Big Finish releases for September

Thursday, 10 September 2015 - Reported by Chuck Foster
Today sees the launch of Big Finish's latest series of tie-in adventures, this time focussing on the Doctor Who spin-off, Torchwood; the first in the series, The Conspiracy, features John Barrowman, reprising his role as Captain Jack Harkness. Meanwhile, the three earliest Doctors all have an outing this month, with the First and Vicki's perceptions tested in Short Trips: Etheria, the Second, Ben, Polly and Jamie encounter The Yes Men, and the Third returns (in the form of Tim Treloar) alongside Jo and Mike Yates in the Third Doctor Adventures (Vol 1). Finally, the Seventh Doctor and Mel are caught up in diminutive shenanigans in Terror of the Sontarans ...

Torchwood (Credit: Big Finish)Torchwood: The Conspiracy [order]
Written by David Llewellyn
Directed by Scott Handcock
Starring John Barrowman as Captain Jack Harkness

Captain Jack Harkness has always had his suspicions about the Committee. And now Wilson is also talking about the Committee. Apparently the world really is under the control of alien lizards. That’s what Wilson says. People have died, disasters have been staged, the suspicious have disappeared.

It’s outrageous.

Only Jack knows that Wilson is right. The Committee has arrived.

Competition

We're pleased to be able to offer readers with an active Big Finish registration the chance to win a digital download of Torchwood: The Conspiracy: to enter, simply answer the following question:
Jack has been 'reborn' many times over the course of his career with Torchwood, but name a colleague to similarly 'return from the grave'.
Please send your answer along with your name and the email address you have registered with Big Finish, plus where you heard about the competition (news site, news app, other website, etc.) to comp-conspiracy@doctorwhonews.net with the subject "Committed to the cause". The competition is open worldwide, closing date: 30th September 2015. Note: entrants must have an active registration with Big Finish in order to be eligible to receive the prize - new registrations can be easily created on the website for free and with no financial obligation.

Short Trips: Etheria (Credit: Big Finish)Short Trips: Etheria [pre-order]
Written by Nick Wallace
Directed by Lisa Bowerman
Narrated by Peter Purves

Having escaped an ambush by pirates, the Doctor and Vicki are stranded on a strange world, in the shadow of vast rock formations and islands in the sky. The only way home is through the treacherous Etherlands, where the invisible Ether alters the perception of anyone who enters...
The Yes Men (Credit: Big Finish)The Early Adventures: The Yes Men [pre-order]
Written by Simon Guerrier
Directed by Lisa Bowerman
Starring Anneke Wills as Polly Wright/Narrator, Frazer Hines as Jamie McCrimmon/The Doctor), and Elliot Chapman as Ben Jackson

The Doctor, Jamie, Polly and Ben arrive on New Houston, an Earth colony in the Fourth Sector, which the Doctor previously saved from an alien invasion. He wishes to pay his respects to his late friend Meg Carvossa, but something is not quite right with New Houston’s subservient robots...
The Third Doctor Adventures: Volume 1 (Credit: Big Finish)The Third Doctor Adventures: Volume One [pre-order]
Written by: Justin Richards and Andy Lane
Directed by Nicholas Briggs
Starring Tim Treloar as the Narrator/The Doctor, Katy Manning as Jo Grant, and Richard Franklin as Mike Yates

Prisoners of the Lake

Captain Mike Yates is investigating the disappearance of artefacts from an archaeological site deep below Dunstanton Lake. It’s hardly a job for UNIT. But when the team discover a mysterious ancient structure buried deep underwater, all that changes.

When chief archaeologist Freda Mattingly ventures inside, she soon realises that her skills do not begin to equip her to deal with what she finds. As an ancient menace begins to stir the Doctor, Jo Grant and Mike Yates must dive down to the lake bed and discover the secrets hidden there. Secrets that could mean the end of all life on Earth…

The Havoc of Empires

The Doctor and Jo take Mike Yates on his first trip in the TARDIS, but instead of the historical cricket match they were aiming for they end up on a futuristic space station in the middle of a diplomatic crisis that might escalate into galactic war.

