Candy Jar Books is thrilled to announce When I Say Run, Run!: The Patrick Troughton Years, an exciting new non-fiction book that explores Patrick Troughton’s ground-breaking time on Doctor Who.
As the sixtieth anniversary of Troughton’s debut approaches, this fascinating book explores how this iconic era of Doctor Who came to be, with a particular focus on the evolution of British television in the 1960s.
Author, Tom Dexter, explains:
“For years Patrick Troughton’s era on Doctor Who remained shrouded in mystery. Behind the scenes, the BBC – especially at BBC Television Centre – functioned like a well-oiled machine, with numerous departments working together tirelessly to bring these expansive sci-fi stories to life. Doctor Who wasn’t just a show; it was a creative force that influenced the careers of technicians, writers, and actors, leaving a lasting mark on television history. This book provides context for all of this and explores the broader impact Doctor Who had on 1960s television.”
Troughton’s quirky yet energetic portrayal of the Time Lord revitalised a series that was struggling to maintain its core audience. As Doctor Who evolved, so did the challenges the production faced – from monster designs to limited budgets to a growing sense of frustration among the cast and crew. This compelling book not only delves into the making of Doctor Who during Troughton’s era, but also paints a vivid picture of the cultural landscape of the 1960s, an era of profound change both in television and society.
Shaun Russell, Head of Publishing at Candy Jar Books, comments:
“When I Say Run, Run! isn’t just a dry historical account. It’s a narrative that pulls you through each story, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of the production team. I couldn’t be more excited to bring it to readers. Plus, it’s a pleasure to welcome back Jeff Cummins, who has captured Troughton’s likeness beautifully for the cover.”
Jeff, who will soon be featured in an upcoming exhibition at Peterborough Museum, states:
“I’m happy to have the chance to capture Patrick Troughton’s Doctor in a solo piece. I’ve painted him before for The Three Doctors novelisation cover, but this is my first time diving into a portrait of the Second Doctor on his own. It’s an honour!”
Get ready to take a journey through time – and far beyond the screen – to discover how the magic of the Second Doctor era came together. When I Say Run, Run! is a must-read for every Doctor Who fan and anyone fascinated by the golden age of television production.
Blurb:
It all seems like so long ago now, but when Patrick Troughton’s era of Doctor Who began on fireworks night 1966, nothing about the programme would ever seem quite the same again. The second Doctor’s arrival was a shock to the system, both as energised as he was whimsical, it didn’t take long for audiences to embrace him as one of the most beloved incarnations of the Time Lord.
As the sixtieth anniversary of Troughton’s début approaches, When I Say Run, Run! tells the story of what happened behind the scenes during his era of Doctor Who and tries to reflect not only the series itself, but also how the nature of television production was evolving around it. This was an era when Doctor Who’s production treadmill was a powerhouse of creativity, with a conveyor belt of monster designs battling against their greatest enemy – dwindling budgets and a growing sense of frustration amongst both the cast and crew.
When I Say Run, Run! takes you on a journey back through the past, when the scares were real and Saturday tea time was always time to hide behind the sofa!
The book is available to pre-order candyjarbooks.com
MOON BLINK AND BLOOD OF ATLANTIS
Candy Jar is thrilled to announce the reprints of the Lethbridge-Stewart books Moon Blink and Blood of Atlantis. Moon Blink will feature an updated cover by Adrian Salmon and Blood of Atlantis will have a brand-new cover by Richard Young (this will be revealed in a few weeks).
Moon Blink is set against the backdrop of 20th July 1969, just as Neil Armstrong is preparing to take one small step for man, this gripping tale unearths a world of secrets, lies, and betrayals. Anne Travers is visited by an old friend bearing a mysterious bundle, while a dangerous new drug, “Moon Blink,” hits the streets, rumoured to be made from moon dust. As Colonel Lethbridge-Stewart and Anne dig deeper, they find themselves caught in a web of deception, with loyalties about to be tested like never before.
Written by Sadie Miller, an accomplished actress and author renowned for her portrayal of Natalie Redfern in The Sarah Jane Smith audio dramas, as well as reprising the iconic role of Sarah Jane in Big Finish releases, Moon Blink is a captivating and suspense-filled addition to the Lethbridge-Stewart legacy.
