happens next.

Do your best to avoid any spoilers and enjoy a brilliant conclusion to a highly enjoyable trilogy.

Like the TARDIS materialising from another dimension a giant Dalek has cropped up in a field of maize on the outskirts of York. Is it the work of alien invaders or crop circle pranksters? In fact it is an inspired piece of field art created by Yorkshire farmer and Doctor Who fan Tom Pearcy as his tribute to the 50th anniversary of the show. 

Mr Pearcy’s York Maze design features the biggest image of a Dalek ever created, over 300m (1000ft) long, cut out of an 18 acre field of over one million living maize plants. The design also includes images of the first Doctor in 1963 William Hartnell and the current Doctor 2013’s Matt Smith. The 10km of pathways form an intricate maize maze which visitors can explore. York Maze is the largest maze in Europe and one of the largest in the world.

Tom Pearcy said:

“Like many kids I grew up watching Doctor Who from behind the sofa and fell in love with the show. I wanted to create a piece of art as a tribute to the 50th anniversary and also make it interactive so visitors can have their own adventures in time and space inside the maze.”

The sixth Doctor, Colin Baker met up with some of his old foes the Daleks at the launch of the York Maze.

Colin Baker said:

“It is fantastic to see how much interest there is in the 50th anniversary of the show. I have been invited to join events all over the world this year, but what York Maze have created with their giant maize maze has to be one of the most imaginative ways to mark the 50th anniversary I have seen. Who would have thought almost thirty years after I played the Doctor that the show would continue to go from strength to strength reaching a new generation of fans. It is great that children and their families will be able to have their own Doctor Who inspired adventures in the York Maze this summer.”

A video from today's press launch for the maze can now be watched below:

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+  York Maze is open to the public from Saturday 13th July to Monday 2nd September. See www.yorkmaze.co.uk for details.

[Source: York Maze]

A fantastic SciFi event for Doctor Who enthusiasts takes place at Spaceport on Saturday 20th July when Doctor Who actor, Colin Baker, visits the Merseyside attraction. 

Colin Baker, who played the sixth embodiment of the celebrated Doctor from 1984–1986, will be at Spaceport between 10am–4pm to meet fans and share some anecdotes from his stint as the Time Lord - plus there will also be replica Doctor Who costume characters ranging from the 1970’s up to the present day. 

Colin’s visit launches a fun packed schedule at Spaceport over the summer holidays, including monster making workshop events and the new Time Travellers exhibition featuring favourites such as life size Daleks, Cybermen, a TARDIS display, a Sontaran, a scary Weeping Angel and K9 –plus prop weapons and an activity area. 

Spaceport hosts the exhibition giving SciFi fans a unique opportunity to experience the creative talents of Hyde Fundraisers, a voluntary organisation who create replica characters from Doctor Who, Star Wars and other SciFi programmes to raise funds for BBC Children In Need and other charities. 

+  For more information visit the Spaceport website.

[Source: Spaceport]

On November 23rd, 2013, Doctor Who fans around the world will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the world’s longest running sci-fi series. We are delighted to announce that current Doctor – Matt Smith – will attend the only official 50th Anniversary Celebration at ExCeL, London alongside special guests confirmed so far: Tom Baker*, Colin Baker and Sylvester McCoy who have also played the iconic role of The Doctor.

The event on the 22nd, 23rd and 24th November is a must for the whole family to celebrate their love of all things Doctor Who, with an exciting range of activities to suit all ages. Keep your eyes peeled for further announcements of high profile guests in the coming weeks.

Matt Smith says:

“The event this year will be an extra special occasion for me, I’m truly looking forward to a huge celebration with the fans in the lead up to the 50th anniversary episode.”

Ticket holders to this once-in-a-lifetime event will have access to a whole range of activities including: 

•  Guaranteed seats to two theatre panel shows featuring star guests from 50 years of Doctor Who. 

•  Guaranteed seats in a spectacular special effects show hosted by Doctor Who’s special effects guru Danny Hargreaves. 

