Torchwood: first UK teaser released

Tuesday, 28 June 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster
The BBC broadcast the first UK teaser for Torchwood: Miracle Day this evening, between The One Show and Eastenders; the ten second trailer reported that the show would be "Coming Soon".

An online version promoting the official Torchwood website has also been released:


Torchwood online teaser, BBC, via BBC Website - may not play outside of the United Kingdom


Update 29th June: The BBC broadcast the teaser before The Apprentice at 9:00pm, this time confirming 14th July as the airdate to viewers.





FILTER: - Torchwood - Online - Miracle Day (Series 4)

The Crash of the Elysium - adult tickets to be made available

Tuesday, 28 June 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster
After enormous public demand, the organisers of the interactive theatre project The Crash of the Elysium at the Manchester International Festival have announced that a number of tickets will be made available enabling adults to enjoy the experience as well as children. The After Dark performances will run at various times between 8:00-9:00pm from 8th-15th July, and are only open to adults and children over thirteen years old.

The Crash of the Elysium will take place at the BBC's new MediaCity UK building at Salford Quays, and is performed by Punchdrunk in association with BBC Worldwide. The experience is written by Punchdrunk's Felix Barrett and Doctor Who writer Tom MacRae, based on an original idea by Steven Moffat.

Tickets (£25) will go on sale exclusively via Ticketmaster from tomorrow (Wednesday) at 10:00am.
(with thanks to Kate Carter/The Corner Shop PR)

Writer Tom MacRae recently spoke to the Telegraph about the premise behind the show:
In the tradition of the best Doctor Who the premise of what needs to happen is clearly outlined in the first couple of scenes, where it’s established what’s going on and what the kids have to do. They then go on a mission that requires them to head into this labyrinth of wonder we’ve created. It’s not like The Crystal Maze - if they want to interrogate the adults they meet we have, over months of careful planning, created a watertight story about what’s going on. But the instruction to the actors is - here’s the information, if the kids ask you questions you’ve got everything you need. If all they want to do is press the buttons let them do that!

We are told that in 1888 there was a famous steam-ship called the Elysium that mysteriously disappeared at sea. There are conflicting reports as to whether there was bad weather or not. Some legends have grown up around its missing cargo - there was supposed to be this secret Government package on board which has never been recovered. Whether that has anything to do with our show, I don’t know - it’s just a bit of history. The premise is… that you’re going to have the most amazing time of your life...!


First audience reactions, via ManchesterIntFest on YouTube




FILTER: - Doctor Who - Special Events - Theatre

Torchwood: UK premiere on course for 14th July

Monday, 27 June 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster
The BBC Press Office have informed us today that Torchwood: Miracle Day will most likely premiere on BBC1(HD) on Thursday 14th July at 9:00pm.

The announcement ends months of speculation over when the show would be broadcast in the United Kingdom, with Starz announcing Friday 8th July for Miracle Day back in March. Canada and Australia see the show a day later, with SPACE broadcasting at 9:00pm(ET) and UKTV 9:30pm on Saturdays.

A full BBC Press Release confirming the date and time is expected in the next couple of days.





FILTER: - Torchwood - UK - Miracle Day (Series 4) - Broadcasting

Time and Space at the National Space Centre

Monday, 27 June 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster


The National Space Centre in Leicester is to once again celebrate Doctor Who this coming weekend (2nd-3rd July); Time and Space will see a weekend of activities organised by the Hyde Fundraisers, with proceeds going towards BBC Children In Need, Comic Relief and other charities.

Two guests are expected over the weekend: Saturday sees third Doctor companion Jo Jones née Grant - aka Katy Manning - drop in, whilst Sunday will be invaded by Dalek creator Davros in the form of Terry Molloy.

Costumes created by the group will be on display, including Ood Sigma, Roboform Santa, Sec Hybrid, and a Clockwork Robot; this will be accompanied by Behind the Monsters, a presentation on how the costumes are created.