Blood of Atlantis follows Lethbridge-Stewart’s nephew, Owain Vine, and a group of eco-protestors as they try to thwart Rolph Vorster, a South African mining magnate with a private army intent on harvesting Atlantean riches. Meanwhile, Lethbridge-Stewart, with Anne Travers by his side, is called in to investigate a missing Russian submarine linked to the lost city, enlisting the help of eccentric archaeologist Sonia Montilla. As tensions rise, Captain Bugayev and an undercover Spetsnaz team uncover secrets that could escalate the Cold War to dangerous new heights.
Written by Simon A. Forward, this gripping story combines high-stakes action with intrigue and adventure. Simon is the author of several Doctor Who books, novellas, short stories, and audio dramas, along with his novelisations for the BBC’s Merlin series.
These books are available to pre-order from candyjarbooks.com
Star of stage and screen Charlie Condou is set to join the Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) and Belinda Chandra (Varada Sethu) for an adventure in time and space in the upcoming second season of Doctor Who, launching on 12th April.
Charlie has starred in multiple prominent dramas including Holby City, The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, Unforgotten, Midsomer Murders, and Coronation Street, and has lit up stages across the country in the UK tours of The Rocky Horror Show and Arthur Miller’s The Crucible.
Charlie is no stranger to the Whoniverse, having voiced characters in multiple Doctor Who Big Finish audio dramas. This time Charlie will come face to face with Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor in an exciting new escapade.
Charlie Condou, says:
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining the Whoniverse, having been a fan for so long, and finally getting a chance to work with the legend that is Russell T Davies! It’s an honour to be part of such an iconic show and I can’t wait for everyone to see what I think is one of the most exciting and unforgettable episodes so far! “
Russell T Davies, Showrunner says:
“Welcome on board, Charlie. Some episodes of Doctor Who are so big and bold, they need all the talent we can throw at them, and that’s when you call for Charlie Condou! It’s a delight to work with him at last, and I can’t wait for people to see the wildness of this story.”
Doctor Who is produced by Bad Wolf with BBC Studios for the BBC and Disney Branded Television and will air on 12 April exclusively on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK, and on Disney+ outside of the UK (where available).
A 32-PAGE SUPPLEMENT COLLECTING RUSSELL T DAVIES’ PRODUCTION NOTES ON THE 2005 SERIES
PREVIEWS OF THE FIRST THREE EPISODES OF THE NEW SEASON! Including contributions from writers RUSSELL T DAVIES and SHARMA ANGEL-WALFALL, director PETER HOAR and executive producer PHIL COLLINSON – plus the adventures of MR RING-A-DING!
ROSE AYLING-ELLIS on her role in the new series.
Slow Horses star CHRISTOPHER CHUNG on playing Cassio Palin-Paleen.
The second part of our special feature looking back at the return of Doctor Who in 2005… Russell T Davies, Julie Garner, Jane Tranter talk Daleks, BAFTAs and babies… Plus – STEVEN MOFFAT and MARK GATISS on their debut stories…
Behind the scenes on the new animated release of First Doctor story The Savages.
With Varada Sethu stepping aboard the TARDIS, we take a look at the essential qualities needed to be a Doctor Who companion.
Elisabeth Sladen’s daughter SADIE MILLER joins us for a very special tribute to the companion they have both played – the much-loved Sarah Jane Smith.
We consider the alternative path taken in Doctor Who In An Exciting Adventures With the Daleks.
Gary Gillatt takes us on a very special trip to the pictures…
Back to 2000… We take a look at Tom Baker’s role in the resurrected Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased).
We examine the decisions that lie behind AMY’S CHOICE.
Join the Fifteenth Doctor on his further travels in the comic strip!
Doctor Who Magazine celebrates 20 years of the Ninth Doctor with a Special Edition packed full of all-new content.
Highlights include:
In his first interview for DWM, executive producer Mal Young describes how Doctor Who was finally brought back to the screen.