•  Activities in the main halls including: stunt workshops with Doctor Who stunt co-ordinator Crispin Layfield and stunt double Gordon Seed, audio and visual effect workshops, on-stage panels with cast members, walk-like-a-monster master-classes with Doctor Who’s official monster choreographer Ailsa Burke, quizzes and games for fans young and old and plenty more to ensure the whole family have an amazing day out celebrating Doctor Who. 

All of the above will be available to guests who purchase a standard ticket to the event. Tickets go on general sale at 11am on Monday 8th July 2013 from celebration.doctorwho.tv. Standard tickets are priced at £45 for adults and £20 for kids, while a family ticket will cost £104** (two adults and two children***). Tickets cover entry to the Celebration for one day. 

There is also an option to purchase a limited edition TARDIS ticket. This ticket guarantees front row seats to the theatre shows, a private lounge for use all day, drinks and light refreshments and a special goodie bag with exclusive merchandise which can be collected on the day guests attend. TARDIS tickets are priced at £95.50 for adults, £44.25 for children and £218 for a family (two adults and two children****).

To ensure every visitor gets access to the best experience, when buying tickets online they will have the option to choose one of two streams – Ice Warrior or Weeping Angel – which will reserve each guest a seat for that day’s shows in the theatre. 

Visitors to the Celebration will also have the opportunity to visit signature and photo booths where they can meet their heroes from 50 years of Doctor Who (photos with Matt Smith should be booked in advance via the website). These opportunities will be available at a fee and subject to availability. 

In addition to the Celebration, further activity is being planned for the Saturday evening and will be announced soon.

For more information on the Celebration and a Plan Your Day guide, visit celebration.doctorwho.tv. To hear who else will be making the journey to this once-in-a-lifetime occasion at ExCeL in November subscribe to the doctorwho.tv newsletter and follow us on twitter at www.twitter.com/dwcelebration.

*Tom Baker is only able to attend the Doctor Who Celebration on Saturday 23rd November.
**Prices shown for standard tickets exclude booking fee.
***Children under five can attend for free, but must be able to sit on a parents lap during the theatre shows as seats are pre-allocated.
****Prices shown for TARDIS tickets include booking fee.

[Source: BBC Worldwide]

Their Royal Highnesses, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall today visited the home of Doctor Who – BBC Cymru Wales’ Roath Lock studios in Cardiff - to help celebrate the show’s 50th anniversary.

On arrival they were met by Rhodri Talfan Davies (Director, BBC Cymru Wales), Danny Cohen (Director, BBC Television), Faith Penhale (Head of Drama, BBC Wales & Executive Producer, Doctor Who) and Clare Hudson (Head of BBC Cymru Wales Productions).

The visit began with a trip to Doctor Who’s production office where The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall were introduced to members of the team including Brian Minchin (Executive Producer) and Michael Pickwoad (Production Designer).

A trip to the TARDIS was next on the agenda where the royal couple were introduced to Steven Moffat (Executive Producer and Lead Writer), Jenna Coleman (Clara) and Matt Smith (the Doctor) who gave Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall a quick lesson in how to fly the TARDIS! Moments later, Their Royal Highnesses operated the console controls and the time machine sprang to life as if in flight!

Back on Earth it was time to meet the monsters! Their Royal Highnesses were introduced to Strax the Sontaran - in other words, Dan Starkey in full costume and make-up. There were Weeping Angels, Ood and various alien masks on show but a highlight of this section came when Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall met and chatted to a Dalek. The brilliant Nicholas Briggs was initially hidden behind the scenes to ad lib the interview and was then introduced, explaining how he created the distinctive voice patterns of the Time Lord’s oldest foes.

Another demonstration followed with special effects supervisor Danny Hargreaves showing the royal couple the ‘speederbike’ from The Rings of Akhaten and explaining – with the use of greenscreen - how it achieved its fantastic onscreen appearance. Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall then met and talked with several Creative Skillset Cymru apprentices who are training at Roath Lock in a number of TV functions. They also discussed how BBC Cymru Wales’ Roath Lock studios employ the latest methods to ensure sustainability and an eco-friendly approach to television production.