In UNIT exposed, visitors will be taken on a tour by the "UNIT Captain" and "The Professor" around the "Lethbridge-Stewart Research Laboratory", where they can learn the truth behind the myths of some captured technology, plus K9 will also be on hand. There will also be a demonstration of the Quantum cannon ...

There is also the opportunity to have photos taken against the group's virtual greenscreen, plus a special presentation about their show, The Trial of Davros.

For full details visit the NSC and Hyde Fundraisers websites.

(with thanks to Kevin Taylor; Katy Manning and Terry Molloy appear thanks to Fantom Films and Galaxy Four)



Looking ahead, the Hyde Fundraisers are planning a special event on the 17th September: Elisabeth Sladen: A Celebration is to take place at the Ashton-under-Lyne Cineworld, with showings of School Reunion and selected Sarah Jane Adventures, plus invited guests. Proceeds will go towards Children in Need - see the group's webpage for the latest information.




FILTER: - Special Events

Arts For Hearts Auction

Sunday, 26 June 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster
An auction of Doctor Who artwork will be taking place on the 11th July, the proceeds of which are to help fund research by the heart transplant team at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Art for Hearts heave gathered together a variety of works from artists including Lee Binding, Anthony Dry, Colin Howard, Alister Pearson, Peter McKinstry, John Ross and Adrian Salmon; there are also ink caricatures featuring and signed by Steven Moffat, David Tennant and Donald Tosh.



Examples of the artwork can be seen on the Art For Hearts blog along with more details on the auction, and the pieces themselves are currently on display at Orbital Comics in London.

National Transplant Week runs from 4th-10th July.
(with thanks to Ian Stacey)




FILTER: - Special Events - Auctions

Doctor Who: episode titles update

Friday, 24 June 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster
With a couple of episode title mentions popping up in the media over the last week, here is an update of the currently known titles making up the second half of the current series, back later this year. Please note that (with the possible exception of episode eight!), the titles may still change before broadcast!

The following episode titles and snippets may reveal plot details that readers might consider spoilers.






Episode Eight: Let's Kill Hitler

This title was, of course, confirmed in the end credits of the mid-series finale, A Good Man Goes To War.

Episode Nine: Night Terrors

Mark Gatiss confirmed on the Danny Baker Show (BBC Radio 5 Live, 18th June) that the title to his episode (nine) is to be Night Terrors. The episode - moved from its original position in the first half of the series - had been previously been reported as What Are Little Boys Made Of? by Doctor Who Magazine #433.

Episode Ten: tbc

On the other hand, Tom MacRae recently spoke to the Telegraph about his involvement with the interactive show The Crash of the Elysium, during which he also discussed his forthcoming episode (ten) in Doctor Who and how it's name isn't known as yet!
I’ve written episode 10 which I think is my most accomplished piece of plotting ever. What’s interesting is that the requirements of the script meant that for various reasons nothing has gone out about it at all. We didn’t do much location filming, and the way the guest characters work is unusual, so no one knows anything about my episode. There’s speculation about it which is wrong - some bright spark has put the title of the episode on IMDB as The Green Anchor - it has never been called that! I’m amazed we’ve kept it this secret because there’s a really big surprise in it. All I will say is that it’s an unusual episode and it’s really great.

Episode Eleven: The God Complex

This title for Toby Whithouse's episode was reported in Doctor Who Magazine #432, which also confirmed the director as Nick Hurran and its guest star as David Walliams.



Episodes twelve and thirteen have yet to be named, though the former has been nicknamed "The Lodger 2" owing to its guest star James Corden reprising his role as Craig Owens.




FILTER: - Series 6/32

SPACE goes into HD

Friday, 24 June 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster
Bell Media in Canada have announced that it will be launching a high definition version of the SPACE channel from the 6th July - just in time for Torchwood: Miracle Day!

