November 2023 – Page 3

Children of the Circus

6 November 2023 admin Comments 0 Comment

(from left to right, Toyah Willcox, Ian Kubiak, Christopher Guard, Barnaby Eaton-Jones, Dee Sadler, Kenton Hall, and Sophie Aldred)

Once upon a time, there was a circus. A Psychic Circus, to be precise. A glorious haven for the misfits of the universe.

But then, as is so often the way, it was hijacked by a trio of malevolent Gods. Things grew unpleasant.

Now, years later, the Gods are gone, but the scars of those who survived the Circus remain. After all, you can’t change the past. Unless you’re the Children of the Circus… and you’re willing to sing.

Based on Doctor Who’s The Greatest Show in the Galaxy by Stephen Wyatt, Children of the Circus is a brand-new, original, musical play on audio from AUK Studios; written by Kenton Hall (with songs by Christopher Guard) and based on an idea by Barnaby Eaton-Jones.

Starring Christopher Guard as Bellboy, Dee Sadler as Flowerchild and Ella, Sophie Aldred as Captain Gren and AJ, Toyah Willcox as The Band of Infinite Harmony, Ian Reddington as Delios and the Chief Clown, and Sylvester McCoy as the High Poet.

With Daisy Dunlop, Verity White, Kim Jones, Kenton Hall, Barnaby Eaton-Jones and Ian Kubiak.

Special guest appearances by Ricco Ross as The Ringmaster, Jessica Martin as Mags, Chris Jury as Deadbeat, Deborah Manship as Morgana, Gian Sammarco as Whizz Kid, Daniel Peacock as Nord, and Dean Hollingsworth as the Bus Conductor and Station Announcer.

Produced and directed by Barnaby Eaton-Jones, for AUK Studios.

Ever since producer/director Barnaby Eaton-Jones saw the original broadcast of The Greatest Show in the Galaxy, he was fascinated by the world that Stephen Wyatt had created…

“There was such a wild mix of horror, science fiction, music, and fantasy, that it blew my adolescent mind; with images and characters forever stuck in my head. I wanted to revisit some of the characters and introduce new ones. With the permission of Stephen Wyatt (who came up with the title for this new production), and the help of writer Kenton Hall and actor/musician Christopher Guard, we were able to create something rather unique in the audio medium.”

Kenton Hall himself says:

“Like most swinging, modern people, I receive a daily deluge of emails that begin with the fateful words “would you be interested in…” As a result, I have developed a tendency to give them, at best, a brief, withering glare.

In this case, however, it read “would I be interested in playing in the sandbox of Stephen Wyatt’s marvellous ‘The Greatest Show in the Galaxy’?”

Does the lesser spotted gumblejack smell faintly of cinnamon?

Spoiler: the answer to both questions is yes.”

Songwriter, Christopher Guard, who played Bellboy in the original TV serial, added…

“As with all the best things in life, I don’t remember quite how or when it began. I think I’d sent some of my songs – recent and ancient – to Barnaby just as he was dreaming up a sequel to ‘The Greatest Show in the Galaxy’. It was more a shooting star than a light bulb moment. Irresistible synchronicity had struck, and ‘Children of the Circus’ was a THING!

It was just a question of time. Or timelessness.

Stephen Wyatt blessed us, Kenton Hall seized his cosmic pen, and the rest is mystery. Unravelled. With music.

How amazing to act and sing with so many of the original cast, to slip into Bellboy’s loons once more, and to travel seamlessly beyond our wildest dreams.”

Returning as his co-star, Dee Sadler (who played Bellboy’s partner, Flowerchild), got to not only play her original role but a completely new one as well…

“What a complete joy and a privilege it was to be reunited with everyone again after a mere 35 years, and on such a brilliant, funky script, too.

Nothing much had changed between us in the interim and the chemistry was still evident. Playing opposite Bellboy again, as Flowerchild (as well as her mysteriously connected Ella) was pretty special. More than!”

And it wouldn’t be a proper sequel without the return of Sylvester McCoy (the Seventh Doctor) and Sophie Aldred (who played the Doctor’s travelling companion, Ace). So, they’re here. But not as you’d expect. Sylvester gives us High Poet; all befuddled charm and with a whisper of duplicity and danger. Sophie gives us two magnificently different characters in the form of Captain Gren (the gruff owner of a Time Ship) and AJ (a sentient piece of rust, who navigates the Time Ship).

(Sylvester McCoy, with AUK Studios CEO, Paul Andrews)

Sylvester himself sums it up rather beautifully…

‘To return to the worlds of Stephen Wyatt’s imagination, but as a wholly new character called the High Poet, means I get to be involved with the Psychic Circus rather than fighting against it! As a lover of the circus myself, juggling this new role was a joy (though I’m sad I didn’t get to play the spoons).