The visit lasted approximately an hour and a crowd of well-wishers gathered to wave and cheer Their Royal Highnesses as they left the studios.

Faith Penhale commented:

"It was lovely to welcome Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall to the home of Doctor Who to help celebrate the show’s 50th anniversary. Certainly, seeing Prince Charles flying the TARDIS and Their Royal Highnesses chatting to a Dalek are memories to cherish from what looks set to be a very memorable year!"

[Source: BBC Doctor Who Website]

BBC Books has today announced Time Trips, an exciting addition to their hugely popular Doctor Who digital list.

Following the success of the three digital-only e-shorts published last Autumn and earlier this year (The Angel’s Kiss, Devil in the Smoke and Summer Falls, each of which tied into a particular episode),  as well as Doctor Who novels with Michael Moorcock, Stephen Baxter, Alastair Reynolds, Jenny Colgan and the estate of Douglas Adams. Time Trips is set to build on that success and expand the Doctor Who readership even further.

A new, long-term digital strand for the Doctor Who list, Time Trips will feature an exciting mix of high-profile commercial and literary writers, each of whom will write a 10,000 word adventure for their favourite Doctor. Authors confirmed so far include Nick Harkaway, AL Kennedy, Jenny Colgan and Trudi Canavan, with more to be announced shortly. From romantic fiction to high fantasy to high thrillers, there are a lot of Doctor Who fans in the literary world!

BBC Books Senior Editorial Director Albert De-Petrillo bought world rights in each of the stories. De-Petrillo said:

"Time Trips is a project I have long wanted to do. There’s a unique affection for Doctor Who amongst writers and readers across genres and I can’t believe our good luck to have Nick Harkaway, AL Kennedy, Jenny Colgan and Trudi Canavan on the launch list.  It’s a truly formidable line-up, with more to come. This series really is taking Doctor Who fiction to a new level and I can’t wait for people to read these brilliant stories"

AL Kennedy said:

"I was first introduced to Doctor Who when I was three or four and he has been a happy part of my life ever since. I am delighted to become in any way a part of his stories."

Jenny Colgan, also a lifelong Doctor Who fan, said:

"It is such an honour to be part of the prestigious Time Trips line-up, with so many excitingly fresh perspectives on the Doctor's life and adventures".

Nick Harkaway added:

"There is a list of calls you want and know you’ll never get. Joel Rubichon invites you to eat any time; Penelope Cruz needs a tango partner…and then someone calls and asks you if you want to write a story for a new BBC Books’ Doctor Who digital series. And that is the real thing and it feels every bit as fantastic as you would imagine. I’m sure the tango would be good too, mind you"

BBC Books plan to release the first in the Time Trips series at the end of the year, to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who, with further stories to be published throughout 2014. Each story will be priced at £1.99. A print collection is due for release next year. Additional authors will be announced in the coming months.

[Source: BBC Books]

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Philip Hinchcliffe, who produced Doctor Who from 1975 to 1977 and oversaw many all-time classic stories including Pyramids of Mars and The Talons of Weng-Chiang, is returning to The Fourth Doctor and Leela in an audio drama collaboration with Big Finish.

Doctor Who: Philip Hinchcliffe Presents is a box set of two brand new audio adventures that will evoke the tone of the series from his era.

Big Finish Producer, David Richardson, had the following to say:

“When we were recording series three of The Fourth Doctor Adventures, Philip asked if he could come along to the studio and observe. I know that Tom Baker and Louise Jameson were thrilled to have him there, and they both enthused to him about what a great time they were having working for Big Finish. After the recording ended, Philip took me and executive producer Nicholas Briggs aside, and pitched the idea of doing a set of stories of the kind he would have hoped to have done, had he stayed on to produce the series for longer. We just said ‘yes’ instantly!”

The first story in the set will be an epic six-parter set in Victorian London, adapted by Marc Platt (Ghost Light), which will be paired with a four-parter.