The alien leader of the Chalnoth Hegemony is marrying the human Director of the Teklarn Incorporation, but there are forces that will stop at nothing to disrupt the ceremony. The Doctor is accused of murder while explosions occur across the station, and only Jo Grant, pretending to be a security consultant, can save the day.

But then, there’s the Eels to consider…
Terror of the Sontarans (Credit: Big Finish)Terror of the Sontarans [pre-order]
Written by John Dorney and Dan Starkey
Directed by Ken Bentley
Starring Sylvester McCoy as the Doctor and Bonnie Langford as Melanie Bush

Once it was a mining facility. Then later its corridors rang with screams generated by grotesque military experiments. However when the Doctor and Mel arrive on a hostile alien world after detecting a distress signal, the base they find themselves in is almost deserted.

But not for long. Soon the Doctor's old enemies, the Sontarans, have landed, and are searching for the remnants of their previous research team. Before long they uncover evidence of strange occurrences on the planet. Of madness and death.

They are warriors bred for war, strong of spirit and unafraid of death. To fear the enemy is an act of betrayal. Nothing holds terror for the Sontarans.

Until now...





FILTER: - Audio - Big Finish - Competitions - Doctor Who - First Doctor - Second Doctor - Seventh Doctor

BBC America Premiere Ticket Giveaway

Thursday, 10 September 2015 - Reported by Marcus
BBC America is giving fans in the United States, the chance to attend an exclusive première screening of The Magician’s Apprentice .

The screening will be held at the SVA Theatre in New York on Thursday, September 17 at 7:00 p.m. and will be introduced by Michelle Gomez.

To enter follow the link here. Entries must be received by 11.59pm Today, Thursday September 10th. The draw is only open to legal residents of the United States, who are at least 18 years of age at time of entry.




FILTER: - BBC America - Series 9/35

BBC Books: September/October releases

Wednesday, 9 September 2015 - Reported by Chuck Foster
Two new hardback books are to be released by BBC Books in the next couple of months:

Doctor Who: The Time Lord Letters (Credit: BBC Books)Doctor Who: The Time Lord Letters
Published 24th September 2015 [pre-order]

The Time Lord Letters is a unique collection of over one hundred letters, notes, and jottings both by and to the Doctor – correspondence by turns entertaining and inspiring, funny and flippant, brilliant and incredible.

From the Doctor’s plea to the Time Lords to help end the War Games to an extract from the written defence he submitted at his subsequent trial; from his application for the post of Caretaker at Coal Hill School to his apology to the Queen for missing dinner; from telepathic messages to the High Council on Gallifrey to his famous letter to Santa Claus – like the Doctor himself, the mood can change in an instant.

The Time Lord Letters captures the best and most dramatic moments of an impossible life. You’ll never see the Doctor in quite the same way again.


About the authors:

The Doctor was born on Gallifrey in the constellation of Kasterborous, and graduated from Prydon Academy when he was an older man than he is now. After spending some time as a wanderer in the fourth dimension together with his granddaughter Susan, the Doctor came to regard himself as a citizen of the universe. He has travelled extensively through time and space, as well as spending a period as Scientific Advisor to the secretive UNIT organisation. Now in his twelfth incarnation (or possibly his thirteenth – accounts vary), the Doctor has been saving the Universe for as long as he can remember. Possibly longer. His real name – if he has one – is unknown.

Justin Richards has written for stage and screen as well as writing novels and graphic novels including The Suicide Exhibition and The Blood Red City. Justin currently acts as Creative Consultant to BBC Books’ range of Doctor Who titles, as well as writing quite a few himself.