What fun to be reunited with all the wonderful cast from ‘The Greatest Show in the Galaxy’ again, 35 years later, and I hope you’ll all enjoy this time-sliding, sidestepping sequel from Barnaby Eaton-Jones and his bunch of clowns!”

Producer and director, Barnaby Eaton-Jones, was delighted to reunite the entire surviving voice cast of The Greatest Show in the Galaxy…

“The fact that everyone who was asked, without fail, did their best to accommodate my requests for a cameo, shows the love that they hold this Doctor Who serial in. Even with Ricco Ross living in America and being a big star there, and Gian Sammarco retiring form showbusiness 30 years ago, nobody refused, and everyone was delighted to be reuniting.”

Joining the cast in a major role was 1980’s icon (singer/actress/songwriter), Toyah Willcox. It’s long been known she was a fan of Doctor Who, as she appeared in Kevin Jon Davies’ acclaimed documentary 30 Years in the TARDIS, but to get her to create a multi-voiced role as The Band of Infinite Harmony (and get her own solo song, which can heard in full after the end credits as a bonus extra track) was something she clearly relished…

“At last, I get to play all four members of the band and still have the last say…. love it. Seriously it was wonderful to play THE BAND and equally wonderful to hear this rather fab story unfold, a rock and roll odyssey of comic proportions.”

(Christopher Guard, Barnaby Eaton-Jones, and Toyah Willcox – at Yellow Shark Studios)

FULL CREDITS

CHILDREN OF THE CIRCUS
(Based on ‘The Greatest Show in the Galaxy’ by Stephen Wyatt)

CAST

Bellboy – CHRISTOPHER GUARD

Ella / Flowerchild – DEE SADLER

Delios / Chief Clown – IAN REDDINGTON

Captain Gren / AJ – SOPHIE ALDRED

Mel’Dee / The Band (Lead Voice) – TOYAH WILLCOX

The High Poet – SYLVESTER MCCOY

Gregoria – KIM JONES

The Tooth – BARNABY EATON-JONES

Barkeep – IAN KUBIAK

The Ringmaster – RICCO ROSS

Deadbeat – CHRIS JURY

Mags – JESSICA MARTIN

Morgana – DEBORAH MANSHIP

Whizz Kid – GIAN SAMMARCO

Nord – DANIEL PEACOCK

Bus Conductor / Announcer – DEAN HOLLINGSWORTH

Rag – BARNABY EATON-JONES

Na – KENTON HALL

Rok – KIM JONES

Ella (Singing Voice) – DAISY DUNLOP

Flowerchild (Singing Voice) – VERITY WHITE

SONGS

Resident – BELLBOY

Fishing For Stars – BELLBOY / ELLA

How You Feel – BELLBOY / ELLA / DELIOS

Doing Something Right – DELIOS

Welcome To Me – BELLBOY / FLOWERCHILD

Blind Side – DELIOS

Fear – BELLBOY / ELLA / DELIOS / THE BAND

Darkest Moment Well Connected – MEL’DEE

Heaven – BELLBOY / FLOWERCHILD / DELIOS / GREN

PRODUCTION

Script – KENTON HALL

Songs / Arrangements – CHRISTOPHER GUARD

(‘Resident’ & ‘Darkest Moment Well Connected’, co-written with Indians In Moscow)

Additional Lyrics – KENTON HALL

Incidental Music – ABIGAIL FOX

Sound Design / Editing – JOSEPH FOX

Cover Art – TIM KEABLE

Graphic Design – ROBERT HAMMOND

Musical Production – KENTON HALL & CHRIS IILETT

Script Editor – BARNABY EATON-JONES

Executive Producer – PAUL ANDREWS

Director / Producer – BARNABY EATON-JONES

Recorded at Sound Shack Studios by Gregory Wlson-Copp, Arpeggio Creative by Alex White, Yellow Shark Studios by Ollie Gray, and Voice Over Soho by Tom Sichel.

With thanks to Stephen Wyatt (for his creative sandbox), Stu Walton (a musical genius), Wink Taylor (for stand-in duties), and Simon McInnery, Florin C Pascu & Kosmas Mylon (for the sessions).

Doctor Who 60th anniversary specials novelisation covers revealed

5 November 2023 admin Comments 0 Comment

Doctor Who 60th Anniversary Target Book covers

BBC Books has released cover artwork for its Doctor Who Target range with three new 60th anniversary titles available January 2024

The collection are novelisations of the three 2023 Doctor Who specials, which will feature David Tennant as the Fourteenth Doctor and Catherine Tate as Donna Noble. Each episode’s novelisation will also be available as an eBook.