Hinchcliffe describes the project:

“My aim with the box set is to create stories that feel they could belong to my second or third season. They are not designed to follow on from my era, more to re-evoke it for fans who enjoyed the originals: and so the Doctor and Leela in these new stories are the same as they were then, in the glorious seventies! That's the beauty of radio - they look and sound the same!"

Doctor Who: Philip Hinchcliffe Presents will be released in August 2014, and is available for pre-order.

Also available for pre-order now is the fourth series of The Fourth Doctor Adventures, which features eight brand new stories, starring Tom Baker as the Doctor and Louise Jameson as Leela. You can subscribe to all eight, or order a bundle which also includes the Philip Hinchcliffe Presents box set, all at a low pre-order price!

[Source: Big Finish]

Everybody needs a Sonic Screwdriver; The Doctor’s wonderful science fiction gadget that can unlock doors, control objects at a distance and is the pocket sized answer to all sorts of tricky situations.

Now, fans of David Tennant's Tenth Doctor are in for a treat. This summer, in response to massive consumer demand, The Wand Company will reveal their new, authentic Tenth Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver Remote Control. 

Painstakingly 3D scanned from the original screen-used prop, kindly loaned to The Wand Company by David Tennant himself, this Tenth Doctor's Sonic Screwdriver is a faithful clone, CNC machined from aluminium, crammed full of technology and is a fully functioning gesture-based universal remote control that looks, feels and works just like the real prop.

Previewing on the ThinkGeek Booth at San Diego Comic-Con in July, the Tenth Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver Remote will be available exclusively through selected retailers in the UK, US and Australia in October to coincide with BBC Worldwide’s Tenth Doctor celebrations (BBCW have been celebrating a different Doctor during every month of 2013) of the popular and long-running series’ 50th anniversary year.

To further commemorate Doctor Who’s 50th Anniversary year, The Wand Company is also launching a limited-edition gold and silver plated version of their enormously successful Eleventh Doctor's Sonic Screwdriver Remote Control. A small quantity will be available first at San Diego Comic-Con, and then from other selected retailers in the UK and US, but with only 250 of these special, individually laser-numbered Sonic Screwdrivers ever being produced, this is the ultimate collectible for Doctor Who fans.

+ Read DWO's review of The Eleventh Doctor's Sonic Screwdriver Remote Control, here.

[Source: BBC Worldwide]

In the new issue of Doctor Who Magazine, as speculation mounts about the identity of the next Doctor, the show’s head writer and executive producer STEVEN MOFFAT writes exclusively for DWM about casting MATT SMITH as the Eleventh Doctor, and the times they’ve shared together during the production of the series.

'These have been the maddest few years of my writing career – so many ridiculous adventures, so many things I thought I'd never do – and I could not have shared them with a kinder, more considerate, more supportive friend than the man I completely refuse to call Smithers.'

Also this issue:

HOW MANY DOCTORS?
If you thought there just eleven Doctors, think again! And we’re not just referring to the surprise appearance of John Hurt at the end of The Name of the Doctor. Discover the Doctor’s forgotten incarnations in THE SIXTY-SEVEN DOCTORS!

THE CAPTAIN'S BACK!
He fought at the Third Doctor's side as UNIT's Captain Mike Yates, confronting Autons, battling Daleks, and resisting the control of mad computers… DWM talks exclusively to RICHARD FRANKLIN about his relationship with his alter ego.

CHOC’S AWAY!
Clara makes her comic strip début in the first part of a brand new adventure, A WING AND A PRAYER, written by SCOTT GRAY with art by MIKE COLLINS. When a sandstorm forces the TARDIS down in the Iraqi desert in 1930, Clara is overjoyed to meet the legendary Amy Johnson, currently engaged in her bid to become the first woman to fly across the world. But something else is hiding in desert sands. Something small and sinister…

CHANGING HISTORY
The Sixth Doctor uncovers a plot by the Cybermen to change their own history by using Halley’s comet to destroy the Earth, in ATTACK OF THE CYBERMEN. The Fact of Fiction places this serial from 1985 under the microscope, revealing more facts about the story than a Cyberman can shake a clenched silver fist at. Excellent!