Doctor Who: Time Lord Letters (sample page) (Credit: BBC Books)

Competition

To be in with a chance to win a copy of The Time Lord Letters courtesy of BBC Books, answer the following question:
Name a moment during the television series where the Doctor is seen to write a note/letter.
(please provide the scene and story title for your entry, which comes from an episode that has been released on DVD/Blu-ray!)
Please send your answers along with your name, address and where you heard about the competition (news site, news app, other website, etc.) to comp-timelordletters@doctorwhonews.net with the subject "2000 Year Scrapbook". The competition is to residents of the United Kingdom only, closing date: 30th September 2015. Only one entry per household will be accepted.
Impossible Worlds: A 50-Year Treasury of Art and Design (Credit: BBC Books)Doctor Who: Impossible Worlds
Published 29th October [pre-order]

For the first time, the Doctor Who Art Department are opening their doors to reveal a unique, behind-the-scenes look at one of the most loved series on British Television.

Whether it’s iconic sets like the TARDIS console room, recurring villains like the Daleks or the Cybermen, or the smallest hand prop featured in the briefest of scenes, this book showcases the work of the Doctor Who art department in glorious detail.

Discover how the designers work with the costume, make-up and special effects teams to produce the alien worlds, and how the work has evolved from the programme’s ‘classic’ era to the panoramic alien worlds and technologies that delight audiences today.

Featuring hundreds of never-before-seen sketches and concept artworks, Doctor Who: Impossible Worlds opens the doors to 50 years of astonishing creative work from one of the most inventive shows on television.


About the authors:

Stephen Nicholas was the supervising art director for Doctor Who, and helped oversee the regeneration of the art department for the new series in 2004. The longest serving member of the Doctor Who art department, he also art directed Torchwood and the Sarah Jane Adventures. He lives in Cardiff. This is his first book.

Mike Tucker is the author of numerous books for film and television, including several original ‘Doctor Who’ novels. A former member of the BBC’s Visual Effects Department, he now runs The Model Unit, which recently won a BAFTA Craft Award for its miniature effects work on the 50th anniversary Doctor Who episode ‘The Day of the Doctor’. He lives in London.

Doctor Who: Impossible Worlds (sample page) (Credit: BBC Books) Doctor Who: Impossible Worlds (sample page) (Credit: BBC Books)

Competition

To be in with a chance to win a copy of Impossible Worlds courtesy of BBC Books, answer the following question:
Name an "impossible world" visited by the Doctor in the television series.
Please send your answers along with your name, address and where you heard about the competition (news site, news app, other website, etc.) to comp-impossibleworlds@doctorwhonews.net with the subject "But that's ...". The competition is to residents of the United Kingdom only, closing date: 31st October 2015. Only one entry per household will be accepted.




FILTER: - Books - Competitions - Merchandise

The Magician's Apprentice: UK broadcast premiere confirmed

Wednesday, 9 September 2015 - Reported by Chuck Foster
Peter Capaldi as the Doctor (Credit: BBC/David Venni)The BBC have finally confirmed the time when the new series of Doctor Who will have its world premiere television broadcast, with The Magician's Apprentice showing on BBC One on Saturday 19th September at 7:40pm. The episode has a scheduled length of 50 minutes. The evening lineup has yet to be finalised, but it is expected that the episode will be preceded by an edition of Pointless Celebrities and then followed by The National Lottery: In It To Win It. Details of whether Doctor Who will precede or follow BBC One's annual Autumn dance extravaganza Strictly Come Dancing - which kicks off the following weekend - should be confirmed next week.

In New Zealand, PRIME have also confirmed the broadcast time for The Magician's Apprentice, which will be shown prime-time Sunday evening at 7:30pm. This means that those in the islands will get to see the episode narrowly ahead of those in 'nearby' Australia, who see it around two hours later (though the latter's broadcaster ABC will make it available online via their iView service earlier in the morning!). This is the first time since the series returned in 2005 that New Zealand viewers will be able to watch a regular series episode of Doctor Who within a day of its UK premiere.