Each book, The Star Beast by Gary Russell, Wild Blue Yonder by Mark Morris, and The Giggle by James Goss has specially commissioned cover artwork by Anthony Dry.

PRE ORDER NOW

UNIT: A LEGACY IN DOCTOR WHO DOWN IN THE LONDON UNDERGROUND

5 November 2023 admin Comments 0 Comment

“We deal with the odd… the unexplained. Anything on Earth… or beyond.”

Candy Jar Books is pleased to announce details of its second and third books celebrating 60 Years of Doctor Who.

UNIT: A Legacy in Doctor Who explores the rich history of the United Nations Intelligence Taskforce – and later Unified Intelligence Taskforce – from its inception under producer and writer Derrick Sherwin, through the UNIT family days of Jon Pertwee’s Doctor, all the way to the Kate and Osgood era of recent years. With UNIT featuring in numerous other media like Reeltime Productions, Big Finish audio, and the Lethbridge-Stewart range from Candy Jar Books, the legacy of UNIT – and its importance to Doctor Who extends beyond its television appearances.

UNIT is as much a part of the tapestry of Doctor Who as the Doctor, the TARDIS, or the Daleks. The organisation has been part of the show since the Cybermen first marched down the steps of St Paul’s Cathedral in 1968’s The Invasion, and continue to be one of the Doctor’s closest allies in the battle to save humanity from the galaxy’s greatest threats.

Author, Baz Greenland, believes that the UNIT stories really get to heart of what makes good Doctor Who. He says:

“I’ve had the honour to write stories in the Lethbridge-Stewart and Lucy Wilson ranges, but this was something quite special. I’m a huge fan of the Jon Pertwee era and UNIT is a key ingredient in that. Jon Pertwee, Roger Delgado, Nicholas Courtney, Caroline John, Katy Manning, Elisabeth Sladen, Richard Franklin and John Levene all bring such warmth and energy to the show and feature in some absolutely terrific episodes – not just Pertwee’s; The Invasion, Terror of the Zygons and Battlefield are all classics in my eye and UNIT are at the heart of that.”

Featuring a retro cover by 100 Objects of Dr Who artist Martin Baines, the book features exclusive interviews with writers and actors John Levene and Sophie Aldred, and explores the development of UNIT, its importance in the Doctor Who mythos and the actors that brought these iconic characters to life – from Nicholas Courtney’s stalwart Brigadier Alistair Lethbridge-Stewart to Jemma Redgrave’s courageous Kate Stewart.

Baz continues:

“It was quite a daunting task to delve into the mythos and creation of UNIT, but it’s been such a treat too. As a big Doctor Who fan, I feel I’ve learned more about the stories, the characters, and the actors that played them and I hope readers of the book will find something new too, that will only strengthen an appreciate for the Brig and UNIT – from 1968, all the way to the modern era as we head into the 60th anniversary of Doctor Who!”

Candy Jar’s other release propels the reader right back to the Brig’s first appearance in Doctor Who. Written by popular Lethbridge-Stewart, Lucy Wilson and children’s author George Ivanofff, Down in the London Underground takes a sidestep look at the Brig’s first story, The Web of Fear.

George explains:

“The idea struck me when I was browsing a copy of Darth Vader and Son, a Star Wars picture book. And I suddenly thought… Candy Jar could do something like this with the Doctor Who characters and creatures they have the rights to use. So, I wrote a pitch. And Shaun jumped at the chance. The book does not feature the Brig, but instead focuses on the Army as it battles the Yeti in the London Underground.”

Although aimed at young people, this picture book tries not to dodge the realities shown in The Web of Fear. Head of Candy Jar, Shaun Russell, says: “I am a big fan of the Doctor Who/Mr Men books by Adam Hargreaves and felt that this would be a great way to celebrate Doctor Who’s 60th birthday. This book, however, has a slightly darker side. Death is always present in Doctor Who, and just like Grimms’ Fairy Tales, this story attempts to be a true reflection of the world in which it is set. The Yeti are here to invade, and they take no prisoners.”

Down in the London Underground has been also been illustrated by Martin Baines. Martin says: “I’ve always loved illustrating the Yeti, but this assignment was slightly different. I thought it was very important for my cartoon-like artwork to offset the dark nature of the book. I added a few touches of my own and I hope children and adults will enjoy this chilling adventure.”

UNIT: A Legacy in Doctor Who is available to pre-order from HERE

Down in the London Underground is available to pre-order from HERE

The Daleks to land once again on Doctor Who 60th Anniversary

2 November 2023 admin Comments 0 Comment

Clayton Hickman on X: "#DWAdvent2022 Day 15: #DoctorWho and the Dead Planet of the Dalek Mutants Beyond the Sun (Restoration/expansion of genuine colour photo taken by Ray Cusick) Tips via ko-fi: https://t.co/yP0OlsWrRI

Classic Doctor Who story to be released in spectacular colourisation

It’s been my absolute pleasure to spend this past 12 months working with such a talented team to breathe new life into this classic adventure – a story that is literally the foundation stone of all that Doctor Who has become. The original is a masterpiece of 1960’s television drama and this new version stands on the shoulders of the pioneering spirit of 1960’s Doctor Who.