In another first for the magazine, Joe Ahearne – who directed more Ninth Doctor episodes than anyone else – takes readers behind the scenes on the 2005 series.
Christopher Eccleston explains what drew him to the role of the Doctor – and why he’s still coming back to it, 20 years on.
Interviews with Lloyd Elis (first assistant director), Lee Sheward (stunt co-ordinator) and Lowri Thomas (location manager).
The cast and crew of the 2005 series choose their favourite moments.
The making of the renowned Trip of a Lifetime trailer.
Concept artist Dan Walker reveals his original designs for the Ninth Doctor’s sonic screwdriver.
Fans share their eye witness accounts – and photographs – of the 2004 location filming.
Action figures, radio-controlled Daleks and other merchandise that was available in Toys R Us, Woolworths and elsewhere.
A guide to the Ninth Doctor’s adventures in the expanded universe.
PLUS a new and exclusive short story by Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies!
As the TARDIS gets set to land on 12th April 2025, the episode titles for season two’s epic interstellar adventures have been revealed.
The highly anticipated simultaneous global launch will kick start with The Robot Revolution at 8am exclusively on BBC iPlayer and later that day on BBC One in the UK. Those outside of the UK can watch exclusively on Disney+ (where available).
New episodes will then debut weekly with an array of dazzling guest cast including Emmy Award winner Alan Cumming as cartoon foe Mr Ring-a-Ding, Rose Ayling-Ellis, Anita Dobson, Bonnie Langford, Jemma Redgrave, Ruth Madeley, Susan Twist, Caoilfhionn Dunne, Christopher Chung, Evelyn Miller, Ariyon Bakare, Julie Dray, Michelle Greenidge, Angela Wynter, Alexander Devrient, Rylan, Freddie Fox, Jonah Hauer-King, Kadiff Kirwan and many more.
Doctor Who – Series 15 Episode Titles
The Robot Revolution: Written by Russell T Davies, directed by Peter Hoar
Lux: Written by Russell T Davies, directed by Amanda Brotchie
The Well: Written by Russell T Davies & Sharma Angel Walfall, directed by Amanda Brotchie
Lucky Day: Written by Pete McTighe, directed by Peter Hoar
The Story & the Engine: Written by Inua Ellams, directed by Makalla McPherson
The Interstellar Song Contest: Written by Juno Dawson, directed by Ben A. Williams
Wish World: Written by Russell T Davies, directed by Alex Sanjiv Pillai
The Reality War: Written by Russell T Davies, directed by Alex Sanjiv Pillai
Russell T Davies, Showrunner says:
“Excitement mounts as the new season gets closer, and there’s nothing a Doctor Who fan loves more than facts! So here’s a whole bunch of them, with titles and writers, everything you need to get ready for transmission!”
Doctor Who is produced by Bad Wolf with BBC Studios for the BBC and Disney Branded Television and will air on 12th April exclusively on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK, and on Disney+ outside of the UK (where available).
Since shooting to stardom playing Aaron in hit comedy Chewing Gum, Kadiff Kirwan has gone on to star in hit series after hit series including Black Mirror, Fleabag, I May Destroy You, This Is Going to Hurt, and most recently Slow Horses.
Kadiff can also be spotted on the big screen, with film roles ranging from 2018’s Mary Queen of Scots to 2022’s My Policeman, and on the stage in the Pulitzer Prize winning play The Hot Wing King.
Now, Kadiff is set to blast off into the Whoniverse as he joins the Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) and Belinda Chandra (Varada Sethu) for an intergalactic escapade in the upcoming 15th series of Doctor Who, launching on 12 April.
Kadiff Kirwan, says:
“I feel elated to be joining the rich legacy of actors who have guest-starred in Doctor Who. Russell T Davies and Juno Dawson have truly outdone themselves with this episode in what I can only describe as an intergalactic gargantuan extravaganza. It’s packed with gravity-defying mastery beyond imagination, and being a part of it is an absolute dream. Strap in Whovians, this one is gonna rock your world!”