The Magician's Apprentice: Known Broadcast Details
United KingdomBBC OneSat 19 Sep 20157:40pm
United States of AmericaBBC AmericaSat 19 Sep 20159:00pm EDT(2:00am BST)
CanadaSPACESat 19 Sep 20159:00pm EDT(2:00am BST)
Asia PacificBBC EntertainmentSun 20 Sep 201510:00am SGT(3:00am BST)
New ZealandPRIME20 Sep 20157:30pm NZST(8:30am BST)
AustraliaABCSun 20 Sep 20157:42pm AEST(10:40am BST)
Europe (Benelux)BBC FirstTue 22 Sep 20159:00pm CEST
FinlandYLE2Mon 28 Sep 20156:00pm EEST
South AfricaBBC FirstSat 24 Oct 20156:00pm SAST
IndiaFX"coming soon in 2015"date tbc
GermanyFOXDecember 2015date tbc(dubbed into German)
ItalyRAI4Early 2016date tbc(dubbed into Italian)




FILTER: - BBC - Broadcasting - International Broadcasting - New Zealand - Series 9/35 - UK

ABC Australia to Premiere Doctor Who on iView

Wednesday, 9 September 2015 - Reported by Marcus
The new series of Doctor Who will be available in Australia as soon as it has started broadcasting in the United Kingdom, via iView

Unlike last year, when the series was transmitted in the early hours on ABC One, this year the station has returned to releasing each episode on the streaming service iView, as it is transmitted in the UK. The first episode, The Magician's Apprentice, will be released on Sunday 20th September at 5.30am Sydney time. The episode will be available to view throughout the day, before it is broadcast on ABC at 7.40pm.

The broadcast time in the UK has yet to be confirmed, but the ABC time implies it will be broadcast in the UK at 7.30pm on Saturday evening.

Each episode of the series will be released as it is broadcast, with the time changing due to the varying UK broadcast schedule and daylight saving changes during the series.

Meanwhile Prime in New Zealand has announced that it will première the series on Sunday 20th at 7:30pm.




FILTER: - Australia - New Zealand - Series 9/35

Tom Baker voices Complete History TV advert

Tuesday, 8 September 2015 - Reported by Harry Ward
Tom Baker has provided his distinctive voice for the TV advert for Doctor Who: The Complete History. The book series, by Hachette Partworks, launches tomorrow with Volume 55 which covers Gridlock, Daleks in Manhattan / Evolution of the Daleks, The Lazarus Experiment and 42. Issue 1 will be available in British shops tomorrow at a special introductory price of £1.99.


Hachette have posted a photo of Tom Baker during the recording session of the advert.

Last week we launched our competition to give readers the chance to win a subscription to the entire collection of The Complete History. The winner of this generous prize is Mark Jobson from Kirkcaldy in Scotland. Congratulations, Mark.




FILTER: - Books - Publicity - Tom Baker

Eve Myles and Kai Owen in Torchwood - Forgotten Lives

Tuesday, 8 September 2015 - Reported by Marcus
Torchwood - Forgotten Lives (Credit: Big Finish)Big Finish have announced the return of Eve Myles and Kai Owen as husband-and-wife team Gwen Cooper and Rhys Williams in the third release in a new series of Torchwood Audio Dramas.

Producer James Goss told of his excitement at the pairing
Captain Jack's the poster boy, Ianto's the style, but Eve and Kai are the heart of Torchwood. Listening to the two of them back together is an utter joy. We pick up their story after Miracle Day. How has life been treating them? It's a delight to find out.
Eve Myles appeared in all 41 episodes of the BBC series, created by Russell T Davies. A dedicated police officer turned Torchwood second-in-command, Gwen fought tooth and nail to defend Cardiff and her family from the very worst the Rift had to offer. Husband Rhys supported her from home, keeping their infant daughter Anwen safe during the worldwide phenomenon known as the Miracle.

Eve and Kai return in Forgotten Lives. The couple are plagued by the same alien plot uncovered by Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman) in opening story The Conspiracy. Many years later, and Torchwood is just a fond memory for Gwen and Rhys. Then, one day, the phone rings....