POWER MAD!
DWM's COUNTDOWN TO 50 reaches the final days of the Tenth Doctor era and the five Specials shown from Christmas 2008 to New Year’s Day 2010, as the chorological tour through Doctor Who history continues. So eager to help people, the Tenth Doctor crosses a line and breaks the rules…

SUN BURN
Chris, Emma, Michael and Will are on the edge of their seats as the seconds count down to disaster for the ill-fated SS Pentallian and her crew as it plunges down into the hungry fires of a sun. Will our TIME TEAM chums survive the tension of the nail-biting Tenth Doctor adventure, 42? Or will it just be one big meltdown?

DON’T INTERRUPT!
There’s nothing more annoying than having your viewing of a brand new episode of Doctor Who disturbed by a phone call or a knock at the door. But, as JACQUELINE RAYNER relates in this issue’s RELATIVE DIMENSIONS, with a husband and two children, it’s not always easy to maintain that perfect peace and calm, even for just 45 minutes…

YUM, YUM
WOTCHA! is full of Goodies this issue as the mysterious white one shines a light on some of Doctor Who’s more notable, enduring and often quoted misconceptions – including that there was an episode featuring a giant kitten that climbed up the Post Office Tower! All this to be found in A History of Doctor Who in 100 Objects. Plus The Six Faces of Delusion continues the Goodies theme; a selection of new previously unknown definitions from The Stockbridge English Dictionary; The Top Ten Nursery Rhymes with a Doctor Who twist; and an unforgiving spotlight on another Supporting Artist of the Month. 

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

+  Doctor Who Magazine Issue #462 is Out Now, priced £4.75.

+  Subscribe Worldwide to DWM for just £85.00 via CompareTheDalek!

+  Check Out The DWO Guide to Doctor Who Magazine!

[Source: Doctor Who Magazine]

BBC Consumer Products have sent DWO the cover and details for the Doctor Who DVD release of The Green Death: Special Edition.

The Green Death: Special Edition
Featuring: The 3rd Doctor

When a man is found dead with his skin glowing green in an abandoned mine, it’s not long before The Doctor, Jo Grant and UNIT head to Wales to investigate. And while the Doctor becomes suspicious of the nearby Global Chemicals factory and its mysterious owner, Jo gets trapped underground where she finds old mine tunnels crawling with deadly and sinister giant maggots…

Special Features:

Disc One:

•  6 x 25 mins approx colour episodes with mono audio.
•  Commentary with actors Katy Manning (Jo Grant), producer Barry Letts and script editor Terrance Dicks.
•  Bonus commentary with actors Richard Franklin (Captain Yates) and Mitzi McKenzie (Nancy), moderated by Toby Hadoke (episodes 3 – 5); and with actress Katy Manning and writer Russell T Davies (episode 6).

Disc Two:

•  The One With the Maggots - Cast and crew look back at the making of this story.
•  Global Conspiracy? - A spoof investigative report looks at the strange happenings in the village of Llanfairfach.
•  Visual Effects - An interview with the story’s visual effects designer, Colin Mapson.
•  Robert Sloman Interview.
•  Stewart Bevan Interview.
•  Wales Today - Two pieces from the BBC Wales news programme – a mute 1973 film insert from the filming of The Green Death, and a 1994 item with Jon Pertwee opening the new country park that was built on the site of the colliery used in the story.
•  Doctor Forever – The Unquiet Dead - In this unique interview, new series creator Russell T Davies and then BBC Controller of Drama, Jane Tranter, talk about the genesis of Doctor Who’s rebirth on television in 2005.
•  What Katy Did Next - A look at Serendipity, the TV series that Katy Manning presented after leaving Doctor Who.
•  The Sarah Jane Adventures – Death of the Doctor - This two-part story from 2010 sees Katy Manning reprising her role as Jo Grant and a guest appearance by Matt Smith as the Eleventh Doctor. Optional Commentary with actress Katy Manning and series creator Russell T Davies.
•  Radio Times listings (DVD-ROM).
•  Programme subtitles.
•  Production information subtitles.
•  Photo gallery.
•  Easter Eggs.
•  Coming soon trailer.
•  Digitally remastered picture and sound quality. 