Russell T Davies, Showrunner says:
“We’re so lucky in Cardiff to open the doors to world-class talent, and it’s been a riot, getting to work with Kadiff. I’ve loved his work on TV, and stage for a long time, so when we realised he was available and happy to come on board, that was truly a great day in the office!”
Doctor Who is produced by Bad Wolf with BBC Studios for the BBC and Disney Branded Television and will air on 12th April exclusively on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK, and on Disney+ outside of the UK (where available).
On 26th March this year, it will have been exactly 20 years since the first episode of Doctor Who’s modern reboot aired on BBC One, starting a whole new era for the sci-fi show.
While the reboot started with Christopher Eccleston in the lead role as the Doctor, he only played the character for one season, with David Tennant taking the reins at the end of that season’s finale.
Now, speaking with Radio Times magazine for the anniversary, Tennant has revealed that when he first signed up to play the character, the team weren’t sure the 2005 Christmas special, or season 2, would even happen.
“When I signed on, the first series of the new version hadn’t even transmitted,” he said. “I sort of signed up to be in a second series that nobody could really be certain would ever arrive.
“I could have appeared in a regeneration scene at the end of series 1, and that could have been it. I would have been not even the George Lazenby of Doctor Who; if I can make a slightly obscure Casino Royale reference, I’d have been the David Niven of Doctor Who!”
Of course, in actuality, Tennant ended up as one of the most iconic and beloved stars of the show. He not only played the Doctor in three seasons and a host of specials between 2005 and 2010, but he later went on to re-appear as the Tenth Doctor in 50th anniversary special Day of the Doctor, and star as the Fourteenth Doctor for three 60th anniversary specials in 2023.
Tennant recently recalled the moment showrunner Russell T Davies and executive producer Julie Gardner gaged his interest with regards to taking on the role, when speaking with Davies on his own podcast, David Tennant Does a Podcast With….
He revealed he was invited to Davies’s house to watch early cuts of season 1 episodes Rose and Dalek, before Gardner asked him that all important question.
He revealed Tennant’s response, saying:
“There was a pause, and you went, ‘I want a coat down to there.’ And you pointed at your ankle. And I was like, ‘We got him!'”
After leaving the show in 2010 alongside Tennant, Davies is now back at the helm of Doctor Who, with the second season of his new era starting in April, with returning star Ncuti Gatwa playing the 15th Doctor.
The latest issue of Radio Times is out now.
Equity Calls On Government Regulator To Punish Mad Dog Casting After Agency Collapsed Owing Creditors $2M
It is being reported by Deadline.com that British actors union Equity has written to a government regulator urging it to take action against Mad Dog 2020 Casting, a 25-year-old UK agency that collapsed last month owing creditors more than £1.5 million ($1.9 million).
Paul W. Fleming called on Ben Bruten, boss of the Employment Agencies Standards Inspectorate, to exercise its powers against Mad Dog, which includes fines, prosecutions, and the ability to ban individuals from running agencies in the future. Mad Dog’s parent company, Cinextra Limited, lists directors including CEO Graham Beswick.
“Equity would like to ask … how the EASI intends to use its powers to ensure that the individuals behind Mad Dog are held accountable for systematic breaches of their statutory obligations and treatment of artists, and so that they cannot continue their behaviour,” Fleming said.
Deadline chronicled the issues at Mad Dog last year, with clients complaining that they were owed thousands by the agency that supplied background actors to productions including Call the Midwife and Doctor Who. Mad Dog continued to trade despite failing to observe multiple county court judgments in favour of supporting artists owed money.
Fleming told Deadline that the company’s collapse had been “horrendous” for Equity members, adding that the “scale [of damage] is extraordinary for people with precarious incomes.” He acknowledged that it was unlikely that actors would be paid money they are owed, but said this will not stop Equity fighting for justice. “If we can’t get a pound in cash, we can get a pound in flesh,” he added.
Mad Dog filed for liquidation in February. MHA, the accountancy company, is overseeing the process and has called a meeting of creditors on Friday morning. A statement of Mad Dog’s affairs, seen by Deadline, shows the agency owes £1.66M ($2.1M) to creditors, including £1.3M to trade and expense creditors and £67,400 to employees. MHA said there was a “large number of creditors.”