Forgotten Lives is written by Emma Reeves who is the co-creator and lead writer of robot drama Eve for CBBC. Other TV credits include The Dumping Ground, Tracy Beaker Returns, Hetty Feather, Dead Gorgeous, Young Dracula, Spirit Warriors, The Murder of Princess Diana, Doctors and Belonging. She also writes for radio, and for stage, where her work includes the Olivier nominated adaptation of Jacqueline Wilson’s Hetty Feather.
I still can’t believe that I’ve been asked to write a story for the brilliant characters of Gwen and Rhys. I’ve been lucky enough to write for Eve before, on Belonging, and I know that she has a unique gift of imbuing every syllable with the deepest meaning. Getting Eve Myles and Kai Owen, too, is basically like winning the writer lottery.
Myles will make a return appearance later in the series; of which more details will be revealed soon. Torchwood: Forgotten Lives will be released in November, and can be pre-ordered from the Big Finish website.




FILTER: - Big Finish - Torchwood

Series 9 interviews

Tuesday, 8 September 2015 - Reported by Harry Ward
The BBC have released interviews with the main cast of the 2015 series of Doctor Who; Peter Capaldi, Jenna Coleman, Michelle Gomez and executive producer, Steven Moffat.

Cast interviews

Doctor Who is back, how has the dynamic of the series changed since series 8?
Peter Capaldi returns with his second series as the Doctor - it’s the glory years of the Doctor and Clara. They’ve been through the angst, the Doctor has been through his fear of not being a good man, and Clara has been through her fear that this might not be the Doctor. They’re on equal footing with a new dynamic between them and are relishing the Universe. They’re linking hands and running towards a brand new world of epic adventure on a cinematic scale. They are clearly heroes and loving every minute!

How is the series different from last year?
It’s a big, mad and exciting series. You’ll be grinning a lot more and there’s more comedy mixed in with some of the darkest stuff we’ve done - the Doctor’s first big entrance sets the tone.

Why did you decide to reintroduce two-parters?
We’re doing bigger stories and two-parters allow you all those massive cliff hangers. Forty five minutes has served us incredibly well, but it’s time to change it up a bit, change the rhythm. It’s not just about being longer, sometimes it’s about going deeper. And you won’t always be quite sure whether you’re watching a two-parter or not - how much longer the jeopardy will last. We’re aiming to be unpredictable.

Tell us about the guest cast.
We have a vast array of guest cast this year that means we can build on the depth of stories and develop intrigue and backstories even further. We have the magnificent, insane and comedic Missy returning; young outstanding Maisie Williams taking up a new role, as her character challenges the Doctor in unexpected ways; and of course Osgood is brought back from the dead. The Doctor might be in for a surprise with her, this time he might not be able to trust his number one fan.

Did you have any challenges writing for the series?

We always like a new challenge on the show: bringing adventures set on dangerous alien planets; urban thrillers; underwater ghost stories; journeys that take us from Vikings to the end of time itself. We’re pushing the boundaries once again with the most experimental episode Doctor Who has ever made. I’ve written a one-hander for the Doctor, I can’t tell you too much about this, but it’s certainly unique and a big first for the show!
Coming back to film your second series, how has the atmosphere been on set?
It’s been lovely to be back and everything’s been very positive. I think everyone’s been happy to be on set in Cardiff and the scripts are very good and strong. Everyone’s become enthused with the spirit of adventure that runs through the scripts, it’s been exciting!

How are you feeling about this new series? What can viewers expect?
I think they’ll find a lot of thrills, lot of mystery, a reckless Doctor in pursuit of adventure. It’s very thrill aired, hopefully full of spectacle and adventure - it’s not a sitting back, domesticated, reflective series, it’s the Doctor and Clara roaring through time and space in search of thrills. So I think it’s great, it should be a fun watch for audiences at home.