Rick Brace, the President of Speciality Channels and CTV Production, Bell Media, said:
SPACE fans can celebrate the long-anticipated launch of SPACE HD, one of many new Bell Media HD specialty services currently or soon-to-be on offer. We’re thrilled to start the roll-out of HD programming with the highly anticipated launch of Torchwood: Miracle Day and some of the other series and movies from the channel’s engaging Summer lineup.
The channel will be available via Bell Satellite TV (channel 1746) and Bell Fibe TV (channel 1632).


The HD channel will mirror it's 'normal' version, with high definition programming being shown where available, such as the BBC series Outcasts and Syfy's Alphas.





FILTER: - Canada - Torchwood - Miracle Day (Series 4) - Broadcasting

Torchwood: Miracle Day - Starz Synopses

Friday, 24 June 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster
Starz have updated their scheduling information with a brief synopsis of the first seven episodes of Torchwood: Miracle Day (their scheduling currently only lists as far as 19th August).

**** What follows is a list of episode titles and synopses for Miracle Day
**** Could be considered spoilers!
****



1. The New World - 8th July 10:00pm

When death itself comes to a halt, the whole world faces its greatest danger yet. CIA agent Rex Matheson has only one clue – Torchwood.

2. Rendition - 15th July, 10:00pm

As the Torchwood team is reunited, Jack realizes he’s the most vulnerable man on Earth. A flight to the United States turns into a desperate battle for survival.

3. Dead of Night - 22nd July, 10:00pm

Torchwood goes on the run and finds a new enemy, but as they launch a raid on PhiCorp headquarters, Jack must confront the mysterious Oswald Danes.

4. Escape to L.A. - 29th July 2011

The fight against PhiCorp takes the Torchwood team to California, where a trap is waiting. Meanwhile, Oswald and Jilly find themselves with an enemy of their own.

5. The Categories Of Life - 5th August, 10:00pm

Torchwood goes undercover and discovers the terrible truth behind the Miracle. The enemy is closing in, and death is about to make a shocking return.

6. The Middle Men - 12th August, 10:00pm

With Gwen, Rex and Esther trapped on both sides of the Atlantic, it’s a race against time as Jack goes straight to the heart of the conspiracy.

7. Immortal Sins - 19th August 2011, 10:00pm
Gwen must fight to protect her family and takes a terrifying journey, covering both miles and decades, as the long history of the Miracle is revealed.


The other episodes still to be placed are End Of The Road, The Gathering and The Blood Line.




FILTER: - Torchwood - USA - Miracle Day (Series 4)

Torchwood: The Lost Files

Friday, 24 June 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster
The BBC Press Office have released details on the forthcoming radio plays for BBC Radio 4. The plays, set before Children of Earth, star John Barrowman as Captain Jack Harkness, Eve Myles as Gwen Cooper, and Gareth David Lloyd as Ianto Jones.

Plot synopsis for the radio plays follows:


Monday 11th July - The Devil and Miss Carew, by Rupert Laight

When Rhys's elderly Uncle Bryn has a heart attack while listening to the shipping forecast, it seems like another routine death at Ivyday Nursing Home. But when Rhys and Gwen go to collect the old man's effects, Gwen's suspicions are roused by another elderly resident. The conversation is cut short, though, by a fire alarm, one of many consequences of the mysterious power cuts that are sweeping the nation. Gwen has a hunch that something is wrong and her search leads her to Miss Carew, a suspiciously fit and strong octogenarian who, despite having supposedly terminal heart disease, has left Ivyday and gone back to work at the Computer firm she used to run. Miss Carew has been offered a deal by Fitzroy, a wandering alien with an aversion to electricity who is looking for a home. It's a deal that Miss Carew can't refuse. But the consequences for planet Earth are unthinkable.