A spokesperson for the Department for Business and Trade, which oversees the EASI, said: “We take all relevant complaints about agencies seriously and ensure they are thoroughly investigated.” The spokesperson declined to comment on the EASI’s industry-wide investigation into agencies in the entertainment space.
Last year, Mad Dog apologized to clients and stressed that it was committed to clearing its backlog of payments. The agency blamed the twin U.S. writer and actors strikes for its financial issues. Under UK regulations, it is unlawful for an agency to withhold payment from clients for more than 10 days after receiving funds from a producer, broadcaster or streamer.
A spectacular, one-of-a-kind exhibition is set to arrive at Peterborough Museum this May, offering fans a chance to experience a stunning collection of Doctor Who monsters and props from the beloved long-running TV series.
As Doctor Who celebrates the twentieth anniversary of its return to television in 2005, Adventures in Time and Space has been curated to give visitors an exclusive glimpse of a vast array of spaceships, ray guns, costumes, props, and even the TARDIS itself.
For over sixty years, the Doctor’s thrilling adventures through time and space have captivated generations of viewers. However, it’s the monsters that remain etched in fans’ memories. The exhibition will explore how these unforgettable creatures were brought to life, delving into the creation of their costumes and revealing what made them so iconic.
As part of Candy Jar Books’ fifteenth anniversary, the exhibition will also feature a display of artwork by legendary artist Jeff Cummins, renowned for his Doctor Who book cover art, particularly his celebrated Target book covers and the Doctor Who Discovers series. Jeff, who has contributed some of the most iconic imagery to the Doctor Who universe, is excited that the retrospective will delve into his early work, including his very first published Doctor Who illustration and his more recent portraits of Tom Baker, Jon Pertwee, and Jodie Whittaker.
Jeff Cummins
Jeff Cummins says:
“It’s truly amazing to see my artwork displayed in such a fantastic venue. Doctor Who has been such an important part of my life, and to see my work continue to inspire fans and be part of the legacy of the show is an absolute thrill.”
The display will tie in with Jeff’s latest book, Outside the Box: The Complete Doctor Who Art of Jeff Cummins, a soon-to-be-released exclusive edition that takes an even deeper look at Jeff’s remarkable Doctor Who art. Featuring his iconic Target book covers, new artwork of both classic and modern Doctors, and a personal comic strip, the book celebrates Jeff’s significant contributions to the Doctor Who universe. It’s an exciting addition for fans looking to immerse themselves in the art that has shaped the show’s visual legacy.
Jeff continues:
“I hope my book and display at Peterborough Museum gives fans a deeper understanding of my journey with Doctor Who. From that childhood Dalek to my latest works, it’s all part of the adventure. I’m thrilled to share my journey with everyone.”
Curated by Derek Handley, the exhibition has been meticulously assembled with the help of a team of technicians and experts who have worked for nearly a year to bring this extraordinary collection together – and, in some cases, breathe new life into it.
Sarah Wilson, Heritage Manager at Peterborough Museum, says:
“In a way, the Daleks formed part of the cultural identity for the era they were created in, and the fact that they are recognised by people who might not even have seen Doctor Who shows the level of their impact, but they weren’t the only ones.”
Part restoration, part recreation, Adventures in Time and Space will also bring to life such creatures as Silurians, Sea Devils, Sontarans, Ice Warriors, and Cybermen, as well as many more, all recreated as closely as possible to their original screen appearances.
Opening on May 3, 2025, Adventures in Space and Time at Peterborough Museum will also feature a study of the photographic work of the late Don Smith, supported by the Radio Times.
BENTON AND HAWTHORNE INVESTIGATE COLLECTION
Benton and Hawthorne Investigate
UNIT’s Sergeant John Benton pairs up with Miss Hawthorne from the much-loved Third Doctor story, The Dæmons, in a new short story collection from Candy Jar Books!
Benton and Hawthorne Investigate, written by Lucy McCaul, finds the White Witch from Devil’s End working with UNIT to ward off mythical creatures, uncover the truth behind murder plots, and even head out on a special mission to obtain missile plans and ensure peace.