Can you tell us about the opening episode?
The opening episode of the new series is fabulous - the story is going to take us across the Universe in to all types of dark, terrifying and funny places. It’s a particular epic one to start, with lots of old favourites, Missy and the Daleks are returning and particularly for those who are nostalgic with the Daleks of the 60s, there are some special surprises in store.

Has the TARDIS changed?
There’s been a few changed in the TARDIS. As we came to know my Doctor a little bit more, we needed to reflect that more in the environment that he lived in. I don’t think my Doctor fits in with the whole idea of Edwardian time traveller, there’s a kind of resurge of that in the look of the TARDIS as it was, so I wanted to make it a little sharper. There are a few more elegant, 60s, classic design things knocking around, as opposed to Edwardian or Victorian.

How has the dynamic changed between the Doctor and Clara since series 8?
I think the Doctor and Clara are really having a good time. They’ve had some conflicts and challenges, but generally if you can weather the storms, you often find that your relationship is much stronger. That’s certainly the case with the Doctor and Clara.

They’re very bonded, they’re like a little gang. The Doctor has realised that he’s 2,000 years old and life is short, he wants to enjoy himself and enjoy having Clara around. She’s very good at trying to help him. He’s still rather impatient with human beings, which some people take as being socially inept, but he just can’t be bothered with them, he has better things to do. But she helps him a lot more, she tries to improve his manners and social skills. But they are very deeply bonded. It’s a very curious relationship, it doesn’t really have an equivalent in television. It’s a non-romantic, but deeply bonded pairing which is strangely full of affection, more deeply felt than simple romantic relationships.

What is his relationship like with Missy in the opening episodes?
I wouldn’t say their relationship has changed since he saw her last. Missy’s role is slightly different, but you’ll have to wait and see!

With a wealth of different sets and filming days on locations, would you say they enhance the look and feel of the episodes?
I think the design of the show is always really, really important - it gives a great cinematic feel to the show. It expands it, makes it not simply domestic, but quite cosmic and big. It’s good to have spectacular sets and locations, because it adds more physical texture to the show and opens it up more, it’s all pretty cinematic.

Have you got any favourite moments from playing the Doctor?
For me, obviously to get to play the Doctor, the whole things is a delight. Some of my favourite moments are when we reveal something of the Doctor’s more alien nature. For instance, in Kill The Moon when he’s able to look into time and read it, and communicate that, I think that was fun to do.

What was it like to battle Daleks from the different decades in episode 2? Any favourites?
I don’t have a particular favourite, but I do like to see the little old ones, they’re very sweet as they’re quite small. But actually they’re still strangely brutal, nasty little pieces of work, but are rather handsome and classy. They were great fun and do what is expected of them, you get a whole group of them together in the opening episode. I think we had about 20 of them in the studio so that was very exciting. Once you had them all moving, it was very funny watching Hettie (Macdonald) directing them, because she was directing them like actors - ‘you’re getting upset at this moment, have a look at your friends’ - and they’d look at their friends and then she’d say - ‘you need to look nervous now’ - and they’d actually be able to convey nervousness - it was actually very, very clever. It was like being in a Dalek theme park, with a free ticket, so that was fun.
How are you feeling about this new series?
Really excited, a lot of the stories are self contained two-parters; it’s a lot more space-bound and it’s all about adventures and time travelling. The amazing benefit of doing them is not only do you get more time to explore the story, but also at the end of the first part you get to create a huge cliffhanger. Clara and the Doctor are united, they’re strong together and are just enjoying travelling and doing and seeing as much as possible. It’s very adrenaline-fuelled and full of reckless adventure, with them throwing themselves head first in to it.

Clara seems to be more determined and focused on time travelling, do you see that she’s moved on since the last series?
She’s cutting ties with earth more and more. Since losing Danny her perspective has changed on life and in a way she’s lost fear of her own mortality. When that happens there’s a sense of freedom - going into adventures there’s nothing holding her back. But as much fun as it is, it can be dangerous - I think there’s definitely something in that for Clara, in losing herself.