+  The Green Death: Special Edition is released on 5th August 2013, priced £20.42.

+  Compare Prices for this product on CompareTheDalek.com.

[Source: BBC Consumer Products]

Llandaff Society is hoping to join celebrations for the 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who by unveiling a plaque for creator of The Daleks, Terry Nation, on the home he grew up in, in Cardiff.

Now the heritage loving Llandaff Society is hoping to celebrate the life of their creator, Terry Nation, with a blue plaque on the home he grew up in Cardiff.

The group’s chairman, Geoff Barton-Greenwood, said:

“We are trying to get a blue plaque put up at the time of the 50th anniversary on the house where Terry Nation came from. At the moment we are seeking permission from the owner of the house and, in addition, we want the BBC to take an interest in this, and possibly get one of the main characters from the Doctor Who series to do the unveiling.

If we could get Matt Smith we would be delighted. But we don’t know whether he will be around.

If you look at the duration of the Doctor Who series, over a 50 year period, and the fact that the Daleks appeared in the second series and have been there ever since as the arch enemy of the doctor, there must be something about them that has made them iconic to young people.

My grandson has vast images of them on his walls. It has made a big impression on him. Just like it did on his father, who is now 41.”

He is waiting for the BBC’s head of drama publicity to get in touch with him.

Terry lived in 113 Fairwater Grove West, which is tenanted currently. He was a schoolboy at Canton High School and lived at Fairwater Grove West for the first 20 years of his life before going off to make his fortune in London, and subsequently in Hollywood as a scriptwriter.

Terry also came up with cult sci-fi shows Blake’s 7 and Survivors, and worked on The Avengers, The Baron, The Persuaders, The Champions, Department S, and The Saint.

It is hoped CADW will provide half the funding for the memorial, which would be made either from ceramic or aluminium.

There is no official blue plaque scheme in Wales but there is a civic initiative scheme run by the Welsh Government agency.

A BBC spokeswoman said:

“Terry Nation was a fantastic writer and we would be happy to support this recognition of his creative talent.”

A CADW spokesman said:

“There is no dedicated blue plaque scheme, such as in England, but Cadw can make grants to voluntary organisations for plaques to commemorate historic places or people. The Civic Initiatives Heritage Grants Scheme is aimed at small-scale projects which help to preserve, enhance or improve the historic environment of Wales and increase social awareness of Welsh heritage.”

[Source: WalesOnline]

Entertainment Earth and Bif Bang Pow! have unveiled the First & Eleventh Doctor Tin Tote which will be a San Diego Comic Con 2013 Convention Exclusive!

This Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Tin Tote features plenty of authentic detail and imagery that spans 50 unforgettable years of Doctor Who, from the First Doctor to the Eleventh Doctor to the iconic TARDIS and beyond! The colorful tin box (measuring approximately 8 5/8-inches wide x 6 3/4-inches tall x 4-inches deep) is magnificent enough by itself, but inside you'll find retro-style action figures of William Hartnell's First Doctor and Matt Smith's Eleventh Doctor!

The Doctors stand about 8-inches tall and feature real fabric clothing, accessories, and multiple points of articulation. Carry them all with you wherever your intergalactic travels take you!

The First Doctor is easily identified in his fancy buttoned vest, black coat, black-and-white checkered pants, and black shoes, carrying his walking stick. Fans of William Hartnell and the exciting adventures that first brought Doctor Who to the world will welcome him into their collection with open arms!

Matt Smith's popular Eleventh Doctor is dressed in his trademark red bowtie, suspenders, white shirt, dark pants, brown tweed jacket (complete with elbow patches!), and shoes. He brings his Sonic Screwdriver along as an accessory, of course.

NOTE: This item will first be sold at San Diego Comic Con 2013 at the Entertainment Earth Booth #2343. If supplies remain, your order will be filled and shipped to you after the event, during the last week of July 2013.

+  Preorder this Exclusive set at Entertainment Earth for $54.99, here.

[Source: Entertainment Earth]