Miss Hawthorne, of course, was played by the late, great Damaris Hayman in The Dæmons, and quickly became a fan favourite.
The book comes from Lucy approaching John Levene, who played Benton in Doctor Who between 1968’s The Invasion and 1975’s The Android Invasion, about the idea. He says:
“I was overjoyed to learn that Lucy has created a whole world of new adventures for Miss Hawthorne and my character. We’ve made six stories that really fit into the spirit of 1970s Doctor Who – and personally take me back to the wonderfully happy time I spent filming in Aldbourne, which doubled for Devil’s End. Lucy and I are very proud of the final collection and can’t wait for fans to enjoy them too.”
Lucy McCaul adds:
“Sergeant Benton and Miss Hawthorne made such a great team in The Dæmons – it didn’t seem fair that they only had the one adventure together, so I wrote them some more! When I gave the stories to John Levene at Aldbourne, I couldn’t have imagined what would happen next. I’m very grateful to him for his enthusiasm in advocating for the stories. This wouldn’t have happened without his efforts. I hope that readers enjoy these new adventures for classic characters and this tribute to the era of the Third Doctor.”
This special one-off collection of stories is part of the commemorations marking fifteen years of Candy Jar Books.
Keren Williams, Head of Marketing, says:
“We’ve covered so many aspects of Doctor Who in that time – from artbooks to the Lethbridge-Stewart novels, memoirs to The Lucy Wilson Mysteries – so we really wanted a fresh and unexpected approach, to add to that ever-growing universe of stories. That’s what Benton and Hawthorne is, and the playful cover, unlike anything Candy Jar’s done before, is perfectly evocative of that. It’s a little bit of magic.”
Benton and Hawthorne Investigate is edited by Philip Bates, who previously wrote 100 Objects of Doctor Who and Companions: More Than Sixty Years of Doctor Who Assistants. He says:
“I’ve always loved The Dæmons (like most fans!), but even more so, I loved hearing all the anecdotes that came from behind the scenes. The serial is all the better for knowing that the cast and crew were having such a fantastic time together. These short stories, then, come from that happiness, an extension of it, almost a nostalgic bubble to get lost in. They take you from quiet English villages where evil is brewing to an international threat in mainland Europe.”
Lucy explains:
“I studied in Trier in Germany for a year when I was at university, so I thought it would be fun to include a place I knew so well. I hope readers are transported there and want to visit because it really is a beautiful city.”
The location for the first story, The Wyverns of Addershall Hall, is also based on the Colchester Campus of the University of Essex, where Lucy spent a couple of years studying, and the nearby village of Wivenhoe too!
Benton and Hawthorne Investigate also features a foreword by John Levene.
Blurb:
Murder! Magic! Morning tea!
When UNIT is called in to investigate strange goings-on at Addershall Hall, they uncover a supernatural menace about to be unleashed upon the world. They need an expert. They need Miss Hawthorne.
Or “Aunt Olive”, as Sergeant John Benton of UNIT calls her.
The pair must go undercover to find out the truth about the wyverns ushered into this universe by a clandestine group of evil-worshippers. Tempted away from Devil’s End, Miss Hawthorne soon gets a taste for adventure, and so, in these six short stories, she and Benton have to track down the reason for mysterious earthquakes across the sleepy village of Lower Budworthy, slip out the Wringford Worm’s grip, and find themselves in Germany, recovering experimental missile plans. Of course, they also meet some new friends – and plenty of enemies – along the way.
It’s Agatha Christie, spliced with dark magic, and infused with that warm nostalgic glow of the 1970s Doctor Who Target novels.
Going beyond The Dæmons, the Brigadier assists Benton and Hawthorne in this exciting confrontation with the forces of black magic!
Benton and Hawthorne Investigate is available for pre-order now, for £12.99 (+ p&p).
THE BENTON FILES VI
Candy Jar is pleased to announce the sixth book in the ongoing Benton Files short story series.
Like the previous volume, The Benton Files VI again contains one long story instead of two shorter ones. Aliens, Alchemy & Ale is written by Paul Driscoll, another writer new to Candy Jar.