It seems like the Doctor and Clara are more alike than ever before, would you say that’s true?
There’s an ease between them, a shorthand, and she is becoming more and more like him. I think they’ve always been a lot more similar - perhaps other Doctors and companions have been. I think she quite wants to be like him, but the more time they spend together the more doctorly she’s getting, and more independent of him. There are quite a few stories in this series where you see us parting ways, where we’re covering different bases, and then you see us coming back together - they’re a proper team. I think they’ve been through so much together and they know each other so well that they’re entwined.

Working with guest cast in each block, how does the dynamic change on set for yourself and Peter?
The two of us are always behaving as stupidly as we do, and it’s been lovely having Michelle back, she’s always a laugh. Maisie is wonderful, I was a really big fan of hers before she came to Doctor Who, she fits right in so it’s been really great having her join us. One of the most wonderful things about the show is every episode feels so different, it feels like a whole new show in a way.

What has been your favourite episode from this series and why?
Episode 11 will be really unique and the Viking episode was so much fun to film. The scripts for episodes 7 and 8 are really strong, Peter Harness has done such a good job with those. They feel like quite different Doctor Who episodes - tense, very relevant, thought-provoking, and clever.

You have great looks this series - do you have any input in to what you wear?
My idea for Clara is very much a school teacher who rides a motor cycle, in a retro 60s style, but also sci-fi. The aim was to merge all those elements together for Clara’s look.

In episode 1 the Doctor is lost and you’re contacted by your greatest enemy Missy. How do Clara and Missy work together to save the Doctor without killing each other?
The peril that the Doctor’s in is so great that the only thing to do is to put differences aside and work together. I think in a way, Clara’s quite fascinated by Missy, but disgusted at the same time. That’s partly to do with how Michelle Gomez plays her, she’s so magnetic that you can’t help but like her, even though you’re supposed to hate her. It’s one of the really clever things she does. Clara and Missy actually end up getting on, but remembering they don’t like each other again.

Having two females that are very close to the Doctor is interesting for Clara to witness, because the Doctor and Missy are enemies, but they are also very ancient friends. They have a past and history that they cannot even touch upon, or even understand how you can like or be in love with somebody that has repeatedly tried to kill you throughout time and space.

I also think it’s interesting for Clara to operate under a female Time Lady, she’s so used to running with the Doctor that to be with a time lady is quite a new experience for her. Somebody who is so maniacal is quite fun. You think you’re safe and within 30 seconds you’re literally being pushed down a cliff.

You’ve done a few stunts in the series - can you tell us about them?
I’ve done a lot of hanging upside down this series! Upside down on a cliff in Tenerife was new, but surprising, it looks so easy but it’s not at all. It was tricky because we could only do it in minute spurts, filming the scenes. I also had a scene where I was hanging outside of the TARDIS too, so it seems to be one of my specialities this series.
You’ve re-joined the Doctor Who cast and reclaimed the role of Missy for series 9, what was it like being back on set?
It felt so good, especially as I thought it was all over for Missy at the end of series 8. But then of course she is The Master after all, so anything can happen, even dodging death. I'm still in a state of shock at actually being in a show I watched avidly as a child.

How did you feel when you were asked to return?
I was thrilled to be asked back, it's not every day one gets to travel through all of space and time. When they asked me I didn't have to think too hard about it, and I'd say yes again if it came to it. But nothing's a guarantee so I'm aware this year might be her last. But I sincerely hope not.

You appear in the opening episodes with Clara...

The dynamic between Missy and Clara takes on a whole new shape, and not one I had imagined. There is something not quite right about it that makes for slightly unnerving viewing. Missy gets bored very easily, you can imagine her and the Doctor in the classroom. She's using her intellect even then to cause mischief and disrupt.

Tell us about your relationship with Clara in these episodes
Our relationship shifts greatly from where we left off in the last series. Dare I say there might be a hint of respect there? Perhaps not quite respect. More a healthy dose of circumspect, from both I guess.