— Phil Collinson, Executive Producer

Doctor Who Bargain Hunt special comes to BBC One

2 November 2023 admin Comments 0 Comment

Eric Knowles with a Dalek and the Tardis

The BBC is to mark the 60th anniversary of Doctor Who with a Bargain Hunt special.

In this popular daytime show, two teams of novice collectors go head-to-head to snag the top deals, and in a series of three special episodes there are some unique ‘hunters’.

In the Doctor Who-themed episode, Eric Knowles dons his scarf and wields a sonic screwdriver to host an exceptional instalment celebrating the 60th anniversary of the UK’s most cherished action-adventure series.

Eric Knowles and Doctor Who memorabilia collector, Chris Balcombe, with a Dalek.

After a close encounter with a Dalek and a quick getaway into a TARDIS, he finds himself at a Carmarthen antiques fair, meeting two teams of fervent fans, each with ambitions to outdo the other. Assisting them for the day are experts Richard Madley and Kate Bliss, both adorned in attire reminiscent of iconic Doctors.

Which team will triumph in the galactic quest for the most substantial auction profit?

Eric also converses with an avid fan who possesses an impressive and valuable assortment of original Doctor Who memorabilia, some harking back to the show’s inception – this includes extraterrestrial costumes, Cybermen helmets, and, unmistakably, a formidable Dalek.

The Bargain Hunt Doctor Who special will air on BBC One and iPlayer on Thursday, 23 November at 12:15PM.

Eric said:

“Having watched the first episode as a 10-year-old in 1963, it’s great to be celebrating Doctor Who’s anniversary on Bargain Hunt and sharing the love of this beloved programme with two teams of super fans. Over its long life, treasures of all kinds based on the series can be found, making it the perfect theme for a special episode”.

BBC Children in Need 2023 – Doctor Who Scene

2 November 2023 admin Comments 0 Comment

A special-one-off Doctor Who scene starring the fourteenth Doctor, David Tennant. Fans can also catch a glimpse behind the scenes of making the scene in an exclusive episode of Doctor Who: Unleashed, which will be available on BBC iPlayer.

BBC Children in Need will air at 7:00pm on BBC One, Friday 17th November 2023 and will be available to catch up on BBC iPlayer.

David Tennant shows off updated Doctor Who costume in new picture

1 November 2023 admin Comments 0 Comment

David Tennant as the Fourteenth Doctor, wearing a tailored coat and a brown, blue, and white checked suit.

Fans have been given a new look at David Tennant’s slightly updated Doctor Who costume ahead of his return for the 60th anniversary next month in a new image, which is an online exclusive originally published in Radio Times magazine.

As Whovians will know, Tennant is playing a slightly different incarnation of the Doctor than the one he made popular in his first stint leading the cast of the sci-fi series, and his costume has been subtly altered accordingly.

For example, the bespoke Shetland tweed coat he is sporting is slightly narrower and more tailored than the Alcantara coat he previously wore, while his suit – which is made from a brown, blue, and white checked material – includes a waistcoat and not a full jacket.

Meanwhile, this time around he is wearing a stylish knitted grey tie and his trademark converse trainers are slightly more muted in colour – grey as opposed to cream and red.

As well as this slightly different costume, Tennant will also be equipped with a new sonic screwdriver and a new TARDIS – so although he might be a familiar face, it’s certainly not the same Doctor.

Tennant’s costume for the 60th anniversary had already made headlines when he briefly appeared following Jodie Whittaker’s regeneration at the end of last year’s special The Power of the Doctor.

Whereas normally a new Doctor is seen wearing the previous incarnation’s outfit immediately after regenerating, Tennant emerged already wearing his own costume, which raised a few eyebrows at the time.

At the time, returning showrunner Russell T Davies revealed that he was “absolutely certain that the clothes would regenerate” with Tennant’s return.

Speaking to Doctor Who Magazine, he said:

“I was very certain that I didn’t want David to appear in Jodie’s costume. I think the notion of men dressing in ‘women’s clothes’, the notion of drag, is very delicate. I’m a huge fan of that culture and the dignity of that, it’s truly a valuable thing.

“But it has to be done with immense thought and respect. With respect to Jodie and her Doctor, I think it can look like mockery when a straight man wears her clothes. To put a great big six-foot Scotsman into them looks like we’re taking the mickey.”