Range editor Tim Gambrell tells us how this came about:
“Paul was one of a number of writers to whom I reached out some time ago. Like Matt Barber previously, Paul came back with an idea and, indeed, an initial draft that I just felt we could do so much more with. Unless it’s a stylistic choice, I tend not to enjoy short stories that feel like edited highlights of something much larger. There were moments in Paul’s story where that seemed to be the case because – like the good writer he is – he was trying to keep within the word limit. So, I sent him away with the task of expanding key parts of the story that felt could be developed further. Thankfully, he jumped at the chance and here we are.”
Paul explains where the seed of his idea came from:
“The starting point I set myself was to imagine Benton in a totally unfamiliar setting – not an alien one, but a very human world far removed from his day job. I thought it would be fun to place Benton in a setting where he’d be like a fish out of water.”
“We have to be careful,” says Tim, “that we’re not putting Benton in certain situations simply for the sake of a story. Part of my role as range editor is to know when to put the brakes on an idea. Benton goes to university – to Oxbridge? It might sound unlikely, but Paul fully justified it in the context and how could I doubt such a shrewd undercover move by the Brigadier?”
Paul goes on:
“There’s a very personal link in choosing Oxford University. I was a mature student there between 1996-1999, at the same college where I set much of the story, and very much felt out of place myself. I was married, we’d not long had our first child, and I wasn’t particularly academically minded. I didn’t have time to join a student society, but I did spend many an evening drinking in The Eagle & Child. Yes, the college did have a resident tortoise, and croquet was a regular pastime on the quad. It also had a snooker room in the basement. Having to wear a gown and mortar board as we walked from one college to another made them surprisingly irritating journeys to navigate, with overseas tourists regularly stopping us to take photos. So many memorable images that I could play around with as I imagined the story. Benton has similar experiences to my own, with the added spice of him having to mix with pacifist, anti-military students.”
But there’s another element at play in Aliens, Alchemy & Ale. Tim takes up the story again. “My original intention was to pair up Paul’s story with a linked one by Kara Dennison. Paul and Kara have written together often. However, it would have been a very uneven book if we’d continued down that path. Candy Jar readers won’t have to wait too long to find out what Kara came up with, but between her and Paul, his story ended up heading much further afield than simply Oxford. Paul’s story is now able to breathe and develop more organically, without losing the pace or the sense of wonder.”
All in all, Aliens, Alchemy & Ale takes Benton to some intriguing new places, never before explored in the Benton Files range. Readers will have to wait to find out which of the alien guest cast in Paul’s story will also feature in Kara’s!
We’ll leave the final thoughts to Paul himself:
“UNIT holds a very special place in my Doctor Who affections, harking back to my earliest experiences of the series. The first TV story I remember watching in full was Tom Baker’s debut, Robot, but I have patchy memories of the Pertwee years. With all that was weird, wonderful and frightening about Who, there was a familiarity in the military characters, a grounded sense of reassurance knowing that UNIT was working to protect my world. It’s the one element of the series I didn’t want to change, and I grew increasingly unhappy at every passing story with no UNIT involvement. Aside from the Target novelisations, I got my UNIT fix by making up my own stories in comic book form. Nearly fifty years on, the opportunity to write for UNIT at Candy Jar is a great honour and thrill.”
The Benton Files VI, by Paul Driscoll, with cover art by Richard Young, is available to pre-order now.
Blurb:
Join retired Sergeant Major John Benton as he recounts another tale of his exploits from yesteryear. In Aliens, Alchemy & Ale, by Paul Driscoll, young Sergeant Benton finds himself dispatched to Oxford University on an undercover mission for the Brigadier. He swiftly inveigles himself with the Alien Investigation Society, which leads him to the local brewery where strange things are afoot with their new drink, Alchemy. Stranger still is the College groundskeeper and his links to the prison planet Sirius Five. What plans does the masked, enigmatic Mr Stein have, not only for the students at Oxford, but for the government of Great Britain itself – and possibly the world? Read this new hair-raising adventure to find out…
The Benton Files 6 is available for pre-order now, for £6.99 (+ p&p).