Shooting in a large cinematic location abroad in Tenerife, what did the location add to the scenes?
There’s a sense of opera about that strange volcanic landscape - grand and loud in its infinite vastness, which provided us with a perfect backdrop for our needs. It had a harsh but strange beauty, almost lunar. Which was kind of the point.

Tell us about your relationship with the Doctor in these episodes
They are still opposite magnets, mostly repelling, but at times they also attract. There is an undeniable shorthand that comes with a lifelong friendship. A friendship that at some point went very wrong. They are both from the same place eons ago, so the weight of that history they share is the bedrock of their relationship.

Can you describe your character ? Tell us how she’s developed since series 8.
Missy is a force of nature. She is a fearless, slightly psychotic killer whom you can't help but like just a little bit. She's very honest in her role as The Master. This is how she sees it - they both kill. The Doctor feels bad about it, she doesn’t. To her the Doctor hides behind his remorse while she thrives in the power to destroy. She has many tools to do this but so far we have seen but a few. Reading minds, hypnosis and moving obstacles just by thinking about it are to name but a few. She doesn't bake much. Well, not in the conventional sense.

Currently the Doctor Who team have a strong Scottish feel with Peter, Steven and yourself as part of the crew. What feedback have you received from your home town?
Go Scotland! When asked recently what does Gallifrey look like, I replied ‘Glasgow’, I'm sure that went down a storm. I think they are very proud. It's a Scottish take over with Peter, Steven and I all from Glasgow. The Weegies will take over the world.

You live in New York and there’s a big Doctor Who following in America - are you recognised when you’re in the US as much as the UK?
I’d say around the same amount. Which is not much at all. Missy and I have a very different dress sense so the fact I'm not wandering around in full Victorian garb means I get to walk around pretty freely.

What do you think Doctor Who means for British drama and its identity overseas?
It’s a product that reaches across the seas and touches people across the world. It ignites their imaginations with brilliant storytelling that all the family can enjoy. There aren’t too many of those shows around anymore, which makes it all the more special.




FILTER: - Doctor Who - Jenna Coleman - Peter Capaldi - Publicity - Series 9/35 - Steven Moffat

The Big Issue #1170

Monday, 7 September 2015 - Reported by Harry Ward
The Big Issue #1170 (Credit: The Big Issue Company) This week's edition of The Big Issue features a Doctor Who themed cover as well as an interview with Peter Capaldi.

In an exclusive interview with The Big Issue, Capaldi defended the BBC:
I absolutely love the BBC, I think it is a fabulous organisation. It is not perfect, but it has given us so much more than it has taken.

I think it is vital to have a public service broadcasting service of this scale. The opportunities it brings to the country are immense.

Do people think all these other television services are these great shakes, because they are simply not. Nobody else does what the BBC does. And it is an ethos, a way of thinking, a way of conducting themselves and viewing the world that is not about profit – when did that become bad news? When did that become uncool?
The full interview can be read in Issue 1170, on sale across Britain today.




FILTER: - Magazines - Peter Capaldi

TARDIS sign for Auction

Monday, 7 September 2015 - Reported by Marcus
TARDIS Sign A genuine TARDIS door sign, used during the filming of Series 5 of Doctor Who, is being auctioned for charity.

The sign, having been used for filming was damaged en route to a filming location and was then replaced. The damage is apparent. One corner has broken off altogether (although is present and has been reattached by plastic film applied to the rear of the sign). Some of the letters have also come adrift and are missing.

The discarded sign was rescued by Tristan Peatfield, who worked as Stand-by Art Director and then Production Designer on Doctor Who.

The sign in now being sold on ebay, in order to raise money for the charity Peatfield, and his partner Kim, established in the name of their daughter Isabella, who was the youngest British victim of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami disaster.

The Isabella Peatfield fund raises money to support children's projects in Sri Lanka, where Isabella died.

The auction closes on 11th Spetmeber.




FILTER: - Auctions