Tuesday 12th July - Submission, by Ryan Scott

Torchwood are chasing aliens down the M4, when Jack accidentally blows a hole in the Severn Bridge, and the SUV hits the water. Whilst submerged John, Gwen and Ianto hear a strange noise, which, back at the Hub they realise is a cry for help. They track the cry to its source which turns out to be the deepest part of the Ocean - the Mariana Trench. Ianto rings old Torchwood flame, Carlie Roberts, who's an expert in marine geology, and Jack pulls strings with the US government to get them all on board the USS Calvin, an Arleigh Burke class destroyer, which is heading for the Trench. From there they board the Octopus Rock, the only submarine built to withstand the pressure at that depth, and follow the signal. But when the Submarine crashes, the team are left at the mercy of a hungry alien.

Wednesday 13th July - The House of the Dead, by James Goss

The brewery have called 'time' and it's the last night at The House of the Dead - the most haunted pub in Wales. Barry the barman has invited renowned psychic, Mrs Wintergreen, to hold a special seance to mark the occasion, and there's a big crowd hoping for the chance of seeing their deceased loved ones for one last time. But when Jack arrives on the scene, he's determined to stop them. Ianto is puzzled by Jack's behaviour, and Gwen is suspicious. Why is Jack acting so strangely? Then the ghosts start arriving - and all hell breaks loose.

The plays will be broadcast in The Afternoon Play strand, 2:15-3:00pm BST between Monday 11th and Wednesday 13th July.


Radio 4 have now published a video segment from last Tuesday's Front Row interview with Russell T Davies talking about Torchwood's move to the US, and have also made the full interview available to listen to via their website.





FILTER: - Torchwood - Radio

Doctor Who Insider - Issue 4

Thursday, 23 June 2011 - Reported by Chuck Foster
The fourth edition of Doctor Who Insider will be available in North America from 7th July.

In this issue, River Song actress Alex Kingston talks about keeping one of Doctor Who's biggest secrets and playing the Doctor's mysterious 'other' woman.
I knew who River was for quite a while and I was sworn to secrecy. And that is the thing that Karen and Arthur and Matt hated, because they knew I had a very big secret that I wasn’t divulging.

Also in this issue:
  • OF HATCHES AND PATCHES: Frances Barber talks exclusively to Doctor Who Insider about playing wicked Eye Patch Lady, Madame Kovarian and tells us why baddies are best.
  • SARAH JANE SMITH: To mark the recent loss of Elisabeth Sladen, we take a look at the amazing life and times of the character she created: Sarah Jane Smith.
  • I WAS… STRAX: Actor Dan Starkey has played three separate Sontarans in Doctor Who and he talks exclusively to Insider about what it’s like to be inside the suit and body of a clone warrior.
  • NEXUS POINT: We look back at the moment that the Doctor’s arch enemy, the Master, came out of hiding.
  • DATA FILE: The First Doctor and his companions are trapped in a nightmarish world of deadly toys, games and nursery rhymes when the Celestial Toymaker lures them to his realm.
  • TIME SCOOP: Ensnared in this issue’s Time Scoop is Davros, the crippled, evil genius who created the Daleks.
  • MERCHANDISE: Previews of the latest Doctor Who merchandise, including The Awakening and The Gunfighters on DVD; we speak to stars of the 1996 Doctor Who TV movie, Daphne Ashbrook and Yee Jee Tso about their new roles as UNIT officers in the Tales from the Vault audio drama; and authors James Goss and Steve Tribe tell us all about their new Dalek Handbook and we print an exclusive ‘missing chapter’ from this essential tome.
  • STORE INSIDER: A round‐up of some of the latest Doctor Who merchandise, including a new range of mugs and some very dapper Doctor Who clothing.
  • FAN ZONE: A selection of photographs sent in by readers of themselves with well known Who celebrities and their own costumes, props and art inspired by Doctor Who.
PLUS! The latest official news and a giant, double‐sided poster of River Song and The Celestial Toymaker!


For subscription information, visit the subscription website.




FILTER: - USA - Magazines